Every streaming service has its own original content, and of the best Netflix shows to binge is definitely Stranger Things. The sci-fi series, which is available with a Netflix subscription, is arguably the most popular show on there, and fans are hyped for its upcoming fifth and final season. Mike Wheeler actor Finn Wolfhard recently boasted about its ending, and I'm curious if the show will join the likes of Six Feet Under and Breaking Bad.

What we know about Stranger Things 5 is limited, but the pressure is on for the beloved series to stick the landing. While a number of TV shows have ended well, disappointing finales have a way of tarnishing the entire show. I'm looking at you, Game of Thrones. In a conversation with Who What Wear, Wolfhard gassed up how the story of Hawkins will end, saying:

Those are some big words, and ones that will be relieving for the many Stranger Things fans out there who are worried about what will happen in the series finale. On top of fan concerns about which beloved characters might be killed off, all eyes are on how The Duffer Brothers will wrap up the long-standing narrative. Although if Wolfhard is to be believed, they crushed it with the series finale.

If his comments end up being accurate, then perhaps Stranger Things will be able to live up to other epic finales like Six Feet Under. That acclaimed series, which is streaming with a HBO Max subscription, has my favorite final episode of all time. It showed the fate of the Fishers over decades of time, revealing how each beloved character ultimately dies. Breaking Bad also had a wildly satisfying final season, where all of the drama and death built up to an emotionally satisfying ending.

The Stranger Things Season 5 trailer showed how high the stakes are, with the entire town of Hawkins quarantined due to the Upside Down's attacks. In the same interview, Finn Wolfhard spoke about what to expect from his signature character, teasing:

Honestly, this does sound pretty epic. It sounds like our heroes are taking one final stand against Vecna and his forces, and Mike is seemingly helping to lead the charge. While he might not have powers like Eleven, that's never stopped the rest of the gang from helping to fight the forces of evil in Hawkins. As a reminder, you can check out the trailer for Season 5 below:

While it's been a long wait between seasons, Stranger Things' fifth and final entry is nearly upon us. The first four episodes will arrive on Netflix on November 26th. After that we'll get three more chapters on December 25th, before the finale drops on December 31st as part of the 2025 TV schedule. The wait is almost over, and I'm really hoping that Wolfhard's comments about its ending are a sign of something great to come.

When it comes to specific channels on television, there is but one that has produced television shows that have genuinely taken the world by storm and got people talking for years on end. And that, my friends, is HBO. The premium channel – known as “Home Box Office” – has created some of the biggest shows of the last thirty years or so. And here are some that truly got the world talking.

Game of Thrones

You knew Game of Thrones would be on here somehow. The series, based on the novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin, was the biggest show for years on HBO, with several huge Game of Thrones shocking moments and a Game of Thrones cast that exploded onto the scene and became household names. It’s one of the best shows of the last decade.

Westworld

Running for three seasons, Westworld was a sci-fi western based on the novel of the same name. It was a huge show when it first came out. The Westworld cast was large and impressive, and the story took so many twists and turns that it was almost hard to keep up with it.

The White Lotus

Did you ever think a series about guests at a five-star hotel resort would become the phenomenon that it’s become? Because I sure didn’t. The White Lotus, which began as a limited series, has run for three seasons so far and has captured the hearts and attention of viewers worldwide, with views growing steadily with each new season.

Insecure

Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, Insecure is the kind of comedy-drama that everyone needs to see. With five seasons total, the series followed two young Black women who are navigating their twenties and just trying to survive everyday life. It’s hilarious, won several awards, and was popular for all the right reasons.

True Detective

With a new cast each season and a new mystery to solve, True Detective kept coming back with even better stories and excellent acting. From the lands of California to the snow landscape of Alaska, this series finds new ways to surprise its audience each time, making viewers return for more whenever a new season is confirmed.

The Last of Us

Based on the video game franchise of the same name, The Last of Us ended up becoming one of the biggest shows on the channel, as well as on Max, the streaming platform for HBO. The series follows the life of Joel, a smuggler in the apocalypse, and Ellie, a girl who is immune to the virus. They journey across the United States, where her immunity might be the cure to this whole thing. The series is beloved by most, and is one of the best video game adaptations out there.

Deadwood

Considered one of the best Western shows, Deadwood is the series to watch if you want a good, classic crime drama with some of the best acting. Featuring an all-star cast with so much to love, the show was so popular that it spawned a movie after it ended, which also premiered on HBO.

Euphoria

While there have been years between seasons of this show, there’s no denying that Euphoria is one of those series where, when it premieres, the world stops to watch. Starring an impressive Euphoria cast led by Zendaya, the dark teen drama altered pop culture when it premiered and has remained iconic years later.

Big Little Lies

Based on the novel of the same name, Big Little Lies is a mystery and dark comedy in which you never truly know who to trust. With two seasons and cast members who are mega-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and more at the helm, this series got people talking and more.

House Of The Dragon

While the Game of Thrones universe has continued to expand, the first series that came out after the main show concluded was House of the Dragon, based on the novel Fire and Blood. With more dragons than ever before, a civil war that has fans on the edge of their seats, and acting that takes your breath away, this series was primed to become one of the biggest shows out there the moment it premiered.

Six Feet Under

For five seasons, one of the biggest shows on HBO was Six Feet Under, a series that followed the lives of a family who ran a funeral parlor. I know, at first, that kind of premise sounds like it wouldn’t mean much entertainment, but this was a very well-received series and one that fans absolutely loved.

The Wire

Whenever anyone thinks of an HBO show, one of the first that comes to mind is always this one. The Wire was a crime drama set in Baltimore and told a different storyline each season about a new institution of the city, from drugs to the lack of education in the city. It’s extremely well-told.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

There are some comedies out there that become huge, and then there’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, a show that ran for twelve seasons, 120 episodes, and continued to remain critically praised for years. Fans could not get enough of Larry David in the lead role and the hilarity of the story that his fictional self would get into in this iconic HBO series.

Mildred Pierce

A miniseries on HBO, Mildred Pierce, is based on a book by the same name and stars Kate Winslet. Through five episodes, we watch a divorcee of the Great Depression trying to find herself again and establish a business within the restaurant industry while also dealing with her problems. The miniseries was a massive hit for HBO and earned several Emmy nominations – and a couple of wins.

Big Love

Running for five seasons, Big Love was a drama that took the world by storm. It followed the story of a Mormon man and his three wives who lived in modern-day Utah. The series was another huge hit for the channel and earned several major awards during its run.

The Sopranos

I mean, obviously, I have to include The Sopranos. I feel like The Sopranos is as synonymous with HBO as Game of Thrones is. The series made the channel huge and won many awards. The Sopranos cast is filled to the brim with incredible talent, and even now, years later, it has a long-lasting legacy.

Girls

Created by Lena Dunham, Girls was a comedy-drama that aired over six seasons and followed the lives of four women living in modern-day New York City. It had some hilarious storylines but wasn’t afraid to dive deeper into modern themes and darker subjects, which made the show such a hit.

Chernobyl

When I think of some of the best miniseries on HBO, Chernobyl is one that comes up every time. The series tells the true story of the Chernobyl disaster and was critically praised for its acting, accuracy, and fantastic cinematography. Once you watch Chernobyl, you’ll never return to who you were before.

Veep

I could go on and on for hours about Veep and how amazing it was. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the Veep cast was hilarious. It told the story of a U.S. vice president and how she tried to deal with the modern-day politics of America while also working with an idiotic president next to her. It’s hysterical in every way, shape and form.

Watchmen

Based on the same comic series, Watchmen is an HBO miniseries that truly redefines the superhero drama of television. It tells bold and dark tales of a world of crime and justice. It also has an incredible cast that only cemented its legacy on HBO. I always wished there was a Season 2, but I’m content with it running for the one miniseries we got.

Barry

For four seasons, Barry was the best dark comedy on the channel – and later, it really turned into more of a drama than anything else. The series, starring Bill Hader as the lead of the spectacular Barry cast, tells the story of a hitman who finds some purpose in acting in L.A. and begins to question his life. The show takes twists and turns you would never expect.

Mare Of Easttown

This miniseries, Starring Kate Winslet, was a huge hit for HBO. With seven episodes, it tells the story of a detective who investigates a murder in a small town outside of Philadelphia while also dealing with her own personal life. The series won several Emmy Awards and was talked about for weeks.

The Leftovers

The Leftovers ran for three seasons, but it cemented itself on HBO’s roster the moment it did, and people still talk about it today. The series follows the lives of people on Earth who were left behind when 2% of the entire population of the world vanished. Now, it’s up to the leftovers to survive.

The Righteous Gemstones

The Righteous Gemstones is one of those series that has a cast that is too good to be true. The show stars Danny McBride, Adam DeVine, John Goodman, Walton Goggins, and so many other major stars – and what makes it better is that it’s so funny. With four seasons, the series follows a family of televangelists and their personal lives, and it’s just as hysterical as you can imagine it would be.

Band Of Brothers

The miniseries Band of Brothers was based on the novel of the same name and is a war drama that was praised for its impressive Band of Brothers cast, as well as how realistic the series was. The show was so popular that it spawned two spinoff shows years later – The Pacific and Masters of the Air.

Succession

Oh, you knew this show would be on here somehow. Succession was a huge HBO show that followed the story of a family fighting for control over their father’s media conglomerate when his health was put into question. The series was praised for its acting, from the incredible Succession cast, as well as its storyline that anyone could get into.

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

While it’s not a scripted series like many of the others on this list, this talk show has become a massive hit for HBO and has won several Emmys throughout the years. Starring John Oliver, the talk show covers what has happened in the world in a funny way, mostly regarding politics, and always features clips that end up becoming huge on social media.

Silicon Valley

Running for six seasons, Silicon Valley is a comedy series that is exactly what you expect it to be—a series about tech bros in the iconic Silicon Valley of California and the struggles of working there. The series earned plenty of award nominations during its run, including Emmys, and was a major hit.

Oz

If you’re looking for a prison drama, then Oz is one that you have to check out, and it became a huge deal for HBO. The series follows the lives of prisoners and guards and everyone else involved in a maximum security prison, with enough drama to last a lifetime that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I May Destroy You

This single-series show took the world by storm. I May Destroy You is a black comedy about a young writer who is trying to rebuild who she is and her life after suffering a horrible sexual assault. The show was nominated for many awards and was a significant success for the channel.

Sharp Objects

Starring Amy Adams and based on the novel of the same name, Sharp Objects is about a reporter who is covering the murder of two girls and has to return to her hometown. Her hometown is filled with memories of her past that haunt her to this day. The miniseries was an award-winner and earned several acting nominations.

Mr. Show With Bob And David

While it’s one of the oldest shows on this list, Mr. Show with Bob and David was what kickstarted the careers of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The series was a sketch comedy that ran for four seasons with hilarious bits and moments that really cemented the two lead stars in the world of comedy.

There are so many other great HBO shows that people loved, but these are just a few of the ones that I enjoy watching every time I get the chance. If you haven’t checked them out, you need to now!

The so-called "Golden Age" or "Peak TV era" of television is broadly (and roughly) defined as the running from the debut of The Sopranos to the finale of Better Call Saul. This isn't a perfect description, as there are still some really amazing shows that continue part, like, say, Severance, just to name one. But, for this article, we're going to stick to those parameters. Without further ado, here is our list of some of the truly great shows from the Peak Era of television.

Game Of Thrones

We certainly couldn't make this list without the grand dragon on them all, HBO's Game of Thrones. Though the ending made a lot of people mad and you can argue that the show declined greatly in its last couple of seasons, it doesn't diminish the greatest of the show's early years. With some of the most shocking moments in TV history, the show was must-watch TV for all eight seasons.

Atlanta

Creator and star of Atlanta Donald Glover proved yet again that he is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Over six years and four seasons the show and its star were showered with acclaim and industry awards, including multiple Golden Globes and Emmys. Not only did Glover win an Emmy for acting on the FX series, but he became the first African-American to win Best Director at the Emmys in the show's first season.

The West Wing

There aren't a lot of network TV shows on this list, but one that simply has to be is The West Wing. For seven seasons in the early 2000s, the NBC hit was one of the best shows in network history. Featuring a long list of stars that included Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, and many other cast members, The West Wing gave us all a look into all that government can be if we want it to be.

Lost

Pardon the pun, but it's fair to say that ABC's Lost lost its way towards the end. A confluence of events, including a writer's strike, left fans more than a little annoyed with the show's final couple of seasons, but those first few years were simply incredible. The show, which debuted in 2004, was one of the first shows that was ever described as "bingable" and with good reasons, the cliffhangers were amazing.

Mad Men

In a lot of ways, AMC's Mad Men kind of came out of nowhere. Set in the 1960s, it was unlike anything on TV at the time and the longer it went on, the better it got, which is rare for any show. It made a star out of Jon Hamm and fascinated viewers each week both with its wonderful storytelling and its look back at one of the most turbulent and interesting decades in American history.

The Office

In an era when sitcoms were evolving and struggling to keep up with their dramatic counterparts, The Office was one of the biggest shows of all time (that's what she said). Steve Carell's performance as the worst boss in the world became one of the most quotable and memed shows ever. It's true the NBC show did suffer some when Carell left after Season 7, the legacy of the show was well-established by then.

Downton Abbey

If you had bet on a period piece set on an opulent estate during Edwardian England would be a massive hit, most of the time, you'd lose. If you placed that bet on Downton Abbey, however, you'd have won big. There are no action sequences, stunts, or special effects. It's simply a wonderfully told story with fantastic characters played by excellent actors.

Better Call Saul

As a spinoff to another Peak TV era show, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul found its own place in television history. It's a very different show from the show that birthed it, as it's a little more surreal and, frankly, funny. In some people's eyes, the AMC's show's finale in 2022 marks the end of an era.

The Wire

Famously, The Wire was never a monster hit for HBO. Certainly not on the level of The Sopranos, which ran during roughly the same few years. Still, it has maintained a spot at the top or near the top of almost any list of "Best TV Shows in History." The Wire plays out like a 60-hour movie or a great book. The character development is unrivaled and the storytelling is heartbreaking, uplifting, and frustrating (in a good way). There is no doubt that the show will be remembered as one of the best for a long, long time.

Breaking Bad

What can we write about Breaking Bad that hasn't already been written. Widely considered the best (or close to the best) TV show of all time, the Bryan Cranston-led show was wildly popular with both fans and critics alike. It is one of the darkest shows in history, but that never diminished the love for it.

Narcos

Netflix landed itself a massive hit with Narcos in 2015. Wagner Moura, who played the kingpin Pablo Escobar stole the show with his uncanny and incredible performance as the notorious drug lord and Pedro Pascal found a new level of fame as one of the DEA agents trying to bring Escobar down. The show's third season, which shifted away from the Escobar story after the character's death wasn't quite on the level of the first two, but the show was popular enough to launch a spinoff, Narcos: Mexico, which ran for three seasons as well.

The Sopranos

The Sopranos' debut on HBO in January of 1999 marks the unofficial beginning of the Golden Age of Television - or at least the modern Golden Age. The production value, storytelling, and acting on the show were unlike anything anyone had ever seen. the characters were fully formed almost from the moment they first hit the screen and the story that unfolded, about a mafia boss played by the late, great James Gandolfini trying to keep both his crime family and his actual family together was simply unparalleled. Right down to the end and the show's much-talked-about finale.

Grey's Anatomy

As one of the longest-running prime-time shows in history, Grey's Anatomy has run for almost the entire era of "peak TV." Since its debut in 2005 and over more than 20 seasons and 400 episodes, the show has just kept chugging along with a devoted fanbase who stayed with it over the decades and though the endless cast changes can be frustrating, the show is remarkable.

24

One of the very first "bingable" shows would have to be 24. The Kiefer Sutherland-led action show from Fox kept viewers on the edge of their seats for nine seasons, one TV movie (24: Redemption), and a couple of spin-offs. It all made 24 one of the most bankable franchises of the era.

Six Feet Under

The early 2000s were an incredible era for HBO. Along with The Sopranos and The Wire, the network had another one of the best shows of the era with Six Feet Under. The show told the story of the Fisher family and their trials and turbulations running the family business, a funeral home. Mix in some supernatural elements and HBO had a unique hit on their hands.

Modern Family

Network sitcoms that enter the general cultural zeitgeist are few and far between these days. Certainly not like they were in their heyday of the 1970s and '80s. There are still a few that break through though, like Modern Family. For a time, it seemed as those everyone in the country was watching the ups and downs of the most dysfunctional and wonder families in TV history. For 11 seasons, the ABC hit dominated the ratings and is still a hit on streaming years after airing its finale in 2020.

Orange Is the New Black

Orange Is the New Black wasn't the first "prestige TV" show from Netflix, but it's safe to say it solidified Netflix's spot among the biggest players in the industry. For seven seasons over six years, the prison comedy-drama told the semi-autobiographical story of Piper Kerman, whose book of the same name was the basis for the show. Kerman spent a year in prison and many of the stories in the show reflected or told the experiences she had while in jail.

Deadwood

Many of the best Westerns on film came out many decades ago. On TV, there were big hits in the '50s and '60s like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, but the best Western television show of the 21st Century, Deadwood has almost nothing in common with any of those. The show was dark, crass, and unlike anything else on TV. The verbose language and insane moments made must-see TV at the time. Sadly it was never quite as popular as it should have been and that made for some herky-jerky starts-and-stops between seasons, but the show never dipped in quality.

Friday Night Lights

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," from a speech by Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) in Friday Night Lights has become part of the television canon, just as the show has. Based on the movie starring Billy Bob Thornton about the spectacle that is high school football in Texas, the show has outshined its source material in almost every way.

Veep

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is unique. She not only starred in the biggest sitcom of the 1990s, Seinfeld, but she's followed it up with two more hot shows. First in the '00s she won awards for The New Adventures of Old Christine and then in the 2010s had maybe her best performance as the hapless, power-hungry Vice President on HBO's Veep for which she won an incredible seven Emmys in a row.

House Of Cards

In 2013 Netflix loudly announced it was ready to be a player in the Peak Age of TV with House Of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Based on a British show of the same name, the show highlighted the darkest corners of politics and despite the show losing some steam when Kevin Spacey got caught in the middle of a serious legal battle forcing him off the show and effectively ending his career, it still deserves recognition for all six seasons it ran for.

The Walking Dead

Over 11 seasons and 177 episodes, it's fair to say that not every moment on The Walking Dead was peak TV. That doesn't tell the whole story though, because when The Walking Dead was great, it was really great. The AMC zombie show was a ratings monster and cultivated one of the most dedicated fanbases ever, which led to multiple spinoffs that will seemingly run forever.

Boardwalk Empire

When Boardwalk Empire premiered on HBO in 2009, it came with a lot of hype as the mind behind it, Terrence Winter, had been of the key creative minds behind The Sopranos. While Boardwalk Empire never quite reached the lofty heights of The Sopranos, it was still one of the best shows on TV in its time.

Sons Of Anarchy

Like a few other shows on this list, FX's Sons Of Anarchy isn't a perfect show. There were some ill-advised plot decisions, like moving the gang to Ireland for a while, but like those other shows, when SOA was good, it was really, really good. The characters became our own dysfunctional family who we laughed, cried, and died with over the show's seven seasons. A spinoff, Mayans M.C., wasn't as good, but it also found a fanbase and lasted for five seasons.

The Americans

Of all the shows on this list, the one that maybe flew under the radar more than most has to be The Americans. The FX show was just... cool. It was a spy thriller that brought the Cold War back to U.S. television. Set in the '80s and starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, the show ran for six great seasons and never really fell off as so many other shows do.

30 Rock

How do you follow up an incredible run as a star and head writer on SNL? Well, if you're as talented and funny as Tina Fey, you create one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 21st Century with 30 Rock. If nothing else, the show left us with the important bit of advice that you should never go with a hippie to a second location.

Justified

FX's Justified updated the Western for the 21st Century. Based on a book for Elmore Leonard and starring Timothy Olyphant as a 21st-century lawman with with his heart in the 19th Century, Justified was as noir as you'd expect from a story by Leonard and the acting is, across the board, fantastic.

True Detective

One of the darkest shows during the Peak Era of TV had to be True Detective, especially the first season. The unconventional storytelling was brought to life brilliantly by stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson and while the show was still great for a couple of more seasons, it really was that first season that stood out and above the others.

Succession

On HBO's Succession, the entire Roy family are all awful people. It's a show entirely made of characters we love to hate. We hated them so much, we couldn't wait to tune in each week to see what awful things they would do and it made the show unique and magical in that way.

Homeland

Showtime's Homeland started with a bang in its first season, or rather, almost ended its first season with a bang that never happened. The spy thriller starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis was the ultimate nail-biter as no one really knew how the season would end. While the end of that first season was probably the pinnacle of the show, it ended up airing for seven more excellent seasons.

Battlestar Galactica

Interestingly, though there are some exceptions, Sci-Fi wasn't a huge part of the era. One of those exceptions was Battlestar Galactica, a reboot of the old series from the 1970s. The new version was a mystery wrapped in a space adventure and featured some of the craziest twists of any show from the time.

Barry

It's always cool to see an actor known primarily for their comedic talents take on a more serious role and Bill Hader in Barry is a perfect example. Sure, there is some dark comedy in the show of course, but, especially as the show went on, the character played by Hader was as complex as any character we've seen on TV and Hader is amazing.

