There are a ton of dramatic and funny stories that come from the lives of single parents. Movies and TV shows have often leaned into relationships like this across basically every genre. Sometimes they are fun and funny, and sometimes, just like real life, they are serious or heartbreaking. This list doesn't separate them, as it all adds to the rich tapestry of life. Here's our list of great movies and TV shows about the lives of single parents.

Jerry Maguire

Jerry Maguire is a movie that kind of defies genre, but at its heart, it's certainly a romance story. One of the best parts of the movie is the performance of child actor Jonathan Lipnicki, who plays an only child living with his single mother (at least at the beginning of the movie). Renée Zellweger, of course, plays his mother, whose faith in Jerry (Tom Cruise) pays off big time for everyone.

Diff'rent Strokes

In Diff'rent Strokes, Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain) is already a widowed parent of two kids when he takes in two more kids, Willis (Todd Bridges) and Arnold (Gary Coleman). The two kids upend the lives of the rich family on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, much to the delight of audiences of the Gen X classic.

The Sound Of Music

If all you know about The Sound of Music is that the hills are alive, you might not realize that it's about a single father raising his seven children in Austria. Maria, played by the legendary Julie Andrews, is hired to help Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and she brings so much more to the table.

Gilmore Girls

One of the most popular TV shows about a single mom and her relationship with her daughter is unquestionably Gilmore Girls. The show gained a very loyal following over its seven-season run, and it remains incredibly popular with the people who were drawn to it in the first place.

Mom

There are really two kinds of family sitcoms in TV history, one side is the idyllic family with perfect relationships, personified by shows like The Cosby Show and The Brady Bunch, and the other is more dysfunctional families, like Married with Children. Mom, starring Allison Janney and Anna Faris, definitely falls into the latter category. Still, at least until Faris left the show, it was hilarious.

Sleepless In Seattle

Rom-coms like the '90s classic Sleepless in Seattle are always fertile ground to explore single-parent/child relationships. In the movie, Tom Hanks is a widower raising his son who grabs the attention of a journalist (Meg Ryan) after his son calls a radio talk show looking for a partner for his dad. It's a sweet story, of course, and the dynamic between father and son is so darn wholesome! It helps make it one of the best rom-coms of all time.

The Single Moms Club

The Tyler Perry joint The Single Moms Club is a unique take here. It doesn't follow one single mom, but five. The five, who have little in common beyond their marital status, find themselves thrown together planning an event at their kids' school because all of their kids keep getting in trouble. It plays out pretty much as you expect, but it is charming at times.

Forrest Gump

I'll be the first to admit that I don't care for Forrest Gump. I think it's overwrought Boomer nostalgia (albeit with a great soundtrack). However, the one piece of the story I do think is well done is the relationship between Forrest (Tom Hanks) and his mother, played by Sally Field. Forrest's mom's determination to give Forrest as normal a life is actually inspiring, despite all the silliness that follows in Forrest's life. D- movie, A+ relationship.

Arrested Development

The dynamic between Michael (Jason Bateman) and his son George Michael (Michael Cera) is one of the key components that makes Arrested Development one of my favorite sitcoms of all time. Bateman plays the straight man in the show, surrounded by completely ridiculous family members, and George Michael is definitely among them, even if he is trying a little harder than the rest of the family to be a good person.

Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts plays the real-life Erin Brockovich in the movie of the same name, and while her status as a single mother is only tangentially explored in the movie, it's the whole reason the character (and the real woman) ended up in a position to do what she did. Never underestimate a determined single mother!

Stranger Things

I have a complicated relationship with Stranger Things. I think the plot is brilliant and I love the stories, but I am on record as a Gen Xer who is annoyed with Gen X nostalgia. Obviously, the show, available with a Netflix subscription, fits the bill for this list, no matter how I feel about it.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

"Single Parent" might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about the Terminator franchise, but the relationship between Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and John (Edward Furlong) is critical to the series, and no more so than in the second installment, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It's certainly not a traditional mother/son relationship.

Julia

You might not be familiar with the ABC sitcom Julia, but it was one of the most groundbreaking television shows of all time. Diahann Carroll, who played Julia, a single mother of a son, changed TV forever, both as a female lead in a sitcom and as an African-American actor as the lead in any show. The fact that she was a single mom is yet another way she broke new ground.

Mamma Mia!

Like a few other movies on this list, Mamma Mia! might not jump off the page as a single-parent story, but, of course, it is. Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried play mother and daughter, and, like others on this list as well, it's about the daughter hoping to set up the parent with a new partner.

The Parent Trap

I just had to include The Parent Trap. It's not about one single parent, but two! Sure, they were once married to each other, and sure, the plot, when you really look at it, is, frankly, disturbing. Like, why were two twins separated at birth and never told of the other one? How was this the deal that the demented parent came up with? Still, whether it's the original or the remake, everyone loves the movies, including me.

Maid In Manhattan

The Jennifer Lopez hit Maid in Manhattan is one of the trope-ier movies on this list. It kind of checks all the boxes for a standard rom-com, yet somehow it is still incredibly fun. Lopez plays a single mom trying to make it in the big city and... well... there's a rich guy, and yadda yadda yadda.

Ginny And Georgia

Almost immediately, Ginny & Georgia drew comparisons to The Gilmore Girls, and it's easy to see why. The dynamic between teen daughter Ginny and her mother, Georgia, is very similar to the one between Rory and Lorelai.

Reba

Not only was Reba one of the best shows set in the South, it also firmly belongs on this list as a great show about a single parent. The show stars Country music icon Reba McEntire as a mother of three whose husband leaves her for a younger woman, and she is left to pick up the pieces.

Panic Room

One of the more underrated David Fincher movies, Panic Room is a true thriller about a mother and daughter. Jodie Foster plays a mother who moves into a new house with her young daughter after a divorce. On their first night in the new (very nice) brownstone, some burglars break in. Luckily, there's a panic room! Okay, it doesn't sound great when you break it down like that, but like most of Fincher's movies, it's actually pretty great.

Parenthood

While it's loosely based on the 1989 movie of the same name, the television show Parenthood is quite a bit different from the movie. On the show, Lauren Graham plays Sarah, the single mother of two working on a bartender's salary. There are other parents, of course, Sarah's siblings, who aren't single, but Lauren's story is key to the show.

One Day At A Time

One Day At A Time, which was later rebooted in the 2010s, starred Bonnie Franklin as a single mother struggling to raise her teenage daughters in a small apartment in Indianapolis. It was a cornerstone show for anyone who grew up in the '70s and '80s, as it was a staple of reruns in syndication after its nine-season run on CBS.

Full House

Well, you knew I had to include Full House on this show. Even though I was personally a little too old to get into this show when it was on, I certainly recognize the cultural impact of the Tanner family and the stars that this show produced, including Bob Saget as Danny Tanner, the widowed father of DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle.

One Fine Day

Just when George Clooney was really becoming George Clooney, he starred in the rom-com One Fine Day alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer plays a single mom struggling with her ex to raise their child. Enter Clooney's character, Jack, who is also recently divorced, and after a series of hijinks, the two end up finding love with each other. Yeah, it's as cheesy as it sounds, but Pfeiffer and Clooney make it work better than it should.

Shameless

Shameless was never ashamed to show the dark side of a dysfunctional family, and no family in TV history has been as messed up as the Gallaghers. At the top of the heap of screwups is Frank, the hapless, drunk father played brilliantly by William H. Macy. You can't help but love this group of misfits.

Overboard

One of the most enduring relationships in Hollywood is the one between Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. In the '80s, they teamed up a few times, and one of the best has to be Overboard. Hawn plays a snobby, rich woman with amnesia, and Russell plays a working-class guy who is raising his kids on his own. He devises a plan (that is quite disturbing in hindsight) to trick Hawn into living with the family. Hilarity ensues.

The Andy Griffith Show

The Andy Griffith Show is the quintessential show based in the South, and it's easy to forget, unless you watched it, that Andy was a single father raising Opie (Ron Howard). Sure, he had Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) there to help out, but he was a single dad, and that was pretty rare on TV in the '60s.

No Reservations

Yet another rom-com on this list, No Reservations, is about Kate, a hard-charging chef played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who becomes guardian for her niece (Abigail Breslin) when her sister is killed in a car crash. She finds a way through her grief with a new sous chef who threatens her job, but opens up her heart, played by Aaron Eckhart.

My Three Sons

One of the earliest examples of a TV show about a single parent is the 1960s classic My Three Sons, starring Fred MacMurray as a single dad with, you guessed it, three sons. It's all right there in the title!

Mommie Dearest

When I was a kid, my mom loved to make fun of Joan Crawford (hey, it was a thing), and that was in large part due to this movie, Mommie Dearest. While the movie hasn't held up, it certainly tells a disturbing story of a single mom (Crawford, played by Faye Dunaway), raising her two kids in terror. I watched it too many times as a kid, and I still hate wire hangers.

Who's The Boss?

There isn't just one single parent in Who's The Boss?, there are two. Tony Danza plays...Tony, a single father to Sam (Alyssa Milano), who becomes a live-in maid for Angela (Judith Light,) who is helped by her mother Mona (Katherine Helmond) in raising her son Jonathan (Danny Pintauro). It may not be one of the best sitcoms ever, but it's a classic show for anyone in Gen X.

Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies is filled with complicated family dynamics, including Shailene Woodley as a single mom to Ziggy (Iain Armitage).

We Bought A Zoo

I simply had to include this one. Most people don't really like the Matt Damon movie We Bought A Zoo, but I must have been in just the right mood for it's syrupy sweet vibe when I first saw, so I love it. It's not the best movie on this list, but I really do find it cute. And like every other movie and TV show on this list, it's about a single parent!

You know when some good relationships on television make you want to squeal the moment you see them? Yeah, these are the relationships down below. Sure, we can spend some time watching the best rom-com movies, but what about several seasons of build-up to a relationship that makes it all worthwhile? Here are some couples that define “goals.”

Chandler And Monica (Friends)

Chandler and Monica are the couple from the Friends cast, and I will not be asking any other questions about it at this time. Ross and Rachel were what people talked about, but these two? I love them. They are defined as “goals” based on how much they love each other, even if they didn’t have the typical start. Friends-to-lovers is one of the best.

Ian And Mickey (Shameless)

There was a time when Ian and Mickey were literally all I saw on my Tumblr feed back in the early 2010s. The Shameless cast featured plenty of great relationships, some healthy and others…not so healthy, but Ian and Mickey were a relationship that made it until the end. There’s nothing quite like them.

Rebecca And Jack (This Is Us)

The This Is Us cast defined my time in college when the show was airing, and Jack and Rebecca were the blueprint for how I wanted my future marriage to go. I have never seen two people just so in love with each other on TV, but also portray such a realistic marriage.

Corey And Topanga (Boy Meets World)

I think Corey and Topanga were the couple for the '90s kids. I didn’t grow up watching Boy Meets World, but I know from many that watching these two grow into teenagers and then young adults was one of the best aspects of this series. And honestly, I love that for you.

Jim And Pam (The Office)

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Sure, there were moments between Jim and Pam in later seasons that felt a little out of character, but these two were the defining relationship from The Office cast. We were all on the edge of our seats at the beginning of the series when these two were just friends, and we wanted them all to get together.

Leslie And Ben (Parks And Recreation)

Leslie and Ben from the Parks and Recreation cast are the perfect example of a relationship that took its time but blossomed beautifully. Ben was the type of person who always let Leslie shine and never tried to dim her light, which is something that I love about them. They always supported each other no matter what.

Marshall And Lily (How I Met Your Mother)

There have been so many relationships that have come and gone in How I Met Your Mother, but you want to know what one of the best was? Obviously, Marshall and Lily. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as many warm fuzzies as I did watching these two.

Stefan And Caroline (The Vampire Diaries)

Team Stefan and Team Damon? Nah, Elena was always going to pick Damon and me, but Stefan and Caroline? Perfect, excellent. There are absolutely no notes on that couple because, honestly, they were better suited for each other. Sorry.

David And Patrick (Schitt’s Creek)

I’m pretty sure watching David and Patrick in Schitt’s Creek altered my brain chemistry because I don’t think another TV couple has stood out the same as them. The Schitt’s Creek cast is filled with memorable characters, but watching the progression of their relationship throughout its five seasons was something that I will always adore. These two loved each other so much.

Luke And Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)

Look, I know that we’re all here for Team Jess or Team Dean or whoever we’re rooting for with Rory, but to me, as an adult woman now, I like Luke and Lorelai’s relationship a heck of a lot more. It feels more mature, more natural, and less dramatic. Please, give me this rather than the craziness of teenage romance.

Nathan And Haley (One Tree Hill)

The definition of high school sweethearts that somehow worked out. They definitely had their moments of doubt throughout the nine seasons of the show, but these two loved each other so much and ended with a happily married life with two children, which is all you can really ask for in most teen drama romances out there.

Phil And Vivian (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

I’m sure you weren’t expecting to see Phil and Vivian on this list because The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air isn’t really known for its romances. But honestly, Phil and Vivian are the perfect couple. They complement each other perfectly, know when to be each other’s rock or to stop the other from making a poor decision, and took care of Will as well as their biological family in the perfect way. I have no complaints.

Santana And Brittany (Glee)

The Glee cast is filled to the brim with couples, so much so that it’s hard to keep up with them. But my personal favorite was always Santana and Brittany. Not only was their relationship a great stepping stone for many lesbian/bisexual relationships on TV back in 2010, but it’s really one of the few that made it to the very end of the series. They were best friends turned lovers turned to something really real, and it ended with them getting married!

Randall And Beth (This Is Us)

“Perfectly imperfect” is a phrase that I still use to this day, ever since Randall uttered it to Beth in This Is Us. These two exemplify what it means to not only marry your best friend, but also marry a partner. They will stand by each other, support each other, and when someone is messing up, they will make them own up to it. There’s no sliding, and that’s what a genuine relationship should be like.

Jess And Nick (New Girl)

New Girl is one of those shows where relationships come and go, but there are always a few that stick the landing for the long haul. Jess and Nick were one of those, and we rooted for them, watching them fall in love, fall apart, and then fall back in love all over again.

Uncle Jesse And Aunt Becky (Full House)

I mean, of course, I have to put Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky. I feel like Full House literally never would have been the same without them. Their relationship started very early on, and it’s always fun to rewatch episodes of the show and watch them fall in love with each other time and time again.

Anthony And Kate (Bridgerton)

While I do love the specialness of Penelope and Colin and the steaminess of Daphne and Simon, there’s just something about Anthony and Kate that gets me going every time. These two, a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, clearly love each other so much by the time the season ends and Season 3 rolls around.

Claire And Jamie (Outlander)

Outlander, in general, is one of the best Starz shows, but a big reason is Claire and Jamie. Their love has transcended literal timelines. I don’t know how you can get more perfect than that.

Mitch And Cam (Modern Family)

I think when it comes to couples in Modern Family, Mitch and Cam are the perfect example of how two people work so well together, and to the outside, people wonder how the heck they function with how crazy they are. But throughout the several seasons of the show, there’s no denying that these two love each other dearly.

Lucy And Ricky (I Love Lucy)

I can’t have a relationships list without putting the OG’s here. Lucy and Ricky are the definition of “goals.” They were the first people on television to show you how in love with each other they are, no matter the amount of shenanigans that they may put the other through. You can’t get better than these two.

Phil And Claire (Modern Family)

I always see Phil and Claire as the much calmer couple of Modern Family, which is saying something because they still have their fair share of hilarious moments in their household of three kids. But what I love about Phil and Claire is that there is evident respect there, and Phil will support Claire no matter what and stand up for her, while Claire will do the same, regardless of what others think. They’re a team, through and through.

Killian And Emma (Once Upon A Time)

God, there are so many couples in Once Upon a Time, but I think the one we always return to is Killian and Emma. Whether it’s their steamy chemistry or their genuinely emotional story, they are an amazing romance with plenty of fantasy aspects that I just love.

Willow And Tara (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

As someone who loves looking back on legendary relationships that paved the way for others, I know there’s no one better to bring up than Willow and Tara. The couple was a significant landmark for LGBTQ+ representation in television and showed two people who clearly loved each other.

Kev And Veronica (Shameless)

These two were freaky, don’t get me wrong – but they were also freakishly in love with each other. Kev and Veronica stood by each other, and when someone dared to threaten the other, it was on sight. They would fight anyone to protect their love and their relationship, and no matter what, always strived to make time for the other.

Fran And Mr. Sheffield (The Nanny)

I’m pretty sure that if you’ve ever read any rom-com novel, then these two are who you picture when you think of the nanny and the billionaire falling in love. But what I love about Fran and Mr. Sheffield is that it’s not an instant lust between them. It’s more of a relationship built on respect and friendship before love was even considered.

Jake And Amy (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast features some hilarious characters, but personally, I always came back for Jake and Amy. I always saw them as rivals-to-lovers, but it feels so real watching them turn from competing with each other to becoming friends to going on dates and so much more.

Jane And Rafael (Jane The Virgin)

These two are in a strange situation, considering they didn’t even know each other when Jane fell pregnant accidentally. But watching their relationship grow organically throughout the show’s seasons is always something that I love to view.

Rick And Michonne (The Walking Dead)

When you think of couples who would literally kill for each other, I can think of no better than Rick and Michonne. Not only are they one of the best Walking Dead relationships, but there was a whole spinoff series dedicated to them finding their way back to each other after years apart. Now that is true love right there.

Poussey And Soso (Orange Is the New Black)

It hurts to even write about Poussey and Soso because it feels like they weren’t given enough time together in Orange is the New Black, but from what we were able to see, they really did work well together. Poussey was the kind of friend that Soso needed, and that blossomed into something brighter between the two of them before it was snuffed out. I needed so much more.

Morticia And Gomez (The Addams Family)

I mean, talk about a man who is obsessed with his woman. In any iteration of The Addams Family, Gomez always loves Morticia, but of course, we have to put the OG here from the 1960s TV series because these two were so in love that they ruined our expectations for all real-life romances.

Glenn And Maggie (The Walking Dead)

Yeah, I’m sad even writing about these two because the way it ends is something I don’t like to think about. But for the five seasons that we got with these two together, they were a light in the darkness that was the world of The Walking Dead. They loved each other, protected each other, and stood by the other until the very end.

Hopper And Joyce (Stranger Things)

God, I visibly remember screaming when these two finally got together in Stranger Things because it was just so apparent that they were into each other. Hopper literally risked his life for Joyce, and she risked hers to save him, and I love them together.

This just makes me want to revisit all of these television shows and watch these couples all over again. I’m in need of some cute TV romances. It's time for a binge-watch.

There is a famous saying that claims, “Comedy is tragedy plus time,” and it appears that some artists like to put an extra emphasis on the more tragic element of that equation. Some of the all-time funniest movies and best TV sitcoms boast a plot that would normally be found in a serious drama if it were not for their more absurd or quirky tones. Hopefully, you have never felt too guilty for laughing at any of these darkly humorous classics of the big and small screen.

Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)

A film by Stanley Kubrick about a group of politicians and military personnel desperately struggling to find a solution to an imminent nuclear catastrophe sounds like an intense thriller. In truth, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, based on author Peter George's Red Alert, is a blistering, gut-busting satire, brilliantly led by Peter Sellers in three distinct roles.

Barry (2018–2023)

Just about the best thing starring former Saturday Night Live actor Bill Hader, which he also co-created with Alec Berg, is Barry, which follows a hitman struggling to put his past behind him when he takes up an interest in acting. The HBO series starts off as a clever comedy with effective moments of intense drama before slowly evolving into an intense drama with moments of clever comedy.

The Hangover (2009)

Most films set in Las Vegas, no matter the genre, fixate on the more glamorous aspects of the Entertainment Capital of the World, but not The Hangover. As seen through the eyes of three groomsmen (played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis) desperate to find the groom (played by Justin Bartha) after a bachelor party they can't remember, Todd Phillips' hilariously unhinged blockbuster boldly embraces the "sin" in Sin City.

Beef (2023)

Road rage is already nothing to joke about, but even an incident that small can evolve into a conflict of uproariously disastrous proportions. This is demonstrated brilliantly in Netflix's Emmy-winning A24-produced TV show, Beef, starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as two sides of a feud that slowly spirals out of control.

After Hours (1985)

Martin Scorsese is most definitely not a filmmaker who is commonly associated with comedy, but he has a few funny flicks on his resume, such as After Hours. The relatively overlooked '80s movie, in which an unassuming New Yorker (played by Griffin Dunne) becomes embroiled in a series of dangerous situations over the course of one night, actually does sound like an on-brand effort for the Goodfellas director based purely on its plot description.

BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

BoJack Horseman is one of Netflix's darkest original series, depicting the life of a self-destructive, narcissistic, washed-up actor and the negative effect he has on the people he encounters. The series might not be as funny if it were not animated and the title character (voiced by Will Arnett) was not an anthropomorphic horse.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Even on a shoestring budget, writer and director Sam Raimi achieved "the ultimate experience in grueling terror" with the first installment of his Evil Dead movies. However, the second chapter, following Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) and his fight against possessive spirits, is one of cinema's most perfect blends of horror with comedy of a most nonsensically cartoonish degree.

Rick And Morty (2013–present)

The fate of the world, and even other worlds, often rests in the hands of the titular duo from Rick and Morty: an alcoholic scientist and his anxious teenage grandson. In fact, even some of the bizarre situations they find themselves in, while undeniably threatening, are pretty ridiculous, such as when an alien race challenged Earth to an intergalactic singing competition in one of the best Rick and Morty episodes, "Get Schwifty."

In Bruges (2008)

In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen who are forced to take a holiday in a mundane Belgian vacation spot after a job goes horribly wrong. Only a storyteller with a sense of humor as bleak as writer and director Martin McDonagh could construct such a witty romp out of an increasingly dark plot such as this.

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

Perhaps the most definitive example of cringeworthy comedy on television is FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The dim-witted gang of bar owners (played by Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito) often get themselves into situations that are certainly infantile, but also deeply hazardous.

Fargo (1996)

In retrospect, it's a good thing Joel and Ethan Coen's Oscar-winning satirization of midwestern culture, Fargo, is not based on fact, as they claimed, because audiences might feel guilty for laughing at a story of an insurance scheme gone violently awry. Creator Noah Hawley's spin-off series would honor that same tone by telling new, seasonal stories set in similar rural locations and with the same quirky tone.

Succession (2018–2023)

Sibling rivalry of even the most immature kind can last long into adulthood. Exhibit A: the Roy Family from HBO's Succession, a wealthy patriarch (played by Brian Cox) suffers a stroke that sparks a war over his corporate empire between his three youngest children.

What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

The life of a vampire, which involves committing murder to satisfy their insatiable bloodlust, is a horrifying concept. However, the beloved horror-comedy movie What We Do In the Shadows (which begat an equally hilarious spin-off series on FX) offers a documentary-style glimpse into that sort of existence that is somewhat relatable and even charmingly funny.

Only Murders In The Building (2021-Present)

A TV show about two elderly men and a young woman teaming up to produce a podcast documenting their investigations of mysterious deaths that occur in their New York apartment complex does not sound very funny. However, with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in the lead roles and scripts boasting a razor-sharp wit, Only Murders in the Building is a comical delight.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Anyone familiar with the work of Martin McDonagh should have been able to expect that Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri would not hold back on its heartbreaking material. However, the story of a grieving mother (played by Frances McDormand) at odds with local law enforcement regarding her teenage daughter's unsolved murder, creates a light aura of false security early on with its bold use of humor.

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Killing Eve is a wildly acclaimed series chronicling the intense cat-and-mouse game between a spy (played by Sandra Oh) and a skilled assassin (played by Jodie Comer). The thriller is renowned for its unique blend of high-wire suspense with absurdism.

Death At A Funeral (2007)

In director Frank Oz's English comedy, Death at a Funeral, anything that could go wrong at a gathering for a deceased loved one does go wrong, and then some. Daniel (Matthew McFadyen) deals with issues that include the wrong body being delivered to his childhood home, a guest going berserk after unwittingly taking a hallucinogen, and a stranger (played by Peter Dinklage) appearing to reveal a secret about his father's past.

Shameless (2011–2021)

One of the best American TV shows based on a U.K. series is the hit Showtime original, Shameless. Developed by John Wells, the series follows the Gallaghers – a large family from Chicago facing extreme poverty and other various, debilitating struggles, with little to no help from their patriarch (played by William H. Macy).

The Menu (2022)

At first glance, The Menu seems like the kind of delicious food movie that fine dining enthusiasts could get a nice laugh out of. Indeed, director Mark Mylod's acclaimed hit starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult is funny, but Ralph Fiennes' Chef Slowik has something planned for his carefully selected guests that proves to be truly "to die for."

Weeds (2005-2012)

Mary Louise Parker received three Emmy nominations for her performance on creator Jenji Kohan's dramedy, Weeds, as a widowed suburban mother who relies on drug dealing to make ends meet. It is easy to understand why Vince Gilligan was accused of ripping off the Showtime original when he proposed the idea for Breaking Bad (which he revealed at the Paley Center for Media), but anyone would agree that this show is much funnier.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Save a few notably fanciful moments (especially at the end), Beau is Afraid is regarded as a relatively authentic representation of what it is like to live with anxiety. Writer and director Ari Aster – known for his more earnest A24 horror movies, Hereditary and Midsommar – achieves this feeling by exaggerating every inconvenience our eponymous hero (played by Joaquin Phoenix) faces to the most absurd degree.

Bad Monkey (2024-Present)

How do you make a complex murder mystery funny? Well, for one, Carl Hiaasen's 2013 novel that inspired the Apple TV+ original series, Bad Monkey, already boasted a satirical tone. However, Vince Vaughn's performance as the hero, sarcastic former detective Andrew Yancy, especially brings the humor to the surface.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Former SNL writer and Anchorman director Adam McKay started to gain newfound respect with his humorous approach to more earnest topics in Oscar-winning movies The Big Short and Vice. He would follow those with an even darker satire, Don't Look Up, in which two astronomers (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) struggle to warn humanity about Earth's impending doom.

After Life (2019-2022)

Creator Ricky Gervais stars in the Netflix comedy series After Life as a man grieving his wife's death, but does nothing to make the process any easier for him. Tony goes as far as adopting an off-putting, devil-may-care attitude to push away anyone who offers solace or assistance.

The Death Of Stalin (2017)

Some of the best movies about politics offer a farcical take on even the darkest days in history. Case in point, Armando Iannucci's star-studded satire, The Death of Stalin, which is a hilarious and surprisingly accurate depiction of the aftermath of the notorious Soviet dictator's demise. Though some liberties are taken with the actual history.

Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)

Not every TV show about zombies needs to be as stone-cold serious as The Walking Dead, especially if you change the rules of reanimation, like in Santa Clarita Diet. The unfairly cancelled Netflix original series stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as married real estate agents forced to turn to murder when Barrymore's role mysteriously becomes a walking corpse who thrives on raw human flesh.

World's Greatest Dad (2009)

Robin Williams stars in writer and director Bobcat Goldthwait's pitch black comedy, World's Greatest Dad, as dissatisfied teacher Lance, who begins to attract overwhelming attention following the news that his teenage son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), has taken his own life. However, in truth, the insufferably rude Kyle's death was an accident of embarrassing proportions, which Lance has covered up with a phony suicide note in order to take advantage of the subsequent fame.

Dead To Me (2019–2022)

The phrase "misery loves company" serves as the essential hook for creator Liz Feldman's darkly comic Netflix original TV show, Dead To Me. Christina Applegate stars as the recently widowed Jen Harding, who crosses paths with the also grieving Judy Hale (Linda Cardellini). What starts off as the friendly bond that each of them desperately needs son evolves into a complicated grouping that sparks trouble for both.

Burn After Reading (2008)

One of the Coen Brothers' most overlooked dark comedies is Burn After Reading, which imagines what happens when investigative intelligence crosses paths with a severe lack of intelligence. It follows a pair of gym employees (played by Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt) who find a disc holding classified information left by a retired CIA agent and attempt to profit from the discovery.

Search Party (2016-2022)

Search Party stars Alia Shawkat as a young woman who decides to take it upon herself to find her missing past acquaintance. Of course, bizarre hijinks ensue, causing it to evolve into a far crazier situation for her and her friends over time.

Better Off Dead (1985)

One of John Cusack's earliest romantic comedies boasts a premise that would be a challenge to get made in modern times. He stars in the coming-of-age film as a young man who repeatedly tries and fails to take his own life.

Sweetpea (2024)

Ella Purnell earns laughs and screams leading the Starz original series, Sweetpea, as a lonely young woman who adopts a penchant for murder.

We've been experiencing a TV renaissance for years now, to the delight of superfans like myself who love watching my weekly stories. But even before the small screen became a place for A-listers, there were a number of iconic moments that stuck with fans. And this will be all about the single most memorable moment of 32 iconic TV shows.

Obviously not every beloved TV title can be on this list, so apologies in advance if your favorite isn't included. The small screen is simply an embarrassment of riches in this regard, especially once you factor in streaming shows that have arrived in recent years. In no particular order, here are the biggest moments from 32 beloved shows. But be warned: a major SPOILER ALERT is needed, as some of these episodes feature big plot twists and/or character deaths. You've been warned!

The Red Wedding, Game of Thrones

During its run on HBO, Game of Thrones was jam-packed with wild, violent, and truly memorable sequences. And while fans are still debating the final season, perhaps the most iconic scene occurred during the Season 3 episode "The Rains of Castamere". This is the infamous Red Wedding, where Walder Frey betrays the Starks, resulting in the brutal deaths of Robb, Catelyn, and Talisa (as well as her unborn baby).

Nomi's Wedding, Sense8

When Netflix was rolling out expensive and ambitious new content early into its run, The Wachowskis helmed the sci-fi series Sense8. The show followed eight strangers who were connected psychically and was canceled after two seasons, but fan campaigns resulted in a Sense8 finale movie being produced. After beating the bad guys, the show ends with Nomi and Amanita's wedding on the Eiffel Tower, followed by one last, wild, party.

Fonzie Jumps The Shark, Happy Days

The beloved sitcom series Happy Days is known for bringing the phrase "jumping the shark" into the pop culture lexicon. This originates from a Season 5 episode of the classic series, where Henry Winler's Fonzie jumps over a live shark while on waterskis. Say what you want about this plot point, but it's remained the most lasting and iconic plot line from the show's tenure on the air.

"Pick Me, Choose Me, Love Me", Grey's Anatomy

During its long tenure on the air, Grey's Anatomy had a number of iconic love stories. But the biggest has always been Meredith and Derek. Fans waited a long time for them to be together, and one of the show's most iconic moments is when she pleads for McDreamy to "pick me" instead of his wife Addison.

Rory's Graduation Speech, Gilmore Girls

When Gilmore Girls began its run on TV, it followed as Alexis Bledel's Rory struggled to adjust to life at her new fancy school, Chilton. Eventually, she becomes a leader in the school and delivers a graduation speech in Season 3. Not only did it make characters like Lorelai and Sookie cry, but it's one of the most iconic scenes of the entire show, where she pays tribute to all that her mother has given her.

Negan Kills Glenn And Abraham, The Walking Dead

For fans who watched The Walking Dead at the height of its popularity, there's life before Negan and after Negan. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's villain made a horrifying splash when he entered the scene, brutally killing fan favorites Abraham and Glenn with his bat Lucille. Some folks thought that killing was too much for the brutal apocalyptic drama.

The Plane Crash, Lost

Lost's pilot episode started a new must-see television show, with the sci-fi series instantly becoming water cooler talk. While some folks stopped watching as it ran, the first (wildly expensive) episode remains the most iconic, thanks to the thrilling plane crash sequences.

Tyra Banks Screams At Tiffany, America's Next Top Model

There are a handful of reality TV show moments on this list because of their impact on pop culture. America's Next Top Model might not be considered one of the best reality shows of all time, but it left its mark. Particularly the episode where host Tyra Banks screamed at one of the contestants after her elimination.

The Gift, Buffy The Vampire Slayer 

The first five seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer aired on the WB, before it eventually changed networks to UPN for the final two entries. Season 5 went out with a serious bang, with Buffy dying after sacrificing herself to save Dawn and the world. After wondering for half the season, we finally understood that death was her gift.

The Movements, The OA

The OA was an ambitious series that ran on Netflix for two seasons and was canceled far too soon. In the Season 1 finale, the group of teenagers (plus Phyllis Smith's BBA) decide to use the reality-traveling movements to distract a school shooter, saving the day in the process. It's a moment we waited all season for, and is an emotional and epic sequence.

The Lake House Fight, Girls

HBO's Award-winning comedy series Girls was a huge hit when it was on the air, and has been getting a lot of positive attention in the years since it wrapped. One of the best episodes of all time is Season 3's "The Lake House", where the four titular girls drink, dance and have an epic argument that shows just how messed up their friendships truly are.

Dexter Finds Rita's Dead Body, Dexter

Dexter was hugely popular during its original run on Showtime, and many consider Season 4 to be its strongest chapter. While Michael C. Hall's character eventually manages to murder the Trinity killer, he doesn't realize that the villain has already murdered his wife Rita. This represented a huge switch for the series and showed the consequences of Dexter's dark passenger.

