Nerd News

Quick Take

• Nerdist got a sneak peek at Hollywood Studios’ new Magic of Disney Animation and it was definitely magical.
• The attraction is a celebration of not just art but the people who create it.
• Nerdist’s Take: The new Magic of Disney Animation building at Hollywood Studios might be the greatest upgrade in Walt Disney World’s history.

I can’t fully explain my reaction to Hollywood Studios’ new Magic of Disney Animation building without talking about what it replaced. Fortunately it’s easy to describe what Star Wars Launch Bay was like because words such as “underwhelming” and “disappointing” exist. The space was decidedly un-Disney, mundane rather than magical. The signature half of Launch Bay featured three character photo ops in an uninspired building with far fewer props, models, and decor from the galaxy far, far away than you’d expect. The other half, consisting of covered outdoor walls adorned with movie posters and artwork, was downright dank. The area was the easiest skip in the park, so it was very welcome news when Disney announced last year Star Wars Launch Bay was giving way to an attraction inspired by and named for what original stood there on opening day.

You don’t have to know or have visited any previous incarnation of that space in Animation Courtyard to enjoy what’s there now. I needed you to understand what occupied the spot just one year ago to understand what I’m about to say: the new Magic of Disney Animation might be the greatest upgrade in Walt Disney World History.

Nerdist

Last week Walt Disney World hosted my family and I. During our visit we were among the first people outside the company to experience the finished Magic of Disney Animation building. I first visited the space in May when it was an active construction site. (At the time all I could think was, “They really think this will be ready by the end of summer?”) The space is the final and biggest aspect of the refurbished Animation Courtyard. The family-focused land, which added some needed open space to the park, was already a much needed upgrade to Hollywood Studios. But Magic of Disney Animation (MODA) was always meant to be the crown jewel in the project. It is exactly that.

The space—based on both The Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank and Dan Abraham and Trent Correy’s Emmy winning short Once Upon a Studio—is stunning. It’s vibrant, colorful, and energetic. The venue is essentially an interactive art museum. It invites you to look and explore just as much as it invites you participate. MODA is a celebration of all 64 and counting Disney animated films. Each movie, no matter how obscure or unloved, is represented in some way. More popular and important films and characters are obviously much more present.

It’s hard to capture in words just how much art there really is in this building. Everywhere you look, from the decorated walls and halls to the ceiling and carpets, is a celebration of art and creativity. There are paintings, sketches, drawings, storyboards, and animation cels that come to life. You’ll also find sculptures, recreated props, and entire spaces that pay tribute to different elements of animation. I could (and plan to) spend hours in there just wandering around finding details and touches I don’t even know I missed. Guests and media alike will need years to find all of the Easter eggs.

The overall effect is a building that feels intentionally timeless yet wholly timely. Whether intended or not, Magic of Disney Animation serves as repudiation of AI and the barons who want to replace actual artists with soulless plagiarism machines. It’s impossible not to feel the humanity of the venue, both for the 90 years of animation it celebrates and for the Imagineers and interior designers who brought this space to life. This is a place made by talented people to honor the talented people who inspired them.

Nerdist

It’s also a place to have some fun, especially with youngsters. Magic of Disney Animation begins when you walk under a giant Mickey’s Sorcerer hat. It’s a recreation of the Roy O. Disney Building in Burbank. It’s also a replacement for a former divisive part of Hollywood Studios. That won’t be the case this time. The new sorcerer’s hat fits in a way that many thought the old one never did.

The entrance leads to the “Open House” courtyard. It offers a nice photo op but little else. The opening clearly seems to be an intentional understatement meant to serve as contrast to what awaits inside the two-level space. That’s where the color and vitality of MODA is immediately apparent.

That Winnie the Pooh is part of the amazing custom rug I nerded out over.

To the left is the “Once Upon A Studio Theater” where a special version of the short screens. Inside the theater large framed animated images come to life and interact with the film itself.

Nerdist

The theater’s lobby is just as fun. It looks like an gallery of pictures with three large interactive screens that let you play with either Baymax, Tangled‘s Maximus, or Kakamora before getting a photo. But those smaller framed pictures aren’t static. Without warning, collections of photos will start visiting and playing with one another. Combined with the couch in the center and places to plug in your phone charger, it’s an amazing spot to rest, cool off, and catch some unexpected mini shows.

Nerdist

From there you can head down to the lower floor where Hollywood Studios’ finally has a much-needed kids playground, the whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed “Drawn to Wonderland.” It’s darker but still full of color. It features paintings, sculptures, a miniature tea party table, an Alice diorama, and custom lights/lighting (make sure to lift the big teapot for a very fun surprise). The whole area is a truly terrific tribute to the legendary Mary Blair as much as it is to the iconic film. One side is designed for very young kids/babies under two. The other side, meant for kids 2-5, is much bigger with more spaces to climb. It’s also where the tea party takes places and littles can go down a rolling slide. When they do the Cheshire cat sitting above in Tulgey Wood chimes in with commentary.

Click To View Gallery Nerdist Nerdis Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist

My kiddo who just turned five and loves Alice in Wonderland didn’t want to leave. He just kept running up the ramp and into the tree house with his new friends who were just as delighted. Under normal circumstances I would have happily let him stay longer, especially since the play area is full of cushioned benches with power outlets below. Like so many of Walt Disney World’s upgraded attractions, MODA was designed with overheated/exhausted families visiting with little ones in mind.

Nerdist

I’m obviously biased as a dad who got to see his son enjoy “Drawn to Wonderland,” but I was in there earlier in the day without him and loved it all the same. It’s pretty to look at, like walking through an interactive love letter to Mary Blair. This was the part of Magic of Disney Animation I was most excited about after my site visit in May and it still exceeded my expectations.

What I couldn’t even come close to appreciating in the spring was the photo op section that takes up the majority of the lower level. Star Wars Launch Bay felt like meeting characters in an Imperial dungeon. The new “Off the Page!” feels like meeting characters inside a coloring book. Each of the six photo op spots celebrates a different aspect of animation. Mulan’s space is dedicated to “story,” Rapunzel “layout”, Chip n’ Dale ”hand-drawn animation,” Donald and Daisy ”computer animation,” Goofy ”lighting,” and Stitch ”effects.” Signage points this out, but some guests will probably miss the specific differences. What they won’t miss is each spot looks very different.

Nerdist

On one end Mulan and Rapunzel, whose performers were both so playful with my son, meet visitors in booths behind hidden behind walls. This might sound bad, but it makes the actual meet-and-greet feel intimate and personal. Meanwhile the costumed characters are all out in the open, with Goofy’s space being the smallest and least developed. (It’s mostly just a nice photo and not much else.) Stitch has a much more massive wall with a beach scene on the far end. It is easy to miss because it’s around a bend. In between are big set-like spaces for the duos. And above all of them are beautifully lit walls full of drawings that give “Off the Page” the feeling of existing on a painter’s palette.

Overlooking the area is a brightly colored and decorated space with big glass windows as well as tables and cheers. Imagineers call it the Fish Bowl, an ode to the old viewing area when the building was an actual Disney animation studio outpost. It’s where guests could watch animators working on feature animated films like Mulan. The Fish Bowl now serves as a beautiful spot to admire “Off the Page!” for guests who might not be comfortable with the loud and boisterous activity below. That allows kids and adults who want to avoid the meet-and greets to still partake in a way that is comfortable for them. It’s one of the best touches in a venue that has so many great elements I can hardly keep track of them all.

Nerdist

One spot I could never forget is the full-sized model of an old Animator’s Office that sits between the two floors. It features Stitch spinning around the empty office chair while Mushu and Cri-Kee play Fix-It-Felix Jr. arcade game. The rest of the space, which had adults gawking and geeking out like kids, is full of old ’90s VHS tapes, hidden characters (watch the trash barrel), stuffed animals, posters, a genie lamp that sometimes fills the room with smoke, and so, so, so much more.

Nerdist

It’s also loaded with references to the artists who had their offices there in the original Magic of Disney Animation building. Opposite is also a wall with storyboard art from three major films. But every room and hallway is covered in different kind of artwork.

Nerdist

Above the path between the Fish Bowl and Animator’s Office is a lost and found where an animatronic Figaro sleeps among missing items from Disney movies. It’s easy to miss. I know because despite someone telling me to look for it I missed it originally. (Fortunately I did not later that night.) The fun collection features a full-sized Black Cauldron, Eeyore’s tail, and lots more.

Nerdist

Before we get to my favorite spot, it’s worth taking a walk through the “Galleries.” The first room has small movie posters for every Disney animated film, Once Upon a Studio‘s Emmy, and an installation with displayed artwork for the next Disney animated film. Right now, that is Hexed. That gallery will obviously change when a new animated featured is on the horizon and Hexed gets incorporated into the space permanently.

