While The Expanse began life on the Syfy network, it was cancelled after three seasons and eventually picked up by Prime Video for three more seasons before its finale. While Prime Video has always been a home for expansive science fiction and fantasy shows like The Wheel of Time and The Man in the High Castle, picking up The Expanse did a huge service to the show, which took its time finding an audience beyond book readers who knew the series.

Like the massively successful Game of Thrones, The Expanse adapted a wildly complex series and made it accessible to the masses. While taking place officially in our solar system, the show and novels are really about the far reaches of the solar system, and the three-way struggle between the citizens of Mars, Earth, and the outer reaches of the asteroid belt (who are known as Belters). Like Game of Thrones, the worldbuilding is so airtight and efficient that viewers will rarely need to ask anything in the initial setup.

‘The Expanse’ Featured a Massive Cast and Scope

Like the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Expanse book series relies on numerous point-of-view characters to help convey the action and information across its settings. It also benefits from being the right level of hard sci-fi. Like the Stargate film and television series and its use of a titular portal between galactic addresses, The Expanse’s universe is powered by the so-called Epstein Drive, which essentially allows for interplanetary travel. One ship capable of traveling is the Rocinante, piloted by James Holden (Steven Strait), Amos Burton (Wes Chatham), and others.

The event that kicks off The Expanse is the kidnapping of Julie Mao (Florence Faivre). If Game of Thrones found its inciting incident when Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) pushed young Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) out of a tower window, Julie Mao’s kidnapping — triggered in part by her status as a Belt operative — leads slowly to the uncovering of a conspiracy that could tear apart the fragile peace of the solar system. While Julie comes from a wealthy family, her participation in fighting with the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance) shows that in the universe of The Expanse, no amount of high-tech space travel can unravel class division. Due to gravitational changes and exploitative sweatshop conditions, the Belters suffer from difficult ailments. Tasked with locating Julie is Belt detective Joe Miller (Thomas Jane), a roughened, cynical detective on the dwarf planet of Ceres.

Across All Six Seasons, ‘The Expanse’ Charts a Unique and Timely Political Atmosphere

While the detective chase that kicks off the show wraps up at the end of the first season (based pretty faithfully on the first half of the Corey book Leviathan Wakes) when Miller has converged with the path of the Rocinante, it’s a good storytelling device that helps to introduce the viewer to the world of The Expanse. The book series, including full novels and short stories, continued to be adapted by the show until its sixth and final season, leading to the exploration of a vast universe not far off from the impressive scale the Stargate universe (from SG-1 to SGU) that goes far beyond the more basic genre thrills of Miller’s exploration. Season 2’s “Paradigm Shift” episode even goes so far as to show Solomon Epstein’s creation of the Drive that becomes the engine for the whole series.

With The Expanse, viewers get the vastness of a fully realized sci-fi universe and the political depth of a show with a great deal on its mind. Its deep dive into a solar system on the brink of all-out war made it one of the richest shows of its kind between Battlestar Galactica and Andor, and great characters like Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) show the lengths to which propaganda plays a part in wartime, while the extremist Marco Inaros (Keon Alexander) gave the series a wildly compelling antagonist. And thanks to the show’s Prime Video pickup, even the final book set in the initial era, Babylon’s Ashes, was adapted to a truncated last season.

Jameela Jamil is addressing criticism of her recent comments about Ariana Grande following the release of the singer’s latest music video, “Petal.” The singer’s appearance sparked major concern, and Jamil was among those who voiced their opinion. The actress has since defended her remarks, saying they were intended to express concern rather than criticize the pop star.

On July 31, Ariana Grande released the music video for her new song “Petal,” which sparked online discussion about the singer’s apparent weight loss. Per The Blast, the singer’s fans expressed concern over her health due to her gaunt appearance.

“The Good Place” actress Jameela Jamil joined the online discourse and replied on model Charli Howard’s Instagram post discussing Grande’s look. “This poor woman is possibly dying right in front of us,” Jamil wrote, adding that the singer’s team was “thoroughly irresponsible” for glamorizing her thin frame.

While many agreed with Jamil and Howard, there were a few who called out the actress for body-shaming and speaking about the singer’s weight publicly, especially since Grande previously requested that people stop making comments about her body.

The Actress Stood By What She Said

Following some backlash, Jamil posted a lengthy reply and said people missed the point of her message and turned what she said into a “b-tch fight.”

“I feel extremely bad for Ariana having almost died of anorexia myself. And it was only due to the people around me intervening INSENSITIVELY once I willfully ignored (and sort of enjoyed) their careful concern, that I survived,” Jamil wrote.

