Taylor Swift’s lavish wedding to Travis Kelce is facing unexpected criticism after one feature of the star-studded reception divided fans online. 

While guests competed for thousands of dollars’ worth of luxury raffle prizes, some praised the interactive celebration, while others branded the concept “tacky.” 

As more details emerge from the closely guarded event, the unconventional giveaway has become one of the wedding’s most talked-about surprises.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made sure their wedding reception was anything but ordinary by transforming the celebration into an interactive experience complete with games and high-end giveaways.

Rather than simply handing out lavish gifts, guests reportedly earned raffle tickets by taking part in activities including skee-ball, miniature golf, and a football ring toss. Those tickets were then entered into drawings for an array of luxury prizes.

Among the standout giveaways were designer handbags, Cartier watches, and even a classic 1970 Chevrolet, making the reception feel as much like an upscale carnival as a celebrity wedding.

One of the night’s biggest winners was Jackie Tranquill, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill, who walked away with what appears to be a black Chanel 25 Small Handbag crafted from grained calfskin with gold-tone hardware. 

According to Chanel’s website, the accessory retails for approximately $6,700.

Swift Celebration Leaves One Guest Thrilled As Critics Push Back

Days after the wedding, Jackie shared a series of Instagram photos documenting her Fourth of July weekend, including a closer look at her new designer handbag.

The carousel also featured images of the elegant full-skirted gown she wore to the wedding, family snapshots, and even a television showing World Cup coverage.

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One of the photos showed Jackie posing with her man. The 30-year-old looked dapper in a green suit, paired with a white shirt, black pants, and a black shoe.

In another picture, Jackie opted for a side pose, while holding her and Drue’s baby boy. Another slide also featured a short clip of the mom of four looking happy while twirling on the street.

“Freedom, Friends & fútbol,” she captioned the post before adding, “Congrats to the newly weds. Happy 250th America & of course, let’s go USA!.” She wrapped up the celebration by writing, “WHAT A WEEKEND, WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!”

Fans Share Mixed Opinions About Jackie’s Win

Most followers flooded the comments with congratulations and compliments about her wedding look. Others celebrated her raffle win.

However, not everyone loved the concept. One commenter criticized the reception’s giveaway element altogether, describing the idea of winning prizes at a wedding as “tacky.”

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“Tacky to win prizes at a wedding?!?! But you look beautiful!” the fan wrote. The comment ignited a flurry of backlash from fans, who took to Taylor Swift’s defense.

“What’s tacky with that? I bet you’re lacking fun in your life. Life is short have some fun and don’t be so judgmental,” a fan shared. Another questioned, “Wanting to share your wealth with friends and family is tacky now? Y’all will call anything tacky.”

Other users simply praised Jackie, noting that she looked beautiful in her dress, especially as she gave birth in May. 

“Girl! You understood the assignment. You are stunning in that dress,” one fan wrote. A second user shared, “Okay so wow…I have seen some gorgeous dresses but this is by my favorite.”

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Taylor Swift Wedding Continues To Reveal New Details Days Later

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Although the wedding itself was an intensely private affair, new details have continued surfacing in the days since the ceremony.

Apparently, Jackie wasn’t the only lucky recipient of one of the night’s luxury prizes. Page Six also reported that Avril Lavigne won a Chanel handbag during the reception.

Guests who didn’t leave with raffle winnings weren’t forgotten. Each attendee reportedly received an embroidered handkerchief featuring a subtle nod to Swift’s 2014 hit “Blank Space.” 

The keepsake proved fitting after several emotional moments throughout the ceremony reportedly left guests reaching for tissues.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Tie The Knot In Star-Studded New York Ceremony

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Swift and Kelce officially became husband and wife after exchanging vows in a lavish ceremony at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, capping off a romance that captivated fans around the world. 

The July 3 celebration brought together around 1,000 guests, including celebrities, athletes, and close family members, while maintaining tight security and strict privacy measures throughout the event. 

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As The Blast reported, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, with Swift’s brother, Austin, serving as her man of honor and Kelce’s brother, Jason, standing beside him as best man. 

The Grammy Award winner wore a custom Christian Dior Haute Couture gown designed by Jonathan Anderson, while Kelce also chose Dior for his wedding attire. 

Although official wedding photos have yet to be released, guests described the ceremony as intimate despite its grand scale, with the celebration ending beneath a rainbow following a dramatic summer thunderstorm.

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Much of science fiction takes us into worlds and galaxies beyond our own. While some find darker corners in the darkest reaches of outer space, some rousing efforts are all about adventure. Despite the high budgets that often come with high adventures set in space or the future, these movies have been around since the days of silent cinema. Ever since Georges Méliès sent a group of astronomers on A Trip to the Moon, audiences have been excited by the adventures that sci-fi can take us on.

The 20th century was host to numerous sci-fi adventures. Forbidden Planet, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and so many more brought audiences adventures on spaceships, across time and with bioengineered beasts. The adventure didn’t stop at the turn of the century, though, and we’ve gotten plenty of sci-fi classics in the 21st century. In the last 26 years, we’ve gotten new adventurous editions of some of the all-time best franchises. The adventure hasn’t stopped in the 21st century, and these ten films from the last 25 years are some of the best.

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‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ (2001)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

As the Disney Renaissance came to a close at the end of the ’90s, the studio began to try its hand at lots of different genres, adventure chief among them. Gone were the lavish musical numbers of films like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, replaced by Tarzan swinging to the sounds of Phil Collins and the second half of Mulan that subtly shifted it from a musical to a war epic. In the 21st century, Disney added some sci-fi to this formula with two of their most underrated cult films: the sci-fi pirate adventure Treasure Planet, and the steampunk Atlantis: The Lost Empire. The latter is still one of the best Disney movies of the 21st century and one of the best to combine sci-fi and adventure.

Set in the early 20th century, the film follows cartographer Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox), who believes he can find the fabled lost city of Atlantis. He’s given the opportunity thanks to an eccentric millionaire and a ragtag team of adventurers who bring him on a journey to the depths of the oceans. The action is high octane, thanks to co-directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, and it features a vastly different style to the studio’s previous efforts thanks to the heavy influence of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, who also served as a production designer. Top to bottom, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is dynamite sci-fi entertainment.

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‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The original Tron was a landmark film in terms of visual effects technology, but had a more tepid response from critics and at the box office. Unsurprisingly, it became a major cult success with fans who fell in love with the dayglo circuitry aesthetic of the Grid. That cult following, coupled with the career resurgence of Jeff Bridges in the late aughts, led to the first major legacy sequel of the 21st century, aptly titled Tron: Legacy. It wasn’t exactly a blockbuster success, leaving the franchise dormant until last year’s low-rez Tron: Ares, but it’s still a visually astounding adventure across the digital frontier.

