Andy Serkis’s long-gestating passion project, Animal Farm, is now in theaters. The adaptation has been in development for more than a decade, shifting from an initial live-action, performance capture to a softer animated aesthetic for its target audience, “particularly for young, inquiring minds,” Serkis tells Collider’s Steve Weintraub. For the director, the goal is to reintroduce George Orwell’s enduring satire to a new generation. Now, he shares with us the challenges he and the creative team overcame, adhering to what’s most relevant today, and why the inclusion of a hopeful tomorrow is key.

Serkis’ retelling of Animal Farm, adapted by Nicholas Stoller, is a family film that explores the source’s corruption, oppression, exploitation, and control prevalent in the world today, without being “patronizing.” Serkis explains, “The last thing that any of us wanted to do was make a sort of… ‘message-y’ movie.” Instead, he calls it “experiential,” allowing viewers to see the rebellion and farm takeover through a piglet’s eyes when Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo) becomes close with the de facto leader, Napoleon (Seth Rogen), who deviously seizes power over their hopeful utopia. The movie also features the vocal talents of Serkis, Laverne Cox, Woody Harrelson, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, and Kieran Culkin.

During this conversation, Serkis further explains how the change from performance capture to animation suited the less graphic, “Disney-esque” (“when Disney was able to be darker”) telling of Orwell’s novella, without removing its bite. He reflects on the long journey it took to get Animal Farm to the big screen, how this story evolved throughout the years, and why he chose to include a new character, Lucky, to navigate these ideas through a younger perspective.

Andy Serkis Turns ‘Animal Farm’ Into a Story for Kids About Corruption and Truth

“It’s all about how do we engage young people…?”

Image via Angel Studios

COLLIDER: I saw Animal Farm at Annecy last year when we spoke for the film, and first of all, I really want to say you did a great job with this. I think that this film is more important than ever to come out and have people see. But I do have a question. When I saw it at Annecy last year, in the version I just watched the other day, you made a few changes since I saw it, or am I wrong about this?

ANDY SERKIS: Very minimal changes. Tiny, tiny little things which we just thought about that we wanted to crisp up and sharpen. Mainly towards the end, yeah.

You’ve been working on Animal Farm for years, and you’ve gone through ups and downs on this material where a lot of people might have just said, “F it, it’s just not meant to be.” What kept you going and why was this story and movie so important to you that you were like, “This needs to happen?”

SERKIS: It’s the subject matter. It’s the book that spoke to me, and really hit me hard as one of the first reads as a young adult. I carried it with me, and I still do. I still reread it. In fact, I’ve just found another audiobook recording of it, as well, which comes out on the same day as the film, bizarrely. So the book itself, the subject matter, [George] Orwell as a writer, and what he talks about, the world that we’re living in now, needs a film like this for young people.

For me, it’s all about how do we engage young people, pull them away from their phones for a minute, and just start enjoying seeing a story that has pathos, meaning, where there’s something going on underneath it that really makes them want to have a debate with their parents and their grandparents about, “Why is it that we, as human beings, always make the same mistakes, that we keep going round in circles?” That, for me, has been the driving force.

We always wanted to make this as a four-quadrant picture, but particularly for young, inquiring minds. I think we talked about this before when we last saw each other, but there’s a lack of point of view in the book, and I felt it crucial that we saw the world through a young piglet’s eyes, and goes on this journey of being morally corrupted, and then finally the scales fall from his eyes, and he sees that he’s made the same mistake that we always do, which is to listen to bad leadership or be around people who are not good for us, or to accept or begin to accept lies. So it really puts the young audience member in the center of all of that.

Image via Angel Studios

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When I was watching it again, you just can’t help but get angry, because what’s going on in the real world, what’s going on in the movie, it’s just gain and again. It’s the same mistakes, the same leadership that gets corrupted, the same bullshit. It’s just so frustrating.

SERKIS: Really, I suppose, if I were to tell people about what it quintessentially revolves around is this notion that we’re all animals. That we don’t see ourselves as separate. There’s a key moment in the film where Lucky, the protagonist, is asked, “Are you a pig or are you an animal?” And that, for me, is what the movie is about. Are you someone who wants to see yourself as above others? Are you someone who wants to be happy with being elite when there are people struggling below you? Or are you going to serve everybody? That is the question that the world is facing right now.