“Everyone is killing her by normalizing this. Silence is complicity when it gets this far,” Jamil continued, citing musician Karen Carpenter, who died of complications from anorexia in 1983 at 32 years old.

It’s important to note, however, that Grande has never publicly stated that she has anorexia or any other eating disorder. Experts also say that a diagnosis cannot be made based on physical appearance alone.

Jameela Jamil Discussed Mental Health And Eating Disorders

On Instagram Stories, the actress commented on the issue further, sharing the pros and cons of speaking about body image and calling it a “trolley problem,” referring to the ethical thought experiment created by a philosopher in 1967.

In the scenario, participants were asked whether they would pull a lever to divert a runaway train onto a track where one person was. If they chose not to pull the lever, the train would continue on its original track, where it would hit five people instead.

“If we comment on her body, we could harm her mental health, which would be awful and nobody wants that. If we don’t comment on her body, we run the risk of normalizing that image to hundreds of millions of teenage girls, kids and even impressionable adults consuming her content,” Jamil wrote.

The actress shared that it has been 10 years since she recovered from anorexia, and she still suffers from the effects of malnutrition. “You are not alone,” she added.

The Actress Spoke Out About ‘Extreme Thinness’ In Hollywood

In November 2025, Jamil took to TikTok and expressed her frustration over Hollywood glamorizing “extreme thinness,” pointing out that many in the business, no matter the age, have their ribs and hip bones “jutting out.”

Advertisement

She said she wasn’t body-shaming anyone, but rather expressing concern about the resurgence of the ultra-thin beauty ideal. “I’m incredibly worried about my peers. Every event I go to, when I hug people, it feels like they’re gonna snap in my hands,” Jamil said.

Following her attendance at BAFTA events in February, Jamil spoke out on Instagram, saying women at the awards show were “scarily thin.” “I resent this beauty standard being pushed on everyone, I resent the obedience of my industry,” she wrote.

Ariana Grande Will Be Taking A Break

Amid the public’s concern about her health, Grande announced, via her representative, that she would be taking a much-needed break after her tour wraps up in September, as The Blast reported. Many assumed she decided to step away from the spotlight after the intense public scrutiny.

During her performance in Chicago on August 3, however, the singer discussed her choice in front of her fans, saying that it wasn’t driven by recent events. Instead, she revealed she made the decision “a long time ago.”

“I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f-ck opposite,” Grande said, per Billboard.

Advertisement

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. are proving that couples who sweat together, stay together with their latest PDA-filled workout session.

Gellar, 49, revealed via her Instagram Story on Monday, August 3, that shortly after she returned to the U.S. from a European getaway she attended a workout class with her No. 1 fan and husband, 50.

“Also got this handsome guy to workout with me today,” she captioned the snap, which featured Gellar and Prinze Jr. snuggling up after their exercise class hosted by ALO.

The Polaroid-style black-and-white pictures instantly transported Us to the ‘90s, when Gellar and Prinze were the it-couple both on and off-screen.

Related: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. Work Up a Sweat Together

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. aren’t just husband and wife — they’re workout buddies, too. Gellar, 48, took to her Instagram Story on Friday, July 11, to share a video of her and Prinze Jr., 49, exercising together at Alo gym. To the tune of Boston’s “More Than a Feeling,” the pair did […]

In the first snap, Prinze made a goofy smiley face while Gellar puckered up for a fishy face. The middle picture showed Prinze looking lovingly at his wife as she tried to make him laugh with her own silly facial expression.

Prinze opted for a kissy/fishy pucker in the final photo, while the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum smiled big for the camera.

The couple were dressed down for the occasion, with Gellar in a white Alo tank top and Prinze in a white tee.

Prinze reposted Gellar’s Polaroid picture via his own Instagram Story on Monday. The sweet PDA-filled moment comes nearly 24 years after they tied the knot in September 2002.

The actors met on the set of 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, cementing their bond with a series of roadtrips.

“She didn’t have a driver’s license. She didn’t know how to drive,” Prinze exclusively told Us in April 2020 recalling how he initially connected with Gellar. “And we were shooting in Southport, North Carolina, which was an hour’s drive from the nearest Wilmington, which was the biggest city that was closest to us. … So, I started driving her, and that’s when her and I became friends.”

The She’s All That actor noted that the pair talked about “life” and their “completely different philosophies on just about everything.”