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

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

The Red Wedding, Game of Thrones

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

Nomi's Wedding, Sense8

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

Fonzie Jumps The Shark, Happy Days

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

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

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

Rory's Graduation Speech, Gilmore Girls

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

Negan Kills Glenn And Abraham, The Walking Dead

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

The Plane Crash, Lost

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

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

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

The Gift, Buffy The Vampire Slayer 

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

The Movements, The OA

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

The Lake House Fight, Girls

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

Dexter Finds Rita's Dead Body, Dexter

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

The Final Scene, The Sopranos

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

I Am The One Who Knocks, Breaking Bad

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

The Final Sequence, Six Feet Under

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

The Departure, The Leftovers

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

Jessie's Song, Saved By The Bell

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

Fiona confronts Monica, Shameless

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

Ross Says The Wrong Name, Friends

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

The Hallway Fight, Daredevil 

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

The Family Portrait, Modern Family

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

Don Draper's Happy Ending, Mad Men

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

Pam And Jim's First Kiss, The Office

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

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

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

Sue Hawk's Speech, Survivor

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

Poussey's Death, Orange Is The New Black

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

Nina Kills Teri, 24

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

Diane And Sam Breakup For Good, Cheers

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

Nancy Burn Her House Down, Weeds

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

Kurt Dances To 'Single Ladies', Glee

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

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

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

Eleanor Realizes The Truth, The Good Place

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

When it comes to TV shows, character deaths are relatively common, as plenty of shows have axed main or supporting players throughout their runs. Feelings over such casualties can vary, with some eliciting waves of tears and others causing people to celebrate. What we’re going to discuss here are the fictional fatalities that fall into that first category. So break out the tissues as we discuss the notable demises that still break our hearts.

Joyce Summers (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

To say that Buffy the Vampire Slayer features its fair share of brutal and otherworldly deaths would be an understatement. Yet it’s the natural passing of Buffy’s mom, Joyce Summers, that arguably still hurts fans the most today. The matriarch dies in Season 5 due to a brain aneurysm, and her body is ultimately found by her daughter. Joyce’s death shakes Buffy and her friends to their cores, but it also prompts them to grow up and take a greater step towards adulthood.

Nate Fisher (Six Feet Under)

Mortality is a major theme of Six Feet Under and, while every main character’s demise is chronicled by the end of the show, one that really sticks out is the passing of lead character Nate Fisher. Diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, Nate dies of a brain hemorrhage in a hospital with his brother, David, by his side. While Nate’s death prompts his family to cope with their grief and ultimately move forward with their lives amid the series’ final episodes, it’s a gut-wrenching development nonetheless.

Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead)

The Walking Dead’s heartbreaking deaths are all painful in some way or another, but few can hold a candle to the moment Glenn Rhee is killed off. In Season 7, the thoughtful young man dies at the hands of the Saviors’ leader, Negan, who beats him to death with his barbed wire baseball bat, Lucille. Glenn’s death itself is sad, but it’s even more unfortunate considering that he leaves behind his wife, Maggie, and their unborn child.

Prue Halliwell (Charmed)

Drama between Charmed cast members Alyssa Milano and Shannen Doherty is said to be a contributing factor to the death of the latter actress’ character, Prue Halliwell. At the end of Season 3, Prue is murdered by a demon named Shax. In addition to marking the end of the character, this event also serves as a turning point for the remaining Halliwell sisters.

Hank Schrader (Breaking Bad)

Special Agent Hank Schrader is one of the best Breaking Bad characters and arguably has one of the most distressing deaths in the franchise’s history. Following a shootout, Hank is killed by neo-Nazi leader Jack Welker in the acclaimed episode “Ozymandias.” Schraeder’s drug-dealing brother-in-law, Walter White, witnesses the event and is left distraught. The loss of Hank is tremendous, and the only point of comfort is that Walt later avenges him by killing Jack.

Bill McNeal (NewsRadio)

The passing of comedian Phil Hartman in 1998 is what prompted the producers of the hit NBC sitcom NewsRadio to kill off his character, Bill McNeal, ahead of the fifth and final season. It’s explained in the premiere that Bill died (off-screen) from a heart attack, and his co-workers mourn him heavily. The episode is an emotional tribute to the character and the work of the great Hartman.

Dr. Mark Greene (ER)

One of the key storylines from ER Season 8 involves Dr. Mark Greene dealing with a serious brain cancer diagnosis. His health sadly declines as the season goes on and, in the penultimate episode, Greene dies. The situation is truly bittersweet as, before he passes on Greene, he’s able to spend time with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Rachel and Ella.

Ned Stark (Game Of Thrones)

Game of Thrones killed off Eddard “Ned” Stark in truly Shakespearean fashion. Joffrey Baratheon goads Stark into admitting to “treason” in order to save his children’s lives and his own. Stark eventually makes that declaration during a public hearing, though Joffrey orders him to be killed anyway, in what’s truly a devastating turn of events.

Caitlin Todd (NCIS)

Caitlin Todd’s death at the tail end of NCIS Season 2 might be one of the most tragic moments in the history of TV. The character is murdered via a sniper attack by Mossad double-agent Ari Haswari, who later reveals that he only did it to hurt Todd’s colleague, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Caitlin’s demise is only made worse by the fact that her final words are “Wow, I thought I'd die before I ever heard a complim…”

Mark Sloan (Grey's Anatomy)

Mark Sloan’s death can be attributed to injuries sustained during a plane crash in Grey’s Anatomy’s eighth season finale. Mark is taken off life support in the Season 9 premiere after being in a coma. And that tragic event only adds to the sadness that his co-workers feel after Sloan’s lover, Lexie Grey, succumbed to injuries from the crash in the Season 8 finale.

Adriana La Cerva (The Sopranos)

It’s honestly hard to feel sympathy for a lot of the characters on The Sopranos, but Adriana La Cerva deserves some. La Cerva, who’s aware of fiancée Christopher Moltisanti’s mob dealings, eventually becomes a mole for the feds after being busted for drug possession. After she tells Chris about this and tries to convince him to disappear with her, he tells his uncle, Tony Soprano, who has Adriana killed.

Jonathan Kent (Smallville)

DC Comics fans surely know that there are many continuities in which Clark Kent’s adopted father, Jonathan Kent, dies. However, that doesn’t make seeing him die from a heart attack – while surrounded by Clark and Martha Kent – in the 100th episode of Smallville any easier.

Mrs. Dolores Landingham (The West Wing)

A character as endearing as The West Wing’s Mrs. Dolores Landingham doesn’t deserve to die at all. With that, many would surely agree that she didn’t deserve to be killed by a drunk driver near the end of Season 2. Landingham’s death still marks one of the most shocking moments in TV history.

Charlie Pace (Lost)

Of the various deaths that occurred on Lost, Charlie Pace’s passing still arguably hurts more than others. The fan-favorite character was killed off during the events of the third season’s finale. It’s in that installment that Charlie is doomed to drown after Mikhail Bakunin blows a hole in the underwater Looking Glass Station, though he dies a hero due to the fact that he saves some of his comrades.

Chet Hunter (Boy Meets World)

The father of Shawn and Jack Hunter, Chet died suddenly during Boy Meets World’s sixth season after suffering from two heart attacks. While the patriarch passes on before being able to formally reconcile with Shawn, the two do so when the younger Hunter later encounters his father’s ghost.

Mr. Hooper (Sesame Street)

Many members of Generation X surely remember one of the most emotional moments in Sesame Street’s illustrious history – the death of Will Lee’s Mr. Hooper, which occurred after Lee himself passed on in 1982. The episode that tackles Hooper’s passing is a truly emotional episode that sees the members of the community paying tribute to the late store proprietor. The installment also remains a groundbreaking piece of work for its exploration of death and grief in a children’s show.

Wallace (The Wire)

16-year-old Wallace possesses one of the most heartbreaking storylines ever presented by The Wire. During the first season, the young drug dealer finds himself in a tough spot after he chooses to cooperate with authorities and provide information on the local drug trade. Ahead of a trial, Wallace is found and killed by former associates, and the sight of the teen begging for his life before the trigger is pulled is still affecting.

Mike Ehrmantraut (Breaking Bad)

The wise and stoic Mike Ehrmantraut is murdered by Walter White, following an argument, amid the final season of Breaking Bad. After being shot by Walt, Mike sits by a riverbank, where he finally passes on. Ehrmantraut’s demise is made sadder due to the fact that Walt and his associate, Todd, later dissolve his body using acid.

Tara Maclay (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

It’s during the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that Tara Maclay is sadly killed by a stray bullet to the heart. Tara’s passing ultimately plunges her girlfriend, Willow Rosenberg, into grief and pushes her towards her darker magical impulses. Willow’s rage is intense – but arguably not as explosive as the fan responses to Tara’s passing were at the time.

Henry Blake (MASH)

As humorous as MASH is, it also features some legitimately heartbreaking moments, and the death of Henry Blake at the end of Season 3 is certainly one of them. Blake is set to be discharged from military service and sent home. But, shockingly, it’s revealed at the end of “Abyssinia, Henry” that Blake’s plane has been shot down over the Sea of Japan and there are no survivors. At the time, this was a shock to viewers and to the actors involved in the scene, as it was a last-minute addition.

James Evans (Good Times)

Those who avidly watched sitcoms during the ‘70s can probably remember the night Good Times killed off family patriarch James Evans Sr. James dies off-screen at the start of Season 4, with his family receiving word of his death from a car accident in Mississippi via a telegram. In the years since that development occurred, fans have argued that James’ death marked a serious shift in quality for the Norman Lear-produced show.

Lawrence Kutner (House)

A TV character death that still hits incredibly hard is that of Lawrence Kutner, who is killed off after two seasons of House. Kutner dies by suicide, in what is an absolutely earth-shattering turn of events. What really makes this development so heartbreaking is that the exact reasons for Kutner’s decision to shoot himself are never made clear.

Edith Bunker (Archie Bunker’s Place)

Edith Bunker, one of the most iconic characters in TV history, dies in her sleep from a stroke in between the first and second seasons of All in the Family spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place. The mere notion of such a lovable character like Edith dying is sad enough, but watching her usually. boisterous husband, Archie, come to terms with her passing really tugs at the heartstrings.

Margaery Tyrell (Game Of Thrones)

Like so many Game of Thrones characters before her, Margaery Tyrell meets a brutal end. Tyrell’s death is due to the machinations of Cersei Lannister, who arranges for the Sept by Qyburn to be burned – with Margaery and many more inside of it.

Ben Sullivan (Scrubs)

Ben Sullivan doesn’t appear in many episodes of Scrubs, but he manages to leave a serious impression through his kindness and very mellow demeanor. So it’s understandable why his eventual death from leukemia is so affecting.

Poussey Washington (Orange Is The New Black)

Orange is the New Black sadly kills off Poussey Washington by having her unintentionally die by suffocation at the hands of Baxter Bayley. Her passing has a profound impact on the other residents at Litchfield Penitentiary. And, while her absence is felt as the show progresses, she at least returns via occasional flashbacks.

Anastasia "Dee" Dualla (Battlestar Galactica)

On the list of Battlestar Galactica’s most shocking deaths is that of Anastasia “Dee” Dualla, Dee dies by suicide by shooting herself in the head – a move that’s slightly prompted by her depression over seeing how ravaged Earth (now a nuclear wasteland) is. And, if that’s not sad enough, the final motivating factor in Dee’s suicide is her reconciliation with estranged husband Lee Adoma, which happens moments before she shoots herself. Dee ultimately wants to hold on to one final moment of happiness, so she ends her life.

Fred Andrews (Riverdale)

Beloved Riverdale character Fred Andrews dies as the result of a hit-and-run incident, leaving his son, Archie, and just about everyone in their eponymous town saddened. His sendoff episode is truly beautiful, as it not only honors Fred but also his portrayer, Luke Perry, whose death necessitated Andrews’ passing.

Lincoln Campbell (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

At the end of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Season 3, the titular team is forced to say goodbye to another one of its own – Lincoln Campbell. The young Inhuman sacrifices himself by flying the villainous Hive and a nuclear warhead into space, where they can detonate. While Lincoln’s death hits hard, he goes out like a true hero. 

Teri Bauer (24)

A number of people meet their maker over the course of 24’s nine-season run, and one of the major characters to die early on is Teri Bauer. She loses her life to corrupt CTU operative Nina Meyers, as Nina shoots (the pregnant) Teri to cover her own tracks. Even now, it’s tough to shake the image of Jack Bauer cradling his wife’s body.

J.T. Yorke (Degrassi: The Next Generation)

Degrassi: The Next Generation fans are probably still shaken by the moment that beloved character J.T. Yorke was stabbed to death by Drake Lempkey. J.T.’s passing serves as a “loss-of-innocence” moment for his friends, who continue to cherish his memory. 

Howard Hamlin (Better Call Saul)

If any TV character has ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s Better Call Saul’s Howard Hamlin. The occasionally smug – but mostly well-meaning – lawyer is savagely killed by drug dealer Lalo Salamanca at Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler’s apartment. What’s sadly ironic is that Howard goes there to tell off Jimmy and Kim for secretly sabotaging him and is merely killed by Lalo to keep his issues with Wexler and McGill quiet.

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. 

Created by Alan Ball, Six Feet Under was a drama that explored how people in the business of death struggle with the topic on their own time, as seen through the eyes of a dysfunctional family who run a Los Angeles funeral parlor. During its five-season run from 2001 to 2005, all the way to its highly revered final episode, the series became one of the most acclaimed to ever air on HBO — due in part to the performances of its talented ensemble. In memoriam of this now classic TV show, let’s take a look at what the Six Feet Under cast has been up to in the years since they said goodbye.

Peter Krause (Nate Fisher)

Peter Krause, and his onscreen family members, would bid farewell to his three-time Emmy-nominated role as eldest child, Nate Fisher, when Six Feet Under ended. The actor would only continue to find success on the small screen.

Most notably, he starred in another dysfunctional family drama as Adam Braverman in NBC’s Parenthood cast before going on to lead Fox’s 9-1-1 cast as L.A. Fire Department captain, Bobby Nash. Audiences may have also spotted him in movies like 2006’s Civic Duty, a modernized Beauty and the Beast story called Beastly from 2011, and the fact-based 2020 drama, Saint Judy.

Michael C. Hall (David Fisher)

As Nate’s brother, David — who spends much of the series struggling to come to terms with his sexuality — we have Michael C. Hall. Just a year after starring in a show about people struggling with death, the actor led a series about a man obsessed with death as the title “hero” of the Dexter cast.

Following his role as executive producer and narrator of Showtime's prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, he is set to reprise his career-defining, homicidal role in another follow-up called Dexter: Resurrection. Hall also lent his voice to Sean Conant’s documentary, The Gettysburg Address, which is due in November 2025, and Deadline reports that he is starring in a dramatized film about the infamous cult, Heaven’s Gate, called The Leader.

Frances Conroy (Ruth Fisher)

The Fisher Family matriarch, Ruth — an iconic TV mom who deserved more credit — was played by Frances Conroy. She would find further success as one of the most frequent recurring American Horror Story actors, appearing in eight seasons so far.

Conroy has played a few other notable motherly roles, such as Barney Stinson’s mom, Loretta, on How I Met Your Mother and Penny Fleck in the Oscar-winning comic book movie Joker in 2019. More recently, she appeared in the Oscar-winning Netflix original Western movie, The Power of the Dog, and voiced the role of The Director in the platform’s acclaimed animated 2023 film, Nimona.

Lauren Ambrose (Claire Fisher)

As the youngest Fisher, the free-spirited Claire, we have Lauren Ambrose. Her most notable small-screen efforts following Six Feet Under include producer M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant from Apple TV+ and a Season 2 stint in the Yellowjackets cast for Showtime.

Feature-length highlights on her resume include writer, director, and star Mike Birbligia’s semi-autobiographical film, Sleepwalk with Me, the 2012 comedy Wanderlust, and a great time travel movie called Caddo Lake from 2024. She returns as Van on Yellowjackets Season 3.

Freddy Rodriguez (Federico Diaz)

The Fishers’ business partner, Federico Diaz, is one of the best-known characters played by Freddy Rodriguez, who earned an Emmy nomination for the performance. The actor is also famous for playing Wray in Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror segment from 2007’s Grindhouse and Benny Colón on the CBS legal drama Bull.

Rodriguez more recently played detectives in both Hulu’s Wu-Tang an American Saga and the 2023 anthology horror movie, V/H/S/85, and lent his voice to Max’s animated sci-fi thriller Scavengers Reign. He has a romantic dramedy in post-production called Day When the Rains Came and, according to Deadline, is set to star in an upcoming horror movie called You Lose You Die.

Mathew St. Patrick (Keith Charles)

David’s on-and-off cop boyfriend, Keith, was played by Matthew St. Patrick. He would later make several guest appearances in various cop dramas, including Law & Order: SVU and Hawaii Five-0.

St. Patrick has also starred opposite Jason Statham and Jet Li in the 2007 revenge thriller War and had a four-episode stint on the final season of Sons of Anarchy. His most recent acting role was in the 2019 ensemble drama Ice Cream in the Cupboard, but he worked as a production consultant for a 2021 special called Night, Mother.

Rachel Griffiths (Brenda Chenowith)

Nate’s on-and-off girlfriend, Brenda, was played by Rachel Griffiths, who had earned an Academy Award nomination for 1998’s Hilary and Jackie before she was cast on Six Feet Under. Following the series end, she starred on another dysfunctional family series called Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2011 and appeared in movies like the original Step Up from 2006, 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks, and the Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge in 2016.

More recently, she appeared in the hit 2023 rom-com, Anyone But You, and in an Australian political drama series called Total Control, which she also produces. She was last seen leading a 2024 series dramedy about an escort agency called Madam.

Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith)

Brenda’s younger brother, Billy, was played by Jeremy Sisto. The actor has achieved a very successful career in the years since Six Feet Under, which includes the acclaimed 2007 dramedy Waitress, a stint on Law & Order as Det. Cyrus Lupo, and the ABC comedy Suburgatory from 2011 to 2014.

He would later go on to lend his voice to animated films Ferdinand and Frozen II and currently stars in CBS’ FBI as Jubal Valentine. Sisto also recently starred in a 2023 horror movie called Last Straw.

James Cromwell (George Sibley)

Academy Award nominee James Cromwell (for 1995’s Babe) joined the cast in Season 3 as Ruth’s second husband, Prof. George Sibley. He would later reunite with Conroy on Season 2 of American Horror Story before appearing in more Oscar darlings, like the 2012 Best Picture Oscar winner, The Artist, and more acclaimed series like The Young Pope and Succession.

He more recently voiced Alfred in Amazon’s great superhero Christmas movie Merry Little Batman, starred in Jeremy Saulnier’s acclaimed Netflix movie, Rebel Ridge, and appeared in Fox's Murder in a Small Town. As reported by Deadline in 2022, Cromwell is producing a political docudrama called Nixon's Nixon and is starring in a modernized update of Alice in Wonderland called Get Lost.

Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz)

Justina Machado had a recurring role (which became a main role in the final season) as Federico’s wife, Vanessa. The vocational nurse was, coincidentally, one of many characters in the medical field the actor has played — most notably Penelope Alvarez on Netflix’s reimagining of the classic sitcom, One Day at a Time.

She is also well-known for her recurring role on Jane the Virgin, an impressive stint on Dancing with the Stars, her successful voice acting career (including Elena of Avalor and the Gears of War video games), and her reputation as a Scream Queen, having starred in the likes of Final Destination 2 and The Horror of Delores Roach. She starred in a 2024 comedy film called The Throwback and is now set to play another medical professional in the upcoming series, Pulse.

Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher Sr.)

Despite his death in the pilot, Nathaniel Fisher Sr. was a pivotal presence on Six Feet Under in spirit, in hallucinations, and in flashbacks. He was played by veteran character actor Richard Jenkins, whose Academy Award-nominated performance in 2008’s The Visitor rejuvenated his career.

He went on to play larger roles in films like the horror-comedy movie favorite The Cabin in the Woods and Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water (which earned him a second Oscar nod) and more acclaimed series like Netflix’s Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Following his voice acting role in the 2024 movie, IF, Jenkins is set to star in Amazon’s upcoming drama series, Criminal.

While Six Feet Under may be gone (unless there is still a chance for a reboot), it will continue to live on in our memories and through the talents of its brilliant cast.

When it comes to those channels that we all need to pay a little extra for – such as Showtime, Starz, etc. – they all seem to produce some of the absolute best shows. But you want to know which channel I think has made stars even bigger? HBO. 

The channel, which stands for 'Home Box Office,' has produced some of the best TV shows of the last twenty or so years, and with that, several actors and actresses have come and gone and left their mark, earning plenty of awards recognition for their work in the shows. Today, we'll be going over 32 of them. 

Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones)

Of the Game of Thrones cast, Emilia Clarke probably became one of the most-known actresses in the world after her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen. On the show for the entirety of its eight seasons, Clarke earned plenty of awards recognition and was nominated several times for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the show, including her last nomination in the Lead Actress category. 

Jonathan Groff (Looking)

While Jonathan Groff never earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role in the LGBTQ+ show Looking, he did win plenty of other awards for his time on the show. Groff is known to be a triple threat with his acting, singing, and dancing talents. He was even a part of the original Hamilton cast, but his starring role in Looking brought on plenty of recognition.

Zendaya (Euphoria)

The Euphoria cast is filled with talent, but let's be honest – Zendaya is the main star we're all looking towards. Nominated several times for the show for a Primetime Emmy, Euphoria has taken this once Disney Channel star and given her the chance to show off her incredible acting skills, one I'm sure she'll continue to do. 

Peter Dinklage (Game Of Thrones)

Peter Dinklage has been around in movies and TV for some time, but everyone recognizes him as Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones, a performance he did for eight show seasons. Out of the entire cast, Dinklage was the one to be nominated for the most Primetime Emmys – and he won four times. 

Lena Dunham (Girls)

Girls lasted for six seasons and gave plenty of stars shining lights, such as Allison Williams, Adam Driver, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and more, but Lena Dunham was certainly the award-winner of the group. The actress, who also created the comedy for HBO, earned several nominations at the Primetime Emmys, the Golden Globes, and more. 

Tony Hale (Veep)

The Veep cast is highly talented, and Tony Hale is just one of many. And his role as Gary Walsh in Veep is undoubtedly one of his best. Among several other awards that he was nominated for this role, he won the Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series twice before the series ended. 

Bill Hader (Barry)

This show – especially Barry Season 4 – was a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, and Bill Hader's performance has been hailed as one of the best of the show. Hader has been nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards, and the show has also been nominated for Outstanding Comedy.  

Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under)

While Michael C. Hall gained a lot of fame for another role he did – the still rewatchable Dexter on Showtime – he gained a lot of fame at first for his role in Six Feet Under, where he played David, one of the brothers who owns a family-funeral home. His role in the show earned him several nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. 

