Once upon a time in Hollywood, Jon Favreau wrote a movie. It was called Swingers. It was about a group of twentysomething white dudes—played by Favreau, Vince Vaughn, and Ron Livingston—trying to make it as actors. Toward the movie’s end, Favreau’s character, the affable Mike, is telling a woman he just met (played by Heather Graham) why he moved to Los Angeles: “When I lived in New York, they made it sound like they were giving sitcoms out to stand-ups at the airport here.”
The joke was that, when the movie came out in 1996, shows led by comedians were everywhere: Seinfeld, Mad About You, Martin, Ellen. Getting on TV back then just seemed like a matter of being kind of funny and having a name that looked good on a title card.
The irony, though, is that following Swingers, those actors did become incredibly famous. Favreau especially, though now he’s mostly producer-writer-director who holds the keys to Disney/Lucasfilm/Marvel in his hands, having worked on everything from Iron Man to The Lion King to The Mandalorian. Vaughn and Livingston both made it as actors. They became the people their characters were aspiring to be. Such things were possible then.
The Monitor is aweekly columndevoted to everything happening in the WIRED world of culture, from movies to memes, TV to Twitter.
They’re not now. Today, very few, if any, television sitcoms are based on stand-up acts. Network TV just doesn’t have time for that anymore. Streaming services may be lining up to run the next stand-up special from Dave Chappelle or Chris Rock, but shows starring stand-ups filled with jokes and plot lines loosely based on their acts feel like relics. All the funny people seem to have migrated to TikTok.
If you ask Jerry Seinfeld, this is because “the extreme left and PC crap” ruined comedy. Or so he told The New Yorker over the weekend. Funny people are so worried about offending folks, Jerry says, they just don’t make jokes like they used to. Larry David, who created Seinfeld with Seinfeld and stars in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, is “grandfathered in.” Now, the comedian says, networks aren’t smart enough to figure out, “Do we take the heat or just not be funny?”
One flaw with this logic: There is a comedy on HBO that actually manages to do both, and is smart enough: Hacks. The series, which launched its third season Thursday, follows a comedian from Seinfeld’s generation, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), who hires a young writer, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), to collaborate on jokes. Ava, a quintessential lefty Gen Zer, calls Vance out on her occasionally uncool gags. They bicker; resolutions emerge. Criticizing the current friction in comedy over “how far is too far?” is the source of much of the comedy on Hacks. Perhaps these jokes live beyond the imaginations of comedians who don’t want to evolve.
Broad City veterans Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello created Hacks as, what they call, their “love letter to comedy.” The trio came up in the New York comedy scene, where, in a flip to the scene depicted in Swingers, comedians could work in improv for a while and then find work on a show like Broad City to make their break. Comedy Central doesn’t really do original scripted shows like that anymore, something Aniello recently told The Hollywood Reporter is “so bad” for the funny business. “There’s already a lack of young, cutting-edge comedy, because Comedy Central doesn’t exist anymore.”
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If you follow sports closely, you’ll know that it’s time for postseason hockey. Fans all around the world will be sitting on the edge of their seats during the NHL playoffs. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been following it since forever, you’re likely wondering how to watch the NHL playoffs live for free to see who takes home this year’s Stanley Cup trophy.
The Stanley Cup playoffs is how the National Hockey League (NHL) determines the league champion each year. The elimination tournament is named after the trophy that the winning team receives. The NHL playoffs first took place as an event held on a challenge basis in 1893. It became a prearranged inter-league competition in 1915 and then became known solely as the NHL postseason in 1927. The Las Vegas Knights are the reigning champions and qualified for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the Montreal Canadiens have the most championship titles than any other NHL team (24).
16 teams will compete in the first round of the 2024 NHL playoffs, starting in late April. Following the first round is the second round and then the conference championships (one team wins the Eastern Conference and one team wins the Western Conference). The 2023-2024 NHL season culminates in the conference champions going head to head in the Stanley Cup Finals in early June.
Calling all hockey fans, it’s time for the NHL postseason, and you’re not going to want to miss a single second of the action. So, continue reading to discover how to watch the NHL playoffs to stay up-to-date on which teams are inching closer and closer to the coveted Stanley Cup trophy.
NHL Playoffs Bracket 2024
See above for the NHL playoffs bracket for 2024. In the first round of the playoffs for the Eastern Conference, you’ve got the Florida Panthers vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boston Bruins vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers vs. the Washington Capitals, and the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the New York Islanders. In the first round of the playoffs for the Western Conference, you’ve got the Dallas Stars vs. the Las Vegas Knights, the Winnipeg Jets vs. the Colorado Avalanche, the Vancouver Canucks vs. the Nashville Predators, and the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Los Angeles Kings.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images.
When do the NHL playoffs start?
The 2024 NHL playoffs start on Saturday, April 20 and the Stanley Cup Finals start on Monday, June 3. The NHL playoffs will air on ABC, TBS, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+.
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the NHL playoffs with DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the NHL playoffs with Fubo’s free trial.
As for the differences between the plans, Sling Orange, which is most suited toward sports and family channels, includes 32 channels and the ability to stream on one device at a time. Sling Blue, which is most suited toward news and entertainment channels, includes 42 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Sling Orange + Blue includes all the channels offered on both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, as well as the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watchthe NHL playoffswith Sling TV.
Search for ABC, TNT, TBS, ESPN, or ESPN2 and start watching the NHL playoffs
Best Pick to Watch NHL Playoffs Playbacks: ESPN+
ESPN Plus is our best pick to watch NHL playoffs playbacks. Select playoff games airing on ABC and ESPN will simultaneously stream live on ESPN Plus, which will also show game replays of every Stanley Cup playoff game. ESPN Plus costs $9.99 per month for a monthly plan or $99.99 per year for a yearly plan, which saves customers about 17 percent or $20 from the monthly rate.
ESPN Plus is also included in The Disney Bundle, which offers three plans: Duo Basic for $9.99 per month (which includes ad-supported plans of Hulu and Disney Plus; Trio Basic for $12.99 per month (which includes ad-supported plans of Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus); and Trio Premium for $19.99 per month (which includes ad-free plans for Hulu, and Disney Plus and an ad-supported plan of ESPN Plus). The Duo Basic saves subscribers $5.98 per month from subscribing to Hulu and Disney Plus’ ad-supported plans individually; Trio Basic saves subscribers $12.99 per month from subscribing to Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus’ ad-supported plans individually; and Trio Premium saves subscribers $15.98 per month from subscribing to Hulu and Disney Plus’ no-ads plans and ESPN Plus’ ad-supported plan individually.
ESPN Plus also comes for free with Hulu+ With live TV costs $69.99 per month for its ad-supported plan and $82.99 per month for its no-ads plan. Hulu+ With Live TV’s ad-supported plan comes with free ad-supported plans of Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, while Hulu+ With Live TV’s no-ads plan comes with free no-ads plans of Hulu and Disney Plus and an ad-supported plan of ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV’s ad-supported plan saves users $25.97 per month from subscribing to Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus individually, while Hulu+ With Live TV’s no-ads plan saves users $35.97 per month.
Click “Get the Disney Bundle” or “Subscribe to ESPN+ only”
Create an account
Select your plan and insert your payment information
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Best Upgrade Pick to Watch the NHL Playoffs: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch the NHL playoffs based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the NHL playoffs with Hulu+ Live TV.
Search for ABC, TNT, TBS, ESPN, or ESPN2 and start watching the NHL playoffs
Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images.Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images.
2024 NHL Playoffs Game Schedule
Here is the remaining schedule for the first round of the NHL playoffs:
First Round
Wednesday, 05/01 at 7 p.m. ET – Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars
Wednesday, 05/01 at 10 p.m. ET – Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Thursday, 05/02 at 8 p.m. ET – Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Friday, 05/03 at TBD – Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
Friday, 05/03 at TBD – Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
Friday, 05/03 at TBD – Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Saturday, 05/04 at TBD – Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
Sunday, 05/05 at TBD – Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars
Sunday, 05/05 at TBD – Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Sunday, 05/05 at TBD – Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
Which teams are in the NHL playoffs?
So which teams are in the NHL playoffs? Four teams from each of the four divisions (so eight teams from each of the two conferences) qualify for the playoffs based on their regular season points totals. Who competes in the Stanley Cup Finals? The two conference champions face off in the final round of the NHL playoffs. Below, find the 16 teams that qualified for the 2024 NHL playoffs.
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If you’re a Cleveland sports fan, you’re likely trying to figure out how to watch the Cavs game tonight live for free. The first-round playoff series is in full swing and the Cavs and Magic have two games a piece. Will the Ohio NBA team take the lead? You’ll have to read on to find out how to tune into every second of the postseason action.
The Cavs finished the 2023-2024 NBA season with a 48-34 record (a .585 winning percentage). That landed them fourth in the Eastern Conference by the end of the regular season. As for the postseason, in the first round of playoffs, the Cavs are in a heated series against the Magic, which went 47-35 in the regular season (a .573 winning percentage). The Magic sit right below the Cavs in the Eastern Conference rankings. So far in the playoff series, Cleveland and Orlando are tied at 2-2. The Cavs beat the Magic 97-83 in Game 1 and then 96-86 in Game 2. The Magic recorded a dub in Game 3, beating the Cavs 121-83, and once again in Game 4 with a final score of 112-89. Game 5 of the East 1st Round series takes place on Tuesday, April 30.
The Cavs have won one championship (with LeBron James at the helm) in the franchise’s history, five conference titles, and seven division titles. The team was founded in 1970 and competes in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. You can catch the Cavs repping wine, gold, and black colors in their home court at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Will head coach J. B. Bickerstaff and general manager Mike Gansey be able to lead the team to its second championship title? You’ll have to tune into the playoff series to find out. Keep reading to discover how to watch the Cavs game tonight live for free to see whether the Cavs or the Magic come out on top in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Jason Miller/Getty Images.
When is the Cavs game tonight?
When is the Cavs game tonight? Game 5 is on Tuesday, April 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV. If necessary, Game 6 would be on Friday, May 3, and Game 7 would be on Sunday, May 5.
How to watch the Cavs game tonight live for free
The Cavs game tonight will air on NBA TV, which is available to stream on services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial, which starts at $79.99 per month after the trial ends. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial, which starts at $74.99 per month after the trial ends. To watch NBA TV, you’ll need the Fubo Extra add-on, which is an additional $7.99 per month. Sling offers three plans—Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue—starting at $20 for your first month. Sling Orange includes ESPN and TNT, but to watch NBA TV, fans will need the service’s Sports Extra package. Sports Extra costs $11 per month when added to Sling Orange or Sling Blue or $15 per month if added to Sling Orange + Sling Blue subscription.
Best Overall Pick to Watch The Cavs Game Tonight: DirecTV Stream’s Free Trial
DirecTV is our best overall pick to watch the Cavs game tonight live for free for its free trial, price, and channel selection. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and has a current promo where you can sign up for DirecTV and get up to a $200 VISA Reward Card. You can also save $50 over two months when you purchase the Choice or Ultimate package, which typically costs $108.99 per month but is down to $83.99 per month with the promo. DirecTV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $79.99 per month; Choice, which costs $108.99 per month with the first two months at $83.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $119.99 per month with the first two months at $94.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $174.99 per month. All plans include NBA TV, except for Entertainment.
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the Cavs game tonightwith DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
Search for NBA TV and start watching the Cavs game tonight
Best Free Trial Pick to Watch The Cavs Game Tonight: Fubo’s Free Trial
Fubo is our best free trial pick to watch the Cavs game tonight live for free. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial (two days longer than DirecTV Stream) and offers three plans: Pro, which costs $74.99 per month; Elite, which costs $84.99 per month; and Ultimate, which costs $99.99 per month. To watch NBA TV, you’ll need the Fubo Extra add-on, which is an additional $7.99 per month.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Ultimate includes everything in Pro and Elite, as well as a total of 299 channels, Showtime, and Red Zone NFL Network. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the Cavs game tonight with Fubo’s free trial.
Search for NBA TV and start watching the Cavs game tonight
Best Budget Pick to Watch The Cavs Game Tonight: Sling
Sling is our best budget pick to watch the Cavs game tonight based on its price and current deals. Sling Orange costs $40 per month, Sling Blue costs $45 per month, and Sling Orange + Blue costs $60 per month. To watch the most basketball possible, subscribe to Sling Orange (which gives you ESPN and TNT), and then add the Sports Extra Package to watch NBA TV. Sports Extra costs $11 per month on top of the cost of your Sling Orange or Sling Blue base service. If you opt for a Sling Orange + Sling Blue subscription, Sports Extra costs $15 per month.
As for the difference between the plans, Sling Orange includes 32 channels (including 7 exclusive sports and family channels) and the ability to stream on one device at a time, while Sling Blue includes 42 channels (including 17 exclusive news and entertainment channels) and the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Alternatively, Sling Orange + Blue includes 46 channels (including all 22 exclusive channels) and the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the Cavs game tonight with Sling.
Search for NBA TV and start watching the Cavs game tonight
Jason Miller/Getty Images.
Cavs vs. Magic Prediction
The Cavs have a 63.7 percent chance of winning Game 5, according to ESPN Analytics as of Tuesday, April 30. Meanwhile, the Magic have a 36.3 percent chance of winning Game 5.
