As much as I love to read, I very rarely can find the time, so while Netflix’s People We Meet On Vacation is based on the book of the same name by Emily Henry, I went into this film having no idea what to expect. It didn’t take long before I realized I was going to absolutely love this movie. Right from the start, it nails the comedy aspect of a romantic comedy. Sure, it is a bit on the predictable side, but that mostly comes from it being labeled as a RomCom.
I instantly fell in love with Alex (Tom Blyth) and Puppy (Emily Bader). Their on-screen chemistry is insane. It comes through as believable when they are friends, but also as we see more of them clearly pining for one another – even when they are in relationships with other people. Both Emily Bader and Tom Blyth are extremely funny people, which makes them great choices for these roles. Alex and Poppy are complete opposites, and they are friends first. That shines through with the brilliant writing and the incredible acting.
One of my favorite things about People We Meet On Vacation is how it is structured. We essentially start at the end, and through flashbacks, we learn about how this unlikely friendship was formed and what happened between Alex and Poppy. It might seem strange to start off the story knowing something happened between the two of them to cause them to no longer speak to one another, but it actually works.
I found myself hanging on nearly every word and looking forward to each and every vacation that these two took together, all to learn more pieces of the puzzle. Poppy and Alex are friends who go on vacations together, that much was clear from the start. But their relationship is a complicated one, and I loved every ounce of drama I was given. It is easy to root for these two, which is largely due to the performances of Tom Blyth and Emily Bader.
It isn’t just the lead performances that stand out, however. There are many supporting characters that Alex and Poppy meet along the way, and each of them brings something special to the table. From Alex’s brother David (Miles Heizer) and his fiancé Nam (Tommy Do), to Poppy’s boss Swapna (Jameela Jamil), everyone is an integral part of their story.
This movie is funny. Like laugh-out-loud funny. Nearly every joke lands. At the same time, there are quite a few scenes that will have viewers tearing up. I know I was happy I brought tissues.
Each vacation adds something new to Alex and Puppy’s dynamic, which is much appreciated. Nothing feels out of place or like it was shoe-horned in. I left this movie wanting so badly to travel thanks to all the incredible locations that they visited.
Overall, People We Meet On Vacation is the epitome of a great romantic comedy. Thanks to two incredible lead performances and a chemistry that creates tension that could be cut with a knife, this is an unforgettable viewing experience. I might not be able to compare it to the book (yet), but I can only imagine that fans will be thrilled with the outcome.
P.S. Emily Henry fans, keep your eyes peeled for a fun cameo!
Free-spirited Poppy (Emily Bader) and routine-loving Alex (Tom Blyth) have been unlikely best friends for a decade, living in different cities but spending every summer vacation together. The careful balance of their friendship is put to the test when they begin to question what has been obvious to everyone else — could they actually be the perfect romantic match?
People We Meet On Vacation starts streaming on Netflix on January 9th.
Nintendo announces the launch of My Mario product line in the United States. Toys, apparel, and more will be available on February 19th.
Curated Experiences, Toys and Apparel for Young Children and Parents to Enjoy Together Arrive at Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO on Feb. 19
Following its launch in Japan, the My Mario series will make its U.S. debut next month. Inspired by Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends, My Mario is a collection of products, games and experiences designed to offer fun ways for young children and their parents to explore, imagine and play side-by-side with characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Yoshi.
The My Mario collection officially launches at Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO stores on Feb. 19. My Mario products will also begin arriving at select retail stores nationwide this spring and will continue to expand throughout the year.
Encompassing experiences, products and apparel created to put smiles on the faces of young children, their parents and caregivers, the My Mario series includes products developed in partnership with a wide range of partners such as Mattel Fisher-Price and TOMY. Every item is thoughtfully designed to be a child’s introduction to the creative fun of playing alongside Mario and friends.
The My Mario series includes:
Two wooden block sets featuring Mario and well-known items from the Super Mario series: a Mario Wood Block Set (3 pcs) and a Mario & Friends Wood Block Set (30 pcs).
A free Hello, Mario! app1 for smart devices and Nintendo Switch systems that lets children, parents and caregivers intuitively and playfully interact with Mario, which officially launches Feb. 19 on Apple App Store and Google Play and as a free download on Nintendo Switch (also playable on Nintendo Switch 2) via Nintendo eShop.
A My Mario stop-motion animation series – called “It’s Me, Mario!” – available now on the My Mario website and on the official Play Nintendo YouTube channel.
