Forget reliable wormholes or predictable plotlines because Rick and Morty is back. Rick and Morty has always been the unruly cousin of animated hijinks, an acid-washed rollercoaster through infinite realities. After a year and a half of radio silence, Season 8 crash-lands on Adult Swim, and it’s every bit as unhinged, audacious, and delightfully unsettling as we’ve come to expect. Here are five reasons Season 8 proves that this family of interdimensional misfits still reigns supreme.
Trapped in charger purgatory
Remember that sinking feeling when your phone hits 1%? Rick weaponised it. The opener throws Summer and Morty into a cosmic timeout corner for nicking his charger... but this isn't just detention. It's a Matrix-meets-mundane-hell simulation stretched over seventeen soul-crushing virtual years. Morty endures war zones and brutal deaths on loop, Summer claws her way to tech tycoon status, making chargers obsolete.
New voices can be risky, but these ones nail it. Ian Cardoni’s Rick sounds more cunning than ever, always one step ahead. Harry Belden’s Morty balances nervous panic with surprising strength. And Spencer Grammer’s Summer shifts from stressed-out teenager to tough CEO. Together, they give each character fresh energy and even fans feel their new take right away.
Season 8 looks sharper and moves faster. The “death race” scene in the premiere is a heart-pounding blur of explosions and near-misses. Jerry’s ridiculous Easter-themed chaos is both hilarious and a bit gross but in the best way. From alien worlds to close-up character moments, the visuals pull you in and refuse to let go.
This time, the whole family gets their moment. Summer’s journey from powerless kid to corporate boss to defiant sister gives the episode real heart. Beth wrestles with seeing her daughter as an equal, and Jerry accidentally stumbles into some bizarre, cosmic role, complete with hidden Easter eggs. Each member’s story connects, proving the family is more than just side characters.
Unlike before, episodes in Season 8 build on what came before. The fallout from the Citadel, Rick’s shaky mental state, and Morty’s lingering fears all carry over. You don’t need to be a lore expert to enjoy it, but long-time fans will spot the callbacks and feel rewarded, nothing gets wiped clean at the end of the hour.
Sure, a few grumble about "playing it safe". But let’s be real: what other show would lock its teen stars in phone charger hell for 17 years? Season 8’s mix of gut-busting chaos, emotional gut-punches, visual fireworks, and evolving family dynamics proves Rick and Morty hasn’t lost an ounce of its dimension-shattering swagger.
As one fan perfectly nailed it: "Done in by the generation gap of calling vs. texting? Classic R&M." The wildest ride in the multiverse? Buckle up. It just dropped into a higher gear.
It’s been nearly two years since Ms. Marvel made its debut on Disney+, and while fans have been waiting for news about a second season, actor Aramis Knight has shared a fairly grim update. Knight, who played the character Red Dagger (Kareem) in the series, revealed that he hasn’t heard anything about a return and doesn’t think it’s happening anytime soon.
Speaking at the Karate Kid: Legends premiere in New York, Knight admitted that the chances of Season 2 seem slim. “I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he’ll be back. “It’s been a while now. I’d love to return, but things didn’t line up, COVID, scheduling, and maybe even some creative shifts. I’m still waiting on a call, but I haven’t heard anything.”
Knight mentioned that he was initially supposed to appear in more Marvel projects, but none of those plans materialised. While he joked that Kamala Khan might have him on speed dial for a Young Avengers team-up, his tone made it clear that there's been no movement behind the scenes.
Ms. Marvel, which premiered in June 2022, introduced audiences to Kamala Khan, a Muslim teen from New Jersey who discovers her superpowers and identity. The show received praise for its fresh perspective, young energy, and cultural representation. Kamala then made the leap to the big screen with The Marvels in 2023, where she appeared alongside other MCU heroes.
Red Dagger actor Aramis Knight says he hasn’t heard from Marvel and doubts the show’s returnGetty Images
Talks about Season 2 had been floating around since the series ended, but nothing official has come out. In a podcast interview in 2023, co-director Adil El Arbi mentioned that any plans for a follow-up were on pause until after The Marvels released. Unfortunately, that film didn’t perform well at the box office which may have added to the uncertainty.
Marvel Studios hasn’t officially cancelled Ms. Marvel, but they’re in the middle of reorganising their television content. Several shows are being restructured or delayed, and Ms. Marvel may simply be caught in the middle of this shift.
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Legendary roles get a Gen Z twist with this fresh Harry Potter trio
HBO has finally revealed the young trio who will take on the legendary roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron in its much-awaited Harry Potter television series. Dominic McLaughlin will play the boy wizard, Arabella Stanton steps in as the sharp and brave Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout brings Ron Weasley to life.
These three rising stars were chosen from a massive talent pool of over 30,000 hopefuls after a nationwide open audition. While they are still newcomers, each brings a bit of experience. McLaughlin has already filmed projects like Grow and the upcoming Gifted, Stanton has impressed audiences as Matilda in the West End, and Stout makes his screen debut with this series.
