Previous Next The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Superhero/Supervillain Casting. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 actors 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. MARGOT ROBBIE AS HARLEY QUINN Harley Quinn is such a complicated character to portray, and I can no longer imagine anybody other than Margot Robbie in the role. Robbie nails the zaniness of Harley so flawlessly that her performance was the lone bright spot in the disaster that was Suicide Squad (2016). I genuinely hope they never recast her. - Adriano 4. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. AS TONY STARK/IRON MAN In 2008, not many people knew of Iron Man, and even fewer wanted to touch Robert Downey Jr.. However, the perfect pairing of character and actor not only solidified a foundation for the MCU to build upon, but also resurrected RDJ’s career. It’s like Downey honed his loveable sarcasm and arrogance from birth because he knew, one day, he would be the only one who could pull off a believable genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist without hesitation. - Amarú 3. HEATH LEDGER AS JOKER There is no denying that Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Joker is what made The Dark Knight so great, as his unique blend of dark humor and unbridled insanity was in a league of its own. By playing into Joker’s anarchist antics, Ledger showed that you can reinterpret a classic character without losing the core motivations. The look, dialogue, and laugh are all iconic, and this performance showed the world that superhero films can be more than a popcorn flick, they’re Oscar-worthy. - Joseph 2. HUGH JACKMAN AS LOGAN/WOLVERINE With nine films over 18 years, you knew Wolverine wouldn’t be recast until Hugh Jackman decided that he was done with the role. His interpretation of the character was the ultimate badass steeped in tragedy. With each entry into the franchise, he gave the troubled mutant increased depth and maturity, culminating with a brilliant final performance in Logan , which, by my count, is still the best superhero movie of all time. - Nick 1. RYAN REYNOLDS AS WADE WILSON/DEADPOOL When pounding about who has been perfectly cast as a character, the first one that always pops in my mind is Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. I mean, it’s a no brainer. Sure, they are both Canadian, but that’s not the only reason. The wit, sarcasm, and charisma of Deadpool combined with the dynamic personality of Ryan Reynolds is just a match made in heaven. Reynolds IS The Merc with a Mouth, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. - Paige HONORABLE MENTIONS WILLEM DAFOE AS NORMAN OSBORN/GREEN GOBLIN PATRICK STEWART AS CHARLES XAVIER/PROFESSOR X JOSH BROLIN AS THANOS TOM HIDDLESTON AS LOKI DANNY DEVITO AS PENGUIN Photo Credits: Photo 1, 3 - Warner Bros; Photo 2 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 4, 5 - 20th Century Studios

AVENUE 5: SEASON TWO Starring: Hugh Laurie, Josh Gad, Lenora Crichlow, Zach Woods, Suzy Nakamura, Rebecca Front, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Andy Buckley, Ethan Phillips, Adam Pålsson, Jessica St. Clair, Kyle Bornheimer, Leila Farzad, and Jonathan Aris Creator: Armando Iannucci NICK I enjoyed the first season of Avenue 5 , but after such a long gap between entries, I wasn't sure it would grasp me like before. Although the premiere was a rocky start, it quickly finds its footing to bring back the dark comedy I so enjoyed in its first go around. In fact, it has become even darker. These absurd and morbid storylines work thanks to the hilarious cast led by Hugh Laurie, but it’s a true ensemble that brings its A-game (including what is easily my favourite Josh Gad performance). The series is a specific brand of humour, but it works for me.