Nerdist

Past that is a room full of “props.” You’ll find items like Winnie the Pooh’s honey pot, Jiminy Cricket’s Conscience Badge, and Maui’s massive hook. There’s also Cinderella’s glass slipper and Beast’s enchanted rose.

Nerdist

I am sorry to say that room leads to one of the nicest merch stores in all of Walt Disney World. It’s themed, bright, colorful, and there’s already some great custom MODA items to buy. (The good news for me is that we weren’t allowed to purchase anything during the media event. The only thing that will hold you back is your self-control. Good luck!)

Nerdist

The Fish Bowl also lead to “Olaf Draws!,” the final room in Magic of Disney Animation. It’s my favorite. It’s also proving to be the most debated aspect, though not by anyone I spoke with who also got to experience it. The area features an animatronic Olaf who can’t draw. Instead, the class is led by one of nine famous Disney animators, each of whom teaches you how to draw a different iconic Disney character via a pre-taped video. These classes double as shows. The artists interact with Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad) with unique scripts and banter that made me laugh in all four of the classes I got to try.

It’s so good. So, so good. Each lesson is genuinely funny and engaging, both because of how hilarious Olaf is and because the animators share personal stories about their own Disney history and their work for the company.

The attraction is based on Disney California Adventure’s Animation Academy, and that’s why some aren’t happy with Walt Disney World’s version. DCA’s features an in-person artist who leads the class. Some Disney fans are upset the company replaced people with an animatronic and pre-taped lessons. In a vacuum I get it, I really do. But Olaf Draws! does not exist in a vacuum. It’s one aspect of a large space that celebrates artists. It also employs far more cast members than Star Wars Launch Bay ever did.

Click To View Gallery Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist

The presence of Olaf also works to pull in kids in a way a grownup often can’t. As much as my son loves me, I promise if Olaf came to our house he’d listen to the snowman before he listened to me. Olaf holds their attention while also easing the tension of trying to draw a picture.

Some people won’t care how wonderful the experience is, they’d still prefer a human. That’s totally fair. But all I can say is that I loved it. I loved all four classes I got to do and I can’t wait to do the other five. I also want to redo the four I experienced. Next time I don’t even need to draw to have fun. I’d be happy to simply go in and watch Eric Goldberg’s lesson without participating. It’s surreal watching the man who drew Aladdin‘s Genie talk about drawing the Genie while he does exactly that. (Imagineers said Goldberg improv’d with Olaf while recording his lesson. Knowing that makes the whole thing even better.) “Olaf Draws!” is one of the best stage shows at all of Walt Disney World. The fact it also doubles as an actual drawing class is why it’s incredible.

Nerdist

I can see how it will also lead to a potential complaint about Magic of Disney Animation. The overall space certainly isn’t small, but outside of “Off the Page,” each space is. On busy days to get a spot in a class for “Olaf Draws,” guests will need to sign up for an in-person virtual queue. It’s something WDW sometimes employs for new, popular non-ride attractions. That could make nabbing a spot in a class both difficult and annoying. (Imagine getting your call back during a seated meal?) And even if you do get in, there are a limited number of the small Frozen-inspired kids sleigh tables in the front. Same with the single bench behind them where grownups can draw while also keeping an eye on children. Everyone else has their own mini animator’s desk with a lamp in the otherwise darkly lit room.

The atmosphere of the room is both whimsical and surprisingly cool, but it won’t feel that way if your kid is upset they’re not at a sleigh. Same with the intimacy of Olaf Draws! The smaller room helps make the experience feel special, but if not for the limits of the pre-existing space it seems certain Disney would have at least added another row or two.

Nerdist

One of the best aspects of Magic of Disney Animation will also be the cause of another headache. It will lose a little magic when it’s near or at capacity. It definitely wasn’t during the event I attended. But because it invites you to linger, a lot of people will do that. And anyone who spends time in art galleries knows that it’s a lot nicer to have a quiet room with space to meander than it is to be packed in with a mob.

Of course, that’s true of everything at Disney. The nearby Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios is a lot more fun the rare times it’s not absolutely slammed. (Though being stuck in a packed MODA with be a heck of a lot easier thanks to air conditioning.)

Nerdist

That also brings me to maybe the biggest compliment I can give Magic of Disney Animation: it’s a non-ride attraction worth rope-dropping. It’s so wonderful, so gorgeous, so vibrant, so full of art and experiences to seek out, that it’s worth getting inside the space before the crowds arrive. I know, that seems absurd. You’re going to rush to an interactive gallery when Slinky Dog will instantly be 90 minutes all day? Yes. Seriously. Because while you might wait a long time to get on Rise of the Resistance later, the ride itself will remain the same until close. You’ll always escape the First Order in a prison transport with seven other people. Walking around MODA with ease won’t be something you can always do. Especially now that it’s officially open. Every day more and more people are going discover just how much there is to discover.

Considering everything this refurbished space is and everything Star Wars Launch Bay wasn’t, is that enough to make Magic of Disney Animation the biggest upgrade in Walt Disney World history? Yeah, maybe. I know that might sound like hyperbole, but the worst part of Hollywood Studios is now among the park’s best. It went from mundane and forgettable to magical and memorable.

Obviously, there’s no way to actually answer the question of what is truly WDW’s greatest upgrade ever. But it’s enough that Magic of Disney Animation is worthy of being considered for that title. And that’s true because it’s worthy of the art and artist it celebrates.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He drew a good Stitch and Mickey, a mediocre Olaf, and an iffy (at best) Genie. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post Is the New Magic of Disney Animation the Best Upgrade In Walt Disney World History? appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• A lost educational comedy film made by “Weird Al” Yankovic about the human brain, which once played at state fairs, finally debuts online after 17 years.
• Al’s Brain: A 3-D Journey Through the Human Brain was made back in 2009, and features cameos from Sir Paul McCartney and Patton Oswalt.
• Nerdist’s take: This is a fun throwback to the late 2000s’ 3D craze, and we’re glad this once-lost media is no longer lost.

“Weird Al” Yankovic has been a music and pop culture icon for over forty years. All thanks to his parody songs receiving mainstream radio play starting in the ’80s. But ever since “Eat It,” poking fun at Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” in 1984, he’s been a household name. He even starred in his own movie once, the off-the-wall comedy UHF. But did you know he also made a 3D comedic educational film about the wonders of the human brain, that played at state fairs around the country, back in 2009? For years, the film was thought lost. But via Noise11, we’ve learned that Al finally uploaded Al’s Brain: A 3-D Journey Through the Human Brain online after 17 years. You can now watch the full 10-minute video below:

Because this was a “Weird Al” Yankovic project, music had to play a role. For this film, Al wrote and performed “The Brain Song,” which is exactly about what it sounds like. Al later included the song in Medium Rarities, included in his Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of “Weird Al” Yankovic box set. But the film it came from was essentially missing for years. Somehow, Al got one of music’s most iconic names to cameo, as Sir Paul McCartney himself pops up. If only for a very brief moment.

YouTube/alyankovic

Also featured in Al’s Brain are Patton Oswalt, Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, ’90s official sexy poster boy Fabio, and others. The whole video has some CGI animation that is, shall we say, very of its time? Actually, it looks more like it’s from the late ’90s than even 2009. But maybe “Weird Al” Yankovic was working on a budget here? Still, it’s a fun little video that breaks down the functions of the human brain in a way that everyone, especially young kids, can understand. And we’re glad folks can watch it whenever they want to now.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post Weird Al’s Short About the Human Brain Online After 17 Years appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Diane Morgan’s clueless Philomena Cunk returns in the first image from her new series about the history of movies, Cunk on Cinema.
• The show will see Morgan’s reporter investigating the history of movies and interviewing Michael Bay and Benedict Cumberbatch.
• Nerdist’s Take: We thank everyone who was willing to speak with Philomena Cunk for Cunk on Cinema.

Philomena Cunk has learned everything there is to know about Britain, earth, and life. Or, at least she’s learned everything she can. Now she’s ready to set her sights on a topic that actually matters: movies. And the first image from Cunk on Cinema shows Diane Morgan’s confused reporter is ready to get hands on when she interviews Michael Bay, Benedict Cumberbatch, and other industry professionals, her typical hard-hitting, clueless questions.

BBC/Netflix

The BBC has shared the first photo from its upcoming three-part series Cunk on Cinema. It features Morgan’s Philomena Cunk looking through a camera, which we can almost certainly assume she knows almost nothing about. Fortunately, we know a lot about what we can expect when Charlie Brooker and Mogan’s Cunk on Cinema premieres. Here’s how the BBC describes the latest special, which follows Cunk on Britain, Cunk on Earth, and Cunk on Life:

The three-part series will uncover the invention of the camera, to the New Wave filmmakers of the 60s, right up to the entrance of CGI and what the future of AI holds. Cunk will attempt to demystify it all while sitting in lumpy seats with stale popcorn, asking herself where did cinema come from? And why? What does it want? And why can’t it tell us?