A collection of apparel for infants and toddlers, from onesies to sleepers and outfits for playtime.
An interactive Hello, Mario! board book by Nintendo and published by Penguin Random House.
Soft toys that include fun rattles and cuddly Mario plush.
Tomy Toomies My Mario collection that will power up bathtime with bath toys and water squirters inspired by iconic characters from the Super Mario franchise.
Launch timing for specific products will vary. Stay tuned to the My Mario site for updates.
1 Compatible smart device required. Internet required for download. Data charges may apply.
I love a mystery series that keeps you guessing all the way through, and that is exactly what Netflix’s new series, His & Hers, does. From the very first few minutes of the series, I was all the way in. I mean, Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal? Sign me up. That was basically all that I needed to know and as the show continued on, there were many more reasons to love it.
The story follows Detective Jack Harper (Bernthal) as he works to solve a murder case. However, the more that we learn about the case, the harder it becomes to figure out who did it. Jack himself has ties to the victim, although they do live in a small town, so almost everybody does.
Anna (Thompson) is a reporter who has been away for about a year after suffering a tragedy, but arrives back in town just in time to cover the murder. She also has ties to the victim. As a mother, I really related to her story and could absolutely understand where she is coming from throughout the series. I do not want to give anything away, but Tessa Thompson delivers an incredibly powerful and emotional performance throughout every episode.
That said, it is when Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson grace the screen together that His & Hers truly shines. Both of them are phenomenal actors, and when I say they bring their A-game, trust me. Their chemistry is off the charts, no matter what emotions their characters are feeling in the scene. I need them to do a million projects together, please and thank you. Heck, Marvel can give us a Punisher and Valkyrie series, and I will absolutely watch it.
This is one of those shows that is hard to talk about without giving spoilers, so I will simply say that you might think you have it all figured out, but I promise you, you don’t. His & Hers keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through, right up until the jaw-dropping end. I thought by the middle of the season I had it all figured out, but I was so very wrong. And I couldn’t be happier about it.
There were moments when my heart was pounding out of my chest and others when I was wiping away tears. Every character brings something exciting and thrilling to the story. This is one of those shows that you are going to want to binge all the way through – and then watch it all over again to pick up on hints that you missed.
His & Hers is an unforgettable experience. It is dark, twisted, and absolutely bonkers. Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal shine, but the supporting cast pulls their weight as well. I could not recommend this series enough, especially if you love a good mystery like I do.
Set in the sweltering heat of Atlanta, Anna lives in haunting reclusivity, fading away from her friends and career as a news anchor. But when she overhears about a murder in Dahlonega – the sleepy town where she grew up – Anna is snapped back to life, pouncing on the case and searching for answers. Detective Jack Harper is strangely suspicious of her involvement, chasing her into the crosshairs of his own investigation. There are two sides to every story: HIS & HERS, which means someone is always lying.
Martellus Bennett and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh discuss the upcoming Disney series, Hey AJ!, and how their partnership was formed.
Disney’s upcoming animated series, Hey AJ!, is a vibrant celebration of curiosity, family, and the boundless power of a child’s mind. Based on the popular children’s book series by Super Bowl champion and multitalented creator Martellus Bennett, the show follows the adventures of AJ, a high-energy girl who finds inspiration in the everyday world around her. Whether she’s turning her kitchen into a culinary kingdom or her backyard into a wild frontier, the series emphasizes that for a creative child, the entire world is a playground.
In this interview with Mama’s Geeky, Martellus Bennett and legendary animation veteran Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (co-creator of Phineas and Ferb) talk about their unlikely partnership. The duo dives deep into the dating process of finding a creative partner, the science of why doodling helps the brain focus, and how they’ve worked to ensure the show’s Black American experience feels both authentic and universal.
The “Dating” Process: How the Partnership Began
The collaboration between an NFL star and an animation legend seems like a dream team, but it didn’t happen overnight. How did that first conversation go?
Martellus Bennett: It took us about six months before we even agreed to do a show together. It’s almost like dating, you know? You have to figure out if you actually like the person. We did it the traditional way – met up and had all these philosophical conversations about what we believed in and how we saw worlds being built.
Swampy Marsh: For me, it was about the story Marty wanted to tell. The books were beautiful, but taking something from a page and building a full world that can sustain 22-minute stories is a big task. I found very quickly that there was a huge crossover in the Venn diagram of things we felt were important: imagination, the relationship with your kids, and how you support them.
