If you’re like me, you grew up with the Disney Channel. Maybe in the era before DCOMs were a major part of the fabric. Or perhaps it was when the kid sitcoms took over the entire programming block. No matter when it was, there’s something inherently special about Disney and the consistency of their original programming.

Launched in 1983, the network has been at the forefront of children’s and adolescents’ television. From shows with recognizable Disney IP to platforms for some of the biggest names in entertainment, the Disney Channel classics continue to hold a place in our hearts. This list will celebrate the classic titles that have aged like fine wine. To be considered a classic, the series must not only have debuted more than 20 years ago, but also have had the majority of its run before 2006. Sorry, Hannah Montana! Let’s take a trip down memory lane with the House of Mouse.

‘Adventures in Wonderland’ (1992–1993)

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There are quite a few beloved storybook characters who have appeared in film and television adaptations. Suffice it to say, there will not be a time when Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass won’t be adapted in some way, shape, or form. Though Disney had a beloved Alice in the animated Disney Vault, they went back to the source material and then modernized it through a ’90s lens for Adventures in Wonderland. The live-action series followed Alice (Elisabeth Harnois), who could come and go through her mirror to visit Wonderland, where the whimsical characters helped her with her daily life problems. Within this magical, musical Wonderland, she encounters eccentric characters like the Mad Hatter (John Robert Hoffman), the March Hare (Reece Holland), and the notorious Red Queen (Armelia McQueen).

Each episode, which featured sprightly singing and dancing, captured the issues kids were experiencing through the lens of the source material. The characters had elements related to imagery many viewers were familiar with, but they were given vast creative liberties to live within their own contained, imaginative Alice universe. In doing so, the series did stray from traditional casting, opting for colorblind casting for certain characters, including The Red Queen and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Harry Waters Jr. and Robert Barry Fleming), the latter of whom was modeled on urban hip-hop culture. Though the show was filled with relatively unfamiliar performances, Teri Garr and Ken Page popped by as The Duchess, the Red Queen’s rival, and The Walrus, a newcomer to Wonderland. Adventures in Wonderland was a colorful, campy sensory overload, nothing but fun. Now, for a fun Disney fact: MGM Studios at Walt Disney World used to be an active sound stage where Adventures in Wonderland was one of the many kids’ series filmed there!

‘Bug Juice’ (1998–2001)

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Though it might come as a shock, the genre had some face time in the ’90s before the big reality TV boom in the early aughts. The MTV generation had The Real World and Road Rules. The Disney Channel generation had Bug Juice. A pioneer in documentary reality, Bug Juice debuted in 1998 and followed the lives of about 20 kids at a summer camp. The title of the series comes from the camp slang for a sickly sweet powder-based drink. The risky, daring series highlighted 12 to 15-year-olds doing activities like swimming, hiking, and talent shows, focusing on making friends, homesickness, and navigating preteen dynamics. Introducing preteen reality, Bug Juice was an authentic, nostalgic look at summer camp.

Over the course of three seasons, Bug Juice captured three different camps. Season 1 took place at Camp Waziyatah in Waterford, Maine; Season 2 at Camp Highlander in Horse Shoe, North Carolina; and Season 3 at Brush Ranch Camp in Tererro, New Mexico. Kids who had spent time at summer camp felt seen watching Bug Juice. For those who never got to experience it, it was a chance to live it through the series. Though the show may have been lost to time, it’s actually a series that continues to influence the reality genre. In 2017, the series was revived as Bug Juice: My Adventures at Camp. As it so happened, the season was filmed at Camp Waziyatah, the place where the original took place. Bug Juice was simply ahead of its time.

‘Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ (1989–1990)

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I guarantee you, the moment you read the title, the theme song immediately begins to play in your head. If it didn’t, that’s OK. You might not have raced home after school for the iconic Disney Afternoon animated block. One of the cornerstones of Walt Disney Animation television division, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers dropped two of the most beloved Disney characters and gave them a chance to shine on their own. The series followed chipmunk siblings Chip (Tress MacNeille) and Dale (Corey Burton) as they operate a detective agency to solve crimes too small for the police, usually aiding animal clients. Together with friends Gadget (MacNeille), Monterey Jack (Peter Cullen and Jim Cummings), and Zipper (Burton), they battle various villains, including their main rival, Fat Cat (Cummings), before saving the day. Taking on cases that range from theft to kidnapping, as well as mysteries in a human-sized world, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers masterfully blended adventure with humor while poking fun at crime thriller tropes.

