By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 14 seconds ago

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 is in the middle of its run on Disney+ and its improved on the first season by so much, fans are now offering up suggestions for other Marvel classics that should get the same revival treatment. These range from Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to one person suggesting the 90s Iron Man series, but if anything deserves a second chance, it’s Spider-Man: The Animated Series from 1994. Next to the X-Men, it was the most successful animated adaptation but rules for kids show in the 90s kept it from reaching its full potential, and besides, who doesn’t want to see a modern retelling of the death of Dr. Octopus, Green Goblin vs. Hobgoblin, or a second take at the full Clone Saga?

Spider-Man Never Reached Its Full Potential

Alright, so Spider-Man’s run of 90s stories don’t have the same sort of historical value as X-Men ‘97 diving into “Inferno”, “Age of Apocalypse”, “Fatal Attractions”, and Onslaught (Who has to be coming up, right?), but dipping back into the 80s a bit would allow for “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” while “Maximum Carnage” and anything with the Sinister Six deserves a better adaptation. Go back and watch the Fox cartoon now, and you’ll notice a few things that you didn’t pick up on during its original run. 

For starters, “sinister” couldn’t be used, so the writing team replaced it with “Insidious” which doesn’t have the same ring to it. Secondly, Spider-Man doesn’t punch anyone. That one was, oddly enough, not a note from the network or the studio, but a choice made by Lead Writer John Semper, who felt Peter Parker was smart enough to find other ways to solve his problems. That makes sense, as Fox was showing Batman: The Animated Series and on that show, Batman’s fists were rated E for Everyone. 

No blood, no vampires (Morbius had butthole hands instead), no death/killing (hence the line, “Shocker’s blast should have creamed me”), no blades even though they did include Blade, no realistic guns outside of flashbacks, and the list goes on and on. In interviews, Semper said fans have blown the censorship out of proportion and that it was standard for kids shows at the time, though all you have to do is again, point to Batman. 

90s Spider-Man Deserves A Redo

Spider-Man: The Animated Series was such a success that the world it established for Spider-Man was adapted into its own comic book, video game, and ride at Universal Studios Orlando. Like the X-Men, it’s what a whole generation thinks of when they think of Spider-Man. Younger kids had Ultimate Spider-Man and Spidey And His Amazing Friends, once they’re old enough that getting out of bed hurts, expect a push for them to be revived as well. 

X-Men ‘97 managed to pull off the impossible and adapt “Inferno” for Season 1, while in Season 2, it turned Apocalypse into the baddest villain in history, while giving Kang a better moment than he had in his entire MCU run. Imagine how horrible the Jackal and Hobgoblin (Kingsley version) could be in an updated Spider-Man ’98, or how cool seeing Spider-Island would be. Now that Marvel has a winning formula, it should go beyond the X-Men to the 90s other most popular hero.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 15 seconds ago

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been slow-dripping Spider-Noir into my veins like some sort of antidote, and it’s only solidified something I’ve been saying for years about superhero media: the less worldbuilding, the better. I don’t read comics. I gave up on the MCU about five years ago. I prefer standalone properties that are one-and-done because I don’t want to spend the rest of my adult life unpacking Easter eggs and lore, or latching onto media that no longer serves me simply because it’s the devil I know and I don’t want to move on.

I’m not trying to throw shade on my fellow comic-reading cohorts, but we’re just built differently. I want to watch the thing and get on with my life. If it’s good, great. If it’s terrible, I never have to think about it again.

I had my reservations about Spider-Noir, but they were quickly squashed when I realized how expertly it blends my two favorite things: pulpy crime noir and Nicolas Cage. I’ve never read the Spider-Man Noir comics, nor do I have any plans to. The best part is that I didn’t need to. You can go into the eight-episode run completely green and walk away feeling satisfied with its storytelling. And isn’t that what watching TV is all about?

Even better, the fact that the show is available in both black-and-white and full color is an added bonus, and there are actually some pretty fun ways to mix up your playback to enhance the experience.

Spider-Noir! Spider-Noir! Does Whatever A Spider-Noir Does! 

Here’s all you need to know about Spider-Noir. Nicolas Cage plays the titular web-slinger, who’s now well into middle age and prefers to go by Ben Reilly. He has retired his mask and vigilante lifestyle, much preferring to spend his days investigating small-ball cases involving marital infidelity in exchange for a meager payout. He’s happy with this so long as he has enough scotch to get him through the day.

Working alongside his ever-faithful secretary Janet (Karen Rodriguez) and longtime journalist friend Robbie (Lamorne Morris), Ben sleepwalks through life, forever haunted by the inciting incident that made him walk away from the superhero lifestyle for good: the death of his wife, Ruby (Amanda Schull).

While pounding the pavement trying to make an honest living, Ben forms a semi-romantic relationship with femme fatale nightclub singer Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li), who reluctantly works for unhinged Irish mob boss Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson). Through her, and a myriad of other inexplicable situations, Ben finds himself caught in the middle of the crime lord’s wheelings and dealings, which involve a bunch of superpowered gangsters, like the amphibiously armored Tombstone (Abraham Popoola), the shape-shifting Sandman (Jack Huston), and the ever-so-electric Megawatt (Andrew Lewis Caldwell).