During the show, Philomena will sit down with director Michael Bay, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, composer Daniel Pemberton, writer Steven E. de Souza, cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, critic Mark Kermode, filmmaker Mark Cousins, Sight and Sound magazine’s managing editor Isabel Stevens, Empire Magazine‘s editor at large and author Helen O’Hara, critic Catherine Bray, and BFI’s Bryony Dixon.

RELATED ARTICLE

Benedict Cumberbatch Confirms Doctor Strange’s Imminent Return

We pity all of them. We also thank all of them for sitting down with our favorite reporter. And we’ll get to see Philomena Cunk’s unique interview style “soon” when Cunk on Cinema arrives on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland, where it will instead debut on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post First-Look Image: Philomena Cunk Returns in CUNK ON CINEMA appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Girl Scouts of USA has announced two new online-exclusive cookies for 2027.
• Sparkables are the group’s first allergy-friendly cookie, and Patch Pals is the first Girl Scout cookie for dogs.
• Nerdist’s Take: It’s always a good year when we get a new Girl Scout cookie. Next year will also be the best year yet for dogs.

We don’t get a new Girl Scouts cookie every year, so when we do, we like to savor the news. We then like to literally savor at least three or four boxes of the latest release. But in 2027 our best furry friends can also get in on the snacking fun. The organization has announced two first-of-its-kind Girl Scouts cookies. There will be a new human option that is also the group’s first allergy-friendly sweet treat. And when you order them for yourself, you’ll also be able to nab the first Girl Scouts cookie made specifically for dogs.

Girl Scouts Girl Scouts New 2027 Cookie Flavor Is Allergy-Friendly

Girl Scouts of the USA revealed that its 2027 cookie collection will feature two all-new, online-exclusive boxes. The first new Girl Scout cookies are meant for people; these are called Girl Scout Sparkables. The organization developed them with Partake so anyone can enjoy them. Sparkables are a “crunchy oatmeal cookie” with chocolate chips and sprinkles. What makes these special is that they “avoid the nine major food allergens,” making them safe to eat for a whole lot people.

Girl Scouts New 2027 Cookie Flavor Is For Dogs

The other new item is not meant for any human. Literally. They are meant for dogs. The Girl Scouts developed their first-ever dog cookies, Patch Pals, with BARK. The doggo dessert is a “soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored” dog cookie. Each dog cookie also features one of four “patch” designs meant to represent “iconic Girl Scout experiences.” (Though that element’s more for us than the dogs.)

Not gonna lie: Patch Pals sound really good. Unfortunately for me (or, you know, fortunately), I have a strict “no eating dog food” rule. It’s a personal thing. But I hope many good dogs get to enjoy them.

They will be able to soon enough. You can order your best canine buddy a box of Patch Pals when both they and Sparkables go on sale online starting January 12, 2027. That’s when the full 2027 Girl Scouts cookie season begins. We our dogs will love Girl Scout cookies just as much as we do.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post New Girl Scouts Cookies Are for Dogs appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• A24 has obtained the worldwide distribution rights to V/H/S: SCP, the latest in the anthology horror series, which will adapt wiki horror sensation SCP Foundation.
• The studio hopes to see as much success with the SCP Foundation as they had earlier this year with Backrooms.
• The past several V/H/S movies had gone directly to Shudder, whereas this will go to theaters.
• Nerdist‘s take: It will be cool to give an array of creative people an opportunity to bring their own spin to the horrifying SCP world.

After the success of Backrooms earlier this year, which brought an internet wiki-style creepypasta thing (I’m 42) to the big screen, A24 wants to see if they can do it again. Will another huge, fan-built horror fandom equal large dollars? The studio is hoping so, and that the SCP Foundation will be the thing to do it. A24, along with Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Studios, will bring the internet phenom to the big screen in 2027, as an extension of the V/H/S series. Intriguing.

A24, Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Studios

The SCP Foundation (which stands for “Secure. Contain. Protect.” began in 2008 as a kind of creature-focused X-Files-type thing. If you’ve played Remedy’s Control, that’s a kind of riff on the SCP. From the project’s press release, the SCP Foundation “evolved into a sprawling, collaborative mythology created and expanded by thousands of contributors around the world. Its universe encompasses an enormous library of anomalous objects, entities, phenomena and stories, and has inspired games, short films, web series and a deeply engaged global fan community.”

A24 will hold worldwide rights to the project and co-produce Roy Lee and Steven Schneider for Spooky Pictures, alongside Josh Goldbloom, who has produced several V/H/S features including V/H/S/94, V/H/S/99 and V/H/S/Halloween, and Michael Schreiber, who has also worked across V/H/S titles including V/H/S/94 and V/H/S/Beyond. That series had found at home with Shudder over the past several years. At one point, the SCP movie was going to just be another direct-to-Shudder V/H/S before A24 swooped in.

Shudder

Image Nation Studios’ CEO Ben Ross and Spooky Pictures Co-Founders Roy Lee and Steven Schneider said:

“Internet lore is quickly rising as a compelling source of new stories for the horror genre, bringing with it built-in, highly devoted audiences. As fans increasingly seek out fresh scares, we’re focused on tapping into the most compelling online worlds in which talent already live, such as the vast SCP universe, and helping them make the leap to the big screen. With A24’s expertise in nurturing and elevating internet-born phenomena like Backrooms into major theatrical success, they’re the ideal partner for V/H/S: SCP and we can’t wait to expand the franchise with new, spine-chilling stories together.”

Variety is one of the best things about both the V/H/S series and the SCP Foundation. If the creators of the film plan to dramatize some of the fandom’s most popular SCPs in the movie, I think it’ll make people very happy. Unlike Kane Parsons with Backrooms, the SCP Foundation doesn’t have a particular creator who has risen to the top of the heap. It will be cool to give an array of creative people an opportunity to bring their own spin to the horrifying world.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

The post Internet Horror Sensation SCP FOUNDATION Movie Coming 2027 appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The Scooby gang is getting a new look in the live-action Scooby-Doo: Origins series, which will make its way to Netflix soon.
• Mckenna Grace, Tanner Hagen, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Maxwell Jenkins join the cast for Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series.
• Nerdist’s Take: This show is done filming as of September 2026, and we predict that it will land by summer 2027.

Jinkies! The Mystery Gang is back together and ready to solve more mysteries. Netflix announced the four faces set to play those meddling kids. Grab the Scooby Snacks and get your investigating caps on, ’cause we got some work to do now. Mckenna Grace, Tanner Hagen, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Maxwell Jenkins join the cast for Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series. Cue the intro music. And now, we know that there will be an actual puppy playing Scooby-Doo, thanks to this teaser:

First look at Scooby in the upcoming series #ScoobyDoo: Origin.

Premiering on Netflix in 2027. pic.twitter.com/QlX0LePAQG

— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) June 8, 2026

Variety also reports that Paul Walter Hauser will star in this series as well in an undisclosed role. He is a series regular, so don’t expect him to just be the villain of the episode. And, in more casting news, Andre Benjamin, perhaps better known by his rap moniker Andre 3000, and Cathy Moriarty both have recurring roles. It is nice to see Andre back into acting after he’s spent a lot of chill time traveling and playing his flute. Scooby-Doo: Origins and began production in Atlanta in April 2026, wrapping up in September 2026, and will premiere sometime in 2027. Here are some cute photos that Netflix dropped to celebrate the end of filming:

Click To View Gallery Netflix Netflix Netflix Netflix

RELATED ARTICLE

New SCOOBY-DOO Anime Series Coming in 2027

Scooby-Doo is as beloved as they come. What started as a cartoon about four mystery-solving teenagers and their lovable dog grew into an empire Toys, snacks, crossovers, a string of live-action movies, and several more cartoons followed. The first movie came in 2002, casting Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Linda Cardellini as Velma, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred. The four remain inseparable from those roles even today. That leaves some pretty big shoes to fill for the four newcomers.