Jeremy Strong (Succession)

Succession’s success is awesome to watch, growing larger and more prominent over the years, and one of the lead actors, Jeremy Strong, has gained a lot of award recognition throughout the series' four seasons. Among Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Drama Series, and more, Strong has also earned nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmys. 

Lena Headey (Game Of Thrones)

Cersei Lannister is undoubtedly one of the most-hated villains of Game of Thrones, but I don't think anyone could hate Lena Headey's performance. Throughout the series, the actress earned several nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, among several other awards at the Golden Globes, the Poppy Awards, and more. 

Anthony Carrigan (Barry)

I don't know where it came from, but NoHo Hank became my favorite character in Barry, and I think it's because of Anthony Carrigan's portrayal of him. While Carrigan's character didn't get as much hype at the beginning of Barry, the actor has earned several awards for his role in the show, including Primetime Emmy nominations. 

Diana Rigg (Game Of Thrones)

Olenna Tyrell had to be the best player in Game of Thrones, and I'm pretty sure we all were heartbroken when Diana Rigg passed away. The actress earned several nominations for her role in the show, including Primetime Emmys for her guest appearances. Who could ever forget Olenna? 

Brian Cox (Succession)

I don't think anyone could forget Brian Cox as the patriarch of the Roy family in Succession, Logan Roy, the leading man we were all following for years on end. And, of course, Cox earned plenty of praise for his portrayal in the show, including several Primetime Emmy nominations and wins. 

Sydney Sweeney (The White Lotus And Euphoria)

Sydney Sweeney is an exceptional case on this list, as two of her shows on HBO have earned her nominations. She was a part of The White Lotus Season 1 cast, which earned her a Primetime Emmy nod, and for the second season of Euphoria, she also earned a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Both of which were certainly deserved. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)

As the lead of Veep, I don't think we could get through a list like this without mentioning Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her role as Selina Meyer. The series, which ran from 2012 - 2019, was a massive success for her and earned the actress several nominations and wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy and the series for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmys. 

James Gandolfini (The Sopranos)

We can only have an HBO list by mentioning James Gandolfini from The Sopranos. As the patriarch of the Soprano family, Tony, James Gandolfini won several awards over the series, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys three times. The show itself also won Outstanding Drama Series several times. 

Evan Peters (Mare Of Easttown)

Mare of Easttown was a limited series on HBO, and the entirety of the cast was incredibly impressive. Evan Peters has gained fame over the last decade for his roles in movies like X-Men and the anthology series American Horror Story, but his role as Detective Colin Zabel has been hailed as one of his best. His portrayal earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, among other awards. 

Henry Winkler (Barry)

Henry Winkler is a TV legend from Happy Days, but his role in Barry is one of my favorites. And the people who award these actors agreed too, as Winkler earned several awards for his character, Gene Cousineau, including Primetime Emmy wins. 

Kate Winslet (Mare Of Easttown)

Kate Winslet was the star of Mare of Easttown, a limited series on HBO, and out of everyone on the cast, she won the most awards for her time on the show. Some of her accomplishments include Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the Primetime Emmys, TV Film of Miniseries Lead Actress of the Year for the Gold Derby Awards, Best Television Movie or Miniseries Actress for the Critics Choice Awards, and more. 

Edie Falco (The Sopranos)

For the six seasons of the American crime series The Sopranos, my favorite out of the entire cast was Edie Falco. Carmela was possibly the best TV wife out there and was the only person who would keep up with Tony's mess. Falco's portrayal of her went down in history. The actress was nominated for (and won) several Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and more. 

Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos)

Michael Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti, the protégé of Tony in The Sopranos and someone who seemed to get some of the best storylines in the show. During his time on the series, Imperioli was nominated for his role in several awards, such as  Emmys, Golden Globes, Prism Awards, and more. 

Jake Lacy (The White Lotus Season 1)

The White Lotus cast for Season 1 had some impressive talent, but everyone seriously loved to hate Jake Lacy's character, Shane Patton. But everyone also loves his performance — which earned the actor several nominations across awards shows, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. 

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game Of Thrones)

Game of Thrones created several big names for Hollywood, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is another that we saw plenty of in the awards sphere. His character of Jamie Lannister is often credited as having one of the best character arcs in television and earned several award nominations, including the Primetime Emmys. Game of Thrones itself won Outstanding Drama Series several times. 

Sarah Snook (Succession)

The entire Succession cast is filled with talent, but one of my favorites has always been Sarah Snook, who played Shiv in the popular HBO series. Portraying the character for all four seasons, Snook has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. 

Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, Season 1)

Daddario has been in the industry for some time, but her role in The White Lotus Season 1 is considered one of her best. The anthology series gave the actress the chance to shine as Rachel, and she was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the Primetime Emmys.  

Matthew McConaughey (True Detective, Season 1)

True Detective is an anthology series from HBO, and many lovers of the show agree that Season 1 had one of the best storylines, led by a captivating performance from Matthew McConaughey. The Academy Award-winning actor earned several awards for his lead performance in the first season, including a Crime Thriller Award, a Critics' Choice Award, a Primetime Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, and more. 

Issa Rae (Insecure)

Insecure is a comedy-drama from HBO, featuring co-creator Issa Rae in the show's lead role. The series was extremely well-received, and Rae was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmys and Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. 

Kit Harrington (Game Of Thrones)

Jon Snow is probably the most known character from Game of Thrones aside from Daenerys and Tyrion – which is not surprising considering the character is getting his own Game of Thrones spinoff series. The actor behind him, Kit Harrington, was nominated for several awards during his time on the show, including the Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for the show's final season. 

Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus, Seasons 1 And 2)

While The White Lotus is an anthology series, Jennifer Coolidge was a part of the main cast for the first two seasons (and only the first two). And her time on the show as Tanya was exceptionally well-received and loved. Among many other awards, Coolidge won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series of Movies. 

Anthony Hopkins (Westworld)

Anthony Hopkins is one of the most critically acclaimed actors of our time, and of course, he has been praised for his TV performances. This time around, it's Westworld, where he earned several nominations from the Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, and more. The series was also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the Primetime Emmys. 

Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus Season 1)

Murray Bartlett was a part of The White Lotus Season 1 and he was honestly one of the show's funniest characters. For his performance as Armond, Bartlett earned several nominations. The show was also nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series for Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright (Westworld)

Jeffrey Wright is a great actor who has been in various movies and TV shows, but one of his most critically acclaimed roles was portraying Bernard Lowe in Westworld, a series he starred in for some time. Wright earned several nominations, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. 

There are so many amazing actors and actresses who have gone on to do incredible things. And truthfully, this makes me want to see all these shows again to see their talent. Is anyone up for a Game of Thrones rewatch?

When your favorite TV show is said and done, it’s kind of hard to pick which episode is the best of the bunch. But that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss, as according to the voters at IMDb, there’s a definitive answer for the highest rated episodes for 32 of beloved TV series like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Friends. Prepare to be amazed by these potential conversation/argument starters! 

“Ozymandias” - Breaking Bad - Season 5

In Breaking Bad’s five seasons of TV, the Rian Johnson directed “Ozymandias” is easily the victor. A perfect 10/10 in its IMDb vote, many have heralded this chapter of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and his crime saga as the finest. Which is probably because of all the acclaim spotlighting one word that this installment seems to embody: “payoff.”

“Plan And Execution” - Better Call Saul - Season 6

Much like its predecessor Breaking Bad, it’s the setup to the punchline that made Better Call Saul’s crown jewel a fan favorite. “Plan and Execution” is so close to the finale that you can feel the series’ finality, but at the same time you might be surprised to know that the climactic betrayal and death of Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian) was actually the mid-season finale of Bob Odenkirk’s swan song.

“Connor’s Wedding” - Succession - Season 4

How was Succession ever going to send out Logan Roy (Brian Cox) with a bang? Well, in the episode “Connor’s Wedding,” the answer was simple: you kill him by surprise, and early on in the final season. Stuff the episode with the sort of tragically awkward Succession moments that we all know and love, and you’ve got a recipe for a story that brings down the house.

“Finale” - The Office - Season 9

The Office’s series finale, aptly titled “Finale,” tied things up with a beautiful knot, which just happened to include Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Angela (Angela Kinsey) tying the knot. Also, Steve Carell’s big return as Michael Scott still circulates online as a true moment of joy from this landmark chapter. 

“Pine Barrens” - The Sopranos - Season 3

Even after The Sopranos pretty much answered the pressing question of whether or not Tony Soprano was wacked, Season 3’s “Pine Barrens” still contains an unsolved mystery. So on top of Steve Buscemi’s directorial chops, and watching Paulie (Tony Sirico) and Chris (Michael Imperioli) spend some time in those Jersey woods, people are probably still watching this episode in hopes of answering, “Is Valery dead, or not?” The world may never know.

“Modern Warfare” - Community - Season 1

What happens when a mile-a-minute pop culture joke machine like Community dedicates an entire episode to some of the best action movies of all time? Well, you’d get the Justin Lin directed “Modern Warfare,” an all-time heater that sees Jeff (Joel McHale) battling it out for priority registration. It’s an episode that blew people away so hard, that much like Die Hard, it got a couple sequels. 

“The Constant” - Lost - Season 4

Through Lost's best episodes, it was a series that bent people’s minds in all sorts of directions, and left them wanting more. “The Constant” is a firm example of that, as the time travel-centric episode went down the usual rabbit holes the show was known for. However, throwing in that romantic plot line between Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) and Penny (Sonya Walger) probably stuck the landing for this one in the hearts of fans. 

“The One Where Everybody Finds Out” - Friends - Season 5

It’s not hard to see why “The One Where Everybody Finds Out” is Friends’ highest-rated episode on IMDb. With Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox) finally seeing their clandestine love affair outed to their whole group, it's a watershed moment for the pair. It's also considered one of Matthew Perry's best Friends episodes, so there's something else to consider.

“Everyone’s Waiting” - Six Feet Under

Would anyone be surprised to learn that Six Feet Under’s series finale “Everyone’s Waiting” is the highest rated entry? Alan Ball’s darkly comic dramedy about death went out on a fitting note, showing the entire Fisher family’s final fates. Sia’s “Breathe Me” still brings people to tears when thinking about it.

“How Your Mother Met Me” - How I Met Your Mother - Season 9

Getting the answer to who “The Mother” was in How I Met Your Mother was only the beginning of the road for the series’ endgame. With Season 9 bringing fans closer to Tracy (Cristin Milioti) and her marriage to Ted (Josh Radnor), “How Your Mother Met Me” took the time to fill us in on every hysterical and heartbreaking moment that led these two to each other.  

“Once More, With Feeling” - Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Season 6

There are several reasons “Once More, With Feeling” probably topped the list of Buffy the Vampire Slayer favorites. Known forever as “the musical episode,” the keen gimmick introduced us all to the silky smooth singing of Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) just as he was heading out the door. Also, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Spike (James Marsters) had their first actual, non-magically influenced kiss. 

“The Stockholm Syndrome” - The Big Bang Theory - Season 12

Sitcom characters are a good example of systems so delicate that the wrong type of change could sink them rather quickly. The Big Bang Theory managed to seemingly avoid that with its series finale “The Stockholm Syndrome,” which both gave Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) everything he wanted, and the audience an ending they didn’t know they needed. Seeing a very married, and very loving Sheldon is the ingredient that more than likely made this curtain closer one fans still remember.

“The Contest” - Seinfeld - Season 4

When an episode of a sitcom happens to be so good it invents pop culture slang that still lands to this day, as well as finds itself referenced in an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you know its done the trick. One of Seinfeld’s best episodes, “The Contest,” fits both of those bills, as the New York gang of idiots challenge each other in a very personal way. 

“Connection Lost” - Modern Family - Season 6

Sometimes, you need a good format breaker to keep things fresh. In the sixth season of Modern Family, the powers that be recognized that and gave us “Connection Lost,” a story where Claire (Julie Bowen) plays a literal game of telephone to investigate what may or may not be happening with daughter Haley (Sarah Hyland). 

"The Inner Light" - Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 5

"The Inner Light" is an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that's so popular, all you need is music to spark its memory within the fandom. A touching story of bittersweet devastation and empathy, this could be the episode that epitomizes who Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) is, and what he's always stood for in this landmark sci-fi franchise.

“Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” - The X-Files - Season 3

Story driven series like The X-Files sometimes strike it big with the occasional one-off episode. In the case of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s third season of action, “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” was one such episode, following the case of an insurance salesman (Peter Boyle) who knows when people are going to die. Properly spooky, but also slyly witty, it may be Mulder and Scully’s greatest victory against the show’s shadowy conspiracy. 

“Middle Ground” - The Wire - Season 3

“Middle Ground” is the type of episode that shows like The Wire live for. Well regarded by fans and critics alike, the Season 3 heater saw Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) ringing on the streets of Baltimore for the last time. With Omar (Michael K. Williams) helping punch his ticket, this endgame between these legendary characters is still the episode to beat.  

“The Suitcase” - Mad Men - Season 4

“THAT’S WHAT THE MONEY’S FOR!” You could probably hear a pin drop after Don (Jon Hamm) and Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) had their infamous argument over who deserved the true credit for the Glo Coat ad. “The Suitcase” saw perhaps the greatest fracture between this mentor/mentee team, and its effects would reverberate through to the series’ finale. Also, that quote did become one hell of a meme; so that helped in the longevity department of this Mad Men champion.

“Eye Of The Beholder” - The Twilight Zone - Season 2

Technically, The Twilight Zone has two episodes tied for the highest rating in its iconic collection of episodes. If you guessed Nightmare at 20,000 Feet as the technical tie, you’re absolutely correct. However it’s Season 2’s  “Eye of the Beholder” that still wins out, based on a higher volume of votes. And if you want to guess why that is, it’s probably because this episode has one of the biggest twist endings in Twilight Zone history, complete with truly frightening prosthetics.

“One Last Ride” - Parks and Recreation - Season 7

Sorry Parks and Rec fans, even with Chris Pratt’s legendary improv “Flu Season” isn’t the NBC series’ highest rated episode. Rather, the series finale “One Last Ride” is the best regarded installment of the pop culture hit. Though if you’re a true fan of the Amy Poehler-led ensemble series, you’re probably not sorry, as this is the episode that gave everyone a pretty happy ending.

“Two Cathedrals” - The West Wing - Season 2

“Two Cathedrals” is both one of the darkest hours and finest moments of President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen). The episode where he ponders running for another term, in light of an MS diagnosis and the loss of close friend and colleague Mrs. Landingham (Kathryn Joosten). The reason this episode is the top of the class is, unquestionably, Sheen’s enraged monologue in discussion with God; which became a real bilingual tongue lashing of fury.

“Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” - The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air - Season 4

If you ever need inspiration to cry in a rush, put on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s Season 4 episode “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse.” When you get to the end, in which Will (Will Smith) expresses his heartbreak of being abandoned by his father again, you’ll understand why this is the episode that still has fans singing its praises.

“11:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.” - 24 - Season 1

24 was a massive cultural hit when it first premiered, and eventually spawned the story of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) and the worst days in his life. The best rated episode of his adventures, “11:00 pm - 12:00 am” saw Jack’s deadly battle with the Drazen family come to an explosive conclusion; but at a cost. With the loss of his wife Teri (Leslie Hope) and the escape of traitor Nina Meyers (Sarah Clarke), the path of his life would be set for years to come.

“Crossroads: Part 2” - Battlestar Galactica - Season 3

Talk about a “payoff” episode, as Battlestar Galactica's "Crossroads: Part 2" not only brought Starbuck (Katee Sackoff) back from the dead, it also revealed the Final Five Cylons hiding among the Galactica’s crew.  So depending on where your head is at as a fan, you’ve got two different reasons to choose from, and both lead to Earth! 

“Happy Ending” - Schitt’s Creek - Season 6

When a comedy can make you laugh as much as Schitt’s Creek has, the ability to make the audience cry in-between laughing fits is seen as a bit of a superpower. “Happy Ending” closed out the ensemble series with tears of joy and sadness, as David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid) finally got married. With the Rose family splitting off for fates unknown, a truly happy ending was had as all of our favorite characters grew into the beautiful beings we saw in this final frame.

“On The Beach” - ER - Season 8

Good luck talking about this episode of ER without breaking into tears. Serving as the tearful goodbye to Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards), watching a dear friend make peace with his mistakes before his death was a heart smasher. To this day, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is an easy emotional trigger. 

“Abyssinia, Henry” - M*A*S*H - Season 3

M*A*S*H is a unique animal. “Abyssinia, Henry” proves that point rather well, as the departure of Colonel Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) went from bittersweet to downright devastating. With the series regular dying in a finale that even surprised the cast, you could imagine how fans felt when they first saw it.

“Raincoats And Recipes” - Gilmore Girls - Season 4

Gilmore Girls fans, you know exactly why you voted “Raincoats and Recipes” as the top rated episode on IMDb. If you’re a fan of Lorelai (Lauren Graham), you love this episode because it’s her first kiss with Luke (Scott Patterson). If you’re on Team Rory (Alexis Bledel), then the rather complicated moment of her and Dean (Jared Padalecki) trying to “salvage their friendship” is probably the high point.

“An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux” - Sex and the City - Season 6

Before both movies and the formation of the legacy-quel And Just LIke That would change history, Sex and the City landed its grand finale with “An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux” as Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) fairy tale reunion with Mr. Big (Chris Noth) seemed like the happy ending fated from square one.

“Always” - Friday Night Lights - Season 5

The last dance with Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his East Dillon Lions resulted in “Always,” the series finale to the ever popular Friday Night Lights. With a State Championship on the line, as well as Coach’s own future in football, the results weren’t the draw for those who followed the show. It was, as always, about clear eyes and full hearts. 

“Lucy Does A TV Commercial” - I Love Lucy - Season 1

Legendary sitcoms like I Love Lucy have those gags that always land on t-shirts, trivia questions, and fan favorite roundups. “Lucy Does A TV Commercial” gave the world one such moment, as Lucy (Lucile Ball) talks her way into a medicine commercial for Vitameatavegamin. Let’s just say the side effects of that elixir are what make this episode very “poopular.”  

“One For The Road” - Cheers - Season 11

There is no Cheers without Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Full stop, no exceptions. The series finale “One For The Road” got that right out of the gate, and seeing Sam realize it in the closing moments is probably why fans love it so much. It’s good to know that there’s always somewhere where everybody knows your name.

Fans know what they love from their favorite series, and the episodes that top the charts only prove it. So remember that whenever your favorite show takes its final bow, it'll eventually be contributing to the history of moments and plotlines like the ones shown above.

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.

Endings are hard. Television history is filled with memorable finales that have left audiences both satisfied and daydreaming about smashing their television sets. From the bittersweet end of Breaking Bad to the enigmatic conclusion of The Sopranos, these last episodes often become the stuff of legend, sparking passionate debates and discussions among fans. But now, the man behind Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, George R.R. Martin, has weighed in on his pick for the best TV finale ever, and it may surprise you. No, it’s not actually Game of Thrones. 

In response to Vanity Fair’s recent article “25 Perfect TV Episodes From The Last 25 Years,” George R.R. Martin shared his choice for the ultimate TV finale on his blog, humorously named “Not a Blog.” The "Fire & Blood" author's relationship with series endings has been complicated, primarily due to the mixed reactions to the Song of Ice and Fire adaptation’s conclusion. A writer renowned for his intricate storytelling and character development, he understands the challenges in crafting a satisfying ending.

 However, he singled out one series for the top spot: HBO’s Six Feet Under. He wrote: 

For those unfamiliar with the series, it was created by Alan Ball and revolved around the lives of the Fisher family. Running from 2001 to 2005, the show focused on the family owning and operating a funeral home, and it was known for its rich character development and exploration of mortality and family dynamics. The final episode, aptly titled Everyone's Waiting, aired in 2005 and is often hailed as a masterpiece of television storytelling and easily Six Feet's best episode. 

The series' conclusion is renowned for its emotional impact and unique approach to wrapping up the storylines of its characters. Instead of leaving viewers with a clear-cut resolution, the episode offered a poignant montage that depicted the heartwrenching future fates of each main character, set to the tune of Sia's "Breathe Me." The result was a powerful and haunting conclusion that left audiences reflecting on life, death, and the interconnectedness of it all. 

The Twilight Zone writing alum's choice for the greatest TV finale ever might surprise some, but it's likely those who are raising their eyebrows haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Six Feet Under and its profoundly moving conclusion. When it comes to television, opinions on whether a series has successfully wrapped up its story for viewers vary widely. Just as Game of Thrones elicited a spectrum of reactions, so too have other iconic shows like The Sopranos and Seinfeld–ironically, even George's actor, Jason Alexander, defended both Game of Thrones and Seinfeld after they received backlash for their finales. In the end, the beauty of television lies in its ability to stir powerful emotions and ignite conversations, with TV finales playing a pivotal role in the medium's rich history.

As fans debate the merits of various TV finales, George R.R. Martin's endorsement of Six Feet Under should serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of well-crafted storytelling. While we all have our favorites, our shared love for the medium and the moments it creates binds us together, leaving lasting impressions that endure long after the screen fades to black.

Martin still has several opportunities to deliver satisfying conclusions with a slew of upcoming Game of Thrones-related projects, including the second season of House of The Dragon. While we eagerly await those premieres, it might be worth considering a visit to Six Feet Under, conveniently available for streaming with a Max subscription.

When Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story came out, like a lot of people, I watched it all over the course of a single weekend. And while watching 10 hours of Evan Peters’ portrayal of the notorious serial killer did mess with my head, watching the true crime show marathon allowed me to really focus on the performances of the star-studded cast. This was especially true for Richard Jenkins, who did an outstanding job with his portrayal of the father of the “Milwaukee Cannibal.”

After finishing Ryan Murphy’s limited series I couldn’t stop thinking about the various other Richard Jenkins movies and TV shows that have come out over the years, and how his performances in each of those were often the highlight of each respective project. That being said, here are 12 movies and shows to watch if you like what you saw of Jenkins on the 2022 Netflix series and want to see more.

Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)

Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story focuses on the life and crimes of the notorious serial killer who killed and dismembered 18 victims over the course of a 13-year period before finally being brought to justice. 