Decades after programmer Kevin Flynn (Bridges), the hero of the original, goes missing, his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) receives a cryptic clue regarding his whereabouts. Sam is almost immediately digitized into the Grid, where he not only finds his father alive, but also his villainous digital doppelgänger Clu, who has designs on escaping his computer prison and spreading like a virus across the real world. Tron: Legacy brings back all the signature elements of the first film, from the light cycles to identity disks, and gives them all a new coat of digital paint. Director Joseph Kosinski excels at making digital effects feel tactile, making Tron: Legacy an incredible debut.

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‘Star Trek’ (2009)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Despite his uneven track record, there’s no denying that J.J. Abrams can direct some spectacle, which is exactly what he brought, along with many lens flares, to his blockbuster reboot of Star Trek. Resetting the series with an alternate timeline, Abrams brought back the original series crew for a whole new voyage. Hardcore Trekkies may have taken major issues with the film and its liberties, but it helped revitalize a franchise that had been dormant for much of the 2000s after the failure of Star Trek: Nemesis.

In this rebooted timeline, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is a hotheaded cadet who’s got an antagonistic relationship with Spock (Zachary Quinto). After half of Starfleet is destroyed by the Romulan Nero (Eric Bana), Kirk and Spock must put aside their differences to save Earth from total destruction. There’s plenty of action and adventure in the film, which is pretty perfectly cast top to bottom, with every actor bringing new dimensions to their established characters. The film also makes room for Leonard Nimoy to return to his iconic role in a bit of fan service that actually benefits the movie. Despite a couple of diminishing sequels, this reboot is still stellar fun.

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Image via Marvel Studios

Most superhero movies qualify as science fiction. That definitely applies to every entry in the MCU, which came out strong in 2008 with the original Iron Man and dominated the box office and pop culture for a solid decade. It wouldn’t be until the franchise got into its second phase that it really started to embrace the more cosmic side of Marvel, with James Gunn‘s Guardians of the Galaxy. Still one of the best MCU movies ever made, this intergalactic adventure is chock-full of colorful characters, quick quips and lots of sci-fi settings.

In a far-off section of space, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) does his best impression of Han Solo and Indiana Jones by plundering a planet for an ancient relic. This mystical MacGuffin contains an Infinity Stone, and Quill quickly finds himself in a universe of trouble. In a space prison, Quill gathers a motley crew of misfits including Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper). The characters, and Gunn’s off-the-wall writing, are what make this such an indelible sci-fi adventure that proved the MCU was better off embracing the weirder corner of its galaxy.

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‘Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’ (2017)

Image via Lucasfilm

Even though it’s been almost a decade, there’s still a fair amount of (completely online) controversy surrounding The Last Jedi. The film made major, deliberate changes to some of the most beloved Star Wars characters in an effort to release the franchise from the constraints of its past. That unfortunately led to a completely normal and rational online reaction from a very vocal set of fans that completely drowned out any reasonable discussion. Disney also ended up listening to too much of that reaction and towed a far safer line with every other film and streaming series (save for Andor).

There’s no opinion regarding The Last Jedi that won’t offend someone, so here it is: it’s the best Star Wars movie since The Empire Strikes Back. The continuing adventures of Rey (Daisy Ridley) bring us back into the orbit of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who’s become a miserable hermit after years of failing to find balance in the Force. She also discovers a hard truth about her parentage that promised a bold new direction for the franchise before being unceremoniously retconned. There are also a lot of subplots, including a casino planet, Leia (Carrie Fisher) flying through space, and that old devil Snoke (Andy Serkis). It’s a weird and uneven movie sometimes, but it’s also a fantastic adventure that offered new possibilities in a galaxy far, far away.

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‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

Multiverses became a part of the mainstream pop culture lexicon in the 21st century, bringing the concept that comic book and sci-fi fans had been nerding out over in media for decades to a much bigger audience. It largely hit its zeitgeist apex when it was featured in the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, an absurd sci-fi martial arts adventure that had more ideas in single scenes than a lot of Hollywood blockbusters had in their entire runtimes. Giving Michelle Yeoh a proper Hollywood leading role that was at least two decades overdue and featuring shining support from Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once gives you everything you want out of a movie.

Evelyn Wang (Yeoh) is a depressed laundromat proprietor being audited by the IRS, estranged from her husband Waymond (Quan) and with a strained relationship with her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu). When Evelyn learns of the existence of the multiverse where she can inhabit her alternate selves, she also discovers her daughter is a multiverse maniac intent on destroying every last parallel world. The film can go from clever to overbearing to kick-ass and back again from scene to scene. It could all be overwhelming noise and nonsense, but directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert keep the story grounded, and Yeoh gives a full-bodied Oscar-winning performance.

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‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

One of the best sci-fi adventures of the last 25 years also happens to be the best blockbuster of 2026 so far. Project Hail Mary is based on the hard sci-fi novel by Andy Weir. This newest adventure features a lone human scientist on a one-way mission to save Earth who teams up with an alien lifeform. The balancing act of humor and science jargon is handled expertly by co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who keep the tone as light as it needs to be and the pace moving. Ryan Gosling has more chemistry with a talking rock, making for one of the most unexpectedly beautiful bonds in modern sci-fi.

Ryland Grace (Gosling) is a middle school teacher and molecular biologist recruited to assist in a mission to study small organisms responsible for the dimming of the sun. Through a series of unfortunate events, Grace soon finds himself all alone on a spacecraft light-years from Earth. That’s when there’s a knock at the door, and he meets Rocky, the adorable alien voiced by James Ortiz, who also led the creature’s puppeteers. Grace and Rocky’s relationship makes Project Hail Mary such a fun adventure, but the film’s excitement towards science and the beauty of the universe should make any fan giddy as well. This hit is the kind of crowd-pleasing blockbuster that should be the rule and not the exception that it currently is.

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‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Before Everything Everywhere All at Once explored the multiverse, and before Lord and Miller shot Ryan Gosling into space, there was Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While Sony can’t seem to get their act together when it comes to a live-action expanded universe featuring Spider-Man and his amazing friends, animation has provided a medium for some of the most inventive and visually stunning superhero adventures ever made. Into the Spider-Verse gave the Spider-Spotlight to Miles Morales, an alternate-universe Spider-Man whose origin story here comes with multiversal consequences.

Miles (Shameik Moore) is a gifted but distracted kid from Brooklyn who has great power thrust upon him after he’s bitten by a genetically mutated spider and witnesses his universe’s Peter Parker (Chris Pine) die at the fists of Kingpin (Liev Schreiber). He’s not alone for too long as he quickly meets more Spider-People from across the multiverse, including an old, sadder Peter Parker (Jake Johnson), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and even the hard-boiled Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage). Into the Spider-Verse is the best Spider-Man movie ever made. It reinvigorated a character and franchise that had been booted and rebooted too many times, with a fresh perspective and a wildly entertaining sci-fi adventure.

