Shazam! star Zachary Levi is detailing the confusion and commotion that occurred inside the Washington Hilton ballroom as shots rang out during this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“We were sitting at the table and there was some loud banging that definitely caught my attention,” Levi, 45, told USA Today on Saturday, April 25. The actor was sitting at USA Today’s table along with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and his wife, Kelly Johnson.

“In the back of my head I thought, you know, jokingly thinking, ‘That kind of sounds like gunshots.’ But that wasn’t necessarily confirmed,” Levi continued. “It could have been some things in the hallway, some tables that were falling, that were banging down. I don’t know.”

The actor added, “The next thing we saw, everybody started to turn and drop. There was commotion. Everybody started to kind of hide under tables and the Secret Service were pouring in and trying to get to anyone of importance — anyone in the administration, any legislators, including the president. They were getting them all out of there as quickly as they could.”

Related: Oz Pearlman Details Moment He Locked Eyes With POTUS During WHCD Shooting

Mentalist Oz Pearlman was performing for President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 24, when he realized something was very wrong. “I was performing right then for the president, the press secretary and the first lady,” the magician said during a […]

Shortly after Saturday’s annual event celebrating freedom of the press started, a 31-year-old gunman rushed a security checkpoint. Gunfire was exchanged before the alleged shooter — reportedly armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives — was apprehended. One Secret Service agent was shot in the chest, but his ballistic vest saved his life and he was later released from the hospital and reportedly sent home.

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Hines, as well as other members of Trump’s administration and various lawmakers were promptly evacuated from the premises.

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“The Secret Service were pouring in.” Actor Zachary Levi was sitting with USA TODAY at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner when he started to hear loud bangs. Trump said a shooter was apprehended.

♬ original sound – USA TODAY

No one else was harmed during the incident. The gunman, who wrote an alleged manifesto in which he detailed his desire to harm Trump and top members of his cabinet, is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on Monday, April 27. He is said to be facing multiple charges.

“Then everything seemed to calm down,” Levi continued on Saturday of his experience. “Everyone started popping up from the tables — we didn’t know what was going on. And we just recently were told they are going to continue with the dinner with some updates soon. I don’t know, it’s very confusing because if it was an actual active live shooting then I don’t know why we would necessarily be continuing with the dinner.”

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Related: Buckingham Palace Issues Statement Regarding U.S. Visit After WHCD Shooting

King Charles III’s upcoming state visit to the United States is expected to go on as planned after the shooting at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. “His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, first lady and all guests have been unharmed,” a […]

While president Trump and members of the White House Correspondents’ Administration initially wanted the event to continue, safety concerns required the rest of the event be canceled. The president has claimed it will be rescheduled within 30 days.

While speaking to members of the press in an impromptu White House press briefing after the shooting, the president praised the first lady for her calm under pressure after she was seen visibly shaken by the sound of the gunshots.

“I want to thank the first lady, that was a rather traumatic experience for her,” he said. “We’re not going to let anybody take over our society, we’re not going to cancel things out … we can’t do that. We wanted to stay tonight, I fought like hell to stay, but it was protocol … there was a lot of action going on.”

Dancing With the Stars Val Chmerkovskiy is opening up about who he does — and doesn’t — want to see compete on the show.

“Less politicians,” Chmerkovskiy exclusively told Us Weekly on Saturday, April 25, while attending Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcast’s “I Choose Me” live summit at the iHeartRadio Theatre in Burbank, California.

“One of the things I admire about our show, I love being a part of the fact that in a world quite literally designed to split us all apart and create agony amongst people, we’re a show that creates union and brings people together,” the professional dancer continued. “Yes, it’s just a dance show, but it’s way more than just a dance show.”

Chmerkovskiy added, “Dance is just a vehicle to bring people together — of all ages, all political sides. No one knows who’s voting for who, and we’re all just enjoying ourselves and enjoying two hours a week of just good family fun.”

Dancing With the Stars has invited plenty of controversial political figures to compete over the years, including former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.

“My reaction was like, ‘Yo, Sean Spicer’s on the cast!’ That was my reaction calling my brother,” Chmerkovskiy told People in September 2019 after the former Trump administration official was cast in Season 28 of the reality competition show.