Netflix

Netflix announced the cast for the new series on March 18. Mckenna Grace is Daphne Blake, Tanner Hagen is Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson is Velma Dinkley, and Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones. Here is Netflix’s official synopsis for the upcoming series:

“A modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

Where Do I Know Netflix’s Live-Action Scooby-Doo: Origins Cast From? Prime Video/Paramount Pictures/Netflix/Blink&Miss Productions

RELATED ARTICLE

Netflix’s Live-Action SCOOBY DOO Series Casts Mckenna Grace

The newest names attached to the pop culture powerhouse are all young actors, but you may recognize them from this or that. Maxwell Jenkins played Will Robinson in Netflix’s Lost in Space and more recently starred alongside Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman. Tanner Hagen appeared in an episode of The Pitt. Abby Ryder Fortson (also in an episode of The Pitt) is most famous for her leading role in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Finally, Mckenna Grace is in… well, honestly everything. She’s probably one of the most famous child actors of our (my) generation. Most recently, she was in Scream 7, Regretting You, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and will play a role in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Warner Bros. Animation

Netflix’s live-action Scooby Doo series is in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenber will be its showrunners and executive producers. While we may never be able to separate the original cast from their iconic roles, it’ll be exciting to see a new take on the classic.

Originally published on March 19, 2026.

Sarah Campbell is the editorial intern for Nerdist. She is obsessed with all things movies and TV. She covers all sorts of pop culture, some of her favorites including Stranger Things, Welcome to Derry, Marvel, and more. Sarah can be found on Instagram and TikTok (@sarahcampbell.tv).

The post SCOOBY-DOO: ORIGINS Wraps Filming, Drops Behind-the-Scenes Photos appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Mutant and Apple TV are bringing the soundtrack for Widow’s Bay to vinyl in a standard and deluxe box edition, and we love it.
• The box set includes some cool things from the series, like an invitation to Patricia’s totally normal cocktail party.
• Pre-orders are available now for a December 2026 release, just in time for the holidays.
• Nerdist’s Take: Do you really have to ask? We will get our pre-orders ASAP.

Widow’s Bay is a quaint island town just off the New England shore that’s a total delight and definitely not haunted. In fact, we heard that it is the next Martha’s Vineyard and absolutely not haunted at all. And, anything you’ve heard differently is simply not true. Pay no attention to that guy named Wyck nor those weird bell tolls that are allegedly for souls. As you can see, we love Widow’s Bay, so we are happy that Apple TV and Milan Records teamed up with Mutant to release David Fleming’s incredible score for this series on vinyl and we have no qualms about ordering it immediately.

Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records

Not only is there a standard vinyl edition with the sounds of our favorite new travel destination, there are also limited-edition vinyl box sets with some cool keepsakes and a chance to even own it on CD. CDs totally sound like they are Patricia’s vibe, right? Let’s get into what’s featured with each vinyl as well as what you’d get if you purchase the Widow’s Bay vinyl collector’s deluxe box set: 

Widow’s Bay Soundtrack Collector’s Box Set and Standard Vinyl

Album artwork by David Seidman

Pressed on 2 x 140gm “Sea Hag” Blue and Forest Green colored vinyl

Featuring an etched D-side

Liner notes by series creator Katie Dippold and composer David Fleming

Price: $45 for Standard, $100 for Collectors’ Box Set

What Does the Widow’s Bay Vinyl Box Set From Mutant Include? 

•   “Your Turn” 20 page Book with Dust Cover
• “Run” Card game reproduction, Featuring 25 cards
• 12 x 20 “Cannibalism in God’s House” Newsprint Reproduction
•  “Sunset Cocktails” Invitation
•  Mayoral Letterhead reproduction
•  “Don’t Say We Didn’t Warren You” Poster Reproduction

If you want to grab the CD instead and blast this on your boom box, you can do that for just $15. Right now, the estimated release for everything is December but pre-orders are available right now, which makes this a perfect gift for yourself or the Widow’s Bay fan in your life. Honestly, the Venn diagram between those two people should be a circle, because why are you NOT a fan? Get it together if you haven’t already!

Click To View Gallery Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records Mutant/Apple TV/Milan Records

If you want to dive more into the world of Widow’s Bay, check out our guide to the show. And, if you’re already craving season two, here are a few mysteries that we really hope are solved next time we take the ferry to Widow’s Bay.

This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

Tai Gooden is the Features Editor for Nerdist, a fictional villain apologist, and a horror aficionado who is forever waiting for her trip in the TARDIS.

The post We Have No Qualms About Buying This WIDOW’S BAY Vinyl Box Set appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Mr. Irrelevant’s trailer introduces David Corenswet as former NFL player John Tuggle, who fought a battle bigger than an unlikely roster spot.
• John Tuggle was the last player selected in the 1983 NFL draft, earning him the title that gives the film it’s name.
• Nerdist’s Take: Mr. Irrelevant will tell an emotional story that goes well beyond one player’s quest to earn an unlikely NFL roster spot.

Football fans know who “Mr. Irrelevant” is. The last player selected in the NFL draft every year earns that title. But soon even moviegoers who don’t know the difference between a blitz and an audible will know why it’s possible for someone to rise about that ignominious moniker. The new emotional trailer for Mr. Irrelevant introduces Superman‘s David Corenswet as John Tuggle. He was a member of the New York Giants who fought a battle much tougher than earning an unlikely roster spot.

Nerdist Take: This Sports Movie Is an Emotional One

Hearing your name called at the NFL draft doesn’t guarantee you’ll play in the NFL. The large majority of players selected between rounds 3 and 7 don’t make their team’s roster. And the later in the draft you’re taken the lower your odds of breaking through. And there’s no spot lower than the very last pick, which is where John Tuggle went in his draft year. But that’s only the start of his story. As this trailer for Mr. Irrelevant shows saw, he dealt with something much bigger than a game. Here’s the film’s official synopsis from Paramount Pictures:

Mr. Irrelevant is the inspiring true story of John Tuggle, the last player selected in the last round of the 1983 NFL draft by the New York Giants. A true underdog, Tuggle defied expectations on the field and off for his then first-year head coach, Bill Parcells, his newfound love, and his team, proving that remarkable hope and perseverance can transcend even the greatest challenges.

Paramount Pictures Mr. Irrelevant Release Date and More

The film comes from director Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies). Mr. Irrelevant also stars Michael Shannon as Hall-of-Fame head coach Bill Parcells and Isabel May as Tuggle’s new love interest. And sports fans and moviegoers alike will learn why John Ruggle was never irrelevant later this year. Mr. Irrelevant kicks off in theaters this Christmas.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post MR. IRRELEVANT Trailer: David Corenswet’s Sports Movie Will Make You Sob appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Episode five of Lanterns on HBO Max finally explains why Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner is Earth’s Green Lantern in James Gunn’s Superman, and not John Stewart.
• The fifth episode shows John Stewart taking the ring from Hal Jordan, but ultimately rejecting the chance to be Earth’s Green Lantern.
• Nerdist’s take: We think Lanterns is telling us that Guy Gardner became Green Lantern of Sector 2814 in the 9-year time gap between 2016 and 2025, when Superman takes place.

In James Gunn’s Superman, we met Earth’s resident Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, played by Nathan Fillion. The loudmouth Lantern of Earth, famous for his attitude and bowl cut, seems to be the only human member of the Green Lantern Corps. This has left fans confused, who assumed that John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) would inherit the ring from Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) in Lanterns. Now, Lanterns finally explains why neither Hal Jordan nor John Stewart is Green Lantern in 2025, and Guy is. Even if Guy himself doesn’t appear in the show just yet.

Warner Bros./DC Studios Episode 5 of Lanterns Explains Why Neither Hal nor John Is the Current-Day Green Lantern of the DCU

In episode five of Lanterns, the 2016 portion of the story comes to its conclusion. The aliens led by Antaan attack the town of Rushville, Nebraska, in order to bring the Manhunter who committed genocide to justice. After being left in a burning car before the attack by Hal Jordan, Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) rescues John Stewart. This confirms her true identity as the Manhunter, who has been hiding in Rushville. She heals him, and John pretends to agree to kill Hal Jordan and take his ring. John gets into a brutal fistfight with Hal for the ring at the motel, leaving him battered, but not dead. But leaving Hal alive was bait, and he then uses his sniper skills to kill the Manhunter. He then takes the power ring off of Hal’s finger.

In the wreckage of Rushville, John Stewart meets his superior, the Guardian of the Universe known as Lianna (Laura Linney). She congratulates him on a job well done, and tells him the ring “looks good on him.” But John, having completed the mission the Guardian sent him on, feels like she manipulated him the whole time. Despite being groomed his whole life for the role of Green Lantern of Sector 2814, both by the Guardians and his parents, John angrily rejects the power ring. He then leaves Rushville and his supposed destiny behind.

Guy Gardner Is the Third Human from Earth Selected as Green Lantern DC Studios/Warner Bros.

At this point, the Guardians clearly no longer want Hal Jordan in the role of Earth’s resident Lantern. And with John Stewart rejecting the ring, that means they will need to find someone else to wear it. This finally explains why, in 2025’s Superman, Guy Gardner is the bearer of the ring. The Guardians simply went with their third option, an arrogant gym teacher with no fear. Someone who will obey them without question. At some point between 2016 and 2025, the Guardians of the Universe are going to make Guy Gardner an offer he can’t refuse.