The Final Scene, The Sopranos

The Sopranos' ending is one that has lived in infamy since it aired back in 2007. With an all-out mob war looming, fans expected Tony and the rest of the crew to go out with a bang. Instead, the finale famously cut to black during the final sequence, with audiences thinking their cable broke when it originally aired.

I Am The One Who Knocks, Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad was a delightful slow burn, with audiences following as Bryan Cranston's Walter White goes from chemistry teacher to bonafide drug lord. Things got more and more dangerous for Walt and his family throughout the show's run, to the dismay of his wife Skyler. When she finally confronts him in Season 4, he gives a truly iconic speech where he claims that he isn't waiting for someone dangerous to knock on the door because "I am the one who knocks."

The Final Sequence, Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under goes in the long list of quality shows to come from HBO. But it stands out as having arguably the best series finale of all time, where the audience is shown how the characters live and (more importantly) die. Set to the tune of Sia's "Breathe Me", try to get through that final sequence without crying.

The Departure, The Leftovers

The Leftovers was a thrilling drama with a super fascinating concept: on October 14th, 2% of the world's population suddenly vanished. While the show follows the fallout of that event, the pilot episode opened on The Departure, with a mother desperately searching for her baby after he disappeared.

Jessie's Song, Saved By The Bell

During its run in the late '80s and early '90s, Saved By The Bell was a favorite show among young people. While it was largely a comedy, certain episodes got more serious. Case in point: the episode "Jessie's Song", where Elizabeth Berkley's character becomes addicted to caffeine pills.

Fiona confronts Monica, Shameless

The US version of Shameless had a super long run on Showtime, ending after a whopping 11 seasons on the air. But it was best during its early years, and perhaps the most iconic moment came back in Season 1. When Monica returns to the Gallagher family and tries to take Liam away with her, Emmy Rossum's Fiona reaches her breaking point and confronts her over years of neglect.

Ross Says The Wrong Name, Friends

Throughout all of Friends' decade-long run on the air, the biggest question was whether or not Rachel and Ross would end up together. They had plenty of starts and stops (they were on a break!) but perhaps the most dramatic part of this saga came during Ross' wedding to Emily. In the middle of his vows, he accidentally refers to Emily as Rachel, ending his marriage before it even began.

The Hallway Fight, Daredevil 

While Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock is taking center stage in the MCU with Daredevil: Born Again, his tenure as the hero began with the Netflix Daredevil show. The series was gritty and featured dizzying fight choreography, with the most iconic being the long hallway fight, which was a thrilling one.

The Family Portrait, Modern Family

The Emmy-winning comedy Modern Family had a long life on the air, with the audience watching as the child actors grew up before their eyes. Season 1 was especially great, and the first finale "Family Portrait" is the show at its best. After stressing to try and pose for the perfect picture, the mixed family ends up throwing mud on each other and letting it all go in a heartwarming story.

Don Draper's Happy Ending, Mad Men

While it had a wildly successful run on AMC, arguably the most iconic moment from Mad Men came from its series finale. Fans have long debated the meaning behind the final shot, where Don Draper is seen happy and meditating, seemingly leaving the advertising world behind him. Although Jon Hamm's interpretation of the ending offers another, less hopeful perspective.

Pam And Jim's First Kiss, The Office

The Office had plenty of long love stories, with fans rooting for the staff of Dunder Mifflin. Jim and Pam's is the biggest example of this, and fans had to wait years for them to finally get together. In Season 2 the pair finally share their first kiss, although they didn't end up together just yet.

Teresa's Table Flip, The Real Housewives of New Jersey

The Real Housewives franchise is a huge behemoth at this point, but in the beginning, there were just a handful of cities. Chief among them was The Real Housewives of New Jersey, which entered the pop culture zeitgeist forever when OG Teresa Giudice flipped a table during a heated argument with Danielle Staub in the Season 1 finale.

Sue Hawk's Speech, Survivor

The first season of Survivor changed the TV world forever, and the show is still running to this day. Perhaps the most memorable moment from that prolific first chapter was Sue Hawk's scathing speech about snakes and rats, where he let out her rage about runner-up Kelly Wiglesworth.

Poussey's Death, Orange Is The New Black

Orange is the New Black was one of the first original Netflix shows, and it remained wildly popular until it ended. Fans know that the show was forever changed when Poussey was tragically killed in Season 4, inspiring a prison-wide riot that would take up all of Season 5.

Nina Kills Teri, 24

24 became a wild sensation when it started airing on Fox, with an entire season of action taking place in just one day. The Season 1 finale offered one more gut punch for audiences, when Jack finds the body of his wife Teri, realizing that she was killed by his former friend and colleague Nina.

Diane And Sam Breakup For Good, Cheers

Diane and Sam were the will they/won't they couple in the comedy Cheers, and fans all had their own opinions about them. In the series finale, we finally get some closure, and the pair realizes they shouldn't be together after all.

Nancy Burn Her House Down, Weeds

When Weeds started airing on Showtime, it was about a single mother who resorts to selling drugs to her suburban neighborhood. In Season 3 she burns down her house to avoid being caught, and the show was never the same after.

Kurt Dances To 'Single Ladies', Glee

Season 1 of Glee hit the world by storm, thanks to its colorful cast of characters and non-stop stream of hit songs. The first season was a huge deal, and there are perhaps no more iconic episodes when Kurt dances to Beyonce's "Single Ladies", and has to try and keep his identity from his father.

'Let's Go To The Mall', How I Met Your Mother

During the How I Met Your Mother episode "Slap Bet" the group of friends (and the audience) are introduced to Robin's teen pop culture persona Robin Sparkles. The song "Let's Go To The Mall" is a hilarious spoof on '80s stars like Tiffany, and is arguably the most iconic moment of the comedy series' run on TV.

Eleanor Realizes The Truth, The Good Place

The Good Place ran for four seasons on NBC, offering a hilarious and complex story. Season 1 was arguably its best, and the most memorable moment came when Kristen Bell's Eleanor realizes that they've been in the Bad Place all along.

So here’s the thing – I may not be the biggest lover of rom-coms, as most tend to be pretty cheesy. But there are some men out there from both movies and TV that I have fallen for – many of which have completely ruined me for real life and have set my standards way too high. And while I’ve been in a committed relationship for several years now, there are just some fictional guys that do it for me – so today, we’ll be going over the top ones. 

Chandler Bing (Friends)

I know that out of everyone in the Friends cast, people talk about Joey being the cutest or however you want to play it, but for me, it’s always been Chandler. I don’t think there’s ever been a better interpretation of best friends to lovers than him with Monica, and I swear to God, he loves her so much. In today’s world, it’s rare to find someone as loving as Chandler Bing. 

Graham Simpkins (The Holiday)

Because who isn’t attracted to Jude Law? But on a real note, Graham Simpkins in The Holiday is probably a clear example of a great movie boyfriend. He’s straightforward with his feelings, is sweet, and somehow still looks good even when he’s pouring his entire heart out. Every time I see him on my TV screen, I know it’s Christmas time again. 

Kevin (Shameless)

Shameless is hands-down one of the best Showtime shows, but you want to know how it’s one of the best characters. Kev, and how he absolutely adores Veronica. This man will go with whatever his wife says or wants and do anything to make her happy, even if it’s totally out there and nonsensical, but he has a good heart – and that’s all that really matters in the end, if we’re being honest. 

Ian Miller (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

Any man—and I mean any man—who is not from a Greek Orthodox family but is willing to learn all the traditions and rules that it entails while throwing themselves into a huge and intense family is a man worth loving. Trust me—as someone who is dating a Greek Orthodox person, this movie is the most clear-cut example of what it’s like—and how loving Ian Miller truly is. 

Gomez (The Addams Family)

Any portrayal of Gomez, whether it be older versions or Luis Guzmán from the Wednesday cast, sets our standards so high. There is no other man in movies and TV who loves his wife more than Gomez loves Morticia. That’s the kind of love that we take to the grave – and it’s something that they clearly intend to do as well. 

Troy Bolton (High School Musical Franchise)

Okay, so maybe this is little me who absolutely adored Troy Bolton and the High School Musical movies, but Troy really was the perfect teen boyfriend. While he certainly had his moments of selfishness (as all teenagers do), he cared for both his friends and, of course, Gabriella, trying to figure out how he could work things out while making everyone happy. That’s dedication. 

Flynn Rider (Tangled)

Oh, Flynn. I swear to God, this man was the love of my life when I was about twelve years old and pretty much set me up for the type of men I would have crushes on in movies and TV. He literally sacrificed his life to cut off Rapunzel's hair so she could be free from Mother Goethel. That is love right there. 

Jesse (Full House)

Every girl at some point in their lives had a crush on Jesse from Full House. I mean, if we’re being honest, the entire Full House cast was good-looking, and all had their fair share of good traits, but Jesse was just another level of dreamboat man – and John Stamos plays him. You can’t get much better than that. 

Augustus Waters (The Fault In Our Stars)

You know how every girl always has that one character that absolutely shatters their soul at a young age? Yeah, Augustus Waters was mine. When I saw The Fault in Our Stars in the theater at the ripe age of fourteen years old, I was beside myself with this teenager and how lovely he was and I was devastated by the end. He was the epitome of mindfulness and listening to what the other person wanted. 

Prince Philip (Sleeping Beauty)

He literally slayed a dragon for Aurora. He got off his horse and took on a whole mythical beast. You can’t raise your standards higher than that. Honestly, he’s underrated when it comes to Disney princes. 

Charlie (The Perks Of Being A Wallflower)

To this day, I don’t think I have ever met a more sensitive soul than Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. He’s not precisely the hunky type, obviously, but there’s something about Charlie’s sensitivity and how much he truly cares about others that makes me want someone just like him, and I could only imagine how those feelings would adapt as he grew older. 

Kristoff (Frozen)

While we all anxiously wait for more Frozen movies, let’s be honest here and say that Kristoff is actually one of the best Disney princes because he’s real. He doesn’t hide behind fancy suits and high titles. He’s an ordinary man who loves his reindeer and his trade, and he clearly loves Anna. Sometimes, that is literally all you need. 

Matt Flamhaff (13 Going On 30)

As someone who had an unhealthy obsession with this movie and the 13 Going On 30 cast, Matt Flamhaff was the movie's boyfriend for a long time. He’s loyal and sweet and tells it like it is, even when he and Jenna haven’t been in contact for years in the film. I really, really love it. 

Simon Bassett (Bridgerton)

When Bridgerton was first released back in 2020, it seemed that everyone was focused on Simon Bassett, and while the character hasn’t been in the show since the first season, he is undoubtedly still highly handsome and was able to beat his trauma in order to be with the women he loved and give her the child she desperately wanted. They’re both not perfect, but I think they work well for each other, and she helped him become a better version of himself. 

Noah Calhoun (The Notebook)

Noah from The Notebook is the definition of a man who waits. Who waits for just that single chance to be with the person he wants and craves more than anything in this world. There’s a reason why people love Noah and cry every time they watch this movie. He’s just that romantic, even if he comes from nothing. It just goes to show that love has no boundaries. 

Jake Perry (Sweet Home Alabama)

Oh, there is nothing like little kids meeting, falling in love, falling out, and then coming back together. Jake Perry is that and more. While he’s almost as stubborn as Melanie, he knows how to keep up with her like no one else and still loves her just as much to this day. I just get all warm and tingly inside when I watch this film. 

Nick Young (Crazy Rich Asians)

Nick is just uncomplicated. He’s uncomplicated and a good guy who happens to have a boatload of money and loves his girlfriend even more than his family. Do you know how many men are portrayed as being emotionally closed off but have fortunes? So many. So many. But Nick is just good – and that’s really what matters if we’re being honest. 

Edward Lewis (Pretty Woman)

Oh, Edward. Pretty Woman was one of those films that I ended up watching as a teenager, and it became a comfort film. It’s certainly one of Julia Roberts’ best rom-coms, but Edward, in general, is the definition of “I Can Change Him.” A man with money and emotionally closed off but learns how to appreciate life and open himself up to someone new – like, come on. Plus, Richard Gere is always a win. 

Jack Dawson (Titanic)

Good god, Jack Dawson was every teenage girl’s dream back in the 1990s. I mean, I wasn't even born yet when Titanic was released, but I can see the appeal even now. Even if he comes from nothing, he has a good soul, is quippy and handsome, and has an appeal for breaking the rules and having fun. He’s like a good, bad boy, if that makes sense.

Nick (New Girl)

Okay, I want to preface this by saying that I mean Nick from later seasons of New Girl. I think he had some serious growing up to do for a bit, but once he started to date Jess and especially when they ended up getting back together later down the line, he really turned into a great boyfriend, a good listener, and he’s just funny. Sometimes, all you need is a jokester. 

Mr. Darcy (Pride And Prejudice)

Mr. Darcy was the pride of my entire generation. I can’t tell you how many people are so focused on this man, how just his movements and how he shows his love are everything. This film is the epitome of an enemies-to-lovers movie, and yes, I eat it up every single time, no matter what. 

Westley (The Princess Bride)

What makes Westley such a great pick from The Princess Bride is that he knows when to listen. He knows when to take charge and save the people he cares about, but he also knows when to back off and listen to those around him. He’s brave but not stubborn, and so many men are the complete opposite in films. We need more of him, and I will stand on that hill.

Luke (Gilmore Girls)

I think Luke is another example of the type of man that we all fall for at least once in television shows. And what makes him such a great pick is that he waited. He waited for eight years so that that woman he loved would be ready for him, and that isn’t just the most romantic thing you have ever heard. I mean, he even kept a picture of her in his wallet, for crying out loud. 

William Thacker (Notting Hill)

God, William Thacker is such a sweetheart. I love him so much. Notting Hill, in general, is a great rom-com, but Thacker is what makes it so good. He stumbles over his words, but he is sweet and has this whole nerdy thing going for him that works handsomely. Hugh Grant plays him, so you can’t really get much better than that.

Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead)

It’s Rick Grimes. The Rick Grimes. The entire The Walking Dead cast is excellent, but I don’t think any other man comes close to Rick Grimes and what he has done for his family. He’s ripped out the throats of people to protect them. He’s looked for hours to find his family. And, of course, he and Michonne’s romance is the perfect example of slow-burn. 

Patrick Verona (10 Things I Hate About You)

Heath Ledger is obviously a well-known actor who had plenty of critically acclaimed roles back in the early and later 2000s, but I’ll always remember him as Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You. He was the boy who ended up loving the girl he didn’t expect to and the boy who sang on the steps. Granted, he started off just wanting to make extra money, but we all know he ended up falling in the end. 

Hercules (Hercules)

I want to specify that I’m talking about Disney’s version of Hercules, not the mythical version because the Greek Gods were not super great people. However, this version of Hercules is actually the best and sets my standards so high. Hercules is an underrated film, but the fact that the titular character dives into a literal pool of death to save his loved one makes him that much more attractive. 

Anthony Bridgerton (Bridgerton)

While Anthony Bridgerton certainly has an acquired taste (we all know those side-burns were not doing him any favors in Season 1), he’s really grown on me in Bridgerton, and honestly, the third season did me in. He just loves his wife. He’s so dedicated to her and just wants to make her happy, and any kind of man that does that is worth it. 

Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy)

Ricky Ricardo is the blueprint of the best TV husbands. Married to Lucy in I Love Lucy, he somehow is able to put up with Lucy’s schemes, and though she drives him crazy, he still loves her in the end and makes her feel safe at home. These two were such a great example of a loving relationship in the earlier years of TV. 

Jack Pearson (This Is Us)

The This Is Us cast is insanely talented, but let me tell you, Milo Ventimiglia set my standards insanely high when I started watching this show and seeing him as Jack Pearson. I mean, he is a loving husband, a doting father, and a hard worker—that’s the recipe. And of course, throw in a little dash of his own trauma, and it adds complexity. I will forever be a Jack Pearson lover. 

Mr. Sheffield (The Nanny)

Mr. Sheffield is the type of life I think we all secretly want—to work as a nanny, fall for the rich man who hired us, and somehow become a part of his family. But I think the reason I love him so much is that he’s able to keep up with Fran, which is hard. Fran knows what she wants and is an independent woman, but he is with her every step of the way, and I love it. 

Grey Worm (Game Of Thrones)

I didn’t think I’d be putting anyone from the Game of Thrones cast on this list, but thinking about it, I realize that Grey Worm is definitely high-ranking. He and Missandei don’t have the kind of relationship you would expect, and it’s not perfect, but there is no denying his love for her and how much he wants to keep her safe, doing anything in his power to do so. And he’s a great fighter, so there’s a plus there. It makes their relationship that much more tragic towards the end of the series. 

This just makes me want to rewatch every single one of these shows and movies again. I think it’s time for a marathon with some wine and fun times. 

Age-rap relationships aren't a rarity on television: in fact, they pop up in seemingly every genre, whether a big fantasy blockbuster like Game of Thrones, a beloved network sitcom like Modern Family, or an acclaimed drama like Succession. And in many cases, the TV wife is much younger than her onscreen spouse — here are 32 TV couples where the bride is married to a much older groom. 

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)

There was a 15-year age difference between royal teen Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her much older husband, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), on HBO's Game of Thrones. Even more surprising, Khaleesi was even younger in the George R. R. Martin novels upon which the fantasy show was based: though she's aged 17 in season one, she's only 13 in the book. 

Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (Modern Family)

Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (Sofia Vergara) is not only 25 years younger than her 60-something Modern Family hubby Jay (Ed O'Neill), but she's also only 14 months younger than her stepdaughter Claire (Julie Bowen). And while that hefty age disparity definitely lends itself to plenty of comedy throughout 11 seasons of the ABC sitcom, their relationship is actually one of the show's staples. 

Ethel Mertz (I Love Lucy)

Though Vivian Vance was only two years older than her onscreen BFF Lucille Ball when the classic comedy I Love Lucy began in 1951, the actress was a whopping 22 years younger than her TV spouse William Frawley, who played the Fred to her Ethel. Rumor has it that Vance wasn't too pleased to be paired with the older actor and their offscreen relationship was less pleasant than their famous chemistry suggests. 

Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

Skyler White (Anna Gunn) got a lot of hate during Breaking Bad's six-season run, but her husband Walt (Bryan Cranston) was running an entire meth empire behind her back so yes, she very much had reason to be upset with him. Walt was actually 12 years older than his wife, so he was definitely grown enough to know better than to get involved with the world of drug cartels. 

Julie Cooper (The O.C.) 

Marissa Cooper's mom Julie (Melinda Clarke) participated in her fair share of May-December romances as part of The O.C. cast, even having an affair with her daughter's ex-boyfriend Luke Ward (Chris Carmack). But it was her age-gap marriage to Caleb Nichol (Alan Dale) — the two-decades-older father of her friend Kristen — that earns her a spot on this list. 

Megan Draper (Mad Men)

The second wife of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) was the already younger Betty (January Jones), who was six or seven years his junior. But his third bride, Megan (Jessica Paré), was even younger than that: per The Daily Beast, Megan was somewhere between 25 and 26 years old this season, about 15 years younger than her husband and little more than a decade older than his daughter Sally (Kiernan Shipka).

Fran Fine (The Nanny)

Mr. Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) was a fortysomething widower and father of three when Fran Fine (Fran Drescher) ended up on his doorstep selling makeup and later became not only the nanny but the stepmother of his children. And though Fran lying about her age is a running joke throughout the CBS sitcom — in one late episode, even the FBI can't verify her real birthdate — it's clear that she's at least a decade younger than her husband. 

April Ludgate (Parks and Recreation)

There was an eight-year age difference between coworkers-turned-spouses April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza) and Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt) in Parks and Recreation. It was revealed during the first season of the beloved NBC sitcom that April was 19 years old while Andy was 28, an age gap which, though totally legal, didn't actually adhere to Andy's "half my age, plus seven" dating rule. 

Cheryl Mabel (According To Jim)

Though we actually don't learn the age of suburban mom Cheryl (played by Courtney Thorne-Smith) during eight seasons of the ABC sitcom According to Jim, it's safe to assume that the TV wife is more youthful than her onscreen hubby Jim (Jim Belushi), given that the actress playing her is 12 years younger than her co-star. 

Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)

Mary Tyler Moore was 24 when she began playing Laura Petrie, the stylish, capris-panted wife of TV writer Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke), on The Dick Van Dyke Show in 1961. Moore was eleven years younger than the show's eponymous star, an age difference that Van Dyke revealed to Entertainment Tonight initially gave him pause. However, show creator Carl Reiner assured the actor: "I said, 'Nobody's going to know...Nobody ever even mentioned it. The first time they kissed on the pilot, that was it. They were together."

Princess Diana (The Crown)

Some TV couple age gaps are rooted in reality. Case in point, the age difference between the then-Prince of Wales, Charles III, and his 12-years-younger bride, Princess Diana, portrayed in Netflix's historical drama The Crown by Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin in seasons 3 and 4, and Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki in seasons 5 and 6. 

Alicent Hightower (House Of The Dragon)

The fact that King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) married his daughter's best friend, Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), isn't the only awkward part about their relationship — there's also that considerable age difference. In George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood, 30-year-old Viserys is 11 years older than his young bride; however, the onscreen age gap is much larger, with Viserys played by 50-year-old Considine and frequently in poor health in the fantasy series. 

Joanna Loudon (Newhart)

Mary Frann, best known for her role as Joanna Loudon, the wife of Bob Newhart's character on the CBS sitcom Newhart, was 13 years older than her iconic co-star. Per that infamous series finale, the storylines from the small-town sitcom all ended up being a dream inside the mind of Bob Hartley from The Bob Newhart Show, so it seems like a much younger TV wife was simply wishful thinking. 

Wanda Maximoff (WandaVision)

Given that WandaVision picked up just a few weeks after that big old Blip in Avengers: Endgame, we know that Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) was still 28 years old in the Disney+ miniseries. As for her android husband, Vision (Paul Bettany) was technically only six at the time of the show, since he was "created" in 2015's Age of Ultron. But things get even more complicated when you consider that Bettany is nearly two decades older than his onscreen wife. 

Rhonda Volmer (Big Love)

HBO's polygamy drama Big Love saw many big age-gap marriages in its five seasons, which ran on the network from 2006 to 2011, but the couple with the largest disparity was octogenarian Juniper Creek prophet Roman Grant (Harry Dean Stanton) and his teen bride-to-be Rhonda Volmer (Daveigh Chase).

Peg Bundy (Married... with Children)

Katey Sagal started her role as Peggy Bundy on Married... with Children when she was 33 years old, eight years junior to her male counterpart Ed O'Neill, who played Al Bundy. However, Sagal mentioned in several interviews over the years that she always imagined Peg to be even younger than Al; in a season 11 episode, her character jokes that she was 9 years old and Al 18 when they wed. 

Sansa Stark (Game of Thrones)

As is the case with many Game of Thrones characters, both Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage) and his younger missus Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) were aged up a few years from the A Song of Ice and Fire books for the HBO series. In the fantasy novels, Sansa is said to be 13 years old and Tyrion 26 at the time of their marriage; in the TV show, however, the Stark daughter was 15 and the Lannister lad around 34. 

Fiona Gallagher (Shameless)

With an absentee mother and an alcoholic father, Fiona Gallagher (Emma Rossum) was forced to grow up early as the matriarch of the Gallagher clan in Showtime's Shameless. So it wasn't too much of a surprise when the 23-year-old was set to wed Sean Pierce (Dermot Mulroney), the fortysomething owner of her employer Patsy's Pies. However, their marital plans fell through when his troubled past came back to haunt them. 

Meredith Grey (Grey's Anatomy)

In the season 1 script for the long-running medical drama, then-surgical intern Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) was described as 32 years old, making her older than the rest of the mid-twenties interns but about seven years younger than her McDreamy one-night stand and eventual husband, Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). 

Anna Smith (Downton Abbey)

Anne Smith (Joanne Froggatt) met her future husband, John Bates (Brendan Coyle) in the very first episode of Downton Abbey, when the man is hired as the new valet to Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville). By the end of season 2, they would marry, despite a solid 15-year age difference between them. 

Connie McDowell (NYPD Blue)

Even the producers of the ABC procedural NYPD Blue were concerned about pairing up Dennis Franz's Andy Sipowicz and Charlotte Ross's much younger Connie McDowell for the detective's third marriage. Executive producer Bill Clark likened turning the characters into a romantic couple to "walking onto a minefield," telling The Los Angeles Times: “I can say I don’t think in all of the years on the show any decision has had as much effort put into it like this one.”

Penny Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory)

Onscreen, the age difference between Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and his neighbor-turned-wife Penny (Kaley Cuoco) is about five years, but behind-the-scenes, the IRL discrepancy is even larger: born in 1975, Galecki is a whole decade older than his co-star. 

Natasha Naginsky (Sex and the City)

The youthfulness of Natasha Naginsky (Bridget Moynahan), the 26-year-old second wife of fortysomething Mr. Big (Chris Noth), is a major point of contention for Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and the rest of the Sex and the City girls. However, despite being younger than the rest, Natasha proves to be the only one with real maturity, handling Carrie and Big's messy affair with strength and dignity. 

Abishola Wheeler (Bob Hearts Abishola)

Looks like Bob hearts younger women. In the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, Bob Wheeler (Billy Gardell) falls for Nigerian nurse Abishola Adebambo (Folake Olowofoyeku) while being treated at the hospital for a mild heart attack. Along with their cultural differences, there is also a generation gap between the couple: Bob is in his fifties and while Abishola's age is never stated in the show, it's safe to assume she's in her thirties like actress Olowofoyeku. 

Margot Sauerbruch (Charité at War)

In the German drama Charité at War, Doctor Margot Sauerbruch (Luise Wolfram) is nearly three decades younger than her husband Ferdinand Sauerbruch (Ulrich Noethen), who is the head of surgery at Berlin's Charité hospital. In fact, Margot is much closer in age to her stepson Peter (Maximilian Klas) than his father.

Esther Keyes (The Handmaid's Tale)

In the dystopian drama The Handmaid's Tale, women and girls are taken as wives as long as they are fertile to boost birthrates. For example, Esther Keyes (Mckenna Grace), is only 14 years old when she is placed into an arranged marriage to the elderly Commander Keyes (Bill MacDonald). However, Esther rebels against the oppression and ends up slowly poisoning her older husband. 

Barbra Jean Hart (Reba)

It's become a cliché for a man to move on from his first marriage by marrying a much younger bride for his second, but that's exactly what happened in The WB comedy Reba. Reba Hart's (Reba McEntire) life was upended when her husband of 20 years, Brock (Christopher Rich), decided to divorce her after getting his dental hygienist, Barbra Jean (Melissa Peterman) — who was half his age — pregnant. 

Marcia Roy (Succession)

Even at two decades younger than her husband, the in-her-60s Marcia Roy (Hiam Abbass) was a significantly more age-appropriate partner for powerful media-mogul Logan Roy (Brian Cox) than his even younger secretary-slash mistress Kerry Castellabate (Zoë Winters), who was only in her thirties. 

Sara Sidle (CSI)

CSI fans were in for a surprise in the season 6 finale of the CBS police procedural, when Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and Gil Grissom (William Petersen) ended up in bed with each other. The coupling was even more unexpected, given the age gap between the two characters, who later married in season 10: Grissom was not only Sara's boss but also 15 years older than her. 

Shelly Tambo (Northern Exposure)

Shelly Tambo (Cynthia Geary) was first introduced on the Alaska-set CBS dramedy Northern Exposure as the young girlfriend of sexagenarian Holling Vincoeur (John Cullum). She initially has a difficult time getting Holling down the altar, as the storied lifespans of the Vincoeur males has him worries that, despite being more than 40 years older than Shelly, he could outlive her for decades with a broken heart. 

Rachel Gatina (One Tree Hill)

The name "Rachel Gatina" is pretty notorious among One Tree Hill fans and for good reason: Danneel Harris's character had a long history of manipulation and promiscuity in the teen drama. And that drama didn't stop when she married Dan Scott, the father of her former Tree Hill schoolmates Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty).

Elena Gilbert (The Vampire Diaries)

Though Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) looked around the same age as her primary love interests Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) — the latter of whom she married in the season 8 finale episode — both men were significantly older than her as they were, of course, vampires. (Damon was 169 years old and Stefan was seven years younger in The Vampire Diaries pilot.) 

Nicole Wright (True Blood)

In the sixth season of HBO's fantasy drama True Blood, Merlotte's Bar and Grill owner Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) meets the much younger supernatural rights activist Nicole Wright (Jurnee Smollett-Bell). Despite the large age gap (there are 17 years between the performers) and the fact that they're different species (he a shapeshifter, she a mere human), the twosome goes on to leave Bon Temps together, marry and have children, as revealed in the show's epilogue. 

Inside Out 2 instantly became one of the year’s biggest movies when it hit the box office in June, and audiences have continued to flock to theaters to experience Pixar’s new flood of emotions. One of the things that makes Inside Out 2 a good movie is how viewers of all ages can relate to the feelings being portrayed on the screen, and a new viral trend is helping people express themselves even further. In fact, fans are pulling from other facets of entertainment, like It’s Always Sunny in PHiladelphia and Justin Bieber, to illustrate their emotions, and I can’t get enough of these creative comparisons.

The Pixar sequel Inside Out 2 continues Riley’s story from the 2015 animated classic, adding more complex emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui to portray a teenager’s authentic experience. It’s inspired people to imagine what we might get if Inside Out 2 were filmed inside their own heads, leading to the fantastic viral trend. I mean, who hasn’t felt this kind of Shameless chaos from time to time, as posted by one X (Twitter) user: 

Another person referenced Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version), seemingly telling their brain, “Look What You Made Me Do” and wondering which of these beautiful emotions they could expect to be dealing with today. 

If Inside Out 2 can truly paint a picture of what anxiety feels like, I’d argue that a series like The Bear is just as good at inducing that emotion. That seems to be the experience of another social media user, as they tweeted: 

Sometimes it’s hard to know which emotion would be appropriate to access, and I can completely relate to this It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia image that seems to portray some kind of perplexed bemusement: 

You know that feeling when a gang of Justin Biebers “Pull Up” in your brain? Yeah, um, me neither. 

Love Island provided another perfect illustration of how it can feel when the emotions aren’t sure how to proceed. As one fan put it: 

And for anybody who’s ever frozen up when asked if you’re more of a Miranda or a Carrie, just do like this person say it depends on the day: 

Inside Out 2 will undoubtedly join its predecessor as one of the best Pixar films, even if it did leave some of our staff feeling the second-hand embarrassment. Being able to identify and communicate what we’re feeling is so important, which is why this viral trend that allows the world a peek at how we picture our emotions is so great. We feel a little less alone knowing that others can identify with us, and we’re having a good laugh in the meantime. 

If you haven’t made it out to see the animated sequel yet, Inside Out 2 is still in theaters, and be sure to check out our 2024 movie release calendar to see what else is new and coming soon to the big screen. 

There are those shows that ended long before we wanted them to, from '90s one-season wonders like Freaks & Geeks and My So-Called Life to perfectly timed dramas like Succession and Breaking Bad. These are not those shows. Instead, these television titles overstayed their welcome, long after their biggest stars departed, or the critical acclaim and awards dried up, or the storylines made any sense. Here are 32 TV shows that simply went on way too long. 

Californication

At the beginning of Showtime's Californication, which ran on the network from 2007 to 2014, the story of troubled novelist Hank Moody (David Duchovny) and his hedonistic ways felt fresh and edgy. But seven seasons of incessant drinking and womanizing majorly dulled any of that edge. 

The Walking Dead

How long can people survive a zombie apocalypse? Apparently, for a while—the AMC flagship series The Walking Dead went on for an unfathomable eleven seasons and the survival story of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) still isn't over, having been picked up in the spin-off miniseries The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. 

Dexter

One word: lumberjack. For eight seasons, the Showtime series followed Miami man Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) as he worked as a forensic pathologist by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. Spending nearly a decade watching Dexter get away with murder after murder felt both implausible and repetitive. And don't even get us started on that disappointing, woodsy series finale. 

Grey's Anatomy

It's felt like Grey's Anatomy has been resuscitated more times than any of the patients at Seattle Grace. It's been the longest-running medical drama on primetime, but it became barely the Grey's that O.G. fans remember. In later seasons, lead actress Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey, scaled back to a recurring role, and beloved original characters like Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), and Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) were all long gone. 

The Handmaid's Tale

There's plenty of argument to be made that Hulu's dragged-out dystopian drama The Handmaid's Tale—which sees fertile American women (played by the likes of Elisabeth Moss, Alexis Bledel and Samira Wiley) being forced into child-bearing slavery by a totalitarian government—should have been a one-and-done miniseries. After all, the 1985 Margaret Atwood novel on which it is based concluded after the events of the first season. 

Sons of Anarchy

Too-long episodes (many of which pushed way past the traditional hour-long mark) and irredeemable characters made it hard to continue to care about Jax (Charlie Hunnam), Gemma (Katey Sagal) and the rest of the outlaw bikers in the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club after seven seasons of the FX crime drama.