“But then in the same breath, it’s like, and so is Ray Lewis and so is Lamar Odom and so is Christie Brinkley and so is Hannah [Brown],” he continued. “The thing that makes our show unique and wild and crazy and entertaining is the fact that it’s a collective of all these different people. And you don’t have to agree or follow all these people.”

He added at the time, “They’re all very different. And the beauty, me being a dance ambassador, is — what I find a lot of pride in is how inclusive dance is and that it doesn’t judge based on any of the past.”

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While Chmerkovskiy is hoping he won’t have any political dancing partners anytime soon, he is open to the idea of doing the fox trot with Summer House’s Ciara Miller after her ex West Wilson and former BFF Amanda Batula announced their platonic relationship had turned romantic — without her knowing.

Related: Summer House’s Ciara Miller Reacts to ‘DWTS’ Casting Rumors

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Ciara Miller is open to exchanging summer houses for the ballroom later this year. “Yeah, why not? I mean, I grew up dancing,” Miller, 29, exclusively told Us Weekly when partnering with Brawny’s three-ply paper towels. “I did ballet for 10 years. Why not?” Last month, rumors circulated on Bravo fan sites including @BravoandCocktails that […]

“Of course! Ciara seems very, very dynamic and very positive, and looks like she’s excited to do the show,” he told Us on Saturday. “Maura seems very lovely as well. I can’t predict either one of them being my partner.”

He added, “It’s kind of like quiet dating or an arranged situation so whoever the casting director puts me with, I will give my all and like I said, every season, they’ll have my undivided attention and effort and focus, and I’ll give them everything I got.”

Evan Rachel Wood has spoken again about her past romance with Marilyn Manson, describing feelings of powerlessness, guilt, and confusion that she says plagued their relationship.

The actress alleges emotional and sexual abuse, while the singer has denied all claims made against him.

The long-running dispute also included a defamation lawsuit Marilyn Manson later filed against Evan Rachel Wood, which was withdrawn in 2024 after he paid the legal costs.

Evan Rachel Wood recently got candid about her relationship with Manson and how she came to feel powerless during the time they were together.

In a recent interview with The Times, the 38-year-old actress shared that she struggled for years with guilt and confusion over the way she says she was treated.

According to Wood, those feelings became so overwhelming that she began to believe she somehow deserved what was happening.

“I accepted my powerlessness and felt I deserved it somehow,” she told the publication.

She described the environment around Manson as having a “cult-like” dynamic, which she says made it “twice as hard to leave and twice as scary to speak out.”

Wood noted that her story reflects a broader issue many survivors face, feeling unheard or dismissed, drawing comparisons to cases like the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, where, she suggested, evidence alone did not always lead to accountability.

“Every survivor I know was like, yeah, welcome to the party. Now you’re seeing what we have seen,” she added.

The Actress Said Marilyn Manson Knew That She ‘Felt Lonely’

Wood also reflected on how their relationship began, noting she was 18 at the time and that he initially made her feel seen before he began to “exploit” her loneliness.

“He saw that I felt lonely and unseen and started to exploit that, saying, ‘This is special. This is different. We’re supposed to be together,’” the actress shared.

Wood first publicly accused Manson in 2021, alleging sexual assault and emotional abuse during their relationship, which lasted from 2006 to 2010.

Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, has consistently denied the allegations.

He later responded by filing a lawsuit against Wood, claiming that she had taken part in a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation by portraying him as “a rapist and abuser” and undermining his career.

The dispute between Manson and Wood shifted in 2024 when he withdrew his lawsuit and, following a judge’s ruling, covered her legal costs totaling about $327,000.

Marilyn Manson Claimed He Dropped His Defamation Lawsuit Against Wood To ‘Close’ That Chapter Of His Life

In November 2024, attorney Howard King, representing Manson, said his client chose to end the legal fight after several years, describing the move as a way to finally “close the door on this chapter of his life.”

Meanwhile, Wood’s legal team said the musician had previously tried to settle the case while his appeal was ongoing.

According to the team, the proposal required Wood to agree to a joint public statement and strict confidentiality terms in exchange for partial payment of her legal costs, an offer she declined.

They added that Manson ultimately paid the actress’s full legal expenses and withdrew the lawsuit entirely.

Evan Rachel Wood Called The Defamation Suit A ‘Publicity Stunt’

A representative for Wood characterized the original lawsuit as a “publicity stunt to try to undermine the credibility of his many accusers and revive his faltering career.”

