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The Top 10 TV Series Right Now, According to Streaming Data

By: Stephen Johnson —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Streaming in September was eclectic. The top 10 most popular TV shows of the month, according to data from JustWatch, include opposite takes on international espionage—Lioness's "everything is at stake" blockbuster vibe versus Slow Horses' darkly funny, morally ambiguous style.

Other series burning up the charts: spy-adjacent action show Reacher, a couple of sports comedies named after their main characters (Ted Lasso and Chad Powers), a dystopian sci-fi drama (Silo), a superhero show (Lanterns), and stories of criminals and cops (Furious and The Gentlemen). There's even a horror comedy (Widow's Bay). You could say there's something for everyone.

Lanterns

Topping the streaming charts this month is DC's TV revamp of Green Lantern, in which experienced Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) trains the new guy, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), on how to wield the mysterious and powerful Green Lantern Ring. It's a reserved, neo-noir style take on the comic mythos, as the heroes investigate a series of murders tied to an extraterrestrial threat. Lanterns is pulling in a 92% fresh ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, so it's definitely worth a stream. Stream Lanterns on HBO Max.

Ted Lasso

Season four of Ted Lasso sees the title character, played by Jason Sudeikis, returning to the UK to take on a new challenge: coaching the Lady Greyhounds, AFC Richmond's second-division women's football team. This multiple Emmy Award-winning series still has all the heart, humor, and positivity of the original run. Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.

Reacher

Reacher actor Alan Ritchson is a great action star. Dude's the size of a house, but he uses his brains as much as his fists, and his "independent ass-kicker" lifestyle makes for great TV. Season four sees our morally uncompromising, giant-sized hero witnessing a supposed suicide, then finding out it's tied to a conspiracy so huge that world governments are involved. If you like your TV action-packed, you're probably already watching Reacher, but if you're not, get on it! Stream Reacher on Prime Video.

Lioness

If you like action, international espionage, and incredible performances, Lioness mashes them all up into a must-watch series. This cast is without lightweights, including Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña, Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, Emmy nominee Michael Kelly, and executive producer and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. Season 3 dives into a hidden network of dangerous foreign operatives, personal betrayals, and a high-stakes war that could define everyone's lives. Stream Lioness on Paramount+.

Slow Horses

Apple TV's Slow Horses delivers a more realistic, nuanced take on espionage by detailing the lives of the losers of British Intelligence. Instead of chiseled good guys and gals saving the world, the agents of Slough House are a team of dysfunctional, troubled souls trying to do the right thing (usually) in a morally gray world. Just like real agents. Their leader, gruff, obnoxious Jackson Lamb, is played to perfection by Gary Oldman. Slow Horses has an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score over its first five seasons, and season 6 is setting new records. Stream Slow Horses on Apple TV+.

Furious

In Furious, Emmy Rossum plays Alice Black, an FBI agent and former NYPD homicide detective investigating a series of murders that point to a female serial killer bent on offing the wealthy assholes who victimized her when she was a sex trafficked. If that's not a killer premise for a TV show, I don't know what is. Critics agree: Furious has a 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Stream Furious on Hulu.

The Gentlemen

Director Guy Ritchie's series is set at the point where the remnants of the British aristocracy meet the nation's gangsters and lowlifes. Theo James plays Eddie Horniman, aka the Duke, whose inherited family estate is barely paid for by profits from a drug-dealing operation. If you like hard-edged action, British wit, and a stylish gangster vibe, this is the show for you. Stream The Gentlemen on Netflix.

Widow's Bay

This series from Apple TV has won unanimous praise from both critics and audiences. It's a rare horror-comedy that manages to be genuinely scary and really funny. In the island town of Widow's Bay, literally everything seems to be haunted, cursed, or otherwise beset with unspeakable evil, but Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) wants to bring tourism to the island anyway, so he ignores the sea hags, fog monsters, and serial killer ghosts surrounding him in an effort to drum up new business. The great Stephen Root plays Wyck, an old-timer who's always there to remind everyone that time is short and everyone is doomed. Stream Widow's Bay on Apple TV+.

Chad Powers

Chad Powers is a sports comedy that's actually funny. Glen Powell stars as Russ Holliday, a former college football phenom who nuked his own career before he even got to the NFL. Instead of giving up, he dons a disguise, adopts the name "Chad Powers, and tries out for a failing college team. It works, but leads to outrageous complications as the jock tries to hide his deceit. Stream Chad Powers on Hulu.

Silo

Apple TV's Silo continues to track the downward spiral of the dregs of humanity, who are all living together underground in a cavernous edifice that goes all the way down. If you've been wondering how things got so bad, this season goes back in time to reveal the source of humanity's near-demise. (Unsurprisingly, humans are to blame.) You can stream Silo on Apple TV.

☐ ☆ ✇ N U Algemeen

Truly Naked verzilvert zes van de zeven nominaties bij Gouden Kalveren

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Truly Naked is de grote winnaar geworden bij de uitreiking van de Gouden Kalveren, de belangrijkste filmprijzen van Nederland. De film won onder meer in de categorie beste film. Joe Speedboot was favoriet met negen nominaties, maar won slechts één Kalf.

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The Top 10 Movies Right Now, According to Streaming Data

By: Stephen Johnson —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

The most-streamed movies in September, according to JustWatch, include a couple of early Halloween treats: low-budget, high-scare horror flicks Backrooms and Obsession both made the top 10. If you like more gentle supernatural stories, 1990s classic Practical Magic made the charts too. You could also check out best-actor-ever favorites Robert De Niro in The Whisper Man and Dustin Hoffman in Tuner. So there's something for everyone.

Backrooms (2026)

Director Kane Parsons' analog horror breakthrough is proof that atmosphere, mood, and a fascinating story is scarier than CGI monsters every time. Based on the viral YouTube series of the same name, Backrooms tells the story of Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a store owner who discovers a labyrinthian liminal space in his furniture shop's basement. Renate Reinsve plays his therapist, who thinks it's a delusion, until she goes downstairs for a visit. A hit with critics—Backrooms is sitting at 87% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes—and audiences, Backrooms is a delicious early Halloween treat for horror fans. Stream Backrooms on HBO Max.

Practical Magic (1998)

Released to streaming to coincide with the sequel's release in theaters, Practical Magic is a beloved supernatural rom-com finding a new audience in 2026. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play Sally and Gilly, sister-witches cursed with losing any man they ever love. Sally's romantic interest appears in the form of Aidan Quinn playing a detective investigating the disappearance of Gilly's abusive boyfriend. Can love, magic, and the power of sisterhood break the family curse? With a little help from '90s nostalgia, you bet they can. Stream Practical Magic on HBO Max.

Obsession (2026)

Director Curry Barker is still in his 20s, but his debut theatrical feature is the kind of horror film that changes the entire genre. Obsession is a classic "be careful what you wish for" story that feels fresh thanks to its talented young cast, unpredictable plot, and careful pace. Michael Johnston plays a young man too scared to tell his crush how he feels, so he wishes she'd fall in love with him instead. The result is a nightmare embodied by Inde Navarrette, whose portrayal of the villain/victim is at once harrowing, terrifying, and heartbreaking. Obsession is the best horror movie I've seen in years. Stream Obsession on Peacock.

Mayday (2026)

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh play Cold War enemies brought together when Reynolds' plane crashes in the Russian wilderness. Branagh is ex-KGB, but he's always been a secret fan of America, so he helps Reynolds escape the USSR. Like the best bro-coms, Mayday is powered by the charisma of its stars, and you won't find any actors alive with more rizz than these two. If you like 1980s-style buddy action/comedies, Mayday is the right stream for you. Stream Mayday on Apple TV+.

Project Hail Mary (2026)

In this crowd-pleasing sci-fi flick, Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who is blasted into the firmament in a last-ditch effort to save the world. Grace is the only person on Earth who might know how to protect the sun from a cosmic infection that threatens all life, but he's definitely not an astronaut and doesn't see himself as a hero either. Will he rise to the occasion and learn something about his inner strength and resilience while saving us all from death? My money is on, "yeah, probably." Stream Project Hail Mary on Prime Video and Fubo.

Supergirl (2026)

You shouldn't mess with a superhero's dog. Milly Alcock plays Kara Zor-el, AKA Supergirl, who traverses the galaxy hunting for Krem of the Yellow Hills (played by Matthias Schoenaerts). He shot Krypto the superdog with a poison dart, and justice must be administered. If you want a grittier take on the super-people of Krypton with some deep-lore DC universe building, look no further than Supergirl. Stream Supergirl on HBO Max.

The Whisper Man (2026)

Based on the novel by Alex North, The Whisper Man stars Robert De Niro as Peter Willis, a retired detective who returns to the game to solve a grisly cold case. A copycat is mimicking the crimes of the notorious Whisper Man, a serial killer Willis captured years before. This intense thriller is built around De Niro's powerful performance and a twisty plot that will keep you on the edge of your couch. Stream The Whisper Man on Netflix.

Tuner (2026)

You wouldn't think the life of a piano tuner would be exciting until you see Tuner. Leo Woodall plays Niki White, whose quiet life is turned to 11 when he learns he can use his ears for cracking safes as easily as tuning Steinways. Desperate for cash, White joins up with hardened criminals, and things go haywire. The excellent cast of this smart, tense thriller includes Dustin Hoffman and Havana Rose Liu. If you like suspense in the style of Hitchcock, check out The Tuner. Stream Tuner on Paramount+.