Sharply animated, matching the evolution of the animated division into the ’90s, the series became a surefire hit. Like DuckTales before it, Disney found its niche. By marrying known characters with a trio of lovable new additions, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers proved how easily Disney could refit its IP for longevity. Maintaining its stronghold on nostalgia, it made sense that it would eventually be turned into a live-action movie. With John Mulaney and Andy Samberg voicing the Chipmunks, the film was meant for the adults who watched the animated series as kids. With its presence in Disney Parks, the series remains relevant.

‘Even Stevens’ (2000–2003)

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Let’s face it. If you’re of a certain generation (millennials), you most definitely can recall something from the musical episode “Influenza: the Musical.” It’s just one of the charming and enigmatic moments of the iconic teen sitcom Even Stevens. The teen sitcom chronicled the chaotic, comedic rivalry between the Sacramento-based Stevens family’s overachieving daughter, Ren (Christy Carlson Romano), and her mischievous younger brother, Louis (Shia LaBeouf). Perhaps closely compared to a show like Malcolm in the Middle, this show was geared toward a younger demographic.

Offbeat and slightly surreal, Even Stevens captured a realistic perspective of teenage life through its smart writing and strong performances from its dynamic duo. The series featured a delightful young ensemble beside them that helped color and define Louis and Ren. Louis had his best friends, Twitty (A.J. Trauth) and Tawny (Margo Harshman), as Ren had hers, and Ruby (Lauren Frost), all of whom would join them on their days, problems, and all. With only three seasons, Even Stevens still made its mark. Though the two leads have found themselves making headlines for very different reasons, the show served as a seminal launch pad for their careers.

‘Kids Incorporated’ (1984–1994)

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While there was a more prominent variety show on the network, which we’ll discuss soon, Disney Channel struck gold with the first variety show: Kids Incorporated. A variety show where the kids played versions of themselves, Kids Incorporated revolved around a group of kids and teens who performed as their own titular rock band. With a “problem of the week” set up, the kids performed some of the day’s biggest hits and original tracks at The P*lace. By combining high-energy pop-rock performances with relatable, kid-focused storylines about friendship, peer pressure, and self-esteem, the series’ diversity made it a great representation of kids, teens, and young adults of the time.

The Disney Channel has served as a workshop for talent to hone their skills. Like its sister series, stars were born on this stage. Before Black Eyed Peas, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson was the young girl who literally grew up as a central figure on the show. It’s where she met her Wild Orchid co-founder, Renee Sands. Dropping her first name for the credits, Jennifer Love Hewitt was one of the stars of the show. Plus, there were Eric Balfour and Mario Lopez, who appeared as dancers and musicians throughout the series. Essentially, it was Glee meets Kidz Bop before they were a twinkle in their creators’ eyes. Kids Incorporated helped to define a generation.

‘Lizzie McGuire’ (2001–2004)

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“Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of!” OK, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Before it earned its remarkable movie, Lizzie McGuire established itself as peak young adult programming. A star vehicle for a young, rising star named Hilary Duff, the sitcom follows 13-year-old Lizzie McGuire (Duff) navigating middle school, friendships, and family life. Meanwhile, an animated version of herself appears to deliver soliloquies as her inner monologue, expressing the character’s inner thoughts and emotions. A revolutionary series, Lizzie McGuire humorously tackled teenage insecurity and personal growth through the charm of its star. Lizzie McGuire may be a time-capsule series, but its nostalgia factor keeps it in our hearts.

The coming-of-age series found popularity because it resonated so brilliantly. From first crushes in Ethan Craft (Clayton Snyder) to classmate rivalries in Kate Sanders (Ashlie Brillaut), with awkward family moments in between, Lizzie’s authenticity allowed the show to soar. Of course, no teen can get through adolescence with best friends, and Lizzie had two: Miranda Sanchez (Lalaine) and David “Gordo” Gordon (Adam Lamberg). The core trio served as a steadfast blueprint for future kid sitcoms. Lizzie McGuire was relatable content. It was warm and fuzzy, serving as a comfort show for teens, reminding them that life will be OK. The success of the series earned Duff the chance to reprise the role on the big screen in The Lizzie McGuire Movie. In a sense, it became bigger than the show was. With such reverence for the film and Duff back in the pop scene, expect to hear the entire soundtrack, namely “What Dreams Are Made Of,” for the foreseeable future. So, get out your butterfly clips and colorful attire because Lizzie is back!