“By the end of the movie, I just wanted to be friends with her because I thought she was too skinny and I wanted to cook for her. Because that’s what my family does,” Prinze revealed. “And so, we started this weekly barbecue thing at her house, and me and my cousins would come over and cook food for her and her friends. And then we’d make sure everybody ate, and that was kind of how our friendship began.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Sarah Michelle Gellar: Spoiling Movies ‘Almost’ Hurt My Marriage to Freddie

While Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. have been together for more than 20 years, it all nearly fell apart over movie spoilers. “We’re about 20 minutes into [The Sixth Sense] and I said something, just like it popped up [in my head], like, ‘Is that [this actor]?” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, 45, said […]

Gellar and Prinze went on to tie the knot in 2002 and welcomed their daughter, Charlotte, seven years later. Their son, Rocky, was born in 2009.

In addition to working together in I Know What You Did Last Summer, Gellar had a brief cameo in 1999’s She’s All That in which Prinze played the lead.

They reunited on the big screen in 2002’s Scooby-Doo and its sequel Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed two years later. In 2022, the pair made separate cameras in Clerks III.

Despite its heavy subject matter, there is a reason why Hulu’s Furious doesn’t show Marshall physically abusing Alice in graphic detail.

“So much of the violence that Marshall has inflicted upon Alice is spoken about but not seen,” Jake Lacy exclusively tells Us. “I honestly think it’s maybe more impactful in that way because you certainly, as a reader, for me — or as a viewer — can imagine that visceral experience and then see the guy who’s done it is shocking.”

The actor, 40, says the show benefits from having Marshall try to make amends, adding, “If we just show you all of it, then we’ve defined it for you and you don’t get to participate. It’s always more interesting when it lives in your mind.”

Though the moments of abuse don’t make it on screen, Lacy clarifies that there are no questions about Marshall’s behavior.

“There are scenes where you see him explode and I don’t feel one way or the other about it,” he continues. “I’m just trying to fulfill what’s on the page and this character, so that hopefully, if my piece is as real as it can be, then it plays into the rest of this wonderful story that Liz has written.”

Pulling inspiration from the 1987 film Black Widow, creator Elizabeth Meriwether explores dark themes of abuse and human trafficking in Furious through the eyes of several complex — and often imperfect — characters.

Furious, which airs Mondays, follows FBI agent Alice (Emmy Rossum) as she hunts for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer, played by Lola Petticrew, who targets men who prey on girls.

Alice’s relationship with ex Marshall (Lacy), who was physically abusive to her in the past, is also a central focus.

“I was really fortunate [in] the first 10 years of my career to play good guys and good boyfriends, and often that was to complete someone else’s arc,” Lacy shares. “And I really liked The Talented Mr. Ripley where with Matt Damon, you understand him and know where he’s coming from and see his pain or desire. But also, then he does these terrible things.”

Lacy appreciates having the chance to push himself as an actor.

“I just wanted the opportunity to do that,” he tells Us. “So I’ve gotten what I wished for. And now people are like, ‘You’re just playing guys where you’re not a safe person to be around.’ So we’ll see. We’ll see if it swings back — but working on good material is always the goal.”

The crime drama, which also stars Scoot McNairy and Quincy Tyler Bernstine, relies on twists and turns that even the characters don’t see coming. Petticrew, 30, specifically, had their work cut out for them while exploring a murderous character who seeks revenge after years of sexual abuse.

For the actor, that meant finding the balance between fact and fiction.

“You have to toe the line between doing the research that you need to do without exploiting people who’ve been through what our characters have been through,” they explain to Us. “So it was really delicate work.”

Petticrew also made an effort not to bring work home, adding, “You have to be able to go in and do your best work and you can’t do that if you let the work eat away at you. Our cast [was] so phenomenal and we kept each other’s spirits up. Our crew is also just absolutely phenomenal.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Before jumping into the role, Petticrew did the necessary research.

“Liz pointed me in the direction of a lot of amazing things to read and videos to watch. You have to toe the line between doing the research that you need to do without exploiting people who’ve been through what our characters have been through,” they continue. “So it was really delicate work. But I am also lucky enough that a lot of this stuff is already there in the page because Liz Meriwether is so incredibly talented.”

Furious airs Mondays on Hulu.

This week, Tessa Coates’s action-comedy Ride or Die continues its dominance at the top of Prime Video’s TV rankings. Starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, the series takes viewers on a fun, action-packed journey. It follows two best friends who are forced to go on the run when one of them is revealed to be an international assassin. The show has been wildly popular with subscribers ever since it first premiered in July, but in case that’s not quite what you’re in the mood for, there’s still a lot more to explore on the platform. Here’s a look at three great shows that we think you should binge on Prime Video this week.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Prime Video.