Nathan Fillion Will Appear in Lanterns as Guy Gardner in Episode 6 HBO Max/DC Studios

We know that Nathan Fillion appears in at least one episode this season in full Green Lantern regalia. The clip HBO Max has released shows him visiting John Stewart in jail, and John has a goatee. We already know that John will have facial hair in the 2026 portion of the show. So one assumes that we are jumping ahead in time, skipping Guy Gardner’s recruitment. He’ll already just be Earth’s resident Green Lantern by that point, and probably for some time already.

It’s Still a Mystery Why the Guardians Choose Another Green Lantern from Earth DC Comics

Of course, the real question lies in why the Guardians would pick yet another human from Earth for the job of Green Lantern of this sector? Earth is a backwater world. The only reason Hal got the ring is that Abin Sur crashed on Earth when taking the Manhunter into custody. The ring sought the best available candidate in proximity. And the Guardians chose John partially to make up for the psychological damage done to his family when John Stewart Sr. passed on the offer out of fear. Why pick another headstrong human male for the job, and not go elsewhere in the galaxy? We have a feeling there will be many unanswered questions that will probably remain for a potential season two. But at least now we know why Guy is the DCU’s resident Lantern in the present, and neither of the series leads.

Lanterns drops new episodes every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post Why Is Guy Gardner SUPERMAN’s Green Lantern? LANTERNS Explains appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Lanterns has mentioned Hal Jordan’s predecessor Abin Sur without ever showing him.
• Even so, the HBO Max series has made Abin Sur one of the most important figures in the DCU.
• We break down his DC Comics history in the Green Lantern books.
• Nerdist take: In Lanterns, Abin Sur remains perhaps the greatest tragedy in the Green Lantern Corps.

In nearly every version of the Green Lantern stories, and Lanterns is no exception, Abin Sur is the Lantern of 2814 prior to Hal Jordan. After crashing to Earth, a dying Abin Sur tells Jordan to overcome great fear and become the first Green Lantern of Earth. He’s an incredibly important character in the mythos, but is rarely more than simply the instigator of the plot. Not quite Hal’s mentor, as that’s Sinestro’s bag. He’s more or less in the same boat as Sifo Dyas in Star Wars. A dead guy you hear about.

DC Comics

In Lanterns episode five, we learn that Abin Sur, though never appearing on screen, was a major reason the plot of the series unfolds the way it has. So, we’re going to tell you how Abin Sur generally appears in the Green Lantern mythos and how Lanterns has drastically shifted it.

Abin Sur’s First Appearance

Abin Sur first appeared in DC Showcase #22 in 1959. This title was a launching pad for the publisher’s new characters. If their debut issues in Showcase did well, they’d get their own book. Barry Allen’s version of the Flash debuted in issue #4 and, quite important for our purposes, the Manhunters debuted in Showcase #5. The twenty-second issue was the origin of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern, which therefore made it Abin Sur’s as well.

DC Comics

Initially, Abin Sur’s spacecraft sustained considerable damage and crash landed on Earth. As he was dying, Sur sent his ring to find his replacement, thus recruiting test pilot Hal Jordan to the Green Lantern Corps.

Abin Sur Changes Depending on the Creative Team

Over the years, various writers and artists have recontextualized Abin Sur’s final act in order to change Hal Jordan’s beginning. For example, some versions have the ring selecting Clark Kent first, however his not being a native Earthling makes it move on to Jordan. Sometimes Guy Gardner was the first choice but since Hal was physically nearer, he got the ring instead.

DC Comics

Writer-artist Keith Giffen and writer Gerard Jones expanded on Sur’s earlier life and time as a Green Lantern in the 1990 miniseries Emerald Dawn. This series gave Hal’s origins in a Post-Crisis timeline. We learn here that Abin Sur’s ship crashed due to the insectoid alien villain Legion. Following Hal Jordan’s fall from grace and turn to evil as Parallax, and his eventual defeat and penance as the undead Spectre entity, we learn Abin Sur’s soul went to Hell. I guess the Judeo-Christian Hell exists even to space cultures? In either case, Sur becomes a spiritual mentor of sorts to Jordan as the Spectre.

Abin Sur Becomes Integral to All of 2000s Green Lantern

During writer Geoff Johns’ historic run on the Green Lantern title, Abin Sur’s importance and circumstances change yet again. Johns’ run sets up Sinestro’s Yellow Lantern Corps (aka, the Sinestro Corp) and we learn of the entire spectrum of Lanterns. In “Secret Origins,” which once again changes Hal’s beginnings, Sur learns of the oncoming cosmic threat “the Blackest Night,” which would see the dead rise to destroy the living. While visiting the Five Inversions—the five remaining beings of Sector 666 after the Manhunters killed them all—Sur places one, Atrocitus, into his holding cell on his ship. Atrocitus escapes and mortally wounds Sur, leading to his crashing on Earth.

DC Comics

Atrocitus goes on to become a Red Lantern—the Lanterns whose power comes from deep rage—and another such recruit is Abin Sur’s own son.

Abin Sur in the Awful Green Lantern Movie Warner Bros.

Abin Sur, as played by Temeura Morrison, plays a similar role in the 2009 Green Lantern movie as he does in the “Secret Origins” comic. Here, he investigates the Parallax entity rather than the Five Inversions, but he nevertheless crashes to Earth and gives his ring to Hal.

How Lanterns Changes Abin Sur Yet Again

Though we never see as much as an image of Abin Sur in Lanterns, he once again proves to be a supremely important figure. The DCU’s version of Abin Sur fulfills the same function as usual, with his death leading to Hal Jordan ascending to Green Lantern status.

HBO Max

Earlier in the season, we learned the show makes it so John Stewart’s father was the first choice to replace Abin Sur, but he admitted his fear and therefore lost out. But episode five of Lanterns explains why exactly Sur died. We learn Sur broke Guardians protocol and decided to allow the fugitive Manhunter (who turns out to be Poorna Jagannathan’s Zoe Macon) to live, bringing her to Earth. However, in order to remove anyone who might be able to identify her, the Manhunter kills Sur, leaving him only enough time to find a replacement.

What This Means for the DCU’s Green Lantern

This change to comic lore does a few things. It ties in the Manhunter plot to the very creation of Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern in the first place. Rather than the desert as is usual, the Lantern brought Hal to Rushville, NE, which is where Sur attempted to hide the Manhunter. It also shows how, just like John, Sur—and indeed the alien Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor)—succumbed to the Manhunter’s wiles as a means of giving her what she wants.

HBO Max/DC Studios

Thus, as John points out to the Guardian, all of this was their own fault. The Guardians’ attempt to bury their past mistakes led to the death of many humans and Lanterns alike. In that way, as ever, Abin Sur remains perhaps the greatest tragedy in the Green Lantern Corps.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

The post Who Is Abin Sur, the Green Lantern Before Hal Jordan? appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• In the fifth episode of Lanterns on HBO Max, we learn why John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) ultimately chose not to take the power ring and become the Green Lantern of Earth.
• After feeling manipulated by the Guardians of the Universe into taking Hal Jordan’s ring, he rejects their offer to become the Green Lantern of Sector 2814.
• Nerdist’s take: Even though John Stewart rejects the power ring, we firmly believe that by the series’ end, he embraces his Green Lantern destiny.

The main storytelling thrust of Lanterns thus far has been the lifelong journey of John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) toward inheriting the Green Lantern power ring that belongs to veteran Green Lantern, Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler). And in episode five, the two strong-willed men literally punch it out over who gets to wear the ring. But ultimately, John Stewart chooses against taking the power ring, telling the Guardians of the Universe he won’t do the job for them. But what led John to such a huge decision? It all goes back to his early childhood.

The Intense Lanterns Backstory of John Stewart HBO Max/DC Studios

As we learned in episode three, John’s father was approached to wield the ring after Abin Sur’s death, before Hal Jordan was, around 1986. Unfortunately, when the ring asked, “Are you afraid?” he said yes. Probably as most people would if a glowing green light appeared out of nowhere and talked to them. The ring went to test-pilot Hal Jordan, who became Earth’s first Green Lantern. John Sr. became bitter after passing on the opportunity of a lifetime. Afterward, any mention of Green Lantern on television would set him off.

John Stewart Was Trained Since Childhood to Become Green Lantern

The Guardians of the Universe, the Green Lantern Corps’ alien creators and bosses, approached John’s mother Bernadette on Earth. She apologized for the trauma they caused her husband. But they recognized the same genetic potential in their infant son, John Jr. The Guardian, Lianna (Laura Linney) suggested that if they raise him in a way where he loses all fear, they will choose him as Earth’s next Green Lantern. This leads to a traumatic childhood for John. His parents essentially torture him with different tasks designed to weed out fear from his mind, including shooting apples off his head as a child.