Previous Next Here at Bitesize Breakdown, we love a good heist film. In fact, it's surprising it took us so long to make a ranking of them. So, let's fix that! The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Heist Films. As per usual, each writer ranks their 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. INSIDE MAN Usually, a heist film puts the emphasis on the planning or the aftermath while the heist itself is dedicated to a scene or an act at most. Having the actual heist dominate the film’s entire runtime adds another level of intrigue and consideration for both the perpetrators and law enforcement. Every component of Inside Man carries director Spike Lee’s dramatic pathos and coolness: the actors, the location, and the general theme of triumph over a fascist establishment. The mystery of the robbers’ identities and the ways in which Dalton Russell — played by Clive Owen, who is phenomenal without really showing much of his face — navigates all the machinations of his plan with the whole of the NYPD in his business is entrancing. I think it is Lee’s most accessible movie, but he still created an environment dripping in a gritty-but-slick sheen that harkens back to the 1970s, when heist films were at their apex. The interplay of every relationship has nuance that evolves throughout, which adds layer upon layer as everyone crashes into each other like unstable atoms all trying to occupy the same space. In other words, Inside Man is an anomaly in the physical universe. - Robert 4. HEAT As you can see from this list, the heist movie can take many forms. Heat , with its ensemble cast, richly drawn characters, meticulous narrative, and director Michael Mann’s attention to detail, is one of the all-time greats. Even if you strip away the buzzy window dressing — Robert De Niro and Al Pacino doing a scene together for the first time in history, tactical street battle scenes so technically precise that the U.S. Marines use them in official instructional videos, shooting entirely on location in Los Angeles with live gunfire being recorded in the moment instead of dubbed later — you’re still left with one of cinema's most engrossing and subversive crime thrillers. It has served as a cornerstone blueprint for director Christopher Nolan, as well as inspiring video games like Grand Theft Auto . Its legacy is so influential that nearly three decades later, a sequel featuring a murderer's row cast of Leonardo DiCaprio (breaking his legendary “no sequels” rule), Christian Bale, Adam Driver, and Stephen Graham is currently in production. When a film is this good, it’s hard to heed McCauley’s (De Niro) advice: “Don't let yourself get attached…” - Quentin 3. INCEPTION Inception sets itself apart from other heist movies by focusing on a reverse heist, with a team of dream-infiltrating, idea-stealing thieves attempting to plant an idea to influence their target’s decision-making. Director Christopher Nolan centres the film on Cobb’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) emotional turmoil, as he is ultimately driven by intense feelings of guilt, regret, and grief. Yes, the film is largely known for its dream within a dream within a dream concept — and Nolan showcases spectacular dreamscapes — yet part of the reason why Inception works so well is that it still adheres to the familiar beats of the heist movie with its plot structure, focus on detailed planning, and cast of stock characters. It does this whilst also having impressive visuals, excellent performances from DiCaprio and the rest of the A-list ensemble, and a moving and instantly recognisable score by Hans Zimmer. - Katie 2. RESERVOIR DOGS Watching a fresh take on the heist genre and the career beginnings of one of the most influential filmmakers of the 21st century (if not ever) at the same time is a rare treat. Reservoir Dogs subverts the standard heist format by focusing on the aftermath of a heist gone horribly wrong in a way that is brutal, risky, and provocative. Little did viewers know in 1992 that films like this would become writer-director Quentin Tarantino’s bread and butter for the next three decades, but even with what we know now, Reservoir Dogs still holds up as an exhilarating and daring heist film — one that is as rewatchable and fun as any of Tarantino’s other instant classics. - Adriano 1. OCEAN'S ELEVEN If you set out to make the perfect heist movie, following the Ocean's Eleven blueprint would be a good way to start. First off, there's the ensemble cast. Yes, the duo of George Clooney's Danny Ocean and Brad Pitt's Rusty Ryan are the de facto leaders, but every single member of this heist crew plays a crucial part with their own standout moment. Then there's the heist itself. Not only do you need to nail the execution, but the planning has to be just as engaging. Ocean's nails this using a great mix of comedy, drama, romance, and tension to maintain the entertainment factor throughout its nearly two hour runtime. Add in some slick direction by Steven Soderbergh, and you have a film that just oozes cool in a way that few others do. I didn't even mention the great performances from Julia Roberts or Andy Garcia... I could write a dissertation on this film as it rightfully takes our number one spot. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS BABY DRIVER HELL OR HIGH WATER ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY THE USUAL SUSPECTS THE ITALIAN JOB (2003)

