As a total reality TV junkie, I can’t believe Netflix has already put out nine seasons of that show! Look, it’s definitely got its problems – the whole premise is kinda wild, right? – but I’m still totally invested in watching the drama unfold as these couples decide to get engaged before they even really get to know each other. It’s a train wreck you can’t look away from!
Tom Cruise’s commitment to the theatrical experience proved successful when Top Gun: Maverick became the biggest hit of the summer in 2022, earning over $1.4 billion globally. He’s become a strong advocate for movie theaters—often saying, “we’ll see you at the movies”—and is now considered their biggest champion, with Christopher Nolan as a possible rival for that title.
This list celebrates TV shows that immediately captivated audiences from beginning to end. Whether it’s a thrilling, unconventional story or a drama focused on compelling characters, these shows nail their first seasons. They create an atmosphere, build momentum, and establish emotional connections that stay with you long after you finish watching. Here are 10 shows where the first season is truly exceptional.
For seven seasons, Gilmore Girls charmingly portrays the lives of Lorelai and Rory as they navigate life’s challenges, always supporting each other. It’s an ideal show to watch when you need a little comfort (despite a few frustrating plot points!), but there are other equally cozy and enjoyable series out there worth checking out.
Since its release on Netflix on November 6th, Death by Lightning has quickly become popular, currently ranking as the second most-watched show in the United States. It’s just behind the comedy special Leanne Morgan Unspeakable Things, but is performing better than shows like Nobody Wants This (season 2), Squid Game: The Challenge (season 2), and Selling Sunset.
Marvel Studios often signs actors to multi-picture deals and also arranges for them to appear in projects beyond their initial contracts – Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson are prime examples. So far, Simu Liu has only played Shang-Chi in the 2021 film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and in one episode of the animated series What If…? I believe there are many more stories to explore with his character, the Mandarin’s son, and I’m pleased to hear about Liu’s positive experience working with Marvel.
It’s hard to find movies quite like it, but a few come close. Kirk Douglas’ Only the Brave shares similar themes with the original First Blood. And while different in style, Mission in Action is also reminiscent of the Rambo films – so much so that critics pointed out the similarities.
Okay, so I just have to say, Toy Soldiers is seriously underrated! It’s this crazy action movie from back in the day starring Sean Astin and Wil Wheaton as a couple of mischievous boarding school students who end up in a hostage situation. It’s way more intense than you’d expect, and honestly, it doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Plus, the late Louis Gossett Jr. is fantastic in it. If you somehow haven’t seen it, you’re in luck – it’s currently streaming for free, and you really should check it out!
He’s overlooking something crucial because his sister isn’t around. Val Richards is a relatively new character, officially appearing just before the year 2000. Despite this, she’s quickly become a fascinating addition who could really energize the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Predator: Badlands isn’t just a new step for the Predator series; it reflects how much blockbuster movies are changing. I appreciate that director Trachtenberg wasn’t afraid to reimagine a well-known story with a completely different look for modern viewers. I usually prefer the big, space-based Predator movies, but there’s a certain charm to the older films, like the original with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the jungle. While Badlands is a welcome addition and has been well-received, it’s also important to consider what we might have lost along the way.