1

‘Make It or Break It’ (2009–2012)

Inspired by the 2006 teen comedy-drama film Stick It, Make It or Break It is a teen drama series created by Holly Sorensen that follows the lives of gymnasts aspiring to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games. Ayla Kell, Josie Loren, Cassie Scerbo, and Chelsea Hobbs star as elite-level gymnasts training at a gym called “The Rock” whose lives take an unexpected turn when their head coach is blackmailed into moving to a rival gym. Candace Cameron Bure, Neil Jackson, Anthony Starke, Peri Gilpin, Susan Ward, Johnny Pacar, and Dondré Whitfield star in other main cast roles.

With its combination of likable characters, classic TV drama, and thrilling gymnastics displays, Make It or Break It was a hit with both critics and audiences during its original broadcast on ABC Family. The series aired for three seasons in total, with the third and final season wrapping up just ahead of the real-life Olympics. An engaging sports drama series with winning performances, the show may not be quite as widely known these days, but it’s certainly worth a watch, and it also earned several accolades in its day.

2

‘Good Omens’ (2019–2026)

Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens is a fantasy comedy series that explores the millennia-spanning relationship between mild-mannered angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and his demon counterpart, Crowley (David Tennant). The first season follows the two unlikely friends as they try to find the Antichrist and prevent the end of the world. The second season, which goes beyond the original novel, follows the duo’s attempts to protect an amnesiac Archangel Gabriel (John Hamm) from both Heaven and Hell, culminating in the extended finale that is Season 3.

Praised by critics and fans, Good Omens is a brilliant book adaptation that successfully captures both the intelligence and ridiculousness of its source material. The series has earned high acclaim for its performances, art, faithfulness to the novel, and musical score, which earned composer David Arnold two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Anchored by Sheen and Tennant’s odd-couple chemistry and perfect comedic timing, the show unfolds a fascinating combination of religious and philosophical themes, irreverent humor, and fantastical visuals, delivering laughs and heartwarming moments in equal measure.

3

‘Scarpetta’ (2026–Present)

Adapted from Patricia Cornwell‘s best-selling crime novels featuring the titular forensic pathologist, Scarpetta is a crime thriller series developed by Liz Sarnoff that stars Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta. The show follows the brilliant medical examiner as she employs advanced forensic technology to solve a crime that ties back to her past. The series also stars Bobby Cannavale, Jamie Lee Curtis, Simon Baker, and Ariana DeBose in main roles.

A well-crafted crime procedural that avoids the usual genre tropes, Scarpetta is essentially a prestige psychological thriller that blends complex criminal investigations with heavy personal drama. Anchored by the stellar performances, particularly those by Kidman, Lee Curtis, and Cannavale, it’s a compelling show that keeps you hooked with its strong writing and atmospheric settings. Though the critical reception has been somewhat mixed, the show has proven quite popular with audiences, and a second season is currently in the pipeline.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

March 11, 2026

Network

Prime Video

Advertisement

Showrunner

Elizabeth Sarnoff

Advertisement

Directors

David Gordon Green, Charlotte Brändström

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ariana Grande is speaking directly to her fans after a spokesperson for the pop star revealed her plans to take a step back from the public eye amid online scrutiny and concern over her body.

“See you tonight, my sweethearts!!!” Grande, 33, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, August 3, referring to ticket holders for her sold-out show in Chicago. “I cannot wait and I love you so.”

Grande also included a clip of her performing her song “Stay” at a previous Eternal Sunshine Tour show.

The singer is scheduled to perform her first show in Chicago on Monday evening at the United Center. Grande has a total of three shows in the Windy City before she jets across the pond to the O2 Arena in London next week.

Related: Ariana Grande Cries on Stage After ‘Overwhelming’ Performance

Ariana Grande got very emotional during a performance in Los Angeles. “Thank you so much, oh, my God. L.A., thank you so much,” Grande, 32, said in footage from the second of four performances at Crypto.com Arena for her Eternal Sunshine Tour. “Are you kidding? What the hell? I’ve never in my life experienced a […]

Over the weekend, Grande’s spokesperson announced that the Grammy winner will be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.”

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the spokesperson said in a statement to People on Sunday, August 2. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

Grande’s hiatus will begin after she wraps up the tour on September 1 after performing 10 shows in London. The actress will also no longer appear in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George opposite her Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey. The producers behind the highly-anticipated adaptation shared their support for Grande following the announcement.

“Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George,” Sunday in the Park With George’s official X account shared via a written statement on Sunday. “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.”

The musical added that the show’s summer 2027 opening will continue as planned and Grande’s replacement will be named at a later date.

