&34;I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away,&34; said the actress, who directed her sibling for the first time in her new film, &34;The Bride.&34; Maggie Gyllenhaal admits to feeling 'envy' toward brother Jake Gyllenhaal early in their careers &34;I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away,&34; said the actress, who directed her sibling for the first time in her new film, &34;The Bride.&34; By Wesley Stenzel :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/WesleyStenzelauthorphoto32b61793a2784639af623f2ae091477e.

"I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away," said the actress, who directed her sibling for the first time in her new film, "The Bride."

Maggie Gyllenhaal admits to feeling 'envy' toward brother Jake Gyllenhaal early in their careers

"I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away," said the actress, who directed her sibling for the first time in her new film, "The Bride."

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 28, 2026 12:41 p.m. ET

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jake Gyllenhall in Los Angeles in 2021. Credit:

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

- Maggie Gyllenhaal admits that she felt a latent jealousy toward her brother Jake Gyllenhaal early in their careers.

- "I don't think I was in touch with the envy, but it was there," she said.

- The *Dark Knight* actress directed her brother for the first time in her new film, *The Bride*: "It meant so much for me to interact with him."

Maggie Gyllenhaal is reflecting on her relationship with her famous brother, Jake Gyllenhaal.

The actress discussed her latent jealousy toward the *Brokeback Mountain* star during their early careers in a new interview.

"In general, I am very interested in envy," the *Lost Daughter* filmmaker said in a broader conversation about envy with *The New York Times*. "I think there's a reason it's a seven deadly sin. I'm interested in it in terms of watching other people's movies come out. Admiration versus envy. What creates it? I think it's usually feeling starving, like you don't have enough."

Gyllenhaal added that she contacted director Emerald Fennell in the lead-up to her latest project, *Wuthering Heights*. "And just the act of reaching out to her — and she's great — frees the competition up and you realize: No, no. We're actually 100 percent on the same team," she said. "There absolutely is enough to go around."

Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal in 2001's 'Donnie Darko'.

Newmarket Releasing/Courtesy Everett Collection

But the *Stranger Than Fiction* actress didn't possess the same wisdom about jealousy during her early acting days, when she felt that her younger brother had quickly surpassed her in success.

"I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away," she said. "I don't think I was in touch with the envy, but it was there."

Both Gyllenhaals began their onscreen careers as children in the early 1990s. Jake made his debut in the 1991 Billy Crystal comedy *City Slickers*, while Maggie first acted in *Waterland*, a 1992 drama directed by their dad, Stephen Gyllenhaal, in 1992.

Jessie Buckley reveals she broke a bone filming pivotal 'The Bride!' scene (exclusive)

Christian Bale reveals why he 'would scream like crazy' while filming 'The Bride!'

After the siblings played supporting roles in their dad's films *A Dangerous Woman* and *Homegrown*, Jake landed his first leading role in 1999's *October Sky*. Two years later, he headlined *Bubble Boy* and *Donnie Darko*, the latter of which costarred Maggie as his onscreen sister. She played her first lead role in 2002's *Secretary*.

Maggie's sophomore directorial project, the *Bride of Frankenstein* reimagining *The Bride*, hits theaters next week. It features Jake in a supporting role, marking the first time the siblings have worked together since *Donnie Darko*.

"I waited until I was absolutely sure that asking him to do this part was the right thing to do," Maggie told *The New York Times*. "I remember asking him and tearing up alone in this hotel room I was in, because it meant so much to me. It meant so much for me to interact with him."

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jake Gyllenhaal in New York City in 2021.

Monica Schipper/Getty

The *Dark Knight* star admitted that she'd previously kept some distance from her family's creative endeavors. "In the past, I've had to be separate from my family, from my brother," she said. "Like, cool, I've got my own thing going. We both started so young."

The filmmaker said that "reaching out" to her sibling felt "honest" and "vulnerable" after 25 years of their careers staying separate. "Just basically saying, I want to interact, and I know that this is a place where we can do it," she explained. "I'm not asking him to do something that he can't do. I'm making an offer, which is a generous thing to do."

Maggie also indicated that *The Bride* has fostered a new level of connection with Jake. "We've never been estranged, but we've never been as close as we are now," she reflected. "We're finally, maybe in the last five years, more and more and more, even each day, really interacting, which is hard for people to do."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

The director told ** in December that working with her brother was "like icing on the cake" as she helmed *The Bride*. "He came in, and we fit him in when he was available, and he wore this great tuxedo; he danced, and he sang," she said. "He was so funny, so generous, so loving, and such a pleasure to have on set."

Maggie noted that Jake also made several contributions to the film's soundtrack. "He's such an incredible singer, and I love hearing him sing," she said. "If you sit through all the credits, at the very end is one of his beautiful songs he sings. That was really a live, exciting connection, working with him on set."

*The Bride* hits theaters March 6.

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Friends and Family

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Read More

---

Source: Celebrity

Published: March 1, 2026 at 07:00AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

Maggie Gyllenhaal admits to feeling 'envy' toward brother Jake Gyllenhaal early in their careers

&34;I don't think I knew that at first, when I was young and Jake was a movie star right away,&34; said the actre...

Read More

Zack Snyder defends Batman v. Superman and his die-hard fans: 'We were kicking the zeitgeist in t...

&34;They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives,&34; the director said. &34;So you can go f yourself if that's what you think.&34; Zack Snyder defends Batman v. Superman and his diehard fans: 'We were kicking the zeitgeist in the nuts' &34;They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives,&34; the director said. &34;So you can go f yourself if that's what you think.&34; By Wesley Stenzel :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/WesleyStenzelauthorphoto32b61793a2784639af623f2ae091477e.

"They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives," the director said. "So you can go f--- yourself if that's what you think."

Zack Snyder defends Batman v. Superman and his die-hard fans: 'We were kicking the zeitgeist in the nuts'

"They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives," the director said. "So you can go f--- yourself if that's what you think."

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 28, 2026 3:17 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in 2016's 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice'. Credit:

Clay Enos/Warner Bros

- Zack Snyder is glad *Batman v. Superman* didn't have "all the edges shaved off it by the focus groups."

- The filmmaker also told critics who call his fan base "toxic" to "go f--- yourself."

- He added that it's possible that he could return to the DC Universe one day: "I would never say that there's no way."

It's been nearly a decade since *Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice* polarized moviegoers, but director Zack Snyder remains as proud of it as ever.

The filmmaker recently discussed the controversial crossover movie at length, standing by creative decisions that turned some audiences off of his vision for the DC universe.

"My 100 percent honest reaction to *BvS* and how it's received in the world is… Do you really want a movie that's [had] all the edges shaved off it by the focus groups?" Snyder said during a conversation with Josh Horowitz on the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast. "Do you really want a movie that has [had] decisions made in the boardroom, or tested ideas are being rendered for your enjoyment? Do you really want the Kmart version of your story? Is that what you really want?"

Zack Snyder in New York City on April 3, 2024.

John Nacion/Getty

*Dawn of Justice* — as well as Snyder's other DC movies, *Man of Steel* and *Justice League* — received criticism for unconventional renderings of beloved superheroes, including a Batman (Ben Affleck) who shows no remorse after murdering his enemies and a Superman (Henry Cavill) with a darker edge than comic books have typically given him.

Snyder indicated that the film's unusual handling of its iconic characters, plus its somber mood and grim violence, caused a headache as it was being rated.

"We were trying for the PG-13 [rating] for the movie, [but] the MPAA kept kicking the movie back to us, saying, 'It's still an R, it's still an R,'" the filmmaker recalled. "I'm like, 'What are you talking about? We're taking everything out!' And I remember someone saying we got a report from the MPAA saying like, 'We just don't like the idea of Batman fighting Superman. So that kind of makes it an R.'"

Zack Snyder shares test photos of Henry Cavill in Christopher Reeve's Superman suit

Former Batman Ben Affleck says he 'hated the Batsuits': 'Horrendous to wear'

Snyder recalled the ratings board objecting to several details in the pivotal battle between the two heroes, noting that they considered it "rude" when the characters slammed into radiators and sinks during their skirmish.

