Stanford‘s Hometown News Site

Every bad decision catches up with you sooner or later, and for Ray Driscoll (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny Carvalho (Wagner Moura), the consequences have arrived. What started as an easy, low-risk con—impersonating DEA agents to rob small-time dealers—quickly unravels into something they never could have anticipated. One wrong target, one miscalculation, and suddenly, their simple grift puts them on a collision course with dangerous powers far beyond their control. The tension builds fast, and before they know it, survival isn’t just about escaping law enforcement—it’s about staying one step ahead of the kind of people who don’t believe in second chances.

Some mysteries don’t just beg to be solved—they demand attention, forcing their way into public consciousness and refusing to let go. This series takes inspiration from one of those chilling cases, transforming real-world disappearances into a fictionalized crime drama that’s as much about institutional failures as it is about the pursuit of justice. There’s no question that it crafts an engrossing atmosphere, blending true-crime elements with character-driven storytelling. But does it strike the right balance between suspense and social critique, or does it get tangled in its narrative ambitions?

Horror works best when it lingers. The kind that doesn’t just go for the easy scare but seeps into your thoughts, waiting to catch you off guard when you least expect it. FIRST WORD ON HORROR continues to unearth the minds behind the genre’s most distinct voices, and in episodes 4–6, Paul Tremblay takes center stage. A master of psychological malaise, Tremblay crafts horror that refuses to be easily defined, stories that play with perception and make audiences question what’s real. These episodes pull viewers into his philosophy of fear, where certainty is an illusion, and every answer raises more questions.

This nature documentary doesn’t just document the wild—it transforms the landscape into a vivid spectacle, blending visuals, dynamic storytelling, and a sense of wonder that keeps you glued to the screen. With an ambitious scope, a visionary creative team, and a firm grasp on the raw power of nature, this series proves that real life can be just as gripping as any blockbuster.

Yet again, HARLEY QUINN comes out fists swinging; another fantastic season solidifies this as one of the best adult series ever. It doesn’t just shake up its setting—it flips the whole table. The move from Gotham’s chaos to Metropolis’s gleaming utopia isn’t just a backdrop swap; it’s a full-blown identity crisis in the best way possible. This season, with razor-sharp humor, relentless energy, and a whole new city to destroy (metaphorically… mostly), proves why this series remains one of the best.

Animated television thrives on creativity, but few series have struck the perfect balance of absurdity and heart like REGULAR SHOW. From 2010 to 2017, this Cartoon Network staple carved out a niche with surreal storytelling and unpredictable humor. At its core, the series follows two underachieving park workers, Mordecai (voiced by J.G. Quintel) and Rigby (voiced by William Salyers,) whose slacker tendencies constantly land them in bizarre, often bizarre, situations. What begins as a simple workplace comedy quickly transforms into an unpredictable journey filled with sentient vending machines, alternate dimensions, and even cosmic battles while maintaining a sharp wit and undeniable charm.

SURVIVING BLACK HAWK DOWN takes a harrowing chapter in military history and brings it to the screen with a detail we’ve never seen before, refusing to sanitize or simplify the reality of war. This three-part docuseries from Ridley Scott Associates, directed by Jack MacInnes, does more than recount the harrowing journey of what happened—it allows those who lived through it to tell their story unfiltered and raw. The result is a documentary that immerses its audience in the tension, fear, and resilience of those there.

he mid-1990s introduced audiences to a sitcom that took the classic buddy-comedy format and infused it with an infectious energy that set it apart. THE WAYANS BROS. showcased the comedy talents of two real-life siblings, bringing a mix of slapstick humor, sharp dialogue, and a fast-paced dynamic that kept viewers entertained. The series stood out for its ability to blend absurdity with sincerity, giving its characters both outrageous antics and moments of real emotion. After years of scattered reruns and limited home media availability, the complete series has finally landed on DVD, offering it all in one collection for longtime fans and those discovering it for the first time.

CLEAN SLATE taps into the kind of storytelling that blends humor with real-world emotions, crafting a comedy that isn’t afraid to address themes of identity, change, and second chances. At its core, it’s about reconciliation, growth, and navigating the complications of evolving relationships. The premise is straightforward yet deeply layered: a stubborn Alabama car wash owner, Harry (George Wallace), finds his world upended when his estranged child, now a confident, independent woman named Desiree (Laverne Cox,) returns after nearly two decades. What follows is a story packed with heartfelt moments, comedy, and an exploration of what it means to accept someone for who they are.

There’s something inherently gripping about the setup of THE HUNTING PARTY. The concept of a secretive prison conducting shadowy experiments on dangerous criminals offers a tantalizing blend of moral complexity and suspense. The story revolves around Rebecca “Bex” Henderson (Melissa Roxburgh,) a former FBI profiler thrust back into the field to track down the escaped inmates of The Pit, a supermax facility shrouded in secrecy. On the surface, it seems like a recipe for edge-of-your-seat drama. However, while the series flirts with deeper themes, it gets sidetracked by a formulaic approach to its episodic storytelling early on.

PARADISE combines intrigue, drama, and superb performances to create a series that keeps audiences hooked from beginning to end (at least as far as I’ve seen.) Set in a world where power and prestige are as valuable as secrets, this show crafts a complex narrative that thrives on tension, a visually stunning setting, and compelling character dynamics. It’s a genuine standout in the thriller genre and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys suspenseful storytelling with emotional depth.