They argued that the court’s findings and his decision to drop the case while covering nearly $327,000 in legal fees reinforced that view.

The lawsuit itself had been filed in March 2022, shortly before the release of Wood’s HBO documentary “Phoenix Rising,” where she detailed allegations of sexual assault and emotional abuse during their relationship from 2006 to 2010.

Following the documentary, several other women came forward with accusations against Manson, including Esmé Bianco and former assistant Ashley Walters.

Judge Reinstates Ashley Walters’ Lawsuit Against Marilyn Manson Under New Sexual Assault Law

Separately, in January, a Los Angeles judge allowed a previously dismissed lawsuit filed by Walters to move forward under a law that temporarily reopens expired sexual assault claims.

The case had initially been dismissed for falling outside the standard legal time limit, but was reconsidered after the introduction of the new statute.

According to The Guardian, Steve Cochran, the judge who had previously dismissed the case, ruled that the updated law could revive the claim. Walters alleges that she was sexually assaulted while working for Manson between 2010 and 2011 and has also made additional claims about his behavior during that period.

The lawsuit, originally filed in May 2021 by former assistant Ashley Walters, had been thrown out the previous December after exceeding the usual legal time limit for such cases. However, Walters petitioned the court to revisit the decision once a new law introduced a temporary two-year window allowing expired claims to be reconsidered.

Manson’s attorney, Howard King, has disputed the allegations, arguing that the case does not meet the legal requirements under the revised statute and maintaining that his client did not commit any sexual assault.

Sydney Sweeney made quite the splash during day two of Stagecoach Music Festival, and fans definitely noticed. The 28-year-old actress stepped out in a daring look while making a surprise appearance during Diplo’s set on Saturday, rocking a plunging corset from her own brand, SYRN, that instantly sparked buzz online.

Sweeney embraced the festival’s Western vibe while putting her own sultry spin on it, pairing a blue corset with a mini skirt featuring tiered ruffles. She completed the look with white cowboy boots, leaning fully into the Stagecoach aesthetic while promoting her newly launched lingerie line.

The actress also made an appearance at the brand’s “SYRN saloon” pop-up, where Diplo joined in on the fun. A photo of the pair was later shared to SYRN’s Instagram Stories with the caption, “@diplo Thanks for stopping by!!!”

Sweeney Steals Show With Surprise Karaoke Sessions

The fashion moment wasn’t the only thing getting attention. Sweeney also had fans talking thanks to her surprise karaoke sessions with celebrity friends. In clips shared to social media, she grabbed the mic to introduce country star Chase Rice before the two teamed up with the crowd to sing his hit “Cruise.” She also delivered a nostalgic performance of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” alongside Lance Bass, before leaning into country classics.

On Friday night, Sweeney joined Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and boyfriend Scooter Braun to sing Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places.” She brought the song back again Saturday, this time with Riley Green, whose set had been canceled following a weather-related evacuation.

Sydney Sweeney Faces Backlash Over ‘Over Exposed’ Style

As expected, Sweeney’s bold look quickly sparked reactions online, and opinions were mixed. Some critics didn’t hold back, with comments ranging from “This is gross” to “She is seriously over exposed,” while another wrote, “Only 28 and needs ‘the girls’ to speak for her.”

Others questioned the styling choices, with one user adding, “She is young and adorable. However, I would hate having my breasts half exposed all the time.” And someone else simply wrote, “Massive bazookas.”

Sweeney’s Stagecoach Appearance Sparks ‘MAGA Barbie’ Chatter Again

Sweeney’s latest outing didn’t just get people talking about her outfit, it also reignited a nickname that’s followed her for some time. The actress has previously been dubbed “MAGA Barbie” online, stemming from past headlines tied to her mom’s “Make Sixty Great Again”–themed party and reports about her political affiliation. While the label had largely faded in recent months, her presence at Stagecoach seems to have brought it back into the conversation.

Fans began revisiting the nickname after Sweeney was spotted at an Ella Langley set, an artist who has faced speculation over perceived political leanings due to collaborations with figures like Morgan Wallen and Kid Rock, as well as social media activity that’s drawn attention.