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‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The most epic sci-fi adventure of the 2020s and possibly the 21st century so far is Denis Villeneuve‘s two-part (soon to be three) adaptation of Frank Herbert‘s seminal sci-fi novel Dune. Depicting the feudal conflicts that stain the sands of Arrakis red with blood, Villeneuve’s films brought vivid, visually arresting life to Herbert’s sci-fi world. While the first film was a slow introduction to that world and its characters, the sequel kicked things into higher gear with epic sandworm riding and visceral fight sequences. It’s a stimulating and overwhelming adaptation of one of the biggest sci-fi adventures in the history of the genre.

After the destruction of his family’s empire, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) now lives a nomadic existence with the Fremen tribes of Arrakis, some of whom believe him to be their messiah. Plagued by visions of a future of destruction caused by his actions while haunted by the machinations behind his existence, Paul is ultimately led to his role as a messianic leader and is able to exact vengeance upon the Harkonnens, who orchestrated the violent overthrow of his family. Dune: Part Two is a sprawling story told with sprawling visuals and is one of the most immersive sci-fi films of this century.

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‘WALL-E’ (2008)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar’s robot love story WALL-E might be the studio’s greatest. It was Andrew Stanton‘s follow-up to Finding Nemo as a director, and it represented a quantum leap forward in terms of what could be done in mainstream CGI animation and what could be expected of it. So beloved was WALL-E and its success so overwhelming that it contributed to the Academy Awards expanding their Best Picture category to include more than five films after they infamously snubbed the animated masterpiece.

In the future, Earth is no longer inhabited by humans, who have long since left it behind to live in luxury on massive cruise liners in space. Still on Earth is WALL-E, or Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class, a trash bot built to clean up the mess left by humans, but he’s the only one of his kind left on the planet. That is until the robot EVE lands, and WALL-E finds love, while EVE finds a boot with a plant setting off the more madcap back half of the film. WALL-E is a wonderful romance, a fantastic family film, and even a more pointed satire of our technological reliance than Stanton’s own Toy Story 5. It is also the greatest sci-fi adventure of the last 25 years.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith quietly rewrote the timeline of one of Hollywood’s most talked-about marriages without anyone noticing. 

While the public believed the couple remained committed despite living apart, the longtime spouses had reportedly resumed living together a while ago. 

The newly revealed detail doesn’t just update their relationship status; it changes how fans now view nearly every public appearance and family reunion the pair has made over the past two years.  

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The biggest revelation isn’t that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are still together, but that they’ve reportedly been living under the same roof again for some time without publicly announcing it.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, an insider revealed the timeline of the recent development, noting, “Jada moved back in with Will two years ago.”

According to the source, the couple’s decision wasn’t driven by headlines or public pressure. “They are happy and love each other and are, as ever, committed to supporting each other,” they told the outlet.

The news marks a significant shift in the public understanding of their marriage. After Jada disclosed in 2023 that she and Will had actually been separated since 2016, many assumed the pair had continued living separate lives despite remaining legally married. 

As recently as early 2025, reports suggested they were still living in separate homes. The latest revelation means that narrative had already changed privately long before anyone realized.  

Jada’s Marriage Timeline Now Looks Very Different

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The newly revealed timeline also casts several recent public appearances in an entirely new light.

When Will and Jada Pinkett Smith attended Christian Louboutin’s Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 presentation during Paris Fashion Week last month, many viewed the outing as another example of two devoted parents supporting their son Jaden. 

Pictures from the event showed the family posing alongside Willow, Trey Smith, and Jada’s mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris. However, the trip reflected something they had consistently prioritized.

That same month, an insider told PEOPLE that the visit centered on “family time,” adding, “Will and Jada love each other and absolutely maintain a steady relationship, but what you are seeing is full support of their kids. They are proud of them.”

The same dynamic reportedly continued over the Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia. Although severe weather delayed Will’s scheduled performance until 2 a.m., the source said Jada “was there with him as she always is.”  

Will Smith And Jada Fuel Relationship Speculation With Paris Restaurant Outing

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Shortly after their Paris Fashion Week outing, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith set tongues wagging after stepping out for a rare dinner date at Paris hotspot Loulou, where they were joined by son Jaden and close friends before leaving the restaurant arm-in-arm. 

As The Blast reported, the longtime couple appeared relaxed and smiling as they strolled through the French capital, with Jada looping her arm through her husband’s while the two coordinated effortlessly stylish looks. 

The “Bad Boys” actor opted for a patterned collared shirt, tailored trousers, and a white baseball cap, while Jada wore a chic black-and-white layered ensemble with statement eyewear. 

The outing quickly reignited conversation about the pair’s enduring bond, as many pointed to their affectionate display during one of their most high-profile public appearances together in recent months.  

Will’s Fans Divided After Jada Pinkett Smith’s Viral Paris Moment

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Will and Jada’s recent Paris restaurant outing may have reignited discussion about their unconventional relationship, but it was a brief interaction afterward that truly set social media ablaze. 

After the couple enjoyed dinner together in the French capital, Will stopped outside to greet supporters and sign autographs as photographers surrounded him. 

As the 59-year-old chatted with fans, Jada briefly placed a hand on his back before continuing toward their waiting vehicle, a moment some viewers quickly misinterpreted. 

Some viewers insisted the moment reflected tension between the couple, with one X user claiming per The Blast, “Jada Pinkett shoved Will Smith aside while he was signing autographs for fans and walked away like he was a complete stranger.” 

Another added, “She either has some crazy -ss blackmail on him or a voodoo spell because how the f-ck has he not walked away from this woman yet?” 

Others dismissed the criticism, arguing the exchange was being blown out of proportion. 

Jada Never Suggested Divorce Was The Goal

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Although the latest outings come as a surprise, it aligns with what Jada Pinkett has consistently said about her marriage.

While promoting her memoir “Worthy” in 2023, she shocked fans by revealing that she and Will had quietly separated in 2016. At the same time, however, she made it clear the separation was never intended to end their relationship.

“We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us,” she told PEOPLE.

She also explained, “I’m going to be by his side… but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.”

Even after publicly acknowledging their years-long separation, the actress repeatedly emphasized that neither she nor Will viewed divorce as the destination. 

Instead, they continued redefining what marriage looked like on their own terms, a philosophy both have discussed publicly for years. 

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a book series with the level of hype and general popularity that Dungeon Crawler Carl has been experiencing over the last several months. Matt Dinniman‘s LitRPG sci-fi series has been steadily building a big audience for a couple of years now, but the end of 2025 and the first few months of 2026 have seen it reach new heights. There are still new readers joining the ranks of the Dungeon Crawlers every single day, beginning their journey through the eight-book series that has captured so many others.