"We should've realized then that we were kind of kicking the zeitgeist in the nuts a little bit," he said. "That we were going to anger people, because not only do they not want their heroes deconstructed, they don't want their heroes battling each other on a road to deconstructing the 'why' of their existence. That is another sacrilege."

Although Snyder had a vision for sequels to *Justice League* that never came to fruition, he said he always intended for his iteration of the DC Universe to conclude. "This was a mythological universe that we saw had an ending," he said. "It was like a flower. It was gonna bloom and be glorious and then die. And then we would have been done with it."

Henry Cavill in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice'.

Clay Enos/Warner Bros

However, Snyder later likened his DC mythos to a different plant that exists independently of James Gunn's rebooted cinematic universe. "That three-movie trilogy is a weed that just won't die," he said. "It grows on its own and has its own life and is not concerned, I don't think, with James' *Superman*, which is amazing."

Snyder also said he cannot completely rule out returning to DC, as he already overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to realize his vision for *Zack Snyder's Justice League* — his retooled 2021 director's cut that required additional photography and a massive VFX overhaul.

"I would never say that there's no way," he said. "I would never, because I was on the ride that created *Justice League*. And if you were in my shoes, there were numerous times, dark times, when I would say there is no chance that there will ever be my version of *Justice League*… cost, politics, everything stood against it. And yet, it exists."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Snyder noted that the Snyder Cut materialized only because of fervent fan outcry, also reiterating his appreciation for his supporters raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention after his daughter Autumn died by suicide in 2017.

"The fans should never forget that they did that," he said. "We raised a ton of money for suicide prevention, and they really did a lot of good. And I think that they catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives. So you can go f--- yourself if that's what you think."

- Superhero Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Superhero"

Read More

---

Source: Superhero

Published: March 1, 2026 at 07:00AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

Zack Snyder defends Batman v. Superman and his die-hard fans: 'We were kicking the zeitgeist in t...

&34;They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives,&34; the director said....

Read More

Manon’s Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop

Manon's Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop DeAsia PaigeSat, February 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM UTC 0 The Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop Gilbert Flores Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Black women pursuing acclaim in pop music have been grossly misunderstood throughout history. Most are overlooked or pigeonholed into R&B and soul genres. Others often take hard tumbles along the way to stardom while still not being fully appreciated for their contributions. Few break through.

Manon's Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop

DeAsia PaigeSat, February 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM UTC

0

The Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop Gilbert Flores - Getty Images

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Black women pursuing acclaim in pop music have been grossly misunderstood throughout history. Most are overlooked or pigeonholed into R&B and soul genres. Others often take hard tumbles along the way to stardom while still not being fully appreciated for their contributions. Few break through.

Frankly, Black female pop stars pour themselves into an industry that doesn't always love them back.

It's hard not to think of this when considering Manon Bannerman's recent departure from the girl group Katseye. Last week, the band's labels HYBE and Geffen announced the news on Weverse (the HYBE-backed fan engagement platform), revealing that Bannerman was taking a temporary hiatus to "focus on her health and wellbeing." Shortly after, Bannerman, Katseye's sole Black member, released her own statement, which poked holes in the one shared by her labels.

"Hi, friends," the 23-year-old wrote via Weverse DMs. "I want you to hear this from me: I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself. Thank [you] for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again."

Both statements sent shockwaves throughout the industry and the internet, leaving many to reflect on the loneliness Black women in pop girl groups face. But Bannerman's departure isn't only indicative of a plight in mainstream groups; instead, it's yet another consequence of the music industry's failure to fully see and support Black women in pop.

Katseye is the product of an experiment. Formed in 2023, the six-piece act (including Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung) was created by HYBE's K-pop-inspired competition series The Debut: Dream Academy. Bannerman, who's Swiss-Italian and Ghanaian, was the last to join the group. Already having a following on social media for fashion content, she was scouted directly—becoming the only Katseye member not discovered on Dream Academy. In 2024, the group dropped their first EP SIS (Soft Is Strong). That same year, their rise was chronicled in the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye.

The members of Katseye. Top row, left to right: Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, and Sophia Laforteza. Bottom row, left to right: Yoonchae Jeung, Manon Bannerman, and Megan Skiendiel. Sara Jaye - Getty Images

Since then, Katseye has swiftly become the It girl group. They've dropped a handful of Billboard-charting singles (including the viral hit "Gnarly"), secured a major brand deal with Pandora and appeared in a Fendi campaign, embarked on a world tour, announced their Coachella debut, and garnered two Grammy nominations, including best new artist—all without a full-length album under their belt. The pressure was on for all the girls. But it's likely Bannerman felt a unique weight in all of this, given she's the group's only Black member. In Pop Star Academy, Bannerman's missing rehearsals became a focal point, leaving some to speculate about her work ethic.

"Being called lazy, especially as a Black girl, is not fair," she told The Cut earlier this month about the critiques. "Now I feel like I always need to put in extra work to prove something, even though I really don't."

Advertisement

Manon Bannerman performing with Katseye in Toronto in November 2025. Jeremychanphotography - Getty Images

As of this writing, Bannerman hasn't officially addressed the speculation that racism led to her exit. But she liked a post that stated, "Another Black girl subjected to racism and label mistreatment yet again." Following the news, Bannerman has received an outpouring of support from fellow musicians. During a performance at Blue Note NYC on Friday, Lizzo performed "Gnarly" and gave Bannerman a sweet shout-out: "We love you and support you, girl. Take your time." Leigh-Anne Pinnock, a Little Mix alum who wants to collaborate with Normani and Bannerman, wrote on X, "We need to protect each other." Melody Thornton, the Pussycat Dolls' lone Black singer, posted a picture of Bannerman on her Instagram account with the caption, "We see you." On Discord, Chlöe Bailey wrote, "I'm so sad about Manon."

Leigh-Anne Pinnock (far right) with the members of Little Mix: Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, and Jesy Nelson. Joseph Okpako - Getty Images

The overwhelming support for Bannerman seemingly reveals a shared understanding of just how inhospitable the music world can be toward Black women with pop ambitions. To be a Black woman in pop often means not being universally accepted, even by your own people. Early in her career, Whitney Houston—among the preeminent pop stars of all time—was booed at the 1989 Soul Train Awards. By that time, Houston achieved the best-selling debut album by a solo artist and won 11 American Music Awards and a Grammy. But that didn't matter to some within the Black community who felt her music was too pop.

Janet Jackson faced similar disrespect, but from whiter audiences. Her gargantuan musical legacy is often reduced to the 2004 Super Bowl controversy, in which her wardrobe malfunctioned while performing, which derailed her reputation while reinforcing harmful tropes about Black women being hypersexual.

Today, there's a bit more room for Black female pop stars to thrive, though challenges remain. Superstars like Rihanna and Beyoncé are so massive that they've become their own brands. And although there are a growing number of Gen Z Black female singers with crossover appeal (Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Tyla), white women still comprise the bulk of pop success. Last year, the top global female artists on Spotify were Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande. Dance-pop singer Tinashe has publicly shared her frustration with not being taken seriously as a pop artist, sharing that she felt constrained to the R&B category at the onset of her career: "I feel like when I first got in the game, I really pushed against wanting to be put in a box or be pigeonholed," she told ELLE in 2024.

Normani, the lone Black member of former girl group Fifth Harmony, has faced serious challenges, too. When she was part of the band, she endured racist bullying online. After they disbanded in 2018, Normani set out to pursue a pop solo career, made promising by her 2019 single "Motivation" and the accompanying, nostalgia-filled video. But her debut album Dopamine didn't arrive until 2024 and fell short of mainstream success. Like Tinashe, Normani has publicly shared her struggles. "It's almost like [pop] becomes a negative when it's a Black girl that looks like me, singing the records that I choose to sing because I loved them," she told Rolling Stone in 2020.

Normani performs at the MTV VMAs in 2021. Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2021 - Getty Images

Whether they're solo artists or part of a group, Black women in pop spaces are long overdue for proper treatment and respect. They deserve to be celebrated, to carve their own lanes and freely express themselves, rather than be confined to stereotypes and dictated by the industry's assumptions.