Sydney Sweeney Cut From ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

While it may feel like Sydney Sweeney is everywhere right now, there’s one major project she won’t be part of. The actress was originally set to make a brief cameo in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” playing a fictionalized version of herself. However, reports confirmed that her scene didn’t make the final cut of the film, which is set to hit theaters on May 1.

Per reports, Sweeney’s cameo in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” would have been brief, lasting around three minutes, but still played a key role in reintroducing Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton. In the scene, Charlton was set to assist Sweeney with an outfit, a moment designed to showcase just how influential her work has become within Hollywood’s fashion circles. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the sequence ultimately didn’t align with the tone of the film’s opening, leading to it being cut from the final version.

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That’s not the only reason Sweeney has been making headlines lately. Her work on “Euphoria,” including storylines involving provocative, adult-themed content, has sparked a lot of criticism amongst viewers. The actress has acknowledged that the focus on her nude scenes can sometimes overshadow the work she’s doing as an actress, describing the experience as feeling somewhat detached from herself.

Sydney Sweeney and boyfriend Scooter Braun only recently confirmed their relationship, but the couple are already hitting up popular celebrity events.

The two were recently spotted at the country music festival Stagecoach, where they packed on the PDA and gave fans plenty to talk about.

According to Us Weekly, on Friday, April 24, “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney and music executive Scooter Braun attended the Stagecoach country music festival together in Indio, California.

Per the outlet, the two danced along to the music and turned up the PDA at one point, when Braun hoisted Sweeney onto his shoulders so the actress could get a better view.

Sweeney And Braun Initially Sparked Dating Rumors In Summer 2025

The two initially met in July 2025 when they attended the star-studded wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice.

After that, they went on a series of public dates, including a trip to an amusement park where they were seen hand-in-hand in the company of Sweeney’s mom, Lisa, and her father, Steven.

They have appeared to settle into their relationship amid Sweeney’s busy acting schedule, but sources noted that work strain between the couple has not caused them to drift apart, and their romance is “still going strong.”

“It’s a very casual, laid-back relationship,” an inside source previously told Us Weekly. “Sydney is not looking to settle down right now.”

The insider added, “She has been hesitant to get into another serious relationship but is enjoying her time with him.”

The Actress’ ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2′ Appearance Was Cut Ahead Of The Film’s Release

A source close to the film spoke exclusively to Entertainment Weekly, detailing what Sweeney’s role would have been and why her cameo was cut out.

Per the insider, Sweeney was to appear in a scene with Emily Blunt at her Dior office as Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci arrive to ask for her help. Sweeney appeared as herself in the scene that was described as three minutes long.

Sweeney’s cameo “did not work structurally with the rest of the sequence,” leading to a “creative decision” to cut her from the film entirely. The source also shared that the film’s team was “grateful” for her participation.

Sweeney Has Been The Subject Of Immense Backlash Regarding Highly Sexualized ‘Euphoria’ Scenes

On April 12, after a more than four-year wait, “Euphoria” finally returned to catch up with the cast of characters as they venture into adulthood via a five-year time jump. 

However, many fans couldn’t get past the scenes of Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard. This season, Cassie has embarked on a career on OnlyFans, resulting in her taking very suggestive and highly sexualized photos that many have deemed degrading.

Some critics have gone even further, accusing “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson of leaning into “disturbing” and “misogynistic” storylines more than ever in comparison to previous seasons. 

In her very first scene in season three, Sweeney is dressed as a dog, as she pants, eats out of a bowl, and is led on a leash. Additionally, the following episode sees her dressed as an adult baby with her legs spread while sucking a pacifier and also being topless with ice cream dripping down her nipples.

Other scenes feature Sweeney wearing a soaking wet American flag T-shirt without a bra and also dressed as a baseball catcher in only a nude thong. 

Speaking to the consensus of her scenes, one social media user asked, “How is Sydney even agreeing to do this season of Euphoria?” while another said, “Why would Sydney agree to doing allat… weird.”

Another described the scenes as a “humiliation ritual,” and added, “Please God, I can’t keep seeing Cassie degrade herself in the most embarrassing ways imaginable.” 

‘Euphoria’ Is A Ratings Hit Despite Criticism Of Current Season

According to Variety, episode two of the current third season of “Euphoria,” which aired April 19, amassed 8.5 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max in its first three days. Those numbers match the viewership of the April 12 season premiere. 