Staring down his Spider-Noir mask, and sometimes into his own soul, Ben Reilly realizes he’s the key to saving New York City from certain destruction because of his history with these men, which can be traced all the way back to experimental procedures conducted on them during World War I. Caught between his past life and the one he’s currently living, Ben can either hang it all up or return to the life he once abandoned, sacrificing his sanity for the greater good.

A Wild, Web-Slinging Ride

I think it goes without saying that Nicolas Cage was born to play this role. We’ve seen him on the neo-noir grind with films like Bringing Out the Dead and 8MM, but nothing quite like this before. He brings that same kind of manic energy to the mix, but leans into camp by celebrating every tried-and-true, hard-boiled private dick trope you could think of (Seeeee?!). His performance is surprisingly subdued, making his inevitable “Cage Rage” moments all the more impactful.

I need to be very clear here and let you know that this isn’t the kind of Cage Rage you’ll find in films like Mom and Dad or Matchstick Men. It’s more of a semi-manic, always cynical, world-weary way of chewing the scenery. Cage excels here by playing a reluctant hero who can’t deny his gift, but remains conflicted by the responsibility his powers force upon him when the going gets tough.

The Color Swapping Method

The best part about Spider-Noir, though, is the fact that you have the option to switch from black-and-white to color ahead of each episode. The entire eight-episode run can be viewed either way, and fans have come up with some pretty neat watch orders, though I can’t vouch for every one of them.

The watch pattern I adopted while watching Spider-Noir went like this: episodes one and two in black and white, episodes three and four in color, then alternating between each viewing method for the remaining four episodes. Some people say to watch the first four in black and white and the last four in color, and I’m sure that’s fine too. What I noticed with my particular arrangement is that the episodes I chose to watch without color leaned more into the noir and detective plots, while the action was found mostly in the color episodes. Obviously there is some crossover, but this was a neat way to compartmentalize. 

I’m not sure if this is coincidental or intentional, and I don’t really care. It made for a great viewing experience. At least there was never a point during the season where I felt like I’d made the wrong choice in my color, or lack thereof, preference.

Spider-Noir is the best superhero series I’ve watched in a minute because I was able to go in blind, watch some incredibly talented actors commit to the bit, and never needed decades of lore or hours of homework before hitting play. I only watched it because I’m a Nicolas Cage fanatic, and I have zero regrets. Not just because of Cage’s magnetic performance, which earns every bit of its 92 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but because the storytelling is on point, the action is breathtaking without being over the top, and it knows exactly when to pivot from pulpy and campy to semi-serious.

Spider-Noir holds up not only as a solid superhero entry, but as a straight-up mystery that anybody could sink their teeth into. If you have your reservations about tuning in, take it from me, a guy who couldn’t care less if the MCU and DCU imploded overnight and we never got another superhero movie again: this show is straight-up gas, and I can’t see a crime thriller fan not enjoying it.

Spider-Noir is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

One of the greatest decades for sitcoms was the 1980s. From unconventional family comedies like Who’s the Boss, workplace classics like Cheers, and newfound stories about individuals who tend not to receive the spotlight like The Golden Girls, the ’80s set the blueprint for the type of comedies that audiences crave. Not every show aged well, like Bosom Buddies. But there are some shows that have aged like fine wine, which history seems to have forgotten.

While we fondly remember the hits of the decade, there are a handful of shows that deserve to be remembered for holding up well today. From sitcoms celebrating LGBTQ+ storylines to comedies that inspired a film franchise that we adore, these titles made their mark on the decade. Perhaps we forgot them because they aren’t accessible, or similar shows overshadowed them; this list is our chance to honor them once again.

‘Brothers’ (1984–1989)

Image via Showtime

The title is timeless in the sense that it’s been used multiple times since the 1984 sitcom, but the show is timeless because the story was well ahead of its time. Created by David Lloyd, the Showtime series Brothers followed three working-class brothers in Philadelphia, dealing with family life. Lou Waters (Brandon Margaret) is a gruff, comically clueless construction foreman. Joe Waters (Robert Walden) is a retired professional football player who runs a bar called The Point After. Cliff Waters (Paul Regina), the youngest brother, leaves his fiancée at the altar in the first episode to come out as gay. With Lloyd at the helm, Brothers was in capable hands for important storytelling. Having experience with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and Cheers, he knew how to craft a family-centric story. It thrived on the relatable, often comedic clash of traditional, working-class Philadelphia mentalities across three perspectives.

Brothers was quite the progressive series as it tackled taboo subjects of the 1980s, namely gay rights, homophobia, and HIV/AIDS. It balanced its comedic sitcom format with meaningful social commentary as Joe and Lou alternately struggled to accept Cliff’s sexuality, attempted to understand his lifestyle, and ultimately supported him. Cliff was not presented as a niche gimmick; he was treated with nuance as a fully realized character beyond mere punchlines. Cliff wasn’t the only gay character; he was joined by out-and-proud new friend Donald Maltby (Phillip Charles MacKenzie), a successful writer/magazine editor whom Cliff sought out for advice and support in the time leading up to his coming out. An ’80s show with multiple queer characters? Groundbreaking! And yes, they would venture to a gay bar, The Velvet Spike, throughout its run.

Brothers was a trailblazer, putting social issues at the forefront. It was the first original series produced entirely for premium cable. Seeing how premium cable has dominated the airwaves and helped usher in the streamer era, Brothers was ahead of the curve in that respect as well. At the end of the day, the show’s five seasons thrived because of its unprecedented, honest, and often hilarious examination of narratives that network television avoided. With its uncensored freedom to play, Brothers was a sitcom blueprint that no longer receives the praise it deserves due to limited accessibility.