Richard Jenkins better receive awards, or at least get nominated for some, for his portrayal of Lionel Dahmer in the unsettling yet highly watchable limited series. At times a character you can’t help but feel sorry for, while at others the biggest jerk in the room, Jenkins’ performance elevates just about every scene in which he is featured. It is arguably one of his best appearances to date.

Stream Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix.

The Shape Of Water (2017)

Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Guillermo del Toro, the 2017 fantasy romance film, The Shape of Water, tells the story of a mute woman named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) who meets and falls in love with a creature that is part man and part amphibian (Doug Jones).

One of the best things about The Shape of Water is Richard Jenkins’ character, Giles, a closeted man who lives next door to Elisa in their apartment building. As Elisa faces her own battles and path to growth, so does Giles, who builds the courage to make his feelings known. The kindness and gentle nature of his character also provides great contrast to some of the movie’s more sinister characters and situations.

Stream The Shape of Water on Freevee.
Rent/Buy The Shape of Water on Amazon.

Six Feet Under (2001 - 2005)

An HBO classic drama series with one of the best endings in the history of TV, Six Feet Under ran for five seasons on the premium cable channel, telling the story of the Fisher family and how the death of family patriarch Nathaniel Fisher Sr. (Richard Jenkins) changed their lives and funeral home business.

Though he dies in the opening moments of the pilot, Nathaniel Fisher Sr. is a major part of Six Feet Under throughout its run, appearing in various dream sequences, flashbacks, and hallucinations. How Jenkins didn’t win any awards for his performance remains a mystery two decades later, because his hilarious, sorrowful, and well-rounded portrayal of the character was outstanding.

Stream Six Feet Under on HBO Max.
Buy Six Feet Under on Amazon.

Burn After Reading (2008)

The Coen Brothers’ 2008 spy comedy, Burn After Reading, centers on the the misplaced memoirs of former CIA analyst Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) as they fall into the hands of gym employees Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), who attempt to take the “secretive documents” and put a get-rich-quick scheme into action.

Jenkins steps in as Ted, Linda’s boss and secret admirer who will do anything to help her out in a bind. This includes breaking into the home of Osbourne Cox to gather more intel for her plan, a sequence that ends with one of the most startling moments in the entire movie.

Stream Burn After Reading on Freevee.
Rent/Buy Burn After Reading on Amazon.

The Visitor (2008)

Before writing one of the best journalism movies with Spotlight, writer-director Tom McCarthy released the phenomenal The Visitor, a drama about a widower (Jenkins) who comes home to his New York apartment to find two strangers living there. Instead of kicking them out, the college professor accepts the guests, kicking off a story of rebirth and heartbreak.

Jenkins’s portrayal of Walter Vale earned the actor an Academy Award nomination, but he ultimately lost out to Sean Penn in Milk. Easily one of Jenkins’ best performances, The Visitor sees the actor appear as soft and caring as ever, creating a charming and endearing experience for all.

Stream The Visitor on Tubi.
Rent/Buy The Visitor on Amazon.

The Cabin In The Woods (2012)

As a group of college friends settle in for a weekend of partying and relaxation in a cabin deep in the forest, none of them have any idea of the dangers that await them in the darkness or the ramifications of their decisions.

Without giving too much away for those who have yet to watch The Cabin in the Woods, this movie is equal parts horror and comedy, which becomes fully realized as the unique and convention-busting narrative unfolds. Plus, the banter between Jenkins and Bradley Whitford’s characters is more than worth the price of a rental.

Rent/Buy The Cabin in the Woods on Amazon.

Olive Kitteridge (2014)

Based on Elizabeth Strout’s novel of the same name, the 2014 HBO miniseries, Olive Kitteridge, tells the story of a strict former schoolteacher (Frances McDormand) as she attempts to navigate life and interpersonal relationships with her family and fellow residents in the seaside town of Crosby, Maine.

Olive Kitteridge went on to win six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie for Richard Jenkins. Able to stand toe-to-toe with his Burn After Reading co-star and fellow award winner, Jenkins’ portrayal of Olive’s husband, Henry, was one of the best of the actor’s career and earned him his first and only (so far) Emmy.

Stream Olive Kitteridge on HBO Max.
Buy Olive Kitteridge on Amazon.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

When a tribe of cannibalistic Native Americans abduct several residents of a small town in the American West, Sheriff Franklin Hunt (Kurt Russell) puts together a posse to rescue the townsfolk before they are killed, or worse, eaten.

Doing what he does best, Richard Jenkins shows up as a supporting character by the name of Deputy Chicory who helps Sheriff Hunt track down the cannibals and prevent them from doing any more harm. Jenkins is phenomenal as the elder character who doesn’t want his old age to hold him back, and is at the center of some incredible scenes in one of the best horror movies of 2015.

Rent/Buy Bone Tomahawk on Amazon.

Flirting With Disaster (1996)

Not wanting to name his newborn son until he uncovers the identities of his own birth parents, Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller in one of his best movies) sets off on a wild and crazy cross-country road trip to find the couple that gave him up for adoption decades earlier.

On his journey, Mel encounters some truly bizarre characters, including ATF agents Tony (Josh Brolin) and Paul (Richard Jenkins), who happen to be partners in more than one way. These two find themselves at the center of some of the movie’s best scenes, including the hilarious “acid freak out” sequence where his character is accidentally given LSD.

Stream Flirting with Disaster on Starz.
Rent/Buy Flirting with Disaster on Amazon.

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

In an attempt to make sense of the chaos of his life, Albert (Jason Schwartzman) enlists the services of so-called existential detectives to investigate the strangeness of his everyday existence. As part of the process, the neurotic environmentalist is paired up with an even more off-his-rocker fireman (Mark Wahlberg).

Though he only appears briefly in I Heart Huckabees, Richard Jenkins steals his scene as the overbearing father of a religious family (including a young Jonah Hill). The lunch scene Jenkins’ character shares with the stars is maddeningly funny. As great as Jenkins is in more subdued roles, he is an absolute gem whenever he freaks out and loses his top.

Stream I Heart Huckabees on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy I Heart Huckabees on Amazon.

Let Me In (2010)

One of the few horror remakes that actually don’t suck, Matt Reeves’ 2010 vampire movie, Let Me In, follows a young loner named Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) as he befriends a mysterious girl named Abby (Chloë Grace Moretz), who isn’t as young as she’s letting on.

The performances by the two young leads help make Let Me In a great adaptation of the Swedish film Let the Right One In, but also making the movie worthwhile is Richard Jenkins and his portrayal of Abby’s human companion, Thomas. A bit more nuanced than some of his other roles at the time, Jenkins is amazing here.

Stream Let Me In on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Let Me In on Amazon.

Step Brothers (2008)

And then there is Adam McKay’s 2008 comedy, Step Brothers, which tells the story of two immature grown men — Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) — who become siblings after their parents get married to one another. Hilarity ensues.

Before even getting too far into the movie, it becomes apparent that at some point Richard Jenkins’ character, Dr. Robert Doback, is going to drop the facade of an understanding and empathetic parent and have an epic meltdown. The movie slowly teases at it as the story unfolds and then turns it up a notch for one of the most ridiculous scenes of the actor’s career.

Rent/Buy Step Brothers on Amazon.

These are just some of movies and shows you should check out if you are a fan of Richard Jenkins or want to see more of his work after completing Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. As we wait to find out if Jenkins is going to be nominated for his latest performance, now is a good time to check out the 2022 TV schedule or the updated list of all the upcoming new movie releases.

When Six Feet Under went off the air in 2005, the message was clear: “Everything. Everyone. Everywhere. Ends.” In arguably the best television series finale of all time, viewers witnessed the deaths of each member of the Fisher family and their loved ones in a touching and heartbreaking montage. But in today’s climate of revivals, reboots, and reimaginings, I guess anything is possible — even reviving a show that literally killed off every character — because a follow-up to the classic HBO drama is reportedly in early development. And there’s more good news that’s going to have fans of the original series excited.

The new Six Feet Under project, reported by Variety, must really be in the earliest stages, because there’s no indication yet of whether the follow-up will be a reboot or sequel, and there’s no writer attached the project. However, fans will be ecstatic to hear that Alan Ball, who created the early aughts series, and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are all attached to the new project as executive producers.

Six Feet Under aired on HBO for five seasons with an ensemble cast that included Frances Conroy, Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall (in his first television role) and Lauren Ambrose as the Fisher family, who lived in and operated a funeral home after the death of patriarch Nathaniel Fisher, who made appearances from beyond the grave and was played by Richard Jenkins. The supporting cast was just as notable and included Rachel Griffiths, Freddy Rodriguez and Rainn Wilson, who has voiced his desire for a reboot.

The return of creator Alan Ball is a boon for Six Feet Under fans, as his vision and storytelling gave the original series depth and compassion for the seriously flawed group of humans who made up the Fishers. The series garnered Ball multiple awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Direction in a Drama Series in 2002. A year ago, Ball’s other HBO creation, True Blood, was reported to be in talks for a reboot, also with Ball signed on to executive produce.

It’s theoretically been long enough for a reboot, as the series celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, but the original series was so good, do we really need one? But if not a reboot, it’s going to be really interesting to see which direction the project goes. While we did see how the Fishers all end up meeting their maker, the series-ending montage didn’t go into a lot of detail about their lives, so will HBO find stories within that skipped-over time period? It’s all speculation at this point.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more on this follow-up to Six Feet Under, and in the meantime, check out our 2021 TV Schedule to see what’s coming up this month. You can also get a peek at what to expect in the new year with our 2022 TV Schedule.

Sam, Lionel, Troy and their friends at Winchester University are preparing to say goodbye, as Netflix’s Dear White People is set to drop its fourth and final season next week. The first three seasons were filled with sharp humor, biting social commentary and genuine heart, and Season 4 (or Vol. 4) appears set to carry on that grand tradition. However, the show will be changing up things by injecting a musical vibe into this last stretch of episodes. Some may be quick to assume music-based shows were the main inspirations for the new episodes but, as it turns out, the creatives actually drew from Star Trek: The Next Generation and another unexpected TV classic.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dear White People showrunners Justin Simien (who is also the show’s creator) and Jaclyn Moore about the upcoming season. And based on our conversation, it’s apparent that the creative duo put a lot of thought in care into how they wanted to wrap up the show. During our chat, I couldn’t help but ask Simien, major TV fan, about his personal influences for Vol. 4, and I was pleasantly surprised when he mentioned Star Trek: The Next Generation. On the surface, the two shows may not seem to have a lot in common, but there’s certainly a connection:

Star Trek: The Next Generation’s two-part series finale, “All Good Things...”, sees Captain Jean-Luc Picard jumping through different points in time. It serves as a fitting sendoff for the beloved show but, as Justin Simien mentions, it also manages to reframe the series in a fresh way.

Those who have seen the full trailer for Dear White People Vol. 4 likely know that part of the season takes place in the future and sees the characters navigating life post-Winchester. With this, TNG was quite invaluable for Simien and his colleagues and, as he further explained, the approach meshed with their musical ambitions:

As previously mentioned, the folks behind Dear White People are TV watchers, so Star Trek was not their only guiding light. Jaclyn Moore went on to confirm that a fan-favorite HBO series also had an impact on the final season:

Years ago, the critically acclaimed Six Feet Under also used flashforwards during its final season. Writers tend to employ these in order to give viewers a better sense of the present-day narrative’s impact down the line. And if you’ve seen the show, you’ll know they were used to great effect there.

It’s bittersweet knowing that this will be the last time fans will get to check in with the students of Winchester. However, Dear White People’s imminent conclusion is easier to fathom knowing that Justin Simien, Jaclyn Moore and their team have something special planned.

Dear White People Vol. 4 premieres on Netflix on September 15.

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Entourage, Sex and the City, Deadwood, and now The Sopranos with The Many Saints of Newark, are all HBO shows that would eventually become movies. Though three of those aforementioned films were all continuations of the series they were based off of, The Many Saints of Newark is actually a prequel, which got me to thinking: what other former HBO shows would I love to see get the movie treatment? Especially if it took a creative approach like The Many Saints of Newark did. My mind immediately jumped to The Wire.

For a time, pre-Game of Thrones, HBO really seemed like it could do no wrong. OK, that’s not true at all, since there are several shows that missed the mark by a wide margin. (Arli$$ and Hung, anyone?) But, the good shows were really good, and I’d love to see some sort of continuation for them, whether it was forward, backward, or somewhere in-between. So, here are five HBO shows that I wish would get the movie treatment, similar to The Sopranos, and what those movies could potentially look like.

Oh, and some major spoilers up ahead!

The Wire

Premiering in 2002 and ending in 2008, it is often debated by many modern-day viewers what the greatest TV show of all time is—The Wire, or Breaking Bad? And while I’ve already analyzed that question, I think it’s safe to say that The Wire has a legacy like few others. Some might even say that the show, which gets into the seedy underbelly of Baltimore’s drug scene, police force, politics, and even its education system, which are all connected, ended perfectly and doesn’t need a continuation. Why mess with perfection?

You know what? I agree. At least with the idea that it doesn’t need a continuation AFTER the show. Since Baltimore is essentially the main character of The Wire, I’d actually love to see a movie that showed Baltimore in the past, kind of like what The Deuce did with the ‘70s. I actually wouldn’t even care if younger versions of characters from the show didn’t turn up. The Wire was such a smart show, that I think it could create brand new characters and still be compelling throughout. Basically, I just want more of The Wire!

True Blood

“Sookie!” (Said in Bill Compton’s—as played by Stephen Moyer—voice). Debuting in 2008 and ending in 2014, True Blood was the story of a barmaid/faerie (Anna Paquin) who falls in love with vampires (though, she doesn’t end up with any in the finale). But, Sookie wasn’t the only “Fangbanger” in town, as there were a whole bunch of vampires in Bon Temps, Louisiana hooking up with, well, pretty much everybody. It was a very sexy show.

So, yes, I know, there might be a True Blood reboot coming, but it seems like even the book series’ author, Charlaine Harris, doesn’t know what’s going on with that. Honestly, I want a movie. Since Sookie was in a pretty good place by the end of the show, I would like to see what happened with Sam Merlotte (True Blood cast member Sam Trammel). Or Eric. Unlike Bill, who died of Hep V, Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) lived and even created a cure for Hep V called New Blood with Pam. I’d love to see the results of that, which I can only imagine wouldn’t go well.

Six Feet Under

Like Breaking Bad and The Wire, Six Feet Under is a show that ended perfectly. Debuting in 2001 and ending in 2005, the show concerned the Fisher family, who owned a funeral home with their friends and significant others. What made the show special, though, was its unconventional nature. Every episode would start with a death, and the characters would reflect on their own lives and sometimes even talk with the dead (I mean, not literally, of course. It was in their heads).

Since Six Feet Under ended perfectly, and we got to see how all of the characters die, I think we would have to do the same thing with The Wire and go into the past. The show starts with Nate Fisher’s father’s death, but I would love to see more of Nathaniel Sr.’s life. We do get to see some of it through dream sequences on the show, but I want to see more of his life as a young man in a whole movie. Like The Wire, I just want more of Six Feet Under!

Eastbound & Down

The only comedy on this list, Eastbound & Down, which debuted in 2009 and ended in 2013, was about a former pitcher named Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) who returns to his hometown as a substitute gym teacher, and just keeps messing up over, and over...and over again. To hilarious results.

The ending of Eastbound & Down is weird. Like, even by Eastbound & Down standards. It ends with Kenny’s voiceover, which includes his wife getting gunned down in an alley, Kenny becoming addicted to heroin, going to Africa on a weird hovercycle, getting remarried, and then getting burned on a funeral pyre, but it’s all just a screenplay. It’s pretty wonderful.

Because Eastbound & Down reveled in ridiculousness, I honestly think that the movie could go absolutely anywhere. I couldn’t even think where, but the show was so inventive, that Kenny Powers could be in any scenario. Even as a part of the Fast series of films. In fact, forget the Fast Franchise and Jurassic Park. I want the Fast series and Kenny Powers! Or Jurassic Park and Kenny Powers. Seriously, either works.

Oz

Debuting in 1997 and ending in 2003, Oz is the oldest show on this list and HBO’s first major hour-long drama series. It’s also the first show I ever saw on HBO, and I was probably way too young. The story concerns the inmates in the Oswald State Correctional Facility (or, just Oz, for short), and it chronicles the lives of a number of different prisoners inside the big house, and how they all coexist, often to violent results. The thing that really struck me, though, was its methods of storytelling, most notably having inmate Augustus Hill (Lost’s Harold Perrineau) talk directly to the audience and impart both plot and wisdom.

At the end of Oz, the inmates are evacuated after a poisonous powder gets into the prison and kills off the Aryans. Unit manager, Tim McManus (Terry Kinney) implies that the prisoners will be back someday, but afterwards, it looks like that never comes to be. Well, I’d like to see what happens to the prisoners who did survive Oz, like Ryan O'Reilly (Dean Winters). The show was all about rehabilitation, and I’d love to see what happened to the inmates of Emerald City. The show ended off fine, but I always felt like there should be a bit more to it.

Are there any other HBO shows that you would love to be seen made into a movie? If you’re still in an HBO mindset and want to hear what we think are The Wire’s best episodes or just want to know about 2021 movies, then make sure to come back here often.

This poll is no longer available.

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It was not until I started watching Dexter that I ever believed I would find myself empathizing with and even, in terms of personality, actually admiring a serial killer. The achievement of this seemingly impossible task has a lot to do with the hit drama’s unusually perfect balance of criminally morbid subject matter and relatable, character-driven humor, but also, especially, for the likability of its star. If you agree, there are plenty of other Michael C. Hall movies and TV shows on streaming that you should be checking out.

The 50-year-old North Carolina native has led a relatively versatile career, successfully avoiding being typecast as other homicidal characters, with his performance while leading the Dexter cast (for which he won a Golden Globe) likely being a big factor in that. One could infer that the actor has borrowed a lot from the character of Dexter Morgan (his secret dark side, his family man persona, etc.) to inform how he has portrayed many of his other well-known roles on the big and small screen. Get to know the many other sides of Michael C. Hall through streaming these movies and TV shows, but, first, reacquaint yourself with the side you already know best.

Dexter (Amazon Prime, Showtime)

Following the guidance of his late cop father's code, a police blood spatter expert (Michael C. Hall), with an adoptive sister on the force (Jennifer Carpenter), channels his homicidal tendencies into ridding Miami of its most notorious criminals while struggling to maintain a squeaky clean record and a seemingly normal life.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: Chances are that, if you consider yourself a fan of Michael C. Hall, you have already seen creator James Manos Jr.'s hit adaptation of Jeff Lindsay's book series, but a rewatch (yes, the controversial series finale included) before the premiere of Showtime's upcoming Dexter revival might be a good idea.

Stream Dexter on Amazon Prime or on Showtime.

Six Feet Under (HBO Max)

A widow (Frances Conroy) and her three adult children (Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, and Lauren Ambrose) try to look on the bright side while working together to run the family business: an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: Before Michael C. Hall played the cause of many deaths on Showtime's dark comedy, he broke out on HBO as the one putting the dead in the ground with the Six Feet Under cast as middle child David Fisher, whose struggles to come out of the closet in Season 1 are the main reason for his strained relationship with his family.

Stream Six Feet Under on HBO Max.

Christine (Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, Vudu)

An ambitious television reporter's attempts to further her career are put at odds with the pressures of the media industry and an increasing struggle with her mental health, which reaches a grave peak.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: Michael C. Hall plays the co-anchor and possible love interest to Rebecca Hall's titular character in 2016's Christine, one of best movies on Netflix, which tells the shocking true story of TV reporter Christine Chubbuck who took her own life live on air in 1974.

Stream Christine on Netflix, on Hulu, on Tubi, or on Vudu.

Kill Your Darlings (Amazon Prime)

A group of young scholars destined to be influential figures in poetry (including Daniel Radcliffe as Allen Ginsberg and Dane DeHaan as Lucien Carr) become acquainted with one another at Columbia University, where the brutal murder of an English professor changes their lives forever.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: This time playing a real-life victim of fatal transgressions is Michael C. Hall in 2013's Kill Your Darlings - a fictionalized account of events surrounding the death of David Kammerer, which rocked the Beat Poetry Generation in the 1940s, and is one of the best movies on Amazon Prime at the moment.

Stream Kill Your Darlings on Amazon Prime.

Documentary Now! (Netflix)

Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren hosts this showcase of non-fiction features profiling a vast variety of topics throughout the decades which are actually parodies of some of the most famous and influential documentaries of all time.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: On Season 3 of Documentary Now! (the hilarious, Emmy-nominated mockumentary anthology series from creators Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers), Michael C. Hall plays a bowling tournament champion competing against SNL veteran Bobby Moynihan and I Think You Should Leave star Tim Robinson in a sport doc parody episode called "Any Given Sunday Afternoon."

Stream Documentary Now! on Netflix.

Star Vs. The Forces Of Evil (Disney+)

A teenage princess from an alternate reality (The Middle's Eden Sher) lands on Earth, where she stays with a Mexican-American family while enduring the struggles of high school and protecting her new home from malevolent inter-dimensional phenomena.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: In addition to his more comedic efforts, Michael C. Hall has also done a few things for the kids, such as the Disney XD animated series Star vs. the Forces of Evil, on which he plays an evil immortal lizard (go figure) named Toffee.

Stream Star vs. the Forces of Evil on Disney+.

Justice League: Gods And Monsters (HBO Max)

In a world in which Superman is the son of General Zod, Batman is a doctor trying to cure his vampire physiology, and Wonder Woman is the queen of a dark underworld, the trio of anti-heroes try to use their powers for good despite protests from the people they aim to protect.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: In addition to his more kid-friendly voice acting efforts, Michael C. Hall has also starred in an animated film targeted more toward adults - namely Justice League: Gods and Monsters, an Elseworlds story from the DC Animated Movies Universe in which he plays the vampiric version of the Dark Knight.

Stream Justice League: Gods and Monsters on HBO Max.