Then all of the other things, the fake news, the way that we are constantly lied to, the tastemakers who decide what’s right and wrong, it’s all in there, but we’ve not been overtly political about it, which is why it’s taken so long to make. I think people’s assumptions, with particular studios or whoever we’ve engaged with, they’ve always thought, “Oh, it’s going to be a politically message-y film, and it’s not gonna be entertainment. You would never get a family to come and see it.” And it’s absolutely for a family to sit and watch together.

I’m going to butcher the quote, but it’s like “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” So Orwell wrote this as a critique of Stalinism, but the themes of misinformation and alternative facts feel incredibly modern. How much did the current global politics influence the tone of your adaptation?

SERKIS: Remember, we started making this in 2012. So social media, clickbait, fake news, AI, and misinformation have only snowballed since then, pardon the expression. It’s only escalated since then, but you could see it coming. Because Orwell, look how prescient he is as a writer, to be able to see all of that back in the ‘40s when he was writing it. So, we always wanted to make a film that was raising and dealing with contemporary issues, because you’re not going to get a young audience of five, six, seven, eight-year-olds to even know what totalitarian Russia was like in the ‘40s.

So, that was always the ambition, to make it ring and resonate with today. And as I say, it’s changed, and weirdly, world politics and the mess that the world is in at the moment and the film have actually sort of grown towards each other in a strange way.

Andy Serkis on Why ‘Animal Farm’ Isn’t the “Message-y Movie” People Expected

“This is sort of experiential in a way, because you’re seeing it through a young character’s eyes.”

When you first started working on this in 2012, and where it is now, how has it changed along the way? Did you go through any radical changes along the way?

SERKIS: Well, yeah, because originally it was going to be a live-action, performance capture-driven movie because it was inspired by the moment, when we were making the [Planet of the] Apes movies, when I realized that there hadn’t been an adaptation of Animal Farm for a long time. And I was making Mowgli [Legend of the Jungle] shortly after that. It came out of, “Can we take a great piece of literature like this and make a performance capture-driven live-action version?” But that would have necessarily made it a darker film.

There’s so many graphic images in the novel, of things like the dogs tearing up the other animals, attacking them, and it’s brutal, but we wanted to have the impending threat there without it being so graphic, and actually it be cleverer, in a way, that actually the misinformation, the lies, and the violence is the undercurrent of it, but you never actually see it because we live in a world where we’re desensitized enough to see violence all the time, but we don’t see it anymore. So this was a way of looking at those themes without actually having to go there and be as graphically violent.

In the movie, there’s a scene where Snowball goes out of the farm with the dogs, and we never see Snowball again.

SERKIS: Right. Exactly. And that’s the sort of Disney-esque approach when Disney was able to be darker. It’s that and then learning from great animation companies like Pixar about how you can discuss modern themes and modern psychology and really interesting family themes, but intelligently, and not be patronizing. Because the last thing that any of us wanted to do was make a sort of, as I say, “message-y” movie, which is telling the audience what to think. This is sort of experiential in a way, because you’re seeing it through a young character’s eyes.

Andy Serkis Explains ‘Animal Farm’s Key Change From the Book

“We’ve sort of slightly shifted here and there, but I think it fits the tone of our movie better.”

Image via Angel Studios

Animal Farm is a story that many people know, many people have read. Were there any aspects of the book that you discovered in a new way when adapting it?

SERKIS: Yeah. Very early on in the book, actually, the pigs are already separating themselves almost immediately. Old Major’s speech, the old pig who has the dream about the future, almost immediately, they are separating themselves from the other animals. So by the time the rebellion happens in the book, they’ve already been learning to read and things like that. But actually, with this, we wanted to slightly, for a moment, make it feel like everyone is equal at the beginning.

There are characters like Napoleon who always, by dint of their personality, want to take center stage, or Snowball, who’s going to try and do the right thing, but they weren’t as prepared for it as this. It comes out of nowhere because the opening of the movie is a shock. They’re being taken somewhere they don’t think that they’re being taken to, but that’s because of the benign neglect of the drunk farmer. So we’ve sort of slightly shifted here and there, but I think it fits the tone of our movie better, in a way.

One of the things that I’ve thought about recently, and it’s true in this, is the importance of education. The more educated you are, the easier it is to see through the lies and the facade.

