When we, as TV and movie lovers, buy into a fictional portrayal of the real world, it means a lot when we can identify in some way with the characters we’re seeing on screen. That means representing people of all ages, backgrounds, body types, races, disabilities, personalities, etc. As awareness has increased about Autism Spectrum Disorder, I love that we’ve also seen it more prevalently portrayed on our screens.

In addition to reality shows like Love on the Spectrum that challenge stereotypes that autistic people may face, there are several movies and series that include characters who have autism. Because the spectrum is so broad, no singular portrayal can be accurate of the entire community, and that’s why it’s so important that so many of these characters exist. Below I’ve listed 8 characters from TV shows and movies who are on the autism spectrum.

Christian Wolff (The Accountant)

Both The Accountant (2016) and The Accountant 2 (2025) star Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, an accountant with savant-level math skills who is also a lethal assassin. The movies show how his autism helps him to quickly and easily “assist” criminals with their finances, but also how he struggles with social interactions. The sequel digs into his upbringing and relationship with his brother, and there are some fun scenes where Christian tries line dancing and even speed-dating.

Shane Hollander (Heated Rivalry)

Heated Rivalry was a spicy smash hit for HBO Max when it came out in 2025, with Hudson Williams portraying Shane Hollander, a hockey player who engages in a relationship with rival Ilya Rozanov. While autism is never mentioned in the first season of the book-to-screen adaptation, author Rachel Reid has confirmed Shane is on the spectrum.

Hudson Williams told THR his father has autism, and he drew inspiration from him on how to play Shane. I think it’s a great portrayal because it doesn’t lean on extreme stereotypes, it’s not made to be Shane’s defining character trait, and still, fans are able to recognize and identify with his neurodivergence. Be sure to check out this authentic performance, but be warned — Heated Rivalry is one of HBO Max’s most sexually explicit shows.

Temple Grandin (Temple Grandin)

This biographical drama, Temple Grandin from 2010, stars Claire Danes as the titular character, who fought speech and sensory issues and grew up to make revolutionary changes to the cattle ranching industry. The TV movie is based on Temple Grandin’s memoirs and seeks to give people a broader understanding of Grandin and autism. It won several Primetime Emmy Awards — including Outstanding Lead Actress for Danes, who also won the Golden Globe for the role.

Sam Gardner (Atypical)

Another example of autistic characters on TV is Atypical’s Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist). The Netflix series is centered around an 18-year-old trying to navigate life as a teenager, including social situations like dating, but it also looks at his family. Through four seasons, it shows — sometimes casually and sometimes in heightened situations — how Sam’s autism affects everyone in the family and how they make accommodations to try to make things easier for him. Atypical is one we think everyone should check out.

Max Braverman (Parenthood)

Max Burkholder portrays Max Braverman, whose autism becomes a main storyline in Parenthood right from the start of what would go on to be six emotional seasons. This series gives us a good look inside the minds of Max’s parents, particularly as they learn to establish routines, navigate behavioral issues, and find Max the help he needs at school. As Max grows up, we also see how his feelings about autism change over time.

Parenthood also features another possible autistic character in Ray Romano’s Hank Rizzoli. Hank discovers that he might be on the spectrum after reading a book about autism to try to better understand Max. He finds that he relates to a lot of what is being described in the book, and autism would explain a lot of what he’s been through in his life. His character seemingly represents the people who don’t realize they’re on the spectrum until adulthood; however, Hank was never formally diagnosed at neurodiverse.

Wendy Welcott (Please Stand By)

Dakota Fanning has been praised for her performance in 2018’s Please Stand By as Wendy Welcott, an autistic woman living in a group home, where she spends her days working on a Star Trek script. After missing the mail-in deadline to submit her script for a screenwriting contest, she flees home to deliver it in person — thus proving she’s more independent than her sister thinks. Her journey is sometimes harrowing, but Fanning portrays Wendy as confident, competent, creative and complex, and it’s beautiful to see her fight for something she cares deeply about.

Shaun Murphy (The Good Doctor)

Despite displaying some stereotypical characteristics of autism — including savant syndrome — Freddie Highmore’s role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor is generally considered a positive representation. While Shaun struggles with eye contact, can interpret things super literally, and exhibits sensory sensitivity, many fans of the medical drama enjoy seeing him respected in his profession as he navigates workplace dynamics and relationships.

Woo Young-woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a fascinating look at one way autism is portrayed in South Korean entertainment. The series (available to stream with a Netflix subscription) stars Park Eun-bin as autistic rookie attorney Woo Young-woo. It’s impossible not to be charmed by the attorney and her special interest in whales, as she navigates plenty of bias regarding her autism, as well as professional rivalries and budding romance.

These are only a handful of characters on the autism spectrum that can be found on TV and in movies. Many children’s shows have come to feature autistic characters, including Sesame Street and Carl the Collector. There are also many characters who seem to display characteristics of neurodiversity but whose diagnoses have not been confirmed, including The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper, Community’s Abed Nadir, Criminal Minds’ Spencer Reid and more.

It’s great to see so many facets of autism represented in entertainment. Hopefully, it will only continue to broaden people’s understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

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!

Sometimes, you watch a show like The Wire and later discover that despite being almost universally acclaimed and often considered one of the best–if not the best–shows of all time, it never won an Emmy of any kind. How in the world does that happen? The classic, available to stream on HBO Max, is hardly alone with the dubious distinction of being a great show with no Emmys. This is a list dedicated to shows just like The Wire.

It's worth noting that we're talking about Primetime Emmys here, not Creative Arts Emmys. Some of these shows have won the latter.

Parks And Recreation

For seven seasons, Parks and Recreation made fans laugh on NBC. With an all-star cast that included Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Aubry Plaza, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, and Rob Lowe, the show was one of the top-rated sitcoms of its era. Still, it never managed to win an Emmy, somehow, despite eight nominations.

Chappelle’s Show

Although it only ran on Comedy Central for three seasons, Chappelle’s Show took the world by storm, and you could argue it changed sketch shows forever. There are still countless memes based on the jokes on the show, and people still quote it all the time. It was nominated for two Emmys, but didn't win either.

Better Call Saul

There may not be a show on the list of Emmy snubs that gets its fans fired up about that fact more than fans of Better Call Saul. In six seasons, the critically acclaimed show, which was beloved by fans, was nominated for 30 Emmys, including multiple times for Outstanding Drama, but never won one. It's one of the most egregious examples of a true prestige show that didn't run on HBO on this list.

Star Trek

It's well known that Star Trek wasn't the most popular show when it first aired in the mid-'60s. Still, it's kind of crazy that the groundbreaking show was nominated for 13 Emmys during its brief three-season run, but never won one. Getting shut out for an Emmy certainly hasn't dampened the show's cultural influence or its popularity.

Yellowstone

One of the more recent shows on this list, Yellowstone, wrapped up its very successful run in late 2024 without winning an Emmy. The show has always been somewhat politically divisive, but you can't deny that it's a really great show. During its five-season run, the Kevin Costner-led show was never even nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Costner did win a Golden Globe, though.

Good Times

One of the most groundbreaking sitcoms of all time, Good Times, was probably a little too radical for the Emmys. The show wasn't just funny, it was also heartwarming and poignant. IT still couldn't win an Emmy, and that's not "dy-no-mite!"

Blue Bloods

Tom Selleck is an Emmy winner. He won for Best Lead in a Drama in 1984 for his legendary character Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. He was never even nominated for his equally legendary role as Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. In fact, Blue Bloods never won an Emmy of any kind despite 14 great seasons and legions of fans, who are still upset the show was canceled.

Grace And Frankie

Legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin starred in Grace and Frankie for seven wonderful seasons that you can watch with a Netflix subscription. Netflix is no stranger to winning Emmys, but this excellent never won one. Both Fonda and Tomlin were nominated multiple times, coming away empty each time. That's okay, they are still two of the greatest of all time.

Enlightened

A decade before Mike White kept the nation in suspense with his White Lotus series on HBO, he created Enlightened, starring Laura Dern. It's a completely unappreciated show that deserved more Emmy love than it ever got.

Veronica Mars

Kristen Bell became a hero to millions when she starred as the detective Veronica Mars in the show of the same name. It's a show that is famous for its die-hard fan support, but that support didn't translate to Emmy Awards, sadly.

My So-Called Life

Of all the shows on this list, My So-Called Life is the easiest to understand why it didn't win an Emmy. Despite being a show that helped launch the careers of stars Claire Danes and Jared Leto, the show only lasted 19 episodes and only really found its fanbase after the show was canceled.

Empire

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson led an all-star cast in the music industry drama Empire, which despite critical acclaim and running for six seasons, the show was never bestowed with an Emmy. Howard and Henson alone should have more multiple awards, if you ask fans. Henson was nominated twice, at least, but that doesn't make up for not winning any.

The Wire

There is no small contingent of people who will argue that not only was The Wire the best show on TV when it first ran in the early '00s, but it's the best television show of all time. For five seasons, the show suffered from poor ratings, but in the years since, it's found its fanbase and more. In fact, despite all the praise it receives today, it was only ever nominated twice. Clay Davis might have something to say about that.

The Good Place

Kristen Bell and Ted Danson starred in The Good Place. It's a show that struggled to find an audience for reasons that are hard to pinpoint. It's a really funny show, and it was unique in its premise and its humor. That might be why it never managed to win an Emmy, despite certainly being deserving of some.

Narcos

Netflix's Narcos is a fantastic example of a truly great peak-era TV show that somehow got snubbed by the Emmys. There was a lot of competition, sure, but Narcos was a step above many of those shows. Wagner Moura's performance as Pablo Escobar should've won every award there was, and Pedro Pascal was fantastic as well. Maybe the content scared the voters off, or that the show was bilingual, but no matter what, it should have won something.

The Leftovers

HBO dominated prestige TV in the early 2000s with shows like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Six Feet Under, and The Leftovers. Unlike the previous two, the latter never won an Emmy. It seemed like it would be the next show in line to collect all the Emmys like the other shows on the network, but alas, it wasn't to be, and they were left behind.

The Brady Bunch

Okay, okay, this one is a bit of a stretch to wonder why it never won an Emmy, but come on, who doesn't love The Brady Bunch? Multiple generations have grown up watching the show now, and there isn't a person in America who isn't aware of this classic family sitcom. It's a perfect example of critics and Emmy voters disagreeing with viewers.

The Comeback

Of all the shows that former cast members of Friends have starred in over the years, maybe the most underappreciated is The Comeback starring Lisa Kudrow. It wasn't an immediate hit when it hit HBO in 2005 for 13 episodes, but it proved enduring, and it returned for a second season in 2014. Don't call it a comeback...

Newhart

The '80s classic Newhart, starring Bob Newhart, features one of the greatest finales in television history. It was also nominated for an astounding 25 Emmys. It never won, though. It's almost too ridiculous to believe that a show this good and with this many nominations never won one. Adding insult to injury, Bob Newhart's first hit sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show, never won one, either.

Parenthood

NBC's Parenthood, which was very loosely based on the 1989 movie starring Steve Martin, was a bit of a surprise hit on the Peacock Network. The show, like the movie, had just the right combination of laughs and tear-jerking moments, and it did so successfully for six seasons. Despite having all the ingredients of a multiple Emmy-winning show, it was completely shut out. In fact, it was only nominated for one, and that was a guest star (Josh Ritter).

NCIS

For decades, NCIS ruled the ratings. Despite more than 20 seasons on the air, the show has never won an Emmy. It's one of the most popular shows ever, yet it's only ever been nominated for three Emmys, total. Wild.

Hannibal

Horror shows, like horror movies, often have a difficult time show business' biggest awards, and Hannibal is no exception. Despite being a fantastic (and really scary) show, it never won an Emmy.

Oz

One of the earliest examples of prestige TV is Oz. The show is one of the hardest-hitting, raw shows in TV history, with an amazing cast. It was probably a little ahead of its time, however, as it really never got the accolades it deserved when it was on the air. That includes never winning an Emmy.

Leave It To Beaver

We had to include this one. Leave It To Beaver is a show that basically invented and defined the family sitcom, and yet it never got the appreciation it deserved from the Emmys. The awards were still pretty new when the show was on the air, but it was incredibly popular, yet ignored by the Emmys.

Supernatural

Few shows in television history have a fan base as dedicated as Supernatural. For 15 seasons, the show kept them coming back for more, through casting changes, and even a network change, the fans kept showing their love. The Emmys never did, sadly.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

The quirkiness and enduring humor of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt would seemingly be enough to win at least one Emmy. Ellie Kemper's performance as Schmidt herself was also certainly good enough to win one. Alas, over three seasons and a remarkable twenty nominations, it won none.

New Girl

146 episodes. Seven seasons. Zero Emmys. Such is the fate of New Girl. Zooey Deschanel played the titular new girl, and even though she was widely praised for her comedic performance, she didn't win an Emmy, nor did the show. It was nominated five times, including Deschanel once for Lead Actress, but walked away empty-handed.

Mindhunter

It's a crying shame that Mindhunter only ran for two seasons. It's a prime example of Netflix canceled without a proper ending. While fans are still holding hope that the show could be revived one day, for now, we'll have to live with just the two excellent seasons. Despite how good those seasons are, they didn't win any Emmys.

Sons Of Anarchy

While many might say that Sons of Anarchy never deserved to win an Emmy, that's not fair. The show had some tremendous moments, like Opie's death, and frankly, the finale. It's one show that actually ended really well. For 92 episodes over seven seasons, we laughed, cried, and bled with SAMCRO, but the show never grabbed voters, it seems. It did receive a few Creative Arts Emmy nominations, but it was never nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

Bates Motel

As horror shows go, Bates Motel is among the best ever. For five seasons, the show scared the pants off fans, but it seems to have never scared the Emmy voters into getting an award. Vera Farmiga was nominated a couple of times, but alas, walked away without a win.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It's hard to fathom just how popular and enduring It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is. It first aired way back in 2015. Now, the stars own football teams in England. It's just crazy, but not as crazy as how the gang has never won even one Emmy.

Gilmore Girls

One of the most enduringly popular shows on this list, Gilmore Girls is still as popular as ever with its fans, despite being off the air for more than 15 years. Fans still keep on the lookout for shows with the Gilmore Girls cast members, but none of those stars won an Emmy for the show. In fact, the show was completely shut out, just like the rest of the shows on this list.

It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Lauren Graham as Gilmore Girls’ Lorelai Gilmore and even longer since her tenure as Sarah Braverman in Parenthood (streaming now with a Hulu subscription). Even still, as two of the most fantastic but overlooked TV moms out there, she has remained true to the roots of both women. Graham has maintained sweet familial relationships with past cast members, including Mae Whitman. Unfortunately, the Gilmore side of the Graham let slip Whitman’s apparent baby daddy as her past Up Here costar, Carlos Valdes.

While the actress-author visited past Parenthood co-star Dax Shepard on his podcast, Armchair Expert, she casually let it slip. The AE host praised his guest’s continuing relationship with The DUFF star, as well as how cool their younger former castmate is in general. The Bad Santa alum was in full agreement, and that’s when the hype-y best mom material outed Whitman and her parent partner, Valdes. Graham shared of the young duo’s current happenings in life:

Big whoops but all well intended by Graham. It comes as no surprise since the end of Parenthood in 2015, fans have seen small glimpses of her friendship with Whitman. The most notable post-TV family was an onscreen reunion of the actresses on the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life series.

Needless to say, even beyond the podcast episode, these two former peers are pretty close. The Hope Floats alum hasn’t responded to the news but I have a feeling these two are talking behind the scenes. Let's hope that this oops moment's aftermath reflects the brighter side of their fictional counterpoints since they've stood through many ups and downs in their careers.

Not long after the ​​Good Girls cancellation, Whitman landed the Up Here series, where she met Carlos Valdes. The Arrested Development alum has remained private about all of the personal matters in her life, including her pregnancy with a post here and there. I hope for her and Graham’s relationship that all will be forgiven sooner than later, because it did seem like she catching Shepard up with their past castmate’s current whereabouts. The Up Here peers seem like a wonderful match and hope that the outing doesn’t disrupt their lives for too long.

Hopefully next time Lauren Graham gushes over her ex-Parenthood daughter, Mae Whitman, she’ll keep the praising a little more streamlined. Although it’s nice to know that Whitman’s baby daddy seems like a great guy.

Graham can be found on the 2025 TV schedule show, Z-Suite and is available to watch with Tubi.

Some of the best TV theme songs were already hits or great songs that were adapted as a theme song. These are songs that were written for the show, like the retro ones that still slap, but these are all great songs.

Like The Who contributing to the CSI franchise, or Jane's Addiction lending one of its songs to Entourage. For this list, we're going to avoid covers or reworked versions of the songs that were already famous, like the cover of The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," which was used for the show Life Goes On. This is our list of existing songs that became awesome TV theme songs.

"Who Are You" - CSI

All of the CSI franchise shows have used songs by The Who as their theme song, creating a nice symmetry between the shows. The original show, CSI, or later CSI: Las Vegas used "Who Are You," and it turned out so great, that when CSI:Miami became the first spinoff, the producers chose

"California" - The O.C.

The band Phantom Planet released their second album, The Guest, in 2002, which included the earworm "California." It was a natural choice for The O.C. which has to be one of the most "California" shows ever. A fun fact about the song is that Phantom Planet's drummer at the time, and on the track, was actor Jason Schwartzman.

"I Don't Want To Wait" - Dawson's Creek

"I Don't Want to Wait" was first recorded and released on Paula Cole's second album, titled This Fire, in 1996. A couple of years later the song was chosen to be the theme song for the WB's first mega-hit Dawson's Creek. The song likewise became a hit, rocketing to #11 on the Billboard charts.

"Bad Reputation" - Freaks And Geeks

19 years after Joan Jett told the world she didn't care about her "Bad Reputation," the cult classic show Freak And Geeks used it as its theme song for its one and only season. The song has had a life far beyond the show, just as the show has had a long life beyond it's only season.

"With A Little Help From My Friends" - The Wonder Years

If you're going to set a TV show in the '60s, it's a good idea to dig deep into that well of amazing rock and soul music of the era. The Wonder Years smartly used tons of great music from the era, including a theme song by a famous musician who first had a hit with it in 1968. Joe Cocker's version of The Beatles song "With a Little Help from My Friends" was a bigger hit than The Beatles' version, and this was the song that led off The Wonder Years.

"We Used To Be Friends" - Veronica Mars

The Dandy Warhols are one of the great cult bands from the late '90s/early '00s. It was one of their songs, "We Used To Be Friends," that was chosen to be the theme of Veronica Mars and it's frankly the perfect choice for the show. The band, like the show, has a strong fanbase that won't let the song, or the show, be forgotten.

"Way Down In A Hole" - The Wire

This one is a little tricky because technically it breaks our rule about having cover versions of the original song (or the original hit, at least). The first season of The Wire featured a version of the Tom Waits song "Way Down In The Hole" by the Blind Boys Of Alabama. But we're in luck because the second season of the HBO classic features Tom Waits' original version. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th seasons would also feature cover versions of the song.

"C'mon, C'mon" - Rescue Me

The Von Bondies were a good band that really only gained the attention they deserved when their song "C'Mon, C'Mon" was chosen to be the theme song of Rescue Me, starring Denis Leary. For seven seasons, the song ran over the opening titles and as a result, became a big hit for the group.

"Teardrop" - House

Massive Attack has never been a...massive band in the United States. In Britain, however, they are huge. The trip-hop electronic act has released a slew of fantastic records, though their third album, Mezzanine, remains probably the most popular. One of the best songs on that album, "Teardrop" became the theme song for House, though a different, more generic song has been used on streaming and in syndication.

"Reflections" - China Beach

There aren't a lot of shows about Vietnam, but there are a lot of movies about the war. All those movies feature great songs from the era and thankfully the one hit show about the Vietnam War followed suit. China Beach chose the fantastic song "Reflections" by Diana Ross & the Supremes. Solid choice, for sure.

"Save Me" - Smallville

"Save Me" was the lead single on the album The Golden Hum, by the band Remy Zero. It was dubiously released on September 10th, 2001. A week later the WB hit Smallville debuted, using "Save Me" as its theme song. The song became a minor hit for the band, but sadly, Remy Zero broke up before recording a follow-up album.

"Woke Up This Morning" - The Sopranos

"Woke Up This Morning" by the British band Alabama 3 was a minor hit in the U.K. in 1997, when it was released, but didn't gain any traction in the U.S. That changed in a huge way when it was picked to be the theme song of The Sopranos. The song became one of those spine-tingling moments whenever viewers would here that famous HBO audio mark right before the beat of the song would hit as Tony drove from New York City to his house in New Jersey each week.

"Love And Marriage" - Married... With Children

For a show that took pride in just how crude it can be, it's kinda awesome that the theme song was by one of the classiest singers of all time. Married... With Children used the Frank Sinatra song "Love And Marriage" as its theme song and it worked amazing for that intro with the shot of a fountain in Chicago.

"Little Boxes" - Weeds

Malvina Reynolds wrote "Little Boxes" in 1962 and gave it to her friend, legendary folk singer Pete Seeger, who had a minor hit with it in 1964. It was Reynolds' version that would become the biggest hit when it was used as the theme for Showtime's Weeds.

"Superhero" - Entourage

Jane's Addiction had their biggest hits in the early '90s before they broke up (for the first time) in 1994. When they reconvened in 2001, they finally recorded their third "proper" album, Strays (JA fans will tell you it was their fourth album, including their debut live album commonly called XXX). The song "Superhero" from Strays became the best-known song from the album when it was used for the theme of HBO's Entourage.

"Stand" - Get A Life

Highlighting just how offbeat Get A Life, starring Chris Eliot, was, the show managed to score an REM hit for its theme song. "Stand" from the REM album Orange was a huge hit and the band was notorious for protecting their songs from too much commercialization. In short, they were the last band you'd expect to allow one of its songs to be used on TV. But the show was so unique, that it made perfect sense.

"Rock Around The Clock" - Happy Days

We know what you're thinking, "Wait a minute, Happy Days had its own song. You're right, but that famous theme song wasn't used until the show's second season. The theme in the first season was the Bill Haley and the Comets hit "Rock Around The Clock."

"Jessica" - Top Gear

"Hold on! Top Gear used a cover version of The Allman Brothers Band's song "Jessica"" is what you're thinking here. Well, you're right. But the old Top Gear, the original version that ran from the '70s until the late '90s, used the original version by The Allmans.

"Wanted Dead Or Alive" - Deadliest Catch

Even reality shows like to use big hits. Take, for example, The Deadliest Catch, which used a perfect song, Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead Or Alive." There's no way you can find a more perfect theme, nor could anyone write a more perfect one.

"Straight Up And Down" - Boardwalk Empire

One of the coolest ideas the showrunners of HBO's Boardwalk Empire had was to use a very modern song by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. For a show set in the 1920s, you wouldn't expect a song like "Straight Up and Down" and yet it works perfectly.

"Low Rider" - The George Lopez Show

It might be a little on the nose, but somehow it still works. The George Lopez Show uses the band War's hit "Low Rider" which is one of the best songs Chicano rock songs of all time.

"What A Wonderful World" - Family Matters

This is another one where you might be thinking that the show had its own, unique theme song and you're right. For most of its run Full House used its own song, but for the first five episodes of Season 1, the show used the classic "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

"Carry On My Wayward Son" - Supernatural

If we're being honest, "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas doesn't jump out as the perfect theme song for a fantasy show like Supernatural, but today, it's impossible to think the theme song to the show could be anything other than the 1970's hit.

"Tea For The Tillerman" - Extras

"Tea For The Tillerman" by Cat Stevens is the perfect choice for the Ricky Gervais show Extras. The song wasn't a huge hit, it was more of a coda on Cat Stevens' album by the same, which was a huge hit when it was released in 1970.

"Bad Boys" - COPS

COPS is one of the longest-running TV shows of all time, as it's basically been on the air in one form or another since 1989. In total, there have been well over 1000 episodes of the groundbreaking reality show and all of those episodes have started with the song "Bad Boys" by reggae legends Inner Circle.

"Closer To Free" - Party Of Five

Wisconsin band BoDeans landed their biggest hit when their song "Closer To Free" from their fifth album became the theme song to Party Of Five. The song charted as high as #16 once the show took off.

"Bad Things" - True Blood

Singer-songwriter Jace Everett released "Bad Things" in 2005, but it failed to make a big impression on the public. It was a great song though, and when it was picked as the theme to the HBO hit True Blood, the song, like the show, took off and became a hit among fans of the show.

"Livin' On The Edge" - Ice Road Truckers

Following in the footsteps of his cousin, Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers picked another song from a hair metal band. The theme for the first four seasons of the nail-biting show was "Livin' On The Edge" by Aerosmith, a perfect choice.

"Next Year" - Ed

NBC's Ed found a cult following during its four seasons on the air, but the band whose song was the theme, The Foo Fighters, is anything but a cult band. They were then and are still one of the biggest bands in the world and their song "Next Year" is one of their many hits.

"Flagpole Sitta" - Peep Show

it's sad to say that Harvey Danger, who released "Flagpole Sitta" in 1997, is a one-hit wonder. They deserve so much better. But alas, "Flagpole Sitta" was their lone hit, but what a hit it's been. It's seemingly everywhere, even more than two decades since its release. That includes as the theme for the British show Peep Show for the show's final eight seasons.

"Where You Lead" - The Gilmore Girls

The Gilmore Girls has been a surprisingly enduring show over the years. Though it ended almost two decades ago, the show remains beloved by its fans. It's fitting that the show's theme song is an enduring hit too. "Where You Lead," by Carole King, was first released in 1970. it's worth noting that the theme song is slightly reworked by King and recorded for the show by King and Louise Goffin.

"Forever Young" - Parenthood

Parenthood pulled off quite the coup when they landed the Bob Dylan song "Forever Young" as its theme song. Dylan is famously protective of this music.

Gilmore Girls was not just a hit that ran for seven seasons in the early 2000s, but a show that’s still beloved by fans to the point where a sequel miniseries was made in 2016 (which you can watch with your Netflix subscription), nine years after the original finale. It’s also one of the most rewatchable shows ever that gives fans a nostalgic experience, but if you’ve recently completed a binge of the family dramedy, then it’s good that we have a list for you of 32 movies and shows that feature the Gilmore Girls cast. Enjoy!

Supernatural (2005-2020)

Sure, this list could have started anywhere, but why not start with the portrayer of (mostly) sweet Dean, Jared Padalecki? His supporting role on Gilmore Girls couldn’t have prepared fans for his hugely successful run as the creature-of-the-night hunting Sam Winchester on Supernatural. The series ran for 15 seasons and has tons of amazing episodes, especially if you enjoy spooky stuff.

How To Get Away With Murder (2014-2020)

Overall, most of the players from GG saw a boost in their careers after the show, and likely helped make it possible for Liza Weil, who played the ever-stressed Paris Geller, to eventually make her way to a major role on the thrilling ABC hit, How to Get Away with Murder.

The O.C. (2003-2007)

Is bringing up Fox’s early aughts mega-hit teen drama The O.C. this quickly a bit of a cheat? Sure, but we can’t deny that without the popularity of his Dave Rygalski in Season 3, we might never have gotten actor Adam Brody as the funny, loyal, Summer-obsessed Seth Cohen in one of the defining teen shows of all time.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2021)

Much like viewers were probably not prepared to watch Padalecki fight monsters after his time on Gilmore Girls, I doubt most could have expected to see star Alexis Bledel take on Dr. Emily Malek, the strong-willed and rebellious Handmaid first known as Ofglen. She won an Emmy Award for her role, so this is one drama not to miss.

Parenthood (2010-2015)

There might be no character more strong-willed, funny and quirky than Lorelei Gilmore, who was brought to life so exceptionally by Lauren Graham. If that character description sounds a lot like Sarah Braverman-Holt from NBC’s family drama, Parenthood, then you get why Graham was a perfect fit for both.

Bride & Prejudice (2004)

A small role is a role nonetheless, and if you check out the amazing Jane Austen-inspired rom-com, Bride & Prejudice, you’ll see Bledel as Georgie Darcy, Will’s younger sister.

The Good Wife (2009-2016)

Say what you will about being Team Logan, but the Huntzberger boy still has his supporters even today. This is probably because Matt Czuchry did such a good job portraying him, much like he did the charming go-getter Cary Agos on CBS’ legal drama, The Good Wife.

Fire Country (2024)

As one of the biggest dramas on CBS, Fire Country is hard to miss and even harder to dislike. That’s why it’s the perfect show to check out to see Jared Padalecki as the still-grieving firefighter Camden Casey during Season 3.

Saw IV (2007)

Honestly, were you expecting to see something as horrific as Saw IV on this list? Well, you might be even more surprised to know that Scott Patterson, who played Luke Danes, appeared in a total of three Saw films as determined FBI agent Peter Strahm.

This Is Us (2016-2022)

Can you imagine if anyone has forgotten This Is Us? NBC’s family drama was an immediate success, with the trailer for the very first season racking up a staggering number of views. Of course, you can revel in your Team Jess status by watching Milo Ventimiglia portray loving patriarch Jack Pearson.

13 Reasons Why (2017-2018)

13 Reasons Why is a teen drama that made major waves during its run on Netflix, but you might not know that Keiko Agena, who brought Lane Kim to life on GG, spent the first two seasons playing the kind and protective communications teacher, Pamela Bradley.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)

If you can be in the mood for a holiday film all year long, then 2024’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever should be added to your viewing calendar. In it, Lauren Graham brings her signature charm to the role of Beth Bradley.

Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Of all the GG actors who one might have expected to appear in a giant blockbuster franchise, few fans would likely have bet on the actor who gave us the wonderfully nice but odd Kirk Gleason, Sean Gunn. After a supporting role as Kraglin in the original Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, he’s now reprised the part in seven MCU films and TV series.

Bridesmaids (2011)

For the first time on this list, we get to Melissa McCarthy, who played beloved chef Sookie St. James. She was in several projects after Gilmore Girls ended, but the comedy hit Bridesmaids, where she played the loyal but crude and somewhat erratic Megan, launched her career into the stratosphere. She received an Oscar nomination for her work, so it’s not to be missed.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020-2021)

The jukebox musical dramedy series, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, was a treat, but if you missed its two seasons on NBC, know that Lauren Graham played a major role in Season 1 as Zoey’s strict boss, Joan.

The Cleaning Lady (2022-Now)

Any show about gangsters needs a good cop investigating and trying to bring them down, and Liza Weil has starred as confident and cunning FBI agent Katherine Russo on The Cleaning Lady for the thriller’s entire run so far.

The Heat (2013)

Need a wild action comedy about two mismatched officers (one a prim, by-the-book FBI agent, and the other a crass, quick-to-anger, by-any-means-necessary local cop) who have to get along enough to get a drug lord off the streets? Then you should watch Melissa McCarthy as police detective Shannon Mullins ASAP.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (2021-2022)

This follow-up to The Mighty Ducks film franchise hit Disney+ and brought GG fans more of Lauren Graham, as she starred as Alex Morrow, who forms and then coaches a new underdog hockey team after her son is cut by the Ducks.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005)

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a two-film franchise that still means a lot to those who were young women at the time it was released. There’s no better time than now to revisit (or watch for the first time) Alexis Bledel as Lena in both films.

An Unmarried Woman (1978)

Here’s a throwback for you. The 1978 romantic comedy-drama, An Unmarried Woman, features a performance from none other than Emily Gilmore herself, Kelly Bishop, as Elaine, a good friend of the title character.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Alright, this one’s technically a throwback, too, it just doesn’t go back quite as far. But, The Lost Boys is a definite teen horror classic, along with talents like Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Feldman, stars Richard Gilmore actor, Edward Hermann, in an important role.

Prodigal Son (2019-2021)

This Fox crime drama may not have lasted long, but it certainly had a dedicated fanbase, and some of that was likely because of Keiko Agena’s work as the kind, trusting, and socially awkward medical examiner, Dr. Edrisa Tanaka.

Sullivan’s Crossing (2023-2024)

The family drama, Sullivan’s Crossing, came to The CW with a treat for Gilmore Girls fans, as it brought Scott Patterson back to the network as the estranged father, Sully, of the lead character, big city neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, who returns to her small Nova Scotia town after a scandal.

Mike & Molly (2010-2016)

The long-running comedy Mike & Molly is another of Melissa McCarthy’s post-GG projects. This CBS hit saw the titular couple fall in love after a health-related meet-cute, and work on their relationship while attempting to deal with their often wacky families and friends, and life’s many ups and downs. Check it out for McCarthy’s Emmy-winning performance.

Sin City (2005)

Based on the comic book series of the same name, Sin City is a noirish, action-filled crime drama that just so happens to feature Alexis Bledel as a…well, not entirely trustworthy participant in the rampant criminal shenanigans that abound in the sinful city of the title.

The John Larroquette Show (1993-1996)

One of the very few series to take place in St. Louis, Missouri, The John Larroquette Show was a sitcom that saw the actor portray the night manager of a run-down downtown bus station, with Liz Torres, who played the bubbly and gossipy dance teacher Miss Patty on Gilmore Girls, as his secretary. Torres received two Emmy nominations for her work here, so it’s definitely worth a watch.

The Resident (2018-2023)

Considering the number of medical shows that tend to fill the airwaves, it’s a bit of a surprise that it’s taken this long to get to one, but it is a pretty fine one. The Resident stars Matt Czuchry as the conceited (but still somehow charming) Dr. Conrad Hawkins, a third-year resident who practices with unconventional techniques and a knowledge of the business of medicine who’s determined to stop younger residents from putting their chosen profession on a pedestal.

All In The Family (1971-1978)

If you haven’t yet watched the classic ‘70s sitcom, All In the Family, you’re missing out. Not only does the Norman Lear series use its humor to tackle a number of hot-button issues that are still very relevant for today’s audiences, but it also features Sally Struthers (she was Lorelei and Rory’s nosy neighbor in Stars Hollow, Babette) in her Emmy-winning role as Gloria, the somewhat childish, college-aged daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker.

Walker (2021-2024)

After his immensely successful run on Supernatural, Jared Padalecki moved right on to yet another show on The CW. This one, Walker, was a reimagining of the long-running Chuck Norris hit Walker, Texas Ranger, which saw Padalecki take on the lead role as he returned home after being undercover for two years while trying to reconnect with his teenage children and figure out how his wife really died.

