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Slow cooker Sunday sauce, also known as “sugo,” is a rich, tomato-based ragu that’s a favorite for family dinners. Traditionally, it’s simmered low and slow from morning until dinnertime, making it a perfect recipe for the Crockpot. Serve it over pasta with a sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese for an unforgettable meal!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazing Flavor: With deep, savory flavors that develop over hours, this hearty sauce will be one your family cherishes for generations.
Perfect for Gatherings: Sunday sauce over pasta is a meal that brings everyone to the table. Plus, the recipe makes enough to serve a crowd!
Make-Ahead Friendly: This tastes even better the next day! It also stays fresh for a whole week and can be frozen for longer storage.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce
The beauty of making Sunday sauce (sugo) in the crock pot is that it’s super quick to prep! Simply sear the meat, sauté the vegetables, brown the sausage, and then let the slow cooker do all the work.
Sear: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs to the pan and sear on all sides for 1-2 minutes until a nice crust has formed. Remove from the pan and place the short ribs in the greased pot of a 7-quart slow cooker.
Cook: Add the onions and carrots to the pan and cook in the remaining oil for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute before transferring to the slow cooker.
Brown: Cook the Italian sausage in the skillet until no pink remains. Drain off any fat before adding to the slow cooker.
Combine: Add the can of whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker and stir until everything is well combined. It’s alright if the short ribs fall apart as you mix everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Shred the short ribs with two forks and discard the bones before serving. Serve over al dente pasta with pecorino romano cheese on top.
Did she say 9 garlic cloves?
Do I really need nine cloves of garlic? I believe so! It adds so much flavor that I wouldn’t recommend skimping on the garlic. You can even go further and use a whole head of garlic if you’d like! Try roasting the garlic, then use the roasted garlic and the garlic olive oil in place of the garlic and olive oil in the recipe card.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce
This sugo sauce recipe is SO versatile, and you will love the many ways you can enjoy it! You can change up the meat and herbs and how you want to serve them! It makes a crowd-pleasing meal and one that your family will want to enjoy often.
Variations: Every family makes their Sunday sauce differently, so you can adapt this recipe to fit your preferences! Use your chosen protein (pork shoulder, sausage, ground beef or pork, short ribs, beef chuck, etc). You can adjust the seasonings to your liking! Add ingredients such as jalapeños, parmesan cheese rind, or tomato sauce instead of whole or crushed tomatoes. Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Boneless Short Ribs: Don’t want bone-in short ribs? Use boneless! The bone certainly adds flavor, but it’s not necessary for making this recipe. Just be sure to discard the bones and any unrendered pieces of fat before serving the sauce.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you would like to use fresh herbs instead of dried ones, the standard rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Substitute Wine: If you don’t want to use red wine, you may use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth instead.
Use San Marzano Tomatoes: You have to use San Marzano tomatoes for the best, most authentic flavor. They are super star tomatoes from Italy with a sweeter, less acidic flavor than many other tomato varieties.
Ways to Serve: How to use Sunday Sauce? Over pasta, in lasagna, on eggplant or chicken parmesan. Use it on a sandwich, in stuffed peppers, with garlic bread, or as a super hearty pizza sauce. The options are endless!
How to Store Leftover Sunday Gravy
Homemade sugo sauce is great for storing in both the fridge and freezer! I love making a large batch to keep in the freezer for those busy days.
Fridge: Store leftover Sunday sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming and heated through before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze slow cooker Sunday sauce in an airtight container or a freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Add the 2 tablespoons olive oilto a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the 2 pounds bone-in beef short ribs to the pan and sear on all sides for 1-2 minutes until a nice crust has formed. Remove from the pan and place the short ribs in the greased pot of a 7-quart slow cooker.
Add the 1 ½ cups diced onion, and 1 cup diced carrots, to the pan and cook in the remaining oil for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the 3 tablespoons minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute before transferring to the slow cooker.
Cook the 1 pound Italian sausage, in the skillet until no pink remains. Drain off any fat before adding to the slow cooker.
Add the 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes, 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes,1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, ½ cup dry red wine, 1 ½ tablespoons dried basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to the slow cooker and stir until everything is well combined. It’s alright if the short ribs fall apart as you mix everything.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Shred the short ribs with two forks and discard the bones before serving.
Serve over al dente pasta with pecorino romano cheese on top.
Cookouts just wouldn’t be the same without a good burger. But burgers shouldn’t be reserved only for summer picnics; they also make an easy go-to dinner during the week. Discover a healthier, leaner burger recipe with these filling and tasty turkey burgers.
Obviously within the Paleo diet, the main omission when it comes to burgers is the bready bun. But I want to show that Paleo burgers do not have to be boring pieces of meat covered in ketchup. There are plenty of flavorful options for Paleo burgers that will make you forget the bun.
Turkey burgers are a slightly healthier option for weeknight dinners. Turkey burgers have an advantage over beef burgers in that they are a little lower in calories and fat. Ground turkey breast is the leanest option. I recommend avoiding the flavored or pre-seasoned burgers that are sometimes at the store, which can be loaded with sodium. Making your own turkey burgers right at home is easy and quick.
This recipe is a great opportunity to pile on the veggies. Spinach, tomatoes, and onions all make great accompaniments to turkey burgers. Grilled onions or mushrooms can add a delicious layer of flavor. Serve avocado on the side for creaminess, or it’s really easy to stir together an aioli to top the burger. I made a garlic aioli with a little parsley mixed in.
My favorite aspect of turkey burgers is their quick cooking time. Dinner can be ready in twenty minutes. They can be thrown on the grill or cooked on a grill pan if you are cooking indoors (like me). Serve the burgers on a bed of greens and tomatoes, or wrapped in lettuce. Perhaps add a side of sweet potato fries for a complete and healthy meal.
This video is part three in my Real Korean Cooking Stories series filmed in Korea after finishing my first cookbook in 2015. In this episode, I visit my hometown of Yeosu and revisit some familiar places from my childhood, where I lived until middle school.
I also took a trip to the nearby island of Dolsan, which is well known for the growing mustard greens in Dolsan mustard green kimchi. When I was young you could only get there by boat, now there’s a bridge and a cablecar.
When I was young, I used to go to the market in the early morning holding my mom’s hand. The market was full of fresh seafood, like clams, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. It felt like stepping back in time to see it again!
While editing this, I couldn’t stop thinking about my mom, who passed away in August 2024. As a child, she would wake me up early, saying, “I’m going to the market. Want to come?” Without fail, I’d rub my sleepy eyes and follow her.
The market always excited me as a kid. Another reason I loved following her was the warm red bean porridge and steaming corn she would buy for me. Watching her bargain with the sellers taught me so much, and those moments became unforgettable memories!
Before she passed, my mom said something to me that I think about every day: “You were not just my daughter, but also my strong friend.”