Cavs vs. Magic Odds
Per ESPN BET as of Tuesday, April 30, the Cavs have a -5.5 (-105) open, a -5.5 (-105) spread, an u202.5 (-110) total, and a -205 moneyline. On the other side, the Magic have an o201.5 (-115) open, a +5.5 (-115) spread, an o202.5 (-110) total, and a +170 moneyline.
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If you’re a fan of music and competition shows, look no further than American Idol. It’s the singing series that sparked several others because of its unique talent, judges, and performances. The show has produced many successes, and season 22 could see yet another star born. If you’re itching to see who wins this season, keep reading to discover how to watch American Idollive for free.
Created by Simon Fuller, American Idol is an American singing competition television series that premiered in 2002, underwent a two-year hiatus, and came back in 2018. The revival on ABC saw a completely new panel of judges, welcoming Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan to the three seats behind the big blue desk. American Idol discovers unsigned singing talent in hopes of turning them into recording stars. The show relies on viewers to vote for their favorites and determine each season’s winner. Previous winners whose music careers sky rocketed after performing on the American Idol stage include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia Barrino, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, and more. Former contestants who didn’t win but gained popularity and entered the mainstream include Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and Gabby Barrett.
In season 22, auditions took place in Georgia, Alabama, California, and Tennessee. After Hollywood week, 56 contestants moved on to the Showstopper round, in which they got to perform for the judges and a live audience. The judges narrowed it down to 24 contestants and then 20 the following week. The top 14 performed songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Gene Simmons appearing as a guest mentor. The next week featured the top 12 and saw Meghan Trainor as a guest mentor. There are a few more themed weeks left and then the winner will be crowned in the grand finale on May 19, 2024.
If you’re a fan of singing competition television shows like The Voice and The Masked Singer, you’ve got to tune into the one that started it all: American Idol. Keep scrolling to find out how to watch American Idollive for free to see who comes out on top in season 22. Plus, it’s your last chance to see Katy Perry serve as a judge on the show.
Disney/Eric McCandless.
When does American Idol air?
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The “Top 10,” “Judges Song Contest,” “Adele Night,” and “Disney Night,” are left in season 22. The finale will take place on May 19, 2024. However, the final three episodes—”Adele Night,” “Disney Night,” and “Grand Finale”—will only air on Sunday (no episodes on those Mondays).
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch American Idolwith DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch American Idol with Fubo’s free trial.
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch American Idol: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch TK based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch American Idolwith Hulu+ Live TV.
Here’s a full list of the American Idol cast for season 22:
Top 10
Abi Carter
Will Moseley
Mia Matthews
Jack Blocker
Emma Russell
Triston Harper
Julia Gagnon
Kaibrienne
McKenna Faith Breinholt
KAYKO
Disney/Eric McCandless.
Who are the American Idol judges?
Who are the American Idol judges for season 22? Singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality Lionel Richie, singer, songwriter, and television personality Katy Perry, and country singer, songwriter, and television personality Luke Bryan are back behind the big blue desk. All three have been judges since the 2018 ABC revival of American Idol (season 16). Perry announced that season 22 will mark her final season on American Idol.
Disney/Eric McCandless.
Who hosts American Idol?
Ryan Seacrest has been the show’s only host since the series premiered in 2002. Technically, Seacrest co-hosted the first season alongside Brian Dunkleman, but the very next season, Dunkleman left the show. Since then, Seacrest has been the sole host of American Idol, except for the seasons between 2016 and 2019 due to illness.
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If you’re a Denver sports fan, you’re probably scrambling to figure out how to watch the Nuggets game tonight live for free. The first-round playoff series has the Nuggets leading 2-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Will Nikola Jokić take Denver to a 3-0 lead? Keep reading to discover how to catch every postseason buzzer-beater, tip-off, and three-pointer.
The Nuggets finished the 2023-2024 NBA season with a 57-25 record (a .695 winning percentage). That landed them tied for first in the Western Conference by the end of the regular season. As for the postseason, in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Nuggets compete in a series against the Lakers, which went 47-35 in the regular season (a .573 winning percentage). The Lakers sit sixth in the Western Conference rankings. So far in the playoff series, Denver is up 2-0 against Los Angeles. In Game 1 of the series, the Nuggets beat the Lakers 114-103 and then 101-99 in Game 2. Game 3 of the West 1st Round series takes place on Thursday, April 25.
The Nuggets have won one championship (with Jokić at the helm) in the franchise’s history and one conference title (both in 2023). The team was founded in 1967 and competes in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. You can catch the Nuggets repping midnight blue, sunshine yellow, Flatirons red, and skyline blue colors in their home court at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Will head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth be able to lead the team to back-to-back championship titles? You’ll have to tune into the playoff series to find out. Continue scrolling to find out how to watch the Nuggets game tonight live for free to see whether the Nuggets or the Lakers come out on top in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Harry How/Getty Images.Harry How/Getty Images
When is the Nuggets game tonight?
When is the Nuggets game tonight? Game 3 is on Thursday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET on TNT and Game 4 is Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. If necessary, Game 5 would be on Monday, April 29 at 10 p.m. ET on TNT, Game 6 would be on Thursday, May 2, and Game 7 would be on Saturday, May 4.
How to watch the Nuggets game tonight live for free
Best Overall Pick to Watchthe Nuggets Game Tonight: DirecTV Stream’s Free Trial
Direct TV is our best overall pick to watchthe Nuggets game tonight live for free for its free trial, price, and channel selection. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial. DirecTV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $79.99 per month; Choice, which costs $108.99 per month with the first two months at $83.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $84.99 per month with the first two months at $94.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $159.99 per month. All plans include TNT, as well as similar channels like TBS.
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the Nuggets game tonightwith DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
Search for TNT and start watching the Nuggets game tonight
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch the Nuggets Game Tonight: Sling TV
Sling TV is our best budget pick to watch the Nuggets game tonight for its channel selection. Sling TV offers three plans: Sling Orange for $40 per month; Sling Blue for $45 per month; and Sling Orange + Blue for $60 per month. Sling also has a current deal where subscribers can sign up for 50 percent off their first month, bringing Sling Orange’s price down to $20 for your first month; Sling Blue’s to $22.50 for your first month; and Sling Orange + Blue’s to $30 for your first month. All plans include TNT, as well as similar channels like TBS.
As for the differences between the plans, Sling Orange, which is most suited toward sports and family channels, includes 32 channels and the ability to stream on one device at a time. Sling Orange, which is most suited toward news and entertainment channels, includes 42 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Sling Orange + Blue includes all the channels offered on both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, as well as the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watchthe Nuggets game tonightwith Sling TV.
Search for TNT and start watching the Nuggets game tonight
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch the Nuggets Game Tonight: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch the Nuggets game tonight based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. TNT is included on all plans and includes similar channels like TBS. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how watch the Nuggets game tonight with Hulu+ Live TV.
Search for TNT and start watching the Nuggets game tonight
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.
Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction
The Nuggets have a 55.6 percent chance of winning Game 3, according to ESPN Analytics, and as of Thursday, April 25. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a 44.4 percent chance of winning Game 3.
Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds
Per ESPN BET, the Nuggets have an o215.5 (-110) open, a +1.5 (-120) spread, an o217.5 (-105) total, and a -105 moneyline. On the other side, the Lakers have a +1.5 (110) open, a -1.5 (EVEN) spread, an u217.5 (-115) total, and a -115 moneyline.
Meanwhile, his wife gradually realizes that her husband is not her husband as the subtle clues pile up—his way of dressing, his renewed passion, his temper. “I don’t think it’s a show about contentment and settling,” Connelly says. “It’s about finding. At the center of it, you have this family, and you have this couple who kind of lose each other at some point in their marriage. They have to find each other again.”
She notes that this is a real-life phenomenon, not a sci-fi one: People change, sometimes irreconcilably, especially after a long time together. “There isn’t only one version of happiness that’s true,” Connelly says. “There are so many versions that we could choose in our lives. So I think there’s something kind of beautiful in this couple that reaffirms that, and [they choose] each other.”
Joining Jason1 in his search through the multiverse is Amanda (Alice Braga), the girlfriend of Jason2—who is one of the few people to believe his story when Jason1 awakens, bewildered and desperate, in his kidnapper’s home world. To her, he is the love of her life. To him, she is a stranger.
Elgato’s new Neo line features beginner and budget-friendly versions of its gadgets. The star of the show, of course, is the Stream Deck Neo. Aside from the trademark programmable LCD shortcut keys, it has an equally versatile info bar and something that no other Stream Deck has: two dedicated touchpads for switching between sets of shortcuts.
Today, Bang & Olufsen—the audio company that has made what we called “the prettiest gadgets in the world”—is rereleasing its iconic CD player, the Beosound 9000. If you were alive in the 1990s, you definitely saw this CD player standing in a place of honor, six discs and glass lid gleaming, either in your bougiest friend’s home or in the background on an episode of Entourage. Now you can buy it again as a new item from Bang & Olufsen rather than bid for one on eBay.
This is the second project in a series of what the company calls “recreated classics.” Bang & Olufsen sourced 200 original units of the Beosound 9000 and brought them to the company’s factory in Struer, Denmark. There, the Bang & Olufsen team—some of whom worked on the original models—carefully disassembled, cleaned, and repaired each unit. Each was then individually tested and fine-tuned to meet B&O’s audio standards.
To lend it a more modern look, the team inverted the black and aluminum finishes of the original. The new black backplate makes the CDs stand out even more as works of art. But never fear—all the aluminum parts are still from the original Beosound 9000s. The pieces were all brushed, etched, and blasted in Bang & Olufsen’s factory, then re-machined and re-anodized to bring them in line with the looks of the classic player.
The Beosystem 9000c is a complete package.
Photograph: Bang & Olufsen
The dressed-up CD players will only be sold as part of a package that includes a pair of high-end Beolab 28 speakers and a fancy Beoremote. The products are bundled together under the name Beosystem 9000c. Only 200 units are being produced, and each bundle costs $55,000. Even if that price puts it out of reach for most of us, the Beosound 9000’s design is worthy of celebration for what it represents.
What Goes Around
The player’s glass door swings open on a motor so you can change the discs.
Photograph: Bang & Olufsen
The Danish brand has long prioritized product longevity, using high-end materials and keeping durability in mind. Also, its products exude timeless, quirky vibes that you really just can’t get anywhere else. I always think of the Beosound Bluetooth speaker that looks just like a picnic basket, but in 2021 the company also released the Beosound Level, an exceptionally beautiful $2,000 Bluetooth speaker that was designed to be easily repaired; the battery, wood, and cloth elements are all replaceable, giving the speaker a lifespan of decades instead of years.
“The consumer electronics industry is not as resource-efficient as it should be,” says Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, the head of product circularity and portfolio planning at B&O, who I reached over email. By tackling obsolescence through design, he says, his team can “create a movement toward a more long-lasting future, where products serve a purpose after their first useful lifecycle.”
The original Beosound 9000 was designed by David Lewis, a legendary industrial designer whose work is currently showcased in the Museum of Modern Art. The player’s design—with its inner workings on full display and encased in glass—was based on the concept of “audiovisuality,” which is the idea that exposing a music machine’s basic functionality is beautiful.
Of course, these days it’s no big deal to see a clear computer case or a folding phone with an exposed hinge. But back in the 1990s, watching a smooth clamp slide soundlessly between CDs or seeing the Beosound 9000’s motorized glass lid slowly swing open was the height of luxury.
Comes Back Around
Bang & Olufsen’s rerelease also comes at a time of a CD revival. In my twenties, I worked in a record store—which we called a record store, even though we mostly sold CDs. That’s where bands played free daytime shows and did CD signings and where we wandered over to the death metal or African funk listening stations because the country section was too crowded.
That click-click-click of people shuffling through bins of jewel cases is permanently embedded in my brain. A lot of us miss it, even those of us who weren’t old enough at the time to listen to music on compact disc, as evidenced by Gen Z buyers gobbling up long-neglected CD collections.
The Legend of Korraushered in a new era of Avatar: The Last Airbender, yet so many characters we’d grown to love during the original series were long gone. Despite their absence, we’re still dying to know what happened to Suki.
If you’ve forgotten about Suki, why? How? Okay fine, we know how since we couldn’t see her during The Legend of Korra. Nevertheless, the Kyoshi Warriors became an important part of history and were mentioned in the latest series. As non-benders, the Kyoshi Warriors practiced chi-blocking, which became an important part of self-defense for non-benders everywhere.
After her stint at Zuko’s bodyguard, Suki would go on to teach civilians about chi-blocking. If Suki was still alive during the timeline of The Legend of Korra, then it’s more than likely that she would have ended up on Kyoshi Island.
Do Suki and Sokka End Up Together?
Most diehard fans believe that Suki and Sokka’s relationship did not progress after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Sokka didn’t have any family of his own, and there were no mentions of Suki remaining a part of his life. If there were any mentions of Suki, it would be in remembrance of their achievements together during the war.
Maybe this is a lucky turn of events for Suki. At least she didn’t turn into a celestial body like one of Sokka’s exes. While Suki’s ending is unknown, the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender movie might give us a better hint of her whereabouts.
(featured image: Nickelodeon)
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If you’re a fan of wrestling and aren’t sure what to do with your Friday evening, you’re in luck. One of WWE‘s biggest shows, WWE SmackDown, features live matchups between the franchise’s most popular names. Keep reading to find out how to watch WWE SmackDown live for free to catch your favorites in action.