Additionally, the global total for “Euphoria” season three has surpassed 20 million viewers to date, which is a 68% increase in global viewership from the second season premiere in the same timeframe.

Megan Thee Stallion‘s loyal fanbase, The Hotties, isn’t letting Klay Thompson rest, as they’ve swarmed his Instagram account in the wake of his messy split from the three-time Grammy winner. According to The Blast, Megan revealed that the pair had gone their separate ways in late April 2026 after nearly a year together.

Megan ignited a firestorm online after accusing the former Golden State Warriors star of cheating on her Instagram Stories.

“Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house… got ‘cold feet,’” she wrote. “Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season, now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous????’”

She added, “B-tch, I need a REAL break after this one .. bye yall.”

The “Girls in the Hood” rapper’s post instantly went viral, sparking a wave of support across social media. Thompson is facing a much harsher reality, as the backlash likely has him regretting his alleged actions.

Klay Thompson’s Instagram Is Being Swarmed By The Hotties After Megan Thee Stallion’s Accusations

Thompson’s most recent Instagram picture is a photo of the Dallas Mavericks guard playing against the Los Angeles Lakers. “Peagus City,” he captioned the carousel of flicks.

Overnight, the comment section became a hotspot for Megan’s global fanbase, many of whom have hurled lethal insults and relentless criticism at the NBA star.

One user shared a GIF that read, “I curse the day you were born,” while a second user wrote, “Hey, we here to jump you.”

A third user chimed in and said, “She the only reason we knew your name,” and a fourth asked, “You think you better than the program???”

Another user appeared to wish ill on the NBA champion, writing, “In 2 weeks’ time you will begin to feel a sharp pain in your chest.”

Megan Thee Stallion Releases A Transparent Statement After Her Public Separation From Klay Thompson

Following her Instagram Stories post, Megan shared more details about her split from Thompson in a statement.

“Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward. I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity,” she said, according to The Blast.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Megan and Klay first turned heads in the summer of 2025, after social media sleuths spotted them together in the Bahamas.

Shortly after, the pair became red-carpet official, popping out together at public events, while Megan often appeared courtside throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Previously, the superstar said that her relationship with the 6’5″ athlete began after she began working on her mental well-being.

“I think that because finally I started being in a better mind space about myself and my life, and I had already been doing a lot of work to heal me,” she said, per The Blast. “I had been going to therapy, I had a bunch of activities that I started doing for myself, maybe God just opened up that space for me to have somebody that loved me right.”

Megan Appeared In An Fanatics Ad After Hard Launching Relationship With Thompson

Prior to their split, Fanatics Sportsbook teamed up with Megan to promote the company’s one-of-a-kind features, including FanCash and their FairPlay policy. In the ad, according to The Blast, Megan appeared alongside an orchestra that played a snippet of her Hot 100 chart-topper, “Savage.”

“Megan Thee Stallion embodies the heartbeat of fandom where music, fashion, and sport collide and brings an energy that turns basketball season into a full-blown cultural moment. She’s the perfect partner to show how Fanatics Sportsbook makes winning hit different,” said Selena Kalvaria, Chief Marketing Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.

“Wicked” star Marissa Bode is calling out an airline after a shocking travel ordeal she says left her grounded because of her disability. The 25-year-old actress, who uses a wheelchair after being paralyzed in a childhood car accident, took to TikTok to accuse Southern Airways of refusing to let her board a flight, alleging she was denied access due to her inability to climb stairs.

Marissa Bode claimed that when she approached the gate for a connecting flight to Pennsylvania, airline staff questioned her ability to stand before ultimately denying her entry. “I got to the gate and was like, ‘Hey, could you help me locate my boarding pass?’ And the two people at the gate look at me and they’re like, ‘Can you stand?’ And I said, ‘No.’ And they said, ‘I’m sorry, because of that we’re gonna have to deny you boarding,’” she claimed.

The “Wicked” actress said she was told all passengers must climb stairs to board the aircraft, something she pushed back on in the moment. “They proceeded to tell me all the planes within this airline have stairs to get on the plane. Wild. Never heard of that before… You’re telling me none of the people who have flown on your plane before are disabled?” the actress continued.

Bode Calls Out Airline For ‘Blatant Segregation’ In Heated Response

Bode didn’t hold back in her reaction, accusing the airline of discrimination and a lack of accessibility.