Video notes
Hwangso Restaurant (Raw crab) 2 Bongsannam 3-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Hamnam Myeonok (Cold noodles naengmyeon) 435 Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Friendship is considered to be one of the best relationships in the world and there are so many ways to show your appreciation for your friend and show just how much they mean to you. You can do this by using creative, unique ways to demonstrate how much your friendship means. If you are looking to celebrate your friendship and demonstrate the strength and importance of the bond between you, friendship jewelry is one of the most effective ways to do this! To help inspire you, we will look at several unique and creative ways you can show friendship through jewelry, from simple yet effective pieces through to custom-order jewelry that has real meaning.
Personalized Pieces That Speak Volumes
When it comes to saying “I care”, few gifts quite do this like friendship jewelry that has been personalized. You can have your new necklace, bracelet, or earrings engraved with the name of your friend, their initials, or even an important date. This means that you never have to worry about giving something that anyone else you know has already given – it’s totally unique to them. And the experience of giving a personalized piece of friendship jewelry makes the gift accessory so much more special.
We recommend you think about what you want etched on the bracelet. For example, did you have a pet name for your friend, a shared saying, or inside joke? If so, have that written on the jewelry, as it’s such a beautiful and intimate thing to share. When your friend puts it on, it will hopefully bring a smile to their face, as well as happy memories!
The Magic of Matching Jewelry: A Bond You Can Wear
BFF friend bracelets might seem totally juvenile, but they’re a symbol of friendship. They tell the rest of the world (and yourself!) that this person is your ride-or-die right here, and you’ll always have each other, no matter how far apart you are or what you’re doing. They can be a thin woven thread bracelet, a dainty silver charm bracelet, or even a whole beaded bracelet that just beams. I mean, if you’re both obsessed with it, then you’re halfway to a great friendship find!
The replicated logos do not have to be similar to each other. From the matching pendant, buy the matching charm — or get acquainted with the color of the corresponding bracelet. Whatever you choose, make a harmonious bond with the two bracelets.
Symbols That Say More Than Words
Jewelry can symbolize more than the carat weight of its gold and gems. Very often, people will pick symbols according to the things they love most about their best friend. If it’s trust, loyalty, and love that you ask for most often from your friends, then a hoop or an infinity sign can be a talisman for the two of you — while a heart of gems can stand for the oceans of love and care that you have for each other.
Birthstone friendship jewelry is another way to personalize your design. Whether you go with your own birthstone, or your best friend’s, or another one you both have a connection with — meaning it really is YOURS — the piece will be truly special. Both your stone and one that’s appropriate for your bestie? Look for a 2 stone bracelet design. It’s so nice to have such a personal connection in your lives! Don’t forget to add a message or have it engraved to make it even more your own!
Little Gifts, Big Impact: Best Friend Jewelry
Sometimes, the gift with the most heartfelt message is the one that requires you to give only a pittance. Best friend jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean spending big money. A piece of less valuable jewelry (like a bracelet or necklace with a charm kind of vibe), or jewels that have been personalized with a heartfelt engraving could also pack a mighty punch.
Instead, consider giving your friend something that’s really representative of the type of person you know them to be. Someone who likes to explore the world will likely appreciate a charm bracelet adorned with travel trinkets or perhaps a necklace featuring a cute globe charm. It shows a devotion to what they love and unusually speaks to how well you know them, and that, you know, like them for it.
Yet one other really cool option, that’s super special in a slightly ‘hidden’ and unique way, is a piece of jewelry that is specifically made to honor friendship itself — elegant, purposed, and different sort of style. Tons of jewelers design some really sweet best friend pieces that feature two baubles that each equally make up the quintessential piece, like a choker with an AT + T engraved gold plaque x two chokers. Or a ring with a piece for each of you. Two destinies, one bonded future!
Friendship Rings: A Stylish Symbol of Your Connection
A friendship ring is another lasting way to show someone you care. It’s a unique piece of jewelry, because unlike fancy earrings or a touchy friendship bracelet, a ring can be worn every day. A band with some meaning etched on it, a stone with symbolism, the inception of your birthdate or name or hers into the material…it’s entirely up to you. Some people prefer “less is more” and so they get a simple thin band. Others aim for a detailed diamond-covered piece with three ropes of platinum twisted around the main body. It could be decorated with symbols, flowers, birds, waves–or even covered in gemstones.
If you really want to bond over something unique and personal, buy two rings that go together somehow. The design can be made up like a puzzle (i.e. your heart ring fits perfectly into the slit of my heart ring), or they can be stacked bands that work together to complete a circle of design.
Celebrating Milestones with Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
While you can give this to your friend at any time of year — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Random Tuesday — during specific events will elevate it in meaning to both of you. When’s her birthday coming around? How about an anniversary of something noteworthy and fantastic that you both celebrated together?
Your girl is about to graduate, be elevated, or get that job. If you think jewelry is the way to celebrate extraordinary accomplishments, then time to pull the pin and git-‘er-done!
A Treasure That Lasts Forever
And listen, on all of these, remember, we’re not talking about jewelry. And we’re not talking about cash money. We’re talking about showing that friend, that bestie, how much she means to you. Lock and load to your personal best budget and find the one piece that is so them!
Carol The author sourced the information for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted, and reproduction rights are not available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
The success of the longest-running sitcoms can be attributed to their timelessness and adaptability; they have to survive new decades, after all. In some ways, situational comedies have developed quite a bit over the years; in other ways, many still maintain the basic ensemble of a family and their lives, or employees and their job. The format was popular among families in the mid-20th century, as television became a medium to propagate nuclear family values in America. Though sitcoms have retained their significance, their characters, themes, and overall presentation have evolved drastically.
Today, you can find situational comedies in a variety of shapes and forms, with some being highly politicized, and others being brought to life through animation. The nuclear family has been replaced by friends, colleagues, or flatmates as sitcoms adapt to cultural changes. Some sitcoms have even become self-aware of their own history, purposefully throwing references to classic titles while parodying their own genre conventions. With that in mind, here are the 14 longest-running sitcoms that have left a lasting legacy on American television, as well as why they lasted as long as they did.
Updated January 4, 2025: Curious about what the longest-running sitcoms of all time are? Don’t worry, as this article has been updated with additional content and useful features.
16
Roseanne (1988 – 1997; 2018)
231 Episodes Over 10 Seasons
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Release Date
October 18, 1988
Network
ABC
Seasons
10
A working-class sitcom that didn’t pander to audiences expecting beautiful people, moral lessons, and production polish, Roseanne was pretty groundbreaking for just how many TV rules that it broke. It’s still the best thing Roseanne Barr has ever done, and would’ve continued after its well-received 2018 revival if it wasn’t for Barr’s Ambien-inspired social media messages comparing the First Lady to a monkey.
Barr and John Goodman’s relationship was one of the sweetest but most honest on television, and their family (and parenting) reflected many Americans’ lives as Reaganomics merged into the neoliberalism of Bush and Clinton. The show had incredible cajones to attempt its controversial ending, which was disliked by many but was nonetheless bold.
15
Will & Grace (1998 – 2006; 2017 – 2020)
246 Episodes Over 11 Seasons
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Will & Grace
Will & Grace (2017): The series revival of Will & Grace reunites Eric McCormack and Debra Messing as the titular characters, along with their friends Jack and Karen, a decade after the original series ended. The show continues the comedic journey of these iconic characters navigating life and relationships.