The show’s creators, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, say they were blown away by the trio’s chemistry and potential. “They felt right from the beginning,” their joint statement read. “It’s been amazing to see so much young talent come through the doors.”
Backed by Warner Bros. and produced by Brontë Film and TV, the series promises to stick closely to J.K. Rowling’s original books, with each season focusing on one novel. Rowling herself is an executive producer, despite the continued debate around her views. HBO has clarified that the adaptation’s main focus remains on staying true to the source material.
A fresh chapter begins at Hogwarts with HBO’s young cast revealInstagram/harrypotterhbo_info
Joining the young leads is an ensemble of seasoned performers: John Lithgow will play headmaster Dumbledore, Nick Frost takes on the role of Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu will play Snape, and Janet McTeer appears as Professor McGonagall. Other cast members include Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as the ever-grumpy caretaker Filch.
Filming is set to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK, the original filming location of the films. The first season is likely to air in 2026 on HBO Max.
The Harry Potter reboot begins filming in summer 2025 in the UK
Instagram/harrypotterhbo_info
Though early reactions online are mixed with some fans celebrating the new casting and others still loyal to the original films, there’s no denying the anticipation. With a decade-long plan in place, this series plans to dig deeper into the magical world, giving space to characters and stories the films had to rush past.
A new generation is headed to Hogwarts. Let’s see what magic they bring.
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‘Guardians’ is developed by United for Wildlife founded by William and his charitable foundation
The new six-part series, ‘Guardians’, featuring Britain’s Prince William throws light upon the dangerous work of wildlife rangers. William who is associated to the documentary, has already made the ranger’s efforts one of the important causes of his campaign. ‘Guardians’ will be broadcasted from Friday on BBC Earth’s YouTube and social media channels
The show is William’s brainchild, aimed to emphasise the perilous work done by the rangers. It explains the threatened environments the rangers are exposed to, in order to protect the wildlife.
The documentary will have immersive footages of six major areas – Central African Republic, the Himalayas, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, Kruger national park in South Africa, Sri Lanka and Caru Indigenous Land in Brazil. Each episode will be of a new story, six to ten minute long.
The Central African Republic episode will cover the story of a reformed poacher who now, dedicates his life for wildlife protection.
The Himalayan episode will show the efforts of rangers for the coexistence of snow leopards and local communities.
The episode about Mexico’s Sea of Cortez features what was once called “the world’s aquarium.” It tells the story a reformed illegal fisherman who now protects the disturbed ecosystem.
The Kruger National Park episode explains about the groups of people who toils to protect and rescue endangered rhinos, facing poaching threats.
Sri Lankan episode will deal about hardworking veterinary experts who works to rehabilitate elephants, leopards and other animals at risk.
Caru Indigenous Land episode will explore the community-led fight to prevent the illegal wildlife crimes.
"The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise nature’s Guardians, and the critical work they do," William said.
The rangers are frontline fighters who take massive risks for sustainable human-animal coexistence and prevention of habitat loss. They work amidst poachers and endangered species for wildlife protection, William added.
‘Guardians’ is developed by United for Wildlife founded by William and his charitable foundation. The project also includes a five-year financial package which provides access to affordable insurance cover for 10,000 rangers across Africa, under their ‘Nature Protectors’ initiative.
William had met several rangers during his travels. He realised their hardships after civil wars, illegal fishing or poaching through them.
William and United for Wildlife frequently raises their voice against illegal wildlife trade. As per their observation, illegal wildlife trade is approximately worth up to $20 billion annually, and it is linked to violent crime, corruption and trafficking. Yet, 1.5 million more rangers are required to meet global environment biodiversity targets by 2030 said William.
The prince also paid tribute to late ranger Anton Mzimba, who was shot dead at a nature reserve in South Africa. About 1,400 rangers had lost their lives due to their risky profession over the past ten years, mostly none of them reported.
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The team’s commitment to accuracy extended to every element
Twenty-five years after it first captivated global audiences, Walking With Dinosaurs is making a comeback. The new BBC factual series, narrated by actor Charlotte Ritchie, reimagines the groundbreaking 1999 show using cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art visual effects to explore the lives of six individual dinosaurs. The six-part series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and has been co-produced with PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions.
Charlotte Ritchie, best known for her roles in Ghosts, Feel Good, and Call the Midwife, leads the narration in this latest retelling, bringing emotional depth and clarity to stories rooted in real palaeontological discoveries.
Each episode focuses on a single dinosaur and is built around true fossil finds. This shift from a general overview of species to character-led narratives gives the series a new emotional dimension. “These are real creatures,” said showrunner Kirsty Wilson. “I’ve seen their very remains come out of the rock and I know from the evidence that they lived real, beautiful and complex lives.”
Episode highlights
Episode one, The Orphan, follows Clover, a young Triceratops, navigating the dangers of Laramidia 66 million years ago. Her fossil was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, close to the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting a real-life predator-prey encounter.