Bannerman has remained relatively quiet since announcing her hiatus, but she shared a message to her supporters on her Instagram Story this week: "I love you all more than words can describe," she wrote. Although it's unclear when or if Bannerman will return, the love she's received from fans and fellow musicians proves that more Black female pop stars are needed—even if the rest of the world isn't quite ready for them.

You Might Also Like

The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: March 1, 2026 at 07:00AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

Manon’s Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop

Manon's Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop DeAsia PaigeSat, February 28, 2026 a...

Read More

EW's picks range from sweeping romances like &34;Queen Charlotte&34; to tense crime dramas like &34;Adolescence&34; and &34;Griselda.&34; The 22 best bingeable miniseries streaming on Netflix EW's picks range from sweeping romances like &34;Queen Charlotte&34; to tense crime dramas like &34;Adolescence&34; and &34;Griselda.&34; By Janey Tracey and Kevin Jacobsen on December 1, 2025 6:41 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/netflixminiseriestout19208292024c5fd7498672e45ef8e36044e7305d21b.

EW's picks range from sweeping romances like "Queen Charlotte" to tense crime dramas like "Adolescence" and "Griselda."

The 22 best bingeable miniseries streaming on Netflix

EW's picks range from sweeping romances like "Queen Charlotte" to tense crime dramas like "Adolescence" and "Griselda."

By Janey Tracey and Kevin Jacobsen

on December 1, 2025 6:41 a.m. ET

Kaitlyn Dever as Marie Adler in 'Unbelievable'; Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story'; Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco in 'Griselda'. Credit:

In the so-called "Golden Age of Television," miniseries have taken over, and streamers like Netflix have been at the forefront. True crime is perhaps the most notorious subgenre here, thanks to hard-hitting, auteur-driven shows like *When They See Us* and chaos-filled documentaries like *Wild Wild Country*. But there's a little something for everyone, from historical dramas like *Death by Lightning* to small-scale rom-com-drams like *One Day*, revisionist Westerns like *Godless,* and the elevated horror of the Flanaverse.

It wasn't easy to narrow it down, but here is **'s list of the 22 best miniseries on Netflix.

Adolescence (2025)

Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This four-part miniseries has become a TV unicorn since its March 2025 release, becoming a massive hit with viewers, achieving universal acclaim from critics, and earning eight Emmys (including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series). *Adolescence* centers on a 13-year-old boy (Owen Cooper) accused of murdering a female classmate, deftly exploring the motive that led to the crime as well as the devastating impact it has on his family. Each episode takes place over the course of an hour and is filmed in one continuous take, from immersing us in the unnerving dread of the initial police interrogations to the sobering reality of his family left to ponder where they went wrong. It's gripping television, powered by masterful performances and urgent, economical storytelling. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley, Amélie Pease

Alias Grace (2017)

Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks in 'Alias Grace'. Jan Thijs/Netflix

If you're excited that female antiheroes are having a moment, then *Alias Grace* should be next on your watchlist. Created by *Women Talking *director Sarah Polley and directed by *American Psycho* helmer Mary Harron, *Alias Grace *follows Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a 19th-century maid who is in jail for allegedly murdering her employers. Like fellow Margaret Atwood adaptation *The Handmaid's Tale*, *Alias Grace* is a powerful critique of the plight of women in a patriarchal society, but it's also a miniseries that will keep you constantly guessing about the protagonist's guilt or innocence. —*Janey Tracey*

Where to watch *Alias Grace*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiard, Anna Paquin, Zachary Levi, David Cronenberg

The Andy Warhol Diaries (2022)

Andy Warhol in 'The Andy Warhol Diaries'.

This absorbing Emmy-nominated documentary series follows the rise of the influential pop artist Andy Warhol. Utilizing innovative technology to simulate Warhol's voice, the series brings the artist's meticulously written diaries to life, guiding us through his career as a painter, the various loves of his life, and his emergence as a pop culture icon in the '60s. Aided by revealing interviews from various public figures whose lives were touched by Warhol, *The Andy Warhol Diaries* is a fittingly stylish tribute to a legend. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Andy Warhol Diaries*: Netflix

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn in 'Baby Reindeer'.

Based on Richard Gadd's one-man show about his experience with stalking, *Baby Reindeer* starts with humor, then takes a sharp turn that makes you reevaluate everything that came before. The Emmy-winning miniseries has been controversial, especially after a lawsuit was filed by the woman who claims to be the inspiration for the series. But, wherever you stand on the ethics of fictionalizing real people, *Baby Reindeer* still stands on its own as intimate, gut-wrenching television that's deeply personal. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau, Tom Goodman-Hill

Beef (2023–present)

Ali Wong as Amy Lau and Steven Yeun as Danny Cho on 'Beef'.

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

The less you know going into *Beef*, the better. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, both excellent as always, star as Danny Cho and Amy Lau, two people whose fates become intertwined after a road rage incident. As their behavior escalates, the miniseries becomes increasingly deep and strange.

EW's critic writes, "What begins as a manic vengeance adventure veers sharply into an intense, philosophical, and at times meandering exploration of generational trauma, the Asian immigrant experience, and the fathomless mystery of our inner selves." A second season is in the works with an all-new cast (à la *White Lotus*), including Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Beef*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Julia Montague in 'Bodyguard'. World Productions/Netflix

Many shows might build to their first nail-biting sequence, but not *Bodyguard*. The first episode starts with a 20-minute scene in which David Budd (Richard Madden), a British Army war veteran suffering from PTSD, tries to talk down a suicide bomber while on a train with his two children. EW staffers praised Madden's Golden Globe-winning performance, the portrayal of women in positions of power, and the "what-the-heck-is-even-happening moments" that make the miniseries impossible not to binge. And the viewers seemed to agree: When it aired in the U.K., *Bodyguard* became the country's most successful launch of a drama series in the 2010s. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle, Vincent Franklin, Pippa Haywood

Death by Lightning (2025)

Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield in 'Death by Lightning'.

Larry Horricks/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

James A. Garfield may not have the name recognition of other centuries-old presidents like George Washington, John Adams, or Abraham Lincoln, but this four-part miniseries has certainly elevated his profile. Michael Shannon stars as Garfield as he becomes the 20th President of the United States and advocates for civil rights. Meanwhile, troubled devotee Charles J. Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen) turns increasingly disgruntled, leading to him shooting the president. It's a compelling two-hander that explores both the potential and dangers of humanity. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Death by Lightning*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman**

Godless (2017)

Michelle Dockery as Alice Fletcher in 'Godless'. Ursula Coyote/Netflix

*Godless* takes the Western genre and turns it on its head, focusing on a town almost entirely run by women after a mining accident kills most of the men. Jeff Daniels chews the scenery as murderous robber Frank Griffin, giving a villainous performance for the ages (even if some of his monologues run a little long). But the women are the standouts, especially *Downton Abbey*'s Michelle Dockery and Merritt Wever as the men's clothes-wearing, overtly feminist Mary Agnes. "I'm done with the notion that the bliss of me and my sisters is to be found in childbearing and caregiving," she declares. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Godless*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Michelle Dockery, Jack O'Connell, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Sam Waterston, Jeff Daniels

Griselda (2024)

Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco in 'Griselda'.

Courtesy of Netflix

You've never seen Sofía Vergara quite like this. The *Modern Family* alum sheds her comedic persona — and puts on some prosthetics — to deliver a chilling, Emmy-nominated performance as Griselda Blanco, the infamous Colombian drug lord. According to director Andrés Baiz, who also worked on *Narcos*, Vergara was drawn to the role of a woman in a man's world and the opportunity to show her range. "This was a chance to reinvent herself and step out of her comfort zone," Baiz told EW. "She knew she had to dive in completely into this role and...push herself to the limit." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Griselda*: Netflix

**Cast:** Sofía Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Martin Rodriguez, Juliana Aidén Martinez, Vanessa Ferlito, Christian Tappan

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

(From left to right): Mckenna Grace as Theo, Lulu Wilson as Shirley, Paxton Singleton as Steven, Violet McGraw as Nell, Julian Hilliard as Luke, and Henry Thomas as Hugh — the Crains — in 'The Haunting of Hill House'. Steve Dietl/Netflix

Less of an adaptation than a reimagining, *The Haunting of Hill House* has almost nothing in common with the original Shirley Jackson novel except the characters' names. But director Mike Flanagan captures the spirit of the work; in true elevated horror fashion, the miniseries uses ghosts as metaphors for trauma and unresolved grief, reaching a terrible and beautiful climax with the now-classic episode "The Bent-Neck Lady."