Related: Ariana Grande Doesn’t Invite Criticism of Her Appearance Anymore

Ariana Grande has heard it all about her body, and she’s had enough. The Wicked star recently appeared on the web series Oui Oui Baguette where she vented about the body shaming she has faced since first entering the public eye as a teenager. “I’ve been doing this in front of the public, and kind […]

News of Grande’s break came two days after she released her eight studio album Petal. In addition to releasing the record, Grande dropped a music video for her song of the same name. The “Petal” music video stirred instant controversy online as social media users shared their criticism and concern over Grande’s thin frame.

Grande has yet to publicly comment on the online discourse or the break. Us previously reached out to comment but did not hear back.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Amid the discourse, the pop star’s mother, Joan Grande, showed her support for her daughter.

“You are magnificent… and this video is incredible!! I love it and I love you more!!!” Joan replied to an Instagram post Ariana shared of behind-the-scenes moments from the “Petal” music video set.

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

The original Ghosts is coming back one last time, and for once, a TV movie feels like exactly the right idea. Ghosts: The Possession of Button House reunites the creators, writers, and cast behind one of Britain’s funniest sitcoms for a feature-length adventure arriving this October. After five seasons and a Christmas finale that gave the series a satisfying sendoff, there’s room for one more visit to Button House.

That doesn’t mean every version of Ghosts should follow suit. The CBS adaptation has become one of network television’s most reliable comedies in its own right, but it’s also in a completely different place creatively. While the BBC series is returning after a deliberate ending, the American version is still building new stories, expanding its mythology, and finding fresh combinations for its ensemble. A movie would feel like it was trying to keep up with the original.

The BBC’s Movie Feels Like a Reunion, Not a Franchise Obligation

Image via BBC One

One reason the British film immediately feels justified is the people making it. Ghosts was never the product of a rotating writers’ room chasing the next season. It came from the comedy troupe behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland, with Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond writing the series while also playing many of its most memorable ghosts. That same creative team is returning for The Possession of Button House, making the film feel less like a corporate extension of a successful brand and more like old friends getting the band back together.

Plenty of television shows outstay their welcome because they keep going even after their stories have already ended. Ghosts did the opposite. It bowed out on its own terms, giving Alison (Charlotte Ritchie), Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), and the residents of Button House a heartfelt farewell before stepping away. A movie now is simply revisiting that ending.

The American Series Still Works Best as a Weekly Sitcom

Image via Bertrand Calmeau/CBS

CBS’s Ghosts doesn’t need that kind of encore because it hasn’t reached its finale. With another season on the way and more already planned, the American adaptation is still introducing characters, developing relationships, and expanding the rules of its supernatural world. Pete’s (Richie Moriarty) ability to travel beyond the property, Alberta’s (Danielle Pinnock) murder mystery, Isaac’s (Brandon Scott Jones) romance, Jay’s (Utkarsh Ambudkar) restaurant, Trevor’s (Asher Grodman) family, and the show’s ever-growing collection of ghosts all point to a sitcom that’s still finding new stories inside its premise.

Both versions revolve around people from wildly different eras being forced to share the same house, but the comedy rarely comes from enormous supernatural events. It comes from arguments over chores, awkward dinner parties, weddings gone wrong, business problems, and centuries-old personalities refusing to compromise. The ghosts are eccentric roommates who happen to be dead, and stretching that formula to feature length risks solving a problem the series doesn’t actually have.

Possession Isn’t Enough To Justify a Feature Film

Image via Bertrand Calmeau/CBS

The British movie’s title naturally raises questions about possession, and it’s easy to imagine the American version borrowing a similar idea if it ever headed to theaters. The problem is that CBS has already explored that territory, as possession has appeared multiple times throughout the show’s run, particularly during its holiday episodes, so building an entire movie around that concept wouldn’t feel like a major evolution. Bigger stakes don’t automatically make a better Ghosts story, especially when the series has consistently delivered its funniest episodes through smaller, character-driven conflicts.

A feature film also creates pressure to justify its own existence. Suddenly, there has to be a threat larger than anything seen on television, a mystery grander than any in previous seasons, or emotional stakes that somehow top everything before it. The charm of Ghosts has always been watching centuries of history collide over everyday inconveniences. Trying to inflate that formula could easily strip away the intimacy that makes the sitcom so consistently funny. The BBC version has earned the chance to say goodbye one more time because it already knew how to say goodbye once. The CBS series hasn’t reached that point, and that’s a good thing. It’s still one of broadcast television’s strongest ensemble comedies because it isn’t running on nostalgia. Every season adds another relationship, another piece of ghost lore, or another reminder that the mansion is full of people whose stories are far from over.

If the American adaptation eventually reaches a natural conclusion years from now, maybe a reunion movie will make just as much sense as Button House’s final adventure. Right now, though, it would feel less like an organic continuation and more like an attempt to mirror the original’s next move. The British Ghosts deserves one last haunting because it finished the story first. The American version should keep doing what it already does better than almost anyone else on network television: inviting viewers back every week instead of asking them to buy a movie ticket.