Paycheck (Hulu, Amazon Prime)

A reverse engineer (Ben Affleck) who specializes in classified technology with the agreement to have his memory of the assignment erased must figure out why the authorities are chasing him after completing a three-year job for a shady company - none of which he can remember.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: Twelve years before he got to play an alternate version of Batman in 2015, Michael C. Hall got to star opposite the DCEU's Batman in Paycheck, a Phillip K. Dick-inspired thriller from Face/Off director John Woo as one of two FBI Agents (the other being another Zack Snyder's Justice League star, Joe Morton) trailing Affleck's character for reasons he does not understand.

Stream Paycheck on Hulu or on Amazon Prime.

Gamer (Max Go)

A death row inmate (Gerard Butler) is forced to compete in a dangerous game of survival against other violent convicts with the same sentence for the chance to win his freedom - the catch being that he, like the others, is being controlled by a teenage video game prodigy (Logan Lerman) as if he were a virtual reality simulation.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: In Gamer, a futuristic tech thriller with themes of psychological manipulation released in 2009, Michael C. Hall plays Ken Calte - the rich, powerful, and extremely corrupt creator of Slayers, the game that will determine the fate of Gerard Butler's character, Kable, if 17-year-old Simon cannot successful guide him to safety.

Stream Gamer on Max Go.

In The Shadow Of The Moon (Netflix)

A Philadelphia cop (The Predator star Boyd Holbrook) ruins his life obsessing over the inexplicable return of a notorious serial killer (Cleopatra Coleman) years after his bullet put a stop her crimes.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: The 2019 Netflix original sci-fi thriller In the Shadow of the Moon has a unique, socially relevant angle to ground it to reality, and also stars Michael C. Hall as brother-in-law of Holbrook's character and a fellow police detective.

Stream In the Shadow of the Moon on Netflix.

The Report (Amazon Prime)

A senate staffer (Adam Driver) is assigned to investigate an interrogation program developed after the events of 9/11, the shocking secrets he uncovers put him at odds with the CIA.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: Based on the true story of Daniel Jones' findings about controversial torture methods, The Report is a gripping Amazon Prime original political drama featuring Michael C. Hall as real-life CIA lawyer Thomas Eastman, who fights to redact as much from Jones' revealing report as possible.

Stream The Report on Amazon Prime.

Safe (Netflix)

Years after the death of his wife, the teenage daughter of a surgeon (Michael C. Hall) suddenly goes missing, inspiring him to conduct his own investigation which brings secrets of his closest friends and family to light.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Michael C. Hall: From the mind of acclaimed author Harlan Coben, the eight-episode Netflix original miniseries thriller, Safe, stars Michael C. Hall as a widowed family man with medical expertise who goes to extreme lengths to take justice into his own hands.

Stream Safe on Netflix.

Remember that Michael C. Hall will return to Showtime for Dexter's limited series revival in 2021. And, that is a repeat I and other fans will welcome with open arms.

Only four couples remain on Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars and only one strutting celebrity will be named the latest victor. Any of them have a chance at the ultimate prize in the upcoming final round, but if Justina Machado wins, at 48 years old, she would become the oldest champion in the popular reality competition’s history.

The Latina Chicago native actually did take dance years earlier at the Franklin Fine Arts Center in her youth. Yet, what made Justina Machado a star worthy of becoming a participant on the hit ABC show was acting, which she has done since she made her debut in a 1993 after-school special. Her acting credits have since piled up immensely, along with her popularity.

However, for the few Dancing with the Stars obsessives who may have been struggling to recall where they recognize their new favorite contestant from, allow us to help. The following are 11 of Justina Machado’s more notable roles, starting with the sitcom that gave her a big step toward household name status.

One Day At A Time (2017 - Present)

In this modernized update of the classic 1970s sitcom (more by title than anything else), Justina Machado plays a divorced nurse and military veteran raising her teenage daughter (Isabella Gomez) and younger son (Marcel Ruiz) with unwanted help from her mother (Rita Moreno) and manager of her apartment building (Todd Grinnell). While Netflix has been known for reviving cancelled shows, the platform actually kicked One Day at a Time, despite critical and audience acclaim, after three seasons before it was picked up by Pop, the cable network that Emmy-winner Schitt’s Creek once called home.

Final Destination 2 (2003)

Speaking of tragic endings, one of Justina Machado’s earlier major motion picture roles was in the sequel to the 2000 slasher that made a villain out of Death itself. The new doomed ensemble cast of Final Destination 2 believes that the unborn child of her pregnant character, Isabella Hudson, may be the key to cheating fate.

Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

Speaking of fate, death was actually a major theme of this acclaimed HBO dramedy about a family running a Los Angeles funeral home. Justina Machado’s role on Six Feet Under as Vanessa Diaz, wife of Fisher & Sons’ restorative assistant Rico Diaz (Freddy Rodriguez), is just one of the many times she has played a nurse on TV and one of three on this list alone.

Torque (2004)

Justina Machado has also played a few members of law enforcement in her day, like Torque - an attempt to capitalize on the early success of The Fast and the Furious, but with motorcycles. She plays Henderson, an FBI agent investigating the murder of a feared biker gang leader’s (Ice Cube) brother with her partner Jay McPherson (played by a pre-stardom Adam Scott).

Bones (2010)

She also once played the suspect of an FBI investigation in a Season 6 episode of Bones in which Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) look into the deaths of a pair of male and female corpses found in a national park. Justina Machado turns on the sass in “The Couple in the Cave” as Lupe Rojas, who turns out to be the ex-girlfriend of the male corpse, who apparently left her for the female he was found with.

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Justina Machado would actually end up a (SPOILER ALERT) victim of murder in yet another starring role in the second chapter of a popular horror movie franchise. However, there was no investigation into the death of her character, Tanya, because, in the world of The Purge: Anarchy, her sister Lorraine (Roberta Valderrama) was able to legally shoot and kill her for sleeping with her husband behind her back.

Private Practice (2012-2013)

As Shonda Rhimes fans know, there is always plenty of sleeping around among the staff of St. Ambrose Hospital - the setting of her hit medical drama Private Practice. As Stephanie Kemp, Justina Machado (in her third time playing a nurse that we have listed here) had a love connection of her own on the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off with Taye Diggs’ character, Dr. Sam Bennett.

Pedro (2008)

Romance was also a major theme, but more tragically so, of this MTV original movie based on the life of Cuban-American Pedro Zamora - who became famous as an openly gay and HIV-positive cast member of reality series The Real World before his death in 1994. Justina Machado plays Mily Zamora, the sister of Pedro, played by Alex Loynaz.

Jane The Virgin (2016-2019)

Alex Loynaz also made a couple of appearances on the first season of Jane the Virgin, in which the titular devoutly religious Latina waitress (Gina Rodriguez) discovers she was artificially inseminated by accident. Justina Machado would become a recurring cast member on the hit CW dramedy in Season 3 as the no-nonsense Darci Factor - whose own matchmaking service led to her strike up a relationship with Jane’s previously estranged father, telenovela star Rogelio De La Vega (Jaime Camil).

Gears Of War 4 (2016)

Justina Machado has also lent her voice to many animated characters, the most famous of which might be Reyna Diaz - a natural-born hybrid of human DNA with that of the enemy alien race called Locusts. She first appeared in Gears of War 4 - the fifth installment of the popular video game franchise for Xbox set during the aftermath of an alien apocalypse - and again in 2019’s Gears 5.

Elena Of Avalor (2016-2020)

One of Justina Machado’s most consistent voice roles was on Elena of Avalor, a Disney Channel original animated series about a Latina princess played by Aimee Carerro. She voices the recurring role of Carmen, the granddaughter of a ghostly spirit who requests Princess Elena’s help on a special episode set on Dia de los Muertos.

What do you think? Will you be rooting for Justina Machado in the Dancing with the Stars finals, or will you still be proud of her past accomplishments as a Latina actress even if she does not become the new champion? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the multi-talented Puerto Rican star, as well as even more inside looks into the resumes of your favorite celebrities, here on CinemaBlend.

June is annually Pride month, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, and pays homage to the generations who fought for equality in queer history. And while social distancing may affect the way the community physically celebrates Pride, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate queer stories on television. While it's been a long process, television has been putting out some very groundbreaking stories including the queer community.

There are ten such stories which really stick out to me as the most significant, and I've listed them below. You might be surprised that Cam and Mitch from ABC's Modern Family ended up on the cutting room floor, but I chose to exclude them to highlight some lesser-known choices. (And because the comedy didn't even show them kissing or being affectionate with each other until the second season.)

The list isn't ranked, so this isn't to say that any of these same-sex television relationships is more important than the other. But they each have something to celebrate, as conversations about inclusion and visibility continue to dominate the entertainment industry. I'll be breaking down a bunch of shows, so spoiler alert for those worried about plot details.

Willow And Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Before kickstarting The Avengers and infamously completing Justice League, Joss Whedon was a television man. His work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer continues to remain a part of pop culture, with the supernatural dramedy having a fiercely loyal fanbase. One of the many ways Buffy's legacy was felt was through groundbreaking depiction of a lesbian romance with Willow and Tara, played by Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson, respectively. The two characters bonded over their shared magical abilities, with Willow's coming out as a witch mirroring her sexual revelation in Season 4.

Willow and Tara have an iconic place in television history, notable for having the first lesbian sex scene on television. The characters lifted each other up throughout the run of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, although they weren't without their rocky times as well. It's a story of trauma, self-confidence, and magic, and is one of the show's main love stories. But, Buffy is ultimately not a happy ending type of show, so their story ends in tragedy.

David and Keith (Six Feet Under)

Six Feet Under is an Emmy winning drama that aired on HBO in the early 2000's. It focuses on a deeply imperfect family (mostly) living in and running a funeral home in Los Angeles. The show's principal cast includes Dexter star Michael C. Hall as David Fisher, a closeted mortician. When the show starts he's secretly dating a police officer named Keith (Mathew St. Patrick), with both of them keeping their relationship a secret from their respective families. David and Keith's romance helps encapsulate what it was like living as a gay person in the early 2000's, and shows how sometimes positive change happens gradually.

David and Keith fight countless times throughout the series and break up, but always end up coming back together. It was a major step in visibility to see an interracial gay relationship on television, and the two grow together and start their own family throughout Six Feet Under's five seasons on the air. David's sexuality is truly at the crux of his characterization on the show, and we got to see both characters be fully fleshed out in an honest way. Plus, sometimes it's just fun to watch them fight.

Callie And Arizona (Grey's Anatomy)

There are long-running TV shows, and then there's Grey's Anatomy. The ABC medical drama just wrapped up its whopping 16th season on the air, and is showing no signs of slowing down. And while there's been countless hook ups and character pairings, a few love stories stand out among the rest. Chief among them are Callie and Arizona, played by Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw. The two meet in Season 5, and the sparks were immediate. Arizona proved to be a great foil for Callie's previous girlfriend Erica Hahn, and brought a sense of light and joy to Grey's.

Callie and Arizona would navigate the complexities of being in an interracial relationship, differences in faith, and becoming parents. But the infamous Grey's plane crash put a huge divide in their relationship, with Arizona blaming her wife for amputating her leg. In the end the two wouldn't get their happy ending, with their lowest point being a vicious fight for custody over their daughter Sofia. But when they were good they were really good, and their disagreements never demonized either character. Grey's Anatomy is known for shedding a light on hot button issues, and watching Callie and Arizona, no doubt, opened some minds.

Noah and Wade (Noah's Arc)

Before introducing RuPaul's Drag Race to the world, cable network Logo was producing scripted content. Chief among them was Noah's Arc, which ran for two seasons starting in 2005, before eventually getting its own movie event. The series revolved around a group of black gay men living in Los Angeles, and prominently featured issues facing that community, including dating, same-sex parenthood, HIV and AIDS awareness, and homophobia. While there were plenty of love stories on Noah's Arc, the most significant is between Darryl Stephens' title character and Wade (Jensen Atwood).

Noah quickly falls for fellow screenwriter Wade during Noah's Arc, and eventually those feelings are reciprocated. We watch as Wade comes out as a gay man, and faces the harsh realities that can sometimes accompany that process for black men. It was extremely significant for this series to show two black men being in love and having sex during this time, as it was before television was as inclusive as it is now. What's more, we eventually got to see their wedding in the movie Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom.

Elena and Syd (One Day at a Time)

One Day at a Time is a reimagining of the '70s series of the same name, and originally aired over on Netflix before making its way to Pop. The sitcom focuses on a Cuban-American family, led by a single mother played by Justina Machado. Her daughter Elena (Isabella Gomez) goes through the coming out process throughout the show's first season, serving as a major plot point in the show's early run. Eventually she finds a love interest Syd (Sheridan Pierce), with the two bonding over their shared, politically-minded, worldview.

What makes this such a significant couple is that Syd identifies as nonbinary. One Day at a Time is great at dealing with real-world issues in an accessible way, and with plenty of laughs. Syd's identity is one great example of this, and we've watched as the Alvarez family learned and adjusted their language to properly address Elena's partner. It's another major step toward visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular nonbinary folks who may be watching the show.

Patrick and Richie (Looking)

There are certain iconic TV love stories that have continued to resonate with audiences. The Office had Jim and Pam, Cheers had Sam and Diane, and Sex and the City followed Carrie's relationship with Big. But for me, they don't hold a candle to Looking's Patrick and Richie. HBO's Looking only aired for two seasons, but I found it to be an especially powerful, joyful, and realistic look into what it's like to be gay man in modern society. Jonathan Groff's Patrick is the show's protagonist, alongside his group of friends living in San Francisco. Patrick had two different boyfriends throughout the show's run, but the fandom knew that Richie (Raúl Castillo) was endgame.

The two characters meet in Looking's first episode, and their chemistry is immediate. But, a variety of challenges stand in the way of Patrick and Richie's happiness, including issues with race and class, as well some very bad timing. When the show was cancelled after Season 2, it looked like Looking fans would never find out what happened between the two. Luckily, HBO ultimately produced a finale movie, including an especially happy ending for all the shippers out there like me.

Stef and Lena Foster (The Fosters)

The Fosters premiered in 2013 on Freeform, featuring a multi-ethnic, blended family. In addition to referencing the foster system, the show's title is actually the last name of the family's two matriarchs, Stef and Lena Foster, played by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum. The couple manages to keep their family bonded through love, and show what power and capability same-sex parents can have. Additionally, they are notable for showing an interracial lesbian relationship on television, especially on a family friendly network like Freeform.

The Fosters ended after five seasons on the network, which is an impressive run for any show. Stef and Lena showed the power of communication and empathy throughout the run, dealing with the various plot twists and dramatic turns that The Fosters portrayed. This healthy partnership no doubt affected their children, who come from different cultural backgrounds. They're a same-sex TV couple for the record books, one that no doubt helped to open minds during the show's run.

Patrick and David (Schitt's Creek)

Schitt's Creek was a sleeper hit on Pop, with the show becoming a massive hit during its last few seasons on the air. The comedy followed the lives of the formerly wealthy Rose family, who lose their money and have to live in a motel in the show's titular town. Chief among them was David Rose, played by creator/writer/showrunner Dan Levy. David and his family slowly learn to grow, with David having his first adult relationship after meeting Patrick (Noah Reid).

This relationship is notable because it's never met with any real strife. While they sometimes have their struggles, and Patrick actually comes out throughout the course of Schitt's Creek, there's never any hate or cruelty on the series. Additionally, David's characterization made history for representing the pansexual experience, with the character explaining what his identity means in simple terms that can help educate audiences. Finally, Schitt's Creek's final season was centered around David and Patrick's wedding, with images of the two men kissing being prominently featured in billboards. This made history in terms of visibility, and put the show's message of love and acceptance front and center.

Nomi and Amanita (Sense8)

The Matrix visionaries, The Wachowskis, went to streaming with their sci-fi Netflix series Sense8. The show focused on a group of characters around the world, whose minds, feelings, and thoughts are connected. The show was celebrated for its extremely diverse cast, which included a few notable same-sex relationships. But, perhaps the most significant is Nomi and Amanita, played by Jamie Clayton and Freema Agyeman respectively. Throughout Sense8's two seasons and final movie event, the characters showed a never ending devotion for each other, despite the chaos constantly surrounding Nomi's cluster.

Nomi and Amanita's love is a powerful one, with Lana Wachowski and company prominently featuring an interracial, trans love story. The pair's differences are what make them such a strong couple, as they advocate for each other and display fierce loyalty. While every member of Nomi's cluster has their own love interest(s), she and Amanita are never really separated throughout the show's events. What's more, the Sense8 movie ultimately ends with their marriage... and a telepathic orgy. If you watch the show you get it.

Sol And Robert (Grace and Frankie)

One of Netflix's first original programs is the comedy Grace and Frankie, which premiered back in 2015. Starring legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the show has already run for a whopping 6 seasons on the streaming service. It follows its title characters, who are forced to support each other once their husbands leave them both, due to their secret love affair. Said husbands are Sol and Robert, played by the great Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen, respectively.

While Sol and Robert are originally the villains from Grace and Frankie's perspective of the events, their portrayal on the show is still largely positive. Their relationship shows something that is rarely portrayed onscreen: LGBTQIA+ people who come out later in life. Sol and Robert weren't able to live their truth until their third act, and are shown navigating through the queer community. They also have a healthy sex life at their age, something that is often missing in popular media. And while Sam Waterson and Martin Sheen are not queer themselves, seeing such legendary actors portraying the roles comes with the possibility of opening a few minds for Netflix subscribers.

This is obviously not a complete list of every single major same-sex couple in TV history, but shows the duos that I find the most ground-breaking and important. Did I miss some of your favorite onscreen couples? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check out our summer premiere list to plan your next binge watch.

Staying entertained is of paramount importance right now. Obviously, there are many things one can do while spending every day and night at home. Plant a garden, repaint the walls, draw, learn an instrument, nap, cook, eat, nap some more...but we all know that most of us are using a lot of whatever newfound free time we have to do one thing: watch TV and movies. Now, HBO has made it a lot easier to find a new favorite or revisit something you already love, as the cabler just released The Wire, The Sopranos and lots of other content for free.

Here's how this will work. Beginning this Friday, April 3, you'll be able to get access to nine of HBO's full series and 10 of the network's docuseries or documentaries without having to pay for an HBO subscription. All you have to do is download either the HBO Now or the HBO Go apps, or get yourself over to the website for either streaming platform on your computer. You'll then get to watch the full series of each show that's been made available, which means you'll have hundreds of hours worth of additional viewing options at your fingertips. Here's the list of what you can watch:

Let's face it, with television, especially, it can be hard to keep up with all the prestige / buzzed-about shows that arrive on a regular basis. So, it's not impossible that there are a lot of people who managed to miss out on the wonders that these series had to offer, even if the shows had been completed many years ago.

Just among the scripted shows, there are some marvels to behold. The Wire is my favorite of the dramas listed, and, honestly, I still consider it to be one of the best shows of all time. If you've never seen the series, which chronicles the lives and work of a group of Baltimore cops and the (mostly) gangsters they hunt in every episode, then you've missed out on some of the best writing ever seen on television, along with one awesome catchphrase. You've also missed out on wonderful performances from Idris Elba, Aidan Gillen, Michael Kenneth Williams, a very young Michael B. Jordan and many more.

Thanks to HBO, you can now spend your free time more wisely and binge The Wire, Veep, Succession and other new and old hits and keep that cash in your pocket. We don't know exactly how long all the content will be offered, but HBO did make it clear that this is for a limited time, so be sure to get in on this tomorrow after you finish working in your pajamas or teaching your kid about the War of 1812, or whatever else it is you've been doing all day.

If you still need more ideas for things to watch (Don't worry. It's OK to admit you need more entertainment guidance than usual right now.), check out our Netflix schedule and see what's new on Hulu in April!

In the past decade of TV shows, The Wire is widely considered one of the greatest television dramas ever produced. Former President Barack Obama even called it one of the greatest pieces of art created in the last couple of decades. The Wire creator David Simon weaved together a series that took a hard look at how institutions indirectly and directly have a part in drug trade and corruption. Baltimore, Maryland is the setting for The Wire; the show deals with different divisions of the city, but the stories and themes featured in the show resonate with cities all over the globe. The Wire is a great TV drama that helped define the early 2000s era of television.

Thanks to the power of streaming services like Netflix, The Wire and other great television shows of the early 2000s are available to watch on any device. The early 2000s was a critical time for the small screen because it’s when many of the formulas that now dominate the airwaves started to form. Anti-hero main characters, sci-fi epics, political dramas, and feel-good-but-makes-you-cry shows began to find their place in pop culture and on mainstream television. As we embrace a new decade of television, let’s take a look at some of the best TV shows of the early 2000s that are available to stream.

This list only includes dramas from the early 2000s that are available to stream through a subscription service. It’s also limited to series that began between 1999 and 2006, and series that reached their final episodes by 2011.

The Wire (Amazon Prime Video)

The Wire premiered in 2002. It features actors who have become some of today’s biggest names in Hollywood, including Aidan Gillen, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, and Dominic West. The Wire gave a gritty and honest portrait of Baltimore: the show highlights how different institutions influence crime in the city. The Wire received critical acclaim but the Emmy voters mostly ignored it—one of the Emmy’s many great injustices. The Wire aired from 2002 to 2008. All five seasons are available to stream on HBO Now and Amazon Prime Video. Stream The Wire HERE.

The Sopranos (Amazon Prime Video)

Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) was the man in charge from 1999 to 2007. Fans may never know what really happened to Tony after everything faded to black, but his legacy continues. David Chase’s Sopranos revolutionized the television world in a couple of ways. First, it de-glamorized the mob lifestyle, and second it let viewers know that it was okay to follow the bad guy over the course of multiple seasons. The Sopranos paved the way for the Walter White and Dexters of the TV world. The premise of a mob boss in therapy expanded to a look at a damaged family, a deconstruction of the mob drama, and a conversation on mental health. All six seasons of The Sopranos are available on HBO Now and Amazon Prime Video. Stream The Sopranos HERE.

Veronica Mars (Hulu)

From 2004 to 2007, Kristen Bell played everyone’s favorite Marshmallow, Veronica Mars. Veronica Mars was a teen drama that was smart, funny, surprising, and heartbreaking in all the right ways. Veronica Mars’ original run left viewers wanting more after the CW’s abrupt cancellation of it after three seasons. By the end of the series, the teen P.I had won a loyal cult following that was willing to go to the ends of the earth for their LoVe of the series. This meant the show would receive two revivals, first as a movie and then as an additional season. It also had a book series and a web series about Dick. All four seasons and the Veronica Mars movie are available on Hulu. Stream Veronica Mars HERE.