‘Domestic Life’ (1984)

Image via Universal Television/Courtesy Everett Collection

Not every sitcom is going to have a long-lasting, prosperous life. But sometimes, with every flop, it is an invaluable lesson that you can take with you to your next project. So, in that respect, a single-season run of Domestic Life helped co-creator Steve Martin learn to develop a multi-season legacy with Only Murders in the Building. Co-created by Martin, Martin Mull, Howard Gerwirtz, and Ian Praiser, the CBS series followed Martin Crane (Mull), a Seattle television commentator whose professional life offering advice on a TV segment often clashed with the hilarious chaos of his own family at home. Domestic Life centers on Martin as he navigates the ups and downs alongside his wife, Candy (Judith-Marie Bergan), teenage daughter, Didi (Megan Follows), and young son, Harold (Christian Brackett-Zika). If the name, career, and plot feel oddly similar to Frasier, well, call it deliberate, as one of the show’s writers, David Angell, co-created the hit NBC series.

The comedy stemmed from Martin’s smooth, confident on-air persona and his struggles as a real-life dad and husband. In turn, it gently poked fun at the traditional family tropes of the time. The parents were imperfect, and the children were brilliantly subverted, including a deadpan-delivering son working a small business out of his bedroom as he perused The Wall Street Journal. With a TV commentator at the helm, it proved to be a unique meta-humor that spoke directly to the camera, opening the door to the conceit of future sitcoms. The style brought a highly dry, self-aware brand of observational humor to a format that usually relied on cheesy punchlines. Perhaps ahead of its time, Domestic Life earned cult classic status for its gentle approach to parody, Mull as the lead, and its role as a prototype for live-action The Simpsons-esque antics. It wasn’t an anti-sitcom, but it was unlike anything else.

‘Jennifer Slept Here’ (1983–1984)

Image via Mario Casilli / TV Guide / ©NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection

A sitcom about a benevolent ghost? Yes, there was one before the darling hit CBS comedy Ghosts. It was called Jennifer Slept Here. The one-season wonder was a fantasy concept created by Larry Rosen and Larry Tucker. The supernatural fantasy sitcom followed the ghost of glamorous Hollywood actress Jennifer Farrell (Ann Jillian), who haunts her former Beverly Hills mansion. She makes herself visible and acts as a mentor to Joey (John P. Navin Jr.), the teenage son of the wealthy Elliot family who recently moved into her home. An odd-couple, ghostly comedy, Jennifer Slept Here follows Jennifer as she attempts to help Joey navigate teenage life, high school, and growing up while simultaneously adjusting to her own afterlife. It may have been a high-concept sitcom, but such comedies in the 21st century, like The Good Place, have become what audiences seek.

A more adult take on Casper the Friendly Ghost, Jennifer Slept Here was truly a reexamination of the traditional guardian angel trope. The series was all about Jillian’s magnetic and charismatic take on the newly dead. The series even saw some stars drop by, including Debbie Reynolds as Jennifer’s equally ghostly, overbearing mother, Alice, and Zelda Rubinstein as Madame Wanda, an eccentric exorcistwho was a parody of her Poltergeist character, Tangina Barrons. Jennifer Slept Here relied on the full-on funny, as it was all about supernatural hijinks, leaning into classic ghost tropes like walking through walls and randomly appearing in front of Joey, causing him to look crazy in front of his family. With that, the series pushed back against traditional authority figures and leaned into the absurdity of the situation, even as his parents assumed he needed psychiatric help. If this entry has intrigued you to seek out the show, be ready for an earworm of a theme song.

‘Just the Ten of Us’ (1988–1990)

Image via ABC

The ’80s were the pinnacle of family sitcoms that evolved the image of the typical American family. One of the most beloved shows of the time was Growing Pains. The show was such a success that it spawned its own spin-off based on a peripheral character, Coach Graham Lubbock, played by Bill Kirchenbauer. The character, who often interacted with Mike and Carol Seaver (Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold), was such a fan-favorite that he earned his own show. And let’s just say, his big Catholic family of eight children was at the center. Just the Ten of Us tells the story of Graham and his wife, Elizabeth (Deborah Harmon), as they move from New York to Eureka, California. As time went by, the focus shifted heavily to the couple’s four eldest teenage daughters—Marie (Heather Langenkamp), Cindy (Jamie Luner), Wendy (Brooke Theiss), and Connie (JoAnn Willette)— who, by special arrangement, were allowed to attend St. Augustine’s, the boys’ school their father coached basketball. The girls often drove the story by sneaking around with boys, rebelling against their father’s strict rules, and navigating high school drama.

Just the Ten of Us relied on traditional family values, including subtle religious elements, representing a special cross-section of the American nuclear family. And yet, the show was notorious for subverting the teenage trope with the daughters in the spotlight. Graham was not necessarily the all-knowing, perfect TV dad. Instead, through his comedic timing, he was presented as the well-meaning, bumbling old-school disciplinarian. He was on a desperate crusade to protect his girls from boys and themselves, as they fought for teenage independence and freedom. They were portrayed as bright, funny, and incredibly loyal to one another. They worked so well as a quartet that they even formed a singing group, The Lubbock Babes. The show was an example of how a large-ensemble series could work without wearing itself thin. Even his 11-year-old son, J.R. (Matt Shakman), was given ample time to shine. The self-aware, slapstick comedy was at the heart of the show. Though traditional values were inherent in the family, Just the Ten of Us fought against being overtly sanitized, something audiences loathe today.