The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)

Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu sees Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable baby Yoda pal pitted against Imperial warlords and the Hutt Twins. It's classic Star Wars: a lone hero and his companion doing heroic things while facing impossible odds. Packed with cliff-hanger action and colorful characters, The Mandalorian and Grogu is pure fun in movie form. Stream The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+.

Toy Story 5 (2026)

Pixar is so good at what it does, it can even make the fifth movie in a series about ratty old toys into art—not just art for kids, but art that's palatable for parents, too. In Toy Story 5, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang face a toy's most terrifying enemy: technology. Toy Story 5 asks if there's a place for action figures and Mr. Potato Head in a world where screens are the only thing kids care about. Stream Toy Story 5 on Disney+.

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‘Aura Battle,’ ‘Tylenol Baby,’ and Other Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slang You Might Need Help Decoding

By: Stephen Johnson —

If constantly being mogged by sigmas has you feeling like a fuhuhluhtoogan, and you have no idea what any of that means, you've come to the right place. This glossary aims to define and explain popular slang words and phrases of Generation Z (usually defined as people born between 1997 and 2012) and Generation A (anyone born between 2012 and now) so you'll know what the hell people are talking about.

A word of warning: If you aren't of those generations, and/or you need an online list to know what slang words mean, you should not say them aloud unless you're trying to be embarrassing.

New entries

Aura battle: Aura is coolness or charisma ("rizz" if you prefer). An "aura battle" is a public contest in which the person with the most aura, as determined by the crowd and/or comment section reaction, wins. (See "Aura")

Cortisol-coded: Describes something that's meant to be relaxing but is actually stressful, like watching a video of the 5 a.m. yoga routine of an influencer surrounded by $400 candles.

Misery girl: A young woman with piercings, a penchant for the darkly dramatic, and highly stylized makeup that makes them appear to have a skinny, pointy nose and huge eyes and lips.

Pheromone maxxing: Trying to influence the behaviors of others through your stink. Supposedly, young men in the "looksmaxxing" community are skipping showers and not washing their clothing in an attempt to make young women like them more. (See "-maxxing").

Quiet on the creek: A fishing-inspired way to say "keep it on the down low" or "be cool."

Side quest: A side quest in a video game is a quest that is not necessary to complete the game's main objective. In slang, a side quest is anything you do in life just for the experience of doing it.

Tylenol baby: After President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a scientifically dubious link between the active ingredient in Tylenol and autism, kids have been calling each other "Tylenol babies."

Viking rap: A musical sub-genre consisting of AI-generated Vikings rapping about longboats, raiding, and other Viking things.


304: Hoe. (Type "304" on a calculator and turn it upside down.)

4+4: Ate. Four plus four is eight, or "ate." (See "ate.")

6-7 (or 67): This piece of Generation Alpha brainrot slang doesn't mean anything. It's just funny to some people to say "6-7," especially in answer to any question involving numbers. Ex: "Q: What time is it? A: six-seveeen."

6-7 weekend: A weekend in which Saturday falls on the 6th day of the month and Sunday on the 7th.

7x7=49: Often refers to a man who is attractive in a self-evident way. Based on the belief that the equation 7x7=49 makes intuitive sense in a way other equations do not.

80/20 rule: An axiom in online incel spaces, the 80/20 is the idea that 80% of women only date the "top" 20% of men.

Algo speak: Coded language used to bypass online content moderation. Examples: "regarded" used instead of "retarded" and "unalive" instead of "kill."

Alpha male: Taken from animal ethology, an alpha male is the dominant member of a group of males, or just a male who is in charge. (See "beta male" and "sigma male.")

Alpine divorce: An alpine divorce is when a man takes his wife or girlfriend on a hike, usually in the mountains, and then just leaves her there to fend for herself.

ASAP (or A$AP): When a rapper has ASAP or A$AP in front of their name, it indicates affiliation with the ASAP Mob, a New York hip-hop collective.

Ate/eat: Done very well, often regarding clothing. e.g.: "You ate that outfit." See also: "serving."

Aura: Someone who is mysterious and cool is said to "have aura."

Aura farming: Depending on the context, “aura farming” can refer to a person who does something cool without trying or someone who is trying too hard to appear cool.

Baby Boo syndrome: A joking reference to people who are very into the Baby Boo memes popular on TikTok.

Baddie: A bad/wild girl. Meant as a compliment.

Baka: Japanese word meaning “crazy" or “foolish.” Used mainly in the anime community.

Based: Independent in a cool way.

Bed-rotting: Staying in bed all day. You may know it as “lazing around.” (See "Hurkle-durkle.")

Beez: Popularized in Nicki Minaj's 2012 track "Beez in the Trap," beez means something like "I am always." So "beez in the trap" means "I am always in the trap." (See "Trap.")

Beta male: A beta male, or just "beta," is a weaker, subservient male. (See "alpha male" and "sigma male.")

Boombayah: A euphemism for having sex. It’s used mostly online, often to defeat censorship algorithms.

Bop: A girl who sleeps around. Also: a great song.

Boy aquarium: TikTok slang that describes hockey games.

Boy kibble: The male response to "girl dinner," boy kibble is food boys eat. It usually consists of rice and ground beef, often served without spices or vegetables.

Boysober: Someone who has sworn off sex, relationships, and/or dating.

Brain-rot: A description of the overuse of stupid slang. See also: “Skibidi.” Also used to describe the effects of being overly online.

Brat: The contemporary meaning of "brat" is an adjective describing a person who is edgy, imperfect, and confident. It was coined by pop star Charli XCX who defined it as "that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown."

Bruzz: Bros. Part of the -uzz family of slang words. See "Huzz" and "-uzz."

Bubba truck: A lifted or otherwise modified pick-up truck.

Bussin': Very good or excellent.

Cap: A lie. Often used to say "no cap."

Cake: Butt, especially a nice butt.

Catch a fade: To have a fight. (See "fade.")

Chad: An attractive man; an “alpha male.” See "Giga-Chad."

Chat: A reference to streamers addressing their chat windows aloud. Saying “chat” in real life is an ironic joke. 

Cheesin': The slang word "cheesin'" refers to smiling, particularly a big, goofy smile. It comes from the common exhortation to "say cheese!" before a photo is taken. The word "cheesing," with a "g" at the end, often means the same thing, but it can also refer to the trend of throwing slices of cheese at cars and/or people.

Chopped: Ugly. Chopped is often applied to someone's face or outfit, but anything that isn't aesthetically pleasing could be called "chopped," as could anything that is generally not good, like an awkward situation.

Choppelganger: A portmanteau of "chopped" and "doppelgänger," a choppelganger is someone who looks like another person, but worse. (See "chopped.")

Chud: A physically unappealing person. Sometimes used for a man who holds right-wing views.

Clanker: A slur aimed at robots and AI agents pretending to be human.

Clock that: "I understand and agree." Not to be confused with older slang, where "clock" meant to see, or even older slang where "clock" meant "to hit or punch."

Coomer: A man who masturbates too often.

Corn: “Corn” is algo-speak that means “porn.” Used in online spaces where the word might cause your account to be flagged or banned. 

Coworker-core: A catch-all description for things that are unfunny or uninteresting in a way that appeals to older people.

Cracked: This slang term has two meanings: to have sex, as in "I got cracked last night," and to be really good at something, like "he’s cracked at Fortnite."

Crashout: To have an intense emotional outburst, usually accompanied by impulsive behavior. Crashing out is often due to being overwhelmed or overly frustrated.

D1 Crashout: An epic, elite level, extreme crashout. (See "crashout.)

Dah Bih Gah: "That bitch good," ie: "I like that thing." Usually used to describe food.

Dah Bih Tah: "That bitch tough," ie: "I like that thing." Usually used to describe food.

Dead: Past tense of having died laughing. If someone responds to a joke with "dead" or a skull emoji, they find it funny.

Deadass: Seriously. Used like, "I am deadass not lying."

Delulu: Delusional.

Deriod: A combination of "dick" and "period," deriod refers to men seeming to experience the mood swings commonly associated with women's menstrual cycles.

Dih: Algo speak for “dick.” (See "Algo speak.")

Doi doi doi: This piece of brain-rot slang doesn't mean anything. It's correctly pronounced by putting your hand up to your mouth and saying "doi doi doi" in a way that sounds funny.

Doomer: A person who is overly negative and/or cynical.

Drip: A fashionable or stylish look.

Dwerking: A male-centric variation of twerking. A sexually suggestive dancing characterized by rapid, repeated hip thrusts and shaking of the dick. Other variants include "pwerking" and "bwerking" where the "p" and "b" stand for pussy and boobs.

Edgar: A variation of the Caesar haircut worn especially among Hispanic males. Also refers to the kind of person who wears the haircut. 

Fade: A fight. (See "catch a fade.")

Fambushing: A combination of "family" and "ambushing," fambushing refers to young people checking where their parents are on location-sharing apps so they can get free food—if you see mom at Chipotle, you ask for a burrito.

Fanum tax: The theft of food between friends. Named for streamer Fanum, known for “taxing” his friends by taking bites of their meals or stealing fries. 

Fax, no printer: Telling the truth. Since "fax" and "facts" are pronounced the same, this is a colorful way of saying "facts, no cap."

Fent-fold: A description of the bent-over posture of people nodding on heavy drugs.

Fit: Short for "outfit."

Fuhuhluhtoogan: Supposedly from Baltimore slang, this is a nonsense word used so people will ask what it means but never receive an answer. Often paired with "Jittleyang."

