Welcome to your Tuesday, October 28, 2025 TV guide , where finales drop harder than reality stars’ NDAs and the drama on-screen rivals your group chat. Whether you’re up at 3 a.m. or settling in for some primetime chaos, The TV Cave  has the lowdown on what’s worth watching, skipping, or live-tweeting about. ☕ Early Morning Binge: Secrets, Stand-Up & Scares (3:00 AM ET) Chad Powers   (Hulu) It’s game time — literally. The Season 1 finale  promises touchdowns, truth bombs, and the revelation we’ve all been waiting for. The mask is about to come off, and let’s just say… it’s not looking great for Mr. Powers. Don’t Date Brandon   (Paramount+) Swipe right on chaos. This three-part docuseries  unpacks a modern romance gone very  wrong — think catfish meets true crime with a dash of “you’ve got to be kidding me.” Stream all three before breakfast if you love messy love stories. Mo Amer: Wild World   (Netflix) Mo Amer returns with a sharp, heartfelt stand-up special that touches on fatherhood, faith, and the wild, weird world we live in. You’ll laugh, tear up, and possibly text your dad. Nightmares of Nature   (Netflix — Three-Episode Binge) The Season 2 premiere  crawls into the jungles of Central America, where baby animals and creepy crawlies coexist in an abandoned lab. It’s like Planet Earth  met a horror movie, and we’re so  here for it. Only Murders in the Building   (Hulu) Season 5 finale alert!  Our favorite amateur detectives face their most explosive mystery yet. Expect twists, cameos, and a finale that’ll have Reddit detectives theorizing till dawn. 🌆 Primetime Lineup: Docs, Dances & Drama (7:00–9:00 PM ET) Country Doctor   (HBO, 7:00 PM) This moving documentary follows Dr. James Graham’s uphill battle to provide healthcare in small-town Oklahoma. It’s raw, real, and a reminder that not all heroes wear scrubs from Grey Sloan. MLB World Series: Game 4   (FOX, 7:00 PM) Blue Jays vs. Dodgers  — it’s Game 4, baby. Will Toronto take flight or will L.A. stay golden? Grab your snacks and maybe a stress ball. 🕺 8:00 PM – Dancing, Dunking & Domestic Drama Coast 2 Coast   (NBC / Peacock) Double-header night! Knicks vs. Bucks, then Clippers vs. Warriors — because who needs rest when you can mainline basketball drama straight into your veins? Dancing With the Stars   (ABC) Spooky season hits the ballroom! The celebs go full Monster Mash  with haunted routines and the fan-favorite Dance Monster-thon . Cheryl Burke joins the judges, which means sharper critiques and even sharper eye rolls. NCIS   (CBS) Torres faces a terrifying case while Knight gets a career-defining offer. Expect danger, drama, and that signature NCIS stare-down energy. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City   (Bravo) It’s Housewives meets Below Deck Down Under  — the crossover nobody asked for but everybody needs. There’s flirting, shade, and a fresh scandal involving leaked stories. Bless these messy icons. 🔥 9:00 PM – Penultimate Tension & Presidential Chaos The Lowdown   (FX) Penultimate episode alert!  Lee’s world crumbles as dark forces close in. Expect an emotional gut punch and at least one scene that’ll have you yelling “WHAT?!” NCIS: Origins   (CBS) Ducky’s back (yes, that Ducky)! A familiar face evaluates whether Pendleton needs its own medical examiner. Nostalgia meets tension — classic NCIS recipe. The Oval   (BET) Season 6B kicks off with betrayals in the White House, danger for Sharon, and more scheming than a soap opera marathon. Tyler Perry never misses when it comes to jaw-dropping twists. Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition   (Bravo) Melissa Gorga trades her organized Jersey life for a vegan free spirit’s chaos. It’s like a social experiment designed by Bravo execs after too many espresso shots. 🎭 10:00 PM – High Stakes & International Intrigue High Potential   (ABC) The fall finale  delivers art heists, secrets, and one suspicious backpack that could change everything. If you’re into quirky crime-solving duos, this is your sweet spot. NCIS: Sydney   (CBS) The Australian team goes rogue (and underwater?) chasing a fugitive with a secret that could spark an international scandal. High-stakes espionage, Aussie accents, and plenty of tension — what’s not to love? 💡 The TV Cave Takeaway It’s a stacked  Tuesday. Between explosive finales, spooky ballroom antics, and Real Housewives on the high seas, your DVR deserves a raise. Our pro tip? Start with Only Murders , keep Dancing  in the background, and wind down with The Oval  — because no one does chaos quite like Tyler Perry.