The fantasy genre continues to thrive in the 2020s, especially in the realm of literature. Great books keep coming out, many of them indebted to the classics and many breaking new ground through inventive worldbuilding, compelling characters, rich prose, and exhilarating action. Still, some books are better than others, that much is true, and in the last decade or so, no fantasy book has been better than The Will of the Many.

Written by Australian author James Islington, The Will of the Many is fantasy on a truly epic scale. The worldbuilding borrows from the real-world Roman Republic to construct its dystopian vision, and the result is truly fascinating. Powered by Islington’s detailed, evocative, atmospheric prose, a complex but creative power system, and one of the most intriguing and layered protagonists we’ve seen in a minute, The Will of the Many is a genuine treat for fantasy lovers that ranks among the best genre books of the 21st century.

What Is ‘The Will of the Many’ About?

The Will of the Many is set in a world reeling from a devastating cataclysm that took place 300 years before the start of the story. Over the last century or so, the Catenan Republic has conquered most of the known world using technology from the ancient civilizations. The Hierarchy is a structure that uses people’s physical and mental energy, known as Will. The structure ranges from the Octavi, the lowest class where each individual cedes half of their Will and receives none in return, to the Princepts, the upper echelon that benefits from the Will of about 400 men and cedes none of it.

Our story centers on Vis, a tortured teenager of about 17 and a runaway hiding in the Catenan Republic, working in the brutal prisons while living in an orphanage. To save money, Vis also participates in underworld fights, hoping to escape from the Hierarchy altogether. One fateful night, he attracts the attention of Magnus Quintus Ulciscor, a powerful Senator who offers Vis a chance to not only escape his situation but also potentially, albeit eventually, evade having to cede any of his Will. Thus, Vis embarks on a dangerous assignment that will throw him into a world of conspiracy and danger. That’s the gist of it, at least without giving any major plot points away, and believe me, there’s a lot to give away regarding Ulciscor’s motives and Vis’ backstory.

‘The Will of the Many’ Has the Best Worldbuilding in Modern Fantasy

Image via Saga Press

Advertisement

From the get-go, what traps you about The Will of the Many is Islington’s intricate and careful worldbuilding. The author opts for a slow and deliberate approach, introducing new bits of lore as the story progresses rather than doing it all at once. Yes, there are a few info dumps, especially in the early chapters, but it’s understandable: the world that Islington is building here is layered, made up of several moving parts, each with a specific reason behind it. Crucially, it’s never complicated to understand; even at its most technical, the worldbuilding of The Will of the Many is compelling and, above all, interesting.

By dosing the details of the Hierarchy’s larger operation and institutions, Islington compels you to learn more about its dynamics and subtleties, questioning its many moving parts and where they fit in Vis’ overarching story. For example, from early on, you know there’s a Senate, but you don’t get to see it or learn of its purpose until well past the book’s first act. Similarly, you discover the existence of a rebel group, but its motives and role in the plot don’t become clear until halfway through the book. This approach also fits thematically, as the book raises questions about the nature of oppression and what people are willing to accept and ignore in favor of a sense of belonging.

The inspiration in the Roman Republic also makes The Will of the Many stand out above the many other great fantasy books out there. The Republic laid the foundation for so much of contemporary civilization, so it’s actually kind of shocking that few previous books have used it as an inspiration. Here, Islington embraces the visual language of what we commonly relate to the Republic — columns, pillars, togas, tunics, specific constructions, and even gladiators — with the tropes and archetypes typical to its organization — titles, an emphasis on military and religion, and heavy inequality.

Lastly, there’s the book’s main gimmick and attraction: the Will, Islington’s equivalent of magic that adds the more mystical aspect of what would otherwise be a tense political thriller. The idea of Will is not only creative but suitably ruthless for this unforgiving world. It’s not exactly magic per se; rather, it features aspects of science through the Aurora Columnae, the pre-Cataclysm artifacts that allow people to cede their Will. On a certain level, Will also adopts conventions from the superhero genre — not by using traditional notions of good-versus-evil but rather in the way it’s used and the numerous applications it can have.

‘The Will of the Many’ Is Epic Fantasy Done Right

Image via Gallery / Saga Press

The Will of the Many is probably the most creative and atmospheric fantasy novel of the last decade. The plot itself is quite riveting, offering a classic coming-of-age tale against a background of political intricacies, lies, and changing allegiances — think of it as John Le Carré meets Rome with a dash of Prince of Thorns and a hint of The Secret History. It’s such a unique mix of elements that shouldn’t work in theory, and the fact that Islington managed to pull it off is nothing short of spectacular considering how easily it could’ve failed; just ask Francis Ford Coppola.