True Blood (2008-2014)

Here’s one that’s easy to miss, even if you’re a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan. Among the many characters, human and supernatural, who populated the HBO vampire series True Blood for seven seasons, you see plenty of Merlotte's Bar & Grill short order cook, the kind but troubled Terry Bellefleur. But, did you know that he’s portrayed by Todd Lowe, the same guy who brought us Hep Alien’s dim, womanizing, guitar-playing, lead-singing wanna-be rock star Zack Van Gerbig? Well, now you do!

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

Melissa MacCarthy was able to hit the Academy Awards red carpet as a nominee again when she starred in the biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me? As writer Lee Israel. It’s based on Israel’s memoir of the same name, where she talks about her attempt to revive her writing career by forging letters from deceased celebrities and selling them. This critically acclaimed drama is one not to miss.

Spy (2015)

Last, but not least, we have another of Melissa McCarthy’s winning comedies in Spy. The movie follows CIA employee Susan Cooper, who is only allowed to assist her James Bond-esque partner via a desk job at the home office and an earpiece. But, when an operation goes wrong and leads to her partner’s death, Susan volunteers to go into the field and get to the bottom of things. Seeing as how this is a McCarthy film, you can bet that the situation gets hilariously out of hand before all is said and done, and you’ll be better for it!

As you can clearly see, while Gilmore Girls has been off the air for nearly 20 years, not only has it not been forgotten, but its stars have continued to keep us entertained in a number of other TV shows and movies, and hopefully will for many years to come!

Watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix (one of the best streaming services to subscribe to) is a perfect way to spend the fall season, especially if you are not into horror TV shows on Netflix or elsewhere. Of course, if you have already watched creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's dramedy – which originally ran from 2000 to 2007 – enough times to recite the rapid-fire dialogue from memory, you could use your Netflix subscription to check out the four-part revival series, 2016's Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, if you have not already.

Then again, you might be seeking a trip beyond Stars Hollow, Connecticut, this time, but with a series that still bears the same themes of non-traditional families, quirky small-town culture and all-around comforting vibes. I might be able to help you find what you are looking for with the following recommendations for shows like Gilmore Girls and a tip on how to stream them.

Parenthood (2010-2015)

'The daily struggles of the extensive Braverman family.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: Lead Gilmore Girls cast member Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai, later joined NBC's Parenthood cast to play another single mother named Sarah Braverman on yet another comforting dramedy dealing with the joys and pains of family.

• Stream Parenthood on Hulu
• Buy Parenthood on Amazon
• Buy Parenthood on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ginny & Georgia (2021-Present)

Fifteen-year-old Ginny (Antonia Gentry) has a complicated relationship, to say the least, with her 30-year-old mother, Georgia (Brianne Howey).

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: Creator Sarah Lampert's hit Netflix series, Ginny & Georgia (which has a Season 3 coming in 2025), immediately earned comparisons to Gilmore Girls as another dramedy about a young single mother and her teenage daughter, but would prove to be a far darker take on the topic.

• Stream Ginny & Georgia on Netflix

Felicity (1998-2002)

A high school graduate (played by Emmy nominee Keri Russell) changes her college destination in an effort to pursue her longtime crush (played by Scott Speedman).

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: From creators J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, Felicity is another popular dramedy from the late '90, early 2000s WB era with some similar themes the same sort of cozy tone as Gilmore Girls.

• Stream Felicity on Hulu
• Buy Felicity on Amazon
• Buy Felicity on Blu-ray on Amazon

Hart Of Dixie (2011-2015)

New York-based doctor, Zoe Hart (former The OC cast member Rachel Bilson) suddenly becomes the inheritor of a modest medical practice in Bluebell, Alabama.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: After The WB became The CW, the network aired Hart of Dixie – another dramedy with eccentric small-town locals and the same cozy tone, in part for the fact that the series used many of the same sets as Gilmore Girls.

• Stream Hart of Dixie on Freevee through Amazon

Virgin River (2019-Present)

Los Angeles-based nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) moves to a remote town in Northern California, which proves to have a life-changing effect on her.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: While creator Sue Tenney's Netflix hit is more in the vein of a soap opera than Gilmore Girls is, Virgin River (which has Season 6 premiering in 2025) is still a perfect destination if you're looking for another show with an eclectic character ensemble in a small town.

• Stream Virgin River on Netflix

Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

After falling victim to fraud, a wealthy family (played by Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy) is forced to reside in their sole remaining asset: a small town with some quirky people.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: While more overtly and uproariously comedic than Gilmore Girls is, Schitt's Creek (one of the funniest shows on Hulu) is still a perfect destination if you're looking for a series with dialogue-driven, feel-good comedy set in a rural area with eccentric locals.

• Stream Schitt's Creek on Hulu
• Stream Schitt's Creek on Freevee through Amazon
• Buy Schitt's Creek on DVD on Amazon

Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000)

The daily struggles of a group of nerdy freshmen and socially outcast upperclassmen in the early 1980s.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: Gilmore Girls is part of an era of television that Freaks and Geeks (a great TV show cancelled after one season) is often credited with pioneering by offering a more honest depiction of teen life from a uniquely funny perspective.

• Stream Freaks and Geeks on Hulu
• Stream Freaks and Geeks on Paramount+
• Buy Freaks and Geeks on DVD on Amazon

Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

A nosy internet blogger keeps tabs on the private lives of a group of wealthy, troubled teens in New York City.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: Creators Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz's scandalous CW hit follows the Gossip Girl cast as they navigate private high school, much like in Gilmore Girls when Rory (Alexis Bledel) goes to Chilton.

• Stream Gossip Girl on Max
• Stream Gossip Girl on Tubi
• Buy Gossip Girl on DVD on Amazon

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)

A recently divorced Jewish-American woman (played by Rachel Brosnahan) finds a new lease on life after an impromptu stand-up comedy performance inspires her to pursue a new career in the late 1950s.

Why it is a great TV show to check out if you are a fan of Gilmore Girls: For more of Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's signature style of dialogue-driven comedy, you should definitely check out one of the best comedies on Amazon Prime, the multi-Emmy-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

• Stream The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime

If you're out on the road, feeling lonely and so cold, all you gotta do is stream these TV shows like Gilmore Girls and you should be set.

Some TV shows stumble their way to the finish line, such as these series that went on way too long. But others end the race cruising to victory, with final seasons and series finales that satisfyingly wrap up the journey their characters were on over the years. From classic comedies like Cheers to acclaimed dramas like The Americans to sci-fi standouts like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, here are TV 32 shows that absolutely nailed their farewells. (WARNING! Obviously there are spoilers ahead!)

Succession

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong could have milked all of that Shakespearean family drama for one or two more seasons but smartly decided to end the hit HBO drama after four seasons because "this was simply how this story had to go," Armstrong told Vulture. And it ended in brutally brilliant fashion, with outsider Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) sniveling his way to the top of Waystar Royco over Roy siblings Connor (Alan Ruck), Kendall (Jeremy Armstrong), Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Shiv (Sarah Snook). 

Breaking Bad

It was inevitable: after five seasons of greed and ruthlessness, chemistry teacher-turned-meth cooker Walter White (Bryan Cranston) had to die. But what a way to go, with an explosive, critically acclaimed final run — both halves of season five won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2013 and 2014 — that not only offered up some of the drama's greatest episodes ("Ozymandias" is one for the history books) but cemented the TV series as one of the best ever.

Newhart

Nowadays, the "it was all a dream" twist has become a cliché but when the CBS sitcom Newhart pulled that very move back in 1990, it cemented itself as one of the most memorable moments in pop culture history. In the final minutes of the comedy's series finale, lead character Dick Loudon (Bob Newhart) woke up after getting knocked out by a golf ball in Vermont — the surprise was that he was now in a Chicago bedroom as Bob Hartley, his famous The Bob Newhart Show character, with TV wife Emily (special guest Suzanne Pleshette) by his side.

Mad Men

Fitting for an iconic and complicated character like Don Draper (Jon Hamm) — and finally earning the actor that much-deserved Emmy for Best Actor — Mad Men left viewers with quite an ambiguous conclusion when it ended in 2015 after seven seasons. The existential finale saw the advertising executive searching for inner peace at a meditation retreat, or was he really just tapping into some Zen as inspiration for that famous Coca-Cola advert? We'll never know!

The Leftovers

Grounded by a standout performance by Carrie Coon as Nora Durst, the conclusion of HBO's The Leftovers was ambiguous yet sentimental, a gratifying and thematically fitting send-off for the complex drama. Following Nora in her decision to enter a radioactive machine that could reunite her with her husband and children who vanished in the "Sudden Departure," the series finale didn't so much answer all of our questions about all the ones who left — we still don't entirely understand the quantum mechanics of it all — as it did give hope to the ones left behind. 

30 Rock

The seventh and final season of 30 Rock said goodbye to Liz (Tina Fey), Jack (Alec Baldwin), Tracy (Tracy Morgan), Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) in equal parts hilarious and heartfelt fashion, with all of the nostalgic callbacks, witty one-liners and delightful absurdism that fans have come to know and love from the NBC sitcom. The series finale also movingly said farewell to the real-life behind-the-scenes folks from 30 Rock by casting them as the TGS crew. 

Parks And Recreation

Co-written by lead Amy Poehler, the series finale of Parks and Recreation warmly said goodbye to both beloved characters and the city of Pawnee. The sweet two-parter took place mostly in the future, with happy endings for all: Garry (Jim O'Heir) being elected mayor (with Christie Brinkley as his wife, no less); Andy (Chris Pratt) and April (Aubrey Plaza) becoming parents; Ron (Nick Offerman) taking over as superintendent of the Pawnee National Park; and Leslie (Poehler) continuing her life of political service...potentially all the way to the White House?

Fringe

The final episode of the Fox sci-fi drama Fringe was a bittersweet one for Olivia (Anna Torv), Peter (Joshua Jackson) and Walter (John Noble). The fifth season had jumped far into the dystopian future overtaken by the Observers. Walter sacrificed himself and took Michael (Rowan Longworth) into a wormhole even farther into the future to stop the Observer invasion from ever happening in the first place. In the process, the story reset back to 2015, where Walter sadly no longer existed, but through time-travel magic, he still managed to send his son a drawing of a white tulip.

Justified

The story of Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) continued with the sequel series Justified: City Primeval, but the end of its predecessor Justified was a more than satisfactory closing chapter in and of itself, especially in wrapping up Raylan's rivalry with friend-turned-foe Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins). The Harlan County criminal was an endlessly quotable character across all six seasons of the FX drama, but his final words — “We dug coal together" — prove he saved the best line for last.

The Shield

One of the most gripping crime dramas of the 2000s, The Shield lived up to its own reputation with its bold finish, which saw Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) trying so hard to stay out of prison that he got a fate worse than incarceration: with blood on his hands, his family running from him, and him banished to a desk job. With police sirens blaring in the distance, Vic grabbed the gun from his desk drawer and left the ICE building. Where he went, we'll never know, but it surely can't be good. 

Cheers

It can be hard to leave those special places where everybody knows your name, but if you have to, at least take "One for the Road." Such is the title of Cheers' standout series finale, which poured one out for all of our beloved barflies: Woody (Woody Harrelson) was elected Boston councilman; Norm (George Wendt) finally got his coveted city job; Cliff (John Ratzenberger) was promoted at the Post Office; and Sam (Ted Danson) chose between reconciliation with the one who got away, Diane (Shelley Long), and the real love of his life, the bar itself. 

MASH

It's the most-watched finale of all time for a reason: seen by a TV audience of 121.6 million, the 1983 end of MASH beautifully brought closure to the dysfunctional members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. With the Korean War coming to a close, the camp had to go their separate ways, but no departure tugged at our hearts quite like the one between Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and B.J. (Mike Farrell), which saw the former leave on a helicopter only to spot the latter's parting message: the word "GOODBYE" spelled out with rocks on the ground below.

The Sopranos

One of the most polarizing TV finales of all time was also one of the most powerful. That shocking The Sopranos ending was a masterclass in embracing ambiguity and racking up tension, with Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) seemingly enjoying a simple diner meal and some Journey tunes with his wife (Edie Falco) and son (Robert Iler) while keeping an eye on every patron entering the establishment. As the diner door opened and the bell rang, Tony looked up — and the screen cut to black. Was it Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), who finally found a parking spot? Or was it someone far more nefarious? Frustratingly and fantastically, we will never know. 

Six Feet Under

It seems so obvious now to end a series about a family that owns a funeral home by fast-forwarding into the future to see how each character dies, but the laying to rest of the HBO drama Six Feet Under felt clever and emotional when it aired back in 2005. An episode of television dominated by death doesn't sound all that cheerful, but getting to see the Fishers years down the line — particularly Claire (Lauren Ambrose), the last one standing at 102 — felt as right and cyclical as life itself. 

Friday Night Lights

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose." Such was the motto of football coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and the showrunners of Friday Night Lights took it to heart when it came to graduating the high school-set drama series. Despite the gleam of game glory blurring his vision — the East Dillon Lions happily won that tense match-up against the Dillon Panthers — Coach Taylor clearly saw that it was only right for him to leave Texas behind by the series' end, moving to Philadelphia to support his beloved wife Tami (Connie Britton) and her new job as dean of admissions at Braemore College. Couple's goals, much?

The Wire

One of the best episodes of The Wire is its last, which managed to wrap everything up while also leaving things intriguingly open. It showed that Baltimore and all of its complexities would continue long after the credits roll. Things could change — Carcetti (Aidan Gillen) could become governor, Templeton (Tom McCarthy) could win a Pulitzer, Michael (Tristan Wilds) could become the new Omar, McNulty (Dominic West) could leave the police department — but, devastatingly, many things would always stay the same. 

The West Wing

The end of The West Wing was the end of an era — literally, as the seventh and final season chronicled the last weeks of President Jed Bartlet's (Martin Sheen) administration. The series finale was a heartfelt farewell to the former POTUS as well as all of the government employees and officials in his orbit, including C.J. (Allison Janney), Leo (John Spencer), Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Donna (Janel Moloney). But it didn't languish in nostalgia: "What are you thinking about?" Stockard Channing's Abbey asked Jed at the show's end. "Tomorrow," he replied. 

ER

The medical drama came full circle for its grand finale, which echoed its premiere episode 15 years prior by taking place over the course of 24 hours in the emergency room of Cook County General Hospital. The cases are dramatic and dizzyingly varied, from emergency cesarean sections to terminal cancer diagnoses to triage patients from an industrial explosion. As the theme music played, the camera pulled out for ER's final, effective shot: the entire exterior of the hospital, seen for the first and only time in the show's history, with all of that curative frenzy happening within. 

Battlestar Galactica

After years spent traversing the stars and avoiding being blown to smithereens by enemy Cylons, the Battlestar Galactica crew and the last remaining humans finally made it to Earth — well, the Earth of the distant past — at the end of the Sci-Fi Channel series. That primitive planet eventually evolves into modern-day civilization and the epilogue picks up 150,000 years in the future, where half-human, half-Cylon Hera has been announced as a "Mitochondrial Eve," the progenitor of modern-day humanity. Leaving us with Jimi Hendrix's warning cry "All Along the Watchtower," the finale chillingly questioned whether humans are doomed to repeat themselves. 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

There's a lot of pressure with being the "Chosen One," as Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) no doubt learned through seven seasons of the iconic fantasy series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But after 140-plus episodes of single-handedly saving Sunnydale and suffering greatly in the process, Buffy recognizes that she doesn't have to do it all alone. In the series finale, the Hellmouth crumbles and Sunnydale is destroyed but Buffy has the Scooby Gang and a new crop of Slayers by her side, and a whole future ahead of her.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

"We kept putting off writing that last show," said executive producer Allan Burns as he accepted The Mary Tyler Moore Show's Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1977. "I think it said what we wanted it to say. It was poignant." Poignant, yes, but also plenty funny, with Mary (TV icon Mary Tyler Moore), Lou (Edward Asner), Murray (Gavin MacLeod) and Sue Ann (Betty White) ultimately getting fired from WJM-TV. From that group shuffle to the tissue box to the swan song of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," the finale had us laughing and crying in equal turns.  

The Americans

With a high-stakes show like The Americans, it seemed only inevitable for Russian spies Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) to be exposed and have to flee the United States for Mother Russia. Despite that eventuality, the FX drama still managed to end on a tensely unexpected and devastating note, with both their American-born children Paige staying behind. That shot of Paige (Holly Taylor) standing on the platform as Philip and Elizabeth's train pulled away will haunt us for years to come.

Parenthood

Over six seasons, Parenthood fans came to love the Braverman clan like their own family, which made it all the harder to say goodbye when the show ended in 2015. But even though the series finale was a tearjerking one, with patriarch Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) dying peacefully in his sleep, a hopeful time-jump showed that all would be well with the Bravermans, with weddings, pregnancies, graduations, vacations and puppies at Christmas all happily in their futures. 

Better Call Saul

It's hard enough to make a great spin-off of an already great show. But to end that spin-off with as much acclaim as its predecessor is a whole other thing entirely. Better Call Saul, part of the Breaking Bad universe, did just that with its sixth season, which saw Jimmy McGill-turned-Saul Goodman-turned-Gene Takavic (Bob Odenkirk) finally facing the consequences of his choices. However, as co-creator Peter Gould told AMC, Saul's end can actually be seen as hopeful: "In spite of the fact that he's in prison, which is terrible, Jimmy is Jimmy again. He's recovered his soul."

The Good Place

Though diehards of The Good Place would have wanted to spend eternity with all of its beloved characters, the NBC afterlife comedy did come to an end in 2020 after four seasons and 53 episodes. But it did so with a characteristically funny and cathartic conclusion, which saw Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) ready to step through the door and move on from the Good Place, and Michael (Ted Danson) made human and allowed to live out a normal life down on Earth. 

Angel

Trying to save the world from evil forces is a nearly impossible but always worthwhile task, as the Angel series finale "Not Fade Away" powerfully showed. After a season of loss, including the deaths of both Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Fred (Amy Acker), it would have been very easy for Angel (David Boreanaz) and the rest of the Angel Investigations team to wallow in their grief and raise a white flag. But, even knowing that it would likely end in their own demise, Angel, Spike (James Marsters), Gunn (J August Richards) and Illyria (Acker) chose to go into battle against the supernatural baddies and fight for good.

Friends

What Friends got so right in its tenth and final season was showing how transient of a town New York City is, especially when you grow from those lively twentysomething years to your more settled thirties. "The Last One" saw Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) adopt twins and move out of that famously purple-walled West Village apartment for the suburbs. After Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and the recently reunited Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Ross (David Schwimmer) returned their keys, Chandler landed one final hilarious quote before they went — where else? — to Central Perk one last time.

The Office

Sure, there's an argument to be made that The Office should have ended after Steve Carrell's Michael Scott left Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and Scranton, PA, at the end of season seven. But though the show was shaky in the years following that character's exit, if it had ended years earlier, fans wouldn't have gotten that sentimental happy ending, with Michael pulling off the perfect surprise at the wedding of Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) to serve as best man and drop the final "That's what she said." 

Star Trek: The Next Generation

All good things must come to an end, and that includes the adventures of the Starfleet crew of the Federation starship Enterprise-D. In the farewell to sci-fi favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation, Captain Jean-Luc Picard mentally jumps around in time: from the present, then back to the ship's first mission seven years ago and then 25 years into the future. In each era, Picard makes it so that the Enterprise stops a temporal anomaly, which destroys the ship but saves humanity. It all ends up being a test from Q (John de Lancie) but Picard passes, and in the present, he finally joins the crew's poker game.

Fleabag

After the brilliance of Fleabag's first season, it seemed impossible that Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Co. could match the sharp wit and gut-punching emotion with a season 2 of the BBC One dramedy. But PWB managed to prove every naysayer wrong with that devastatingly romantic and electrifyingly funny second — and, judging by that fourth-wall-breaking final scene, last — season, which famously saw our nameless heroine meet and fall for a "quite hot" priest, played by Andrew Scott. 

Veep

The end of Veep, one of the most consistently hilarious shows in all of television, saw Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) get everything that she always wanted: namely, the Oval Office. Yes, the seemingly perpetual Vice President became POTUS by the series finale, a ruthless political rise that saw her betray those closest to her, especially her loyal aide Gary (Tony Hale). But Selina gets a viciously hilarious comeuppance when, 24 years in the future, coverage of her funeral is interrupted by the breaking news that American icon and "Philadelphia 2 star" Tom Hanks has died. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The epic four-part finale of Avatar: The Last Airbender not only gave every major character their chance to shine but also cemented it as one of the best-animated shows of the 21st century. In his spectacular final face-off against Ozai, Aang stays dedicated to pacifism and decides not to kill Fire Lord Ozai, instead using energy bending to remove his firepower as punishment for his crimes. In doing so, the final installments offer up a philosophical exercise that's far more mature and sophisticated than anyone would expect from a "kiddie" show. 

We believe that beauty is only skin deep and that true love is defined by a profound emotional connection that makes each person feel whole. However, we also cannot deny that some marriages in movies — particularly ones between a traditionally attractive woman and a man of not quite the same stature — made us go, “What? How?” The following are some of the most notable examples of beautiful wives in cinema whose choice of a husband got the best of our most superficial thoughts.

Donna Newman (Click)

English actor and model Kate Beckinsale stars in the 2006 sci-fi comedy — and one of Adam Sandler’s best movies — Click as Donna Newman, the wife of overworked father, Michael (Sandler). Christopher Walken’s character, Morty, who gives Michael a universal remote that really lives up to its name, is the one who speaks for the audience when he wonders how a woman as attractive as she is fell for him.

Mona Lisa Vito (My Cousin Vinny)

To be fair, technically, Mona Lisa Vito (Marisa Tomei in her Academy Award-winning role) is only the fiancée of Joe Pesci’s titular attorney in the classic 1992 courtroom comedy, My Cousin Vinny. However, even that is enough to get heads turning in the jury box.

Margot Tenenbaum (The Royal Tenenbaums)

Looks aside, it is clear that Margot Tenenbaum (Gwyneth Paltrow) does not truly love her older husband, Raleigh St. Clair (Bill Murray). That is part of why, when she and her adoptive brother, Richie (Luke Wilson), finally form a relationship in Wes Anderson’s, The Royal Tenenbaums, we actually find ourselves rooting for the unlikely romance.

Kelly Radner (Neighbors)

One of the first times we ever saw Seth Rogen portray a married man was in the 2014 comedy Neighbors, in which his character, Mac Radner, is wed to Kelly, who is played by Rose Byrne. This is also one of the few times the Australian actor keeps her natural accent, which begs the question of why her character chose this American schlub over some Crocodile Dundee-type she could have bumped into at some point.

Karen Gaffney (Keeping Up With The Joneses)

There is a scene in the 2016 spy comedy Keeping Up with the Joneses when Karen Gaffney (Isla Fisher) pretends to be in love with her secret agent neighbor Natalie Jones (Gal Gadot) as a ruse to discreetly pass a knife to her in the middle of a standoff. However, considering the red-headed bombshell’s husband is the stocky, square Jeff (Zach Galifianakis), we could have easily believed their marriage was a ruse in itself.

Lauren Price (The Hangover, Parts II And III)

In The Hangover Part II, at the rehearsal dinner for Stu Price (Ed Helms) and Lauren Srisai’s (Jamie Chung) wedding, Lauren’s father compares his soon-to-be son-in-law to tasteless white rice in his speech and, to be perfectly honest, we kind of see where he is coming from. However, the fact that a gorgeous woman like Lauren fell for the dentist and certainly treated him a whole lot better than Melissa (Rachel Harris) in the 2009 original, there is clearly more to him than meets the eye (and we are not talking about his inner demon).

Dinah Ratner (Uncut Gems)

There are actually a multitude of reasons why Adam Sandler’s Howard Ratner does not deserve Dinah (Idina Menzel) and why she chose to leave him in 2019’s acclaimed A24 movie, Uncut Gems, and his looks have the least to do with it. The New York City jeweler’s undesirable nature has most to do with his compulsive gambling habits, nigh-pathological dishonesty, and many other self-destructive tendencies.

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons Movie)

Her hair may be a little unusual, but I think anyone would agree that Marge Simpson (voiced by Julie Kavner) probably could have done better than Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta), but not just because of his thinning hair and accentuated gut. In fact, a major plot point of 2007’s The Simpsons Movie sees the homemaker actually make the decision to leave her husband after putting up with his immature behavior for too long, until he does manage to redeem himself in the end.

Dr. Sheila Gamble (The Other Guys)

In the 2010 cop comedy The Other Guys, Detective Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) refuses to believe that his more square partner, Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell), is married to a beautiful dancer-turned-doctor named Sheila (Eva Mendes). What is even more surprising is how the nerdy detective does not seem to appreciate her or even admire her as much as Terry clearly does.

Diane Szalinski (Honey, I Shrunk The Kids)

We imagine it was Wayne Szalinski’s (Rick Moranis) intelligence that made his wife, Diane (Marcia Strassman), fall in love with him. Of course, it is also the scientist’s intelligence that leads to the bizarre trouble in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, but at least they can say their marriage rarely has a dull moment.

Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)

In Robert Zemeckis’ brilliant 1988 comedic crime thriller Who Framed Roger Rabbit, private investigator Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) is puzzled when he discovers that the plucky, titular toon (voiced by Charles Fleischer) is married to the most desirable bombshell to come out of Toon Town. What is even more shocking is that Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner) never actually two-timed Roger with Marvin Acme, and deeply loves her husband, particularly for his ability to make her laugh.

Vanessa Kensington (Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery)

Despite urging to keep their relationship platonic for both personal and professional reasons, at the end of 1997’s hilarious spy movie spoof, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, secret agent Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley) actually elopes with her unusually hairy, hygienically challenged, and egregiously crass titular partner (Mike Myers). However, as we discover in the sequel, she turns out to be a robot clone, which actually explains quite a lot.

The Fives Wives (Mad Max: Fury Road)

The Splendid Angharad (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), Toast the Knowing (Zoë Kravitz), Capable (Riley Keough), The Dag (Abbey Lee), and Cheedo the Fragile (Courtney Eaton) would have never agreed to marry and bear the children of Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) had they not been force to against their will. Fortunately, the ladies managed to escape the Wasteland warlord’s clutches, with help from Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) in 2015’s post-apocalyptic movie masterpiece, Mad Max: Fury Road.

Roxanne Chase-Feder (Grown Ups)

While branded as a pretty mindless comedy upon release in 2010, Grown Ups actually provides a pretty clever explanation behind the marriage and Adam Sandler’s Lenny Feber and Salma Hayek’s Roxanne. Lenny is a Hollywood talent agent and Roxanne is a fashion designer — both of which are professions that could plausibly overlap in some way.

Carley Bobby (Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby)

If Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) had not been a successful NASCAR driver, his wife, Carley (Leslie Bibb), would have never been interested in him, and that is not just by our own analysis. This is actually confirmed in 2006’s Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby when, after a post-accident loss of confidence cost him his career, she leaves him.

Bunny Lebowski (The Big Lebowski)

One of the most essential elements that makes Joel and Ethan Coen’s The Big Lebowski a genuine noir disguised as a screwball comedy is the marriage of Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston) and Bunny (Tara Reid). Theirs is a classic pairing of the wealthy schlub with a vivacious femme fatale whose only interest in her partner is his money.

Mia Wallace (Pulp Fiction)

We do not necessarily think Uma Thurman’s Pulp Fiction character, Mia Wallace, is in a whole different league from crime boss, Marsellus (Ving Rhames). However, we just find that her husband’s employee, Vincent Vega — the brother of Reservoir Dogs’ Vic Vega — is a better match for her and their undeniable attraction to each other is clear evidence.

Sara (The Toxic Avenger)

While Melvin Junko never had much luck with women when he was a 98-lb weakling (played by Mark Torgl), it seemed even less likely that he would find romance after an accident made him a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength (played by Mitch Cohen). However, the beautiful, non-seeing Sara (Andree Maranda) falls for the titular hero of 1984’s awesomely cheesy classic, The Toxic Avenger, because of who he is inside and most definitely not for his rough, radioactive exterior.

Audrey Krelborn (Little Shop Of Horrors)

At the end of the 1986 horror musical comedy classic — the theatrical ending, that is — Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis), after destroying Audrey II, marries his longtime crush (played by Ellen Greene), whom he actually named the evil alien plant after. Despite being taller and more desirable than Seymour, Audrey reciprocates the feelings of her co-worker, who is a far better person than her sadistic former boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, DDS (Steve Martin).

Charlotte Field (Long Shot)

The title of the surprisingly delightful 2019 comedy, Long Shot, refers to the chances that Seth Rogen’s Fred Flarsky might have with presidential hopeful Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who happens to be his former babysitter and childhood crush. However, after she hires him as her speech writer, strong chemistry flows between them and, by the end, he becomes her First Mister when she enters the White House. 

Audrey Spitz (Murder Mystery)

The hit, 2019 Netflix original comedy, Murder Mystery, actually marked the second time Jennifer Aniston played the romantic lead in an Adam Sandler movie, but the first time the actors played a married couple. We imagine the Friends cast member’s character, a hairdresser named Audrey, became attracted to Sandler’s Nick Spitz because he was an NYPD Officer.

Bree Friedman (You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah)

After Uncut Gems, Idina Menzel would join the You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah cast to play Adam Sandler’s onscreen spouse a second time. The SNL star’s character, Danny Friedman, bears far more redeeming qualities as a husband and father to justify Bree’s attraction to him.

Sally Lamonsoff (Grown Ups)

One of the ultimate examples of a wife too hot for her husband in television history is Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini), who is married to Kevin James’ Doug on The King of Queens. James would also level-up on the big screen when he starred in Grown Ups as Eric Lamonsoff, who is married to Sally (Maria Bello).

Sara Whitaker (Daddy’s Home)

In 2015’s Daddy’s Home, Linda Cardellini’s Sara was married to Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) — the tough, rugged biological father of her two children, Megan and Dylan. Following their split, she married Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), who is absolutely no match for Dusty as far as looks go, but does prove to be the most committed stepfather she could have hoped for.

Sandy Chester (Summer Rental)

There are few comedic actors in history as beloved on and off screen than the late John Candy, which is why we can totally see why Karen Austin’s Sandy Chester would fall in love with his character, Jack, from the 1985 vacation comedy, Summer Rental. One person surprised by his lovely wife’s attraction to him, however, is Jack himself. 

Deborah Clasky (Spanglish)

It is not the difference in physical attractiveness that causes a rift in the marriage between successful chef John Clasky (Adam Sandler) and his wife, Deborah (Téa Leoni), but, instead, the laid-off businesswoman-turned-stay-at-home mom’s personal insecurities. In fact, it is her troubling mother (played by Cloris Leachman) who pleads with her to stop her extramarital affair and be with John, claiming she will never find anyone better, even though he even finds himself tempted by their housekeeper, Flor (Paz Vega).

Susan Huffman (Parenthood)

Not only is scientist Nathan Huffman (Rick Moranis) not quite as attractive as his wife, Susan (Harley Jane Kozak), but his overbearing approach to raising their young daughter, Patty (Ivyann Schwan) eventually causes her to leave him. Luckily, he manages to win the middle school teacher back by serenading her in her classroom with “Close To You” in one of the most heartwarming scenes from Ron Howard’s 1989 comedy, Parenthood.

Bonnie Dimmick (Pulp Fiction)

Co-writer and director Quentin Tarantino appears in his 1994 masterpiece, Pulp Fiction, as Jimmy Dimmick, who urges Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) to get Marvin’s dead body away from his house before his wife, Bonnie, comes home. While we only see Nurse Bonnie from the back in a hypothetical scenario, that image alone might be enough to determine that she was out of Jimmie’s (Quentin Tarantino) league.

Erin Sadelstein (Jack And Jill)

There are a lot of reasons why the 2011 comedy Jack and Jill does not work in the eyes of most critics and audiences. We will count the marriage between Katie Holmes’ Erin and Adam Sandler’s Jack as one of them.

Mae Capone (Capone)

Many of Linda Cardellini’s onscreen spouses have been a level or so down in terms of attractiveness, including when she played Mae, the wife of Tom Hardy’s Al Capone, in Josh Trank’s Capone. Normally, we would never put model-turned-actor Hardy in this sort of category, but his heavy makeup as the titular notorious gangster certainly fits the bill.

Maggie Faris (Alien: Covenant)

One of the few times we have seen Danny McBride play a husband was when he starred as Tennessee in the eighth of the Alien movie installment (but second, chronologically), 2017’s Alien: Covenant, in which most of the main characters are married couples. Amy Seimetz plays McBride’s onscreen wife, Maggie Faris,  who sadly dies in an explosion she accidentally triggers while trying to kill the Xenomorph. 

Helen Truby (Men, Women & Children)

Rosemarie DeWitt stars in Jason Reitman’s 2014 dramedy Men, Women & Children as Helen Truby, who is dissatisfied with her marriage to Don (Adam Sandler) and goes on to use the website, Ashley Madison, to have outside affairs. Unbeknownst to her, Don has also been meeting with escorts on his own time, in a unique twist on their dynamic.

To have a father in your life whom you can trust and look up to is a blessing that should not be taken for granted. You can find more than enough men like this in some of our favorite movies and TV shows. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most honorable dads in pop culture and why we love them.

Chris Gardner (The Pursuit Of Happyness)

One of Will Smith’s best performances comes from 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness, which is inspired by real-life entrepreneur Chris Gardner’s experiences single-handedly raising a child (played by Smith’s real-life son, Jaden Smith) while struggling with poverty in 1980s San Francisco. In addition to the hard work he puts through to provide for his son, also named Christopher, he also guides him with moving words of wisdom, such as refusing to be told he cannot achieve his dreams.

Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch)

One of the most iconic sitcoms of all time is the story of a man named Brady — architect Mike Brady (Robert Reed) — who married the lovely Carol (Florence Henderson) and became the father to three young step-daughters, in addition to his three biological sons. While The Brady Bunch never offered a particularly grounded depiction of life in the 1970s, a man willing to accept the responsibility of six children (seven, if you count the later casting shake-up of Robbie Rist as Cousin Oliver) was refreshing for the time and remains as such today.

Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird)

Some of the most valuable lessons that a parent can teach their children are the importance of empathy and the evils of prejudice, which Atticus Finch explains to young Scout in Harper Lee’s influential novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. It is no wonder that Gregory Peck’s portrayal of the widowed Southern Lawyer — who comes to the defense of a Black man wrongfully convicted of assault — in the 1962 adaptation was named cinema’s greatest hero by AFI in 2003.

Philip Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

While he often seemed irritated by his nephew’s antics, Judge Philip Banks (James Avery) clearly loved Will Smith (Will Smith), as evident by his willingness to let the Philadelphia-raised teen live with his family in California after a dangerous run-in. It is especially clear, however, in one of the most tender scenes from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (and one of the most heartbreaking serious sitcom moments ever) when Uncle Phil confronts Will’s real father after learning he plans to abandon him again.