NBC’s Brilliant Minds  is not afraid to get a little weird, and that’s exactly what makes it so fun. The latest installment, Season 2 Episode 6 titled The Doctors Graveyard , is the show’s Halloween episode, and it goes all in on the creepy factor. Between cursed hospital rooms, ghostly visions, and a clown that could give Pennywise nightmares, this episode takes the usual medical drama formula and injects it with pure haunted-house energy. The result is one of the most entertaining, unnerving, and surprisingly emotional hours of the season. Set during Halloween at Bronx General Hospital, The Doctors Graveyard  opens with the team visiting a local haunted house that quickly turns from fun to frightening. Dr. Ericka Kinney, played with aching vulnerability by Ashleigh LaThrop, suffers a panic attack when she gets trapped in a fake elevator, triggering memories of the real elevator tragedy that’s haunted her since the start of the season. It is an intense and beautifully acted moment that sets the tone for an episode all about ghosts, both literal and psychological. Back at the hospital, things only get creepier. The staff tries to get into the Halloween spirit, but the so-called cursed Room has everyone on edge after multiple patients die there and nurse Nico refuses to let the staff dress up. Meanwhile, Josh starts losing a teeth at random, a strange and darkly comic symbol of how the stress of this hospital might actually be eating people alive. And because Brilliant Minds  loves a chaotic subplot, the hospital is also being sued by families of Oliver Wolf’s former patients, the infamous case involving the girls who believed they were pregnant witches. Because of course they were. Dr. Carol Pierce (Tamberla Perry) gets her own nightmare when she’s assigned a psych patient dressed as a clown, her personal worst fear. It’s both funny and unsettling watching her attempt to keep her composure while teaming up with Van to manage the situation. But Carol gets a redemption arc when she helps Ericka’s patient, Sam, who is hearing voices and losing grip on reality. The show cleverly ties every mini story to the idea of doctors being haunted by the ones they couldn’t save, making the Halloween gimmicks feel surprisingly grounded. At the heart of the episode is Oliver Wolf, played by the ever-intense Zachary Quinto, who begins seeing a patient he lost years ago wandering the hospital halls. The visions blur the line between guilt and the supernatural, and it’s revealed that Dr. Porter may have his own connection to this mysterious woman. The final moments deliver a jaw-dropper: a time jump showing Porter visiting Oliver, now institutionalized in a psychiatric facility. It’s eerie, emotional, and sets up the next chapter of Brilliant Minds  with major psychological stakes. The weekly case also deserves a shout-out, a man obsessed with body modification who’s determined to live forever. It’s grotesque, fascinating, and perfectly mirrors Oliver’s desperate attempts to cheat the ghosts of his past. One of the episode’s most heartfelt moments comes when Ericka finally opens up to Dr. Jacob about her struggles with pill use. In a quieter, deeply human scene amid all the chaos, she confesses her secret expecting judgment but Jacob surprises her with compassion instead. It’s a raw, vulnerable exchange that feels earned after the physical distance between them in previous episodes due to Jacob's absence. The show doesn’t glamorize Ericka’s struggle; it treats her addiction as another form of haunting, one she can finally face because someone chooses to see her with empathy rather than shame. It’s an understated but powerful moment that gives the episode emotional weight beyond its jump scares. Pictured: (l-r) Ashleigh LaThrop as Dr. Ericka Kinney, Spence Moore II as Dr. Jacob Nash -- (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC) Brilliant Minds The Doctors Graveyard  works because it doesn’t rely solely on jump scares or cheap thrills. It’s stylish, smart, and just the right amount of spooky. The cinematography leans into shadowy corners and flickering lights, while the writing digs into what makes the characters tick under pressure. For a show that’s already juggling medical emergencies and moral crises, throwing in a haunted hospital storyline feels like a natural fit. By the time the credits roll, the episode has delivered scares, heart, and a few genuine shocks. Let's not forget the nod to Zachary Quinto as Spock as he and bff Carol dress up as Spock and Uhura with knowing smirks. It’ s a reminder that Brilliant Minds  is at its best when it lets its doctors face their fears head-on, whether those fears are patients, lawsuits, or literal ghosts. Final Verdict:   Brilliant Minds  Season 2 Episode 6 is a chilling, clever, and character-driven Halloween treat that proves NBC’s underdog medical drama still has plenty of life left in it. If you’re into spooky hospital chaos with emotional depth, The Doctors Graveyard  is appointment viewing. Rating: 4.5 out of 5  – A hauntingly good time that will have you thinking twice before booking your next checkup at Bronx General.

If DMV  were a real workplace, you’d probably fail your test just for showing up late. Thankfully, the new NBC workplace comedy keeps passing our expectations instead. Episode 3, “Easy Pass,” continues the show’s streak of sharp, awkwardly relatable humor while diving deeper into its messy characters, specifically, our favorite overly accommodating driving tester, Colette. The episode turns what could’ve been another throwaway gag about bad drivers into a surprisingly smart look at people-pleasing, self-worth, and what happens when the office crush turns out to be a little too good at faking nice. “Easy Pass” finds Colette (played with pitch-perfect awkward charm by Harriet Dyer) assigned to administer a driving test to her coworker Noa, who she’s been quietly or not so quietly swooning over since the pilot. The office gossip machine, fueled by Gregg and Vic, reminds everyone that Colette has earned the nickname “Easy Pass” for approving just about anyone who gets behind the wheel. Determined to prove she can be tough, she ends up doing the worst possible thing, falling harder for Noa even as he barrels through stop signs, endangers pedestrians, and generally drives like a human demolition derby. By the time the car stops spinning (figuratively and literally), Colette has failed at her mission