Previous Next February 28, 2024 WRITTEN BY: QUENTIN AND NICK We’re back, TV viewers! With the Oscars fast approaching and everyone focusing on 2023’s Best in Film, Nick & Quentin, once again, wanted to take a second to highlight 2023’s Best New Television Series (check out 2022’s Best New Television Series HERE ). While some of these were massive successes, others flew under the radar. Either way, all are worth checking out. THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER Horror shows are always tough to pull off. Whether it be budget constraints or a story becoming inert in its need to fill a required number of episodes, they are usually more lackluster than their cinematic counterparts – except for the creations of Mike Flanagan. He has repeatedly proven that he knows how to deliver scares on the small screen. In 2023, he delivered a near-masterpiece with The Fall of the House of Usher , a miniseries amalgamation of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations that has it all: gore, spookiness, and genuine fright, not to mention a superb cast and tightly written mystery. - Quentin The Fall of the House of Usher is currently streaming on Netflix. THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY/DARYL DIXON I know, I know. Many have fallen out of love with the Walking Dead franchise, yet here I am ranking it amongst my top series of the year... twice. Here's the thing: for the final four seasons of the original series, there was no doubt the highlight was Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Negan. With his combustible relationship with Lauren Cohen's Maggie Rhee, there was clear potential for Dead City . It was a no brainer. It's Daryl Dixon , however, that really surprised me. Norman Reedus' Dixon has never been among my favourite characters, but the decision to place him on a bilingual show in France harkened back to the underrated Mexico arc of Fear the Walking Dead . It was a series I had low expectations for, and one that greatly exceeded them. Both series managed to remain unique enough to stand alone while still feeling part of an extended universe, and I look forward to seeing the directions they take. - Nick Season One of each series is currently streaming on AMC+. Season Two of Daryl Dixon , subtitled The Book of Carol , is set to premiere in 2024, while the release date for Dead City is currently unknown. BUPKIS As far as his acting credits go, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a Pete Davidson fan. However, I can’t deny that Bupkis was one of the best comedies of 2023, new or otherwise. Maybe it’s my love for Joe Pesci, maybe it’s the fact that Edie Falco can do just about anything, or maybe it’s the hyper-real yet genuine meta comedy that plays like Atlanta meets Curb Your Enthusiasm . Whatever it is, the recipe cooked up by series creators Davidson, Judah Miller, and Dave Sirus works, and no show made me laugh out loud more frequently than Bupkis did last year. Let’s hope Season Two is just as “Crispy!” - Quentin Season One of Bupkis is currently streaming on Peacock. It has been renewed for Season Two, but a release date is currently unknown. GEN V The Boys is such an enigma of a series. You have Quentin Tarantino-style violence blended into a superhero series that touches on world issues and the possibility of what a real world with these powers would look like. To replicate it would be a near impossible task, but Gen V honestly does a pretty good job. Absent are many of the downfalls that come with teen-focused series because, much like its parent series, this show doesn't shy away from foul language, graphic imagery, and extreme violence. Instead of relying on lazy tie-ins, Gen V introduces a new cast of characters, giving them their own stories separate from the likes of Homelander. This allows the show to blend into the Boys universe organically without being totally reliant on it. It’s another win for show creator Eric Kripke. - Nick Season One of Gen V is currently streaming on Prime Video. It has been renewed for Season Two, but a release date is currently unknown. THE DIPLOMAT The Diplomat might be my biggest surprise of 2023. When I first saw the trailer, I thought, “Oh, another ‘can-she-really-have-it-all?’ soap opera.” However, contrary to what many may tell you (my fellow Bitesizers included), I can admit when I’m wrong. Keri Russell channels the inner fierceness of her character from The Americans to carry a The West Wing -meets- Homeland series about the American political machine and the dramas one must endure, personally and professionally, to be a successful public servant. I’m sure it helps that my day job is…let’s say, adjacent …to the world in which this series is set, but that doesn’t diminish how great the show is, overall. - Quentin Season One of The Diplomat is currently streaming on Netflix. Season Two is currently filming and will release on Netflix in 2024. SILO A series that was completely off my radar to start the year was the Apple TV+ program Silo . Led by Rebecca Ferguson, this sci-fi story is one that grabbed me early and kept tightening its grip as it progressed. Silo asks interesting questions of both the characters and the viewers as the story slowly unravels amongst some fantastic world-building. The directions this show can take and the possibilities within this world are plentiful, which for a viewer, is so damn exciting. It has been a while since a good sci-fi series has gotten its hooks in me ( Falling Skies may have been the last), but