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Best Michael B. Jordan Movies and TV Shows Ranked

Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Michael B. Jordan is one of the most popular and talented actors working today, and now he is an Oscar winner!

The actor first gained attention on TV for his roles in popular series like ‘The Wire‘ and ‘Friday Night Lights‘ before making a name for himself on the big screen in movies like ‘Chronicle‘ and ‘That Awkward Moment‘.

But it his collaborations with director Ryan Coogler such as ‘Fruitvale Station‘, ‘Creed‘, ‘Black Panther‘ and ‘Sinners‘, which have really resinated with audiences.
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Jordan would go on to star in ‘Creed II‘ before stepping into the director’s chair himself for ‘Creed III‘, which were both executive produced by Coogler, and even made a cameo in Coogler’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘.

In honor or Jordan’s recent Best Actor Oscar win for ‘Sinners’, Moviefone is counting down the 20 best movies and TV shows of Michael B. Jordan’s impressive and groundbreaking career.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Discuss Making ‘Sinners’

20. ‘Fantastic Four‘ (2015)

(L to R) Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell in 2015’s ‘Fantastic Four.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

Four young outsiders (Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Jordan) teleport to a dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend (Toby Kebbell) turned enemy.
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19. ‘Kin‘ (2018)

A young boy finds a powerful otherworldly weapon, which he uses to save his older adoptive brother from a crew of thugs. Before long, the two of them are also pursued by federal agents and mysterious mercenaries aiming to reclaim their asset.
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18. ‘Hardball‘ (2001)

An aimless young man (Keanu Reeves) who is scalping tickets, gambling and drinking, agrees to coach a Little League team from the Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago as a condition of getting a loan from a friend.
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17. ‘A Journal for Jordan‘ (2021)

Based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child.
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16. ‘Parenthood‘ (2010-2015)

The trials and tribulations of the very large, colorful and imperfect Braverman family.
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15. ‘That Awkward Moment‘ (2014)

(L to R) Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan and Zac Efron in ‘That Awkward Moment’. Photo: Focus Features.

Best pals Jason (Zac Efron) and Daniel (Miles Teller) indulge in casual flings and revel in their carefree, unattached lives. After learning that the marriage of their friend Mikey (Jordan) is over, they gladly welcome him back into their circle. The three young men make a pact to have fun and avoid commitment. However, when all three find themselves involved in serious relationships, they must keep their romances secret from one another.
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14. ‘Red Tails‘ (2012)

The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II.
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13. ‘Just Mercy‘ (2020)

The powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan), who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned — including Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan fights tirelessly for Walter with the system stacked against them.
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12. ‘Fahrenheit 451‘ (2018)

In an oppressive future, a ‘fireman’ (Jordan) whose duty is to destroy all books begins to question his task.
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11. ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘ (2022)

Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.
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10. ‘Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse‘ (2021)

Michael B. Jordan as John Kelly in Prime Video’s ‘Without Remorse.’ Photo: Amazon.

When a squad of Russian soldiers kills his family in retaliation for his role in a top-secret op, Sr. Chief John Kelly (Jordan) pursues the assassins at all costs. Joining forces with a fellow SEAL (Jodie Turner-Smith) and a shadowy CIA agent (Jamie Bell), Kelly’s mission unwittingly exposes a covert plot that threatens to engulf the U.S. and Russia in an all-out war. Torn between personal honor and loyalty to his country, Kelly must fight his enemies without remorse if he hopes to avert disaster and reveal the powerful figures behind the conspiracy.
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9. ‘Chronicle‘ (2012)

Three high school students (Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Jordan) make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.
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8. ‘Creed II‘ (2018)

Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight against an opponent with ties to his family’s past, Adonis Creed (Jordan) is up against the challenge of his life.
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7. ‘Friday Night Lights‘ (2006-2011)

The trials and triumphs of life in the small town of Dillon, Texas, where high school football is everything.
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6.’Creed III‘ (2023)

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Jordan) has thrived in his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian — a fighter with nothing to lose.
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5. ‘Fruitvale Station‘ (2013)

(L to R) Michael B. Jordan and Kevin Durand in ‘Fruitvale Station.’ Photo: The Weinstein Company.