Excitement reached a high point back in April with the release of the eighth Dungeon Crawler Carl novel, A Parade of Horribles. While some are currently working their way through the series to get to the newest release, a large chunk of the fan base burned through the new book within a couple of days. Of course, once you finish A Parade of Horribles, the first thing on your mind is when you’ll be able to read the next chapter. There’s still no answer to that question at this point, but we do know exactly how many books are left before the series comes to a close.

‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Is Almost Over

Image via Luciano Fleitas/Ace Books

So, just how much is left in Dungeon Crawler Carl? Dinniman has already answered this question publicly, though the answer itself is a little bit complicated. There are going to be nine books in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. At the same time, there are also going to be ten books in the saga. It’s all about how you want to look at it.

Dinniman is currently working on the ninth and final entry in the series, which will bring a close to the story that began in Dungeon Crawler Carl. That said, there will be 10 individual volumes within Dungeon Crawler Carl by the time it’s all over. The author has already announced that he will be splitting this ninth installment into two separate volumes, meaning that there will be two individual releases for the end of the story, likely with Part 1 and Part 2 included in the titles.

There are a number of different reasons for the split into two books, and Dinniman has addressed more than one. The book will likely be more than big enough to warrant separate volumes, and the author has already said he’s using the split and single title as a reason to drop a big cliffhanger at the end of the next installment.

More to the ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Universe?

Dungeon Crawler Carl lends itself to a plethora of spin-off or continuation ideas, given the vast nature of the galaxy in the book, as well as of the endlessly intriguing characters in the series, many of which deserve their own series at some point. Unfortunately, there is no kind of spin-off book in the works right now, and Dinniman has not revealed any major plans to do so — at least in classic book form.

There is a standalone graphic novel on the way that focuses on the origins of fan-favorite character Florin, the bounty hunter-turned-humanoid crocodile in the time before the dungeon opened up on Earth. Co-written by Dinniman and Michael Moreci, and illustrated by Brett Bean, Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile is going to be hitting shelves at some point (following its crowdfunding campaign).

It appears, at least for now, this is the only sort of spin-off/prequel/sequel coming from Dungeon Crawler Carl. However, the franchise is only going to keep popping up in all sorts of spaces in the future. There is a role-playing game and card game coming from Renegade (after a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign), as well as a live-action TV show from Seth MacFarlane in the works at Peacock.

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Trigger Warning: This article features discussions of sensitive subjects.Perhaps one reason we turn to television is its vast capacity and freedom to tell stories. Whether short-term miniseries or long-running shows, the small screen has hosted some of the riskiest and most daring moments. Some have served as teaching tools while others nearly set the world on fire. Whether for better or worse, it’s the latter that has made a lasting impact on the media and pop culture.

The episodes below are considered some of the most controversial of all time. They were so controversial that they sparked a national conversation and drew backlash in the process. From taboo topics to groundbreaking moments, these episodes reshaped the types of stories that would be told and how they’d be handled. For the most part, these moments came from long-running serialized shows where the event was centralized to the episode. Some of these episodes were so scandalous, they have been pulled from ever airing again. So, if you didn’t watch in real time, good luck uncovering them!

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Season 8, Episodes 4 & 5 “Edith’s 50th Birthday”

Image via CBS

There are very few sitcoms more infamous for their boundary-pushing than All in the Family. Created by Norman Lear, the series followed the Bunker family living in Queens. Through sharp satire and intense debates, All in the Family thrived on the clash of values between the “Greatest Generation” and the Baby Boomer counterculture. Before its nine-season run, network television tended to avoid taboo subjects and gritty real-world conflict. That all changed here. There were many memorable moments that shocked viewers, but the episode that garnered the most controversy was Season 8’s “Edith’s 50th Birthday.” In the episode, a man named Lambert (David Dukes), while posing as a police detective, attempts to rape Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) on her 50th birthday. Her family is unaware of the events unfolding as they prepare for a surprise party next door. Broken up into two parts, the episode also depicts Edith struggling to deal with the aftermath as her family both comforts her and brings her assailant to justice.

All in the Family went to uncharted territory here. The 1977 episode was monumental as it was the first time an attempted rape was portrayed on an American sitcom. It shocked audiences as they watched a beloved, wholesome character fall into a terrifying and realistic violent assault. By tackling such a raw, terrifying subject, the show polarized viewers who turned to it for laughs. Lear believed that he chose the gentle and sheltered Edith to be the victim to showcase how sexual assault can happen to anyone. It was an unsettling feeling for audiences who viewed her as virtually untouchable. Though there were many fans outraged by the dark episode, it was used as a teaching tool by crisis centers to convey the female perspective of assault and survival. Since All in the Family, the theme has been a consistent feature on television, all thanks to Lear’s groundbreaking episode.

‘Ellen’ (1994–1998)

Season 4, Episodes 22 & 23 “The Puppy Episode”

Image via ABC

Today, Ellen DeGeneres is known as one of the pioneers for LGBTQ+ individuals in media, but her coming out was not as easy as it is today. The former talk show host used her ’90s sitcom, Ellen, as a means to come out. Unfortunately, it was not met with immediate praise or warm welcomes. Ellen followed the neurotic and quirky adventures of Ellen Morgan (DeGeneres), a single 30-something woman living in Los Angeles. The series focused on her daily struggles with her career at a local bookshop, complicated dating scenarios, and the close-knit but odd circle of friends—her neurotic yet loving best friend Paige Clark (Joely Fisher), her snarky, cynical coworker Joe Farrell (David Anthony Higgins), her naive and hyperactive friend Audrey Penney (Clea Lewis), and her self-absorbed, aspiring actor friend Spencer Kovak (Jeremy Piven). What started as a wholesome slice-of-life comedy changed during the milestone Season 4 episode, “The Puppy Episode.”

The episode follows Ellen as she goes to dinner with her former boyfriend Richard (Steven Eckholdt), who is in town with his producer, Susan (Laura Dern). Ellen and Susan immediately hit it off, allowing Susan to suggest that, like her, Ellen might be gay. Initially denying it, a panicked Ellen tries to sleep with Richard to prove to herself that she isn’t. When the plan fails, she seeks guidance from a therapist (Oprah Winfrey). She ultimately comes to terms with her sexuality, which leads to the iconic moment at the airport where an accidental mix-up with the intercom causes her to publicly come out, declaring, “I’m gay.” Meant to mirror her real-life coming out, the star negotiated with ABC for her character to come out, leading to speculation about DeGeneres herself. There were subtle hints scattered throughout the episodes leading up to “The Puppy Episode,” but the controversy arose before it even aired.