"A ghost can be a lot of things: memories, guilt, regrets, trauma, loss," Flanagan told EW. "We all have our ghosts to contend with, and that contention is where we learn the most about ourselves, as individuals and as a society." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Haunting of Hill House*: Netflix

**Cast:** Victoria Pedretti, Carla Gugino, Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Mckenna Grace, Timothy Hutton

The Last Dance (2020)

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 11, 1997.

Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

You don't need to follow basketball to appreciate *The Last Dance*. Chronicling Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls, this 10-part docuseries became a quarantine favorite at a time when no one could watch live sports, painting a compelling portrait of ambition, leadership, and the price of success. "Sports fans or non-sports fans, the Chicago Bulls were a global phenomenon," director Jason Hehir told EW. "This was a cast of characters that Hollywood couldn't come up with, and Michael Jordan was the star of all stars." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Last Dance*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman

The 25 best miniseries ready to binge-watch this weekend

The 25 best drama series on Netflix to get hooked on

Maid (2021)

Margaret Qualley as Alex Russell in 'Maid'.

Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Based on Stephanie Land's memoir, *Maid* follows Alex (Margaret Qualley), a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to support herself and her daughter. The miniseries is a raw and empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by those living on the margins of society and a scathing indictment of the institutions that make it nearly impossible to escape abuse and poverty. Qualley's real-life mother Andie MacDowell has an unsettling supporting role as Alex's mentally ill mother, but Qualley is the star, and her nuanced, Emmy-nominated performance makes *Maid *both heartbreaking and inspiring. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Maid*: Netflix

**Cast:** Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Andie MacDowell

Midnight Mass (2021)

Hamish Linklater as Father Paul Hill in 'Midnight Mass'.

Courtesy of Netflix

*The Haunting of Hill House* is Mike Flanagan's claim to fame, but some might call *Midnight Mass* his magnum opus. The miniseries follows Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), a man who returns to his religious hometown after serving prison time for manslaughter. When a mysterious priest (Hamish Linklater) arrives, strange and unexplainable events begin to occur. Full of slow-burn horror, it's Flanagan's most personal work, based on his experiences with recovery and his upbringing in a Catholic community. "I don't know how long I could have gone without writing it," he wrote in a letter to critics. "This...was the story I always wanted to tell." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Midnight Mass*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast**: Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli

One Day (2024)

Ambika Mod as Emma Morley and Leo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew in 'One Day'.

Forget the 2011 film version starring Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway — *One Day* on Netflix is now the definitive adaptation of the beloved novel by David Nicholls. The series follows college classmates Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall), whose relationship unfolds on the same day over the course of 20 years. A lovely rom-com elevated by Mod and Woodall's chemistry and nuanced, charming performances, *One Day* will have you in tears by the end of your binge. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *One Day*: Netflix

**Cast:** Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

Corey Mylchreest as King George III and India Amarteifio as Queen Charlotte in 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story'. Liam Daniel/Netflix

A prequel series to ratings juggernaut *Bridgerton*, *Queen Charlotte* offers a lush, romantic look at the origins of one of the most beloved characters. The miniseries, by super creator Shonda Rhimes, delves into the young Queen Charlotte's (India Amarteifio) rise to power and her relationship with King George III (Corey Mylchreest). The story has a modern resonance as Queen Charlotte is written as a woman of color, which is the belief of many historians. "I wanted to tell the story of this young woman of color arriving in this world where she never imagined she'd be," Rhimes told EW. —*J.T.*

Where to watch* Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Corey Mylchreest, Golda Rosheuvel

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'.

Phil Bray/Netflix

The miniseries that made everyone learn chess during quarantine, *The Queen's Gambit* was the surprise hit of 2020, captivating audiences with its riveting tale of chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy). Set during the Cold War, the Emmy-winning series traces Beth's journey from a Kentucky orphanage to the international chess scene, all while dealing with addiction and inner demons. The quick pacing and inventive visuals make chess matches as thrilling as a sports movie climax, but Taylor-Joy's mesmerizing performance is the real draw. As EW's critic writes, "*Queen's Gambit* will be remembered as the final star-making moment for Taylor-Joy, before her movie career rockets fast and Furiosa-ly." —*J.T.*

Where to watch* The Queen's Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast: **Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Ripley (2024)

Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in 'Ripley'.

*Ripley* brings Patricia Highsmith's infamous con artist to the small screen in a stylish retelling that goes full noir, filmed entirely in black and white. These changes allow for a darker, lonelier version of Tom Ripley (played by a career-best Andrew Scott), whose complex psychology and lack of glamour is for a modern audience. "I didn't purposely try to get sympathy or empathy for him," creator Steven Zaillian told EW. "I trusted that, just by telling the story, that same thing would happen as it did in the book." —*J.T.*

Where to watch* Ripley*: Netflix

**Cast: **Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Margherita Buy, Maurizio Lombardi

Toxic Town (2025)

Aimee Lou Wood as Tracy, Jodie Whittaker as Susan, and Karla Crome as Pattie in 'Toxic Town'.

Ben Blackall/Netflix

This four-part British series is based on the real-life story of mothers who fought their town's council on behalf of their children. At the center is the toxic waste scandal in Corby, Northamptonshire, England, where the mishandling of industrial waste led to birth defects for several of the town's newborns. Jodie Whittaker and *White Lotus* alum Aimee Lou Wood are superb as two of the mothers whose babies were affected, and the series is at once infuriating and inspiring as it portrays the long and winding road of seeking justice. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Toxic Town*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Rory Kinnear, Brendan Coyle, Robert Carlyle, Joe Dempsie, Claudia Jessie

Unbelievable (2019)

Kaitlyn Dever as Marie Adler in 'Unbelievable'. Beth Dubber/Netflix

Based on the devastating, Pulitzer Prize-winning article "An Unbelievable Story of Rape" from ProPublica and the Marshall Project, *Unbelievable* is a hard-hitting, unusually compassionate police procedural about two detectives (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) as they investigate a series of sexual assaults. Kaitlyn Dever gives a heartbreaking performance as Marie, a rape survivor dismissed by authorities, which the actress called "the hardest thing I've ever done in my career." But instead of dwelling on the gendered injustices, the miniseries highlights the importance of having women in positions of power, as the empathetic approach taken by the female investigators is key to righting the wrongs of the case. —*J.T.*

Where to watch* Unbelievable*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast: **Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever

Unorthodox (2020)

Amit Rahav as Yanky Shapiro and Shira Haas as Esty Shapiro in 'Unorthodox'. Anika Molnar/Netflix

Based on Deborah Feldman's memoir, *Unorthodox* tells the story of Esther "Esty" Shapiro, a young woman who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn for a new life in Berlin. The miniseries is a gripping tale of self-discovery and rebellion, with Shira Haas delivering an extraordinary turn as Esty. She earned an Emmy nomination for her performance, not least because of that powerful singing scene. "The show is about a woman finding her voice, and in that scene, she's literally finding it," Haas told EW. "She's even surprising herself of what's coming out of her." —*J.T.*

Where to watch* Unorthodox*: Netflix

**Cast:** Shira Haas, Amit Rahav, Jeff Wilbusch

When They See Us (2019)

Niecy Nash-Betts as Delores Wise in 'When They See Us'. Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix

Ava DuVernay's *When They See Us* is a searing, unflinching account of the wrongful convictions of the Central Park Five, five Black and Latino teenagers who were falsely accused of a brutal assault in 1989. The miniseries powerfully depicts the systemic racism and injustice faced by these young men, following their harrowing journey from arrest to exoneration. With DuVernay's auteur touch and stellar performances from an ensemble cast, especially Jharrel Jerome, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Korey Wise, *When They See Us* is as emotionally devastating as it is necessary viewing. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *When They See Us*: Netflix

**Cast:** Asante Blackk, Jharrel Jerome, Niecy Nash-Betts, Felicity Huffman

Wild Wild Country (2018)

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in 'Wild Wild Country'. Netflix

Cult documentaries have been a part of our media diet, but *Wild Wild Country* is one you have to see to believe. Chronicling the rise and fall of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon during the 1980s, the docuseries delves into the controversial practices of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his followers, leading to one of the most bizarre, shocking, and underreported events in American history. It's a wild ride filled with twists, legal battles, and a fascinating cast of real-life characters. —*J.T.*

Where to watch* Wild Wild Country*: Netflix

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW TV"

Read More

---

Source: TV

Published: March 1, 2026 at 05:19AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

The 22 best bingeable miniseries streaming on Netflix

EW's picks range from sweeping romances like &34;Queen Charlotte&34; to tense crime dramas like &34;Adolescenc...