On Fatherhood and Creative “War Stories”
You both talk a lot about your own children. How much of your experience as fathers made it into the show?
Martellus: Swampy is a great father. You can’t be around him for five minutes without him talking about his son. When I’m around men who don’t talk about their kids, I get weirded out! We shared “creative war stories” about raising kids with big imaginations. If we didn’t have a room full of guys who understood fatherhood, the Marty character wouldn’t have come to life the way he needed to.
Swampy: Marty might come from a whole different world than I do, but when it came to imagination and the ways you support your kids, we were exactly the same. I had to listen and become part of a whole new world, which was scary because I haven’t been scared in a long time. But telling these stories—learning about Marty’s daughter and his world—was a blast.
The Science of Doodling and Focus
Martellus, there’s a famous story about you painting during NFL team meetings. Swampy, you were a doodler in class. Does that creative itch actually help you pay attention?
Swampy: I used to draw in class so I could pay attention. I needed to occupy a part of my brain. As long as I was doodling, I knew what was going on. Universities actually have studies now showing that doodling allows you to focus because you’re occupying the part of the brain that would normally be wandering off into space.
Martellus: I did the same thing in football meetings! They used to get mad at me because they thought I wasn’t paying attention. I’d have a watercolor set out while we were going through film. I only had one coach my entire career who didn’t fight me on it. He’d call on me, I’d have the answer, and he’d say, “Okay, do what you gotta do.” That’s what the show is about – enabling and making space for imaginative play instead of shutting it down.
Music Is A Universal Language
The music in Hey AJ! is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from Funk to Pop. Was that always the plan?
Swampy: I am genetically incapable of doing a show that doesn’t have a musical element. Music is the thing that relates to everybody; you can still sing songs from cartoons you watched when you were five. We wanted to introduce all kinds of genres. We have everything from Meghan Trainor to Bootsy Collins.
Martellus: People sometimes ask, “What is Black music?” and try to pigeonhole it. But Black people love and play all music. We just opened up the imaginative can. Getting Bootsy Collins was crazy! We wanted songs that parents and kids would sing along to together.
From the NFL to the Disney Family
You’ve gone from winning a Super Bowl to creating a Disney series. Did you ever imagine this when you wrote the first book?
Martellus: Actually, I did. I have the ability to see a million possibilities in a singular idea. When I first drew the AJ books, I wanted them to feel like they had movement, like a cartoon. I didn’t go to school for animation; I learned through failure, books, and videos. Disney was my first “yes” after a lot of “no’s.” It validated to my family that you can dream up ideas and they are possible.
Swampy: Disney has been so supportive of letting us tell the stories that were important to Marty. It’s a dream come true for a Saturday morning cartoon and cereal kid.
Martellus: It’s a beautiful experience. I’m a Disney Dad through and through now. I want to show kids who look like me that you can start your own company, do your own books, and end up building something bigger than yourself.
Watch the full interview for even more behind-the-scenes stories, including Martellus’s hilarious Popeye’s Chicken inspiration and why there is strictly no shoes on the couch in the world of AJ!
About Hey AJ!
Inspired by former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion and children’s book author Martellus Bennett’s family, “Hey AJ!” is a whimsical and music-filled family comedy about an imaginative young girl: AJ.
AJ uses her big imagination to make ordinary life moments extraordinary. She can turn a long drive with her mom and dad into a rocket ship space adventure or a trip to the park into a superhero mission to save the world. With AJ’s trusty stuffed bunny sidekick, Theo, her mom Siggi, dad Marty, and best friends Jessie and Jazz—there’s no situation that AJ can’t make extraordinary by using her imagination.
Hey AJ! premieres on Disney Jr. on January 13th and on Disney+ on January 14.
Greenland 2: Migration is a decent post-apocalyptic road trip, however, it often rushes the story and provides too many conveniences for the stakes to feel high.
Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, Amber Rose Revah as Dr. Casey Amina, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in Greenland 2: Migration. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
It’s always a bit of a gamble when a grounded, character-driven disaster movie like Greenland tries to turn itself into a franchise. The first film worked so well because the stakes were incredibly intimate. It wasn’t about saving the world; it was just about one family trying to get on a plane.