HBO Max/DC Studios

John’s parents raised him to become a weapon for the Guardians, the “perfect” Lantern his father never got to become. They kept John isolated emotionally from his siblings. They did not even allow him to consume the same music and art they did. Needless to say, it’s a very abusive childhood. The Stewarts raised him to sublimate his love of drawing in order to become the ultimate soldier. He grew up to become a Marine sniper, before receiving a dishonorable discharge for “bungling” an incident Hal actually caused. He later becomes an architect, finding a way to channel the creativity his parents stifled.

John Fights Hal Jordan Over Who Gets the Green Lantern Ring HBO Max/DC Studios

In episode five, after Zoe the Manhunter rescues John from a fire in his car that Hal Jordan abandoned him in, she saves his life and repairs his burnt skin. He admits to her that the Guardians manipulated him, and never told Hal Jordan they were replacing him. Instead, they told him to train John as a backup Lantern. They wanted John to essentially steal the ring off Hal’s finger and take it for himself, something he felt uncomfortable doing, no matter how much he felt he’d earned the ring, or disliked Hal. He finds Hal after Zoe restores him, and the two get into a knock-down, intense fistfight over the ring. The younger John wins, and takes the ring off Hal’s finger. He then kills the Manhunter, fulfilling the Guardians’ assignment.

In Lanterns Episode 5, John Stewart Rejects the Power Ring HBO Max/DC Studios

After the attack on Rushville and many citizens’ deaths, John meets with Guardian Lianna again. She congratulates him on getting the ring, telling him, “It looks good on you,” and anoints him as the official Green Lantern of Sector 2814. But after these harrowing events, he realizes that she lied and manipulated him during this entire mission, and probably his whole life as well. And he realizes the Guardians have manipulated Hal too. He tells her, “Hal betrayed everything to keep this ring. His code, the oath, even himself, and it broke him. He probably doesn’t even remember why he wanted the damn thing. And neither do I.” John Stewart then places the ring on the table, and walks away from becoming a Green Lantern.

John Stewart Will Almost Certainly Take the Ring in the DCU’s Future HBO Max/DC Studios

Based on episode one of Lanterns, we know that at least a decade into the future, in 2026, John won’t be a Green Lantern; Guy Gardner will. But we’d be shocked if this series ends without John reclaiming the ring for himself, although how and why we still don’t know. He is in Man of Tomorrow, after all. And probably not as an architect. But we can’t wait to continue watching Lanterns to see how it all shakes out, and learn why John Stewart ultimately embraces the Green Lantern role.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post Why Did John Stewart Reject the Power Ring in LANTERNS? appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Lanterns episode five showed us the true battle of good and evil at the heart of the story.
• The Manhunter proves to be more evil than we ever expected.
• In doing so, Hal Jordan and John Stewart elevated to true hero status.
• Nerdist take: Episode five of Lanterns solidifies why we love the series, but why we love Hal Jordan and John Stewart as characters even more.

In placing the mythos and characters of the Green Lantern comics into the framework of a TV-MA HBO drama series, Lanterns mutes the primary colors for murkier shades of gray. Hal Jordan isn’t the nicest guy, John Stewart isn’t quite as noble as he might be. Even the villains—in this case William Macon, the alien Antaan, and, we we learned last week, the Manhunter Zoe Macon—seem somewhat sympathetic. Or, I should say, seemed. Because episode five, which wraps up the 2016 plot, strips away much of the ambiguity from its heroes and villains and shows us both in their purest forms.

HBO Max/DC Studios

I had more or less assumed the Manhunter at the center of plot would fulfill the role of the refugee war criminal in fiction we’ve seen before. They had done terrible, arguably unforgivable things in their past, but after years of living among humans in Rushville, NE, they learn kindness and love, leading to a moral dilemma for the heroes. But, not so. While Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) has lived as a wife, mother, grandmother, and, we learn, benefactor for the town, keeping them safe and healthy, she isn’t benevolent in the least. Zoe is a loan shark, providing enough prosperity and health to keep the Rushville citizens under her thumb.

Kerry Kane (Kelly MacDonald) is an early example. The episode’s flashback opening shows her on the run from the Gotham City mob for the sins of her father. Zoe saves her from certain death in exchange for her unwavering loyalty in hiding her. As the episode unfolds, we find out that she has done this for roughly every person in the community, even giving a dying William Macon a clean bill of health. He is willing to die for her because of this. Which he does as Antaan cuts his heart out to test of William was the Manhunter.

HBO Max/DC Studios

Zoe, we learn, doesn’t care at all about these people beyond what they can do for her. She has no problem using her satellite laser to destroy swaths of the town and kill who knows how many people in a bid to draw Hal Jordan out. She means for him to use up his ring’s power so she can more easily kill him. If she can, she can escape and Antaan and his group can destroy the town. We see almost no regret on her face, even when talking to her own grandson. Zoe even allows John to burn nearly to death just so she can, she thinks, get him under her complete thrall as well.

The Manhunters might be able to impersonate anyone or any thing, but they cannot change their programming. The Guardians made them perfect killing machines. But their bigger crime was making them amoral.

HBO Max/DC Studios

Contrast this with the heroism that comes through both Hal and John in the course of events. Yes, they do not like each other even a little. Yes, they’ll beat the crap out of each other to make sure the other doesn’t get the ring. But, Hal, selfish and arrogant as he is, is not a morally gray figure. In fact, he’s righteous to a fault. His biggest downfall is thinking he above all else can save the day. Hal may have passed his prime, but he’s still the Goddamn Green Lantern.

Likewise, this episode proves that John was and is the best choice to wear the ring. He proves this by not succumbing to Zoe, but also not cowing to the Guardians. John Stewart is nobody’s puppet, and turning down the chance to finally fulfill his life’s work, not just follow orders blindly, is what true heroism looks like.

HBO Max/DC Studios

And, not for nothing, but Hal never wanted to kill John, nor John Hal. While beating seven bells out of each other, Hal still manages to protect John along with himself when Zoe zaps the motel. John uses an incapacitated Hal as bait to draw out Zoe, but he would never have let her kill him. My favorite moment comes when Zoe suggests John ran away to save himself and Hal responds “if there’s one thing I know about that kid, he’s no coward.” This level of respect transcends the fight for the ring.

Episode five of Lanterns solidifies why I love the series, but why I love Hal Jordan and John Stewart as characters even more. I can’t wait to see more of Aaron Pierre in the DCU going forward and it makes me wish we’d gotten a Kyle Chandler Hal Jordan movie or something prior to this.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

The post LANTERNS Episode 5 Showed Us Pure Good and Evil appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The full trailer for Peacock’s Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake teases a big Voorhees family secret that predates Pamela’s tragic loss.
• The show stars Linda Cardellini as the iconic, vengeful mother who launched an entire horror franchise.
• Nerdist’s Take: The trailer includes references to the original film, but it’s the mystery of what we don’t know that’s most intriguing.

I really need to make this clear: I am NOT a Pamela Voorhees apologist. I would never defend the murder of innocent people. Rather, I am a Pam Voorhees superfan. Huge difference. Huge. But it turns out that despite my lifelong love for the iconic vengeful mother I still have more to learn about her. The full trailer for Peacock’s Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake teases a secret that predates the tragic event that changed horror forever.

This trailer is full of little nods to the original film. That includes young Jason swimming with his counselors, Pam in her blue sweater, a machete to the head, and Pam referencing a “mask.” But it’s the new teases that are the most intriguing. This trailer suggests Crystal Lake will answer questions we never thought to ask. It also promises Jason will play a bigger role—possibly literally—than many might have expected. Here’s the show’s official synopsis from Peacock:

A prequel to the Friday the 13th franchise, the series follows single mother Pam Voorhees who has been unable to shake her grief after her young, sickly son Jason tragically drowned in the town lake almost a year before. When two strangers arrive at Pam’s door digging into her past, a disturbing chain of events is set into motion, leaving the townspeople of Crystal Lake wondering: just who is Pam Voorhees?

Peacock

The literal answer to that question this time around is Linda Cardellina. She stars as Pam. Other cast regulars include William Catlett, Devin Kessler, Cameron Scoggins, and Gwendolyn Sundstrom. The show will also feature Callum Vinson, Nick Cordileone, Joy Suprano, Danielle Kotch, and Phoenix Parnevik in recurring roles.

