National Adoption Day is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and we wanted to honor it by honoring the best TV adoption storylines.

We’ve chosen several adoption storylines, from infant adoptions to teenagers relinquishing their babies to special needs adoptions to step-parent adoptions. We hope some of these will resonate with you.

Adoption is an important topic to me because I was adopted, so I was delighted to see stories like mine represented in shows in the 1980s like Punky Brewster and Anne of Green Gables.

Since the 2000s, even more series have covered it.

Shows like The OC and The Fosters highlighted the importance of taking in troubled teens and accepting them as part of your family. They are an often overlooked group.

Callie and Jude Find Their Forever Family (The Fosters)

Callie and Jude worked hard to find their forever family, especially Callie. They had been in too many abusive foster homes and longed for some nurturing affection.

Jude adapted more easily. Stef and Lena almost cheered when Jude argued with Jesus because he acted like an irritated younger brother.

However, the series threw so many roadblocks at Callie that it seemed unimaginable, but that often happened in the system. Birth parents had to be contacted before adoptions could become official.

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Stef taught Callie many lessons about love, including that love was unconditional. It didn’t matter if she screwed up; they would still love her.

When Callie graduated, she told Stef and Lena they were the first to treat her like she wasn’t disposable. They were in a unique spot because they treated their adopted children the same way they treated Brandon.

They worked hard not to show favoritism.

Watch The Fosters Online

Jack and Rebecca Adopt Randall (This is Us)

It wasn’t easy to choose between Randall’s or Deja’s adoption on This is Us. Still, Randall’s had more prolonged effects since growing up as the only African-American person in a white family was challenging.

The series highlighted how hard it was for Randall and how it frightened Rebecca that Randall might explore his heritage. Many adoptees struggle with not fitting in, even if they have a loving home.

Jack loved his son as much as the other triplets, and he strived to learn about Randall’s interests, including participating in a father/son initiation at a martial arts studio.

After Jack died, Randall felt more lost, especially when he learned Rebecca had kept his birth father from him for years, after knowing he had questions about his identity.

This was one of the most realistic TV adoption stories because it highlighted how it affected a family for many years, not just at the beginning.

Watch This is Us Online

Regina Adopts Henry and Becomes a Better Person (Once Upon a Time)

Regina from Once Upon a Time started out evil, but becoming a mom and loving someone else changed her.

Being around children always brought Regina joy. She enjoyed being around Owen. Robin Hood commented she had a soft spot for them when she was kind to Roland.

Therefore, seeing Henry’s adoption story made perfect sense. It started out as a way to bring meaning to her life.

She wasn’t prepared for a crying infant, but she fell in love with baby Henry and refused to give him back after all.

Like any other mother, she was determined to protect her son. Since that was Regina, it came with mixed results until Peter Pan kidnapped him.

That was the beginning of her transformation. She would do anything or work with anybody to save her son. Her love for Henry broke the latest curse on Storybrooke.

While Once Upon a Time was a fantasy series, it demonstrated how an adoptive mother and birth mother could eventually work together for the child’s sake.

Regina and Emma despised each other initially but were like family by the series’ end.

Watch Once Upon a Time Online

Olivia Adopts Noah (Law & Order: SVU)

Noah’s adoption story was more complicated than a typical infant adoption. Olivia and Amanda Rollins found Noah in an abandoned motel room of some pornography producers. Soon after, his birth mom, Ellie Porter, was attacked again and died.

Olivia petitioned to be Noah’s guardian, and everything she did was scrutinized. It seemed like if Noah became sick, it was her fault for being a single working mother.

Things worsened when SVU prosecuted Johnny for his crimes, but he wanted paternity rights to Noah, Olivia’s worst nightmare. After Johnny D died, Olivia assumed there were no more living relatives and that she and Noah would live relatively happily together.

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Unlike in Once Upon a Time, Noah’s birth family gave Olivia grief, and she needed to set boundaries. That sometimes happens in real life, and that’s why there are closed adoptions, and adoptive parents have rights.

Sheila Porter never should have been able to contact her that easily.

As Noah grows older, he has become more curious about his birth father, but we haven’t officially seen Olivia confront that delicate subject yet. It’s unique to his case.

Watch Law and Order: SVU Online

Simone Keeps in Touch With Baby Shay (All American/All American: Homecoming)

Many of these TV adoption storylines are from the perspectives of the adoptive parents or the adoptees. Simone’s arc offered an important perspective from a birth mother’s POV.

It was difficult not to sympathize with Simone since her mother, Tina, basically ordered her to give her baby up, or they would disown her. It should have been her decision while she was in high school and had her life ahead of her.

Her dad was the only one who showed her compassion after she delivered her infant son while barely looking at him. Maybe if Simone had taken those few moments to hold her son, she wouldn’t have had doubts.

Simone didn’t want her son back. She wanted assurance that he was cared for, and when she saw him laughing, she knew he was happy with the Douglases.

They were more gracious than most people. I loved their philosophy that Shay had two moms in his life, and Simone could stop by sometimes, which we saw visits in All American: Homecoming.

These are the best situations, but they don’t often happen.

Watch All American Online

Families Come In Different Forms (Modern Family)

While Modern Family provided many laughs, it also taught us that families come in many forms and don’t need traditional roles. One of the most important things Cam and Mitch showed Lily was they were a family because of their love for one another.

Love and feeling like they are part of the family are the most important things to a child.

Since I’ve worked in social work and conducted home visits, I loved the scenes when the case worker visits the house and finds it a mess. It looked lived-in, and it seemed like the child had fun.

Modern Family did so many essential aspects right. For example, they created a storybook about Lily’s adoption so she would know that she was wanted. That’s important since many children question why their other parents abandoned them.

While Cam and Mitch encouraged Lily to learn about her Vietnamese heritage, she always seemed right at home with her dads.

Watch Modern Family Online

Unlikely Allies and Punky Power (Punky Brewster)

Whoever thought a spunky little girl and a grouchy old man would make a good fit? But they did! Many of us admired Punky Brewster for her survival skills and desire to live independently, but she still needed care and supervision.

It was easy to understand why the DCFS initially hesitated about making Henry Punky’s foster father. He was older, unmarried, and never had children.

However, something about Punky warmed even the grouchiest of hearts, and the social worker saw that, as well as Punky’s fear of the orphanage.

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There were many challenges as Henry had to give up his space, so Punky felt welcome and assured her he’d always be there. They still had to convince the system they were a good match, which presented many challenges.

Punky Brewster was so popular that Peacock rebooted it in 2021, and Punky met and fostered a little girl, Izzy, who resembled her younger self.

Watch Punky Brewster Online

Anne Brings Joy to the Cuthberts (Anne of Green Gables)

Megan Follows will always be Anne Shirley to me. The Canadian version taught many viewers the importance of adopting an older child and how an imagination gets them through the darkness of foster care.

Neither Matthew nor Marilla Cuthbert ever married, and their parenting styles differed greatly, but they both loved Anne. Matthew fell for her the minute she chattered on the way home.

While Marilla was stricter, she often had to hide her laughter over some of Anne’s antics before scolding her, especially when she smashed her slate over Gilbert’s head.

Matthew was outwardly more affectionate, but the two women learned how to express their love better after Matthew’s death.

Anne’s adoption story showed that older children shouldn’t lose hope. It was so popular that Netflix redid it with a modernized version, Anne With An E.

