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MIDNIGHT MASS Starring: Hamish Linklater, Samantha Sloyan, Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Rahul Kohli, Annabeth Gish, and Annarah Cymone Creator: Mike Flanagan NICK Following the success of The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor , writer-director Mike Flanagan is back with Midnight Mass . His third Netflix miniseries drops the Haunting theme for a religion-centric approach that feels confused in its direction at times. Although it raises some interesting questions regarding the interpretations of The Bible, the series struggled to grasp me. That said, its mix of gothic cinematography and the performance of Hamish Linklater make it worth a watch. It just doesn't reach the heights of his other Netflix efforts. QUENTIN With one movie and three series (and two more on the way!), writer-director Mike Flanagan has become Netflix’s go-to horror creator. Midnight Mass , his latest series for the streamer, is good, but also the weakest and least scary of the three. It starts very strongly, featuring excellent performances from Hamish Linklater and Samantha Sloyan, but it loses some steam once a major reveal happens around the halfway point. It also has way too many monologues, which further slows the pace. That said, it's a bold and blasphemous take on faith and Christianity, which as a nonbeliever, I'm always here for.

Previous Next March 5, 2025 WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO Saturday Night Live (or SNL , for short) is simply a monumental institution. The sketch comedy series recently celebrated its 50th season with an anniversary special that brought out former cast members and hosts to perform. Indeed, the show has birthed the careers of some of the greatest comedic minds in history, including the late John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, and Norm MacDonald. As many have been celebrating the history of SNL in the wake of the Anniversary Special and Concert, I wanted to take the time to honour some of the best post-SNL careers. Please note, I will not be including any cast members who were only on the show for one season, including the likes of Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. (yes, they had their time on the hit series). CHEVY CHASE (1975-1976) One of the original cast members in 1975, Chevy Chase may not be as much of a household name nowadays due to his inability to get roles because of how famously impossible he is to work with. Still, at one point in time, the name Chevy Chase was synonymous with star power. He left the show very early in the second season, so this is admittedly a bit of a cheat, but he immediately cashed in on his star power, good looks, and natural slapstick delivery. He is known for his work in 80s film classics, including the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, Spies Like Us , Fletch , Three Amigos! , and my personal favourite, Caddyshack . His most modern claim to fame is his starring role in the first four seasons of Community . His heyday may be long gone, but Chevy Chase is still, and likely always will be, one for the ages. BILL MURRAY (1977-1980) Bill Murray feels like he's been around forever. Even before leaving SNL , he made a name for himself on the big screen in Meatballs with frequent collaborator Ivan Reitman. However, once he left the show in Season Six, he was an instant box-office draw. He used his deadpan sensibilities to massive effect in even the smallest of roles, as seen in Little Shop of Horrors , but his lead performances in Scrooged, Groundhog Day, and Ghostbusters are the stuff of legends. He has even proven that he has a knack for the dramatic (while maintaining his comedic charm) as a regular cast member in Wes Anderson’s films, starring as Polonius in Michael Almereyda’s Hamlet , and perhaps most notably, earning an Oscar nomination for his turn in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation . Frankly, the fact that he didn't win is not something I'm thrilled about. EDDIE MURPHY (1980-1984) In SNL ’s sixth season, there was a huge disruption as series creator Lorne Michaels had left and the entire cast was replaced. This is historically known as a dark period for the series, and it's not too much of an exaggeration to say that Eddie Murphy single-handedly saved the show. After leaving in Season Nine, Murphy became an instant movie star. In fact, my parents had their first date at one of his movies, and I always forget which one because his string of hits feels endless: Beverly Hills Cop, 48 Hours, The Nutty Professor, Harlem Nights, Trading Places, Coming to America, Bowfinger, Dreamgirls (which earned him an Oscar nomination), Dr. Dolittle, Dolemite is My Name , and even voice work in Mulan and Shrek . Suffice it to say, despite not every one of his projects being amazing (or even good for that matter), Murphy is one of the single most influential comedic voices in history. JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS (1982-1985) Remember when I said there are some famous people that you might not know were on SNL ? Yep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus was a cast member for three seasons. While her stint was short, I think it's telling that her career is so storied that her time on the famed television institution is somewhat forgotten. Most notably, Louis-Dreyfus played Elaine Benes on the hit sitcom Seinfeld , for which she won an Emmy, as well as Selina Meyer in the HBO comedy Veep , for which she won six Emmys (meaning she only lost once as the series had seven seasons). If that wasn't enough, she also starred in The New Adventures of Old Christine (a show that earned her ANOTHER Emmy), a seemingly recurring role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and both supporting and leading roles in films such as Enough Said , National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , and A Bug's Life . There is no real sign that this woman is going to stop any time soon either. MIKE MYERS (1989-1995) You gotta love an actor who can disappear into a role, especially in a funny way. Mike Myers was a cast member from Season 14 through Season 20, during which he adapted one of the show's most popular recurring sketches, Wayne's World , into two highly successful films. Once leaving the show, he turned his knack for wild comedic character work into the spoof comedy, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery , arguably one of the most notable comedies in history, and its two even more financially successful sequels. As if Austin Powers wasn't enough, he replaced the late, great Chris Farley to become the titular voice of the Shrek franchise. Lastly, quick side note, his Netflix miniseries, The Pentaverate , which I acknowledge isn't very good, still has all the fun Myers antics that I thoroughly enjoy. He is, to put it in broad terms, shagadelic, baby! ADAM SANDLER (1990-1995) My girlfriend and I recently had a debate on which SNL alum had become the most popular — not necessarily the most acclaimed, but the biggest star. We both landed on Adam Sandler. The elephant in the room is that yes, he has had some absolute misfires. Jack & Jill, Little Nicky , and That's My Boy are just a few examples of critical disasters that also bombed at the box office. However, Sandler has become such a trusted audience favourite that even some of his most critically derided offerings, such as Click and Grown Ups , have succeeded. That aside, after being abruptly fired from SNL during Season 20, he starred in Billy Madison , then Happy Gilmore a few years later. These two films are synonymous with his monster career, not to mention other comedic hits like The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates , and Big Daddy . Sandler doesn't shy away from the dramatic side of things either, with highly acclaimed performances in Punch-Drunk Love, Funny People, The Meyerowitz Stories , and of course, Uncut Gems , the film that might have jump-started a Sandler resurgence. WILL FERRELL (1995-2002) It's time to talk about my absolute favourite SNL alum and one of my favourite actors ever: Will Ferrell, whose SNL career is surely amongst the best the show has ever seen. Once he left, though, it was time to take the movie world by storm, making a huge splash right away with a critically acclaimed supporting performance in Old School . While he is widely known for leading roles in films such as Elf and Blades of Glory , he's probably best known for his collaborations with former partner Adam McKay. The two co-wrote the Ferrell-starring vehicles Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Step Brothers , Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and even a one-man Broadway show called You’re Welcome, America . His work in the 2000s, when he was a prominent member of what's known as The Frat Pack, has personally influenced my sense of humour and made me love movies. So, for that alone, he earns a spot on this list. TINA FEY (1997-2006) While she may never reach movie-star status, there is no denying the success of Tina Fey. Starting as a staff writer in 1997 before being elevated to head writer in 1999, she appeared in her first sketch in 2000. Clearly, her time on SNL left an impression as she immediately created the sitcom 30 Roc k upon her departure, satirizing her experiences on the show, ultimately winning an Emmy for her performance and two additional Emmys for writing. As if that wasn't enough, she also wrote and co-starred in the hit comedy film Mean Girls (as well as the Broadway musical adaptation), she co-created Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt , and starred in the hit films Baby Mama, Megamind , and Sisters . Like most on this list, she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2010, but at 40 years old, she was (and still is) the youngest recipient of the award. You can't say it's unearned. ANDY SAMBERG (2005-2012) Andy Samberg was two years into his seven-year run on SNL when he starred in his first movie, Hot Ro d, a wildly under-appreciated comedy gem. Since leaving the show in Season 37, Samberg has taken starring roles in the films Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Palm Springs , as well as contributed voice work in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers , as well as the Hotel Transylvania and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs franchises. Perhaps most notably, he was the Golden Globe-winning lead actor of the terrific Golden Globe-winning hit sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine . However, for me, he'll always be known for his work with Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone in The Lonely Island, a musical group whose comedic sensibilities have helped shape this generation's absurdist sense of humour, for better and for worse. BILL HADER (2005-2013) Bill Hader left SNL after Season 38, and even before his departure, his rising star was already cemented with small but effective roles in Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Forgetting Sarah Marshall , and Superbad . Once he officially left, he expanded his horizons to a wider variety of roles. A lot of animated films took advantage of his phenomenal vocal range, as seen in Inside Out, The Angry Birds franchise, and the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs series. He didn't shy away from dramatic work either, as seen through his acclaimed performances in The Skeleton Twins and It: Chapter Two . All his talent, however, culminated in the universally acclaimed HBO comedy-drama Barry , which he created, wrote, starred in, and often directed. That series won him two Emmys for his brilliant performance, not to mention a Peabody Award for the series’ overall excellence. Now that Barry is done, Hader has claimed he wants to direct horror movies, and I cannot wait.