Gil Buckman (Parenthood)

A major theme of Ron Howard’s Parenthood is the insecurities that parents often face when raising children, and no character from the 1989 comedy better represents that than Gil Buckman (Steve Martin). However, there is no doubt that the St. Louis ad executive is an exceptional father when he dons a cowboy outfit to fill in as the entertainment for his son’s birthday party.

Dan Conner (Roseanne)

Few TV shows represent the blue-collar lifestyle as authentically as Roseanne did in its original run and one of the crucial elements was John Goodman’s performance as Dan Conner. Roseanne’s husband was everything a middle-class family could ask for in a patriarch — a hard-working, optimistic, and lovingly supportive father who was also never afraid to tell it like it is.

Bob Ivanovich (My Life)

In the 1993 tearjerker, My Life, Academy Award nominee Michael Keaton plays Bob Ivanovich — a Los Angeles public relations firm manager who is expecting his first child with his wife, Gail (Nicole Kidman), when he is given a terminal diagnosis. Yet, he is not going to let his impending death prevent him from being there for his son, giving him the idea to film a series of videos in which he explains how to shave, how to cook, how to drive more valuable lessons every parent should be the first to teach their children.

Jason Seaver (Growing Pains)

With a job career in psychology, it seems like raising four children would be impossible to keep up with. However, Alan Thicke’s Dr. Jason Seaver on Growing Pains achieved a decent balance between his professional and personal life beautifully by always keeping his family as the highest priority.

Gomez Addams (The Addams Family)

To the average, everyday individual, Gomez Addams — portrayed by the likes of John Astin in the 1960s-era The Addams Family series and Raul Julia in Barry Sonnenfeld’s ‘90s movies — does not seem like an ideal role model. However, when you consider his creepy and cooky home life, he and Morticia really do seem to be pushing their daughter Wednesday and son Pugsley in a decent direction at the end of the day.

Danny Tanner (Full House)

Following the sudden death of his wife, Danny Tanner (the late Bob Saget) enlists the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse (John Stamos), and best friend, Joey (Dave Coulier), to help him raise his three daughters on Full House. Yet, if not for his job as a TV personality, we imagine the tidy and tenderhearted dad could have handled the job all by himself.

Bryan Mills (Taken)

When his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), is kidnapped while vacationing in Paris, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) travels to Europe and reignites his “particular set of skills” to find her. The role that made Neeson into a modern action movie icon — from co-writer and producer Luc Besson’s 2008 thriller, Taken — is the rare kind of father who would single-handedly take on an entire human trafficking ring to rescue his child.

Carl Winslow (Family Matters)

Reginald VelJohnson has played quite a few cops in his day, but none more iconic than Carl Winslow as part of the Family Matters cast for nine seasons. When he was not trying to keep society in line patrolling the streets of Chicago, the father of three did a wonderful job keeping his family in line with love and support that his neighbor, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), must not have received at home, which might explain why he spent so much time at Winslow household.

Guido Orefice (Life Is Beautiful)

Writer and director Roberto Benigni also leads his Oscar-winning 1998 dramedy, Life is Beautiful, as a goofy Jewish-Italian man attempting to protect and shelter his young son (Giorgio Cantarini) from their treacherous surroundings while living at a Holocaust-era concentration camp. While one might say honesty is a more important parental quality, sometimes keeping your child smiling and laughing in the midst of tragedy is the one thing they need most.

Adam Braverman (Parenthood)

Peter Krause told TV Guide that what attracted him to joining the Parenthood cast as Adam Braverman was the character’s goal to be “the best father, the best husband, the best son, the best brother he could be.” Considering the immense dedication he showed for his children — especially toward Max (Max Burkholder), who is a young boy on the Autism spectrum — we would say he succeeded.

Jack Pearson (This Is Us)

There are few modern TV characters who cross off all the boxes of an admirable fatherly portrayal quite like Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) on This is Us, whose devotion to his wife and three children is stronger than many could claim. His wisdom and wit would even prove to be a large influence in his children’s lives long after his untimely passing.

Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights)

In addition to being the real father of his teenage daughter, Julie (Aimee Teegarden), Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) acts as a devoted father figure to the Dillion High School Panthers football team he coaches on Friday Night Lights. Not to mention, what better advice could someone offer on or off the field than, “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose”?

Marlin (Finding Nemo)

In one of the saddest openings to a Pixar movie, tragedy makes clownfish Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) a single father to a single son, Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould), whom he coddles to a suffocating degree as he grows up. However, by the end of Finding Nemo, he learns to be a more trusting father, but only after facing his greatest fears searching the ocean for his son after he is taken by a scuba diver.

Burt Hummel (Glee)

Just about any teen on the LGBTQ+ spectrum has gone through the challenging decision to come out to their parents, but they might have found some helpful encouragement after seeing Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) reveal his true self to his father, Burt (Mike O’Malley). Not only does the United States Congressman accept his son for who he is, but fights for his well-being against anyone who shows him adversity.

Johnathan Kent (Smallville)

Being the adoptive father of super-powered extra-terrestrial sounds like the toughest job imaginable, but John Schneider made it look easy with his portrayal of Johnathan Kent on Smallville. You could say that the farmer’s moral guidance is what led his son, Clark (Tom Welling), to become the crime fighter he needed to be when he accepted his destiny as Superman.

Louis Huang (Fresh Off the Boat)

Inspired by the childhood of celebrity chef Eddie Huang, Fresh Off the Boat follows the challenges of a Taiwanese family trying to make it in the States. The lovingly optimistic patriarch of the family, Louis Huang (Randall Park), is the embodiment of the American dream, working hard to ensure his children the life they deserve.

George Banks (Father Of The Bride)

In 1991’s Father of the Bride, George Banks (Steve Martin) struggles to let go when his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), becomes engaged to Bryan (George Newbern). The reaction is certainly a definitive trait of the typical over-protective father, but considering it comes from a place of great love for his daughter and a certain nostalgia for his early days as a parent, we cannot help but feel a heartwarming empathy for his “overreaction.”

Floyd Henderson (Smart Guy)

The underrated WB sitcom Smart Guy followed T.J. Henderson (Taj Mowry) — a young boy of above-average intelligence who still finds himself in need of the kind of guidance a child of his age typically requires. That is where his widowed father, Floyd (John Marshall Jones), would come in — answering his son’s complicated questions and even disciplining him without ever talking down to him, which even he understands would be a strange thing to do to someone with double his I.Q.

Man (The Road)

The 2009 adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road is one of the most frightening depictions of a post-apocalyptic society ever put to celluloid, but that is not what makes it a valuable entry to the genre. At its core, the film is a powerful story about an unnamed man (played by Viggo Mortensen) struggling to do the right thing for his son (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee), which is something any father in the real world can easily relate to.

Phillip Drummond (Diff’rent Strokes)

Before his former housekeeper suddenly passed away, widowed millionaire Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) promised to take care of her sons, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis (Todd Bridges). That is the plot of Diff’rent Strokes — a hit sitcom that proved that family is defined by the devotion you have for each other and Mr. Drummond’s devotion to his adopted sons and his biological daughter, Kimberly (Dana Plato), was undeniable.

Mac MacGuff (Juno)

In another story about teen pregnancy, you might expect the father character to fly off the handle after learning his young daughter is with child, but that is not the case in 2007’s Oscar-winning dramedy, Juno. Mac MacGuff (J.K. Simmons) reacts to the news that his titular daughter (played by Elliot Page) is pregnant in a surprisingly calm demeanor and offers strong support to her through every step of the process.

Daniel Hillard (Mrs. Doubtfire)

We cannot deny that Daniel Hillard’s (Robin Williams) actions in the 1993 comedy favorite, Mrs. Doubtfire — posing as an elderly woman to act as his estranged family’s nanny after being denied custody — is a little messed up. However, there is no denying that his extreme decision came from a place of strong commitment for his children, who were actually delighted to learn their father was him in disguise.

Mr. Levenstein (American Pie)

Not too many teens actively seek advice about the more awkward moments of adolescence from their parents, but Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) would not have to seek such conversations in the American Pie movies. His father (played by Eugene Levy) had no trouble openly discussing the most uncomfortably “adult” topics with his son, but always had the wherewithal to make the discussions somewhat more comforting with the caveat that these were “perfectly normal things.”

Alan Matthews (Boy Meets World)

If you could not figure it out before, the title of Boy Meets World refers to Cory Matthews’ (Ben Savage) journey to figure out what life is all about, often with help from his teacher, Mr. Feeny (William Daniels). Of course, he also received more than enough guidance from his admirable humble, down-to-earth father, Alan (William Russ), who also served as a father figure to Cory’s best friend, Shawn (Rider Strong), whenever he needed it.

Ted Kramer (Kramer Vs. Kramer)

Director Robert Benton’s Best Picture Oscar winner, 1979’s Kramer vs. Kramer, depicts a marriage that falls apart when Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves her husband, Ted (Dustin Hoffman), forcing him to finally learn what it really takes to be a parent. By the time Joanna returns to take their son, Billy (Justin Henry), with her, she realizes from the love and devotion he shows that he belongs with Ted after all.

Michael Kyle (My Wife And Kids)

We would consider Tisha Campbell’s Janet “Jay” Kyle from My Wife and Kids a TV wife who often put her husband in his place whenever his more childish and egotistical attributes came out. However, Michael Kyle (series co-creator Damon Wayans) is still a TV dad for the ages because of his unique approach to teaching lessons that sometimes even involve elaborate pranks at his kids’ expense.

Mason Evans Sr. (Boyhood)

When Ethan Hawke first appears as Mason Evans Sr. in 2014’s Boyhood, he seems like the stereotypical irresponsible estranged father you might see in most movies centered on divorced families. However, in retrospect, he offers young Mason (Ellar Coltrane) and his daughter, Samantha (Lorelai Linklater), some very profound advice even then and proves, that by the time Mason reaches manhood, he becomes the dad he was always destined to become, including to his child with his second wife, Olivia.

Sonny Kofax (Big Daddy)

Adam Sandler’s role in 1999’s Big Daddy, Sonny Kofax, is the one character her who is not actually a dad and, in fact, is very irresponsible. However, the love he shows for Julian (the illegitimate son of his friend, played by Dylan and Cole Sprouse) is worth a million fathers combined.

Hopefully, you have or had a father (or father figure) who can hold a candle to any of these movie and TV characters.

Other than being a talented television host for Wild N’ Out and The Masked Singer, one of Nick Cannon’s most notable jobs is being a father to a large number of kids. They may say “eight is enough” but, in the case of the former AGT host, it’s the number 12. Cannon has long been open about his parenthood experiences. And more recently, he discussed how being a dad to so many little ones has its ups and downs and doesn't quite allow him to live “a normal existence.” 

Over the past several years, Nick Cannon has had a slew of babies with different women who range from infants to pre-teens. While speaking with People about his new Buffalo Wild Wings commercial, he got honest about how different his life has been since fathering a multitude of children:

The Drumline actor appears to have a good attitude about the expected challenges that come with raising so many kids though. I give Nick Cannon a lot of credit for embracing the obstacles of fatherhood, including the various financial obligations. In December, the media personality got honest about how much he spends at Disneyland alone each year, which is around $200,000. As the tourist destination is expensive enough already, I can imagine that tickets, hotel rooms, meals and merch are much more pricey when you have a brood as large as his.

Nick Cannon previously said the “biggest guilt” he’s felt when it comes to his kids is not being able to spend enough time with all of them due to his work and many of them being spread out. Despite that, during Christmas, he’ll be all over the place, attending different events with each kid like Grinch-mas and Candy Cane Lane and “having a ball.” So even if it's a constant struggle maintaining a balancing act to his eleven kids, it sounds like the “Gigolo” performer still cherishes the time he shares with each one. And there are also special moments that make it all worthwhile for the Roll Bounce actor, as he shares:

That’s such a sweet sentiment to hear from a father. The dad of 12 also mentions that “big hugs” and “picking them up from school” are also major pluses. Nick Cannon’s stint as a dad started in 2011 when he welcomed twins with his now-ex-wife, Mariah Carey. Between February 2017 to September 2022, he had two sons and a daughter with model Brittany Bell. With model Alyssa Scott, shares a son born in June 2021, who sadly died at five months from a brain tumor, and a daughter born in December 2022. He also had twin boys in June 2021 and a little girl, who arrived in November 2022, with Abby De La Rosa. Also, Cannon and real estate agent Brie Tiesi had a son in June 2022, and he also shares a daughter with model LaNisha Cole who was born in September 2022. 

Of course, the number one question people keep asking Nick Cannon is if he’ll be having more children. The Love Don’t Cost a Thing actor said he has no plans for that as of right now and found it funny that people don’t think that raising the 11 kids he has now isn't enough for him. What he’s looking forward to at the moment, it seems, is being able to structure his schedule around his children's extracurricular activities. I’m sure he'll be very busy during the upcoming year. 

You can watch Nick Cannon host The Masked Singer when its eleventh season premieres on March 6th on Fox. You can also take a look at our 2024 TV schedule so you’ll know when season 21 of his game show series Wild N’ Out drops.

One Tree Hill is a classic teen drama, and to this day it’s beloved for its soapy drama, romances and focus on friendship, family and basketball. The story follows the iconic OTH cast – which features Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz – as they make their way through high school in a small town. This early 2000s series was a staple of its time, and if you are looking to find this kind of drama and nostalgia again I have some show recommendations for you.

The O.C.

When the wealthy Cohen family adopts Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), he and Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) go about their dramatic lives in Orange County.

Why The O.C. Is Like One Tree Hill: This soapy teen drama from the early 2000s focuses on two brothers, albeit their relationship is a lot healthier than Nathan and Lucas’, and their journey through high school. With romantic pairings like Seth (Brody) and Summer (Rachel Bilson), and big dramatic moments played out by the ensemble cast of The O.C. too, it’s actually super similar to One Tree Hill.

Stream The O.C. on Max.

Stream The O.C. on Hulu. 

Outer Banks

A crew of teens from the Outer Banks, led by Chase Stokes’ John B. are on the hunt for an ancient treasure. 

Why Outer Banks Is Like One Tree Hill: Need a show that also takes place in one of the two Carolina states and features beloved romances, intense adventures and unexpected action? Outer Banks is for you. While its main character John B. almost dies way more often than any character on One Tree Hill, it’s still full of the same soapy drama that I’m sure you’ll like if you dug the early 2000s show. 

Stream Outer Banks on Netflix.

Dawson's Creek

To this day, you’ll find people re-watching Dawson’s Creek much like they do One Tree Hill. The story follows Dawson (James Van Der Beek) and Joey (Katie Holmes) through high school and the drama that ensues between them and their romantic interests – especially when Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and Jen (Michelle Williams) get involved.

Why Dawson’s Creek Is Like One Tree Hill: This show is arguably the most similar to One Tree Hill on this list. Both series ran for many seasons during the early 2000s and centered around high schoolers dealing with love, life, family and soapy drama. Along with their plot similarities, both the Dawson’s Creek cast and OTH ensemble took off because of their shows. Also, Chad Michael Murray played a role in both seminal teen dramas. 

Stream Dawson’s Creek on Hulu.

Stream Dawson's Creek on Amazon Prime.

Stream Dawson's Creek on The CW.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl centers around a group of rich Upper Eastside teens (and Dan from Brooklyn) who are targeted by the titular anonymous gossip blog. 

Why Gossip Girl Is Like One Tree Hill: While the New York City setting is what greatly differentiates these two shows, at their core, they are both centered around a dramatic high school and the interpersonal relationships between the core characters. And let’s face it, both One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl live up to their hype because of their iconic relationships (like Chuck and Blair and Nathan and Haley). 

Stream Gossip Girl on Max.

Stream Gossip Girl on The Roku Channel.

Gilmore Girls

Mother/daughter duo Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) live in Stars Hallow, and they go about life in their small town with their friends and family.

Why Gossip Girl Is Like One Tree Hill: Both Tree Hill and Stars Hallow are small towns, and both shows span over many years as we watch the ensemble cast grow up. Also, like Gilmore Girls, OTH focuses a lot on family, both biological and found. Not to mention, one of the Gilmore Girls cast members whose career took off after he starred in the show was our beloved Chad Michael Murray – however, a big difference is Lucas from Tree Hill is significantly nicer than Stars Hollow’s Tristin.

Stream Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

Riverdale

Based on Archie Comics, Riverdale follows Archie (K.J. Apa), Betty (Lili Reinhart), Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) through high school. Throughout the show, there are murder mysteries, supernatural entanglements and even musicals.

Why Riverdale Is Like One Tree Hill: If you are looking for over-the-top high school drama, relationships that you’re excited to ship and a fun ensemble, both these shows have you covered. While Riverdale has crazy plot twists that involve more magic and mystery than OTH, they both will fill your need for a good ol' high school drama. Oh, also, Chad Michael Murray guest stars in a few episodes of this too.

Stream Riverdale on Netflix.

Stream Riverdale on The CW.

Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights follows one of high school’s best football teams, the Dillon Panthers, and their coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler).

Why Friday Night Lights Is Like One Tree Hill: The biggest reason these two shows are like one another is how sports play into the story. The majority of the Friday Night Lights cast are on or involved with the town’s football team. Just switch the sport to basketball, and you have a similar situation with One Tree Hill, especially in the earlier seasons. 

Stream Friday Night Lights on Netflix.

Stream Friday Night Lights on Hulu.

Stream Friday Night Lights on Amazon Prime.

All American

All American follows a young football player, Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) after he moves as he attempts to adjust to his new school, life and team. 

Why All American Is Like One Tree Hill: While there are many shows like All American, One Tree Hill stands out as an apt comparison because it's centered around sports -- football and basketball, respectively -- and the story of one guy adjusting to a new team. While Spencer is new at his school, Lucas has been in Tree Hill forever. However, when he joins the basketball team, it almost feels like he’s the new kid. 

Stream All American on Netflix.

Stream All American on The CW.

On My Block

On My Block follows Monse (Sierra Capri), Ruby (Jason Genao), Jamal (Brett Gray) and Cesar (Diego Tinoco) through high school in this coming-of-age drama. 

Why All American Is Like One Tree Hill: When it comes to the legacies of On My Block and One Tree Hill, they both stand as beloved dramas about growing up, coming-of-age and friendship. If you are looking for a YA drama from more recent years, this is the show for you.

Stream On My Block on Netflix.

Parenthood

Parenthood follows the Braverman family by focusing on Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) and Camille (Bonnie Bedelia), their kids and grandkids. 

Why Parenthood Is Like One Tree Hill: Along with One Tree Hill and Parenthood featuring famous folks you forgot were in it, its central focus on family and the trauma and love that comes with them is the major reason why these two shows are alike. 

Stream Parenthood on Hulu.

Degrassi

This long-running Canadian teen drama follows an ensemble of kids as they deal with love, life and high school as well as the transition from childhood into adulthood. 

Why Degrassi Is Like One Tree Hill: Like One Tree Hill, Degrassi was long-running, ending on Season 14, and it told its stories in a soapy way. Whether it be tales of love, coursework, sports or the occasional crime, both shows are big and dramatic, which is why we love them.

Stream Degrassi on Amazon Prime.

Stream Degrassi on Max.

Stream Degrassi on Tubi.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty focuses on Belly (Lola Tung) and her relationship with Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) and Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) as she navigates her romantic feelings for the brothers.

Why The Summer I Turned Pretty Is Like One Tree Hill: Both TSITP and One Tree Hill have romance at the center of them, and feature some seriously iconic love triangles. From Lucas, Peyton and Brooke on OTH to the aforementioned Belly, Jeremiah and Conrad, the romantic relationships in these shows are messy, dramatic and oh-so-compelling. 

Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime.

One Tree Hill is truly one of the most iconic teen dramas, and luckily many came both before and after it that are worth checking out. So, after you see how Brooke, Lucas, Nathan, Haley and Peyton’s stories come to a close, make sure to check a few of the aforementioned shows out. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them! 

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. 

Some of the best Steve Martin movies came out in the 1980s and 1990s. After he became known for being “just a wild and crazy guy” in popular standup sets, played major roles in a number of great Saturday Night Live sketches while hosting and starred in his first hit movie with 1979’s The Jerk, the next two decades of Martin’s career was full of hilarious comedies where the actor had memorable moments we’re still quoting 30-some years later. 

“I am removing the superfluous buns… George Banks is saying no!!” - Father Of The Bride (1991) 

We never looked at hot dog buns the same again after this scene. While in the midst of an onslaught of checks Father Of The Bride’s George Banks has to write for his daughter’s wedding. The dad reaches his breaking point while at the grocery store which has him taking hot dog buns out of the packaging and ranting about the “superfluous buns” to store clerks. His episode lands him in jail as his daughter gets ready to say “I do.” 

“Arugula. I haven’t had arugula in six weeks. It’s a veg-eh-te-ble.” - My Blue Heaven (1990) 

My Blue Heaven had Steve Martin tapping into the memorable character Vinnie Antonelli, a former mobster inducted into the Witness Protection Program with his wife. One funny line that we haven’t forgotten since its release is how Martin says “arugula” and “vegetable” while stopping for groceries. 

“Well, you slime-eating dogs! You scum-sucking pigs! You sons of a motherless goat!” - Three Amigos (1986)

One of the most iconic trios is Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short in the Three Amigos. When the three actors put on the sombreros of silent film stars who become mistaken for real heroes while in a small Mexican village, it was especially entertaining to see Martin’s Lucky Day speak to real bandits like the lead of a movie, unknown to him that he was seriously risking his life. 

“Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral” - Housesitter (1992) 

Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn teamed up for the first time for 1992’s Housesitter. After Martin’s Newton and Hawn’s Gwen have a one-night stand, she comes back into his life claiming to be his wife. Amidst all the wild antics one particularly laugh-out-loud scene involves Newton improvising to sing a classic Irish-American song to his parents. He’s embarrassed in the moment as he sings to a massive crowd of guests, but his father turns out to be truly moved by the song choice.

“Those aren't pillows!” - Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

One of the best fall movies, that many of us often rewatch during Thanksgiving time, is Planes, Trains & Automobiles, which paired Steve Martin and John Candy as two strangers trying to get home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving Day dinner. When Martin’s Neal and Candy’s Del end up having to share a bed at a motel one night, they wake up in each other’s arms cuddling. When they realize they’ve gotten a little too comfortable by each other’s sides, they quickly perk up in disgust at their intimate moment. 

“There's someone out there for everyone. Even if you need a pickaxe, a compass, and night goggles to find them.” - L.A. Story (1991) 

Steve Martin penned his own romantic comedy in 1991. L.A. Story had the actor starring as a TV weatherman named Harris who is looking for love in the big city of Los Angeles, California. Amidst his journey, Martin quips about how difficult it can be to strike rich with lasting love by likening that one needs “night goggles” among other things to really find it. 

“I am in orbit around you, I am suspended weightless over you like the blue man in the Chagall, hanging over you in a delirious kiss.” - Roxanne (1987) 

Steve Martin wrote and starred in a modern retelling of Edmond Rostand's 1897 verse play Cyrano de Bergerac with Roxanne in 1987. The movie had Martin playing Charlie, a fire chief who struggles with having an abnormally long nose and how that affects his burgeoning crush on Daryl Hannah’s Roxanne. This quote from Charlie showcases Martin’s particular charm that moves between romantic and comedic in the balcony scene between him and Roxanne. 

“Hey, let's have five. Let's have six. Let's have a dozen and pretend they're donuts!” - Parenthood (1989)

In Ron Howard’s 1989 film, Parenthood, Steve Martin’s Gil struggles with balancing his family life and career. When his wife Karen (Mary Steenburgen) gets pregnant with their fourth child, Gil jokes about their increasing number of children by comparing them to donuts as he processes the overwhelming feelings that come with being a father to more kids. 

“Oh, the gas isn't for you Seymour, it's for me. You see, I wanna really enjoy this.” - Little Shop of Horrors (1986) 

One of Steve Martin’s wackiest roles of the '80s was certainly as Orin Scrivello, DDS, the sadistic dentist in Little Shop of Horrors. During a standout scene where he is doing dental work on Rick Moranis’ Seymour, he plays into the character’s wild nature, by giving himself the patient’s nitrous oxide. 

"I'm one of those nice, quiet Midwestern guys that no one expects to snap, but when we do, watch it, baby!” - The Out-Of-Towners (1999) 

Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn starred as lovers for the second time after being in Housesitters together in 1999’s The Out-of-Towners, which is a remake of the Jack Lemmon movie from 1970. In the comedy, Martin and Hawn play a longtime married couple who venture out to New York from their quiet life in Ohio to a disastrous adventure that became more than they bargained for. The above quote really comes at a hilarious moment that encapsulates why The Out-Of-Towners is such a treasure. 

“Oh god, they’re dancing!! Take me from this place!!” -Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) 

Another Steve Martin gem is 1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which had the actor playing a con artist competing with Michael Caine’s con artist to swindle a heiress out of $50,000. During the con, Martin’s Freddy poses as a Navy veteran who needs the money to walk again. As Freddy lies through his teeth with a backstory to get Janet to pay up, one enduring scene that remains comical is when Freddy starts having a breakdown at the sight of other people dancing. 

“Oh great, real bullets. You’re in a lot of trouble mister.” - Three Amigos (1986)

When Steve Martin played Lucky Day in Three Amigos alongside Chevy Chase and Martin Short, the silent actors got into a host of funny circumstances as they became real heroes in a Mexican village. This realization came when they were approached by real bandits right after Lucky noticed that he’d been shot by real bullets. Then he goes over to tell a person who he thinks is an actor to simply say he’s “in a lot of trouble” for bringing real weapons to set. 

“At least going to the movies, that’ll be more economical. One child, two seniors, thanks. Kid’s going to love spending his adolescence in a retirement home. At least we won’t hear him come in late.” - Father of the Bride Part II (1995) 

After Steve Martin’s George Banks survives the events of Father of the Bride, he and his wife Nina (Diane Keaton) deal with a new surprise when they find out Nina is pregnant at the same time as their daughter Annie. While the couple breaks the news to Annie, George jokes about the implications of being a father as an older man by talking about common things seniors do and pairing them with raising kids. 

“Our body? It’s my body, I’m sharing my body with anyone!” - All Of Me (1984) 

Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin co-starred in 1984’s All Of Me with tons of humorous moments. In the movie, Tomlin’s millionairess Edwina Cutwater gets her soul transferred into the body of Martin’s Roger. As Roger walks the streets with another person’s consciousness inside him, it makes for some great physical comedy scenes as Martin figures out how to move with a dueling consciousness. In one scene early in their merge, he yells out the above quote in public, which certainly had us giggling. 

“And by the way, you know, when you're telling these little stories? Here's a good idea: have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!” - Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) 

Although Steve Martin’s Neal is absolutely miserable for much of Planes, Trains & Automobiles as he becomes mixed up with John Candy’s Del on his prolonged journey home to Chicago to enjoy Thanksgiving with his family, it’s entertaining for us to see him pull his hair out about it. In one great line towards the end of the comedy, Neal expresses his frustrations with Del by commenting on his constant rambling. It’s a sick burn that leads to an emotional scene between the pair that Martin himself still gets tearful about. 

"Obvious: Excuse me, is that your nose or did a bus park on your face? Meteorological: everybody take cover, she's going to blow! Fashionable: you know, you could de-emphasize your nose if you wore something larger, like... Wyoming..." - Roxanne (1987) 

In Roxanne, Steve Martin’s Charlie combats the onslaught of bullying he gets for having a large nose by presenting a crowd in town with a list of 20 jokes with “big nose.” He categorizes the jokes and lists them on qualities such as “Sympathetic: Aw, what happened? Did your parents lose a bet with God?” or “Inquiring: when you stop to smell the flowers, are they afraid?” It’s not only a funny sequence, it also highlights how mean people can be and an instance of a character standing up to being made fun of and one-upping them with some humor of their own. 

“What do you say, Gwen? ‘Gwen’ do you get off... and ‘gwhere’ can we ‘gwo’?” - Housesitters (1992) 

In 1992’s Housesitters, Steve Martin’s Newton meets Goldie Hawn’s Gwen, a waitress working at a Hungarian restaurant, and he has a one-night stand with her before she finds him at home and gets his whole town to believe she is his wife. The above quote is a punny play on words Newton does with her name. What makes it funnier later, is the fact that “It’s actually Jessica.” 

“That's one thing I've learned about clients. Dead ones don't pay their bills.” - Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982) 

In 1982, Steve Martin co-wrote and starred in a neo-noir comedy called Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Martin plays private investigator Rigby Reardon, who is hired to investigate a scientist and cheesemaker’s death. Amidst Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid’s unique style that serves as a parody and homage to the films of the '40s, a classic line like this one showcases the comedy within the black and white film. 

”I am the worst case scenario of Thomas Jefferson's dream.” - My Blue Heaven (1990)

Steve Martin’s 1990 film, My Blue Heaven, allowed the comedic actor to have some fun with his Italian mobster character, Vinnie Antonelli, as he befriends Rick Moranis’ Barney Coopersmith. It’s a lot of fun to see Martin tap into Vinnie’s hilarious personality as a person in the Witness Protection Program who is not quite reformed from his life of crime. His comment on being the “worst case scenario” of Thomas Jefferson’s dream is a notable way he makes the best of the character. 

“I climbed to the top of a luxury hotel. Not in the elevator, actually on the hotel!” - The Out-Of-Towners (1999) 

The antics of The Out-Of-Towners place Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn’s characters in some ridiculous, and even dangerous, situations as the couple deals with problems that come with facing empty nest syndrome. In one occasion in the movie, Henry Clark has to climb along the outside of a luxury hotel as he pokes fun at in another scene later in the movie. 

“No Franck, tell Hanck it’s not okay.” - Father Of The Bride (1991) 

One of the best parts of Father of The Bride is getting to see George Banks interact with Martin Short’s eccentric wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer. Throughout the comedy, Franck clearly gets on his nerves, but it’s especially funny when he brings around the caterer named “Hanck” and their rhyming names become the center of a joke whilst George channels his frustrations to Franck just ahead of the wedding taking place. 

"That's part of your problem: you haven't seen enough movies. All of life's riddles are answered in the movies." - Grand Canyon (1991) 

Steve Martin clearly barely did dramas throughout the '80s and '90s, but he did pivot to one in 1991 with Lawrence Kasdan’s Grand Canyon, which also starred Danny Glover, Kevin Kline and Alfre Woodard. In the movie, Martin plays Davis, a movie producer who rethinks the violence in his action films after he gets shot in the leg. In one sequence in the film, Martin breaks some dramatic tension by saying the above line. Of course not all of “life’s riddles are answered in the movies” so it’s a funny quote from one of the actor’s roles. 

“It's not a marriage! It is a simple arrangement in which I will share my house with her and in exchange for which she will argue with me in public and generally make my life incredibly terrible.” - Housesitter (1992) 

Steve Martin tees up a very funny take on what marriage is in Housesitters. While in the movie itself, his character of Newton really does accidentally start sharing his house with Goldie Hawn’s Gwen, this quote is funny because it ends with the person he’s talking to responding by saying “that’s marriage!” 

“A minute ago I was really confused about life, and grandma came in with her wonderful and affecting rollercoaster story and now everything’s great again.” - Parenthood (1989)

Steve Martin loves a good sarcastic line, and his character in Parenthood, Gil, certainly delivers a zinger after the family’s grandma interrupts a conversation with his wife Karen to tell a rollercoaster story to the quarreling couple. While Karen finds the moment endearing, Gil only gets more frustrated and says this line. 

“It is better to be truthful and good than to not.” - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

During con artist comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it’s endlessly entertaining to watch what Steve Martin’s Freddy makes up as he swindles others out of money. One notable quote from Freddy in the movie Martin shared with Michael Caine is this moment that definitely is rather ironic considering he’s literally lying as he says this. 

“I can change Gwen. I can live in a make believe world. Hell, I already was. Half the things we tell ourselves are fiction. The only thing I know is real is that I love you.” Housesitter (1992)

At the end of Housesitter, Steve Martin’s Newton actually ends up falling in love with Goldie Hawn’s Gwen even after she made him lie to his friends and family regarding her being his wife. In a sweet, yet very funny, scene at the end, Newton confesses his love to her as she is heading into a bus. After he says these lines, he gets into a whole made-up story of his own to impress her before they kiss and he says “Marry me Gwen, I’m lost without you.”

“Drive carefully. And don't forget to fasten your condom… Seat belt! I meant, I meant seat belt.” - Father Of The Bride (1991) 

It can be awkward to meet the parents. Especially when it’s Father of the Bride’s George Banks. In one early scene, Steve Martin’s leading character lets these words slip as his daughter and fiancé are about to drive off. 

“I tip everybody, that’s my philosophy. You see actually, it’s not tipping I believe in, it’s overtipping.” - My Blue Heaven (1990) 

Gotta love Vinnie Antonelli-isms. Steve Martin’s My Blue Heaven had the former mobster ranting about all sorts of things to Rick Moranis’ Barney, and this was one of them after Barney noticed him even tipping a flight attendant. 

“As sure as my name is Lucky Day, the people of Santa Poco can conquer their own personal El Guapo, who also happens to be *the actual* El Guapo!” - Three Amigos (1986) 

Steve Martin’s Lucky Day says this funny line in Three Amigos after him and Chevy Chase and Martin Short’s characters, all of which are silent film actors, find themselves defending a Mexican village against bandits. It’s especially inspirational to the situation at hand in the movie because they have to face literal El Guapo. 

“You can't have people, if their houses are burning down, saying, 'Whatever you do, don't call the fire department.' That would be bad.” - Roxanne (1987) 

In Roxanne, Steve Martin’s Charlie plays a fire chief who deals with constant attention and discrimination for his abnormal nose. During the movie, he turns on the comedy when he says he has a “dream.” “Not a big dream” but one he hopes is not “too crazy.” He just wants the people of his town to actually call the fire department when there are fires. 

“I used to think a wedding was a simple affair.” - Father of the Bride (1991) 

Father Of The Bride’s George Banks beautifully sets up the movie with an opening monologue that occurs during the events of his daughter, Annie’s wedding (which is one of the most beautiful movie weddings, I might add). He speaks directly to the audience as he says while he thought the above words, “he was wrong!” Thus, it becomes the setup of the 1991 comedy. 