‘So Weird’ (1999–2001)

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When you think of kid and teen series, they often tend to be peppy, bubbly, and funny. Rarely do they set out to scare. And yet, that was the brilliance of the supernatural series, So Weird. At its core, So Weird was the long-awaited response to Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? Essentially the kid version of The X-Files, So Weird followed Fiona “Fi” Phillips (Cara DeLizia) as she toured with her rock-star mom Molly (Mackenzie Phillips), while encountering paranormal activity along the way. By Season 3, DeLizia departed and was replaced by Alexz Johnson, who played Annie Thelen, a family friend of the Phillips. No matter the familiar makeup, the allure of So Weird lies in its unique premise and mature, sophisticated storytelling.

So Weird wasn’t afraid to approach topics other shows may have been afraid of. Tackling themes of grief, faith, and the supernatural within the spooky atmosphere gave kids a compelling way to find something relatable they may not have had before. A well-acted show, So Weird was one of the first major Disney projects in which Erik von Detten appeared. While the first two seasons had a darker feel, the tone shifted in its third season to a bright, jovial atmosphere. Fret not, the paranormal remained! Thanks to So Weird, young viewers found their entry point into their fascination with ghosts, aliens, and mythology they adore in science fiction. Not as fondly remembered as other shows around the same time periods, So Weird remains a hidden gem.

‘TaleSpin’ (1990–1991)

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What might have seemed like a wild idea furthered Disney’s mission to repurpose some of its best characters. Two decades after The Jungle Book, Baloo, King Louie, and Shere Khan were dropped into a new universe for brand-new adventures on TaleSpin. The fitting title came as a play on the word for the rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral, as well as the meaning of the word tale. The animated classic followed bush pilot Baloo (Ed Gilbert) in Cape Suzette as his failing air-cargo freight business was bought out by single mother Rebecca Cunningham (Sally Struthers). Renamed Higher for Hire, an orphan boy and former air pirate, the ambitious teen cub Kit Cloudkicker (R. J. Williams) attaches to Baloo and becomes his navigator and sidekick. Embarking on daring journeys reminiscent of old action-adventure films of the ’30s and ’40s while battling the sinister Don Karnage (Jim Cummings), TaleSpin was a high-stakes, enjoyable escape that appealed to kids and adults alike.

Layered with sly wit and subtle, mature humor, TaleSpin balances its kid-centric essence with well-animated plane chases, air pirates, and exploration like you might see in Indiana Jones. By uniting a classic character with a brand-new setting, TaleSpin became both timeless and refreshing. Like its predecessors, TaleSpin’s influence carried over to the next shows in line, Darkwing Duck and Goof Troop. Though its run stayed in the ’90s, some of the characters, namely Kit and Molly Cunningham as adults, appeared in the DuckTales revival series. With a lingering influence on the genre, TaleSpin‘s legacy continues today.

‘That’s So Raven’ (2003–2007)

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While Disney may have been the pioneer in teen sketch comedy, Nickelodeon was the first to launch the trend of multi-cam teen comedies. But in 2003, Disney Channel took the reins with a hit series that started a trend toward more live-studio-audience shows. That show was That’s So Raven. Centering on Raven Baxter, played by former Cosby kid Raven-Symoné, the series follows the antics of a teenager with hidden psychic abilities. As Raven experiences visions of future events that she almost always misinterprets, she must intervene to prevent the vision coming true with the aid of her best friends, Eddie Thomas (Orlando Brown) and Chelsea Daniels (Anneliese van del Pol), her parents, Tanya and Victor (T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh and Rondell Sheridan), and her brother, Cory (Kyle Massey). Exploring family, friendship, and adolescence through supernatural elements and over-the-top hijinks, That’s So Raven walked so Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and The Wizards of Waverly Place could run.

That’s So Raven was lighthearted yet brazen, charismatic yet genuine. Fashion forward with slapstick physical comedy, That’s So Raven had the makings of adult sitcoms through the perspective of teenagers. While you were laughing along, the series was unafraid to tackle serious topics, like racism and body image, in a relatable and accessible way. The series was groundbreaking as Symoné became the first Black woman to lead her own Disney show. It opened the door for further diversity to eventually come down the road. There is a timeless nature to the series, as That’s So Raven spawned a series of spin-offs. First, picking up right after the original series ended, Cory in the House moved the action to the White House, as Cory and Victor move to DC, where Victor becomes the President’s chef. A decade after That’s So Raven ended, Symonė went full circle and returned to her signature role, this time as a mother in Raven’s Home, in which she and Chelsea live together in Chicago, Illinois. Needless to say, the series has a lasting impact.