Previous Next With the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we figured it was the perfect time for the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Non-MCU Marvel Films/Series. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 releases in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. DEADPOOL After years of rumors, Ryan Reynolds (after leaking some test footage) finally got to properly bring Wade Wilson to the big screen, and it changed the superhero movie game in more ways than one. It showed that mainstream comic book movies could be successful while also being hella violent and raunchily R-rated. It’s also one of the first to demonstrate that major blockbusters can open in February, and, if we’re being honest, it kinda resurrected Reynolds’ career. Most of all, though, it gave studios permission to take risks when it comes to superhero content, especially when you stay true to the character. - Quentin 4. X2: X-MEN UNITED The first X-Men movie was quite a ride, but X2: X-Men United is the rare sequel that doubles down on what made the original so great while also introducing new ideas to help elevate the genre. Of course, the action and mutant shenanigans are on full display, but what makes X2 better than its predecessor is the surprisingly detailed character work that makes you genuinely connect. Many comic book sequels have come out since then, but X2 will always be the gold standard. - Adriano 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is not only considered one of the greatest comic book sequels of all time, but it’s also the ultimate live-action Spidey movie. Raimi is able to establish a tone that feels straight out of a comic book despite being real life. It’s a lighthearted film with dark themes that are executed in perfect balance, and the inner conflict of what it actually means to be Spider-Man still feels real and raw. Spider-Man 2 remains one of the ultimate non-MCU Marvel movies to swing onto the big screen. - Paige 2. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE When trailers for Into the Spider-Verse initially released, there was a general “uhh, sure” that was heard across Film Twitter. But then we all saw it, and it changed animation, comic book movies, and Spider-people forever. It’s heartfelt, action-packed, incredibly voice-acted, and all out pure awesomeness in every meaning of the word. From the Cage-iest Nic Cage you can find to the moving monologue by Miles’ dad (Bryan Tyree Henry) through the door, Spider-Verse fires on all cinematic cylinders. The best Spider-Man movie is animated, and it’s not even close. - Amarú 1. LOGAN This modern-day western is a bonafide masterpiece that shows the potential for what a superhero film can be, thanks to the maturity and grittiness that director James Mangold brought to the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman (playing dual roles) manages to take his performance up yet another notch as he says goodbye to the longtime role (Deadpool 3 , notwithstanding), while Patrick Stewart returns as a painstakingly brittle Charles Xavier. And don't even get me started on the finale. This is truly exceptional filmmaking. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST X-MEN: FIRST CLASS SPIDER-MAN (2002) DEADPOOL 2 BIG HERO 6 Photo Credits: Photo 1, 2, 5 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3, 4 - Sony Pictures Releasing