Oakland, California. Young Afro-American Oscar Grant (Jordan) crosses paths with family members, friends, enemies and strangers before facing his fate on the platform at Fruitvale Station, in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2009.
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4. ‘The Wire‘ (2002-2008)

Told from the points of view of both the Baltimore homicide and narcotics detectives and their targets, the series captures a universe in which the national war on drugs has become a permanent, self-sustaining bureaucracy, and distinctions between good and evil are routinely obliterated.
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3. ‘Black Panther‘ (2018)

King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T’Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), the queen-mother (Angela Bassett), his princess-kid sister (Letitia Wright), members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan ‘special forces’) and an American secret agent (Martin Freeman), to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.
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2. ‘Creed‘ (2015)

The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson (Jordan), the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).
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1. ‘Sinners‘ (2025)

Michael B. Jordan as Smoke and Stack in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Sinners,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
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March 25, 2026
Veteran Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes in episode 107 of ‘The Residence.’ Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

Preview:
- Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died aged 71.
- He was known for performances in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Veep.’
- Whitlock Jr. was also a regular collaborator with director Spike Lee.
Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at the age of 71, his manager confirmed, following a brief illness.

Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of corrupt state senator Clay Davis on HBO’s ‘The Wire’ — and for co-starring in ‘Veep’ and several films by director Spike Lee — Whitlock’s career spanned more than four decades.
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Stars, collaborators, and fans around the world are paying tribute to the beloved actor.

Related article: French Screen Legend and Cultural Icon Brigitte Bardot Has Died at the Age of 91

Isiah Whitlock Jr.: Early Life and Career

Isiah Whitlock Jr as Judge Lomax in ‘I Care a Lot.’ Photo: Seacia Pavao/NETFLIX.

Born September 13, 1954 in South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock began his journey far from Hollywood’s red carpets. After studying theater on a scholarship, he trained at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, laying the groundwork for a career defined by versatility and depth.

Whitlock’s early work included guest appearances on television series throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He also had small roles in films such as ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Pieces of April,’ showcasing his ability to shine in any role, large or small.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.: A Life in Film and Television

(L to R) Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes, Dan Perrault as Colin Trask, Spencer Garrett as Wally Glick, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Randall Park as Edwin Park, Andrew Friedman as Irv Samuelson, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Erin Simkin/Netflix © 2024.

Whitlock’s breakthrough came with HBO’s ‘The Wire,’ where his portrayal of the charismatic and corrupt State Senator Clay Davis became iconic.

He went on to captivate audiences in the political satire ‘Veep,’ playing Secretary of Defense George Maddox, and appeared in acclaimed series such as ‘Your Honor’ and ‘The Residence.’

On the big screen, Whitlock was a favorite of director Spike Lee, collaborating on multiple films including ’25th Hour,’ ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ ‘BlacKkKlansman,’ ‘Chi-Raq,’ and more — a creative partnership marked by mutual respect and deep friendship.

Across more than 120 film and television credits, Whitlock gave performances that were at once commanding, humorous, and deeply human.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.: Offscreen

(L to R): Isiah Whitlock Jr and Ayoola Smart in ‘Cocaine Bear.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

Though Whitlock kept much of his personal life private, those close to him remembered his warmth, generosity, and infectious spirit. In a heartfelt announcement, his manager Brian Liebman described him as “a brilliant actor and even better person,” noting that all who knew him were deeply affected by his loss.

Tributes have poured in from peers and collaborators, including Lee, who referred to Whitlock as “my dear beloved brother,” a testament to their long friendship both on and off set.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.: Legacy

(L to R): Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Melvin, Norm Lewis as Eddie, Delroy Lindo as Paul,, Clarke Peters as Otis and Jonathan Majors as David in ‘Da 5 Bloods.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2020.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.’s legacy will endure in the memorable characters he brought to life and the joy he brought to audiences around the world. Whether delivering a sly smile, a sharp political jab, or his unforgettable vocal cadence, he was an actor who left an indelible mark on stage and screen alike.

He will be remembered not just for what he played, but how he made us feel: entertained, moved, and always, at times, saying — in his unforgettable way — “sheeeee-it.”