Friday Night Lights (Hulu)

Emmy winning and critically acclaimed Friday Night Lights became a favorite among people who wanted heartwarming sports dramas. Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler led an ensemble cast as Coach Eric Taylor and his wife Tami Taylor. Friday Night Lights was adapted from the 2004 movie of the same name, which was based on the Friday Night Lights book. The series aired on NBC from 2006 to 2011- gaining more loyal fans with each new season. Hulu has all five seasons of Friday Night Lights available to stream on Hulu. Stream Friday Night Lights HERE.

Lost (Hulu)

Unfortunately, most critics and viewers now associate Lost with its much-debated final season. When Lost first aired in 2004, fans were blown away by the mystery of the island, the cast, and the potential of the series. At the heart of Lost was a character driven show that explored what happens when people are forced into unfamiliar situations and unknown dangers. Lost featured an ensemble cast that included Matthew Fox, Naveen Andrews, Evangeline Lilly, Ian Somerhalder, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, and Emilie de Ravin. Lost aired for six seasons and ended in May 2010. All six seasons of Lost are available to stream on Hulu. Stream Lost HERE.

The Shield (Hulu)

FX’s crime drama The Shield follows Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), a corrupt Los Angeles Police Department cop. Mackey and his friends often use illegal methods to coerce confessions and ensure arrests. Michael Chiklis’ performance on The Shield won him both the Emmy and Golden Globe award for the series’ first season. FX aired The Shield for seven seasons from 2002 to 2008. The show captured the attention of many big Hollywood names and featured guest appearances by Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker. Hulu has all seven seasons of The Shield available to stream. Stream The Shield HERE.

The West Wing (Hulu)

Aaron Sorkin’s political drama The West Wing dominated ratings and award season for most of its seven-season run. In The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President of the United States Josiah “Jed” Bartlet. The series follows him and his administration, which includes C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), Leo McGarry (John Spencer), and Joshua Lyman (Bradley Whitford). The West Wing is considered one of the best-written TV shows of all time. It won 26 Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama and numerous writing Emmys. All seven seasons of The West Wing, which aired from 1999 to 2006, are available on Netflix. Stream The West Wing HERE.

Firefly (Hulu)

Fans of the Fox Network know that the company rarely hesitates when cancelling shows. This has led to many beloved series reaching their conclusion far too soon. In 2003, Firefly became one of Fox’s cancellation victims. Joss Whedon’s space western followed the crew of the Serenity spaceship led by Nathan Fillion’s Mal Reynolds. Firefly’s cast also included Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, and Summer Glau. Firefly only aired for one 14-episode season. However, Joss Whedon and crew were given a chance to give the series a proper conclusion with the Serenity movie in 2005. All fourteen episodes of Firefly are available to stream on Hulu. Stream Firefly HERE.

Boston Legal (Hulu)

Long before Red,James Spader, along with William Shatner, was the star of David E. Kelley’s legal drama and The Practice spin-off Boston Legal. Like The Practice, the show centered around the characters at a law firm and the cases that they tackled each week. Boston Legal received many award nominations, especially for Shatner and Spader. Boston Legal aired from 2004 to 2008, and had five seasons. Hulu and Amazon Prime Video have all five seasons of the series available to stream. Stream Boston Legal HERE.

The 4400 (Netflix)

In 2004, USA Network introduced a new sci-fi series called The 4400. The 4400 follows the return of 4400 people who went missing during various periods, starting in 1946. All of the 4400 disappeared in a similar fashion with a white beam of light grabbing them. Once returned to earth, the 4400 remain the same age they were when taken. The series follows these individuals and how they must adjust to their return, and the new powers that they’ve developed. From 2004 to 2007, The 4400 aired for four seasons. Some of the cast included Billy Campbell, Mahershala Ali, Patrick John Flueger, and Laura Allen. The complete series of The 4400 is available on Netflix. Stream The 4400 HERE.

Six Feet Under (Amazon Prime Video)

Six Feet Under follows widow Ruth Fisher (Frances Conroy) and her three children, Nate (Peter Krause), David (Michael C. Hall), and Claire (Lauren Ambrose). It focuses on the Fisher family’s funeral business and personal relationships and struggles. Six Feet Under was another one of HBO’s critically acclaimed series with a huge cult following. The Fisher family’s highly dysfunctional nature, magical surrealism elements, and overall strong writing and acting is what made Six Feet Under one of the most popular series of the early 2000s. It aired on HBO from 2001 to 2005. All five seasons of Six Feet Under are available on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Now. Stream Six Feet Under HERE.

The early 2000s brought a lot of great television series, many that helped shaped the TV landscape forever, and even more that are considered the greatest series of all time. Let’s hope the next twenty years of television shows are just as profound and exciting.

Game of Thrones is a show with dragons, intriguing plot lines, high stakes, immense drama, and action. It's also about incest. Okay, it's not like it's a major theme or anything, but there is certainly a fair bit of it and the show's entire plot more or less hinges on it. Also, need we point out that of all the popular candidates to take the throne at the series' end, three out of four have banged a relative?

Game of Thrones has a history of incest, but it's not the only television show to emphasize keeping love in the family. With that said, here's a handful of times television has gotten incestuous long before Jon and Dany decided to lock lips, do the nasty, and make the world feel uncomfortable about this relationship finally happening.

Game of Thrones - Jaime and Cersei

As mentioned earlier, without this Lannister sibling duo getting freaky, it's fair to say Game of Thrones would be much different. The couple copulating in the seemingly abandoned tower in Winterfell set off a chain of events that, for better or worse, ultimately set in motion the events that led to Season 8. Imagine if they'd just kept it in their pants a little longer, would Ned Stark still be alive?

He may have died anyway, and the Lannisters would've still tried to get rid of Robert to take control of Westeros. Obviously it's impossible to predict how things would've played out had Ned never left Winterfell, but the characters are in decent position to stop the White Walker threat that's been mounting since Game of Thrones' beginning. That may not have happened had Jaime and Cersei not been bumpin' uglies, so think about that during the Season 8 premiere.

Riverdale - Polly And Jason

Jason Blossom's murder was the mystery that kicked off Riverdale, and boy, did it get complicated. While it appeared Jason might've had a incestuous relationship with his twin sister Cheryl, fans got a classic Riverdale twist when it was revealed the town's Coopers and Blossoms were once part of the same family. This was shocking to the whole family, especially Betty who realized her sister Polly was pregnant with their first cousin's twins.

Now, Polly didn't know she was related to Jason, nor Jason Polly. Given the strained relationship of the Coopers and Blossoms their ignorance can be forgiven, although it doesn't really make the whole incest thing any less gross. It was one of Riverdale's first big shocks, but certainly not the last in a show that has jumped the shark so many times it's beginning to feel as though the show is using one as a jump rope.

Arrested Development - George Michael And Maeby

George Michael tried to win the affections of his "cousin" for the longest time, be it through muscle suits or steamy foreign films about kissing cousins. He was eventually successful, and the two have some quasi-romantic trysts of sorts that aren't as graphic as other entries on this list, though are still uncomfortable. Maeby also dated Steve Holt, who is later revealed to be her cousin.

Of course, this entry is incestuous in the most complicated of spirits, as Maeby's mother Lindsay is later revealed to be an adopted daughter of the Bluth family and isn't blood-related. But wait! In Season 5, it was then revealed that Lindsay was the biological daughter of Lucille's mother, Mimi. Which seemingly meant that George Michael and Maeby were indeed related by blood, though not as closely as it was originally depicted. So I guess it was fine that they ended the season making out in full view of everyone? (Narrator: It wasn't.)

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia - The McPoyles

Incest is taboo and something many would consider gross in a real-life scenario, but for some reason it can be hilarious in most comedies. Case in point: the McPoyle family in It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, who surface from time to time and gross the rest of the characters out with their odd looks, sibling love, and generally weird behavior. Seriously, how can anyone like milk that much?

The McPoyle family may be television's most extreme version of incest, especially since it is a generational thing. Inbreeding has given the family its distinctive look, and there's a good chance the McPoyles will only get weirder the longer their bloodline travels down this path. Hey, at least we should be glad they're fictional and aren't actually running around and making the world miserable with their bizarre behavior and shenanigans, right?

Six Feet Under - Billy and Brenda

Of all the tragic characters that populated Six Feet Under, Rachel Griffiths' Brenda Chenowith arguably had the most mental baggage weighing her down. Not all of it can be laid at the equally unbalanced feet of her brother Billy, played with a creepy hunger by Jeremy Sisto, but good money is on him being connected to the lion's share of her sexual issues and emotional hangups. That childhood, though...yeesh.

Any time Billy showed up, viewers were in for some off-kilter sibling affection, made more uncomfortable by the unbridled love that he feels for Brenda. But just when you think that he might have "things" under control, he takes advantage of his pregnant and mourning sister, and soon utters this line: "That's what your penis would look like if you were a boy." Here's hoping the many years that came before Brenda's finale death were 100% free from Billy's horniness.

Dynasty - Fallon And Adam, Jeff, And Miles

One of television's greatest classic dramas, surprisingly, had a decent amount of incest. Most of it happened through Fallon, who married and later divorced two of her second cousins Jeff and Miles. Things obviously got a little intimate during those marriages, which officially rings the bell on the whole "kissing cousins" taboo. Blood is blood, even if it's your parent's cousin's kid.

That whole business was arguably less disgusting, however, than the time that Fallon shared a kiss with Adam. The two weren't aware they were brother and sister when it happened, but yeesh, who would've though the 80s would've shown something like that on such a hit show? Perhaps incest is the untold secret of uber-successful television shows, and it's a Hollywood secret that it does well with test audiences. Here's hoping the answer to that is a big old no.

True Blood - Bill And Portia

Vampires may be unholy, sacrilegious, and sometimes funny demons of the night, but even they have standards. At least, Bill Compton does when he learns that Portia Bellefleur is his 3rd great-granddaughter. Bill is disgusted that he slept with her and demands they keep their relationship professional from that point on, but Portia isn't so ready to let go. She's not about to let a good time go just because Bill is her great ancestor.

This leads to a speech in which Portia runs down a litany of reasons as to why incest isn't a huge deal. Beyond the fact that Bill can't get her pregnant (which she says is the main taboo of incest), she also notes that incest is becoming more socially acceptable. Bill tries to keep things professional, but ultimately has to glamour her so that she screams and runs away any time she sees him, thus ending the relationship.

Of course, these are just a handful of the incidents in which television decided to work incest into storylines, so readers can feel free to add other instances down in the comments below. Or they can quietly shake their head, and try to block out the weirdness of Jon and Dany's love affair when tuning into Game of Thrones' premiere of the final season Sunday, April 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

With Six Feet Under and Dexter, actor Michael C. Hall was part of two of the most beloved premium cable dramas of all time. Both of those shows feature series finales that fans could not stop talking about for years after, though with the Dexter camp being far more critical of that series' conclusion. When asked if he thinks viewers put too much critical emphasis on TV series finales, Hall was agreeable.

Though he said it jokingly, Michael C. Hall was not shooting blanks with his first point about people that care far too much about TV shows in general. It definitely doesn't take a polarizing finale these days to get fans to call for riots and boycotts against a series. Hell, it sometimes only takes a subtle hint to send fans up the walls with rage.

Regardless of how "fair" it is or not, the quality of a TV finale can absolutely cloud fans' opinions about the series as a whole, and Dexter falls into that conversation accordingly. Many viewers agree that the show took a narrative dip in its later seasons, but an A+ ending could possibly have secured the killer Showtime show a much higher placing in the TV pantheon. (How would opinions about Lost differ with a new ending?)

Unfortunately, the creative team balked at wrapping things up with full closure, and instead took some oddball leaps to keep Dexter Morgan around for another potential round of episodes down the road. Though it's perhaps because of those sour feelings that fans would likely embrace Dexter's return with the most open of arms and kill rooms.

It wasn't all that long ago when Michael C. Hall was dropping some light implications that he might be ready to get back into the killer-of-killers mode for more Dexter. At the very least, he didn't say it was an impossibility, so assuming creator James Manos Jr. or some other talented scribe can come up with the perfect narrative arc to bring Dexter out of the woods-work, we could very well witness the next chapter of the Morgan family story.

They'd better hurry, though, since Michael C. Hall might not be so interested in sticking around in dark and deadly dramas for the long haul. His latest TV role is for IFC's hilariously spot-on parody Documentary Now!, in which he plays a talented bowler for the spoof of The League of Ordinary Gentlemen. Hall, who recently starred in Game Night and the bizarro one-night-only stage play Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical, talked with Uproxx about embracing his comedy skills.

Even his 2018 Netflix kidnapping caper Safe, while dealing with all kinds of serious issues and themes, had a darkly comedic streak running throughout. (And not just for Michael C. Hall's snazzy British accent.) At least no one went berserk over how that show ended.

While Dexter's series capper may never get its day in the sun, Six Feet Under's final episode strangely got a loving homage from The Simpsons in 2018, 13 years after the finale first aired. But note that while he may or may not be cool with heading back to Dexter in the future, Michael C Hall is pretty positive he wouldn't want to return to the role of Six Feet Under's David Fisher.

Would you guys want to see more Dexter from Michael C. Hall? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the actor's episode of Documentary Now!, which already aired on IFC this week but can still be watched on the channel's website.

Spoilers below for The Simpsons' season finale.

The Simpsons may have been around longer than every other primetime scripted TV show out there, but that doesn't mean it can't come up with new ways to make fans happy. Even if those ways sometimes play off of references to TV shows that haven't been on the air in 13 years. (Nobody said "new" meant "the most timely.") For the surprisingly supernatural and macabre "Flanders' Ladder," The Simpsons paid tribute to Six Feet Under's iconic finale montage by revealing the uneventful deaths for many of its main characters. Check it out below!

Back in 2005, HBO didn't yet have The Sopranos' controversial final moments to confuse viewers with, and there was just Six Feet Under's heart-stompingly lovely and depressing death montage, in which almost the entire Fisher family and then some were seen taking their final breaths in a multitude of different situations, with the show's signature white-out screens depicting their year-to-year lifespans. While nothing will ever top Six Feet Under's capper in terms of time-leaping impact, The Simpsons did manage to capture the same melancholy vibes, though that's largely due to the animated series wisely also used Sia's "Breathe Me" to complete the parody, as that track seemed tailor-made for Alan Ball's HBO drama.

For those who weren't able to watch all or any of the video above, here's a quick recap for how everyone is meant to bow out of Springfield and beyond in the coming years. A heartbroken Smithers killed himself by diving into one of the nuclear plant's smokestacks. Homer is rather scandalously shot to death by the police as he's exiting a bank holding a big bag, only for Chief Wiggum to reveal it was obviously a sandwich in the bag...which he then took a bite of, despite it presumably being evidence, and then choked to death on said bite. Marge, who got remarried to FLANDERS, died peacefully while having a cup of tea, and it's clear that Flanders is a leading cause in Springfield female deaths. The late Ralph Wiggum, meanwhile, ascended to royalty somewhere and earned himself a Game of Thrones-style poisoning.

Principal Skinner had a heart attack after seeing Bart's insulting fireworks display, and his runaway wheelchair rolled right over an aged Bart, killing him. (Which seems fitting enough.) Lisa, meanwhile, died after realizing life is a waste, which seems ill-fitting. And in a lovely final bit that pulled the cosmos together to form Maggie's pacifier-sucking visage, it was revealed that the youngest Simpsons offspring never died. Maggie is life, people.

This is a case where I'm hoping that The Simpsons' knack for future-set predictions doesn't come true, even though I'm fully aware that none of these characters are actually real, and that the show's creative team likely won't produce episodes in the future that actually depict all of these scenes with more context. Perhaps I really just don't want to see Marge happy with Flanders, because Flanders!

The Simpsons is now finished with Season 29, which means work has already begun on Season 30, which will hit Fox later this year. While waiting, check out which Six Feet Under actors told us they'd be interested in returning to that world somehow, and then hop to our summer premiere schedule to see what new and returning shows are on the way.

Head to the next page to watch the Six Feet Under finale montage in its entirety.

If only The Simpsons had also showed Homer Simpson singing Rare Earth's "I Just Want To Celebrate" like Nate Fisher did, since that sunglasses move is one of the best of all time. You can check out it and the rest of Six Feet Under's emotionally poignant final tag below.

What are some of the other most heartbreaking finale moments from TV's biggest hits? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to celebrate another day of livin'.

If you've been paying attention to the world of TV and film production, you'll notice one trend is ruling the day: nostalgia. We've seen as TV revivals for Will & Grace, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls recently hit the small screen, and there will no doubt be plenty more in the coming years. HBO hasn't done one of these big reboots yet, despite having a multitude of fantastic shows to chose from, including the acclaimed drama Six Feet Under. Two of the show's actors recently said they'd love to return to their roles: Justina Machado and Rainn Wilson.

I recently spoke to Rainn Wilson about his streaming play Thom Painn. And while other subjects like The Office were discussed during our conversation, I eventually brought up his tenure as Arthur on Six Feet Under. When asked if he'd like to return to the role in a possible revival, he said:

It looks like Rainn Wilson is definitely down to once again play mortician Arthur Martin if Six Feet Under is given new life. Wilson popped up in 13 episodes throughout the show's tenure, with his most significant arc happening during the show's second season. He'd perhaps best remembered for his unique friendship with matriarch Ruth, before eventually departing both the business and the residency.

Of course, Rainn Wilson's comments also prove that he's not sure exactly how a revival could happen. The series finale saw the entire starring cast being killed off, so it would take some creative writing to continue the narrative of Six Feet Under. This is the same concern that series regular Justina Macahdo has about possibly returning to her role as Vanessa.

Justina Machado might currently be starring in Netflix's One Day at a Time, but many TV fans first fell in love with the actress when she was playing Vanessa Diaz during Six Feet Under's run. I recently spoke to her about both projects while at Netflix's press junket in New York City, where she positively addressed returning to the series. Warning: there's a massive spoiler about the series finale in this quote.

Well, that's two actors who are down to come back for more episodes of Six Feet Under. Of course, that's not to say that the show would ever truly return. HBO President Casey Bloys recently listed Six Feet Under and The Sopranos as shows that the network would likely never revisit, as their endings were absolute. While The Sopranos' final moments remain controversial, Six Feet Under's ending is known as one of the most perfect series finales of all time. For this reason, Six Feet Under does seem like an unlikely candidate to be given a new set of episodes. That, and how often the fantastic ensemble of actors is working. Just look at Justina Machado and Rainn Wilson for example.

All two season of One Day At a Time are currently streaming on Netflix, and you can catch Rainn Wilson in Thom Pain on BroadwayHD. Be sure to check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch, and our cancellation list to see if your favorite show got the chop last year.

HBO might not reboot shows as much as other networks, but even they aren't immune to the current trend in Hollywood. The network is currently developing a new season of The Comeback, and has long been working towards a Deadwood movie. Those two shows may be where the line is drawn though, as HBO president Casey Bloys said there are no plans to reboot shows like The Sopranos or Six Feet Under.

Casey Bloys said that HBO has too many shows on the way to even think of rebooting stuff like Six Feet Under and The Sopranos, and then ran through a list of things that HBO subscribers have to look forward to. In addition to new seasons of acclaimed shows like Westworld and Big Little Lies in 2018, the network has a few new projects in the works as well as Game of Thrones approaching in 2019. With all that coming down the pipeline, why would HBO even consider bringing back some of its beloved classic shows?

Rebooting a show like Six Feet Under or The Sopranos could be incredibly divisive. David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, has frequently stated in the past he would not bring back the series after the events of the original, so its hard to imagine him being on board with any reboot. That said, Chase mentioned last year he would consider a prequel series, and if he's serious about making that happen, it's hard to imagine a scenario where HBO would shoot him down.

While rebooting The Sopranos would definitely raise a few eyebrows, it's almost worse to imagine what fan response would come of rebooting Six Feet Under. The series is near-universally acclaimed as one of the best dramas on television, and is widely regarded to have one of the best series finales of all time. A reboot would only tarnish the original show's legacy, which is likely why HBO told those at the TCA winter press tour (via Deadline) it isn't even considering bringing it back.

The Sopranos and Six Feet Under are both available to stream on HBO's on-demand services. For more on other things the network has coming down the pipeline, it looks like the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff may be premiering later than most would assume. As for how Game of Thrones' final season is coming along, it looks like two unexpected characters are going to return in Season 8. For a look at all upcoming programming that's set to premiere in the coming weeks, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.

TV is filled with such a wide variety of shows in just about every genre nowadays that it can be easy to forget when other series actually came to an end. There are just too many awesome new options to dwell too much on shows that have already been cancelled. We've picked out 8 of the best shows from days gone by that ended way longer ago than we thought. Some were cable hits while others found their audiences on broadcast networks, but they were all great enough then to warrant recognition now. Get ready for some blasts from the past, and check out our 8 picks!

Deadwood, 2004-2006

HBO debuted a show unlike anything else on the airwaves back in 2004 with Deadwood. The show was a western based on legendary historical characters, and it wasn't afraid to bust out some anachronistic F-bombs if the situation called for it. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane were stellar as Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, and the show was actually still going strong when it was cancelled in 2006. There have been rumors of a TV movie or HBO reunion in the years since the series went off the air, but nothing has yet come of it. We can still cross our fingers and hope.

That '70s Show, 1998-2006

Fox landed a cast of largely unknown actors back in 1998 to create an unexpectedly hilarious sitcom set in the late 1970s. That '70s Show embraced the time period in everything from the fashion to the Circle to Eric Foreman's obsession with the newly-released Star Wars. Notably, the show survived shaking up some of its most established dynamics. Who could have guessed that Hyde and Jackie would be an interesting match? Or that Eric would movie to Africa? Or Fez and Laurie would marry? That '70s Show ran for eight seasons, launched the careers of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Laura Prepon, and was overall a fun watch each week.