Fujoshing: The verb form of the Japanese slang term "fujoshi," fujoshing describes women/girls enjoying media that depicts romantic relationships between men. This word is used almost exclusively in online fandom communities.

Gamer dent: The temporary indentation left on someone’s hair or skin after wearing headphones for too long.

Geeker: Someone who uses a lot of drugs.

Giga-Chad: A Chad among Chads.

Glaze: To overly praise someone, often insincerely, or with the hope of getting something in return.

Gleek: An older slang term that is gaining prominence lately, gleeking describes squirting saliva from under the tongue.

Glizzy: Hot dog. "Glizzy" was originally slang for Glock or gun, but came to mean hot dog based on the hot dog shape of a Glock's magazine.

Green fn: An interjection one might used when someone does something cool or impressive. Often used ironically. 

Goonbait: (See "gooning") Goonbait is, essentially, media that exists to inspiring gooning.

Gooner: A man who goons. (See "gooning.")

Goonette: A woman who goons. (See "gooning.")

Gooning: Extended masturbation without orgasm done for the purpose of entering an altered state of consciousness. (See "gooner," "goonette.")

Gyatt or Gyat: Once an interjection used when seeing someone sexy, like “god-DAMN,” “gyatt” has come to mean “attractive booty.”

Heavy soda: Pop with extra syrup. Some gas station soda machines have settings that control the ratio of syrup to carbonated water. A heavy soda is a soda with the syrup level set very high.

Hewwo: An overly cute way of saying "hello." Usually used online, and often ironically.

HGS: Abbreviation for "home girls" used in comment sections.

Hiplet: Derogatory slang for a woman who has "hip dips," i.e. inward curves on their outer thighs just below the hip bone.

Hozier yell: Named for singer/songwriter Andrew Hozier, a "Hozier yell" refers to the sound one makes when experiencing a peak, climactic, and/or awe-inspiring moment.

HTN: This acronym comes from the online incel community, where fairly good-looking men are described as "high-tier normies" or "HTN." (See "normie.")

Hurkle-durkle: Based on an archaic Scottish word, “hurkle-durkle” means to lounge in bed after it is time to get up. See also: “bed-rotting."

Huzz: -uzz slang for "hoes." See "bruzz" and "-uzz."

"It's giving": Used to convey that something has a specific vibe. Example: "That dude texts you every 10 minutes; it's giving desperate."

"It's so over": The situation is hopeless. The opposite of "we're so back." See also: "Doomer."

IWEL: This comment-section acronym is short for "I wouldn't even lie." Sometimes written as "IWL."

Jelqing: The use of stretching or weights in an attempt to increase penis size.

Jit: A kid. Used ironically online.

Jittleyang: Supposedly from Baltimore slang, this is a nonsense word used so people will ask what it means but never receive an answer. See also: "Fuhuhluhtoogan."

JOMO: A play on FOMO (fear of missing out) JOMO is an acronym that stands for “joy of missing out.”

Jugg: To grab quickly or to steal.

"Learn Chinese": Sports slang directed at failing players. They are in danger of being sent to play in China, so they should "learn Chinese."

Loaded water: Water enhanced with something—a flavor boost, fruit juice, electrolytes, carbonation, and even vitamins or prebiotics. The idea is to increase hydration by making water more palatable.

Looksmaxxing: Maximizing one’s physical attractiveness through personal grooming, working out, and dressing stylishly. See also: “-maxxing.”

🪫 (low battery emoji): The low battery emoji means "I am experiencing emotional depletion, heartbreak, or a general feeling of 'I can't anymore.'"

Lowkenuinely: This mash-up of "low key" and "genuinely" expresses sincerity but in a way that says "let's not make a big deal about it."

Lucky Scoops: Lucky Scoops are a kind of TikTok or Instagram video where buyers purchase a scoop that represents a chance to win merchandise. These videos are very popular with children; critics feel like they are a form of gambling.

Mason (or Mason 6-7 kid): A "Mason 6-7 Kid" or "Mason" is a stereotypical male member of Generation Alpha. Mason kids are known for their love of baseball-inspired fashion (caps and shorts), their "ice cream" haircut, and for repeating brainrot slang like "6-7."

-maxxing: A suffix used with any word to indicate trying to improve. Seeing your friends could be called "friendmaxxing," working out could be called "gymmaxxing," making jokes could be called "jestermaxxing," etc.

Mid: Average, bland, expected.

Mewing: A facial exercise meant to strengthen the jawline.

Mirror sex: Using a mirror to watch yourself have sex.

Mog: To be more attractive than someone, usually in an intentional or aggressive way. Example: "I was rizzing up this girl, but he walked in and totally mogged me."

"My 90 in a 30": A song played while driving that inspires speeding.

"My steak is too juicy": The phrase "my steak is too juicy" and other variants like "my lobster is too buttery," are online insults that suggest someone is complaining about something they should be grateful for.

Neurospicy: A different way of saying “neuro-divergent.”

Normie: A person who is considered normal or average. It's sometimes an insult suggesting someone is boring and witless. (see also, "mid.")

NPC: Non-player character. Originally describing video game characters, NPC is now used on the internet to mean people who don't think for themselves.

Opp: Short for "opposition." Someone who is out to get you. An enemy.

Performative male: An insult for young men whose tastes, hobbies, and lifestyle are seen as a performance aimed at obtaining societal approval, especially the approval of young women.

Phonk: The word phonk can refer to one of two musical sub-genres. It originally referred to throwback '90s hip-hop categorized by slow-tempo "chopped and screwed" production and vintage Memphis rap vocals. It now more commonly describes the heavily distorted, up-tempo EDM used in brainrot videos.

Pink cocaine: Also known as "pink snow," pink cocaine is slang for a powdered drug mixture that usually contains some combination of ketamine, MDMA, meth, opioids, and other substances.

Pole: A gun. See "up pole."

"Press F for respect:" In 2014 video game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfighter, the player attends a funeral and a prompt is given that reads "Press F to pay respects." Now, a singular "F" in a chat window indicates respect. It's usually ironic.

Rawdogging boredom: Rawdogging is "doing something with no safeguards or support," so "rawdogging boredom" is consciously doing nothing.

Regarded: “Regarded” is algo-speak for “retarded."

RegencyCore: A fashion and design aesthetic that springs from the popularity of the fantasy-regency era look of the Netflix show Bridgerton, RegencyCore combines the opulent style of the British Regency era of the early 1800s with fantasy elements like pastel colors and gold accents.

"Reheating your own nachos:" This slang phrase comes from cultural critics in online fandom communities. It refers to performers and/or artists whose new works are seen as trying to recapture what was good about their previous artistic output. It's not always negative; it's possible to successfully reheat your own nachos.

Rizz: As a noun, "rizz" means charisma. As a verb, "rizz" or "rizz up" means attracting someone with your charisma.

Scientology speedrun: Young people running into a Scientology building and acting foolish until they are ejected.

Scorigami: A slang term among football fans for when the final score of an NFL game has never happened before in the league's history. The most recent scorigami was on September 28, 2025, when the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys tied 40 to 40.

SDIYBT: An acronym for "start digging in your butt, twin," this brainrot phrase doesn't mean anything. Some people just think it's funny to say.

Sendy and “Let’s get sendy": Sendy is an adjective based on the older rock-climbing and extreme sports slang phrase "send it." A shortened version of "ascend it," "send it" is said right before one is about to do something challenging. "Sendy" describes a person who is prone to doing bold things. "Let's get sendy" means something like "Let's get wild." It's been adopted by brainrot fans, so it's often repeated with no meaning meant to be attached.

Serve: Wearing a particularly stylish outfit. See also: "ate."

Serve cunt: To act in a powerfully and unapologetically feminine way; to slay.

Sharking: Looking for people to hook up with.

Sigma male: An internet-created male classification, a "sigma male" is as dominant as an alpha male, but is outside the male hierarchy, i.e.: a lone wolf. Originally used seriously, the concept was so widely derided it's now almost always used ironically. (See "Alpha male" and "Beta male.")

Skibidi: Named after “Skibidi Toilet,” a popular series of YouTube videos, “skibidi” itself has no specific meaning, beyond ridiculing the overuse of slang itself. See “brain-rot.”

Skrt: Onomatopoetic word for the sound of tires squealing upon acceleration.

Slopcore: This term describes the countless 100s of millions of cheesy-looking, unsettling, AI-generated images, videos, and songs that have hit the internet since AI was given to the masses a couple of years ago.

Slopper: Insult directed at people who use AI programs too much, people who takes conversations with LLMs too seriously, and people who have basically offloaded their thinking to an algorithm.

Snatched: Very attractive and/or flawlessly styled. 

Spawn point: Mother. Based on the spot you start in a video game.

Spoopy: Spooky.

Striker: Stolen/no-title car.

Surf Dracula: A hyper-specific phrase that describes "prestige" television series. The joke is that if there were an older TV show called "Surf Dracula," Dracula would be surfing in every episode, but modern shows would make the whole first season about how Dracula got his surfboard.

Sweat: A person who tries too hard, usually used in reference to video games. The adjective form is "sweaty."

SYBAU: An online acronym that stands for “shut your bitch ass up.”

That's AI: "I don't believe you" or "I doubt it," even when not connected to artificial intelligence.

TLPUR: This supposed acronym section has no meaning. The joke is to tell people it means something like "True Love Pills Until Rope" or "Too Late for Puberty."

Tradwife: Believer in traditional married gender roles.

Trap: Once used to refer to a house where drugs are sold, trap has come to describe both a form of music and any place where one works or hustles.