Watch Anne of Green Gables Online

The Cohens Adopt Ryan (The OC)

Ryan’s adoption on The OC seemed similar to Callie’s on The Fosters. He ran into trouble, and Sandy Cohen brought him home.

While initially, Kirsten was wary about keeping him, once she met Ryan’s biological mother, Dawn, she insisted Ryan stay with them. Shortly after that, they officially became his legal family.

Soon, Ryan seemed to have been part of the family for years as Ryan and Seth became close friends. Kirsten even commented once that she had forgotten Ryan had another family because he meshed so well in theirs.

Sandy Cohen was one of the best TV dads, initially making Ryan feel loved and motivated. One of the best scenes is from the pilot when he teaches him how to tie a tie in a father-son bonding moment.

However, he was present throughout the series, motivating Ryan to try harder in school and helping him find peace after Marissa was killed.

The OC Online

Arizona Adopts Sofia (Grey’s Anatomy)

It’s rare that a child leads the story, but Sofia has since she was born. Since Callie and Arizona were together when she was born, Arizona legally adopted her in a second-parent adoption. She knew she wanted to be in her life forever.

Things became messy when they divorced, and Callie moved across the country, wanting to take Sofia with her.

While Grey’s Anatomy is fictional, the laws state that Arizona should have been given as much courtesy as Callie since she was also Sofia’s legal mother.

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Therefore, her defense was so poignant when she stated that she chose to be Sofia’s mother, and it was the best decision she made. That is the epitome of being an adoptive parent.

So was the fact that she chose to share custody with Callie for her daughter’s sake, even though she was awarded full custody.

Watch Grey's Anatomy Online

Lily Accepts Chuck as One of Her Own (Gossip Girl)

Chuck’s situation on Gossip Girl was different. Lily technically adopted him after Bart died, though they discussed it while they were still married.

If she was his legal guardian, he would inherit Bass Industries when he became an adult. But it was more than that.

She was the only adult who ever loved him as he was and often reminded him that she loved him like one of her own.

Many times, Lily’s scenes with Chuck were so heartfelt and loving as they schemed together or built each other up.

They were the best family relationship in the series and highlighted the strength of a stepparent and child relationship.

Watch Gossip Girl Online

These are only a few of the best TV adoption storylines. Did we cover your favorite?

Let us know in the comments below.

The post TV’s Best Adoption Storylines appeared first on TV Fanatic.

For those days when you’re feeling petty, nothing beats a good TV binge-packed with shade, drama, and characters who know how to throw down.

From scandalous romances to epic rivalries and high-stakes power plays, these shows are loaded with the kind of pettiness that makes for addictive entertainment.

Whether it’s elite high schoolers battling for the top spot, feuding Hollywood legends, or ruthless family dynasties, this list has you covered.

So grab some popcorn and get ready for the best shows to watch when you’re feeling a little — okay, maybe a lot — petty.

Succession

Succession takes family drama and corporate warfare to deliciously petty heights.

The Roy family’s billion-dollar empire is matched only by their ruthless ambition and brutal one-liners.

From Logan’s domineering grip on his children to Kendall, Shiv, and Roman’s relentless battles for power, every scene is packed with tension, betrayal, and dark humor.

It’s a masterclass in snark, with every character out for themselves and no one afraid to play dirty.

If you’re in the mood for jaw-dropping moments and epic takedowns, Succession serves up pettiness on a silver platter.

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Revenge

Revenge is all about payback, served ice-cold with a side of high-society flair.

Emily Thorne arrives in the Hamptons with one goal: to destroy the wealthy Grayson family who wronged her.

With every calculated move, hidden scheme, and unexpected turn, Emily turns manipulation into an art form.

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The show drips with drama as allies become enemies and layers of deceit unfold at every corner.

When you’re in that petty kind of mood and craving a good tale of retribution, Revenge is the ultimate binge for high-stakes snark and scheming.

Watch Revenge Online

The White Lotus

The White Lotus takes luxury and privilege and flips it into pure chaos.

Set in a tropical paradise, this show reveals the dark — and often hilariously petty — side of its wealthy guests and staff.

From passive-aggressive insults to jaw-dropping power plays, every character brings their own brand of snark to the vacation from hell. W

With each new guest’s arrival, tensions build, secrets unravel, and the drama escalates to shocking heights.

If you’re feeling petty and craving some top-tier satire, The White Lotus is the perfect getaway…from sanity.

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Gossip Girl

When it came to scandal, shade, and high society snark, Gossip Girl was the show to tune into.

From Blair’s iconic takedowns to Serena’s endless drama, the Upper East Side turned into a battlefield where pettiness reigned supreme.

Gossip Girl’s anonymous posts exposed everyone’s secrets, ensuring that no one — not even the queen bees — was safe.

This was backstabbing and betrayal with a glamorous twist, where every schemer played to win.

If you’re feeling a little petty, this is your perfect binge.

Watch Gossip Girl Online

House of Cards

House of Cards is political pettiness at its finest.

Frank and Claire Underwood redefine ruthless ambition, clawing their way to the top with calculated manipulation, cutting remarks, and ice-cold revenge.

Every episode is a masterclass in power plays, as the Underwoods pull strings and eliminate rivals without a hint of remorse.

Watching them scheme their way through Washington is thrilling, darkly entertaining, and satisfyingly petty.

If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes game where loyalty is non-existent, House of Cards delivers drama with zero mercy.

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Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies brings all the pettiness of small-town drama wrapped in a gorgeous beachside setting.

Monterey’s seemingly perfect moms have secrets simmering beneath the surface, and as tensions rise, so do the stakes.

From subtle digs to explosive confrontations, every character brings their own blend of snark and shade to the story.

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The layers of friendship, rivalry, and betrayal keep things intense, especially when the truth threatens to unravel.

If you’re craving a binge filled with twists, secrets, and deliciously petty moments, Big Little Lies is calling your name.

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Veep

Veep is the ultimate in political pettiness, following the sharp-tongued Selina Meyer as she navigates Washington with zero filters and plenty of insults.

Her ruthless ambition and her team’s chaotic incompetence turn every episode into a whirlwind of snarky one-liners, cringe-worthy mishaps, and brutal takedowns.

Nothing and no one is off-limits in her quest for power, and every setback is met with razor-sharp sarcasm.

If you’re ready to laugh at some of the pettiest political shenanigans imaginable, Veep serves shade like no other.

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Dynasty

Dynasty is pure, unapologetic pettiness wrapped in glitz and glamour.

The Carrington family’s power struggles, betrayals, and fierce rivalries make every episode a showcase of backstabbing at its finest.

From Alexis and Krystle’s iconic catfights to Blake’s relentless scheming, the Carringtons know how to keep the drama high and the stakes even higher.

With wealth, power, and scandal at every turn, Dynasty is the ultimate binge for anyone looking to indulge in classic soap opera-style shade.

It’s the kind of deliciously petty drama that’s impossible to resist!

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The Real Housewives

The Real Housewives franchise sets the gold standard for reality TV pettiness, with each city bringing its own mix of glitz, feuds, and unforgettable drama.

Whether you’re tuning into Beverly Hills, New York, or Atlanta, these ladies deliver shade with every brunch, charity event, and vacation meltdown.