The eight-episode season comes from creator-writer-showrunner-executive producer Brad Caleb Kane (It: Welcome to Derry, Warrior). All episodes will premiere at Peacock on Thursday, October 15. Will it make me a Pamela Voorhees apologist? No, but this trailer makes me confident it won’t make me love her any less.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post CRYSTAL LAKE Trailer Teases a Dark Voorhees Family Secret appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• You can frame your friends so they take the fall with Strong Bad’s alter ego Dangeresque in the new Homestar Runner board game Crime Scene Tamperer.
• The game also includes a free online soundboard so you can add some authentic Dangeresque monologuing to your party game night.
• Nerdist’s Take: As loyal Homestar Runner fans we definitely do not want to play this game with the Cheat….for obvious reasons.

Homestar Runner fans know that if you want an email answered you call Strong Bad. Well, technically you email him, but that’s not the point. The point is if you want a crime solved you call Strong Bad’s alter ego
Dangeresque. Or at least, that used to be true. Now we don’t want him to solve a crime because….look, we didn’t fully think this opening paragraph through. In fairness that’s because we’re very excited that the Brothers Chaps have made another Homestar Runner board game. You can now frame your friends with Dangeresque Presents: Crime Scene Tamperer: The Party Game for Guilty Parties!

Trogdor! The Board Game let us burninate the countryside. Now Mike and Matt Chapman have partnered with Greater Than Games to let us set up our cohorts for a crime we committed. And we’ll be able to do that because our favorite graduate of Corrupt Police Academy enjoys giving rambling speeches. Here’s the new (and available) Crime Scene Tamperer‘s official description:

You are some of the worst criminals in Brainblow City. But not worst as in, like, worst offenders… worst as in: you’re all terrible at being criminals. And now you’ve all been caught red-handed at the crime scene. And here comes world famous private eye/crooked cop Dangeresque to investigate. Lucky for you, he likes to monologue. There’s still a chance to tamper with the evidence and pin the crime on one of your fellow lawbreakers before he finishes his investigation!

Designed for ages 8 and up, the game plays 2-4 and has a listed time of 20-40 minutes. It consists of three “scenes.” The goal is to “remain as innocent-appearing as possible” while framing everyone else. The winner is the person who ends with the fewest Guilt tokens when Dangeresque concludes his long-winded investigation.

Greater Than Games/Homestar Runner

Perfect no notes. But it gets better. The game comes with a digital soundboard. It includes:

• Perp Taunt Generator from the mouth of Dangeresque himself
• Cool Background Music Player for a noir-y soundtrack
• Optional Tamperer Timerer to make your turns even more frantic
• Random Crime Generator that lists your latest malfeasance

As loyal Homestar Runner fans we’d have ordered Crime Scene Tamperer ($19.95) even without that soundboard. (The artwork alone is reason enough to grab a copy.) We’re very happy to have it, though. If we want to waste time playing random quotes from a cantankerous character who types with boxing gloves we now know who to call. Or email. Just don’t play this game with the Cheat. Obviously.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post HOMESTAR RUNNER Debuts New CRIME SCENE TAMPERER Board Game appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Shudder debuted the trailer for Infirmary, the new found-footage horror movie which takes place in an old mental hospital (naturally).
• The movie is part of Shudder’s annual Halloween season programming with premieres and new library content.
• Infirmary is about a new security guard working the nightshift at the hospital, with his bodycam footage our way in to what happened.
• Nerdist take: Infirmary looks absolutely terrifying.

After the deluge of found-footage and faux-documentary horror movies that surfaced following Paranormal Activity, the format felt exceedingly tired. A few standouts—Noroi, Lake Mungo, [REC] to name some—aside, these movies were everywhere and often pretty cheesy. In recent years, more and more have popped up that actually feel scary to a degree we hadn’t seen in awhile. Shudder‘s new movie Infirmary looks to be one of these, as judging by its intense new trailer.

The movie shows us the bodycam footage of a rookie security guard (Paul Syre) and a veteran (Mark Anthony Williams) on a night patrolling an old psych hospital. That in and of itself would be enough to give one the proverbial willies, but this looks downright terrifying as something stalks the few remaining people through the sickly corridors and dank boiler rooms.

This isn’t the first found-footage movie to utilize bodycam footage. The V/H/S movies and the very bad movie Bodycam have done it before. But I think it presents some of the most “realistic” opportunities for the genre. People always buck against the idea that people would keep holding their cameras amid horrifying supernatural events. But if it’s just on your person already? That’s a damn fine reason to keep filming.

Shudder

Shudder, the horror-focused streaming service, which is part of AMC+, always makes the most of October in the lead-up to Halloween. This year is no exception. In addition to Infirmary—which drops on the streamer October 2—we’ll get V/H/S/Mixtape, Breeder, Hallowarrior, and The Cycle. Library titles will include all four of the Anthony Perkins-starring Psycho movies, Insidious 1-3, and Twilight Zone: The Movie. Earlier this year, Shudder also debuted all seven seasons of Tales from the Crypt. So, there’s plenty for horror nuts of all sort. Have a lovely Nerdoween!

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

The post New Found-Footage Horror INFIRMARY Looks Legit Terrifying appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Walmart’s Chicken Purses sold out so quickly that the company quickly restocked them. They then promptly sold out again.
• The Walmart Chicken Purse collection, both the Traditional and Lemon Pepper, is based on Walmart’s iconic rotisserie chicken.
• Nerdist’s Take: People sure do love to spend money on stuff! No matter what it might be.

Earlier this month, Walmart celebrated National Chicken Month with a silly new product, the Walmart Chicken Purse. The savory accessory inspired by the company’s rotisserie chicken came in both Traditional and Lemon Pepper “flavors.” With a price tag of $5.97 per bag (the same price as an actual chicken you can eat), these purses seemed like a fun little product that might make for a fun gift or impulse buy for dedicated Walmart shoppers or kitsch fans. These seemed like the kind of thing you might purchase on a whim. Instead, it sold out in just 90 minutes. That prompted a quick restock… Which also sold out. All of which proves one indisputable fact: people sure do like buying stuff!

Walmart

Walmart’s limited-edition chicken purses were a hot commodity. Hungry customers immediately snatched up both batches. Why? Uh, why not? Right? I mean, who isn’t eager to devour a novelty replica, synthetic leather bag that looks exactly like the kind of sack used for rotisserie chicken? Certainly the answer is “plenty of people,” but the opposite is also true; otherwise, these would not be sold out. Again.

It’s not clear if Walmart will release a third serving of its Chicken Purses. However, some accessories are still currently available. For the same price as a purse, you can still snag a Traditional or Lemon Pepper bag charm. And you can season them up with $4 dollar Great Value charms of Hot Sauce and Lemon Pepper seasoning.

Walmart

We’re honestly shocked those haven’t sold out, too. Who gets an entrée without sides? Who buys a Chicken Purse, either sincerely or as a joke, without fully committing to the bit?

Those are rhetorical questions. You don’t have to send us any letters. You can just enjoy your purchase without explaining it to us. Besides, we already know enough: people love to buy stuff no matter what it might be.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post The Walmart Chicken Purse Is What the People Want appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• In celebration of the new novel Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion, Nerdist will moderate a panel with voice actor Neil Newbon and author T. Kingfisher.
• To attend the panel, pre-order your copy of Astarion today and fill out an RSVP form.
• Learn More: Explore all there is to know about Astarion‘s release date, synopsis, and more.

If you’re a fan of fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons, or well-written storytelling, you probably found yourself playing Baldur’s Gate 3 at one time or another. And if you played Baldur’s Gate 3, then there is NO way you’ve forgotten meeting Astarion—the game’s deliciously cutting, incredibly angsty, and always alluring vampire companion character. (You may have even exchanged a few smooches.) Now, Astarion’s story is growing with a brand new backstory novel, appropriately titled Astarion, from the mind of the talented Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher. This new tale will even bring the iconic voice of Astarion back for more, as Astarion’s voice actor Neil Newbon will narrate the audiobook. But if that’s not enough Astarion for you (and darling, how could it ever be enough), we at Nerdist are thrilled to share that we’ll be diving deep into all things Astarion (the book) and Astarion (the character) in a virtual conversation with T. Kingfisher and Neil Newbon. If that sounds scrumptious to you, here’s how you can join in the fun.

Del Ray Books How to Attend the Virtual Astarion Conversation with Newbon, Kingfisher, and Nerdist‘s Rotem Rusak

If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably interested in actually reading Astarion. And so, before you press purchase, consider that if you snag the book from Mysterious Galaxy or Libro.FM, you can also snag an invite to what’s surely going to be a fascinating conversation with Newbon and Kingfisher. Why not add the little cherry on top? It’s what Astarion would want for you! After you pre-order the book, make sure to fill out the RSVP form in order to attend the event. You can also submit your questions for the fan Q&A portion of the panel! And it’s as easy as that.