“This is blatant segregation,” she claimed before questioning why accommodations weren’t already in place, arguing that disabled passengers shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. “Disabled people are not an afterthought. Why, knowing that disabled people exist, which y’all clearly often forget, do you choose not to update your planes?”

Airline Policy Under Scrutiny As Accessibility Rules Come Into Focus

Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are prohibited from discriminating based on disability and are required to provide assistance boarding and deplaning. However, smaller aircraft, like those operated by Southern Airways, are not always required to have mechanical lifts, according to the airline’s policy.

Southern Airways states that passengers must be able to climb steps to board, though it notes ramps may be available at certain locations, but are not guaranteed.

Marissa Bode Says Airline ‘Shifted Excuses’ As Travel Ordeal Forced Costly Detour

Bode said the situation escalated further when airline staff reportedly shifted their reasoning to the weight of her wheelchair, something she strongly disputed. “My chair is 35lbs. I am heavier than my chair. My chair is probably less than other people’s luggage,” she said, adding that moments like this are far too common when traveling. “And this is what I mean when I say it is always something when I’m flying.”

After being denied boarding, Bode said she was forced to take a costly three-and-a-half-hour drive to reach her destination for a speaking engagement. The “Wicked” actress also revealed that her manager had previously confirmed with the airline that accommodations would be available. “I literally called them, talked to them on the phone, asked Southern Airlines if they could make that accommodation and they fully assured me and told me yes,” she claimed.

Southern Airways Responds, Says Incident ‘Does Not Reflect Our Standards’ As Investigation Begins

In a statement, Southern Airways said Bode’s experience “does not reflect the standard to which we hold ourselves,” adding that the company is investigating the incident and reviewing its processes.

“We are investigating the incident, and will take all appropriate action, including making any necessary improvements to our processes and training,” the company said. “We have reached out to Ms Bode to offer support and will work to address her concerns.”

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Meanwhile, Bode claims, “It’s so much more than bad communication. It’s so much more than a mistake. These are our lives. This is our entire existence you’re talking about. My wheelchair is my freedom,” she continued. “And of course when I’m crying out of frustration and talking to the people at the gate very firmly, I look like a crazy person. I look like the one that’s in the wrong.”

Every genre of television has a fascinating history and a long trajectory of some of the medium’s greatest masterpieces, but few genres have ever produced as many groundbreaking shows as science fiction. From classics like Doctor Who to modern gems like Lost, there are several small-screen sci-fi masterpieces which can be counted among the most important shows of their time.

These are all great shows, but they’re far more than just that: They’re also seminal works of science fiction that have helped to define the way the genre looks on television. Whether it’s thanks to their stories, their style, their technical qualities, or their structure, these eight shows are the most important in the history of televisual sci-fi, and all fans of the genre should consider them essential viewing.

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–Present)

Back in 1963, the world was introduced to Doctor Who, a family adventure show about an alien (played by William Hartnell) traveling through time and space with his companions. Originally devised as an educational show aimed at children, the series slowly started to transform into something far more universal. As soon as viewers across the United Kingdom and the rest of the world got to see Hartnell’s First Doctor transform into Patrick Troughton‘s incarnation of the character, the sci-fi game was changed forever.

No matter how one ranks its versions of the Time Lord, there’s no denying that Doctor Who has remained revolutionary throughout its whole run. Aside from its use of regeneration as a plot device perfect for keeping itself fresh, which has made it the longest-running sci-fi show in television history, the show has also constantly been ahead of the curve with its campy tone, imaginative stories, and progressive heart. Doctor Who has far transcended the British television screen and turned into a global pop culture phenomenon like no other.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Image via TV Tokyo

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No conversation about anime television or animated science fiction could be complete without at least a mention of Neon Genesis Evangelion. It’s one of the best ’90s anime show masterpieces, an auteur-driven masterwork created by the brilliant Hideaki Anno. The show’s favoring of a slow-paced, philosophically-charged deconstruction of the mecha genre over an action-packed narrative makes it a terrible gateway point for anime beginners, but those already on the medium’s typical wavelength ought to check out Eva at least once in their lives.