From epic clapbacks to friendships in flames, Housewives shows that behind every fabulous outfit and perfect manicure is someone ready to throw down.

For jaw-dropping confrontations and a front-row seat to the pettiest disputes, pick your city and watch the chaos unfold because The Real Housewives franchise is OFF. THE. CHARTS.

Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Online

Fleabag

Fleabag is the perfect binge for anyone craving sharp wit and unapologetic honesty.

The show follows its self-destructive, sarcastic heroine as she navigates love, loss, and one messy family, all while breaking the fourth wall with her signature side-eye.

Fleabag’s petty moments are delightfully relatable, from awkward confrontations to brutally honest observations about everyone around her.

With every glance and cutting remark, she takes viewers on a hilariously raw journey through her missteps and grudges.

If you’re feeling petty and craving dark humor, Fleabag is a must-watch.

Watch Fleabag Online

Empire

If you’re craving family feuds and ruthless ambition, Empire delivers the drama with style.

The Lyon family’s power struggles, betrayals, and unfiltered shade turned the music business into a battlefield.

Cookie’s legendary comebacks (and sass!), Lucious’s relentless scheming, and sibling rivalries that redefine petty make Empire the ultimate binge for anyone who loves high-stakes drama with a side of attitude.

Every episode is packed with jaw-dropping twists, lavish performances, and enough family drama to keep you glued to the screen.

So, grab some popcorn — this one’s all about the art of the takedown.

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The Bold Type

The Bold Type serves up drama with style, wit, and a hefty dose of snark.

At Scarlet magazine, Jane, Kat, and Sutton juggle friendships, love lives, and career ambitions, all while throwing just the right amount of shade.

The workplace rivalries and heartfelt moments turn this show into an emotional rollercoaster, blending career highs with personal messes and plenty of office drama.

If you’re in the mood for a binge that’s equal parts snark and inspiration, The Bold Type hits all the right notes for those craving a bit of petty entertainment.

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The Royals

The Royals is royal drama at its absolute prettiest.

This modern monarchy is filled with scandal, betrayal, and enough shade to block out the sun.

Queen Helena rules with an iron fist and a razor-sharp tongue while her kids bring plenty of chaos, secrets, and snark to the palace.

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Every family feud feels like a public spectacle, and every backstabbing moment is pure entertainment.

With its outrageous twists and regal rivalries, The Royals is perfect for when you’re in the mood to indulge your inner drama queen.

Watch The Royals Online

Desperate Housewives

When it comes to petty drama, Desperate Housewives practically invented it.

Life on Wisteria Lane was a soap opera wrapped in suburbia, where no secret stayed hidden and every smile came with a side of shade.

Bree’s icy perfection, Gabrielle’s fierce independence, Lynette’s cunning, and Susan’s knack for getting tangled in everyone’s messes kept viewers hooked.

With every episode, friendships got tested, affairs surfaced, and power plays unfolded, all with a flair that made you want to see what these housewives would do next.

If you’re in the mood for snark and scandal, welcome to Wisteria Lane. 

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How to Get Away with Murder

How to Get Away with Murder is an ultimate showcase of manipulation, secrets, and high-stakes drama.

Annalise Keating and her band of law students are tangled in a web of lies, betrayals, and, yes, murder, making every episode a thrilling descent into chaos.

Annalise’s sharp tongue and cutthroat tactics bring the perfect mix of snark and suspense, while each character’s dark secrets add layers of intrigue.

If you’re feeling petty and want a dose of courtroom drama with ruthless ambition, How to Get Away with Murder serves up just the right amount of scandal. 

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Emily in Paris

When Emily lands in Paris, her American optimism clashes hilariously with French snobbery, sparking endless drama and passive-aggressive shade.

From love triangles to workplace rivalries, Emily navigates Parisian culture with a mix of naivety and sass, often rubbing locals the wrong way.

Whether she’s butting heads with her colleagues or stirring up romantic chaos, Emily in Paris is the perfect binge for when you’re in the mood for light-hearted, fashion-fueled drama with plenty of snark.

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Bridgerton

Bridgerton is the ultimate escape into Regency-era pettiness, where courtships, rivalries, and scandal rule high society.

With Lady Whistledown (the Gossip Girl of the Regency era) spilling secrets at every turn, the Bridgerton family and their peers face relentless public scrutiny and juicy drama.

From Daphne’s love life to Anthony’s power struggles, every episode brims with subtle shade, whispered gossip, and enough romantic tension to fill a ballroom.

Bridgerton is for anyone in the mood for lavish costumes, smoldering glances, and the delicious thrill of high-stakes romance mixed with sly, period-perfect snark.

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Sex and the City

Sex and the City is the epitome of petty friendship drama, fabulous fashion, and brutally honest conversations.

Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda navigate love, heartbreak, and career struggles in New York City, serving up shade with Cosmos and support in equal measure.

From Carrie’s dating disasters to Samantha’s legendary one-liners, every episode is packed with iconic moments that blend humor with a touch of snark.

If you’re feeling petty or just want a front-row seat to the highs and lows of single life in the city, Sex and the City has you covered in style.

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Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is a rollercoaster of secrets, lies, and non-stop drama.

When four best friends start receiving cryptic messages from the mysterious “A,” their lives spiral into a world of manipulation and betrayal.

With each twist, they uncover darker secrets about each other and their town, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

From backstabbing frenemies to scandalous romances, every episode is packed with the kind of pettiness and suspense that make this show the ultimate binge.

If you’re craving mystery laced with a hefty dose of snark, Pretty Little Liars is for you. 

Watch Pretty Little Liars Online

90210

90210 brings all the high school drama, secrets, and scandal you could want, all wrapped up in Beverly Hills glitz.

The students of West Beverly Hills High are anything but innocent, with rivalries, romances, and power plays keeping things deliciously petty.

From Naomi’s queen-bee attitude to Annie’s constant entanglements, every character brings their own flair for drama and shade.

This show is packed with love triangles, betrayals, and iconic high school moments that make it a binge-worthy classic.

If you’re feeling especially petty, 90210 will deliver all the rich-kid drama you need.

Watch 90210 Online

Feud: Bette and Joan

Feud: Betty and Joan captures the iconic, real-life rivalry between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Set against the backdrop of the classic 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, the series dives into the pettiness, power plays, and behind-the-scenes battles that defined their relationship.

With biting dialogue, intense standoffs, and plenty of old-school Hollywood snark, this show brings their feud to life in all its deliciously dramatic glory.

If you’re craving glamorous cattiness and classic shade, Feud: Betty and Joan delivers pure, iconic pettiness.

Watch Feud: Bette and Joan Online

The O.C.

The O.C. is the ultimate in teen angst, wealth, and West Coast drama.

When outsider Ryan Atwood moves into the elite world of Orange County, he stirs up secrets, rivalries, and endless romantic drama.

The show’s iconic characters — like Marissa, Seth, and Summer — bring plenty of snark and shade as they navigate love triangles, family feuds, and friendship fallout.

Every episode has the perfect mix of heartfelt moments and sharp one-liners, making The O.C. an addictive watch for anyone craving rich-kid drama with a side of petty.

And let’s be real, this list has plenty of it!

Watch The O.C. Online

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Curb Your Enthusiasm takes pettiness to a whole new level, thanks to Larry David’s knack for turning minor annoyances into full-blown fiascos.