“Let me close this conversation by saying that you are one unique individual.” - Planes, Trains, Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin is certainly a unique individual, with a unique career, full of hilarious quotes. As his Planes, Trains & Automobiles partner in crime, John Candy delivers some hilarious quotes of his own in the 1987 movie, Martin’s Neal responds with the actor’s usual snippy charm we all know and love. 

Given the actor's many laugh-out-loud quotes from the '80s and '90s, it reminds us of what a talent Steve Martin has been and continues to be. May this list inspire you to revisit one of these classics. 

Moms always deserve more credit than they get, and that goes for the wonderful matriarchs who have graced our television screens over the years. Characters like Carol Brady and Clair Huxtable are names that easily come to mind when thinking about the best TV moms, but there are so many more that deserve to be mentioned.

Sometimes mothers make mistakes despite trying their best. Others show their love in more unconventional ways, and some just seem to always get outshined by other members of their family. For one reason or another, below are some fantastic TV moms who never got enough credit.

Ruth Fisher (Six Feet Under)

Ruth Fisher’s whole life changed when her husband was killed in a car accident in the Six Feet Under series premiere. Not only was she tasked with continuing to run her family’s funeral home business, and come to terms with her own guilt, loneliness and identity, she had to help guide her grown children through their own grief. Ruth (Frances Conroy) wasn’t perfect — no issue on the HBO drama was black-and-white — but there was no question that she had put her children’s needs first for her whole life. 

Beth Pearson (This Is Us) 

When your mother-in-law is the indomitable Rebecca Pearson, it’s pretty easy to get overshadowed as a mom, and that’s precisely why Beth Pearson (Susan Kelechi Watson) on This Is Us never got enough credit. Her husband Randall was definitely a good partner, but Beth was the real MVP of the parenting dynamic duo, often able to anticipate her family’s emotions and sniff out any scheming going on with their three daughters. She even became a mother figure to many more by opening her own dance studio. 

Sarah Braverman (Parenthood) 

Parenthood gave viewers plenty of different family dynamics to dissect, and Kristina Braverman was tough to beat as a mother, going so far as to open up a charter school for children with special needs. So it's no wonder that her sister-in-law, former wild child Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham), was never given much credit. Sarah struggled to raise Amber and Drew as a single mother, and boy did they not make it easy on her. She may not have always had all the answers, but she loved her kids first, and in the end they figured it out together. 

Rainbow Johnson (black-ish) 

Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Johnson) on black-ish deserves all the flowers, serving as the model of a successful working mom. Rainbow juggled being a doctor and raising five children, whom she respected as individuals. She put their problems ahead of her own to make sure they had a better life than she did as a kid. 

Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) 

Lorelai Gilmore’s daughter Rory could always count on her mom for a snappy joke or pop culture reference, but Lorelai (Lauren Graham) certainly didn’t have it easy. Her relationship with her own parents was strained after getting pregnant at just 16 years old, making it all the more impressive when she made a life for her and Rory in Stars Hollow. She struggled at times to be patient with her own daughter’s mistakes, but she wasn’t too proud to accept her parents’ help when it benefited Rory. 

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons) 

Would the Simpson family even survive without Marge? Easily the most underappreciated of the family of five, Marge never got any help from Homer over the decades, as she raised three extremely different and never-aging children. In fact, Homer was more of a fourth child in that equation, and still Marge loved her husband and her kids. I don’t think there’s a person in the world who could blame her for the occasional frustrated grunt. 

Michonne (The Walking Dead) 

Despite her own trauma of losing a child in the walker outbreak, The Walking Dead’s Michonne (Danai Gurira) adopted Carl and Judith as her own (before going on have her own child with Rick Grimes), and she never hesitated to put her own life at risk to save them. 

Penelope Alvarez (One Day at a Time) 

Despite being a war veteran struggling with her own PTSD and depression, Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) was always able to give her children the attention they needed on One Day at a Time. She made the time, even while working as a nurse and living with her traditional Cuban mother. 

Morticia Addams (The Addams Family) 

Morticia Addams (portrayed in the 1964 sitcom The Addams Family by Carolyn Jones) was the epitome of unconventional, but was there ever a TV mom who encouraged her children to be themselves more than her? Never bending to the expectations and societal norms of those around her, Morticia was always loyal to and protective of her family, if not a bit macabre. 

Jane Villanueva (Jane the Virgin) 

Talk about life taking you in unexpected directions! Gina Rodriguez’s Jane Villanueva on Jane the Virgin had her own matriarchs to thank for being able to figure things out when she got pregnant by accidental artificial insemination. Such grace in the most unique of situations. 

Claire Dunphy (Modern Family) 

Nobody said you had to have everything together in order to be a good mom. Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) of Modern Family often struggled with how to approach the myriad hurdles of her blended and extended family, but fans found her relatable, and she deserved a lot more credit than she got. 

Gemma Teller Morrow (Sons of Anarchy) 

The characters in the world of Sons of Anarchy all knew one thing: Don’t mess with Gemma Teller Morrow (Katey Sagal) or her family, including any of the members of SAMCRO. Gemma was willing to kill or die for her son Jax, and boy did she prove it.  

Laurel Park (The Summer I Turned Pretty) 

Often the less-fun mom in comparison to her BFF Susannah, Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) was undoubtedly more responsible of the two in the book-to-screen adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Even when grief drove her and Susannah’s kids to make some pretty bad decisions, she handled the teens with understanding and grace. 

Skyler White (Breaking Bad) 

Boy did people give Skyler White (Anna Gunn) grief during Breaking Bad’s run on AMC. Sure, she was complicit in some of Walter White’s money laundering, but it’s not like she was left with much of a choice. Always doing what she thought was best for her family, she was fiercely protective of her kids — even when that meant standing up to her husband when he was at his most dangerous. 

Peggy Bundy (Married… With Children) 

Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) had a lot of qualities you might not look for in a good TV mom on Married… with Children. She was lazy, obsessed with the television and didn’t exactly set the best example for the kids. She still deserves more credit than she gets, though, because she was unapologetically herself and nurturing in her own way. 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne) 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) wasn’t perfect on her self-titled sitcom, but what family is? Her and Dan’s struggles to make ends meet while still wanting more for their kids was what made her relatable to so many. Her blunt and brutal honesty was what made her so funny.  

Chilli Heeler (Bluey) 

Chilli, better known as “Mum” to the Bluey viewing audience, definitely doesn’t get as much credit in the fun department as Bluey and Bingo’s dad Bandit, but somebody’s got to remember to pack the goggles, towels and sunscreen for a day at the pool, right? Chilli takes care of a lot of the “boring” stuff, which apparently is not just a thing for human moms. 

Harriette Winslow (Family Matters)  

Harriette Winslow (played by Jo Marie Payton until the middle of the final season) may not get brought up in the “Best TV Moms” conversation all that often, but she definitely should. If for no other reason, she kept her patience with Family Matters fan favorite Steve Urkel a lot longer than many would have. 

Linda Belcher (Bob’s Burgers) 

Sometimes when it comes to moms and their eccentric families, it’s hard to understand how they fit in. That’s not the case with Linda Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, who may be the matriarch, but she’s as big a mess as any of them, and I mean that in the best way. Linda is wild and funny while still being incredibly loving and supportive. 

Jean Weir (Freaks and Geeks) 

Helping your children navigate their formative years is not an easy task, and Jean Weir (Becky Ann Baker) on Freaks and Geeks definitely had her work cut out for her with her polar-opposite kiddos Lindsay and Sam. While her efforts were hit-and-miss, she wanted to connect with them so badly, and you just had to appreciate her goofy, sometimes-overbearing personality. 

Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis (Full House) 

Of course Rebecca Donaldson (aka “Aunt Becky”) would go on to have twins with “Uncle Jesse” Katsopolis, but Lori Loughlin’s character on Full House was earning mom points years before that, as she gave motherly advice to Michelle, Stephanie and especially DJ after their own mom’s passing. The importance of her role to them can’t be overstated. 

Jessica Huang (Fresh Off The Boat) 

Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) may be the queen to her kids’ pawns in the chess game of life, but the high expectations the Fresh Off the Boat matriarch set for her children just showed how much she believed in them. She was firm but devoted, and sometimes we forget those tough moms have just as much love to give. 

Carol Foster-Lambert (Step By Step) 

Anybody who successfully blends families the way the Fosters and Lamberts did on Step by Step deserves some major mom snaps, especially given the spectrum of personalities Carol Foster-Lambert’s children and stepchildren exhibited. There were growing pains, of course, but it couldn’t have worked without the endless love and support of Suzanne Somers’ character. 

Jane Chapman (Big Little Lies) 

Given the trauma that Jane Chapman endured on Big Little Lies, there’s no wondering why she’s slow to trust people, or why she’s so protective of her son Ziggy. Never as perky or interesting or seemingly perfect as the other moms around her, her strength to survive and provide for Ziggy shouldn’t go unheralded. 

Kitty Forman (That ‘70s Show) 

We all know that one mom who unofficially adopts all of her kids’ friends as her own, and on That ‘70s Show, it was Eric and Laurie’s mother Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp). It speaks volumes that everybody always felt at home there, despite her husband Red’s eternally grouchy disposition. She may not get enough credit as a great TV mom, but she’s unrivaled in infectious laughter. 

Carmela Soprano (The Sopranos) 

All moms have a lot on their plates, and let's face it: Parenting is just plain hard. So Edie Falco's Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos probably deserves some extra credit for also being married to a mob boss. Even if she didn't deserve it, I'd give it to her anyway.

Annie Marks (Good Girls) 

Good Girls shows just how far moms will go when they’re desperate to provide for their children. Mae Whitman played young single mother Annie Marks, but despite Annie's dangerous lifestyle, she prioritized her child and was a beacon of support during an emotional coming out story. 

Christy Jolene Plunkett (Mom) 

A special shoutout to the moms who are figuring it out after not having a particularly good role model themselves. This was the case for Christy (Anna Faris) on Mom, who always did her best as she faced her own struggles with sobriety and the complex relationship with her mom Bonnie. 

Amy Sosa (Superstore) 

Amy Sosa’s kids may not have been the central focus of Superstore, but America Ferrera’s character gave a voice to many mothers out there through her storyline about having to return to work after 48 hours because the store didn’t offer maternity leave. 

Cindy Walsh (Beverly Hills, 90210) 

Good role models seemed to be severely lacking on Beverly Hills 90210, so that should have made Cindy Walsh (Carol Potter) stand out more as one of TV’s greatest moms. She kept Brandon and Brenda grounded, while providing support as needed to their friends. Cindy put her own pain aside, only rarely showing that she, too, had struggled with the move from Minnesota to the sunny West Coast. 

Samantha Stephens (Bewitched) 

It can’t be easy being a witch living in a non-magical world, but that’s the reality Elizabeth Montgomery’s Samantha Stephens was faced with on Bewitched. Both of her and Darrin’s children also had the nose-twitching powers, and while it’s debatable whether those abilities were best kept under wraps or not, it’s obvious that Samantha just wanted to keep her husband happy and do what was best for the kids. 

Sam Fox (Better Things) 

Loosely based on Pamela Adlon’s own life as a single mom of three daughters, Better Things’ Sam Fox was the perfect combination of protective but not overbearing. She was willing to lay down the law, but the lines of communication were always open for honest conversations about real — and sometimes tough — issues. 

Nora Walker (Brothers & Sisters) 

Nora Walker (Sally Field) isn't often mentioned in the same sentence as TV mom icons like June Cleaver or Clair Huxtable, but she should be. In the wake of her cheating husband's death, Nora didn't have just her own problems to deal with, but she took on those of her grown children as well. In addition to being graceful, honest and loving through all the ups and downs, Nora knew how to keep the wine flowing too.

This is really just a handful of TV moms who don't get enough credit, because if we're being honest, can we ever really show too much appreciation for the women who doled out life lessons from the television screen? I didn't think so. 

All-time great shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and The Simpsons have introduced viewers to some of the greatest TV characters that have entertained us over the years. But there have been times where those beloved heroes (and some villains) were unexpectedly killed off, leaving those at home shocked and worried about how storylines would carry on.

Well, here are 30+ examples of TV shows that killed off a fan-favorite characters and how things shook out for the series following the big moment (or moments).

The Walking Dead (Multiple Characters)

One of the most popular shows of the past decade, The Walking Dead, has introduced its fair share of beloved characters, who eventually met their demises. Whether it’s Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun), Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) or any number of others, the drama series always found a way to move forward, even if some of us never got over those heartbreaking deaths.

The Wire (Omar Little)

Omar Little, played by the late Michael K. Williams, was one of the most unforgettable, and beloved, characters on The Wire. He also had a shocking yet very on-brand death. The Robin Hood of Baltimore was killed not by one of his rivals or a police officer near the end of the show’s final season, but by a young boy in a convenience store. His place in the “Charm City” ecosystem was picked up by Michael Lee (Tristan Wilds) in the series finale.

Game Of Thrones (Multiple Characters)

There were all kinds of gruesome Game of Thrones deaths over the years, but some hit fans a lot harder than others. But with the beheading of Ned Stark, the Red Wedding and even the ambush of John Snow, the popular fantasy series always kept the momentum going within its stories. Well, until the show lost its way in later seasons.

Dexter (Rita Morgan)

Is there a TV death more shocking than that of Rita Morgan (Julie Benz) in the Dexter Season 4 finale? Just when Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) thought he defeated the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow), he came home to find that his wife was murdered in their bathtub. Some would argue that this moment was the peak of the series and that it was never really the same afterwards.

Downton Abbey (Matthew Crawley)

The untimely death of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) on Downton Abbey had a major impact throughout the rest of the series (and its two movie sequels). A character who was most effected by arguably Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery). Years after that turn of events, Steven has still been apologizing to fans who never really got over his character’s passing.

Lost (Charlie Pace)

There are probably a ton of Lost fans who will agree that Charlie Pace's (Dominic Monaghan) drowning during the third season was the show’s most traumatizing death. The beloved character was a major staple of the mystery thriller’s early days and was sorely missed by Henry Ian Cusick and more after that fateful moment. The show moved on, but Charlie’s absence could still be felt through the very end.

Sons of Anarchy (Multiple Characters)

Sons of Anarchy featured a lot of major character deaths over the years. However, few, if any, come close to sacrifice of Opie Winston (Ryan Hurst), who was in prison during the show’s fourth season when it happened. Several more seasons followed, but his longtime best friend Jax Teller (Charlie Dunnam) never really got over it -- and neither did we.

This Is Us (Jack Pearson)

After teasing it for some time, This Is Us finally showed the death of Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) in 2018 amid the second season. Though he survived the fire many thought would claim his life, the Pearson family patriarch passed away from heart failure shortly after. However, due to the show’s use of flashbacks, fans were still able to see the character until the series finale in 2022.

South Park (Chef)

After nearly a decade as Carman, Kyle, Stan, and Kenny’s most trusted adult on South Park, Chef was killed off in over-the-top fashion in 2006. The decision to take out the fan-favorite character came after Isaac Hayes, or someone from his camp, quit the show for its attacks on Scientology. Though various versions of Chef have appeared in specials and video games since then, the OG's presence within the franchise moving forward was essentially non-existent.

Grey's Anatomy (Dr. Derek Shepherd)

Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama that pretty much deals with death on a weekly basis, but the passing of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) in the show’s 11th season was tragic, to say the least. The impact of McDreamy’s fatal accident was felt for years, and Shepherd eventually returned when wife Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) having visions of him years later.

Two and a Half Men (Charlie Harper)

After nearly a decade on the incredibly popular sitcom Two and a Half Men, Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) was killed off after the actor who portrayed him was fired in 2011. Ashton Kutcher was brought in for the show’s ninth season, and that positive turnaround can be attributed to a CBS exec. Charlie (the character played by a double) would reappear briefly in the show’s final season before being killed off again.

ER (Mark Greene)

The early seasons of the hit ‘90s medical drama ER were headlined by Anthony Edwards and George Clooney as Mark Greene and Doug Ross, respectively. Though Ross resigned from Cook County General Hospital and started anew in Seattle, Greene wasn’t as fortunate, as he died of brain cancer. Edwards later reprised the role in flashbacks during the show’s final season.

Breaking Bad (Hank Schrader)

Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) spent the vast majority of Breaking Bad being a thorn in the side of his brother-in-law, Walter White (Brian Cranston). The DEA agent eventually died near the end of Season 5 as a result of the criminal mastermind's actions up to that point. But he would get the last laugh from the beyond the grave, as Hank’s murder helped expose Walt’s actions to the world.

8 Simple Rules (Paul Hennessy)

Paul Hennessy was the main character on the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules, but the father of three had to be written off after John Ritter, the actor who played him, died suddenly in September 2003. The death of the family patriarch would be a major topic throughout the show’s final two seasons before it was canceled in 2005.

Six Feet Under (Nate Fisher)

The critically acclaimed HBO drama series Six Feet Under dealt with death more so than pretty much any show on the network, mostly due to it being set in a funeral home. However, imagine fans' shock when the show’s main character, Nate Fisher (Peter Krause), died in the fifth and final season. Following the wild death/fantasy sequence, the final episodes were spent following the Fisher family as they dealt with Nate’s passing.

House of Cards (Zoe Barnes)

The House of Cards cast had change-ups throughout the Netflix series’ run, but one of the most shocking was that of Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) in the Season 2 opener at the hands of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). She would later return as a hallucination, along with Peter Russo (Corey Stall), another one of Underwood’s victims.

The O.C. (Marissa Cooper)

The O.C., a hit from the early 2000s, had all kinds of drama going on throughout its run. Yet one of the most harrowing moments was the death of Marissa Cooper, Micha Barton’s popular character, in the third season. The teen drama would continue for one more year before coming to an end in early 2007.

Homeland (Nicholas Brody)

Homeland's Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) was a character who kept fans guessing when it came to his morals, but he was still one of the most popular characters on the spy series. He died relatively early in the show’s eight-season run, as he was executed in the Season 3 finale. Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) would carry the loss with her for the remainder of the series, in more ways than one.

The Conners/Roseanne (Roseanne Conner)

Not long after Roseanne was brought back in 2018, the show’s star, Roseanne Barr, made inflammatory comments, leading ABC to quickly cancel the show. When the sequel/spinoff series, The Conners, came out later that year, the family matriarch was dead and buried (with Barr herself spoiling the character's fate). The sitcom, which features John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, and other stars, is still on the air.

Charmed (Prue Halliwell)

After being a fixture of the Charmed cast during its first three seasons, Shannen Doherty stepped away from the hit series, resulting in the death of her character, Prue Halliwell. Prue was eventually replaced by her long-lost younger half-sister, Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan), who would remain on the show until its completion.

Stranger Things (Bob Newby)

There have been several major Stranger Things character deaths over the years, but one that still stings after all this time is Bob Newby (Sean Astin), who died in the show’s second season. Though our time with Bob was brief, his charm and sacrifice, sticks with characters on the show and the millions who eagerly await new episodes. (Eddie Munson’s Season 4 swan song is another great option.)

And Just Like That (Mr. Big)

And Just Like That…, the sequel series to HBO’s landmark dramedy Sex and the City, started off with quite a bang. Its premiere featured the death of Mr. Big (Chris Noth), a shocking twist few saw coming. The death of Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) husband was integral to shaping the show’s first season, and the impact could still be felt in the sophomore chapter.

M*A*S*H (Henry Blake)

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) was a major part of the first three seasons of M*A*S*H and one of the most popular characters in the large ensemble cast. But the character would only make it partway through the show’s 11-season run, as he died in a plane crash after being discharged. Colonel Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) would then come in and take up the spot as the commanding officer.

Veronica Mars (Logan Echolls)

One of the major aspects of Veronica Mars was the complicated relationship between Veronica and Logan Echols throughout the show’s run. However, that subplot came to an abrupt end when Logan, played by Jason Dohring, was killed off in an explosion. Kristen Bell’s character would mourn the loss but would eventually push on and take her crime-solving skills nationwide.

The Simpsons (Maude Flanders)

Maude Flanders, the wife of Ned Flanders and neighbor of Homer Simpson on The Simpsons, had one of the most random and strangest cartoon deaths. As crazy as it sounds, she was knocked off the grandstand by a t-shirt cannon at a racing event. The death would affect Ned in some morbidly funny ways and was later referenced in the 2022 “Treehouse of Horror” special. 

Misfits (Alisha Daniels)

Alisha Daniels (Antonia Thomas) was important to the early phase of Misfits, but her story came to an abrupt, and tragic, end when her throat was slashed amid the show’s third season. Her sudden passing would have a tremendous impact on boyfriend Simon Bellamy (Iwawn Rheon), who would go on to become the masked vigilante Superhoodie.

House M.D. (Lawrence Kutner)

Lawrence Kutner was only part of House for a short while, but he quickly became a popular character, thanks in part to Kal Penn’s multi-faceted performance. However, the character ended up committing suicide in Season 5, and his death would leave Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) feeling out of sorts.

Parenthood (Zeek Braverman)

January 2015 saw the airing of Parenthood's bittersweet series finale, which ended its six-season run. The episode most notably featured the death of family patriarch Zeek Braverman (Craig T. Nelson). The passing of the beloved character was a major part of the final episode, as his family (and fans watching at home) said their goodbyes.

All in the Family/Archie Bunker's Place (Edith Bunker)

After sitting beside her cantankerous husband for nine seasons and 200+ episodes on All in the Family, Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) passed away between the first and second seasons of the continuation series, Archie Bunker’s Place. After a short mourning period, Archie (Carroll O’Connor) moved on and continued to run his bar and date again.

Ally McBeal (Billy Thomas)

Billy Thomas (Gil Bellows) was a major part of Ally McBeal, and his dating history and up-and-down relationship with Calista Flockhart’s titular character was one of the major storylines throughout the legal dramedy series. His death in the show’s third season would leave a mark on Ally, who carried his memories with her.

Luther (Justin Ripley)

DS Justin Ripley (Warren Brown) played a major part in the early goings of the BBC crime drama Luther, after being introduced as DCI John Luther’s (Idris Elba) young partner. His tragic death in the show’s third season would become another emotional wound that the lead character would carry with him for the rest of the series.

Barry (Janice Moss)

Janice Moss (Paula Newsome) was only around for the first chapter of Barry, but her death in Season 1 finale of the HBO crime dramedy greatly impacted Bill Hader’s eponymous character as well as Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler). One of Barry’s many victims, this one always seemed to stick with the guilt-riddled assassin.

The Goldbergs (Albert 'Pops' Solomon)

Following George Segal’s death in March 2021, The Goldbergs's creative team decided to kill off his beloved character, Albert “Pops” Solomon. It was established that the family patriarch passed away in his sleep, and the character (and his portrayer) received a perfect goodbye in the Season 9 premiere.

These are just 30+ deaths of fan-favorite characters that have impacted viewers in some way over the years, as the list had to be cut off somewhere. Each of these beloved characters may be gone, but they’ll certainly never be forgotten.

There are some actors who are so well known for their work in comedy that they practically have become synonymous with the genre itself. I believe that Planes, Trains & Automobiles star Steve Martin is one such person. 

With 15 Saturday Night Live hosting gigs under his belt (and among the best SNL hosts), countless accolades, including five Grammys and an honorary Oscar, and a number of well-regarded novels, the 76-year-old Only Murders in the Building cast member and co-creator is so esteemed and influential, it would be hard to name all of his finest efforts on the big screen so far. Well, we tried anyway, and came up with the following picks for the best Steve Martin movies available for streaming, digital rental, or purchase on physical media, below.

The Jerk (1979)

An absent-minded man-child (Steve Martin) moves away from his adoptive family in Mississippi to experience city life, where he constantly falls prey to or surprisingly benefits from his own naive worldview.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin was already a household name from his stand-up and work in television when he starred in his first leading role with The Jerk - a zany, shamelessly absurd cautionary tale that he also co-wrote, but which was directed by the late Carl Reiner.

Rent/buy The Jerk digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Jerk on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)

A renegade private eye (Steve Martin) encounters a number of familiar faces when investigating the death of a cheese scientist in the 1940s.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Co-writer Steve Martin collaborated with co-writer and director Carl Reiner again on Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, which brilliantly spoofs classic detective noir films by actually placing Martin in scenes from classics in the genre with clever editing, resulting in a meta parody way ahead of its time.

Rent/buy Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid digitally on Amazon.
Buy Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Man With Two Brains (1983)

A brain surgeon’s (Steve Martin) marriage to a gold-digging femme fatale (Kathleen Turner) becomes complicated after he finds himself falling for a living brain in a jar with whom he can speak telepathically

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Co-writer Steve Martin collaborated with co-writer and director Carl Reiner once again for The Man with Two Brains, which is easily the most insane and cartoonish comedy the two would make together, and the description above barely scratches the surface as to why.

Rent/buy The Man With Two Brains digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Man With Two Brains on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Three Amigos! (1986)

Three out of work actors (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase) accept what they assume is an acting gig, only to learn they are the last hope to save a poor village from a vicious group of outlaws in early 1900s Mexico.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: From director John Landis and co-writers Steve Martin, SNL creator Lorne Michaels, and musician Randy Newman, Three Amigos! is a hilarious fish out of water story and cult favorite that would also be the first of many collaborations between Martin and his friend Martin Short.

Rent/buy Three Amigos! digitally on Amazon.
Buy Three Amigos! on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

A meek loner (Rick Moranis) discovers a strange plant with an ability to talk, a capacity to grow at an alarming rate, and a craving for human flesh.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin takes a supporting role this time, but still totally steals the show, as a slimy, corrupt dentist in Little Shop of Horrors - director Frank Oz’s musical remake of Roger Corman’s sci-fi comedy classic.

Stream Little Shop Of Horrors on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Little Shop Of Horrors digitally on Amazon.
Buy Little Shop Of Horrors on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Roxanne (1987)

A man with an abnormally large nose (Steve Martin) falls for a beautiful woman (Daryl Hannah) who is charmed by his personality, but still captivated by the more traditional good looks of another.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin both writes and leads the cast of the witty and romantic Roxanne - a modern update of Edmond Rostand’s classic stage play, Cyrano de Bergerac.

Stream Roxanne on Starz.
Rent/buy Roxanne digitally on Amazon.
Buy Roxanne on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

A sophisticated, British scam artist (Michael Caine) and an audacious American hustler (Steve Martin) compete to see who can con an heiress first.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin would re-team with director Frank Oz (and have the honor of starring alongside Michael Caine) for the clever con artist comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - a remake of the Marlon Brando/David Niven film Bedtime Story and the source material for the Anne Hathaway/Rebel Wilson film The Hustle in 2019.

Stream Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels digitally on Amazon.
Buy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Bowfinger (1999)

In order to finally make the movie of his dreams, a desperate wannabe filmmaker (Steve Martin) jumps through hoops to secure an A-list action star (Eddie Murphy) as his lead without the actor realizing it.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Writer and star Steve Martin re-teamed with director Frank Oz, and had the honor of working with Eddie Murphy for Bowfinger, an underrated and uproarious gut-buster of a Hollywood satire that also boasts a killer supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr.

Stream Bowfinger on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Bowfinger digitally on Amazon.
Buy Bowfinger on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987)

An uptight ad executive (Steve Martin) trying to get home to his family for Thanksgiving is forced to take on a well-meaning, but irritating, shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) as his travel companion.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Here, Martin found himself working with writer and director John Hughes and starring alongside the late John Candy in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, which could be the finest and funniest mismatched buddy road trip movie ever made.

Rent/buy Planes, Trains And Automobiles digitally on Amazon.
Buy Planes, Trains And Automobiles on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Parenthood (1989)

A Midwestern man (Steven Martin) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen) struggle with all the pressures of adulthood, especially when it comes to raising their children.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin was able to lead an all-star cast and work with director Ron Howard for Parenthood  - a heartwarming and relatable comedy about what it takes to raise a family, and the loose source material for the hit NBC dramedy of the same name.

Stream Parenthood on Peacock.
Rent/buy Parenthood digitally on Amazon.
Buy Parenthood on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Father Of The Bride (1991)

A man (Steve Martin) struggles to accept the fact that his oldest daughter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) is not his little girl anymore when she becomes engaged to her boyfriend (George Newbern).

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin leads the cast of yet another remake of a classic with Father of the Bride, which is also another heartwarming and relatable comedy that, this time, is about what it takes to be prepared for when your family grows up.

Rent/buy Father Of The Bride digitally on Amazon.
Buy Father Of The Bride on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Father Of The Bride Part II (1995)

As George Banks (Steve Martin) is struggling to accept the fact that he is about to become a grandfather when Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) announces she is pregnant, he soon learns that he is also about to become a father for the third time, after his wife, Nina (Diane Keaton), discovers that she is pregnant.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin reprises the role of George Banks in Father of the Bride Part II, a sequel to the hit comedy that, this time, comments on what it takes to be prepared when a new family member suddenly and unexpectedly arrives.

Rent/buy Father Of The Bride Part II digitally on Amazon.
Buy Father Of The Bride Part II on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)

A college football coach (Steve Martin) struggles to singlehandedly maintain stability at home while his wife (Bonnie Hunt) is away promoting her memoir about raising their 12 children.

Why it’s one of the best Steve Martin movies: Steve Martin leads another all-star cast in the role of the ultimate father, in director Shawn Levy’s Cheaper by the Dozen - yet another funny, charming, and heartfelt remake of a classic that comments on how difficult it is to expect the unexpected when your family is several sizes larger than average.

Stream Cheaper By The Dozen on Disney+.
Rent/buy Cheaper By The Dozen digitally on Amazon.
Buy Cheaper By The Dozen on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

It was not until now that I realized how often Steve Martin has played the role of a father in over his head, and how well he has mastered the part. It kind of makes me wish we saw him in a third movie instead of the Cheaper by the Dozen reboot Disney+ has planned. At least there are plenty of great and versatile things on his resume to keep us entertained.

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

If you consider yourself a fan of Alita: Battle Angel, the movie might have also made you a fan of Rosa Salazar, who starred as the titular cybernetic hero. However, the person you saw in the 2019 manga adaptation from director Robert Rodriguez and producer James Cameron was not exactly the “real” Rosa Salazar, at least in comparison to the non-motion capture performances she gave in Bird Box or the Maze Runner movies, for instance. If you would like to become better acquainted with the talented Latinx actress (or, at least, with her work outside of smashing robots), the following are some essential Rosa Salazar movies and TV shows we recommend, starting with her most recent strange, vengeful adventure out of time.

Brand New Cherry Flavor (Netflix)

A young aspiring filmmaker (Rosa Salazar) goes to otherworldly extremes in order to give the the slimy movie producer (Eric Lange) who wronged her a taste of his own medicine in 1990s Los Angeles.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: While she has previously dipped her toe into the horror genre a few times before, the mind bending, supernatural, eight-part Netflix original miniseries Brand New Cherry Flavor, which premiered in 2021 and also stars Get Out cast member Catherine Keener, marks the first time Rosa Salazar plays the lead of such a tale, putting her just that much closer to reaching the coveted status of the horror Scream Queens.

Stream Brand New Cherry Flavor on Netflix.

Bird Box (Netflix)

A woman (producer Sandra Bullock) struggles to singlehandedly navigate her two children to a potential safe haven in a world overrun with a mysterious entity that causes deadly consequences for most if seen by human eye.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: For her first Netflix original supernatural thriller, 2018’s Bird Box, Rosa Salazar plays a young woman named Lucy, who forms an unlikely romance with Machine Gun Kelly’s character while trapped in a stranger’s house together during the terrifying apocalyptic event at the center of this intense and absorbing adaptation of Josh Malerman’s novel from director Susanne Bier.

Stream Bird Box on Netflix.

The Kindergarten Teacher (Netflix)

After discovering that one of her students is especially talented for his age, an elementary school instructor (Academy Award nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal) indulges in an obsessive need to preserve his gift from an unappreciative world.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: In the same year that she appeared in Bird Box, Rosa Salazar plays a babysitter to the child whom Maggie Gyllenhaal becomes dangerously obsessed with in The Kindergarten Teacher - a more grounded but, perhaps, even more shocking Netflix original thriller.

Stream The Kindergarten Teacher on Netflix.

Big Mouth (Netflix)

A diverse group of teenagers each encounter different greatly exaggerated, yet undeniably relatable, struggles of the common youth involving getting bad grades at school, first crushes, and more.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Rosa Salazar has also gotten to play the role of a teacher in a Netflix original when she voice science instructor Ms. Benitez on five episodes (so far) of Big Mouth - a hilarious and brutally honest animated comedy that sometimes does feel like a horror movie.

Stream Big Mouth on Netflix.

American Horror Story (Netflix, Hulu)

Prisoners of a mental institution fighting for their sanity (and their lives) against its sadistic staff, a detective investigating a Los Angeles hotel in which guests are dying to get a room, and victims of a haunting and the actors who portrayed them returning to the original site of the incident are just some of the harrowing, unique, and psychosexual stories in this acclaimed, seasonal horror anthology series.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Speaking of horror movies (well, more accurately, horror TV shows) one of Rosa Salazar’s first roles in a major television series was on the stunning premiere season of American Horror Story as a nurse who falls victim to a brutal stabbing in the Murder House, which is where her spirit must reside afterward.

Stream American Horror Story, Season 1 on Netflix.

Stream American Horror Story, Season 1 on Hulu.

Stream American Horror Story, Season 1 on Amazon Prime.

Buy American Horror Story, Season 1 on Amazon.

Parenthood (Hulu, Peacock)

Various members of the same family tree endure different struggles that come with the territory of being a child, a parent, or even a grandparent.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Rosa Salazsar’s next prominent TV role was on NBC’s Parenthood cast as the recurring character Zoe DeHeven - a young woman whose unborn child Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel Graham (Sam Jaeger) hope to adopt.

Stream Parenthood on Hulu.

Stream Parenthood on Peacock.

Buy Parenthood on Amazon.

Undone (Amazon Prime, IMDb TV)

A 28-year-old woman from San Antonio, Texas, (Rosa Salazar) suffers a car accident that she ends up surviving, only to wake up with a newfound ability that has a profound effect on time itself.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Rosa Salazar landed her first lead role on a TV show, alongside Bob Odenkirk as her father, when she was cast in Undone - an inventive Amazon Prime original fantasy brought to life with beautiful rotoscope animation.

Stream Undone on Amazon Prime.

Stream Undone on IMDb TV.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, Maze Runner: The Death Cure (Amazon Rental)

After escaping a deadly labyrinth guarded by killer robots, a young man (Dylan O’Brien) and his friends discover the secrets behind the government organization that held them captive and form a rebellion against their oppressive ways.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: In 2015, Rosa Salazar joined the cast of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, the second installment of the movie franchise inspired by James Dashner’s popular YA novel series, as the resilient Brenda (one of the film’s strongest and most likable characters), whom she would also reprise three years later in Maze Runner: The Death Cure - the third and final chapter of the thrilling dystopian adventure.