and passed Noa anyway, because she can’t bring herself to crush his dreams. Unfortunately, her good deed backfires in classic DMV  fashion. When Gregg and Vic expose her leniency, Colette decides to fix things the wrong way, by sabotaging Noa’s van with her coworkers’ help. What follows is a comedy of errors that traps them inside the van while Noa and his new flame Mary add a layer of mortifying misunderstanding. It’s sitcom gold and a highlight of the season so far. Meanwhile, Barbara’s B-plot provides some light relief from Colette’s emotional mess. The straight laced DMV manager enlists Ceci to photograph her for her official portrait, only to discover that she’s completely unphotogenic. The sequence of Ceci giving her a “makeover” and secretly snapping the perfect candid shot is delightfully absurd, a small reminder that DMV  excels when it leans into its office politics with a wink and a camera flash. What makes “Easy Pass” hit harder than previous episodes is how it peels back Colette’s character. Her people-pleasing tendencies, once played for laughs, now feel like genuine flaws that hold her back. When Noa admits he used her reputation to guarantee a pass, the moment lands with surprising weight. It reframes him from charming office crush to opportunistic co-worker, and suddenly the show has real emotional stakes. From a comedic standpoint, the writing remains tight and self-aware. The jokes fly fast, but the series continues to balance cringe humor with genuine warmth. The chemistry between the ensemble keeps every subplot entertaining, whether it’s Gregg’s sarcastic commentary, Vic’s gullible “get healthy” scam, or Barbara’s photo fiasco. Pictured L to R: Harriet Dyer as Colette and Alex Tarrant as Noa. Photo: CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. By the episode’s end, “Easy Pass” leaves Colette humbled but still wanting to chase after Noa. I want her to get a new love interest, one that doesn't blatantly use her. Now Noa has some layers and perhaps he isn't the good guy we thought, setting up what could be a more satisfying arc for her moving forward. If DMV  wants to earn its own “easy pass” for the rest of the season, more episodes like this will do the trick. Verdict:  “Easy Pass” is DMV ’s most balanced episode yet, hilarious, uncomfortable, and unexpectedly heartfelt. It exposes the cracks in Noa’s good guy image while finally giving Colette room to grow beyond her sweet but self-sabotaging tendencies. The result? A workplace comedy that’s proving it has more under the hood than anyone expected. Rating:  ★★★★☆ What did you think of Colette’s big moment in “Easy Pass”? Should she move on from Noa or give him another chance? Sound off in the comments and let’s talk about who really deserves to pass at the DMV.

Your survival guide to what’s worth watching (and what’s just background noise while you scroll your phone). 🏀 7:00 PM ET — BALLS, BUZZER BEATERS & BANTER Peacock NBA Monday (Peacock) Basketball fans, it’s a double feature night! The Cleveland Cavaliers face off against the Detroit Pistons to warm things up before the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves bring the late-night energy. Expect dunks, drama, and way too many “in-season tournament” graphics. 🚢 8:00 PM ET — SAILS, SANTAS & SUBURBAN SPATS Below Deck Mediterranean (Bravo) The yacht is in full chaos mode as a big guest changeover throws the crew into turmoil. Love triangles are forming faster than you can say “crew mess,” and the chef’s vegan menu is one tofu block away from disaster. Finding Mr. Christmas – Season 2 Premiere (Hallmark Channel) Ten handsome hopefuls compete to become Hallmark’s next leading man — yes, there’s fake snow, real charm, and an uncomfortable amount of knit scarves. Janel Parrish hosts as the contestants try to sleigh (sorry) the holiday spirit. The Neighborhood (CBS ) Parenting woes and suburban shenanigans continue. Marty and Courtney’s nanny hunt takes a left turn, Dave gets way  too into his new hobby, and a Tina-Gemma misunderstanding sparks a fiery showdown that might just make you glad your neighbors are boring. The Voice (NBC) Battle Rounds wrap up, Knockouts begin, and the Mega Mentors arrive — Zac Brown and John Walsh lend a hand (and probably a few dad jokes). Expect powerhouse vocals, emotional montages, and at least one “You made it your own!” moment. 🚗 8:30 PM ET — LICENSE TO LOL DMV (CBS) Colette gives Noa a driving test that’s more crash-course than confidence boost, while Ceci turns Barb’s headshot session into an unintentional sitcom moment. Classic CBS comfort food. 🍰 9:00 PM ET — CRIMES, CAKES & COLD DIPLOMACY Baked With Love: Holiday – Series Premiere (Hallmark Channel) Tamera Mowry-Housley hosts this sugary showdown as duos of home bakers compete with heirloom recipes, festive flair, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Guest judges Anna Haugh and Vaughn Vreeland decide who rises to the occasion (literally). FBI (CBS) Scola and newcomer Agent Eva Ramos hit a bureaucratic brick wall when their murder case collides with a DEA op. Expect procedural tension, fast walking, and that classic “We’ve got 24 hours”  urgency. Halloween Baking Championship – Season 11 Finale (Food Network) It’s the grand finale, and the last bakers standing must design a cake inspired by their “most feared demise.” Creepy, creative, and deliciously extra — one baker walks away $25K richer (and probably covered in buttercream). Kissinger (PBS) Night one of this two-part docuseries dives into the complicated legacy of Henry Kissinger. Expect sharp analysis, archival footage, and a reminder that history class can still keep you up past bedtime. 🧠 10:00 PM ET — MIND GAMES & MEDICAL MARVELS Brilliant Minds (NBC) Dr. Wolf faces literal ghosts and metaphorical demons when a patient seemingly comes back from the dead. Medical mystery meets existential dread — Grey’s Anatomy wishes it could be this unhinged. Watson (CBS) Dr. Watson tackles a puzzling case involving a 30-year-old woman who looks 10, alongside new ally Laila. Equal parts emotional and eerie, it’s another dose of procedural comfort TV before bedtime. 💬 TV Cave Takeaway: Whether you’re craving the sweet chaos of yacht life, the sugar rush of holiday baking, or the slam-dunk drama of NBA Mondays, there’s something for every mood tonight. Grab your snacks, fluff your couch blanket, and let the remote do the heavy lifting — it’s a full night in TV land.