When Greenland premiered in 2020, it stood out to me in a crowded genre by focusing on the everyman perspective of an extinction-level event. It was claustrophobic, desperate, and deeply human. Its sequel, Greenland 2: Migration, attempts to broaden the scope by showing us what happens after the dust settles. While it successfully maintains the emotional core of the Garrity family, it struggles to replicate the relentless, ticking-clock tension that made the original a sleeper hit.
The Strength of the Garrity Family
Gerard Butler as John Garrity in Greenland 2: Migration. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
The best thing Greenland 2: Migration has going for it is the incredible returning cast. Gerard Butler returns as John Garrity, once again proving that he has a wide range of acting skills and can do just about anything in an entertaining way. Alongside Morena Baccarin, the duo maintains the family-first stakes that anchored the first film. They are, once again, easily my favorite part of the movie.
In this sequel, the horror isn’t falling rocks from the sky, but the grueling reality of a Nuclear Winter. The post-apocalyptic world-building is visually striking; the transition from the fiery chaos of the first film to the frozen, bleak landscape of the second provides a fresh aesthetic. Seeing the family navigate the remnants of civilization offers a grim, fascinating look at how society attempts to rebuild – or tear itself apart – after the end of the world.
The Pacing Is A Problem
Gerard Butler as John Garrity in Greenland 2: Migration. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Unfortunately, the film suffers from a significant pacing issue. The first Greenland felt like a marathon where every mile was a struggle. In Migration, the journey feels more like a series of disjointed sprints. The family moves from one location to the next with such speed that the vastness of the post-apocalyptic world feels diminished.
This fast-travel feeling extends to conflict resolution. One of the joys of the first movie was watching the characters think their way out of impossible situations. Here, threats appear and disappear with frustrating brevity. Whether it’s a run-in with a hostile group or a technical failure, the solutions often feel a bit too convenient, robbing the audience of the edge-of-your-seat dread that defined the original. When obstacles are cleared too easily, the stakes start to feel lower, even if the world is technically in a worse state than before.
Despite the uneven pacing, however, the film still manages to deliver some genuinely heartpounding sequences. The ladder-crossing scene is a perfect example of the heightened realism the franchise does best. Trust me, you will see what I mean. It’s a simple, physical obstacle that feels terrifying because of the cinematography and the clear stakes involved. These moments remind me why I liked the first film so much: it’s not about CGI explosions, but about the physical toll of survival.
Overall Thoughts On Greenland 2: Migration
Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, Gerard Butler as John Garrity and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in Greenland 2: Migration. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Greenland 2: Migration is an okay sequel that suffers from poor pacing at times. It does the heavy lifting of expanding the lore and keeping us invested in the Garrity family, but it lacks the tight, suffocating narrative structure of its predecessor. It’s a decent post-apocalyptic road trip, but it trades the first film’s desperate atmosphere for a more episodic adventure.
If you loved the first one, it’s a mandatory watch to see where John and Allison end up, but don’t expect it to leave the same lasting impact as that first frantic race to the bunkers.
About Greenland 2: Migration
In the aftermath of a comet strike that decimated most of the planet, the Garrity family must leave the safety of their Greenland bunker to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home.
Greenland 2: Migration comes to theaters January 9th.
The Pitt Season 2 is just as good as the first season, if not better, as new characters are introduced into the busy emergency room bustle.
Medic Harley brings in Roxie; Medic Bashir brings in badly beaten Gus Varney. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)
I am not a big fan of medical dramas, which is why I was shocked by how much I loved season one of The Pitt. Something about it was completely captivating. Perhaps it was the incredible cast and the chemistry they have with one another. Maybe it was the drama and intense, high-stakes situations. It could be the brilliant writing and the way each episode plays out in real time, comprising of one hour of a single shift. Or, more likely, it was all of these things combined.
Thankfully, the Sophomore season is just as good, if not better than the first. This series is lightning in a bottle, and one that has the potential to go on for many years as long as it continues to bring fresh, new ideas to the table.
Dr. Robby and his three protégé receive three amublances in the bay. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)
While we already know the majority of the cast, of course, this is a teaching hospital, which means that new students will come in, and others will find themselves rising in the ranks. This is a very smart part of the show, because it allows the cast to be ever evolving. In The Pitt season 2, there are some newcomers, and at the same time, there has been a lot that has happened with the returning characters.
Because of the nature of the show, each season is one single shift (at least that is how it is playing out right now). That said, the shift that is being covered in the second season is not the one after season one. In fact, there has been a time jump to July. This allows for a lot of interesting story lines as we learn the twists, turns, and all the drama that has unfolded in the meantime.