In The River Dragon, viewers meet Sobek, a Spinosaurus who lived in ancient Morocco. Discovered by palaeontologist Dr Nizar Ibrahim, Spinosaurus is believed to have spent much of its life in water. The episode portrays Sobek as a devoted father protecting his offspring while navigating a treacherous environment filled with predators.
Episode three, The Band of Brothers, features George, a juvenile Gastonia discovered in Utah. Covered in protective spikes and plates, George and his siblings face threats from Utahraptors, large predatory dinosaurs thought to hunt in packs.
Rose, a young Albertosaurus, takes centre stage in The Pack. Discovered in Alberta, she is depicted as part of a group of agile predators. Her episode highlights the possibility that Albertosaurus may have hunted cooperatively, based on multiple fossils found in a single site.
In The Journey North, the story follows Albie, a juvenile Pachyrhinosaurus, through a dangerous 400-mile migration. Palaeontologist Dr Emily Bamforth’s work at Pipestone Creek Bonebed forms the basis of this episode, which also explores how these large herbivores may have used their unique horned frills for recognition within vast herds.
The series concludes with Island of Giants, focusing on Old Grande, a colossal Lusotitan from what is now Portugal. His fossil is the most complete specimen of this species ever discovered, offering insights into the behaviour and physical characteristics of one of Europe’s largest dinosaurs.
Bringing dinosaurs to life
The new Walking With Dinosaurs uses the latest VFX technology to recreate prehistoric worlds with unprecedented detail. The dinosaurs were built from digital skeletons outward, incorporating muscle and skin based on fossil evidence. Each episode is grounded in up-to-date palaeontological research, with real dig sites featured throughout.
The team’s commitment to accuracy extended to every element, including simulating realistic movement by physically interacting with natural environments while dressed in blue suits – a method used to later insert the digital dinosaurs seamlessly into real landscapes.
The involvement of scientists like Dr Nizar Ibrahim and Dr Emily Bamforth ensured that the series reflects the most recent findings. For instance, new evidence supports that some dinosaurs, such as Albertosaurus and Yutyrannus, had feathers, and that Spinosaurus was primarily aquatic.
Science and storytelling
Unlike the original 1999 series, which focused more on general prehistoric ecosystems, the updated version intertwines factual storytelling with emotional character arcs. Each dinosaur’s tale is inspired by fossil evidence and current scientific theories, adding emotional resonance without sacrificing accuracy.
This mix of factual content and cinematic narrative is at the heart of the reboot. “We wanted this series to feel like a natural history drama taking place today,” said Wilson.
The series also reveals lesser-known facts about the prehistoric world. For example, the grassless environments of the Mesozoic era posed unique challenges during filming, requiring careful location scouting to maintain authenticity.
Production and broadcast
Walking With Dinosaurs was commissioned by Jack Bootle, BBC’s Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. It is produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, with Andrew Cohen and Helen Thomas as executive producers, alongside Wilson as showrunner. The international co-production involves PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions, with global sales handled by BBC Studios.
With Charlotte Ritchie guiding viewers through each episode, the series promises to be a compelling blend of science, storytelling, and visual spectacle, designed to engage both long-time fans and new audiences.
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Taylor Swift’s voice echoes through The Handmaid’s Tale in a surprise Reputation (Taylor’s Version) debut
Taylor Swift’s long-awaited Reputation (Taylor’s Version) finally made its presence known, but not through a press release or streaming platform. Instead, it emerged through the eerie silence of Gilead. The re-recorded version of “Look What You Made Me Do” debuted unexpectedly in the opening scene of the latest episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, catching fans and viewers completely off guard.
The episode begins with Elisabeth Moss’s character, June Osborne, orchestrating a quiet but fierce act of resistance against the regime. As handmaids march through a war-torn street, Swift’s voice cuts through the chaos. The updated track underscores the rebellion, syncing perfectly with the tension and defiance unfolding on screen.
The original 2017 version of the song was a turning point in Swift’s career, born out of public backlash and a media storm. Its reappearance now, in a show about fighting back against oppression, feels deeply personal. Swift’s battle to reclaim her music mirrors the episode’s themes: reclaiming agency, rewriting narratives, and refusing to be silenced.
Moss, also an executive producer of the show, shared how this moment had been years in the making. She revealed she had always wanted to feature a Taylor Swift track but waited for the right moment. “This was it,” she said. “The song, the scene, the story, it all just clicked.” Moss also attended Swift’s Eras Tour last year with castmate Bradley Whitford, making her admiration for the singer no secret.
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For Swifties, this is the clearest sign that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is on the horizon. While fans have spotted hints in everything from merch updates to symbolic fashion choices, this full-length debut feels like the real beginning of the next chapter.
It also marks the latest move in Swift’s ongoing mission to re-record her early albums and reclaim ownership after the rights to her original masters were sold without her consent. So far, she’s re-released Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and *1989*, with Reputation and her debut album left.
Swift’s music has popped up in recent shows and documentaries, but this moment in The Handmaid’s Tale is her strongest re-entry into the Reputation era. It's less of a promo, more of a declaration. The gloves are off.
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