‘Kate & Allie’ (1984–1989)

Image via CBS

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Single women as central characters on sitcoms weren’t rare, but two divorced mothers? That was a novel idea. Luckily, it resulted in a beloved show, Kate and Allie. The six-season series created by Sherry Coben followed Kate McArdle (Susan Saint James) and Allie Lowell (Jane Curtin), two divorced childhood best friends who decide to live together in a New York City brownstone to pool their resources and raise their children as a supportive, modern family. Kate is a free-spirited, career-oriented woman who works as a travel agent. Allie is more traditional, conservative, and neurotic, and returns to college while balancing her life. Kate and Allie was celebrated for its smart, realistic portrayal of female friendship, independence, and the everyday, humorous chaos of raising a family in Greenwich Village, a nearly impossible feat today. The series was a risky yet profound take on the nuclear family that resonated well with audiences.

The dynamic between Curtin and Saint James was nothing but sublime comedy. They found the funny within the slice-of-life storytelling. What made the series triumph was how the women were portrayed. They were not struggling or desperate, instead resilient and capable. Kate and Allie celebrated the concept of a chosen family, proving that the setup is a powerful tool for survival and growth. Kate and Allie was a relaxed sitcom, especially known for its unique cold opens, featuring the women taking quiet walks and having amusing conversations around Greenwich Village. The concept has been borrowed from, including the Disney Channel sitcom Raven’s Home. What may have seemed progressive in the ’80s is anything but today. Oh, and if you want to know where future stars stopped by before their big break? It was Kate and Allie. The guest stars included Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Ricki Lake, and many more. ​​​​​​​

‘Love, Sidney’ (1981–1983)

Image via NBC

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Perhaps one of the most endearing sitcoms of the decade was none other than Love, Sidney. Developed by Oliver Hailey as a series, Love, Sidney was based on a short story by Marilyn Cantor Baker, which was adapted as the TV movie Sidney Shorr: A Girl’s Best Friend. The series follows Sidney Shorr (Tony Randall), a middle-aged, closeted gay artist who shares his Manhattan apartment with a struggling single mother, Laurie Morgan (Swoosie Kurtz), and her young daughter, Patti (Kaleena Kiff), forming a unique, unconventional family of choice. Instead of focusing on romance or dating, the show heavily centered on the everyday humor of raising a child in the city, Sidney’s career as a commercial illustrator, and his interactions with quirky neighbors. A genuinely tender comedy, Love, Sidney was wholesome and historic.

Love, Sidney made television history by becoming the first American network prime-time series to feature a gay character in the lead role. Though the network downplayed this aspect of the character due to fears of sponsor backlash, the sheer act of having a gay man lead a prime-time sitcom in 1981 was pioneering. The dynamic of the trio was the heart and soul of Love, Sidney. Randall’s fussy, lovable comedic timing paired seamlessly with Kurtz’s charm and warmth, but it was Kiff who stole hearts. It may seem shocking by today’s standards, but for a show to focus on a non-traditional household centered around a gay man was necessary for sitcoms like Will & Grace and The New Normal to arise. A genuine celebration of found family, Love, Sidney broke ground thanks to Randall’s commitment to the part, one that was not a caricature but a complex, multifaceted individual.​​​​​​​

‘Police Squad!’ (1982)

Image via ABC

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In 1982, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker created a show for ABC that was a spoof and send-up of police procedurals. It only lasted six episodes. And yet, its legacy carries through today because Police Squad led to the beloved comedy film series The Naked Gun. Police Squad may be that rare example of a cancellation actually benefiting from staying power. The original series follows Leslie Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin, a seemingly competent but entirely clueless cop who solves absurd cases with a completely deadpan delivery and is surrounded by equally oblivious characters. Mocking 1950s and 60s hard-boiled police and detective dramas, Police Squad relied on rapid-fire visual gags, bizarre non-sequiturs, and literal-minded wordplay. And after two Airplane films, it’s what audiences adored.

Police Squad brilliantly subverted the sitcom style for a unique, rapid-fire, deadpan spoof that worked on screen. With the Airplane creative team tapping Nielsen, who had already established his brilliance in the style, Police Squad had the goods for greatness. Add in recurring gags like major celebrities, like William Shatner or Florence Henderson, billed as a guest star, only to be humorously killed off in the opening credits before the actual episode plot began, changing the episode title within the episode, and visual humor that brought laughs and groans, and Police Squad was perfect. The show was ahead of its time. Network executives felt the show was too demanding, as the sheer volume of jokes meant viewers had to pay constant attention rather than watch casually. And yet, that was Police Squad’s greatest asset. The series spawned a trilogy and a legacy film starring Liam Neeson. It inspired 21st-century comedies like Angie Tribeca. It may have been a flop by TV standards, but the truth is, it was anything but. ​​​​​​​

‘Small Wonder’ (1985–1991)