Shameless

Sure, Shameless had a jam-packed ensemble throughout its entire eleven season run, including Jeremy Allen White, William H. Macy, Cameron Monaghan and Shanola Hampton. But the grungy Showtime family drama lost its heart when lead actress Emmy Rossum—who played the older sister-turned-matriarch Fiona Gallagher—departed the series in season nine. 

White Collar

Many White Collar fans felt that things were getting a little rinse-and-repeat with the USA Network procedural by the end of its six-season run, with case-of-the-week storylines and stagnant character development. Imagine their surprise, then, when it was announced that the show was getting a Netflix revival, with actors Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay and Tiffani Thiessen reprising their roles. 

This Is Us

The earned emotionality of early seasons of This Is Us—an NBC family drama that follows the lives of two parents (played by Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore) and their three children (Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz and Justin Hartley,) in several different time frames—started to feel manipulative and maudlin after six years. 

Suits

Some television shows suffer from an unsustainable premise. Case in point, Suits, the USA Network legal drama that follows a college dropout with a photographic memory (Patrick J. Adams) who is hired to work as an associate at a prestigious law firm, despite not actually having a license to practice law. Sure, Jan. Despite the dubious concept, Suits aired for a whopping nine seasons. 

Supernatural

Exactly how many demons, ghosts and monsters did brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) have to hunt down to save the world? Fifteen seasons and 327 episodes worth! However, even many Supernatural superfans believe the CW fantasy series lost its way by the end and should have finished after season five when creator Eric Kripke left as showrunner. 

How I Met Your Mother

That is one long story that Ted Mosby (played by Josh Radnor) tells his adolescent children Luke (David Henrie) and Penny (Lyndsy Fonseca) about how their dad first met their mother. In fact, the tale took nine whole years, with many meandering tangents along the way, that we wouldn't blame the kids if they, too, got bored listening to it. 

Glee

Few shows faced quite the critical fall from grace as Glee. Early on, the FOX teen show—which centered on the plucky members of New Directions, the glee club of the fictional William McKinley High School—was an awards show juggernaut, winning several Emmys in its first few seasons, but those high notes were soured when the scripts focused less on the show's original characters and more on ad nauseum celebrity guests. 

Scrubs

Starting with the ninth season, many of the original Scrubs cast—including Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Ken Jenkins and Neil Flynn—stepped back from being main characters on the show, popping up in only a handful or as little as one episode that season. Longtime fans of the NBC medical comedy didn't love that their favorites got replaced with new characters, played by the likes of Kerry Bishé, Michael Mosley and Dave Franco.

The Big Bang Theory

Running for 12 seasons and 279 episodes, this CBS sitcom about Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and their similarly geeky pals got bogged down by too many main characters, recycled old catchphrases and the use of laugh tracks as a crutch. 

The Simpsons

As old as, well, the person writing this very article, the satirical animated sitcom has broken several TV records in its three-decade tenure, including being the longest-running scripted primetime series in American television. And though Homer, Marge, Bar, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the residents of Springfield are comedy legends, they now feel like relics of a different generation. 

Riverdale

The occurrences within the town of Riverdale were easy enough to keep track of in the early seasons of the CW teen drama, which was populated with the famous characters from Archie Comics (Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the like.) But as the writing got messier and mazelike, and the characters' storylines more and more outlandish, the soapy series became impossible to take seriously by the end of its seven-season run. 

Game of Thrones

The brazenness with which the Game of Thrones creators killed off some of its biggest, most beloved characters — Ned Stark (Sean Bean) in season one, his son Robb (Richard Madden) and wife Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) in season four — majorly lost its umph when the show killed off Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in the season five finale...only to resurrect him two episodes later. 

Homeland

The first two seasons of this Showtime espionage thriller — in which Claire Danes stars as a CIA officer with bipolar disorder, opposite Damian Lewis playing a Marine Corps Scout Sniper who has just returned home following eight years in captivity — received universal acclaim, including the 2012 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. However, though Homeland had eight seasons total, it never recovered in quality following the death of Lewis's character in season 3. 

Two and a Half Men

It's always a gamble when you replace the main character of a TV show, especially such a long-running one as the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men. Originally starring Charlie Sheen as a hedonistic jingle writer living with his uptight brother (played by Jon Cryer) and his nephew (Angus T. Jones), the show misguidedly hired Ashton Kutcher to lead the cast in seasons nine through twelve after Sheen left the show to enter drug rehab. 

One Tree Hill

It rarely works when a high school show follows its characters to college and into adulthood. One Tree Hill, the early-aughts teen drama that ran for three seasons on The WB and another six on The CW, stretched the storylines of Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray), Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton), Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush) and the rest of the Tree Hill Ravens crew too long past graduation, especially as both Murray and Burton departed the show after season five.  

Lost

Airing 121 episodes over six seasons from 2004 to 2010, Lost packed a lot of supernatural nonsense onto that island, frustratingly devolving over the years from a character drama to a complex mythology swirling with time travel, smoke monsters and electromagnetic phenomena. Even co-creator Damon Lindelof has said that he wanted the show to end after three seasons instead of six. By the time the series aired its final episode, the sci-fi series had offered up far too many questions and far too few answers.

Modern Family

Even Modern Family star Sarah Hyland, who played Haley Dunphy in 11 seasons of the Emmy-winning ABC comedy, was kind of disappointed by the show's later seasons. And she seemingly wasn't the only one: though it had earned both critical acclaim and strong viewership for its earlier installments, season 10 had the worst ratings of the series. 

Once Upon a Time

The thing about fairytales is that soon enough you get to that happily ever after at the end. The ABC fantasy drama Once Upon a Time seemingly didn't get that message because it made fans wait for that storybook ending for seven long seasons — even Robert Carlyle, who portrayed Rumplestiltskin in the series, retrospectively admitted to The A.V. Club that he felt that the series "ran for too long."

Killing Eve

On paper, we should have never wanted Killing Eve to end, with its cast led by a superb Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer — as a British intelligence investigator and the psychopathic assassin she's tasked with capturing, respectively — and scripts from the brilliant mind of Fleabag scribe-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge. However, when Waller-Bridge departed as head writer after the first season, the once-great show simply ran out of story. 

Bones

Crime procedurals have a habit of staying on TV long after they should, what with their formulaic case-of-the-week structure that's easy to replicate season after season. And Bones, the long-running Fox crime drama starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz, is definitely no exception, overstuffed with soapy gimmicks, themed episodes and a way-too-long will-they-won't-they dynamic between Deschanel's Temperance Brennan and Boreanaz's Seeley Booth.

The Office

Of course, we love the entire Dunder Mifflin crew, but everybody knows that The Office should have naturally called it quits when lead Steve Carell — who played the "World's Best Boss," a.k.a. the delightfully incompetent Michael Scott — departed the show after its seventh season. Not even big-name actors like Will Ferrell and James Spader could fill the hole Michael Scott left. 

Westworld

Westworld's first season is to this day the most-watched first season of any HBO original series. However, that popularity, coupled with early critical acclaim, didn't last long for the dystopian Western — the writing and character work drastically declined by the time the show was canceled in November 2022, and just a month later, the entire series was brutally removed from HBO Max. 

That '70s Show

The Fox teen drama — centered on a groovy group of teenage friends living in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin — worked because of the chemistry created by its young cast, including Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon and Wilmer Valderrama. So of course the show itself took a creative hit when that chemistry was altered following the departures of Grace and Kutcher after the seventh season. 

Smallville

Initially a show about a teenage Clark Kent dealing with issues both human (bullies, crushes) and superhuman (kryptonite and such) while growing up in fictional Smallville, Kansas, Smallville seemed to care less and less about the human side of the Man of Steel over the course of ten seasons. Many fans suggest that the TV superhero should have hung his cape after season seven, which saw the departure of both the show's main villain Lex Luther (Michael Rosenbaum) and Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. 

13 Reasons Why

Based on the young adult novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why is one of those cases where a multi-season show was made to be a limited series. Instead of just neatly telling the story of Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) and the tapes she leaves behind after tragically ending her own life, the Netflix teen drama inexplicably changed genres throughout its four-season run, becoming a poor murder mystery in the show's third season. 

Heroes

Though the NBC superhero drama Heroes only went on for four seasons, critics of the show were already pointing out less-than-engaging storylines and lack of cohesion as early as season two. The tales of ordinary people who discover that they have superhuman abilities and have to work together to prevent catastrophic futures should have been adrenaline-pumping stuff, but it simply couldn't sustain that energy after its acclaimed first season. 

I am an absolute sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers plotline. Whether it's the best enemies-to-lovers movies or the best enemies-to-lovers relationships in TV shows, it draws me in every time. So, in honor of that, we're going to dig into the best enemies-to-lovers relationships in movies and TV that still make me swoon.

Mia And Nicholas (The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement)

I feel like The Princess Diaries series is a forgotten Disney company movie, but I know that there are a certain number of people out there who are still craving to see a third. And man, I would give anything to see Mia and Nicholas again. Truthfully, they weren't the biggest enemies, but the tension was there, and they had such good sarcastic banter. 

Leslie And Ben (Parks And Recreation)

It's hard to remember a time when Leslie and Ben didn't get along because their relationship always felt so pure in later seasons. But they were not friends when Ben entered the show. Eventually, they learned to respect each other, and that respect later turned to love, and it made me adore the Parks and Recreation cast so much. 

Tyler And Nora (Step Up)

Tyler and Nora are a vital example of enemies that tend to have more in common than you'd think. Step Up is one of the best dance movies out there, and truthfully, I could watch these two dance and fall in love slowly over an hour again and again. I mean, they were so good that the two actors were married in real life for a time. 

Quinn And Logan (Zoey 101)

As someone who grew up watching Zoey 101, seeing Quinn and Logan get together was eye-opening. I never realized that the cute boy could get the nerdy girl, and what made it even better is that it really did feel like genuine love—one that was confusing at first but turned out to be the most healthy relationship of everyone. 

Melanie And Jake (Sweet Home Alabama)

Reese Witherspoon's best movies will always include Sweet Home Alabama, and the critical relationship of that movie, Melanie and Jake, defined my expectations of romance. What makes them so good is the fact that they already have a past, so there's tension there, and it's like lovers turning into enemies and then turning back into lovers. Adorable. 

Max And Kyle (Living Single)

Living Single is probably one of the most classic sitcoms of all time, and of course, it had to have a great enemies-to-lovers storyline with Max and Kyle. These two ripped at each other for years, but eventually, they ended up in the same bed and became one of the best couples in the series. 

Elizabeth And Mr. Darcy (Pride & Prejudice)

I literally could not think of a better example of enemies to lovers than Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. They are the prime pick for something like this. I don't even need to explain why they make me swoon. Heck, I need my own, Mr. Darcy. 

Josh And Mindy (Drake & Josh)

If we're being honest, Josh and Mindy were the perfect couple in Drake & Josh. They started off as nemesis because both of them excelled at being, well, smart, which they both seriously loved. Eventually, enough push and pull led to them getting together, and they wound up having a hilarious relationship—one that I still quote with my own partner, where he even says, "One condition: I get to be the boyfriend."

Jake And Neytiri (Avatar)

I know! A part of me forgot they were enemies to lovers after how loving they were to each other in Avatar: The Way of Water. But Neytiri literally hated Jake—which she had the right to. His people invaded her home and killed her loved ones. But once he started to see the beauty behind her culture and began to love her for her, everything changed. 

Jon And Ygritte (Game Of Thrones)

The Game of Thrones cast features several relationships, most of which end in disaster or pain, and Jon and Ygritte are the perfect example of that. The two went from enemies to lovers and then back to enemies, but right at the very end, she gets an arrow through the heart—a shocking Game of Thrones moment that still makes me sad. 

Cher And Josh (Clueless)

It always blows my mind when I rewatch Clueless and see young Paul Rudd because he literally looks the exact same. Then it blows my mind to remember that Cher develops feelings for her ex-stepbrother, and I try to recall that this movie is fictional. This is the definition of a crazy enemies-to-lovers romance—one I can barely believe. 

Clarke And Lexa (The 100)

The 100 was hands down one of the best CW shows, and one of the best relationships on there was Clarke and Lexa, known as Clexa to the fans. They are another excellent example of people who were enemies to lovers to kind of enemies to so much more before it was all stolen away – and yes, I still remember the online protests. It was a time to be alive. 

Damon And Elena (The Vampire Diaries)

Admittingly, I hopped on The Vampire Diaries train much later in the game, but the number of people who were obsessed with Damon and Elena blew my mind—which is crazy considering they ended up finding their happy ending. They were heated towards each other, but as he started to change more, they got together. 

Johnny And Baby (Dirty Dancing)

Ohhh, Dirty Dancing is the ultimate "hate at first sight" because these two were not on the same wavelength. However, when the two are forced to train together for a competition, sparks begin to fly, and it's there that you really start to see just how well they fit together. 

Anthony And Kate (Bridgerton)

Look, I'm a massive fan of Bridgerton’s sweet romances just as much as the next person. I love the story of Colin and Penelope, and I adore Daphne and Simon. But these two brought the spice that was desperately needed for this story. Anthony and Kate did everything but get together and kiss in the second season of Bridgerton, which made that tension delicious. 

Lou And Will (Me Before You)

Emilia Clarke's best movies will always include Me Before You because she kills it in this movie, but I consider it a challenge not to cry during this film. Lou and Will are the purest examples of a love that you never thought you would have, but the moment you realize just how good it is, it's ripped from you. They weren't the best of friends at first, but man, when this ending hits, it hits. 

Cece And Schmidt (New Girl)

I love the New Girl cast, and I love Schmidt the most. A big reason is that Cece and Schmidt are hilariously adorable. Yes, there were indeed some significant differences and toxic moments between them along the way, but in the end, they were a pretty healthy couple who had grown a lot. I was fully rooting for them. 

Andy And Benjamin (How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days)

These two are honestly secretly enemies in the schemes they are doing, using them for their advantage. But what happens when actual love begins to take over? Of course, hilarities happen, and yes, you will laugh and cry and love Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey that much more. 

Mia And Sebastian (La La Land)

While my opinion on the La La Land ending has changed, I'll openly say that the enemies-to-lovers romance between Mia and Sebastian is actually pretty accurate to how it would happen in real life. These two just somehow always run into each other at their worst moments and basically make a love story out of it – you can't help but love that. 

Maria And Captain Von Trapp (The Sound Of Music)

The Sound of Music is one of those movies that, when you watch it as an adult, you really start to understand it so much more. While the music is fantastic, the love story that grows between Maria and Captain Von Trapp makes it that much better because it's love in its purest form. 

Klaus And Caroline (The Vampire Diaries)

The Vampire Diaries featured plenty of love affairs that either ended happily or terribly, and one that I have to point out is Klaus and Caroline in The Vampire Diaries. These two were the epitome of hot and cold, but man, if it didn't draw you in, you didn't didn't have a heart. They'd be at each other's throats one episode and then make out ten episodes later. You have to love it. 

Loretta And Ronny (Moonstruck)

Moonstruck is a great movie overall, and honestly, Loretta and Ronny have one of the best romances that I've seen in a film because it feels natural. It's all about that slow realization about the person who drives you crazy and how, sometimes, it could be the person you least expect to be who gives you the passion you are looking for. 

Mickey And Ian (Shameless)

I could go on for hours about Mickey and Ian from the Shameless cast. Oh my God – if you were on Tumblr during this time, I salute you. We are soldiers who somehow survived the heavy influx of all the shipping of these two. Beginning off as literal enemies who were at each other's throats to getting married several seasons down the line, you can't help but love them. 

Emma And Hook (Once Upon A Time)

Okay, okay, I'm going to admit something. Hook was definitely one of my first significant boy crushes, and I was the hugest fan of this relationship between him and Emma, which is an enemy-to-lover relationship. Even the way they fought when they were enemies was so steamy, and when they finally got together, I felt like I had won the lottery. We truly won. 

Patrick And Kat (10 Things I Hate About You)

10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most iconic teen comedies of all time, mainly because of the steamy chemistry between Heath Ledger's Patrick and Julia Stiles' Kat. These two, from the beginning, have this sarcastic nature that is so endearing to you, but as the film goes on, and he tries to win her back, you learn to love them more. 

Belle And The Beast (Beauty And The Beast)

They are the blueprint. Belle and the Beast are pure enemies to lovers. While there was really no fighting between the two, Belle traded herself over to save her father from the Beast, therefore making her his prisoner. She was not a massive fan of him. But as they started to get to know each other, love blossomed in the best way. 

Catra And Adora (She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power)

Look, if anyone knows me, they know I'm a huge fan of cartoons. I don't care if some of these might be meant for kids, but these two are just such a great pair. It felt that for years, these two wouldn't get together, but eventually, they did, and it felt like the world was at peace, if just for that one moment, after so many years of fighting. 

Andrew And Margaret (The Proposal)

The Proposal is one of those films that I put on when I know I'm going to need a good laugh because you can't laugh at Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock as Andrew and Margaret. These two have such quippy, sarcastic banter, and when love eventually comes despite their hating start, it's some of the best you'll witness. 

Logan And Veronica (Veronica Mars)

As someone who hadn't watched Veronica Mars for a long time but had friends who had, they always said Logan and Veronica were the perfect example of enemies to lovers. They started not on a positive note, but another favorite trope of mine – forced proximity – makes them work together – and sparks begin to fly. 

Giselle And Robert (Enchanted)

Okay, so they weren't really enemies, per se – more like grumpy x sunshine – but there's no denying that Robert was not a fan of Giselle whatsoever when they first met. But her bubbly nature was too much to say no to, and he probably fell even harder than her. 

Kathleen And Joe (You've Got Mail)

There are a few Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movies we could point to, but we'll stick with You've Got Mail for now because it's a great enemies-to-lovers romance. These two are rivals in real life but secretly online penpals, unknowingly, to the other, and when they eventually find out, it's how they fall after that makes it so good. 

Harry And Sally (When Harry Met Sally)

While they are friends for a good portion of the movie, these two do not get along at first in When Harry Met Sally. Sally hates Harry's whole vibe, but eventually, they fall for each other in the very end. 

Gosh, this makes me want to rewatch all these shows and movies. I need some good romantic comedies with these storylines. 

The era of Jeremy Allen White is in full swing. He’s taken streaming by storm with The Bear, and most recently he starred as Kerry Von Erich in the gripping biopic, The Iron Claw. While he’s quickly gained his place as a permanent fan favorite, one person is especially proud of his hard work: William H. Macy, White’s TV dad on Shameless who was undoubtedly the most shameless character of the series. Macy, who has boasted about White’s work, has also taken notice of the latest Calvin Klein underwear campaign and in typical dad fashion, he had some funny words to say about it.

While he played Frank Gallagher, the abusive and careless addict and drunk, on Shameless, Macy proved that he couldn’t be any further from the character as he gushed about White’s growing career and recent successes with ET. And what he had to say shows that he not only thinks very highly of the young actor, but he also truly thinks of him like a son:

Oh, those billboards. The Calvin Klein ads that feature White stripped down to his skivvies have had the internet in a total chokehold, and fans have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fictional chef in something other than (or lack thereof in this case) the signature white t-shirt and apron. When Macy was asked about it, the natural dad in him came out, and he hilariously responded that he had to call White and tell him to “put your pants on.” 

Macy continued on, noting that this actually wasn’t the first time the Lip actor has been seen with almost nothing on, as he said:

Macy definitely wasn’t exaggerating about that. Along with White’s scenes, many members of the Shameless cast were featured in quite a few explicit nude scenes throughout all nine seasons. The show was known for pushing boundaries so if you haven’t seen it and plan to, keep in mind that it’s not the most family-friendly.

Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait much longer to get their next White fix as Season 3 of The Bear should premiere this June on the 2024 TV schedule. The junior season is highly anticipated not only because it won six Emmys earlier this year, but also for the possibilities of Carmy's (played by White) self-growth and the return of the other amazing actors and their characters. Trust me: I’m just as eager as all of you are for the upcoming season, and I’m crossing my fingers that the next few months go by quickly. 

Thankfully, we have this fun story from William H. Macy about that iconic Calvin Klien ad to remind us of the show that Jeremy Allen White started out on and hold us over until Season 3. Shameless is available with a Netflix subscription and to check in on The Bear, all you need is a Hulu subscription. 

They say mama knows best, but television has shown us time and time again that isn't always the case. Whether it's a show as sinister as Sons of Anarchy or one as innocent as Modern Family, there's no shortage of moms who don't give the best advice. I'm sure there are plenty of dads as well, to be sure, but that's not what we're here to talk about today. 

Moms make the world go round, but they're not infallible. The following are some shining examples of mothers who aren't always giving the best advice, though I'll concede that some give worse advice far more often than others. Let's dive in!

Roseanne

The point of Roseanne was that the Conners weren't picturesque parents, but they somehow made it work anyway. Pull up any old episode with a Peacock subscription, and you'll hear Roseanne giving some ill-informed advice. Her heart is always in the right place, though, and that's what matters. 

Cersei Lannister

If Cersei Lannister hadn't told her son Joffrey that anyone outside their family was an enemy, he wouldn't have turned into the despicable monster we witnessed on Game of Thrones. Cersei's twisted mindset ultimately led to Joffrey's death, and I don't think I need to bring up her other two children that didn't survive the series, either. 

Connie Tucker

Better known as Meemaw on Young Sheldon, some might not know that Connie Tucker's daughter is Mary Cooper even if they saw them side by side. Between her underground gambling operation in the backroom of the laundromat, and the time she got her grandson Georgie arrested while bootlegging cigarettes across the border, she's not the best role model. 

Linda Belcher

Linda Belcher has her own issues she picked up during her upbringing, and she's instilled some of those values in her children. Encouraging Tina and Louise to cheat in school rather than do the work is a great example, and a hilarious lesson that makes this one of the best animated shows of all time. 

Norma Bates

I think it's possible that if your son turns out to be a mass murderer, you might've had a couple of missteps in instilling some advice. Norma Bates certainly had an unhealthy relationship with her son, and her general advice not to trust other women not only led to their deaths, it eventually led to her own. 

Lucy Ricardo

I can't even imagine the shenanigans Little Ricky got up to having Lucy Ricardo as his mother. The I Love Lucy character was always getting into hijinks, and landed herself in quite a bit of trouble with her various schemes from time to time. It's hard to imagine she didn't cook up some shenanigans with her son, and landed him in some trouble as well. 

Bonnie Plunkett

Bonnie Plunkett being an imperfect mother was more or less the point of Mom, as the recovering addict helped her daughter, Christy, work through her own recovery. She wasn't the best mother during Christy's upbringing, and she made her mistakes during the series, too. That said, she does love her daughter, and the family she helped raise. 

Lois Griffin

You don't need to see more than ten minutes of a Family Guy episode to see that Lois Griffin isn't the best parent. That said, she's definitely changed throughout the series, and become almost as unhinged as Peter in recent episodes. 

Skyler White

Skyler White gets a lot of flak, considering Walter White was the true villain of Breaking Bad, but it's hard to not fault her from taking Walt Jr. and getting out of the drug ring operation the moment she became aware of it. Other than that she was a good mother, but that one mistake is pretty hard to overlook. 

Kitty Forman

Whether it was That '70s Show or That '90s Show, Kitty Forman had a knack for instilling some bad to occasionally twisted advice to teenagers with a heavy dose of sugar. It's hard not to love her anyway, despite that, and the characters were so iconic that it's always worth keeping tabs on what Debra Jo Rupp and the rest of the That '70s Show cast is up to now. 

Cookie Lyon

I can honestly say that Cookie's decision-making and advice is no worse than any other member of the Lyon family in Empire, but they all make some terrible decisions. Between her spitefulness and scheming, she landed her sons in some sticky situations, some of which were more than a little dangerous. 

Betty Draper

Mad Men's Betty Draper might have the worst maternal instincts of any other TV mom on this list. Unfortunately, a lot of the ways she brought up their children was likely inspired by her own childhood, and gave many viewers the impression she disliked them or didn't care about them. 

Marge Simpson

I would say that, for the most part, Marge Simpson is a great mom. The Simpsons' matriarch does have her moments, however, and in those chaotic times can impart some bad advice. Perhaps the worst was telling her children to aim low in life as to not disappoint others, which seems like terrible advice for Bart, in particular. 

Joyce Byers

Joyce Byers has had a rough number of years, so it feels unfair to judge her based on the last time we saw her in Stranger Things. With that said, she was barely holding the homefront down and seemingly only had bad haircuts to hand out to the teens as they all dealt with life. 

Catelyn Stark

The Seven Kingdoms takedown of the Stark family was pretty wild, but Catelyn's campaign to avenge her husband might've led to some tactical missteps on her own end. Let's not forget the trauma we all endured watching the Red Wedding, which she had a part in.

Jessica Huang

Jessica Huang is a fantastic tv mom, but she also has a way of getting things done that may not always be the best way of doing things. She can be crafty and devious, but almost everything she ever does is out of love for her sons and family. 

Selina Meyer

Veep's Selina Meyer progressively gets more unsympathetic throughout the series, but her parenting skills may make some people dislike her from the start. Pushing her daughter into ending relationships due to political optics for her own career is just one of many ways she was a bad parent to come to with a problem. 

Wendy Byrde

When you loop your children into your operation of laundering drug money for the cartel, you're bound to give a lot of bad parenting advice along the way. Wendy doles out plenty of bad advice throughout the course of Ozark, making her one of the worst offenders on the list. 

Malory Archer

Malory Archer wasn't the best mother to her child, Sterling, and her self-centered nature and skewed view of the world due to her extreme wealth made her even worse to come to for advice. With that said, it's a bit ironic that her line "Do you want ants? That's how you get ants," is some great advice fans frequently reference. 

Claire Dunphy 

Claire Dunphy's advice to her children, at times, could come off as controlling. There are definitely points in Modern Family where her advice is molded by what she would like her children to do, rather than what is best for them. Her advice to Haley about not living in the past when Dylan came back into her life feels like a great example.  

Benny Lopez

George Lopez's mother, Benny, often created more problems for him than not on The George Lopez Show, and from what we know about his upbringing, she wasn't a great mother. Part of this was due to the fact Benny was also raised by bad parents, but fortunately, George was able to break the cycle and be able to overcome the mistakes of his upbringing despite his mother's poor advice. 

Sophia Petrillo

Sophia Petrillo doled out countless pieces of advice to her daughter and roommates on The Golden Girls, and I would say a good chunk of it was solid. Sophia is a wildcard, however, and occasionally, some of her advice was informed by her occasionally reckless lifestyle, which made it less useful to the women, but hilarious for viewers. 

Francine Smith

Francine Smith gives out tons of bad advice, but given the kookiness that can go down on American Dad, it's hard to fault her for it. Sometimes, you just gotta train your son to fight a school bully when you've had about two-hundred, or "two-fiddy," battles of your own back in the day. 

Dr. Beverly Hofstadter

The Big Bang Theory plays Leonard's relationship with his mother for laughs a lot, but the fact that she treated her child more as a test subject and imparted advice that crushed his self-confidence and shaped his anxiety definitely makes her one of the worst mothers on the list. Despite that, they do reconcile, if only because she felt like him marrying Penny was something he did right for once. 

Gemma Teller-Morrow

Gemma Teller-Morrow never had to drag her son into the life of motorcycles, guns, and crime, but every time Jax tried to leave she pulled him back. I think it's more than fair to say Gemma was driven by her own interests and would actively work against any others, which led to quite a few times where she offered bad advice. 

Evelyn Harper

Two And A Half Men's Evelyn Harper was a terrible mother, and in the small number of times she'd actually parent her sons, she had a litany of bad advice. Some would argue her upbringing is what led both Alan and Charlie to have such dysfunctional relationships with women, which I totally get. 

Livia Soprano

Livia Soprano gave out her fair share of bad advice, and even worse, tried to push it off like she was innocent in it all. Her subtly pushing Uncle Junior to put out a hit on Tony is just one of the moments that makes The Sopranos one of the best shows streaming on Max. 

Lucille Bluth

Neither Lucille or George Bluth were great parents when their kids were growing up, and that continued when they turned into adults. Whether it's her business advice to her children or the coddling of Buster, it's surprising the Arrested Development matriarch wasn't treated like a child more than the actual teens.  

Peg Bundy

Peg Bundy's parenting style was just about as outrageous as her clothing choices, but there's no denying she loved her kids. The mom from Married...with Children bucked just about every cultural norm of the traditional housewife, and wasn't the best at giving out advice. In her defense, she owned it, and never claimed to be someone she was not. 

Briana Barksdale

Not many mothers would convince their sons to not tell on drug dealers if it meant they'd spend a considerable time behind bars. Brianna Barksdale from The Wire isn't most people, however, and was able to convince her son, D'Angelo, to do just that rather than to sell the operation out to the authorities. She also managed to pull him back into the business when he'd try to pull away, so she's not winning mother of the year awards any time soon. 

Marie Barone

Raymond's mother, Marie, was number one at meddling, and would even use her advice as opportunities to conspire against her daughter-in-law, Debra. It seemed like Marie was always working an angle to get what she wanted, and she was not above doling out bad advice if it got her that much closer to the goal she ultimately had. 

Monica Gallagher

Monica Gallagher wasn't around her children often in Shameless, but did try to give advice with the best intentions. Unfortunately, someone in her position wasn't really able to always give the best advice even if she meant well, and the children often ended up trusting themselves more than their mother.  

As I mentioned before, some moms are better than others, and no mom is perfect. I'd reckon that, provided someone is at least making sure they aren't in line with the worst offenders on this list, they're doing a solid job. 

So, sometimes, certain characters become fan favorites when it comes to TV. They capture the interest of television viewers, and almost instantly, we are pulled into their stories. 

But sometimes, these characters that we love are repulsive human beings. They all have significant issues, whether evident at first or slightly subdued. Today, we'll be going over 32 TV characters that, at first, you might like but you would not want to be friends with in real life. 

Joe Goldberg (You)

This is an obvious one, but I have to put Joe Goldberg from You because there was a time when it seemed everyone was falling for this guy. He's the main character of the series and is played by the talented Penn Badgley. 

Look, I think the actor is handsome too, and Badgley can bring a sort of charisma to Joe that makes him hard to deny – hence why, every season, it seems like he can score some new woman. 

But don't get it twisted – Goldberg is a serial killer. He may think that he's killing people for the sake of his love to make sure all their problems are taken care of, but he's still killing people. And even in the fourth season, when he tries to be "better," he ends up just giving in to his dark side and deciding that killing is acceptable. He is as repulsive as a human as you can get. 

Andrea Harrison (The Walking Dead)

I watched all eleven seasons of The Walking Dead, and few characters annoyed me as much as Andrea – which makes sense since she was killed off quite early compared to the comics. She was whiney, trigger-happy, and always turned everyone down when it came to help – and she nearly killed Daryl, so instantly, that makes her the worst. 

Pete Campbell (Mad Men)

Mad Men was a huge show, and Pete Campbell was a prominent character. But man, this dude was the absolute worst. At first, he seems like a cocky businessman, a smug person who thinks he deserves everything. But as the seasons go on, he gets worse in every way possible. He would be in jail now if this were the real world for all he had done. 

Ross Geller (Friends)

I love the Friends cast just as much as the next person, but let's be honest – Ross Geller is awful. He may be hilarious in specific ways and sometimes sweet, but he's self-centered, has pretty bad anger issues, and cheated on Rachel. And no, they were not on a break. 

Merle Dixon (The Walking Dead)

Ironically, I didn't necessarily hate Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead – maybe because I was such a big fangirl of Daryl as a teenager – but he certainly wasn't my cup of tea. And now, years later, he was just a repulsive human being in many ways. While he did have a love for his little brother, Merle left people to die, killed innocents, and only had one redeemable moment – when the Governor killed him after releasing Michonne from her captivity. 

Dawson Leery (Dawson's Creek)

Yes, we all know that famous meme crying face, but have we ever talked about how the titular character or Dawson's Creek is the worst? Dawson Leery is a miserable crybaby who thinks just because he's a more likable guy than most, he deserves more when, in reality, he's just a whiner.

Lori Grimes (The Walking Dead)

While there have been plenty of female characters from shows that people have hated for no good reason, Lori Grimes from The Walking Dead was pretty bad – in many ways. Not only was she a major complainer about everything, but her significant repulsive action was that she slept with her husband's best friend not that long after he was supposedly left to die in a hospital – and then got pregnant with his baby. Judith is sweet and all, but come on. 

Piper Chapman (Orange Is The New Black)

The Orange is the New Black cast has plenty of great characters, but Piper Chapman, the main character the show follows, is probably one of the worst. She's selfish, doesn't know what she wants, and leads many people on. She also had a crazy power trip a few seasons in that turned her into a malicious person.

Will Schuester (Glee)

I'm sorry, Will Schuester from the Glee cast must be imprisoned. Let's push to the side that he sort of lays all his problems out for his students to see half the time – what kind of chorus teacher has his children sing adult songs like "Toxic" in front of the entirety of the school – and join in? Jailtime, right now. 

Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Everyone at this point knows how terrible Rory is, in so many ways. She may have been kind in earlier seasons, but she treats her mom horribly, doesn't take her advice well, drops out of school to run on with boys, and treats her significant others pretty terribly. She's awful. 