The West Wing, 1999-2006

The West Wing was a show that probably would not have worked without Aaron Sorkin at the helm. The drama followed the political action of the White House staff in a fictional Democratic administration, and the plots often revolved around the characters' frustration with various branches of the government. The show perfected the "walk and talk" method of delivering exposition, and it undoubtedly would have been a hard-to-follow mess without Sorkin in charge and a killer cast in front of the cameras. NBC garnered a lot of awards attention thanks to The West Wing, and it feels like just yesterday that the show came to an and.

Sex And The City, 1998-2004

HBO wouldn't be the premium cable juggernaut it is today without Sex and the City. The series starred Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon as a group of friends with different careers and different attitudes toward sex and romance, but they stuck together through thick and thin and created a legendary dynamic of female characters. The actresses returned to their characters twice after the series ended in 2004 for big screen sequels. The Sex and the City movie did well enough, but Sex and the City 2 was a critical flop, and we may never see the show return to TV. At least it had a solid run for its six seasons on the airwaves.

Dawson's Creek, 1998-2003

The entire television landscape of the last decade might have looked very different if not for The WB's Dawson's Creek. It wasn't the first teen drama, and it might not even be the best, but it popularized the concept of fast-talking teenagers dropping pop culture references every other sentence. We almost certainly never would have gotten The O.C. if not for the success of Dawson's Creek, and much of The WB's (and later, The CW's) programming might not be what it is today. Dawson's Creek also set a TV precedent in the series finale when - spoiler alert - the heroine didn't choose the main character at the end of the long-running love triangle. Although Dawson's Creek was no The West Wing, it was an impactful series that had some pretty great seasons.

Six Feet Under, 2001-2005

One of HBO's biggest critical hits of all time is Six Feet Under, which ran for five seasons and followed the stories of the Fisher family, who owned a funeral home in Los Angeles. The cast was unforgettable from start to finish, and the writing consistently played to their strengths. Six Feet Under has a legacy for producing one of the best-received series finales of all time, which was a major accomplishment considering all the expectations for the end of a phenomenal series. The characters weren't always likable and the relationships weren't always particularly tolerable, but they were compelling from beginning to end, and it's hard to believe that the final episode was more than a decade ago.

Veronica Mars, 2004-2007

Veronica Mars is a show that might have run for a lot longer than three seasons if it had aired on a different network. The mystery series started off on UPN, then moved to The CW. The lack of mainstream exposure (combined with the change of format that came with the CW move) meant that Veronica Mars fizzled out in 2007, and fans were left wondering for years what would have happened after the Season 3 finale cliffhanger. The first two seasons featured season-long mysteries that came to explosive ends, and it really should have lasted longer than it did. Even despite the movie tying up some loose ends, I know I'm not the only one who would be on board for a Netflix revival.

The Sopranos, 1999-2007

If Six Feet Under is remembered for its fantastic finale, The Sopranos may be best remembered for the finale that frustrated fans everywhere. That said, the six seasons of the show were largely well-crafted and wonderfully acted, and the stories of mobster Tony Soprano, his family, his therapist, and his fellow members of the mafia often made for unpredictable storytelling. All things considered, The Sopranos is another series that helped make HBO the prominent and well-respected network that it is today, and it definitely deserves to be remembered for more than its final moments.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest news on the shows that are still on the air, and don't forget to take a look at our midseason TV premiere schedule.

Sometimes, a moment of greatness can take years to achieve, and in other cases, inspiration hits in no time at all. In the case of the absolutely amazing series finale for Six Feet Under, arguably the greatest series finale of all time, it seems like an idea that would have been embedded in the mind of creator Alan Ball from the very beginning. But no, it was just a stroke of writers’ room genius.

It’s been exactly 10 years since Six Feet Under aired its final episode on HBO, and the show has only become more popular in the following years as more viewers have found their way to the dysfunctionally charming Fisher family. And part of that endurance comes from the finale and the exceedingly depressing death montage, which allowed audiences to actually reach closure with these characters, something that not a lot of TV shows allow. Here’s how Ball says the idea came about.

From its name to its opening scenes to everything else, Six Feet Under is a show about death and mortality, and the different ways in which people come to accept those things. By ending the series with a medley that shows us how each of the main characters died – except for Nate, who’d already passed away a couple of episodes earlier – Ball created something that was more sensible than a casket wall. Because even though we’re essentially watching beloved characters dying one after another, we get to see that they lived the lives they wanted, and that most were in a happy place when they kicked it. That’s all we really wanted for these people, isn’t it?

I still can’t think about Lauren Ambrose’s Claire driving off or Michael C. Hall’s aged David without wanting to curl up in a sobbing ball.

Beyond just a lovely way to give viewers a proper chance to say farewell, Ball also thinks the emotional impact of that finale montage allows people to come to grips with death in general. He also said this to THR.

Wise words. No one in the cast, or Ball himself, has watched the finale in the past 10 years, but they all still feel its resonance. Now if only Ball had planned such an iconic ending for his other show.

TV spinoffs are strange beasts, as they can center on anything from different cities’ crime scene investigation units to one-off characters branching out in a new setting through a backdoor pilot. But since we’d prefer to stick with established characters over new ones, our favorite spinoffs tend to revolve around beloved people doing the things that made us like them in the first place. (Sorry, Joey, but you don’t count.)

With news that the Bud Bundy-centered Married…With Children spinoff is rolling along ever so slowly, we decided to look back at 11 other TV standouts whose lives we’d love to catch up with, mostly with the original actors taking on the roles of course. Better Call Saul proved that quality doesn’t have to suffer from one iteration to the next, and we’re pretty sure every one of these would make the fall TV season a better one.

Cristina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy)

As one of the Grey’s Anatomy characters who remained interesting and non-forced throughout the ten years that she was on the show, Cristina Yang killed some series momentum when she decided to move to Zurich to head a hospital there. It would be interesting to have an entire series dedicated to her that also shined some kind of light on how the medical profession works in Switzerland. And if she still has Gaius Charles’ Dr. Shane Ross working under her, it’s all the better. Of course, Sandra Oh is the one who decided to leave the show, so she might not be up for a spinoff, but we’ll remain Oh-peful.

Phyllis Lapin-Vance (The Office)

Even though The Office as a whole got long in the paper tooth after nine seasons on NBC, the killer ensemble of actors managed to keep their characters both relevant and enjoyable. Phyllis Smith’s kind-hearted and slightly sassy Phyllis Lapin-Vance is just such a character, and her overall arc is a perfect fit for a follow-up. She got married to Bob Vance (of Vance Refrigeration), which created what will forever be one of TV’s most lovable couples, and she’s one of the characters who didn’t get very many side stories within the show beyond mentions of a long-lost daughter. Let’s see what kinds of non-havoc Phyllis and Bob are causing these days, perhaps far away from cubicled settings.

Claire Fisher (Six Feet Under)

It’s not all that often a TV show will host a spinoff for a character whom audiences watched die within the flagship series, but since Six Feet Under famously depicted everyone’s deaths in its heartbreaking finale, this can be an easy exception. Claire lived to the ripe old age of 101 and spent her life as an award-winning photographer and photography teacher in New York. As the youngest of the Fisher siblings, Claire had the most growing and maturing to do, which seemed to kick off when she started dating lawyer Ted. I would love to see how adult Claire balances her emotion-fueled idealism with the drive to become successful doing what she loves. Cameos from Michael C. Hall and Matthew St. Patrick wouldn’t hurt, either.

Woody Boyd (Cheers)

Rarely does a major TV character get replaced by someone just as engaging and memorable, but that definitely happened when Woody Harrelson joined the cast of Cheers following Nicholas “Coach” Calasanto passed away. Woody seemed like the biggest goofball in the bar, but he was interestingly as mentally competent (if not more so) than everyone around him. By the end of the series, he was on the Boston City Council and was expecting a kid with his wife Kelly. I can’t imagine where Woody would be 23 years later, or how much fatherhood and his career would have changed him, but I will watch literally anything with Harrelson in it. Maybe he opened up his own bar…

Sookie St. James (Gilmore Girls)

Everybody likes to talk about how much they want a Gilmore Girls reunion to happen, but I’m personally not that invested in Rory and Lorelai’s stories anymore. What my life needs is more Sookie, the culinary queen played by Melissa McCarthy, an actress whose level of fame has eclipsed her Gilmore Girls years several times over, making this spinoff idea arguably the biggest longshot on this list. A standard sitcom with Sookie, Jackson and their three kids would probably be a little too much like her current show Mike and Molly, so my hopes would be that Amy Sherman-Palladino would bring her and Jackson back in a food-related scenario. Bandanas included.

Leon Black (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

It’s no small feat to enter a comedian-filled show like Curb your Enthusiasm and immediately become one of the most engaging characters onscreen. But that’s exactly what J.B. Smoove did when he entered the show during Season 6 as Hurricane Edna refugee Leon Black, who moved in with Larry and kind of changed the curmudgeon’s life forever with his signature outlook on life and the world around him. We may never get Larry David back for Season 9 of Curb, but spending more time with Leon (and possibly the rest of the Black family) would be a perfect kind of silver lining. HBO needs to get in that ass for a Leon spinoff.

Vince Masuka (Dexter)

Now that everyone has largely stopped giving a shit about Dexter Morgan’s fate following Dexter’s dreadful finale, we can focus all of our attention to C.S. Lee’s sex-adoring forensic science investigator Vince Masuka. As one of the main forms of comic relief on a series that dealt with death and serial killers, Masuka also managed to imbue a certain amount of heart and kindness that doesn’t often come from characters who speak predominantly in double entendres. I would totally be down for a Hello Ladies-ish series where audiences follow the sexual foibles of the brainy tech as he develops his relationship with his daughter.

Paul Pfeiffer (The Wonder Years)

We’re never going to get a proper Wonder Years reunion, which is fine, since that show’s approach and impact was largely tied to the time period, the Arnold family and the voiceover work. However, there’s nothing wrong with a show dedicated entirely to best friend Paul and where his life is now – and I’m assuming “now” would be in the 1990s. Of course, Josh Saviano quit acting after The Wonder Years ended and focused on a law career, returning for guest spots on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2014 and 2015. But I’m perfectly fine with Paul being a lawyer in this fictional future, perhaps starting up a firm with the “real” Josh Saviano. Double up!

Paulie Walnuts (The Sopranos)

While we usually want to see where characters end up after a series is over, nothing sounds better than a prequelized spinoff centered on The Sopranos’ Paulie Gualtieri, better known as Paulie Walnuts. We want to see Paulie’s early years in the criminal underworld as a vicious debt collector, where he and a crew of low-level mobsters spend each week using their verbal and physical skills to try and collect arrears from different people from a variety of backgrounds. We realize that it’s near-blasphemy to get someone besides Tony Sirico to play Paulie, but maybe the show could have a wraparound where present-day Paulie is telling someone else about the old days. We’ll leave the specifics to David Chase.

Bill Haverchuck (Freaks and Geeks)

Even though it could be assumed that Martin Starr’s character on Silicon Valley is a grown-up version of his Freaks and Geeks character Bill Haverchuck, I like to think that Bill wouldn’t have become such an angst-mongering tool later in life. Arguably the biggest geek in the show, Bill also felt the most genuine, balancing his wide-eyed semi-innocence with a sense of humor that was beyond his years, and I would hope that his ascent to adulthood would find him in a similar state of mind. Maybe he’s roommates with Samm Levine’s Neal Schweiber as the duo try to market a role-playing board game that they created.

Zapp Brannigan (Futurama)

I would gladly take a spinoff series from any Futurama character, as well as several new seasons of the show itself. But I’ve always been interested in seeing the intergalactic trials and tribulations of the womanizing Zapp Brannigan, and I would love to either watch the character’s rise up the military ranks to becoming a 25-star General, or just catching up with him in the modern day for a non-serialized series of over-the-top space missions, during which he is shunned by the female sex and eventually saved from his own stupidity by his right-hand alien Kif. The only necessities here are voice actor Billy West and really short costumes.

Head to the next page and let us know which of these spinoffs you’d want the most.

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Every year, the holiday season presents people all around the world an opportunity to give their loved ones gifts that truly commemorate emotional journeys and lifelong relationships. But sometimes the things one really wants for Christmas just don’t exist, especially when one is a giant TV fanatic whose mental boundary between real and fictional worlds is thinner than Captain Picard’s hairline. If only there was a way to reach inside our televisions and pull out the items whose glaring absence from our lives can only be attributed to the evil Krampus.

Here are ten fictitious products from the world of TV that I would love to wake up to on Christmas morning. This is but a brief sampling of the enviable commodities that television writers have cooked up over the years, and I avoided putting things like “Walking Dead Carl’s head in a box” and “Rust Cohle’s 7 Effective Habits of People Who Sound Like They’re High All the Time,” because there’s already so much real-fake stuff out there. Enjoy, and have a safe and inventive holiday season.

Kitten Mittens

Written correctly or with Charlie’s misinformed “Mittons” spelling, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Kitten Mittens aren’t what one would immediately think of when it comes to bar merchandise, but they’ll do more for your cats than pint glasses or neon signs ever would. And if you don’t have cats? Now you have FOUR small gloves. “Your wellcom,” says Charlie. Put a DVD of the commercial with these mittens and it’s an instant bestseller.

Vitameatavegamin

It’s been 52 years since Lucy Ricardo first gave the world this hilariously timeless bit of physical acting on I Love Lucy, and “health tonics” have become only slightly less bullshitty in nature. But no one can deny the power of Vitameatavegamin, at least in the way it can get you shitfaced in a small amount of time. Use it as a stocking stuffer or in a gift set complete with a big glass medicine cup.

The Cornballer

There are two reasons why George Bluth’s Cornballer (from Arrested Development) would be worthy of being wrapped and gifted. One: there’s no universe in which a fried cornball wouldn’t be a tasty appetizer to a big Christmas dinner. Two: it would give one the chance to prove that they, unlike Michael Bluth and many other consumers, would be able to use the device without getting serious burns.

A Case of Slurm

In a year that has already seen the comeback of the soft drink Surge, what today’s children and adults really need in their lives is Slurm, the highly addictive Futurama refresher with the slogan “It’s Highly Addictive!” Combine this with the Vitameatavegamin (and perhaps Hank’s Shraderbrau from Breaking Bad), and it looks like I might have substance abuse problems during the holidays. But don’t worry, it lasts all year long. Slurm!

A Box Set of Tracy Jordan DVDs

As 30 Rock’s movie-and-TV star Tracy Jordan, Tracy Morgan got to live out a lot of surreal and boastful ignorance over the years, evidenced best by his run of ridiculous feature films, usually alluded to in posters and clips. Tell me that pairing Samurai I am Awry or President Homeboy with A Christmas Story is a bad idea, and I’ll show you a honky grandma that be trippin’.

A Fisher & Sons Casket

Maybe this is going to be the last Christmas for someone you know, and you want to make sure that person exits this mortal coil in true style. Sure, you might have to order it by catalog if you can’t make it to Fisher and Sons’ interactive retail experience, but it’s a gift that lasts forever. And if that’s all a bit too dark for your holiday spirits, just think about Nate trying to order a Chubby double cheeseburger.

Kramer’s Coffee Table Book

At this point in my life, I’m admittedly drinking coffee far more often at my computer desk than anywhere else in my home, and I haven’t had a coffee table since I was a child. But this Seinfeld creation is still the perfect solution for people who like me who want to mix their caffeine and furniture with their reading material. No one needs Michael Richards advertising it on morning TV however.

Dennis Feinstein Fragrances

Jason Mantzoukas delivered his usual brand of hysterical vileness to Parks and Recreation as the fragrance mogul Dennis Feinstein. We all know that perfumes and colognes are go-to gifts during the Christmas season, so how great it would be to give our loved ones such sought-after scents as Allergic for Men, Blood Spurt, Thickening, the ether-based Blackout and, of course, Sideboob. Everybody wants Sideboob in their hands on Christmas morning.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Don’t panic! Before tablets and smartphones gave us gorgeously rendered handheld devices to help us in our daily lives, there was the witty and all-knowing Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy from the 1981 series based on Douglas Adams’ stellar sci-fi comedy novels. Not only did it look like a next-generation Atari version of Wikipedia, but it also had the voice of celebrated actor and broadcaster Peter Jones telling you what was up. The perfect complement to all towels.

Jambi

I guess in order for this gift to work, someone would have to actually go into Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and steal Jambi’s box. But then I could just wish for the crime to go unnoticed, and one “Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho” later, we’d all be in the clear. In fact, I could just wish for the rest of the items on this list with no problem. Screw it. Somebody get me Jambi, and I promise to share him on the weekends.

There are way too many good TV shows available to us today. We live in a world of modern riches, of an over-abundance of goodness so vibrant it’s terribly easy to miss the good stuff. Embarrassing first world problem of the highest order, but still: a wonderful predicament to find oneself in. But mo-oooom, I can’t go outside and play, or socialize with weird Uncle Kevin — there’s just so much TV to watch, you see! Teevee: the future!

And lo, what good stuff is to be had on your premium channels! Though previous editors have regaled you with the delightful offerings on Amazon Prime and Netflix, I’ve decided to take a look exclusively towards television’s rise to greatness: the premium network series. The oft-regurgitated line of thought on these past five years — that it is “The Golden Age of Television” — is largely thanks to the work of the pay-channels like HBO and Showtime.

Because they don't rely on ratings, premium networks have consistently and craftily pushed the envelope as to what could and could not be done with visual storytelling. Characters became more nuanced, stories unfolded rather than exposited to death, and a push for small screen viewers to, you know, actually pay attention to the detailed doings were all elevated here first.

Of course everyone has varying levels of binge-watching abilities, so we’ve taken the liberty of Goldilocking this one for you a bit: tailoring our picks to mini, moderate, and maximum helpings, ensuring you find the most efficient multi-episode viewing scenario that is just right for you. Besides, we love to enable your extreme binge-watching behaviors, Internet. So click on to see our picks.

The Mini-Binge

Lucky Louie, HBO

Not typically a fan of the multi-camera sitcom set-up, Louis C.K.’s first venture into the world of television was a ripper. For HBO it was a trial of the new, as the 2006 series' one-and-only 13-episode season was a departure in style and substance. With a wonderful supporting cast (Pamela Adlon, Jim Norton, Rick Shapiro, Mike Hagerty), the series’ look at blue-collar living resonates more now than it did then (though that may be in part due to the omnipresent C.K.-ified existence we now live in). The ruminations on married living — a far cry from the subject matter of its FX sibling — still push and prod at the ideas seen in its later Louie draft. Still, the whole thing remains enjoyable to watch, and highlight the budding genius that is C.K.’s omnipresent brand of perfectly skewering humor.

Masters of Sex, Showtime

I simply cannot say enough good things about Masters of Sex. Far and away the best new series of 2013 (in my oh-so humble opinion), Michelle Ashford’s take on the Thomas Maier book of the same name gives a wonderfully thoughtful and emotionally intricate body to the curious and compelling relationship of Dr. Bill Masters and Virginia Johnson, the sex scientists who ramped the world into the sexual revolution of the 1960s with their research on bodily sexual response. With a dream-team guest starring cast of Allison Janney and Beau Bridges, coupled with top-notch supporting performances from Annaleigh Ashford, Teddy Sears, and Heléne York — just to name a few — the whole thing leaps forward with such a careful and slow-burning brilliance, if you’re not paying enough attention you may miss the undercurrents completely. With the finale airing this-coming Sunday (December 15), the whole series will be up on Showtime On Demand. It would behoove you to tune in immediately.

Ja’mie: Private School Girl, HBO

Chris Lilley’s skewering take on spoiled, malevolent young girls is consistently able to find the funny, even when its antics border on painful painted with awkward abandon. And with only 3 episodes currently available, it’s a quick way to catch up on a new series without feeling like you have to actually commit to any sort of serious sitting time. That way you won't feel so out of the loop while your friends are all calling each other quiche, so win-win.

Hunted, Cinemax

The Cinemax espionage series may not have gotten much buzz or praise in its premiere run, but it’s a highly enjoyable for all of its twisty-turning spy-on-spy dramatic machinations. Sitting squarely on the shoulders of its star Melissa George, Hunted is bleak in many ways: the undercurrent of “oh you guys are really all just pawns, here, aren’t you?” permeates everything from the visuals to the plotlines (hello, literal-and-actual-maze). Plus, the cast is wonderful: Several Game of Thrones actors show up, as well as the star of the soon-to-be FX series, Tyrant, Adam Rayner. There’s mystery and intrigue for days here — thanks in part to the mysterious ethos surrounding Sam (George)’s origin story. For fans of sneaky spy tricks, Hunted’s first season is worth a wee binge.

Family Tree, HBO

Family Tree is one of the more delightfully strange and endearing shows out there. The Christopher Guest series does a wonderful job luring the characters out slowly-but-assuredly as to endear their crazy to you. Chris O’Dowd stars in its 8-episode first season as Tom Chadwick, a young man who inherits a mysterious box from his aunt filled with the mysteries of his family history. Surrounded by best friend Pete and his sister Bea Chawick and her monkey puppet, Monkey, the whole of the series feels warm and inviting in its absurdity, and the characters bring a sort of charm to the whole thing that’ll leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. Like a cup of really good hot chocolate, chockablock with hilariously untoward marshmallows in it.

The Moderate Binge

Veep, HBO

While the first season of the Julia Louis-Dreyfus starrer, Veep sang, its second season reordered itself with such cutting abandon that it found its footing to be sharply tuned brilliance. Episode after episode of Armando Iannucci’s HBO comedy sizzles with Louis-Dreyfus’ comedic brilliance, reminding you why she’s one of the few Seinfeldians to have a robust and worthy career after the show about nothing. Between the superb acting, writing, and occasional improvising, and its all-too-stellar supporting cast (Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, to name a few), the comically inhumane emotional prattling that seems to swing politics into lurching motion is set ablaze with hilarious fury. No one cuts half so well into the withering miserytrain that is American politics like Iannucci and Louis-Dreyfus. A dream team of ineffectiveness and bitterly narcissistic meanness, there is nothing about Veep that isn’t must-watch making for comedy fans out there.