Dana arrives at work, her and Lena welcome back Langdon & greet Emma. (Warrick Page/MAX)
Without giving anything away, there have been a lot of changes at the hospital. Yes, there is a lot of aftermath from what went down in the first season as well. The Pitt Season 2 does a wonderful job of making sure everything is addressed, and no stone is left unturned. It also adds in a storyline about AI and how it might not be as helpful as some might think it is – a timely plot point that I really enjoyed.
Overall, the second season of The Pitt is just as good as the first season, if not better. I loved catching up with my favorite doctors, nurses, and student doctors and learning more about them and their lives. The cases that they are dealing with all feel unique and new; nothing seems to be reused or revisited. The writing remains just as sharp and imaginative as ever. There are still moments where I have to look away because they REALLY go there.
This series is easily one of the best currently on television and has the potential to remain at the top of the charts for years to come.
The Pitt Season 2 premieres January 8th on HBO Max.
About The Pitt
The Pitt is a realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh.
The Pitt Season 2 premieres January 8th on HBO Max.
Rosemead boasts two incredible lead performances and tells a story that is difficult to watch, but nevertheless serves as an important warning.
Moviegoers often see Lucy Liu as an unstoppable force, the sharp-witted professional or the graceful action hero, but you have never seen her before as you will in Rosemead. She gives off a raw, jagged vulnerability and delivers what is arguably the best performance of her career. As a viewer, and specifically as a mother, this film more than caught my attention; it tugged at each and every one of my heartstrings.
From the very beginning, it is clear that Liu came to set with her A-game. She plays a mother grappling with a terminal cancer diagnosis and is almost unrecognizable as she goes through the struggles of her daily life. But her true battle is not with the cancer, it is the realization that her son is spiraling into a severe mental health crisis – and she only has so much time to help him.
Liu’s portrayal is raw and real and deeply devastating. She captures the frantic, quiet desperation of a woman who is running out of time, not for herself, but for the child she will leave behind. She brilliantly portrays that primal need to protect your child from the world, and sometimes, from themselves. Something any parent knows all too well. Except most of us are not about to leave this Earth.
Matching Lucy Liu’s intensity is Lawrence Kao, who turns in an unforgettable performance as Casey. The chemistry between the two is palpable, creating a mother-son bond that feels lived-in, which makes the impending tragedy all the more painful to witness. As a mother of two teenagers myself, I could relate to many aspects of this connection. At the same time, so much of this relationship is something I, thankfully, have not felt in my own relationship with my children.
Kao portrays Casey beautifully. We see him interacting with friends, trying to maintain a normal life as best as he can. But it is during his schizophrenia episodes that his talent truly shines. It is equal parts incredible and haunting to watch. He captures the confusion, the terror, and the sensory overload of a break from reality without ever slipping into caricature. You see the light leave his eyes and a frantic, unreachable version of his character take over. It is a nuanced, physical performance that makes the audience feel the disorientation of the illness right alongside him.
The core of the film resonates with anyone who has ever loved a child. It explores the terrifying question: How far would you go to ensure your child’s safety when you are no longer there to provide it? The “protect your child no matter what” instinct is universal, but here it is pushed to an agonizing extreme. Knowing that the character is terminally ill adds a ticking clock to the narrative that makes every scene vibrate with urgency. You aren’t just watching a drama; you are watching a woman try to solve an impossible puzzle before the lights go out.
Perhaps the most haunting aspect of Rosemead is the knowledge that it is based on a true story (inspired by the Los Angeles Times article A Mother’s Desperate Choice). This isn’t just a Hollywood script designed to pull at heartstrings; it is a reflection of a real-life tragedy that occurred in the San Gabriel Valley. This makes the film’s depressing and devastating moments feel even heavier and even harder to watch. It forces viewers to confront the fact that these systemic failures are happening in our own communities.
The film serves as an essential lesson regarding mental illness as well as cultural pressures. It shines a light on the stigma within the Chinese community, and many AAPI communities, where hiding all your problems often takes precedence over seeking psychiatric help. Rosemead highlights how cultural expectations can isolate families in crisis, forcing them to suffer behind closed doors rather than reach out for help.
Knowing that there is such a profound stigma about taking care of your mental health in this community is heartbreaking. The film argues that shame is often more lethal than the disease itself, and I tend to agree.
