It’s fitting that the critically acclaimed and award-winning show Succession aired on HBO, a network long considered the leader in high-quality television. HBO pioneered prestige TV with groundbreaking series like The Sopranos and Sex and the City, and has consistently shaped pop culture. However, Succession, which concluded three years ago, represents the last truly exceptional show from the network.
Mckenna Grace first appeared in the Ghostbusters universe with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a film that continued the story 30 years after Ghostbusters II. She returned as Phoebe Spengler in 2024’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, but the movie didn’t do well financially, earning only $200 million worldwide on a $100 million budget. As a result, the future of a sixth Ghostbusters film is currently uncertain.
This naturally extends to the acting abilities of the band members. Drummer Robert Mailhouse has appeared in roles on a soap opera and Seinfeld, and Reeves is, of course, a familiar face. Vocalist Bret Domrose’s musical talent developed through genuine experience; he was a member of the punk band the Nuns, and a very good one at that.
Because Miyazaki isn’t limited by the rules of live-action films, his movies have a wonderfully imaginative and playful feel. He finds beauty in everyday life, even when telling fantastical or supernatural stories. Films like Spirited Away demonstrate what animation can achieve, and Miyazaki is one of the best at using its possibilities.
Television is a great medium for long, complex fantasy stories, but some of the most memorable fantasy shows are actually only one season long. While they might not become as widely known as shows like Game of Thrones, these shorter series offer complete stories, fantastic acting, and impressive visuals that make them truly special. Here are five examples, from The 10th Kingdom to WandaVision, that prove a single season can be enough to create a fantasy masterpiece.
It can be hard to get invested in shows featuring characters who are difficult or unpleasant. Initially, the Roy family in Succession feels that way – no one seems particularly deserving of our support. However, the show gradually reveals that characters don’t need to be likable to be captivating. The complexities of their lives and family relationships become strangely fascinating, even if we don’t necessarily feel sorry for them. The show also manages to surprise us with genuinely touching moments along the way.
As a big fan of classic action movies, War Machine really hit the spot. It’s wonderfully direct and doesn’t pull any punches, and honestly, that’s what I loved most about it. The movie just barrels forward, and throws a genuinely surprising twist your way. What starts as a pretty standard war film quickly becomes something much more interesting, and that’s what elevates it beyond just another forgettable streaming release.
The new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu shows Rotta the Hutt as a grown, powerfully built gladiator – quite a change from the young, somewhat unpleasant Hutt Ahsoka Tano called “Stinky.” Director Jon Favreau told Empire that he based Rotta’s character on Adonis “Donnie” Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan in the Creed movies (Creed, Creed II, and Creed III). This inspiration extends beyond just Rotta being a fighter; it also shapes his feelings about his father’s history, as Favreau explained.
Despite being incredibly frustrating at times, the flawed characters in Bridgerton are a big part of what makes the show so captivating. Characters like Sophie Baek are defined by their difficult relationships – think of her cruel stepmother! And Penelope faces constant dismissal from her mother and sisters. The men aren’t any better – some of the most popular suitors are downright awful. Here’s a ranking of Bridgerton’s most annoying characters, from those we can almost excuse to those we wish would just disappear.
Industry forecasts from Box Office Pro suggest the new animated sequel will likely earn between $145 million and $160 million during its opening weekend in North America. Over the five-day launch period, estimates rise to between $160 million and $175 million.