Image via Metroland Video Productions

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Back in the ‘80s, the synopsis of Small Wonder was so sci-fi that it seemed implausible. Today, Small Wonder seems like a story of the future that could soon be our reality. Created by Howard Leeds, the campy first-run syndicated series followed Ted Lawson (Dick Christie), a robotics engineer who secretly creates a highly advanced android, designed to look like a 10-year-old girl (Tiffany Brissette). The Lawson family— Ted’s wife, Joan (Marla Pennington), and mischievous son, Jamie (Jerry Supiran)—passes her off as their adopted daughter, V.I.C.I. (Voice Input Child Identicant), and tries to hide her robotic nature from their nosy neighbors, the Brindle family— Ted’s obnoxious boss, Brandon Brindle (William Bogert), and Brandon’s nosy daughter, Harriet (Emily Schulman), who has an obsessive crush on Jamie. The premise was ripe for comedy, and for four seasons, it prevailed.

Much of the humor came from the obvious— preventing Vicki from displaying superhuman feats, eating food, or malfunctioning in front of the neighbors and society at large. The heart of the story was watching how a family adopted a child as one of their own. The off-the-wall sci-fi premise was the hook, but its ability to play it as a genuine domestic comedy sustained its charm. The gimmicks catered to a younger demographic by using easy-to-follow stories and physical comedy. It had shades of Nickelodeon and Disney Channel shows of the early aughts. While Vicki provided the strange and unusual as well as the source of the secret, the supporting characters grounded the series in classic sitcom tropes. Small Wonder, though a low-stakes, laugh-heavy comfort viewing, has clearly allowed our imaginations to accept more grounded stories today at the intersection of AI, robotics, and domestic life. If Small Wonder were made today, it would be far from a comedy. ​​​​​​​

‘The Hogan Family’ (1986–1991)

Image via NBC

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The Hogan Family is a tale of two series. First, under the title Valerie, it was a classic family comedy starring Valerie Harper. Then, upon her departure, Sandy Duncan arrived, and it played under its official name. Originally, the story followed Valerie Hogan (Harper), a mother trying to raise her three sons, David (Jason Bateman), Willie (Danny Ponce), and Mark (Jeremy Licht), while her airline pilot husband, Michael (Josh Taylor), was constantly away. However, after a contract dispute with the producers following the second season, Harper was fired, and her character was written out and killed off. Enter Duncan as Aunt Sandy Hogan, who moved in to serve as the boys’ surrogate mother. Beyond lighthearted family comedy, the show also became well-known for tackling serious “very special episode” topics, including the death of a parent, drunken driving, teen sex, and AIDS.

No matter your age, The Hogan Family was relatable television. A shocking result in the second iteration of the show, The Hogan Family allowed a realistic storyline to present an authentic narrative that reflected the experiences of its viewers. With sharp writing and the ability to handle serious, real-world teenage issues with humor and heart, The Hogan Family was triumphant. There were many stars in the making during the ’80s. On The Hogan Family, it was Bateman. The show showcased distinct, dry delivery and sarcastic wit that eventually became his signature style. The Hogan Family had a solid ensemble, but let us not forget the iconic theme song by Roberta Flack, “Together Through the Years.” A comforting, nostalgic treat, it was the perfect song for a delightful, authentic series. ​​​​​​​

‘Too Close For Comfort’ (1980–1987)

Image via ABC

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If one thing is clear, the adoration and legacy of The Mary Tyler Moore Show carried on well after its end. Whether through spin-offs or the main cast continuing into new shows, the ensemble did quite well for themselves on sitcoms post-Mary Tyler Moore. Like Valerie Harper, Ted Knight had his own star vehicle in Too Close For Comfort. In the Knight-led series, Henry Rush (Knight) is an overprotective, conservative cartoonist, who lives upstairs from his two independent adult daughters, Jackie (Deborah Van Valkenburgh), the ambitious, street-smart older sister, and Sara (Lydia Cornell), the bubbly, naive younger sister, in San Francisco. Hoping to keep a watchful eye on them, he and his devoted wife, Muriel (Nancy Dussault), rent them the downstairs apartment, leading to constant comedic boundary-crossing and family drama. Through hilarious, multigenerational clashes, the series showcased Knight’s comedic prowess like no other show before.

Based on the British sitcom Keep It in the Family, the American iteration proved fruitful—a strategy that continues to work today. Too Close For Comfort tapped into the universal push-and-pull of the generation gap. Though the family was the central focus, one supporting character stole the show: the daughters’ incredibly naive and eccentric friend, Monroe Ficus (Jim J. Bullock). He was so beloved for his awkward but endearing dynamic with the grumpy Henry that he earned an upgrade to series regular. The series was anchored by a brilliant lineup on Tuesday nights, airing behind Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Three’s Company, allowing it to become a comedy staple for six seasons. So why doesn’t it fall into that same conversation? The show faded into comedy obscurity following Knight’s death from cancer during its final season. It also suffered from constant cast changes and a name change to The Ted Knight in its final season. If you fell in love with Knight on ​​​​​​​The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Too Close For Comfort is something to seek out.

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Too Close for Comfort

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Release Date

1980 – 1987-00-00

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  Nancy Dussault

  Muriel Rush

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  Jim J. Bullock

  Monroe Ficus

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  Deborah Van Valkenburgh

  Jackie Rush

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Former U.S. ski team member TJ Lanning has died, the team confirmed on Tuesday, July 7. He was 41.