Read More

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m.

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

By Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

For *The Vampire Diaries* creatives, casting Enzo was a particularly difficult task. Because originally, the role was going to be very different.

"You were supposed to be the third Salvatore brother," executive producer Julie Plec tells star Michael Malarkey in episode 8 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. Writer Brett Matthews adds, "That was always the plan, and then it went a different direction, but that's why it was so hard to find the person. We thought it was going to be a Salvatore brother, so we cast a very wide net [and] looked very hard." Ultimately, they scrapped that plan and made it so Enzo didn't share Salvatore blood, but he was a brother figure for Damon (Ian Somerhalder) for many years (and he was sired by Lily Salvatore).

But that wasn't the only plan that changed in the writers' room over the years. In discussing the *Vampire Diaries*' final season, Plec and Matthews recall the final major debate: Which Salvatore were they going to kill in the series finale? "We went back and forth in the writers' room all season long," Plec says. "We finally landed on: We're killing Damon. That's the right thing to do. He is the one with the consequence to pay. Stefan was morally a bit stronger of a character."

Michael Malarkey as Enzo and Ian Somerhalder as Damon on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Annette Brown/The CW; Bob Mahoney/The CW

Matthews adds, "Damon's a fairly obvious choice," noting that the writers really fell in love with the idea of Damon compelling Stefan (Paul Wesley) to let him die. But when executive producer Kevin Williamson proposed that it should be Stefan that dies, they started to rethink their plan. "It felt like dying for Stefan freed him from a lot of weight, whereas it felt like living for Damon freed him to go and be the man that he was always supposed to be," Plec says.

Of course, both Salvatores were meant to die in the original ending Plec and Williamson came up with during the show's second season. In that ending, "The boys would sacrifice themselves to save Elena so that Elena could go and have a life and be human and live," Plec recalls during the podcast. "To save her, they would die together, and that was always the pitch. And then when Nina [Dobrev] left, it felt like the show can't be as much about protecting Elena's happiness, although that's important to us, but we want to protect the bothers' happiness, we want them to get something out of this. Then it shifted to: We can't kill both of them for her because that feels somehow like nobody got what they wanted. Let's find a different way to give one of these brothers the happiness that they need and the other brother the closure that they need."

(One other way Dobrev leaving changed the plan? Plec says, "I thought that by the time we came back to the end of the series, whenever it was, that Elena would've found her way back to Stefan and Damon would've found a different path.")

For more about the final season, listen to the full podcast episode below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhaldher reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Sci-Fi"

Read More

---

Source: Sci-Fi

Published: March 1, 2026 at 05:19AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Sal...

Read More

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. The 40 best TV shows to bingewatch right now Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. By Robert English and Kevin Jacobsen on February 5, 2026 6:27 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Showstobingewatch050225d3ca16cb7bba4d01bfa2c83003d5d92f.jpg) Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch on 'The Pitt'; Phoebe WallerBridge as Fleabag on 'Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in 'Over the Garden Wall'.

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

The 40 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

By Robert English

and Kevin Jacobsen

on February 5, 2026 6:27 a.m. ET

Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch on 'The Pitt'; Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag on 'Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in 'Over the Garden Wall'. Credit:

John Johnson/Max; BBC/Amazon; Cartoon Network

Even amid uncertainty in other forms of media, television continues to thrive. Streaming has only exacerbated the number of TV shows produced every year, with services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu perfectly calibrated for binge-viewing.

Some of the best TV can hook the viewer for hours on end, from addictive reality shows like *Survivor* and *The Traitors* to Emmy-winning favorites like *The Pitt* and *Baby Reindeer*. Through bold characters and suspenseful editing, these are the shows of which we simply cannot get enough and make us eager to chat about them with friends.

Ahead, we've put together a watchlist of the 40 best binge-worthy TV shows — and where you can stream all of them.**

Abbott Elementary (2021–present)

Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues on 'Abbott Elementary'. ABC/Scott Everett White

ABC struck awards season gold with *Abbott Elementary*, the fantastic workplace comedy about public school teachers trying to do their best for their Philadelphia students. Creator Quinta Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, an optimistic teacher at Abbott, in which every day is a new, hilarious challenge. She works alongside the awkward but well-meaning Jacob (Chris Perfetti), the tough-loving Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), the no-nonsense Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the devoted Gregory (Tyler James Williams), the underqualified principal Ava (Janelle James), and the quirky janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

If you haven't started watching this Emmy-winning series, now is the time to catch up on four full seasons of antics, the laughs, the romances, and the touching ode to American teachers. *—Robert English*

Where to watch *Abbott Elementary*: Hulu and HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph

Adolescence (2025)

Mark Stanley as Paulie Barlow, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, and Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This whopper of a four-part miniseries tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Jamie (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a female classmate. But, rather than focus on whether he did it, the British series delves into *why* he did it, deftly exploring issues plaguing teens today while also showing how Jamie's family is left in shambles following his detention. Winner of eight Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, *Adolescence* is necessary viewing that will give you a lot to think about, long after you've finished the final episode. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Christine Tremarco

Arcane (2021–2024)

Vi (voice: Hailee Steinfeld) on 'Arcane'.

This animated series brings the video game *League of Legends* to a wider audience in a moving tale about two sisters, Vi and Jinx, who find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict between the rich and oppressed. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell give emotional weight to this story that was well-received by both longtime fans of the game and casual viewers who found their next binge-watch.

*Arcane* takes viewers into a complex fantasy world full of expressive animation and intriguing characters, setting records at Netflix as the most-watched show in the first week it was released, making it a global phenomenon. For fans of science fiction, animation, and drama in general, *Arcane* is well worth your time. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Arcane*: Netflix

**Cast:** Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Jason Spisak

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny and Jessica Gunning as Martha in 'Baby Reindeer'.

Ed Miller/Netflix

This Netflix sensation isn't quite like anything you've seen before. Based on his one-man show, Richard Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalized version of himself, whose life is disrupted when a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) takes a dangerously obsessive liking to him. As the limited series goes on, we see how Donny also lives with the trauma of a past event, informing his behavior in the present. Raw yet bleakly comedic, *Baby Reindeer* is an unforgettable watch with riveting, Emmy-winning performances by Gadd and Gunning. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*:* *Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau

The Bear (2022–present)

Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus Brooks, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie Jerimovich on 'The Bear'. FX

"It would be weird to work in a restaurant and not completely lose your mind." Created by Christopher Storer, *The Bear* stars *Shameless'* Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a fine-dining NYC chef who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after his brother dies by suicide. With the added pressure of massive debt, Carmy works to keep the restaurant going with manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), new sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), passionate baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and defiant line cook Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas). The Emmy-winning series is often funny, very tense, and an incredibly detailed look into the back door of the restaurant business, anxiety and all. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Bear*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas**

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are a match made in spy heaven on this gripping British thriller series. Knightley stars as Helen, a spy for a private organization, secretly gathering intel within her role as the Secretary of State of Defence's wife. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes on the hunt for the killer as her hitman friend Sam (Whishaw) helps her uncover a vast conspiracy. EW's critic calls *Black Doves* "a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper, driven by a sharp comedic sensibility and wildly entertaining performances." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd on 'Bodyguard'. Sophie Mutevelian/World Productions/Netflix

In this British political drama, Richard Madden portrays David Budd, a war veteran suffering from PTSD and serving as the security detail of conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), but their political differences are difficult to reconcile. *Bodyguard* is an absorbing series, particularly due to Madden's powerhouse, Golden Globe-winning performance. His face is a canvas of emotions that make us care deeply for him, whether he's grieving, trying to save friends and strangers, or making decisions that put his own life at risk. It's a show that's hard to turn off, and the six episodes fly by as we delve deeper into the world of domestic terrorism and political misgivings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Chernobyl (2019)

Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina in 'Chernobyl'. Liam Daniel/HBO

Winner of 10 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series, *Chernobyl* is a striking retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster told through the lens of the scientists, government officials, and everyday people affected by the fallout. The show follows a stellar main cast headed by Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, a chemist who leads the response to the disaster.