Rent Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials on Amazon.

Rent Maze Runner: The Death Cure on Amazon.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Amazon Rental)

After escaping persecution for her unusual condition, a young woman (Shailene Woodley) and her friends discover the secrets behind the faction that is hunting them and form a rebellion against the oppressive forces leading their dystopian society.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Before she first appeared in the Maze Runner movies, Rosa Salazar made her YA novel movie debut when she joined the Divergent movies cast in the second installment, The Divergent Series: Insurgent, as a member of the Dauntless faction named Brenda, amounting to one of the strongest performances in the franchise.

Rent The Divergent Series: Insurgent on Amazon.

CHIPS (HBO Max)

A reckless rookie of the California Highway Patrol (Dax Shepard) discovers that his new partner (Michael Peña) is an undercover FBI agent and helps him attempt to scope out any suspicious personalities from within the department.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: Rosa Salazar looks like she is having a lot of fun in her scene-stealing role as a patrol officer in CHIPS - star, writer, and director Dax Shepard’s comedic, big screen twist on the hit 1970s TV series of the same name that made Erik Estrada a star.

Stream CHIPS on HBO Max.

Rent CHIPS on Amazon.

Epic (HBO Max)

A young woman (Amanda Seyfried) discovers that her eccentric scientist father’s seemingly childish theories were true when she finds herself accidentally shrunk down to a size that allows her to interact with a tiny civilization of people whose livelihood is being threatened by an evil, insect-like race of creatures.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rosa Salazar: In her first voice acting role in a feature-length animated film, Rosa Salazar makes a brief, but winning appearance opposite Josh Hutcherson as a character credited as “Roller Derby Girl” in 2013’s Epic - a star-studded fantasy adventure lives up to its name from Blue Sky (the creators of the Ice Age movies and the Rio series) that is inspired by William Joyce's The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs.

Stream Epic on HBO Max.

Rent Epic on Amazon.

Rosa Salazar’s next film is another sci-fi drama called The Chariot, whose plot is being kept under wraps at the moment, and she also has the teen dramedy The Bang Bang Girls, in which she plays a chemistry teacher recruited by two students for a secret after school sexual education class, currently in development. Of course, what fans of the 36-year-old actress really hope to see is her reprise as the titular cybernetic warrior from Alita: Battle Angel in a follow-up. Salazar has already expressed interest in returning to the role, so hopefully that is good enough incentive to make the sequel happen one day.

Parenthood stole our hearts in 2010 when we were introduced to the Braverman family — a reinterpretation of the Buckman family from the 1989 Steve Martin movie of the same name. Over the course of six emotion-filled seasons, the Parenthood cast took us on a journey of life experiences across three generations, primarily the four Braverman children — Adam (Peter Krause), Sarah (Lauren Graham), Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Julia (Erika Christensen). With Lauren Graham recently joining the Mighty Ducks: Game Changers cast, what else have the Bravermans been up to since 2015?

Peter Krause (Adam Braverman)

After playing the oldest Braverman brother Adam on Parenthood, Peter Krause went on to star as Benjamin Jones on ABC’s The Catch. He also made a guest appearance on Parenthood sister and real-life partner Lauren Graham’s Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life as a Park Ranger who adamantly kept Graham’s Lorelai Gilmore from embarking on an ill-advised camping trip. Currently you can find the Six Feet Under alum on the Fox action drama 9-1-1 as fire captain Bobby Nash.

Lauren Graham (Sarah Braverman)

Lauren Graham is in the midst of an epic reboot, starring as Alex Morrow opposite Emilio Estevez’s Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. Since the end of Parenthood, this Braverman sister has also reprised her career role as Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and played Zoey’s boss Joan on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. You can hear Graham voicing the titular character’s mother Oxana on the Disney animated series Vampirina. Graham has also taken her talents off-screen, penning a best-selling novel, Someday, Someday, Maybe, as well as a memoir, Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls. And since real-life love Peter Krause cameoed on the Gilmore Girls revival, could an appearance on Krause’s 9-1-1 be in the cards? Ryan Murphy says they’ve discussed it.

Dax Shepard (Crosby Braverman)

Dax Shepard has stayed busy since his trouble-making days as Crosby Braverman, starring opposite Lake Bell in Bless This Mess and as Luke in The Ranch. He’ll lend his voice to the A-list cast of Paw Patrol: The Movie, which is set for an August release. The former Punk’d jokester has also taken a turn behind the camera, writing, directing and starring in 2017’s CHiPs, a buddy cop movie based on the classic TV series. But of all his projects, Shepard has really seemed to find his niche with his podcast Armchair Expert, which he started in 2018, interviewing wife Kristen Bell as his first guest. Speaking of Bell, the hilarious couple is set to go head-to-head in the new family game show Family Game Fight.

Erika Christensen (Julia Braverman-Graham)

Erika Christensen hasn’t replicated the on-screen success she had prior to playing Julia Braverman-Graham on Parenthood, but she’s still notched some acting credits, playing Betty Beaumontaine on ABC's short-lived 2015 series Wicked City. She has also been seen in TV movies including Hallmark’s Anything for Love and Lifetime’s To Have and to Hold. In 2019 she reunited with Parenthood husband Sam Jaeger in the music video for Bootstraps’ “Whenever You’re Around,” which was directed by Jaeger. Christensen has two major roles coming up, co-starring with Zoe Kravitz in KIMI and joining an ensemble in Cheaper by the Dozen, a reboot of the 2003 comedy that starred Steve Martin (hmm, that sounds familiar).

Craig T. Nelson (Zeek Braverman)

Since serving as the Braverman patriarch, Craig T. Nelson has found some work on the big screen, reprising his role as the voice of Mr. Incredible on Incredibles 2. He played Matthew McConaughey’s father in 2006’s Gold and played Bruce in the naughty comedy Book Club. The former Coach star has recently returned to familiar territory, as he can be seen as Coach Dale Ballard on the Big Bang Theory spinoff Young Sheldon. Up next, Craig T. Nelson is teaming up with son Noah Nelson to star in the Cold War spy thriller The Operative.

Bonnie Bedelia (Camille Braverman)

Since her days as Camille Braverman, Bonnie Bedelia has dipped her toes in the heart-warming world of holiday movies, appearing in Christmas on the Coast and A Joyous Christmas. The Die Hard alum also landed a recurring role as Eva Booker, Kiefer Sutherland’s supportive mother-in-law on Season 2 of Designated Survivor.

Monica Potter (Kristina Braverman)

Monica Potter hasn’t done much acting since her days as Kristina Braverman, appearing as a series regular in the 2017 CBS drama Wisdom of the Crowd, playing Alex Hale. Potter was actually seen a lot more in the world of reality television. She and her family were on an episode of Celebrity Family Feud in 2015, followed by an HGTV series called Welcome Back Potter the following year. Her skin care business, Monica Potter Home, was featured on an episode of CNBC’s The Profit in 2017.

Sam Jaeger (Joel Graham)

Sam Jaeger is probably best known these days as Mark Tuello, on The Handmaid’s Tale. After recurring as a representative for the U.S. Government-in-Exile in Seasons 2 and 3, Jaeger is joining the cast as a regular in Season 4. Other notable roles since playing Julia Braverman’s husband include Detective Les Zoeller on Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders in 2017, the widower Tim Powell in CBS’ Tell Me a Story in 2018 and as Robert Stanton in Why Women Kill’s first season.

Joy Bryant (Jasmine Trussell)

Joy Bryant found a number of roles after playing Crosby Braverman’s love interest on Parenthood, including Dr. Erica Kincaid on Rosewood and Tabitha’s mother Lori Foster on the Netflix series Trinkets. She portrayed Eleanor Holmes Norton on Good Girls Revolt, which was inspired by a 1970s discrimination lawsuit. Bryant played public defender and football mom Jayda Crawford in Season 4 of Ballers and most recently was a series regular in For Life, as Marie Wallace, the estranged wife of Aaron Wallace. Off screen, Bryant and her husband David Pope own a clothing line, Basic Terrain, that they started in 2015.

Sarah Ramos (Haddie Braverman)

Sarah Ramos, the oldest of the Braverman grandchildren, had a number of small roles post-Haddie, most notably as series regular Creek Lovell on NBC’s Midnight, Texas. She was also recurring as Audrey on Showtime’s The Affair. In 2017 the former child actor played Meg in the move The Boy Downstairs, starring Zosia Mamet, who herself had a small role on Parenthood. And in 2020 Ramos released an exhibition book, Autograph Hound, that chronicles her childhood obsession of taking photos with celebrities. Up next, Ramos is set to play Cheryl Pistono, the girlfriend of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (coincidentally the inspiration for Jasmine’s son’s name on Parenthood), on HBO’s upcoming series about the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers.

Max Burkholder (Max Braverman)

Since his heart-wrenching portrayal of Max Braverman, who was diagnosed with Autism, Max Burkholder has found the majority of his work in voice acting. He currently voices Oliver Grayson on the Amazon Original animated series Invincible. Burkholder has also done work as numerous characters on episodes of Family Guy and American Dad!

Mae Whitman (Amber Holt)

After portraying Amber for six seasons on Parenthood, Mae Whitman kept the momentum going, starring in The DUFF — which earned her two Teen Choice Award nominations — and opposite Martin Starr in Operator. She has had numerous voice acting jobs, including Dragons: Race to the Edge, DC Super Hero Girls — in which she voiced Batgirl — American Dad!, Young Justice as Wonder Girl and The Owl House as Amity. She is currently the voice of Becky Bot on Apple TV+’s Doug Unplugs and co-stars with Retta and Christina Hendricks on NBC’s Good Girls. Mae Whitman also narrates audiobooks, including The Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.

Miles Heizer (Drew Holt)

Before Miles Heizer was Alex Standall on 13 Reasons Why, he was Sarah’s son and Amber’s little brother on the full run of Parenthood. Since playing moody Drew, Heizer has portrayed Cal on the heart-warming LGBTQ teen romance Love, Simon and played Tommy in the movie Nerve, alongside Emma Roberts and Dave Franco. Heizer has also done some modeling, being featured in campaigns for GAP and Coach.

Savannah Paige Rae (Sydney Graham)

Savannah Paige Rae began acting at the age of 4, and after her six-season role as Joel and Julia’s daughter Sydney, she didn’t do much acting. Her lone post-Parenthood TV role, however, was a memorable one On Grey’s Anatomy Rae played Winnie, who was involved in a car accident prior to the on-screen death of Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd.

Xolo Maridueña (Victor Graham)

Xolo Maridueña was only 11 years old when he played Victor, the adopted son of Joel and Julia, on Parenthood. Since then, he has had a couple of guest spots on shows including the TV series Rush Hour and Twin Peaks, and then began some voice acting, recurring as Lucas on Netflix’s Fast & Furious Spy Racers and as Zaid on Peacock’s Cleopatra in Space. But Mariduena is likely best known for his latest role, Miguel Diaz, on Netflix’s Cobra Kai.

Tyree Brown (Jabbar Trussell)

Tyree Brown’s audition to play Crosby and Jasmine’s son Jabbar was the first TV audition of the 5-year-old’s career. He’s taken small roles since Parenthood ended, appearing in single episodes of Criminal Minds and Black-ish, as well as in the movie One Nation Under God.

Parenthood definitely left a void in the primetime family drama department when its last episode aired six years ago. And even though the series finale gave us an emotional montage of the Braverman family’s future, I’m wondering if it’s too soon to ask for a reboot that follows the next generation into young adulthood. Everything else gets a reboot, right? Braverman fantasies aside, it’s always a treat to see these actors when they pop up on our screens. Don’t forget to check out (and bookmark) our 2021 TV schedule to keep up with your current favorite shows.

It’s been six years since Parenthood’s sixth season wrapped, tying up the stories of our beloved Bravermans. And while the actors on Parenthood were an ensemble master class — boasting names like Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Dax Shepard and Craig T. Nelson, to name just a few — the generation of Braverman grandchildren provided an opportunity for a number of young up-and-coming actors to guest star as the friends and foes who came in and out of the Braverman youngsters’ lives. Let’s take a look back at some of the famous faces you might have forgotten were on the NBC weekly cry-fest, and even some you might not have known back then.

Michael B. Jordan (Alex)

Michael B. Jordan had a recurring role in Seasons 2 and 3 as Haddie’s boyfriend Alex, who Haddie meets working at a soup kitchen. Alex is older, a recovering alcoholic who lives alone after leaving an abusive situation. So it’s no surprise that Adam and Kristina take issue with him dating their 16-year-old daughter, but Alex is consistently a model of the perfect boyfriend, and you can’t fight young love. I can't believe Jordan was only in 16 episodes, because I absolutely fell in love with him in this role, but bigger and better things awaited on the big screen.

Michael B. Jordan garnered multiple awards and nominations for his roles in Fruitvale Station, Creed and Black Panther. Michael B. Jordan is as busy as ever, starring in the upcoming action thriller Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse. He’s also stepping behind the camera for the first time, serving as director for Creed III, as well as reprising his role as Adonis Creed.

Jake Borelli (Steve’s Friend)

You might know him better as Dr. Levi Schmitt (or "Glasses") from Grey’s Anatomy, but back in the Season 1 episode of Parenthood, “Team Braverman,” Jake Borelli had a small role as a friend of Steve, Haddie’s ex-boyfriend who slept with her cousin Amber post-breakup. As Steve continues to pursue Amber — all while Amber endures the slut-shaming that comes with the wonderful double standard of high school — Steve’s friend also expresses his frustration that Steve won’t just let it go. If only Borelli would use that line of thinking with his Grey’s hook-up Nico.

Zosia Mamet (Kelsey)

Back in Season 2, Zosia Mamet had a short stint on Parenthood as Amber’s friend Kelsey. Kelsey’s parents blame bad-influence Amber after Kelsey drinks too much at a Halloween party and ends up alone in the pool as she’s mocked by the other party-goers. (But how many of them can say they they’ve been carried out of a pool by Billy Baldwin? Who’s the real winner here?) The final nail in the friendship coffin comes when Kelsey gets into Yale and Amber fails to get accepted into college. After Parenthood, Zosia Mamet went on to co-star in Girls, and most recently was excellent as Ani, best friend of Kaley Cuoco’s Cassie, on The Flight Attendant.

Evan Peters (Brandon)

Evan Peters has caused quite a stir lately as Pietro Maximoff/Ralph Bohner on WandaVision, but back in the Season 2 episode “New Plan,” he played Brandon, Amber’s blind date to the prom. Haddie and Alex hook Amber up with Brandon, who Alex knows from the community center, so the couples can double-date. Evan Peters’ presence here is almost suspiciously uneventful, but maybe I’ve just seen too many episodes of American Horror Story.

Jurnee Smollett (Heather Hall)

Jurnee Smollett was a seasoned actor already by the time she joined the ensemble cast of Parenthood in Season 5 as Heather Hall. And Smollett brings that veteran energy to the role of Kristina’s very capable campaign manager; her interview scene with Kristina is especially hilarious, as she dominates the conversation, leading Kristina to meekly ask, “Are you hired?” Smollett started acting at age 5 as Denise Fraser on Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper and Full House, and has been a TV mainstay ever since, more recently as the fabulous Leti Lewis on Lovecraft Country and Black Canary in Birds of Prey — a role fans hope to see her reprise.

Anthony Carrigan (Cory Smith)

Anthony Carrigan has made a name for himself in recent years as NoHo Hank on Barry and Victor Zsasz on Gotham. He most recently caused trouble for the most excellent titular duo in Bill and Ted Face the Music. But toward the beginning of his career, Carrigan had a small arc on Season 2 of Parenthood as Adam and Sarah’s new boss as T&S, Cory Smith. Cory’s eccentricity first drives Sarah to quit, and Adam is later let go after he and Cory butt heads over advertising ideas.

Scott Porter (Amber’s Significant Other)

Before Hart of Dixie and long before he was Mayor Paul Randolph in Ginny & Georgia, Scott Porter had an uncredited cameo in Parenthood’s series-ending montage. At the end of Season 6’s “May God Bless and Keep You Always,” scenes from the Bravermans’ future are shown to the tune of the theme song, and Scott Porter is shown as Amber’s future significant other, sitting at the dinner table with Amber’s family, holding a little girl, presumably his and Amber’s daughter, as Amber’s ex Ryan York (played by fellow Friday Night Lights alum Matt Lauria) drops off their son. The two men shake hands, assuring viewers that Amber is in a healthy co-parenting situation.

Vanessa Marano (Holly)

Vanessa Marano gained fame as April from Gilmore Girls, but she made an appearance in the Parenthood universe as Holly, Drew’s lab partner in Season 2’s “Date Night.” Sarah sees Holly and Drew working together on a science project and senses chemistry between the two. Sarah gets super intrusive and encourages Drew to make a move, saying girls like a confident guy. So he does, and Holly shoots him down, making for a super awkward scene where Drew repeatedly asks Holly to leave. Marano has since appeared on the Netflix revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, as well as in Dexter, Switched at Birth, and the movie Saving Zoe, which she co-stars in with her sister Laura Marano.

Courtney Ford (Lily)

Before playing Nora Darhk on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Courtney Ford was the cellist Lily in six episodes of Season 3. Lily is a recording artist at Adam and Crosby’s recording studio, The Luncheonette, and she and Crosby start dating while he’s on the rebound from his and Jasmine break up. The relationship becomes problematic for Jasmine, particularly when Lily forms a connection with her and Crosby’s son Jabbar. Crosby ultimately ends it with Lily and gets back together with Jasmine. Ford went on to land roles as Kelly Kline on Supernatural and Portia Bellefleur on True Blood.

Part of the fun of rewatching our former favorite series is seeing which of the familiar actors you didn’t know or didn’t remember from your first watch. Parenthood’s all-star cast provided a perfect opportunity for guest stars, not to mention the number of Bravermans, who all needed friends, co-workers and significant others to facilitate drama over the course of six seasons. We may not have new episodes of Parenthood to look forward to anymore, but be sure to check out the 2021 TV premiere dates to find out when to catch your new favorites.

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

When This Is Us took to TV back in 2016, it captured the hearts of America through its multi-level storytelling, diversity of the cast, and the impact of family drama that people face on a daily basis. This Is Us covers so many themes that viewers can relate to on a personal level, such as finding their purpose in life, adapting through life changes, depression and death, anxiety, adoption, love, and loss – there really is a bit of everything for someone to connect to.

But, just because This Is Us is an amazing TV show, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some awesome family dramas out there that you can relate to just as much. From some twisted ones like Shameless to heartwarming ones like Gilmore Girls, these are some of the best shows out there for you to stream if you are a fan of This Is Us.

Parenthood (Peacock)

Parenthood walked so This Is Us could run. Parenthood, which premiered way back in 2010, was based on the movie of the same name. Following the story of three generations of a California family, this series was what defined the term “tearjerker” before This Is Us came along.

The show deals with multiple different storylines such as having a child with a disability, dealing with divorce, being a single mother, as well as adoption, something This Is Us fans are very familiar with.

For fans who are into family drama, this is the show for you, as it has very similar arcs to This Is Us, as well as great TV favorites, such as Dax Shepard and Lauren Graham.

Stream it on Peacock here.

Lost (Hulu)

You’d never expect a show like Lost to be like This Is Us, but series creator Dan Fogelman has actually credited the series as one of the many inspirations for the show.

Lost, if you haven’t heard of the famous series, is about a group of plane-crash survivors who are trying to live on a remote island, and from there, action, adventure, and tragedy take place, as people turn against each other to try and stay alive.

However, the plot with all its mysteries and flashback-heavy structure makes it very similar to This Is Us in a way that shows that a lot of the story is revealed over time, where viewers try to piece things together to find the connections. While the shows have two very different premises, the structures of both do line up, which makes it interesting for This Is Us fans to tune in and try and figure out the pieces of the puzzle of the Lost storyline.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)

I freaking love Schitt’s Creek. The story follows a rich family that loses everything because their business partner stole all their money, so now they are left with the one product they still own – a little town called “Schitt’s Creek.” From there, the family must hike up their boots and somehow build themselves back up, all while learning to live in this small and mischievous town.

While Schitt’s Creek isn’t dramatic like This Is Us and isn’t really considered a crazy tearjerker, what makes it great is the family dynamic. The brother-sister duo of David and Alexis is top-tier and speaks for all siblings out there. Moira and Johnny are a stupendously out-there couple but are hilarious. This show isn’t really a show for criers of sadness – it’s a show where you’ll cry of laughter.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Gilmore Girls (Netflix)

No list of family dramas is complete with the mention of Gilmore Girls, the story of a mother-daughter duo named Lorelai and Rory who are so close that they are basically BFFs. The series explores themes such as the development of family, romance, generational divides, and the separation of social class, plus more.

The show was praised for how it could relate to everyone and had a mix of humor and drama pretty consistently throughout its run, must like This Is Us. What makes this show even more appealing is that This Is Us actor Milo Ventimiglia had a role in Gilmore Girls, playing Rory’s bad-boy love interest, Jess - pretty close to the name Jack.

Stream it on Netflix here.

One Day At A Time (Netflix, CBS All Access)

It is a bloody shame that One Day at a Time was canceled by Netflix, but thankfully it was picked up by Pop TV. One Day at a Time is a remake of the classic Norman Lear sitcom that was out in 1975, and with four seasons to watch, it’s more important to view now than ever.

The show features the story of Penelope, a single mother who is raising her family with her own mother, Lydia – played by Hollywood legend Rita Moreno. Within the sitcom, while funny and heartwarming at the same time, they also cover serious topics that are huge today, such as mental illness, immigration, homophobia, sexism, racism, and much more. There’s never been a more relevant family drama than this one right now.

For people who are fans of shows like This Is Us, this is one of the best series out there to watch, with its heavy connections to the real world, and the family drama that might ensue from it, something most people have probably experienced.

Stream it on Netflix for Seasons 1-3 here and Season 4 on CBS All Access here.

Shameless (Netflix)

Oof, you want to talk about family dramas? Shameless is the epitome of it, because they are truly (as the title says) shameless about how their family works.

Shameless tells the story of a Chicago family living on the South Side, all of them having multiple storylines. Fiona, the eldest child, tries to take care of them through multiple jobs because her alcoholic father, Frank, is never around and hasn’t been for years. With storylines revolving around drugs, alcohol, homophobia, young love, death, and loss, Shameless can get pretty twisted.

But that’s what makes it so good because it isn’t afraid to show that families have real issues that are sometimes extremely hard to get past. What makes Shameless great and worth the watch for This Is Us viewers is that they don’t hold back from trying to get through things together, whether that be a new neighbor that is causing trouble or issues out in public. Nobody f’s with a Gallagher and they make good note of that because through and through, this family sticks together.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Succession (HBO Max)

Another darker family comedy/drama on here, Succession is a black comedy/family drama that covers the tale of the Roy family, and their struggle to decide who is going to be the owner of Waystar RoyCo, a global media and hospitality empire.

When the family’s patriarch, Logon Roy, sees his health begin to decline, the drama begins as everyone is fighting to gain the honor of being passed down the business. The family is extremely dysfunctional with all their own issues, such as children being removed or power-hungry, and everything revolves around this one goal – to take on the media empire.

Succession has received very positive reviews and multiple awards, including nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, just as This Is Us has. While it is a bit darker and more abrasive than This Is Us, there’s no denying that it is certainly family drama that captures this series, and it is what makes it so good. For the ones who want something a bit edgier, this is the show to watch.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

A Million Little Things (Hulu)

Changing up the scene a bit, A Million Little Things isn’t necessarily a family drama, but about a group of friends that feel like family. Loosely based on The Big Chill, the series follows a group of friends who are left feeling lost after one of their friends – who was quite successful and seemed happy – commits suicide.

While the series shows how the friends are trying to figure out why Jon did it, it also tells compelling stories of the value of friendship and the families that surround those friendships. Grief is a huge part of this as well, showing how even the toughest of souls need to cry and experience it, no matter what.

A Million Little Things has a strong connection to This Is Us because of that feeling of grief, how the Pearsons' grieved differently after Jack, unfortunately, passed away. This show gives a different take on grief, except instead of pure blood experiencing the grief, it’s the friends that surrounded that man, which is a take that isn’t normally explored and is interesting to see.

Stream it on Hulu here.

The Fosters (Hulu)

The Fosters was one of Freeform’s most popular series, and for good reason. The premise shows the life of the Foster family, which is led by an interracial lesbian couple, Stef and Lena. They have a multi-ethnic, blended family from all over, with adopted, biological, and foster children.

From there, plenty of different topics are explored, such as trying to fit in within a different family, adapting to new environments, and learning to cope with change. And obviously, the theme of adoption is tackled heavily in the series as well.

This Is Us fans will like this one not only because it relates to multiple themes from the show, but it also dives a lot deeper into the foster system as well as adoption. With Randall, we did see his story of adoption a bit in the first season, but with The Fosters, you really get to see what it’s like to live that life, and how some foster or adopted children really aren’t so lucky. They don’t shy away from dramatic moments.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Friday Night Lights (Peacock)

Now, this is one of those shows that even if you haven’t seen it, you’ve probably heard of it. Friday Night Lights is about the town of Dillon, Texas, and how football is the main focus of everything. The players, parents, coaches, the teachers, and principals, the families – everyone eats, sleeps, and breathes football.

But because the game of football can get quite emotional and some people’s lives are literally focused around the game, it can result in some very heartwarming and emotional moments. The relationships that develop on-screen are reminiscent of This Is Us, and how they tug at your heartstrings and practically have the viewer begging for more.

Not only is Friday Night Lights a great addition to the family drama list, but it’s also really perfect for sports lovers as well. If you loved seeing Kevin in his uniform and want to see what a real high school football game is like with true drama, check out Friday Night Lights. You won’t regret it.

Stream it on Peacock here.

I can already feel tears beginning to creep down my face. Family dramas are always the best way to get out that good cry occasionally. What is your favorite family drama to watch out there?

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

As a vigorously committed and authentically soul-searching thespian who is capable of delivering astonishingly vivid and shockingly powerful performances, Joaquin Phoenix remains one of our finest working actors. Though he was finally recognized as such for his Oscar-winning work in Joker, Phoenix has delivered many astounding, confounding, and engrossing performances throughout his accomplished career — many of which you watch now through several streaming services. If you love Joaquin Phoenix, be sure to check out these movies made accessible through various different platforms.

The Master (2012)

An oversexed, PTSD-stricken Navy veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) is lured by the grand promises of a charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: As a ravaged, uncontrollable hurricane of chaos on a warpath of self-destruction, one who doesn't care if other people get caught up in his storm, Joaquin Phoenix is a transformation in The Master, writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson's opaque-yet-mesmerizing character study exploring the ambitions of a man damaged by his country who seeks personal redemption and acceptance through ill-gotten means — particularly when a charming huckster promises milk and honey through his dubious, self-inflating, cult-like haven. It's a firecracker performance, exploding with rage and frustration, but it's also filled with soft bits of humor and intrigue, like a child watching an unknowable world in awe. It's incredible character work. In my view, it's Phoenix's finest hour.

Stream It On Netflix here.

You Were Never Really Here (2018)

A traumatized veteran-turned-mercenary (Joaquin Phoenix) is hired by a local politician (Alex Manette) to find and rescue — through any violent means necessary — his daughter (Ekaterina Samsonov), who was kidnapped by a human trafficking network.

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Based on the excellent novella by Jonathan Ames, You Were Never Really Here is a haunting and perceptive examination of trauma, grief, depression, and violence — both reverberating and present — featuring yet another mesmerizing Joaquin Phoenix performance. As the internalized loner who uses brutality to bring some sort of justice back into the world, Phoenix evocatively showcases the struggles of battling PTSD and how it distorts the mind and ravages the soul. It's compelling in its refinement, providing another soulful characterization of a man battling evil forces that follow him or wrestle inside him.

Stream It On Amazon Prime here.

Her (2013)

In the near future, a lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) enters a relationship with a personality-driven operating system voice (Scarlett Johansson).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: In Spike Jonze's romantic sci-fi drama, Joaquin Phoenix faces an unusual challenge: he must fall in love with a computer's voice and convince us that it's a believable, authentic, zestful, and investing relationship. It poses an unorthodox task for the hard-working actor, one that Phoenix approaches both soulfully and sweetly, providing a new-age relationship that's smart, intriguing, insightful, and telling in our tech-driven era. While it's a fascinating premise, it easily could've fallen flat through a less capable actor. Thankfully, Phoenix is more-than-fit to play our lonesome mustachioed protagonist, providing the right amount of wistfulness and realism to avoid overindulging in quirkiness. Instead, Phoenix finds humanity in a story about falling in love with a machine.

Stream It On SundanceNow here.

Joker (2019)

A mentally-unstable failed comedian (Joaquin Phoenix) descends into madness and anarchy, inspiring a counter-cultural revolution against the wealthy in a decayed Gotham City.

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Joaquin Phoenix became the second actor in history to win an Oscar for playing a variation of DC's most famous arch-villain, The Joker, though Phoenix found a way to make the well-played role his own by providing a very Scorsese-influenced take on the killer clown, resulting in an intriguing dissection at what turns an unbalanced man into one of the greatest villains in comic book history. Through the film's intentionally grounded approach, Phoenix dives head-long into the character's twisted psyche, becoming fully immersed in the depravity of this broken man. It's not his very best performance, but it's easy to see why it's the one that turned him into an Academy Award-winner.

Stream It On HBO Max here.

Two Lovers (2008)

A Brooklyn-based bachelor (Joaquin Phoenix) is torn between his beautiful new neighbor (Gwyneth Paltrow) and the family friend that his parents want him to marry (Vanessa Shaw).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: In his third collaboration with writer/director James Gray, Joaquin Phoenix gives an intriguingly melancholy, effectively restrained, and emotionally honest performance in 2008's excellent Two Lovers. In this appealingly old-fashioned romantic drama, one that explores this character's neurological complexities through rich acting, smart writing, and commendable direction, Phoenix provides one of his sharpest, most astute performances, finding the layers and depths of this troubled man's mental state in an engrossing character-driven fashion. While Gwyneth Paltrow and Vanessa Shaw are also outstanding, it's really Phoenix's show. It's a shame that I'm Still Here's performance art antics took attention away from this quietly soulful picture.

Stream It On Tubi here, Pluto TV here, and SundanceNow here.

I'm Still Here (2010)

A faux-documentary exploring Joaquin Phoenix's self-sabotaging journey to quit acting and become an aspiring rapper.

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: The lines between reality and fiction are often blurred in Casey Affleck's I'm Still Here, a ruminative (and often navel-gazing) performance art piece that explores the life of a soul-searching celebrity on the brink of personal and professional decline. As it was filmed, Phoenix never publicly broke character, opting to let people believe that "Joaquin Phoenix" — a shaggy, thick-bearded, morally-astray version of the professional actor — was, in fact, the real Joaquin Phoenix. Only after the movie screened at film festivals did they admit otherwise. His career and public image were temporarily tarnished in the process, but it also produced one of Phoenix's finest and most personal performances (and, perhaps, "performance") of his continuously-impressive career.

Stream It On Dox here and Hoopla here.

Walk The Line (2005)

A musical biopic chronicling the life and legacy of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and his romance to his future wife, June (Reese Witherspoon).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Though Walk The Line follows many of the hard-wrought cliches of famous musician biopics, to the point where it was the primary source of ridicule in the underrated parody, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, it's hard to deny the power of Phoenix in this portrayal of one of the greatest musicians who ever lived and walked these plains. Having never sung or played guitar prior to taking on this role, Phoenix does a marvelous job of embodying the celebrated country/folk/rock/gospel singer, while not shying away from the complexities of his real-life character. It's ultimately stronger than the movie itself, but Phoenix's Oscar-nominated lead performance is nothing short of electrifying.

Stream It On HBO Max here.

The Sisters Brothers (2018)

An infamous pair of sibling assassins (John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix) chase after a gold prospector (Riz Ahmed) and his accomplice (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: As a couple of traveling brothers who leave a trail of blood in their wake, Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly aren't exactly the type of gunslingers you'd expect to find in a western. Yet, each of them adapts into their roles nicely, providing a funny, engaging, and ultimately moving portrait of America as a country where comfort is desired but hustling is the way of the land. Balancing its weighted bouts of open-pasture drama with rewarding moments of dark comedy, the results didn't exactly make a splash when The Sisters Brothers rolled into theaters. That's a shame because it's quite a lovely picture. You should give this one a shot.

Stream It On Hulu here.

Mary Magdalene (2019)

Seeking refuge, Mary Magdalene (Rooney Mara) discovers a sense of purpose through a radical movement led by Jesus Christ (Joaquin Phoenix).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Through its tempered, ponderous, and often methodical approach, 2019's Mary Magdalene didn't secure a wide audience — particularly through a prolonged shelf life with multiple delays. Though it can lack a sense of momentum or forward drive to make this reinterpretation as reverently compelling as the filmmakers find the biblical story itself, this religious drama from Garth Davis (Lion) is aided nicely by its lead performances from real-life couple, Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix. The latter's performance, in particular, is quite intriguing in its own right. Phoenix hunts for the humanity in this revered figure and explores the fine complexities of his short-lived morality — particularly as he's in the midst of being mythologized.

Stream It On Showtime here.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

A historical biopic documenting the efforts of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) to save the lives of more than a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide.

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: There's no denying that Hotel Rwanda is Don Cheadle's movie. The actor's Oscar-nominated performance is an impressively accurate portrayal of the real-life figure, filled with compassion and care, and Cheadle provides a lovely authentic portrayal. But the movie is also filled with many strong supporting performances, including Sophie Okonedo (who was also Oscar-nominated), Nick Nolte, and Joaquin Phoenix. As Jack Daglish, an American journalist covering the Rwandan genocide, Phoenix provides a vocal and prominent supporting turn, but it's safe to note that the revered actor stays strictly in the supporting character range. Nevertheless, Phoenix makes the most of his limited screentime, providing another strong performance to this standout ensemble.

Stream It On Amazon Prime here.

Parenthood (1989)

Parenthood follows a midwestern family that faces various struggles in their day-to-day lives, including the highs and lows that come with parenting.

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Before there was the show, there was the film. Joined by co-stars like Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis, and Keanu Reeves, Joaquin Phoenix gave one of his earliest and most charming performances as Garry, a moody, withdrawn kid who has recently entered puberty, in this acclaimed Ron Howard-directed dysfunctional family comedy. Where else will you see Reeves teach Phoenix about masturbation?