No cause of death has been released as of publication.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of TJ Lanning, a former U.S. Ski Team alpine skier and coach whose impact on our sport went far beyond his years of competition. 🤍,” the U.S. ski team wrote via Instagram. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and children during this difficult time.”

A Helena, Montana native, Lanning specialized in downhill, super-G and combined racing, according to Ski Racing Media, which also called him, ”one of the most promising American speed skiers of his generation.”

Related: Olympic Snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz Dead After Being Trapped in Avalanche

Former Bronze medal Olympic snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz has died at age 50 after becoming trapped in an avalanche while snowboarding with a friend in Switzerland, the Swiss Ski Federation confirmed on Tuesday, January 13. Kestenholz won the Bronze in snowboard giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the first year the sport was included in […]

“Lanning’s career was defined not only by talent but also by toughness,” the outlet wrote. “He raced with a willingness to push the limit, and that approach made him exciting to watch. It also came with a heavy physical cost. His career included repeated injuries, including crashes that interrupted several seasons and kept him from realizing the full potential many saw in him.”

One of the highlights of Lanning’s career came in 2008 when he became the U.S. downhill champion and qualified for the World Cup Finals in downhill. He finished 25th overall in the grueling discipline and placed 33rd in super-G.

Lanning retired a year later after a frightening accident during a race when a crash resulted in him dislocating his left knee and fracturing the C5 vertebra in his neck. Unable to return to competition, he transitioned to coaching, assisting the U.S. Ski Team.

“Lanning’s life in ski racing was marked by promise, pain, persistence and impact,” Ski Racing Media wrote. “He brought the sport moments of genuine excitement and, later, gave back through coaching. His death at such a young age is a profound loss for the American ski racing community.”

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Friends and fans shared their tributes to Lanning in the comments of the U.S. ski team’s post.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have known TJ through ski racing,” Ski Racing Media content director Katie Twible wrote. “His smile lit up every ski hill he was on, and he brought so much energy to the people around him. Today our ski community has lost someone special. My heart is with his family, his children, and everyone who loved him. 💔.”

“What a tremendous loss for the ski world,” former Swiss alpine ski racer Carlo Janka added. “He was an incredible athlete and an even more wonderful human being. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him. 🙏😢.”

General Hospital delivers Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) reunited and more people are finding out that they’re together.

Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) ranted and Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) is absolutely going to blow up. Most of Port Charles is going to have an opinion on them, probably mostly negative, but they are still clearly headed for super couple status.

We’re going to talk about where Valentin and Carly go from here now that he’s pardoned and his and Carly’s romance has gone public.

General Hospital: Carly & Valentin Reunited!

Now, let’s talk about this happily reunited duo. So, thanks to GH Big Boss Z, Valentin came back home to Port Charles with a full pardon for his crimes. Seems only fair since Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) was released from Pentonville for pretty much the same dirty deeds that Valentin was doing in the GH WSB, which gave him a job instead of a jail cell.

So, when Carly saw Valentin getting out of that SUV that pulled up in front of General Hospital, it was great. Carly took off running. She just left the conversation with Sonny to make a run for Valentin. Lulu and Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke) saw it, too. And that’s I think when Lulu realized exactly what was going on, and it gave her some more information about what Valentin’s been up to.

I thought Carly and Valentin’s reunion was pretty awesome. Not only did Carly run for him, but Valentin ran for her and they crashed into each other’s arms. They hugged and then shared that passionate kiss. Meanwhile, Sonny and Charlotte and Lulu were looking on in shock.

Now, Charlotte was only surprised because her dad Valentin was free. That’s what shocked her because Charlotte already knew how close Carly and Valentin were. She pretty much knew. But Lulu and Sonny were blindsided. And Carly wasted no time. She brought Valentin home with her and Carly doesn’t want him to leave.

Sonny Confronts Carly on GH

Meanwhile, Valentin is really happy he doesn’t have to keep hiding out in her attic. But even with his name cleared and Carly thrilled to have him back, they are going to face some obstacles. And one of them already happened. That was when Sonny showed up on that recent episode, walked into Carly’s place and caught them canoodling.

And with no irony whatsoever, Sonny said, “Valentin is the absolute worst mistake that Carly has made.” Come on. Really? She was engaged to Franco Baldwin (Roger Howarth) at one point and that was when she still thought he had had Michael Corinthos (then Chad Duell) raped in prison. They retconed that away. But still, I think Franco or the Alcazar (Ted King)  thing were much bigger mistakes. But I think the mobster was a mistake as well.

And then Sonny dropped the bombshell. The Valentin was behind his psych meds being tampered with. And if I recall correctly, Jack Brennan had a hand in that. I think he approved Valentin doing it because they were trying to deal with Sonny issues. Anyway, Carly was appalled and Valentin owned it and he apologized. So, Carly’s going to let it slide. But that little kitchen altercation with Sonny moaning and griping about Carly’s disastrous love life was the tip of the iceberg. There’s much more coming.

Sonnys Big Plans to Split Up Carly & Valentin on General Hospital

Let’s dive into what is ahead for Valentin and Carly on their road to super couple status. First off, Sonny is far from done. He is determined to split up Carly and Valentin. And summer spoilers say Sonny enlists Brick (Stephen A. Smith) in the effort to try and break them up. And that should start soon. Since Brick has that big crush on Carly, I’m sure he’s all in right away.