Madison Sinclair (Veronica Mars)

I usually give high school mean girls a pass because nine times out of ten, they're just going through something at home that makes them that way. But Madison Sinclair in Veronica Mars was as vicious of a mean girl as possible. And what makes it even worse is that she's still just as petty and malicious in the Veronica Mars film, so it's just her personality. 

Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)

There are several people from the Gossip Girl cast I can point out on this list, and one is Blair Waldorf. No, she does not get an excuse for being a teenage girl and making stupid decisions because she keeps making them as time goes on to get what she wants. She's the stereotypical rich girl. 

Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Let's be honest – if Sheldon Cooper were our friend, we wouldn't like him. Sure, the Big Bang Theory cast is extremely talented, including Jim Parsons, but the character of Sheldon Cooper is the worst. He's a know-it-all who has the emotional range of a teaspoon (in Hermione Granger's words) and would probably be the worst friend to have. 

Jenny Humphrey (Gossip Girl)

God, don't even get me started on Jenny Humphrey. She started the series as a pretty innocent girl on Gossip Girl, but it didn't take long for her to rebel and start doing pretty messed up stuff to fit in, and she just started getting worse and worse. I'm not surprised that her character was barely in the show by the time it ended. 

Santana Lopez (Glee)

Look, I love Glee just as much as the next person and Satana Lopez's vocals were some of the best on the show. She killed in every single solo she was in. And while a part of me is in love with her attitude and the fact that she's great representation for LGBTQ+ viewers, she's also kind of a jerk. Like actually. 

At least in the first few seasons, Santana is manipulative in the worst way possible, and if she was going down, she often dragged her friends down with her. It wasn't until later seasons we saw her break out of her shell more and learn to be kinder. 

Serena Joy (The Handmaid's Tale)

The Handmaid's Tale may be one of the best shows on Hulu, but Serena Joy is arguably one of the most despicable characters in the series. You can give me all the backstory into how she became the way that she is, but there is no denying that she is a massive reason why this oppressive society began, and there is nothing you can do or say that will make me forgive her, ever. 

Goku (Dragon Ball Franchise)

Nah, man. I may love anime and will introduce it to everyone, but if they say their favorite character is Goku from Dragon Ball, I'm unfriending them. Why? Because Goku is a deadbeat dad, and he leaves his family and children, especially Gohan, so much that it's a joke that Gohan isn't his kid. 

Erwin Smith (Attack On Titan)

I love Attack on Titan, and Erwin Smith was a part of some of the best arcs of the franchise. But my guy was almost too into the idea of what lay beyond the Walls of Paradis – so much that he's willing to sacrifice hundreds – if not thousands – of the lives of young soldiers just to win a battle. I don't care if you're an army commander – that's pretty messed up, no matter how dire the situation is. He's a kick-butt character, don't get me wrong, but also not that good of a person.

Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)

We can all laugh at Barney Stinson from the How I Met Your Mother cast as much as we want, but if we met a real-life Stinson, we'd all hate him. He's the definition of a womanizer and has the attitude to match in many ways.

Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)

Nope. No. I don't care if he's marketed as the "bad boy," he and Blaire are an entertaining but toxic Gossip Girl relationship and, more so, a horrible person. No random acts of kindness can make up for how bad he truly is. 

Dwight Schrute (The Office)

Dwight Schrute can take a vegetable beat and suck it – but on a real note, he isn't a great person. The Office cast is exceptionally talented, and yeah, Rainn Wilson certainly gives some humorous moments as Dwight. Still, at the same time, I'm pretty sure the office worker has some OCD with how he micromanages his job and others around him and will sacrifice anyone to get to the top.

George Costanza (Seinfeld)

The Seinfeld cast is full of characters that are all pretty bad in many ways, but let's be honest and say that George Costanza is one of the worst – if not the worst. He may be funny, but he's done some pretty bad things to get ahead in life or out of precarious situations. His frugality even led to the death of his fiance after buying toxic envelopes because they were cheap. 

Angelica Pickles (Rugrats)

No, she does not get a pass because she is a child – Angelica Pickles got her start as a mean girl early in her life with how she treated those babies, and what makes it worse is that she's still a brat in the spinoff, All Grown Up. I don't know who took her bottle away at a young age, but she's just awful. 

Brian (Family Guy)

While Brian is biologically a dog, he's practically a human in the way he speaks in Family Guy and man, has this "hilarious" dog done some messed up stuff. There is not another character that's as self-righteous as this dog, where he thinks he's just better than any other person and always uses that against them. It just makes him so unlikable. 

Dennis Reynolds (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

I mean, do we even really need to explain this that much? Dennis Reynolds, at first, seems like a typical narcissistic male – a womanizer who thinks he's better than most just because his daddy has money. But there are some severe cracks in his mental state and moments where you wonder if this dude would let you walk out of a hookup with him.

Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

I love Jujutsu Kaisen, but Gojo is also a repulsive human being. Yes, I know he's the anime boy that everyone – even some of my closest friends – seems to have a crush on, but he's as selfish as they come and always thinks he'll win everything just because he's powerful. I'm also pretty sure he would sacrifice innocent lives to live, and that's pretty repulsive. 

Ned Flanders (The Simpsons)

There are plenty of popular The Simpsons characters that I could talk about, but Ned Flanders is a pretty repulsive person. I know, at first, he seems like a friendly neighbor, but as the series progresses, he gets more wrapped up in this radical religious mindset. Don't get me wrong, it's alright for you to have your faith – but when you push it on others like Flanders begins to do, that's never the right choice. 

Charlie Harper (Two And A Half Men)

It's his character to be repulsive, but I feel like we've all let that slide because it's Charlie Sheen, and he's funny as Charlie Harper. But if we all met a real-life Charlie Harper, we wouldn't want to be close or even related to him, no matter how many times we watch Two And A Half-Men. 

Eric Forman (That '70s Show)

At first, Eric Forman seems agreeable, but when you rewatch That 70s Show, he is one of the worst characters here. He's just lazy and uses that as an excuse for so many things, and also, he does not deserve the angel that is Donna. 

Debbie Gallagher (Shameless)

Oh, Debbie. At first, Debbie Gallagher of the Shameless cast felt like a misguided teenager who needed someone to help her, but then she got an attitude. And then it got worse. And then she purposefully got pregnant at fifteen. What? It's no wonder Fiona practically lost her mind with this family. 

Rachel Berry (Glee)

Rachel Berry is the type of theater kid that you would never want to be friends with. In Glee, she makes everything about herself, always strives to steal opportunities from others, and even when she goes through something terrible, it doesn't feel like she grows up at all. I could never understand why Finn dated her. 

Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother)

There are so many things wrong with Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother, so much so that I could write an entire article about them. He would continuously pursue women no matter what despite trying to find the perfect match and still somehow ended up with Robin in the end, even after his wife passed away – which isn't right. 

There are plenty of other characters that I could add to this list, but let's cap it there – and now, I feel the need to check out different characters that make me happier than some of these horrible ones. 

Cameron Monaghan's had many memorable roles over the years, from playing Ian Gallagher as part of the cast of Shameless (one of the best Showtime shows) for over a decade, to Cal Kestis in the single-player video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel Jedi: Survivor (for which he was trained by the one, the only Mark Hamill). But if there's one role we really want to see the actor reprise, it's The Joker.

Monaghan recently revealed his wish of a potential live-action debut for his Star Wars character, telling The Direct while at FanExpo Vancouver 2024 that he would return to the role of Cal Kestis on the big screen under specific conditions:

And while it would undoubtedly be cool to see Cameron's Jedi Knight on the silver screen and learn how the character would fit into the existing Star Wars movies, we can't help but selfishly want to see Monaghan step back into the shoes (or the suit, so long as it gets dry-cleaned first) of one of his other famous characters: Jeremiah Valeska, who serves as the origins of the comic-book supervillain The Joker on the Fox superhero drama Gotham. 

Monaghan portrayed both Jeremiah and his nihilistic twin Jerome Valeska on the crime drama, until the latter's eventual death, with Jeremiah acting as the show's resident Joker equivalent through its end in April 2019. 

The role of the Joker is no doubt a daunting one for an actor—both the late, great Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix earned Academy Awards for playing the Clown Prince of Crime onscreen, though Monaghan proclaimed that he actively avoided watching the latter for his own performance's sake. He has previously told CinemaBlend about portraying the famous villain: 

Of course, with Gotham off the air, it's unclear in what project or even medium Monaghan's Jeremiah/Joker can crop up, especially now that we have an entirely new Joker in Barry Keoghan, who briefly appeared in 2022's The Batman and will likely reprise the role for The Batman: Part 2. But we're still holding out hope that, somehow, Cameron's crazy-brilliant Jeremiah Valeska will be back again. In the meantime, sure, a Jedi will do too. 

It's often said that the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries divided by a common language. They are also two countries that share a lot of entertainment crossover. When Hollywood tries to adapt hit British shows, both of those things are true. Sometimes the best British shows adapt perfectly, sometimes, they totally bomb in the U.S. Here is a list of times Hollywood tried to adapt British shows, and what the results were. 

The Office

The British version of The Office made Ricky Gervais a worldwide star. When it was adapted by NBC for the U.S. market fans were skeptical. The U.S. version quickly forged its own identity, after lifting quite a few jokes in the early episodes. Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is a doofus, like Gervais' David Brent, but he's not as mean, and the show has a softer heart than the British version. 

American Idol

Pop Idol was a runaway hit in the U.K., so it was only a matter of time before it was brought over to the U.S. In fact, the same team that made it a success in Britain, creator Simon Fuller and judge Simon Cowell, came with it, and brought American Idol to Hollywood. The rest, of course, is history. 

Shameless

The British Shameless debuted in 2004 to wild acclaim and ran for 139 episodes over 11 seasons. About seven years later to the day, the American version premiered on Showtime. It was a huge success, running for a total of 134 episodes, also over 11 seasons. 

Cuckoo

BBC Three had an immediate hit on its hands with Cuckoo. Season 1 revolves around Andy Samberg as an American hippie who is a fish out of water after marrying into a typical British family. Samberg left the show due to other commitments after the first season, but the show continued to be a success for four more seasons. That success was impossible to ignore, and in 2015 NBC ordered a pilot, with Michael Chiklis and Cheryl Hines starring, though the show wasn't picked up. 

Top Gear

Around 2010, one could make the argument that BBC's Top Gear was the most popular TV show in the world. It was shown in dozens of countries each week and was wildly popular in its home country. That led to international versions all over the globe, including the first American version, which ran for six seasons, starting in 2010. A reboot, Top Gear America, aired for three more seasons starting in 2017. 

Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Stars wrapped up its incredible 32nd season in December of 2023. It's hard to believe the wildly successful show has been on since 2005. DWTS was born from the also-massively successful Strictly Come Dancing in the U.K., which first aired about a year earlier, in 2004, on BBC One. 

Skins

During its seven-season run on E4 in the United Kingdom, Skins proved to be both controversial and very popular. That popularity led to an American version produced and aired by MTV in 2011. The controversy followed Skins, but the popularity did not and the show was canceled after just one season. 

Veep

HBO's Veep ran for seven amazing seasons, winning countless awards, and again proving HBO is the most consistently great network for original content. The Julia Louis-Dreyfus vehicle was based on a British show, The Thick of It, which, like Veep, was created by Armando Iannucci, and was similarly lauded over its four-season run. 

Dear John

NBC had a magical run of successful sitcoms in the 1980s and '90s. One of those, Dear John, starring Judd Hirsch, was taken from a popular British sitcom of the same name (not to be confused with the Taylor Swift song, also of the same name). Both shows revolved around a recently separated man trying to find his way by joining a divorce support group. 

Undercover Boss

Undercover Boss has been one of the most popular shows on American television for years now. Like so many other reality shows, it has its origins in the U.K. It started small there, with just two episodes in the first series in 2009, but it, like the U.S. version, has also been wildly popular in the years since. 

Antiques Roadshow

Is there anything more quintessentially British than Antiques Roadshow? First airing on BBC One in 1979, it has since aired hundreds and hundreds of episodes. It took a while for the Americans to get on board, but in 1997, PBS launched its version and it too has now aired hundreds of episodes. The format remains very popular on both sides of the pond. 

Cracker

The British detective show Cracker, starring the late, great Robbie Coltrane, has an enduring legacy in the U.K. The same cannot be said for the American version, starring the late Robert Pastorelli, which aired for less than one season in 1997 and 1998. 

Us & Them

Us & Them was a very short-lived sitcom starring Jason Ritter as Gavin and Alexis Bledel as Stacey. Originally intended to air on Fox in 2013, it didn't see the light of day until seven episodes streamed on Crackle in 2018. In the U.K., the show it was based on, Gavin & Stacey, helped make James Corden a star. 

House Of Cards

For American viewers, it might be hard to believe a show as American as House Of Cards would come out of a British series, but it did. The Netflix drama was inspired by a mini-series of the same name, itself based on a book, that first aired in the U.K. in 1990, and followed a similar plot line and production style. 

Too Close For Comfort

Keep It in the Family was a popular sitcom in the early 1980s on ITV in the U.K. The concept of a patriarch living in a house with his daughters in an attached apartment proved a success in the U.S. as well when it was adapted as Too Close For Comfort starring Ted Knight. 

Ghosts

When the 2023 Writers Strike halted the production of CBS's hit Ghosts, the network filled the airtime with the British show it was based on, also called Ghosts. Both shows have proven to be wildly popular with critics and viewers alike, on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Mad Dogs

The psychological thriller Mad Dogs launched on Sky1 in the United Kingdom in 2011 and had a successful five series run. The U.S. version starring Ben Chaplin, Billy Zane, and Michael Imperioli, however, was less successful. Despite solid reviews and what seemed like a decent audience on Amazon Prime, Mad Dogs wasn't picked up for a second season by the streamer

Trading Spaces

It's hard to understand why someone would choose to go on Trading Spaces. It sounds like a nightmare to have someone else decorate your house. Yet, the concept has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. First with the British show Changing Rooms, then later with Trading Spaces.

Life On Mars

The best word to describe the BBC series Life On Mars is "cool." The show, about a police officer who goes back in time to the '70s, oozed cool. 1970s Manchester, England was a wild place and the show depicts it brilliantly. The U.S. version, which aired in 2008 and 2009, was less cool. Despite some great sets and great performances from all the stars, it just didn't have the same cool factor and didn't work as well. 

MasterChef

Gordon Ramsey may be English, but he's a star in both countries. One of his biggest hits in the U.S. is MasterChef, a show that first aired in the U.K. in 1990, though he's never been a judge on his home country's version. Still, the format has worked in both the U.S. and the U.K. for years now. 

Payne

One of the most beloved shows in British television history is Faulty Towers starring John Cleese. The show, though just 12 episodes in total, has remained a favorite for decades. There have been multiple attempts to recreate the show in the United States over the years, including Payne, starring John Larroquette. The show lasted just nine episodes on CBS in 1999 before being canceled for low ratings. 

The Great American Baking Show

There is no question that The Great British Bake Off is wildly successful in both the U.K. and the U.S. The American version, The Great American Baking Show has been less of a success, but still somewhat popular. It just doesn't have the same charm as the original. 

Kitchen Nightmares

Who doesn't love watching Gordon Ramsey take apart entitled restaurant owners in Kitchen Nightmares? The show, which was revived in 2023 as Fox went all in on Ramsey after a nearly decade-long hiatus, was born from Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, which was a hit in the U.K. The shows are similar in format, Ramsey visits a failing business and helps revive it, but the tone of the shows are very different. Gordon is much more bombastic in the U.S. version. 

Free Agents

Free Agents is a weird one. It was a moderately successful show on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, but not enough, one would think, to warrant a go in the United States. Yet, in 2011, NBC did have a go, and the results were unremarkable, as the show was canceled after just four episodes aired. 

The Minister Of Divine

The Vicar of Dibley is one of the most popular British sitcoms of all time. It's even been a hit on PBS in the United States. It is also uniquely British and the idea that it could be adapted in the U.S. is, frankly, silly. Yet, that's exactly what Fox tried to do in 2007 with The Minister of Divine starring Kirstie Alley. It was, predictably, a bomb, airing just the pilot episode and nothing else. 

Not Necessarily The News

HBO has been putting out great original content from its beginning and one of the earliest examples was Not Necessarily the News, which aired throughout the '80s. It was basically a comedic fake news show, and was based on hit British show, Not the Nine O'Clock News.

Queer As Folk

The cultural impact of Showtime's Queer as Folk was monumental. The show pioneered showing same-sex relationships on U.S. television. The British version of the same name did similar in the U.K. It starred a young Charlie Hunnam and Aidan Gillen in the U.K., and the drama translated perfectly to U.S. audiences. 

Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen was created by Gordon Ramsey in 2004 for ITV in the United Kingdom. The bombastic TV star left the show to other chefs after the first season when he brought the concept to U.S. televisions in 2005. The show has gone on to massive ratings ever since. 

Sanford And Son

Yep, that's right, even a show as American as Sanford and Son has British roots. the Redd Foxx-led '70s sitcom that lived on for years in syndication was inspired by the British show Steptoe and Son from the BBC in the mid-1960s. 

All In The Family

No show defines 1970s America like All in the Family. It highlights everything right and wrong about America, but it isn't uniquely American. Creator Norman Lear, who died in 2023 at age 101, based the show on Till Death Us Do Part, which was a popular BBC sitcom in the '60s. 

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Even game shows have been imported from the British Isles to North America. The most notable is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Launched in 1998 in the U.K., it wasn't long before a U.S. version was created, debuting with massive ratings in the summer of 1999. More than 3,000 episodes of the American version have aired since then. 

Gracepoint

The murder-mystery show Broadchurch was very successful during its run on ITV in Great Britain. Even though it was shown on BBC America, it was never very popular in the U.S. Still, that didn't stop Fox from ordering a limited series called Gracepoint in 2014. It even brought in one of the stars of Broadchurch, former Dr. Who star David Tennant. It was a moderate success. 

The Prisoner

The 1960s ITV sci-fi show The Prisoner is one of those shows that even if you don't know it, something you love was probably inspired by it. Long considered one of the most influential shows in television history, it was finally rebooted for an American audience in 2009 in a joint production between AMC and ITV, starring Jim Caviezel as Number 6. It was cool, but not nearly as impactful as the original. 

Sometimes the ideas work and sometimes they don't, but you can be sure that ideas and content will continue to flow back and forth between the United Kingdom and the United States. We can't wait to see what happens in the future. 

Before Jeremy Allen White made a splash on the 2023 movie schedule in The Iron Claw and got everyone saying “Yes, chef!” after seeing one of Hulu’s best shows, The Bear, he was best known as Lip Gallagher from Showtime’s Shameless. The Emmy-nominated actor played the second oldest Gallagher sibling for eleven seasons, and to this day, he’s close with that cast. However, when he was auditioning for the series, he actually wanted to play a different role in the dramedy.

We all have come to know and love Jeremy Allen White as Lip when it comes to Shameless. However, when he was a guest on Just for Variety, he revealed he originally wanted to play Ian, the slightly younger Gallagher who was ultimately played by Cameron Monaghan. Speaking about the audition process, and his thoughts surrounding the news back then, White said:

On the surface, Ian might seem like the more complex character to play of the two. Between his relationship with Mickey and his storyline surrounding him being diagnosed as bipolar, there was a lot to dig into for Ian. However, the same can be said about Lip. As the second oldest sibling, he was tasked with taking care of his younger siblings, and his struggle with embracing his intelligence to move up and being stuck in the brutal cycle of poverty was one of the most compelling arcs of Shameless to me.

As White said, he really came around to playing Lip, and he has a lot of love for Cameron Monaghan and the entire Shameless cast. Also, these two guys have such great chemistry as Lip and Ian, and I can’t imagine anyone else in their roles. 

While White was candid about not necessarily wanting to play Lip at first, he grew to love him and the show. Now that he’s a few years removed from Shameless, he looks back on his time fondly, and he even told Vanity Fair that if he were to get a tattoo, it’d be for his character from the Showtime staple: 

To this day, the cast is tight, for example, the Shameless family reunited for the SAG-AFTRA strikes on multiple occasions, and they came together to celebrate the holidays a few years ago. Their love for each other speaks to how well this show was cast, and it seems like Jeremy Allen White is very grateful for that now, even though he wanted to play Ian at first. 

Hopefully, someday, we’ll get to see Jeremy Allen White and Cameron Monaghan share the screen again. While that may be a dream, luckily, we can always see these two anytime we want as the beloved brothers Lip and Ian by streaming Shameless with a Netflix subscription. 

In a world that is surrounded by some of the best television shows ever, from the best programs on Netflix to the best series on Max, there have been plenty that have won Outstanding Drama, Comedy or Limited or Anthology Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards. A few I could think of are Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Ted Lasso, Modern Family and many more. 

There are also so many shows that have never won any of these awards. Despite their impressive reputations or stellar casts, these 32 shows have never won Best Series in any category at the Emmys. Prepare to have your mind blown.

This Is Us 

This Is Us was a famous NBC show known for its brilliant storytelling and episodes that always found a way to make you cry. It was led by a brilliant This Is Us cast which included Sterling K. Brown (who won an Emmy for this show), Milo Ventimiglia and more. Somehow, the series never won Outstanding Drama at the Emmys. What's even worse is Mandy Moore never won an Emmy for her portrayal of the matriarch of the Pearson family. That, in itself, is a sin. 

Shameless

Yes, I know that in the later years of Shameless, the episodes didn't feel the same without Emmy Rossum as part of the fearless Shameless cast. However, the first few seasons of the dramedy became some of the best television at the time – and one of the best Showtime shows. And still, it never won Outstanding Comedy. 

Enlightened 

Enlightened only ran for two seasons, but they were full of great acting, a fun story, and so much more. Plus, it was led by the legend Laura Dern. The series, however, was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. The only nomination that came through was for Dern, and she didn't win. 

The Walking Dead

Say what you want about The Walking Dead, but as someone who watched all eleven seasons of the show, those first five were excellent television. The only praise this show ever got in the Emmy world was for its visual and practical effects on the zombies – but the acting and the show as a whole? It went completely over the heads of those who chose the nominations. 

Dickinson 

Dickinson was one of the best Apple TV+ original shows. I fully believe this series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy because it flew under the radar at first as one of the streaming platforms' first series. Hailee Steinfeld at least should have garnered a nomination, but there was no love for this series. 

Parks And Recreation

You're probably shocked to see this on the list, but Parks and Recreation never won a single Emmy Award. The show was top-rated and well-known for its talented Parks and Recreation cast, but not even Amy Poehler won the Emmy for her lead performance in the show. And the series, while nominated twice for Outstanding Comedy, never won.  

Dexter

I still believe Dexter is worth rewatching despite its later seasons being less than stellar. But the first four seasons of Dexter are classic TV. The plot twists are great, the acting is fantastic, and the backstory behind the serial killer is one of the best in Showtime history. While the series was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series several times, it never won. 

The Wire

I know. The Wire is one of the best shows in HBO history and television in general. And yet, somehow, the series never won any Emmy awards. It was never even nominated for Outstanding Drama. The only praise the Television Academy ever gave it was in the form of its writing – which was excellent, understandably – but come on, only that? 

The Brady Bunch

This sitcom from the 1970s is considered one of the most well-known and created several spinoffs. It also spawned one of the best-known TV catchphrases ever ("Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"), yet somehow, this series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy -- or a single other Emmy award.

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders has gained a lot more popularity over the last few years thanks to the growing stardom of Cillian Murphy from the Oppenheimer cast, but this show was one of the best the BBC had to offer. It featured several other major stars too, like Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Hardy, Sam Claflin, and many more, and it was a fantastic story. But it was never nominated for a single Primetime Emmy Award. I'm upset even writing that down. 

Doctor Who

Doctor Who is one of those shows that has ebbed and flowed in quality. Some doctors have been great, others have been forgettable. But you can't deny the impact this series has had and the stories it tells with its most excellent doctors. And yet, Doctor Who has never been recognized in terms of acting, writing, or anything at the Emmys. The only nomination it ever got was for Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program in 2020.  

Better Call Saul

When Better Call Saul was confirmed after Breaking Bad, many believed it would never live up to its predecessor. Still, the prequel series about Saul Goodman was almost as good as the original – and to some, it's even better. But while Better Call Saul was nominated several times for Outstanding Drama, it has never won. 

Hannibal

Hannibal was a tremendous psychological horror-thriller that aired for three seasons and told stories that would blow the minds of anyone who watched it. It was scary and psychological and everything you could want – but it was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. 

New Girl

I loved New Girl and will rewatch it over and over again, but it seems like the Emmys forgot about the popular sitcom series after its first season. New Girl was only nominated for a few awards in 2012, not even for Outstanding Comedy Series. After that, it wasn't nominated again. 

Parenthood 

Parenthood lasted six seasons and had some of the best writing about modern-day family life. It is a more dramedy version of Modern Family. But the only person who ever got recognition for the show at the Emmys was Jason Ritter, and that was for a guest appearance on the series. 

Chuck

Starring Zachary Levi, Chuck was the spy drama that everyone enjoyed when it first came out in 2007, and it lasted for five seasons. But despite the show's fun nature and entertaining stories, it was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. Its stunt work did receive some praise, though. 

The Good Place

This one surprised me when I found out, but The Good Place and The Good Place cast have never won an Emmy award. The show was nominated for 14, including Outstanding Comedy Series, but aside from that, it has never actually won an award. Considering the love this show got, that's very shocking – almost as much as the twist in Season 1. 

Narcos

Narcos was one of those crime drama TV shows that took the world by storm and has only gained more popularity over the last several years, especially with Pedro Pascal's rise to fame. But the series, which told the story of Pablo Escobar, was only ever nominated for Creative Arts Emmy Awards, and never for Outstanding Drama. 

Chappelle's Show

Dave Chappelle is hands down one of the most influential voices in comedy and sketch television. Chappelle's Show is an excellent example of that, showcasing the comedian in some of the funniest sketches of the 21st century. However, the series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. It was, however, nominated for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series but didn't win. 

The Flight Attendant 

Kaley Cuoco is known for her role in the Big Bang Theory cast, but it's a sin that people don't talk about her incredible performance in The Flight Attendant more. And while she and the show were nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, it never won. 

Daredevil

Daredevil was one of the best Marvel TV shows on Netflix, lasting for three seasons and telling authentic superhero stories that didn't seem as intense as aliens invading from the galaxy. Instead, it was a much more grounded show with excellent battle sequences. But despite its popularity, Daredevil was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. Maybe Daredevil: Born Again will earn that privilege – only time will tell. 

Married…With Children

Married…with Children was one of the best sitcoms of the late 1980s to 1990s, lasting ten years and eleven seasons, and it brought up one of the best-known names in comedic television, Ed O'Neill. But this series, despite its long run, never won a single Emmy Award. Talk about the definition of snub. 

Station Eleven

Station Eleven was a miniseries that came out of Max (previously HBO Max), an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel, and was one of the best post-apocalyptic TV shows out there. However, while the miniseries received praise, it was not nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

WandaVision

There was a rumor that WandaVision would be a multi-season series, but it was put into the Emmys as Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Of all the MCU shows on Disney+, the show was a huge hit but didn't win at the Emmys. 

The Leftovers

The Leftovers was an excellent supernatural series that showed what would happen when 2% of the world's population suddenly vanished without a trace. The series was popular and featured a fascinating story. But the show was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. 

Perry Mason

Perry Mason is an HBO series people adored, but it didn't live as long as it should have, because it was canceled by Max after Season 2. On top of that sad news, it hasn't been nominated for Outstanding Drama at all. The only people who have received praise are Matthew Rhys and John Lithgow, both of whom have only been nominated and not won.

Star Trek

While the Star Trek franchise has gone on for many years, the original Star Trek series (the one that pioneered and started it all) was never nominated for a single Emmy Award. This show, which meant so much to so many people, didn't even get to compete in this prestigious awards competition. But no matter – we'll always live long and prosper without an Emmy win. 

Jane The Virgin

I know it's rare for some of the best CW shows to get nominated for Primetime Emmys, but Jane the Virgin should have been a contender. The series features an original idea, bold storytelling, and the impressive Jane the Virgin cast. And yet, the Emmys never gave it the praise it deserved. In fact, only the narrator was nominated. 

BoJack Horseman

There are some excellent adult animated shows on Netflix, and BoJack Horseman stands out as one of them. The series is a realistic telling of what it's like to fall out of the spotlight in Hollywood and what can happen to people. Despite its acclaim, the series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy at the Emmys. It did get two nominations for Outstanding Animated Program, but it deserved Comedy. 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

I could not think of a better example of a show that deserved way more Emmy love than Buffy the Vampire Slayer in its earlier seasons. The show, led by Sarah Michelle Gellar, is a staple in supernatural television. However, it has yet to receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series.

Oz

Oz is considered one of the best TV shows ever, taking place in a men's prison and following the stories of prisoners over six seasons. However, despite its reputation and impact on TV, it was never nominated for Outstanding Drama. The only actor who was nominated in the series was Charles S. Dutton for a guest appearance on the show. 

Mindhunter

Mindhunter, starring Jonathan Groff, was an excellent TV show on Netflix from director David Fincher, and everyone was sad when Season 3 was confirmed never. The series was fantastic and featured storytelling unlike any other. But despite its fresh tales and incredible acting, Mindhunter was never nominated for Outstanding Drama. It's such a shame. 

Even more TV shows have never won these types of Emmys, but these are just some of the first that come to mind. But now, I know I need to rewatch some of these to give them the love they deserve – or have fun showing them to others—time for a binge-fest. 

I'm a massive fan of television. It started when I was young and watched hours of Disney Channel shows, but of course, it has now expanded into the world of adult television through several different genres – drama, comedy, horror, you name it, and I've probably watched it. I had to do something while at home when the pandemic had us confined to our homes. 

But in my time watching show after show, various options started out fantastic. They had excellent plots, brilliant storytelling, and great acting, then slowly dwindled. From terrible, horrible TV show endings or shows that dipped in quality over time, here are 30+ great shows that lost their way by the end. 

The Walking Dead

Do you want to hear a fun fact about myself? I watched The Walking Dead until the bitter end, and the emotional Walking Dead finale made me cry a ton. But man, it definitely could have been better. 

The Walking Dead started hot when it first aired and had a pretty steady and brilliantly told storyline until about Season 6, and then when Andrew Lincoln ended up leaving, it all started to tumble down the weeds. 

While we have a good amount of fan favorites coming back for The Walking Dead universe shows, it never quite picked itself up after that when the show was one the series to be watching. 

Lost 

Lost is known now for its awful finale, but truthfully, the entirety of the series had a downfall slump. The main reason is that it was literally consumed by all the mysteries that needed to be solved by the end of the series, and somehow, the show 'lost' itself that way. And, of course, we don't even need to talk about the horrible ending. I hadn't even watched the show then; it was all I heard about for weeks. 

Riverdale 

I remember writing long ago that I had plenty of issues with Riverdale, but I never expected it to turn into the off-brand MCU because that's exactly what happened somehow and they all had powers. And then, in the last season, the main group went back in time somehow. What the heck? What happened? 

This hit CW show started so good with the murder mystery, and then it just tumbled completely.

Game Of Thrones

So I'll be honest here and say that I have rewatched Game of Thrones, and plenty of it still holds up, but you can tell it starts to dip in quality at the very beginning of Season 7 – maybe even Season 6, though I did love "Battle of the Bastards."

Even so, the Game of Thrones ending is pretty much considered one of the worst of the 2010s, and as a hardcore Daenerys supporter, I fully stand by that. They did my girl – and almost all of these characters – dirty. 

The Office

The Office is another clear-cut example of when a main character leaves, the show starts to fall apart. The hit sitcom did try to pick itself up after Steve Carell left in Season 7, but it never reached the heights of where it once was. I was glad we saw him for the finale, but it never felt the same.

Heroes

The first season of any show is crucial, and Heroes had one of the best, featuring the story of ordinary people who discover they have superhuman abilities. This was the superhero show before all the MCU shows started to take over. 

But then Season 2 came along, and this show went downhill fast. It was just horrendously bad, and I, for one, struggled to get through the rest of the seasons after that. 

Westworld

Westworld had everything going for it: a fantastic idea, an excellent Westworld cast, and, the best yet, the funding of HBO to truly take this world into the new age. 

But then both Season 2 and Season 3 happened, and the plot got so convoluted I could barely keep up with it, and all the characters I once loved, I  ended up hating. And then the fourth season came and it’s just so different from what we were given. Unsurprisingly, it was canceled after the fourth season when backlash started to grow more and reviews went down.

That '70s Show 

I don't know what it is about Season 7 and some sitcoms, but that was the case for That '70s Show, when Topher Grace, who played Eric Foreman, left the show. And, of course, it never recovered. I don't care if he did appear in That '90s Show; it just doesn't feel the same. 

How I Met Your Mother

I don't need to get into this. How I Met Your Mother was great, from the fantastic cast to the comedy to Barney and his jokes, but the intensely divisive ending ruined everything. It just did. I can't return to the series and only recommend finishing it to some.