SERKIS: Correct. That’s why it’s very touching, and there’s a sadness to the character Boxer, who remains a victim of being lied to. The tragedy of that character is that you can never see that what he’s being told isn’t true, and that he blindly follows, and the tragedy of being separated from his best friend, as well, who happens to be of a species that is not the same as him.

Image via Angel Studios

I’ll tell you one of the things that we were very keen to do, though. Obviously, the book ends in a very dark place. There is no hope. There’s no moment of hope. There’s no third act in a way, one could say. But we did want to offer not tying it up in a nice, neat bow and saying, “It’s okay, everybody. It’s going to be alright.” It’s sort of saying, “They’ve messed it up again. The wheel is going round. History repeats itself, but you cannot shy away from the fact that we have to keep trying.” And that’s why this film, again, speaks, hopefully, to young people. They’re the ones who are going to have to deal with the future. So, it is, “Okay, don’t shy away from it. It’s going to be your problem, but don’t be so despondent about it. You have to think that there is a way because there will be.”

Andy Serkis on the Future of Performance Capture

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Is there still a stigma around performance capture when it comes to awards recognition, or do you think the industry is finally starting to respect it as acting?

SERKIS: I think it is definitely beginning to understand it more and to respect it more. Whether or not it’ll just be considered as part of the acting category, I don’t know. That might take a little bit longer. But the marriage of technology and all sorts of different aspects of filmmaking to create an actor’s performance is something that we are certainly more used to and are not shying away from. I think it won’t be too long, hopefully, before it is accepted as acting, as authoring the role, in the same way that an actor reads and plays a character from page one to 120 of a script.

You’ve helped pioneer the art form of performance capture. Is there something you think people still misunderstand about performance capture?

SERKIS: Yeah. [Laughs] It’s weird because people are so used to now being able to put their iPhone on themselves and create an avatar, so they understand that aspect of it. But I suppose it’s just the notion of being on set and actually facially capturing an actor’s performance. It is, to a certain extent, director’s choice. Some directors choose to let the retargeting or the reanimation of that into the face of the character, the avatar.

There are certain directors, like James Cameron, for instance, who absolutely want it 100% to represent the choices the actors made in the moment. There are other examples of it where there’s more latitude in terms of, “Well, we can reanimate it slightly to make the expressions a bit bigger and broader,” as we did in Tintin, for example.

So, there’s still slightly latitude with it, but ultimately it comes down to director’s choice. Matt Reeves, for example, for all the Planet of the Apes movies, would sit with the animators and go, “That is not what Andy is doing.” To the nth degree, he would push them, push them, push them until finally it was represented in the face of Caesar. So, it’s a tool that can be used in different ways.

Do you think we’re ever going to get another Tintin movie?

SERKIS: Oh gosh, I wish! I really hope so. I love that Tintin film. I loved the process of making that film with such great filmmakers. I think Peter [Jackson] really, really wants to make it, so hopefully down the line.

I would love it. But I also love what Peter’s doing with bringing old footage back to life with The Beatles. What he’s doing is just so important and valuable that it’s almost like I’m willing to accept he’s not going to make a movie if he’s going to do all of this and work.

SERKIS: Totally. He’s a proper explorative imagineer. His mind is vast, and the things that he wants to approach and the stories that he wants to tell are endless. I’m always in awe of it.

Animal Farm is now playing in theaters.

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Release Date

May 1, 2026

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Runtime

96 minutes

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On Thursday, April 30, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed a misdemeanor charge against Britney Spears following her March 4 DUI arrest. Earlier this month, she entered a rehab facility with the encouragement of her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. The official charge comes days before the “Toxic” singer is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, May 4.

Britney Spears Can Potentially Avoid Jail Time In Her DUI Case

Following her misdemeanor charge, officials told PEOPLE magazine that the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer will be offered what is commonly known as a “wet reckless” because she has no prior DUI history. She was also not involved in an accident and had a low blood alcohol level at the time of her arrest.

A “wet reckless” usually allows a person to plead guilty to reckless driving involving drugs and alcohol and be placed on probation for 12 months, with credit for any time spent in custody. The “Lucky” singer was arrested on the night of March 4 and released the following morning, so it is doubtful she will receive credit for time served. She will also be required to complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees if she accepts that offer.

Britney Spears’ Sons Were A ‘Big Part’ Of Her Rehab Stay

Officials said that the resolution is “common” when an individual “demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.” The “Crossroads” actress voluntarily entered a treatment facility earlier this month ahead of her arraignment.