But I honestly can’t with Sonny’s hypocrisy about Valentin. This is the same Sonny that drugged teenage Karen Wexler so she would strip at his club and sleep with him. And Sonny shot his son Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) and many others, and he’s a serial cheater who’s done Carly quite dirty, so he can kick rocks.

So, another thing to talk about, if it’s not already official, I think it’s pretty certain that Valentin is going to move in with Carly to stay. She said this week she never wants him to leave, but we need to see suitcases unpacked. It’s one thing for fugitive Valentin to lurk in her attic like a sexy bat.

It’s another for them to officially cohabitate. What’s worse is that’s the house Sonny used to live in with Carly, but Valentin’s gonna be keeping that bed warm upstairs in the master bedroom. And I’m sure plenty of other people will be dropping in to vent about Carly being with Valentin. But since Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) seems cool with him now, I don’t think Carly’s going to care.

Charlotte Moves in Carly & Valentin on GH?

Another thing I can see in Valentin and Carly’s future is another kid. And no, I don’t think Valentin’s going to knock up Carly. Instead, I think his precious Charlotte is going to wind up living with them, at least part-time. Carly already adores her, and Charlotte really likes Valentin’s new lady love. And of course, Lulu is going to be fuming, but she and Charlotte are about to hit a breaking point.

Lulu’s trying to keep Valentin away, but he offered her a 50/50 custody split or said, “You can risk family court.” Because Charlotte’s 16. So, the judge is going to ask where she wants to live, and she’ll say with Papa Valentin. GH summer spoilers say Charlotte has issues with Lulu and seeks new living arrangements.

And with Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) heading to Ireland to see Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) and Ace Cassadine (Jay & Joey Clay) soon, I doubt Charlotte’s at grandma’s place. I think that she is going to want to live there with her dad and his new girlfriend. I think Carly will be fine with it and Valentin will be thrilled.

General Hospital: Valentin Working for the WSB?

Next thing, we know that Valentin’s going to need a job. You know, he could be a sommelier at the Metro Court restaurant handing out wine. He’s got good taste, but I’m thinking he and Jack might bury the hatchet because of common enemies. Or rather, I should say, Valentin pretends to bury the hatchet.

Carly still wants Jack destroyed. So, Valentin might wind up doing some work for the local GH WSB office. That way, he can get close to Jack. He can keep an eye on Josslyn and look for opportunities to destroy Jack so that Carly can have her revenge. We’ve also heard hints that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) might end up working for the WSB.

So, Valentin could end up working with Josslyn and with Carly’s BFF Jason while orchestrating Jack’s downfall. And one last thing, Valentin and Carly are going to have to face a barrage of haters. I think a lot of them.

Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) has toxic Peter August (Wes Ramsey) in her head and he may tell Anna to go after Valentin. Then there’s Lulu. She’s going to be furious with Carly and Valentin both. And if Charlotte moves in, I think Lulu is going to be scheming to destroy them.

I mean, bless her heart. Both her kids are pretty frustrating right now. I understand Charlotte to some extent because she was raised by Valentin, but Rocco Falconeri‘s (Finn Carr) fixation on Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) is nonsensical cruelty towards his actual mom, Lulu.

General Hospital: Jason Won’t Be Happy

And once Jason’s back, I’m sure he won’t like the idea of Carly and Valentin being together, but also Sonny’s going to gripe to Jason and might ask him to help split them, but I don’t know if he’s going to return interested in doing any conspiring with Sonny. Once Jason’s back, he’s supposed to be making a big change.

Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) and Jack aren’t fans of Carly being with Valentin. And with Nina and Jack getting closer soon, they may prove problematic for the new super couple. Carly still despises Jack and she’s hated Nina for years. And of course, Dante may show up to warn Carly and to see what has Lulu so upset.

So, there’s certainly going to be some big hurdles along the way, but Carly and Valentin are head over heels for each other. Their chemistry is fire. They’re not going to let anybody tear them apart. And I am here for it. They could be the next big super couple on GH. Something honestly the ABC soap is currently lacking.

Sienna Miller may not have been on the court, but she still served one of the best looks at Wimbledon. Her effortlessly elegant neutral matching set style felt perfectly at home among the tournament’s famously chic crowd, proving once again that understated style always wins.

The actress was spotted attending the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 4 while wearing a rich-looking beige ensemble. She styled a fitted vest and flowy wide-leg pants set layered under a cream blazer, and accessorized with round retro sunglasses and white heels. The polished look struck the perfect balance between classic Wimbledon style and modern summer sophistication.

Get the Heipeiwa Two-Piece Linen Matching Set for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, July 9, 2026, but are subject to change.

Luckily, you don’t need a Centre Court budget to recreate her outfit. The Heipeiwa Two-Piece Linen Matching Set delivers the same tailored vest, breezy wide-leg trousers and elegant neutral palette that made Miller’s courtside ensemble such a standout.

Related: Love Victoria Beckham’s $15K Bag? This Amazon One Is 99% Less

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The breathable linen-blend set has earned over 450 five-star ratings from shoppers. One reviewer called it “super comfortable and lightweight,” adding that it’s “perfect for hot days when you still want to look put together.” Another buyer described it as “classy and stylish,” saying it looks “very high end.”

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Related: Isla Fisher’s Waist-Defining White Dress Was a Wimbledon Win

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New details have emerged surrounding influencer Gaby Sanarrucia Chavarría death.