If you’re a lover of political fantasy in larger-than-life worlds that defy the imagination, then The Will of the Many is the book for you. The plot is streamlined but detailed and atmospheric, and Vis is an intriguing protagonist with a rich inner world that’s often in conflict with his ruthless surroundings. Few fantasy novels, much less movies or TV shows, of the last decade come close to the level of bold creativity here. There’s already a movie adaptation in the works, but as we all know, the book is almost always better.

In the streaming age, traditional TV dramas have embraced all genres, with dark, gritty detective shows and supernatural thrillers among the most popular. Since the anthology series’ debut, True Detective has been lauded as one of the best shows of recent years, with the first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson being widely regarded as one of the greatest seasons of television ever. Elsewhere, Supernatural, starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, with its 15-season run, embraced the monster-of-the-week formula, building a massive fanbase along the way. While both of these shows are successful in their own right, one popular series that premiered before them and feels like a combination of the two helped pave the way: The X-Files.

Helping to launch the mainstream careers of Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, The X-Files brings the moody, noir investigations, philosophical themes, and sense of dread of True Detective and combines them with the paranormal stories of Supernatural and creates something truly memorable. More than 30 years after it first debuted, The X-Files remains one of the most popular and influential series ever made, and the perfect watch for anyone looking to scratch that sci-fi thriller itch. With a reboot from Ryan Coogler on the way, there’s no better time to watch.

‘The X-Files’ Is a Detective Series Before It’s Science Fiction

Despite its sterling reputation as a pillar of science fiction, The X-Files works best as a detective show. With nearly every episode beginning with a mysterious disappearance, murder, or unexplained phenomenon, Mulder and Scully are brought in to investigate after the local authorities cannot crack the case. As members of the FBI’s X-Files division, they investigate cases that seem impossible to explain, which are often supernatural in nature. Much like True Detective, The X-Files tackles not just criminal investigations but also much larger questions about faith and morality. These themes are anchored by a pair of detectives with opposing ideas of right and wrong.

The opposing philosophies of Mulder and Scully help elevate every case, taking it beyond a police procedural. As part of a larger narrative about alien life, Mulder is keen to believe in the extraordinary, while Scully insists every mystery has a logical solution. Some of the more memorable moments of True Detective were the discussions between Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, with their style mirroring Mulder and Scully in many ways. Cohle looks beyond the rational, while Hart is more grounded. The X-Files knew that developing their detective characters and refining how the investigations unfold was of the utmost importance even before showcasing what that week’s villain would be.

‘The X-Files’ Perfected the Monster-of-the-Week Formula

While True Detective took inspiration from Mulder and Scully, Supernatural embraced the Monster-of-the-Week episodic strategy that The X-Files perfected. As a part of The X-Files‘ overarching narrative of government conspiracies and alien invasion, Mulder and Scully would investigate mysterious and paranormal happenings including shape-shifters, parasitic creatures, curses, and ancient legends. Every week brought forth a new nightmare for the audience. It’s easy to see how comparisons to Supernatural became impossible to ignore.

Like Sam and Dean Winchester, Mulder and Scully’s cross-country travels investigating the impossible became part of both shows’ charm. Every town hides a new horror, every abandoned building conceals a mystery, and every episode continues to build on the shows’ rich lore. However, the major difference between the two shows is in the perspective. The X-Files leans heavily on the mystery of the causes, with Mulder believing the weird and Scully remaining cautious. On Supernatural, Sam and Dean know that evil lurks everywhere; they expect to encounter the strange every episode. On the other hand, The X-Files proves that the mystery of what lies in the dark is part of the terror. Not knowing what the reason behind the “monster-of-the-week” only heightens the tension and ups the horror.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that The X-Files has had on modern television. It’s not just True Detective and Supernatural that have taken hints from it, but other series like 24, Fringe, Evil, and numerous others have utilized the roadmap that The X-Files created. It’s especially relevant in the modern TV landscape, given that conspiracy and mythology-heavy narratives on television have become more popular. While this storytelling style didn’t begin with The X-Files, the series showed that horror television could be smart without sacrificing entertainment.

