Shows like Fringe and The Expanse prove what can happen when creators are given the time, creative freedom, and resources to explore complex ideas. Beyond that, these series feature characters facing tough decisions, tackle relevant political themes, and present mysteries that go beyond simple adventure. Thanks to longer seasons, they can build richer worlds, develop more nuanced characters, and fully explore their concepts.
Disney+’s series The Acolyte launched on June 4, 2024, concluding on July 16th. Though critics mostly liked the show, it proved divisive among viewers, and ratings decreased throughout the season. So, when creator Leslye Headland found out it wouldn’t be renewed for a second season, she wasn’t surprised. When asked by The Wrap whether low viewership or creative differences were the main reason for the cancellation, she responded:
I’ve seen so many post-apocalyptic stories, and honestly, most of them just don’t stick with you. The original I Am Legend movie was a bit of a mixed bag. Critics weren’t thrilled because it really changed a lot from the book and made the story pretty simple. But even though it wasn’t a critical success, people really loved it and went to see it, which is why they’re now making another one!
Connor McAllister went through a tough breakup on the recent episode of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but his songwriting could be his saving grace. With the show ending its run at the end of 2025, and after receiving praise from Dr. Demento for a comedy song he submitted, could Connor pursue a career in music?
Despite the success of House amongst recent horror films, many movies from that same period offer a similar energetic and unpredictable experience. These films often featured inventive special effects and a touch of humor. If you enjoy that style, there are several fantastic cult classics that capture the same feeling.
While not everything Marvel makes is a hit, some of their TV shows are just as good as, and sometimes even better than, Batman: The Animated Series. These shows aren’t meant to replace Batman, but if you loved discovering Batman: The Animated Series for the first time, they’re great options to recapture that feeling.
The TV series Homeland ran on Showtime from 2011 to 2020. Because Disney now owns the show through 20th Television, many were surprised to see it appear on Netflix. However, Homeland was a Netflix exclusive in the U.K. for much of its original run, making its appearance there less unexpected. As of February 2024, all seasons have been removed from Netflix.
It doesn’t take long for Raye to once again suffer Frank’s violent temper and uncontrollable anger, as he lashes out at her, his brother, and anyone nearby. Like many stories about domestic abuse, the film explores why Raye has stayed with Frank for so long, and uses flashbacks to reveal her past and offer insight into the difficult situation many people – women and men alike – find themselves in. Despite being made on a small budget, the script feels authentic, filled with harsh language, making for a challenging but realistic film.
Blood of the Dragon is a martial arts film known for its excessive violence. While violence is common in this genre, this movie goes further, showing heroes who don’t just defeat their opponents—they often kill them, leading to some very brutal and graphic fight scenes.
Gal Gadot, who played the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action Snow White, expressed her interest in returning for a potential spinoff movie. Speaking at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Snow Ball Gala, she told Us Weekly she’d be eager to reprise the role, saying simply, “Yes.” She even jokingly urged Disney CEO Bob Iger to make it happen, stating, “Tell Bob I’ll do that.”