Whether he’s arguing over the “right” way to park or getting into absurd social squabbles, Larry’s relentless nitpicking and total lack of a filter make every episode a masterpiece of awkward, petty humor.

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His interactions with friends, neighbors, and total strangers spiral into chaos with hilarious, cringe-worthy outcomes.

If you’re in the mood for unapologetic, real-world pettiness, Curb Your Enthusiasm is the perfect watch to indulge your inner contrarian.

Watch Curb Your Enthusiasm Online

Melrose Place

Melrose Place is ‘90s drama at its finest, with outrageous twists, backstabbing friends, and romantic entanglements that never end well.

This classic series is set in a West Hollywood apartment complex where everyone’s lives are intertwined — and nobody’s hands are clean.

From love triangles to betrayal and petty revenge, Melrose Place is packed with all the drama and shade of a prime-time soap opera.

If you’re ready to relive iconic moments and over-the-top feuds, this one is your ultimate blast from the past.

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Scream Queens

Scream Queens brings horror and humor together in the pettiest way possible.

At Wallace University, the ruthless Kappa Kappa Tau sorority sisters face a masked killer — and each other.

With sharp one-liners, campy scares, and no shortage of rivalries, Scream Queens is a slasher comedy packed with drama and over-the-top characters.

The show’s hilarious mix of horror and snark makes it the perfect watch when you’re craving something both scary and petty, with enough shade to fill a haunted house.

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BEEF

BEEF brings pettiness to an art form, following two characters whose road rage incident escalates into a full-blown feud.

What starts as a single encounter spirals into a hilarious and dark rivalry, with each one-upping the other in increasingly outrageous ways.

Fueled by revenge and grudges, BEEF explores the lengths people will go to win — even when they’re fighting a completely pointless battle.

If you’re in the mood for petty to the extreme, this show delivers it with a darkly comedic edge that keeps you guessing what they’ll do next.

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You’re the Worst

You’re the Worst is a twisted take on romance where love and snark go hand in hand.

Jimmy and Gretchen are two unapologetically selfish characters who dive headfirst into a relationship full of sarcasm, brutal honesty, and total chaos.

Their love story is anything but conventional, packed with cutting remarks and hilariously bad decisions.

This show is a rollercoaster of dark humor and relationship drama that’s impossible to look away from, and the perfect watch if you’re in the mood for a show that takes petty to a new level!

Watch You're the Worst Online

Embrace the Drama, One Episode at a Time

Now that you’ve got the ultimate guide to petty TV, it’s time to dive in and indulge those snarky vibes.

These shows are here for all your binge-watching needs, packed with shade, secrets, and scandal in every scene.

So the next time you’re in the mood to watch characters scheme, backstab, or serve up some serious side-eye, just hit play.

Because when it comes to drama, sometimes it’s good to be a little petty.

Over to you, TV Fanatics! What’s your go-to show when you’re in a snarky mood? Share your favorite petty picks in the comments!

The post The Best TV Shows to Watch When You’re Feeling Petty appeared first on TV Fanatic.

If the petty drama and nonstop destruction of reputations manage to pull you in, you’ll be treated with enough eye candy to cause diabetes.

If we’re going to have handsome hunks thrown in our faces, we should at least know where else we can stalk – I mean, watch them.

Where there are pretty people on TV, there are petty problems!

With Tell Me Lies Season 2 just about doubling up on the man-meat, it’s time to get to the bottom of where Hulu found these gorgeous guys to play such “unique” characters.

Get ready to swipe right, ladies and gentlemen, because we have a lineup of suitable bachelors for you today!

Oliver

Kicking things off is the solemn and brooding Oliver, a married professor at Baird University. Don’t let that marital status deter you, ladies! This beautiful man is not afraid to step out of the marital bed.

That’s right! This tall drink of water likes to grade on a hot, young thing’s curves now and then.

Not much of a talker? No problem! Oliver is a man of very few words because he’s too busy frowning!

You’ll never have to worry about catching enough sleep because an affair with Oliver is a guaranteed snooze fest. So, grab your Snuggie and saddle up to this wet blanket!

Tom Ellis

Oliver may not be that great, but the actor who plays him is a LEGEND. I may be biased due to my love of his signature series, but Tom Ellis was born to play Lucifer.

If you watched the series, you likely remember little from the plot, but every detail of Tom’s abs and backside. I’m not being creepy. Those parts of his body were always on display.

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I’m not mad about it either because the actor, as Trevor from the CBS show Ghosts would say, kept it and continues to keep it tight. As for how long he’ll grace the small screen on Tell Me Lies, it’s anyone’s guess.

He may be here for the long haul since the series was created by his wife, Meaghan Oppenheimer. Just in case, though, you can catch this sexy Scorpio in other shows and movies like Exploding Kittens, Players, and Miranda.

Leo

Up next, we have the sizzling and tantalizingly sexy Leo! Ladies, this fine fellow is a real firecracker in and out of the boudoir. Hopefully, those satin sheets aren’t flammable!

Leo loves long walks on the beach, holding hands, and headbutting strangers who are rude to his lady friends. If anger issues get your motor running, prepare to peel off into the sunset with this gorgeous guy.

Get lost in those dreamy blue eyes while you can. If there is one thing those luscious lips don’t pucker up for, it’s unresolved trauma and toxicity.

But don’t fret because there’s more behind that handsome face than meets the eye!

When he isn’t assaulting strangers, Leo likes to give out heart-wrenching advice that he is far too young to have, let alone follow!

Thomas Doherty

You don’t have to travel to the “Land of Cakes” to see Thomas Doherty’s talents. His skills have been shining on the small and big screen for a while now.

Most recently, he played the most uninhibited character on the Gossip Girl reboot since Chuck Bass. However, everyone was fair game for a good time with his character, Max Wolfe.

Even though he left his Scottish accent at home to play the role, his character was still one of the sexiest and most interesting of the 2021 Gossip Girl.

Given his character’s recent struggles with Lucy on Tell Me Lies, there’s a good chance Leo may be making his exit very soon.

However, this TV Fanatic has your fix for more of this devilishly charming actor. For some vampire fun, catch him in Legacies and The Invitation.

If you’re in a family way, there’s always Descendants 2 on Disney+, one of Doherty’s first movies!

Evan

Ladies, who is a fan of the handsome, silent type that makes you work too hard for his attention?

If you like a man with no idea what he wants, we’ve got the sweet, clueless, well-meaning gentleman of your dreams!

He may look stoic with those handsome features that never seem to crack.

However, underneath that cool exterior of an imperfect man beats a big heart that he’s just waiting to give to the right little lady.

That is, when he’s not busy giving the D to someone who isn’t his girlfriend. Don’t worry, ladies, because Evan does not stray far! He’ll be around every corner waiting to win you back.

If a soft heart and questionable decision-making skills get you weak in the knees, then give this disturbingly beautiful man a chance!

Branden Cook

While Branden Cook is relatively unknown, he’s still been making splashes in one project or another.

Like any young, handsome, fit actor, he’s already made it onto a police procedural. If there is one rite of passage on TV, it’s starring in the most formulaic of shows.

With a whole episode of Chicago PD under his belt, Cook needs to play a hot new doctor on Grey’s Anatomy and a lawyer on Law & Order to complete the trifecta.