If there’s one thing Lifetime loves more than a dramatic abduction plot, it’s a ripped-from-the-headlines story that comes with a message. Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie  is the network’s newest addition to its thrillers, and it’s as intense as it sounds. Garcelle Beauvais stars and executive produces, and yes, she’s giving you grit, glam, and trucker chic all in one. The movie revs up both suspense and emotion, aiming to shine a light on an issue that’s far too often ignored: the lack of attention given to missing Black women and girls. From the opening scene, Lifetime does what Lifetime does best, drops you right into chaos. Kai, played with no-nonsense ferocity by Beauvais, is a long-haul trucker and small business co-owner who suddenly finds herself in every aunt’s nightmare when her niece Toy disappears after a run-in with an online predator. Toy, who is neurodivergent, vanishes at a rest stop, setting off a race against time that exposes systemic failures in how missing Black girls’ cases are handled. It’s part thriller, part social critique, and a full-on emotional ride that’s both frustrating and deeply satisfying. Taken at a Truck Stop  isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s still a Lifetime movie, which means you’ll get your fair share of dramatic stares, slightly implausible coincidences, and a soundtrack that does a little too much. But that’s also part of what makes these films work. The formula works because it knows exactly what its audience wants: high-stakes storytelling with a message that punches through the melodrama. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good over-the-top Lifetime rescue montage? Beauvais anchors the film with a performance that’s surprisingly layered for a cable thriller. Kai isn’t just a worried aunt, she’s a woman who’s seen enough to know that waiting for the system to act won’t save her niece. So, she takes matters into her own hands, mobilizing her trucking network and online community to find Toy. It’s a clever and empowering twist that elevates the story beyond a standard missing-person plot. The movie’s best scenes aren’t the chases or confrontations, but the ones that show Kai connecting with other drivers and ordinary people determined to make noise for someone society would rather ignore. Where Taken at a Truck Stop  really shines is in its social messaging. Lifetime leans hard into the reality that missing Black girls rarely get national attention, and it doesn’t sugarcoat the frustration of watching institutions drag their feet. The film’s creators smartly weave these truths into the tension, so even when the pacing gets predictable, the emotional stakes stay high. It’s not subtle, but subtlety isn’t what Lifetime is selling. That said, a few bumps in the road keep the film from hitting prestige territory. The dialogue occasionally slips into after-school-special territory, and some supporting characters feel like they were pulled straight from a casting call titled “Concerned Reporter number two .” Still, for viewers who want their entertainment to have a pulse and a point, this movie checks all the boxes. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and just self-aware enough to wink at its own dramatics. At its core, Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie  is both a call to action and a satisfying weekend watch. It gives viewers exactly what they expect from a Lifetime original: tension, empowerment, and a few perfectly timed tears. It might not earn a Critics’ Choice nomination, but it earns something better: your full attention on an issue that deserves it. So grab your popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for a wild, emotional haul. Lifetime’s Taken at a Truck Stop  proves that even a made-for-TV thriller can drive home a powerful truth, sometimes the people society overlooks are the ones who fight the hardest to be found.

Patrick Dempsey is done saving lives. Now he’s taking them. The Grey’s Anatomy alum has traded hospital drama for psychological thrills in the first teaser for FOX’s upcoming series Memory of a Killer . And if the trailer’s any indication, this isn’t your typical network crime show, it’s moodier, smarter, and dripping with that glossy prestige-TV tension that makes you wonder if FOX finally got tired of reality competitions and decided to play with the big kids. The teaser, which dropped October 24, gives us our first look at Dempsey as Angelo Ledda, a hitman grappling with early onset Alzheimer’s while trying to maintain a normal life as a father and husband. It’s based on the acclaimed 2003 Belgian thriller De Zaak Alzheimer , which means there’s a solid foundation of psychological intrigue baked in. What sets this version apart, though, is Dempsey himself, equal parts charming and chilling, he brings a haunted energy that makes you forget McDreamy ever existed. Visually, the teaser oozes atmosphere. Shadowy woods, flickering memories of home life, and flashes of violence blend into a fever dream that mirrors Ledda’s fading memory. It’s slick, cinematic, and surprisingly intense for a network drama. Think The Equalizer  meets Memento  with a dash of midlife crisis. The show’s tagline could basically be “What if the hitman forgets who the target is?” and honestly, we’re in. With the series premiering in January 2026, Memory of a Killer  could easily be FOX’s most ambitious drama in years. Dempsey’s return to television feels like a gamble that might actually pay off as he’s compelling, unpredictable, and clearly having fun with the role. If the full season delivers on the promise of this teaser, expect Memory of a Killer  to dominate both watercooler talk and search trends. For now, we’ll just keep replaying that trailer and wondering how many secrets Dempsey’s killer can keep before his own mind turns against him.