Treatler (and Treatlerite): "Treatler" and "Treatlerite" are online insults that combine "treat" and "Hitler" to refer to entitled users of services like Doordash or Uber Eats who regard luxury delivery services as a human right, and don't consider the hardships of the people who do the work that makes "private taxis for burritos" possible.

TS: TS originally was AAVE shorthand for "this shit," but it is often used to just mean "this."

Turnt: Excited or intoxicated, or excitedly intoxicated.

Tweaking: In older slang, "tweaking" referred to the nervous and erratic actions of someone on drugs, specifically, speed. Generations A and Z have expanded the definition to refer to any actions that are erratic, or even just mildly energetic, not necessarily related to drug use.

Twelve: Police.

Twin: Best friend.

Unc: Short for "uncle," used to describe slightly older people. Example: "The class of 2024 are unc-status to the class of 2028." See "yunc."

-uzz: -uzz slang words use "uzz" at the end of any word, so "bros" becomes "bruzz," "hoes" becomes "huzz," "granny" becomes "gruzz," etc.

Up pole: To raise a gun.

"We're so back": Opposite of "it's so over."

Venus tummy: When a woman's belly is a little fat, but not too fat, she is said to have a Venus tummy. Named for ancient Greek statues of Venus and Aphrodite who were a little fleshy.

Wojack: The name of a style of internet drawings used to quickly stereotype someone. See this post for a full explanation of the Wojak universe.

Yapping: Describes a presentational style often seen on online streams of talking a lot and/or quickly while not saying anything worthwhile.

Yeet: To quickly and/or forcibly eject.

You the birthday: A phrase that means "you're awesome" or "you're great" in the way a birthday is great: fun, exciting, extra, etc.

Young ho: "Young ho" is both a reclamation of the word "ho" and an expression of youth-based solidarity. Young women are posting videos of themselves defining what makes them "young hos," noting things like "Getting up at 7:50 to be at work at 8," and air-frying chicken nuggets.

Yunc: Yunc is a variation of "unc." In AAVE, a "yn" is a "young n-word." So "yunc" means something like "young uncle," or a person who may be young but has uncle vibes or unc status.

Zoomer Perm: A curly on top, short on the sides haircut popular among young people. 

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The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What Is Viking Rap?

By: Stephen Johnson —

This week's Out-of-Touch guide takes us from the frozen wastelands of ancient Scandinavia to Alabama courtrooms, with side quests to examine hometown nostalgia and the peculiar love Gen Z has for clowns.

What is "Viking rap"?

The newest trend in music online is videos of Vikings rapping. Clips from fake artists with names like "Viggo Ironside" and "Ragalor" are rapidly proliferating on TikTok and other places where videos are shared. The vibe is aggressive beats and bars about Valhalla, longships, tattered flags, and wolves. The visuals are usually of muscular blonde people with tattoos in a studio doing their thing, like this:

The only other setting these Viking rappers seem to inhabit are concerts, particularly ironic given that no one will ever actually see these "artists" perform live:

The most famous Viking rapper is Draugr Balled, who was the first to really solidify the whole Viking rap genre. Balled's videos regularly earn millions of views, and you can listen to this music on legit streaming services if you want to never hang out with me.

Judging from the hundreds of comments these videos inspire ("Just wasting water," "Reposted by every 45yr old divorced dad," etc.) Kids regard Viking rap as extremely cringe, so it seems like a guilty pleasure, the kind of thing you wouldn't admit that you like, even if you secretly dig it.

For the record: Actual Vikings probably didn't have tattoos, but Viking women were generally less subjugated than women in other civilizations of the time period. Actual Vikings were also into "flyting," verse-based insult battles that seem a lot like freestyle rap battles, so there's a little historical precedent for these videos. Anyway, check out the "vikinghiphop" hashtag if you actually want to listen to more of this kind of thing. Just don't tell anyone you like it.

What is a side quest?

As I'm sure you know, a side quest in a video game is a quest that is not necessary to completing the game's main objective. In slang, a side quest is anything you do just to do it. If going to college is your quest, a side quest might be finding the underground tunnels everyone talks about, or taking an outside-your-major elective like Fencing 101 just because it looks interesting.

TikTok rolls out age restrictions

Big news for kids out of Alabama this week, where a court settlement may change how every kid in the U.S. uses social media. TikTok's parent company ByteDance agreed to pay Alabama over $100 million dollars to end a lawsuit claiming TikTok is designed to keep kids addicted to the platform. TikTok will also implement a two-hour daily usage limit for children, overnight and school-hour restrictions, and ban the use of cosmetic filters on kids' accounts. Underage users will also receive an interruption after 15 minutes of TikTok use, and additional pauses at 60 and 90 minutes.

While these restrictions only apply to Alabama, this is only the first state settlement of what will likely be many. There are 27 similar suits working through the court systems in other states. The likely result will be nationwide guidelines for all social media. Meta, having recently settled a federal suit, has already implemented two-hour daily time limits for young users of Facebook and Instagram and is urging it competitors to do the same. Because navigating a patchwork of state laws is not easy for tech companies, big platforms are likely to adopt the strictest state requirements as a universal standard.

What are "how I feel in my hometown" memes?

I love when young people use new tools to express age-old emotions in novel ways. That's what "How I Feel in My Hometown" memes are about. You choose a fictional character, usually from an anime, to represent yourself and place 'em in scenes representing your hometown to capture that unique and melancholic sense of being a stranger in your birthplace, or having outgrown the place and seeing it with a different set of eyes. Here's an example, where Madoka Kaname contrasts with a small town:

and here's an anime character called Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling in a Midwest town:

Another layer of irony comes from the song many memers use to accompany the video, That's My Kind of Night by Luke Bryan, an unapologetic pop-country ode to small-town life. You don't even have to know who Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen is to get how he'd feel about hanging out at Texas Buc-ee's:

Viral video of the week: I accidentally found the origins of the "propeller hat"

YouTuber BouncyClown's examination of the origin of the propeller hat "only" has about 150,000 views, so it isn't the most viral video this week, but it's a really interesting story and it's indicative of a growing trend among young people: They're really into clowns.

Clowncore is a whole thing, whether it's people doing a modern take on the "evil clown" aesthetic pioneered by the Insane Clown Posse in the last generation, kids celebrating happy clowns in general, or folks like BouncyClown who take things in a new direction by combining clown-stuff with the kind of quirky pop-culture history YouTube is known for.

To get speculative for a minute, the popularity of clowns and clowncore among young people seems like a reaction to how stultifying it is to live in a world where everyone is perfect on social media, and "cringe" is the greatest crime. It's rebellion in pancake makeup. Clowncore folks are saying, "Fuck trying to be beautiful. I'm going to make myself look as ridiculous as possible and just have fun." I'm no clown guy, but I stand behind the message 100 percent.

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Nicole Scherzinger treedt met brandwond op met Pussycat Dolls in Amsterdam

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Nicole Scherzinger gaat ondanks een brandwond op haar been door met haar tournee met de Pussycat Dolls. Voorafgaand aan de show in Amsterdam zondagavond deelde de zangeres een foto van de wond in een Story op haar Instagram.

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The Top 10 TV Series Right Now, According to Streaming Data

By: Stephen Johnson · Joel Cunningham —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

As much as Hollywood has been wringing its hands over franchise fatigue, consider this: In July, a Spider-Man movie made $168 million at the box office in one day, and the top streaming series was a Game of Thrones spinoff.

Fortunately, if you are hungering for something original, you can still catch innovative comedy series like The Bear and Widow's Bay, or tense thrillers like FROM and Cape Fear (well, OK, that last one is a remake of a 1990 Martin Scorsese movie that was a remake of a 1962 Gregory Peck movie that was an adaptation of a book, but the point stands). Here are all of July's most-watched series, according to data from streaming information repository JustWatch.


House of the Dragon

Seems we still aren't sick of dragons and incomprehensible political intrigue: The third season of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel based on a fake history tome by George R.R. Martin, came roaring back to the top of the streaming charts. With the season finale landing this weekend, fantasy fans will have to wait until the arrival of season two of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for their next Westeros fix. You can stream House of the Dragon on HBO Max.

Silo

Another book adaptation returning for a third season, Apple TV's Silo continues to track the downward spiral of the dregs of humanity, living together underground in a cavernous edifice that goes all the way down. If you've been wondering how things got so bad, this season goes back in time to reveal the source of humanity's downfall. (Unsurprisingly, humans are to blame.) You can stream Silo on Apple TV.

The Bear

Across four seasons, we've watched neurotic chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) flame out as an elite chef, return to his humble beginnings in his family's Chicago sandwich shop, try to turn said sandwich shop into a fine dining establishment, experience ups and downs in his business and personal life, and finally, at the end of season four, quit the food industry altogether. Taking place mostly over the course of a single day, the fifth and final season explores the immediate aftermath of that monumental decision—on Carmy, and the rest of the restaurant's partners and kitchen staff. It's a fitting goodbye for one of the most lauded TV series ever. You can stream the final season of The Bear on Hulu.

Widow's Bay

This series from Apple TV has won nearly unanimous praise from both critics and audiences. It's a rare horror-comedy that manages to be genuinely scary and really funny. In the island town of Widow's Bay, literally everything is haunted, cursed, and otherwise beset with unspeakable evil, but Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) still really wants to bring tourism to the island. Mayor Tom is so married to his vision of Widow's Bay as the next Martha's Vineyard, he ignores the sea hags, fog monsters, and serial-killer ghosts surrounding him. The great Stephen Root plays Wyck, an old-timer who's always there to remind everyone that time is short and everyone is doomed. You can stream Widow's Bay on Apple TV+.