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As far as actors on Tell Me Lies, I have to give it to Branden Cook because despite playing a supporting character, the actor makes the most of every scene and line of dialogue.

Don’t believe me? Then, see Cook in action for yourself in his other credits, such as Masters of the Air and Industry.

Wrigley

Is it getting hot in here, or is that our next eligible bachelor, Wrigley? If you want a guy your mom and dad will love but your south mouth won’t, this man is for you!

Sure, you may have to dip into some acting talent during sexy time with Wrigley so you don’t hurt his feelings, but what he lacks in skill, he makes up for in enthusiasm!

He’s big, goofy, and charming. He’s a German shepherd. But when he shines that beautiful smile your way, you won’t care that his IQ is likely in the toilet.

Unlike some other fellows featured here today, Wrigley doesn’t have the creative juices or narcissism to cheat.

The only thing you’ll have to worry about is him heating up a can of Campbell’s soup in the microwave! So, swipe right on this big, lovable idiot before it’s too late!

Spencer House

Unlike his character, Spencer House is a skillful and intelligent actor. He’s been making waves in the industry since entering it ten years ago.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome in that classic boy-next-door-that-you-grew-up-with sort of way. Like a class clown turned football jock, Spencer House has shown an interest in a range of roles.

It’s a harsh reality, but many actors get hired for the perception that their appearance inspires. In Spencer’s case, he looks like, well, I’ll put it this way — he was cast as the “douchey guy” on Madam Secretary.

Thankfully, he’s managed to pivot by taking on various characters in shows like Space Force, Teenage Bounty Hunters, and The Society.

His credits don’t end there, either, so we’ll likely continue to see the actor in one series or another as his star rises.

Stephen

Sadly, we’ve come to the end of our roster, but we’re not done yet because we’ve saved the worst for last! Get ready to meet the devil himself!

Alright, girls, you aren’t going to find a guy like Stephen anywhere else unless you attend a convention exclusively for psychopaths!

He’s angry. He’s cynical. He’s a sociopath. He’s the exact kind of guy yours and every other mother warns young ladies about!

Maybe it’s how his icy stare pierces through, but this maniacal man will send shivers down your spine in the most chilling way.

So, if you like having your confidence and self-esteem shattered, pick a date with this genuinely unhinged individual. Act now, and we’ll even throw in a lifetime of trauma at no cost!

Jackson White

If you’ve read my Tell Me Lies Season 2 reviews, you likely know how I feel about White’s character. However, my feelings on Jackson himself are the complete opposite.

Despite not being afraid to step into the shoes of a truly evil character, Jackson White keeps things low-key and maintains a healthy work-life balance.

He is such a talented actor to be playing opposite his real partner without it interfering with their relationship. I don’t know about any of you TV Fanatics, but I couldn’t do it.

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White has already starred alongside Kathryn Hahn (Agatha All Along) in the HBO mini-series Mrs. Fletcher, in which he played a character similar to Stephen on Tell Me Lies.

However, the skilled actor doesn’t always play a jerk. His range of talent is evident in titles such as SEAL Team, Pet Semetary: Bloodlines, and The Middle.

Tell Me Lies is a series rife with melodrama and enough pettiness to give the Bravo network a run for its money.

While the series’ strength is the well-written and depicted story, it doesn’t hurt that every male character looks like your next bad decision.

Who’s your favorite hunk from Tell Me Lies Season 2?

What has been your favorite part about Season 2?

Please comment below to let me know, and join me again when I share more insights into your favorite characters and shows!

Watch Tell Me Lies Online

The post Tell Me Lies Season 2: Where Else Have You Seen These Handsome Hunks? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

HBO Max dropped the official trailer on Thursday, and it looks more scandalous than ever.

The original series was known for its OMG-worthy moments, and if the trailer is any indication, there'll be plenty to go around in the second season.

“It’s the second semester of junior year and Gossip Girl is leaving no stone unturned in her effort to control the scandalous lives or spin the scandalous lies of Manhattan’s elite,” the official logline reads.

“She’s learned a thing or two from her first go-around — namely what her audience wants, they shall get."

"It’s time for her to turn the heat up on what’s been simmering (Julien, have you met Monet?) as well as look at her own impact and how she can make it more catastrophic than it was before. Even if that means lying to do it."

"Old enemies, new allies, constantly shifting sands — this semester, there can only be one queen and, by the end of the school year, everyone will know where the bodies are buried and who was holding the shovel.”

The part about "one queen," is interesting because the trailer teases Monet biting back at Julien.

Monet's arc on Gossip Girl Season 1 was to uplift her friend and make her Queen B.

With Julien going in a different direction, Monet is ready to take the crown, which means there will be a lot of unraveling.

One of the most significant moments in the trailer finds Kate returning to her apartment, only to be greeted by the iconic Georgina Sparks.

Yes, Michelle Trachtenberg is back, and it looks like Georgina is still partial to some scheming.

Georgina was Gossip Girl at one point in the original series. It looks like she's either going to give Kate some tips or take over the Instagram account that serves as surveillance for some of Manhattan's elite.

Julien (Jordan Alexander), Zoya (Whitney Peak), Obie (Eli Brown), Audrey (Emily Alyn Lind), Max (Thomas Doherty), Aki (Evan Mock), Monet (Savannah Lee Smith), and Luna (Zion Moreno) are all confirmed to be back for Season 2.

Check out the trailer below.

The series returns on December 1 with two new episodes.

One new episode a week will then air, taking us to the season finale on January 26, 2023.

The post Gossip Girl Season 2 Trailer Teases a Scandalous Return to the Upper East Side, Georgina Sparks, & More! appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Teen Vogue confirmed Thursday that the highly anticipated second reboot season will premiere on Thursday, December 1.

No word yet on whether we're getting all the episodes in one go, but we should get those details when the trailer drops.

Additionally, one of the original Gossip Girl's most chaotic characters is along for the ride.

Showrunner Joshua Safran revealed to Teen Vogue that Michelle Trachtenberg is joining the cast as the villainous Georgina Sparks.

And, thankfully, she'll be up to her same old schemes.

“What she brought to the original series was anarchy,” Safran told the outlet.

“She’s an anarchist. She’ll just do anything and just for any reason she decides."

"So we brought that energy to the first show, and then we brought that energy back to this one."

"She’s the same, and that’s what I think is so fun, that Michelle is older, we’re all older, Georgina is older yet has the exact same energy. She’s out of time."

If you watch Gossip Girl online, you know Georgina popped up to stir the pot when the drama was dying down, so it's nice to know we're getting more of the same here.

Gossip Girl Season 2 picks up with Julian teaming up with Gossip Girl, sure to cause some major drama.

Original Gossip Girl fans were left feeling short-changed by the reboot's tamer approach to drama, and thankfully, that should change when the second season gets underway.

“I always knew that if we got to a season two, the characters themselves, now that they have been manipulated by Gossip Girl for a full season, would start to play into Gossip Girl's hand,” Safran tells Teen Vogue.

“That would be the place for us to go back to doing that stuff that the first show did so well because we would've, A) established ourselves as our own entity, but, B) if you're a group of teenagers and Gossip Girl is screwing with you, it took a while for Blair and Serena even to fall into… they weren't pushing each other into the Seine or into fountains early."

"That was because Gossip Girl's influence gets to you so much that it amps you up, and that's season two … There are catfights, and people get pushed into a fountain.”