The gray skies over Kingstown are back, and with them comes a storm of blood, betrayal, and bureaucracy. Mayor of Kingstown  Season 4 wastes absolutely no time reminding us that peace in this fictional Michigan town is as fragile as a parole promise. The premiere, titled “Coming ’Round the Mountain,”  kicks the doors open with a shocking act of violence and a sharp reset that repositions the McLusky family in a fresh ring of hell. This season opener finds Mike McLusky , played by the indestructible Jeremy Renner , balancing his trademark exhaustion and fury as the power structures around him collapse and rebuild yet again. With the Russian mob eliminated and a new warden shaking things up inside Anchor Bay, Mike’s empire of uneasy alliances begins to crumble. It’s the same twisted dance of corruption and compromise fans have come to love — only now, the tempo has increased and the stakes are personal. A Killer Opening and a New Queen in Town The episode opens with a scene that would make Ozark  blush. Frank Moses , portrayed by Lennie James, decapitates a crew of Russian gangsters along the train tracks — a gruesome visual that instantly declares, “Welcome back to Kingstown, where happy endings don’t exist.” It’s bold, it’s ugly, and it’s exactly the energy this show thrives on. Enter Edie Falco  as Warden Nina Hobbs , the new sheriff of the prison-industrial complex that keeps Kingstown spinning. She arrives with a composed demeanor and a promise to end Mike’s informal influence. Her line, “This is my castle now,” lands like a warning shot. Hobbs is the kind of character who doesn’t need to raise her voice to be terrifying, and Falco’s calm ferocity makes her the perfect addition to this morally decayed world. Mike’s Breaking Point and the Family Fallout The premiere digs deep into the McLusky family’s  chaos. Mike’s brother Kyle  has been sentenced to prison after shooting a SWAT leader during the chaotic bridge shootout. The irony of a McLusky becoming an inmate isn’t lost on anyone, least of all Mike. Watching Kyle navigate the same world his brother manipulates from the outside adds a new layer of danger and irony that could define the season. Inside, Kyle immediately learns that survival comes at a cost. His cellmate, Merle Callahan , oozes menace, and his first day behind bars turns bloody fast. The sense of claustrophobic dread inside the prison contrasts perfectly with Mike’s increasing desperation outside. A Town That Refuses to Heal Mayor of Kingstown  continues to be a grim reflection of a broken system pretending to function. The show’s world remains dirty, desperate, and hypnotically watchable. Every alliance feels temporary, every promise feels like a lie, and every moment could explode into chaos. The Season 4 premiere doesn’t reinvent the formula, instead, it sharpens it. Renner brings raw intensity to a character teetering on the edge of burnout. He plays Mike as a man who knows he can’t fix anything but can’t stop trying anyway. The writing keeps that contradiction alive, making him both hero and accomplice to Kingstown’s endless cycle of violence. Final Verdict The Mayor of Kingstown  Season 4 premiere delivers everything fans expect, brutality, tension, and a lingering sense that no one in this town is getting out clean. With Edie Falco’s powerhouse presence shaking up the balance and Renner’s grounded performance anchoring the madness, the show feels revitalized without losing its grim soul. If the rest of the season keeps this momentum, Kingstown’s descent into chaos might just be its best yet. For viewers who crave dark storytelling with heart and grime in equal measure, this premiere is proof that the king of bleak TV is back on his throne.

An agnostic podcaster and a Jewish Rabbi walk into a modern-day relationship, what could possibly go wrong, right?! Well, if you are like millions of viewers who tuned into the season 2 release of Nobody Wants This, then you know there’s a hamon of moments that are destined to create a series of unfortunate misinterpretation events with such a pairing. And, on that point, Nobody Wants This does not disappoint. Starring Adam Brody as handsome young Rabbi Noah and Kristen Bell, as his new rebel-without-a-faith girlfriend Joanne, Netflix’s hit romantic comedy continues where it seemingly left off with the drop of its sophomore season on October 23. Nobody Wants This  season 2 feels like a delightful contradiction in several choice moments, but in others, it lands dangerously close to living up to its title; particularly, in those instances where the idea of bringing together yet another clash of cultures that relies heavily on recycled narratives we’ve all seen previously played out onscreen. Think Pretty Woman, Jungle Fever, West Side Story, just to name a few. With so much time spent on why the young couple of this latest pairing may not truly fit together, you almost forget why they actually do. What saves the series from being too much of a been there, done that  comedy rerun in this space is the welcomed addition of storylines for the supporting cast. Justine Lupe, best known for her work in Succession , returns as Morgan, Joanne’s free spirited sister and podcasting partner, who’s fallen into a somewhat questionable relationship of her own this season. No, there’s no issue dating your therapist, said no one ever.  The always hilarious Timothy Simons also returns as Sasha Roklov, the Rabbi’s older brother, whose close and complicated friendship with Joanne’s sister becomes a proverbial sticking point in his own marriage. Despite their own respective relationships dominating their screen time this season, Sasha and Morgan often prove to be the more interesting of all the couples matched up in the series. However, for now, we will just have to settle for them serving as unlikely besties and wingmen for their siblings.  The well-worn “opposites attract” trope aside, Nobody Wants This  does deliver a surprisingly binge-worthy blend of relatable humor and quirky charm. This season, the series dives deeper into the family relationships that have shaped both Noah and Joanne’s internal and outward look on their lives and the future.  