Stream It On Showtime here.

The Immigrant (2013)

In 1921, a Polish immigrant (Marion Cotillard) is tricked into prostitution by a deceptive theater manager (Joaquin Phoenix).

Why It's A Good Option For Joaquin Phoenix Fans: Collaborating with James Gray for a fourth-and-currently-final time, Joaquin Phoenix gives a complex and unsettling performance in this acclaimed period drama — one that, once again, showcases his great talents for playing disturbing and challenging individuals in complex and compelling ways. While his movie mostly flew under the radar upon release, especially as more time passes, it's been hailed as a classic-in-the-making of the previous decade.

Stream It On Tubi here and PlutoTV here.

In addition to all these titles, it's also worth noting that We Own the Night is available on Starz and Signs is currently on HBO Max. What's your favorite Joaquin Phoenix performance? Let us know below!

These days, the entertainment industry seems to be more diverse than ever and, by proxy, working to include better examples of cultural representation in movies, literature, and, especially, television. This also includes those who are on the autistic spectrum, which many TV characters, from today or yesteryear alike, serve as an admirable reflection of.

While there are many widely discussed characters who are merely implied to be on the spectrum – such as both Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper and Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah-Fowler on The Big Bang Theory – we want to focus specifically on TV characters whose diagnosis is confirmed and also important to their role on the series they originate from. In honor of Autism Awareness Month occurring in April, we put together a list of our favorite characters of the like.

Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist) - Atypical

Creator Robia Rashad’s Atypical is considered to be one of the best dramedy TV shows on Netflix for its refreshingly authentic depiction of the life of a teen on the spectrum. It Follows star Keir Gilchrist – who also starred on a dramedy that focused on the topic of Dissociative Identity Disorder called The United States of Tara – gives one of his most acclaimed performances on the four-season series as Sam, whose struggles to better navigate his social life amid his autism has a profound effect on his family. 

J.J. Jones (Ollie Barbieri) - Skins

Another great depiction of how having autism affects the lives of teens is portrayed by Ollie Barbieri, who joined the Skins cast as J.J. Jones in the third season of the acclaimed, British coming-of-age series. Despite his social awkwardness and tendency to suffer from angry outbursts on occasion, J.J. is one of the show's most endearing central characters and becomes one of great aspirational value for youths on the spectrum as his confidence grows and goals for social interaction and romance are achieved over time.  

Billy (Richard Steven Horvitz), Mandy (Grey Griffin), And Grim (Greg Eagles) - The Grim Adventures Of Billy And Mandy

Some fans of this bizarre Cartoon Network original may not have suspected that its three titular characters are ones that even younger people on the spectrum could identify with as it is never explicitly stated in the series. However, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy creator Maxwell Atoms confirmed on his personal Tumblr blog that the cynical Mandy, the care-free Billy, and Grim (being the “moral mediator between the two”) each represent a different facet of his Asperger's, which he was diagnosed with late in life.

Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) - Extraordinary Attorney Woo

This Netflix exclusive South Korean import follows Park Eun-bin as the title character of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, whose autism makes it difficult for her to relate to her peers. However, she also has a 164-point I.Q., an outstanding memory, and unique creative process that earns her the trust and respect of her clients. It is a refreshingly charming and inventive legal drama TV show unlike any other that you may have seen.  

Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) - The Good Doctor

This character is both groundbreaking for representation of people on the spectrum and those in the medical field. British actor Freddie Highmore followed up Bates Motel with his Golden Globe-nominated role as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor – a Fox drama following an autistic savant’s journey to be accepted by his peers after he is hired as a surgeon. The decision initially proves to be controversial to some employees at St. Bonaventure Hospital, who eventually see Murphy for the good that his genius-level intellect is capable of.

Max Braverman (Max Burkholder) - Parenthood

One of the most praised TV characters for their authentic portrayal of Asperger’s is Max Braverman. Played by The Purge star Max Burkholder, the young son of Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina Braverman (Monica Potter) sees as many highs as he does see lows for his disorder on the popular NBC dramedy Parenthood. Max has been subjected to ignorant ridicule and prone to uncontrollable tantrums, but he would later refer to his disorder as one of his greatest strengths when he made a bid for his school’s student council president, acting as an inspiration for his classmates in the series and students like him in the real world.

Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi) - Community

Prior to the introduction of Max Braverman, another beloved NBC series saw an especially unique representation of the spectrum from one lovable Greendale Community College student. Instead of obsessions based on science or mathematics, Danny Pudi’s portrayal of Abed Nadir on Dan Harmon’s Community is fixated on movies and television, which is, more or less, his primary form of communication. This aspect of the character was the focus of one of the most heartfelt Season 1 episodes, in which Abed is able to finally connect with his stubborn father (Iqbal Theba) through his own autobiographical, experimental student film.

Entrapta (Christine Woods) - She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power

Perhaps one of the most infectious and entertaining characters on TV who is also on the autistic spectrum is Entrapta, voiced by Christine Woods on She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power. On the Netflix update of the similarly titled 1980s animated fantasy series, Entrapta becomes part of the Resistance against her former employers, the Horde. In addition to her bubbly, energetic personality, above average strength, and larger than life purple pigtails, the Etherian is a scientist and mechanical engineer of genius ability, which often comes in handy on adventures with the Princess Alliance, even when they cannot seem to follow her highly sophisticated technical jargon.

Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) - Criminal Minds

There is a character of almost that exact description (minus the engineering and pigtails, of course) on a show that is most definitely not for children, which was recently revived as a Paramount+ exclusive. Matthew Gray Gubler is one of a mere few series regulars who lasted the entire original run of popular crime procedural Criminal Minds, during which he played the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit’s walking encyclopedia/calculator hybrid Spencer Reid, who is actually an especially unique case for representation of mental health on television. While his Asperger’s has proven undeniably effective in solving crimes, Reid also has a history of schizophrenia, which he inherited from his equally brilliant mother, played by Jane Lynch.

Sonya Cross (Diane Kruger) - The Bridge

Like Spencer Reid, Sonya Cross is another character whose Asperger’s syndrome is a powerful tool when investigating heinous crimes, but is also a bit of a barrier in the realm of social interaction. The latter proves to be a comparatively greater hurdle for the El Paso-based detective – played by Inglourious Basterds actress Diane Kruger on FX’s North American-remake of European thriller The Bridge – who is prone to inappropriate comments and failing to show empathy. It is not the most endearing portrayal of the spectrum, but one of raw honesty that makes Det. Cross one of the boldest characters on television in recent memory.

Julia (Stacey Gordon) - Sesame Street

The 4-year-old, red-headed Muppet Julia on Sesame Street – voiced by Stacey Gordon – was introduced to the iconic children’s program in 2017 for an episode that aims to teach young viewers – and even Big Bird, too – about what it means to have autism. The episode immediately takes notice of Julia’s unique talents with her impressively advanced skills in painting and invention of a refreshing and fun way to play tag. Yet, it is also keen to point out her own struggles with being shy around new friends and an unsettled reaction to police sirens, in a well-rounded and endearing effort to make more people aware of the spectrum.

It is inspiring to know that we live in a time when there is a larger effort to make more people aware of the spectrum with greater representation on television. Be sure to tune into the stories of some of these wonderful TV characters this Autism Awareness Month or any other time of the year.

CinemaBlend is partnering with PIA VPN to bring you fresh content to stay in and stream with each day. We're also offering a special 76% discounted rate for a limited time only. You can sign up for the package with PIA here.

In terms of continued success, there are few actors who have had a better career than Joaquin Phoenix. Over the course of his career, the talented actor has worked with some of the greatest directors, starred in some of the most successful movies, and even took home an Academy Award for his pained and demented performance in 2019's Joker.

With nearly 40 years of acting under Joaquin Phoenix's belt at this point, there are some roles (especially those prior to his breakout as the power-hungry Commodus in Gladiator) that many of us may have forgotten about. From ABC After School Specials to the Ron Howard dramas, Joaquin Phoenix, or Leaf as he was known as back then, there's a lot to sink your teeth into if you're trying to watch each and every one of the two-time Golden Globe-winning actor's extensive filmography.

Robby Ellsworth - ABC After School Special

A lot of us have memories of all of those cheesy cautionary tales featured in the long-running ABC Afterschool Special series that ran from 1972 through 1997. Over the course of the anthology series' 25-year run, future stars like Meg Ryan, Rob Lowe, and Ben Affleck got their start in show business in a variety of one-off episodes tackling a number of topics. Well, you can add Joaquin Phoenix to the list of future A-listers to appear on the show after he was featured in the episode "The Riddle Of Dyslexia."

This 1984 episode follows the life of Brian Ellsworth (played by River Phoenix), a teenage boy struggling with dyslexia and its impact on reading and writing in school. Joaquin Phoenix (who is credited as Leaf Phoenix) plays Robby Ellsworth, the younger brother of the main character who tries to figure out what is going on with Brian. The episode features some pretty terrible visual effects (it's a TV special in the '80s), but there is a touching moment between the brothers at the end.

Garry Buckman-Lampkin - Parenthood

Joaquin Phoenix was on quite a run as a child actor (more on that next) when he was cast in the Ron Howard family dramatic comedy Parenthood. With an all-star cast that includes Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Dianne Wiest, Keanu Reeves, and numerous other big names, it's easy to see how Phoenix (who was still going by Leaf at this point) got lost in the shuffle.

Portraying the Garry Buckman-Lampkin, a quiet and withdrawn teenage boy at the beginning of puberty, Joaquin Phoenix's performance is just as dark, moody, and brilliant as those that would come later in life. One of the most notable aspects of Phoenix's involvement with the project is the fact that it was his last performance until he appeared in the To Die For some six years later.

Max Graham - SpaceCamp

Joaquin Phoenix (still going by Leaf) was only 12 years old when he appeared in the 1986 space adventure film SpaceCamp, which drew its name from the Huntsville, Alabama facility of the same name. Having the bad luck of being released just months after the Challenger explosion, the film was a dud at the box office, even with an impressive cast that included Tom Skerritt, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, and a robot voiced by Frank Welker.

In the film, Joaquin Phoenix plays Max Graham, a 12-year-old who is finally allowed to go to the main Space Camp where he forms a bond with Jinx, a sentient robot. After telling Jinx that he wished he was in space, the robot with a knack for taking things literally fulfills the boy's wish and sends a team of campers into orbit. What follows is a color by numbers affair, but it has enough charm, especially on the part of Phoenix, to make it a movie worth revisiting.

Jimmy Emmett - To Die For

Joaquin Phoenix and Gus Van Sant came together for one of the most surprising movies of 2018 with Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot, but that wasn't the first time the visionary and controversial director and unique actor teamed up for a project. No, that honor goes to the 1995 dark comedy To Die For, which centers around an ambitious weather reporter played by Nicole Kidman as she hires a group of high school boys to kill her husband played by Matt Dillon.

After not showing up in anything of note since Parenthood, Joaquin Phoenix (using his given first name at this point) plays Jimmy Emmett, the leader of the group of outcasts which also includes a young Casey Affleck. Though not remembered liked the movies Phoenix would go on to star in a few years later, To Die For shows just how far the young actor would go for a role. There are even notes of the Arthur Fleck in this powerful performance.

Kenai - Brother Bear

This one could be considered cheating, but it was too good not to include. Years before he took on the role of the "Crown Prince of Crime" in Joker, and even before he played the drifter Freddie Quell in The Master, Joaquin Phoenix led his very own Disney animated movie. The 2003 Brother Bear probably isn't as remembered as other movies to come from the studio in the years leading up to its release, but that shouldn't take away from Phoenix's stellar performance as Kenai, a young man who is turned into a bear to learn a lesson.

You don't see his face, but listen to one word coming out of the bear's mouth and you instantly know it is Joaquin Phoenix. It's almost a shame this movie doesn't get talked about as much as it should because while it lacks some of the flash and charm of the Disney movies from the late 1980s and 1990s, it's cast, led by Phoenix, and great animation make it worth a watch.

Those are just a few of the amazing yet forgotten performances from Joaquin Phoenix. But those aren't all as the one-day Oscar winner would also have one-off appearances in shows like Murder She Wrote, Hill Street Blues, and even an episode of Superboy, where this happened.

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

For over three decades, Keanu Reeves has starred in a variety of movies in various genres. Though he's best known for his action work, Reeves has extended himself to a number of different projects and a variety of different roles — with some proving more successful than others. But Reeves firmly gained the public's interest and trust with the enormously successful (critically and commercially) John Wick movies, with last year's John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum proving to be one of his most exceptional works yet. There are a lot of Keanu Reeves movies out there, though, and many of them are available to stream across several services. If you're looking for a quality Keanu Reeves flick, take a look at where you can find these titles.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum - HBO Go

While Keanu Reeves proved himself to be a top-rate action star through Speed, Point Break, and The Matrix trilogy, it wasn't until the John Wick franchise that moviegoers fully appreciated the actor's long-established skills in an action vehicle. Though he might have his limitations as far as his range, Reeves excels in the right role, and this cool, captivating and completely badass title character played to all of Keanu's strengths as a performer. The unexpected action film franchise is slick, stylish, action-packed, and often darkly funny to boot. That was certainly true with the third, most recent installment, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, which continued to up the ante in exhilarating, exciting, death-defying ways. Still expanding this improbably large world of assassins while never failing to provide one incredible action sequence after another, this remains a bone-crunching delight.

Stream It on HBO Go.

The Matrix Trilogy - Netflix

In what might remain his most defining performance, even compared to Ted from Bill & Ted or the title character from the John Wick movies, Keanu Reeves plays Neo in The Matrix trilogy, an astonishing and revolutionary trilogy which saw Reeves assuming the role of The One, a once-lowly man who realizes the world he thought he knew is a lie — it's all a computerized simulation. Awoken to his reality, Neo must assume greatness before it's too late. Though the sequels are contested in some camps, there's no denying that the first Matrix is one of the most outstanding and influential original films of the late 20th century, infusing a high-tech new vision for the new century that heavily influenced an abundance of new media to follow.

Stream The Matrix on Netflix here, The Matrix Reloaded here, and The Matrix Revolutions here.

A Scanner Darkly - Vudu

Both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating, A Scanner Darkly is a darkly dazzling rotoscope-animated science-fiction thriller, providing a beautifully realized and eventually hauntingly somber look into the mindset of its drug-addled characters in this unstable world. Keanu Reeves plays Bob Arctor in this Philip K. Dick adaptation, an undercover agent in an alternate universe where the U.S. lost the war on drugs. The government developed an invasive network of surveillance and undercover officers, and Arctor is tasked with immersing himself in this drug underworld as Substance D, a powerful hallucinogen, gets 20 percent of the population addicted. Also starring Woody Harrelson, Robert Downey Jr., and Winona Ryder, Richard Linklater's striking, unsettling adaptation is a captivating movie, though not a particularly uplifting one. While the visuals are more commonly celebrated, Reeves' dour performance helps to bring the full weight of this downer tale.

Stream It on Vudu.

Destination Wedding - Amazon Prime

I might be in the minority on this one. Truth be told, I've only found a handful of people who agree with my affections for Destination Wedding. The anti-rom-com/rom-com's sardonic edge and mean-spirited characters may be too bitter and, therefore, unappealing for certain audiences. The crass, crude lines given to Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder might not charm everyone. Nevertheless, while the script isn't without its faults, Destination Wedding is undeniably elevated by the natural, easeful chemistry shared between Ryder and Reeves. Even when these lovable stars play damn-near despicable meanies who snarl and sneer at every walking life around them, and even when they're meant to hate each other, they share a radiant spark — one that's been evident throughout their continued working (and personal) history together. I can't guarantee you'll love it, but it's worth giving it a shot.

Stream It on Amazon Prime.

Man of Tai Chi - Netflix

While Keanu Reeves has amassed over 30 years of acting experience to his memorable name, the performer only has one directing credit on his resume. That movie is 2013's Man of Tai Chi, an admirably decent action-drama debut which also stars Reeves as an egotistical millionaire who brings a skilled Tai Chi fighter under his wing for an underground fighting operation. Clearly, as he has demonstrated for years (particularly with The Matrix movies), Reeves holds a great deal of admiration for martial art fighting. That's vividly displayed through exceptionally choreographed and executed fight sequences — notably well-handled for a first-time filmmaker, even one with several years of on-camera experience. When it comes to the drama and other aspects, they're not always so confident, though Reeves shows commendable promise as as a filmmaker. I hope he directs again someday.

Stream It on Netflix.

Toy Story 4 - Disney+

Though his cool, captivating voice can be easy to recognize, Keanu Reeves hasn't taken too many voice-only roles as an actor. A Scanner Darkly is animated, but he gave a physical performance, and his other voice work mostly pertains to media relating to The Matrix. Thus, Reeves' performance in Toy Story 4 was a bit of a surprise — and a delight one, too. Providing his voice to the role of Duke Caboom, an Evel Knievel-esque daredevil toy who is never shy about his affections for the True North, Reeves gives another warmly comedic role, one that showcases the actor's earnest giddiness for dangerous stunts, high-flying antics, and risking everything to do what he loves — in essence, maybe not too far off from Keanu in his live-action form, notably based on what we've seen from the continuously-extending John Wick franchise.

Stream It on Disney+.

The Bad Batch - Netflix

In the intriguingly strange dystopian thriller The Bad Batch, Keanu Reeves makes more of a glorified cameo than anything else, playing prominently in the movie's final act as the mustachioed leader called The Dream, a vibrant cult of personality discovered by our one-armed, one-legged protagonist. But the role relies heavily on Reeves' natural, intoxicating charisma, allowing his mannered speech and captivating presence to convince us in a short span of time why his untrustworthy character would find so many people captivated by his spell. But as we know, that's not hard to believe. Hell, just look online. Many folks on the web eagerly subscribe to Keanu Reeves's fandom already, and understandably so. The veteran actor is a legend for a reason. His short-but-engaging role in The Bad Batch is another showcase of his dynamic star power — even in this limited role.

Stream It on Netflix.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure - Starz AND Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey - Amazon Prime

In what would become one of his earliest calling cards, Keanu Reeves earned cult status and early critical acclaim through the sensational success of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Followed by its sequel, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, and its forthcoming trilogy capper, Bill & Ted Face the Music, this time-traveling comedy series, which also starred Alex Winter, saw Reeves in one of his most joyfully silly and earnestly sweet performances, playing up his metalhead-loving slacker with warm-hearted sincerity and a fun-loving attitude. The result is an infectiously enjoyable pair of movies, which should hopefully find good company with its long-promised third installment, which sees Winter and Reeves reprising their title roles nearly 30 years later.

Stream Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure on Starz. Stream Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey on Amazon Prime.

Something's Gotta Give - Showtime

In Nancy Meyers' Something's Gotta Give, Keanu Reeves plays third-or-fourth fiddle to Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. There's no doubt that the charming, mature rom-com is their movie. They shine in their smooth-talking parts, though it's easy to forget about Reeves in the process. And that's a shame. Reeves plays Julian Mercer, the doctor to Nicholson's socialite Harry Sanborn who develops a relationship with Erica Barry (Keaton), the woman whom Harry falls for. Reeves' performance is appealingly refrained and good-natured, relying on his appealing sweetness. In fact, this role is even a little dorkier than what we often expect from the cool-as-ice actor. I mean that as a compliment. Sincerely. There's something oddly refreshing about Reeves unleashing his inner nerd in this supporting turn. This makes for one of Reeves' more undervalued comedy performances.

Stream It on Showtime.

Always Be My Maybe - Netflix

While Keanu Reeves' action skills are often valued, his comedy talents can be overlooked. Beyond the endearing, lovable Bill & Ted films, Reeves' comedies can sometimes get second-billing behind his action flicks, which is a shame because, in the right part and in the right movie, he can do wonders in a comedic part. We've already talked about Destination Wedding, Something's Gotta Give, Toy Story 4, and even the darkly funny John Wick movies, but Netflix's Always Be My Maybe was another recent example of when people took notice of Reeves' sharp comedy timing. This time, audiences noticed how much of a scene-stealer Reeves could be. His supporting turn in this rom-com was considered one of the movie's highlights. His role was rightfully celebrated, but his dry comedy skills (similar to his action talents prior to John Wick) were already evident.

Stream It on Netflix.

Parenthood - Starz

Before it inspired the NBC series of the same name, 1989's studio comedy Parenthood was a warmly-appealing family dramedy with Steve Martin at the forefront. But the ensemble also included Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, a young Joaquin Phoenix, and, you guessed it, Keanu Reeves. Released the same year Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure came out, Parenthood found Ted himself adopting the role of Tod, the boyfriend-turned-husband of Julie (Martha Plimpton). It's another early supporting turn for the actor, though as we noted before, Reeves can stand out in comedies — even in minor roles.

Stream It on Starz.

What's your favorite Keanu Reeves movie currently available to stream? Let us know in the comment section below!

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

At long last, Rick Moranis is returning to the acting world. Following a 23-year absence from film and television, the actor recently revealed that he will be starring in the Disney+ series, Shrunk, a follow-up to the 1989 family classic, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. No surprise here, but we’re all stoked to see one of the funniest actors from our childhoods come back to one of the franchises that made him a household name.

In light of the news, it got us thinking about some of the funniest and most iconic film appearances by the lovable Canadian actor. Here are 10 of Rick Moranis’ funniest movies.

10. The Flintstones (1994)

The 1990s were full of film adaptations of several iconic franchises from the golden age of television, and perhaps the most successful of those is the 1994 The Flinstones. Looking back, it's hard to believe that such a movie would make around $340 million globablly, but then again, The Flintstones was one of the biggest hits the year it was released.

With a cast that includes John Goodman as Fred Flintstone, Elizabeth Perkins as Wilma Flintstone, and Rosie O’Donnell as Betty Rubble, Moranis portrays Fred Flintstone’s longtime friend Barney Rubble.

It’s not the worst movie to ever be made, but it’s definitely a barren wasteland when compared to some of Moranis’ earlier roles. Despite this, Moranis does a tremendous job of transforming himself into Fred Flintstone's best friend, to the point where you no longer see him as this actor or even think about any of previous roles. Much of the laughs come at Barney's expense, but like the dinosaurs, stone-age technology, and callbacks to the original television series, the treatment of Barney Rubble remains on brand. The movie was torn apart by critics ahead of its release, but it still made everyone involved enough money to buy a giant slab of dino ribs.

Stream it here.

9. Little Giants (1994)

By the time the mid 1990s rolled around, Rick Moranis had started to take a step back from Hollywood and the 1994 family sports comedy Little Giants would be one of his final two live-action appearances before he retired from acting entirely.

Released in the fall of 1994, this box office flop follows the story of brothers Danny (Rick Moranis) and Kevin O’Shea (Ed O’Neill) from the time they were young kids to adulthood when the two coach opposing teams in a youth football league. There aren't as many side-splitting breakout scenes like in some of the older films starring Moranis, but there's something that can be said about the actor's ability to commit to the role of a character that knows absolutely nothing about the game of football (except for how not to use a protective cup). This is highlighted by the scene where Danny challenges his older brother to a football game to decide which team will represent the town, only to say to meet him at "half court." Much of the other laughs come from the surprising supporting cast primarily made up of child actors and professional football players (and coaches) in smaller roles.

Stream it here.

8. Ghostbusters II (1989)

Rick Moranis found himself in not one, not two, but three box office smashes in 1989, Ghostbusters II being the biggest of the three.

Reprising his role of Louis Tully, Moranis didn’t have as much of a key role as he did to the plot of the first film in the franchise, but he did have several key scenes including the one where he finally gets to suit up and help out the rest of the Ghostbusters as they prepare to battle Vigo the Carpathian (Wilhen von Humburg and voiced by Max von Sydow).

The scene where Louis is seen running through the streets of New York City dressed as a Ghosbuster telling himself “Stay fit, keep sharp, make good decisions,” is comedy gold even to this day.

7. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

While not one of his funniest movies, so to speak, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids will go down as one of the most iconic, and successful, ventures for Rick Moranis. Starring as down-on-his-luck inventor Wayne Szalinksi, Moranis creates a machine his two children and their neighbors use to accidentally shrink themselves.

Moranis spends much of the 1989 family classic searching for his miniaturized children in his lab, the house, and backyard before they eventually turn up at the film’s joyful conclusion.

Over the years, this film has become a mainstay in millions of homes (it was one of two movies my brothers and I watched at our great-grandmother’s house), and remains a fan favorite. Why else would they be bringing Moranis out of self-imposed retirement for the new Disney+ series?

6. Parenthood (1989)

Released same year as Ghostbusters II is the 1989 Ron Howard picture Parenthood starring Steve Martin and Rick Moranis. Martin and Moranis — who were teaming up for the third time — portray brothers-in-law Gil Buckman (Martin) and Nathan Huffner (Moranis) as they, and the rest of the ensemble cast, struggle with the pains of parenthood.

The film was a major success at the box office, bringing in $126 million globally on a $20 million budget, and was even nominated for two Academy Awards (Dianne Wiest for Best Supporting Actress and Randy Newman for Best Song for “I Love to See You Smile.”

Parenthood also showed wider audiences that Moranis not only could act but could also sing with the best of them in a scene where Nathan serenades his wife and Gil’s sister, Susan (Harley Jane Kozak), to come back after the two have a disagreement over how many children they want to have.

5. My Blue Heaven (1990)

A year after Parenthood was released, Rick Moranis and Steve Martin would team up for the crime comedy My Blue Heaven in 1990. Just like the Martin Scorsese crime epic Goodfellas (released a month later), My Blue Heaven is based on the life of former mobster and protected witness Henry Hill (both scripts were based on the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi). Where Goodfellas takes a more dramatic and graphic approach to Hill’s story, My Blue Valentine plays the protected witness’ life for laughs.

Martin portrays Vincent “Vinnie” Antonelli (a fictionalized version of Henry Hill) as he moves to California to start a new life. Under the eye of FBI agent Barney Coopersmith (Moranis), Antonelli tries to settle in for a new life while waiting to testify against the men he used to consider close friends and business partners. What follows is the building of a close friendship between the former mobster and federal agent.

This comedy is often overshadowed by the more successful (critically and commercially) Goodfellas has become a quiet cult classic in the 30 years since its release, and should be sought out by anyone looking for a fun spin on the mobster genre.

4. Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

Rick Moranis starred in the 1986 horror-comedy Little Shop of Horrors, where he plays a lovestruck flower shop assistant Seymour who is head over heels with his co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). There’s only one problem, Audrey is involved with Orin (Steve Martin).

Following an eclipse, one of the store’s plants comes to life with a hunger for human flesh and blood, so Seymour does what any guy would do when he’s trying to get rid of his crush’s boyfriend, he feeds Orin to the plant, which he names Audrey II. Seymour, however, soon realizes that he will need more bodies for his hungry plant.

The relationship between Seymour and Audrey II gives us one of the most ridiculous musical numbers in “Feed Me, Seymour” where the plant tries to justify why it needs so much blood. I remember watching this movie as a kid and finding this whole scene equal parts terrifying and hilarious. To this day, I still find myself saying, “Feed me, Seymour” whenever I get hungry.

3. Spaceballs (1987)

Coming off a string of successful roles in the early to mid 1980s, Moranis found himself in playing one of his most iconic characters, Dark Helmet in the 1987 Mel Brooks classic Star Wars parody, Spaceballs.

After planet Spaceball has depleted its oxygen supply, forcing inhabitants to rely on “Perri-Air,” the planet’s leader, President Kroob comes up with a plan to kidnap Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) of the oxygen-rich Druidia in hopes of getting more air in return. To do his bidding, Kroob enlists Dark Helmet to hunt down the princess. What follows is one of the Brooks’ finest comedies, partilally due to the comedic timing of Moranis.

Like any good Mel Brooks film, Spaceballs is filled with zinger after zinger. From the “comb the desert” bit to “Careful you idiot! I said across her nose, not up it,” Moranis is at the center of most of the film’s most iconic scenes.

2. Strange Brew (1983)

Rick Moranis had already proved his comedy chops on SCTV by the time he and Dave Thomas co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in the 1983 oddball comedy Strange Brew, but the film about two brothers scheming to get free beer didn’t hurt his case.

Strange Brew follows brothers Bob (Rick Moranis) and Doug McKenzie (Dave Thomas) on their quest to drink as much free beer as possible. With a goal set in motion, the goofy brothers find themselves working at the Elsinore Brewery. Not long after working for the brewery and drinking free beer, the McKenzie brothers uncover Brewmeister Smith’s (Max von Sydow) plot to create a mind-controlling agent. Throughout the course of the film, the brothers find ways to thrwart the evil plot while also drinking as much beer as humanly possible.

This early showing by Moranis would lead to much bigger things later on (including Ghostbusters the following year), and showed an American audience what a comedian from north of the border could do.

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

Having a list of the funniest Rick Moranis movies without having Ghostbusters in the top spot would be a criminal offense in most countries, so we’ll do the right thing and go ahead and say that Moranis’ portrayal as Louis Tully, aka “Vinz Clortho, The Keymaster of Gozer” is the actor’s funniest role.

Ghostbusters follows a group of down-on-their-luck scientists who start a paranormal service to combat the growing presence of ghosts in New York City. Together, Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) are forced to take on the evil Gozer (in the form of the Stay Puft marshmallow man) after Louis Tully (Moranis) and Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) become possessed by the forces of their apartment building.

Though early on in his career (only his third credited film role) Moranis shines as the aloof Louis Tully before and after he becomes “The Keymaster of Gozer,” and holds his own with some of the era’s most hilarious comedians. It’s just a shame Louis never got to enjoy that game of Parcheesi at his ill-fated party.

Stream Ghostbusters here.

Well, there you have you it, some of the funniest (and not funniest) movies to feature the Canadian comedy legend Rick Moranis. Do you agree with the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Craig T. Nelson is returning to the TV comedy arena. After playing Zeek Braverman on NBC's Parenthood, Nelson has nabbed a recurring guest role on The Big Bang Theory spinoff, Young Sheldon. Poised to butt heads with Sheldon’s beloved Meemaw, Nelson’s excited to be playing a “fun jerk” on the CBS sitcom.

While Craig T. Nelson is known to today’s TV viewers as Zeek Braverman from Parenthood, the actor is actually going back to his Coach roots in more ways than one. Not only is his guest stint on Young Sheldon a return to the sitcom world, but he’ll ironically be playing a little league coach whose disposition isn’t unlike that of the surly Hayden Fox. In fact, after being cast in so many dramas over the years, Young Sheldon being a sitcom played a major factor in Craig T. Nelson’s triumphant return to comedy.

It turns out Sheldon’s Meemaw (Annie Potts) won’t appreciate Coach Dale Ballard being a jerk, no matter how fun the actor thinks he is. The biggest reason behind Meemaw’s disdain for Coach Ballard is his refusal to let her granddaughter Missy (and Sheldon’s twin sister) onto the little league team.

Craig T. Nelson offers reasons for why his character is a jerk, describing Coach Ballard to TV Insider as being an old school thinker, among other things.

It sounds a lot like Coach Ballard’s personal issues are bleeding into his little league choices and Young Sheldon’s 1980s setting fuels that line of thinking, especially with regards to Missy’s position on a boys’ team.

This is Young Sheldon’s first season flying solo without The Big Bang Theory, which CBS has lost the rights to air. However, Young Sheldon seems to be doing just fine on its own. Craig T. Nelson’s upcoming appearance on the show will surely spice things up a bit too, especially since his character will continue to be on the series for at least the next couple of episodes, per CBS listings.

Young Sheldon airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. For more on when your favorite fall shows will air, be sure to check out our complete TV guide to every new and returning show premiering through the end of 2019.

While the public loves paying attention to celebrity couples, there's a special sort of magic when they're both actors. Will they work together? How do they balance their careers and relationship? Things get especially interesting when it turns out they met on set, like Peter Krause and Lauren Graham. The couple has been together for years, and met playing siblings on NBC's family drama Parenthood. Krause went on to have a quick cameo in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, but fans have been wondering if they might work together in his new Ryan Murphy drama 9-1-1. Murphy himself has just spoken about this possibility, saying:

It looks like the earliest of talks is happening between Ryan Murphy and Lauren Graham about 9-1-1. While the two TV professionals might have been joking at first, it certainly doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility.

Ryan Murphy's comments to TV Line is sure to excite all the Parenthood fans out there. Before This Is Us was reducing TV goers to tears every week, Parenthood was breaking hearts with the Braverman family. The series is available on Netflix, so new fans have also been able to binge watch to their heart's desires. Bringing Graham and Krause back on screen together would no doubt serve as a draw for that episode, so it make sense that Murphy would want to get the Gilmore Girls actress involved.

Interestingly enough, 9-1-1 isn't the only TV series that Lauren Graham has recently set her sights on. Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is currently riding high on the success of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and the duo have expressed interest in collaborating on the show's second season. It's unclear if and when Graham might pop up in Maisel, but it would be great to see her take guest roles in both shows' sophomore runs.

Lauren Graham has definitely kept busy in the past few years. Following the release of Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Graham had a multi episode arc on Curb Your Enthusiasm, while also voicing a role in the animated kids series Vampirina. She also released a new book today, titled In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It. This followed her most recent book Talking As Fast As I Can, which was released with A Year in the Life.

9-1-1 recently concluded its first season FOX, and was renewed for Season 2 (sans Connie Britton). In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch. Plus our Amazon premiere list and superhero premiere list to ensure you don't miss a single episode.

For many TV audiences, Netflix has become a go-to place to catch up on shows that have concluded their on-air runs. NBC sitcoms like Frasier, The Office, and Cheers have all found new homes on the streaming platform, gradually evolving into the binge-watching format. However, it now looks like Netflix is about to lose one of its most beloved NBC sitcoms, as 30 Rock is about to leave Netflix and make a jump to Hulu (along with some other shows) as a result of a huge deal with NBCUniversal.

CinemaBlend has learned that Hulu has inked a deal with NBCUniversal to acquire some of the entertainment giant's best shows. Chief among these is the Emmy-winning sitcom 30 Rock, which will leave Netflix at the end of September and begin its Hulu life on October 1. The deal comes fresh off of the heels of another deal in which NBCUniversal licensed Will & Grace to Hulu ahead of the classic sitcom's upcoming revival. Other shows involved in this deal include Parenthood, Face Off, There's Johnny, and Made in Chelsea.