Previous Next April 19, 2025

TED LASSO: SEASON THREE Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Phil Dunster, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple, Toheeb Jimoh, Kola Bokinni, Billy Harris, Cristo Fernàndez, Moe Jeudy-Lamour, Jeremy Swift, James Lance, and Anthony Head Creators: Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly NICK From the outset, Ted Lasso has been a fantastic show. That said, its third season is certainly its weakest as it just doesn't flow the same as previous seasons. Some characters are focused on too heavily (Keeley (Juno Temple)) while others are ignored for large portions (Sam (Toheeb Jimoh)), and come the finale, everything feels like it is rushed to conclusion. Now, while it may not reach the heights of last season, it still has the heart and wit it’s known for, which is aided by stand-out performances from Hannah Waddingham, Anthony Head, and Phil Dunster. The television landscape will undoubtedly be dimmer without Ted Lasso . AMARÚ When a TV show’s “down” season is better than most other shows, you know you’re dealing with an all-time great, and Season Three solidified that for Ted Lasso . Things that would make most shows feel bloated resulted in greater development for multiple characters this season. Things that would make most shows feel muddled and aimless resulted in build-up for Lasso’s strongest end to any of its seasons. Something that started as a hilariously joyful feel-good comedy is now an insightful (yet still hilariously joyful) examination of grief and mental health. Ted Lasso is one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. That’s not up for debate. PAIGE The final season of this beloved series sadly crumbles under the pressure, even if its heart is in the right place. Season Three of Ted Lasso lost belief in itself, and it abandoned the majority of its strengths and stories from previous seasons for longer episodes and disjointed storylines. At its core, the show works best when it sticks to its original intentions, which this season simply lacked. Despite this being its weakest outing, the AFC Richmond Greyhounds still managed to put a smile on my face every week, and I’m hoping for a few spin-offs. JACOB Even with an emotionally poignant finale in play, the unfortunate truth is that Ted Lasso ’s third (and final?) season is certainly its weakest. From its indecision and slight indifference as to what to do with Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) to Colin’s (Billy Harris) mishandled coming out story to many episodes’ overly bloated runtimes, a series of misfires turned the series from an optimistic comedy into a somewhat saccharine prestige drama. The characters themselves remain quite fun to watch, but even this season’s best moments seem to be tied to us having known them from the previous two seasons rather connecting with them this time around. QUENTIN In the closing moments of Ted Lasso ’s series finale, Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) says “it’s not about me, it never was,” a sentiment that perfectly embodies this season. In having more (and longer) episodes, Lasso becomes more of an ensemble show, focused on the whole of Richmond. Sure, it’s predictable and mostly trades season-long narratives for episodic moments, but every character gets a few chances to shine. Despite the shift in plotting, the series still maintains the same level of heartfelt emotion, non-cloying optimism, and dynamic character interactions and development as before. Overall, it has been a tremendous three seasons, and I’m eager for both hinted-at spinoffs. ADRIANO Ted Lasso’s final season is the series’ worst; however, to be fair, the bar was super high. That said, it juggles far too much, and despite the episodes’ extended runtimes, it isn’t enough to make most characters’ arcs not feel rushed or abandoned. The ones that are done well (Billy Harris’ Colin, Phil Dunster’s Jamie) are satisfying and feel like typical Ted Lasso , though. Ultimately, the charm is there, and there are moments in the latter half of the season that reminded me why I fell in love with the show in the first place, but it was still a disappointment. I will miss it, regardless.

PARADISE: SEASON ONE Starring: Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Krys Marshall, Jon Beavers, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Charlie Evans, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and Gerald McRaney Creator: Dan Fogelman NICK Paradise , which proves itself to be more than meets the eye thanks to a twist in the opening episode, is the political conspiracy thriller that finally gives Sterling K. Brown a leading role. It fits him like a glove, too. Brown leads an intricate story that will keep you guessing while having you on the edge of your seat as the details unfold. There are times the story can get a little messy with all of its moving parts, but for pure entertainment value, it never lost me. Paradise has all the tools to become a hit, and hopefully it's just the beginning of Brown’s ascent. QUENTIN Paradise is a show that has the potential to fall apart if you scrutinize it too hard, but the twists and turns are so fun, even in their predictability, that you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride. It helps that the performances, especially from Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden, are so damn engaging, drawing you further into the conspiracy through well-developed characters and well-earned emotional beats. Plus, superficial things like terrific needle drops (both the original versions and their moody covers) and prominent Kentucky Wildcat references add enough window dressing to help create a winner in my eyes.

THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS Starring: Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, and Melissa De Sousa Creators: Malcolm D. Lee and Dayna Lynne North AMARÚ The Best Man: The Final Chapters feels like going back home. What started as a top tier 90s rom-com before continuing as a highly underrated 2010s Christmas film concludes, more than two decades later, as a streaming-service limited series, and it returns like only two years have passed, not 20. Being one of the best romance franchises ever doesn’t protect the series from predictable genre tropes, but the chemistry, performances, and soul on display cover for any missteps the story may take. Honestly, the decades of Black Excellence on screen shines through the brightest…and that was everything.