At the start, the pacing stalls somewhat as we fall back into the requisite miscommunication scenarios that often befall relationships trying to blend both culture, religion, and family dynamics. But, in the end, you come to understand the series’ offer of a rather unexpected, but poignant mirror into what we, ourselves have all faced at different times with the most ideal love connections. The polar opposites visuals and vibe also extend to Joanne and Noah’s parental guidance. Peppered throughout several of the season’s episodes are humorous moments with Noah’s mother and father, played by Tovah Feldshuh and Paul Ben-Victor, and, of course, on the other end of the spectrum with Joanne’s more unconventional divorced-but-friends parents, played by Stephanie Faracy and Michael Hitchcock — the latter who’s time on canvas is meant to bring the humor, but ultimately provides more of the series’ heartwarming moments, and message. The characters remain a motley crew of lovable misfits, each with their own brand of neuroticism as it relates to life and love. The show's witty dialogue and sharp commentary on modern life's absurdities navigating familial and personal relationships will, no doubt, bring to you to laugh your way through the uncertainty of it all, even as you wonder about your own choices in this life. And, in what has now become the new “it” thing — where would a television season be without a guest appearance, or two. For Nobody Wants This, Brody once-again gets a chance to play opposite his real-life wife and Gossip Girl  alum Leighton Meester, who appears in episode 5, as Abby, Joanne's middle school nemesis-turned-Instagram mommy influencer, when Noah is  asked to officiate her baby’s naming ceremony. A surprise appearance that comes later in the season is Seth Rogen. Taking a break from his own award-winning series, The Studio, Rogen plays Rabbi Neil, a rather progressive rabbi who runs an ultra-modern congregation and provides an unorthodox (no pun intended) counterpart to Noah's more traditional approach to the faith. Even as a man of the cloth, Rogen’s signature everyman charm and comedic awkwardness is infused with his true-to-life, laid-back personality. With his relatable blend of humor and authenticity, you are left feeling like you know someone just like him in your own life. What has also been a nice touch for the series this go-round has been the history and background on Judaism that we, gentiles, receive as we watch Joanne navigate various Jewish rituals with Noah throughout the season. Most often played for laughs, with Joanne’s fish-out-water perspective, we are afforded a rather endearing look at the hows and whys of a faith rooted in community, family, and Biblical history. Picture a family gathering centered around Purim, where every awkward moment is up for comedic scrutiny, wrapped in a narrative that somehow spirals into beautiful messiness. Visually, the series crafts an engaging, surprisingly introspective, decidedly imperfect window into the chaos that is love when it doesn’t come wrapped in the package you need it to. Sure, "Nobody Wants This" might feel like an overly familiar film you seen before and are fully aware of the ending. But, it does so with such sincerity and heart-on-its-sleeve honesty that you find yourself reflecting on your own life while simultaneously laughing at theirs. By the end of it all, you might even find yourself admitting through that laughter-turned-tears, that, “yeah, I really do want this!" Loosely based on creator Erin Foster’s personal life experiences, Nobody Wants This, is out now for download. Stream all 10 episodes of season 2 on Netflix. No word yet on a season 3 for the series.

This week on Beyond the Gates , we say goodbye to a talented actor, Dani and Joey face off, Ted and Nicole’s fate is sealed, and we meet Izaiah. Let’s get into it. Vanessa the Mob Wife I’m not sure why Vanessa is using Donnell’s twin to send Donnell out of town, but whatever her goal, it seems manipulative .  Vanessa wants to become Joey’s trusted partner, and when he tries to warn her about the dangers, she insists that she understands and accepts them. She’s alienated everyone else in her life because of her fixation on Joey. It leaves me wondering if she ever truly loved Doug, or if she was just attracted to excitement from the start. The better story? Have Vanessa plot to take Joey down. That would make her interesting again. For now, she’s firmly on my “do not like” list, and I can’t wait for her rude awakening. Martin and Smitty: The Honeymoon Phase Basking in re-wedded bliss, Martin and Smitty seem happier than ever, both more open and playful after the ceremony. Honestly, I love that for them. Broken Penis and a Chemistry Test Yes, you read that correctly — broken penis.  Apparently, while trying to recreate the romantic dinner Tomas once set up for her (insert yawn), Kat somehow manages to “break” Tomas’s penis. They end up in the ER, Shanice gets involved, and I don’t know if this was meant as comic relief or some kind of humiliation ritual. Either way, I wasn’t laughing. The one bright spot? Kat’s conversation with Martin afterward, asking if he ever broke Smitty’s penis. That was genuinely funny, and I’d love to see more of their sibling dynamic. Meanwhile, Eva’s over at the Uptown dictating some sort of medical note out loud  in a public bar. Ma’am, you work for doctors. Why are you dictating patient notes next to someone’s happy hour? Cue facepalm. She meets Izaiah, who’s struggling with a pen. She offers hers, they chat, and yes, the chemistry is there — but Eva tends to ooze.  Similar to how Catwoman circles her prey. It works for Catwoman; it does not work for Eva. It is more like an over-poured cocktail. She’s a vixen, but vixens don’t ooze. Dial that back a notch. Dani and Another Career Letdown For some reason, Ridge Forrester insists on having Dani’s husband involved in the photoshoot. Excuse me while I roll my eyes. Look, I get that Andre has some secret reason for avoiding cameras, but we’ve already seen him in photos — from the Vegas wedding to that video dedication celebrating Nicole. Soap pivots are fine, but make them make sense. Also, Dani already gave up her career for Bill, and now we’re seeing another man dimming her light? She’s Dani freaking Dupree!  