Selected Movies and TV Featuring Isiah Whitlock Jr.:
- ‘Goodfellas’ (1990)
- ‘The Spanish Prisoner’ (1997)
- ’25th Hour’ (2002)
- ‘The Wire’ (2002)
- ‘Pieces of April’ (2003)
- ‘She Hate Me’ (2004)
- ‘Enchanted’ (2007)
- ‘Cedar Rapids’ (2011)
- ‘Red Hook Summer’ (2012)
- ‘Veep’ (2013)
- ‘Chi-Raq’ (2015)
- ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018)
- ‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)
- ‘Cocaine Bear’ (2023)
- ‘The Residence’ (2025)
Buy Isiah Whitlock Jr. Movies and TV on Amazon
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December 31, 2025
Best TV Shows of the 21st Century: First 25 Years

Moviefone’s 25 Best TV Series of the first 25 years of the 21st Century.

With 2025 quickly coming to a close, so is the first 25 years of the 21st century!
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While most consider that the modern golden age of television started with ‘The Sopranos‘ in 1999, it really came into prominence in the 2000’s with shows like ‘The Wire‘, ‘24‘, ‘Lost‘, ‘Mad Men‘, ‘Breaking Bad‘, and ‘The Walking Dead‘, and eventually ‘Game of Thrones‘, ‘Stranger Things‘ and ‘Succession‘.

As we leave behind the first quester of this century, Moviefone is counting down the 25 best TV series of the first 25 years of the 21st century!

Let’s begin!

Related Article: The 25 Best Films of the First 25 Years of the 21st Century

25. ‘Stranger Things‘ (2016-2025)

(L to R) Sadie Sink, Noah Schapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Caleb McLaughlin in Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things.’

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl (Millie Bobby Brown).
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24. ‘The Walking Dead‘ (2010-2022)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan in ‘The Walking Dead’. Photo: AMC Studios.

Sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way.
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23. ‘30 Rock‘ (2006-2013)

(L to R) Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey in ’30 Rock’. Photo: NBC.

Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer for a late-night TV variety show in New York, tries to juggle all the egos around her while chasing her own dream.
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22. ‘Westworld‘ (2016-2022)

(L to R) Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden in ‘Westworld.’ Photo: HBO.

A dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin. Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, it explores a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged.
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21. ‘The Boys‘ (2019-2024)

Antony Starr as John Gillman / Homelander in Prime Video’s ‘The Boys’ season 4. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

A group of vigilantes known informally as “The Boys” set out to take down corrupt superheroes with no more than blue-collar grit and a willingness to fight dirty.
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20. ‘Justified‘ (2010-2015)

Timothy Olyphant in ‘Justified’. Photo: FX.

A character drama based on the 2001 Elmore Leonard short story “Fire in the Hole.” Leonard’s tale centers around U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) of Kentucky, a quiet but strong-willed official of the law. The tale covers his high-stakes job, as well as his strained relationships with his ex-wife and father.
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19. ‘Sons of Anarchy‘ (2008-2014)

(L to R) Charlie Hunnam and Tommy Flanagan in ‘Sons of Anarchy’. Photo: FX Productions.

The Sons of Anarchy (SOA) are an outlaw motorcycle club with many charters in the United States and overseas. The show focused on the original and founding charter, Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original, often referred to by the acronym SAMCRO, Sam Crow, or simply Redwood Charter. The charter operates both legal and illegal businesses in the small town of Charming, California. They combine gun-running and a garage, and involvement in porn film industry. Clay (Ron Perlman), the charter president, likes it old school and violent; while Jax (Charlie Hunnam), his stepson and the club’s VP, has thoughts about changing the way things are done. Their conflict has effects on both the club and their personal relationship, especially when Jax goes on a personal quest to cleanse the SAMCRO name and image.
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18. ‘Arrow‘ (2012-2020)

(L to R) Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, and David Ramsey in ‘Arrow’. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.

Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.
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17. ‘The Closer‘ (2005-2012)

(L to R) J.K. Simmons and Krya Sedgwick in ‘The Closer’. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.

Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) transfers from Atlanta to LA to head up a special unit of the LAPD that handles sensitive, high-profile murder cases. Johnson’s quirky personality and hard-nosed approach often rubs her colleagues the wrong way, but her reputation as one of the world’s best interrogator eventually wins over even her toughest critics.
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16. ‘Billions‘ (2016-2023)

(L to R) Daniel Breaker as Roger “Scooter” Dunbar, Corey Stoll as Mike Prince, Toney Goins as Philip Charyn, Damian Lewis as Bobby “Axe” Axelrod, Asia Kate Dillon as Taylor Mason, David Costabile as Mike ‘Wags’ Wagner, Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades, Maggie Siff as Wendy Rhoades, Sakina Jaffrey as Daevisha ‘Dave’ Mahar, Dola Rashad as Kate Sacker and Jeffrey DeMunn as Chuck Rhoades, Sr. in ‘Billions’ Season 7. Photo Credit: Mark Seliger/Showtime.

A complex drama about power politics in the world of New York high finance. Shrewd, savvy U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and the brilliant, ambitious hedge fund king Bobby “Axe” Axelrod (Damian Lewis) are on an explosive collision course, with each using all of his considerable smarts, power and influence to outmaneuver the other. The stakes are in the billions in this timely, provocative series.
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15. ‘Mad Men‘ (2007-2015)

Jon Hamm in ‘Made Men’. Photo: Lionsgate Television.

Set in 1960-1970 New York, this sexy, stylized and provocative drama follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising.
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14. ‘Yellowstone‘ (2018-2024)

Kevin Costner as John Dutton III in Paramount Network’s ‘Yellowstone’ season 5. Credit: Paramount Network.

Follow the violent world of the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Led by their patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the family defends their property against constant attack by land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first National Park.
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13. ‘Game of Thrones‘ (2011-2019)

Emilia Clarke in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones.’ Photo: HBO.

Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night’s Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
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12. ‘Breaking Bad‘ (2008-2013)

Bryan Cranston in ‘Breaking Bad’. Photo: Sony Pictures Television.

Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a New Mexico chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of only two years left to live. He becomes filled with a sense of fearlessness and an unrelenting desire to secure his family’s financial future at any cost as he enters the dangerous world of drugs and crime.
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11. ‘Succession’ (2018-2023)

Brian Cox in season 4 of HBO’s ‘Succession.’ Photograph by Macall Polay/HBO.

Follow the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control.
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10. ‘Prison Break‘ (2005-2017)

(L to R) Amaury Nolasco, Robert Knepper, Wentworth Miller, Peter Stormare and Dominic Purcell in ‘Prison Break’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.

Due to a political conspiracy, an innocent man (Dominic Purcell) is sent to death row and his only hope is his brother (Wentworth Miller), who makes it his mission to deliberately get himself sent to the same prison in order to break the both of them out, from the inside out.
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9. ‘Arrested Development‘ (2003-2019)

The cast of ‘Arrested Development’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.

The story of a wealthy family that lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together.
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8. ‘Battlestar Galactica‘ (2004-2009)

The cast of ‘Battlestar Galactica’. Photo: Universal Media Studios.

When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet – the last of humanity – as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.
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7. ‘The Shield‘ (2002-2008)

The cast of ‘The Shield’. Photo: Sony Pictures Television.

The story of an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the cops aren’t above breaking the rules or working against their associates to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact.
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6. ‘Lost‘ (2004-2010)

The cast of ‘Lost’. Photo: ABC Studios.

Stripped of everything, the survivors of a horrific plane crash must work together to stay alive. But the island holds many secrets.
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5. ‘The Wire‘ (2002-2008)

(L to R) Wendell Pierce and Dominic West in ‘The Wire’. Photo: HBO.

Told from the points of view of both the Baltimore homicide and narcotics detectives and their targets, the series captures a universe in which the national war on drugs has become a permanent, self-sustaining bureaucracy, and distinctions between good and evil are routinely obliterated.
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4. ‘Luther‘ (2010-2019)

Idris Elba in ‘Luther’. Photo:BBC Studios Drama Productions.

A dark psychological crime drama starring Idris Elba as Luther, a man struggling with his own terrible demons, who might be as dangerous as the depraved murderers he hunts.
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3. ‘Life‘ (2007-2009)

(L to R) Sarah Shahi and Damian Lewis in ‘Life’. Photo: Universal Media Studios.

Complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Crews’ new lease on life has provided him with a Zen-like outlook, peace of mind and no need for vengeance, an attitude which can be challenging to maintain when someone he cares about is threatened — or when he is investigating the mystery surrounding the murder he was falsely accused of.
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2. ‘24‘ (2001-2014)

Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer in ’24’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.

Counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) fights the bad guys of the world, a day at a time. With each week’s episode unfolding in real-time, “24” covers a single day in the life of Bauer each season.
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1. ‘Bosch‘ (2015-2021)

Titus Welliver in season 4 of ‘Bosch’. Photo: Aaron Epstein. Copyright: Amazon Studios

Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), an LAPD homicide detective, stands trial for the fatal shooting of a serial murder suspect. A cold case involving the remains of a missing boy forces Bosch to confront his past. As daring recruit Julia Brasher (Annie Wersching) catches his eye and departmental politics heat up, Bosch will pursue justice at all costs.
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December 30, 2025
‘Black Phone 2’ Actor James Ransone has Died Aged 46
James Ransone in ‘Sinister 2.’ Photo: Blumhouse/Focus Features.

Preview:
- Actor James Ransone has died aged 46.
- He appeared in the likes of ‘It: Chapter Two’ and ‘The Wire.’
- Ransone also showed up in ‘Bosch’ and ‘The Black Phone.’
James Ransone, the American actor whose magnetic intensity and emotional range brought to life some of modern television and horror cinema’s most memorable characters, has died at the age of 46. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone died by suicide on December 19, 2025.

Among Ransone’s credits are the likes of ‘It: Chapter Two’ and ‘The Black Phone.’
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Ransone’s wife Jamie McPhee shared this statement to Instagram:

“I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me – I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me – and you were so right. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts – you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”

Related Article: ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Filmmaker Rob Reiner Has Died at the Age of 78

James Ransone: Early life and beginnings

(L to R) James McAvoy, James Ransone and Isaiah Mustafa in ‘It Chapter Two’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Born June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, James Finley Ransone III saw his career segue from regional stages to Hollywood Educated at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and briefly at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, Ransone’s formative years were steeped in exploration and artistic curiosity.

His breakthrough came in 2003 with his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of HBO’s ‘The Wire’ — a role that instantly marked him as a compelling presence capable of channeling vulnerability, volatility, and heartbreaking earnestness.

James Ransone: Television and film

(L to R): James Ransone and Jessica Chastain in ‘It: Chapter Two.’ Photo: New Line.

Over more than two decades, Ransone built a body of work remarkable for both its diversity and depth. On television, he appeared in acclaimed series such as ‘Generation Kill,’ ‘Bosch’ and ‘Poker Face,’ embodying characters that ranged from manic dreamers to battle-hardened marines.

In cinema, he was equally dynamic. Ransone’s filmography included the gritty indie ‘Tangerine,’ and a string of standout genre performances: the unnerving Deputy in ‘Sinister’ and ‘Sinister 2,’ the emotionally fractured adult Eddie Kaspbrak in ‘It: Chapter Two,’ and the troubled Max in ‘The Black Phone’ and its 2025 sequel.

James Ransone: Legacy

Ransone’s legacy cannot be measured by any single role or genre. His career spanned gritty prestige television, independent drama, and mainstream horror, creating an indelible imprint on each. His chameleon-like ability to disappear into character made him a favorite of both auteurs and genre filmmakers, and his work will continue to be rediscovered and cherished.

He is survived by his wife and their children.

James Ransone in ‘Sinister 2.’ Photo: Blumhouse/Focus Features.

Selected Movies Featuring James Ransone:
- ‘Ken Park’ (2002)
- ‘Inside Man’ (2006)
- ‘Prom Night’ (2008)
- ‘The Next Three Days’ (2010)
- ‘Sinister’ (2012)
- ‘Broken City’ (2013)
- ‘Oldboy’ (2013)
- ‘Sinister 2’ (2015)
- ‘Tangerine’ (2015)
- ‘In a Valley of Violence’ (2016)
- ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019)
- ‘The Black Phone’ (2021)
- ‘Black Phone 2’ (2025)
Buy James Ransone Movies and TV on Amazon
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December 22, 2025
Lance Reddick Dies at the Age of 60
Lance Reddick as Irvin Irving on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch.’ Photo: Aaron Epstein. Copyright: Amazon Studios

Lance Reddick, an actor who brought poise, gravitas and depth to even the smallest role, has died.