Argentina-based news outlet La Nación cited Costa Rican authorities and reported that Chavarría was shot dead on Saturday, July 4. She was 28.

The influencer was sleeping next to her boyfriend inside their La Cruz, Costa Rica, home at the time of her death. Chavarría’s boyfriend was also killed.

Chavarría rose to fame online sharing glimpses of her life with her more than 100,000 fans across Instagram and TikTok. Her TikTok bio read, “My family, my greatest blessing 😍🇨🇷.”

Scroll down to see what we know so far about the investigation into her death:

What Is Known About Suspects in Gaby Sanarrucia Chavarria’s Death Investigation?

Outlets reported that multiple intruders allegedly broke into the couple’s home before firing bullets at both Chavarría and Jose Isaac Agüero. People reported on Monday, July 6, that local authorities said “after the killing, suspects fled the home and allegedly burned a white vehicle.”

Do Authorities Suspect a Motivation Behind Gaby Sanarrucia Chavarria’s Death?

The shootings were believed to be “motivated by retribution.” Local police claimed that they are currently “continuing to investigate to determine an official motive.”

When Did Gaby Sanarrucia Chavarria Share Her Last Social Media Posts Before Her Death?

The influencer’s final TikTok on Friday, July 3, appeared to be a throwback clip of her cuddling up to her daughter as the little one spoke to the camera. “When did you grow up so much, my baby,” Chavarría captioned the video.

Fans shared their condolences in the comments section. “Now the little girl is all alone 😭 without her mom,” one user wrote in a translated message, while another added, “Oh my God, I feel so sorry for the poor little girl, she’s left without her mother, such an innocent child 🥺.” A third wrote, “May you rest in peace 🤍🌹.”

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Chavarría also shared a series of images to Instagram on June 28, featuring pics of her daughter and Agüero. In one photo, the influencer was dressed in lingerie while she sat on a throne as her boyfriend held onto her bare leg and looked into her eyes.

“My love 🐼 🥰,” she captioned the post. “Together by the hand of God always in ups and downs! ❤️ 🩹🫶🏻✨.”

In the comments section, one user wrote, “Rest in peace both 🕊️🖤.”

Roommates, congratulations are in order for beauty influencer MakeupShayla and her husband Leslie Quezada. The couple just entered their parent era after welcoming their first child. They shared the news on social media and fans immediately flooded their comments with heart eye emojis and sweet messages.

RELATED: Congrats! Renni Rucci Confirms The Arrival Of Her Baby Boy With Sweet Delivery Room Moments (PHOTOS) 

MakeupShayla Shares First Look At Her Bundle Of Joy

Fans are gushing after MakeupShayla, formerly known as Shayla Mitchell, announced the arrival of her first child, a baby boy, with her husband Leslie Quezada. Folks who have been following the makeup artist and entrepreneur on social media know that she has continued to share details about her pregnancy journey. Shayla and Leslie shared the sweet news in a joint Instagram post featuring moments from the delivery room, where they held their newborn son as he rocked a cozy blue swaddle. The couple hasn’t revealed his name yet, but fans are still over the moon after getting a first look at his adorable little face.

Leslie, who goes by LesQuik on Instagram, also hopped into the comments to share his excitement about  finally meeting his son. “I have no words for how thankful, amazed, & excited I am. Our lil man is here, healthy, and beautiful. 💙💙💙💙💙”

Fans Can’t Stop Gushing Over MakeupShayla’s Baby Arrival

After The Shade Room shared Shayla and Leslie’s adorable video, the Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of fans sent them well wishes, while others said they feel like aunties because they’ve been rocking with Shayla since her YouTube days.

Instagram user @kateaara wrote, “The original influencer😍 congrats 🤩” 

Instagram user @beresowavey wrote, “Babies are blessings 😍🙏🏼” 

While Instagram user @__lovelyyynae wrote, “My Shaylaaa🥹🩵” 

Then Instagram user @kiyastarrr wrote, “So happy for them!!!❤️👏”

Another Instagram user @shannara____ wrote, “Awwww they had their baby 😍 Shayla carried that pregnancy well too.” 

Instagram user @ceecuute wrote, “Aww congratulations. Was lowkey worried 😟 Thank God for a safe delivery.” 

Then another Instagram user @mshobbs_ wrote, “Real YouTube Day 1’s Ones…We Feel Like Real Aunties 😩🩵🩵🩵🩵 Congratulations @makeupshayla @lesquik GODs Timing ⏱️ 😏🙌🏽” 

While another Instagram user @naughty.autie wrote, “Congratulations girlie! 🎉🎉🎉” 

Finally, Instagram user @trb___ss wrote, “Yay 😍” 

More About Shayla & Les

MakeupShayla keeps her 3 million-plus Instagram followers locked in with a mix of beauty content, lifestyle updates, and sweet content featuring her hubby, Les. Back in February, she shocked fans after sharing the emotional moment when she told Les she was pregnant. They later celebrated the big news with a dreamy beachside announcement video that showed Les lovingly caressing her growing baby bump. Since then, Shayla has continued to keep the gworls fed, serving one maternity slay after another in a series of glamorous Reels.

RELATED: Congrats! Anne Hathaway Reveals She’s Expecting Baby No. 3 With Husband Adam Shulman (VIDEO)