WWE SmackDown is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE and created by Vince McMahon. Also called Friday Night SmackDown or just SmackDown, it’s one of WWE’s two flagship programs (the other one being Monday Night Raw). Similar to Raw, WWE wrestlers get in the ring to fight and entertain the crowd. The show first aired on April 29, 1999, and has since been broadcasted from 163 arenas, 148 cities and towns, and six countries (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, and Mexico). WWE SmackDown is currently in its 26th season and has produced an impressive 1,286 episodes.
Season 26 is wrapping up and has only two episodes left. Expect lots of action on April 19 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and final showdowns on April 26 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has already made special appearances this season, but last week, on April 12, 2024, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and WWE Women’s Champion Bayley made appearances. LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, and Santos Escobar faced off against each other. Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, and AJ Styles also entered the ring together in the April 12 episode.
If you can’t wait to find out who’s squaring off for the rest of the season, keep scrolling to learn how to watch WWE SmackDown live for free.
WWE/Getty Images.
When does WWE SmackDown air?
WWE SmackDown airs every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
WWE SmackDown Match Card
Here’s the full match card for WWE SmackDown on Friday, April 19 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Bayley (c) vs. Naomi
“Winner Faces Cody Rhodes for WWE Championship at Backlash: France”: LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
Fatal 4-Way #1 Contender’s Match for SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits vs. New Catch Republic vs. Legado Del Fantasma vs. Authors of Pain
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch WWE SmackDownwith DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Ultimate includes everything in Pro and Elite, as well as a total of 299 channels, Showtime, and Red Zone NFL Network. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch WWE SmackDown with Fubo’s free trial.
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch WWE SmackDown: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch WWE SmackDownbased on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch WWE SmackDownwith Hulu+ Live TV.
Streaming services are known for having award-worthy series but also plenty of duds. Our guide to the best TV shows on Netflix is updated weekly to help you know which series you need to move to the top of your queue. They aren’t all sure-fire winners—we love a good less-than-obvious gem—but they’re all worth your time, trust us.
Feel like you’ve already watched everything on this list that you want to see? Try our guide to the best movies on Netflix for more options. And if you’ve already completed Netflix and are in need of a new challenge, check out our picks for the best shows on Hulu and the best shows on Disney+. Don’t like our picks, or want to offer suggestions of your own? Head to the comments below.
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3 Body Problem
In 1960s China, at the height of the Cultural Revolution, gifted scholar Wenjie Ye witnesses her physicist father being beaten to death for his research, only for her to be recruited to a secret project relying on that same knowledge. Fast-forward to the present day, and physics is broken: Particle accelerators around the world are delivering impossible data, while scientists are being plagued by countdowns only they can see. Meanwhile, strange VR headsets appear to be transporting players to an entirely different world—and humanity’s continued existence may rely on there being no “game over.” Game of Thrones’ creators D. B. Weiss and David Benioff and True Blood executive producer Alexander Woo reimagine Chinese author Cixin Liu’s acclaimed hard sci-fi trilogy of first contact and looming interplanetary conflict as a more global affair. Wildly ambitious, and boasting an international cast featuring the likes of Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, Eiza González, and GOT alum John Bradley, Netflix’s 3 Body Problem serves up the opening salvo in a richly detailed and staggeringly complex saga.
Parasyte: The Grey
Alien spores rain down on Earth, releasing aggressive larvae driven to burrow into other creatures’ heads, devour the brain, and take control of the body. Once in possession, these parasites are indistinguishable from regular people—apart from the ability to warp the flesh and bone of their hosts’ head into terrible weapons, which they use to hunt and consume humans from the shadows. Su-in Jeong (So-nee Jeon) almost became one of them, but when the parasite trying to take control of her exhausts itself saving her from a violent attacker, she’s left sharing her body with an increasingly self-aware monster. Helmed by Train to Busan director Sang-ho Yeon, this Korean drama expands the world established in Hitoshi Iwaaki’s sci-horror manga Parasyte, building on its social and environmental themes even as it delivers a terrific, and often terrifying, slice of body horror.
Ripley
Perhaps best known nowadays from 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, novelist Patricia Highsmith’s inveterate criminal Tom Ripley has a longer, darker legacy in print and on screen. For this limited series, creator Steven Zaillian goes back to Highsmith’s original text, presenting Ridley (a never-more-sinister Andrew Scott of All of Us Strangers) as a down-on-his-luck conman in 1950s New York, recruited by a wealthy shipbuilder to travel to Italy and persuade his spoiled son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home. But once in Italy, Ripley finds himself enamored with Dickie’s lavish lifestyle—and will do anything to take it for himself. Shot in black and white to really sell its noir credentials, this is an instant contender for the finest interpretation of Highsmith’s works to date.
Baby Reindeer
Stalking is no laughing matter, which might make for awkward subject matter in this dramatized retelling of Scottish comedian Richard Gadd’s own real-life experiences. Adapted from Gadd’s one-man stage show of the same name, Baby Reindeer follows Donny (Gadd, playing a slightly fictionalized version of himself) after he meets Martha (Jessica Gunning) at the pub he works at. Despite claiming to be a lawyer, Martha can’t afford a drink—and a sympathetic gesture on Donny’s part opens the door to increasingly obsessive and dangerous behavior as she proceeds to infiltrate his life. It’s shockingly honest and self-aware in places: Does Donny, and by extension Gadd, on some level relish the attention of his stalker? Are his occasional moments of kindness and warmth toward Martha inviting her further in? Is he using her, finding her a strange source of material for his stand-up career? A fiercely paced seven episodes shot more like a horror movie, this searing miniseries explores trauma and intimacy, shame and masculinity, and how society often silences the victims of abuse.
Girls5eva
Saved from Peacock after two seasons, Netflix has gotten the band back together for this sharp comedy from creator Meredith Scardino. Twenty years after they split up, girl group Girls5Eva—Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Gloria (Paula Pell), Summer (Busy Philipps), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry)—find themselves back in demand after their one big hit is sampled by popular rapper Li’l Stinker (Jeremiah Craft). Turning their renewed popularity into an opportunity to reunite, the women try to gain the stardom, respect, and musical integrity they never had in their youth, even as life has taken them in very different directions. Poking fun at the absurdity of the late ’90s/early ’00s pop scene—and how little has changed since—and heightened by an almost surrealist edge in places, Girls5eva is a comedy that deserves its time in the spotlight.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
A talented young cast bring to life the tale of Aang (Gordon Cormier), the latest in a long line of avatars who can control all four cardinal elements, but is frozen in time for a century when his world needed him most. Awakened by new friends Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley), he sets about continuing his training as the Avatar in an attempt to restore balance, all the while pursued by the relentless Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu), heir to the imperialist Fire Nation that has conquered the word. Consider this a cautious recommendation—the original animated version, also on Netflix, remains superior—but Netflix’s live action Avatar remake serves up scale and spectacle, without betraying the heart of the classic show. It’s also already confirmed for two more seasons, so viewers can look forward to the complete saga without the now-familiar Netflix cancellation worries.
The Legend of Korra
If you’re still not sold on the live-action Avatar, this sequel to the original series is well worth your time. Set 70 years after the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra explores how Aang’s world has progressed after decades of relative peace. When Korra, the new Avatar, moves to Republic City to complete her training under the tutelage of Tenzin—Aang’s son, now with a family of his own—she finds herself and new friends Mako and Bolin caught in the growing tensions between element benders and the Equalist movement, who claim the unpowered are an oppressed class. As the series progresses over its four seasons, The Legend of Korra proves itself a very different beast than its predecessor, exploring political themes and social prejudices in deeper—and often darker—detail, while also expanding the more fantastic elements of the universe and revealing the origins of the first Avatar. Even more brilliantly animated, and with a unique 1920s inspired aesthetic, Korra is a show that grew up alongside its audience, and is all the stronger for it.
The Gentlemen
Created by Guy Ritchie, and loosely following his 2019 film of the same name, this darkly comedic series follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James), a former British Army officer, after he inherits the family estate and title of Duke following his father’s death. Oh, and the massive cannabis farm hidden beneath the grounds. Drawn into a literal criminal underground, Eddie finds himself having to deal with his family’s legacy, his only real support coming from Susie (Kaya Scodelario), who’s been running the drug empire. With a cast bolstered by Ray Winstone as Bobby Glass, Susie’s incarcerated father and criminal kingpin, and Giancarlo Esposito as Stanley Johnston, an American investor with his own designs on the Horniman estate, The Gentlemen is a violent and blood-splattered crime caper in the heart of the British aristocracy. Consider it the antithesis of The Crown—or not far removed from it, depending on your stance on the British Monarchy.
Griselda
Charting the life of infamous drug lord Griselda Blanco, who rose from a desperate life in Colombia to become a major player in the Miami drug wars, this dramatization shines largely thanks to a phenomenal performance from Sofía Vergara in the title role, channeling a chilling persona that makes her turn on Modern Family seem a lifetime away. While not entirely historically accurate, this limited series (co-created by Narcos’ Doug Miro) weaves a mesmerizing tale of Blanco’s efficiency in dominating the cocaine trade—and her brutality in enforcing that control. A tight six episodes makes for a compelling, if shockingly violent, binge watch.
Star Trek: Prodigy
Paramount+’s loss is Netflix’s gain with the license rescue of this great Star Trek spin-off. Kicking off on a distant prison planet, a group of young escapees are forced to become a crew when they commandeer a lost—and highly experimental—Starfleet vessel. Guided by a hologram version of Star Trek: Voyager’s iconic Captain Janeway (voiced by the venerable Kate Mulgrew), the untested cadets face a crash course in Federation ethics as they try to escape their former captor. While aimed at younger audiences and intended as an intro to the wider Trek universe, Prodigy packs in plenty for older Trekkies to appreciate—and with the complete first season available now and another 20-episode season expected later in 2024, there’s a lot to enjoy.
Queer Eye
The Fab Five are back for another round of life-changing makeovers in New Orleans. With heroes including a deaf football coach who needs to step up to support his students, a Kiss superfan committed to caring for his brother, and a former nun looking for love, there’s plenty to tug at the heart strings. With this season marking the last for design guru Bobby Berk, Queer Eye will doubtlessly be evolving when it returns for its already-confirmed ninth season, but for now, grab the tissues and prepare to ugly-happy-cry again.
One Day
Based on David Nicholls’ 2009 novel of the same name, this limited series charts the lives of Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) over the course of 20 years. Starting with their graduation from Edinburgh University in 1988, each episode jumps forward one year at a time, revisiting them for a single day and exploring how their existences swirl around each other, even as fate seems to drag them apart. It’s all gorgeously shot and produced, each half-hour episode a time capsule of its period, while the sizzling chemistry between the leads keeps you rooting for them even when you begin to suspect they’re not meant for each other. An unexpectedly beautiful romcom.
Beef
Ever been cut off in traffic? Ever had it happen when you’re having a really bad day? Ever just wanted to take the low road, chase the person down and make them pay?! Then—after a few deep breaths—Beef is the show for you. It’s a pressure valve for every petty grievance you’ve ever suffered, following rich Amy (Ali Wong) and struggling Danny (Steven Yeun) as they escalate a road rage encounter into a vengeance-fueled quest to destroy the other. Yet Beef is more than a city-wide revenge thriller—it’s a biting look at how crushing modern life can be, particularly in its LA setting, where extravagant wealth brushes up against inescapable poverty and seemingly no one is truly happy. Part dramedy, part therapy, Beef is a bad example of conflict resolution but a cathartic binge watch that clearly resonates—as evidenced by its growing clutch of awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series.
Pokémon Concierge
No, wait, come back! We’re serious—Pokémon Concierge is one of the most delightful and inventive offerings to hit Netflix in ages. Unlike the decades-long anime series charting Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s quest to be the very best like no one ever was, this delicate stop-motion series follows Haru (voiced by The Boys’ Karen Fukuhara), a new concierge at an island resort catering to Pokémon. Each of the four episodes offers whimsical encounters with the titular creatures, as Haru learns to take care of her guests, and herself, in the process. It’s effortlessly adorable and strangely relaxing to watch, but manages to avoid feeling gimmicky or twee. It even carries a warning for “emotionally intense scenes,” so prepare for your heart strings to be tugged at.
Loudermilk
Something of a sleeper hit for years—its first two seasons debuted on AT&T’s now-defunct pay TV channel Audience in 2017, before its third season appeared over on Amazon—all three seasons of this bleak comedy are now available on Netflix. Ron Livingston stars as Sam Loudermilk, a vitriolic former music critic and recovering alcoholic who proves almost pathologically incapable of holding his tongue when faced with life’s small frustrations—a personality type possibly ill-suited to leading others through addiction support groups. It’s dark in places, and its central character is deliberately unlikeable, but smart writing and smarter performances shape this into something of an acerbic anti-Frasier.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Adapted from the beloved graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, animated by one of the most exciting and dynamic studios in Japan, and voiced by the entire returning cast of director Edgar Wright’s 2010 live-action adaption, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off would have been cult gold even if it was a straight retelling of its eponymous slacker’s battles against lover Ramona Flowers’ seven evil exes. Yet somehow, in a world devoid of surprises, this packs in killer twists from the very first episode, making for a show that’s as fresh and exciting as ever. Saying anything else would ruin it—just watch.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Everyone thought Yusuke Urameshi was a trouble-making jerk—so when he died saving a child from being hit by a car, that last-minute act of heroism was so uncharacteristic that it even throws off his final judgement. Spared from hell but not quite earning a spot in heaven, Yusuke is instead revived on Earth as a “spirit detective.” charged with hunting down ghosts and demons that have escaped to the living plane. Based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights scaled by One Piece, but it is definitely in the upper echelons of Netflix’s live-action adaptations of anime and manga—a fun supernatural action-thriller that offers a unique vision of the spirit world and packs in some fantastic action sequences as the reluctant hero comes to grips with his new responsibilities. At a tight five episodes, it’s an easily binged blast.