Many organizations, including the American Family Association, pressured the network to drop the storyline while urging sponsors to pull their ads. It worked as Chrysler and Wendy’s cut ties, as ABC placed a parental advisory warning at the beginning of the broadcast. Amid a flurry of backlash, condemnation, and support, DeGeneres used the moment to speak out, appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show with then-girlfriend Anne Heche on the date of the sitcom episode. The episode liberated queer storytelling but ultimately hurt the series, which ended the following year. The series’ formerly comedic tone gave way to more serious themes and topics, with subsequent storylines centered almost entirely on gay issues, which were more taboo than than they are today. “The Puppy Episode” was a crucial moment for LGTBQ+ visibility despite its initial backlash. The Fall television season following the end of Ellen gave way to Will & Grace.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

Season 8, Episode 21 “Partial Terms of Endearment”

Image via FOX

Adult animated sitcoms were notorious for pushing the boundary. Family Guy was one of the leaders in that respect. Created by Seth MacFarlane, Family Guy satirized American culture through the lives of the eccentric and dysfunctional Griffin family in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island. Driven by rapid-fire, irreverent humor and cutaway gags, Family Guy turned the traditional nuclear family dynamic upside down through dark humor, pop culture parodies, and controversial topics. One episode that sparked a conversation that the show went too far was the Season 8 episode, “Partial Terms of Endearment.” The plot follows Lois Griffin (Alex Borstein), who agrees to act as a surrogate mother for an infertile college friend, Naomi (Julia Sweeney). Tragically, the biological parents are killed in a car accident days after conception, leaving Lois with the difficult choice of whether to keep the baby or terminate the pregnancy. The episode was provocative, but not everyone found it handled with care.

Rather than a straightforward drama like the classic sitcom “Special Episode,” it applied the signature irreverent humor to the tragedy. In one moment, after Peter (MacFarlane) believes Lois should terminate the pregnancy, he tries to force Lois to miscarry by dressing like Wile E. Coyote and utilizing ACME-style traps in the desert to try and harm her, all through slapstick animation. Both the pro-life and pro-choice arguments are presented, featuring intense protests and highly polarizing debates between the show’s characters. The episode concludes with Peter breaking the fourth wall, saying, “We had the abortion,” as the final punchline. Fox deemed the subject matter too sensitive for network television, ultimately resulting in the episode being banned from airing on U.S. television. That said, it was viewed by fewer than a million homes during its original airing in the UK and did make it onto the DVD.

‘I Love Lucy’ (1951–1957)

Season 2, Episode 10 “Lucy Is Enceinte”

Image via CBS

Sitcom characters getting pregnant nowadays serve as a major and important plot point. They tend to be seen as a positive. There are cases in which the actor becomes pregnant, which wouldn’t work for the character, forcing the show to creatively hide the real-life miracle. But in the early days of television, pregnancies were a taboo topic for storytelling. In fact, network censors believed that depicting and explicitly discussing pregnancy was highly suggestive and obscene. So, what would happen to I Love Lucy when it was learned that it’s star, Lucille Ball, was with child? She changed the way things were done. I Love Lucy was a classic sitcom that followed a zany, ambitious housewife obsessed with breaking into show business. She was often seen concocting hilarious, sometimes doomed, schemes to perform at her husband Ricky’s (Desi Arnaz) nightclub, dragging her best friend and neighbor, Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance), into the mix. In the Season 2 episode, “Lucy Is Enceinte,” Lucy discovers she is pregnant and tries to find the perfect, dramatic way to tell Ricky, but her efforts are constantly thwarted. She ultimately makes the grand reveal through song at the Tropicana. Marking the official launch of the “Little Ricky” storyline, Ball’s pregnancy was written into the show with much protest.

Because pregnancy directly implied a couple engaged in intimacy, the strict policing of sex references on screen caused the network to try to have Ball sit behind chairs and tables to hide her growing belly. The word “pregnant” was even dodged, making the character question why she was experiencing weight gain and low energy. But with Ball and Arnaz standing their ground that a married woman having a baby was a natural, beautiful thing, pushing the storyline through led to concessions being made. The title had to use the French word for pregnancy. Producer Jess Oppenheimer had to employ an interfaith panel of clergy to review each script line by line to ensure it remained wholesome. In the end, the storyline proved an unprecedented success, with a record-breaking 44 million viewers tuning in for the birth episode. Without one of TV’s favorite couple standing up for change, the entire landscape of television could have been altered.

‘Maude’ (1972–1978)

Season 1, Episodes 9 & 10 “Maude’s Dilemma”

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Of course, if you’re a spin-off of All in the Family, it’s expected that at some point, you’ll tackle a shocking storyline. In 1972, Maude followed through. The sitcom stars Bea Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, fiercely independent, and unapologetically liberal middle-aged woman living in suburban New York with her fourth husband, Walter (Bill Macy). Created by Norman Lear, the series blended domestic situations with then-taboo social issues, frequently clashing with conservative neighbors and family members. Throughout its six-season run, Maude tackled everything from women’s and gay rights to mental health and addiction, but the episode that met the most backlash was the episode that explored abortion. In “Maude’s Dilemma,” the 47-year-old Maude discovers she is pregnant and ultimately chooses to terminate the pregnancy. It was a stark contrast from other shows that tackled similar situations, instead of using perceived “cop-outs” of miscarriages or false pregnancies.

Timing was everything because the story arrived merely two months before the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. Would that have changed public perception? It’s hard to say. At that moment, the controversial premise led to nearly 40 CBS affiliate networks refusing to air the premiere or subsequent reruns of the episodes. It drew the backlash of the United States Catholic Conference and sparked an estimated 7,000 to 17,000 protest letters sent directly to CBS. The episode divided households. The initial script found Maude’s neighbor Vivian (Rue McClanahan) pregnant, leading to a conversation about contraceptives, but he thought the funnier concept would be the wrong woman being pregnant. But having already used a miscarriage on All in the Family, he decided Maude would realistically have had an abortion despite her moral turmoil regarding the subject. The direct unapologetic stance on the issue of bodily autonomy paved the way for shows to tackle it in the future in a post-Roe v. Wade world.

‘Murphy Brown’ (1988–2018)

Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2 “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato”

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The ‘80s was filled with wholesome family sitcoms. There were some shows that broke the traditional mode, but with a mindset of how sitcom stories should be told, why deviation from the format would be deemed controversial. Perhaps even not responsible. Even in a post-The Mary Tyler Moore world, it was rare to see a workplace comedy led by a strong, independent woman. And yet, Murphy Brown cracked the code. The Diane English-created series follows the professional and personal misadventures of Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), a highly respected, sharp-tongued, and recovering alcoholic investigative journalist for the fictional news magazine show FYI. Best known for its perfect blend of workplace comedy with sharp social commentary and real-world politics, the series found itself in the crossfire when Vice President Dan Quayle publicly criticized the titular character for choosing to raise a child as a single mother. In the run-up to the 1992 election, Quayle used the show as a punching bag, arguing that a highly paid, professional woman bearing a child alone was “mocking the importance of fathers.”