‘The All-New Mickey Mouse Club’ (1989–1996)

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Perhaps if you didn’t grow up in the ’90s, you may have heard rumblings about a variety series on the Disney Channel that saw some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars make a name for themselves. That mythological show was real, and it was called The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. A reboot of the ’50s iteration that made Annette Funicello a household name, The All-New Mickey Mouse Club featured a new group of talented kids and teenagers who sang, danced, and acted in skits, all before a live studio audience. Running for seven seasons, the high-energy mix of contemporary appeal and a throwback essence made us all wish we could have our own MMC varsity jacket.

The series not only revolutionized kid entertainment, but it bridged the gap between wholesome Disney values and the pop-culture-driven world of the ’90s, all while tapping into everyday issues. With a nostalgic feel, then and now, The All-New Mickey Mouse Club became appointment television for kids. It was the ultimate escapist entertainment. Now to the talent. There were many who found careers post-MMC, but most notably, the series launched the careers of pop princesses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, award-winning actors Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell, and founding members of *NSYNC, Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez. The All-New Mickey Mouse Club was the ultimate peak of ’90s entertainment. Without it, the landscape of movies, television, and music might look quite different today.

Widely considered one of the greatest singers of all time, Marvin Gaye served as one of the most important voices in soul music. Commonly dubbed the Prince of Motown, everything that he offered art was bred from pure spirit. As a gifted singer, songwriter, and producer, his untimely death was not at the expense of an extensive discography that changed everything we knew about R&B. From hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” his sultry vocals shook an entire generation, shaping the sound of soul music throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

But while his countless hits make up a catalog that travels through funk, jazz, and soul, the track recently dubbed as the “Greatest Song Ever” doesn’t even sit in Gaye’s top three most streamed hits. “What’s Going On,” released on January 21, 1971, served as a political observance of unsettling times in the United States. It was a plea for a return to our own humanity, to not let violence and hate be what drives our division. With a legacy and relevance that has only grown over time, here’s a deeper dive into Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”

The History Behind Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”

One of the most important things to note about “What’s Going On” is that it almost never happened. Originally written by Renaldo “Obie” Benson of The Four Tops, the inspiration stemmed from his witnessing of police violently attacking anti-war protesters during the 1969 People’s Park demonstrations in Berkeley. It was an outpouring of desperation and despair, as it seemed almost impossible to survive the chilling reality of being young, Black, or anti-violent in America at the time. However, the rest of the band members wanted to avoid recording the track out of fear that the song was just “too political.” Though the lyrics spoke to the salvation of love, it did not shy away from acknowledging the brutality that ran rampant in the streets.

We don’t need to escalate

You see, war is not the answer

For only love can conquer hate

You know we’ve got to find a way

To bring some lovin’ here today

Picket lines and picket signs

Don’t punish me with brutality

Talk to me

So you can see

Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?

Benson went on to pitch the song to several other artists, including Joan Baez, but it wasn’t ultimately considered with sincerity until it reached Gaye. The musician connected with it immediately, especially because his brother had recently returned from the Vietnam War, and Gaye himself was dealing with grief after the death of duet partner Tammi Terrell. He knew that this song needed to be recorded, and that he would be able to infuse it in with genuine honesty and longing for change.

However, there were still a few obstacles to overcome. Motown founder Berry Gordy hated the song and wanted to stop it from being recorded, reportedly regarding it as too jazzy, too political, and “the worst thing” he had ever heard. He didn’t think it was the right sonic move for his career. Yet, Gaye knew he had something special on his hands and refused to record anything else until the song was released. His instinct was undeniably on the mark.

Related

Bob Dylan’s Controversial Protest Song Nearly Got Him Into Legal Trouble 50 Years Ago

The singer was inspired after a visit to the Trenton State Prison.

Marvin Gaye’s Biggest Hit Is Not “What’s Going On”

Enlisting the help of session musician Eli Fountain, legendary bassist James Jamerson, and Motown songwriter Al Cleveland, “What’s Going On” immediately touched the hearts of equally fatigued citizens who longed for normalcy and peace. It topped the Hot Soul Singles and R&B charts for weeks on end, landing at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over two million copies.

And yet, despite its overwhelming success, “What’s Going On” was ultimately not Marvin Gaye’s biggest commercial hit. Still, “What’s Going On” became his defining song because of its emotional depth, social message, and timeless relevance. While songs like “Sexual Healing” and “Let’s Get It On” are typically the hits that come to mind when reflecting on the decades of Gaye’s legacy, “What’s Going On” is unequivocally his most meaningful contribution to society at large. The declaration of injustice continues to be regularly ranked among the greatest ever made, with many critics referring to it as one of the most important protest songs in music history.