Sweet Home
Based on the Korean webcomic by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home offers a very different vision of apocalyptic end times—rather than pandemics, disasters, or even zombies, this posits an end of the world brought about by people’s transformation into grotesque monsters, each unique and seemingly based on their deepest desires when they were human. The first season was a masterclass in claustrophobic horror, as the residents of an isolated, run-down apartment building—chiefly suicidal teen Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang), former firefighter Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young), and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook), who may be a brutal gangster—battled for survival, while the long-awaited second season explores what remains of the wider world, delving into the true nature of both monster and man. With phenomenal effects work blending prosthetics, CGI, and even stop-motion animation for some disturbingly juddering creatures, this stands apart from the horror crowd.
Castlevania: Nocturne
France, 1792: as the French Revolution rages, citizens rise up against a parasitic ruling class—but vampire hunter Richter Belmont and his magic-wielding ally Maria Renard are more concerned with what’s literally bleeding the people dry. Yet conventional bloodsuckers turn out to be the least of their worries when the pair meets Annette and Edouard, who have travelled halfway around the world to warn of a coming “Vampire Messiah” prophesized to devour the sun—let’s just say the stakes have never been higher (sorry). Set centuries after the previous Castlevania animated series, this proves a perfect jumping on point while maintaining the high quality animation, tight plotting, and brilliant action that made the original such a hit.
Bodies
Four detectives. Four time periods. Four murders? Maybe—but only one body. This time-twisting thriller—adapted from the comic of the same name by writer Si Spencer and artists Tula Lotay, Meghan Hetrick, Dean Ormston, and Phil Winslade—hops from Victorian London to a dystopian future and back again, as the same corpse is found in the same spot in each era. The only thing stranger than the impossible crime itself is the conspiracy behind it, one that spans decades, impacting and linking every figure investigating the body. A brilliantly high-concept sci-fi crime drama, Bodies is one of the best one-and-done limited series to hit Netflix in years.
Pluto
Think you know Astro Boy? Think again. In 2003, Naoki Urasawa (Monster, 20th Century Boys) updated original creator Osamu Tezuka’s hugely influential “The Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc for his manga Pluto, opting for a more adult approach. The focus shifts from the heroic boy robot to grizzled cybernetic detective Gesicht as he investigates a series of murders of both humans and robots, each victim left with makeshift horns crammed into their heads. Meanwhile, Atom (Astro’s Japanese name) is recast as a former peace ambassador, effectively a propaganda tool rolled out at the end of the 39th Central Asian War, still dealing with trauma from the experience. This adaptation is not only a faithful recreation of Urasawa’s retelling, but is stunningly animated to a standard rarely seen in Netflix’s original anime productions. With eight episodes, each around an hour long, this is as prestigious as any live-action thriller the streamer has produced, and a testament to both Tezuka and Urasawa’s respective geniuses.
Blue Eye Samurai
In the 17th Century, Japan enforced its “sakoku” isolationist foreign policy, effectively closing itself off from the world. Foreigners were few and far between—so when Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine) is born with blue eyes, nine months after her mother was assaulted by one of the four white men in the country, it marks her as an outsider, regarded as less than human. Years later, after being trained by a blind sword master and now masquerading as a man, Mizu hunts down those four men, knowing that killing them all is the only way to guarantee her vengeance. Exquisitely animated—which makes its unabashed violence all the more graphic—and with a phenomenal voice cast bolstered by the likes of George Takei, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Kenneth Branagh, Blue Eye Samurai is one of the best adults-only animated series on Netflix.
Sex Education
Talking about sex with your parents is always awkward, but for teenager Otis (Asa Butterfield) it’s even worse: His mother Jean (a captivating Gillian Anderson) is a renowned sex therapist who won’t stop talking about sex, leaving Otis himself ambivalent toward it. Still, something must have sunk in, and after helping a fellow student navigate a sexual conundrum, Otis finds himself almost accidentally running his own sex therapy clinic on campus. While the situations are often played for laughs, over its four seasons Sex Education thoughtfully explores intimacy, sexuality, and relationships in tender and even profound ways. With a fantastic ensemble cast including incoming Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa as Otis’ best friend Eric and Emma Mackey as love interest Maeve, this UK-set and Welsh-filmed coming-of-age dramedy has proven itself one of Netflix’s best series.
La Révolution
In a triumph of on-the-nose conceptualizing, La Révolution spins an alt-history romp in on-the-cusp-of-revolt France, where the cruel aristocracy become literal “blue-bloods,” thanks to a contagion that turns them into inky-veined, dandyish fiends ravenous for human flesh. A plucky reformist contessa who sympathizes with the commoners’ plight—first being exploited by the ruling class, and then being eaten by them—allies with forces both rebel and supernatural as she tries to prevent the undead disease spreading from the elite of Versaille to the whole of France’s upper crust. The melding of surprisingly great production values and a cast that’s clearly enjoying themselves elevates this above your standard zombie nonsense—and it’s subtitled, which definitely means it’s art house, right?
Pending Train
Netflix: License one of Japan’s best SF dramas in years. Also Netflix: Do nothing, literally nothing, to promote it, not even create an English subbed trailer. Which is where WIRED comes in—Pending Train is a show you (and Netflix) shouldn’t sleep on. When a train carriage is mysteriously transported into a post-apocalyptic future, the disparate passengers’ first concern is simply survival. Between exploring their new surroundings and clashing with people from another stranded train car over scarce resources, one group—including hairdresser Naoya, firefighter Yuto, and teacher Sae—begins to realize that there may be a reason they’ve been catapulted through time: a chance to go back and avert the disaster that ruined the world. A tense, 10-episode journey, Pending Train offers a Japanese twist on Lost, but one with tighter pacing and showrunners who actually have a clue where they want the story to go.
One Piece
Mark one up for persistence: After numerous anime adaptations ranging from “awful” to “not too bad,” Netflix finally strikes gold with its live-action take on the global phenomenon One Piece. Despite fans’ fears, this spectacularly captures the charm, optimism, and glorious weirdness of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, manifesting a fantasy world where people brandish outlandish powers and hunt for a legendary treasure in an Age of Piracy almost verbatim from the page. The perfectly cast Iñaki Godoy stars as Monkey D. Luffy, would-be King of the Pirates, bringing an almost elastic innate physicality to the role that brilliantly matches the characters rubber-based stretching powers, while the crew Luffy gathers over this first season—including swordsmaster Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), navigator and skilled thief Nami (Emily Rudd), sharpshooter Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), and martial artist chef Sanji (Taz Skylar)—all brilliantly embody their characters. A lot could have gone wrong bringing One Piece to life, but this is a voyage well worth taking.
Ragnarok
If you’re a fan of Norse mythology but Marvel’s Thor got too goofy for you with Love and Thunder, this Norwegian fantasy drama may be more to your liking. Set in the present day, young Magne Seier (David Stakston) finds he is the reincarnation of the god of thunder just in time to take a stand against the sinister Jutul family, whose polluting factories blight his hometown of Edda. No, the show is not subtle with its references, nor its environmental message, but it’s a fun reimagining of myth, especially as more members of the Norse pantheon start cropping up. Best of all, with only three six-episode seasons and an actual ending—no surprise cancellations here!—it’s a nicely digestible binge-watch.
The Chosen One
Based on the comic American Jesus by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kingsman) and artist Peter Gross (Lucifer), The Chosen One follows 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow), raised in Mexico by his mother Sarah (Dianna Agron). While the young boy would rather hang out with his friends, his life—and potentially the world—changes forever when he starts exhibiting miraculous powers, attracting dangerous attention from sinister forces. While this could have been yet another formulaic entry in Netflix’s expansive library of supernatural teen dramas (the Stranger Things vibe is particularly strong), the decision to shoot on film and in a 4:3 aspect ratio make this a visual delight, unlike almost anything else on the streamer at present. There’s an English dub, but stick to the original Spanish with English subs for a better viewing experience. (Confusingly, there’s another show with the exact same title on Netflix, a 2019 Brazilian series following a trio of relief doctors in a village dominated by a cult leader—also worth a watch, but don’t get them confused!)
Heartstopper
Arguably the most joyful show on Netflix is back for another school year of teen drama and heartfelt romance. With Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) now officially dating, this long-awaited second season starts off with Nick struggling to come out as bisexual—but it’s openly-gay Charlie’s parents who seem to struggle the most with their relationship. Meanwhile, Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao’s (William Gao) will-they-won’t-they saga continues to sizzle, and a school trip to Paris turns into a crucible for everyone’s emotions. Although it steps into slightly darker terrain this season, the brilliant adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels continues to be an utter delight—the show younger LGBTQ+ viewers need now, older ones needed years ago, and that everyone needs to watch whatever your sexuality.
Cobra Kai
While this latter day sequel to The Karate Kid films of the 1980s started life on YouTube Red (remember that?), it’s really come into its own since moving to Netflix. Picking up decades after Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence’s iconic fight at the end of the first movie, the debut season of Cobra Kai finds the tables turned, with Daniel living the charmed life while Johnny is washed up. Yet after defending his young neighbor Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) in a fight, Johnny finds new meaning by re-opening the eponymous karate dojo and guiding a new generation of students. As the series progresses, the stakes get higher—and frankly, increasingly, gloriously, ludicrous—as rival martial arts schools start cropping up all over California and alliances are forged and broken with alarming regularity. It’s all presented a little bit tongue-in-cheek, and with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their 1980s roles, the show is an unabashed love letter to the classic action flicks, but thanks to some seriously impressive fights and stunt work, and with a younger cast you can’t help but root for, it’s a retro-styled delight. With a sixth and final season in the works, now is the perfect time to binge the first five.
Cunk on Earth
British comedy alert: This might not be for you. If, however, you appreciate drier-than-a-desert humor and cringe-inducingly awkward interviews, this is a must-watch. A perfectly framed lampoon of globe-trotting documentaries, Cunk on Earth sees host Philomena Cunk (in reality, comedian Diane Morgan) exploring world history, from the development of agriculture through to the space race, offering deranged insights and skewering real-world experts with incredibly stupid questions along the way. Morgan’s relentlessly deadpan delivery alone makes this five-episode series worth a watch, but it’s those interviews that make this comedy gold.
Glitch
To those in the northern hemisphere, this Australian supernatural drama might be one of the best kept secrets of the last decade. Centred on a small town in Victoria, an entire community is shaken when seven people rise from their graves, seemingly in perfect health but with no memory of who they are or how they died. As police sergeant James Hayes (Patrick Brammall) and local doctor Elishia McKellar (Genevieve O’Reilly) try to contain and examine “The Risen,” Hayes’ world is rocked when he learns his own late wife Kate is among them. Over the course of three seasons and 18 episodes, the reasons for the dead’s return is teased out, starting with simply “how” and “why,” but building up to something that questions the rules of reality. A fantastic ensemble cast and brilliant pacing make this a must-see.
Black Mirror
As creator Charlie Brooker recently told WIRED, “Black Mirror wasn’t meant to be ‘this is what’s going on in technology this week.’ It was always designed to be a more paranoid and weird and hopefully unique show.” And that it is, but rather than displaying what’s going on in technology as it’s happening, the show has a way of beating its viewers to the paranoid punch, addressing dystopian anxieties before they even happen. (Black Mirror was talking about AI long before your mom ever heard of ChatGPT.) Netflix just released the sixth season of Brooker’s show, and if you haven’t watched, now may be the time. How else will you know what you’ll be worried about five years from now?
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
On the planet Etheria, Adora loyally serves the Horde, rising through its ranks with her close friend Catra by her side, until the discovery of a strange sword transforms her into the legendary warrior She-Ra. Learning the truth about the oppressive forces she’s served her whole life, Adora joins the Rebellion against the Horde—but can she really turn her back on everything she’s ever known? And will Catra ever forgive the betrayal? Developed by ND Stevenson—whose own Nimona delighted viewers as an animated movie on Netflix—the modern She-Ra reimagines the 1980s classic, eschewing the original’s connection to He-Man and episodic structure in favor of its own unique mythology and long-form storytelling, packed with complex characters, high stakes, and some powerfully emotional moments. Perfect for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra, this dazzlingly animated five-season action-fantasy is as compelling for older fans as it is younger viewers—and some of the best LGBTQ+ representation to be found in any medium doesn’t hurt either.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
A prequel spin-off to Bridgerton—the Shondaland-produced Regency era historical romance that continues to break Netflix viewership records—Queen Charlotte takes viewers back to 1761, exploring how a young Charlotte (India Amarteifio) meets and marries George III (Corey Mylchreest). In typical Bridgerton fashion though, there’s far more going on than a period love story, with the spirited Charlotte initially trying to escape the arranged marriage before learning to navigate the corridors of power—and manage George’s deteriorating mental health. Interspersed with scenes in Bridgerton’s “present day” 1817, where the now-formidable stateswoman Queen Charlotte (a returning Golda Rosheuvel) deals with a succession crisis to the throne, this limited series is compulsory viewing for fans of the series, and a great entry point for anyone yet to be wooed by its charms.