Release Date
September 28, 2017
Cast
Alexandra Wentworth
, Barry Bostwick
, Blythe Danner
, Brad Grunberg
, Carlos Antonio
, Charles C. Stevenson Jr.
, Chris Parnell
, Christopher Thornton
, Dan Bucatinsky
, Danielle Weeks
, David Schwimmer
, Deborah Levin
, Debra Messing
, Eric McCormack
, Erik Betts
, Gregor Manns
, Harry Connick Jr.
, Jack McGee
, Jennifer Lopez
, Lauren Weedman
, Mitch Silpa
, Natalie Dreyfuss
, Nick Offerman
, Patton Oswalt
, Sara Rue
Eric McCormack and Debra Messing became one of TV’s most beloved dynamic duos when they starred as the titular pals in Will & Grace, which takes place in New York City and follows the tight-knit pair as they attempt to navigate the many highs-and-lows of dating, relationships, casual sex, and their respective career ambitions. Will Truman is a highly successful gay man and corporate lawyer who is best friends with his roommate Grace Adler, a straight interior decorator, and together they are also close to sassy socialite Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) and flamboyantly gay actor Jack MacFarland (Sean Hayes).
A Groundbreaking Television Knockout
Though it was initially criticized for its stereotypical depiction of gay characters, Will & Grace eventually found its footing and became a celebrated hit on the small screen, running for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006 and attracting a passionate fan base of all ages, sexes, and orientations. In 2014, the Smithsonian Institution added items from Will & Grace into their LGBT history collection, with its curator declaring the sitcom used “comedy to familiarize a mainstream audience with gay culture.”
In 2016, after the dazzling cast reunited for a 10-minute special ahead of the 2016 presidential election, NBC began working on a revival of the series which debuted in 2017 with all the cast and crew returning for the sitcom’s ninth season. Will & Grace ran for three additional seasons before ultimately concluding on April 23, 2020; the comedy was also selected as one of the 101 best-written TV series of all time by the Writers Guild of America in 2014. Stream on Hulu.
14
Modern Family (2009 – 2020)
250 Episodes Over 11 Seasons
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Release Date
September 23, 2009
Seasons
11
Depicting the hilariously chaotic and always entertaining lives of three unique families living in Los Angeles, Modern Family introduced audiences all across the world to the show’s colorful clans: the Dunphys, consisting of Phil and Claire and their kids Haley, Alex, and Luke; Jay Pritchett and his much younger wife Gloria and her son Manny (and later Joe); and Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker, who adopt their Vietnamese daughter Lily as a baby. The massive blended family find themselves swept up in amusing hijinks and misadventures over the course of eleven unforgettable seasons.
A Real & Refreshing Look at the American Family
Creators Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan drew inspiration for the fan-favorite series after they shared stories about their own respective “modern families,” with the sitcom being shot in a mockumentary style and often featuring the eccentric characters sharing their feelings in confessional interviews. Modern Family attracted universal acclaim for its depiction of gay relationships and sidesplitting humor while also helping skyrocket its talented ensemble cast to superstardom, including Sofía Vergara, Sarah Hyland, and Ty Burrell.
Modern Family won five consecutive Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Series throughout its first five installments, and was the recipient of numerous other awards like a Golden Globe, Peabody, and 22 Emmys. The sitcom went out on a high in 2020 with the series finale attracting 7.37 million viewers, who anxiously tuned in to say goodbye to the beloved characters and families. Stream on Peacock.
13
Murphy Brown (1988 – 1998; 2018)
260 Episodes Over 11 Seasons
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Release Date
November 14, 1988
Network
CBS
Creator(s)
Diane English
Directors
Peter Bonerz
, Barnet Kellman
, Lee Shallat Chemel
, Joe Regalbuto
, Alan Rafkin
, Steve Zuckerman
, Peter Baldwin
Candice Bergen served up a commanding performance as the eponymous investigative journalist-turned-news anchor in the acclaimed sitcom Murphy Brown. The series centers on the titular tough-as-nails media personality, a recovering alcoholic who resumes working at the fictional FYI news magazine following a stint in rehab. She must contend with her uptight veteran co-anchor Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) while also getting reacquainted with both old and new faces at the publication, which has changed quite a bit since her days behind the desk.
Bergen’s Groundbreaking Performance in the Empowering Hit
Upon its sensational debut on November 14, 1988, Murphy Brown became a trailblazing sitcom hit that promoted powerful female characters and women empowerment, never shying away from tackling heavy and not-often featured storylines like Brown deciding to become a single mother in her ’40s. The show refreshingly chronicled the journalist’s efforts to relearn her competitive profession without relying on her go-to crutches cigarettes and alcohol, with the fierce and ambitious leading lady shattering glass ceilings every chance she got.
Murphy Brown initially ran for ten seasons before signing off on May 18, 1998, having served up impressive ratings throughout its tenure while also winning countless accolades like eighteen Emmys, three Golden Globes, and four TCA Awards; Bergen herself nabbed five Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes for her winning portrayal of the respected character. In 2018, the sitcom was brought back for a 13-episode revival but was canceled after just one season in 2019. Currently unavailable for streaming
12
Two and a Half Men (2003 – 2015)
262 Episodes Over 12 Seasons
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Release Date
September 22, 2003
Seasons
12
Network
CBS
Writers
Chuck Lorre
, Jim Patterson
, Eddie Gorodetsky
, Lee Aronsohn
Directors
James Widdoes
The cult classicTwo and a Half Menhas had a tumultuous history throughout its 12 seasons. Originally, the show starred Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper, a free-spirited jingle writer who reluctantly lives with his brother, Alan Harper (Jon Cryer), and his naughty son, Jake Harper (Angus T. Jones), after his brother’s marriage falls apart.
It’s a series whose popularity and cultural endurance was largely attributed to its syndication status and the popularity of Charlie Sheen, even leading to one of the most bizarre crossover events in television history: “Fish in a Drawer” and “Two and a Half Deaths,” which saw the worlds of Two and a Half Men and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation crossing over.
Two and a Half Men Paved the Way for Greater Success
After Sheen’s controversial career downfall and comments made towards series creator Chuck Lorre, he was replaced by Ashton Kutcher as Walden Schmidt, an internet billionaire who owns Charlie’s house following his death. Kutcher would remain on the series for the last four seasons, with Sheen returning for the fourth-wall-breaking finale “Of Course He’s Dead.”
The series enjoyed large viewership numbers despite its somewhat questionable content, made more impressive due to its status as a multi-camera sitcom. Considering that Two and a Half Men endured into the age of The Office, 30 Rock, Arrested Development, it’s even more impressive. The series also launched Chuck Lorre’s career as a producer, who went on to produce The Big Bang Theory after the success of the series. Stream on Peacock.
The Big Bang Theorycombines common tropes of a sitcom with a fresh perspective of science geek-ism, making it a highly watched and admired show post-F.R.I.E.N.D.S. The five main characters from the show — Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) — are friends who reside within the same apartment complex in sunny California.
The show follows the group’s quirky lifestyle, mostly involving science, comic book fandom, and poor luck with romantic relationships. As the series continues, neuroscientist Amy (Mayim Bialik) and microbiologist Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) are promoted from recurring roles into the main cast. The show first aired in 2007 and completed its final season in 2019.