Best known for movies including the ‘John Wick’ series and TV shows including ‘The Wire’, ‘Fringe,’ and ‘Bosch,’ Reddick was 60.
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Lance Reddick as Irvin Irving on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch.’ Photo: Hopper Stone. Copyright: Amazon Studios

Who was Lance Reddick?

Born in 1962 in Baltimore, Reddick’s initial passion was for music; he attended the Peabody Preparatory Institute and completed a summer program on music theory and composition at the Walden School as a teenager. Yet acting calling to him: after earning his Bachelor of Music degree from Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, he relocated to Boston, Massachusetts in the 1980s to start attending the Yale School of Drama in 1991.

Reddick began his screen career in the mid-1990s, guesting on such series as ‘The Nanny’ and ‘New York Undercover’. Later in the decade, he appeared on the big screen in films including ‘Great Expectations’ and ‘The Siege’ before recurring on HBO’s Emmy-winning 2000 miniseries ‘The Corner’, which was based on David Simon’s book. The same year, he scored a role on fellow gritty HBO drama ‘Oz’.

But all that was prologue to the first of his most notable TV roles –– Simon cast him in ‘The Wire’ as Cedric Daniels, an iconic character who appeared throughout the show’s run. He also won fans for his work as Phillip Broyles in sci-fi drama ‘Fringe’.

More recently, he’s been back on the TV cop drama beat with ‘Bosch’. But his career has been incredibly varied, Reddick showing up on shows such as ‘The Blacklist’, ‘Castle’, ‘Intelligence’, ‘Castlevania’, ‘Corporate’, ‘The Legend of Vox Machina,’ and Netflix‘s ‘Resident Evil.’

(L to R) Lance Reddick as Albert in ‘Resident Evil.’ Photo: Netflix © 2021.

Related Article: Lance Reddick to Return as Charon for ‘John Wick’ Spin-Off ‘Ballerina’

Which movies has Lance Reddick been in?

Movie-wise, he’s enjoyed a long and successful career that takes in a wide variety of films including ‘White House Down’, ‘Little Woods’, ‘Angel has Fallen’ and ‘One Night in Miami…’ But perhaps he’s become best known as Charon, the stoic, badass concierge of the Continental hotel in the ‘John Wick’ movies.

Reddick has a few films left in which audiences can enjoy his work: he’s in the remake of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’, due out this year, ‘Saint Sebastian’, ‘The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial’ (which is still in production), and ‘Wick’ spin-off ‘Ballerina’, which stars Ana de Armas. He’s also playing Zeus in the new Disney+ adaptation of ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, which should be out next year.

Most recently out promoting ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, which is in theaters next week, the actor was found dead of natural causes at his home in Studio City. Reddick is survived by his wife, Stephanie Reddick, and children, Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick.

(L to R) Lance Reddick as Charon and Ian McShane as Winston Scott in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’

Other Lance Reddick Movies:
- ‘Great Expectations‘ (1998)
- ‘The Siege‘ (1998)
- ‘Jonah Hex‘ (2010)
- ‘Oldboy‘ (2013)
- ‘White House Down‘ (2013)
- ‘John Wick‘ (2014)
- ‘John Wick: Chapter 2‘ (2017)
- ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum‘ (2019)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Sylvie’s Love‘ (2020)
- ‘Godzilla vs. Kong‘ (2021)
- ‘One Night in Miami…‘ (2021).
Buy Tickets: ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Lance Reddick Movies On Amazon
March 17, 2023
Why Michael B. Jordan Replaced Chadwick Boseman on ‘All My Children’

Marvel

Fifteen years before they vied for the throne of Wakanda in “Black Panther,” Michael B. Jordan was tapped to replace Chadwick Boseman on “All My Children.”

For a Wrap cover story, both actors talked for the first time about why Boseman walked away from the soap opera.

After only a week playing teen thug Reggie Montgomery, Boseman complained about the stereotypical nature of the role.

ABC

Instead of tweaking the part, they fired then 26-year-old Boseman and brought in 16-year-old Jordan, who had just completed 12 episodes on HBO’s acclaimed crime docudrama “The Wire.”