Weeds 

Weeds is a black comedy that ran for several seasons on Showtime and tells the story of a widowed mother who starts selling marijuana to support her family. And while the first few seasons were great, the rest were very different. It felt like another show in its later seasons, and by the end (102 episodes), the plot didn't feel remotely similar to how it was in the first season. 

Glee

There is so much to like about Glee. The Glee cast is incredibly talented, and the best Glee covers still top my playlists, but the story took a nosedive after Season 3. Both Season 1 and Season 2 were great, and Season 3 was alright but still enjoyable, but Season 4-6 was just an utter catastrophe of a story that was only saved by some of the brilliant voices on that show. Other than that, it can stay locked away at McKinley High. 

Supernatural

Supernatural was an excellent fantasy series about two brothers hunting down demons, ghosts, and monsters. And I did enjoy this series until the end, but it certainly was not the same show from the beginning. Many plot points needed to be clarified, and there was plenty of fan service, so as much as I like my spooky boys, it didn't need to be like this. 

The Big Bang Theory 

So I'll fully say that The Big Bang Theory is a great show, but this is another case where it feels that the last few seasons were there just for the money. There was no impressive story to be told, and the characters experienced little growth. It was just a dive into obscurity.

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars was just an unnecessary drag. Again, a murder mystery is always good, but when the puzzle doesn't make sense towards the end, it makes the show that much harder to follow. And not only that, but the main characters weren't still in high school by the end. They were in college and out in the working world – this should have been just a high school story. 

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl should have just ended after a few seasons, but it went on because it was the biggest show ever at the time. The series was fun until the later seasons, where the reveal of who Gossip Girl is was utterly disappointing and nonsensical. Not only that, but the finale – and final season overall – felt rushed. 

Two And A Half Men

Fun fact – I just binge-watched all of Two and a Half Men not long ago and I enjoyed it – until about Season 10. 

Charlie Sheen did bring a certain vibe to the show that Ashton Kutcher couldn't, but he did keep the show going for about two seasons before it started to fall apart more than it already had. 

Euphoria 

Okay, so Euphoria technically is still ongoing. However, I'm still determining if we'll even get Season 3 ever since the tragic passing of Angus Cloud. I'd be fine if it ends with two seasons. 

The first season of Euphoria was great television, but the second was so out there and had so many plot points that didn't make sense. The acting was the only thing that saved it because that's always great. But other than that? There's little to love about Season 2. Some things were improved, but others weren't. 

Gilmore Girls

We all like to turn on Gilmore Girls when the fall comes around, but have we forgotten that the ending is terrible? And that Rory's character is utterly destroyed by the end of it? Yeah, I thought so – and the revival didn't do an excellent job of making it any better. 

Killing Eve

The first two seasons of Killing Eve were brilliant, and I loved watching this cat-and-mouse game. But then the next two seasons' plots fell apart entirely, and it led to characters that really shouldn't have been featured getting the spotlight, followed by an ending that fans are not super happy with. 

13 Reasons Why

I liked 13 Reasons Why during its first season because it told a bold message about the effects of bullying and words. But this show should have remained just a miniseries because the seasons that followed were unnecessary and ultimately dissolve the point of the first season when they somehow try to redeem Bryce (the assaulter). 

Scrubs 

Scrubs ran for nine seasons and took the world by storm with its medical comedy mixed with drama. Plus, viewers got to know Dave Franco for the first time. But the later seasons feel like messy attempts to try and make funny jokes that do not land and a story that is not there at all. 

Suits 

I know Suits was wildly popular on Netflix in August 2023, but the series is just ok to me compared to many other great legal dramas. Don't get me wrong, the first few seasons are great television, but as the show goes on and the cases become stranger and more unique, it's different from the show it originally was. 

Bones

Twelve seasons happened for Bones, and the show was alright, but everything was dragged out so long that by the time there was a payoff, there were barely any more fans to care as much. And not only that, but the story would become more convoluted as time passed. I won't spoil anything, but it's a hard watch for later seasons. 

Community 

Okay, hear me out; I love this show and the Community cast, but let's be honest: Seasons 4, 5 and 6 were not the best. Both Season 4 and 5 were bad, and while Season 6 was getting a little better, it was nowhere near as good as the first three seasons of this show. I'm hoping that the Community movie will bring that level of comedy back.

Money Heist 

The thing about Money Heist is that it was so much fun at first. Was it over the top? Yes, totally, but that's what made it fun to watch. But then, as the series went on, it just got ridiculous with its story, and nothing made sense.

Once Upon A Time

Admittedly, I was a big Once Upon a Time fan because I loved Disney movies, but by the time this show ended, it felt like a Disney cash grab using the most famous names from their list of princesses and characters to make a buck. Elsa somehow even made it into this show. The story didn't mean anything anymore.  

True Blood

I put this on here because I know how badly my mother and father hated the ending of True Blood, and I decided to watch it. Not only did the series' narrative completely fall apart by the finale, but the characters were making choices and decisions that didn't align with what the story had set up for years before. Nothing made sense. 

Dexter

I enjoyed watching Dexter for the first time, and I actually say Dexter is worth re-watching, but I can see why most people don't watch it after Season 5 nowadays. The story certainly takes a dip in quality, and the ending is only for some and is controversial for a reason. I do think Dexter: New Blood made up for it a bit. 

Shameless

Shameless was my favorite TV show, but after Emmy Rossum left, it was always different. The Gallagher family dynamic fell apart, and nothing ever flowed as well. Rossum wasn't even there for the finale, making it feel even more incomplete. 

The Vampire Diaries

Do I even need to get into this? The Vampire Diaries died when Nina Dobrev left, and the story fell apart. I don't care what spinoffs there are; you can't make me watch them. 

Modern Family

Don't even get me started on Haley in this show or any of the choices these characters make at the end of Modern Family that make me want to rip my hair out. I will go on for hours. This show was so good until it wasn't, and it drove me mad. 

House Of Cards

House of Cards was a brilliant drama on Netflix, but of course, the central star, Kevin Spacey, faced several allegations of sexual misconduct, so it had to shift course – and from there, it just fell apart. It should have been canceled once Kevin Spacey. 

All of these shows are worthy of a single watch, but maybe not a rewatch. There is plenty of great drama here, but I can also live without it. Either way, I'll go check out Breaking Bad for the umpteenth time – that'll never let me down. 

Having a long-running TV show is a tricky thing. Namely because quality can ebb and flow depending on the season, for even the most acclaimed projects. Most shows have at least one clunker of a year, whether it be in the beginning of the series, the final season, or somewhere in between. And I've picked the worst season from 32 major television shows. Let's break it all down.

To be clear: this isn't to say that these seasons are unwatchable or made me dislike the show at a whole. Well... mostly. But these are the installments of major shows that simply didn't stand up to the rest of its run. Here are those shows, including major titles like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and more. 

Lost - Season 6

Damon Lindelof and J.J. Abrams' Lost was quintessential water cooler programming at the height of its run on ABC. But there were a few seasons that failed to really resonate with fans, including Season 6. The final season's big mystery was surrounding its flash sideways, which was finally revealed in Lost's controversial series finale. And it's for the way that it attempted to stick the landing that makes Season 6 the worst.

Dexter Season 8

There are a number of final seasons on this list, as it's fairly common for long-running shows to decline in quality as the years go on. Dexter was definitely in that category, with Season 8 offering a less than satisfying antagonist for Michael C. Hall's title character to face off against. Dexter's finale is also widely panned, so much so that a new season New Blood was produced to give the killer protagonist a better sendoff. And yes I'm still mad about Deb's fate.

Gilmore Girls - Season 6

Gilmore Girls has a wildly popular fandom, who re-watched the original series annually. But there are some parts of the show that remain controversial, perhaps the biggest of which is Season 6. In it there's a huge block of episodes where Rory and Lorelai are not speaking. And it's really not the same show without the titular Gilmore Girls snacking and dropping pop culture references. While Season 7 feels off because it was done without Amy Sherman-Palladino, the feud between protagonists puts Season 6 at the bottom of the list for me. As someone who watched the show live, those months of weekly episodes was especially painful. 

Grey's Anatomy Season 17

For a show to run as long as Grey's Anatomy has, there's going to be some ups and down in terms of quality. There are a number of season that don't work for the fandom, but for me the worst has got to be Season 17 aka the Covid season. Grey's incorporated the pandemic in real time into its main narrative for the season, with actors wearing masks and face shields in scenes to make the set a safe space. The results were awkward, and Meredith spent most of the season in a Covid related coma. While Grey's brought back McDreamy, George, Lexi, and Sloan during Meredith's beach scenes, I still would have preferred to see her involved in the show's main plot. 

Weeds Season 6

Showtime's dramedy Weeds began with an intriguing premise: a widower in the suburbs starts selling marijuana in her affluent neighborhood to provide for the family. But as the show went on the stakes kept getting higher and higher for Mary-Louise Parker's protagonist Nancy. Season 6 saw the Botwin family on the run, hiding from the Esteban. While it was fun to see the Weeds cast in new situations, it ultimately ends up being a season without too much substance. And the gag of their road trip from hell got old after a while. 

The Office - Season 1

While there are plenty of shows with disappointing final seasons, there are also some that struggled to find their footing with early episodes. The US version of The Office is in that category, and it was unclear if Season 2 was even going to happen. Following the first season's performance, The Office made Steve Carell's Michael Scott more likable, with his issues coming from a deep need for approval. And once we understood how Michael ticked, his bonkers managerial choices became endearing rather than enraging. And now its one of the most popular network comedies of all time. 

Game of Thrones - Season 8

Anyone who watched HBO's megahit fantasy series Game of Thrones probably could have guessed which season I was going to include on this list. The eighth and final season stood out among the rest for its strange pacing, and for delivering long-awaited moments like the CleganeBowl. Unfortunately, the final few episodes took some bold jumps that fans didn't appreciate include Dany breaking bad. The series finale of Game of Thrones is still controversial to this day, although fans have returned to Westeros via the new prequel House of the Dragon. 

Roseanne - Season 9

Roseanne was a super successful comedy series in the '90s, running for a whopping nine seasons originally. Part of its appeal was because the Conners family was working class, and was therefore more relatable to typical TV audiences than other picture perfect sitcoms. Then Season 9 happened, with Roseanne and Dan winning the literal lottery. The whole season felt out of place as a result, including the wild Roseanne finale which basically undid everything we saw throughout its tenure on the small screen. Luckily that finale would end up being retconned when the show returned to the small screen and was given a spinoff with The Conners. 

The Walking Dead - Season 9

AMC's The Walking Dead was wildly popular throughout its first few seasons, but some fans ended up eventually losing interest and falling off. What's more, some quit the show after Negan brutally killed off Glenn. But for me the worst chapter in its run on AMC was Season 9. We all knew it was going to be Andrew Lincoln's last few episodes on the show, which seemed to really slow down its momentum. Eventually The Walking Dead would get better by becoming more of an ensemble project without Rick, but this transitional period was a low point for me. 

American Horror Story: Apocalypse

Ryan Murphy's anthology series American Horror Story is usually quite popular every October, but some of the seasons are stronger than others. There was a lot of hype surrounding Apocalypse ahead of its premiere, as it would serve as a crossover and feature the return of beloved characters from both Coven and Murder House. Unfortunately, the final result failed to live up to that premise, and instead felt like a bit of a jumbled mess. Considering how long fans like me waited to see the witches return to the screen, it was a letdown that final result left so much to be desired. 

Friends - Season 9

Friends is another insanely popular network comedy, one that was a complete sensation during its whopping ten seasons on the air. But some seasons were better than others, especially regarding its main plot line. Season 9 suffered because the show was originally going to end there, before negotiations were made to do the tenth and final season. And as such, the main storyline felt muddled and somewhat anticlimactic as a whole. Luckily the Friends finale would end up providing a great ending when it finally aired. 

Breaking Bad - Season 1

Breaking Bad is one of the most acclaimed TV shows to be on the air in years. It consistently performed well at the Emmys, and fans have applauded the final season as a whole, especially the Breaking Bad finale. But the show was also a bit of a slow burn at first. I personally had to try multiple times to get through the first season of Breaking Bad, before things started really heating up with the introduction of Giancarlo Esposito's Gus Fring. So Season 1 is at the bottom of my ranking for the story of Heisenberg. 

The Simpsons - Season 1

The Simpsons is a groundbreaking animated television show that has the honor of being the longest running American show on television. There's been plenty of discussion over the years about the quality of the series, which has gone through ups and downs during its decades on the air. And for me Season 1 was another example of a show that struggled to find its footing. Obviously the beloved series ended up hitting its stride, but I feel the OG episodes don't necessarily stand the test of time. 

Riverdale - Season 3

The CW had a hit on its hand with Riverdale, which served as a gritty adaptation of Archie Comics. The show's unique visual language made it fun to watch, and I'd typically binge watch a full season once it dropped on Netflix. But Season 3 saw the show take a wild turn. Rather than simply being a murder mystery, Riverdale began dealing with the supernatural for the first time. And there were some serious growing pains. Although we never could have known that Riverdale's finale would include a wild quad twist. 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season 1

This one might be a controversial pick for fans of the show. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite TV show of all time, and it's one that I often come back to throughout any given year. And while some fans don't like Season 6's dark tone, the show's first season is the weakest for me. During Season 1 Buffy functions much more like a procedural, rather than moving forward and overarching narrative. I personally think the show is best when Buffy's ensemble cast is all assembled, which doesn't happen until later seasons. Plus Season 1 just looks super dated.

Heroes - Season 2

Heroes was a huge hit when it debuted on NBC, with the show offering an original live-action superhero story. Unfortunately, the momentum of that show came to a screeching halt with the Writer's Strike of 2007-2008. Season 2 ends up rushed as a result, and failed to meet the expectations of the series. What's more, Heroes' sophomore season introduces a number of character we'd never see again. One can only imagine which shows will be similarly affected by the recent WGA strike.

Seinfeld - Season 8

Seinfeld is another comedy on this list that is pretty universally acclaimed. But that doesn't mean the iconic '90s sitcom didn't have a few low points throughout its run on TV. Season 8 was the first chapter Seinfeld without creator Larry David, and the difference was pretty obvious. Case in point: the show no longer opened up on Jerry performing a stand up set. 

True Blood - Season 7

True Blood arrived at the height of the early aughts vampire craze, and provided a R-rated take on the blood suckers. The show was violent and campy, and soon became a sensation. But like so many other popular shows, the Anna Paquin-led series failed to stick the landing with its final season on the air. True Blood's finale was generally panned, and the final season felt a bit messy as a whole. I mean, they killed Tara at the beginning of Season 7... offscreen. The disrespect!

Happy Days - Season 5

Happy Days had an impressively long run on the air, and made household names out of talents like Henry Winkler and Ron Howard. The show had a long impact on pop culture as a whole, especially its somewhat infamous fifth season. Season 5 featured Fonzie famously "jumping the shark", which has now become a term for when shows go too far and lose the audience.

New Girl - Season 5

New Girl had a long run on Fox, and has continued to have a life via streaming. But Season 5 failed to bring it the same way the rest of the show did. Namely because Zooey Deschanel was on maternity break, and the show was without its titular character. While Megan Fox's replacement character Regan was a great foil for Nick, the show just wasn't the same without Jess. 

House Of Cards - Season 6

When the streaming wars began, Netflix had some major wins with Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. The latter became a prestige drama, with a killer cast that helped people subscribe to Netflix for the first time. But the allegations against Kevin Spacey saw him removed from the show, and it never really recovered. House of Cards Season 6 killed Francis Underwood off camera, while Claire became the sole protagonist. While Robin Wright killed it, the final season just felt off, and the series finale failed to satisfy fans who stuck it out. 

Glee - Season 4

Glee became a sensation after its first season on Fox, and had a few years of being wildly popular. But its quality started to wane after its first few seasons on the air, and some folks fell off entirely. Season 4 was when things started to change for me, as it took a number of the biggest characters out of William McKinley High School. Kurt and Rachel became roommates in New York City, and it no longer felt like the same musical series that captured the attention of so many. 

Parks And Recreation - Season 1

Just like The Office before it, Parks and Recreation struggled a bit in its first season on the air. The mockumentary comedy was charming, but the cast of Parks & Rec weren't all taking center stage just yet. And Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope was originally criticized for being too close to Steve Carell's Michael Scott. But the show eventually found its footing, and remains popular and utterly meme-able. 

Shameless - Season 11

Like Grey's Anatomy, Shameless produced a season that was set at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. While incorporating mask use helped Season 11 be produced on time, it was a pretty distracting plot point. Overall, the final season failed to live up to what the Gallaghers were capable of. And the series finale felt more like a regular episode, leaving a number of unfinished plot points for the audience to ponder. 

Angel - Season 4

The popularity of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was so high that after three a seasons a spinoff was produced starring David Boreanaz's Angel. These two shows embraced serialized storytelling long before the MCU would make it commonplace. But Season 4 of Angel is my least favorite, despite some exciting Buffy crossovers. Cordelia Chase ends up possessed for a good chunk of episodes, which was a story that got old. And the writing around Angel's son Connor was downright abysmal, as he remains one of the most hated TV characters of all time. 

Community - Season 4

Community is the little show that could, with longtime fans watching as Six Seasons and a Movie came together against the odds. But that doesn't mean that all of its seasons were created equal. Case in point: Community Season 4 aka the Gas Leak Season. It was the first season without creator Dan Harmon, and had a number of gimmicks that failed to really resonate. 

The Handmaid's Tale - Season 5

The Handmaid's Tale is available with a Hulu subscription, and is a gripping and grueling adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name. But the most reason installment to air, Season 5, didn't hit quite as hard as its predecessors. I think this is mostly because so many of the stories weren't actually set in Gilead, but in Canada. Add in the loss of Alexis Bledel's Emily, and the fifth season was my least favorite so far. 

That '70s Show - Season 8

That '70s Show made household names out of its cast of actors. But this level of adoration is why Season 8 ends up being the weakest link during its tenure on the air. The final season continued on without Topher Grace's Eric, and the absence of the show's protagonist was very noticeable. Especially when a new character was brought into the group in an attempt to replace him. Ashton Kutcher also left the show, which is why Season 8 is definitely at the bottom of the list.

Arrow - Season 6

The CW's DC superhero show Arrow is one that famously had ups and downs in relation to quality. Still, many fans consider Season 6 to be the worst entry of the bunch. In it we saw Team Arrow frustratingly get split up, and fans took umbrage with the show's plot and pacing. Luckily there were two more season of Arrow to help and satiate disappointed audiences. 

Felicity - Season 4

Felicity has a unique place in the grand history of network TV. After all, we'd never seen a haircut absolutely shake the entertainment industry as when Keri Russell cut off her signature locks back in Season 2. While the show started off as a teen drama, Season 4 ventured into new territory by introducing witchcraft and time travel into the equation. And while J.J. Abrams would prove his sci-fi skills in Star Trek and Star Wars, perhaps Season 4 of Felicity wasn't the right time.

How I Met Your Mother - Season 9

How I Met Your Mother had a seriously impressive run on CBS, with a whopping 9 seasons. The premise of the show meant that all the years of stories from the show's narrator would eventually reveal... how he met the kids' mother. That eventually happened with the entrance of Cristin Milioti. But fans took umbrage with the final season's handling of that plot line, as well as Robin and Barney's divorce. 

The West Wing - Season 5

The West Wing is TV history, and helped make Aaron Sorkin into a household name. But the show's fifth season on the air was a bit of a disappointment, namely because it was the first one without Sorkin at the helm. Overall the story felt a bit of a jumbled mess when compared to the previous installments, which were rather universally acclaimed.

As beloved as these series are, even the greatest of TV shows can have a weak season. 

As the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes continue with no end in sight, more and more stars are coming out to the picket lines to show solidarity. After the cast of Shameless got together earlier in the strike, the Gallaghers are continuing to show their support. While Cameron Monaghan was absent from the initial reunion, he did reunite with former co-star Isidora Goreshter with a sign that would make his on-screen family proud.

Monaghan portrayed Ian Gallagher on one of Showtime’s best series, and he is keeping the family legacy alive. The actor took to Instagram to share photos from his time picketing at Disney Studios in Burbank alongside Goreshter and actress Madisen Beaty. With a sign saying, “The AMPTP is more shameless than Frank Gallagher,” it looked like the perfect way to show their support for the unions and pay homage to Shameless:

If you’re unfamiliar with Shameless or need a refresher, the sign is in reference to the Gallagher family patriarch, Frank Gallagher, portrayed by William H. Macy. He was an alcoholic, unemployed, made money through scams, and often endangered or abandoned his children. So, saying the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is more shameless than him is saying a lot, and it gets the actors' feelings about the AMPTP across very clearly.

Even though Cameron Monaghan wasn't with his Shameless family back in July, he did seem to make up for it with that sign. Maybe he can even be part of the next reunion, whether it’s on the picket lines or a family dinner. At least he was able to reunite with Isadora Goreshter, who played Svetlana Yevgenivna on the dramedy. It may have been only two years since the Shameless series finale aired, but any kind of reunion or reference just takes us right back to the good old days.

While Monaghan missed the recent Shameless reunion, he did spend the holiday with the Gallaghers back in 2021. He reunited with Noel Fisher, Emma Kenney, Shanola Hampton, Kate Miner, Steve Howey, and Ethan Cutkosky for a Shameless party. Now, two years after the finale, it seems like the cast is still as close as ever and still having family reunions. Though, instead of spending the holidays together, they are picketing together, which is even better.

As of now, there doesn’t seem to be anything indicating that a resolution is coming soon for either the WGA or SAG-AFTRA. Many networks have had to rework their fall 2023 TV schedule since most scripted originals are not in production. Plenty of actors and writers have been taking to either the picket lines or social media to show support and tell their own stories of being a member of the union and why it’s so important that these agreements to happen. Hopefully, a resolution will come soon, and the actors won't have to keep using that shameless sign. 

Shameless may have ended over two years ago but the Gallagher family and their friends are still tight. This was proven once again as the cast of Shameless, including Jeremy Allen White, got together to walk on the SAG-AFTRA picket lines together as the writers' and actors' strikes continue. 

While Jeremy Allen White, who played Lip, was the only Gallagher sibling pictured, many other beloved members of one of Showtime’s best series were standing alongside him. The actress behind Veronica, Shanola Hampton posted the Instagram photo below which shows the ensemble standing together with their picket signs. The aforementioned two actors were joined by Hampton’s on-screen hubby Steve Howey, Mickey Milkovich himself Noel Fisher and his real-life partner Layla Alizada. Also joining them was Isidora Goreshter, who played Svetlana, and Zach McGowan who is the man behind Jody. You can check out the fun photo for yourself here:

Seeing all these actors together made for quite the walk down memory lane. On top of seeing six actors from the show altogether, there was even more Shameless love in the likes on Hampton’s post. Even though they weren’t there, Cameron Monaghan, who played Ian, and Debbie herself, Emma Kenney, showed their support for the post by hitting that little heart. 

A few of the other folks on the picket lines with Hampton posted about the Shameless reunion too. Notably, Isidora Goreshter wrote a candid message about how she got her SAG card by being a background actor, and how she lost her health insurance two months before she gave birth because of the contract requirements at the time. As the WGA strike and actor’s strike continue, more and more people are sharing stories like hers and are being seen out on the picket lines with former castmates. 

Goreshter also posted two months ago about another Shameless reunion, where she got together with Monaghan, Hampton, Howey and Ethan Cutkosky, who played Carl. Really, these posts just go to show how much this dramedy meant to these actors, and how tight they all are to this day.

As this beloved cast takes on other projects, like White's gigantic hit The Bear or Kenney's The Conners, which William H. Macy happened to guest star on too, it's always nice to see that they still love their Shameless family. 

Along with the Shameless cast getting together on the picket lines, various other shows have had mini-reunions during the strike. For example, Jon Cryer and April Bowlby had a Two and a Half Men reunion while out striking, and various other casts of current shows like How I Met Your Father have also been seen out and about supporting SAG-AFTRA and the WGA. 

As the strikes continue, it’s unclear how the 2023 TV schedule will be affected, though we do know many shows that were in production are being delayed. While we wait for more updates about the negotiations going on between the unions and the studios, you can stream Shameless with a Netflix subscription. 

To some, it may feel like Jeremy Allen White became an overnight sensation after starring in The Bear. However, the actor has been in the business for a while, as he famously starred on Shameless for 11 seasons. His confidence and skills shine through in his hit FX series, and it certainly seems like White is comfortable with his performance and abilities. Apparently though, the actor only recently started to feel that way, despite his lengthy tenure within the entertainment industry. 

The star recently chatted with Jennifer Coolidge for an Actors on Actors segment from Variety. The two comedy stars really hit it off and shared their feelings towards acting and their careers. Jeremy Allen White opened up about his own insecurities with his acting, and how The Bear helped him to finally get past that. He revealed:

It's surprising to hear that it took so long for the star to feel content, especially considering how great he was on Shameless. That show was also incredibly popular and ended up having a second life on Netflix. Yet it doesn’t seem like the success of that ensemble series really stuck with him the way the restaurant dramedy's acclaim has. He went on to describe his anxiousness when first starting on the series as well as the pressure he put on himself when working on both shows:

While his own self-doubt may have been a lot to overcome, it somehow made him perfect for the role of Carmen Berzatto on the fan-favorite streaming series. His character feels the need to prove himself after being a chef at a high-end restaurant and then returning home to run his family’s sandwich shop. Carmy is riddled with his own doubts and fears and, based on these comments, one gets the feeling that the actor infused his own anxious feelings into the character. 

If this is the case, it’s certainly working, as The Bear is one of the funniest shows on Hulu and has been praised by viewers and critics alike. The role won the Shameless alum a Golden Globe, and he’s predicted to be nominated for an Emmy for his work as well. The show has also been renewed for a much anticipated second season by FX, and it finally drops later this month. Fans of the series surely have lots of kitchen drama and incredible performances to look forward to and, hopefully, Jeremy Allen White’s confidence in the series continues to shine through Carmy as well. 

Fans can check now watch The Bear Season 2 along with its first season with a Hulu subscription. You can also revisit his performance in Shameless, which is streaming now for Netflix subscribers. For more information on other series headed to the small screen later this year, make sure to consult our 2023 TV schedule.

There’s no question that for many of us who watched Shameless Emmy Rossum will always be synonymous with Fiona Gallagher, the eldest sister of the dysfunctional Chicago-based family. So, now that the actress is out and about promoting her new Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room, with some gorgeous curls I might add, the fans of the hit Showtime show are flooding the comments showing their love for her. 

Emmy Rossum took to Instagram to show off her press day fits and hairdo for The Crowded Room, which comes out on the 2023 TV schedule on June 9. While the actress’ voluminous curls were the star of the show, she was also rocking a gorgeous bright red midi-skirt with a white high-neck T-shirt, white heels and a cream purse. Check out her post:  

She looked gorgeous all around, but the comments really focused on her curls, with many making references to her time as Fiona on Shameless, here are a few of the highlights:

• Still see Fiona Gallagher 🙂 -lubos.bezak 
• Looks like Fiona really got her shit together 😍 -iamstephgee 
• Fiona 😫-nesosslr 
• Miss u Fiona ❤️-ra_hiim_ou 
• Fiona 😍-maarta.dream 
• Fiona!!!! You are everything, I love you! 😍🔥❤️😘 -jessicamojica89 

Along with the comments about the eldest Gallagher, there were also many GIFs of Rossum as her iconic Shameless character. Many of them featured her flipping her hair or the wind hitting it just right, showing off those iconic curls. 

While Emmy Rossum has many amazing movies and TV shows, like Phantom of the Opera and Mystic River, her run on Shameless is still one of her most iconic roles. While Shameless moved forward without Rossum for Season 10, and Fiona didn’t come back for the series finale either, she’s still loved dearly for that role, and it will likely stick with her for the rest of her career. She was caring and scathing and an overall complex character, and the actress played her perfectly. So, it makes sense that so many fans made callbacks to her time on the Showtime series when they saw this post.

The Shameless hive was for sure thriving in Rossums’ comments, however, many others decided to show their love for her curls, posting: 

• I need to know what this hair care routine is. Your curls are GLORIOUS!! -keisha_belle 
• I love your hair -teris143 
• Your hair!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ -sabrinabmakeup 
• Curls 😍😍😍 -bouncecurl 
• A goddess 🌟 -jull_6.27 

Overall, whether you’re an Emmy Rossum, curly hair, Shameless or The Crowded Room fan, or if you’re all of the above, there’s a lot to love about this post, especially when it comes to this fabulous actress and her gorgeous natural curls. 

To see Emmy Rossum in her latest project, you’ll be able to stream The Crowded Room with an Apple TV+ subscription on June 9, if you want to throw it back, you can stream Shameless with a Netflix subscription. 

While we've been able to watch Jeremy Allen White in his fair share of shows and movies for years now, he really broke big and reached a new level of fame last summer after many people gave The Bear a try. It felt like everyone was saying “Yes, Chef,” following the FX show’s release, and now with Season 2 on the way, the actor who plays said chef is understandably nervous about filming the next installment of the kitchen-based dramedy. 

White has received so much positive praise for his work on this show, and he has won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, and will likely be a shoo-in for an Emmy. People have taken note of the actor’s rise, and how it parallels his character’s success with his restaurant on The Bear. While speaking with Vanity Fair, a journalist asked the former Shameless star about his and Carmy’s career trajectories and the pressure of making Season 2 after the first installment’s standout success. 

Even though I have no doubt The Bear’s second season will be just as fantastic as its first, I completely understand where White is coming from. When a show is received so well right out of the gate, the bar gets set really high, and working to exceed those expectations, without submitting to cheap fan service, is likely a major challenge. 

I hope that White and the cast of The Bear are able to “shut out the world” as the actor noted, so they can immerse themselves in their Chicago kitchen. That way, they can make a season of TV that they’re proud of and the viewers will love. 

Considering how things wrapped up last season, we know the show is about to grow, as Carmy and co. work to transition away from Original Beef and transform into The Bear. I’m curious to see how they up the ante, and while White may be a bit nervous about filming the second season, it’s been set up to be another enthralling and thrilling story. 

Along with the highly anticipated second season of The Bear, White’s career has skyrocketed, and he has lots of other projects in the works. Notably, he’s set to star alongside Zac Efron in A24’s new film The Iron Claw, which is a film about the Von Erich family, who are wrestling icons. The actor also has two other movies in post-production, which goes to show that this actor’s trajectory is on par with Carmy’s on The Bear.

The cooks are currently in the kitchen on Season 2 of The Bear, and it should make its way onto the 2023 TV schedule this summer. While White is understandably nervous to film this season, I bet it will be amazing, although we'll have to wait a bit to see. So, in the meantime, you can watch the first season of the hit FX series with a Hulu subscription. 

Netflix definitely has some amazing series for people to watch, from serious dramas to hilarious comedies - but what if you’re craving something that’s in-between? Something that is both a comedy and a drama? Good for you, because there is a word for that: dramedy.

There are plenty of awesome choices for series like that, including Orange is the New Black, Atypical, and many more. These are just some of the awesome choices that you can pick from, both Netflix originals and shows from current TV networks. If you’re looking for your next TV show to binge, check out some of these TV dramedies on Netflix.

Sex Education

The teen comedy, Sex Education, follows the lives of students, staff, and parents at a fictitious secondary school, telling the tales of personal dramas, issues, and stories usually related to sexual intimacy.

Sex Education is one of those Netflix originals that stand out amongst the rest. The Sex Education cast is full of talent, with stars that have really broken out into the acting world from their brilliant roles on the dramedy. Not only that, but the stories are full of heart, and a lot of teachable moments that will not only make you laugh, but also make you smile. It’s accepting and wholesome in all the right ways. And with Season 4 on the way, now is the time to check out the first three seasons. Genuinely one of the best shows on Netflix to binge.

Stream Sex Education on Netflix.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls may be set across the ocean, but it’s just as amazing to watch in the United States. This hilarious dramedy follows a group of girls who live in Derry, Ireland during a time called the Troubles in the 1990s, who all attend Our Lady Immaculate College, a secondary school (high school) where they are learning to grow up in a politically divided time. 

While Derry Girls is obviously a fictionalized show, it often references real-life events that did take place in Ireland and uses them skillfully to create a masterpiece of a television show, blending comedy and drama all in one. It’s such a great series and one that is totally underrated and everyone should check out if they’ve never seen it before. 

Stream Derry Girls on Netflix. 

Orange Is The New Black

Do you got time? Cause they do.

Orange is the New Black is based on Piper Kerman’s novel of the same name, telling the story of Piper Chapman, a young woman whose life is changed drastically when she is sent to a minimum security prison for carrying a bag of drug money for her former girlfriend. While there, she meets interesting characters, both nice and not so nice.

Let me say, for a long time, this was my favorite Netflix original series. The Orange is the New Black cast is so freaking talented it hurts – my personal favorites out of all of them was either Samira Wiley or Kate Mulgrew. The story has freaking hilarious moments – like that whole prison chicken bit -- but there are some dark tales that are told, speaking bold political and personal messages that will get to anyone. It’s the perfect combination of drama and comedy.

Stream Orange is the New Black on Netflix.