I've been anticipating Season Two from the moment the finale ended. I’d advise going into this one with the least information possible. - Nick Season One of Silo is currently streaming on Apple TV+. It has been renewed for Season Two, but a release date is currently unknown. BEEF After winning a slew of Emmys and Golden Globes, Beef ’s inclusion here should come as no surprise. This darkly hilarious miniseries taps into our inner and unspoken desire to watch the world burn after it kicks us in the dick, as well as our inability to take responsibility for the reason it kicked us in the dick in the first place. Terrific and award-winning performances from Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, who share an animalistic chemistry, are the centerpiece of the series, but the entire supporting cast brings their A-game too, especially David Choe and Maria Bello. Plus, Hoobastank covers! - Quentin Beef is currently streaming on Netflix. Season two is rumored to be in development, starring Anne Hathaway, Jake Gyllenhaal, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny. SHRINKING A series from the creator of Ted Lasso featuring a solid comedic cast, including the legendary Harrison Ford as a curmudgeon therapist? Sign. Me. Up. Whether it's Jason Segel as a leading man, the emergence of Lukita Maxwell, or the welcome return of Christa Miller, Shrinking turned out even better than I could have hoped for. While the ensemble is what really makes the show work, the series also provides consistent laughs and memorable moments. Most importantly, though, it leans into the feel-good and relatable aspects that made Ted Lasso such a success. I hope, as it goes forward, it delves further into some darker themes because I know it will be able to approach these subjects in a delicate yet comedic manner, much like Lasso did. - Nick Season One of Shrinking is currently streaming on Apple TV+. It has been renewed for Season Two, but a release date is currently unknown. MRS. DAVIS With hilariously intriguing and borderline blasphemous takes on religion, Mrs. Davis is successful because of its sheer audacity and outright bonkersness, all of which is somehow made to feel grounded through Betty Gilpin’s dryly droll performance. Like a New York nightclub that Stefon from SNL might rave about, this limited series has everything, from British Knight shoe references to a taco-making Jesus, but it’s the themes of redemption, love, pride, and faith that are rolled into the wacky road-trip adventure that will keep you coming back for more, even as it becomes more and more ludicrous. In a way, it’s the comedic yin to Preacher ’s dark yang. - Quentin Mrs. Davis is currently streaming on Peacock. HIJACK Since 24 popularized the "real time" storytelling format way back in 2001, it's been highly underused. It's a great way to build tension and make it feel like anything can happen. Hijack is a great example of this. Much like 24 , they found an electric lead in Idris Elba, and they let the man cook. At times, it feels like you're personally trapped on the plane instead of watching a series thanks to its anxiety-inducing realism. In fact, the show was such a success that Elba will get another crack at portraying Sam Nelson in the future. While it seems unlikely that a second season lands him back on a plane, if they keep the realistic approach and tense edge-of-your-seat moments, Hijack : Season Two may not be the last. - Nick Season One of Hijack is currently streaming on Apple TV+. It has been renewed for Season Two, but a release date is currently unknown. PAUL T. GOLDMAN Almost certainly the best show on this list that no one watched, Paul T. Goldman is a hybrid documentary miniseries that is equal parts funny, compelling, and sympathetic. It’s so layered that it’s hard to describe with so few words, but know this: the lovable Paul, who makes you want to say “oh, honey” at every turn, tells the true story of how his ex-wife pulled him into a world of pimps, prostitutes, and sex trafficking. Also, he cringily plays himself in the dramatizations even though he is not an actor. Concurrently, there is a making-of-the-documentary angle where Jason Woliner, the frustrated director, is trying to extricate fact from fiction as the sweet-natured Paul may potentially be an unreliable narrator who becomes increasingly involved in the production. It's an easy binge that you won’t be able to look away from. - Quentin Paul T. Goldman is currently streaming on Peacock. THE LAST OF US The phrase "video game adaptation" often is synonymous with words such as disappointing, underwhelming, and disastrous. Then there's The Last of Us . A game that found popularity largely due to its story has become the basis for an adaptation that has to be one of, if not the , greatest video game adaptations of all time. Led by Pedro Pascal - who since filming has rapidly ascended to the A-list - and Bella Ramsay, The Last of Us is able to stand on its own in zombie media because of the unique creature designs, its ability to look and feel like the game (including direct shot-for-shot remakes), the fleshed-out characters, and the in-depth storytelling. The temptation will be there to continue this series beyond the game's story, but I hope it comes to an end with Season Two because, honestly, there is no better way to end it. - Nick Season One of The Last Of Us is currently streaming on Max. It has been renewed for Season Two, with a release expected in 2025.