“Her sons were a big part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear with her. They just want her to be healthy,” a source told the publication. “She was very upset and shaken after her arrest. And she’s terrified of going to jail. It’s taken weeks for her to realize that going to rehab is the best option.”

Britney Will Not Have To Appear In Person For Her Hearing

Although Spears will be arraigned on May 4, she will not have to appear in person since it is a misdemeanor charge. Instead, her attorney will appear in person to represent her. A legal expert had previously told PEOPLE magazine that her decision to seek help would only help bolster her case.

“[Voluntarily seeking treatment] shows the court and prosecutors that the person is taking the situation seriously before they’re ordered to do anything,” said Bobby Taghavi, a managing partner at personal injury law firm Sweet James and former prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who is not involved in Spears’ case.

“Judges tend to respond better to proactive accountability than last-minute ‘damage control,’” he added.

Will Britney Spears Lose Her License?

It remains to be seen whether Spears will lose her license, though Taghavi felt it was likely the Princess of Pop would not have to spend any time behind bars for the incident.

“It’s not a guaranteed shield from custody, [but] most judges view it favorably as mitigation, especially when it’s documented, consistent, and shows real commitment,” he explained. “But the court will still look at the underlying facts, and judges prefer proof of participation or completion, not just an announcement.”

He noted that typical DUI cases typically see a four-month or so suspension and explained that while jail is “technically possible,” it is “often not the centerpiece” of the case. He noted that similar outcomes usually include probation, fines, penalties, and DUI school.

Britney Spears’ Rep Called The Incident ‘Completely Inexcusable’

The day after her arrest, a spokesperson for the “Gimme More” singer called her arrest an “unfortunate incident” that was “completely inexcusable.”

“Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement read.

It went on to say, “Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”

Britney shares sons Sean Preston and Jayden James with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. He previously stated through his attorney that he was “happy” to see that she was seeking help.

As one of the earliest successful streaming services, Netflix has played a significant part in creating “binge-watch” culture, particularly as a result of how the streaming service releases its shows all at once. While the platform has plenty of long-running shows that can keep you entertained for weeks at a time, its catalog also features several great series that are practically designed for a weekend watch, including some true modern masterpieces.

Whether you’re looking for a short and sweet miniseries or an ongoing show that’s still entertaining enough to keep you engaged through multiple seasons, Netflix’s library boasts an abundance of titles to choose from, which can honestly make it a little difficult to zero in on your next weekend binge. But fret not — here’s our handpicked selection of the very best Netflix series that are so good, you’ll want to binge them in one weekend.

1

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Created by Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is a black comedy thriller inspired by his semi-autobiographical one-man show, starring Gadd as a fictionalized interpretation of himself named Donny Dunn. A struggling comedian and bartender, Donny tries to extend some goodwill and support to a distressed customer named Martha, but his life is upended when she becomes increasingly obsessed with him, forcing him to face his personal demons. Besides Gadd, the series also stars Jessica Gunning as Martha, with Nava Mau, Tom Goodman-Hill, Nina Sosanya, Michael Wildman, and Shalom Brune-Franklin in supporting roles.

Baby Reindeer was an instant success when it was first released in 2024, garnering critical acclaim for Gadd’s writing and acting and for Gunning’s breakout performance. Darkly funny, highly thrilling, and intelligently crafted, the series is so engaging that you would want to watch all seven of its episodes in one go. The miniseries stands out with its gripping and complex take on themes of dangerous obsession, and it has been widely hailed as one of the best miniseries of the 2020s.

2

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

Adapted from Si Spencer’s DC Vertigo graphic novel, Bodies is a British sci-fi mystery thriller created by Paul Tomalin that revolves around the discovery of an anonymous dead body in the same London neighborhood at different times between 1890 and 2053. When detectives in their respective timelines begin an investigation, each of them finds puzzling clues, all connecting to a time and space-bending conspiracy that threatens the existence of mankind. The show stars Stephen Graham, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Shira Haas, Amaka Okafor, Kyle Soller, Greta Scacchi, and more in key roles.

A high-concept sci-fi thriller, Bodies is a fantastic combination of murder mystery, time travel, historical conspiracies, and period drama that would instantly appeal to hard sci-fi fans. Even though the story unfolds slowly and gradually, the narrative successfully maintains high tension and unpredictability throughout, making it a highly addictive thriller that demands non-stop viewing. Bodies has been critically acclaimed for its elevated narrative, anchored by compelling performances, and it’s often compared to other confoundingly complex sci-fi shows like Dark and 3 Body Problem.