Inside Man
Jefferson Grieff (Stanley Tucci) is a former criminology professor on death row for killing his wife, telling his story to a journalist named Beth (Lydia West). Harry Watling (David Tennant) is an unassuming English vicar, tending to his parishioners. The two men are a world apart—until a horrific misunderstanding leads to Watling trapping a friend of Beth’s in his basement. As Watling’s situation and mental state deteriorate, Beth turns to the killer for help finding her friend. Created and written by Stephen Moffat, this tense transatlantic thriller has just a dash of The Silence of the Lambs, and with a cast at the top of their game, it’s gripping viewing. Best of all, its tight four episodes mean you can binge it in one go.
The Diplomat
If there’s a West Wing-shaped hole in your life, look no further than The Diplomat—a tense geopolitical thriller elevated beyond the norms of the genre by a superb central performance by The Americans’ Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, newly appointed US ambassador to the UK. Far from being an easy assignment in a friendly country, Kate’s role coincides with an attack on a British aircraft carrier, leaving her to defuse an international crisis before it escalates into full-blown war. It’s a job that might go easier if her own special relationship with husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) weren’t fraying, as his resentment at being demoted leads him to interfere in her efforts. One of Netflix’s biggest hits of 2023, The Diplomat has already been renewed for season two.
Sweet Tooth
Based on the comic book by Jeff Lemire, Sweet Tooth is set 10 years after “The Sick,” a viral pandemic that killed most of the population and led—somehow—to babies being born with part-human, part-animal characteristics. The first season follows Gus, a half-deer hybrid boy who leaves the wilderness in search of his mother, and “Big Man” Tommy Jeppard, a grizzled traveler who becomes his reluctant guide, protecting him from surviving humans who hate and fear the hybrids. The newly dropped second season takes things into darker territory, merging Gus and Jeppard’s path with the once-disparate storyline of Aditya Singh (Adeel Akhtar), a scientist researching the origins of The Sick—and its connections to Gus. Part sci-fi, part fantasy, part mystery, Sweet Tooth offers viewers a postapocalyptic dystopia unlike any other.
Lost in Space
It’s a few years old at this point, but Netflix’s update of the classic 1960s sci-fi show is one of the rarest entries on the service now—a genre show that the streamer can’t cancel after one season, because it’s already completed its three-season run. That means you can settle in to this glossier take on the Robinson family and their desperate attempt to survive on an alien planet without fear of a permanent cliffhanger or a never-coming conclusion. The stakes are far higher in this reboot though, with the Robinsons trapped on a dangerous alien world after an attempt to evacuate a doomed Earth goes disastrously wrong. Stranded, with no way to reunite with the colony mission they were once part of, the family’s fate may rest with a strange robot befriended by youngest son Will—but unlike in the original show, this robot caused the disaster that stranded them. With less saccharine family dynamics than the original, less camp (with the arguable exception of Parker Posey, stealing scenes as the nefarious Dr. Smith), and a more ambitious long-form story stretching across its three seasons, Lost in Space is a strong update for modern viewers.
Alice in Borderland
When slacker Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) is mysteriously transported to a deserted Tokyo, his keen gaming skills give him an edge navigating a series of lethal games that test intellect as much as physical prowess. Yet after barely scraping through several rounds, Arisu is no closer to uncovering the secrets of this strange borderland, or to finding a way home—and the stakes are about to get even higher. Not only are Arisu and his allies Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), Kuina (Aya Asahina), and Chishiya (Nijiro Murakami) faced with another gauntlet of sadistic games, but they find themselves caught between rival card suit “courts” vying for power—and not everyone can be trusted.
With its willingness to kill off main characters at a moment’s notice, the first season of this gripping adaptation of Haro Aso’s manga kept viewers on tenterhooks throughout. As the long-awaited second season leans further into its twisted Alice in Wonderland imagery, expect more shocking developments in this taut thriller.
Wednesday
After a minor indiscretion at her “normie” school—releasing flesh-eating piranhas into a pool of swim-team bullies—the dismal doyenne of the Addams Family is sent to the imposing monster boarding school of the Nevermore Academy. Initially desperate to escape the horror high school cliques—goths are vampires, jocks are werewolves, and stoners are gorgons—and her alarmingly peppy roommate, Wednesday is soon drawn into a prophecy dating back decades, and a murder mystery that incriminates her own family.
Give ’em Hell, Maloneis a crime thriller that follows the story of a young man named Malone, a professional private investigator exceptionally skilled at his job. The film centers on one of his missions, in which he must recover a mysterious case.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Give ’em Hell, Malone via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.
Is Give ’em Hell, Malone available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Give ’em Hell, Malone is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The film follows Malone, a ruthless and pessimistic investigator who takes his job seriously. His new assignment is to go to a mysterious building and retrieve a peculiar briefcase. However, upon arrival, he is besieged by gangsters and thugs intent on killing him. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse as powerful mafias chase him to reclaim the case while he is on the run.
The cast of the film includes Thomas Jane, Ving Rhames, Elsa Pataky, Doug Hutchison, Leland Orser, and Eileen Ryan.
Watch Give ’em Hell, Malone streaming via Amazon Prime Video
Give ’em Hell, Malone is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. It offers a vast library of movies, television shows, and reality series for viewing and streaming. The platform enables users to access on-demand content, including TV series and movies, sourced from Amazon and various third-party content providers.
You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps:
$8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership
Give ’em Hell, Malone synopsis is as follows:
“A tough-as-nails private investigator (Malone) squares off with gangsters and their thugs to protect a valuable secret. Malone goes through hell to protect the information but he dishes some hell as well.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
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Podcasts are to radio as streaming services are to television, and we are lucky enough to be living through the golden age of both. You can find a podcast about almost anything these days, but with great choice comes great mediocrity—you might need a helping hand to find the podcasts worthy of your ear. Our expertly curated list will entertain and educate you, whether you’re doing the dishes, working out, commuting, or lazing in the bath.
Updated April 2024: We added several podcasts, including Ologies, The Food Chain, and Bandsplain, plus a new music section. We’ve also removed links to Google’s recently shuttered podcast app.
Table of Contents
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Best Tech Podcasts
Courtesy of ABC News
The Dropout
Sneak a peek behind the curtain, as this podcast follows the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, the tech startup that promised to disrupt blood testing but disintegrated in the face of whistleblowers, inaccurate results, and fraudulent claims. John Carreyrou’s reporting broke the scandal, and his book Bad Blood also spawned another interesting podcast. But The Dropout is a refreshingly clear recounting of the sordid tale, with season two tackling the trial.
Courtesy of Darknet Diaries
Darknet Diaries
Anyone with an interest in hacking and cybercrime will appreciate this investigative podcast from Jack Rhysider. Densely packed and tightly edited, the show covers topics like Xbox hacking, a Greek wiretapping Vodafone scandal, and the impact of the NotPetya malware. Rhysider skillfully weaves informative narratives to unravel some complex issues and keeps things mostly accessible, though it may occasionally get a little too technical for some folks.
Courtesy of Center for Humane Technology
Your Undivided Attention
Ex-Googler Tristan Harris, whom you may recognize from the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, talks with Aza Raskin about the dangers of living your life online. As cofounders of the Center for Humane Technology, they delve into the ethics of Big Tech, unpack the potential pitfalls, and try to imagine ways to harness technology for the good of humanity.
Courtesy of Dallas Taylor
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Painstakingly researched, this podcast dives deep into the world of sound to explain everything from those sounds you always hear in movie trailers to car engines, choral music, the Netflix intro, and way beyond. Learn how iconic sounds were created, why certain sounds make us feel the way they do, and how sound enriches our lives in myriad ways.
Other Great Tech Podcasts:
WIRED’sGadget Lab: Want to catch up on the week’s top tech news? Listen to our very own podcast hosted by senior writer Lauren Goode and senior editor Michael Calore.
The Lazarus Heist: This captivating investigation starts with the Sony hacks, digs into the involvement of North Korean hackers, and moves on to a billion-dollar cyber theft.
Rabbit Hole: What is the internet doing to us? New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose investigates things like the impact of algorithms on radicalization with a dreamy soundscape backdrop.
Reply All: The beautifully paced, always convivial, and sorely missed Reply All dragged us down internet rabbit holes to investigate long-forgotten songs, phone scammers, hacked Snapchat accounts, and Team Fortress 2 bots.
Click Here: With a focus on cybersecurity, this podcast unravels tales of hacking, misinformation, cyberterrorism, and more, with interviews and insight from experts in episodes that usually come in under half an hour.
Waveform: Laid-back chats about the latest gadgets and developments in the world of tech with Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) and co-host David Imel.
Courtesy of Audible
The Last Days of August
Jon Ronson brings an inquisitive, empathetic, and slightly neurotic intelligence to bear on fascinating and often surprising tales. Following The Butterfly Effect (only on Audible), which delves into the collision of tech with the pornography industry, The Last Days of August investigates the untimely death of porn performer August Ames. All of Ronson’s other podcasts are equally excellent (we recommend Things Fell Apart and So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed), but this is a great place to start.
Courtesy of Apple
Wild Things: Siegfried and Roy
Famous German duo Siegfried and Roy were a mainstay on the Las Vegas show scene and performed about 30,000 times over five decades with an act that included white lions and tigers. When Roy was attacked live on stage, it made headlines everywhere. This podcast unravels their rise to stardom, touches on their controversial handling of wild animals, and digs into what really happened that fateful night.
Courtesy of Pushkin Industries
Revisionist History
In this eclectic mix of quirky stories, Malcolm Gladwell tackles misunderstood events and rarely discussed ideas, veering from subjects like Toyota’s car recall to underhand-throwing basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, and even the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. Gladwell freely mixes research and opinion and enjoys challenging conventional views, but every episode serves up facts and stories you have likely never heard before.
Other Great Society Podcasts:
Dreamtown: The Story of Adelanto: This story of a small California town that turns to cannabis cultivation to try and revive itself soon descends into chaos.
Run Bambi Run: The riveting story of former Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny Laurie Bembenek, who was convicted of murdering her husband’s ex, despite conflicting evidence, and subsequently escaped prison and fought to have her conviction overturned.
Missing Richard Simmons: Ebullient fitness guru Richard Simmons used to be everywhere, and this podcast charts an investigative reporter’s attempts to find out why he disappeared.
The Moth: This podcast offers random folks the chance to tell deeply personal stories to a crowd of strangers and reinforces just how weird and wonderful humans are.
The Trojan Horse Affair: This tale unpacks the British scandal over an alleged attempt by Islamist extremists to take over a Birmingham school and radicalize its students.
Day X: A sobering look at the neo-Nazi specter in modern-day Germany, its possible infiltration of police and government, and a plan involving a military officer and a faked refugee identity.
Project Unabom: Delving into the life of Ted Kaczynski, this podcast interviews his brother and recounts the FBI investigation to try to make sense of Kaczynski’s terrifying bombing spree.
Will Be Wild: Curious about the January 6 insurrection? This podcast interviews people from both sides, examines the struggles of law enforcement and intelligence under Trump, and charts the anti-government extremism that led to this dark day for democracy.
Courtesy of Imperative Entertainment
The Cost of Happiness: Tony Hsieh
The online shoe store Zappos made Tony Hsieh a billionaire, and this podcast investigates his $350 million investment in the Downtown Project in Las Vegas. His utopian vision of a happy worker village promised to revitalize the depressed heart of Sin City. The experimental community generated much excitement, but the charismatic and eccentric Hsieh soon ran into trouble.
Courtesy of Novel
The Superhero Complex
Part of the way into this investigation of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a real-life group of self-proclaimed superheroes active in Seattle a few years ago, I had to stop listening and check that this wasn’t fiction. The podcast focuses on the arrogant Phoenix Jones, an ex-MMA fighter turned violent vigilante, and his fall from grace. But there is also a fascinating glimpse into the friendlier side of the movement, with some heroes handing out water to homeless folks and helping people in distress.
Courtesy of The LoudSpeakers Network
The Read
Brutally honest comedians with chemistry, Kid Fury and Crissle West recap and review the latest pop culture news and offer their opinions on everything. Insightful, funny, challenging, and refreshingly different from the podcast pack, these sprawling conversations run for a couple of hours, covering recent events and frequently touching on social justice, mental health, race, and sexual identity.
Courtesy of Forever35
Forever35
Like eavesdropping on conversations between relatable besties, Forever35 started as a physical self-care podcast but expanded to discuss mental health, relationships, and any other topic that appeals to LA-based writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer. They go from chatting about serums and creams to seasonal affective disorder and how to deal with a new stepmother as an adult—but always in a fun, inclusive, and down-to-earth way.
Other Great Culture Podcasts:
Sounds Like a Cult: Fanatical fringe groups have never been so prevalent, and there’s something more than a little cultish about celebrity stans, multilevel marketing, and marathon runners—just three of the subjects this lighthearted podcast unpacks.
Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard: Now a Spotify exclusive, this often funny and always insightful podcast seeks out human truths and sometimes finds them.
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy: Ably hosted by author David Barr Kirtley, this sci-fi fantasy extravaganza digs into fascinating topics with the help of accomplished guests like Neil Gaiman, Brent Spiner, and Steven Pinker.