Boseman recalled, “When I got it, I was like…’This is not part of what I want to do. How can I make it work?… I remember going home and thinking, ‘Do I say something to them about this? Do I just do it?’ And I couldn’t just do it. I had to voice my opinions and put my stamp on it. And the good thing about it was, it changed it a little bit for [Jordan].”

As Boseman told The Wrap, “They said, ‘You are too much trouble,’ but they took my suggestions, or some of them. And for me, honestly, that’s what this is about.”

ABC

Jordan said he’s appreciative for Boseman’s influence, even though he didn’t know about it at the time. “I’m younger than Chad, and I was coming into ‘All My Children’ fresh off ‘The Wire’ — wide open, still learning. I was playing this role not knowing that a lot of the things I was going through were because of what he’d already done for me.”

The younger actor went on to say, “It’s hard to speak in the moment about how things we do can affect other people. But this is a pure example, right here on the spot… to understand how what people do now can directly affect what other people do in the future. And the work that we’re doing on ‘Black Panther’ is hopefully doing the same thing for the next group of actors that are coming up, just like our predecessors opened up doors and made things easier for us.”

[Via The Wrap]

January 4, 2019
‘House of Cards’ and ‘The Wire’ Star Reg E. Cathey Dies at Age 59

We lost another great one.

According to TMZ, actor Reg E. Cathey died at his home in New York, surrounded by friends and family after battling lung cancer. He was 59.

Reginald Eugene Cathey played BBQ maestro Freddy on Netflix’s “House of Cards,” earning an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2015. In his 30-plus-year career, he played mayor’s aide Norman Wilson on HBO’s “The Wire,” Martin Querns on HBO’s “Oz,” Dr. Franklin Storm in the 2015 movie “The Fantastic Four,” Barry K. Word in the FX boxing drama “Lights Out,” and many more.

Cathey was born in Alabama, spent his childhood in West Germany, and studied theater at the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama.

Check out this HBO video from 2008, with “The Wire” actor revealing more about himself:And here are two Cathey scenes from “House of Cards” and “The Wire”:Fans, friends and costars reacted to his death as the news spread on Friday evening:

Shattered at the loss of Reg E. Cathey! Brilliant actor, humorist & friend! Irreplaceable! The ancestors about to be challenged!!

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) February 10, 2018

We lost a sweet, sweet man and a sweet, sweet, SWEET artist today.
Rest In Power, Reg E. Cathey We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/ZDLepPWyGV

— bobby cannavale (@bobbycannavale) February 10, 2018

Just read that Reg E. Cathey has passed away. Reg was an incredibly kind and wonderful person with a vibrant love for the arts. He would bring his saxophone to set and serenade everyone at base camp during breaks. Rest In Peace my friend.

— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) February 10, 2018

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February 9, 2018
Best TV Shows to Watch That Never Won an Award
In this golden age of television, the sheer amount of quality programming makes it impossible for the Emmys to recognize every show worthy of awards, which is both wonderful and incredibly frustrating. The following five shows are perfect examples of the how the Emmys failed to recognize brilliance.

‘The Wire’ (2002 – 2008)

It’s often at the top of the critics’ charts when it comes to the greatest television shows of all time … so how exactly did “The Wire” only manage to garner two Emmy nominations for writing over the course of five seasons? It’s one of television’s greatest mysteries. While the gritty drama about the drug scene in Baltimore may have been too intense and dark to gain traction with voters, “The Wire” certainly paved the way for a show like meth-fueled “Breaking Bad” to win multiple Emmys.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009 – 2015)

On the comedy side, NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” definitely takes the crown when it comes to the best shows that never won at the Emmys. While it started as a poor imitation of “The Office,” “Parks” became a unicorn among the more cynical sitcoms. Amy Poehler was a perennial Best Actress nominee for her iconic portrayal of Leslie Knope, but she only took home one Golden Globe over the course of the seven-season run. The ensemble was one of the strongest on television with Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Scott, and Rob Lowe representing the wacky citizens of Pawnee. But the biggest injustice is the fact that Nick Offerman never got a single nomination for his work as Ron Swanson, the gruff government-hating boss with a heart of gold. To quote Ron, “Awards are stupid. But they’d be less stupid if they went to the right people.”