On My Block

Next up on the list, we have On My Block, a teenage dramedy that follows a group of four friends that have known each other for years while growing up in South Central LA. But as they start their journey into high school and the world begins to open up a little more to them than their home street, friendships are tested and new relationships are formed. 

Something about On My Block that I need to say is that it’s seriously one of the best dramedy’s that Netflix has offered. Not only is there some fun, edgy comedy that will make anyone chuckle but it’s not afraid to tackle darker themes such as inequalities or racism, which is something I can always respect the heck out of a show for doing since those are hard topics to handle. It’s so good, and Season 4 wrapped everything up well. Be sure to check it out. 

Stream On My Block on Netflix.

Shameless

Shameless tells the story of the Gallagher family, a poor, ridiculous crew who live on the South Side of Chicago, showing their constant tribulations while trying to get by, and also attempting to deal with their alcoholic father, Frank.

After eleven seasons on Showtime, Shameless proved to be a big hit for the network, and for good reason. The entire Shameless cast is hysterical, especially William H. Macy as Frank - because he’s so unhinged, he’s certainly the funniest. Dramatic moments of the show will tug at your heartstrings, however, and probably make you cry. God knows I did several times.

Stream Shameless on Netflix.

Russian Doll

Think Groundhog Day but a heck of a lot messier. In Russian Doll, starring Natasha Lyonne plays a young woman who is stuck in a time loop that always ends in her death. With the help of some surprising allies, she must figure out what is causing her to die over and over and come to terms with her life before it’s too late. 

Russian Doll is a wacky series but in the best way, and features some hilarious acting from Natasha Lyonne. It’ll make you grin, cry, laugh and more as you watch her character, Nadia, try to get herself out of the craziest situations. With two seasons to watch, this is a show that will make your weekend that much better. 

Stream Russian Doll on Netflix. 

Good Girls

Good Girls tells the story of three Michigan moms who are struggling in life, having a hard time making ends meet. So, they decide to pull off a heist in a supermarket, but it turns out they are way over their heads and get in more trouble than they wanted.

Good Girls sounds like it would be a big drama, especially from the premise, but it’s honestly so funny. The three main stars have great chemistry, and the hijinks they get up to make you snicker often. Even if they’re committing crimes, you root for them, because at the end of the day, they’re just regular women who were down on their luck. With only four seasons, it’s certainly a good, quick binge compared to many other shows.

Stream Good Girls on Netflix.

Dead To Me

Have you ever wondered how sometimes, friendships can bloom in the darkest of places? That’s the story between Jen and Judy, two women who are currently mourning losses in their lives that meet at a support group. But as these two begin to grow closer dark secrets about their past are exposed – and how one of them might be connected to someone’s death. 

Dead to Me is one of those shows that I feel you need to go into blind because there are so many twists and turns your neck is going to end up hurting by the end of it – but in the best way. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are literally amazing in their roles and truly are a power pair that have some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a dramedy. You don’t want to miss out on this one. 

Stream Dead to Me on Netflix. 

The Kominsky Method

Starring Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method tells the story of an actor who made it big a long time ago, and is now an acting coach who named his technique after himself: The Kominsky Method.

Michael Douglas is amazing in this show. I feel that he really deserves all the awards. He portrays Kominsky with such grace and a certain charm that only he could bring, and really draws you in to watch. There are plenty of laughs, plenty of moments to reflect, and a lot in-between, so it’s the perfect dramedy.

Stream The Kominsky Method on Netflix.

GLOW

In this Netflix original, GLOW follows a fictionalized version of the characters and gimmicks of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit, called Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and the struggles they faced to be taken seriously.

GLOW is one of those shows on Netflix that is so underrated and I think was cancelled too soon. The cast is full of brilliant, talented stars, led by Alison Brie, and creates a story that’s not only funny, colorful, and entertaining, but heartfelt and heavy at times as well. While we won’t get another season of GLOW, we can at least enjoy the dramedy now.

Stream GLOW on Netflix.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

In this dramedy, we follow Rebecca Bunch, a normal woman who seems to have it all, but is doing something that most of us would probably find a little crazy – traveling literally across the country from New York City to California in order to pursue her ex-boyfriend from high school. And not even just from her classes – no, he’s from summer camp. 

The show received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, as well as many other awards, including a Critics Choice Award for Rachel Bloom in her starring role. It’s certainly worth a shot if you haven’t seen it. 

Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix. 

Master Of None

Master of None, during the first two seasons, tells the story of Dev, an actor living in New York, and his evolution of becoming a more engaged person with his parents, relationships, friends, and others. Season 3 stars Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie, following their relationship through a series of five episodes.

While I’m not the hugest fan of the change for the show in Season 3, I can still appreciate Master of None for taking a risk and telling a new story that fans weren’t used to. I feel like Master of None is more of a slice of life dramedy, focusing on real-life issues that regular people can face every day, rather than the craziness some of these other dramedies go through. It’s definitely a gem, especially the first two seasons.

Stream Master of None on Netflix.

Dear White People

In this TV series based on the movie of the same name, Dear White People follows several Black college students at a fictitious Ivy League university, touching on issues surrounding modern American race relations.

While shows like Sex Education and some of the others on this list lean a little heavier towards comedy, I feel like Dear White People leans a bit more towards drama, but it still has its light moments that will make you laugh, as well. I think what I love about Dear White People the most is that it’s not afraid to talk about serious situations that will make you think and reflect, and then make you laugh in the next scene.

Stream Dear White People on Netflix.

Atypical

Last, but not least, Atypical follows the story of 18-year-old Sam Gardner, who is on the autism spectrum, and what happens in his daily life, from his time at school, to his family, and the relationships he builds.

I think what I love about Atypical is that it really listens to its fans about stories they want to hear. I personally think that each season just gets better. There are plenty of moments that will make you smile and laugh, and other moments that will make your lip tremble, and everything is done through the wonderful Atypical cast. With four seasons, it’s a great show to binge. 

Stream Atypical on Netflix.

With all these awesome Netflix TV shows, it might be hard to pick just one. But, I can assure you that whatever you go with, you’ll have a great time watching, whether you’re laughing or crying. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to watch Russian Doll again. 

The Conners may have bid a subdued farewell to O.G. star Michael Fishman with its fifth season, but the door was (as always) left partially open for guest stars to join the sitcom family’s fun and foibles. So far this season, the biggest new addition was Shameless vet Ethan Cutkosky, who was brought in as Neville and Louise’s nephew Caleb, making the first former co-star reunion for Emma Kenney. Now, the ABC comedy is ushering in another big Shameless vet in the form of William H. Macy.

The Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor is set to join The Conners Season 5 at a currently undisclosed point, according to TVLine. But while we don’t know the when of it all, we do know who Macy will be portraying. He’ll show up at some point as a character named Smitty, who was one of Dan’s high school BFFs. 

For one reason or another, Smitty makes a trip to Lanford, which puts him back in contact with Dan, but the fact that there aren’t any details about why he’s there makes me think it’s going to entail unfortunate circumstances. I mean, The Conners does sometimes bring in new faces for storylines that involve positive storyline arcs, but more often than not, there are dark underpinnings involved, and sometimes outright death. And a name like Smitty doesn’t automatically imply pizazz and good fortune, though the character’s class level may depend on how much facial hair Macy is rocking when filming kicks off. 

William H. Macy is an established pro at pulling off hilarious comedic roles, heartfelt dramatic moments, nail-biting tension, and more, as evidenced in his best movies and TV shows. So here’s hoping The Conners showrunner Bruce Helford & Co. find ways to utilize those talents in full. Macy and Goodman could easily lead their own standalone series together, so I wouldn’t be mad if the entire ep was focused on Dan and Smitty reuniting.

Speaking of such reconnections, before her big reunion with Ethan Cutkosky, Emma Kenney got to work in small part with her Shameless co-star Noel Fisher back in Season 2. He recurred across three episodes as Dan’s half-brother Ed, and it sounds like the writers wanted to give John Goodman another look back at his past through Macy’s Smitty. And let's not forget that current star Katey Sagal is also an alum of the Showtime dramedy, having recurred throughout Season 9 as Dr. Ingrid Jones, the recipient of what she believed was Frank's sperm. As one might imagine, I'd have zero complaints if Louise played a major role in Dan and Smitty's arc.

Macy starred as Frank Gallagher for all eleven seasons of Shameless, earning Emmy nominations for six of those season. Earlier this year, he starred in Hulu's true-scheme drama The Dropout opposite Amanda Seyfried, and is part of the all-star cast of the upcoming comedy Maybe I Do, which also boasts Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, Diane Keaton and Emma Roberts.

The Conners airs Wednesday nights on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET. Head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are popping up soon.

Spoilers below for the latest episode of The Conners, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched “Parent Traps and Heart Attacks.”

The fourth episode of The Conners’ fourth season finally delivered an on-screen update for D.J. following Michael Fishman’s surprise exit, with the military vet off visiting his wife Geena. Perhaps more interestingly, at least for Shameless fans, the ABC sitcom delivered a Gallagher sibling reunion for Emma Kenney and guest star Ethan Cutkosky, who joined this universe as Louise and Neville’s orphaned nephew Caleb. CinemaBlend was on-hand while Episode 504 was filming, and talked to both stars about reuniting in a tonally different family environment. 

When our own Sarah El-Mahmoud spoke with Emma Kenney and Ethan Cutkosky about him joining The Conners, she asked how this guest spot came about. It appears there wasn’t much behind the decision, at least where the actor was concerned, as he explained it by saying:

It seems like it’d be impossible for anyone from Shameless’ cast to be able to join The Conners for one or more episodes without Emma Kenney finding out about it ahead of time, as cool as it would have been for all involved for that to happen. Would showrunner Bruce Helford & Co. be able to secretly cast Jeff Bridges and Steve Buscemi without their Big Lebowski co-star John Goodman finding out? I guess I have no idea, dude.

While it would probably take one of the producers to offer a specific explanation for why the team reached out to Cutkosky, Kenney did bring up that the writers have an affinity for Shameless, which played into her nontraditional casting process. In her words:

One can only hope for more Shameless vets to pop up in Lanford as the seasons go by. And considering ABC has now confirmed The Conners will celebrate its biggest episode count yet at 22 (per Deadline), maybe they can find a way to bring in Cameron Monaghan (with or without references to his Gotham magnificence) or The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White with one of those extra episodes.  

How Filming The Conners Compares To Shameless

There are certainly comparisons that could be made between Caleb’s late substance abusing father and Frank Gallagher, who sired Cutkosky’s Carl and Kenney’s Debbie on the Showtime hit Shameless. But that's a conversation for another time, and presumably one fueled by brown libations. When it comes how their respective experiences on The Conners compared to eleven seasons of filming the Showtime dramedy, the two stars' years-long relationship was obvious as they went back and forth. 

• EMMA: Like, for me, the biggest thing was the single- to multicam back and forth. I went through a few years where I was doing both shows actually, at the same time, Shameless and The Conners. I would literally stage-hop and studio-hop daily, filming both. So there was definitely like a tone change. Also just blocking, you have to cheat out in multicam; that's something you kind of learn. It's been fun to watch Ethan. This is his first multicam, I believe.
• ETHAN: Yeah, first time ever being on a sitcom.
• EMMA: He's learned and he's gotten the rhythm of it so quick.
• ETHAN: Definitely coming in, you're like, 'Oh, this is very much a tonal change from shooting on Shameless, and how we were.' Like I just told her, everyone here is very chill. A very relaxed crew. I'm like, this is very relaxed.
• EMMA: Everybody's in a good mood. The hours are great, the people are lovely, the scripts are funny.

But even though many of the details were different for the two actors, by way of performance styles, the presence of a studio audience, and more, Ethan Cutkosky found a similar flow to fall into when it came to dialogue scenes amongst the family at large, saying:

Unfortunately, it's unclear how long Cutkosky will be sticking around in Lanford, as the episode ended with the wayward teen making the big choice to join the Marines, in part to spite his dead father's negative attitude about it. Is it weird to hope he doesn't make it in, just so he'll be around the fam-fam more? And also maybe because I'm not convinced Caleb will be a boon for the military?

The Conners airs Wednesday nights on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by new episodes of The Goldbergs, Abbott Elementary, and Home Economics. Head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what other big shows are yet to hit the small screen.

For a while, Dove Cameron was one of the most popular Disney Channel stars. The Disney Channel is known to produce singers and actors who make a name for themselves by being in various projects on the cable network, and then branch out. Past successful Disney Channel stars include Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Hilary Duff, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Cole and Dylan Sprouse, and Zendaya.

There are a lot more of these former Disney Channel regulars who have gone on to make a name for themselves beyond the Mouse House. Dove Cameron is one of the newer former Disney Channel stars trying to make an impression in the music and television and film industries. 

She’s been taking on many different projects, as well as climbing the music charts. If you’re a preexisting fan, a new fan, or just curious about some of Dove Cameron’s past work, let us give you some recommendations on what to watch and where to catch her movies and shows.

Liv And Maddie (Disney+) 

Liv and Maddie is a Disney Channel original TV show about twin sisters, Liv and Maddie (both played by Dove Cameron). They’re very different. Liv is a TV star who returns home after years away, while Maddie is the star athlete at their high school. Dove Cameron does such a good job at making these characters seem different, not just in their style, but mannerisms and voice, that some viewers probably wondered if they were really twins, before checking IMDB, of course.

Liv and Maddie was Cameron’s first major TV starring role and it earned her a lot of praise. She even won a 2018 Daytime Emmy for the role. Liv and Maddie was really the TV program that showcased Cameron’s potential as a singer and actress. It helped opened the door for future projects.

Stream Liv and Maddie on Disney+.
Buy Liv and Maddie on Amazon. 

The Descendants Movies (Disney+) 

Descendants is a series of Disney Channel original films directed by Kenny Ortega. They are some of the best Kenny Ortega movies. The films follow the children of Disney’s biggest heroes and villains, including Maleficent’s daughter Mal, and Belle and the Beast’s son Ben, played by Dove Cameron and Mitchell Hope. There are three main films in the Descendants series. The franchise also includes some specials and an upcoming movie spinoff series.

There is a reason why Disney keeps calling Kenny Ortega when they want to make a big musical movie: he’s an expert at it. The Descendants films have catchy music, likable characters, and a great lead with Cameron as Mal. She has the heroine heart that Disney loves, but a little bit of an edge to make her a true daughter of a Disney villain.

Stream Descendants on Disney+.
Rent/buy Descendants on Amazon.   

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Disney+) 

If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then you likely remember S.H.I.E.L.D. being mentioned throughout the franchise. It wasn’t until 2013 that ABC created Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Its first season happened at a critical time that completely altered the future of the MCU, which meant some exciting changes for the show. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. starts as a TV show about agents working for the secret government agency, S.H.I.E.L.D.

It begins as a group of experts discovering how to become a team and a family. The main cast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. includes Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, and Elizabeth Henstridge. Dove Cameron appeared in six episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. during Season 5. She played Ruby Hale, a major antagonist in that season. It was a different role from her usual good-girl characters.

Stream Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on Disney+.
Buy Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on Amazon. 

Schmigadoon! (AppleTV+) 

Schmigadoon! is an AppleTV+ original series about a couple who are trapped inside a musical town. Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) are having issues in their relationship and being forced to sing their feelings makes them reevaluate their love story. Schmigadoon! is a great TV show that spoofs many classic and well-known musicals.

The Schmigadoon! cast includes many Broadway stars and famous comedians. Dove Cameron plays Betsy McDonough, a flirty young girl looking for a man to marry. Schmigadoon! is a show that allows Cameron to showcase her many talents, including her singing ability. Schmigadoon! is definitely a show worth watching, and you may see Cameron in Schmigadoon! Season 2.

Stream Schmigadoon! on AppleTV+. 

Dumplin’ (Netflix) 

Dumplin’ is a story of a plus-size girl named Willowdean, nicknamed Dumplin’, who decides to enter her town’s beauty pageant in protest. Her actions inspire others who don’t fit pageant scene standards to join. Willowdean’s mother is a former pageant queen and runs it, so it creates tension between mother and daughter. Danielle Macdonald stars and Jennifer Aniston plays her mother.

Dove Cameron has a small role in Dumplin’ as pageant frontrunner, Bekah. She’s also  a bit of a romantic rival to Willowdean, who has a budding romance with Bo (Luke Benward). Dove Cameron doesn’t have a huge role in the movie, but overall, Dumplin’ is an entertaining film about body acceptance and a coming-of-age story for a daughter and a mother.

Stream Dumplin’ on Netflix. 

Cloud 9 (Disney+) 

Cloud 9 is a Disney Original movie that premiered in 2014. It stars Dove Cameron and Luke Benward. The film follows rich, slightly spoiled, Kayla Morgan (Dove Cameron) as she’s banned from her competitive snowboarding team after destroying property by accident. Kayla is not only banned but forced to work in the dog kennels with former snowboarding star Will Cloud (Luke Benward)

Will had a major injury after attempting the Cloud 9, a move that he created. Because of the incident, he has given up his snowboarding days. Cloud 9 isn’t one of the best Disney Channel original movies on Disney+, but it’s a bit more unique than some of their other films. It has a bit of an old-school Disney Channel original movie tone. It feels like it fits with those Motocrossed, Brink!, and Johnny Tsunami types of Disney films.

It can be cheesy at times but has an overall good message for children and teens about nothing being impossible and always believing in yourself. Cameron also completely immerses herself into this fashionista, spoiled rich girl with a heart role.

Stream Cloud 9 on Disney+.
Buy/rent Cloud 9 on Amazon.

Good Mourning (Amazon)

Good Mourning is a movie directed by Mod Sun and Machine Gun Kelly. It also stars Machine Gun Kelly, with Mod Sun having a supporting role. The film follows a TV actor who, after getting a text from his girlfriend, starts to spiral. This leads to a disastrous series of events. To make things worse, he has the biggest audition of his life coming up.

Good Mourning is a very goofy movie. You can expect that going into it, especially based on the film’s red band trailer and some revealing behind-the-scenes photos. If you want a silly movie, then Good Mourning fits that bill. The movie also has some great surprise cameos and plenty of meta-jokes about the directors’ lives. Good Mourning also has a really strong supporting cast, which includes Dove Cameron. She plays London’s (Machine Gun Kelly) new assistant, Olive. She has the "sane person surrounded by insane people" role. She plays it well in Good Mourning.

Rent/buy Good Mourning on Amazon. 

Barely Lethal (Tubi) 

Barely Lethal is an A24 high school coming-of-age comedy movie about an orphaned assassin who runs away from her training facility to live her high school dreams. Things aren’t quite like in the movies. She becomes an instant outcast but eventually finds her place in the high school hierarchy.

Hailee Steinfeld stars as Megan. The supporting cast includes Sophie Turner, Jessica Alba, Samuel L. Jackson, Thomas Mann, and Dove Cameron, who plays Liz, someone whose family is hosting Megan. The film is a fun action film (with some questionable jokes), and overall takes the route of an airy action comedy.

Buy/rent Barely Lethal on Amazon. 

R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls (Amazon)

Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls is based on R.L. Stine’s novel of the same name. It follows Beth (Dove Cameron) as she suspects that the new Halloween carnival may be more than it appears. She’s right. The carnival starts to take Beth’s friends one-by-one. It’s run by Dr. Hysteria (Andrew Kavadas), who feeds on the souls of these teens.

He obtains their souls by showing them their greatest fantasy. They then have their souls put in his cabinet for him to feed on until they’re completely drained up. He also turns these teens into monsters for his carnival. Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls is a typical R.L. Stine adaptation; it’s creepy and a bit scary. Dove Cameron does a good job of making Beth pure of heart to fight off these devious creatures.

Rent/buy R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls on Amazon.

Shameless (Netflix) 

Shameless is a Showtime original TV show that aired from 2011-2021. It follows the Gallaghers, a dysfunctional family living on the South Side of Chicago. They often find themselves in morally questionable or dangerous situations as a product of their own bad behavior. However, most of this dangerous behavior is due to their terrible parents, mainly their father Frank, played by William H. Macy.

The Shameless cast includes Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, and Cameron Monaghan. Dove Cameron appeared on two episodes of Shameless. She originated the Holly Herkimer character in the second season, and appeared in the episodes “Father’s Day” and “A Beautiful Mess.” Danika Yarosh took over the role in Shameless Season 4 and 5. In Season 2, Holly is a character in Debbie’s (Emma Kenney) class who is a bit older because she failed fourth grade a few times. She also has a crush on Lip (White). According to IMDB, it’s Cameron’s first major screen credit. She only briefly appears in these episodes, but if you want to see her TV beginnings, Shameless is where to start.

Stream Shameless on Netflix.
Buy Shameless on Amazon. 

There are plenty of upcoming Dove Cameron projects, including a live action PowerPuff Girls TV show. She’s also currently starring in Vengeance directed by B.J. Novak. It’s currently in theaters. 

There are plenty of TV actors and actresses who I have come to love and adore in some of my favorite shows, and one of those just happens to be Emmy Rossum. While she has been in plenty of movies to show off her talent, many people probably know her as I do - as Fiona Gallagher, from Shameless. 

However, Emmy Rossum has done plenty of things in both movies and TV, showing off her wide variety of talents, and further proving just how skilled she is, whether it be acting or singing or anything else. If you’re a fan of the actress, here is where you can watch the best Emmy Rossum movies and TV shows, and where they are streaming. 

Shameless (2011-2019)

First up on the list is probably what many people know Emmy Rossum from. Shameless, one of the most popular shows on Showtime, follows the Gallaghers on the South Side of Chicago, as they try to live their everyday lives and somehow grow up better than their miserable alcoholic father, Frank. Fiona has to look after everyone, and make sure everything is in tip top shape. 

As mentioned in the introduction, Emmy Rossum played Fiona Gallagher as part of the Shameless cast until she left at the end of Season 9. While I do love every person in the Shameless cast, from Jeremy Allen White as Lip to William H. Macy as Frank, there is just something about Rossum as Fiona that does it for me. She really was the heart of the show from the very beginning, and all you wanted to do was root for her. 

Personally, I think she should have come back for the end of the series, as Fiona’s character was truly one of my favorites growing up. However, I understand that Rossum had plenty of other things going on in her busy life, so I won’t get too upset. 

Stream Shameless on Netflix.

The Phantom Of The Opera (2004)

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, The Phantom of the Opera follows the story of a young soprano who works at an opera house, but her talent ends up becoming the fascination of a strange figure who lives under the theater. 

If you want to talk about a classic musical, you can’t get more classical than Phantom of the Opera, and Emmy Rossum as the lead singer, Christine Daaé, is some of the best casting you will ever see in a movie like this. As someone who's seen the musical on stage, I’ll be honest and say that this film adaptation could have been better, but nothing beats Rossum’s performance. Oh, and she sings everything. Everything. She was a trained singer before she ended up in this role, and holy crap she could have been on Broadway instead of in movies and TV. 

Rent/Buy The Phantom of the Opera on Amazon.

Comet (2014)

If you’re looking for an interesting romantic dramedy, check out Comet. This film, starring Emmy Rossum and Justin Long, sort of has a sci-fi twist, where we bounce back and forth during the timeline of a six-year relationship with its ups and downs, taking place in a different universe. 

It’s certainly an interesting film from the moment you begin watching it, but what really makes Comet stand out amongst Emmy Rossum’s other performances is her chemistry with co-star Justin Long, as their relationship is believable and a rollercoaster from start to finish, creating a great dramedy that will truly knock your socks off. 

Stream Comet on Plex.
Rent/Buy Comet on Amazon.

Mystic River (2003)

In this Clint Eastwood-directed film, Mystic River documents the story of three men who were once close childhood friends, but when a tragedy ends up hitting one of the families, they all must come together again to figure out what was the exact cause of this tragedy. 

Mystic River was a critically praised film and was nominated for several awards at the Academy Awards, even winning two for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, but did you know that this was one of Emmy Rossum’s breakout roles? She played Katie Markham, who is pretty much the focus of the whole movie, and she truly shined at such a young age. This drama is hard-hitting and is a must-watch for sure, even if her role might have been one you could have forgotten about.

Stream Mystic River on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Mystic River on Amazon.

Cold Pursuit (2019)

Starring Liam Neeson, Cold Pursuit is an action/thriller that asks the question “how far are you willing to go for vengeance?” That’s what Neeson’s character decides, as he begins to take out members of a drug cartel one by one after they kill his son. 

You know it’s going to be a good Liam Neeson movie when he’s getting revenge on people for hurting his family - which seems to be his go-to, with films like Taken being some of his biggest box-office draws - but the cast of Cold Pursuit is great as well, with Emmy Rossum playing Kim, a police officer who is working as this string of murders starts to come in. It’s a change from her normal roles but a welcome one, all the same. 

Rent/Buy Cold Pursuit on Amazon.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

If you’re looking for a great science-fiction disaster movie, you need to watch The Day After Tomorrow. This film shows what might happen if the North Atlantic Ocean circulation was disrupted, and the horrifying extreme weather conditions that would follow and start a brand new ice age. 

Besides Shameless, this was one of the first projects I ever saw Emmy Rossum in, and I loved her in it from the very beginning. There’s just something about The Day After Tomorrow that is so terrifying, but what really makes this movie great is the cast. Emmy Rossum stands out as Laura Chapman, and she and Jake Gyllenhaal had some intense chemistry. While I wouldn’t take anything this film depicts as accurate, there’s no denying it isn’t terrifying to think about what could happen, and we probably wouldn’t handle the crisis very well. 

Stream The Day After Tomorrow on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy The Day After Tomorrow on Amazon.

Dare (2009)

Next up, we have Dare, a romantic drama that has been described as a cross between Pretty in Pink and Cruel Intentions. This movie depicts what happens when three high-school friends, who are all going in different directions in life, end up giving into desire and become a part of an intimate three-way which turns their lives upside down. 

As someone who likes a good drama, Dare is certainly up there on my list of guilty pleasures. It doesn’t do anything that really stands out amongst other crazy high school dramas, but what really does it for me, and what drives the film overall, is the casting Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer. Their story is so complex and interesting that it’s hard to look away until the film ends, and I mean that in a good way. 

Rent/Buy Dare on Amazon.

A Futile And Stupid Gesture (2018)

You knew there’d be at least one Netflix original on here, and that is A Futile and Stupid Gestures. This film, starring Will Forte, is a biographical comedy-drama that tells the story of Douglas Kenney, a troubled comic who truly changed the face of comedic publications with the invention of National Lampoon. 

This film is so stacked with stars - like truly stacked - that you’d think certain performances wouldn’t stand out, but Emmy Rossum as actress Kathryn Walker does, and I truly enjoyed watching her performance amongst all of the other craziness of this film. This movie genuinely tells a great story that will have you invested straight from the beginning, with great performances to boot. 

Stream A Futile And Stupid Gesture on Netflix.

Before I Disappear (2014)

In this drama, Before I Disappear tells the story of Richie, a young man who is upset with how his life has gone, but on the night where he plans to end it all, he gets a call from his estranged sister, and this ends up changing his life forever, showing just how much a single person can affect your life. 

Emmy Rossum is powerful as Maggie in this movie. Truly, I think it’s one of her best film performances yet and it astounds me that it was never really talked about. She nails every line, emotion, and detail that you would expect and steals every scene she is in. Before I Disappear will have you sobbing by the end of it - or, at the very least, wanting to give your own family a call to check up on them. 

Rent/Buy Before I Disappear on Amazon.

Angelyne (2022)

Last but not least, we have Angelyne, Emmy Rossum’s latest adventure into television. In this Peacock original miniseries, Rossum stars in the titular, real-life role, a blond bombshell who ended up rising to fame in the '80s, thanks to advertisements, despite her secretive lifestyle. 

If you thought that Emmy Rossum as Fiona was good, you’re going to love her in Angelyne. To be honest, you barely even recognize her, and that’s not just because the wardrobe and makeup is amazingly well-done, but Rossum acts her butt off and truly shows just how much she can step into a character, especially one as eccentric as Angelyne. She transforms for this role.

Stream Angelyne on Peacock.

With all these great options, I’m sure you’ll find something including Emmy Rossum that will capture your attention - and maybe, she’ll even appear in the 2022 movie schedule, giving us more fun things to watch. Only time will tell - but no matter what you pick, it’ll be a fun time.  

When it comes to some of the television stars who have been blowing up the last few  years, one of the biggest who comes to mind is Jeremy Allen White. While the actor made headlines for some of his portrayals in other TV shows, it wasn’t until the smash Hulu hit, The Bear, released on the streaming platform that more and more people started to see this leading man’s face.

I, for one, have been following White's career for years, and if you’re looking for what else he has been in, here are some movies and TV shows other than The Bear where you can see just how talented this actor really is. 

Shameless (Netflix)

Probably one of the most famous picks on this list, Shameless is a great Showtime original series telling the story of The Gallaghers, a family that lives on the South Side of Chicago and is just trying to get by and survive as their father, Frank, drinks his life away. Meanwhile, the oldest sister, Fiona, tries to keep everyone in line. 

Shameless was an iconic show for many reasons, mainly because the Shameless cast had such great chemistry with each other. Jeremy Allen White portrayed Lip Gallagher, the eldest brother of the clan, and someone who ended up having a very interesting rise/fall/rise again story throughout the show. After Emmy Rossum left Shameless, White sort of took over as the lead character, and for the next two seasons, and certainly kept fans intrigued until it ultimately wrapped in 2021. 

Stream Shameless on Netflix.

The Rental (Netflix)

Next up, we have The Rental. In this underrated horror film, we follow two couples who get away to a rental in order to have a fun weekend and celebrate good times. But, while there, they start to grow increasingly suspicious that someone is watching them. 

Actor Dave Franco’s directorial debut, The Rental, certainly doesn’t disappoint, and neither does Jeremy Allen White in his acting performance. I never really thought of him as a horror actor, but after watching him in The Rental, I can openly say that this man should definitely be in more horror movies. He had great chemistry with his castmates and could really hold his own. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in another scary movie such as this. 

Stream The Rental on Netflix.
Buy The Rental on Amazon.

After Everything (Hulu)

You want to sob? This movie is the one for you. After Everything, starring Jeremy Allen White and Maika Monroe, tells the story of a young man who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, while simultaneously meeting a girl who ends up changing his world forever. Despite his grim future, the two work through the obstacles life throws at them, hoping that somehow, they'll find a way to be together after everything.

This film is one of those where it’s almost a little too real. It’s a dramedy, for sure, as the main couple have great chemistry and drop some serious laughter bombs throughout the film, but at the end of the day, it’s a drama about a couple falling in love while one has cancer, and how that can affect a relationship. White and Monroe play the parts perfectly, and truly take you to a different world in the way they show the love story. The real test is what happens “after everything.”

Stream After Everything on Hulu.
Rent/Buy After Everything on Amazon.

Homecoming (Amazon Prime)

Next up, we have Homecoming, an Amazon Prime original series that starred Julia Roberts in its first season, as well as Jeremy Allen White. During Season 1, we follow waitress Heidi Bergman, who was once employed as a social worker, caring for soldiers with PTSD in the Homecoming Transitional Support Center. But, as she is questioned about her time there, she discovers the organization might have been more secretive than she ever thought it was.

I genuinely loved White’s role in this show. While he was only in it for the first season, like Julia Roberts, his character, Shrier, was so interesting and had me scratching my head about what he truly went through from the first episode. And, his scenes with Roberts were top tier and really captured your attention instantly. If you’re a fan of psychological series that’ll make you scratch your head - in a good way - Homecoming is the one for you. 

Stream Homecoming on Amazon Prime.

Afterschool (AMC+)

This film from 2008 was one of White’s first performances. In Afterschool, this drama captures the story of a tech-obsessed teenager who ends up catching something horrific on camera, and this in turn leads to a spiral of events that changes his life forever. 

When I say that this is a drama, I mean it in every sense of the word. While White was much younger at the time of its release, his performance in Afterschool as Dave is second-to-none, and I can tell why he was hired for a show like Shameless after his role in this movie. It’s one of those films that will sit with you for a while after you watch it, with great performances from every actor involved. 

Stream Afterschool on AMC+ through Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy Afterschool through Amazon.

Bad Turn Worse (Amazon Rental)

Next up, we have the neo-noir film, Bad Turn Worse. In this movie, we follow three teens who are just trying to celebrate their last nights together before some of them have to go off to college, using stolen money in order to throw a huge party. But, it turns out that they stole from the wrong person, and this ends up putting them in a hairy, crime-ridden situation. 

This movie is the perfect example of the butterfly effect, where this one moment lead to a million other scenarios that truly turned people’s lives upside down. Jeremy Allen White is one of the main characters of this movie, playing Bobby, alongside Logan Huffman and Mackenzie Davis, and the trio really carries this movie from start to finish, and as the crime they committed begins to spread to more, especially dangerous, people, you get more worried for these characters. It’s truly an edge-of-your-seat kind of movie. 

Rent/Buy Bad Turn Worse through Amazon.

The Bear (Hulu)

I mean, it’s why you’re here, isn’t it? The Bear follows Carmy, a chef who once worked in a fine-dining restaurant, but after his brother commits suicide, he leaves that behind to work in his family’s sandwich shop, trying to rebuild it from the ground up. 