The Big Bang Theory Made Geekdom Cool
Sheldon’s hyper-obsessive behavior and socially awkward mannerisms quickly became the highlight of this long-running show, prompting thousands of fans to exclaim “bazinga” alongside Jim Parsons throughout its 279 episodes. Parson’s character was so popular, he even received a prequel spinoff series in the form of Young Sheldon, which aired its final episode on May 16, 2024.
Though some may hold a negative opinion of this series, The Big Bang Theory rightfully earned a dedicated following that persists to this day. Its impressive viewership made it a frequent face at the annual Emmy Awards, with Jim Parsons in particular securing the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series on four separate occasions. The series’ emphasis on scientific topics and nerd culture reflected the growing popularity of both in pop culture at the time as well, with several prominent guest stars like the late Stephen Hawking and Wil Wheaton making multiple appearances throughout. Stream on Max.
Young Sheldon is wholesome and fun, but as a prequel series to The Big Bang Theory, there are just a few things that don’t align.
10
King of the Hill (1997 – 2009)
259 Episodes Over 13 Seasons
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Release Date
January 12, 1997
Seasons
13
Network
FOX
Greg Daniels and Mike Judge created King of the Hill, an animated series centered around a family in Texas. It follows Hank Hill (Mike Judge), a propane sales agent living with his wife, Peggy Hill (Kathy Najimy); his son, Bobby Hill (Pamela Adlon); and his niece, Luanne Platter (Brittany Murphy). Hank Hill is an everyday blue-collar type who has a normal life, living in a ranch-style house while dealing with the eccentricities that suburban life in Texas can bring with it.
Despite its current cult status, King of the Hill would see near-universal acclaim as it aired between 1997 and 2009, eventually finding new life as a frequent fixture of Adult Swim’s late-night programming. Its enduring popularity has even led to the development of a series reboot, currently slated for release on Hulu. The reboot will feature a time skip that takes place after the original series finale.
One of Mike Judge’s Finest Productions
The show is known for its realistic portrayal of a Texas neighborhood, including the characters’ politics and blue-collar occupations. For example, Peggy Hill is a lovably narcissistic substitute teacher, Bill is an affable military barber, and Dale is a pro-gun, anti-government pest exterminator. Owing to its roots in Texas, the series also featured a plethora of celebrity guest stars, including the late Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, and Vince Gill.
Though conservative values are a prominent fixture throughout, the series rarely ever punched down on the topics it tackled. Hank Hill in particular saw acclaim for being a flawed, yet malleable character, maintaining a clear set of values that don’t necessarily align with a specific political spectrum. The series as a whole was considered to be a great representation of southern America, finding humor in its characters and the realistic problems they solve compared to other animated sitcoms. Stream on Hulu.
9
Bob’s Burgers (2011 – Present)
286 Episodes Over 15 Seasons
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Release Date
January 9, 2011
Seasons
15
Network
FOX
Showrunner
loren bouchard
, Jim Dauterive
, Nora Smith
Created by Loren Bouchard, Bob’s Burgers famously focuses on New Jersey couple Bob and Linda Belcher as they not only try to keep their titular restaurant afloat and thriving but also raise their three rambunctious kids: thirteen-year-old boy crazy Tina, 11-year-old aspiring musician and keyboard aficionado Gene, and finally the fearless youngest Louise, who is constantly scheming and making trouble. The animated series follows the Belchers as the face off against business rival Jimmy Pesto and his pizzeria, with the children helping out at the restaurant while attending Wagstaff School.
Yet Another Feather in Fox’s Animated Sitcom Hat
Much like Fox’s other animated hits Family Guy and The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers has become one of the network’s most successful and enduring sitcoms, having premiered in January 2011 and still going strong 14-years-later and 286 episodes in. Despite an initially mixed bag response from critics and fans, Bob’s Burgers has only grown in esteem in its 15 seasons and in 2013 was named by TV Guide as one of the 60 Greatest Cartoons of All Time, while also winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program twice.
In 2022, the sitcom received its very own full-length feature film with The Bob’s Burgers Movie premiering in theaters, with the events taking place between the 12th and 13th seasons and chronicling the Belchers efforts to pay off a loan after a massive sinkhole opens up right in front of their restaurant. Despite failing to dominate the box office, the movie nonetheless was a knockout with audiences and scored an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and A CinemaScore from fans. Stream on Hulu
8
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952 – 1966)
435 Episodes Over 14 Seasons
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The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Release Date
October 3, 1952
Cast
Alan Hale Jr.
, Audrey Christie
, Barney Phillips
, Charlotte Knight
, Claude Stroud
, Craig Chudy
, David Nelson
, Don ‘Red’ Barry
, Eilene Janssen
, Florence Lake
, Frank Orth
, Franklin Pangborn
, Harriet Nelson
, Henry Kulky
, John Doucette
, Joseph Kearns
, Myrna Fahey
, Nancy Kulp
, Ozzie Nelson
, Ray Montgomery
, Sam Flint
, Stanley Livingston
, Tuesday Weld
, Frank Richards
, Barbara Eiler
Seasons
14
Network
ABC
Writers
Don Nelson
Before It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the 1950s sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet once held the record for the longest-running live-action American sitcom. The series aired on ABC and starred the Nelson family, who were real-life celebrities in the 1950s and ‘60s. The show was based on the radio show of the same name, and expressed the values of the nuclear family through its popular figures.
The Nelson family included the parental couple, Ozzie and Harriet, and their sons, David and Ricky. Each episode focused on family-based issues pertaining to the decade, with the series eventually becoming synonymous with ’50s across 435 episodes and 14 seasons.
An Important Series for Rick Nelson’s Career
Though it may not hold the distinction of being the longest-running live-action sitcom anymore, the series does have the highest number of episodes produced for a live-action sitcom. The show was the partial reason behind Rick Nelson’s successful musical career, as it featured the singer’s musical talents before he would later pursue a solo career in music. It takes one back to when sitcoms were a social tool for family integration, and though its content would feel somewhat dated by the advent of the 1960s, it remains an effective time capsule of its respective era. Stream on Prime Video.
7
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005 – Present)
170 Episodes Over 16 Seasons
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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends that own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.
Release Date
August 4, 2005
Network
FX
Seasons
16
Story By
Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiabecame the longest-running live-action American sitcom, with its latest season airing in 2023. The memorable cult-favorite sitcom follows a gang of erratic friends – Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney), and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) – who run Paddy’s Pub, an Irish dive bar in Pennsylvania. The show focuses on their heavy drinking, dysfunctional activities, constant arguments, and self-serving backstabs. Most of their actions are driven by boredom, revenge, selfishness, and financial envy.
The series originally debuted in 2005, with its second season surprising many viewers by incorporating Danny DeVito as a central cast member. As it continued over the course of 170 episodes, It’s Always Sunny would gradually morph and change from a typical grungy sitcom into something more self-aware, with each character’s negative traits being exaggerated to a hilarious degree. Miraculously, this gradual shift resulted in the series’ best episodes, with the gang’s self-serving nature often putting their own harebrained schemes in jeopardy.