As a direct rebuttal of the family values debate, the Season 5 premiere, “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato,” the episode follows the aftermath of Quayle’s controversial real-world speech attacking Murphy Brown for undermining family values. In turn, the FYI newsroom retaliate by producing a special episode of the show. Instead of backing down, they use the broadcast to highlight and celebrate the wide diversity of modern American families. The title was a direct reference to a real-life incident where Quayle notoriously corrected an elementary school student’s correct spelling of the word “potato,” erroneously insisting it be spelled with an “e.” To get back at Quayle, the punchline becomes Murphy dumping a massive truckload of potatoes onto the Vice President’s lawn. The episode created an unprecedented blend of reality and television fiction, drawing an estimated 70 million viewers.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975–Present)

Season 18, Episode 2 “Tim Robbins/Sinéad O’Connor”

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Nowadays, the Pope has become a punching bag for political discourse. Once upon a time, simply ripping up a photo of the Pope was cause for controversy. The incident in question occurred on Saturday Night Live, but not during a sketch; it was during a performance by musical guest, Sinéad O’Connor. The long-running sketch show has notoriously pushed the boundaries as even some guest hosts have been banned over the years, but during the 1992 episode hosted by Tim Robbins, his appearance was swiftly overshadowed during O’Connor’s unapproved on-air protest, where she sang an a cappella version of Bob Marley‘s “War,” held up a photo of Pope John Paul II, ripped it into pieces, and told the audience to “fight the real enemy”.

Much of the Irish singer’s reasoning behind her actions was to protest the alleged systemic cover-up of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church prior to the scandal becoming public knowledge. In turn, the action was widely misunderstood and sparked immediate global outrage. The deceit came because, during dress rehearsals, she tore up a photo of a refugee child instead. Because the stunt was entirely unscripted, she blindsided Lorne Michaels and the producers. Michaels immediately ordered the crew not to light the “Applause” signs, resulting in dead silence in the studio before cutting to a commercial. NBC was hit with a massive fine by the FCC. O’Connor was swiftly banned from the program, cementing herself in SNL history. The following week, host Joe Pesci used his monologue to fiercely criticize her and declared he would have “smacked” her. O’Connor revealed in her 2021 memoir, Rememberings. She had no regrets about the controversial performance. “I feel that having a No. 1 record derailed my career, and my tearing the photo put me back on the right track,” she wrote.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Season 9, Episode 20 “The Puerto Rican Day”

Though it was a show about nothing, they sure knew how to make something out of nothing! The iconic sitcom Seinfeld followed the mundane, everyday misadventures of a neurotic stand-up comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, and his three eccentric friends in New York City, George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). The quartet were notorious for their bad deeds, but one of the worst moments came during the Season 9 episode, “The Puerto Rican Day.” The episode chronicles Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer as they get stuck in massive traffic returning from a Mets game during the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. While they each deal with their own isolated, comedic misadventures, the controversy stemmed from Kramer using a sparkler to light a cigar but accidentally setting a nearby Puerto Rican flag on fire. To extinguish the flames, he stomps on the flag. It only got worse. Later in the episode, an angry mob of parade-goers damages Jerry’s car, and Kramer says, “It’s like this every day in Puerto Rico.”

The episode sparked backlash, even before broadcast due to the title, with community leaders perceiving there would be offensive material. The depiction provoked widespread protests outside NBC’s Rockefeller Center in New York City. The National Puerto Rican Coalition strongly condemned the episode, stating that the flag was being used as a disrespectful stage prop. During the Season 9 DVD extra features, two of the episode’s writers, Steve Koren and David Mandel, shared that despite the title, the episode essentially has nothing to do with Puerto Ricans, and that they could have moved the setting to any of the many annual parades without significantly changing the story or dialogue. Even despite the pushback, NBC officially apologized for the episode and pulled “The Puerto Rican Day” from syndication, making it largely unavailable to air on television for several years. That all changed. Sony Pictures Television eventually re-added the episode to the syndication package in 2002, and it is now available to stream on platforms like Netflix. Perhaps the most striking fact, the episode was the show’s second-highest-rated episode of all time, with 38.8 million viewers, only behind the series finale.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

Season 14, Episode 5 “200”

Image via Comedy Central

We all knew that South Park would do something brazen for its milestone 200th episode. No one anticipated just how far Trey Parker and Matt Stone would go. The adult animated series follows the surreal, often chaotic misadventures of four foul-mouthed schoolboys—Stan Marsh (Parker), Kyle Broflovski (Stone), Eric Cartman (Parker), and Kenny McCormick (Stone)—living in a small Colorado mountain town. Known for its distinct paper cutout animation style, the series is notorious for its scathing that pokes at a wide variety of mature, real-world topics and pop culture commentary. In the Season 14 episode simply titled “200,” Tom Cruise and a mob of over 200 angry celebrities, including Kanye West, Mel Gibson, and Paris Hilton, file a class-action lawsuit against South Park for past ridicule. Cruise offers to drop the suit if the town delivers the prophet Muhammad, whose image is considered off-limits to mockery, to help the celebrities avoid further public ridicule. And just like that. Muhammad is depicted, causing immediate backlash from the Muslim community. Though the Islamic prophet is often concealed inside a U-Haul truck or in a bear costume, just having Muhammad as part of the plot was considered insensitive and strictly prohibited by many Muslims.

Following the broadcast, the creators received death threats, including from Revolution Muslim, stating that they would face the same fate as Dutch filmmaker, Theo van Gogh, who was murdered for creating content critical of Islam. Because of the escalating threats, Comedy Central heavily censored the subsequent follow-up episode, “201,” including aggressively bleeping out all dialogue that mentioned Muhammad’s name and completely removing the characters’ overarching moral speech, resulting in a disruptively censored final product that angered both fans and free-speech advocates. Many individuals in the media took to their platforms to call out the threats, going as far as to call the threats chilling. With corporate fears of further security concerns, both episodes were banned from syndication, completely left off digital and DVD releases, and excluded from streaming platforms. Ultimately, the author of the post, Zachary Chesser, was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.