30 Rock is obviously a show that needs no introduction for many TV viewers. Running for seven seasons on NBC, the surreal show centered on the exploits of Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, and others -- such as The Rural Juror star Jenna Maroney -- workng behind the scenes of a hit sketch comedy show at 30 Rockefeller Center, with TGS essentially serving as a stand-in for Saturday Night Live. Over the course of its run, 30 Rock became an awards darling, walking away with several Golden Globe and Emmy wins.

So if you're currently a Hulu subscriber (or you plan to become one), this means that Hulu will soon become your go-to source for all Jack Donaghy's all-business one-liners.

Of course, if you're a die-hard Netflix user still in the market for 30 Rock's particular brand of Tina Fey humor, then there are options at your disposal. Specifically, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is still available on the streaming service; given the shared DNA between the two shows, it should (at the very least) help ease the pain of 30 Rock's October departure. Kimmy Schmidt was recently renewed for a fourth season, so it's clearly going to keep Tina Fey busy for the foreseeable future, as will her EP duties on NBC's current show Great News.

Even if you're not a fan of 30 Rock, there's quite a bit to get excited about with this deal. As mentioned above: Hulu has also acquired other fan-favorite series like Parenthood, Jason Katims' critically-acclaimed drama about the struggles of keeping one big family together, as well as Face Off, Syfy's reality competition series in which artistic contestants vie to achieve Hollywood notoriety in the makeup and effects fields. As well, Hulu will be the first place for U.S. audiences to stream the U.K. reality series Made in Chelsea.

It's not all acquirements, though. Hulu will also be the new home for the Tonight Show-themed comedy There's...Johnny! -- co-created by Paul Reiser and starring Jane Levy and Tony Danza -- which was set up at the now-sheltered Seeso streaming service. We were disappointed when that happened, given the hilarity of some Seeso series, so it's great that we'll get to check this one out.

30 Rock will remain available on Netflix until the end of the month, and then (along with Parenthood, Face Off, and others) the show that taught us to live every week like a Shark Week will arrive in Hulu's library. Looking ahead to the world of premieres -- such as Stranger Things Season 2 and The Walking Dead Season 8 -- make sure to keep an eye on CinemaBlend's fall TV premiere guide and get your television-viewing schedules filled out accordingly!

NBC's Parenthood was never the biggest ratings bringer for the network, but what it didn't have in total viewers it made up for in a loyal audience. The show's ratings rarely wavered during its run and the fan love for Parenthood has lived on in the time since the drama ended. Fans still really like the drama, and because of the meaningful way those fans have interacted with the series, there have been some rumors we could get a revival. One actress is all for a Parenthood making a comeback. Here's what Lauren Graham shared via social media.

Of all of the actors and actresses involved with Parenthood, it's no real surprise that it is Lauren Graham who is out there and gunning for the return of the drama. Lauren Graham has spent much of her time since Parenthood ended championing a Gilmore Girls revival and then working on said revival after Netflix opted to pick up the series and put together four brand new, 90-minute episodes. Lauren Graham has been open about how "emotional" shooting the revival series has been, and since Gilmore Girls is expected to return for A Year In The Life in November, doubtless Lauren Graham is looking around for another TV gig at this point. Why not the return of Parenthood?

Parenthood creator Jason Katims has basically been stating since right after the finale that he would be happy to return to the world of the Bravermans any time. However, this idea gained a bit of traction just a few days ago when Katims did another interview where he reiterated he wants to return to the world of the NBC drama. While another run of the TV series might be impossible, considering Peter Krause is now on The Catch and many other actors from the show have now moved on to new projects, a TV movie or even a one-off special might be just the ticket for Parenthood fans everywhere. Something limited could work really well for the characters on the series.

Nothing is set in stone, yet, but maybe if Lauren Graham continues to fight for it on Twitter, we'll actually get it?

The good news? Despite the lack of Parenthood, there is plenty of great TV coming together this fall. If you'd like to see when Gilmore Girls is coming back and what else is on the fall TV schedule, head here.

Spoilers ahed for the series finale of Parenthood.

Scripted television is becoming quite the exploratory and unpredictable form of entertainment. With so much quality programming ranging across network, cable, premium, and streaming services, the opportunity to create unexpected and exciting new work has never been better. One trend that has been increasing in hype and popularity is reboots of previously completed or cancelled series. Between The X-Files, Heroes Reborn, and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life it has become clear that fans of cancelled shows are more than willing to see their favorite characters make a comeback. And because of this, people are constantly asking those behind completed shows if there will be a reboot. Case in point: Parenthood and its creator Jason Katims.

Jason Katims recently had an interview with the folks over at TV Line, where he was asked if Parenthood would be making more episodes, like its star Lauren Graham's other project, Gilmore Girls. Unfortunately, it looks like the show will have to wait a few years before it would even make sense, given how the series ended.

This makes a pretty great deal of sense. While we'd all love new Parenthood episodes, it's not going to be a logical or exciting program to produce. The series finale simply gave us too much information.

For those who don't remember, Parenthood ended in a pretty glorious final montage. In the closing moments, everyone's favorite patriarch, Zeek Braverman, passed away in his living room. We are then shown the whole Braverman clan spread his ashes on his favorite baseball field, and begin a pick up game to celebrate their father/grandfather's life. During the joyful game we are given some flash forwards, where we see the future of the family. If this sounds familiar, it's because HBO's Six Feet Under famously did this during its final episode. In fact, actor Peter Krause filmed both of these montages, as he was a series regular in both shows.

While Parenthood's flash forwards don't go incredibly far in regards to years, it did give us a ton of closure. So logically, we'd have to wait until the cast ages appropriately in order for new episodes to make sense. We saw new babies born, school graduations, and a few years go by, so the audience would need to see what happens after those events. So it's going to be a while.

Would you like to see new episodes of Parenthood one day, or was the finale perfect the way it was? Sound off in the comments below.

Death has never been particularly absent in the modern era of television, and some of the most memorable episodes of television have been based around characters saying farewell. (Or getting killed before they have a chance to.) Viewers have seen literally hundreds of TV characters die in the last few years, with some far more heartbreaking than others.

As such, we looked back over the past two years – the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 TV seasons – and pulled out 11 deaths that tore half of our collective heart from our chest and used it to pummel the other half into a tear-shaped pulp. And we start off with a shocking demise that ended a relationship that millions of people had loved for years. (Spoilers to follow, obviously.)

Henry Allen (The Flash)

Barry Allen’s story is one formed by tragedy, as the (no longer permanent?) death of his mother at the hands of Reverse-Flash took away both parents Nora and Henry, who was imprisoned until the beginning of Season 2. He wasn’t around a ton as a free man, but Henry was still able to talk to Barry without a wall of glass between them. And so when he was murdered as part of Zoom’s not-so-great plans, in an episode that came JUST AFTER Barry had finally gotten a full grasp on his mother’s death, the heart-stomping impact was palpable, and the look on Grant Gustin’s face is everything we were feeling inside. Thankfully, John Wesley Shipp’s time with the show will continue, and possibly Henry’s, too, in some form.

Derek Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy)

Behind-the-scenes problems probably had more to do with Derek’s death than Shonda Rhimes’ original grand plan. But if you were the kind of audience member that ignored that kind of headline fodder, then this could rank up there with the most surprising and emotionally draining TV deaths you’ve ever experienced. McDreamy was a small screen staple for 11 years, give or take some latter-day episodes, and we’re glad that Grey’s Anatomy chose to jump forward in time so that our mourning period couldn’t be extended by Meredith’s. Also, it served as a cautionary tale for why you shouldn’t check your phone while stopped in the middle of a highway.

Jodi Hubbard (Mom)

Sitcoms have always been known for getting serious on occasion, usually when a Very Special Episode topic comes up, but CBS’ Mom is a show with subject matter mired in dark drama. No story about addiction could go any other way. Still, who could have known that the young addict Jodi (Emily Osment) would have been seemingly rescued from that life and her boyfriend by Christy and Bonnie, only to succumb to it one final time that ended in an overdose? Not even Alvin’s death a season earlier was quite as tragic as this oh-so-familiar tale of rehabilitation gone askew, and Mom delivered not just one, but several tearjerking episodes centered on Jodi’s passing.

Beth Greene (The Walking Dead)

Few TV deaths rocked the Internet as hard as Beth getting shot in the head by that moody asshat Dawn, although half of the outcry was admittedly people railing against the show for giving the beloved character such an avoidable fate. Beth had made it all the way from Season 2’s earliest days, with legitimate character development as time passed, and her biggest moments came in the months just prior to her disappearing. I suppose we should all thank that nuisance of a plot shift for basically taking her out of the drama before killing her off for good, but it really just made it seem like she’d be back in a bigger way after that arc ended. Sigh.

Josette Laughlin (The Vampire Diaries)

Now, Jo isn’t one of those characters who was around for 10 seasons and had thus cemented herself inside the hearts and minds of viewers, but the manner in which the helpful and non-practicing witch went out was a major blow to the heartstrings. When Jo’s last episode began, it looked like her biggest problem would be having a wedding planner bedridden with the flu or a panic attack, but just when she was about to recite her vows, her twin brother Kai appeared and stabbed her (and her unborn twins) to death right there at the altar. She was then sorta resurrected as the vampiric spirit Florence and was then killed off again. Say it wasn’t so, Jo.

Hodor (Game of Thrones)

Normally, when the distinction is made for a death to be a major one, it means a good percentage of the central narrative will be affected, but that wasn’t exactly the case with Game of Thrones’ repetitive goliath Hodor. Still, the character’s function within the epic tale had no bearing on how masterfully his time-spanning death sequence crushed viewers into whimpering balls of snot, as he sacrificed himself to save Bran, the very character who put him in such a perilous position to begin with. We also learned why the character is only able to say his own name in that scene, making the phrase “Hold the door” a legitimate cause for a nervous breakdown in public.

Finn Collins (The 100)

The 100 is one of TV’s latest examples of high-concept sci-fi that doesn’t sacrifice heartfelt drama in telling its action-packed post-apocalyptic story. That was proven in full by the Season 2 midseason finale, which killed off lead character Finn for his previous “crime” of massacring a bunch of Grounders. The dread of this death’s inevitability weighed on viewers, and when the time finally came, the sadness was momentarily dwarfed by the shock that Clarke was the one who killed him, not wanting to give the Grounders the chance to give him anything but a quick death. I guess it’s supposed to make us feel better, but it doesn’t.

Root (Person of Interest)

When a character dies in a characteristic fashion doing what they believe they were meant to do, then it shouldn’t be such a heartbreaking moment when they go, right? Nope, that’s bullshit. Case in point: we knew the final season of Person of Interest would raise the stakes higher than ever and that not everyone would make it to the end, but for Amy Acker’s hacker extraordinaire and Machine enthusiast Root to go down in her efforts to save Finch from being shot…well, let’s just say this would be a lot easier to take if we were made of circuits instead of human things. When her voice came out of The Machine, I’m pretty sure Hell cooled down a bit.

Leo Hendrie (Chasing Life)

A show about cancer does not connote a barrel of chuckling monkeys opening up with each episode, and while Chasing Life did have a lot of warm heartfelt moments, there were understandably a variety of depressing beats as well. And the show rarely got viewers ugly-crying harder than when Leo died in his sleep. We knew it was an inevitability, since he also had cancer, but he and April fell for each other and got married and got our hopes up that happiness was lasting. But it wasn’t, and many raged against the creative team for taking him away from April (and us) so soon.

Zeek Braverman (Parenthood)

Okay, so there’s no one out there that didn’t see Zeek’s death coming by the time Parenthood came to an end after six seasons. He got sick, and no one gets sick during a final season if perfect health is to follow, but did that make it any less sad to see this family patriarch bow out after all those years? Of course not, even though it helped that he got to walk Sarah down the aisle (among other family moments). But losing a parent is never fun, even when that parent was created entirely in the mind of a writer.

Shireen Baratheon (Game of Thrones)

Is it some major tragedy that young Shireen Baratheon isn’t around on Game of Thrones to show off her Greyscale scars during Season 6? Not for any plot-related reasons, but that is no indication that her Season 5 death was a soft and subtle moment that went by unnoticed. Thanks to some of the most awful advice anyone has ever given, Stannis heeded Melisandre’s words and allowed his young daughter to be immolated to appease the Lord of Light. It was a scene both horrific and shattering, and the act completely broke the once-powerful Stannis, allowing us to live vicariously through his pain and paving the way to his death not long after.

Bobby Munson (Sons of Anarchy)

In its seven seasons on FX, Sons of Anarchy killed so many people that you’d think a state of emergency would have been needed in California. And while the biker drama hemorrhaged big characters in later seasons, none made us quite as sad as when we watched good ol' wishy-washy Bobby’s downfall in Season 7. He suffered having an eye gouged out with a spoon, he has his fingers lopped off, and then just when it looked like he would live past the torture, he was surprisingly shot in the head in front of Jax, who wept openly while we not-quite-sobbed quietly into our couch cushions like the rugged beasts we all are. And because there are only so many places that our hearts may wander to mourn, here are some of the biggest Honorable Mentions that missed the cut for one reason or another.

Ziva David (NCIS)

It was sad enough when Ziva left NCIS, and even sadder when it was revealed she wouldn’t be returning for Michael Weatherly’s final episodes. But little did we know the finale would officially kill her off and reveal her and DiNozzo’s child, thus prompting the Special Agent to call it quits. Had actress Cote de Pablo been in the episode, it would have definitely made the official list.

Lexa (The 100)

There’s no doubt that Lexa’s death was emotionally affecting and came as quite the shock to most, but actress Alycia Debnam-Carey was signed on for Fear the Walking Dead, which would knowingly cut into her time on the CW sci-fi drama. And the impact of her death was more noticeable because of her recent romance with Clarke and its placement among a relatively high number of LGBT deaths on TV.

Peter Gregory (Silicon Valley)

The loss of Peter Gregory from Silicon Valley is especially saddening the longer the show goes on and shows off its brilliant writing. But the heartbreak really comes from the real life death of actor Christopher Evan Welch, who delivered the perfect foundation for a fantastic run as the eccentric billionaire who kicked off the show’s central plotline.

This poll is no longer available.

Gilmore Girls fans are HYPED for the show to finally arrive on Netflix later this year, and now it looks like there’s a reason for fans of the late, great Parenthood to get excited about the revival as well. Actress Mae Whitman will be making a cameo in the new series.

A report from TVLine tells us that Mae Whitman, who co-starred on Parenthood as the daughter of Lauren Graham (a.k.a Lorelai Gilmore), will be making a cameo appearance on the show when it returns on Netflix. The series revival, which will be comprised of four, 90 minute episodes named for each season (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall), will, apparently, feature Whitman in a fun, but really small, cameo with her former on-screen mom.

Mae Whitman played Lauren Graham’s daughter, Amber, on Parenthood for six seasons, from 2010 through the show’s end in 2015. Amber was a willful and rebellious, though very smart teenager. She repeatedly made bad choices, though, becoming involved with drugs and alcohol at a young age, even though she resented her own father for his drug use and the fact that he abandoned his family because of it. Amber also had a tumultuous relationship with a young Afghanistan war veteran, which led to her getting pregnant shortly before the end of the series.

After making her film debut in When a Man Loves a Woman in 1994, Whitman went on to rack up an impressive list of credits, which currently stands at 129 projects. In addition to Parenthood, she’s appeared in a wide variety of films and TV shows, including Independence Day, Friends, Hope Floats, Chicago Hope, JAG, Grey’s Anatomy, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Arrested Development and, most recently, The DUFF. Whitman has also done a lot of voice over work for television and video games. She’s lent her voice to The Cleveland Show, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Robot Chicken, Young Justice, Disney Magical World, and American Dad!, among others.

So, we only know a little about what will happen in this awesomely planned cameo from Mae Whitman, and while it’s good to know that she and Lauren Graham will be back together on screen, I’m sure all joint Gilmore Girls and Parenthood fans will want to know more. It’s possible that this cameo will somehow allude to the troubled relationship that Amber had with Graham’s character, Sarah, on the show. Or, it will somehow make note of the fact that Whitman is a self-proclaimed, real life Gilmore Girls fanatic.

And, where will this meeting take place? Will Mae Whitman’s character be a guest at The Dragonfly Inn and come across Lorelai at the front desk? Will she pop in at Luke’s Diner and somehow interrupt the constant flow of coffee that Lorelai requires to live? Could she show up at the rumored wedding that the show might be planning? Only time will tell, and luckily, we don’t have long to wait to see the result of this brilliant bit of Gilmore Girls casting for ourselves.

Parenthood only wrapped up its sixth and final season back in January, but the creator of NBC’s family drama, Jason Katims, is already looking to revitalize the series. At a For Your Consideration panel this weekend, Katims announced that he is already trying to figure out if there could be a way to revisit the Braverman clan in the future.

Considering Parenthood’s only been gone for a few months, the fact that Jason Katims is considering revitalizing the series might seem a bit bizarre. However, the NBC series has always had a pretty loyal following, and it’s smart for Katims to lay the groundwork now if he wants to bring back the series in a limited event form. It’s also not out of the question. During its six-season run, NBC’s series was given varying episode orders by the network, so Katims and co. should easily be able to adjust to whatever episode order a limited season might be thrown.

Skip this paragraph if you aren’t caught up with Parenthood and haven’t seen the finale, please! Spoilers abound. It’s kind of weird that Parenthood might come back, considering how eloquently the series wrapped up. Zeek passed away in his comfortable chair. Then, the show flash forwarded through the Braverman clan’s respective futures, with Millie traveling and Joel and Julia having more children. Max graduated and Ryan was involved with his son’s life, while Amber found happiness. The story wrapped up nicely and tidily, and I’m not sure a future Parenthood season would be all that beneficial for the series.

Parenthood may not eventually return, of course. Katims notoriously wanted to create a movie based on Friday Night Lights after the NBC and DirecTV venture ended its run. By 2013, the potentially for a Friday Night Lights movie had fizzled, as the series leads moved on to other projects. (Currently Connie Britton can be found on ABC’s Nashville while Kyle Chandler stars in Netflix’s Bloodline.)

THR reports that Katims is looking more at a limited series than a movie this time around, and maybe one day NBC will bite. The network, after all, is currently in the middle of bringing Heroes back for a season, with Heroes: Reborn set to premiere in the fall of 2015. Former Parenthood star Craig T. Nelson is also part of another revitalization project. He’s set to star in the return of Coach, which earned a series order just a short time ago. There’s no telling if the trend of pulling shows from the past and reworking them for another TV run will continue, but if they do, Jason Katims will be waiting.

Parenthood is the kind of series that could've simply kept going. With an emphasis on the challenges and triumphs that come with being a part of a family, the story was never really set up for any kind of definitive ending. And yet, all great things must come to an end. Jason Katims' NBC drama closed out its sixth and final season tonight, offering closure and a somewhat-expected bit of sadness to the Braverman family's story. Spoilers ahead...

Parenthood has always managed to strike the right blend of joy and sorrow. Life and family offer a mixture of both, after all. The series has been building up to a particularly big loss, as Zeek has been struggling with his health all season. So it wasn't all that surprising that he passed away before the finale wrapped up. In fact, the series used the Braverman patriarch's passing as a way to close out the final chapter in the series, while also reminding us that the story will never really end.

Zeek died in his chair, quietly in his and Camille's living room. There were framed photographs on the table nearby, and I like to think that's what he was looking at when he went. Camille, as it happened, was in the next room, also looking at photos. In her case, it was a stack of beautiful pictures taken by Max at Sarah and Hank's wedding, which took place earlier in the episode, and turned out to be the last full family occasion for the Bravermans, before Zeek passed away.

Rather than closing out the series with a funeral, the finale ended with the Bravermans spreading Zeek's ashes on the baseball field and then playing a game in his memory. It was a joyful conclusion, and one that interspersed snippets of what was to come for this family. And that's where we come to the closure...

Joel and Julia adopted Victor's half-sister, and their flash-forward showed her, as well as another baby, and a puppy. Clearly their future is bright and full of kids for Joel and Julia. Admittedly, I haven't been thrilled with Joel since his I-just-want-to-be-left-alone separation from Julia, but he won me over tonight when he and Julia were discussing whether or not they should adopt child of Victor's birth mother, and Joel told Julia that because this baby is Victor's sister, she's "already ours." Tears.

Crosby was all set to pack it in on the Luncheonette, until Zeek encouraged him to return to the business even if Adam wasn't involved. Zeek's demonstration of confidence in his son's abilities seemed to be all Crosby needed to make the decision. Crosby invited Amber to be his right-hand woman, and she was thrilled to accept. The flash-forward sequence was set to a new version of "Forever Young," which was being recorded at the new studio. And it looks like Jasmine and Crosby expanded their family as well.

Speaking of more babies, we saw Amber with a man who appears to be her boyfriend or husband, and they have a little girl together. Also, Ryan appeared at the end, coming by with little Zeek, so he's evidently still a part of his son's life. And sidenote: Friday Night Lights fans might recognize Scott Porter from that scene. It's especially fitting that he was there when Matt Lauria made his brief return. (Clear eyes, full hearts!)

Adam became the new headmaster at Max's school, and in the flash-forward, he got to be the one to present his son with his diploma. Judging by the photos Max took at Sarah and Hank's wedding, it looks like that kid will have a bright future as a photographer. And he danced with a girl at the wedding, which is a step forward for him in the romance department.

Sarah and Hank are happily married.

Camille made it to Chez Marie. She's always been a bit adventurous, and it looks like she still has that spirit in her.

When a series ends the way it's supposed to, wrapping up all or most loose ends and delivering on whatever promises it made to its loyal viewers, it's hard to complain when it's over. A good story needs a good ending, and Parenthood got one. As sad as it was that Zeek died, it wasn't sudden, and I'm glad they took this approach, rather than leaving that open-ended. It gave the series the opportunity to show the Bravermans facing the loss as a family, the way they've faced so many other things throughout this series' run. Somehow, Parenthood managed to include this tragedy, while also closing out the series on a happy note, that promises good things to come for this family we've come to know and love over the past six seasons.

Farewell, Bravermans. Thanks for the memories!

It’s hard to believe that NBC’s Parenthood is wrapping up its final season. During the January 29 finale, we should be able to say goodbye to a good chunk of the show’s characters, but there will be one familiar face who will be noticeably absent. John Corbett, who play’s Sarah’s ex and Drew and Amber’s father on the dramatic series, will unfortunately not be a part of the finale. It wasn’t always that way. Corbett spoke out this week to tell the story of what happened with his planned appearance.

Corbett spoke out at the Television Critics Association Press Tour to explain how Parenthood creator and showrunner Jason Katims had to make decisions regarding the finale. Corbett recently spoke out to say that the scene featuring his character, Seth had to go.

Seth and Amber have had more downs than ups, and while Seth has occasionally been around during the series, it’s easy to see how the scene was cut from the finale. After all, Seth’s always been a person who has kind of been in and out of Amber’s life, and has had a pretty rocky relationship with his daughter.

With so many other storylines the show has to wrap up thanks to so many family members headlining the series, if something had to be cut from the episode, a scene with Corbett is a natural choice.

While John Corbett won’t be popping up in the Parenthood finale, TV Line reports that a few other characters from the show’s history are slated to appear. So far Sarah Ramos, who plays Adam and Kristina’s college-aged kid Haddie, will return for the finale. Then, Matt Lauria, who plays Amber’s former fiancé Ryan, will also pop up, as well, presumably to see the baby he conceived with Amber, but we’ll see how that goes. I’d like to think Parenthood will end on a high note, but that’s not always that show’s strong suit.

In terms of the big scene that was cut, that sort of thing happens in films and TV all the time, and it’s likely there will be good news for fans. Often, when TV seasons are released on to Blu-ray and DVD, deleted scenes are included, so hopefully we will have that to look forward to. In the meantime, you can catch Corbett in the new FX series Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.

There’s only two episodes left before NBC’s Parenthood officially ends its run. The final episodes of the family-oriented drama will air on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Death has become a major part of network, cable and premium cable television. From cancer to murder, fantasy dramas and crime dramas alike are more and more frequently killing off popular characters. I’d like to blame Game of Thrones’ first season for creating an environment in which no character is really safe, but in all honesty, it’s a concept that has been coming together for a long time. Without further ado, here are 10 big deaths we expect to see in 2015.

Obviously, we are going to get into some plot spoilers with some of these shows, but if say, you are watching a drama that is based on a popular set of books, you should be safe with this list if you haven’t read the books. These predictions have been made based on what we’ve seen from recent seasons of the dramas. Be sure to let us know in the comments if there are any possible deaths you feel we may have missed.

Jimmy, American Horror Story: Freak Show

With just a few episodes of FX’s American Horror Story: Freak Show left, we’ve seen enough death and destruction to fill several seasons of most shows. But American Horror Story has always gone hard, and we have one final death prediction: Jimmy Darling is going to die. Jimmy is now without his claw hands, the very things that defined his freak show existence, and he's currently a fugitive with dead cops in his wake. He has less a chance of surviving than he does of clapping.

Kalinda, The Good Wife

Normally, I would scoff at the idea that a legal drama like The Good Wife would kill another character off just one season after they killed off a main character during a tragic episode. However, Chicago is a crime-filled city, and CBS’ The Good Wife has been setting Kalinda up for some sort of showdown with big baddie Lemond Bishop (Mike Colter) all season. We already know actress Archie Panjabi is leaving the series. Then again, so is Mike Colter, so maybe this showdown will end up with a different dead body than we expect.

Glenn, The Walking Dead

If you’ve been keeping tabs on The Walking Dead rumors and theories over the last several months, you probably already know that a certain villain may be popping up sooner rather than later, which would mean bad news for a few of the characters on AMC’s hit series. Whether or not that villain happens in 2015, Glenn makes this list because unless The Walking Dead decides to go balls to the wall and kill off Rick, Darryl or Michonne, Glenn’s just a big enough part of the show that he’s got to go at some point, and I’m guessing that point will happen sooner rather than later.

Tom Keen, The Blacklist

Ever since we found out that Tom Keen was actually a dude posing as the love of Elizabeth Keen’s life and not a schoolteacher, Tom’s kind of had it coming. In fact, we thought he was dead already, until Season 2, when we found out that Elizabeth was holding him prisoner on a boat. Elizabeth recently agreed to let Tom go free, and while Red threatened Tom to keep him away from Liz in the future, I’m guessing we’ll see him again. And since he’s now such an antagonistic force in Liz’s life, he needs to die. And he needs to die soon.

Sheriff Forbes, The Vampire Diaries

During a show where people are typically killed off due to some sort of supernatural drama, this one will be a big blow. After teasing a “major death” for several months, The Vampire Diaries recently revealed that Sheriff Forbes actually has brain cancer, which has spread to her brainstem. Devastating. The show doesn’t return to the schedule until January 22, but you can bet your bottom dollar the Sheriff doesn’t have a ton of time left.

Zeek Braverman, Parenthood

There’s nothing Parenthood loves more than to suck all of the joy out of life and throw the most dramatic situations possible at the NBC show’s fans. Thus, Parenthood’s sixth and final season has been all about the downfall of Zeek’s health. With just a few episodes left, we're guessing that Zeek will eventually die due to his heart problems, leaving the rest of the Bravermans devastated. Bring on the tissues.

Margaery Tyrell, Game Of Thrones

Anyone who has read George R.R. Martin’s books has an inkling about what might be coming during Season 5. However, anyone who has read the books should also know that Margaery Tyrell isn’t really a key player in the novels. On TV, she’s a much more major player, and I present that this makes her more likely to bite the dust in an upcoming episode. Maybe she will, maybe she won’t, but I’m not the only person who has asked about her fate.

Kitty, Elementary

Elementary’s ratings are down, and we get the inkling this has to do with Kitty, a somewhat unstable detective-in-training who has acted as the third wheel with Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson during the CBS crime-solving drama’s third season. Kitty is a little too brazen and impetuous, and there’s a good chance Elementary will kill off her character as a catalyst to bring Sherlock and Joan back together (and closer than ever). Maybe it’s a stretch, but no matter how they do it, Kitty’s got to go.

Eugene, The Walking Dead

Eugene’s been a pretty popular character on The Walking Dead, thanks to his mullet and his southern way of speaking. However, he’s also put people through a lot of bullshit during Season 5, thanks to his penchant for lying. Then, he spent some time in a coma and while he’s okay now, I’m not sure where his character has to go but down. I wouldn’t be shocked if we see the last of Eugene soon.

Raylan Givens, Justified

Something tells me at the end of FX’s Justified that there will be a pretty high body count left in Harlan County, Kentucky. Raylan Givens is a cowboy with swagger who has always come out on top, but he may have met his match in his archenemy Boyd Crowder. In fact, I highly doubt we get through the series finale with either man left alive. Justified’s ability to weave complex storylines together has always been fascinating, and Graham Yost’s story is one that could have several endings. Whatever happens, we’ll be watching.

With each new year comes new beginnings, whether in the form of resolutions to become happier with oneself, or in the form of frustration over trying to get taxes done. But, sadly, 2015 in particular will mark the endings for a slew of popular TV series all over the network-sphere. We’ll be saying goodbye to characters both young (the Knope-lets) and old-ish (Betty White), and settings we’ve wanted to visit for years, along with others we’ve gladly only experienced in small-screen form.

So settle down with your vice of choice and join us as we begin to bid farewell to 10 series that we’ll be missing once 2015 is complete. Assuming, of course, that creators and showrunners don’t bring all of these series back to life on Netflix or Yahoo! a year or two later. We’ll allow it.

Mad Men

Because AMC enjoys wringing its audiences of as much attention as they can for as long as possible, the “should have ended already” hit historical drama Mad Men is slowly approaching Season 7 – Part 2, in which we’ll find out what Don Draper is like post-Megan, how close Sally Draper gets to becoming her mother Betty, what kind of new disappointments await Pete, and the fates of the series’ stable of other drama-attracting characters. The ratings for the first chunk of Season 7 were as dismal as they’ve ever been, so here’s hoping the critically lauded series can close out the 1960s with class, style, and a record number of viewers.

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Parks and Recreation

NBC’s always hilarious Parks and Recreation is coming back for its final season with some big changes – the Season 6 finale jumped forward three years to 2017 – and additions both new and old – Leslie and Ben have triplets, and many of the show’s recurring characters are returning in differing capacities. Another big change? Since NBC is defaulting on its Thursday night comedy lineup in 2015, Parks and Recreation is moving to Tuesday nights for six weeks of back-to-back episodes. Not the best way to treat yo self to one of the silliest comedies on TV, and it sounds like a decision only Gary could have come up with. But I guess a quick burn off is better than nothing at all.

Series Finale Date: February 24

The Mentalist

Now that show creator Bruno Heller is making waves with Gotham over on Fox, his CBS baby The Mentalist will be coming to a close this year after seven seasons of Simon Baker playing the most dashing psychic on TV. Currently in the middle of said season, The Mentalist now has Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon as a couple while they flip from case to case. Due to its procedural nature, it’s unlikely the rest of Season 7 will bring about many surprises or huge catastrophic moments, but it just might. What do I know? I’m not the psychic.

Series Finale Date: February 18

Justified

TV is losing one of its greatest good guy/bad guy combos in 2015 with the sixth and final season of FX’s Justified. While it’s arguable that the southern fried crime drama should have put Raylan and Boyd in a fatal head-to-head already, the impending showdown will hopefully be worth the wait, giving fans ample opportunities to plant their stakes with Team Raylan or Team Crowder. (Always go with Boyd, people!) Helping things along will be a stellar trio of guest stars, including Sam Elliot, Garrett Dillahunt and Jeff Fahey. Something tells me one or all of these people, Boyd’s crew included, will bring Raylan over to the darker side for a lot longer than he’d like. And it’s gonna be glorious.

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Glee

Like everything Ryan Murphy touches, Fox’s once-beloved musical dramedy Glee has been the victim of shoddily melodramatic plotlines, cast switch-ups and plummeting ratings. So it should come as both comforting and non-surprising that the series is going back to basics for Season 6, which will put all of the focus right back on McKinley High and its crews. (Seeing characters coming back after seemingly going off to do bigger and better things should be more jarring, but whatever works.) Love, babies and Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” are in the air for these final ten episodes, culminating in a two-hour series finale that’ll hopefully be something to sing praises over.

Series Finale Date: March 20

The League

FXX’s The League is the perfect example of a series that takes a single, simple premise – childish adults obsessing over fantasy football – and pushes it to every conceivable place possible in order to draw laughs. (And yes, that “place” often involves genitalia.) The largely improvised series will hand out its final Shiva Bowl and Sacko Bowl trophies for Season 7, and my prediction is that Andre somehow wins them both. Because it’s on FXX, this last season will probably be watched by less people than televised high school football games, but here’s hoping we get to see another Rafi and Dirty Randy episode, and that there’s some narrative where Ryan Leaf guest stars as Johnny Manziel’s uncle.

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Parenthood

With just four episodes left in its sixth and final season, NBC’s Parenthood has roughly 65,000 characters’ plotlines to conclude, but I think these families are ready for it. It looks like Zeek will be dealing with some health issues involving his heart, and that Sarah and Hank may finally get together and stick it out. That’s if they can hear each other over the sound of Amber going into labor for her and Ryan’s child. And after everything Adam has been through, he’s trying to end his time at the Luncheonette, but where will that leave Crosby? So many people! So little time left!

Series Finale Date: January 29

Two and a Half Men

What do you do when the title of your show has become irrelevant after the “Half” got old enough to publically rail on the series after quitting? You make your two straight male main characters begin considering the idea of getting married so that they can adopt a child together. At least that’s how Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre decided to guide his long-running ratings smash to its Season 12 swan song. Former star Charlie Sheen has expressed interest in returning to the show in some way for the last season, and social media has been idly standing by, waiting to see what kind of sparks fly should it happen.

Series Finale Date: February 19

Nurse Jackie

Though Nurse Jackie has done quite a bit of story-treading over the past six years, actress Edie Falco has consistently remained one of the most captivating actresses on TV, and it’ll be a shame to see her leave the Showtime dramedy after Season 7 is over. But it looks like it’s going to be a rough one for the addiction-prone Jackie, as she was last seen getting arrested following a fender bender that revealed her prescription pill jackpot to the world. Will she spend most of the season detoxing in jail, or will her family and friends figure out a way to save her? And we won’t really have to deal with Carrie and Coop approaching parenthood, will we? I’m going to need a lot of pills if that happens.