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997 – 2003)

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” never really had a chance with Emmy voters, given that it was a show about vampires airing on the WB. If voters had looked closer at Joss Whedon‘s masterpiece, they would have seen that it wasn’t just about killing vampires. “Buffy” was never afraid to tackle subjects like school violence, substance abuse, and teens coming to terms with their sexuality, and it did so unflinchingly. Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s Buffy gave girls a heroine to look up to, as she proved that the blonde cheerleader was also capable of kicking demon ass.

‘Community’ (2009 – 2015)

Fiercely beloved by the few who watched it, Community” is a gem that the Emmys never paid much attention to. While the episode titled “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” did win an Creative Arts Emmy for animation, “Community” was mostly ignored when it came to the Primetime Emmys. It netted only one nomination in writing — for the brilliant “Remedial Chaos Theory” — over the course of its six seasons. “Community” was the perfect show for pop culture nerds, as it played all sorts of television tropes, from homages to “Law & Order” to spoofing clip shows and spaghetti Westerns.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014 – 2016)

The show just aired its last season, but there is still hope that awards bodies will catch on to Showtime’s Gothic thriller “Penny Dreadful.” Just wrapping up its third season, “Penny Dreadful” imagines a Victorian London where Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein, and Henry Jekyll team up with original characters to battle vampires, witches, and the devil himself. In a just world, Doctor Who” alum Billie Piper as a vengeful Bride of Frankenstein with a feminist agenda and ’90s hunk Josh Hartnett as Ethan Chandler, a sharpshooter with a terrible secret. It is genuinely terrifying every week, and Emmy voters should absolutely pay attention.

Sources
- It’s Time To Revisit The Greatest TV Show Ever (That No One Watched)
- 5 Serious Social Issues Buffy The Vampire Slayer Tackled Head-On
July 13, 2016
The Best Shows to Watch With Your Dog
Any dog lover will tell you: They’ll do anything to keep their pooch happy and comfortable, even change their own habits. And if you’ve ever looked at your own dog and felt like he was paying as much attention to the TV screen as you were, you may be right. It depends on the breed, but some dogs really do get lost in the latest show their owner is bingeing on. And while they obviously can’t follow the plot twists and turns of, say, “Breaking Bad,” dogs do respond to visual and auditory stimuli.

Your dog might be looking for more than a cuddle when he snuggles up next to you as you’re watching a show. If you want to change your lineup to give your furry friend the best viewing experience possible, here are a few dog-friendly shows to try.

‘Frasier’ (1993 – 2004)

Your pup won’t get the jokes Frasier (Frasier” is for you; the antics of the show’s highly trained fur baby are for your best friend.

‘The Wire’ (2002 – 2008)

Chances are, your pet loses it completely at the sound of a doorbell, the pop of fireworks, and the roar of the vacuum cleaner. Television shows can actually help get your dog used to everyday noises. Try a crime drama like Baltimore-set “The Wire,” which details with excruciating realism the ongoing stalemate between the city’s law enforcement and the drug trade. Gunshots, door slams, cars peeling out — any dog who learns how to endure all that will be cool as a cucumber when the mailman arrives.

‘Nashville’ (2012 – )

This drama based in the cutthroat world of country music was just saved from extinction by CMT. A huge part of the appeal of “Nashville” is the songs themselves. The cast is stacked with more than serviceable singers, like Connie Britton and Charles Esten as power couple Rayna James and Deacon Claybourne. And real-life country stars pop by the show to perform all the time. Your dog will be soothed by those twangy ballads while you’re focused on the industry hookups and betrayals.

‘Broadchurch’ (2013 – )

Broadchurch” are the next best thing to letting your dog off-leash to prance around in the surf.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – )

Hear this out: “Game of Thrones” might be the best show ever for dogs. The saga of the quest for rule over the entire fictional kingdom of Westeros has everything a pup could be looking for in a viewing experience. Lush locations: Check. A colorful palette and rich soundscape: Check. Direwolves that look like some of their dog park friends: Check. The battles on the HBO fantasy series may also appeal to a dog’s heightened motion sensitivity. And the show will remind you to always keep your pup’s food bowl full.

Sources
- Why Do Dogs Watch and React to TV?
July 11, 2016