‘Tiny Toon Adventures’ (1990–1992)

Season 2, Episode 3 “Elephant Issues”

Image via Warner Bros. Animation

It might come as a great shock that a beloved kids’ animated classic would wind up on this list, but Tiny Toon Adventures made one grave mistake in 1991. The legacy series followed a new generation of young cartoon characters attending Acme Looniversity in Acme Acres. Mentored by the likes of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, the kids learn the art of slapstick comedy and cartoon antics. Within each episode, multiple vignettes are played, and it was one known as “One Beer” that had the nation in a tizzy. In the segment in the larger episode “Elephant Issues,” Buster, Plucky, and Hamton get heavily intoxicated from a single bottle of alcohol. As a result, they grow stubble, develop bloodshot eyes, slur their speech, and undergo outfit changes to resemble “drunken bums.” Then, they steal a police car, and subsequently, recklessly drive off a cliff. To put a true button on an uncomfortable moment, the trio “die” as they float up to heaven as angels.

The episode was initially designed to be a comically dark, cautionary PSA against drinking. Instead, it was a complete misfire. The episode was swiftly pulled from syndication to avoid further backlash and potentially send the wrong message to young viewers. The ban was eventually lifted as the episode aired on networks like The Hub and Hulu, as well as appearing on the DVD release of the complete series. The dark and surreal segment didn’t deter the series or its legacy as a reboot returned in 2023 with Tiny Toon Looniversity. Even in the college version, the series didn’t go that dark.

Over a week ago, MGM+ delivered one of the most exceptionally brutal finales in recent history, and fans are still recovering. Having returned for its fourth season earlier this April, From kicked off with a disturbing premiere that saw the tragic loss of a major character and the introduction of one of the show’s worst villains yet. Fast-forward ten episodes later, and things could not have gotten any bleaker for the characters, who were left facing an even worse fate.

From is currently the No. 1 sci-fi horror title on television, and its fourth season officially wrapped on June 28, 2026. Given that shocking finale cliffhanger, fans are already desperate for the next chapter. Fortunately, their prayers have been answered: a highly encouraging update about the show’s future has dropped, courtesy of its cast. It is worth noting that on April 15, 2026, just days before the Season 4 premiere, MGM+ officially renewed the hit series for a fifth and final season.

According to actor Ricky He, who plays Kenny Liu, production on From Season 5 is already officially underway. He took to Instagram to share two photos with the caption, “We’re starting to shoot season 5 btw,” playfully adding “anghkookies,” an amusing reference to the word “anghkooey,” which holds massive significance in the show’s lore. Further confirming the news, co-star Hannah Cheramy (Julie Matthews) posted an Instagram Story featuring several fan-favorite cast members gathered around a table, each studying their individual screens, likely reviewing scripts. Production goes on in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and filming is expected to wrap on November 28. Season 5 has yet to have a premiere date.

‘From’ Season 5 Is Officially in the Works

Created by John Griffin, the 96% Rotten Tomatoes series is set in a sinister, small American town that traps anyone unfortunate enough to enter. Over the past four seasons, the residents have struggled to survive while being hunted by terrifying, nocturnal creatures that emerge from the surrounding forest at night and slumber during the day. The townspeople desperately search for secrets hidden within the town and beyond in hopes of finding a way out, and as hinted in the From Season 4 finale, their latest attempt failed. In addition to He and Cheramy, From features a stellar ensemble cast led by Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Scott McCord, and Chloe Van Landschoot.

From Season 5 is coming soon. Stay tuned to Collider for further updates about the new season, and check out He’s filming post below.

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Release Date

February 20, 2022

Network

Epix, MGM+

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Directors

Jack Bender, Brad Turner, Alexandra La Roche, Bruce McDonald, Jeff Renfroe

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Writers

Vivian Lee, Kristen Layden, Brigitte Hales, Jeff Pinkner, John Griffin

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They might not be part of the same royal family, but Queen Letizia and Kate Middleton do have a few things in common — especially when it comes to footwear. The two women appear to be fans of navy wedges, an easy, elevated shoe choice that somehow never looks dated, and is far more versatile than you’d think.

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Related: Kate Middleton Retired Basic Flats for a Chic Slingback Ballet Shoe

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Kate Middleton is rarely spotted in anything other than heels, but she swapped pumps for something even classier than regular ballet flats. Middleton’s two-toned slingback flats give timeless a trendy edge, so it’s no wonder the style is taking over the internet. The Princess of Wales visited Italy wearing a simple yet elegant ensemble that […]

For her appearance, Queen Letizia kept things simple yet polished in dark pants and a white button-down shirt, using her navy wedges to pull the look together and add a special, seasonal touch. However, the same style could easily be worn with floral maxis, cropped jeans or Bermuda shorts, giving the shoes a fresh, fun and modern twist for 2026.

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This July, Netflix is doing what some have previously considered impossible by rebooting Little House on the Prairie. Hoping to keep more in-step with the original novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the streaming series will likely feel like a departure for many longtime fans of the original Michael Landon-led series. But for those still unsure about Netflix’s upcoming reimagining, there’s no better time to jump back into the original NBC program.

Little House is best known for its generally upbeat, Midwestern-style of storytelling that, in many respects, was ahead of its time. The mixture of traditional family values and old-time religion with pure Americana is nostalgic for many, and every rewatch is a genuine delight. So, before Netflix’s new take on Wilder’s famed tale, return to Walnut Grove with these memorable Little House on the Prairie episodes.

10

“Country Girls”

Season 1, Episode 2

Image via NBC

In only the second episode of the series, Little House establishes one of its most important on-screen dynamics. “Country Girls” introduces Laura (Melissa Gilbert) and Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) to their longtime Minnesota nemesis Nellie Oleson (Alison Arngrim), who uses the titular term to deflate the newcomers. Of course, as the Ingalls girls deal with Nellie, Caroline (Karen Grassle) struggles to hold her tongue around the girl’s mother, Katherine MacGregor‘s never-changing Harriett Oleson.

“Country Girls” is classic Little House in every sense. As the Ingalls wrestle with taking the high road, the Olesons push every button imaginable, infuriating us as much as they do the Ingalls mother and daughter. Of course, in all of this, Charles (Landon) and Nels (Richard Bull) are stuck firmly in the middle.

9

“A Harvest of Friends”

Season 1, Episode 1

Image via NBC

The first hour-length episode of Little House, “A Harvest of Friends” brings the Ingalls family to the banks of Plum Creek just outside Walnut Grove. It’s here that the regular cast of characters is introduced. Mr. and Mrs. Oleson, Reverend Alden (Dabs Greer), “Doc” Baker (Kevin Hagen), and Lars Hanson (Karl Swenson) all welcome the Ingalls to their neck of the prairie, as Charles overworks himself around town.

“A Harvest of Friends” is largely Charles-centric (and was directed by Landon too), establishing his honest, hard-working, and morally-upright character from the very beginning. The episode is an effective glimpse into the warm, cozy feelings that would be invoked by the series long-term, and is a perfect watch for those hoping to recapture the nostalgia.