Lucky

Based on the bestselling novel by Marissa Stapley, Apple TV's latest hit stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular con artist. Her name proves to be a tad ironic after her latest job goes wrong and she finds herself the prime target of both the cops and the dangerous crime boss—who also happens to be her mother-in-law. Annette Bening is clearly having a grand time playing the ruthless Priscilla Masterson, who blames Lucky for the loss of $10 million she and Priscilla's son Cary (Drew Masterson) stole—never mind that Cary eventually ran away with it. With a supporting cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Timothy Olyphant, it's a fast-moving thriller with a sense of humor and an irresistible lead character. You can stream Lucky on Apple TV.

Ride or Die

This London-set series stars the ultimate odd couple. Octavia Spencer plays Debbie, the American wife of a British politician, and Hannah Waddingham plays her good friend Judith, who happens to be a master assassin. After a hit gone wrong, Judith must go on the run to stay ahead of another assassin working against her, and to avoid running afoul of the ruthless agency (literally called The Agency) that employs her. Obviously, Debbie gets pulled along for the ride. It's a fast, tense, and funny thriller series. You can stream Ride or Die on Prime Video.

I Will Find You

Like Max Cady in Cape Fear, the main character in I Will Find You has been imprisoned for a murder he did not commit. But unlike Max Cady, David Burroughs (Sam Worthington) doesn't set out to murder his lawyer. He was accused of killing his own son, and when he sees evidence that the boy is alive, he escapes prison to find his child. It's a modern take on The Fugitive: with the authorities on his trail, David must unravel a twisting conspiracy to clear his name and bring his child home. I Will Find You is a perfect summertime thriller. You can stream I Will Find You on Netflix.

FROM

The residents of the unnamed town at the center of FROM cannot catch a break. If it's not worms crawling around under their skin, it's the mysterious Man in Yellow stealing people's souls. Season four of this mystery-heavy show from the executive producers of Lost sees the survivors pushed to their limits as the veil between the strange town and the real world gets thinner. You can stream FROM on MGM+.

Cape Fear

Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, Cape Fear is a 10-episode reimagining of a classic novel that has previously been adapted into two celebrated films. In this extended version, Amy Adams plays Anna Bowden, a defense attorney who unsuccessfully defended murder suspect Max Cady 17 years previously. Turns out he wasn't guilty, and Cady has had nearly two decades to plan his revenge against the woman he blames for putting him behind bars. Javier Bardem brings unsettling energy to the role of Cady, previously played by Robert Mitchum, Robert De Niro, and Sideshow Bob. If you like slow-burn suspense that gradually ratchets up tension, you'll like Cape Fear. You can stream Cape Fear on Apple TV+.

The Agency

The spy thriller returns for its second season. Michael Fassbender plays Brandon Colby (code name Martian), a former CIA field agent who now runs operations for London Station, the agency's home office in the U.K. This season, the spy action grows more intricate, as Martian works to clear the name of his lover (Jodie Turner-Smith) while also going head-to-head with a possible double agent within the Agency's own ranks. You can stream The Agency on Paramount+ With Showtime.

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The Top 10 Movies Right Now, According to Streaming Data

By: Stephen Johnson · Joel Cunningham —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

After years of post-COVID uncertainty, are the movies finally back? Judging by July's box office returns, that certainly seems to be the case: Debuting in theaters within weeks of one another, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day both have experienced record-breaking runs (the latter even claimed the largest opening weekend of all time, banking $360 million in the U.S. alone).

But if you ask me, the biggest box office success story of the year was much more unpredictable than seeing a movie from the world's most beloved director (or starring the most popular superhero) make bank: Obsession, a gnarly, R-rated horror flick produced on a budget of less than $1 million, went on to make more than $262 million in ticket sales—a true word-of-mouth phenomenon. On the other hand, with numbers like that, it's no surprise to see Obsession topping the streaming charts now that it is available to watch at home. Here are the other streaming movies that drew eyeballs last month, according to data from JustWatch.

Obsession (2026)

Arriving out of nowhere from first-time director Curry Barker, who got his start making sketch comedy videos on YouTube, Obsession debuted to higher-than-expected box office returns its opening weekend, and then just never stopped making money. It seems horror fans couldn't get enough of the story of a hapless teenager (Michael Johnston) who gets more than he bargains for when he picks up a "One Wish Willow" gag toy and expresses his heart's desire: that his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) would fall in love with him. His wish comes true, and then some—with blood-splattering results. Stream Obsession on Peacock.

Project Hail Mary (2026)

In this crowd-pleasing sci-fi, Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who is blasted into the firmament in a last-ditch effort to save the world. Grace is the only person on Earth who might know how to protect the sun from a cosmic infection that threatens all life, but he's definitely not an astronaut and doesn't see himself as a hero either. Will he rise to the occasion and learn something about his inner strength and resilience while saving us all from death? My money is on, "yeah, probably." Project Hail Mary is streaming on Prime Video and MGM+.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2026)

Legendary director Gore Verbinski (The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean) is back with a satirical, gleefully maximalist science fiction comedy that takes on AI, social media addiction, VR, and the modern world itself. Sam Rockwell plays a man from the future who shows up in an LA diner demanding that customers help him save the future from an artificial intelligence that is about to be born. Being a time traveler, Rockwell has tried this many times before and has always failed, but this time, it's going to be different—or everyone is going to die again. Part Terminator, part Black Mirror, Don't Die is a throw-everything-at-the-wall movie that goes so far over the top, you'll be forced to submit to its weird logic and style out of sheer exhaustion. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is streaming on Hulu, or you can rent it from Prime Video.

The Sheep Detectives (2026)

A family movie with enough darkness to balance out all the cute sheep, The Sheep Detectives tells the tale of an English farmer played by Hugh Jackman who reads mysteries to his flock of sheep every night. When he's found dead, the authorities attribute it to natural causes, but his sheep know better, and they set out to find the culprit using what they've learned from all those whodunnits. If you like the Babe movies, you'll like The Sheep Detectives, and if you think you're too cynical to get into a movie like this, you're probably wrong: It is charming and fun. The Sheep Detectives is streaming on Prime Video.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026)

A sleeper hit from 2019, Ready or Not followed a woman (Samara Weaving) who went to meet her fiancé's parents and wound up being hunted by them—their next target in a game of demonic ritual sacrifice dating back generations. The unlikely sequel picks up mere minutes after the first movie ended, with the other ultra-rich, ultra-powerful families in thrall to the same evil turning up to kick off round two. With a killer cast (including Sarah Michelle-Gellar, Elijah Wood, and director David Cronenberg) and a darkly hilarious skewer-the-rich vibe, it's bloody good fun. You can stream Ready or Not 2 on Hulu.

Troy (2004)

Why is a 22-year-old, vaguely remembered Brad Pitt historical action flick suddenly appearing on the streaming charts? It makes sense when you consider that Troy essentially serves as a prequel to 2026's The Odyssey. This flashy but shallow epic from director Wolfgang Petersen stars Pitt as the legendary warrior Achilles, who sets sail in the service of his king, Agamemnon (Brian Cox), to lay siege against the title city to recover Helen (Diane Kruger), wife of the Spartan King Menaelus (Agamemnon's brother), from her "captors," Hector and Paris, young princes of Troy. If you've studied your myths (or if you've seen Christopher Nolan's new film), you know how it all turns out (it involves a horse). You can stream Troy on Peacock.

Masters of the Universe (2026)

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with He-Man—me and all of the other boys born between 1975 and 1982. I dreamed of seeing the musclebound hero on the big screen, but I was merely nonplussed by the 1987 Dolph Lundgren-starring adaptation, which looked nothing like the toys and cartoons. Turns out I just needed to wait 40 years, because the 2026 version, from Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee director Travis Knight, is, if anything, too faithful to the campier aspects of the franchise, with a tone that walks the line between serious action epic and Barbie-style sendup. As a result (or perhaps just because 40 years is a really long time to expect people to care about a Hercules knock-off), the movie bombed at the box office—but perhaps it will find its audience of now-middle-aged men on streaming. You can watch Masters of the Universe on Prime Video.

The Long Walk (2025)

This chilling adaptation of one of Stephen King's earliest novels feels ripped from the capitalist hellscape of 2026: In an alternate 1970s U.S., a fascist government has taken over and, as a means of control, stages an annual "contest" known as The Walk, wherein a group of 50 boys is forced to compete in a non-stop, cross-country walking contest. The winner gets one wish granted, while the losers all get a bullet in the head. Two contestants (played by Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson) are competing for their lives, closely watched by the ruthless Major (played by Mark Hamill in full villain mode). Stream The Long Walk on HBO Max.

Pressure (2026)

If you haven't heard of Pressure, ask your dad: This WWII flick, starring a post-Oscar Brendan Fraser as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, is prime Dad Movie material. It focuses on the lead-up to the Normandy invasion and is all about Eisenhower working closely with meteorologist (no, really) James Stagg (Andrew Scott) to determine if the conditions will be right to launch their planned invasion. Though it got good reviews, this one underperformed in theaters, but its modest charms seem right at home on streaming. You can stream Pressure on Peacock.

Independence Day (1996)

It's no mystery why this oversized alien invasion blockbuster hit the streaming charts in July. Even 30 years later, everyone likes to spend their July 4th watching Will Smith throw around one-liners as stuff blows up real good all around him (all capped off with a rousing speech from President Bill Pullman). You can stream Independence Day on Hulu.