Overall Thoughts On Rosemead
Rosemead is not an easy watch – be warned. It is gut-wrenching and will likely leave you sitting in silence long after the credits roll. However, through the powerhouse performances of Lucy Liu and Lawrence Kao, we are reminded that motherhood is often a beautiful burden, but it shouldn’t have to be a lonely one. It is a haunting plea for compassion, better mental health infrastructure, and the dismantling of cultural stigmas that keep families in the dark.
About Rosemead: In a race against time, an ailing woman discovers her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others, in this portrait of a Chinese American family. Inspired by true events.
Previously announced Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience concert film tickets are now on sale – get them while you can!
Get ready to dominATE the dance floor this February, we have news that’ll get you on your feet from one your favorite K-Pop bands – Stray Kids! We are excited to share, the official trailer for Bleecker Street’s upcoming K-Pop concert film, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience! The epic concert film will release in theaters globally, including SCREENX, 4DX, ULTRA 4DX, and IMAX®, where available, worldwide on February 6, 2026. Fans are able to get their tickets NOW, available on sale at STRAYKIDSMOVIE.COM!
As previously announced, Stray Kids is directed by award-winning filmmaker Paul Dugdale (Adele: One Night Only, Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour) with documentary segments directed by Farah X (The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion) and produced by Live Nation Studios, and will feature concert and behind-the-scenes footage from sold-out SoFi Stadium performances of the eponymous global K-pop phenomenon.
With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide and a fanbase that spans every continent, Stray Kids will provide fans with a bold, large-scale theater experience, allowing them to see a glimpse behind the curtain of their favorite band during their recent dominATE world tour.
With Stray Kids : The dominATE Experience, Bleecker Street and Universal Pictures Content Group continue to expand their shared reputation for groundbreaking cinematic experiences. In collaboration together their 2026 slate includes recently announced action-comedy feature, STOP! THAT! TRAIN! starring multi-Emmy® winner and entertainment icon RuPaul and directed by Adam Shankman; and Academy Award-winner Alex Gibney’s MUSK, centered on the world’s most controversial tech-entrepreneur.
STRAY KIDS Still 2 Courtesy JYP Entertainment, Andy Keilen
ABOUT STRAY KIDS
Stray Kids is JYP Entertainment’s 8-member boy band formed in March 2018. Stray Kids were crowned winners of “Top K-Pop Album” at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and “Best K-Pop” at the 2023 MTV VMAs with their full-length album ★★★★★ (5-STAR). The album sold over 4.61 million copies during the first week of its release which, at the time, became the highest 1st week number in K-Pop history. The group also won “Group of the Year” at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, “K-Pop Album of the Year” at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and “Top Global K-Pop Artist” at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards.
Stray Kids were featured on the soundtrack of Netflix’s animated series Arcane (Season 2) based on the game League of Legends with “Come Play”. In addition, their track “SLASH” was featured on the soundtrack of the film Deadpool & Wolverine (Deadpool & Wolverine Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
In 2025, the group released their 3rd Japanese EP Hollow, which topped several Japanese charts, including RecoChoku and iTunes, and ranked No.1 on iTunes’ overall song charts in eight countries including Mexico, Sweden, and Poland. The music video hit No. 1 on YouTube’s global trending chart and ranked high in countries such as the United States, Japan, and Brazil.
Not only did they debut eight consecutive albums as No.1 on the Billboard 200 Chart with their latest release DO IT, but they became the artist with the most RIAA Gold Album Certifications of any K-Pop artist in history. Stray Kids won’t stop breaking through all geographical and cultural boundaries to resonate deeply with global listeners.
Rhea Seehorn is magnificent in Apple TV’s Pluribus Season One, a chillingly unique sci-fi masterpiece.
From the opening frames of the pilot, Pluribus establishes itself as something increasingly rare in television: a science fiction series that is as intellectually demanding as it is emotionally devastating. While the “alien invasion” trope is well-worn, Pluribus flips the script, trading laser blasts for a quiet and disturbingly polite assimilation of the human race. And it is absolutely terrifying.
The series begins with a creepy, yet realistic hook. Humankind discovers a complex code originating from deep space. In our eagerness to understand our place in the universe, we decipher it, only to realize too late that the code is a blueprint for a chemical catalyst.
Once released, it doesn’t kill; it connects. Something extremely unique and yet believable. The result is a hive mind that takes over the planet almost instantly. This isn’t your typical Invasion of the Body Snatchers – the converted are cordial, calm, and seemingly happy. But they can’t actually be… right?