8

“The Collection”

Season 3, Episode 1

Image via NBC 

You may have forgotten that Johnny Cash guest starred on Little House back in the day, which means there’s no better time to rewatch “The Collection.” Cash has an interesting (and strange) filmography, but this is undoubtedly one of his best roles. Playing ex-con-turned-faux-preacher Caleb Hodgekiss, Cash befriends young Mary and weasels his way into the hearts of all in Walnut Grove after Rev. Alden is unable to fulfill his ministerial duties. Of course, the truth eventually comes out.

In addition to Cash, June Carter Cash appears as Mrs. Hodgekiss, with both offering their musical talents. While Little House wasn’t a show that ever needed to rely on guest stars to bring in an audience, “The Collection” presents viewers with a well-known entertainer by playing to his strengths and organically including him in the story. Sure, it just feels like “Johnny Cash has come to Walnut Grove,” but there’s nothing wrong with that.

7

“The Richest Man in Walnut Grove”

Season 2, Episode 1

Image via NBC

Laura and Nellie were always fighting on Little House, but never was their rivalry more mean-spirited and violent than in “The Richest Man in Walnut Grove.” The Season 2 premiere pits the two against each other once again when Nellie makes fun of Charles for smelling like manure after he’s forced to take another job to make end’s meet. The result? Laura finally socks Nellie right in the nose.

This Little House episode balances Laura’s insecurities with Charles’ determination, culminating in the former’s final speech to her rival. “Hardworking folks only smell bad to folks who have nothing to do but stick their noses in the air,” Laura tells Nellie. “Well, whenever you stick your nose in the air with me, Nellie, it’s gonna get punched.” That’s our girl.

6

“School Mom”

Season 1, Episode 9

Image via NBC

Few Little House episodes center so diligently on Caroline, but one of the best came early on during the show’s first season. “School Mom” puts Mrs. Ingalls in the teaching seat after Miss Beadle (Charlotte Stewart) is injured and school would otherwise be canceled. With the town unwilling to keep their children home for some time, Caroline steps up, only to find that one student in particular needs special attention.

As Caroline attempts to teach Abel McKay (Dirk Blocker), her efforts are challenged when Mrs. Oleson humiliates the boy. Of course, an Ingalls doesn’t give up so easily. “School Mom” also doubles as a Bonanza reunion of sorts (not unlike another Little House episode which copied the plot from a Bonanza episode), as Dirk Blocker was the son of Dan Blocker, Michael Landon’s former castmate on the hit Western program.

5

“The Legacy”

Season 8, Episode 14

Image via NBC

One of the more creative episodes of Little House on the Prairie, “The Legacy” lives up to its name by exploring how Charles Ingalls would be remembered a century after the fact. No, the episode doesn’t address the true Ingalls family history, but rather begins in the 1980s with a young couple who purchase an antique folding-leaf table that boasts the initials “CI” on the side of it. Looking back to the 1880s, the episode explores Charles’ journey in carpentry.

“The Legacy” is a great episode. It’s meditation on what it means to make a name for yourself is quite profound, and it’s one of only two episodes (the other being Season 9’s “Once Upon a Time”) that include a “present day” sequence. Of the two of them, “The Legacy” most stands out as Charles wrestles with his life and the type of man he wants to be remembered as.

4

“The Wisdom of Solomon”

Season 3, Episode 18

Image via NBC

One of the more well-known episodes of Little House, “The Wisdom of Solomon” follows the young Solomon Henry (Todd Bridges), a blind boy from the South who arrives in Walnut Grove after running away from home. While there, his existence challenges the racist views of people like Mrs. Oleson who can’t help but see color. Unable to see it himself, Solomon treats everyone with kindness and respect, encouraging others to do the same.

“The Wisdom of Solomon” has some heart-wrenching moments that may just bring you to tears, but also offers real levity in the way of one of Charles’ best jokes (you’ll just have to hear it for yourself). The episode also introduces Don Pedro Colley as Dr. Tann (spelled Tane here for some reason), a character fans will be familiar with from Wilder’s original books. Sadly, he only shows up once here on the NBC program, but he played a bigger role in the 2005 miniseries adaptation.

3

“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”

Season 4, Episodes 21-22

Image via NBC

Speaking of episodes that will bring you to tears, the two-part “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away” has often been considered the very best of Little House on the Prairie. Those familiar with the Season 4 finale will remember that this is the episode where Mary’s historical fate is sealed as she begins to go blind. Few episodes centered on Mary (most favored Laura), but this memorable two-parter offered Melissa Sue Anderson truly exceptional material to work with.

As the Ingalls wrestle with the right thing to do for their daughter, Mary begins the next part in her Little House journey. It’s a wonderful tale that reminds the Ingalls (and the viewer) that God’s plans are often not our own. Although this moment would change Mary’s life forever, it never stopped her from being a part of the show, sticking with the series (albeit, in a deceased role at times) through its eighth season.

2

“The Lord Is My Shepherd”

Season 1, Episodes 13-14

Image via NBC

Another gut-wrenching episode of Little House, the two-part “The Lord Is My Shepherd” puts the Ingalls family through the wringer as it explores a lesser-known event in their real-life history not disclosed in Wilder’s novels. As the Ingalls family welcomes a new baby boy, tragedy strikes when he suddenly gets sick and dies. Laura, who had been jealous of her little brother, is distraught by the experience, and runs away into the mountains to make a deal with God.

As Charles and Isaiah Edwards (Victor French) go in search of “Half Pint,” Laura meets a stranger named Jonathan (Ernest Borgnine), who eventually encourages her to signal for her father. The whole two-part episode is a grand portrayal of grief, loss, and faith as the Ingalls family wrestles with their toughest challenge yet. In the end, although not everything turns out as they hope, the family is able to unite once more and brave another day.

1

“Little House on the Prairie”

Pilot Film

Image via NBC

Before “A Harvest of Friends” ever aired on NBC, Little House began as a made-for-TV pilot film that covered many of the events disclosed in both the Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie novels. Setting the stage for their eventual settling in Walnut Grove, the 96-minute pilot film takes the Ingalls family from Wisconsin to Kansas (though it’s all really California) to make a new life for themselves out West. Of course, that comes with plenty of challenges.

Directed by Michael Landon and penned by Blanche Hanalis, who developed the series, the pilot film is essential viewing for anyone hoping to brave the Midwestern frontier. Although not every piece of the series itself would fall into place, the film establishes the Ingalls family as a hard-working, persistent unit who will stick together through thick and thin. It also introduces Mr. Edwards, who would be a major part of the show’s early years and a consistent guest throughout it’s entire nine-season run.

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Little House on the Prairie

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Release Date

1974 – 1983

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Directors

Victor French, William F. Claxton, Leo Penn, Alf Kjellin, Joseph Pevney, Lewis Allen, Maury Dexter, Michael Ray Rhodes

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