The Bear is great television. This was one of the first TV shows where I really saw Jeremy Allen White as a leading man, as he gives a very compelling performance. Not to mention that The Bear is so realistic to what life cooking in a professional kitchen is like that some chefs refuse to watch it because it brings back crazy amounts of anxiety - which is how you know this show is good and it’s done such a fantastic job of capturing a realistic workplace environment. It’s truly one of Allen’s best - and I’m so happy it has received a Season 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Stream The Bear on Hulu.

No matter what you pick from Jeremy Allen White’s resume, I’m sure that you’ll find something great to watch, regardless. But, keep in mind that if it is Shameless that you go with, you’ll be on that ride for a while. Nobody messes with the Gallaghers.  

There are plenty of TV series that have been fortunate enough to have had lengthy runs, and Shameless is certainly one of them. The dramedy, which is one of the best Showtime shows you can stream right now, capped off its acclaimed run with 11 seasons. At this time, this led to emotional posts from stars like Emma Kenney. One would think that the cast would relish having such a lengthy run. However, it would seem that Jeremy Allen White would've been a happier camper if it hadn't have aired so long.

Jeremy Allen White, Known for playing Philip “Lip” Gallagher on Shameless, opened up to GQ about his time on the series. Despite the fact that he enjoyed being on the successful series overall, White admitted that his enthusiasm was somewhat diminished due the sheer longevity of the job:

I don’t blame Jeremy Allen White for feeling the way that he did. I imagine that being on a show that long can definitely take a toll on someone. Ideally, actors want to challenge themselves with new things. So if they're playing the same characters for a long stretch of time, there's a chance things can become stale and uninteresting.

Of course, things eventually came to an end, but that actually didn't help Jeremy Allen White. As he further explained, the inevitability of the show's conclusion caused him to think more about his skills as a performer:

Ultimately, the actor had no reason to fret, as he can now be seen as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto on FX’s The Bear, one of the best shows on TV right now. The show found an audience quickly and earned a second-season renewal quickly. Given its popularity, you have to wonder how long it might run, though I'd be surprised if the network and its streaming home, Hulu, let it get anywhere near 10 seasons.

Considering everything that the actor says here, you have to wonder why he chose to stay on the show for so long, especially since lead stars like Emmy Rossum even departed prior to its conclusion. But then again, as his comments suggest, he may have feared whether he could actually thrive outside the show that made him a star.

Over a year after Shameless' Fiona Gallagher-less finale, Jeremy Allen White seems to be doing alright. If anything, I'm grateful to the Showtime series for introducing viewers to him, as the show wouldn't have been the same without him. Hopefully, the actor continues to crush it and is able to find new ways to evolve as a performer.

All 11 seasons of Shameless are now available to stream alongside the best dramedy TV shows on Netflix. You can also check out the show, alongside The Bear, with the use of a Hulu subscription.

The intense FX dramedy series, The Bear, has taken the internet by storm and has quickly become one of the most talked about 2022 new TV shows (right behind Stranger Things), even for those who don't have a Hulu subscription. After watching all eight episodes of the frantic yet incredibly heartfelt series about a classically-trained chef taking over his family’s Chicago-based Italian beef restaurant, there’s a good chance you are in the mood for similar films and series.

Well, we have cooked up a rather robust list of movies and shows that are either set in chaotic restaurants, tackle strong family dynamics, feature members of The Bear cast, or are from its creator, Christopher Storer. Let’s turn up the heat and get cooking…

Chef (HBO Max)

After having one too many disagreements with the owner of his restaurant, Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) decides to leave the life of a chef behind and find a new adventure in life. After spinning his wheels, Carl ultimately ends up coming into the possession of an old food truck which he brings back to life to start a Cuban-inspired eatery with his young son and best friend, rekindling the fire for cooking in his heart.

The 2014 underrated comedy Chef, which was also written and directed by Favreau, has a lot in common with The Bear that should resonate with fans of the show. It’s about a broken-down man (both personally and professionally) finding new purpose in life while also learning what it means to love what you do in the process. Plus, the grilled cheese scene still kills.

Stream Chef on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Chef on Amazon.

Shameless (Showtime/Netflix)

The long-running Showtime series, Shameless, spent 11 seasons and 134 episodes exploring the various dynamics of the Gallagher family and its patriarch, Frank (William H. Macy), as they try to make things work in their broken home on the south side of Chicago. 

One of the most popular series during the height of its run, Shameless found a great deal of success with its blend of side-splitting humor and heartbreaking emotional moments that played out through various situations. And if you have yet to watch the show and want to see more of The Bear star Jeremy Allen White, this is a good place to start.

Stream Shameless on Showtime.
Stream Shameless on Netflix.
Buy Shameless on Amazon.

Succession (HBO Max)

Since its debut in 2018, the HBO drama series, Succession, has spent three seasons detailing the business and personal lives of the Roy family, who control the vast Waystar RoyCo media corporation. There’s no separating business from pleasure with this explosive family, as every aspect of their complicated lives are intertwined and tied up in disagreements.

Although Succession doesn’t take place in a small kitchen setting, it is the perfect show for fans of The Bear for a number of reasons, including the fact that both shows focus on close and chaotic familial relationships and that they are two of the more intense programs on TV right now.

Stream Succession on HBO Max.
Buy Succession on Amazon.

Big Night (Amazon Rental)

With their restaurant on the verge of being forced to close down, brothers Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) put all their eggs into one basket for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner for a famous musician in Big Night.

This 1996 comedy, which was directed by Tucci and Campbell Scott, is like a funnier version of The Bear in the sense that the two brothers are forced to find some level of compromise between tradition and a more inclusive approach to their cuisine. But don’t let the light tone fool you, because Big Night is 107 minutes of chaos.

Rent/Buy Big Night on Amazon.

Mostly Martha (Hoopla)

Martha Klein (Martina Gedeck) is a highly-successful chef who runs a tight ship and immaculate kitchen with little to no concern for life outside her gourmet restaurant, Lido. That all changes when tragedy falls upon her family, leaving Martha as caretaker for her young niece whose mother has died in a car crash. Together, the chef and young girl find new meaning and purpose in life in Mostly Martha.

If Mostly Martha sounds familiar it’s probably because Sandra Nettelbeck’s 2001 comedy was later remade as No Reservations in 2007 with Catherine Zeta-Jones taking on the lead role. The movie, like The Bear, does a great job of handling delicate subjects and how quickly someone’s life can be completely uprooted, sometimes for the best.

Stream Mostly Martha on Hoopla.
Rent/Buy Mostly Martha on Amazon.

Boiling Point (Hoopla)

Philip Barantini’s 2021 drama, Boiling Point, follows chef Andy Jones (Stephen Graham) over the course of a single night, an evening that will push him to the brink of total collapse because of a number of mounting issues both within the restaurant and in his personal life.

If you were a fan of The Bear’s one-shot seventh episode then Boiling Point is a must watch. With one continuous shot, the movie works its way through the intense dinner shift and all its complexities. But, this isn’t the only comparison, as the movie also centers on a severely broken man who can feel the walls closing in on him with each passing moment.

Stream Boiling Point on Hoopla.
Rent/Buy Boiling Point on Amazon.

Spinning Plates (Tubi)

The 2012 documentary, Spinning Plates, follows a Chicago chef vying for recognition in the competitive food scene, a 150-year-old family restaurant at the center of an Iowa community, and the owner of a struggling Mexican restaurant in Arizona. Each subject faces triumph and tragedy throughout their respective journeys, and learns a little something about life and themselves along the way.

Although this is a documentary instead of a scripted drama series or movie, Spinning Plates does a fantastic job of detailing the struggles restaurant owners face each and every day, no matter if it’s keeping their business open or finding a way to survive a devastating disease.

Stream Spinning Plates on Tubi.

Rescue Me (Hulu)

Over the course of seven seasons and 93 episodes, the award-winning FX drama series, Rescue Me, followed Engine 62, a New York City firehouse whose members are still dealing with the lingering effects of the September 11th terrorist attacks. One of the best FX original series, the popular show mainly focused on Denis Leary’s Tommy Gavin, a deeply troubled yet committed firefighter trying to get through life one day at a time.

This is another show that doesn’t focus on the restaurant scene, but Rescue Me does an incredible job of illustrating how grief, stress, and other issues can shape someone’s life. And though it’s mostly a drama, this long-running FX show did feature some incredibly funny moments throughout its run.

Stream Rescue Me on Hulu.
Buy Rescue Me on Amazon.

Eat Drink Man Woman (Amazon Rental)

Ang Lee’s 1994 dramedy, Eat Drink Man Woman, centers on Zhu (Lung Sihung), an aging, semi-retired chef who shares a home with his three grown and unmarried daughters. Although their personal lives are all in disarray, they put it all behind them once a week when they get together for exquisite family meals.

The family dinner scenes before the restaurant opens in several episodes of The Bear always bring joy and peace to the show and provide a nice balance. This can also be said about Eat Drink Man Woman, with its delicious scenes that will leave you contemplating a random food order at 11 p.m.

Rent/Buy Eat Drink Man Woman on Amazon.

Ramy (Hulu)

The Hulu original series, Ramy, follows first-generation American Muslim Ramy Hassan (Ramy Youssef) as he tries to mind middle-ground between his religious upbringing and family’s customs with those of modern society in his New Jersey neighborhood. Over the course of the first two seasons (a third was picked up in 2022, according to Variety), the series explored a number of different themes and blended elements of comedy and drama to a satisfying degree.

There are numerous reasons to give Ramy a spin, but fans of The Bear and the direction by show creator Chris Storer will especially feel at home with this beloved dramedy series, since Storer has directed multiple episodes thus far and serves as one of the executive producers.

Stream Ramy on Hulu.
Buy Ramy on Amazon.

Just A Dash (YouTube)

This last recommendation isn’t a drama series, movie, or documentary, but instead one of the most entertaining and off-the-wall cooking shows on the internet and features one of the most hilarious members of The Bear cast: Matty Matheson. Although his character, Neil Fak, doesn’t really get his hands dirty in the kitchen on the show (he’s more of a handyman), Matheson is without a doubt one of the most noteworthy chefs around right now.

There are a number of places where you can see Matheson in action, like various Bon Appétit videos and even an amazing Architectural Digest tour of his Toronto restaurant, but Matheson’s YouTube cooking show, Just a Dash, is a great place to start. As you’ll see in the various videos, Matheson has a great sense of humor and knowledge in the kitchen that is just so dang charming and fun to watch, even if you don’t plan on recreating his recipes (some of which are quite taxing). Seriously, check this out!

Stream Just a Dash on YouTube.

We don’t yet know when (or if) The Bear will return for a second season, but these various movies and shows should help pass the time in the meantime.

If we’re talking about some of the best actors of the last couple of decades, one I want to point out is James McAvoy. From starring in an M. Night Shyamalan hit to having roles in big-time TV shows, McAvoy has continued to prove that he can do anything from play crazy killers to kind love interests. 

These are some of the best James McAvoy movies and TV shows that are streaming right now, or are available to rent.

Split (2016)

First up, we have Split. This horror/thriller released in 2016 tells the story of Kevin Crumb, someone who has twenty-six different personalities and ends up locking a trio of teenage girls in his basement. Now, these girls must try and find a way out to save themselves before he ends up harming them even more. 

Not only is this film one of Anya Taylor-Joy’s best movies, but it’s certainly one of James McAvoy’s best films. To be honest, I never thought I could ever be afraid of McAvoy, because before this, he never really played a role that was truly terrifying. But, him as Kevin Crumb genuinely haunts me and I feel that he was the perfect choice, showing just how horrifying he can be, with a classic M. Night Shyamalan twist in there as well. 

Rent/buy Split on Amazon.

Wanted (2008)

If you want an action thriller, check out James McAvoy in Wanted. This movie follows the story of an accountant who finds out an intense secret about his father - that he was an assassin. Soon after, he decides to join the same secret society that his father was a part of and work the same job.  

James McAvoy is a badass in this role. There's nothing quite like McAvoy in an action movie where he gets to show off his skills not only as an actor, but as a fighter as well, and it's great introduction to how he is as an action star prior to his role in X-Men: First Class in 2011. The story is a ton of fun, and McAvoy really brings in a lot of joy through his part.

Stream Wanted on IMDb TV (through Amazon).
Rent/buy Wanted on Amazon.

His Dark Materials (2019 - Present)

In this fantasy series from HBO, His Dark Materials tells the story of Lyra, a normal girl living as an orphan who goes on a crazy adventure in order to find her missing friend, discovering secrets about the world along the way. 

As a part of the His Dark Materials cast, James McAvoy plays Lord Asriel Belacqua, who is actually Lyra’s father, and he was, honestly, the best person to cast in this role. Lord Asriel is fierce and a leader, but also smart in so many ways, and I feel that only McAvoy could portray that combination so well within this complicated fantasy world. I especially enjoy his scenes alongside lead Dafne Keen. They have such great chemistry together. 

Stream His Dark Materials on HBO Max.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

In this fun holiday adventure, Arthur Christmas tells the story of the titular character, Arthur Christmas, a descendant of the Claus line who has to take it upon himself, with the help of others, to save Christmas for a little girl when she doesn’t get her present delivered one year. 

Thinking about this movie always makes me upset because it deserved so much more praise than it got. James McAvoy was literally the perfect casting for Arthur, as his calm and soothing voice was the right choice for someone as good-natured as Arthur and makes him such an easy protagonist to follow. Arthur Christmas is also one of the best movies about Santa Claus, because it gives a new twist to the age-old tale that we’ve never quite seen before. If you’ve never seen it, be sure to check it out. 

Stream Arthur Christmas on Netflix.
Rent/buy Arthur Christmas on Amazon.

X-Men Films (2011 - 2019)

I already mentioned this role earlier, but for some time James McAvoy played the younger version of Professor X, starting in X-Men: First Class and holding onto that role until X-Men: Dark Phoenix, covering the character’s younger years. 

For many, I’m sure this is probably where you first saw James McAvoy, as this was the case for me, and I can see why he was picked for this role. He’s able to capture that mysteriousness that Professor X always carries around him, that air of ambiguity, while still remaining one of the most powerful mutants. If you’ve never seen any of the these films, be sure to watch the X-Men movies in order.

Stream the X-Men movies on Disney+.
Rent The X-Men movies on Amazon.

Starter For 10 (2006)

If you’re looking for a great comedy-drama, check out Starter for 10, starring James McAvoy. This British film follows an incredibly smart young man in his first year at Bristol University, but his world changes when he wins a spot on the University Challenge quiz team, having the chance to show just how smart he is. 

In my eyes, Starter for 10 has always been a more under-the-radar college film, but I personally enjoy the heck out of it, and that’s mainly due to the charming charisma that James McAvoy brings to the screen. I mean, he is so perfect for this coming-of-age role, even when the film starts to turn a little darker towards the end, and makes you want to root for him to succeed. It’s definitely a fun one that I’m sure you would enjoy. 

Stream Starter for 10 on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Starter for 10 on Amazon.

The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

Starring Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy, The Last King of Scotland follows the real-life story of the Ugandan President, Idi Amin, who ruled as a dictator, through the eyes of a young doctor who begins to get closer to him and realizes just how dark and brutal the leader is.

Forest Whitaker actually won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Idi Amin, but James McAvoy was also fantastic in his role as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan. I personally believe he should have gotten even more awards recognition because he was absolutely amazing in this film, and I loved every single scene he was in alongside Whitaker. Not only is it an intense story that will captivate you from the very beginning, it’s beautifully performed by both leads. 

Rent/buy The Last King of Scotland on Amazon.

Atonement (2007)

In this drama-filled film with plenty of stars, Atonement stars both Kiera Knightley and James McAvoy in this tragic romance when the daughter of an upper-class family ends up falling in love with the housekeeper’s son, causing their lives to turn upside down. 

Not only is Atonement one of Kiera Knightley’s best movies, but it’s also one of James McAvoy’s best acting performances to date. His role in the film earned him his first Golden Globe nomination, as well as his second BAFTA nomination for his performance as Robbie Turner. He and Kiera Knightley are literally the best in this film, and their tragic romance tugs at my heart so much. I wish they were in more movies together because their chemistry was off the charts. 

Stream Atonement on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Atonement on Amazon.

Shameless (2004 - 2005)

Before one of Showtime’s best shows, Shameless, was remade for the U.S., the first version was actually done in the United Kingdom. This show is what you would expect it to be if you’re familiar with the American version - following the Gallagher family and all of their crazy and dysfunctional adventures, except this time it's set in Manchester, England.

James McAvoy actually portrayed Steve McBride, Fiona’s boyfriend and later husband in the show, and while there is a Steve in Showtime's version of Shameless, McAvoy’s character is much better, in my opinion. He was sweet with the Gallagher family, a great boyfriend to Fiona, and an all-around good guy. James McAvoy proved just how great he was in a comedic role and made me not only laugh, but cry at certain moments. It was a shame he was only in the show for two seasons. 

Stream Shameless on Pluto TV.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Next up, we have Atomic Blonde, which stars Charlize Theron. This action thriller tells the story of a spy who is working to find several double agents, written on a highly secretive list, who are actively being smuggled into West Berlin before the wall collapses. 

James McAvoy portrays David Percival, an MI6 Berlin station chief who has a couple of twists of his own, and let me say to Hollywood - please put McAvoy in more action roles like this. He’s just so freaking good as an agent and as a potential villain. His screen presence is perfect, and everything about him is just ugh in the best way possible. While I don’t think he’s going to be showing up in any Atomic Blonde sequel, I can still hope he’ll be in something similar in the future. 

Rent/buy Atomic Blonde on Amazon.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (2005) 

Last but not least, we have the fun fantasy movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. This first installment in the Narnia series follows the story of a group of siblings who discover the world of Narnia, a place that is hidden within their wardrobe, and are thrown into a war between good and evil. 

You want to know how I know this is one of James McAvoy’s best films? As a child, I had never read the Narnia series, but I did see the movie. You want to know what I remembered all those years later? Not the plot of the film - James McAvoy’s portrayal of Mr. Tumnus. 

Obviously, as an adult I know what the heck is going on in the series, but as a kid I was in love with Mr. Tumnus and his warm heart, and I know it was because McAvoy was the perfect choice. His smile, interactions, and everything else always defined the Narnia series for me as a kid, and to this day, I still think he’s one of the best parts of the first film. 

Stream The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe on Amazon.

I’m sure we’re only going to see more and more of James McAvoy, but until then, we at least have some awesome movies and TV shows to check out before his next big hit. Now, I’ll go and re-watch Split for the millionth time. 

When you think of one of the most versatile actors of the last twenty plus years, what are some of the first names you think of? For me, one of them is William H. Macy. While many younger folks like me probably know him for his iconic role of Frank Gallagher in the Shameless cast on Showtime, he’s known for many other amazing roles that you should check out as soon as possible. 

From Fargo to The Cooler, these are some of the best William H. Macy movies and TV shows that are streaming right now - or, you can find them available to rent.    

Shameless (2011 - 2021)

The Gallagher family is one you don’t want to mess around with. In Shameless, we follow this South Side of Chicago clan through their daily issues as they try to just survive in the city, make a living, graduate school, or just try not to get arrested - but a Gallagher will do what a Gallagher does. 

As one of the best shows on Showtime, Shameless is truly iconic in every sense of the word, and that includes William H. Macy’s portrayal of Frank, the family patriarch. Frank is a piece of human garbage, and William H. Macy knocked it out of the park for more than a decade, earning nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards. If shows about dysfunctional families are your favorite, you should definitely check out Shameless.

Stream Shameless on Netflix.

Fargo (1996)

This iconic Coen Brothers film is one you shouldn’t miss. Fargo, starring William H. Macy and Frances McDormand, is about a man who comes up with a kidnapping scheme in order to pay off his many debts. However, the plot goes south when a dedicated police chief begins to investigate the death of a state trooper. 

I feel like this is one of those films you really want to go into knowing nothing. William H. Macy received tons of acclaim for his role as Jerry Lundegaard, and while he had plenty of work beforehand, many people (including myself) know him from Fargo. Murder, mystery, and black comedy galore. Definitely watch Fargo, and then learn some behind the scenes facts about the film.

Stream Fargo on Amazon Prime.
Rent Fargo on Amazon.

Boogie Nights (1997)

Ready for a comedy-drama filled with stars? Boogie Nights is a film that tells the story of a dishwasher who begins starring in pornographic films. Over time, he becomes a huge star within the industry, but fame also has its consequences, and slowly, his world starts to fall apart. 

I think what I love the most about this film is that it’s just so funny. Everyone works so well off of each other. William H. Macy rocks it in his role of “Little Bill” Thompson and provides some truly funny moments, but the whole Boogie Nights cast is just so perfect. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay, so you know that it’s going to be a great story. 

Stream Boogie Nights on Showtime.
Rent Boogie Nights on Amazon.

Happy, Texas (1999)

This comedy is a hidden gem. Happy, Texas follows a pair of prisoners who somehow escape and end up in a little Texas town, and get mistaken for a gay couple. Seeing the advantage of the situation, they decide to use this cover in order to plan their next heist. 

William H. Macy is plays the sheriff, Harry, in the small town of Happy, and I have to say he’s the best part of this film. While there are many funny moments, I can’t quite get over his portrayal of Happy, as it’s so out there and funny that you can’t help but love it. Plus, the sheriff's storyline always makes me chuckle. 

Stream Happy, Texas on Showtime.
Rent Happy, Texas on Amazon.

Oleanna (1994)

Oleanna, starring William H. Macy and Debra Eisenstadt, is based on the play of the same name, telling the story of a young student who goes to speak with her teacher about a grade she received, but even when the professor decides to help her, misunderstandings and bad communication lead to his downfall when she accuses him of sexual assault.

While Oleanna is not a very well-known film of Macy’s, I think it deserves far more praise. Since it’s only Macy and Eisenstadt in the film, we are fully able to see their dramatic prowess, and their acting is just amazing. They hold our attention so well that you’ll have trouble tearing your eyes away for even a single second. 

Stream Oleanna on Tubi.
Rent Oleanna on Vudu.

ER (1994-2009)

ER was a very popular long-running drama that focused on the fictional County General Hospital, following the daily lives of its doctors, nurses, staff, and everyone else as they worked in this emergency facility in Chicago. 

ER was one of those shows that made medical series like Grey’s Anatomy possible, and throughout the years, there were many stars that guest-starred on it. But William H. Macy wasn’t just a guest - he was a recurring character, and appeared on the show several times as Dr. David Morgenstern. 

While he was in the show pretty regularly as a recurring guest at first, he stepped back after Season 4, then returned to the role for the fifteenth season. It’s certainly one of his more diverse characters, and picturing him as a doctor is always weird now after seeing him as Frank Gallagher, but that just shows how skillful of an actor he is. 

Stream ER on HBO Max.

The Cooler (2003)

Now this is a William H. Macy movie you can’t miss. The Cooler is all about a lonely man who works as a successful gambling jinx at a Las Vegas casino. But, when he meets a woman and begins falling in love, it affects his performance, so his boss decides to end the romance.

The Cooler was critically acclaimed when it was released for not only its story but the acting from all parties, specifically Alec Baldwin, who portrayed Macy’s boss in the film. However, William H. Macy as a leading man never tires me, and he was excellent as Bernie from the very beginning, making me want to watch him to do better and succeed in life. 

Stream The Cooler on HBO Max.
Rent The Cooler on Amazon.

Homicide (1991)

If you’re looking for a great crime film, check out Homicide. This movie, starring William H. Macy and Joe Mantegna, tells the story of a homicide detective and his partner who get tangled up in a deeper case that extends into the detective’s own heritage, changing his life forever. 

I sort of look at Homicide as a “by the book basics” crime movie, because it feels exactly like the kind of film you’d show someone if you want them to get into crime movies because it's not too intense. However, the real draw in this movie for me is Macy’s excellent acting alongside Mantegna, and their awesome chemistry as detectives. Plenty of twists and turns for you to enjoy, too. 

Stream Homicide on Showtime.
Rent Homicide on Amazon.

Room (2015)

If you’re looking to cry, Room is the movie to watch. Starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, this story tells the tale of Jack, a boy who is cared for by his mother, who was locked away in a shed before having him, and hasn’t seen her family for seven years. Soon, she finds a way out, and the boy gets to explore the world for the first time. 

While William H. Macy isn’t the main star of this film, his portrayal of Robert Newsome, Joy Newsome’s father, broke my heart in the best way, if that makes sense. His acting was so phenomenal and shows the true terror that a parent feels when their child is taken from them; the regret, the shame - every emotion you could think of, William H. Macy portrayed perfectly. It’s definitely one of his best acting performances ever. 

Stream Room in Showtime.
Rent Room on Amazon.

Pleasantville (1998)

Pleasantville is a teen dramedy that follows every teenager’s worst nightmare - somehow ending up in a 1950s TV show set in the Midwest, where everyone looks to be absolutely perfect, but there are dark secrets. 

This whole film is just great from start to finish. William H. Macy, in another great supporting role, plays George Parker, the father of the two main characters, and is an integral part of the story that pushes characters forward. The movie itself was also great for many actor’s careers, including Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, and more. Check it out if you’ve never seen it before. 

Rent Pleasantville on Amazon.

Magnolia (1999)

Last but not least, we have Magnolia. This epic drama with a large ensemble cast is all about the idea of happiness, forgiveness, and reconciliation, following several different stories that intersect in the San Fernando Valley. 

While a big star of this film was Tom Cruise, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his work, everyone in this large ensemble cast is truly amazing, including William H. Macy. His role as Donnie Smith, otherwise known as “Quiz Kid,” was one of the best stories of the film, showing how money isn’t the key to happiness and finding people who truly care for you is. It’s just an all-around great film with a story that’s top tier. 

Rent Magnolia on Amazon.

William H. Macy has done so many other great movies, including Mystery Men, Focus, and Thank You For Smoking, but these are just some of my personal favorites. Maybe after today, you’ll have found a new favorite movie or TV show that stars the talented actor - and keep an eye out for him on the Hulu series, The Dropout.  

The last twenty years have been a golden age of TV, with plenty of amazing shows that have premiered, creating fanbases for many of the shows that have given us awesome storylines. Some of these series aired on the premium service, Showtime, and went strong for years and years, with a large amount of fans even now, after the shows ended.

Whatever your favorite genre is, from comedy to drama, the premium cable channel has you covered with some fantastic shows. These are some of the best Showtime shows you can watch right now.

Dexter (2006 - 2013, 2021- )

In this classic Showtime series, Dexter follows the life of Dexter Morgan, a Miami Metro Police Department blood pattern analyst. Seems like a normal job, until you realize that this cop is actually tainted - because he’s a secret serial killer who kills murderers who have escaped justice, all while working with the homicide division.

The very idea of Dexter is really what makes this series so great. I mean, just think about it - someone using their job to basically cover up the fact that they like to kill, but they only use it as a way to kill other murderers in a twisted fashion. It’s screwed up in all the right ways. The Dexter cast is full of talent, and the story is super interesting and will make anyone want to keep watching, even if blood isn’t entirely your thing.

However, I do feel inclined to warn you that the ending to the original series was terribly bad - probably one of the worst series finales of all time. But thankfully, Dexter: New Blood has come out, and concluded the original story in the best way possible. If you haven’t seen the show yet, be sure to watch it now. 

Stream Dexter on Showtime.

Yellowjackets (2021 - Present)

If you’re looking for an excellent coming of age drama mixed in with psychological horror, Yellowjackets is the way to go. This new series tells the story of a soccer team that is traveling from America to nationals when their plane suddenly goes down in the mountains. They turn to terrible things in order to survive - and they face the repercussions 25 years later. 

Yellowjackets is such a refreshing piece of TV media. As someone who adores horror movies and shows just like this, I was captivated from beginning to end with each of these characters. The Yellowjackets cast is astounding, and their acting ability is phenomenal. And let’s talk about casting - whoever did the casting for the young and older versions of these characters needs a raise, because the resemblance is un-freaking-canny. Seriously, watch this show if you haven’t - especially now you can watch Yellowjackets Season 2.

Stream Yellowjackets on Showtime.

Ray Donovan (2013 - 2020)

In this drama from Showtime, Ray Donovan stars the titular character, who is a “professional fixer.” He arranges bribes, payoffs, threats, crime-scene clean-up, and any other illegal activities to protect his celebrity clients - well, usually they’re celebrity clients. Sometimes they're more criminals than anything else.

Ray Donovan went on for many years because it became such a popular show. The drama starred Liev Schreiber, alongside a phenomenal cast. Its story is engrossing and interesting, but I think what I like the most about this show is the setting. While the first five seasons take place on the West Coast, in L.A., the last two primarily focus on New York City, giving a whole new vibe to the series. There's also a Ray Donovan movie in the works for 2022, so now's a great time to catch up.

Stream Ray Donavan on Showtime.

Shameless (2011 - 2021)

Oh, Shameless. You don’t f**k with a Gallagher.

In this U.S. reboot of the U.K. series of the same name, Shameless follows the lives of the Gallagher family, a group of misfits who live on the South Side of Chicago, starring Fiona, the eldest sister who has to somehow manage her whole family while her alcoholic father messes everything up.

Shameless was my first Showtime show, and honestly, it’s such a great one to start out on. The stories are all over the place, from some great heartwarming tales to ones that are really screwed up. The Shameless cast is full of stars, including the ever-talented William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum. It’s really such a fantastic series, with so much heart and yet so many things that will make you laugh your ass off. With eleven seasons, it’s the perfect series to binge.

Stream Shameless on Netflix.
Stream Shameless on Showtime.

Billions (2016 - Present)

In this drama series, we follow hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod as he accumulates wealth and power in the world of high finance, with a lot of his tactics often crossing over into possibly illegal territory.

I think one of the things I like about Billions is that, for a lot of people, the topic here is a bit out of our comfort zones. I didn’t really know anything about finance, hedge funds or the like prior to watching this series. While the show is fictional, you still do learn some fun facts about the financial world, and you get a great story with high stakes that will have you watching episode after episode. You never know who’s going to get in trouble when it comes to money.

Stream Billions on Showtime.

The Tudors (2007 - 2010)

The Tudors focuses on one particular king in history, the infamous King of England, Henry VIII. The show takes place in the sixteenth century, looking into his relationship with an unpopular Chief Minister, his romances (especially Anne Boleyn), and his desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon - and that’s just Season 1.

King Henry is one of those figures in history that I feel we all know for what he did with his several wives, and The Tudors takes that into account and charges up the drama by about 100%. While you can’t expect this to be totally accurate - this is a TV series - The Tudors is still a fun period drama, filled with plenty of historical elements about one of England's oldest families - even if every aspect isn’t true. Plus, you get to see a young Henry Cavill - how can you not enjoy it?

Stream The Tudors on Showtime.

Work In Progress (2019 - Present)

Let’s take a look at a fun comedy now, why don’t we? Work In Progress follows a story that anyone can relate to - trying to find yourself when your whole entire life feels like a mess. But that’s exactly what Abby is, a work in progress, who uses the relationship that she enters into to work on herself.

Abby McEnany is awesome in her starring role. While she’s already known for her comedy, she pairs it well with a hilarious storyline that not only makes you laugh but you can understand as well. Her character perfectly shows what it’s like to have a relationship with someone and how it can make you or break you, and further shows that not everyone needs to be their ultimate best at any point in their lives. 

Stream Work In Progress on Showtime. 

Homeland (2011 - 2020)

If you want a military thriller, look no further than Homeland. This Showtime drama is about Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas Brody and Carrie Mathison, a CIA operations officer who has come to believe that an American Marine has been turned by the enemy, Al-Qaeda, and is now working for the other side.

I feel like Homeland is the perfect series for so many people. If you want something close to espionage, it’s right here. If you want something very dramatic, Homeland has it. If you’re craving some awesome action scenes, Homeland is the perfect choice. Really, it’s a great series, and went on for eight seasons, becoming a huge hit for Showtime. It has something for everyone to enjoy, and you'll be trying to track down who exactly is the traitor to the U.S.

Stream Homeland on Hulu.
Stream Homeland on Showtime.

Your Honor (2020 - Present)

In this courtroom drama, Your Honor tells the story of a New Orleans judge, whose son accidentally kills another teenager during a hit-and-run collision. However, things becomes messier when the judge learns that the slain teenager is the son of a local mafia kingpin. Now, he must question his own honor to try and keep his son safe.

Starring Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, Your Honor reminds me so much of Cranston’s former series, with a man trying to keep his family protected with extremely high stakes, except this time around it's with a mafia boss instead of a meth lord. Bryan Cranston is perfect in his role, and the rest of the cast rocks it as well. With a second season already renewed, Your Honor is the perfect binge for someone who doesn’t want multiple seasons, and wants to get invested for the long haul in the future.

Stream Your Honor on Showtime.

American Rust (2021)

Take a step into the world of murder mysteries with this awesome series, American Rust. This new series that premiered in Fall 2021  follows the story of a small-town chief of police in the Rust Belt of Pennsylvania. But his personal life and work life begin to collide when the son of the woman he cherishes is suddenly accused of murder. Now, he must take it upon himself to figure out the true story. 