The Allusionist: If you are interested in words, this witty but accessible show will delight you as it charts the evolution of slang, explains euphemisms, and generally celebrates language.
Courtesy of Las Vegas Review Journal
Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas
This fascinating tale, told through interviews with old gangsters, law enforcement, politicians, and journalists, charts the symbiotic rise of organized crime and Las Vegas. The first season recounts the FBI’s attempts to take down the “Hole in the Wall Gang” and reveals the true-life inspiration for movies like Casino. Season two tackles Jimmy Hoffa and the battle to oust the mafia from the Strip’s casinos.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Criminal
Soothing host Phoebe Judge unravels captivating tales with reverence in this polished production about the spectrum of crime. Criminals, victims, lawyers, police, historians, and others whose lives have been altered by crime voice their stories as Judge carefully avoids the sensational and exploitative by respectfully teasing out the heart of each subject.
Courtesy of WBEZ
S-Town
Give this compelling mystery five minutes and you’ll be hooked. The talented host, Brian Reed, investigates a small town in Alabama at the behest of eccentric horologist John B. McLemore, who claims the son of a wealthy family has gotten away with murder. The script, pacing, editing, music—basically everything about this production—are perfect.
Courtesy of Lava For Good
Bone Valley
Painstakingly researched, thoughtfully told, and skillfully produced, this true-crime podcast hosted by Gilbert King focuses on a 1987 Florida murder. After an incompetent police investigation and distinctly dodgy trial, Leo Schofield was convicted of killing his wife. Despite fresh evidence and a confession from someone else, Schofield remains in prison.
Courtesy of Campside
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen
Murder may dominate this genre, but there are other fascinating stories worth telling in the world of crime, like this one, which is about a scammer posing as a Hollywood mogul. This weird, compelling, investigative podcast unwinds a satisfyingly twisty tale that’s mercifully free of blood and violence. The third season, Wild Boys, tells a completely new story, and the fifth tackles hypnotist Dr. Dante.
Other Great True-Crime Podcasts:
Cold: Investigative journalist Dave Cawley investigates missing persons cases, starting with the tragic tale of Susan Powell. Well-researched and respectful, this slow-burn podcast is a must for true crime fans.
The Thing About Pam: Beautifully narrated by Keith Morrison, this podcast is a rollercoaster ride that gets weirder as it goes on. This case inspired a mini-series with Renée Zellweger playing Pam.
Your Own Backyard: This sensitive and meticulous investigation into the disappearance of Kristin Smart from Cal Poly in 1996 uncovered fresh leads for detectives and doggedly fought for justice.
Who Killed Daphne: Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered by car bomb in Malta, and this podcast delves into her work exposing the unscrupulous elite to identify her killers.
The Clearing: The families of serial killers often seek obscurity (understandably), but that means we never hear their stories. That’s something this podcast about April Balascio, daughter of American serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, rectifies.
The Trials of Frank Carson: Police and prosecutors go after the defense attorney who has been beating them in court for years, sparking accusations of conspiracy and one of the longest trials in US history.
Sweet Bobby: This British catfishing tale charts successful radio presenter Kirat’s relationship with handsome cardiologist Bobby, and things get impossibly weird.
Dr. Death: A gripping podcast that focuses on incompetent or psychopathic (maybe both) ex-surgeon Christopher Duntsch and exposes terrifying institutional failures.
Crimetown: Taking a forensic approach to organized crime in American cities, this slick podcast comes from the supremely talented makers of The Jinx.
Hunting Warhead: A journalist, a hacker, and some detectives go after a chilling child abuse ring led by a criminal known as Warhead in this tactfully told and thorough podcast.
Love Janessa: Catfishing scams are big business, but why do so many use photos of Janessa Brazil? This podcast tracks her down to find out.
The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods: Journalist Jake Adelstein dives deep into Japanese culture, pursuing his missing accountant and exploring the mysterious disappearances of thousands of people in Japan every year.
Courtesy of Ologies
Ologies
Lighthearted, enthusiastic, and endlessly curious host Alie Ward interviews smart people about their specialist subjects. This accessible podcast covers many topics from a scientific perspective and delights in diving down random rabbit holes. Recent episodes have covered the sun, pelicans, and repulsion.
Courtesy of Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes
Maintenance Phase
The worlds of wellness and weight loss are awash with questionable products and advice, so a podcast to debunk fads and junk science with reasoned argument and research is welcome. It’s more fun than it sounds, thanks to the entertaining hosts, and there’s even a fascinating episode on “snake oil” that recounts the history of health scams.
Courtesy of NPR
Hidden Brain
An absorbing deep dive into human behavior with the help of psychologists, sociologists, and other experts, Hidden Brain is densely packed with informative nuggets. The host, NPR’s accomplished science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, renders complex ideas accessible and offers insight into the inner workings of our minds.
Courtesy of BBC
The Infinite Monkey Cage
This whimsical show, hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, poses questions like “Does time exist?”—which are then debated by a diverse panel of three guests, usually a mix of experts and entertainers. Definitive answers are in short supply, but it’s always articulate, enthusiastic, and thought-provoking.
Other Great Science Podcasts:
Houston, We Have a Podcast: Anyone interested in spaceflight must give NASA’s official podcast a listen, for interviews with astronauts and scientists.
Science Rules!: Bill Nye, the science guy, teams up with science writer Corey Powell to grill experts on all sorts of interesting science-related topics.
Stuff You Should Know: Prizing knowledge for its own sake and provoking healthy curiosity, this podcast is comical, charming, and full of interesting conversational nuggets.
Courtesy of NPR
The Indicator
This Planet Money spin-off delivers digestible, fast-paced, well-told stories about business and the economy, tackling topics that range from TikTok marketing to opioid nasal sprays and ticket scalpers. Each enlightening episode comes in under 10 minutes and serves as a quick primer that will leave you feeling well informed.
Courtesy of Freakonomics Radio Network
Freakonomics Radio
Promising to delve into the “hidden side of everything,” this long-running, data-driven show is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of the Freakonomics books, and it regularly features economist Steven Levitt. It’s a clever mix of economics and pop culture that flows easily and balances entertainment with education, presenting both sides of debates while consulting relevant guests.
Courtesy of Macro Musings
Macro Musings
If you long to understand the economy better, this topical show, hosted by David Beckworth of the Mercatus Center, interrogates a diverse line-up of economists, professionals, and academics to bring you invaluable insights. It takes a serious look at macroeconomics and monetary policy, but the guests do a solid job of unpacking complex topics.
Other Great Economics Podcasts:
Conversations with Tyler: American economist Tyler Cowen interrogates some of the world’s smartest people in this intellectually challenging interview podcast.
Planet Money: This top-notch podcast has entertaining, digestible, and relatable stories about the economy, unraveling everything from health care to income taxes.
EconTalk: This no-frills show sees economist Russ Roberts engage in sprawling conversations with writers and academics on a range of economics topics.
Courtesy of Wondery
How I Built This
This NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz explores the stories behind some of the biggest companies in the world from the perspective of the innovators and entrepreneurs who built them. Expect cautionary tales, nuggets of wisdom, and business lessons galore in probing and insightful interviews that reveal a lot about their subjects and what drove them.
Courtesy of Steven Bartlett
The Diary of a CEO With Steven Bartlett
Serial entrepreneur Steven Bartlett built a successful business from nothing and is now an investor on Dragons Den (the UK’s Shark Tank). He talks frankly about his own experiences and interviews various CEOs to find out why they started their businesses and how they guided them to success. Sprawling discussions range from personal life challenges and mental health to business strategies and advice.
Courtesy of TED/Audio Collective
WorkLife With Adam Grant
Expertly hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this podcast offers practical advice on tackling various issues you are sure to encounter in the average job. The show features interesting psychological perspectives on everything, from how to rethink a poor decision to crafting a great pitch to dealing with burnout. The podcast also boasts insightful interviews with business leaders.
Other Great Business Podcasts:
The Pitch: Fans of Shark Tank will enjoy this podcast, which features entrepreneurs pitching investors to secure real money for their startups.
Ask Martin Lewis: Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has been helping folks in the UK save money for years and provides straightforward financial advice here.
BizChix: This podcast from business coach Natalie Eckdahl is aimed squarely at female entrepreneurs and is packed with no-nonsense expert advice.
Teamistry: With a focus on teams and what they can achieve, the latest season of this podcast tells the fascinating story of the supersonic passenger jet Concorde.
Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts
Courtesy of Adam Buxton
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Consummate conversationalist Adam Buxton is always witty and well prepared, and he has interviewed many interesting people over the course of his long-running show, from Charlie Brooker to Jeff Goldblum. Ostensibly rambling, Buxton skillfully pulls fascinating insights from his interview subjects, bouncing between their personal lives, work, and popular culture with seeming ease.
Courtesy of Wondery
Life Is Short With Justin Long
Likable actor Justin Long and his brother Christian host this enthusiastic and sprawling interview show, where they chat with guests like Zack Snyder, Kristen Bell, and Billy Crudup. The siblings get sidetracked by nostalgic reminiscences and occasional bickering, which sort of makes the show, but they are always generous and kind to their guests.
Courtesy of Wondery
SmartLess
Charming and goofy, this conversational podcast stars Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, and they always have a surprise celebrity guest, like Ryan Reynolds or Reese Witherspoon. It is warm, gentle, and often laugh-out-loud funny, but don’t expect challenging questions or bared souls.
Other Great Celebrity Interview Podcasts:
WTF With Marc Maron: Self-deprecating, sardonic, supremely skilled interviewer Marc Maron interviews some of the world’s most famous people, from Barack Obama to Paul McCartney.
Grounded With Louis Theroux: A soothingly gentle facade belies Louis Theroux’s ability to draw fascinating insights from his subjects with tact and humor.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake: Kathy Burke laughs in the face of death, asking guests like Stewart Lee and Dawn French how they’d like to die, what sort of funeral they want, and who they plan to haunt.
Courtesy of Wondery
Sports Wars
Epic rivalries and long-anticipated showdowns are a massive part of the enduring appeal of sports, and this slick production homes in on them. Rivalries like Federer vs. Nadal in tennis and Tyson vs. Holyfield in boxing are unpacked over a few episodes apiece by host Dan Rubenstein, who digs into their backgrounds to understand why some face-offs get so highly charged.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Bill Simmons Podcast
This hugely popular sports podcast features fast-paced roundtable conversations with athletes and celebrities that usually focus on the NFL or NBA. Unfiltered opinions, witty remarks, and encyclopedic sports knowledge collide, but this is enthusiastic and accessible enough for casual sports fans to enjoy.
Courtesy of The Athletic
The PosCast
Primarily focused on baseball, this long-running podcast sometimes covers other sports and often meanders into comical conversations. Guests offer amusing anecdotes, but the chemistry between hosts Joe Posnanski and Michael Schur, who can debate endlessly about any old nonsense, is what makes this show so special.
Other Great Sports Podcasts:
Undr the Cosh: Open and honest banter from ex-professional soccer (football) players, as they talk to current pros and recount hilarious on- and off-pitch anecdotes.
Around the NFL: This funny, fast-paced look at the National Football League runs through all the latest football news, blending anecdotes and analysis.
32 Thoughts: A slickly produced, insightful dive into all the latest hockey news and controversy from knowledgable hosts who bounce off each other.
Courtesy of Spotify
Bandsplain
We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.
Courtesy of Aquarium Drunkard
Transmissions
This indie podcast is an eclectic mix of interviews mostly with musicians but also with artists, authors, and filmmakers, recorded by the folks at Aquarium Drunkard, which started as a music blog many moons ago. Recommended by WIRED senior editor and podcast host Michael Calore, these passionate, informed, and thought-provoking conversations will take you deep into the underground of popular culture, and may just turn you on to your new favorite tunes.
Courtesy of BBC
Desert Island Discs
Famous people (recent guests include Cillian Murphy and Delia Smith) pick eight songs, a book, and a luxury item as the only things they can take to a desert island. This wonderful premise offers sometimes surprising insights into the guests as they explain their choices. This legendary podcast started in 1942 and would be equally at home in the celebrity interview section.
Other Great Music Podcasts:
Song Exploder: Learn exactly what some of your most-loved tracks are about and how they came to be from the people who wrote and performed them.
Lost Notes: Billed as the “greatest music stories never told” this podcast is a blend of music, interviews, and well-researched history that delivers fascinating insights.
No Dogs in Space: This sweet, smart, and funny music history podcast delivers biographies of bands like the Beastie Boys, the Stooges, and Joy Division.
Courtesy of Earwolf
How Did This Get Made?
We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.
Courtesy of BBC
Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review
Respected film critic Mark Kermode has an infectious love of movies and an incredible depth of knowledge about the world of film, and Simon Mayo is a veteran radio presenter. Together they discuss the latest movies, interview top-tier directors and actors, and invite views from their listeners. While the podcast ended earlier this year, the duo have a new show called Kermode & Mayo’s Take.
Courtesy of You Must Remember This
You Must Remember This
Diving into Hollywood myths to investigate and uncover the truth about infamous secrets, scandals, and legends from Tinseltown is a compelling premise, and talented creator and host Karina Longworth makes the most of it. Among the best shows are the “Dead Blondes” series, which includes Marilyn Monroe; the run on Manson; and the “Frances Farmer” episode.
Other Great Movie Podcasts:
The Director’s Cut: Listen to directors like Benicio del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron being interviewed about their latest movies by their peers in roughly half-hour episodes.
