Movies

Although shows like Yellowstone and Deadwood have found recent success and critical praise, they don’t compare to the popularity of classic Westerns like The Lone Ranger and Bonanza. The same is true for gangster shows: while they existed before the late 1990s, HBO’s The Sopranos completely changed the landscape of the genre on television. Shows like Weeds, Lilyhammer, Breaking Bad, and Sons of Anarchy, as well as more recent series from Taylor Sheridan like Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown, all took inspiration from The Sopranos‘ unique approach to portraying criminals with surprising depth and understanding.

The popular restaurant, The Bear, is still striving for a Michelin Star, and its chef, Carmy, is grappling with personal issues, leaving many questions unanswered. Considering it’s been a year since the last season and the new one isn’t due until June 25, 2026, viewers might need a refresher. The events of the season finale could also dramatically shift the direction of the show.

Cyberpunk is having a moment on TV right now, but it’s been around for decades. Even before streaming services started making big, futuristic shows, classic anime and live-action series were building the groundwork for the genre we know today. That’s why one Netflix series stands out – it links today’s cyberpunk shows to the influential Ghost in the Shell franchise.

Both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are excellent shows, but they focus more on dramatic, mature content than classic fantasy. Game of Thrones became popular largely due to its shocking and violent scenes. Traditional fantasy usually offers a more hopeful outlook, with clear heroes and villains, something Game of Thrones didn’t emphasize—at least, not until recently.

The first season of the adult animated comedy Mating Season launched on Netflix on May 22nd, following its announcement in April 2025. The show centers around four animal friends – Josh the fox (voiced by Zach Woods), Ray the raccoon (Nick Kroll), Fawn the deer (June Diane Raphael), and Penelope the red fox (Sabrina Jalees) – and their often explicit explorations of love and relationships. The season consists of ten episodes, and while it’s currently unknown if the show will be renewed, Nick Kroll has indicated he’d like to continue the series.

Unlike shows like Stranger Things that relied on familiar nostalgia, Dark embraced a complex, cyclical narrative. The show’s three seasons weren’t a meandering story, but a carefully constructed, unsettling loop. Even five years later, its ending is considered one of the most thoughtful and genuine conclusions in science fiction.

Interestingly, the word “departure” might not be the best way to describe this, which many people find surprising.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how shows that feel… cozy, really get under your skin. It’s amazing how dealing with tough stuff – like loss, regret, or just feeling alone – hits differently when it’s presented with a gentle touch. It’s definitely not a coincidence! That peaceful atmosphere actually creates room for you to really think, and it pulls you into all the little details. Honestly, those quiet moments stick with you way more than any action-packed fight. A single, peaceful scene can be incredibly powerful, and it’s proven to me that sometimes, less really is more.

Nick Kroll is the creative force behind several incredibly funny adult animated shows that honestly depict the messy and emotional experience of growing up. His Netflix hit, Big Mouth, is a musical comedy inspired by Kroll and Andrew Goldberg’s own teenage years in New York City, and has become popular worldwide. Kroll himself provides the voice for over 70 characters, alongside a fantastic cast including John Mulaney, Jordan Peele, and Maya Rudolph.

Most live-action adaptations of anime have been unsuccessful. Even well-known franchises like Dragon Ball, Ghost in the Shell, and Death Note didn’t translate well to live-action. Because of this track record, the positive reception of Netflix’s live-action One Piece, which premiered in 2023, was a surprising and welcome change.