Fans of True Detective will appreciate those haunting investigations and existential themes, and Supernatural fanatics will immediately latch onto the monster-of-the-week narratives. Both series feel like descendants of The X-Files, a show that continues to stand the test of time years since it went off the air.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

June 19, 1998

Runtime

121 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Rob Bowman

Advertisement

• 
• 
• 

  Mitch Pileggi

  Advertisement

  Assistant Director Walter Skinner

• 

  William B. Davis

  The Cigarette-Smoking Man

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Taylor Swift’s homemade sourdough left an impression on Tate McRae before she even took a bite. The “Sports Car” singer revealed that Swift previously sent her a freshly baked loaf, continuing the pop superstar’s growing tradition of gifting bread to her famous friends. However, it was not only the sourdough that caught McRae’s attention. The entire basket smelled so good that it left her wondering what perfume Swift wears.

5

Tate McRae and Justin Bieber reportedly headed to the private Manhattan club following the New York Knicks’ historic Game 4 victory. The pair spent the evening socializing with Swift, Sombr and sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim. By that point, McRae had already received one of Swift’s increasingly famous homemade sourdough loaves.

“The basket smelled amazing,” McRae told Variety, leaning forward as though she was sharing a secret. “I don’t know what perfume she wears, but I was like, ‘She must smell incredible.’”

McRae did not identify the fragrance or confirm whether the scent came directly from Swift’s perfume, the bread, or something else included in the basket. The gift nevertheless offered another glimpse into Swift’s habit of using baking to connect with the people in her inner circle. Swift has also reportedly baked for Sombr, the Haim sisters, and Selena Gomez.

Taylor Swift Says Sourdough Has ‘Taken Over’ Her Life

5

Fans learned more about Swift’s passion for baking during her August 13, 2025, appearance on “New Heights,” the podcast hosted by Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce.

Travis opened up about seeing the singer’s interests at home, including the hobby that had begun occupying a considerable amount of her time. “It’s been so fun to see what Taylor actually gets into around the house,” the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said.

Swift admitted that bread had become one of her most frequent conversation topics. “I’m really talking about bread 60% of the time now,” she joked.

Her baking experiments have reportedly included traditional sourdough, blueberry lemon, cinnamon swirl and cinnamon raisin varieties. “We’re very deep in a sourdough obsession that has taken over my life,” Swift said.

The singer acknowledged that her culinary interests tend to rotate, admitting she has “a different baking obsession every six months.” That prompted an appreciative response from Kelce, who declared, “I am the luckiest man in the world.”

Travis Kelce Supported Taylor Swift’s Baking Habit

5

Kelce later revealed that one of his most successful gifts to Swift was directly connected to her sourdough fixation. Rather than buying something flashy, the NFL star gave his future wife a practical tool that made it easier to enjoy her homemade creations. “I will say one of Tay’s favorite gifts that I got her was the bread slicer,” he shared.

Kelce joked that the appliance was necessary because of the amount of bread Swift had been making at home. “[I bought it] because she’s been throwing together so much f-cking sourdough,” he said. “Gosh, they’re the best gut healers. I love you, Tay.”

Tate McRae Attended Swift And Kelce’s Wedding

5

McRae’s friendship with Swift extended beyond bread baskets and celebrity nights out. In July, she joined the approximately 1,000 guests who watched Swift and Kelce exchange vows at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The superstar couple married on July 3 during an elaborate ceremony that brought together family members, musicians, actors and professional athletes.

Just weeks later, McRae returned to Los Angeles for another major sporting event, delivering the match ball at the opening of a FIFA World Cup game. She also attended Justin Bieber’s Skylrk World Cup party with Hailey Bieber following Spain’s title victory on July 19.

Hailey praised McRae’s ability to command attention as a performer while remaining grounded away from the stage. “I think she just stands out so distinctly,” Bieber said, per the Variety report. “You can’t help but want to listen and watch her. She works her a-s off. She’s making a clear mark.”

The model added that McRae’s personality makes her equally memorable in private. “Tate is as sweet as they come. I may be biased when I say I love a Canadian,” like her husband, “but I really do. She is salt of the earth, grounded and always fun to be around.”

Panera Celebrated Taylor Swift’s Wedding With Free Sourdough

5

Swift’s love of sourdough became part of the public celebration surrounding her marriage to Kelce. Days after their Madison Square Garden wedding, Panera announced a limited promotion called “The Loaf Story.”

On July 9, participating restaurants offered 13 complimentary sourdough loaves on a first-come, first-served basis. Only 13 were available at each participating location. Customers could also receive free bread-themed stickers featuring “cheeky loaf-inspired sayings.”

The promotion played off both Swift’s baking hobby and the massive attention surrounding her wedding. “Panera knows all too well that no loaf story is complete without sourdough,” the restaurant chain said in its release.

Between Kelce’s bread slicer, Panera’s giveaway and McRae’s fragrant gift basket, Swift’s sourdough obsession has continued to make headlines.