The first episode painstakingly recreates the explosion and immediate devastation with such dramatic flair that you'll hold your breath as if you were a part of the historic day. The rest of the series explores the aftermath with carefully constructed scenes depicting often-overlooked pockets of the disaster, from the doomed workers stripped down to their skin burying radioactive materials to the men assigned to execute pets left in the quarantine zone. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Chernobyl*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson

Death Note (2006–2007)

Ryuk (voice: Shidô Nakamura) and Light Yagami (voice: Mamoru Miyano) on 'Death Note'. Viz Media

For those curious about getting into anime, *Death Note* is an ideal starting point for the medium. Based on the popular manga, *Death Note* centers on Light Yagami, a studious high schooler who discovers a mysterious notebook that presents him with a moral dilemma: By simply writing the name of anyone he knows in the book, he can cause their death. Light decides to use his newfound power to rid the world of dangerous criminals, but the subsequent deaths catch the attention of a detective, who becomes hellbent on tracking Light down. The series deftly balances its cat-and-mouse conceit with thought-provoking themes of morality, justice, and corrupting power. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Death Note*: Netflix

**Cast:** Mamoru Miyano, Kappei Yamaguchi, Shidô Nakamura, Aya Hirano, Noriko Hidaka

Dying for Sex (2025)

Michelle Williams as Molly and Jay Duplass as Steve in 'Dying for Sex'.

Too often, stories about living with cancer dwell too much on the misery of the situation, depicting the character(s) as suffering in silence or fearing the end. This eight-episode dramedy offers a refreshing, well-balanced depiction of a woman who uses her scary diagnosis as an opportunity to satisfy her deepest fantasies. The series stars Michelle Williams, turning in yet another multilayered performance as Molly, who has Stage IV breast cancer and leaves her husband to explore her sexuality. EW's critic calls *Dying for Sex* "a heartbreaking (and at times, very horny) story about female friendship, self-actualization, and the realization that it's never too late to heal." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dying for Sex*: Hulu

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate

Enlightened (2011–2013)

Mike White as Tyler and Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe on 'Enlightened'. Everett Collection

Another two-season gem that was canceled due to low ratings, *Enlightened* is an underrated and short-lived series from HBO following Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), a self-destructive woman who is trying to make amends with her past relationships while finding passion in her work and life. Dern teamed up with future *White Lotus* creator Mike White to craft this dark comedy that is utterly hilarious and effectively moving. Her mental breakdowns and failed attempts at being a good person don't just play for laughs, but also serve as illuminating looks at the human condition. In her argument for why it's "the best show nobody is watching," EW's critic writes, "the more maniacal Amy's antics, the funnier and more poignant *Enlightened* gets." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Enlightened*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Laura Dern, Luke Wilson, Mike White, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns, Timm Sharp

Firefly (2002–2003)

Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb, Jewel Staite as Kaylee Frye, Ron Glass as Shepherd Derrial Book, Sean Maher as Dr. Simon Tam, Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra, Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds, Gina Torres as Zoë Washburne, Alan Tudyk as Wash Washburne, and Summer Glau as River Tam on 'Firefly'. Everett Collection

This highly underappreciated, single-season series has since found a large following. Starring Nathan Fillion as Mal Reynolds, captain of the *Serenity*, *Firefly* is a brilliant Western-style sci-fi story following a crew of independent rebels on the run from the totalitarian Alliance in a fully realized and unique future world.

Due to poor advertising and a lack of faith in this series, *Firefly* was too late in proving itself as an engaging, thought-provoking program with a great cast. But, even from the beginning, fans of the series saw something special in Joss Whedon's vision. While the show is easily one of the most bingeable seasons of television, fans are also able to see their favorite crew in the high-budget, emotional sequel film, *Serenity* (2005). *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Firefly*: Hulu

**Cast:** Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin

Fleabag (2016–2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag and Andrew Scott as the Priest in season 2 of 'Fleabag'. Steve Schofield/Amazon Studios

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's *Fleabag* is a hilarious and poignant series about a young woman just trying to get by in London while coping with the loss of her best friend, tensions with her family, and her own inability to not be completely inappropriate in any given situation. Writer Waller-Bridge doubles as our nameless star, the fourth-wall-breaking, sexually deviating, guinea pig cafe-owning main character who is the master of her own undoing, but not without garnering every ounce of our sympathies. Though it only spans 12 short episodes, these gut-punch chapters are more than enough to bring you to your knees, possibly in prayer, but more likely in tears. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Fleabag*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

(Front row, from left to right): Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, and Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis; (Center row, from left): Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber and James Franco as Daniel Desario; (Back row): Seth Rogen as Ken Miller on 'Freaks and Geeks'. Chris Haston/NBC

Fans of *Freaks and Geeks* still can't believe they only got one season of this cult classic from Paul Feig and Judd Apatow about teenage life in the early-'80s Detroit suburbs. Following burnout "freaks" and their smoke-clouded misadventures in contrast to the underclassmen "geeks" who are just trying to survive school between D&D sessions, the show has all the heart of an after-school special while tossing the moralizing out with the disco records.

Since it hit streaming, new generations of fans have discovered this earnest comedy series that touts big 21st-century stars in some of their earliest roles, launching the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and more. As Segel told EW, "It was this really amazing cast before we really knew anything." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Freaks and Geeks*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen

The Girlfriend (2025)

Robin Wright as Laura Sanderson in 'The Girlfriend'.

Christopher Raphael/Amazon Conent Services LLC

The power struggle between a mother and his son's girlfriend is a tale as old as time, and this Golden Globe-nominated miniseries explores the full soapy potential of that dynamic. Robin Wright stars as Laura Sanderson, a rich gallerist who meets her son Daniel's (Laurie Davidson) new girlfriend, Cherry Laine (Olivia Cooke), and finds inconsistencies in her story. From there, a passive-aggressive battle of wills is waged, and let's just say, once you watch one episode, you'll find you won't be able to stop. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Girlfriend*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

(From left to right) Mckenna Grace as Young Theo, Lulu Wilson as Young Shirley, Paxton Singleton as Young Steven, Violet McGraw as Young Nell, Julian Hillard as Young Luke, and Henry Thomas as Young Hugh Crain in 'The Haunting of Hill House'. Steve Dietl/Netflix

Told over the course of many years, *The Haunting of Hill House* is an intimate drama about a fractured family left to reconcile with the supernatural terrors that drove them from their home. Creator Mike Flanagan (*Midnight Mass*) dutifully adapts this Shirley Jackson classic for the modern era, making it as eerie for audiences as it is for the fictional Crain children.

Beyond the scares, the series is also a spine-tingling look into human psychology, adeptly drawing on Jackson's themes of trauma in the original novel. As Flanagan told EW, "I find myself drawn to human stories, often stories of family, because the ghosts we get to explore really are extensions of very relatable relationships and dynamics in our lives." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Haunting of Hill House*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Timothy Hutton

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on 'Heartstopper'.

Rob Youngson/Netflix

Adapted from a webcomic by Alice Oseman, *Heartstopper* is a joyous comedy-drama series about young love as Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) explore their ever-deepening relationship. Serving as the showrunner, Oseman has brought her series to a global audience that celebrates its story and LGBTQ+ representation.