BLINDSPOTTING: SEASON ONE Starring: Jasmine Cephas Jones, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Rafael Casal, and Helen Hunt Creators: Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs AMARÚ The 2021 sequel-series to 2018's masterclass Blindspotting flawlessly continues the film's story even (mostly) without the film’s leads, Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs. The writing, performances, artistic expression, and utter authenticity to the town (aka Oakland) and the country's ever-evolving black experience in the face of gentrification is simultaneously hilarious, heartfelt, emotional, and engaging. Outstanding additions Benjamin Earl Turner, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and a glowing Helen Hunt add to the magnetic Jasmine Cephas Jones, making this a triumphant ensemble. It’s 100% loyal to the soil and my Yay area-heart loved every second of it.

Previous Next With House of the Dragon just underway and the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power releasing, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Fantasy Franchises. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films/series 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. SHREK It may not be the first franchise you think of when you think of fantasy, but Shrek deserves its place in the Bitesize Top Five. Featuring superb performances from Mike Myers & Eddie Murphy, memorable quotes & one liners, and a killer soundtrack, this fairy tale is one of the greatest animated film series of all time. And it’s not even from Pixar. Give me a fifth installment, like now. - Nick 4. THE PRINCESS BRIDE Let me explain why The Princess Bride is damn near a perfect movie, fantasy or otherwise…no, there is too much. Let me sum up… It has romance, action, adventure, humor, memorable characters, and quotable line after quotable line. It’s also a timeless tale of true love, revenge, and friendship told through pirates, giants, princesses, and literal miracle workers. To paraphrase our hero: there’s a shortage of perfect movies in the world. It would be a pity to overlook this one. - Quentin 3. THE WIZARD OF OZ Although both of Victor Fleming’s 1939 films have left significant legacies, it's the all-time fantasy classic The Wizard of Oz that has truly endured (Gone With the Wind is the other). Judy Garland’s impeccable performance and the film’s timeless music are only out-classed by the film’s technical wizardry and sheer imagination. More than 80 years later, the reveal of technicolor remains the definition of pure movie magic. - Jacob 2. HARRY POTTER The Harry Potter universe allows fans to leave their ordinary lives behind for a world that brings a sense of magic, comfort, and love. I mean, we all need a little magic in our lives, and who doesn’t want to be a wizard or receive a letter from Hogwarts? The adventures and culture of this fantasy world - with all its magical creatures, potions, and spells - is the perfect escape from our own reality. At the same time, it provides a wonderful sense of belonging through all the lovable characters. - Paige 1. THE LORD OF THE RINGS A Beautiful Mind should not have won 2001’s Best Picture Oscar, and Chicago FOR DAMN SURE shouldn’t have won in 2002. There should have been a three-peat sweep for Peter Jackson’s magnum opus trilogy of world building, adaptation, and storytelling. The Lord of the Rings is the best fantasy series, best trilogy, and, straight up, three of the best movies of all time. Riots would have broken out if Mystic freakin’ River had won in 2003. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS GAME OF THRONES HOOK PAN'S LABYRINTH THE SWORD IN THE STONE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Dreamworks Pictures; Photo 2 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3 - MGM Studios; Dreamworks Pictures; Photo 4 - Warner Bros; Photo 5 - New Line Cinema

COUNTDOWN: SEASON ONE Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Eric Dane, Violett Beane, Uli Latukefu, and Elliot Knight Creator: Derek Haas QUENTIN Trigger warning: If you enjoy lowest-common-denominator network garbage like FBI and Quantico — or you’re part of the Supernatural fandom that thinks Jensen Ackles is worth getting excited about — congrats! Prime has just the show for you in Countdown . Between the melodrama, a “will they/won’t they” subplot, terrible dialogue, bland and stereotypical characters, ad-conscience sterilization, and awful soundtracking, this series would have been right at home on CBS. It even has that cheap network gloss. This likely would have been a ratings hit on network TV, but I’m not sure this type of rubbish can survive streaming, especially when it’s not being released as a binge watch.