If you’re already planning your festival beauty looks, you know it’s all about bold color that actually lasts. Between long days in the sun, packed crowds and back-to-back sets, your makeup needs to hold up — not fade halfway through the first performance. That’s where this viral blush comes in — and part of a limited-time sale.

The Color Bloom Liquid Blush from SHEGLAM is a fan-favorite formula that delivers a perfectly sunkissed flush with just one dot. Seriously — just one tiny dab is all it takes to wake up your complexion and add that natural-looking warmth. It’s already just $7, but through March 31, the brand is offering 15% off orders over $45 with code HERGLAM — making it the perfect time to build your full look for less.

Get the Color Bloom Liquid Blush-Hot Topic for $6 at SHEGLAM!

The magic of this blush is in its lightweight gel-cream formula, which melts into skin instead of sitting on top of it. It blends out seamlessly for a soft, skin-like finish that looks fresh — but the payoff is bold enough to show up in sunlight and still look good hours later. Even more, it’s infused with antioxidant vitamin C to help hydrate and brighten, giving your cheeks that healthy, lit-from-within look.

The built-in sponge tip applicator makes it basically foolproof. Just dab, blend and go — no brushes, no complicated techniques. And because the pigment is so rich, a little truly goes a long way, meaning your look stays vibrant from the first set to the final encore. It also comes in a wide range of pink, coral and berry shades to match any festival look.

A viral hit on TikTok, the hashtag #sheglamblush has racked up more than 62.2k posts — and shoppers are just as obsessed. One reviewer shared that “one tiny dot” was all it took for the color payoff to be “amazing.” Another called it “hands down” the “best blush” they’ve ever tried, adding that it blends out “beautifully.”

If you want that bold yet effortless festival flush that actually lasts, this viral blush makes a real difference. It gives your cheeks that fresh, just-back-from-the-sun look that holds up through heat, crowds and long days outside. Grab one (or a few shades) now while it’s still on sale — your festival makeup lineup will thank you!

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Leslie Hines, an Army veteran and business owner, says she was wrongly followed and accused while running her Coolin’ Out Ice Cream truck business in a North Carolina neighborhood. The confrontation was reportedly captured on video. Additionally, Hines says that afterward, she struggled to feel comfortable with returning to the area.

What happened? And what are Leslie Hines’ rights?

The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is sharing the story and some answers on ‘TSR Investigates.’

More On What Happened With Leslie Hines & Her Ice Cream Truck In A North Carolina Neighborhood

According to Carter, in February, Leslie Hines encountered a man who allegedly followed her “on foot for three blocks.” And then continued to pursue her in his pickup truck. Per Hines, the man allegedly lied about her business, alleging that she sold him crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Then, as she made a stop to serve a family outside of their home, the man allegedly began yelling at another woman, who was present with her kids.

Per Carter, that woman called 911, and footage of the ordeal went viral. According to the woman, the next day, the man returned to her home with a vengeance.

What Happens Next?

Per Hines, the man’s behavior ultimately gave her anxiety about returning to the neighborhood to work.

“If he sees a Black woman riding through the neighborhood, that doesn’t give him justification or the right to be able to follow me… and slander me, and continually yell explicits at me. I was having anxiety attacks trying to return to the neighborhood… it was going to cost $600 for me to get GPD [coverage] — for me to get the police to come out there and protect me,” Hines explained

Scroll above to watch as Carter shares why Leslie Hines was unable to get a No Contact Order against the man. Additionally, Hines shares her experience of going back to the neighborhood — and how she received a blessing in disguise and can now use the traumatic event to pay it forward to others.

RELATED: Nurse Paid $6K For Post-Op “School” — Then Lost Her License | TSR Investigates

The Blue Bloods franchise has mourned the deaths of some cast members over the years.

The CBS show, which aired from 2010 to 2024, followed the lives of the Reagan family, many of whom work for the NYPD under the leadership of NYC police commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). Frank’s father, Henry Reagan (Len Cariou), was also central to the show, alongside Frank’s children: daughter Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan) and sons Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) and Jamie Reagan (Will Estes).

After Blue Bloods came to an end, CBS announced spinoff Boston Blue, which follows Wahlberg’s character taking a position with the Boston P.D. He is then paired with detective Lena (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.

Since Blue Bloods became a household name, the cast has mourned numerous costar deaths. The CBS show often featured tribute cards at the end of episodes with executive producer Leonard Goldberg and star Treat Williams receiving dedications.

In March 2026, news broke that Alex Duong died from a rare form of cancer after previously playing criminal and gang leader Sonny Le.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude — because of you, we have already reached the original goal. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” a message read on a fundraiser page for Duong. “At the same time, with Alex passing, Christina’s situation has become more serious and the financial needs ahead are much greater than we could have anticipated. Alex’s memorial service, Everest ‘s education needs, ongoing care, daily support, and what lies ahead for his family mean we must continue raising funds beyond this initial goal.