Locke spoke with EW in 2022 about *Heartstopper*'s themes of mental health and acceptance, saying, "I think what our show has really done well so far is tackling issues, but from an optimistic lens. I think it'd be really great to look at that more." Until then, you can join the millions of fans who can't ignore *Heartstopper*'s charm. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Heartstopper*: Netflix

**Cast:** Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Heated Rivalry (2025–present)

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov on 'Heated Rivalry'.

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Few could've predicted just how big this Canadian romantic drama would become. In a way, it's fitting, given the nature of how rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) fall in love so unexpectedly, complicating their lives as they grapple with homophobia and mounting societal pressures. Come for the spicy romance, stay for the show's earnest exploration of masculinity and sexuality — and its two stars' deeply felt performances. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Heated Rivalry*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang

I May Destroy You (2020)

Michaela Coel as Arabella in 'I May Destroy You'. HBO

Michaela Coel created and stars in this can't-miss drama about modern dating and the distinction between liberation and exploitation. The miniseries begins with Arabella (Coel), a young writer spending an evening in London, who is, at one moment, out drinking with friends, and the next, back to worrying about a deadline while experiencing memories of sexual violence.

Partially based on Coel's lived experiences, *I May Destroy You* is an engaging, personal series that holds up a mirror to the nuances of our modern world. As EW's critic praises, "Coel lets her characters grapple with knotty questions of consent and responsibility without ever judging their actions or promoting answers that don't actually exist." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *I May Destroy You*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu

The 31 best shows to watch on Netflix right now

The 50 best shows streaming on Hulu

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in 'Mare of Easttown'. Michele K. Short/HBO

By the time *Mare of Easttown* debuted on HBO, there were already many high-profile crime dramas starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood (See: *True Detective* and *Fargo*). Yet, *Easttown* showcases enough acting prowess and surprising mystery to suck viewers in. Kate Winslet portrays Mare, a tired, emotionally spent detective who becomes consumed by the murder of a young teenage mother in their small Pennsylvania town. Everyone becomes a suspect, and answers are few and far between, though Mare already has plenty on her personal plate. The bleak atmosphere and experienced ensemble cast immerse the audience in moments both beautifully human and totally tragic. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Mare of Easttown*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Kate Winslet, Angourie Rice, Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart

The Night Of (2016)

Riz Ahmed as Naz Khan in 'The Night Of'. Craig Blankenhorn/HBO

Riz Ahmed stars in *The Night Of* as Naz, a young man who wakes up after a night of partying to find himself charged with the murder of a woman (Sofia Black-D'Elia) whom he met the previous evening. As crime dramas are increasingly common these days, each TV series must attempt the daunting task of standing out from the herd. And *The Night Of* is one that announces its power outright and only revs up from there, grabbing viewers and not letting them go until the finale.

Between the acting of the main cast — which includes John Turturro and Bill Camp — and the complexities of modern-day law and order, *The Night Of* is, as EW's review puts it, a "spectacle of people wrestling with their consciences and overcoming their weaknesses and their stories to serve true justice and do the right thing." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Night Of*: HBO Max

**Cast:** John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Michael Kenneth Williams, Bill Camp, Jeannie Berlin

Normal People (2020)

Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan in 'Normal People'. Enda Bowe/Element Pictures/Hulu

Sally Rooney's best-selling novel received a smash-hit small-screen adaptation in this affecting romance drama. *Normal People* follows Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), two lovers who meet in secondary school, as they navigate relationships and their own emotions throughout their teens and 20s.

The miniseries owes much of its success to the chemistry between the two leads, as viewers see them fall in and out and back in love, multiple times over, all while helping each other through the seasons of their young lives. Beyond the perfectly cast magnetism between Mescal and Edgar-Jones, the script is finely tuned in its exploration of sex, depression, and relationships while never loosening its grip on your heartstrings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Normal People*: Hulu

**Cast:** Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Sarah Greene

Over the Garden Wall (2014)

(Center): Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) on 'Over the Garden Wall'. Cartoon Network

When creator Patrick McHale adapted *Over the Garden Wall* from his short film *Tome of the Unknown*, he gifted Cartoon Network one of the greatest hidden gems of the 2010s. The beloved animated adventure sees two brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Gregory (Collin Dean), as they embark on a journey across a fantastical forest realm to return to their home.

Over the course of 10 brief episodes, viewers are treated to world-building that's both charming and frightful, often at the same time — pumpkin-head cults, trees as soul prisons, a familial bluebird curse — between meeting whimsical creatures voiced by the likes of Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, John Cleese, and more. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Over the Garden Wall*: Hulu

**Cast:** Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry

Overcompensating (2025–present)

Corteon Moore as Gabe and Benito Skinner as Benny on 'Overcompensating'.

Jackie Brown/Prime

Shows set in college don't always get it right, but this outrageous yet sweet comedy is looking to be one of the good ones. *Overcompensating* centers on Benny (Benito Skinner, who also created the series), a jock who's beginning his first year at university. Benny also happens to be gay, a secret he's hoping to keep hidden but struggling to do so. He soon befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), who also feels like an outsider, and the pair explores the brave new world of college and tries to figure out their true selves. Full of sharp observational humor and bolstered by a charismatic cast, this is a show that will resonate most with millennials in the audience (trust us). —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Overcompensating*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, Rish Shah

Paradise (2025–present)

Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins on 'Paradise'.

Brian Roedel/Disney

Much like Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise," which is featured heavily in the pilot, there's a lot more going on beneath the surface of this Hulu thriller series. *Paradise* centers on Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he tries to find the person responsible for assassinating the President of the United States. But this is only one element of the story that's better left unspoiled; much like *This Is Us*, series creator Dan Fogelman's previous show, the end of the pilot pulls off a spectacular twist, setting up a riveting story that provokes thought about our own world. Season 2 is set to premiere on Feb. 23. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Paradise*: Hulu

**Cast:** Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom

The Pitt (2025–present)

Patrick Ball as Dr. Frank Langdon and Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans on 'The Pitt'.

Warrick Page/Max

The medical drama has been one of the staples of television for decades now, likely because of the universality of its life-or-death stakes. One would imagine the difficulty in making the genre fresh after all this time, but *The Pitt* proves how engrossing it can be to watch doctors simply be good at their jobs. This addictive Emmy-winning HBO Max series follows a chaotic day in the lives of emergency room doctors and nurses as they struggle to treat various patients, overseen by senior attending physician Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (Noah Wyle). Bolstered by charismatic performances and refreshing realism, *The Pitt* is an essential watch about essential workers. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Pitt*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden

Pluribus (2025–present)

Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka on 'Pluribus'.

What if a misanthrope became the key to saving the world? This engrossing sci-fi drama stars Golden Globe winner Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a cynical novelist who is alarmed to discover that a virus has seemingly infected the entire planet, with humanity transformed into a placid, people-pleasing hive mind. Carol is one of the only people on Earth not affected, while everyone around her is desperate to recruit her to join the Others. The series marks another successful collaboration between Seehorn and creator Vince Gilligan, having previously worked together on *Better Call Saul*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Pluribus*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos Manuel Vesga

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'.

Phil Bray/Netflix

*The Queen's Gambit*, based on the novel by Walter Tevis, stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, an introverted chess prodigy who becomes a world-renowned player while struggling to deal with fame and addiction throughout the '50s and '60s. While "star deals with substance abuse" is a tired trope, *The Queen's Gambit* works so well because of director Scott Frank's eye for the era and Taylor-Joy's multifaceted performance. She's a wonder as a young teen discovering her escape in the game while trumping overconfident men, and as an actualized woman facing the consequences of celebrity status.

The Emmy-winning miniseries also wowed audiences with its dramatization of the game of chess. As EW's critic writes, "It's an environment of cerebral swagger, diffident competitiveness, and geek love." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Queen's Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling

The Residence (2025)

Nathan Lovejoy as Ambassador Alden Tamridge, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, and Brett Tucker as David Rylance on 'The Residence'.