Sounds intriguing, right?

Julien (Jordan Alexander), Zoya (Whitney Peak), Obie (Eli Brown), Audrey (Emily Alyn Lind), Max (Thomas Doherty), Aki (Evan Mock), Monet (Savannah Lee Smith), and Luna (Zion Moreno) are all confirmed to be back for Season 2.

What are your thoughts on Gossip Girl adding a Sparks into the mix?

Hit the comments below.

The post Gossip Girl Season 2 Premiere Date Set at HBO Max: Which Original Star is Returning? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The social media accounts for the series shared a video of a brunette woman sitting in an empty theater, clearly enjoying what is happening on stage.

“It only takes one spark to start a fire,” the video teases.

In the caption, the message continues: “And I have a feeling that this city is about to burn.”

The video quality is not great, which is probably intentional to keep fans guessing the mystery person's identity.

And I have a feeling that this city is about to burn. pic.twitter.com/NbGfPRN2Xh

— Gossip Girl (@gossipgirl) June 22, 2022

Given the "spark" and the fact that this person is going to upend the lives of the Upper East Siders, it certainly sounds like Georgina Sparks is coming back into the fold.

Gossip Girl Season 1 featured the return of Milo Sparks, Georgina's son, so it seems like a return for Georgina was always in the cards.

Showrunner Joshua Safran didn't outright confirm the return, offering the following when someone asked the identity of the mystery woman…

“How do you define messy? Fun on purpose messy or destruction messy?” he replied.

“Same answer, I guess — see the post from GG today.”

If you watch Gossip Girl online, you know Georgina caused many problems for the characters, so bringing her back into the mix would surely bring a lot of drama.

HBO Max has not given a premiere date for the second season, but it will likely be a fall launch.

Developed by showrunner Joshua Safran, a writer, and executive producer on the original series, this extension of the pop culture classic takes us back to the Upper East Side, where we find a new generation of New York private school teens who are introduced to social surveillance nine years after the original blogger’s website went dark.

The series explores just how much social media — and the landscape of New York itself — has changed in the intervening years.

The series is based on the bestselling novels by Cecily von Ziegesar and the original show, developed by Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage, who are both executive producers on the new series.

The robust cast includes Jordan Alexander, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Tavi Gevinson, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Zion Moreno, Whitney Peak, and Savannah Lee Smith.

The cast also includes Todd Almond, Adam Chanler-Berat, Johnathan Fernandez, and Jason Gotay.

What are your thoughts on a potential return for Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks?

Which other characters do you want on the show?

Hit the comments.

Renewal Scorecard: Which Shows Didn’t Survive the Bloodiest Season in Years?!

Open List

The post Gossip Girl Teases Return of Michelle Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The emotions were strong. The tears were real. And the fandom felt it all right down in our hearts.

Plus, the chemistry! It's so fierce and fiery at times. (The chemistry is what hooks us in.)

No one does it better than a TV couple. The writers know how to play with our emotions when wanting endgame status.

Below, we look at some TV romances that kept us glued to the screen wanting everything to work out.

We rooted for them, against their competition, and rooted for that happy ending. These couples played with all our emotions.

Sometimes the good ones and sometimes the bad.

[Author's Note: It goes without saying, but there will be some spoilers below. Make sure you catch up by watching TV Fanatic online for any shows you may have missed.]

Rue and Jules (Euphoria)

Euphoria has a bevy of complicated and messy relationships. We could talk about the toxic Maddy/Jake/Cassie love triangle or the implosion of Kat and Ethan, but the original mainstay couple is the one that makes our list.

Jules and Rue's love story is what defined Euphoria Season 1. Their fairytale-like chemistry hooked us, but just like Rue's many secrets, their chemistry and lies became more of a habit than a relationship. Neither were at a solid place to make the romance work.

Our hearts broke when Rue left Jules on the train. And when we thought there was a chance of them getting back together, Rue's drug spiraling and Jules' new romance tore them apart once again.

There's always a chance for them to get back together, but it's been a roller coaster, and it will most likely happen again.

Ryan and Marissa (The OC)

She said, "Who are you?" He said, "Whoever you want me to be."

Those now-iconic words were just the start of the classic "popular girl dates the new bad boy" storyline. Who wasn't rooting for Marissa and Ryan to end up together? They were peak The OC.

Whenever we thought there was a chance to bring them together, something would come between them. New romances, Ryan's surprise baby, family arrivals, and explosive fights were some of the twists that kept us on our toes.

And just when it seemed like they had a happy ending, the car crash ended it all. Marissa dying in Ryan's arms will always bring on the tears.

Ace and Nancy (Nancy Drew)

Why can't they be together?!

Nancy Drew Season 3 ended with Ace finally confessing his feelings to Nancy, but a death curse is keeping them apart. We want Ace and Nancy to have their happy ending. However, Nancy taking that risk and acting on her feelings might be too high of a cost to pay.

Their romance grew over time. We've been there through the longing looks, the light flirtation, and the bubbling chemistry.

Nancy Drew lifted us with the possibility of them getting together just for another hurdle to get in the way. Mark my words, it'll feel so satisfying when they get past this curse!

Nick and Charlie (Heartstopper)

Did watching Heartstopper make me cry? Yes.

Did Nick and Charlie give me major FOMO couple goals? Abso-freaking-lutely!

Nick and Charlie are the definitions of pure joy and happiness. Their relationship grew in such a sweet and tender way that you could feel the chemistry burning. It took us on an emotional roller coaster high.

And when it seemed like they might end, that nightmare hit us like a ton of bricks. (Thankfully, they're still together!) A TV world without Nick and Charlie is too dark to imagine.

Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead (Riverdale)

Betty and Archie? Veronica and Archie? Jughead and Betty? Or were you a Jughead and Veronica person?!

The core four of Riverdale have played the game of relationship roulette to see what works and what doesn't. Even when it seemed like a pair were endgame status, something would tear them apart and reunite later on.

These four have had many romantic highs, like Veronica/Archie's steamy shower and Betty/Archie's first kiss. But, they've had many lows, like not discussing their problems or keeping many secrets.

At this point, any possibility is on the table. Riverdale loves to tease futures for these couples without defining who will win out in the end.

Kate and Anthony (Bridgerton)

Let's talk about chemistry. Kate and Anthony from Bridgerton Season 2 radiate with a fiery passion like the sun.

In the Regency era of England, all they had were longing looks and the constant denial of their attraction. If they ever hooked up, it would be a scandal! One worthy of a Lady Whistledown report.

It was clear that Kate and Anthony were into each other. But the added stress of Anthony courting Kate's sister Edwina served as an extra layer of scandal.

Every longing look, encounter in the garden, and every fight where they denied their feelings stoked the fires. It was a grand time at the ball waiting for these two to figure out their feelings.

Klaus and Caroline (The Vampire Diaries)

Klaus and Caroline ended before they ever had a chance. This couple is the biggest missed opportunity from The Vampire Diaries universe.

The fans wanted it. The chemistry burned on the screen. The storyline potential was there for them to make it work and explore their feelings.

Whenever Klaus and Caroline were together, their scenes always verged on flirting; it gave us hope. It seemed like they were one step away from getting together, but it wasn't meant to be.

At least we'll have their kiss and the many flirting moments of what could've been.