The statement continued: “If you’ve already given, thank you — truly. If you’re able to share or contribute again, it would mean everything right now. Please keep Alex and his family in your prayers. Your support is carrying them through the hardest time of their lives. We will update you with respect to details of his ‘Celebration of Life.’”

Keep scrolling for the most heartbreaking Blue Bloods tragedies over the years:

Alex Duong

The comedian Alex Duong died in March 2026 at age 42 after battling a rare form of cancer.

Ed Wheeler

Ed Wheeler, who played Councilman Welsh, died in October 2024 from complications of pneumonia at age 88.

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Treat Williams

After playing Lenny Ross in season 7, Treat Williams died at the age of 71 in a motorcycle accident in June 2023.

Related: Blue Bloods’ Bridget Moynahan Books New Role Amid ‘Boston Blue’ Spinoff

The Blue Bloods cast are booked and busy lining up new projects after the hit CBS series came to a surprising end. Blue Bloods, which premiered in 2010, followed the lives of the Reagan family, many of whom worked for the NYPD under the leadership of NYC police commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). Frank’s father, […]

Nick Cordero

Broadway star Nick Cordero died at age 41 in July 2020 after suffering from complications caused by COVID. He previously played Victor Lugo from 2017 to 2018.

Leonard Goldberg

The executive producer of the CBS series died at 85 in 2019 as a result of injuries sustained in a fall.

By TeeJay Small
| Published 9 seconds ago

If you were upright and outside back in 2014, you almost certainly heard buzz about a little critical darling called Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). The film, which managed to sweep the Academy Awards with wins for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography, is perhaps best known today for its visual gimmick. The gimmick in question, is the elaborate stitching technique used to make Birdman appear as though it was captured in a single, continuous take.

Superhero Shame Leads To Broadway Game

In case you missed it, Birdman was written and directed by legendary Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The film stars Michael Keaton in the lead role, as a washed-up actor best known for portraying a winged superhero decades earlier. This is obviously a thinly-veiled nod to Keaton’s history portraying Batman back in the 1980s, and a commentary on how the industry viewed superhero films before the Marvel Cinematic Universe made them the most mainstream thing on the planet.

In present day, Keaton’s Riggan Thomson is trying to restart his career, by directing and starring in a Broadway play. To get the show off the ground, he enlists the help of his girlfriend Laura, his daughter Sam, a recovering addict, and an insufferable method actor named Mike Shiner. Shiner is portrayed by Edward Norton in the film, in a role that some have theorized is based on his own behind-the-scenes behavior.

As the gang prepares for opening night, numerous issues arise, causing the show to go off the rails. At different moments, light fixtures fall from the ceiling, endangering the cast, Riggan clashes with his pompous co-stars, and at one point, he even finds himself locked out of the building in nothing but his tighty whities, forcing him to navigate through a crowd of gasping New Yorkers. All the while, the camera moves in extremely long shots, which make the film appear to play out in a single continuous take.

A One-Shot Like No Other

The camera work on Birdman is nothing short of spectacular. On an initial viewing, you might not be able to spot where the takes are stitched together at all. The presentation makes the whole film play out like a live stage show, effectively giving the viewer a window into what Riggan is trying to create with his Broadway play. Meanwhile, the frenetic drum-centric score cranks the chaotic energy to the max, forcing your heart to thump with excitement.

The score and visual presentation of Birdman became so popular after the film’s release that it was parodied by several well-known TV shows like BoJack Horseman, Sesame Street, and one especially memorable episode of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia titled “Charlie Work.” They even opened the Razzie Awards with a parody skit of Birdman the year after the film premiered.

Though it’s best known for the visual gimmicks today, Birdman is well worth watching for its story alone. Iñárritu managed to weave the themes and concepts central to the film into a meta-narrative about the nature of performance itself, in a masterful display of writing and direction. There are a few mind-boggling visual effects present in the movie that will drive you crazy trying to figure out how they pulled it off, too.

Birdman Isn’t Easy To Stream

Unfortunately, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is not currently part of any major streaming library. It’s well worth the price to rent or buy through VOD services, but the film really should be placed on one of the major streamers, to ensure it gets the viewership it deserves.