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Britse prinses Eugenie verwelkomt derde kind: 'Dolverliefd op ons meisje'

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De Britse prinses Eugenie en haar partner Jack Brooksbank zijn maandag ouders geworden van hun derde kind. Het stel maakte bekend dat hun dochter in Portugal is geboren.

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Game of Thrones-schrijver George R.R. Martin had last van depressiviteit

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George R.R. Martin heeft een moeilijk jaar achter de rug. De afgelopen periode heeft hij last gehad van "verdriet en depressiviteit", schrijft de Game of Thrones-schrijver op zijn persoonlijke blog. "Er is zo veel gebeurd. Het is overweldigend."

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Franse topchef Jean Imbert opgepakt om mogelijk huiselijk geweld tegen partners

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De Franse topchef Jean Imbert is gearresteerd op verdenking van huiselijk geweld tegen meerdere partners. De advocaten van de bekende chef-kok laten aan Franse media weten dat hij sinds maandagochtend wordt ondervraagd op het politiebureau.

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B&B Vol liefde-stel Daniël en Danique verwelkomen dochter

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Danique Ploeger (24) en Daniël Zuiddam (38) hebben hun eerste dochter mogen verwelkomen. Het stel, dat elkaar leerdekennen tijdens het televisieprogramma B&B Vol liefde, heeft haar de naam Novie gegeven.

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Voormalig radioduo Wietze de Jager en Mattie Valk hebben 'af en toe' contact

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Wietze de Jager en Mattie Valk hebben af en toe weer contact. Het voormalige succesvolle radioduo ging in 2017 uit elkaar na een publieke ruzie over De Jagers overstap naar Sky Radio.

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If You Loved 'Gilmore Girls,' There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

By: Jeff Somers —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Gilmore Girls is pure comfort viewing. We all wish our lives were filled with more sparkling, quick-witted dialogue spiced with deep pop culture references, and that we lived in a warm, quirky place like Stars Hollow—and that’s why it’s one of those shows that folks binge over and over again. It’s like getting together with some old friends—it never gets old. But true fans know that to keep up with the Gilmores, you have to absorb a lot of pop culture. If you’ve already watched the shows that fans of Gilmore Girls will love, it’s time to hop over to the movies that Rory and Lorelai would approve for movie night.

Why fans of Gilmore Girls should watch Mermaids

Mermaids is set in the 1960s, but the similarities with Gilmore Girls are strong. Winona Ryder plays Charlotte, a 15-year-old whose mother, Rachel (Cher), has a habit of moving to a new town every time she breaks up with a boyfriend. Adding to Charlotte’s growing sense of disruption is the fact that Rachel, who had Charlotte when she was just 16 herself, acts like her friend instead of her mother. When Rachel moves with Charlotte and her younger sister, Kate (Christina Ricci), to the small town of Eastport, Massachusetts, things begin to change.

If you loved the dynamic between Rory and Lorelai on Gilmore Girls, you’ll love Charlotte and Rachel. The show is pitched a little higher on the drama scale, but the funny, sharp dialogue between the women and the deep love between them is very Gilmore-esque. Like Rory, Charlotte is precocious and smart, though she’s a bit more prone to fantasy; despite being Jewish, she becomes obsessed with Catholicism, which causes her a lot of distress when she crushes on the local convent’s caretaker, Joe. And like Lorelai, Rachel is a strong woman who finds love in a small town without sacrificing her sense of self and independence. Their comic timing is flawless in this film.

That small-town, East Coast vibe in Eastport will also appeal to fans of the show. Eastport is depicted as a vibrant, tight-knit place where the locals are kind and weird in the best ways. When Rachel meets Lou (Bob Hoskins), the local shoe salesman, she resists falling in love for fear of losing her independence, but their blooming relationship is sweet and satisfying, and the town is populated by memorable characters just like Stars Hollow.

If you’re looking for banter, romance, and a town you wish you lived in just like Gilmore Girls, go watch Mermaids.

Stream Mermaids on Fubo or rent it on Prime Video.

More movies for fans of Gilmore Girls

Mermaids is terrific, but it’s not quite two hours long—so you’re going to need to add more movies to your list. Here are a few more that Gilmore Girls fans will love.

His Girl Friday (1940)

One of the many films directly name-checked in Gilmore Girls, His Girl Friday is way ahead of its time and the perfect match. The story, about a newspaper editor (Cary Grant) using a variety of shady (and, from a modern POV, kind of sketchy) tricks to win back the woman who is both his best reporter and his ex-wife (Rosalind Russell), is surprisingly gender-blind for a film released in 1940. And the dialogue—racking up an astounding 240 words per minute, on average—is so fast, so sharp, and so overlapping you’ll have to watch it three times to catch every joke and reference. If you come back to Gilmore Girls for the banter, you will love this movie.

Stream His Girl Friday on Fubo or Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video.

Juno (2007)

Another movie known for its sharp, rapid-delivery dialogue, Juno is also the perfect choice for Gilmore fans because of its main character, Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page). Sixteen years old and finding herself surprisingly pregnant, Juno navigates the emotional and social fallout with a sharp tongue and a bright mind that’s very much how you might imagine Rory dealing with a teen pregnancy. Juno agrees to let a childless couple (played by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) adopt her baby, but as she grows closer to the husband, the film digs into complex relationship dynamics that fans of the show will appreciate.

Rent Juno on Prime Video.

Booksmart (2019)

One of the great things about Gilmore Girls is that it’s a show that celebrates intelligence and knowing things. The Gilmores and the people they surround themselves with are smart, and they enjoy being smart. So do Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) in Booksmart: They’ve skipped so many parties and hangouts in order to excel at school and get into Ivy League schools, and their quick, hilarious dialogue reflects how smart they are. When they learn that their hard-partying, much lazier classmates also got into great schools, they suffer what can only be termed a mild existential crisis, with hilarious results.

Rent Booksmart on Apple TV.

Before Sunset (2004)

The Gilmores often display an enviable dynamic: relaxed, affectionate, and challenging. Rory and Lorelai like to debate, to converse, to dig into their assumptions and have real conversations—the kind we all wish we were having on the regular. If you ever wished some of those conversations in Gilmore Girls would go on for, oh, a few hours, check out Before Sunset—it’s almost all conversation. It’s the sequel to Before Sunrise (the trilogy—itself basically one enormous conversation—ends with Before Midnight), but the second film is a closer match to the deep relationship between Rory and Loralei that makes the show special. The story sees author Jesse (Ethan Hawke) reunited with Céline (Julie Delpy), once again spending a day together in Paris nine years after a 24-hour conversation changed their lives, chatting in a way few people ever get to.

Stream Before Sunset on The Roku Channel or rent it on Prime Video.

Waitress (2007)

Quirky small town vibes, a loving found family, and an unplanned pregnancy—Waitress is what Rory or Lorelai’s life might have been like with some different choices or simple bad luck. Jenna Hunterson (Keri Russell) is a small-town waitress trapped in a miserable marriage; her plans to save up money and flee are complicated when she finds herself unexpectedly knocked up. She begins an affair with her new obstetrician (Nathan Fillion, so: understandable) and learns that she has more friends—and better friends—than she imagined.

Rent Waitress on Prime Video.

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Can the Gritty ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Save the Superhero Movie?

By: Emmanuel Morgan —
The newest entry in the franchise took a more grounded approach, a departure for a spectacle-focused genre that is teetering at the box office.

Tom Holland in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” a more intimate outing for the superhero.

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If You Loved ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,' There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

By: Jeff Somers —

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Stuart Fails to Save the Universe might be the most surprising series on TV right now. Another spinoff from the wildly successful The Big Bang Theory, the show’s focus on bit players from the original series and an enthusiastic embrace of its gonzo multiverse plot shaped a fun, fast-paced, and inventive sitcom that both scratches the nostalgic itch for more of that universe and offers something completely fresh and new in it. If you’re looking for more sci-fi hijinx and humor that embraces the multiverse with wit, imagination, and a robust supply of heart (and you’ve already burned through the shows that offer a similar vibe), then there’s precisely one movie you should watch immediately: Everything Everywhere All at Once.

After Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, watch Everything Everywhere All at Once

Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (aka the Daniels), Everything Everywhere All at Once is the story of Evelyn Quan Wang (Michelle Yeoh), an unhappy, middle-aged immigrant from China who runs a failing laundromat and is struggling in every aspect of her life, from her relationships with her father (James Hong), husband (Ke Huy Quan), and daughter (Stephanie Hsu) to her upcoming audit with the IRS. At her IRS interview, her body is suddenly controlled and she finds herself face to face with an alternate version of her husband, Waymond, who informs her that there are multiple universes and versions of her, and that she must access the skills and life experience of those alternate versions in order to save the multiverse from destruction by Jobu Tupaki—an alternate version of her daughter, Joy.

If you love the wild ride that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe offers as the gang regularly slides into a new alternate world, Everything Everywhere All at Once is the perfect match. As Evelyn struggles to comprehend the nature of her existence in a multiverse and figure out how to survive the bizarre and mind-blowing attacks Jobu Tupaki sends her way, we are treated to a dizzying range of insane universes. We see Evelyn as a martial arts movie star (not unlike Yeoh in real life), a scientist, a teppanyaki chef, a woman with hot dogs for fingers (in a universe where everyone has hot dogs for fingers) and, in one of the most moving moments, as a literal rock.