Jessica Brooks/Netflix

Murder mysteries make for a perfect binge, as demonstrated by this lighthearted yet compelling Netflix dramedy. Emmy winner Uzo Aduba is our resident sleuth, Cordelia Cupp, a detective/avid bird watcher investigating a shocking death at the White House. With the incident happening during a state dinner, there are numerous suspects on the table as Cordelia tries to put together the pieces of a complicated puzzle. "There are a lot of suspects and clues, and the careful viewer will be rewarded by paying attention to these things," series creator Paul William Davies told EW, and we tend to agree. Happy sleuthing! —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Residence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino

Sense8 (2015–2018)

Bae Doona as Sun Bak on 'Sense8'. Murray Close/Netflix

Many of the shows on this list fell unjustly on the network chopping block, and one of the more devastated fanbases is that of *Sense8*, a sci-fi series about a group of people whose minds are inexplicably connected, causing them to be hunted by those who see them as a threat.

Created by the Wachowski sisters (*The Matrix*) and J. Michael Straczynski, *Sense8* is prime binge material, having enchanted viewers with a diverse cast and an intricate, imaginative plot. The show's subsequent cancellation was indicative of the diversity problem in mainstream streaming platforms, leaving dedicated fans angry and heartbroken. Regardless of its rushed goodbye, *Sense8* is a groundbreaking, inclusive, and engaging series that needs to be viewed in its entirety. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Sense8*: Netflix

**Cast:** Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton

Severance (2022–present)

Adam Scott as Mark S. on 'Severance'. Atsushi Nishijima/Apple TV +

Adam Scott leads a stellar ensemble cast in this inventive sci-fi drama about a group of co-workers whose brains have been surgically split between their work lives and their personal lives. From the first episode, *Severance* sets up a chilly atmosphere of gray sparsity in the workplace as Mark (Scott) and his colleagues careen toward unknown truths about the nature of their jobs.

Executive producer Ben Stiller, who directed many of the episodes, perfectly sets up the world and mystery, leading to a season 1 finale that is full of, as EW's critic writes, "cloak-and-dagger intrigue and artful weirdness as Mark's parallel lives careen toward intersection." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Severance*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Patricia Arquette

Shōgun (2024–present)

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko (center) on 'Shōgun'.

This impeccably crafted adaptation of the James Clavell novel of the same name is a Shakespearean-esque saga of war and political intrigue. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, the series begins with the arrival by ship of an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis), who is soon thrust into an ongoing battle for power among Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and rival regents. With Toranaga's ally Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) serving as a translator between the men, a metaphorical chess game ensues as the warlord makes a series of big plays for control.

The first season of *Shōgun* won a record-breaking 18 Emmys, the most ever for a single season of television, with EW's critic calling the series "a stunning epic." Originally envisioned as a miniseries, the show's popularity with fans, critics, and awards bodies led to renewals for a second and third season. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shōgun*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira

Shrinking (2023–present)

Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades and Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird on 'Shrinking'.

Beth Dubber/Apple

TV producer Bill Lawrence has a strong portfolio of shows where you wish you could hang out with their characters, from *Scrubs* to *Cougar Town* to *Ted Lasso*. *Shrinking* is no exception, centering on a therapist named Jimmy (Jason Segel) who is struggling to raise his teenage daughter while grieving the death of his wife. He opts for a more direct approach at work, leading to deeper (and sometimes messy) relationships with his patients and fellow therapists. EW's critic calls *Shrinking* "a funny, brainy grief-com about the power — and dangers — of radical honesty." Season 3 premiered on Jan. 28. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shrinking*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'. Noh Juhan/Netflix

In the age of social media, TV show fandoms can spread like wildfire. *Squid Game* lit the fuse better than any show before it, uniting the internet in favor of this unique South Korean thriller series. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, *Squid Game* is a global phenomenon about a group of debt-ridden people who compete in deadly games for an absurd cash prize.

Viewers couldn't help but binge the series as fast as possible to talk about it with friends who were just as mesmerized by the engaging plot and moving acting, with turns from Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, and more. The hype even spawned a reality series (which may have missed the underlying themes), but nonetheless kept the *Squid Game* craze going. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

**Cast:** Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

The Studio (2025–present)

(From left to right): Ike Barinholtz as Sal Saperstein, Kathryn Hahn as Maya Mason, Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, and Chase Sui Wonders as Quinn Hackett on 'The Studio'.

Movies are so much more difficult to produce than you can even imagine. A million small decisions need to be made, any one of which could tank the project. This frenetic, Emmy-winning comedy from the dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg satirizes the modern-day struggles of doing business in Hollywood, starring Rogen as the newly promoted head of a legacy studio. As he tries to balance his artistic integrity with the ever-growing demands of needing to generate revenue for the studio, anything that can go wrong does go wrong.

*The Studio* may be a bit too inside-baseball for some viewers, but it's a special treat for those of us consumed by the latest entertainment news. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Studio*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn

Survivor (2000–present)

Jeff Probst hosting 'Survivor'.

Robert Voets/CBS

Don't be alarmed by the fact that *Survivor* is celebrating its 50th season this year. (*Survivor 50* officially premieres on Feb. 25.) Because so many seasons of the reality juggernaut have entirely new casts, you can pick and choose which ones you want to watch (though it's certainly fun to watch the series evolve over 25 years!). *Survivor* strands 16 to 20 people in a remote location — typically an island — where they are forced to work together as tribes, and then vote each other off until only one remains to claim the title of Sole Survivor. Social politics, tests of physical strength, and game theory combine to create one of the greatest competitions in the world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Survivor*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Jeff Probst

Ted Lasso (2020–present)

Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso on 'Ted Lasso'.

Based on a brief promotional campaign for NBC's coverage of the English Premier League, the character Ted Lasso evolved from a marketing pawn to the center of a 13-time Emmy-winning series that has stolen viewers' hearts everywhere. Jason Sudeikis is fantastic as the mustachioed, metaphor-making poster of positive masculinity who agrees to take a head coaching job for AFC Richmond in London despite not knowing anything about soccer. *Ted Lasso* follows his exploits to make a difference not only on the sidelines but off the field as well, roping the rest of the lovable cast into his genuine world.

If you still don't know what all the fuss is about, it's not too late to hop on the bandwagon (the fourth season is set to air this summer, after a three-year hiatus) — you'll laugh until you cry, or cry until you're smiling. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Ted Lasso*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple

The Traitors (2023–present)

Alan Cumming hosting 'The Traitors'.

Euan Cherry/Peacock

Who doesn't love a good murder mystery? Combine that with the appeal of seeing divisive reality stars get humbled, and you have the perfect, Emmy-winning concoction, with Alan Cumming as the acid-tongued master of ceremonies. The reality competition is set at a Scottish castle, where the goal is to identify which of the contestants' fellow castmates are "traitors," a select group of three or four people who have been secretly tasked with eliminating players from the game in the dead of night. Each season thus far is a delectable binge, chock-full of intrigue and duplicity. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Traitors*: Peacock

**Cast:** Alan Cumming

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper on 'Twin Peaks'. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Television viewers in 1990 had never seen anything like *Twin Peaks* before — and there hasn't been anything like it since. David Lynch and Mark Frost's crime mystery series begins with a familiar setup: A teenage girl washes up on shore in a small Pacific Northwest town, and the police try to figure out who killed her. But, as the series goes on, we bear witness to the surreal darkness lying beneath the surface, haunting our collective subconscious forever.

Eccentric Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) states at one point in the series, "I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange." And as you binge *Twin Peaks*, you'll find yourself agreeing. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Twin Peaks*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Sherilyn Fenn, Ray Wise, Piper Laurie

The White Lotus (2021–present)

Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt on 'The White Lotus'. Fabio Lovino/HBO

Writer-director Mike White has become one of our great satirists with this brilliant comedy-drama anthology. Each season centers on a mostly new group of characters staying at a high-end White Lotus resort. But, despite their best intentions, many of these vacationers find that their problems have followed them — from relationship issues to personal anxieties — and staying in paradise won't solve anything. If you love sharp, observational humor and character studies, you'll certainly enjoy your stay at *The White Lotus*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The White Lotus*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Rothwell, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW TV"

Read More

---

Source: TV

Published: March 1, 2026 at 05:19AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byManuel Mongo

in

February 28, 2026

The 40 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. The 40 best TV shows to bingewat...

Read More