As of this writing, Birdman can be viewed on-demand through YouTube, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 14 seconds ago

One of the most unappreciated members of any given Star Trek show is the science consultant. This is the guy who is in charge of making all of the crazy sci-fi adventures of our favorite characters sound relatively realistic. At the end of the day, that’s what separates this franchise from Star Wars, which explains its wildest plot points by simply saying that the Force moved in mysterious ways.

On one occasion, a scientific consultant effectively saved the most important episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. After the rocky second season ended with a crappy clip show, Season 3 began with “Evolution,” a banger episode that proved that TNG was about to become must-see TV. The episode prominently featured nanites, futuristic machines straight out of our wildest sci-fi fantasies. But without consultant David Krieger, this episode wouldn’t have had nanites. Instead, it would have had dust mites flying tiny planes around the Enterprise!

Good Boys And Bad Science

For context, the plot of “Evolution” involved the Enterprise crew helping a cranky genius study a stellar explosion that happens every 196 years like clockwork. Meanwhile, teenage wunderkind Wesley Crusher was conducting experiments involving nanites, and he accidentally let a couple of the critters loose. Soon, they replicate and evolve, threatening the big experiment and everyone aboard the ship. The scientist clashes with the nanites, but Picard reaches a diplomatic solution by securing these new life forms their very own homeworld.

“Evolution” is an excellent episode, and it was written by Michael Piller, the man who ultimately became TNG’s showrunner and turned it into one of the best shows in television history. Plus, the nanites are one of the coolest creatures ever introduced into Star Trek. However, Star Trek science consultant David Krieger revealed on his personal website that this episode was nearly very different. According to him, the original pitch didn’t include nanites. Instead, it featured dust mites that gained intelligence and flew around the Enterprise in miniature aircraft.

A Shocking Development

Fortunately for all of us, Krieger found this idea deeply stupid. In fact, he claims that he laughed out loud when he read the original premise for the episode. Once he stopped chuckling, though, he spoke to the producers and firmly objected to the idea of dust mites turning into tiny flying gremlins. Instead, he proposed using nanites instead, which was a great call: not only are nanites based on actual scientific theories, but they looked far less goofy onscreen than flying dust mites ever would.

If David Krieger hadn’t stepped in and shut down the dust mite plot, “Evolution” would have joined the ranks of “Spock’s Brain” as one of the worst episodes in all of Star Trek history. Thanks to this science consultant’s intervention, though, this episode helped transform The Next Generation into what many fans consider the gold standard of the franchise. It also helped Michael Piller become showrunner, and he was so successful in the role that he would later help create both Deep Space Nine and Voyager. In that way, this humble consultant did more than save a single episode; he may have saved Star Trek as we know it!

By Brian Myers
| Published 30 seconds ago

Director and screenwriter Bob Clark did such a masterful job with the 1983 movie A Christmas Story that it’s hard to imagine the man creating anything that wasn’t wholesome. But two years before little Ralphie gets his Red Ryder gun, Clark wrote and directed a comedy so lewd and outrageous that modern audiences are still shocked by it. 1981’s Porky’s was one of the raunchiest comedy movies ever released by a major studio and served as an important milestone in shock comedy.

A Filthy, Iconic Revenge Arc

The story arc of Clark’s semi-autobiographical movie follows a group of high school basketball players who live in Angel Beach, FL in the 1950s. Their hormones raging, they conceive a plan to lose their virginities to an older sex worker, not realizing that they are being set up for a humiliating (and pretty darn funny) prank set up by one of their older brothers.

Determined to follow through with the plan of getting their first times out of the way, the boys believe that their dreams can be fulfilled at a strip club located deep in the Everglades. The seedy establishment is the film’s namesake, owned and operated by an older, hefty character named Porky Wallace. The team makes their way to the strip club, makes an arrangement with Porky for a handful of ladies, and are guided to a darkened room to await their fates.

Unfortunately, it’s a trap. A literal one. Porky pulls a lever from the outside the room the boys are waiting in, springing open a hatch in the floor. The boys plummet down and into the swamp water below.

Enraged, the team storms back in to get their money back and to take a crack at the source of their collective humiliation. Outnumbered and outwitted, they decide to leave while they are still in one piece. They make the long drive back to Angel Beach, still virgins.

The remainder of the film’s primary plotline involves subsequent attempts at revenge on Porky Wallace by one of the group, who only gets severely beaten. Finally, with the help of one of their older brothers (a local policeman), the boys hatch an elaborate vengeance plot that they hope will ruin Porky forever.

But Wait, There’s Sidequests!