You’re telling me her comeback wouldn’t be profitable? Please. Sometimes I sit watching this show, asking, “Who dis fo?” because it often doesn’t feel like it’s for women. Later, Dani tells Andre she turned Forrester down, and he’s perfectly fine with that. Another man content to let her play small. I bet if Ashley  asked, he’d say yes. Heavy eyeroll. Joey the Villain Let me say this plainly: I hate Joey. I love the actor—but I loathe  the character. Villains don’t belong in the winner’s circle, nor are they so integrated into the story. Fortunately, most characters see him for who he is. I hope that never changes. Still, when Dani confronts him and he has the gall to throw her marriage in her face like he’s not a murdering thug? The nerve. The bet between them was foolish anyway, and you can already see the anvil — Dandre’s marriage won’t last a year. Jacomi and Izaiah Jacob and Naomi are on repeat — same argument, different day. Naomi’s not pregnant, but because she doesn’t tell Jacob immediately, they end up fighting. Mind you, she had just  seen the results. Add her snappy attitude toward Jacob in front of friends, and it’s giving off an “immature” vibe. They both have issues: Jacob doesn’t keep his agreement not to have children and tries to pressure Naomi into something she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, Naomi is projecting her fears of losing him because of it onto him in a way that isn’t fair to him. Enter Izaiah. He’s watching from the bar, silent and observant. When Naomi nearly stumbles, he’s there to catch her — that deep voice saying, “I got you.”  When Jacob joins them, there’s no outright tension, but when Jacob makes a comment about his reflexes, Izaiah drops the line, “Well, somebody’s gotta catch what you can’t hold down.” Wait a minute. Are we getting a Jacob-Naomi-Izaiah triangle? Because the chemistry is there,  and the writing’s already on the wall for Jacomi. I’m absolutely here for it. Hayley the Black Widow Hayley has officially put her plan into full gear — she’s going to Kill Bill  (and yes, that still makes me chuckle). The problem? She’s kind of obvious about it. Maybe Bill’s just too blinded by her ever-elevated cleavage to notice, but subtlety is not her strong suit. Here’s the issue: I’m not buying Hayley as a villain. She tries to pull off femme fatale, but that airhead persona always creeps back. I keep waiting for that elusive duality—a hint of danger under the ditzy exterior—but the actress just doesn’t deliver it. Occasionally, it almost shows, but never enough to convince me. Final Thoughts This week was solid, a little less dramatic, but still entertaining. Minus  Derek and Ashley and the whole “Broken Penis” fiasco. Also, free Colby. Please. Alex Cheeks was an unexpected find, and there’s real story potential with Donnell, so why was he only temporary? You all know how I feel about wasting good talent... lesigh. Thumbs Up 👍🏾 Izaiah’s introduction — I think I like this one. The acting seems solid, and he could be a win. Andre’s past — just please don’t take ten years to reveal it. The spark between Izaiah and Naomi — yes, I’m rooting for it. Thumbs Down 👎🏾 Dani not being able to carry the Forrester deal on her own — unbelievable. Donnell agreeing to leave — wasted potential. Hayley and Randy — a moronic duo who couldn’t commit a crime if it came with instructions.

June Lockhart, the actress known for her roles on Lassie  and Lost in Space , has died at the age of 100. Lockhart passed away on October 23, 2025, at her home in Santa Monica, California. Her career spanned film, television, and theater, making her a notable figure in the history of American entertainment. Born on June 25, 1925, Lockhart came from a family of actors, with both parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, having established careers in Hollywood. She made her film debut as a child in A Christmas Carol  (1938). Over the years, she appeared in a variety of films and television shows, building a reputation for versatility and professionalism. Lockhart is best known for her television roles. From 1958 to 1964, she played Ruth Martin on the television series Lassie , a show that focused on the adventures of a loyal dog and the families she lived with. Later, from 1965 to 1968, she portrayed Dr. Maureen Robinson on Lost in Space , a science fiction series about a family stranded in space. These roles established her as a prominent figure in American television during the mid-20th century. Her contributions to the industry were recognized with several awards and honors over the course of her career. Reports indicate that Lockhart remained mentally active throughout her life. June Lockhart’s passing marks the loss of one of the last surviving stars from the classic era of American television. Her work on Lassie  and Lost in Space  continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans and historians of the medium. Lockhart’s career serves as a record of her extensive involvement in American television history and highlights her role in shaping family-focused programming during a formative period for the medium.

Your survival manual for tonight’s TV chaos — from small-town crime to supernatural shenanigans. ☀️ EARLY BIRD STREAMING (3:00 AM ET) Because who doesn’t  love a little emotional trauma before sunrise? 💔 Hal & Harper  (MUBI) Episode 3 dives deep into childhood angst and daddy issues, starring Cooper Raiff and Lili Reinhart. Mark Ruffalo’s brooding is basically a national treasure at this point. 🪓 Mayor of Kingstown  – Season 4 Premiere (Paramount+) Jeremy Renner returns as Mike, Kingstown’s least-relaxed fixer, still juggling crime, corruption, and moral decay like it’s a part-time hobby. Expect prison politics, power plays, and a few emotional sucker punches. 🥃 Tulsa King  (Paramount+) Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight is back to protect his whiskey empire — because what’s more American than organized crime and artisanal bourbon? Watch him battle Dunmire and Quiet Ray while trying to keep his “business” legit. 🍿 PRIMETIME PARTY (8:00 PM ET) Grab your snacks — the chaos begins. 😱 The Simpsons  (FOX) Springfield’s men are in crisis, and honestly, it’s about time. Expect classic satire, self-awareness, and maybe Homer learning something  (but not really). 🏖️ Universal Basic Guys  (FOX, 8:30 PM) The Hoagies head “down the shore” for some chaos, while Tammy tries patching things up with her estranged sister. Because no beach trip is complete without family drama. 🔥 9:00 PM ET – THE BATTLE OF BINGES Too many shows, not enough eyeballs. 