On top of helping to popularize anime television globally, Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most radically re-defining sci-fi shows in history. Blending sci-fi concepts with surrealism, philosophy, and a slow sense of rhythm, it showed that sci-fi could be the home of more thoughtful and methodically-told stories than audiences were used to. Three decades after its conclusion, watching still feels like you’re experiencing a crucial pillar of the genre.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Image via ABC

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From Westworld to Stranger Things to Severance, mystery box shows have been all the rage since around the early 2010s. It was arguably a certain other show that really pioneered the mystery box category, which defines shows featuring large and hyper-complex narratives reliant on underlying mysteries tying it all together. But if there was any show that solidified the mystery box genre as a respectable and hugely popular branch of science fiction, it was Lost.

Jeffrey Lieber, J. J. Abrams, and Damon Lindelof‘s groundbreaking ensemble show immediately proved to be one of the most game-changing sci-fi shows that rewrote genre rules. Whether it did or did not jump the shark in its final season is beside the point here—Lost was a massive pop-cultural phenomenon across the globe during its run, introducing countless people to the potential magic of sci-fi. Virtually every mystery sci-fi show that has been made after 2004 owes something to Lost.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Image via SYFY

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There are some sci-fi shows that shouldn’t be remade, and then there are others which beg for a modernization of some kind. The fun-but-dated Battlestar Galactica from the ’70s belonged to the latter group. After an incredible 2003 miniseries, the 2004 revival of the same title didn’t just revitalize and revolutionize the Battlestar franchise—it re-defined modern science fiction as a whole. Here, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) is to be believed: There’s no science fiction show like this one.

The entire realm of American television took a drastic turn following the tragic events of 9/11, and Battlestar Galactica came as a direct result of that tonal and thematic shift. Suddenly, televisual sci-fi became grittier, more mature, more sharply political, and more morally ambiguous than it had ever been before. By elevating sci-fi into the realm of true prestige television, the 2004 version of Battlestar instantly cemented itself as one of the most important genre shows of the 2000s.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

Image via FOX

In the history of sci-fi television, there’s before The X-Files and then there’s after The X-Files. With its unprecedentedly large cult following surging right as the worldwide web was starting to be democratized, this Fox gem pioneered the online fandom space. Over three decades after it first aired, it’s still every bit as enjoyable and engaging as it was back in its infancy. Who could have foretold that a sci-fi/supernatural mystery series following a skeptic and a believer could have provided material for over 200 phenomenal episodes that never lost momentum?

From Supernatural to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, virtually every “monster-of-the-week” type of genre show that came after The X-Files was in some way inspired by it. It’s one of those classic sci-fi shows that has aged like fine wine, the show that fully brought science fiction into the modern mainstream television era. Popularizing conspiracy shows (and even conspiracy theories as a whole) and establishing Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson), the most iconic duo in sci-fi television history, The X-Files left an indelible mark on the history of American television.

‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966–1969)

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Nowadays, the Star Trek franchise doesn’t really need an introduction; but back in 1966, audiences had never seen anything quite like Star Trek: The Original Series. With an unprecedentedly diverse ensemble cast and the distinctly optimistic worldview that has come to characterize the entire franchise, Gene Roddenberry‘s original creation wasn’t huge while it was on their. But following its cancellation, its release into syndication turned it into the gargantuan cult classic that people know it as today.

The Original Series is, in virtually every sense imaginable, one of those sci-fi shows that were way ahead of their time. There’s its cast, its exceptionally progressive politics, its stunning production values, and the uniquely utopian way in which it looks at the future. This lends it infinite rewatchability value even today, as it remains one of fans’ favorite installments in a massive franchise that has no shortage of gems to offer.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)

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Back in the ’50s and ’60s, sci-fi television was in practically no way like what we know today, but Rod Serling was the first person to truly help sci-fi take a leap into modernity. The Twilight Zone is arguably the single most groundbreaking and influential sci-fi TV show in history, and it’s definitely the biggest sci-fi anthology series of all time. Like all anthology shows, it had its fair share of ups and downs; but there’s no way of denying that it completely re-defined televisual science fiction in virtually every sense imaginable.

It’s one of those anthology TV shows that have aged like fine wine, a classic full of iconic episodes that deal with themes that still feel relevant and timely over 60 years after the show’s conclusion. It played an instrumental role in bringing science fiction into the mainstream, proving just how intelligent and culturally relevant the genre could be when in the right creative hands. Sci-fi TV as we know it today could never have existed without The Twilight Zone.