3

‘The Residence’ (2025)

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Inspired by Kate Anderson Brower’s non-fiction book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, The Residence is a mystery comedy-drama created by Paul William Davies that centers on the scandalous murder of White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter. The entire White House staff and their schedule are thrown into disarray, and eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp is called in to investigate, uncovering all their sinister internal conflicts and backdoor politics. Uzo Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp and Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, with Randall Park, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Susan Kelechi Watson, Edwina Findley, and Ken Marino in lead roles.

An investigative exploration of the “upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs” of the world’s most prestigious house, The Residence delivers a refreshingly different whodunit story where every episode leaves you wanting to watch more. Aduba’s stoic birder-sleuth Cordelia Cupp is an inventive reimagination of the conventional “oddball detective” trope, translated brilliantly through the actor’s performance. Come for the murder mystery, stay for the quirky characters, dark satire, and Wes Anderson-esque visual aesthetics.

4

‘The Gentlemen’ (2023–Present)

Image via Netflix

Created and directed by Guy Ritchie, and loosely inspired by his 2019 film, The Gentlemen is a Netflix crime thriller series starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario that follows Edward “Eddie” Horniman, an English nobleman who inherits his family’s crumbling estate and businesses after his father’s death. When Eddie discovers a secret cannabis business involving dangerous drug lords and career criminals, he unwittingly becomes a part of the seedy underworld. The ensemble cast also includes Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito, and more.

In his first television directorial project, Guy Ritchie brings the hallmarks of his storytelling style to the small screen, seen in The Gentlemen’s production values, visual style, and character designs. The Netflix original series is as slick and sleek as the original film, and arguably darker in its humor, with more eccentric characters and witty dialogue. Packed with excellent performances, family drama, high-speed action, and comedy, The Gentlemen makes for a highly satisfying watch that’s perfect for binging over a weekend.

5

‘Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ (2026)

Image via Netflix

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is a murder mystery miniseries created by Chris Chibnall and adapted from Christie’s 1929 novel, The Seven Dials Mystery. The series kicks off with the mysterious death of Gerry Wade, a guest at Lady Caterham’s country estate. Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent, Lady Caterham’s daughter and Gerry’s love interest, sets out to investigate, uncovering a chilling plot involving secret organizations and a long-drawn conspiracy. Mia McKenna-Bruce stars as Bundle and Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Caterham, with Edward Bluemel, Iain Glen, Martin Freeman, and more in key roles.

With its high-end production and compelling performances by McKenna-Bruce and Bonham Carter, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is a lighthearted, cozy mystery that would delight genre fans. Now, to be very fair, the Netflix miniseries is not one of the best screen adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels, which are better found with shows like Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? or Poirot. However, the miniseries packs plenty of suspense, drama, and rabbit-hole investigation into its three episodes, making it a breezy, satisfying mystery.

6

‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ (2016–2017)

Image via AMC Studios 

Created and primarily written by Max Landis, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a sci-fi mystery comedy series based on the novel series by Douglas Adams. The show follows a down-on-his-luck bellhop, Todd, who indirectly gets connected to a murder at his workplace, encountering the titular eccentric detective and becoming his reluctant sidekick in solving bizarre cases. Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett play Todd and Dirk, respectively, with Hannah Marks, Fiona Dourif, Jade Eshete, Mpho Koaho, and Dustin Milligan in key roles.

An absurdist sci-fi mystery-comedy, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a fun and exciting show with interesting themes. It’s a very different interpretation of the original novels, but like them, the series is quite innovative and time-agnostic, with an unpredictable, madcap narrative that demands non-stop watching. One of a handful of shows available on Netflix to get a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for one of its seasons, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency earned critical acclaim for its writing and narrative style, but remains heavily underrated within its genre.

7

‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, particularly his short story, The Fall of the House of Usher is a gothic horror drama created and directed by Mike Flanagan that chronicles the rise and fall of siblings and corrupt entrepreneurs, Madeline and Roderick Usher. When a mysterious woman named Verna reappears in their lives, and Roderick’s children begin to die, the Ushers are forced to come to terms with their doom. Bruce Greenwood and Mary McDonnell star as Roderick and Madeline, with Carla Gugino as Verna. The show also features Carl Lumbly, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Mark Hamill, and more in notable roles.