It’s Always Sunny Is an FX Classic
The sitcom’s title is satirical, as the tone of the show is mainly dark, sardonic, and self-deprecating. There is a lingering social commentary in the show, but it holds on to its nihilist charm and, at times, even delivers heartfelt moments. This is especially true in the show’s later seasons, as a desire to experiment with the established formula of the series becomes more visibly apparent. Despite this, the experimentation works: the strength of the show’s characters and their cohesive personalities allow them to make morbid comedy out of anything.
Part of the series’ longevity can also be attributed to its unique presentation. In lieu of licensed or original compositions, the series utilizes royalty-free classical music to punctuate its introduction sequence and scene transitions. Its setting of Pennsylvania makes for a unique atmosphere as well, complementing the cast and their morally ambiguous antics. Stream on Hulu.
Unlike the titans of the genre, there have been several comedies that proved to be quite hilarious but were prematurely unplugged.
6
American Dad! (2005 – Present)
376 Episodes Over 21 Seasons
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Release Date
February 6, 2005
Network
FOX
Seasons
20
American Dad!was co-created by Seth MacFarlane with a similar premise as Family Guy, but primarily derives comedy from its hilarious characters instead of cutaway gags. The main characters belong to an upper-middle-class family from Virginia, led by the Republican CIA agent, Stan (Seth MacFarlane), who is married to his supportive wife, Francine (Wendy Schaal). Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) is their liberal daughter, and Steve (Scott Grimes) is their socially awkward son.
Other supporting characters in the show include: Hailey’s partner, Jeff (Jeff Fischer); the family’s pet goldfish, Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker); an alien named Roger (Seth MacFarlane); and Roger’s son, Rogu (Dee Bradley Baker). The series first aired in 2005 and completed its 21st season in 2024.
American Dad Has Grown and Evolved
Though the series was originally created as a political satire, highlighting issues surrounding the Bush administration amid other cultural turmoils of the mid-2000s, the series would later drop this idea in favor of pursuing a mix of surrealist farce and conventional sitcom plots. Not only would this serve to differentiate the series from MacFarlane’s other animated shows at the time, but it would also showcase the alternative direction helmed by Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman.
American Dad‘s appeal lies less within its ability to tackle contemporary topics and more within its impeccably memorable characters. Though they may only resemble their earliest incarnations on the surface, their current selves lend themselves well to an incredible number of memorable gags and engaging episode plots. This is most evident with Roger, whose penchant for disguising himself in a variety of “personas” has blessed the series with some of its funniest moments. Stream on Hulu.
5
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 – 2024)
120 Episodes Over 12 Seasons
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Release Date
October 15, 2000
Finale Year
November 30, 2023
Network
HBO Max
Seasons
12
The dead-pan phenomenon, Curb Your Enthusiasm,is a reel-meets-real take on Larry David’s career and public persona. The show stars Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself, being a cranky, semi-retired television writer meandering through the mundane absurdities of everyday life. The show’s sense of humor bares a number of similarities to Larry David’s popular series, Seinfeld, albeit with a plethora of creative freedoms granted by HBO. Several plotlines follow a simple misunderstanding or inconvenience being taken to a ludicrous extreme, with Larry easily losing his temper and doing the clumsiest things at the most inappropriate times.
The show is heavily improvised and is known for featuring several celebrity guests, including Ricky Gervais, John Hamm, Salman Rushdie, and Wanda Sykes. Several seasons also feature light serialization elements, such as an ongoing attempt at a Seinfeld reunion, Larry’s appropriately-named “spite store,” or the production of The Producers on Broadway. The show first aired in 1999 and had a six-year hiatus from 2011 to 2017, concluding its eleventh season in 2021. Season 12 doubled as Curb Your Enthuasiam‘s final season, officially saying goodbye to fans on April 7, 2024.
A Quarter Century of Comedy
The show is critically acclaimed, achieving cult status for David’s self-aware style of writing about his public perception and his industry, keeping audiences guessing where fiction ends and reality begins. After more than 50 separate Emmy nominations, the series eventually won two Emmys — Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series — for the episodes “Krazee-Eyez Killa” and “Palestinian Chicken,” respectively.
Outside critical awards, however, the series’ numerous catchphrases, meme-worthy scenes, and irreverent sense of humor allowed it to persist in the public eye despite a scattered production schedule across nearly 25 years. Stream on Max.
Peter Shin
, Pete Michels
, John Holmquist
, Greg Colton
, Brian Iles
, Julius Wu
, Joseph Lee
, Joe Vaux
, Mike Kim
, Steve Robertson
, Dan Povenmire
, James Purdum
, Dominic Bianchi
, Dominic Polcino
, Bob Bowen
, Monte Young
, Zac Moncrief
, Michael Dante DiMartino
, Bert Ring
, Seth Kearsley
, Scott Wood
, Chuck Klein
, Brian Hogan
, Gavin Dell
Family Guyis another American series from the late ‘90s that mocks American culture, spanning over 23 seasons. The series was created by Seth MacFarlane in 1999 and follows an unusual family, the Griffins, living in Quahog, Rhode Island. Peter (Seth MacFarlane) is modeled after the typical American dad trope, living with his wife Lois (Alex Borstein), their three children, and their talking dog named Brian.
Meg (Mila Kunis) is the misfit eldest daughter, Chris (Seth Green) is awkward around girls, and Stewie (MacFarlane) is the youngest, filled with dangerous ideas. Brian (MacFarlane) originally served as the voice of reason for Peter’s antics, now making a living writing essays, novels, screenplays, and articles. He and Stewie have been the main focus of some of Family Guy‘s most captivating episodes.
Family Guy Survived Two Separate Cancelations
Though the series is more than inspired by a certain other animated American sitcom, Family Guy quickly differentiated itself through its utilization of metafictional cutaway gags, often pulling directly away from an episode’s narrative in favor of telling a quick joke. Though the series has been criticized for its reliance on this particular storytelling device, it nonetheless allowed the series to flourish in the age of short-form content.
The series was famously canceled two times during its first three seasons due to low ratings, and was subsequently revived following the show’s surprising success on Adult Swim, along with its incredible home media sales. It has since become a staple of Fox’s animated programming, and though creator Seth MacFarlane has distanced himself from the series creatively, he still provides a plethora of the series’ voice performances. Stream on Hulu
2
South Park (1997 – Present)
328 Episodes Over 26 Seasons
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Release Date
August 13, 1997
Network
Comedy Central
Seasons
26
The headline-favorite show, South Park, is an animated sitcom that started in 1997 and celebrated its 26th anniversary in 2023. The main characters of the show include Stan Marsh (Trey Parker), Kyle Broflovski (Matt Stone), Eric Cartman (Trey Parker), and Kenny McCormick (Matt Stone), who fool around in the quiet mountain town of South Park, Colorado.
The series was originally known for its outrageous humor, often involving profanity and violence, which contrasted against its colorful presentation and child-friendly character designs. However, as the series continued, it would become associated with an impressive ability to shine a light on contemporary issues, due to the series’ incredibly quick production schedule.