If you’re digging the emotional core of the show as Stuart seeks a universe where he is worthy and hasn’t ruined everything, the core premise of Everything will hit you right in the feels. Evelyn has been chosen because she’s the worst version of herself—the version that has consistently failed in everything she’s tried, and thus the version with the most stored potential. Her emotional journey from nihilism and anger to love and acceptance as she learns to fight for what she loves is powerfully moving. Like the show, the movie leverages the character-building aspects of a multiverse, letting us see how a normal, regular person with normal, regular problems might face a terrifyingly abnormal challenge.

Plus, the movie is just fun. How can you watch a scene where mild-mannered Waymond Wang defeats a gang of security guards using multiverse-downloaded fannypack skills and not want to watch the rest of the movie?

Stream Everything Everywhere All at Once on Hulu, or rent it on Prime Video.

More movies to watch after Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

The multiverse may be infinite, but movies about them aren’t. If you’ve watched Everything Everywhere All at Once and need more fun sci-fi stories, here are a few more movies that catch that Stuart vibe.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Douglas Adams’ classic story of an ordinary guy named Arthur Dent who is rescued by his friend (and secret alien) Ford Prefect when Earth is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass isn’t a multiverse story per se, but it has similar elements. That’s thanks to the Infinite Improbability Drive, which allows for faster-than-light travel by passing through every point in every possible universe simultaneously, resulting in some really, really weird stuff (the hilariously inconsistent timeline resulting from the many variations of the story also contributes a sense of multiversity craziness). It’s an absurdist’s dream, riffing on every conceivable sci-fi trope and delivering a surprisingly sweet story of a man struggling with his sense of unimportance in an increasingly confusing existence.

Rent The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on Prime Video.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

You want a bit more edge to your multiverse humor? Check out Deadpool & Wolverine, in which everyone’s favorite merc with a mouth (Ryan Reynolds) has to skip through various universes to find a replacement Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who famously and nobly died at the end of Logan in 2017, for, er, reasons. It’s absolutely riddled with hilarious bits, fourth-wall breaks, and hyperviolence—but there’s a gooey emotional core to it, as well.

Stream Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney Plus, or rent it on Prime Video.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

If Everything Everywhere All at Once is a bit too staid and sedate for your tastes, check out this 1984 fever dream of a sci-fi movie. When rock star, scientist, and surgeon Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller) tests a device that allows him to pass through matter, he briefly engages with the 8th dimension—and unwittingly attracts the attention of aliens who wish to use his technology to free their brethren trapped there, putting the existence of humanity at risk. It’s one of the weirdest vibes ever captured on film, but it’s also hilarious and one of the most unique films you’ll ever watch.

Stream The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension on The Roku Channel, or rent it on Prime Video.

John Dies at the End (2013)

If you love the unexpected twists that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe serves up as he and his friends travel through alternate universes, strap in for John Dies at the End. To say the story is complex would an understatement—it slides between the past, present, and future of various dimensions at a rapid clip—but it kicks off when a man named David (Chase Williamson) is contacted by his recently dead friend, Rob, who tells him about a drug called Soy Sauce that lets folks remember the future and allows entities to creep from one universe into another—and they’re infiltrating David’s universe. It’s wild and often really funny, so if it’s extra you’re looking for, look no further.

Stream John Dies at the End on The Roku Channel, or rent it on Prime Video.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

If you want to lean a bit more into plain old funny stuff, this modern classic is perfect. There’s no multiverse here, but there is a lot of affectionate humor aimed squarely at sci-fi tropes (especially the Star Trek universe and its, er, passionate fans). Galaxy Quest was a Trek-like TV series that aliens called Thermians believe was a documentary. When their civilization is threatened by a villain named Sarris, they kidnap the cast (including Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Sam Rockwell) of the TV series to help them defeat Sarris, and, yes, hilarity ensues. But also a lot of heart and character development, if that’s your bag.

Stream Galaxy Quest on Kanopy, or rent it on Prime Video.

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If You Loved ‘I Will Find You,’ There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

By: Jeff Somers —

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No one dishes out shocking twists and emotionally powerful moments like Harlan Coben, and his partnership with Netflix just keeps delivering stories you can’t help but devour in one sitting. I Will Find You, starring Sam Worthington and Britt Lower, is no exception: The story of a father risking everything to prove he didn’t commit an unspeakable crime while searching for the son he thought lost forever is the sort of show you hop online immediately after the credits roll to see what people are saying. If you’ve already watched the series that give the same vibe and want more innocent people trying to get their lives back, unpredictable plot swerves, and emotionally charged stories of hard-won justice, look no further than 1993’s The Fugitive.

Why you should watch "The Fugitive" after "I Will Find You"

The Fugitive was a massive hit in 1993. Based on a 1960s television series (also called The Fugitive) that was itself a national phenomenon, it’s the story of Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford), who is convicted of the brutal murder of his wife, Helen (Sela Ward), despite his claims of witnessing a one-armed man committing the crime. When the bus transporting him to prison crashes, Kimble escapes and launches a desperate campaign to prove his innocence, identify the murderer, and evade the dogged pursuit of U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and his team.

The Fugitive scratches the precise innocent-man-on-the-run itch as I Will Find You, following Kimble as he uses his medical training and survival instincts to avoid capture while taking enormous risks. He poses as a janitor at a local hospital in order to conduct research on men with prosthetic arms and is almost caught several times by the smart and experienced Gerard (who famously tells Kimble that he doesn’t care when Kimble protests his innocence).

While the film doesn’t have the bonkers twists that Harlan Coben came up with for I Will Find You, there are plenty of unpredictable plot swerves as Kimble unravels a conspiracy that hits closer to home than he expects. Just like the Netflix series, the villain has violently self-serving motives, and the true story of what happened is a surprising reveal. And if your favorite part of I Will Find You was the interaction between father-daughter FBI agents Max Williams (Chi McBride) and Sarah Greer (Logan Browning) as they pursue David, you’ll absolutely love Sam Gerard and his team as they bicker, joke, and follow the trail with absolute dedication to their jobs.

Bottom line: The Fugitive is a big-budget, slightly less shocking Harrison Ford blockbuster that every fan of I Will Find You will love. You can rent The Fugitive on Prime Video.

More movies

Still craving twisty thrillers about innocent folks searching desperately for the truth? Here are a few more brilliant movies to check out.

Primal Fear (1996)

You want more absolutely mind-blowing twists? Primal Fear has one of the most brilliant swerves in film history. Edward Norton’s film debut sees him playing Aaron Luke Stampler, a stuttering, shy altar boy accused of viciously murdering the beloved Archbishop Rushman. Vain, publicity-seeking attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) takes Aaron’s case, believing the weak, forgetful Stampler incapable of such atrocities—but the twisty story builds to one of the all-time great reveals, a scene that made Norton a star overnight. Stream Primal Fear on Fubo or Kanopy, or rent it on Prime Video.

Gone Girl (2014)

Was it the complexity of the setup that hooked you in I Will Find You? Gone Girl takes that to the next level. Based on Gillian Flynn’s smash novel, the story begins when Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) comes home to find his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), is missing. The clues at the scene don’t look great for Nick, and as the sordid truth of his marriage emerges, things look worse—but nothing is exactly what it seems in this taut, clever mystery. If you were fascinated by the effort put into painting David as a heartless killer, you should know that Gone Girl takes that to the next level. Rent Gone Girl on Prime Video.

The Next Three Days (2010)

There’s something absolutely gripping about a story focused on an innocent person’s life ruined by a false accusation. The Next Three Days is a tense thrill ride based on that premise: John and Lara Brennan (Russel Crowe and Elizabeth Banks) are happily married with a young son. When Lara’s boss is murdered after Lara had an ugly, public confrontation with him, she’s convicted of his murder. As time passes and John can see her giving up all hope, he launches a desperate plot to break her out of prison and reclaim their lives. If you rooted for David to prove his innocence, you’ll root for John and Lara in the same way. Rent The Next Three Days on Prime Video.

Double Jeopardy (1999)

Part of the thrill of I Will Find You is the slow, twisty route to justice—to finding the truth and punishing the truly guilty. That’s where Double Jeopardy lives. Ashley Judd stars as Elizabeth Parsons, who is convicted of murdering her husband, Nick (Bruce Greenwood), after she’s found with a bloody knife on their boat, his body presumably swept into the ocean. She loses custody of their son and despairs—but she eventually discovers that Nick faked his death and framed her for the murder. Her life becomes consumed with the need to reclaim her son and—when she realizes she cannot be charged with the same murder twice—to get a measure of revenge. Stream Double Jeopardy on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

One of the all-time classics in the “wronged person serving time” genre, The Shawshank Redemption is simultaneously an inspiring story of friendship, a stirring tale of surviving in the face of horrific loss and injustice, and one of the greatest twisty stories of all time. Its steady pacing and careful characterization let you really get to know the wrongly convicted man at its core, and the ending lets you appreciate how resolute and determined he was while experiencing the worst horrors a human can imagine. Rent The Shawshank Redemption on Prime Video.

☐ ☆ ✇ L H

If You Loved 'House of the Dragon,' There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

By: Jeff Somers —

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

House of the Dragon is getting so good, I'm flirting with calling it a more satisfying watch than Game of Thrones. After two seasons of thrilling political maneuvering, betrayals, and the occasional dragonfire massacre, the story has really clicked into place, and I've found myself deeply invested in the travails of the battling Targaryen dynasties, even though I technically know how everything turns out. (It is a prequel, after all.)