PERRY MASON: SEASON TWO Starring: Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Eric Lange, and Katherine Waterston Creators: Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald ADRIANO As much as I enjoyed the first season, Perry Mason’s second season fixes its errors, making for a much more engaging season of television. The first season’s issues were mostly due to the narrative structure and story, which Season Two fixes by becoming tighter and more focused. As a result, I now have a better understanding of Perry, once again played to perfection by Matthew Rhys, and the characters around him. The plotting is more intense too, and it perfectly matches the grimy noir vibe the creators have crafted. If this show continues improving, I can see it becoming must-watch television in the future.

ARCANE: SEASON TWO Starring: Ella Purnell, Katie Leung, Hailee Steinfeld, Kevin Alejandro, Harry Lloyd, Toks Olagundoye, Ellen Thomas, Brett Tucker, JB Blanc, Reed Shannon, and Jason Spisak Creators: Christian Linke and Alex Yee PRESTON Yes, I play League of Legends , but I think anyone would enjoy this adult-themed, animated adaptation, even without the easter eggs and character background knowledge of the computer game. Arcane is simply the most visually stunning animated show I have ever seen. The stylized world mixes fantasy with steam-punk aesthetics before punching your ear holes with some seriously rad music and sound design. Season Two gets a little lost with its pacing and storytelling, but it’s still too badass to care! I implore everyone to at least watch Season One, which was even better than this latest batch of episodes.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN: SEASON ONE Starring: Demián Bichir, Anika Noni Rose, Grace Gummer, Madison Taylor Baez, Ian Foreman, Jacob Buster, Kevin Carroll, and Nick Stahl Creator: Andrew Hinderaker QUENTIN Let the Right One In isn’t unwatchable, but if you’ve seen either film on which it’s based (the Swedish original or the English remake, Let Me In ), it’s entirely unnecessary. Demián Bichir gives a soulful performance as a father doing everything he can for his vampire daughter, but in stretching out the narrative to fill 10 episodes, it adds generic subplots that simply aren’t compelling. Crime procedural and medical research B-stories distract from the heart of what this series should be. Sadly, that flaw makes for a less-than-chilling slog that fails to justify itself when two tightly written movies of the same story already exist.

HACKS: SEASON TWO Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins Creators: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky JACOB When a show like Hacks comes along, a second season better than the first can be quite rare, and while I’m still debating whether this season gets there, it undoubtedly stands toe-to-toe with Season One. Truly, this is one of TV’s best comedies. The entire cast has remarkable chemistry, and that chemistry is on full blast, especially between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Really, the only major change in Season Two (apart from being two episodes shorter) is that Kaitlin Olson’s character – DJ – is barely in it. That said, her absence is hardly a flaw, and what is there continues to work beautifully. ADRIANO In Season Two, Hacks continues its winning streak, bringing the same level of whip-smart comedy and odd sincerity that we saw in Season One. The sweetly hilarious dynamic between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder is the core of the show, which they pull off exceptionally. While those two certainly stand out, the entire cast is wonderful. Each performer gets a moment to shine, even the minor cameo roles. Season Two is a fun ride that makes me want more, but I also would be satisfied if the season finale stood as a series finale. Overall, this season tops the already great first one.

IRONHEART Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Alden Ehrenreich, Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Regan Aliyah, Matthew Elam, and Anji White Creator: Chinaka Hodge AMARÚ Ironheart feels like being back home, comfortably walking into an old neighborhood I haven’t visited in years. Led by a magnificent Dominique Thorne, the authentically heartfelt ensemble (especially surprise stand-out Lyric Ross) takes well-tread coming-of-age, crime drama tropes and gives them a refreshing energy that feeds your soul. Every time you think clunky plot points will dampen the light, another earnest interaction filled with heartbreak, joy, humor, and all of the above takes the story to surprisingly emotional places. Add in a pitch-perfectly cool Anthony Ramos, and an outstanding soundtrack, and I finished this six-episode season wanting to take a plate with me.