‘Babylon 5’ (1994–1998)

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Though perhaps not quite as influential, nor nearly as vastly acclaimed as The Twilight Zone, there’s a strong argument to be made that there has never been a science fiction TV show more important or genre-defining than Babylon 5. Almost unprecedentedly for American broadcast television at the time, this space opera was designed as a sort of novel for television, where each season of a pre-planned five-part arc would serve as a different chapter.

Babylon 5 brought not only television sci-fi, but American television as a whole, away from their episodic days and toward a more heavily serialized era. Campy though it may sometimes feel nowadays, it’s nevertheless one of those sci-fi shows that hold up surprisingly well, a game-changing classic without which sci-fi television—and perhaps even American television more generally—would have likely looked vastly different today.

When it comes to crime drama series, FX‘s Snowfall remains relevant for multiple reasons, the biggest of those being that its highly anticipated spin-off is set to arrive sometime this year. Co-created by the late, great John Singleton (Boyz n the Hood), along with Dave Andron and Eric Amadio, the hit series chronicles the early days of one of the largest drug epidemics of the 20th century.

The series digs deep into the interwoven stories of those who cultivate, bring to market, and distribute such an addictive, deadly product. It also does a top-notch job of combining gripping, methodical storytelling with phenomenal acting and stunning cinematography to explore the rise of a cocaine empire through diverse, emotionally complex characters full of heart and depth. Before its 2026 spin-off arrives, Snowfall deserves a dedicated rewatch — or an initial watch, if it’s your first time.

What Is ‘Snowfall’ About?

Snowfall isn’t just another crime drama; it’s a meticulously crafted slow burn on par with shows like Narcos, Breaking Bad, and Queen of the South. It showcases the desperate, dangerous, wildly illegal lengths minorities were forced to go to at that time in order to build and maintain any kind of wealth under President Ronald Reagan and the LAPD’s lethal, unwavering gaze. The narrative follows Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), a young, smart entrepreneur navigating the drug trade alongside friends, family, a CIA operative, and a Mexican cartel member.

While you don’t see much dealing, at least throughout the first season, you do see the plethora of ways that poverty, early ’80s West Coast hedonism, Mexican and Black communities, and government agents come together to create the perfect storm for a cheap, feel-good drug to seep through the cracks and latch on to unsuspecting consumers. Snowfall blatantly portrays the cost of being associated with the world of drugs and dealing while highlighting the effects that both have on the people involved, such as the long-term consequences brought about by money, power, and influence.

The main reason Snowfall is such a captivating crime series worthy of its near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores is its seamless blend of character-driven drama and historical context for a realistic portrayal of the era’s complexities. What’s most striking about the show, though, in addition to Idris’s standout performance, is its outright refusal to glamorize its subject matter. Whereas most shows of the genre glorify crime, Snowfall avoids that altogether by prioritizing a tragic rise-and-fall arc, its story more of a cautionary tale than an aspirational one. In refusing to whitewash the era, the crime drama presents a raw, unapologetic Black perspective by bringing in firsthand cultural knowledge of how South Central LA is portrayed, which is crucial to its impact.

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‘Snowfall’s Spin-off Enters a New Era for the Series

Snowfall‘s currently untitled spin-off will serve as a direct continuation of the world built in the original series. The long-gestating project was created by Singleton, who passed away in 2019, and was first developed after Snowfall‘s 2023 finale, with the spin-off officially ordered to series in November 2025. Set in 1990s Los Angeles, the spin-off’s narrative will follow two key characters from the original series as they enter the booming West Coast rap scene while managing gang warfare and exploitation by new record labels.

Snowfall’s Wanda (Gail Bean) and Leon (Isaiah John) will take center stage as they navigate the post-crack era and work to build a new life in a rapidly changing environment. Wanda, a recovering crack addict, will serve as the connective tissue to the original series via her history, and Leon’s, for that matter, with area gangs. The spin-off’s focus will rest on the rise of gangster rap and hip-hop culture, as well as the expansion of rival gangs, while gang wars erupt and record labels exploit the rising culture for their own profit. Before its spin-off arrives, make it a priority to familiarize yourself with Snowfall‘s unflinching examination of history that delicately balances intense, character-driven storytelling with sociopolitical commentary by giving it the binge it deserves. You’ll want a taste of what you’re heading into next.

Snowfall is currently available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.