South Park Has Lampooned Everything Under the Sun
South Park comments on topical issues similarly to The Simpsons, but holds no reservation in mocking either political side of America. In fact, the show takes it up as a challenge to mock every institution, political ideology, public figure, and controversial personality in popular culture, as it positions itself as a product of free speech rather than an ideology. Aside from its political inclinations, however, the series also relishes its absurdist humor and compelling musical numbers.
Matt Stone and Trey Parker are the show’s creators, whose creative vision for the series has largely contributed to its consistent success over the past few decades. This extends beyond simply voicing the show’s extensive cast, as the two regularly contribute to the writing room in addition to drafting concepts for individual episodes. The duo also created the musical comedy The Book of Mormon, the 13th longest-running Broadway show, which takes several cues from their extensive work on South Park. Stream on Max
1
The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
781 Episodes Over 36 Seasons
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Release Date
December 17, 1989
Network
FOX
Seasons
36
Story By
Matt Groening and James L. Brooks
The Simpsonspremiered in December 1989, making it the longest-running American sitcom to date. Created by Matt Groening, the show satirizes the stereotypical American family through the Simpsons, who live in the fictional, nebulous town of Springfield. Homer (Dan Castellaneta) is the father, who works at a nuclear plant and is outsmarted by the rest of the family. Marge (Julie Kavner) is the nurturing matriarch who tolerates her husband’s antics. Among their children, Bart (Nancy Cartwright) is the rebellious son, while Lisa (Yeardley Smith) is a child prodigy. Maggie is the youngest, and is mostly seen sucking on her pacifier and falling over.
Though the series initially focused on the Simpson family, the show has since grown to encompass a full-on ensemble cast, with each of Springfield’s residents having a lengthy history, layered personalities, and memorable catchphrases. Several episodes don’t even feature the main Simpson family, instead opting to tell stories focused on the colorful world of Springfield as a whole.
The Simpsons Is a Staple of American Culture
The sitcom has several running gags and recurring characters, as each episode deals with a topical issue in America from the perspective of the Simpson family. The show remains relevant as it stays in tune with every zeitgeist it enters, with its numerous characters evolving with time. The show is deliberately self-aware, comically adapting to changing times while holding a mirror to the respective eras each episode was produced in. This may throw a wrench into its own continuity, but it’s a byproduct of being one of the most iconic American properties to date.
The series has been a staple of prime-time television for decades by this point, earning a feature-length film adaptation in 2007 and a total of 36 seasons. Every season up to the latest can be streamed on Disney+, with a handful of exclusive specials being featured on the service as well. With no end in sight, The Simpsons will likely be one of the most enduring pieces of American pop culture in the modern era. Stream on Disney+.
Godzilla has been everything from an anthropomorphic anti-hero to global force of destruction and back again, but his roots have always been in horror as a dark metaphor for the dangers of nuclear war. Godzilla’s original appearance in 1954’s Godzilla has typically been viewed as a horror movie, given its dark subject matter and the wanton destruction of Godzilla’s attacks. However, in the following years of the period recognized as the Showa Era, Toho’s Godzilla evolved into a borderline silly character as they moved the character towards family-friendliness.
Since the end of the Showa Era, Godzilla’s alignment has shifted between being a villain and an anti-hero, with many subsequent films choosing to ignore everything except the events of the iconic original Godzilla movie. As a result, some Godzilla movies are darker than others, with many hearkening back to the radioactive lizard’s roots in horror. Ten of Godzilla’s 38 movies in particular are far more horrifying than most of his lighter fare.
Godzilla has fought countless monsters in his 70 years on the silver screen, some of which he played a direct or indirect role in creating.
10
Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
One Of Godzilla’s Goriest Battles
Godzilla vs. Gigan is somewhat of a cult classic among Godzilla fans, as most recognize that it’s not among the highest-quality movies but still appreciate its fun monster action, along with the introduction of the fan-favorite villain Gigan. What takes Godzilla vs. Gigan towards horror is how much blood Gigan draws in the battle against Godzilla. The sharp-edged, hook-handed cyborg bloodies Godzilla’s face with his chest saw, and opens a spurting wound in his neck by clipping him while flying among other wounds. It’s one of the goriest battles that Godzilla has ever endured, edging the movie towards horror.
9
The Return of Godzilla (1984)
A Return To Godzilla’s Dark Roots Accented By Cold War Tensions
Following the silliness of the latter stages of the Showa Era, Toho put Big G on ice for nine years before bringing him back with a decidedly darker slant with The Return of Godzilla. Featuring a sharper, mean-mugging new suit design and a return to the franchise’s anti-nuclear roots, The Return of Godzilla capitalized on Cold War fears to re-establish the franchise’s anti-nuclear message. The first film in Toho’s Heisei Era made it clear that they were targeting adult viewers that were lost in the preceding decades.
All Godzilla Movie Eras – Key Details
Era
Timeline
Number of Movies
First Movie
Last Movie
Shōwa
1954–1975
15
Godzilla
Terror of Mechagodzilla
Heisei
1984–1995
7
The Return of Godzilla
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
Millennium
1999–2004
6
Godzilla 2000: Millennium
Godzilla: Final Wars
Reiwa
2016-present
5
Shin Godzilla
Godzilla Minus One
Legendary
2014-present
5
Godzilla
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
Acting as a direct sequel to the 1954 original, The Return of Godzilla saw a more malignant, destructive Godzilla wreaking havoc on Japan as he hadn’t in years. The movie’s dire plot features Soviet nuclear submarines, missile-armed satellites, and Godzilla feeding on nuclear reactors, perfectly capturing the terror of looming nuclear war in both the West and the East. It’s not the strongest narrative, nor the most well-made Godzilla movie, but it certainly qualifies as horror-adjacent.
8
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
The Introduction Of Godzilla’s Nemesis And Some Genuinely Creepy Aliens
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla is a highlight of the Showa Era for many, thanks in large part to the introduction of Godzilla’s robotic arch-nemesis, Mechagodzilla. Mechagodzilla proves to be a threat the likes of which Godzilla has never seen before, and his metallic counterpart quickly proves how dangerous he is by producing one of the goriest moments in the Godzilla franchise. Still disguised as the real Godzilla, Mechagodzilla attacks Anguirus and grabs him by the jaws, pulling them apart until blood pours from the monster’s cheeks.
Mechagodzilla continues his rampage against Godzilla and King Caesar, decimating both monsters with an onslaught of lasers, rockets, and explosives. Godzilla is bloodied multiple times and skewered by Mechagodzilla’s sharp finger missiles, and appears to be near death before he is revitalized by his own stored electricity. On top of that carnage, it’s revealed that Mechagodzilla is controlled by a genuinely creepy race of aliens, the ape-like creatures from Black Hole Planet 3. The factors all combine to make Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla a horrifying highlight of the Showa Era.
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Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
One Of The Darkest Versions Of Godzilla Wreaks Havoc On The Earth
What makes Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack so terrifying is the origin of its Godzilla. In a rare pivot from the norm, the movie known as “GMK” features King Ghidorah as a guardian monster, while Godzilla plays the role of ultra-powered source of planetary destruction. However, this Godzilla is far more than just a radioactive lizard with a penchant for punching buildings.