Rory and Jess (Gilmore Girls / Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life)

Rory's three main boyfriends have been the biggest debate topics for fans of the series. But, it's her time with bad-boy Jess that hit us the hardest.

Like Ryan and Marissa above, it was the classic case of the good girl dating the bad boy. Jess and Rory tried to make it work, but Jess' many walls made it hard for them to grow. The temptation to be with him was too strong to resist, and she could change him.

Though, we'll never forget when Jess left without warning. How could he do that to Rory?!

We hoped time and age could fix things between them in the sequel series, and yet again, we were left hanging. The pair may have given us sadness, but a part of us still hopes for the passion again.

Ross and Rachel (Friends)

Any Friends fan can agree that the Ross and Rachel relationship was the most frustrating and satisfying romance across its ten seasons. They started as a longtime crush Ross had on Rachel since they were kids, but it soon morphed into an on-again, off-again relationship of high highs and low lows.

A drunken wedding in Las Vegas, Rachel crashing Ross' wedding to Emily, and her getting off the plane were some of their long list of moments that packed the emotional punch.

And regardless of which side you sat on if it was a break or not (it was 100% a break!), their first epic break-up brought on all the uncomfortable feelings of how it felt when a relationship ends.

Ross and Rachel took us on a roller coaster, teasing the many reasons this couple should be together and why they couldn't make it work. At least their fate of being each other's lobster worked out in our favor.

Wanda and Vision (WandaVision)

Wanda Maximoff and Vision deserved their happy ending. It's a shame that it wasn't meant to be in the grand scheme of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Wanda has gone through a lot in her life, especially losing Vision during the war against Thanos. WandaVision Season 1 gave us the chance to live through their peak couple goals in a mysterious and picturesque world.

We knew something shady was going on in Westview, but Wanda and Vision living their dream distracted us from their eventual outcome. You can't help but feel all the emotions as they get their new house and become new parents.

But as WandaVision Season 1 (and the push into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) has shown, it's that some happy endings are too out of reach to happen.

Meredith and Derek (Grey's Anatomy)

How could you not root for Meredith to end up with McDreamy? The nickname said it all.

The original crush spiced up the medical drama and teased us with plenty of "Will they? Won't they?" moments like no other. Both broke our hearts when they found reasons not to be together and then gave us the satisfaction when they finally made it work.

We had dreams of endgame status as this couple built a family and seemed like a sure thing. Yet, we were dealt the biggest blow as Derek's death broke this couple for the last time.

Curse you, truck! It would be hard for anyone to hold back the tears watching Meredith sit by Derek's side as he passed away.

Ted and Tracy (How I Met Your Mother)

The series finale of How I Met Your Mother did this couple dirty! Seriously, it's still one of the worst series finales ever.

Ted spent nine seasons searching for the mythical "Mother" and talking about her to his future kids. We got invested in his journey, waiting to meet Tracy and learn the truth for ourselves. Ultimately, the wait was worth it.

Tracy and Ted's chemistry was beautiful; they fit so well together, and Tracy was fantastic as the long-awaited character. It finally seemed like the right end to the storybook romance after all the highs and lows of Ted's dating life.

Instead, the perfect ending was ripped away and left us frustrated. Why spend nine seasons building up a relationship to erase it in the final moments?

Carrie and Big (Sex and the City / And Just Like That)

Carrie Bradshaw and Big's romance is either a Manhattan fairytale or a toxic mess. It depends on who you ask, but it's a little of both.

They worked so well together on paper, but they never seemed to be on the same page. Big couldn't commit, and Carrie kept going back to him, even when it was a bad decision. Break-ups, affairs, and glamorous love were all on the table.

Their eventual wedding during the movies equally had high emotions and dating troubles. And the soapy drama continued right into the sequel series.

Carrie and Big got their happy ending for a time, but the journey to get there was anything but smooth.

Wilhelm & Simon (Young Royals)

Let's all have a collective sigh of relief that Wilhelm and Simon's story continued for another day. Their ending on Young Royals Season 1 was too bittersweet to make that their final chapter.

There's something about two people discovering their attraction for each other that warms our hearts. And in the case of Prince Wilhelm, it was a new side toward living his authentic life.

Unfortunately, his position as a royal kept getting in the way.

Whenever there was a moment of Simon and Wilhelm being happy, there was also the looming threat of someone discovering their secret. It was a delicate balance that pushed us between happiness and worry. Let's hope these two can eventually make it work.

Veronica and Logan (Veronica Mars)

The "Marshmallows" lived for this pairing. The disgraced rich boy and the sarcastic investigator had the chemistry that radiated heat. And for a long time, it seemed like Veronica and Logan were riding off into the sunset together.

Unfortunately, Veronica Mars Season 4 packed a heavy blow on a final twist no one liked.

Why couldn't Veronica and Logan be together? They overcame their high school drama, processed most of their past trauma, and both characters grew into (somewhat) mature adults.

Veronica and Logan became the people they needed to be in a healthy couple. Their future was ripped from us in a heartbreaking twist that dangled a happy ending and a long-awaited wedding.

Carla and Samuel (Elite)

Sometimes that high school romance is what it is: a high school romance.

Rich girl Carla and new kid Samuel developed into Elite's most passionate star-crossed lovers. They shouldn't work as a pair, but the sexual tension kept bringing them back together. Even the betrayals and secrets couldn't deny their chemistry.

When we thought they could be together, Samuel would either betray Carla or she couldn't trust him again. No amount of pleading or stolen kisses could fix the damage done.

Carla might've ultimately made the wisest decision to end their romance; they did have a toxic edge. But, all the ups and downs to get there added plenty of fuel to Elite's fire.

Chuck and Blair (Gossip Girl)

It took three little words to end the back-and-forth in Blair and Chuck's messy dating life.

Like many couples on this list, there were plenty of break-ups and secrets between them. They worked so well scheming and plotting together, but they'd self-sabotage. Whenever Chuck and Blair blew up, it would be the coldest edge.

Gossip Girl teased plenty of chances for them to get back together. Each time it was more dramatic than the last; a cold goodbye, a teary-eyed heartbreak, or a loving embrace.

We never knew they'd last until those final moments they said, "I do." The Gossip Girl reboot could still throw us for a loop and mess with their romance.

Willow and Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer's most heartwarming relationship came between Willow and Tara. The iconic couple changed the face of TV and still ranks one of the best TV couples.

Still, their journey wasn't the picture-perfect path we all thought.

We had the highs of Willow discovering herself and starting a new romance with Tara. We had the lows of Willow's addiction to magic tearing them apart. But when we thought there was a happy ending, Warren took them away from us.

If Buffy the Vampire Slayer came out today, Willow and Tara would still be together. The loss of Tara and this relationship still hurts after all these years.

Max and Helen (New Amsterdam)

The "Sharpwin" shippers have felt this struggle after many seasons of waiting for the romance to happen.

Max and Helen are the definitions of teasing a potential romance. The pair had lots of chemistry, but they kept it strictly platonic and professional, even when we knew better. The tension felt like it needed a little push to tip them over the edge.

Thankfully, the long-awaited kiss brought them together, but it's still been many challenges along the way since then.

Will they have their happy ending? WIll another challenge come between them? We can't handle not knowing!

These Are The Current ‘Ships That Invented Chemistry

Open List

Now, it's over to you, TV Fanatics!