With The Fall of the House of Usher, Mike Flanagan reaffirms his mastery of gothic horror, delivering his best television production yet in this thriller miniseries that reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s 19th-century American classics. Combining psychological horror, gruesome killings, and supernatural mystery, The Fall of the House of Usher is terrifying in every episode. The show’s well-knit story, suspended tension, remarkable visuals, and impeccable performances make it a horror miniseries masterpiece that is highly binge-worthy.

8

‘Beef’ (2023–Present)

Image via Netflix

A dark comedy anthology series created by Lee Sung Jin, Beef explores stories involving different characters that share common themes of rage, existential crises, and pressing psychosocial issues of the contemporary world. The first season centers on a road rage incident between a man and a woman that leads to deadly outcomes, while the second season follows a young couple who blackmail an older couple with a compromising video. The show features a new ensemble cast in each season as well, featuring Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and more.

With each season depicting a new story with a different set of characters, Beef makes for a perfect double feature for a weekend binge. The show is an exceptional social thriller that expertly shifts between black comedy, crime thriller, and personal drama, and its first season earned universal praise for the terrific performances of Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, as well as their fiery chemistry. A second season followed in April 2026. Both seasons are highly incisive and intriguing, going beyond exploring the “what” and diving deeper into the “why” of the human condition, and seeing past the chaos of its characters to the pathos within.

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Release Date

April 6, 2023

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Netflix

Showrunner

Lee Sung Jin

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Directors

Hikari, Jake Schreier, Kitao Sakurai, Lee Sung Jin

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Writers

Alice Ju

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The Met Gala is famously known as the Super Bowl of fashion. Why? Well, it’s one of the most exclusive (and stylish) social events in the world, and celebrities always go all out for the occasion on the red carpet.

Like the championship game, though, sometimes stars and their glam squads surprise Us with the unexpected — be it a never-before-seen hairstyle or a wildly unpredictable eye makeup.

Take Nicole Richie, for example. She commanded attention with gray-white hair at the 2013 soirée to fit the event’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” theme.

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Related: The 60 Most Iconic Met Gala Looks of the Decade: From Rihanna to Zendaya

The most iconic Met Gala looks of the last decade reveal a dramatic evolution on the red carpet, moving beyond beautiful couture to theatrical and theme-driven styles guaranteed to go viral. Rihanna made a regal arrival in a fur-trimmed Guo Pei gown with a cape in 2015 for the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme, […]

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Through the years, Met Gala beauty has gotten better and bolder. At the 2019 celebration, Billy Porter nailed the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme by transforming into what he said was an “Egyptian Sun God.”

In 2024, Doja Cat wowed fans with glitter teardrops streaming down her face for “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

Keep scrolling to see the boldest and most extra Met Gala beauty looks:

IShowSpeed sparked concern among fans after collapsing from apparent exhaustion while live-streaming during his Caribbean tour. The incident quickly spread across social media, with viewers reacting in real time as the moment unfolded.

Related: How Sweet! IShowSpeed Blesses Supporter In St. Lucia After Hearing About His Family’s Financial Struggles (VIDEOS)

IShowSpeed Speaks Out After Fainting During Stream In Sint Maarten

On Wednesday, April 29, Speed was near the end of an over 12-hour stream before fainting and being carried away from the cameras by his security team. The unexpected moment immediately alarmed viewers, prompting concerns that flooded the live chat and social media. Moments after gaining composure, Speed returned to the stream, explaining that his “body was being weird”. He apologized for the scare, reassuring his fans that he was okay despite the intense moment.

Social Media Reacts

Fans and followers shared their thoughts, with many expressing concern over Speed’s well-being and the pace of his recent travels in The Shade Room Teens comment section.