The Rewatchables: Bill Simmons and a rotating cast of cohosts discuss and analyze beloved movies and dig up interesting nuggets of trivia.
Lights Camera Barstool: Reviews, interviews, rankings, and accessible chats about the movies with pop culture debates thrown in.
Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]: This comedic movie review podcast highlights films featuring actors of color and analyzes the movies in depth, with an eye on race and diversity.
Courtesy of Headgum
Dead Eyes
Join comedian and actor Connor Ratliff on his mission to discover why he got fired from Band of Brothers. His amusing and honest account of how his big break went bad, reportedly because Tom Hanks thought he had “dead eyes,” is often very funny. An easy listen, peppered with celebrity guests like Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, and Zach Braff, Dead Eyes affords listeners an insight into the world of auditions, acting triumphs, and humiliation.
Courtesy of HBO
HBO’s Succession Podcast
Whether you’re new to this captivating show or a long-time fan, the official podcast affords you a peek behind the curtain as it dissects episodes and explores character motivations. Roger Bennett interviews the main players from the show and then Kara Swisher steps in for the third season to interview the makers and various guests, from Mark Cuban to Anthony Scaramucci, to examine its impact and where it mirrors world events.
Courtesy of Wondery
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera
Recounting the tragic tale of the exploitative 2004 reality TV show There’s Something About Miriam, this podcast reveals just how cruel reality TV can get. Six young men set up house in an Ibizan villa to compete for the affections of Miriam and a £10,000 ($12,100) cash prize, but the show producers failed to tell them Miriam was trans. It’s a story that ended badly for everyone.
Courtesy of Steve Schirripa
Talking Sopranos
Hosted by actors from the show, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), this podcast is essential listening for fans. It runs through every episode with big-name guests, most of whom worked on or appeared on the show. It’s candid about the entertainment industry and absolutely packed to the brim with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider revelations.
Other Great TV Podcasts:
Shrink the Box: Actor Ben Bailey Smith talks with psychotherapist Sasha Bates as they put some of the best TV characters of all time (like Walter White and Omar Little) on the couch for analysis.
Obsessed With…: This BBC podcast is hosted by celebrity superfans of various TV shows, including Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Line of Duty.
Fake Doctors, Real Friends: Rewatching Scrubs with Zach Braff and Donald Faison is a joyous experience that’s every bit as entertaining, poignant, and silly as the TV show.
Welcome to Our Show: A warming dose of nostalgia and comfort for New Girl fans as Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris rewatch the show together.
Courtesy of The Paragon Collective
Darkest Night
Horror fans will enjoy reliving the last gruesome moments of various corpses that have landed at the mysterious Roth-Lobdow Institute in this deliciously creepy and occasionally gross chiller. Wonderful narration from Lee Pace; acting from the likes of Denis O’Hare, Missi Pyle, and RuPaul; and clever sound design make for a memorably thrilling ride that you just know is going to end badly.
Courtesy of Hello from the Magic Tavern
Hello From the Magic Tavern
Thoroughly absurd, this fantasy improv-comedy show is the brainchild of Chicago comedian Arnie Niekamp, who falls through a portal at a Burger King and ends up in the magical world of Foon. The role-playing game and fantasy references come thick and fast, guests play bizarre characters of their own creation, and loyal listeners are rewarded with long-running gags and rich lore.
Courtesy of Battle Bird Productions
We Fix Space Junk
Short and sweet episodes of this sci-fi comedy-drama fit neatly into gaps in your day and whisk you away to a nightmare corporate dystopia in a galaxy fraught with evil artificial intelligence and monstrous aliens. Struggling repair technician Kilner gets stuck with a rich murder suspect, Samantha Trapp, after accidentally smuggling her across the galaxy in this polished show with a distinct 1980s feel.
Other Great Fiction Podcasts:
Marigold Breach: This intriguing sci-fi tale about a soldier with a sentient AI implant stars Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto.
DUST: This podcast started as an anthology of audio sci-fi stories from the likes of Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury but has changed things up with each new season.
The Bright Sessions: The therapy sessions of mysterious psychologist Dr. Bright, bookended by voice notes, form intriguing short episodes, as all of her patients seem to have special abilities.
Welcome to Night Vale: This pioneering creepy show is presented as a community radio broadcast from a desert town beset by paranormal and supernatural happenings.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Nice Try!
Utopian ideals have led to the development of some fascinating communities over the years, and season one of Nice Try! delves into their history, the hope that drove them, and why these communities ultimately failed. Season two moves on to lifestyle technology, from doorbells to vacuums, all designed to help us realize a personal utopia in the ideal home.
Courtesy of Revolutions
Revolutions
The modern world was shaped by some of the ideas that drove revolutions, and this deeply researched series runs through the English Civil War and American, French, Haitian, and Russian revolutions; Simon Bolivar’s liberation of South America; and more. The writing is concise, the narration is engaging, and host Mike Duncan does a fantastic job contextualizing revolutionary events and characters.
Courtesy of Radiotopia
The Memory Palace
A dreamy, emotional quality elevates these tales of seemingly random moments from the past, expertly told by the eloquent Nate DiMeo and backed by wonderful sound design. These distilled stories serve as historical snapshots of rarely discussed events, and it’s hard to think of another podcast as artful and poignant as this one.
Courtesy of Grim Mild
Noble Blood
Assured in their divine right to rule over everyone, royal families were often incredibly dysfunctional. Author Dana Schwarz examines tyrannical regimes, murderous rampages, power struggles, and dynasty deaths. The madness of monarchs from various nations is concisely dissected in tightly scripted half-hour episodes that will leave you questioning the idea that there’s anything noble about their bloodlines.
Other Great History Podcasts:
Something True: Enjoy utterly bizarre true stories, as every episode of this podcast explores a seemingly forgotten historical footnote.
Lore: Spooky and witty, this classic podcast plumbs history to uncover horrifying folklore, mythology, and pseudoscience.
Medieval Death Trip: An enthusiastic and well-researched look at medieval times, this podcast offers a witty analysis of the primary texts left behind.
Hardcore History: Relatable and endlessly fascinating, Dan Carlin brings history to life with his own riveting narratives on notable events and periods, peppered with facts and hypothetical questions.
Courtesy of BBC
The Food Chain
Learn all about the business, science, culture, and history behind the food we eat with half-hour insights into wide-ranging topics like chocolatiers, the best foods for new moms, or the history of banh mi. Engaging and informative, this is a fun listen that’s perfect to stick on while you whip up dinner.
Courtesy of Ramble
A Hotdog Is a Sandwich
Whatever side of the titular, age-old debate you stand on (I’m with the British Sandwich Association), this fast-paced, often funny show will suck you in as it poses tough food-related questions and then debates them. Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati decide whether American cheese is really cheese, if Popeye’s and In-N-Out are overrated, and what the best pasta shape is.
Courtesy of Gastropod
Gastropod
If your love of food extends to an interest in the history and science of everything from the humble potato to a soothing cup of tea to ever-polarizing licorice, then this podcast is for you. Knowledgeable cohosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley talk to experts and serve up a feast of delicious bite-size facts that surprise and delight.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Dave Chang Show
Celebrity chef Dave Chang, whom you may know from his Netflix show, Ugly Delicious, talks mostly about food, guilty pleasures, and the creative process with other chefs and restaurateurs. There is plenty here to satisfy foodies, but some of the funniest moments come when the show covers other random topics, like the perfect email sign-off or wearing shoes indoors.
Other Great Food Podcasts:
Out to Lunch With Jay Rayner: This podcast seats you at a top restaurant to eavesdrop on consummate food critic Jay Rayner with a celebrity guest at the next table.
The Sporkful: You can learn a lot about people and culture through food, and this podcast proves it by serving up delectable bite-size insights.
Best Health and Wellness Podcasts
Courtesy of Lionrock
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
Whether you are struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, eating disorders, or something else, or you know someone who is, this accessible and inspirational podcast can help you examine why. Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame speaks from experience and offers practical advice to help you onto a healthier path. This podcast is honest, insightful, and emotional but ultimately heartwarming and uplifting.
Courtesy of LYT Yoga
Redefining Yoga
Hosted by Yoga leader and physical therapist Lara Heimann, this podcast is a mix of Q&A sessions, interviews with experts, and motivational advice. It focuses on understanding your body and mind, but you will also find practical advice for chronic pain sufferers and different kinds of injuries, explanations on why and how yoga is good for you, and firsthand accounts of the positive impact yoga has on many lives.
Courtesy of Great Love Media
My Wakeup Call With Dr. Mark Goulston
Each episode sees psychiatrist Mark Goulston interview a notable person about the wakeup call moment that changed their path forever. He encourages them to interrogate what sparked their drive, made them want to be a better person, and led to their success. Some guests are better than others, but the podcast is closing in on 500 episodes, so there are plenty to choose from.
Other Great Health and Wellness Podcasts:
The Big Silence: Host Karena Dawn has conversations about mental health with an eclectic mix of therapists, psychologists, and ostensibly successful folks.
Spiraling With Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf: Candid chats about anxiety with advice on how to cope. The relatable hosts are open and honest about the anxious feelings that modern life can evoke.
Huberman Lab: Host Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, interviews various experts to offer advice on optimizing your health and fitness.
Courtesy of Global Player
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Irreverent Irish chat with comedian Joanne McNally and TV presenter Vogue Williams as they put the world to rights. It feels like eavesdropping on brutally honest best pals as they discuss relationships, work woes, health issues, awkward social situations, and sometimes recent news. The down-to-earth pair liberally dole out a mix of sound and questionable advice that is frequently laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Shiny Ranga
Wolf and Owl
Comedians and friends Tom Davis (the Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (the Owl) chat aimlessly and expertly poke fun at each other for around an hour. It’s often nostalgic, sometimes offers decent advice for listeners, and is always warmhearted and laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Team Coco
Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
Perennially single stand-up comedian Nicole Byer is every bit as charming and funny here as in Netflix’s Nailed It baking show, but this podcast delves into some adult subjects. Byer is disarmingly open about her insecurities and struggles and seamlessly stirs in vulgar humor. She also hosts hilarious conversations with guest comedians.
Courtesy of Athletico Mince
Athletico Mince
Ostensibly a soccer (football) podcast, this surreal show is brought to life by lovable British comedy legend Bob Mortimer, with support from sidekick Andy Dawson. Tall tales about real footballers, complete with strange voices and fictional personalities, are mixed with songs, silly inside jokes, and rambling conversations. You don’t really need to know anything about soccer to enjoy it.
Other Great Comedy Podcasts:
Locked Together: Only on Audible, this show features lockdown chats between comedian pals like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost or Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan.
My Neighbors Are Dead: The wonderful premise of this hit-and-miss improvised show is interviews with lesser-known characters from horror movies, like the caterer from Damien’s party in The Omen and the neighbors from Poltergeist.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Not sure what to watch on Monday nights? WWE Universe fans near and far will know that Monday Night Raw is where it’s at. As one of WWE’s most popular professional wrestling television programs, expect a whole lot of action and entertainment. If this sounds up your alley, keep reading to discover how to watch Monday Night Raw live for free.
WWE Raw, also known as Monday Night Raw or just Raw, is an American professional wrestling television program that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) puts on. The flagship show created by Vince McMahon has been airing since January 11, 1993 (over 30 years) and has produced over 1,600 episodes (Season 32 is currently airing). The action-packed showdowns have featured some of WWE’s biggest characters, including but not limited to The Undertaker, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Becky Lynch, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Charlotte Flair. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena have also appeared on WWE Raw.
The program has broadcasted live from 208 arenas, 171 cities and towns, and ten nations (think the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Mexico, among others). Michael Cole provides play-by-play commentary, while Pat McAfee shares color commentary.
Current champions include World Heavyweight Champion Damien Priest, WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, and Raw Tag Team Champion Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth).
Spice up your Monday evening with a night filled with wrestling and entertainment. Continue scrolling to find out exactly how to watch Monday Night Raw live for free to see WWE’s biggest stars face off in the ring.
WWE.
What time is Monday Night Raw?
Monday Night Raw airs every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network.
Best Overall Pick to Watch Monday Night Raw: DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is our best overall pick to watch Monday Night Raw live for free for its free trial, price (including its current deal), and channel selection. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and has a current deal where new subscribers can receive $10 off their first three months. Direct TV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $74.99 per month with the first three months at $64.99 per month; Choice, which costs $99.99 per month with the first three months at $89.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $109.99 per month with the first three months at $99.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $154.99 per month with the first three months at $144.99 per month.
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Monday Night Raw with DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Ultimate includes everything in Pro and Elite, as well as a total of 299 channels, Showtime, and Red Zone NFL Network. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Monday Night Raw with Fubo’s free trial.
As for the difference between the plans, Sling Blue includes 42 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at a time, while Sling Orange + Blue includes 46 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at the same time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Monday Night Raw with Sling.
Search for USA Network and start watching Monday Night Raw
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch Monday Night Raw: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch Monday Night Raw based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Monday Night Raw with Hulu+ Live TV.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
College hoops might’ve just ended, but there’s still more action to tune into, and by action, we’re talking about the WNBA draft. Basketball fans are waiting to see where top prospects like Caitlin Clark are headed in the pros. If you’re a hoops follower, you’re likely wondering how to watch the WNBA draft live for free. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do so, which we’re about to break down for you.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft is an annual draft where WNBA teams select college players and profesional women’s basketball players to add to their rosters. This draft has been going on since 1997, making the 2024 WNBA draft the 29th in the league’s history. This year, it’ll take place on April 15 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York. This will mark the first time since the 2016 WNBA draft where fans will be in attendance.