The film’s main story is compelling enough. The initial visit to the strip club is equal parts funny and cringy, and the final 20 minutes showcase one of the greatest revenge ideas ever. But it’s all of the side stories that spring up along the way that really make Porky’s a raunchy comedy well worth the time. One subplot involves the new gym coach wondering why one of the younger girls’ coaches (played by Kim Cattrall) has the nickname “Lassie.” No spoilers, but it has nothing to do with her love of collies.

Another sub-plot concerns several of the basketball players discovering that there are ways to view the girls while they shower after practice. Tommy Turner, Pee Wee Morris, and Billy McCarty try and fail several times, mistiming when the girls would be there. But one time, they get lucky and then get caught. No spoilers here, either, but an unnamed appendage of Tommy Turners accidentally winds up in the hands of a woman that the girls call “Kong,” the cranky old Coach Ballbricker.

Porky’s is a mashup of sophomoric pranks, full frontal nudity, hilarious sex scenes, and satisfying revenge. The Movie somehow manages to capture the nostalgic feeling of the 1950s, making the Angel Beach high school and its student body part of Rockwell illustration that is then caked in phallic jokes and bare-breasted women. If Happy Days and late 70s soft-core pornography gave birth to a film that was narrated by a group of 17-year-old boys, the finished product wouldn’t be that far from the film written and directed by Clark.

Porky’s went where no other major release had gone before. Multiple scenes of full-frontal nudity, lewd discussions about quests to lose virginities, and one character’s hilarious obsession with the size of his manhood (he measures it every morning and actually keeps a “growth chart” and pencil next to his bed) paved the way for even raunchier comedy movies throughout the remainder of the 80s and forward. Where Animal House didn’t dare to go, Porky’s said “hold my beer” and delivered shock, awe, and tear-jerking laughter. To be sure, without Porky’s, there would be no Revenge of the Nerds or American Pie.

From Progressive To Perverse

Clark would go on to direct the first sequel, Porky’s II: The Next Day two years later, the same year that he directed the timeless Christmas movie that so many people watch each holiday season. This was certainly the filmmaker’s peak, as the entries later in his career included the bombs Loose Cannons, Turk 182, and Rhinestone.

In case you thought that Porky’s might be an aberration in Clark’s career as a family-friendly filmmaker, guess again. The New Orleans native began making exploitation movies in the late 1960s, beginning with the cult classic She-Man. The plot centers around a former GI that discovers that he enjoys wearing women’s clothing, giving audiences a look at the trans community.

Clark followed that work up with a documentary titled Queens at Heart in 1967. This piece centered around the lives of four transwomen, each of whom dresses to match their genders assigned at birth by day but live as women after work. Both of these early films by Clark are considered ground-breaking, given that they provide a candid and honest glimpse into the lives of a community that was scarcely represented during that era.

From there, Clark shifted his focus to horror. His first genre film was the gruesome zombie movie Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things (1972). Shot with a budget of $50,000, the cult classic was the result of Clark’s tireless diligence and the participation of a group of the director’s friends from college. It helped to cement his reputation as one of the best B-horror filmmakers of the decade and quickly became a late-night drive-in favorite.

In 1974, Clark directed two additional horror films. The first, Death Dream, was a reimagining of the W. W. Jacobs tale “The Monkey’s Paw.” Though a low-budget feature, it starred future multi-Emmy Award nominee Richard Backus (One Life to Live, Ryan’s Hope), as well as Academy Award nominee Lynn Carlin (Faces). Horror fans will recognize the special effects makeup work of master artist Tom Savini, who would soon go on to work with George Romero.

The second horror entry that year was, ironically enough, Clark’s first Christmas movie. Black Christmas is regarded by many as the first slasher film and has been remade twice (2006 and 2019). The original stars future Superman and Amityville Horror actress Margot Kidder, Olivia Hussey, and John Saxon.

Bob Clark’s Legendary Run

Rounding out the decade for Clark was a leap to yet another genre of film. In 1976, he filmed Breaking Point, a low-budget crime drama starring Bo Svenson and Robert Culp. Three years later he brought to life Sherlock Holmes and Watson in the mystery thriller Murder by Decree. The plot follows the British duo as they track the Whitechapel killings committed by the notorious Jack the Ripper. It was his biggest budget film by far at that point, and boasted a cast consisting of James Mason (Salem’s Lot, Lolita), Christopher Plummer (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country), and Donald Sutherland (Invasion of the Body Snatchers).

So, the next time you and your family gather around the TV with the family and begin quoting along with Ralphie and the bunch, remember that the brain behind it was also the same fellow who orchestrated an on-screen tug-of-war between Coach Ballbricker and that rascal Tommy Turner, using the latter’s genitalia as sports equipment.

As of this writing, Porky’s is currently unavailable for Streaming.