Series Finale Date: Unknown

The Late Show with David Letterman

No, The Late Show itself isn’t ending, as Stephen Colbert will pick up the reins later this summer, but one of the longest TV institutions ever is coming to an end, and we’ve got far more than ten top reasons why we’ll miss David Letterman in our daily lives. A legend in the game who has only gotten more wonderfully acerbic with age, Letterman has owned this slice of the late night talk show world since 1993, and we can only hope his final guest will be someone who inspires an equal amount of respect and chortling. (It will admittedly be slightly easier to come to grips with not having Paul Schaffer around.)

Dave’s Last Show: May 20

Head to the next page to see even more series that will say goodbye in 2015.

Cougar Town

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Continuum

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Kroll Show

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Falling Skies

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Hot in Cleveland

Series Finale Date: Unknown

Here at Cinema Blend, we hope you’re having the best Thanksgiving of your life, because the holidays are about spending time with those you love. (Among other gravy-covered things.) But we’re not so naïve to think that happiness is the only emotion prevalent any time a big group of family members gets together. The terror of skeletons coming out of closets (that are then ripped down to splinters) is enough to make one lose faith in Thanksgiving’s pigskin on TV and skinned pig in the oven. But it could be worse.

You could have to spend this traditionally joyous occasion with some of television’s most insipid, awkward, lame, hateful or standoffish characters sitting around you at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Here are 12 of the worst TV family members you will thankfully never find yourself asking to “pass the pecan pie and 180-proof eggnog.” Enjoy your families, guys.

Father: Friends’ Charles Bing

One of Chandler Bing’s more steadfast character traits through much of Friends’ run is his dismissal of Thanksgiving. That was the day his parents announced their divorce, brought on by his father Charles banging the pool boy, and the memory has scarred Chandler for life. Nobody needs this guy hanging around for a while and then destroying futures before changing sexes and becoming Kathleen Turner. Although the Kathleen Turner version is certainly welcome to stop by and say hello.

Mother: The Soprano’s Livia Soprano

Livia Soprano is a woman for whom it’s safe to assume love, family and togetherness were all deathly poisonous. She is heinously hateful to all of her children, and has a tolerance for other people’s bullshit that is of a similar size to a mosquito’s bladder. This miserable waste of space – much respect – would probably spend the entire Thanksgiving dinner complaining about how the food tastes and how her dish is chipped, and she’d probably use the dessert time having a regret-free conversation with your uncle about murdering you. Conversely, a good reason to have the Soprano matriarch over for dinner is to slip some strychnine in her food.

Grandfather: Abraham Simpson

Are you interested in hearing stories about the war that you've probably already heard a thousand times before? Do you feel like spending part of your meal and evening hunting around the city trying to find one of your guests? Grandpa Simpson is one of the most mentally deficient characters on TV, although it's pretty sporadic. He's good for a few laughs, usually involving his dentures, but then someone would have to bring him back to the retirement home or figure out a place for him to stay. Is it wrong that I would allow Abe to come over if he brings Hans Moleman?

Grandmother: The Gilmore Girls' Emily Gilmore

You'd need to spend at least an entire year planning a dinner that Emily Gilmore is attending, for you'll probably spend the rest of your life hearing about where you messed up on the meal and decorations, as well as other thoughts from her high society throne. A character that has found herself estranged from each person in her family at times, Emily is generally unable to experience things as a regular person and she'd rather figure out a way to backstab someone with the carving fork. And even if she was perfectly accepting of the food and atmosphere, she'd just talk about your guests and the clothes they're wearing. My blood pressure is starting to rise already.

Uncle: Arrested Development’s Tobias Fünke

Don’t get me wrong. David Cross’ Tobias Fünke is one of my favorite characters in TV history. A lot of why I like him so much is firmly invested in not having to be the guy that has to deal with him on a daily basis. Michael is one of the most tolerant people in the series and even he is in a state of unswaying befuddlement anytime Tobias is attempting something. From his sing-song conversational style to his stories about failed auditions to the potential of getting blue paint all over everything, having this guy around just wouldn’t pay off in the long run. Let’s not even talk about how his behavioral patterns are the type that get him mistaken for a child predator. He’s not the worst uncle stereotype…and that’s it.

Aunt: The Killing's Terry Marek

If you're looking to have a good and loose time for Thanksgiving dinner, with lots of alcohol on the table, then there's a good chance that Terry Marek would be welcome in your house. She's a nice lady, and driven by loving emotions most of the time. Of course, by having her around, you're also running the risk that she might up and kill someone at the table without giving it a second thought, and then you'll have to spend the next two years sluggishly trying to figure out who the murderer is. You don't want to have that kind of thing hanging over your head next to the mistletoe at Christmas.

Cousin: The Addams Family’s Cousin Itt

If Gomez and Morticia were around and the whole family was hanging out, Cousin Itt’s presence at the dinner table wouldn’t be a bother. But, and I’m playing the dimwitted prejudice card here, I have absolutely zero interest in having Cousin Itt over if he’s by himself. Sorry. Nobody besides the fam can understand his weird little voice, and there aren’t even any voice apps that can do translations. Plus, he’s going to get hair in every goddamned dish. I’m not saying cran-hairy sauce isn’t going to be a Thanksgiving dish of the future, but until it is, let’s just keep Cousin Itt’s invitation safely deposited behind the fridge. Heck of a guy though.

Older Brother: The Wonder Years’ Wayne Arnold

And now we head to the kid's table.

As if getting bullied by complete strangers wouldn’t be bad enough, the jerk antichrist Wayne Arnold did that kind of terrible shit to his own brother. (Though the public persona he put on for girls and his “friends” is too cool for (clown) school.) I can imagine him just shoveling mashed potatoes down the back of someone’s shirt at the table, while bragging falsely about some girl whose boob he got to feel up. I admit that I would be more understanding of Wayne’s constant harassment of Kevin and Paul if actor Jason Hervey didn’t have such a smug face tailor-made for being suffocated inside of a plastic bag. The only pleasure dinner with Wayne would bring would be laughing at whatever the collar of his shirt looked like.

Older Sister: Doug's Judy Funnie

Assuming you're not eschewing Thanksgiving dinner for an interpretive dance that is meant to represent the hardships brought about by the pilgrims, then there's probably no reason to call the exercise-in-pretentiousness that is Judy Funnie. She's the kind of girl who won't cause a scene by refusing to eat her food, but she'd make a dramatic demonstration over every single bite, using Shakespearean quotes to talk about how the turkey sucks. Even though Doug didn't continue into the Era of Smartphones, Judy is exactly the type of person who would spend an entire meal texting and laughing about some Harold Pinter joke that one of her shitty friends made. it's also assumable that those same shitty friends would come over and play ukulele-and-triangles covers of pop songs.

Younger Brother: Clarissa Explains It All’s Ferguson Darling

Clarissa would have been a really cool friend to have as a kid, and her presence in my family environment would have made sense. But I’d rather snort a bowl of jalapeno cornbread stuffing than sit near a kids’ table where Jason Zimbler’s Ferguson Darling is sharing the most awful insights into life. If the post-precocious tween Shirley Temple had already taken on the conservative values she did as an adult, that would be the Fergwad, only written for a Snick-aged audience. Shirley Temple at any age would be way more preferable. Getting set on fire by Shirley Temple would have been more preferable, and still is.

Younger Sister: Parenthood’s Sydney Graham

Unless you have a medicine cabinet full of Valium and other assorted fun-time prescriptions, you're going to want to keep Sydney Graham the hell away from your Thanksgiving festivities. She wasn't much more than a bothersome distraction before her family grew by one with her new adopted brother Victor, but that's when she became even more irritably bad-tempered and grating on the nerves. There's a good chance she would just take her food and cantankerously storm off to eat somewhere by herself in total tantrum mode, but you don't want to run that kind of risk with a once-a-year dinner. Can we just call Aunt Terry to hang out with Sydney for a little while in a car near a body of water?

Family Friend: Full House's Kimmy Gibbler

Nobody ever wants to open the door and see Kimmy Gibbler standing on the other side. I'm fairly certain D.J. Tanner was just extremely sympathetic and hung out with Kimmy since no one else in the world should ever choose to do such a thing. She's never funny or particularly sincere in anything she says, and she'd probably spend the whole meal trying to hit on a man over twice her age anyway, despite being shunned to the kids' table. And if she would happen to bring over her doofus boyfriend Duane, that would be grounds to go and find a Denny's to eat at.

Every season, a few TV shows hit their stride, a few others crumble, even more get canceled and a couple will make miraculous comebacks. It’s the TV cycle of life. Sometimes good things end up sucking, sometimes shows are canceled during their prime. Nothing lasts forever. However, this TV season, we’ve noticed an unusually high number of TV shows that are continuing to eke it out way past their prime.

We’ve compiled a list of the current TV shows that we feel have jumped the track. They’ve been on the air for too long or maybe their characters have started to make nonsensical decisions. Perhaps the writing staff on the show has been cut due to budget restraints, or members of the creative team have left for other projects. Whatever the reason, these are the nine shows on TV that have officially gone off the rails. Let’s just be happy Dexter ended last spring, shall we?

Bones, Fox

Bones is currently airing its 10th season on Fox. Although the show’s fans love its gross-out plotlines and quirky characters, it’s time to admit the writing on this show has been off the rails for several seasons now. I’d say it happened around the time Christopher Pelant started terrorizing the crew. Regardless, there have been a lot of awful, nonsense plotlines on the show over the past couple of years, including but not limited to Angela and Hodgins losing their money, an episode getting told from the perspective of a skull and Bones coming face-to-face with her dead mother. It’s time for Fox to break-up with Bones.

Revenge, ABC

It’s clear that Revenge has had some problems over the last couple of seasons, which is really striking, since ABC’s drama has only been a part of the lineup for four seasons. To be fair, Revenge’s soapy premise was always a little bit wacky, but the show has killed off so many characters at this point and gone down so many random paths that it is more confusing than a daytime soap at this point, just better acted. And now, instead of Emily Thorne’s revenge, we are getting to see Victoria Greyson’s revenge. What's next? I'm guessing more characters will bite the dust and others will return from the dead!

Parenthood, NBC

For as long as it has aired on NBC, Parenthood has made fans cringe as much as it has made fans cry. However, after an awesome storyline involving character Kristina and breast cancer two seasons ago, Parenthood has run out of steam. Parenthood's always been dramatic, but now it is wacky and dramatic. Kristina somehow opened a school for special needs kids. Adam and Crosby are having money problems for like the billionth time. Joel is sometimes the family man we know him to be and sometimes switches personalities to be a total dick. We get it, Parenthood, life is complicated, but that doesn’t mean your show needs to be nonsensical.

Homeland, Showtime

The only non-network show to make this list, Homeland is actually attempting to rise from the ashes of the absolute wild storylines it put out during its second and third seasons. Homeland was a critical darling during its first season, but took a turn for the worse when it extended character Brody’s stay into Season 2. Now that Brody is past tense, Homeland has already been renewed for Season 5, so we’ll see if the show levels off or continues to head into crazier and crazier territory.

Once Upon A Time, ABC

If we’re being honest, most of ABC’s Sunday night lineup is off the rails. Once Upon A Time, like Revenge, never made a comeback after introducing magic at the end of Season 1. Now the world of Once Upon A Time is as convoluted as Lost, as showrunners Edward Kitsis and Anthony Horowitz have resorted to using Disney’s Frozen characters to boost ratings. We’re even talking CGI’d snow monsters. Off. The. Rails.

Grey’s Anatomy, ABC

Grey’s Anatomy has been off the rails for so long, it is hard to pinpoint when this show lost its mojo. Was it when Dr. Burke was kicked off the series? Or was it later, at the end of Season 8, when Lexi was killed off in a horrific plane crash? Although Grey’s has no end date in sight, it will definitely go out with a whimper rather than a bang.

Chicago Fire, NBC

The youngest show on this list, Chicago Fire has an extremely likeable cast. However, it has been plagued with criticism due to the fact that the actual fires and emergencies on Chicago Fire aren’t remotely realistic. In many ways, it’s not so different from most cop shows, which amp up the drama to gain more interest, but with fires and safety situations, ludicrous plots are way more noticeable. The Dick Wolfe drama has been off the rails from the start, but on the bright side, its audience doesn’t seem to mind.

Downton Abbey, PBS

Problematically, Downton Abbey’s biggest problems stem from cast members leaving. The hit ITV drama was absolutely crushing in the ratings during Season 3. Granted, that season had some misses, including every scene involving Bates and jail. Still, we’re pretty sure what killed this show's credibility was the loss of Jessica Brown Findlay, Dan Stevens and Siobhan Finneran in three fell swoops. Since then, nothing has been the same.

Two And A Half Men, CBS

Two and a Half Men is a network sitcom that has been notable for poor-taste jokes and its on set problems in the past. Despite this, the show is now in its twelfth season at CBS and has finally put together the most ludicrous plotline of all. In Season 12, Alan and Walden pretend to be gay so that they can adopt a child together. Don’t even get me started on the loss of the “Half” man in the title. Thank god, it’s the final season.

Honorable mentions go to: Banshee (Alan Ball has a knack for melodrama), House of Cards (Are you tired of breaking the fourth wall, yet, Frank Underwood?), Person of Interest (don’t even get us started on “The Machine”).

Are there any shows you would like to defend or think we may have missed? Let us know in the comments, below.

There are a lot of annoying, obnoxious and mal-adjusted child characters on television, but sifting through them all, I think many would agree that the kids in the Parenthood clan are the absolute worst. From talking back to being unreasonable and from spoiled antics to general brattish behavior, the kids on NBC’s Parenthood have an awful lot of problems. So, with only a few episodes of Parenthood left to air, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to rank the obnoxious children on the show from bad to the worst. Although even the best doesn't mean a model child on this show.

Check out our rankings, below, and let us know if you feel the Parenthood kids deserve to be ranked differently.

#9 & #10) Nora Braverman and Aida Trussell-Braverman

The youngest kids of both Adam and Kristina and Jasmine and Crosby barely make a radar on this list. They don’t speak and don’t really have any impact on major plotlines. They just exist.

Reasons They Suck: No lines, no personalities, no point.

#8) Haddie Braverman

Haddie is the eldest daughter of Adam and Kristina, who used to be a regular on the show. She had some problems in high school, but then went to college, supporting her mom when she had cancer. Most recently, she’s been pretty go with the flow and hasn’t caused too many waves, making her past the major reason she sort-of sucks.

Reasons She Sucks: Dating older boys, going to parties, getting caught with drugs, arguing with her parents, showing up unannounced when mom had cancer.

#7) Jabbar Trussell-Braverman

Jabbar is the eldest kid of Jasmine and Crosby. He also ranks pretty low on the list, and is often more annoying than an actual suckfest. Which is actually pretty good, considering the kid didn’t have a father in his life until he turned 5. Way to parent, Jasmine.

Reasons He Sucks: Occasionally whiny and stomps his feet, has a cheesy smile, recently refused to be told “no” about going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter when his parents are broke.

#6) Drew Holt

Drew is another character on Parenthood who has come a long way from the early days of the show. Originally moody and withdrawn, Drew has most recently helped out his pregnant sister and talked some sense into her when she tried to get back with her troubled ex. He still occasionally sucks, though.

Reasons He Sucks: Lets girls walk all over him, lacks respect for his mom, lacks respect for himself, used to be moody and withdrawn, doesn’t like mom’s boyfriends, got a chick pregnant in high school.

#5) Victor Graham

Victor is the adopted son of Julia and Joel. Amusingly, despite the fact that his second home is now a broken home, he seems moderately well-adjusted, only getting emotional on occasion. It’s amazing what sports can do for a kid.

Reasons He Sucks: Adjusted to his new life poorly, threw a bat through a window, doesn’t get along with Sydney, is terrible at schoolwork, eats Cheez Whiz straight out of the can.

#4) Amber Holt

I hesitate to even call the formerly engaged and pregnant Amber a kid at this point. She’s definitely a young adult, but if my family can put my late-twenties ass at the kiddie table during holiday events, she’s going to have to suck it up. Because Sarah’s kid is among the most disappointing personalities the show has to offer. She's a one step forward, two steps back kind of girl.

Reasons She Sucks: Didn’t go to college, covers up the misdeeds of her cousins, is pregnant with no life plan, tried to get back with her PTSD baby daddy, has trouble dealing with her life changing due to her pregnancy, can’t afford stuff for the baby, almost died in a car accident due to partying, has occasional problems with alcohol, has difficulty getting along with mom and dad.

#3) Max Braverman

Max is one of Kristina and Adam’s kids. To be fair, most of his issues stem from the fact that he was diagnosed with a moderate case of Asperger’s Syndrome, which Adam and Kristina don’t always handle with finesse, even if they have his best intentions at heart.

Reasons He Sucks: Has trouble with eye contact, often makes hurtful comments to family members, walks all over his parents, does not handle being chastised for bad behavior well, is generally difficult to deal with, oggles Ruby, puts others in awkward positions, has a weird obsession with bugs.

#2) Ruby Rizzoli

Ruby is one of the newer additions to the Parenthood universe, but she’s certainly made up for this by being a horrible human being in recent episodes. She’s Hank and Sandy (Betsy Brandt)’s kid, but she manages to cause problems for Sarah and Amber, too.

Reasons She Sucks: Shoplifts regularly, is disrespectful to her parents, sneaks out of the house, gets drunk, lies to everyone, is consistently in a bad mood, has horrible taste in clothing and makeup.

#1) Sydney Graham

Hey remember that time when Julia realized she had zero control over Sydney and locked her in her room, leaving her to kick and scream out her emotions? Well, things really haven’t gotten better since then. Sydney is by far the worst child on Parenthood and possibly the worst kid to ever appear on a TV show. I’m so happy that Parenthood is ending, so we don’t have to see what she would be like as a teen or adult.

Reasons She Sucks: snotty, is a bully at school, treats Victor horribly, is spoiled by her parents, talks back to both of her parents, has frequent temper tantrums, is never in a good mood, cries all the time, is generally unlikeable. And she’s only ten.

What do you think about the Braverman clan? Let us know in the comments, below.

Photo Credits @ NBC

NBC has really been wracking up the body count during premiere week. On Tuesday, hit drama Chicago Fire saw one of its leads succumb to an injury in a bad fire. Now today, Parenthood showrunner Jason Katims is saying mortality will affect the final season throughout its 13-episode run. If there’s one thing that Parenthood does really well, it is tie in to the emotionality of being human. Now in its sixth and final season, it looks like Parenthood will be going out with a bang. Find out what we can expect from the premiere, below.

There’s a lot at stake leading into the Season 6 premiere of Parenthood. Amber is pregnant. Julia is picking up her life after separating from Joel. Adam and Kristina are trying to get their school finished as the deadline for the fall semester approaches. Hank’s ex-wife is set to return. There’s a lot going on, but Katims recently told THR that the final season will revolve around loss.

Since this summer. Katims has been teasing big changes in Season 6 that will have an effect on the Braverman clan. Parenthood has always had a lot of tearjearker moments, but it looks as if there will be more during the show’s final episodes.

Since it sounds as if death is on the horizon but not necessarily delivering a swift blow, my money is on Zeek having major health troubles. The man’s been dealing with heart problems for several seasons and the death or health issues of the patriarch of the family is the only potential plot I could think of that would heavily affect the lives of all of the main characters. I suppose Kristina’s cancer could come back, but that almost seems as if it would be a hasty retread thrown in because they couldn’t come up with anything else. Obviously, this is all surmising at this point, but luckily we should be able to find out

NBC’s Parenthood will premiere tonight at 10 p.m. ET. You can check out the rest of the fall premiere schedule, here.

Football season is upon us once more, and while my pint glass runneth over with excitement, I can understand that non-sports fans probably aren’t enthused about seeing big green fields and big angry men taking over their televisions. Thursday Night Football used to be solely an NFL Network gig, but this year CBS is hemorrhaging money to air eight weeks of primetime contests, starting September 11.

It’s a smart move, as NFL ratings are more guaranteed than our rights as U.S. citizens, but there are many millions of Americans who want something else from their Thursday evenings. So here are five things you could be watching instead of Thursday Night Football. And while these next two aren’t list options, know that you can always watch DVR broadcasts of Sundays games that night, or you can catch up on watching someone else playing Madden 15. The world is your pigskin oyster. None of these shows are starting this week, so you might be tempted to watch tonight's special edition of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, featuring the Green Bay Packers taking on the Seattle Seahawks. Give in to your temptations. Love the football.

The Shonda Rhimes Empire

Taking advantage of the still-present gender gap in sports viewing, ABC is packing its schedule with Shonda Rhimes-created fare to sway female audiences. (And male audiences that just can’t get enough of Kerry Washington’s behavior.) Starting September 25, the network will be debuting Grey’s Anatomy’s Season 11, which is expected to feature a major arc for Geena Davis, followed by Scandal’s Season 4, where we’ll get to see just where Olivia Pope went after the Season 3 finale. And then there’s the series premiere of the Viola Davis' crime drama How to Get Away with Murder. The NFL can’t compete with the death rate on these shows, although the drama is sometimes comparable. Take comfort i knowing once you put Grey’s Anatomy on, you don't have to touch your remote control again until the game is nearly finished.

Parenthood’s Final Season

For five years now, audiences have laughed and cried along with the drama-filled lives of the Bravermans and their extended families, and now it’s time to bid them farewell with its 13-episode sixth and final season. There are a ton of questions that the series will hopefully be answering for fans when it returns on September 25. How will Adam and Christina’s charter school fare? Is Amber pregnant? Are Julia and Joel headed for divorce or reconciliation? How will Sarah and Hank handle getting back together? There are probably more plot points to bring up, but that’s already more than most shows have going for them.

New NBC Comedies

Remember when NBC was seemingly the only reason Thursday nights were worth living for, with Friends and Seinfeld destroying most other sitcoms in ratings and pop culture relevance? Well, those days are obviously long gone, but NBC is still trying to reclaim those glory days with new comedies Bad Judge and A to Z. The former stars Kate Walsh as a sexually preoccupied judge whose party-heavy lifestyle may be changed by a young boy whose parents she puts in jail. The latter is an alphabetical dissection of the relationship and break-up between Andrew (Ben Feldman) and Zelda (Cristin Milloti), as narrated by Sons of Anarchy’s Katey Segal. There are no guarantees when it comes to how good each show is, but you can find out for yourself when both premiere on October 2.

Gracepoint

This option is the most interesting one to me, as it is an Americanized remake of the acclaimed BBC mystery Broadchurch. Not only was it developed by the original creator Christ Chibnall, but Gracepoint also borrows Broadchurch star David Tennant to take over a similar detective role, with Emmy winner Anna Gunn as his partner. The series’ central mystery begins when a young boy is found dead on the beach in a fictional California seaside town. All of Gracepoint’s citizens are possible suspects, which leads to a media frenzy and a complete breakdown in social decency. This doesn’t sound like the most hilarious choice for mid-week viewing, but if it’s anything like the British version, Gracepoint could become a critical darling for Fox. (Assuming it doesn’t get canceled by its second episode.)

The Biggest Loser

For sports fans who aren’t necessarily big into football, Season 16 of The Biggest Loser is changing things up this year by featuring an entire roster of 20 former athlete contestants. Former NFL players Scott Mitchell and Damien Woody are there, but also the gold medalist tennis star Zina Garrison, rugby player Rob Guiry, track and fielder Emmy Lou Munoz and cheerleader Gina Haddon (pictured above), as well as many others. In the absence of Jillian Michaels, new trainers Jessie Pavelka and Jennifer Widerstrom are joining Dolvett Quince and Bob Harper. This season also marks the debut of “Comeback Canyon,” in which eliminated contestants can battle to make it back onto the show. After 15 seasons, is this the kind of change The Biggest Loser needs to remain popular? Find out when it premieres on September 11.

NBC may have canceled Betsy Brandt’s latest series, The Michael J. Fox Show, but it seems the professional actress doesn’t hold a grudge against the network. She’s signed on to return to the NBC drama Parenthood for a recurring role in the show’s sixth and final season. Brandt formerly popped up in an episode of Parenthood back in 2012.

It might seem odd that a one-off character might be returning to Parenthood in a regular role. However, for those familiar with the Parenthood universe, it should make total sense. On the family-oriented series Brandt plays Sandy, the ex-wife of Hank and mother of Hank’s daughter, Ruby, who popped up just in time to see Hank help to wreck Sarah’s relationship with Mark. Hank had a brief stint where he moved to Minnesota, but he was back in the picture last season, offering his studio for Max to work in and even helping Amber out. Since he’s once again pursuing a romance with Sarah, it makes sense that his ex would be back in the picture, although it’s difficult to tell what sort of plot will keep Sandy in the fold for most of the season.

We’ll find out soon enough. TV Line is reporting that Betsy Brandt’s character will pop up in the first episode of Season 6, which is set to hit the TV schedule on September 25. NBC’s messed with Parenthood’s episode count again for its final season, and the network has picked up the series for 13 episodes, down from 22, this time around.

A recurring role on Parenthood might seem like a letdown for Brandt, who played a large role in Breaking Bad before transitioning into starring in The Michael J. Fox Show. Still, the actress is keeping busy. She’s taken a role in Masters of Sex this summer, and will star in the upcoming ABC program Members Only. The gig on Parenthood is just another opportunity for the actress, who will hopefully land another long-term gig, soon—especially since the Parenthood role has a finite end date.

In an ideal world, there’s a lot that Parenthood would tie up before it makes its exit. Sarah needs to find a stable relationship or at least figure out what makes her happy, Julia and Joel need to stop being a schizophrenic couple, Amber needs to find some stability, and Kristina certainly needs to figure out what she wants to do with her working life. Add in side plotlines like Haddie’s lesbian story and Zeek’s quest for meaning in the dusk of his life and the Season 6 slate should be pretty full. I’m not sure if Parenthood will be able to tie up every storyline with a neat bow, but the beauty of the series is that it has never needed to.

Parenthood returns Thursday, September 25 at 10 p.m. ET.

In the grand scheme of things, awards aren’t as important to a series as consistent ratings and a dedicated audience, but there’s a difference in prestige between calling something a “fan-favorite” show and an “award-winning” show. The goal will always be for gold, but it’s become clear over the years that Emmy voters have very little interest in giving certain series their due justice, for one reason or another. We’d love to picket down the streets of Emmyville, raising hell every time a deserved nomination slips through the cracks, but sometimes one just has to accept the way things are. And we accepted those things once again with this morning’s nomination reveals.

As such, here are five series that never got the Primetime Emmy attention they deserve, and probably never will. This obviously isn’t an exhaustive list, and doesn’t reflect the entire TV landscape, but these are series that have been on for multiple years that mostly retained the same level of quality and enjoyment. To be clear, some have been nominated and one even took home an award, but not in one of the top categories. (Not that I’m trying to be an elitist here.) So pour yourself a nice big can of wine and read on!

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Like every show on this list – spoiler alert! – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia works best with its brilliant ensemble cast all on screen at the same time, yelling loudly while madness envelops them. For nine seasons now, with more on the way, The Gang has built a rock solid reputation for itself that neither Nightman nor Dayman would ever dream of challenging. Everything about this show is comedy gold, from a career-best Danny DeVito to the imploding plotlines to the revolving door of side characters that Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) inevitably treat like garbage in order to get their way.

Season 9 was predictably just as hilarious as each of its predecessors, with highlights including The Gang’s attempt to correct their lifelong mistreatment of others, as well as Mac Day and the unparalleled lunacy of the episode “The Gang Makes Lethal Weapon 6.” And if there’s any question that It’s Always Sunny should make this list, this season even had the episode “The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award,” in which they miss out on winning “Best Bar in Philadelphia," so they head out to mess with the trendy winning bar. If only The Gang could wander through this year’s Outstanding Comedy Series list.

Parenthood

Parenthood has been on the air for five seasons and in that time, this fantastic family-focused network TV drama has only received one Emmy nomination, and that was in 2012 for Jason Ritter (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series). At this point, if Parenthood hasn't gotten the Academy's attention with its outstanding writing, moving story arcs and spectacular acting, odds are, it probably never will.

Parenthood might not be delivering the gritty kind of drama that tends to draw award nominations, but it regularly delves into the challenges of family, marriage and parenting in way that's both entertaining and relatable. For Season 5, it was marital struggles for Julia and Joel, political aspirations for Kristina, and a frustrating but necessary separation for Camille and Zeek as they were faced with conflicting ideas about what they wanted out of life. Even if it couldn't make the list for Outstanding Drama Series -- network TV shows rarely do these days -- it would be nice to see Parenthood's cast praised for their efforts. Alas, the series was snubbed once again this year. On the bright side, while the Academy may not recognize the series often, NBC has continued to support the series. We may not see Parenthood on Emmys night, but it'll be back on the air for Season 6 this fall!

Community

While I’d just as soon forget that its Dan Harmon-free Season 4 ever existed, I thought that Community did a fairly excellent job this past season of regaining its lost pathos and refocusing the frequently sardonic satire. But still, no recognition for those efforts from the Emmys, which has only ever given the pop culture savvy series attention for Chris McKenna’s timeline-jumping “Remedial Chaos Theory,” which lost to Louie’s “Pregnant.” To be fair, Drew Hodges did take top honors for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for the Claymation in 2011’s “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas,” but the series was deserving of much more in its prime.

Community’s cast and crew will have even more trouble getting rewarded for their efforts now that the series is moving from NBC to Yahoo!, though this year’s abundance of Netflix series noms could give way to more online projects in the future. Still, the doomed combination of Donald Glover’s absence and a past-its-prime Season 6 will likely keep the comedy from making big waves when nominations are announced next year. Maybe we should start looking forward to how well a Community movie might do at the Oscars. Jonathan Banks: For Your Consideration.

Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy fans have been riding through SAMCRO’s world for six seasons now, and Kurt Sutter’s dark and hyper-violent drama has yet to bag any nominations other than a first-year nod for Curtis Stigers & the Forest Rangers’ theme song. Sons is approaching the end of its planned seven-season run, and there’s a slight chance that the Hamlet-inspired plotting will transcend its dirty biker stereotype in Emmy brains to finally get recognized as one of TV’s most exciting and enticing dramas. (The mass amounts of dark and odd comedy don’t hurt the dramatic tone, either.) But that probably won’t happen, because hoity-toity prestige series like Mad Men don’t have scenes where characters drown people in tubs full of piss.

So maybe I can accept that Sons of Anarchy won’t find an Outstanding Drama Series award in its future, but it’s gash-smashingly ridiculous that Katey Segal hasn’t ever been on the receiving end of an Outstanding Lead Actress nomination. (I’m pretty sure if she made threats with a carving fork, she’d get nominated for any category she asked.) I’m equally bummed that Walton Goggins isn’t up for Outstanding Guest Actor for playing the transgender starlet Venus Van Dam, whose appearance this season was in a much more emotional place than her S&M-infused debut appearance. Will this be the year Kim Coates or Tommy Flanagan runs and guns it hard enough to find Supporting gold? I say yes, but I won’t be looking life in the eye as I say it.

Workaholics

Like It’s Always Sunny, the Comedy Central series Workaholics has slowly built up a rabid quote-spewing crowd of bowl-schmoking tight butthole fans. Though it was nominated in 2013 for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program, that hardly reflects the top notch work delivered by the cast and writers, who have spent the last four seasons turning blatant ignorance and rage-fueled passivity into an artform. It’s unclear to me how Jim Parsons repeatedly gets nominated for Big Bang Theory’s yawn-worthy Sheldon Cooper, while Adam “DeMamp” DeVine never gets put in the spotlight for delivering a more energetic performance than anything network TV has ever seen.

Okay, so even if DeVine and co-stars Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Maribeth Monroe and Jillian Bell all get shunned, why can’t the writers and/or director Kyle Newacheck get some love? (Newacheck also plays Karl, the resident dealer and arguably the show’s most blissfully dopey character.) Not only did Workaholics’s Season 4 contain the ecstasy-laced suburban baby shower rave and a quasi-documentary about Karl getting his dick cut off, but we get to see the guys going clown for children’s parties and attempting to steal a bunch of beer by pouring it into the back of a truck. And the only thing better than watching the guys one-up each other in exceedingly crude and immature ways is seeing them fall head-over-heels for a dude even dudeier than they are. (Stan Halen!) This isn’t the most HIGHbrow material in town, but it deserves a place next to the staid comedy of Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory.

BONUS ENTRY: Chopped

With a pronounced focus on sticking to the basics and a lack of exploitative personal drama – although dead relatives play a large part in contestant stories – Chopped is probably my favorite reality show of all time. Weird food. Interesting meals. Big pressure. Respectable judges. It’s all there. And just once I’d like to open the basket and see Ted Allen up for Outstanding Host over Heidi Klum or Tom Bergeron.

NBC has officially unveiled their 2014-2015 lineup, which reveals some big changes to their schedule the most notable of which is a very different Thursday night line-up. NBC has traditionally blocked out four half-hour slots for comedies on Thursday night, however this Fall, they've set The Biggest Loser in the 8:00 p.m. slot, followed by two new comedies and then the return of Parenthood, which is officially locked in for a sixth season, which will be its last. Parenthood is the only thing that's staying the same for NBC's Thursday night, at least for now. Parks and Recreation will return for its (confirmed) last season during Midseason 2015, but NBC hasn't specified what day they plan to air it.

NBC stated that "reinvigorating" Thursday night was a big priority, and you'll note in the line-up below, they plan to move The Blacklist to Thursday night starting in February.

Here's the lineup. New shows are in all caps. Click the links to watch the trailers!

It's no secret that NBC has struggled with their Thursday night comedy block. The line-up that once included shows like Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends and The Office hasn't managed to find any other hugely successful shows to keep the ratings rolling in recent years. We learned last week that NBC cancelled Community, which probably should've been a clue that the Peacock was ready to make a big change to Thursday programming.

So Thursday night will be very different. But NBC hasn't abandoned comedy entirely. There are a number of new half-hour shows listed on the line-up, including a couple on Thursday night, wedged between The Biggest Loser and Parenthood (Bad Judge and A to Z) and NBC notes that Parks and Recreation will return for its last season during midseason. Also held for midseason are Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the Ellen DeGeneres produced One Big Happy and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's Mission Control. There's also Craig Robinson's Mr. Robinson.

Grimm remains on Friday nights, but cancelled drama Dracula has been replaced by DC comic adaptation Constantine. Hannibal is set to return, but the same can not be said for Revolution, Crisis and Believe, all of which were cancelled.

NBC also announced that they've ordered the Katherine Heigl-starring State of Affairs, as well as spy-thriller Allegiance, detective drama The Mysteries of Laura, Among the event series, there are Emerald City, Aquarius, Heroes Reborn and The Bible followup A.D..

Stay tuned for more information, photos and video from NBC's new series!