Previous May 19, 2025 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH KATE MARA In her career, Kate Mara has gone from the streets of Washington D.C. in House of Cards to the vacuums of outer space in The Martian . Now, she's taking on her toughest role yet: Tim Robinson's wife. I got the chance to catch-up with Mara and chat about her performance as Tami in Andrew DeYoung’s absurdist comedy Friendship . BB: In this film you offer such an effective deadpan delivery, especially in contrast to Tim Robinson's very exaggerated humour. Was that difficult to work off of or did his zaniness help with your performance? KM:  *laughs* No, it wasn't difficult, it was such a joy, just such a unique experience! I've never been in a movie like this. Really, it was all there in the script. It's not like there was tons of improv or anything to be surprised by, but every take Tim does is so different, every take. So, you just never know what you're gonna get, which is so fun. It's so fun to be able to be reacting to somebody in that way; keeps you on your toes. And he's so clever and interesting. It was just a really fun role to play. BB: Since you mentioned improv, I know you said there wasn't a lot, but… KM:  I should say there wasn't a lot in my scenes. Maybe there was for Tim and Paul. I actually don't know, cause I wasn't there for those. But the script was so strong, and a lot of it was there already. But I will say that our director (Andrew DeYoung) always sort of kept it going for like a little bit longer... like when the scene would end, he'd always keep it rolling just a little bit longer to see what would happen. And obviously there were definitely moments that were added and stuff like that, but for the most part it was very much there already, which is so nice. BB: Now, obviously the movie is very funny, but with your character Tami, we get glimpses of the fact that she survived cancer, hints about a difficult relationship with her father, and she's seemingly in an unhappy marriage. There’s clearly a tragic nature to her so how much of that played into the performance, even in the sillier moments? KM:  Yeah, there’s so much. There are a lot of layers to the character and what she sort of has been through up until this moment and what they've been through. They've been together a long time. So there was a lot of story there that happened before this moment in their lives, which is always really useful to have all of these elements that you get to play with. Our director said at the beginning, before we started filming, “I want to film it like it's The Master , like it's like a drama.” And he really did, which is why it's so uniquely weird and hysterical. BB: Certainly, and for a movie where the main focus is mostly on male insecurity and male friendships, I'm curious, when you were reading the script, where did you see your character fit into all that? What stood out to you? KM:  I mean, the reason I wanted to do it is cause it's just a very different tone than anything I've ever been a part of. I felt like doing a comedy would definitely be a challenge, and it was, in specific ways, just cause I've never been in that world before. And working with such great comedians like Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, it's very intimidating being in that world when you're not used to that environment. So, that's why I wanted to do it. And I thought Tami was a really fun role. She's got things in there that are subtly, for an actor, really fun to play with. BB: She really holds everything together. But, before I go, I have to ask: What on earth do you think happened to Tami in that sewer? KM:  *laughs* That is up to your imagination as an audience member. I love that we don't really ever tell you. That's the beauty of it, it could be whatever you think it is. BB: Alright, I tried. *laughs* Well, it was nice meeting you today and best of luck on the film! KM:  Thank you. Nice to meet you! Make sure to check out Friendship now in theatres. Interview conducted on May 9th, 2024 by Adriano Caporusso.

Previous Next With the upcoming releases of Teen Wolf: The Movie and Luther: The Fallen Sun, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Movies Based on A TV Series. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. THE NAKED GUN You can't make a list of great comedic characters without including Frank Drebin. Still among the funniest films ever made, The Naked Gun (and its sequels) is spoof done right. Although the original series was quickly cancelled, Leslie Neilsen's timing and wit were enough to give Drebin a second life on the big screen. Luckily, the feature was much more sharply written, and it gave Neilsen a chance to put on a comedic masterclass. Four decades later, and this one is still good for a laugh. - Nick 4. 21 JUMP STREET I love a film that knows it shouldn’t exist yet justifies itself at the same time. That’s exactly what 21 Jump Street is. A film that is more than aware of its own absurdity and how unoriginal it is, the result is still something wholly unique, funny, and heartfelt. It's a staple of 2010s comedies and a worthy adaptation. - Adriano 3. THE FUGITIVE There's not much I have to say about The Fugitive as an adaptation (I never watched the show it's based on), but hot damn, if it doesn't still get the job done every time. Harrison Ford carries the role admirably to be sure, but the true star is Tommy Lee Jones and his note-perfect one-liners. I miss when mid-budget movies like this were a dime a dozen and could be both nominated for and even win Oscars. - Jacob 2. STAR TREK Since its days as a television series, Star Trek has been perennially in the cultural zeitgeist, proven to be one of the most influential shows on the air. Pitched as "a wagon train to the stars," the original series was meant to show hope for an idealized future, one where mankind has shed its foibles in the name of progress. As a film series, while the results have been uneven, movies like Wrath of Khan , Undiscovered Country , and the 2009 reboot remain shining beacons of science fiction, giving fans unforgettable characters to be cherished through the generations. - Darryl 1. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE It says a lot when each individual team member's top list includes almost every movie from a singular franchise (I’ll bet you two slow-motion doves you can guess which one didn’t make it). But, honestly, Mission: Impossible may be one of the most consistent franchises in movie history. It doesn’t just rely on the crazy stunts and insane action, but casts well-acted ensembles and builds memorable worlds that get grander (and arguably better) with every film. While I’m personally partial to M:I3 due to Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s scary brilliance, I can’t wait to see if Dead Reckoning usurps that crown. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM WAYNE'S WORLD THE ADDAMS FAMILY Photo Credits: Photo 1, 4, 5 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 2 - Columbia Pictures, Photo 3 - Warner Bros

THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY: SEASON ONE Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Gaius Charles, Mahina Napoleon, Zeljko Ivanek, Karina Ortiz, Jonathan Higginbotham, and Logan Kim Creator: Eli Jorné NICK Dead City feels different than the other The Walking Dead spin-offs, thanks to showrunner Eli Jorné’s darkened tone and its shooting style. Instead of just picking up where things left off, the series succeeds by having a central conflict that forces Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) to work together. This leaves all the feelings they harbour for one another to bubble under the surface to create a ton of tension throughout. Not to mention it lets Cohan - and Morgan especially - showcase their character portrayals at their best. Dead City has reignited this franchise and shows there’s still more story to tell.

THIS IS US: THE FINAL SEASON Starring: Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chrissy Metz, Chris Sullivan, Justin Hartley, Jon Huertas, Milo Ventimiglia, Eris Baker, Faithe Herman, Caitlin Thompson, Lyric Ross, Asante Blackk, Griffin Dunne, Chris Geere, Jennifer Morrison, Hannah Zeile, Niles Fitch, Logan Shroyer, Parker Bates, Mackenzie Hancsicsak, and Lonnie Chavis Creator: Dan Fogelman NICK The best series are the ones with a clear endpoint, as many multi-season shows go well past their expiry date. This Is Us has embraced that mindset since the beginning with its timeline-jumping teases to its finale, which has allowed the viewer to attempt piecing things together. It’s been a wonderful puzzle to try to solve and watch come together, and its final season solidifies it as one of the best family dramas television has seen. This final outing should garner Mandy Moore her first Emmy nomination, and although This Is Us goes out on a high, I’m going to miss spending time with these characters.

ANDOR: SEASON ONE Starring: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough, Genevieve O’Reilly, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, and Andy Serkis Creator: Tony Gilroy AMARÚ It isn’t an exaggeration to say that every second of Andor is tense. Whether watching an action-packed heist or three people in a room conversing, your breath halts in anticipation for the next word, the next scene, the next step towards the rebellion. Creator Tony Gilroy crafted a riveting powder-keg of piercing dialogue that produces chill-inducing moments from actors acting their asses off. The cast has no weak links, the writing is top-notch, and the story made me forget about hokey religions, ancient weapons, and Obi-Wan , a Jedi show I genuinely thought was some of the best Star Wars this century. Man, was I wrong. PAIGE Even as a huge fan of Rogue One , Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) isn’t the reason I love that film, so I had my concerns about him getting his own series, especially after the first few episodes proved to be boring. But, boy, did it pick up and get me hooked! I felt like I was part of the fight against the Empire with every tense and gritty moment. Creator Tony Gilroy gives a masterclass in storytelling, as he does an outstanding job bringing the uprising of the rebellion to life. This show ended up being, hands down, the most compelling Star Wars show thus far. ADRIANO Just when I thought I was done with Star Wars , Andor pulled me back in. Its slow-moving nature isn’t going to be everybody's thing, but I can’t remember the last time this franchise had me so captivated. No lightsabers, no force, no Skywalkers…yet I was gripped from Episode One to the mesmerizing season finale. While Andy Serkis steals the show, Diego Luna is one hell of an engaging lead, and the dialogue and layered storylines are written perfectly. Star Wars or not, this is just riveting TV at its finest. QUENTIN As a person who is dispassionate about Star Wars (there is more bad Star Wars than good Star Wars ), I had minimal interest in a prequel about a one-off character from an average movie. As I struggled through the first three (slow) episodes, I felt my opinion being validated. However, Episode Four really turns it around, becoming an appealingly dark and gritty sci-fi series that aspires to be more than just another toy commercial by featuring excellent performances and a Skywalker-free story that is complex and layered (rarities for the franchise). It’s almost Blade Runner -esque, and maybe my favorite thing from the galaxy far, far away.