To be eligible for the WNBA draft, a player must be at least 22 years old, have completed their college eligibility, and have graduated from a four-year college or to be four years removed from high school. The league considers anyone who is slated to graduate from college in the three months following the draft to be a “graduate,” since the draft typically takes place in April, which is before commencement. These requirements have been upheld since at least the 2014 draft. There are also no restrictions on where the players come from around the globe.
Itching to find out where Caitlin Clark and her fellow top prospects land in the pros? Keep reading to learn how to watch the WNBA draft live for free so that you don’t miss any of the big announcements.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images.
When does the WNBA draft air?
The WNBA draft airs on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Sling Orange and Hulu+ With Live TV don’t have free trials, however, they are cheaper per month than the other options. Sling Orange costs $20 for your first month, starts at $40 per month after the first month ends, and includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. Hulu+ With Live TV starts at $68.99 per month and includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews.
Best Overall Pick to Watch The WNBA Draft: Direct TV Stream
Direct TV is our best overall pick to watchthe WNBA draft for free for its free trial, price, and channel selection. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial. DirecTV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $79.99 per month; Choice, which costs $108.99 per month with the first two months at $83.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $84.99 per month with the first two months at $94.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $159.99 per month.. ESPN and ESPN 2 are available on all four plans, while ESPN News and ESPN U are available on Choice, Ultimate, and Premiere only.
As for other difference between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the WNBA draft with DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
Best Free Trial Pick to Watch The WNBA Draft: Fubo’s Free Trial
Fubo is our best free trial pick to watch the WNBA draft live for free. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial (two days longer than DirecTV Stream) and offers offers two plans: Pro, which costs $79.99 per month; and Elite, which costs $89.99 per month. ESPN is available on all four plans.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the WNBA draft with Fubo’s free trial.
Sling TV is our best budget pick to watch the WNBA draft live for its price and channel selection. Sling TV offers three plans: Sling Orange for $40 per month; Sling Blue for $45 per month; and Sling Orange + Blue for $60 per month. Sling also has a current deal where subscribers can sign up for 50 percent off their first month, bringing Sling Orange’s price down to $20 for your first month; Sling Blue’s to $22.50 for your first month; and Sling Orange + Blue’s to $30 for your first month. Only Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue include ESPN. Both of those plans also include ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.
As for the difference between the plans, Sling Orange includes 32 channels and the ability to stream on one device at a time, while Sling Orange + Blue includes 46 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at the same time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the WNBA draft with Sling.
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch The WNBA Draft: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch the WNBA draft based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN News are included on all four plans. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the WNBA draft with Hulu+ Live TV.
Here is the WNBA draft 2024 order for the first round:
First Round
Indiana Fever
Los Angeles Sparks
Chicago Sky (from Phoenix)
Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle)
Dallas Wings (from Chicago)
Washington Mystics
Chicago Sky (from Minnesota via Los Angeles)
Minnesota Lynx
Dallas Wings
Connecticut Sun
New York Liberty
Atlanta Dream (from Las Vegas, via Los Angeles)
How does the WNBA draft work?
So how does the WNBA draft work? There are three rounds in the WNBA draft and each one includes 12 picks. The top four picks of the first round are determined by the Draft Lottery, which took place in December 2023. The four teams that did not make the playoffs in the 2023-2024 season get to participate in the lottery. This year it’ll be the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm. The Fever won the lottery for the second time in franchise history, so they get the top pick in this year’s draft. The Sparks, the Mercury, and the Storm follow the Fever in that order.
After the four lottery picks have their turn, teams pick in the inverse order of the standings from the regular season. That means teams at the bottom of the standings from the 2023-2024 season will get to select picks first and the top-ranking teams will go last. One catch is that teams can trade their draft picks with each other, which has the potential to alter the order and number of picks per team. For example, this explains how the Sparks have both the second and fourth draft picks this year.
Which team will draft Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark is predicted to find her new home with the Indiana Fever, since the Fever get the first pick and Clark is the presumed first overall draft pick. Indiana got the first selection last season too and went with the No. 1 overall draft pick, Aliyah Boston.
Who are the top WNBA draft prospects?
Caitlin Clark
School: Iowa
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’0″
Clark plays college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes and is the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer. She was also a two-time national player of the year while playing for Iowa. The predicted No. 1 draft pick announced on February 29, 2024 that she would enter the 2024 WNBA draft instead of utilizing her fifth season of eligibility in college basketball.
Cameron Brink
School: Stanford
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’4″
Brink plays college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal of the Pac-12 Conference. She won the national championship in her freshman year at Stanford and followed that up with the Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in her sophomore year at Stanford. As a junior, she was awarded the WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, and as a senior, she was named Pac-12 Player of the Year for the second time.
Kamilla Cardoso
School: South Carolina
Position: Center
Height: 6’7″
Cardoso plays college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). She previously played for the Syracuse Orange in the 2020-2021 season and then transferred to South Carolina in 2021. She helped the Gamecocks win the national championship in her sophomore year, and the next season, she was named Southeastern Conference Sixth Woman of the Year and second-team All-SEC. On April 7, 2024, Cardoso received the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player in South Carolina’s 2024 national championship win.
Angel Reese
School: LSU
Position: Forward
Height: 6’3″
Angel Reese plays college basketball for the LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. She started with the Maryland Terrapins but fractured her right foot in the 2020-2021 season. As a sophomore, however, she was named a third-team All-American. Come junior year, Reese transferred to LSU and was a unanimous first-team All-American selection. She led the Tigers to its first national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player. In her senior year at LSU, she was named SEC Player of the Year and an All-American.
Rickea Jackson
School: Tennessee
Position: Forward
Height: 6’2″
Rickea Jackson plays college basketball for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers of the Southeastern Conference. She started with the Mississippi State Bulldogs as a freshman and earned second-team All-SEC and All-Freshman honors. Jackson transferred to Tennessee for her senior year and was named first-team All-SEC. She played for the Lady Volunteers in her fifth season of eligibility.
Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning is a gritty comedy that immerses you in the ruthless realm of competitive cheerleading. Liz, a tough-as-nails coach, is resolute in her mission to elevate her underdog team from the bottom of the pyramid to the pinnacle. However, she must navigate sabotage, self-doubt, and a rival coach armed with a winning smile and a hidden advantage.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.
Is Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning is a hilarious stand-up comedy special featuring Liz Stewart Barnes, filmed during her eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy. With refreshing honesty and humor, Stewart navigates the realities of impending motherhood, finding laughs in everyday struggles like food cravings and unsolicited advice.
Joined by Susan Wrenn, Betty Barnes, and Brian Volk-Weiss, Stewart delivers her signature charm in a comedic exploration of pregnancy and parenthood.
Watch Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning streaming via Amazon Prime Video
Liz Stewart: I’m Crowning is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video offers a diverse collection of movies and TV shows, accessible through standalone subscriptions or bundled with Amazon Prime for additional perks like free two-day shipping.
You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps:
Koala Man Season 1is an animated comedy series following Kevin McKay, a middle-aged man experiencing a mid-life crisis. Obsessed with superheroes, Kevin adopts a new persona, transforming into the crime-fighting Koala Man.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Koala Man Season 1 via streaming services such as Hulu.
Is Koala Man Season 1 available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Koala Man Season 1 is available to watch via streaming on Hulu.
Season 1 comprises eight episodes detailing the fun and chaotic adventures of Kevin as he transforms into Koala Man, a beacon of justice and savior of the helpless. The episodes highlight the hilarious situations he encounters while combating crimes or chasing villains. Despite his community viewing him as a disturbance, Kevin’s family believes in him.
The cast of the series includes Michael Cusack, Sarah Snook, Demi Lardner, Hugh Jackman, and Justin Roiland.
Watch Koala Man Season 1 streaming via Hulu
Koala Man Season 1 is available to watch on Hulu. It is a streaming platform offering an extensive array of video content accessible with a simple click. Its premium offerings encompass a complimentary trial period as well as a subscription-based premium service.
Hulu (With Ads) is the cheapest option, providing users access to Hulu’s streaming library with commercials. Hulu (No Ads) is the service’s premium option, providing access to its library without any advertisements. There are also several bundles available with Hulu that pair the service with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, along with Live TV plans that also include many live TV channels.
Koala Man Season 1 synopsis is as follows:
“A powerless superhero and family patriarch in an Australian suburb lives a not-so-secret identity as Koala Man while possessing a burning passion to snuff out petty crime and bring order to the community.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
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Krishan Bhatia is Amazon’s new global ad sales chief. Penske Media via Getty Images
Amazon (AMZN) continues to build out its advertising team after making the move to introduce ads to Prime Video for basic subscriptions. The tech giant’s latest addition is Krishan Bhatia, a former ad sales executive at NBCUniversal, who left last September after 18 years with the media company. In the newly created role of VP of global video advertising sales, Bhatia will be leading Amazon Prime Video’s advertising sales and Amazon’s other streaming offerings, including Twitch and Freevee.
Bhatia is the latest in a string of former NBCUniversal executives who have joined tech companies that are making foray into the media business. Last month, Apple (AAPL) hired Joseph Cady, who previously served as head of advanced advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal, to join its advertising team. Apple’s streaming service Apple TV+ still does not have an ad-supported subscription yet, but the hire suggested an ad tier could be in the works. Cady was the last person to hold his role at NBCUniversal.
Last year, Linda Yaccarino, the former NBCUniversal chair of global advertising, was hired by Elon Musk as CEO of X, formerly Twitter, as the tech billionaire looked for a media expert to turn around X’s slumping advertising business. Yaccarino’s impact has been difficult to assess because of Musk’s volatile relationship with X’s advertisers and his strong influence on key company decisions.
Outside of advertising, Netflix also recently brought on a former NBCUniversal executive. The streaming giant in February hired Jeff Gaspin, who served as chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 2009 to 2011, to lead its unscripted series division.
Amazon has been making major ad hires from other media giants as well. In January the company brought on a former ad-tech chief from The Walt Disney Company, Jeremy Helfand, to lead global advertising at Prime Video.
In a letter to shareholders this week, Amazon CEO Andy Jassyboasted about Prime Video’s potential after implementing ads for the platform’s 200 million monthly viewers, saying it can become a large and profitable business in its own right. Jassy noted that “streaming TV advertising is growing quickly and off to a strong start.”
Amazon’s advertising revenue grew 24 percent last year to $47 billion, which was driven mainly by sponsored ads. The e-commerce giant also spent almost $19 billion on content in 2023, an increase from $16.6 billion the year prior.
Many major tech companies, particularly those that operate in the TV hardware business, have dipped their toes into original content. Although it’s had its own free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels for a while, is late to that party. Not for much longer though, as the company is set to release its first special, a short romance movie, on TCLtv+ this summer. There’s just one slight hitch: TCL is using generative AI to make original content for its platform, and early signs do not bode well.
The company has released the first trailer for Next Stop Paris, which it’s calling “the first AI-powered love story.” TCL used human writers, as well as actors for motion capture and voice performances. While it has artists in the US, Canada, UK and Poland working on the project, it relied heavily on generative AI.
“I am excited by this opportunity to differentiate us with original programming. AIGC [artificial intelligence generated content] for us is the beginning,” Chris Regina, TCL’s chief content officer, told . “It’s a new approach and it makes sense coming from a tech and hardware company that that’s where we’re going to start.”
The plot of Next Stop Paris, such as it is, sees a young woman going on her honeymoon to Paris alone after her fiancé ran off with someone in their wedding party. She meets a stranger on the train and the pair explore the French capital together.
TCL is hoping that original content can help draw viewers to TCLtv+ and help build a brand identity for the company. While it’s not entirely fair to judge a film based on a trailer, the Next Stop Paris clip gives a terrible first impression for both the project and TCLtv+.
The look of the characters changes throughout, from a moderately realistic style to the hyperrealism we often see from the likes of Midjourney, and they project all of the emotion of a pair of dead fish. Lip syncing is almost non-existent and the characters walk in a very unnatural way.
The trailer feels like the worst kind of fever dream. Saying this looks like garbage would be an insult to garbage. If “content is king,” as Regina put it, Next Stop Paris looks like a pauper.
The Hallmark Channel gets a lot of flak for its romance movies and romcoms, but at least there’s an earnestness and high level of care behind the network’s output, which does a lot to fill a gap in the theatrical slate. TCL is trying to muscle into that space too.
“There’s an audience there that’s watching our service and we see a hole in the marketplace with theatrical rom-coms not as prevalent,” Regina said. “They’re a guilty pleasure. You get under a blanket and watch in front of your TV set. So that’s the driver.” On top of that, TCL plans to make its original content shoppable and have AI-generated “characters in our shows that can be brand ambassadors and influencers for advertisers.”
Thankfully, TCL isn’t only working on AI-generated guff. “We are looking at doing traditional content. So movies, scripted shows, unscripted content, specials,” Regina, who wrote Next Stop Paris with TCL chief creative officer Daniel Smith, said. “The next thing we have brewing isn’t AI at all.” That’s good, because whatever’s next can’t look much worse than Next Stop Paris.