While American Rust doesn’t have a Season 2 planned yet, this series is such a great one. As a fan of murder mysteries, I can say that this show truly knocks it out of the park and has twists and turns around every corner. The highlight performance is Jeff Daniels in the lead role. You may know him for his great movie roles, but honestly, I hope that I get to see him in another season of this soon. 

Stream American Rust on Showtime.

Penny Dreadful (2014 - 2016)

If you’re looking for a horror series, look no further than Penny Dreadful. This thriller is filled with suspenseful stories, showing that sometimes personal demons from your past can be even more terrifying than the scariest of creatures, like vampires, monsters, or even demons.

I don’t think I can say too much about this show without giving a lot away. As someone who loves to watch the best horror movies, I absolutely adore scary films or horror flicks that make me feel all shaky inside. However. Penny Dreadful is another kind of horror, where there are moments where you’ll be terrified of what you see on screen, and the next you’ll be thrown into something extremely deep and meaningful. I feel like Penny Dreadful should have gotten more seasons; it’s such a good scary yet insightful horror series.

Stream Penny Dreadful on Showtime.

The L Word (2004 - 2009)

With all of these dramas and thrillers, I think it’s time we put in something that’s a little more light-hearted, but still serious. The L Word follows the lives of a small, close-knit group of gay women who live in Los Angeles, as well as their friends or family members who support them or hate them.

What I love about The L Word compared to many of these other series is while it’s always great to watch a drama like Homeland or Penny Dreadful, sometimes you need a show that just portrays the lives of regular people, and that’s what this does. The L Word cast is wonderful, with leading ladies like Jennifer Beals and Mia Kirshner, and the story is full of relationships with plenty of drama, sweet gestures, and instances that will make you want to yell at your TV. There are even a couple of spin-offs of the show now for you to enjoy, so why not watch the original first?

Stream The L Word on Hulu.
Stream The L Word on Showtime.

Showtime is definitely one of those channels that seems to have everything you could want, from dysfunctional families to scary monsters. The question is, what are you feeling like watching today? 

It’s hard to believe it’s been 11, yes 11, years since America was first introduced to the dysfunctional Gallagher family in the popular Showtime dramedy Shameless. It’s an occasion that’s enough to get anyone nostalgic. On that note, Emma Kenney, who portrayed one of the middle children, Debbie, celebrated by sharing some awesome throwback pictures.

Emma Kenney took to Instagram to look back at some fond memories from filming Shameless in the midst of the show’s 11th anniversary. The actress shared a nice variety of photos, which show the cast hanging out on the set and doing press, among other things. Honestly, it’s all pretty sweet and enough to bring a smile to your face. Check out the post down below:

These pictures could make a number of Shameless fans yearn for more content. It’s also amazing just how many images the actress has held on to over the years. I can only imagine what other cool photos she has from filming, especially when you consider the wild nature of the show. Maybe she’ll post more when the one-year anniversary of the series finale arrives in a few months?

It would seem that many of the Shameless stars are still close, as a number of them got together just before the holidays to make new memories. Emma Kenney, Noel Fisher, Shanola Hampton, Kate Miner, Cameron Monaghan, Steve Howey, and Ethan Cutkosky showed up for the sweet-looking family reunion. It was great to see them together, despite some missing faces. And while it hadn’t been too long since the show ended, fans were delighted at the sight of them together again nonetheless.

As Emma Kenney looks back at the past, she’s also keeping her eyes locked on what she’s doing now. She’s been portraying Harris Conner-Healy on ABC’s The Conners since 2018 after playing the role in the short-lived Roseanne revival prior to its cancellation. The sequel series is currently in its fourth season, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down any time soon. 

It was definitely an emotional time when Shameless ended, both for the fans and the stars themselves. Since the Showtime series dropped 140 episodes over 11 seasons, other members of the cast surely have mementos like the ones the Debbie Gallagher actress shared. These memories will surely last a lifetime and, hopefully, as the years go on, the cast will remain as close as ever. They really do look like a real family when they hang out in real life, and you honestly love to see that kind of bond off camera. And with any luck, the continued kinship will result in even more sweet pictures.

Though Shameless has ended, all 11 seasons are now streaming on Netflix, and there are plenty of similar shows to stream as well. But if you’re looking for your TV fix someplace else, check out CinemaBlend’s 2022 winter and spring TV schedule to see what new and returning shows you can catch in the new year!

Beloved Showtime dramedy Shameless came to an end earlier this year, and fans are still trying to figure out life without the series in their lives anymore. With Christmas right around the corner, some of the mega-ensemble's cast members have given fans a present in the form of a holiday reunion, which I guess wasn't only about making viewers happy. That said, while lots of familiar faces were on hand, there were a few notable absences.

Noel Fisher, who played the loveable fuck-up Mickey Milkovich throughout the show’s 11-season run, posted some cute photos on his social media pages of him hanging out with his Shameless family. The holiday reunion included Fisher's co-stars Emma Kenney, Shanola Hampton, Kate Miner, Cameron Monaghan, Steve Howey, and Ethan Cutkosky. Check out the fan-pleasing gathering below!

Even though it is a delight seeing the Shameless cast again, not everyone was able to show up to the reunion. Fans couldn’t help but notice that former stars William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum and Jeremy Allen White, in particular, were absent from the many pictures that were posted of the get-together. It’s unclear why they weren’t there, but hopefully they were just busy with other prior commitments, with Rossum seemingly having been working on the upcoming Peacock drama Angelyne ever since she left her role as Fiona Gallagher.

Meanwhile, Noel Fisher wasn’t the only one to happily share reunion pictures. Shanola Hampton, known as “V” on Shameless, shared additional photos to her Instagram that includes a selfie of her and her former castmates:

Appearing on Shameless since Season 9 as Tami Tamietti, Kate Miner also took to Instagram to revel in the happy reunion, and fans couldn’t get enough in the comments:

Emma Kenney, who grew up with the show while portraying Debs, also made sure to share pictures on her Instagram. It wasn’t so much of the reunion as a whole, but rather of the outfit she was wearing. And who can blame her when she pulls the look off in such a way:

It may not be so surprising to see that not everyone on cast showed up to the reunion. Emmy Rossum somewhat suddenly departed from Shameless after Season 9, and while it was definitely heartbreaking for viewers, Emma Kenney revealed in October of this year that Rossum's exit might have been a good thing, for one reason or another. It’s hard to tell what Rossum’s relationship has been like with Kenney and the rest of the cast over the last few years, but hopefully there are no hard feelings.

Fingers crossed that there is another Shameless reunion in the future, and perhaps even one for TV. Even though it hasn’t been that long since the series came to an end, fans were more than ecstatic to see their favorites together once again. Hopefully this isn’t the last time they’re together, but if all we get in the future is a franchise of buddy comedies co-starring Cameron Monaghan and Noel Fisher, so be it.

Christmas came early this year in the form of a Shameless reunion, and I could not be more grateful. Okay, I would have been more grateful if there was lots of videos. Still, it’s always nice seeing casts of shows that are no longer around getting back together, because it just shows that the chemistry on screen is just as real as it is in real life.

Atlanta is a hilariously funny FX comedy starring Donald Glover that stole the hearts of viewers for it’s punny moments, enjoyable characters, and serious topics explored in a comical way. It’s been a while since Season 2 premiered, and even if Atlanta Season 3 is on the way, fans might be craving a show that’s similar to Atlanta to hold them over. 

While you could spend your time watching some of the best FX dramas, I sometimes just want to laugh. Luckily, there are plenty of other shows out there that will tickle the same funny bone that Atlanta viewers are used to. From shows on Amazon Prime to Netflix originals, here are some of the best shows you can watch right now that might remind you a bit of Atlanta.

You’re The Worst (Hulu)

In this dramedy, You’re the Worst follows Jimmy and Gretchen, two people who have their own destructive tendencies and lives, who are attempting to have a relationship together. 

Since this comedy hails from FX as well just like Atlanta, you know it’s going to be funny, but You’re the Worst is honestly one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a long time. Chris Geere and Aya Cash give stellar performances as Jimmy and Gretchen, and create an amazing love story that’s not only believable but oh so realistic, about the trials and tribulations of learning to love someone. I wished it had gone on forever, but I think five seasons is a good amount, too.

Stream You’re the Worst on Hulu. 

Empire (Hulu)

In this popular TV series, Empire follows the story of Lucious Lyon, a hip hop mogul, former drug dealer, and the CEO of Empire Entertainment. But, when his life changes as his health deteriorates, he must make a decision to pick a successor that will rule his empire long after he passes away. 

For fans of Atlanta, this show reminds me a lot of it. While it's not a comedy, its dramatic moments are super dramatic and will have you on the edge of your seat. Both Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are fantastic in their starring roles, and the music is killer - even better than Paper Boi, in my opinion. 

Stream Empire on Hulu. 

Ramy (Hulu)

In this Hulu original comedy, Ramy follows an American Muslim, who is on his own personal spiritual journey within his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood, stuck between two worlds that he is trying to learn how to live in. 

When I watch Ramy, I always think of the more serious moments of Atlanta, and that’s why it’s on this list. While it is a funny show with some great delivery from star Ramy Youssef, Ramy is one of those shows that has some brilliant themes and explores serious topics that some viewers may have never known about that have to do with Muslim culture in America. I for one can’t wait until the third season. 

Stream Ramy on Hulu. 

Barry (HBO Max)

Next, we have an HBO original. Barry is about the titular character, a discharged Marine who works as a hitman. When he travels to L.A. to kill a target, he unexpectedly finds a community that he never thought he would in the L.A. theater scene.

Barry is absolutely killer for people who like Atlanta. Bill Hader’s movies are always a gem to watch but there’s just something about him as the main character in Barry that makes me like him more. He’s excellent in his role and delivers that proper amount of comedy that will not only make you laugh, but sometimes cry. Henry Winkler is also awesome in his supporting role, and deserves all the praise. Heck, the whole cast is awesome. Barry Season 3 is right around the corner.

Stream Barry on HBO Max. 

Fleabag (Amazon Prime)

You want some cringe comedy that’s actually good? Check out Fleabag. In this popular series on Amazon Prime, we follow the title character, a young woman who's trying to come to terms with a recent tragedy while living in London, and attempting to navigate her life.

While Fleabag was only a measly twelve episodes, each one was funnier than the last. The titular character, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, has such great chemistry with everyone, and her facial expressions are everything. Every time she breaks the fourth wall I feel like I’m almost in on a secret and I get to be a part of the show. I wish that Fleabag had gotten more seasons, but I suppose it’s good to end a great thing while we still want more. 

Stream Fleabag on Amazon Prime.

Californication (Hulu)

Moving on, we have Californication. This show follows Hank Moody, a writer from New York who moved to California to try and get out of his writer’s block that is constantly stopping him from working, all while trying to solve his own personal problems at the same time. 

Californication is another great Showtime series that had some awesome storylines, ones that fans of Atlanta can appreciate. Hank, played by David Duchovny, has a way of capturing the audience’s attention from the very beginning, as we watch him change from someone who, honestly, has a lot of problems, to a better version of himself near the end, but I can’t give away too much. The story, acting, and everything else combined will make you love watching this awesome show. 

Stream Californication on Hulu.

Shameless (Netflix)

Next up, we have Shameless. In this popular Showtime series, we follow the Gallagher family, born and raised in the South Side of Chicago, through their troubles, tribulations, and everything else in between. 

Shameless was one of those shows that got me into dramedies like Atlanta, because that’s when I discovered that they can be so good. The Shameless cast is so talented, the stories are incredibly funny to follow, but sometimes heartbreaking too, and the character arcs are some of the best that I have witnessed. I think everyone should watch Shameless at least once.

Stream Shameless on Netflix. 

Weeds (Peacock)

Next, we have Weeds. In this popular comedy, we follow Nancy, a woman whose life turns criminal when she begins to start a front so she can sell - and eventually make - her own line of weed called MILF, before relocating her family to stay out of jail and protect her children. 

For fans of Atlanta, I think that this is one of the best comedies you could watch, because it’s so funny. The whole cast has such great chemistry and work off of each other beautifully, but everything else, from the setting to the story, is awesome to follow as well. I almost think of Weeds as the comedy version of Breaking Bad, except without all the meth lords and cancer - it’s genuinely a lot of fun. 

Stream Weeds on Peacock.

High Maintenance (HBO Max)

In this anthology comedy-drama, High Maintenance follows a man named The Guy. He is a cannabis courier who delivers his products to clients in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, with each episode focusing in on a new character and their lives as they intersect with him. 

High Maintenance has such a cool and interesting concept, about the lives of others and how one person's life can intersect with so many other people. For fans of Atlanta, you’ll love the strange and wacky characters that The Guy comes across in several different episodes, but, even then, no matter who the person is, there is always an awesome story. I wish the series had come back for a fifth season, but it was not meant to be. At least now I can enjoy it through HBO Max. 

Stream High Maintenance on HBO Max. 

Insecure (HBO Max)

Next up, we have Insecure. Starring Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, Insecure follow Issa and Molly, the two main characters, on all of their strange and uncomfortable adventures, as well as their racy dating tribulations. 

I think out of all of the comedies on this list, Insecure is one of the few that I think is the closest to Atlanta level in terms of it just being about everyday life. There’s no crazy plot in here - it’s just about two best friends living their lives and trying to make the best out of strange or uncomfortable situations. Issa and Molly almost remind me of Alfred and Earn, with how they often get themselves into messy situations but try to work it out together. These characters are just the best.

Stream Insecure on HBO Max.

Dear White People (Netflix)

Lastly, we have Dear White People, based on the film of the same name. In this series, we follow the lives of several black college students who attend a fictional Ivy League school, and touch on issues of modern day America and race relations. 

I think Dear White People is a great show for fans of Atlanta to watch if you’re into the messages of many of the episodes Atlanta has to offer, such as racism, bigotry, class differences, and many others. While Dear White People is a comedy with some hysterical moments, it focuses heavy on looking into the modern day world of race relations through topical issues, and creates moving stories that will intrigue anyone who wishes to watch. 

Stream Dear White People on Netflix. 

I know that Season 3 of Atlanta feels like it's years away but trust me, we won’t have to wait too long. Hopefully, some of these great shows might be able to hold you over until Earl, Alfred, and the whole gang return. 

Late August of 2018 marked a sad time for fans of Showtime’s long-running hit, Shameless, as star Emmy Rossum announced that Season 9 would be her last. While there was some doubt at first about whether or not the series would go on without the actress who played the character that many considered the (sometimes broken) heart of the show, the family dramedy did, in fact, run through Season 11, and wrapped earlier this year. Now that the series is over, Rossum’s co-star, Emma Kenney, has revealed why her exit was probably a good thing.

Emma Kenney and Emmy Rossum worked together for quite a long time, and through Kenney’s formative years, seeing as how she started the show when she was just a little girl. While Rossum’s Fiona frequently tried really hard to lead Kenney’s Debbie along a straight and narrow path, it sounds like the same wasn’t always true in real life for the young actresses who played siblings on Shameless. Kenney was interviewed on the Call Her Daddy podcast recently, and when asked if their relationship ever felt sisterly off camera, she said “one hundred percent, in good and bad ways,” and added:

The Shameless cast has always appeared to be a very close one behind the scenes, and even though Emma Kenney’s words about Emmy Rossum make it sound as though that’s not true, she does seem to still be able to offer a lot of grace to the show’s former lead. One can only guess at what the “not the best advice” was that the younger star received from her on-screen big sister, but it sounds like Kenney believes that there may have been things Rossum was dealing with that impacted how she interacted with her much younger co-star.

Overall, it does sound like Kenney has been able to reflect on what went on with Rossum, and others, on the Shameless set, and take away some good lessons on how to handle things in her own life, whether professionally or personally. Kenney also noted that, for the most part, the cast felt and still feels “like a family,” and said that co-star Shanola Hampton, who played Fiona’s best bud Veronica, was always there with solid advice.

As you can see, Kenney kept her comments about Rossum pretty respectful, but didn’t hold back when it came to telling the truth. When reflecting on what things were like once Rossum left Shameless behind, Kenney said:

Emma Kenney added that while she and Emmy Rossum haven’t kept in touch, she has “a lot of love for her,” so it’s good that she’s been able to put her Shameless experience into perspective and see it as a largely positive experience. 

You can still watch Emma Kenney on The Conners, but for more to see this season, check out our 2021 fall TV schedule.

As we head firmly into the 2021 Fall TV season, which is thankfully nowhere near as disjointed and scattershot as last year's, audiences are no doubt waiting for the returns of such broadcast hits as Grey's Anatomy and The Masked Singer, along with cable winners like Yellowstone and What We Do in the Shadows. But considering just how many TV shows are airing on a weekly basis throughout each year, it can be hard to keep track of everything that isn't coming back due to cancellation. Networks and studios don't tend to promote those quite as much.

Here, we've rounded up a selection of Fall TV favorites from recent years that a lot of viewers are probably going to be looking for if they weren't already aware the shows were ending. I certainly don't hope to break any hearts with the below, but let's get started.

Mom (CBS)

Anna Faris' exit from CBS' addiction-centered comedy Mom came dangerously close to the start of Season 8, and reportedly left the creative team mentally scrambling. Power to everyone who did their damnedest to spread the spotlight around to the always impeccable Allison Janney and the rest of the cast, but their efforts couldn't save Mom from the chopping block. Which is even more of a shame since the ratings didn't tumble nearly as hard as many shows' would upon the exit of a main star.

Vikings (History / Amazon)

For five and a half seasons, the fictionalized Vikings brought its brutal storytelling to History Channel, with Season 6 serving as its swan song. Only, a lot of viewers were bamboozled when Amazon took over as the home for the back half of the final season, with all the episodes releasing at the tail end of 2020. But even though Vikings is over, fans can still look forward to creator Michael Hirst's prequel series Vikings: Valhalla when it hits Netflix.

MacGyver (CBS)

Changes behind the scenes can also seriously affect a TV show's day-to-day reality, which is likely part of what happened with CBS' reboot MacGyver, which carved out a home for itself on the unenviable Friday night schedule. Less than a year after its co-creator Peter Lenkov was fired for complaints about his work conduct, the Lucas Till-starring drama was unceremoniously cancelled in April 2021 with five episodes left to air in Season 5, which gave some serious added weight to those last five installments.

American Housewife (ABC)

For five seasons, Katy Mixon kept audiences laughing as the titular American Housewife on ABC, and there's a good reason the network kept renewing it, since its viewership numbers and ratings often remained consistent as those of other shows fell. But a behind-the-scenes controversy may have had something to do with its downfall. Co-star Carly Hughes left the show soon after Season 5 started filming, and her complaints about the toxic work environment sparked an in-house investigation that led to its creator and another producer stepping down from their roles, among other consequences.

The Unicorn

While Walton Goggins' The Unicorn was only on CBS for two seasons, the looking-for-love comedy had quickly built up a devoted fanbase who adored the series' emotional core, which was delivered in full through the talented ensemble that also included Michaela Watkins. Despite all the good tidings, The Unicorn was cancelled for low-for-the-network ratings, and would likely have been served better on another network, since it didn't quite fit in with CBS' traditional sitcoms, nor the procedural nature of most of its dramas.

Supernatural (The CW)

Despite seeming as if Supernatural might defy the laws of physics by staying on The CW until the end of recorded time, the dark and fantastical drama's COVID-delayed 15th season was its final one. Fans will no doubt beg for Jared Padalecki (now starring in Walker) and Jensen Ackles (soon to star in The Boys) to return to their Winchester brothers roles, but they won't be found on TV together this fall. At least, not outside the 327 reruns that can be found in syndication or streaming.

Shameless (Showtime)

As one of the most successful UK remakes in some time — at least as far as longevity goes — Showtime's intoxicant-fueled dramedy Shameless has made household names of most of its cast members, minus the already legendary William H. Macy. As it goes with many shows listed here and beyond, the beginning of the end started with the exit of a major star. In this case it was Emmy Rossum, who left at the end of Season 9, at which point the show became Showtime's longest-running series ever. But rather than cancel Shameless after Season 10, as many expected, the network gave the cast and crew a final season to conclude everyone's stories in true Gallagher family fashion.

Last Man Standing (Fox)

Oddly enough, 2021 won't even be the first time TV audiences may have forgotten that Tim Allen's sitcom Last Man Standing was cancelled, considering it sat out an entire fall-to-fall cycle after it was cancelled by its original network, ABC. Ahead of its ninth season, the network announced Last Man Standing would be ending with those final 21 episodes, with its final production span marred by COVID-related protocols and limitations. (The showrunner did tell us how he'd like to return to the Baxters' story in time, but we'll have to wait and see if that ever happens.)

Superstore (NBC)

For six seasons, NBC's Superstore made commerce and capitalism a fun primetime escape, and its final season didn't suffer too grandly when star America Ferrera bounced early on. (Though she did return for the final episodes.) However, it was during that sixth season's mid-year hiatus when NBC announced that Superstore was heading to that grand liquidation sale in the sky. Any hopes of the discussed spinoff Bo & Cheyenne were also killed off after the flagship series' final episode aired.

NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)

As CBS sets up to deliver a new branch of its ever-popular NCIS franchise to the table with its Hawaii-set spinoff, fans will no longer be taking trips to the Big Easy with Scott Bakula's Jethro Pride, as NCIS: New Orleans was cancelled earlier in 2021. While the crime drama's Sunday-night ratings were no doubt solid enough, the series suffered several behind-the-scenes issues over the years, and while exact reasons were never made clear, it would appear the network decided to take its fictional NCIS teams to a different part of the country.

Just because everything on this list is over with doesn't mean there aren't a ton of awesome shows premiering throughout the rest of the year as part of the 2021 Fall TV season, because there's definitely something for everyone.

For a while now, TikTok has been the breeding ground for dance crazes, celebrity rumors and lifestyle advice, and isn't exactly known as the premiere place for older generations to strut their stuff. But as it goes for every generation, today’s dads are doing the most to connect with their children and grandchildren, regardless of things like shame and more shame. Accordingly, Shameless star William H. Macy isn’t immune to this mindset, and to celebrate his latest Emmy nomination for Frank Gallagher's last hurrah, the actor wanted to celebrate the achievement in his way. So naturally (or not), he did it with TikTok and Megan Thee Stallion.

William H. Macy surprised his TikTok followers with his post celebrating his Emmy nomination, which is his sixth for Shameless, and his 15th overall. The actor pulled out some questionable moves to rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion’s latest hit “Thot Shit.” Let's just say no knees were injured in the viral video, at least not in an obvious way. So, with that peace of mind, watch the prior Emmy winner bring his dance skills out on TikTok below:

To see an everyman like William H. Macy pull out his best moves was hilarious, and one can only assume his Fargo character would only be confused. Macy's moves were a combination of 1980s exercise videos with a hint of the Macarena. His arms must have been tired after all that dancing. At least, he didn't try any Megan Thee Stallion's knee-centric choreography. This might've been a different story. (Or maybe he did, and those videos didn't make it to the public eye.)

It was almost as if the actor was conjuring the spirit of Frank Gallagher by choosing “Thot Shit.” I mean, anyone who sleeps with their son's wife is definitely about that thot life. But at least, William H. Macy proved don't have to be in the 18-34 demographic to be down.

The Shameless star’s Emmy celebration carried over from TikTok to Twitter. This time, Macy deiced to tap more into his "dad" side rather than his "thot" side by leaving a heartfelt message. Thankfully, fingers (not arms) were the main appendage used for this moment. Here's what William H. Macy wrote to his Shameless family and fans:

Like any good TV dad, the actor wanted everyone to know just how important his television family was to him. As William H. Macy mentioned, his Emmy nomination was a bittersweet moment during the long process of getting over leaving the Gallaghers behind following the Showtime series' final season. His nomination, along with the multiple others for Shameless, marked the end of an era for a landmark series.

Despite his bittersweet Emmy nom, William H. Macy’s career is still flourishing along with other cast members', even with no new projects announced just yet. If you want to relive Frank Gallagher in all his dysfunctional glory, check out the first 10 seasons of Shameless on Netflix, and stay tuned for the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 19, on CBS.

Major spoilers below for anyone who didn't watch Shameless' series finale on Showtime, so be warned!

After eleven seasons of boozed-up, dysfunctional mayhem from the entirety of the Gallagher family, Showtime's longest-running drama Shameless came to its bittersweet and darkly comedic conclusion with its series finale titled "Father Frank, Full of Grace." Fans had tons of expectations going into that finale, with the largest one hinging on Emmy Rossum returning as estranged daughter/sibling Fiona. That didn't happen, sadly, and the finale also surprisingly left things pretty open-ended for a variety of main characters. Well, except for William H. Macy's Frank, of course.

The Gallagher family patriarch and anti-role model Frank met his maker in a predictably strange and subdued fashion, which was capped off in one of the greatest mid-credits scenes in all of television. But before we get to that, let's talk about the glaring absence of one Emmy Rossum.

Why Emmy Rossum Didn't Return For Shameless' Finale

As Shameless fans are well aware, Emmy Rossum took absence from the Showtime drama back in March 2019 for the Season 9 finale, with Fiona rounding up some money and taking a plane ride the hell away from the rest of the Gallagher clan, never to return again. (At least during the show moments that viewers were privy to.) Though fans were strongly hoping for producers to find a way to bring Rossum back into the fold, it sadly did not happen. However, executive producer John Wells says that there definitely was a concerted effort to showcase Rossum's Fiona one final time, even though it didn't work out. Here's what he told TVLine:

As John Wells implied, the COVID pandemic has obviously taken serious tolls on untold numbers of people around the world, so a TV finale isn't the biggest victim here. But still, removed from that grander context, it was hugely disappointing to go through the entire finale without seeing Fiona pop up at some point. Even if it would have just been a Zoom call with Emma Kenney's Debbie or something. Sigh.

How Shameless Ended For Frank And Others

William H. Macy's Frank definitely had the most eventful finale, at least in terms of experiencing permanent character changes. The episode started off following up on his couch-set overdose from the previous episode, and in true Gallagher form, none of the family members did much to check on Frank's vitals or his general well-being. They just left him to his devices, and only Christian Isaiah's noticed whenever Frank got up and shambled out into the world.

Frank's issues were likely a mix of drugs in his system, his dementia, and his somewhat surprising COVID-19 diagnosis, and he looked like death warmed over, fittingly enough. After taking an ambulance ride from a church to a hospital, Frank found solace in a flashback-filled trip down memory lane, though none of his children found solace in the note he left before shooting up that last time, considering they didn't find the note at all before the credits rolled.

After Frank passed, his ghostly form floated above the heads of his family and friends inside The Alibi, watching over everyone until he made his grand exit by floating up into the ethers. It was an oddly supernatural moment for Shameless, but just in case that was too sweet of an ending for Frank, the episode's mid-credit moment added some hilarious punctuation to his death. As Frank's body was being processed inside a crematorium, it was so full of alcohol that it exploded the whole building.

Other characters' stories featured far less closure. Cameron Monaghan's Ian and Noel Fisher's Mickey, who'd recently moved into their own digs, discussed the notion of having children at some point. Mickey was haunted by the notion that he might fail as a dad, while Ian was more optimistic about the concept, even tossing the idea out there that they could potentially adopt someone less fortunate within the Noel's fam. Meanwhile, Debbie got horny for Shakira Barrera's criminalistic Heidi, but viewers never got to see if Debbie accepted Heidi's offer to leave Chicago on an expansive road trip.

Speaking of moments that weren't confirmed or otherwise, viewers were left in the dark about whether Jeremy Allen White's thirst-trapping Lip and Kate Miner's Tami will be having a child together, as it wasn't revealed in full whether Tami was pregnant. Lip was also having issues trying to sell the house, and likely wasn't going to make a proper amount of money off of it, so that's another blow against him. It also looked like The Alibi might get sold off, too, with Steve Howey's Kevin and Shanola Hampton's Veronica looking into their options. So it was somewhat surprising when Ethan Cutkosky's Carl and his fellow cop buddy (played by Joshua Malina) talked to Kevin about buying it and turning it into a cop-friendly bar. Of course, that was another plot strand that was left open-ended.

Given how many characters' stories didn't have proper conclusions, fans might have suspected that the creative team was setting up one or more spinoffs to hit Showtime at a later date. However, John Wells doesn't make it seem like that's the case at all. In his words:

For John Wells, it's more interesting to leave a story off when the action is still taking place, as opposed to letting things drift off after all the explanations have been laid out. It certainly gave viewers more to discuss by way of what they think will happen next for the characters, but it also likely made viewers pretty aggravated that so many story strands were left hanging.

Perhaps Shameless will one day live on in some other form, but for now, the Showtime drama has officially capped off its eleven-season run. While waiting to see everything that the cast is doing next, R.I.P. Frank, and we'll hopefully see you soon, Fiona!

Ten years after its series premiere, Shameless is coming to an end with its eleventh season. A rambunctious, irreverent American adaptation of the notorious British series, Shameless became a popular favorite for Showtime, propelling Emmy Rossum's career, providing a nice, steady gig for character actor William H. Macy, and launching and/or elevating the careers of Justin Chatwin, Cameron Monaghan, Jeremy Allen White, Emma Kenney, Shanola Hampton, and Steve Howey. Now that the series finale is set to air this Sunday, April 11th, what is the Shameless cast working on now? Let's find out!

William H. Macy (Frank Gallagher)

Playing the part of Frank Gallagher, the family's dysfunctional, alcoholic single father, William H. Macy gives an Emmy-nominated performance in Shameless. He also wrote and directed a few episodes. Most notably, Macy is Oscar-nominated for his supporting turn as Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo. He also won two Emmys — both as an actor and screenwriter — for 2003's Door to Door. Macy's other film credits include Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Room, Jurassic Park III, The Cooler, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Mystery Men, Seabiscuit, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Sessions, Pleasantville, Psycho (1998), Air Force One, Ghosts of Mississippi, Spartan, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Happy, Texas.

Additionally, on television, William H. Macy's other notable credits include ER, Sports Night, Frasier, and Law & Order. Also, Macy wrote, directed, produced, and acted in 2014's Rudderless. He also helmed 2017's The Layover and Krystal. Furthermore, Macy narrated PBS's Curious George. At the moment, the actor's next project is unknown.

Emmy Rossum (Fiona Gallagher)

In the role of Fiona Gallagher, the eldest Gallagher child who often needed to take care of her rambunctious siblings (and her undependable father), Emmy Rossum played a main character in the first nine seasons of Showtime's Shameless. In addition to starring in this show, the actress directed a couple of episodes. Outside of Shameless, Rossum is known for her lead role in 2004's The Phantom of the Opera, for which she was Golden Globe-nominated. Her other film credits include Mystic River, The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon, Dragonball Evolution, Beautiful Creatures, Comet (which she also produced), A Futile and Stupid Gesture, Songcatcher, and Cold Pursuit. Additionally, Rossum made guest appearances in As the World Turns, The Practice, and Mr. Robot.

Outside of acting, Emmy Rossum also directed episodes of TNT's Animal Kingdom and Amazon Prime's Modern Love. Additionally, she released two albums, 2007's Inside Out and 2013's Sentimental Journey, as well as 2007's EP, Carol of the Bells. Next, Rossum plays the lead role in Peacock's new limited series, Angelyne, which she'll also produce.

Justin Chatwin (Steve Wilton/Jimmy Lishman)

As Steve Wilton, i.e. Jimmy Lishman, i.e. "Jack," Justin Chatwin played a mysterious love interest for Fiona Gallagher in Shameless. Away from this series, Chatwin is known for playing Goku in Dragonball Evolution and Nick Powell in The Invisible. His other notable film credits include War of the Worlds, The Chumscrubber, Taking Lives, Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2, Josie and the Pussycats, Bang Bang Baby, Urge, CHIPS, No Stranger Than Love, One Night, The Scent of Rain and Lightning, and The Assassin's Code. Also, on TV, Chatwin appears in Weeds, Traffic, Orphan Black, American Gothic, Doctor Who, Smallville, and Lost. Currently, the actor stars in Netflix's Another Life.

Next, Justin Chatwin will be seen in Die in a Gunfight and Boneyard Canteen. He'll also reprise his role as Erik Wallace in the second season of Another Life.

Cameron Monaghan (Ian Gallagher)

Playing the part of Ian Gallagher, the resilient but unstable third oldest Gallagher child, Cameron Monaghan plays a troubled personality in Showtime's Shameless. Outside of this series, Monaghan is known for his recurring roles as Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska, i.e. the twins who forge Joker's origins, in Fox's Gotham. Additionally, Monaghan played Tom Fairfax in PBS's short-lived series, Mercy Street. The actor's other television credits include Malcolm in the Middle, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Criminal Minds, NCIS, The Mentalist, Monk, and Numb3rs.

Additionally, on the big screen, Cameron Monaghan can be seen in Click, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Safe Harbor, Vampire Academy, Amityville: The Awakening, The Giver, Prom, and The Year of Spectacular Men. Furthermore, the actor played Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. As a voice actor, meanwhile, Monaghan is heard in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Reign of the Superman. Currently, Monaghan is lending his voice to My Love Affair with Marriage. Next, Monaghan is attached to the upcoming thriller, The White Devil.