If each new episode leaves you craving more sharp writing and spectacular dragon battles, you’ve got a lot of other series to keep you fed going forward. But if you want a more cinematic experience that offers similar pleasures, there’s one obvious choice: Reign of Fire, the 2002 sci-fantasy epic starring two obscure actors named Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale.

It's all about those dragon battles

Reign of Fire is set in a world where a tunneling project in modern-day London accidentally awakens hibernating dragons—real, fire-breathing, flying lizards just like the ones in fantasy novels. The dragons quickly breed and decimate the world’s militaries, and in the chaotic aftermath, nuclear weapons are unleashed, leaving the human race teetering on the edge of extinction—and the dragons starving. When the few surviving humans realize that the dragons have a huge weakness that could be exploited to end their dominance, a desperate plan is hatched to save humanity.

While that plot doesn't sound similar to the high fantasy trappings of House of the Dragon, there's an obvious throughline: It's the dragon warfare, silly. House of the Dragon is filled with absorbing characters (team Daemon all day) and fascinating, twisty plots as the Targaryen family rips itself apart in a struggle for the Iron Throne, but if you say you’re not here for the dragon fights, you’re lying. Reign of Fire has dragon fights. Lots of dragon fights. Dragon fights that involve a tank and a helicopter. The effects hold up more than 20 years after the film’s release, too.

But the film isn’t just dragon fights—there’s a proper story too. At a castle in England, a man who witnessed the initial dragon awakening, Quinn (Christian Bale), is leading a rag-tag group of desperate folks trying to survive until the dragons die off from lack of food. Things are grim, and Quinn struggles to hold his community together. When a group of Americans called the Kentucky Irregulars, led by Denton Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey, looking badass with a shaved head and crazy eyes), arrives with a tank and a functioning helicopter, Quinn can’t stop some of his people from signing up to help them fight dragons.

Not only do McConaughey and Bale lay down terrific performances as desperate men with opposing visions of victory, the people following them are also portrayed as a complex group with various dynamics. People do unexpected things, turning what could have been a straightforward action film into an absorbing sci-fi story. If you enjoy the twists and turns of House of the Dragon, you’ll find a lot to love in Reign of Fire, and you can rent it on Prime Video.

More movies to satisfy House of the Dragon fans

Reign of Fire is an hour and forty minutes of dragony goodness, but if it leaves you wanting more, there are a few more movies you can check out—including Christopher Nolan’s currently-in-theaters epic The Odyssey, which offers a universe of monsters, epic battles, and vengeful gods that looks like a perfect fit for fans of House of the Dragon. Here are a few other movies you can watch right now on your screen of choice:

Valhalla Rising (2009)

In one sense, Valhalla Rising couldn’t be more different from House of the Dragon. Where the show is often loud and action-packed, Valhalla Rising can be disturbingly still and quiet—on purpose. Set in 12th-century Scotland, Mads Mikkelsen plays an unnamed slave with one eye who possesses incredible strength. Forced to fight other slaves to the death, One-Eye sees visions that help him escape, launching him on a violent journey to his destiny. It’s a moody, bloody story that shares a sense of Hell on Earth with the show, depicting beautiful, brutal landscapes where death is always lurking. Stream Valhalla Rising on Kanopy.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

If you want more epic battles and doomed autocrats desperately trying to hang onto power (and their lives), Kingdom of Heaven is a great choice. Set during the Crusades era in the 12th century, the film follows a newly-knighted noble, Balian (Orlando Bloom), who travels to the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem in search of salvation. Instead, he finds a delicate, complicated political situation as the ailing Leper King, Baldwin IV, struggles to maintain a fragile peace for his unstable kingdom. If you want more of the Blacks/Greens political skulduggery and more huge battles between armies, stream this (sorry, no dragons though). Rent Kingdom of Heaven on Prime Video.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Want more dragons? J.R.R. Tolkien’s Smaug is one of the most entertaining and terrifying dragons ever conceived—and when he’s voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s a pure delight. Yes, Smaug the dragon talks, and isn’t a vicious aerial killing machine like Vhagar, but his smoothly malevolent evil permeates the film with a sense of danger and dread. Plus, Middle-earth is the heavyweight of epic fantasy lore and world-building, so if the deep history and complexity of Westeros is what you crave, any of Peter Jackson’s films set in Tolkien’s universe are a great choice. Rent The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on Prime Video.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Lawrence of Arabia is a clear visual influence on House of the Dragon, and the actors have namechecked David Lean’s 1962 epic as inspiration for their performances. Based on the true story of T. E. Lawrence and adapted from his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the film depicts the brilliant life and career of Lawrence, who was instrumental in organizing the Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire in World War I. It’s as widescreen an epic as old Hollywood ever made, and Peter O’Toole makes Lawrence into the conflicted antihero of Daemon Targaryen’s dreams. Stream Lawrence of Arabia on Philo or rent it on Prime Video.

The King (2019)

If you love the politics and strategy on display in House of the Dragon (without sacrificing the bloody battles), and like the realistic, mud- and blood-splattered depiction of medieval life in the show, check out The King. Loosely adapted from William Shakespeare’s plays, a young Timothée Chalamet portrays King Henry V as he rises from a lazy prince to one of the most brilliant warrior kings in English history—the king who claimed the crown of France, if only for a moment. It’s a viscerally exciting film, and one of its great pleasures is the battle of wills and tactics (and insults) between Henry and the heir to the French throne, Louis, Duke of Guyenne (Robert Pattinson). Stream The King on Netflix.

☐ ☆ ✇ L H

The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What Does 'Quiet on the Creek' Mean?

By: Stephen Johnson —

The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide is your roadmap to what the younger people are up to. This week, discussions of what "quiet on the creek" means, why kids are calling each other "Tylenol babies," and what "corny on the bob, off the bob" means take us into some surprisingly choppy water. Because just like all of us, young people are wrestling with cultural appropriation, questionable health advisories, and issues of race and identity. But they're doing it with memes.

What does "quiet on the creek" mean?

Kids are exhorting one another to be "quiet on the creek" this week, usually in a stage whisper. The phrase's definition should be familiar to any angler: You have to be quiet on the creek so you don't scare the fish away. Extend that a bit and you have a colorful way of saying "keep it on the down low" or "be cool."

But there's a second more more charged meaning of "quiet on the creek." When it originally took off online, clueless people asked "what does it mean?" and the response from many was to not explain it, to gatekeep the definition, first because it was regarded as AAVE and people are understandably tired of AAVE being co-opted, but also because when slang is explained, the fizz disappears and you end up with the verbal equivalent of flat champagne.

Among those exhorting people to not talk about quiet on the creek is the rapper who popularized the phrase, Saucy Santana. Saucy posted this video exhorting others to be more quiet on the creek about quiet on the creek:

All respect to Santana, but it's not hard to suss out the definition of "quiet on the creek" if your dad ever took you fishing. I understand the impulse to protect slang from being watered down, but the internet is relentless: Once a phrase goes viral, no matter where it came from, the original context is stripped away, and people are going to say what they say, regardless of the politics behind it. Anyway, you should check out Santana's song and support their career because they are good at this shizz.

Controversy aside, the phrase has become popular enough that it's being used in a ton of online videos of people in movies and TV being quiet on the creek, like this:

and this:

What's up with the controversial "that's just the way it is" videos?

Since we're on the subject of over-exposure watering down Black people's slang and culture online, let's talk about the strange case of "That's Just the Way It Is." Early in the week, the hashtag thatsjustthewayitis was combined with the chorus of Tupac's "Changes" and used to comment on racism in videos like these:

Soon after "that's just the way it is" took off, people predicted how it would be coopted, posting videos like these that are basically parodies of how white people would make the meme about them, substituting legit concerns for mistaken Starbucks orders and whatnot:

Depressingly, this kind of co-optation happens all the time, but in this case, I'm having trouble finding many actual examples of videos of the phrase/meme being co-opted by white people. There are a few out there, but they seem to be getting way fewer views than the commentary on them.

I have no doubt this phrase would have been more widely misunderstood and misused as it became more popular, but there doesn't seem to have been enough time. So the "that's just the way it is" meme has become about the predictable adoption of Black culture, while skipping "the middleman" of the actual co-opting, almost like a preemptive defense against cultural gentrification. And that's without even mentioning that Tupac's song is built around the chorus to Bruce Hornsby's "The Way it is," which is one of whitest songs ever.

What is a "Tylenol baby"?

In September 2025, President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a press conference announcing a scientifically dubious link between the use of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) by pregnant women and autism. Kids immediately weaponized "Tylenol baby" and have used it ever since to roast their pals.

Middle schoolers tend to care more about finding new ways to insult each other than they do about FDA research, so the phrase generally isn't meant to suggest anyone actually has autism. It's a way for people who don't know any better (yet, hopefully) to use the societal stigma of autism to say, "you're a dope" or "you're acting foolish."

Viral video of the week: Corny on the Bob

The final slang phrase in this week's dive into youth and race relations is "corny on the bob," it means "corn on the cob," and has not been co-opted or stolen from AAVE, nor does it insult anyone with a disability. Instead, it's a catchphrase of Patty Miller, an unexpected online star whose cooking and eating videos regularly rack up millions of views based on her unique personal presentation and her colorful way of pronouncing words. In this video, she shows off the "liver and engines" she made and her "corny on the bob, off the bob."

Look, I wouldn't eat that slop with your mouth, but that doesn't mean I don't have a place in my heart for the internet's new meemaw.

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