House of Lies, Showtime

Take one part Jean-Ralphio, one part Veronica Mars, two parts guest star, and a shitton of batshit crazy manipulation and you have House of Lies. The Showtime Don Cheadle starrer is awash in all the brash machinations of the makers and breakers of our modern society, and shines a light on just how horrible us humans can be. The humor of self-loathing liars is a particularly audacious and enjoyable breed. Kristen Bell’s Jeannie pushes hard against Cheadle’s Marty, especially in season two, but not without the requisite and refreshingly honest style with which it presents its terribleness in words. Words make, change, and break the game when in the right-wrong hands (mainly Marty’s) and it is a delightfully sinking ship of humility, or lack thereof. Plus who doesn’t love a little bit more Ben Schwartz (a.k.a. the aforementioned Ralphio) on their television? Everyone: the answer is everyone loves to have a little bit more Ben Schwartz on their TV.

Bored to Death, HBO

Jonathan Ames’ comedic crime/mystery series starring Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson is a delight, plain and simple. With the help of three wildly narcissistic lead characters, the struggling-writer-turned-double-life-leading-detective schtick plays out with quirky abandon, and features a ton of hilarious gaffe-ing to boot. Blunders and internal plunders alike punctuate the three seasons, and make a case for the hilarious after-affects of self-obsession and constant-validation folks of a certain style oft crave. To say nothing of all the Brooklyn jokes. Oh so many Brooklyn jokes. As a former New Yorker, I like this.

Dancing on the Edge, Cinemax

The ambitious and beautiful miniseries Dancing on the Edge features luscious backdrops, beautiful costumes, buoyant and bouncy jazz music in addition to the acting charms of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew Goode, and John Goodman (there’s even a wee bit of the underutilized Jenna Coleman of Doctor Who fame). Though a bit spotty in places, Dancing on the Edge actually benefits from a binge-watch rather than a regular viewing. It is ambitious in its goal of decoding how casually imbued 1933 London was with racism, classicism, and anti-Semitism — basically all of the bad isms — and who ominously pulls the strings behind such no-good, very bad-ness. Though not wholly successful — it’s trying to push in so many moving, complicated parts — it is worth a watch if for nothing more than how enjoyable its actors are. It’s television Pop Rocks.

The Professional Binge-a-Rama

Game of Thrones, HBO

Though shutout of the nominations game this season, Game of Thrones is the fantasy epic you didn’t know you’d like until you actually sat down and did it. Terrifyingly intimidating in size and scope (and the utter voraciousness of its audience), Game of Thrones is beyond enjoyable, it’s downright delicious. Intersecting and overlapping storylines rife with the political dealings of an almost-magical realm tell real stories of the emotional and war-waging battles that come with having and serving greater powers. It is merciless and cruel, but wholly addicting. Never again will you doubt the abilities of television to create sweeping epics — in fact, never before has a story been so well appropriated to television. Especially when you consider all of the moving parts. Besides, winter is coming: what better time to snuggle up to the Lord of Light? The night is dark and full of terrors, after all: let Peter Dinklage’s utter perfection warm your HBO Go account.

Homeland, Showtime

Sure, it might be one of the most divisive shows on television to date, but Homeland’s high-octane antics make it perfect for a just-can’t-stop mega binge of television proportions. Sure, there are plenty of things to criticize about Homeland’s rough-and-tumble twirl these past three seasons, but there’s plenty to love. PLENTY. From the first season, Homeland grabs you with a terrifying force, turns your heart an anti-gravity torture chamber, and continues to twist and turn throughout every episode of its three seasons. And that doesn’t even include the glory that is Mandy Patinkin and his oft-regarded beard. That beard, folks, is worth the price of admission alone. Sure, there’s a love story in there, but if you ignore all that and focus on the CIA antics and American terrorism machinations as told through the bipolar eyes of Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes is an addled treasure), then you’re sure to enjoy the wealth of riches to be found amongst its minutes and minutiae.

Big Love, HBO

My own personal fascination with Mormonism aside, Big Love is a beautiful and intriguing turn on how polygamy, a man’s game, is actually quite a confounding relationship bridge for the women involved. And while you could take a dip into the reality-trenched world of it with TLC monstrocities like Sister Wives, its Big Love’s ambitious and careening five seasons of largely well played melodrama that makes it sing (as long as you pay lesser attention to, say, season four). It is intimate relationship theater of the highest order, and one you’ll be happy to sink your teeth into.

Six Feet Under, HBO

In my own television viewing experience, Six Feet Under may be the greatest show I’ve ever come bear to witness. The heart-achingly rich series on life and loss and love and death is the sum of all of its hauntingly heartbreaking and interwoven parts. The series is uncompromising in its vision of the world, so brazen in its own brilliance, there’s little I should have to say or do to get you to tune in. Six Feet Under is comedy, drama, insightful life-looks by way of a visual aptitude rarely seen on television elsewhere. The acting, the tender honesty: everything about Six Feet Under shines as required viewing for anyone who enjoys anything at all about storytelling — visual or otherwise. It may not leave you feeling warm-fuzzy, but so much of life is not that, and its trade-off results in moments both graceful and gonzo, and what happens when your entire life revolves around facing the mortality of existence. If your family lived in and ran a funeral home, you’d have a fucked up sense of humor then, too — wouldn’t you?

Angels in America, HBO

Though nowhere near as long as some of the other major binges here, Tony Kushner’s socio-political epic about the AIDS crisis in 1980s America is heavy stuff. The 2003 epic — with a cast of brilliants such as Emma Thompson, Al Pacino, queen Meryl Streep, Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk, James Cromwell, and Patrick Wilson just to name a few — has all the trappings of a truly career-defining masterwork. Death, isolation, desertion, distance, the mundane sprawl of everyday life are all brilliantly portrayed in duplicitous dealings, highlighting the humanity underneath those universal feelings. It’s incredibly big, and with that, deserves time and energy akin to watching a more expanded series, because it begs you to examine the existential issues of your own life as well as the world around you. For anyone who managed to miss the now 10-year-old miniseries, now may be the perfect time.

Honorable Mentions to Shows That Are On My List:

Though I woefully cannot speak to their brilliance — though there are several hundreds of other people on the Internet who can and will, if you’re curious — the following shows are actually on my premium cable to-watch list, and would be welcome to your binge-watching party if you are as embarrassingly out-of-touch with them as I. They include: Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Wire, Parade’s End, and The Sopranos.

The cast of American Horror Story's second season was already looking good when we learned that a number of actors from Season 1 would be returning to the horror-drama to take on new roles. But each bit of casting news since then has only added more intrigue to the show, the latest of which has to do with the excellent James Cromwell, who may be joining the series.

Cross your fingers! Deadline reports that James Cromwell (Babe, The Green Mile) is in talks to join American Horror Story for Season 2. Spoiler alert! The second season is set to take place on the East Coast in an institution for the criminally insane. Should Cromwell's deal go through, he'll play the part of Dr. Arden, "who works at the institution and goes head-to-head with his boss, played by Oscar winner Lange." It seems like Lange's character's rivals are stacking up. The recently cast Chloe Sevigny and Lizzie Brochere are also said to oppose Lange in some way.

This is some pretty fantastic casting news for the already much-anticipated second season of the FX drama. While Cromwell's known for his numerous film appearances, he's also appeared in plenty of notable TV shows, including 24, My Own Worst Enemy, and Six Feet Under, the latter of which had him appearing alongside Frances Conroy, who was among the cast of AHS' first season.

I wouldn't hate it if Cromwell wasn't the last of Six Feet Under's former cast-members to wander into American Horror Story at some point down the line. Given the emphasis on death in both series, it seems only fitting. While Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall and Jeremy Sisto all have their own TV shows to keep them busy, what about Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez or Rachel Griffiths? Or am I just being greedy now?

Once again, we're tackling another show in TV Blend's weekly series "___'s Best Episode." Each week a different writer will pick out a different episode of a TV show and argue why it is definitively, absolutely the best thing the show ever did. Arguments will be started, tears may be shed, but we're here to start some conversations and make some arguments for really, really good TV. This week Jessica takes on Six Feet Under by making a case for the series’ finale “Everyone’s Waiting.” Read below, argue with us in the comments.

HBO’s Six Feet Under followed the lives of the Fisher family from 2001-2005. In that time, the Fishers became a great TV family: a family that audiences could invest in, could practically dwell within its greatest ups and sinking downs, its births and deaths, its most distorted mentalities and its freest moments. Unlike most great television families, however, the Fishers did not prescribe to a reality that is wholly genuine - they saw the ghosts of loved ones and extrapolated out relationships in dreamscapes.

On a more realistic plane, they were still unlike any other TV family, coping to deal with a life spent within the clutches of a funeral parlor, abusing their bodies and ruining relationships through guilt and selfishness. Sometimes they were happy, but that happiness was often fleeting, destroyed by some whim or incident that was likely within each character’s control. The Fishers will always and forever be the most interesting melodramatic family rooted in the life of a funeral home, but there would be no satisfaction to that had the series finale not ended in exactly the way it did.

Six Feet Under’s finale is an episode that, for the first time ever, begins with a birth. “Everyone’s Waiting,” capably ties up all of its loose ends before ending in a scene that encapsulates how important themes of death and dying truly are to the show. We see Brenda, grappling with the death of her husband, Nate, all while watching over her timid newborn daughter, who struggles with her health through the finale. We see Claire, her mother, Ruth, and small-minded Rico moving their lives away from the funeral home. We see David and Keith repair their relationship and rework their lives. Throughout these moments, “Everyone’s Waiting” works in most of the series’ more important characters without making any of those moments ever seem staged.

Emotions are tenuous, and any staging would have made the Six Feet Under finale seem completely false. It isn’t just the story arc that is so careful, but also the move from a show whose mainframe was always twisted and awry to an ending that seems far more settled and peaceful. Leaving the Fisher family, not happy necessarily, but uplifted at the end of “Everyone’s Waiting,” is something that would never have worked at any point earlier in the series, but seems like a breath of fresh air in its final moments. We can stop worrying about the characters because we know they are finally in control.

This optimism does not completely settle in until the morning Claire wakes up to leave for New York. Here, the camera focuses on an important little moment with the Fisher family where they state their goodbyes just before Claire drives off. For one perfect span of time, Claire is stretched in two directions, alienated by her choice to move and for once comforted by all of the people she had grown up preparing to leave behind. Claire, a photographer, pulls out her camera, hoping to stretch the moment for a while longer, when Nate appears out of thin air to observe, “You can't take a picture of this, it's already gone.”

Nate is not wrong; the picture Claire takes is one of a bleary-eyed family standing together in the early morning sunlight, not that of a reconciled family willing to put everything they have into one simple, perfect goodbye. The scene demonstrates how difficult it is to achieve those moments of harmony but also how bad for a person it is to dwell in them. Eventually, we all have to move forward.

So Claire leaves, popping in boyfriend Ted’s sappy mixtape, unleashing Sia’s “Breathe Me” as she drives away. Letting Claire escape would have been a fitting enough way to end her storyline, but it isn’t particularly fair to the other characters and so producers did something very brazen: they tossed their characters in gobs of makeup and ended their lives, one at a time. It’s impossible to state exactly how strange and affecting it is to see Claire driving, moving into new and unexplored spaces, while the Fishers and their friends play out the rest of their lives.

If you haven’t grown with the Fishers, if you haven’t been privy to every inch of pain and every ounce of hope, if you haven’t prescribed to the emotional impact every episode of Six Feet Under has the capacity to imprint upon the viewer, than the scope of the series’ final scene may be a little too much to invest in. Yet, for a series defined by this emotional impact, that begins in death and ends in death, that never stops taking a chance on its characters and stands by them until the end, “Everyone’s Waiting” is the most grown-up episode of Six Feet Under and the most fulfilling, despite being the most divergent episode in the series.

Ok, I'll admit I have a tendency to get caught up in TV romances. If the chemistry is there and the acting and writing is good, there's nothing like seeing two great characters get together. Even those dragged out on-again-off-agains can be fun to watch when done right. But let's face it; not all TV relationships are great. In fact, Katey and I came up with a handful of ones that were downright terrible.

Some relationships are doomed for failure. Take Andy and Angela in The Office. I don't think the writers ever intended for us to fall head over heels for these two. And given the way the last season ended (with Angela and Dwight getting busy in the almost-deserted office shortly after Angela accepted Andy's marriage proposal), I'm guessing that it's only a matter of time before things fall apart for Andangela (yeah, that's the best I could come up with). Anyway, looking back at some of our favorite shows, we came up with our five least favorite romances. These are the ones that weren't supposed to be humorous side-plots. The ones we thought the writers really wanted us to buy into and instead, made us cringe everytime they were on screen together. Without further introduction, here they are:

5. Nate and Lisa - Six Feet Under

Nate was always a jerk, but when he agreed to a shotgun wedding with whiny hippie Lisa, he turned into a whole new kind of asshole. That whole season seemed to be spent watching the two bicker in the apartment over the garage, while Brenda, who Nate clearly still loved, was off having her own hot subplot with Justin Theroux. What I would give to be his French horn... uh, anyway. The whole thing ended with the melodrama of Lisa's death, which added much-needed excitement to the season, but also made it feel like an overlong, moody episode of CSI.

4. Willow and Kennedy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I'm going to put aside the fact that I wasn't over the whole Tara thing when I got to watching season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My dislike of Kennedy had little to do with the fact that she wasn't Tara because let's face it, no one could replace Tara. Kennedy was just annoying. Not only did I not feel prepared to adjust to seeing Willow as the more timid one in the relationship but I just wasn't able to find any appreciation in Kennedy's pushy attitude and she failed to win me over in the way she pursued Willow. Disliking Kennedy as a character pretty much destroyed any chance that I might have actually bought into their budding romance.

3. Joey and Rachel - Friends

Seriously, what were they thinking there? The writers spent the duration of the Friends series dumbing Joey down to the point where the only thing the guy ever took seriously was his obsession with sandwiches and then all of a sudden we're supposed to get into the idea of him and Rachel dating? Putting aside the fact that Ross was totally Rachel's lobster and no other man would do (though I happened to like Tag), it would've taken a lot more than seeing the two cuddling while watching Cujo to win me over on this one.

2. George and Izzie - Grey's Anatomy

Gizzie. These two had zero chemistry and there was virtually no real set up for their relationship. George is unhappy in his marriage. Izzie's grieving. So rather than lean on each other in the friendship they've built over the years, they decide to get hammered and sleep together. Then they proceed to try and have an actual relationship. Granted, getting hammered and sleeping together is how things started for Meredith and Derek but in Gizzie's case, their inebriated and regretful beginning only lead to a lot of flat and awkward scenes. George and Izzie as friends: Adorable. Perfect. And occasionally it provided some much needed comic relief. George and Izzie as lovers? Blech.

1. Kate and Jack - Lost

Writers, you had your chance with Jack and Kate. They started as the alpha team of the island, leading everyone while tenatively flirting amongst themselves. We even rooted for them. But as soon as you transformed Sawyer into a decent person, and made him moon over Kate, the love triangle turned into a stupid, filthy mess. You're not fooling anyone. Everyone knows Kate and Sawyer are meant to be, and Jack should've jumped off that bridge when he had the chance. At this point you've made Kate so annoying, he should've taken her with him. Way to destroy a good thing, guys.

This poll is no longer available.

The Shield - Season 7

Starring: Michael Chiklis, CCH Pounder, Benito Martinez, Jay Karnes, Walton Goggins, David Rees Snell, Michael Jace, Catherine Dent, Cathy Cahlin Ryan, David Marciano, Paula Garces, Autumn Chiklis, Laurie Holden, Frances Fisher

Created By: Shawn Ryan

Premieres: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM ET on FX

I remember way back when FX’s The Shield began and how it was the glory time for premium cable channel HBO. You had The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City running to keep you entertained. These were hard hitting shows that came close to saving television for the jaded viewer. Then along comes The Shield, a dirty little show that proved cable subscribers also had an alternative to the bubble gum schlock pushed down our throats by the major networks.

Now with the seventh, and final, season of The Shield looming large over our heads I find myself looking at the current TV landscape and admiring what the cable networks have been doing. They’ve raised the bar and pushed our weekly TV viewing habits to the edge. In my mind The Shield is the show that broke through, allowing programs like Rescue Me and Damages to come along and revolutionize our late night watching schedule.

It’s strange that I’ve never gotten into Vic Mackey’s sordid story line. The premise of the show is right up my alley, and here I am having only watched a handful of episodes from previous seasons. That’s a little bit of a warning, as there might just be spoilers in the review you’re reading. I don’t necessarily know that a little tidbit of info is a huge reveal to long time fans. But I’ve watched enough television to pick up on what I think could very well be spoiler territory. With that in mind, I’ve tried to keep myself from ruining the final season of The Shield for you. The reason is simple, having seen where the story is going for the final act you just want to watch it all unfold and unravel around Mackey as it happens week to week. Trust me; you don’t want to be spoiled.

Created by Shawn Ryan, The Shield has always been known for shocking scenes of graphic violence and just plain “Holy Shit!” moments. Tuesday’s premiere keeps that train rolling with a gruesome little hatchet job by Shane (Walton Goggins). Yes, Ryan is not changing up the formula to get the show wrapped up. What has happened in the past is coming back to haunt the team, and if you ever thought Mackey could forgive and forget about Lem you were mistaken. In fact, some of the best moments of season seven occur during quiet moments between Shane and Vic. There’s an insane edge to their banter that will often leave you chilled.

Fans will be happy to know that the train robbery plotline that has been weaving throughout the past few seasons is going into conclusion mode this season. I checked out some fan sites and commentary to see if I could sort through the who’s and what’s of this plotline, and I’m happy to report that most of the fans are just as confused as me. Unless they have a plotted out map of what happened on their wall there’s little chance that any of it makes sense. That’s not quite fair, because it’s clear that the writers have a clear directive on where this is going. Not to mention that it provides the backbone to the final season.

Season seven of The Shield is hard to watch. Mackey is barely hanging on by a thread as he tries to maneuver people into a place that he wants. His attitude of using a righteous hand on the streets is still intact, and it became quite clear that this is a man who enjoys dishing out pain to people. He may be a cop, but he’s far more of a jerk than you’d expect from your classic antihero. And that’s what has people wondering about his end. Whether he’s killed or run out of town you can’t help but feel that the hero of the show deserves whatever punishment he gets. In one of the earlier episodes of the final season there’s a moment where Mackey turns his rage on his daughter. Watching the scene is disturbing because you know that he’s right to be angry, she did let her autistic brother wander around on the streets alone.

As fantastic as Michael Chiklis is in the role of Vic Mackey, it’s the supporting players who make the show so damn good. David Marciano’s weasely Detective Steve Billings begrudgingly goes back to the force after his lame lawsuit fails. Benito Martinez as Councilman David Aceveda provides a direct foil for Mackey’s corrupt behavior. Except that Aceveda isn’t the clean cut guy he may want to be, forming an alliance with Vic to bring down a land developer. And Shane Vendrell spends his time trying to prove himself to Vic. Protecting Mackey and his family as much as possible in an attempt to get away from California with his life intact.

If you haven’t been watching The Shield it’s time to start. This is one of the best shows you can get without paying premium prices. Besides, HBO has been in a horrible rut lately with lame duck shows. Showtime is providing some of the best programming you can buy with that extra cash each month. But it’s Shawn Ryan’s The Shield that helped give an edge to basic cable programming. There’s a reason this show has lasted its full run. The Shield is as bad ass and engrossing as it was back in 2002. That’s quite impressive when you consider that the main character has taken to using his police shield literally, proclaiming that as long as he has it he’ll continue to use it. The fun is in seeing how far he’s willing to go, and what the breaking point will be. Seven seasons in and the show is nowhere near ready to fizzle out. The Shield is leaving on its own terms, which just happens to be bloody and violent.

It’s time to celebrate the Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanza/ Festivus Holiday season, so all around Cinema Blend we’re enjoying Twelve Days of Christmas. Yes, we know traditionally the “12 days” start with Christmas, but we plan on being celebrated out by that time, so we’re pushing the twelve days leading up to the holiday.

Here in Blend Television we’re celebrating by counting down our some of our all time favorite holiday episodes, in an effort to boost your Christmas spirit. These aren’t the 12 best out there by any means, just twelve of our favorites. Some of them you might enjoy like we do. Others you might want to check out for the first time. So without further ado:

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

The late, great drama about the Fisher family of morticians, Six Feet Under, could always be counted on to take an acerbic , twisted view on even the most sentimental subjects, from the death of a parent to a wedding. Their take on Christmas, however, is probably their best. The first episode of the series takes place on Christmas Day, and within the first scene, the patriarch of the main family, Nathaniel, is hit by a bus and killed.

Their best Christmas episode, though, is the second season's "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." A year after Nathaniel's death, his children and widow cope with it by remembering, in flashbacks, the last time they saw him, and treating each other in the only way they know how. His wife Ruth stresses over every detail of the Christmas Day dinner, son David stresses over bringing his boyfriend Keith for Christmas for the first time, teenager daughter Claire acts out and pretends not to care about Christmas at all, and Nate, recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, contemplates his own mortality. Even Rico, a mortician who works with but isn't part of the family, pauses to think of Nathaniel while enmeshed in his own family drama.

The structure of Six Feet Under shows a death in the first scene of each episode, usually a person whose funeral would be handled by the Fishers. The death here is a classic: Santa Claus, riding a motorcycle, is hit by a car in front of three agape children (I promise it's actually funny!) The rest of the episode finds the Fishers throwing a biker funeral on Christmas Day, complete with sing-along versions of "Free Bird," dozens of pints of whiskeyand, of course, men and women decked out in leather. The party lasts all night, a contrast to the Fishers own tense Christmas dinner that isn't lost on Nate. He stays up to chat with Santa's widow, and when she unexpectedly leaves him the man's beloved Harley, Nate takes the opportunity for a single ride of freedom.

It sounds mean-spirited to have Christmas episode in which Santa dies, but "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" actually captures a lot of what Christmas means-- putting family first, remembering those you've lost, and finding a way to work with the family you've been given. If you can't handle another drama about a picture-perfect family, the Fishers will make you feel better about whatever chaos happens at your Christmas dinner. To get in the spirit of the Fishers, watch the Six Feet Under opening credits below.