Instagram user @cj_socool wrote, “Prayers for speed 🙌 his love for the game is inspirational”

Another Instagram user @quilladgaf wrote, “That boy on overdrive”

While Instagram user @birthofmedusa wrote, “Am I tripping or he don’t look the same”

Instagram user @kennkashhhh wrote, “That’s too much on his body. All that in a day is crazy. 4 countries?? In one day?? That means you been constantly moving all day 😩🤦🏽‍♀️”

Another Instagram user @tajeedabratt_ wrote, “That look like a heat stroke”

While Instagram user @keke_shana90 wrote, “Nah yo body is saying chill you better listen”

Instagram user @773ashleymarie_ wrote, “He works so hard for his supporters ❤️ glad he’s doing okay”

Another Instagram user @czaigany wrote, “probably shouldn’t have visited all those islands in one day 🤷🏽‍♀️”

While Instagram user @iiiluvdess wrote, “He need a break ngl”

Speed Breaks World Record Visiting 5 Countries In One Day

The incident occurred during what Speed described as a historic streaming challenge. On Wednesday, April 29, he went live with the goal of visiting five countries in a single day as part of his Caribbean tour. During the stream, he traveled to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. “This is a blessing. We made it happen,” Speed said during the stream. “We made history, baby! Five countries in one day!” he said in a clip.

@juhsclips

IShowSpeed has officially visited 5 countries in 1 day🤯 #ishowspeed #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #viral

♬ original sound – JustClips

Related: IShowSpeed Faces Lawsuit After Company Alleges He Attacked And Damaged Viral ‘Rizzbot’ Robot

Whether or not you’re including Brenda Song on your Disney Mount Rushmore doesn’t discount the fact that she’s a millennial icon — and fashion one, too. Long before she ever uttered the word “PRNDL” on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, the actress rocked the cool-girl outfits of our Y2K dreams in Get a Clue and Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior. In 2026, her style is still just as enviable. The mom of two was spotted wearing stylish Adidas sneakers while visiting Legoland with her partner, Macaulay Culkin. Aside from the sneakers’ budget-friendly price tag, her footwear choice is extra flattering for petites.

Song is just 5’2″, so while her celebrity tall-girl counterparts (including Taylor Swift and Katie Holmes) are loving Adidas Sambas, the Running Point star went with the platformed alternative, the Adidas Sambae. The white and black-striped shoe is still just as versatile and sleek as the OG, but its 1 1/4″ rubber sole adds a subtle height boost, which is a welcome detail for those on the shorter side.

Get the Adidas Sambae Sneaker for $110 at Nordstrom!

The rest of the shoe still feels completely classic — it’s made of leather, laces up and features that famous ‘T-toe’ design that makes the Samba a hit. You also don’t have to settle for Song’s color choice, since the same style comes in black with white stripes as well as embellished and vibrant varieties, allowing you to find something that suits you best.

Related: Hilary Duff Wore the Adidas Sneakers Taylor Swift Is Also a Fan of

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There are some fashion finds so good that even celebrities can’t resist getting in on the trend — and that’s exactly the case with the Adidas Sambas. They’re an everyday shoe that has earned its spot as the everyday shoe. Hilary Duff wore them recently, and Taylor Swift is even a fan of the timeless […]

What doesn’t change, however, are all the glowing reviews, which show that these kicks are more than just a celeb-approved piece.

“Really cute and more comfortable than I expected!” one person admitted. “A quality shoe that seems like it will hold up for a very long time.”

Others did note that sizing runs big (it’s technically unisex, so double-check before ordering!), but overall, they said they loved the look and how easy the shoes were to style.

“Super cute,” another shopper wrote. “I wear an 8 (9-5/8” insole) but knew these ran a whole size big, so I got the 7 and fit is great. Versatile everyday shoe. Even better if you’re a short girl like me!”

Song went casual for her outing, pairing the sneakers with a simple white tank and green striped boxer shorts (a combo we’re totally recreating this summer). However, the platform pick is the perfect choice for elongating your legs in a midi dress or styling with jeans — especially if they’re kinda long and you forgot to visit the tailor.

Whether you’ve been lusting after Song’s looks for longer than you’d care to admit or are only now discovering her impeccable style, one thing’s for sure: she’s got the scoop on winning options for those under 5’3″. Grab her petite-approved sneakers now, and keep your eye peeled for her next short-girl-friendly outfit!

Get the Adidas Sambae Sneaker for $110 at Nordstrom!

Related: Kate Mara Wore the Spring-Ready Dress Style That Flatters Petites

While we often rely on celebrities for outfit inspiration, those of Us of shorter stature have to keep one thing in mind whenever we love a look: most of our favorite fashion icons are actually kind of tall. Nicole Kidman is 5’11”, Katie Holmes is 5’9″ and even Meghan Markle is a perfectly average 5’6″. So, naturally, when […]