Random House Worlds This Event Will Be Tasty for Fans

If you’re a big Astarion fan, you’ve likely heard Newbon speak with extreme depth and thoughtfulness about the role before. It’ll be exciting to hear his take on how the character has evolved alongside the Astarion novel. And, of course, talking to authors is ALWAYS a recipe for an extremely satisfying conversation. We can’t wait to hear Kingfisher’s new perspective on our beloved vamp. Not to mention, Kingfisher is also a Dungeons & Dragons aficionado, so she’ll have a lot to say about expanding the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3.

The event will consist of a 40 minute conversation between the authors followed by a 15 minute Q&A with the audience. It will take place on September 30th at 6pm ET/3pm PT.

See you there, darlings!

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Attend ASTARION Panel with Neil Newbon, T. Kingfisher, and Nerdist appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The internet is theorizing that Tom Cruise’s upcoming movie, Digger, is a musical.
• Could Digger be a musical? There are certainly some clips that make it seem that way…
• Take a Closer Look: To learn more about Digger, check out its latest trailer.

We love a good internet conspiracy. And this latest one revolves around a movie we’re very excited for: Digger. The question at hand… Could Digger actually be a musical? Twitter User Jason Pargin certainly thinks so, and he’s cut together a video of some pretty compelling evidence. Digger already seems to be Tom Cruise’s most bizarre performance to date, and if it is also a musical, we would declare #Winning. Take a look at the evidence that Digger is actually a musical below, and decide for yourself.

My favorite conspiracy theory right now is that Digger is secretly a musical and they’re desperately trying to hide it in the marketing pic.twitter.com/JORNZ0iqib

— Jason Pargin, author of John Dies at the End, etc (@JasonKPargin) September 10, 2026

42,000 people want to believe that Digger is a musical. And after reviewing the tapes, we have to agree there are an unusual number of sweeping camera angles, overwrought gestures, and even a literal split! Just imagine Tom Cruise’s dulcet tones singing an ode to oil on top of all of that drama—and, well, you might really have something. Some of those Digger clips really do look like they’ve come right out of a musical dance number. It tickles us to consider, in any case. We love a harmless conspiracy theory. Other users point out that movies such as Sweeney Todd, Wonka, and Mean Girls hid a musical in the marketing. And so, hey, why not Digger?

Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures

Ultimately, Digger probably isn’t a musical. And the evidence we’re seeing simply speaks to the incredibly high level of eccentricity at play in this Tom Cruise outing. After all, add a nutty oil tycoon, a global disaster, and an unrecognizable Cruise to the mix, and you’ll definitely end up with something wacky. But the beauty of a conspiracy is that you can always ask… What if? And like we said, if Digger did prove to be a musical, we think it could just rank as one of the best movies ever made. That would be true vision.

Will Tom Cruise sing? We’ll all find out together when Digger releases in theaters on October 2.

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

The post Is DIGGER a Musical? The Internet Thinks So! appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Stephen Colbert will make his first return to late-night as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 15, 2026.
• Kimmel had previously offered Colbert a chance to serve as a gill-in summer host on his talk show.
• Nerdist’s Take: Colbert’s late-night return, even just as a guest, will be a must-watch event for a whole lot of reasons.

Earlier this year Jimmy Kimmel offered Stephen Colbert the chance to make a quick return to late-night television. The ABC host wanted his friend and former competitor to serve as a summer fill-in host. Unfortunately for all of us the former CBS employee turned down the offer. The good news is we’re now getting the next best thing. Stephen Colbert will head back to late-night as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel announces Colbert's late-night return—as a guest on JKL Tuesday night. Pointing to his own chair, Kimmel quipped, "Maybe I'll let him sit here, I don't know." pic.twitter.com/RcTUBtIVJn

— LateNighter (@latenightercom) September 11, 2026

During the end of last night’s show Jimmy Kimmel announced (in news we first heard at Entertainment Weekly) that Stephen Colbert will stop by his theater next week. The former host of Late Night With Stephen Colber will appear on September 15.

“We will be back in a very big way on Tuesday night, after the Emmys with the one and only Stephen Colbert, who will making his return to late-night television,” said Kimmel while gesturing to his guest chair. He then added he’d maybe he’d even let Colbert sit behind his desk.

CBS

Yes please and thank you. Especially since the guest appearance will be The Lord of the Rings screenwriter‘s first late-night appearance since his show went off the air in May. The circumstances around the end of his show were….not great. CBS claimed the cancellation was purely financial. Not everyone believes that! Especially Jimmy Kimmel, who was briefly taken off the air after government interference. A mass protest quickly brought him back.

As if all of that isn’t enough reason to tune in, this news comes amid rumors Jimmy Kimmel Live will also end in 2027. Could this be how we find out the truth either way? Or is this simply the first time Kimmel was able to book Colbert on his show? We’ll find out next week when we tune in. We’ve missed spending late-night with Stephen Colbert. We’ll be happy to have him back even if it’s just for one glorious night.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post Stephen Colbert Returning to Late-Night as Jimmy Kimmel’s Guest appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• A new report from Luminate presents data that reveals long breaks between TV seasons create audience drop-off and kill series.
• Conversely, the report reveals that releasing seasons every year helps to build an audience.
• Nerdist Take: It’s definitely time to shorten the gap between seasons of TV series. Shows need momentum to grow an audience, and long gaps rob them of that.

Can you believe we waited nearly four years for Stranger Things 5? For some of us, long waits between seasons have been the norm all our lives. But others recall those halcyon days when TV series returned to our screens like clockwork every September. That’s right, there was no more than a brief summer hiatus dividing seasons of TV for a really long time. Granted, TV told much less elaborate and well-plotted stories at the time. But there must be a happy medium between the long waits between seasons we experience now and the quality of a show. In any case, a new report reveals what we already know. Long breaks between seasons of a TV series can kill its audience.

Netflix

As part of its 18-page report on “Best Practices for Launching Albums and Series in a Crowded Marketplace,” Luminate Intelligence offers some measured data for the obvious. And concludes that “Long breaks between seasons usually lead to audience shrinkage for hit series.” We’d say, “duh,” but studios don’t seem to have understood this arithmetic since we’re still looking at a minimum of a two-year gap between seasons of most TV shows.

Long Breaks Between Seasons Mean TV Audience Dropoff

Luminate reports that Stranger Things Season 5 saw a 23% audience drop after its 3.5 years hiatus. Wednesday season 2 saw a 59% audience drop after its 2.75 year hiatus. And The Rings of Power season 2 saw a 57% audience drop after its 2 year hiatus, among other examples. Of course, we don’t know exactly what other variables are at work. But we WOULD love to see shorter TV season gaps, and we definitely see the connection.

Jonathan Hession/Netflix

Overall, Luminate concludes, “Lengthy gaps between seasons of TV have been a persistent headache for streamers, with the annual premieres once met even by blockbuster cable series like Game of Thrones no longer standard procedure. And while megahits such as Stranger Things can still return after multiyear breaks to massive viewership, a long hiatus (more than 1.5 years) for streaming series typically leads to a reduced audience, at least in the U.S. market. Average views dropped for every title in a sampling of recent hits — even Stranger Things, down nearly 25% in its final season. Streamers no doubt have a vested interest in speeding up the turnaround between seasons of hits, but actually doing so is far from easy, especially when extensive post-production work is required.”

RELATED ARTICLE

THE RINGS OF POWER Season 3 Release Schedule TV Series That Release Every Year See Benefit of Short Season Break HBO Max

Conversely, TV series without long waits between seasons benefited. Luminate notes, “After years of long delays between seasons of streaming hits, the pendulum appears to be swinging back in the direction of an annual release cadence. The Pitt and Landman both launched their sophomore seasons almost one year to the day after their debuts and were rewarded with huge viewership bumps, with The Pitt more than doubling its estimated audience. Meanwhile, unscripted hits The Traitors and Love Island USA found breakout moments in the past two years after returning each winter and summer, respectively, like clockwork. The outlier among this group, The Night Agent, saw viewership decline between seasons 2 and 3 despite a short gap, but this notably came after the show had a larger drop-off from S1 following a nearly two-year break.”

RELATED ARTICLE

THE PITT Season 3 Trailer Is Brutal, Tense, and Brilliant Nerdist Take: Shorten The Gap Between Seasons!!!

We’re glad to see some hard data and reports to back the thesis, but even going on just common sense, making us wait less time between seasons can only be a good thing! Audience growth needs momentum and momentum needs content! Waiting for really long amounts of time between seasons kills that momentum and the audience growth TV series need to survive.

We absolutely understand that quality takes time, but it’s hard to remember what I did yesterday, let alone what I watched two years ago. And in such a content-heavy era, it’s really easy to get pulled away from a show and forget all about it. That probably means you won’t be coming back for more. We’ll also take a minute to advocate for the weekly release here. Please and thank you!

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Long Season Breaks Kill TV Audiences, Shares New Report appeared first on Nerdist.