The true horror lies in the eleven individuals who are biologically immune to this. Something that must be a nightmare, to say the least. To the Hive, these eleven are not enemies to be destroyed, but broken souls to be cured and then welcomed into the fold.
A Career-Defining Performance By Rhea Seehorn
At the center of this psychological tug-of-war is Carol, played by the incomparable Rhea Seehorn. While Seehorn has already cemented her status as one of the greats in Better Call Saul, her work in Pluribus is a career-best.
Carol is our eyes and ears. She is often blunt, prickly, and at times genuinely difficult to like, yet Seehorn portrays her with such grounded humanity that we can’t help but resonate with her. She is the anchor of our individuality in a world that is literally trying to dissolve it.
The show’s most twisted brilliance lies in how it handles manipulation. The Hive knows Carol’s weaknesses, and they use them with surgical precision. By sending a liaison of sorts, who just so happens to look a lot like Carol’s deceased wife, the series shifts into something equal parts disturbing and thrilling.
The most heart-wrenching part of the season is watching Carol cycle through a haunting, ever-shifting spectrum of grief that feels raw and uncomfortably real. There are these quiet, devastating moments of vulnerability where she lets her guard down just to spend a few more seconds looking at the face of her deceased wife – even when she knows it’s an illusion.
But just as you start to fear she’s losing herself, Seehorn pivots to a fierce defiance. You can practically see the moment of realization on her face as she realizes she has had enough. I don’t want to give too many details, for those who have yet to watch the series, but the turning point is unforgettable.
Overall Thoughts On Pluribus
The season finale leaves us on a thrilling, high-stakes cliffhanger. While most of the other immune survivors have succumbed to the desire for family and joined the Hive, Carol and one other holdout remain. This setup for Season 2 promises a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human when being alone is the only way to stay yourself.
Pluribus is creepy, intense, and shockingly unique. With a brilliant story that delivers twists you truly don’t see coming, it is a must-watch for anyone who likes their sci-fi with a heavy dose of psychological depth.
Pluribus season one is streaming in full on Apple TV with a second season already in the works.
The Pitt cast discusses the dynamics of season two, working with real maggots, and so much more in the press conference.
Robby and the battling savants try and diagnose DKA Orlando. (Warrick Page/MAX)
Following a first season that transformed from a niche medical drama into a global phenomenon, the cast and creators of The Pitt gathered for a press conference to discuss the high stakes of their upcoming second season.
Moderated by Variety’s Jenelle Riley, the event featured three panels of talent, including the show’s creative architects and its ensemble cast. From the pressures of the sophomore slump to the visceral reality of using real maggots on set, the team offered a deep dive into why this Pittsburgh-based emergency department drama has struck such a profound cultural chord.
Beating The Sophomore Slump
Robby walks down the ramp to the Emergency Department past Nurse Jesse. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)
Q: After the massive success of the first season, did you feel the pressure of the proverbial sophomore slump when heading into Season 2?
Noah Wyle: “Of course we felt it—the proverbial sophomore slump is real”. Wyle explained that combating expectations is inevitable when the first season is so impactful. However, he credited executive producer John Wells with alleviating that pressure early on by advising the team: “You don’t have to do it bigger, better, faster, stronger, you just have to do it again and remember what you did the first time”.
John Wells: Wells emphasized the importance of ignoring the noise to focus on the narrative. “You want to be careful to just follow the stories,” he noted, adding that they rely on “extensive research with medical professionals” rather than chasing fan trends.
R. Scott Gemmill: The creator shared that the creative team decided on a ten-month time jump for the new season. “We picked 10 months because that’s long enough for Langdon to come out of rehab and that’s why we picked that,” Gemmill explained, highlighting the fun of catching up with characters within the limited 15-hour seasonal window.
Authenticity & The Medical Front Lines
Dana arrives at work, her and Lena welcome back Langdon & greet Emma. (Warrick Page/MAX)
Q: The Pitt is known for its technical accuracy. How do you maintain that realism without alienating the audience?
Shawn Hatosy: Despite the complexity, Hatosy believes the science-forward approach is the show’s strength. “We tell it, we show it, we tell it exactly like it really is, and many times the audience doesn’t, unless they’re the medical professionals, understand it,” he admitted. “But it still makes sense, and you see how well-equipped these people are”.