Which TV couple played with your emotions the most?

Who would you have added to this list?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post 19 TV Romances That Toyed With Our Emotions appeared first on TV Fanatic.

HBO Max is switching up the rollout strategy for the second half of Gossip Girl (2021) Season 1, which means we will be getting the episodes sooner.

The series was initially set to return with the seventh episode of the season on Thursday, November 25, but the streamer will now have episodes 7, 8, and 9 available to stream.

The season will wrap the following week (Thursday, December 2) with another three episodes available to binge-watch.

Fans were less than impressed with the midseason hiatus halfway through the freshman season, so this makes up for it, we guess.

We liked watching week-to-week because it allowed us to dissect every single moment of the reboot.

We'll be running three reviews on Thursday so we can delve deep into the shenanigans of these characters we've grown to love throughout the season.

Developed by showrunner Joshua Safran, a writer and executive producer on the original series, this extension of the pop culture classic takes us back to the Upper East Side finding a new generation of New York private school teens being introduced to social surveillance nine years after the original blogger’s website went dark.

The series is based on the bestselling novels by Cecily von Ziegesar and the original show, developed by Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage.

"Part two of GOSSIP GIRL will continue to explore just how much social media — and the landscape of New York itself — has changed in the intervening years," reads the official logline.

The series stars Jordan Alexander, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Tavi Gevinson, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Zion Moreno, Whitney Peak, and Savannah Lee Smith.

The streamer dropped a new trailer earlier this month that hinted at some of the developments to come. More on that here.

What are your thoughts on the accelerated rollout?

Do you think it will mess with the flow of the series, or do you think the show is best served binged?

Will you be saving the episodes to watch in one sitting?

Hit the comments below.

Catch new episodes on HBO Max.

31 Couples Who Inspired Each Other’s Inner Comedian

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The post Gossip Girl: HBO Max Switches Up Rollout Strategy, and it’s Good News for Binge Watchers! appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The streamer announced a renewal on Thursday that it had ordered Gossip Girl Season 2. 

The first six episodes of the series, which debuted July 8 to become the best launch for a Max Original Drama series this year, are available to stream now.

The remaining six episodes of season one will debut in November. The delay is thought to have been due to filming during COVID-19.

Developed by showrunner Joshua Safran, a writer, and executive producer on the original series, this extension of the pop culture classic takes us back to the Upper East Side, where we find a new generation of New York private school teens who are introduced to social surveillance nine years after the original blogger’s website went dark.

The series explores just how much social media — and the landscape of New York itself — has changed in the intervening years.

The series is based on the bestselling novels by Cecily von Ziegesar and the original show, developed by Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage, who are both executive producers on the new series.

The robust cast includes Jordan Alexander, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Tavi Gevinson, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Zion Moreno, Whitney Peak, and Savannah Lee Smith.

The cast also includes Todd Almond, Adam Chanler-Berat, Johnathan Fernandez, and Jason Gotay.

HBO Max previously revealed that Gossip Girl saw record viewership over its first weekend on the platform and also took over Twitter in the No. 1 trending spot.

The series had 15 billion total social impressions at launch and the series gained around 5.2 billion impressions from content inspired by the series on TikTok.

Gossip Girl is produced by Fake Empire and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios.

The series is written, executive produced, and developed by Joshua Safran of Random Acts. Executive producers also include Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage of Fake Empire and Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo of Alloy Entertainment. Lis Rowinski of Fake Empire serves as co-executive producer.

We'll be honest:

We were initially not that impressed with the reboot, but as the six-episode summer run progressed, the series found its footing, leaving things in an interesting place for the second half of the season.

A new show taking such a big midseason hiatus is concerning because the target audience will likely find other shows to occupy themselves with.

What are your thoughts on the renewal?

Have you checked out the reboot?

Hit the comments.

And, if you want to throw it all the way back to the original series, you can watch Gossip Girl online right here via TV Fanatic.

31 Couples Who Inspired Each Other’s Inner Comedian

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The post Gossip Girl Reboot Renewed for Season 2 appeared first on TV Fanatic.

With the show off the air until November, it's time to look at the show to see how it could improve in the second half of the season.

Check out our list below.

Get Rid of the Teachers

The weakest aspect of the show is the teachers. They need to go.

Making Gossip Girl the teachers might have sounded interesting in the writer's room, but every single time one of the teachers comes on-screen, I want to turn it off.

Kate is the worst. She'll undoubtedly embrace a more villainous persona at some point when the account stops getting as much attention.

Her actions are horrible, and the fact she wants to turn the account into a brand is bizarre. She and the other teachers need found out before it's too late.

Add in the fact that Rafa has been sleeping with a student and manipulating others makes all of the teachers come across as icky.

Kate aimed to get the students in line, but now she's opened a can of worms with the account.

Unite the Sisters for Good

The original Gossip Girl had all of the characters being nasty to one another, but the reboot is considerably tamer in that respect.

Unfortunately, Julien and Zoya make some progress and find themselves yelling at each other again.

Through six episodes, it's proven to be cumbersome. Yes, we know they both come from very different backgrounds, but fighting over boys and other stupid things is a bad look.

The show would be so much better if the sisters united and cut out the crap. Teenagers bicker, especially siblings, but not as much as these two do.

Increase the Presence of the Parents

The parents were pivotal on the original series, and it can't be a coincidence that the best episodes of the reboot so far have leaned so heavily on the parents.

The focal characters are the kids of some of the most influential people in the world, so getting more time with the parents helps to show off how cutthroat the world is for these people.

All of the parents bring a different perspective to the events, and they only really became more prominent in the final episodes of the first half of the season.

There are some compelling hooks to increase the presence of the parents, including the mystery surrounding why Aki's dad told him to stay away from Julien.

Show Viewers the Decadence of Being Rich in New York City

The original series paid attention to the finer details to really drive home that these people have a lot of money.

The parties and events have been relatively low-key on this reboot. It could be thanks to the pandemic, but even New York City doesn't feel like a character in the show.

With the story's trajectory so far, it could be set anywhere in the world because much of what is happening is unbelievable.

Stop Talking and Show Us the Action

One of the most frustrating things about the series is how the kids speak about events.

That's pretty boring, and it detracts from the fun of the show.

This could be another pandemic-related thing, but many of these talky scenes could be omitted from the episodes without a second thought.

Experiment With a Shorter Episode Length

Out of the first six episodes, only one or two of the episodes have not had much filler.

This seems to be because they run close to the 60-minute range.

The move to streaming should allow the episodes to last as long as the showrunner wants them to.

Trim some of the fat to make these episodes leaner and more enjoyable affairs.

Embrace Cliffhangers

The series very often kicks off a bunch of storylines and resolves them that same episode.

For example, Gossip Girl (2021) could have worked as a series finale. Instead of leaving viewers with a hook to keep watching, it ended many of what should have been season-long arcs.

It was jarring and suggested there was a creative overhaul during the writing of the scripts.

In any case, we did get some cliffhangers on the midseason finale, but the show needs to embrace these to keep people talking on the days the show is not airing.

Gossip Girl is airing on HBO Max. The series is on a planned hiatus but is expected to return in November.

What are your thoughts on the show?

Do you think it needs to make some changes?

Hit the comments below.

The post Gossip Girl: 7 Quick Fixes to Make the Reboot a Success appeared first on TV Fanatic.