Get your crossbows ready for another thrilling ride through the zombie apocalypse as THE WALKING DEAD: DARYL DIXON – THE BOOK OF CAROL. This season takes us on an intense journey across a chilling European backdrop. We dive deep into the personal battles and tough survival decisions of our protagonists, Daryl and Carol (rightfully brought front and center for the second season), brought to life by Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, respectively. This installment returns the franchise to its gritty roots and enhances the storyline with new layers, making every episode captivating. (this season feels like the early seasons of the original series!)

DALLAS, 2019, directed by Darius Clark Monroe, brings to life a city transforming just as a global pandemic looms around the corner. With a filmmaker's eye for drama and a journalist's attention to detail, Monroe captures the highs and lows of Dallas' inhabitants. This series paints a picture of urban resilience through the lens of civic leaders and everyday citizens.

LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH transports viewers back to a chilly December in 1988 when the skies over Lockerbie, Scotland, were scarred by tragedy. This is no ordinary retelling of history; it's an intense exploration of a profoundly personal catastrophe that propelled Dr. Jim Swire (Colin Firth) into the spotlight of advocacy and inquiry. This series cleverly twists the story of Swire's transformation from a typical doctor to a determined skeptic pitted against political manipulation and media distortion.

Get ready as the curtain is pulled back on the second season of HORROR’S GREATEST. It quickly becomes apparent that this installment somehow exceeds the first season. This season not only revisits the shadow-laden corridors of classic horror but also dives beyond the surface-level clip show, infusing each segment with deeper insight and a richer palette of terror. It's not just a collection of horror highlights; it's a refined look at the psychological underpinnings that make us shudder in delight.

As the series story is returned to the Bartlett-Fleming clan in the 17th season of HEARTLAND, the season plays out comfortably along familiar trails and blazes new paths with a reinvigorated spirit. Aptly titled *Just the Beginning*, this installment is a cozy embrace of the past and a bold stride into new stories, blending established charms with refreshing plots to craft a season that surprises.

DARK WINDS: Season 2 takes us back to the vast, sunbaked landscapes of the Navajo Nation, anchoring itself firmly in the crime drama genre with its latest episodes. This season enhances the storyline by meshing the cultural history of the 1970s Navajo community with complex story arcs that dive into justice and morality. It explores deeper waters, offering a more textured look at its complex characters and the forces shaping their lives.

In an unexpectedly delightful journey back to my childhood, we get to experience mutants championing ecological preservation taking center stage in TOXIC CRUSADERS. This animated series daringly converts the infamous ‘Toxic Avenger’ saga into a family-friendly cartoon. Masterminded by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment, known for its unorthodox and bold content, the series shatters typical storytelling, earning its spot as a standout in children’s programming with its witty humor, distinctive character ensemble, and offbeat take on environmental activism. (this is serious; there is something undeniably charming about the series!)

As we visit the serene yet dynamic vistas of Yorkshire in the early 20th century, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL opens its newest season with a blend of warmth and wartime grit. This period, marked by World War II's shadow, frames the quaint village of Darrowby, where the contrasting worlds of comforting charm and harsh truths collide. The series, known for its emotion and depth, continues incorporating a story that entertains and resonates, ensuring every episode is a textured viewing experience.

As HOUSE OF DRAGON: SEASON 2 explores the storied expanse of Westeros, it spins a dense web of power and strife within the storied Targaryen lineage. This chapter plunges deeper into the tumultuous waters of dynastic conflicts, with the house's inner divisions threatening to topple their long-standing dominion. While draped in a narrative fabric rich with political maneuverings and adorned with visually stunning sequences, the season occasionally struggles to sustain the narrative drive achieved by its legendary predecessor.

Stepping into nostalgia like no other, LOONEY TUNES COLLECTOR'S CHOICE: VOLUMES 1-4 showcases nearly a century’s animation. This compendium is a goldmine for fans and newcomers, serving up an array of iconic and lesser-known cartoons at a price that won’t break the bank. Warner Archive has managed to pack this collection with an impressive blend of content, making it an essential addition to any home cinema collection.

IT'S IN THE GAME: MADDEN NFL chronicles the evolution from a simple yet innovative concept into a dominant force in both the digital and sports worlds. This documentary doesn't just revisit the storied history of this landmark series; it throws us into the creative maelstrom that powered its rise. I’ve been a fan of the Madden series through many of its ups and downs over the years, and while mistakes have been made, the game itself is nearly iconic, from putting you into the game to letting you play as your favorite player or team.

ELLIS stands out among its detective show peers with its rich exploration of social commentary and riveting mysteries, courtesy of the ingenious scripting by Paul Logue and Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre. The series breathes new life into classic detective themes through the compelling character of DCI Ellis, portrayed by Sharon D. Clarke.

Prime Video is set to launch a new chapter in CRUEL INTENTIONS' seductive and strategic world, reviving the spirit of the beloved 1999 drama. The series transports us to the corridors of Manchester College, where the game of social hierarchy is more intense than ever. I have to admit, I had tempered expectations, as I’m a big fan of the original film (and even its two direct-to-video follow-ups to some extent.) So when I heard this series was being made, I was intrigued!