Sepideh Moafi: Joining the cast for the second season was an intimidating prospect for Moafi, who was already a fan of the show’s cultural relevance. “The Pitt struck a chord culturally that was unexpected to all of us,” she said, noting how the hospital serves as a “convergence point of all points of society” to address issues like bodily autonomy and mass shootings.
John Wells: Wells reiterated that the show aims to demystify a system in crisis. “It is important not to follow the headlines… but to actually hear what the concerns are of the people who do it”. He noted that American healthcare is currently in a state of crisis that “is not getting better by pushing eight to 10 million people off of the insurance rolls”.
The Pittsburgh Field Trip
Dr. Robby and his three protégé receive three amublances in the bay. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)
Q: The show is set in Pittsburgh but primarily filmed in Los Angeles. What does the on-location filming provide?
Noah Wyle: Wyle described the show as an “intentionally… claustrophobic, immersive experience that kind of keeps you in the emergency department as much as we can”. However, traveling to Pittsburgh allows the cast to bond. “To have everybody get to go away and – and really bond as a cast on location is – is significant,” he said, praising the hospitality of Allegheny General Hospital.
John Wells: Wells joked about the show’s popularity in the city, suggesting that the cast might get special treatment in a real ER. “We all keep Pitt gear in our car in case that happens, so you can just have a big Pitt shirt on when you go,” he laughed.
Practical Effects: From Hearts To Real Maggots
BTS. (Warrick Page for MAX)
Q: The medical scenes are famously graphic. How much of that is practical, and does it ever gross you out?
Taylor Dearden: Dearden, who plays Mel, revealed that the show avoids CGI for medical procedures. “I think people really don’t understand how in-camera everything is,” she said. “It’s prosthetics, it’s makeup… they added nothing”. She admitted to being “still scared constantly” when performing technically accurate medical scenes.
Supriya Ganesh: Ganesh recalled a particularly visceral scene involving a cast removal that featured real maggots. “The maggots were real, so that was not acting,” she confirmed, adding that she was worried about accidentally killing them during the take.
Fiona Dourif: Dourif, who moved across the world to join the show, shared that the most intense days are often the most rewarding. “Some of the best, most joyful days on set Season 1 was the mass casualty,” she recalled, noting the “gallows humor” and community that develops during the most difficult filming sequences.
Q: How has your life changed now that the show is a certified “zeitgeist” hit?
Katherine LaNasa: LaNasa finds the transition to public figurehood disconcerting, particularly in Los Angeles. “It was really weird for me when people came onto the set to play guest roles that had seen the show,” she said. She also shared stories of being recognized while in sweatpants at the mall: “They don’t give it away… then later you realize they were watching you”.
Gerran Howell: Howell, who is Welsh but often mistaken for Canadian, noticed the shift when he returned from the UK. “I think it was seeing people get very quickly emotional when they’re coming up to you,” he observed, noting that fans relate deeply to the characters.
Supriya Ganesh: The cast also commented on the influx of fan art and fiction. “I mean, I think it’s cool… I think it’s, like, great that more people make art because of our art,” Ganesh said. Noah Wyle added that he is often sent fan art of himself and Gerran Howell as “cowboys” or “napping in a hammock”.
New Dynamics For The Pitt Season 2
Medic Harley brings in Roxie; Medic Bashir brings in badly beaten Gus Varney. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)
Q: What can fans expect from the character relationships in Season 2?
Patrick Ball: Ball’s character, Langdon, faces a steep climb after his stint in rehab. “Having a Langdon that walks through the door without that charm and without that confidence… is a very scary feeling for Langdon,” Ball explained, adding that as an actor, he felt similar pressure.
Taylor Dearden: Season 2 also delves deeper into Mel’s neurodivergence. Dearden, who is on the ADHD spectrum herself, noted that the character is “unmasking” this year. “It’s just kind of unmasking and seeing what that looks like, and then also being like, ‘Wow, I’m kind of glad I mask sometimes'”.
Isa Briones: Briones highlighted how the creators write based on the natural chemistry of the cast. “I think the more comfortable you are with people, the easier it is to play,” she said, explaining that their off-screen bonds allow them to be “fucking crazy” in their on-screen conflicts.
Shabana Azeez: Azeez, whose character often clashes with Briones’, agreed that conflict is its own reward. “Yeah, there’s something to be said about, like if characters don’t get on, that is still a form of chemistry,” she concluded.
About The Pitt
The Pitt is a realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh.
The Pitt Season 2 premieres January 8th on HBO Max.
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