🔫 Billy the Kid  (MGM+) Garrett’s hunting Billy like it’s his full-time job, but Billy’s still one step ahead — outlaws and lawmen both thrive on bad decisions. 👻 IT: Welcome to Derry  – Series Premiere (HBO) Return to Derry, Maine — now with more 1960s creep factor. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise origin story promises vintage terror, red balloons, and existential dread. Check out our review here . 🎃 Halloween Wars  – Season 15 Finale (Food Network) Sugar, spice, and witchcraft ! Two teams conjure spell-casting scenes for the $25K prize. Expect glitter, pumpkins, and probably tears made of fondant. 🕵️ Maigret  (PBS) The detective drama turns personal as Maigret faces failure and heartbreak. Moody lighting included. 🧙‍♂️ Talamasca: The Secret Order  – Series Premiere (AMC) Think Men in Black , but for demons. William Fichtner leads a secret agency policing the supernatural. Two episodes tonight, so cancel your seance plans. Check out our review here . 🍞 Tony Shalhoub: Breaking Bread  (CNN) Monk himself is on a culinary mission in São Paulo, exploring Lebanese heritage through food. Expect equal parts heart and hummus. 💔 The Guest  (Paramount+ with Showtime) Ria’s facing the police and  heartbreak. It’s a rough night for our heroine — maybe she should’ve just stayed in. 🍇 Krapopolis  (FOX) An ancient Greek food fest goes sideways, sparking a famine. Meanwhile, Deliria and Stupendous take a “girls weekend” — what could go wrong? 🚌 9:30 PM ET 🎤 The Road  (CBS) The remaining 11 musicians hit Dallas for a live show that could make or break their dreams. Executive producer Taylor Sheridan’s fingerprints (and probably cowboy hats) are all over this one. 🍔 Bob’s Burgers  (FOX) Tina gets fired as Hall Monitor — a miscarriage of justice if ever there was one. Naturally, Louise and Gene go full investigative journalist to clear her name. 🌒 NIGHTCAP (10:00 PM ET) 🪑 The Chair Company  (HBO) Ron spirals into paranoia after a creepy encounter and goes full home-security mode. Let’s just say it’s giving Black Mirror  meets Office Space . 🎬 FINAL TAKE From clown-fueled nightmares to culinary pilgrimages, tonight’s lineup is a glorious buffet of chaos. Whether you’re here for drama, laughs, or lurking supernatural forces — your remote’s gonna need a workout.

Grab your red balloons, horror fans. The creepiest clown in pop culture is back in IT Welcome to Derry , HBO’s ambitious prequel series that dives deep into the origin of Pennywise and the cursed Maine town that just can’t catch a break. Set in 1962, the show attempts to unravel the twisted history behind the malevolent entity that has haunted Stephen King readers and moviegoers for decades. It’s stylish, atmospheric, and full of wicked nostalgia but like any trip to Derry, it comes with a few unsettling bumps in the road. The first thing that stands out about IT Welcome to Derry  is its confidence. Executive producers Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the same creative duo behind the 2017 and 2019 IT  films, aren’t afraid to go all in on expanding King’s universe. The show paints Derry as a picture-perfect American town hiding a festering darkness, and that aesthetic works beautifully. Think vintage cars, pastel diners, and an undercurrent of quiet dread that seeps through every frame. The production design nails the retro vibe so perfectly you can almost smell the cigarette smoke and moral repression. What really hooks you, though, is the sense that Derry itself is alive. The series wisely shifts its focus from jump scares to slow-burn horror, exploring how evil infects an entire community. It also adds social commentary to the mix, touching on race, class, and fear of the unknown, themes that feel eerily relevant in 2025. The subplot involving the Hanlon family and a young Dick Hallorann (yes, that Dick Hallorann from The Shining ) gives the show unexpected emotional weight. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you lean in closer, even as you feel that familiar shiver crawl up your spine. Now, let’s talk about the clown in the room. IT Welcome to Derry  offers glimpses of Pennywise that will thrill fans, though it never fully demystifies the creature’s origins. The result is a mix of intrigue and frustration. Some moments are pure nightmare fuel, haunting, grotesque, and deliciously disturbing. Others feel like déjà vu, as if the show is pulling from the same bag of tricks that worked in the films but doesn’t quite land with the same impact. The CGI occasionally goes overboard, trading practical scares for glossy spectacle, which undercuts the tension the series works so hard to build. The pacing also wobbles. At eight episodes, the show sometimes feels stretched thin, juggling multiple storylines that don’t always connect cleanly. For every chilling moment of small-town paranoia, there’s a subplot that meanders or fizzles out before it can truly hit. It’s the classic prestige horror problem: big on atmosphere, light on payoff. But even when the scares slow down, the world of Derry remains magnetic, a place where horror lurks in every drainpipe and behind every polite smile. Performance-wise, the cast delivers across the board. Taylour Paige and Chris Chalk bring heart and gravitas, while Madeleine Arthur’s eerie innocence adds layers of unease. The ensemble feels grounded, even when the plot starts veering into cosmic horror territory. And yes, Bill Skarsgård’s shadow looms large, even if he’s not front and center. So, is IT Welcome to Derry  worth your time? Absolutely, with caveats. It’s a richly designed, occasionally brilliant expansion of Stephen King’s most haunting creation, but it never quite escapes the shadow of its cinematic predecessors. The scares may not always hit as hard, yet the atmosphere, themes, and lore make it a must-watch for King devotees and horror completists alike. In the end, IT Welcome to Derry  proves one thing: evil never dies in Derry. It just finds new ways to float back to the surface. Whether you’re here for the lore, the nostalgia, or the clown, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Just don’t expect to sleep easy afterward. Final Verdict:  Stylish, ambitious, and occasionally chilling, IT Welcome to Derry  expands Stephen King’s nightmare universe with flair, even if it sometimes gets lost in its own fog. Three and a half red balloons out of five.