Godzilla and Kong have had multiple showdowns in the Monsterverse, but there are other awesome 1v1s that I need to see on the big screen.
The Godzilla who terrorizes the world in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is the physical manifestation of the souls of Japanese soldiers and civilians killed during World War II, who are seeking vengeance on Japan for its denial of past crimes. Godzilla’s all-white eyes, sharp claws, and vicious nature make him one of the scariest versions of the monster, and his ghostly origin and appearance elevate this from a typical Godzilla movie to something closer to horror.
6
Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
A Villainous Godzilla Takes On A Horrifying Genetic Monstrosity
Godzilla vs. Biollante acts as a sequel to The Return of Godzilla, and features the return of the antagonistic version of the monster, this time pitted against a hybrid monstrosity born out of genetic experimentation. That’s classic sci-fi horror fare, and the final version of Biollante reflects that aesthetic. The hellish orange glow rising from the belly of a massive beast covered in toothed tentacles is indicative of how dangerous Biollante is, as does the rest of the movie’s plot. Psychics, human/plant gene splicing, and murderous covert operatives help make Godzilla vs. Biollante one of the scarier Godzilla movies.
5
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
The Death Of Godzilla And A Demonic Ultra-Powered Enemy
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah is a cornerstone of the Godzilla franchise, as it features one of the few true “deaths” of Godzilla. It sees the massive monster (in the form of Godzilla’s coolest design) melting down like a nuclear reactor, covered in tears in his skin pulsing with orange radioactive energy. As if watching Godzilla perish wasn’t enough, he does it after doing battle with one of the most intimidating enemies Godzilla has ever faced: the nightmarish Destoroyah.
As demonic as Destoroyah’s final “perfect” form looks, his earlier stages might be even more horrific-looking. Born out of a colony of Precambrian crustaceans that began to evolve after exposure to the original 1954 Godzilla‘s Oxygen Destroyer. Each of its forms is more disgusting-looking than the last, and there are few, if any, Godzilla villains that carry true horror vibes quite like Destoroyah does.
4
Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
One Of Godzilla’s Deadliest Enemies Racks Up The Body Count
Not all of Godzilla’s Showa Era movies were inherently silly, as Godzilla vs. Hedorah proves. The highly toxic sludge monster was born out of the Earth’s pollution, and acts a a metaphor for the dangers that humans pose to the planet. A microscopic alien lifeform that fed on pollution and evolved into a massive monster, Hedorah (theoretically, as it occurs off-screen) killed thousands as its flying form coated Japan in a poisonous mist. With its unsettling red eyes and body capable of inflicting chemical burns on Godzilla, Hedorah is among the most horrifying enemies Godzilla has ever faced.
3
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Godzilla’s Destructive And Antagonistic Nature Revisited
Toho brought Godzilla back to his true post-World War II roots with Godzilla Minus One in 2023. The Academy Award-winning movie was a marvel of visual effects and story-telling, and featured one of Godzilla’s strongest attacks in addition to one of his scariest designs. The Godzilla of Godzilla Minus One fires a blast of atomic breath that acts like a nuclear bomb’s detonation, demolishing an entire city in one fell swoop.
Seeing the ground-level devastation of Godzilla’s attacks is part of what makes Godzilla Minus One so scary. The audience is immersed in the carnage and the very real repercussions of an atomic bomb blast, which is something no Godzilla movie has ever even attempted. Add in the fact that Godzilla himself suffers gruesome wounds before regenerating his body in real time and seems to remember and specifically antagonize the movie’s human protagonist, and Godzilla Minus One can absolutely be defined as a horror movie.
2
Godzilla (1954)
The Horror Movie Origin Story For The Radioactive Monster
It’s hard to match the original Godzilla for scariness, even 70 years later. The black-and-white footage adds a foreboding aura to the already-scary narrative, which was so potent it inspired nearly everything that came after it in the franchise. Godzilla’s destruction of Tokyo set the standard for the tokusatsu style of practical effects, and the combination of direction and lighting served to make Godzilla‘s horror genuinely frightening.
The 1954 version of Godzilla originated the practice of “suitmation”, in which an actor in a character body suit interacts with a miniaturized set.
The movie also explored the ground-level effects of Godzilla’s attacks, showcasing the dead, the dying, and those suffering from radiation sickness. The anti-nuclear messaging is powerful and overt, further enhancing the horror factor of the classic. It’s regarded as the best monster movie ever made for a reason, and as such is clearly classified as a true horror movie.
1
Shin Godzilla (2016)
Toho’s Kaiju Body Horror Masterpiece
Toho truly threw out the book on Godzilla with the stand-alone epic Shin Godzilla, which featured one of the most massive versions of the monster ever put on the screen, along with a terrifying array of powers. The movie’s Godzilla evolves throughout the movie, starting with an aquatic creature before it becomes the grotesque bipedal version that is most recognizable. Shin Godzilla pulsates with a purple atomic energy when its attacks are activated, and it proves capable of firing a laser-like version of the energy from its tail and dorsal spikes in addition to its hyper-powerful atomic breath.
What makes Shin Godzilla so scary is the body horror element that its monster invokes. The full-size Godzilla’s skin is stretched and torn revealing open wounds across virtually every inch of its body, while its jaw disturbingly unhinges like a snake to unleash its most devastating attack. The most haunting image, though, comes at the very end of the movie, when a close-up on the tail of the frozen and incapacitated Godzilla reveals that a number of humanoid versions of Godzilla were in the process of breaking off from the main body.
The horrifying implication is that, after evolving into the massive kaiju that terrorized Japan, Shin Godzilla was about to break down into hundreds if not thousands of human-sized Godzilla monsters. Godzilla’s 5th form was considered controversial due to it crossing into waters completely unexplored by any Godzilla movie ever before, but it opened up an interesting door that could be explored in the future. It cements Shin Godzilla as easily the most horrifying Godzilla movie ever.
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.
HOUSTON — The curse of the NBA regular season is that it’s a monthslong slog from city to city, from hotel rooms and hostile arenas, with opposing scouting reports bleeding into one another in what can create an unrecognizable blur.
The gift of that 82-game schedule are the tests, the moments of competition when a team can take an honest look at what it is and what it isn’t against worthy opposition.
Playing a Houston team that swept the Lakers last season because of their size, speed and athleticism, the Lakers got a chance to fight a team just above them in the standings. And it was a fight that they nearly won.
Despite being badly beaten for almost the whole first half, the Lakers played one of their best second halves of the season only to come up just short 119-115.
“I want [us] to be a great team but it takes some things that maybe get uncomfortable out there,” LeBron James said. “We got to do a little bit more, be a little bit more gritty, make more plays, not have so many breakdowns.”
The Lakers trailed by as many as 22 late in the first half and by as many as 20 early in the third before Anthony Davis and James led a wild comeback that ended with the Lakers having a chance to tie the score with 7.2 seconds left.
James, who was called for an offensive foul earlier in the final minute, scored on a quick layup and grabbed Alperen Sengun’s missed free throw to give the Lakers a chance to tie it for the first time since the score was 10-10.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, drives past Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday during the first half Sunday.
(Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
But Max Christie couldn’t get the ball inbounded, with James signaling for a timeout the Lakers didn’t receive. Christie‘s pass was intercepted by Fred VanVleet, who sealed the game by making one of two free throws. The Lakers nearly cut it to one on the next possession, but a James three-pointer was wiped out by a Davis offensive foul that he and coach JJ Redick said was a flop.
Christie said after the game he should’ve called timeout. James said he believed he should’ve been granted one.
Davis led the Lakers with 30 points and 13 rebounds, James and Austin Reaves each had 21 and Christie scored 14. James also had 13 rebounds and Reaves 10 assists.
Jalen Green, who torched the Lakers early, closed them out in the fourth quarter, scoring a game-high 33 points.
“The fight was there, which was good, but we got to stop digging ourselves in holes like that,” Christie said. “We got to play that way, like we did the second half, for 48 minutes instead of just one half. So for us as a team, that’s the next step for us.”
The standards have been set, both by the Lakers’ recent run of play and by the demands that Redick has publicly and privately put on them. They didn’t meet those standards Sunday on the glass, where Houston scored 28 second-chance points.
“We gave up too many second-chance points. Offensive rebounds killed us. We know they’re a big team,” James said. “We know they crash everybody.”
One of those crashes late — a two-handed putback dunk of an airball from Green by Amen Thompson — was a jaw-dropping display of athleticism.
“It was huge. It was huge. It was huge. It was huge,” James repeated. “But I mean… that’s what happens sometimes. We had bodies on bodies. We maybe could have gotten a body on him. But it was a broken play and me and Doe Doe [Dorian Finney-Smith] got a great trap on Jalen Green across from our bench and he threw one up and it literally looked like a lob. And the kid went up there and used his athleticism to put it home.”
Good is maybe what the Lakers are here in the first week of January; great is where they want to be. And if things aren’t being done correctly, well, Redick has insisted that he’ll find someone who will.
Less than a minute into the third quarter, Redick pulled starter Rui Hachimura for recently acquired Finney-Smith. And after just 93 seconds of playing time in the fourth, he yanked Jaxson Hayes for Finney-Smith.
The mistakes in those stretches, such as the ones late in the game, were the difference between a great win and hard-fought loss, with little room for moral victories with the Lakers’ goals being bigger.
They play again Tuesday in Dallas against the Mavericks.
Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick chose not to further engage in a public spat with Charles Barkley after the Hall of Fame analyst criticized Redick’s team and questioned his job security on Thursday’s “Inside the NBA” broadcast.
“I didn’t make it all the way through the clip, I got to be honest with you,” Redick said Friday before the Lakers hosted the Atlanta Hawks. “My resting heart rate is probably 64 [beats per minute]. I watched the clip, it was 64. Literally don’t care. I have other thoughts, but don’t care.”
Barkley was responding to what Redick said Dec. 19 when L.A. played the Sacramento Kings when the Lakers coach shared his opinion on the state of NBA coverage in light of national TV ratings dwindling compared to past seasons.
“[Redick] said something about we’re the reason people ain’t watching this crappy product we got. … Yeah, us,” Barkley said. “Like we’re out there jacking up a hundred 3s a night.”
When Redick first broached the ratings issue, he argued against the widespread belief that the volume of 3-point shots being taken is prompting too many teams to play the same style and making the games less interesting.
“I don’t think the league is as homogenized as a lot of people make it out to be,” Redick said at the time. “There are certain rosters and certain players that because of their skill set, it makes sense to shoot a lot of 3s. What I think gets lost a little bit in the amount of 3-point attempts is what has been taken away, which is a steady decline in long 2s.”
Redick said that 3s have also led to an uptick in points near the basket, as defenses cannot simply clog the inside because they must have personnel spread out on the perimeter to guard deep shots.
“The 3 has allowed more space for people to actually score at the rim and score in the paint,” Redick said. “So that’s the strategy.”
Redick, a former NBA analyst for ESPN, also offered a lengthy take on how the game is covered by the league’s television rights partners in TNT and ESPN.
“I don’t think we as — and by we, I was part of it — we as the sort of national partners have done a good job of storytelling, of celebrating the game,” Redick said. “If I’m a casual fan and you tell me every time I turn on the television that the product sucks, well I’m not going to watch the product. And that’s really what has happened over the last 10 to 15 years. I don’t know why. It’s not funny to me. Nothing is entertaining to me. This game should be celebrated.”
Redick refrained from naming names in delivering his critique. However, Barkley, apparently, believed it was directed at him.
“JJ, you come for the king, you better not miss,” Barkley said, paraphrasing a line from the character Omar from “The Wire” on HBO. “Because I can get you, brother. Remember, I got your Lakers games. You can’t hide them flaws they got. You’re just a dead man walking. They got rid of Frank Vogel, who did a good job. They got rid of Darvin Ham, who did a good job. But you came out there thinking you were going to change things with that same ugly girl you went on a date with. The Lakers stink.”
Long before Barkley suggested Redick’s job could be in jeopardy, the first-year coach acknowledged it himself. Before his first training camp coaching the Lakers even began, he told ESPN: “There’s no assurances in this industry. I recognize that at any point in time, I could be let go. That’s a reality.”
Barkley continued: “He came in there thinking, ‘I can make this thing work.’ The hell you can. You can put some makeup on that pig. The Lakers stink, man. Come on, man.”
L.A. is currently No. 6 in the Western Conference with a 19-14 record.
Redick is not the first Lakers figure to be involved in a tête-à-tête with Barkley.
KAPALUA, Hawaii — Hideki Matsuyama opened the new season with a record performance, though it was hard to tell from his emotions. He was a machine at the Sentry, with 35 holes at birdie or better to finish at 35-under par, both PGA Tour records.
He broke into a wide smile only when his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, spoke to him on the side of the 18th green Sunday at Kapalua after one final birdie gave Matsuyama the scoring records and a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa.
“Otoshidama arigato gozaimasu.”
It translates roughly to thanks for a traditional Japanese gift to children in the new year to wish them luck and prosperity. Matsuyama won $3.6 million from his 11th career victory.
There was little luck involved over four days on a Plantation course that was vulnerable as ever without hardly any of the wind for which it was designed. Matsuyama made only one bogey over the final 59 holes to finish at 35-under 257.
Staked to a one-shot lead going into the final round, Matsuyama holed out from 107 yards for eagle on the third hole, expanded the lead when Morikawa had consecutive three-putts — one for par, another for bogey — and answered a late challenge with another wedge to 4 feet.
He closed with an 8-under 65 and started the new season in ways Matsuyama would not have imagined.
The 32-year-old Japanese star had only a few days of practice leading into the season opener because he was not feeling well, most recently with sores in his mouth. He decided on a whim to switch to a more center-shafted putter he received a few days after Christmas.
“I used the putter for the first here,” Matsuyama said through his interpreter. Asked why that style of putter worked so well for him, he added, “I’m not sure, but it went in.”
The last one was for the record book. Matsuyama wasn’t entirely sure that 34 under had been the record for 72 holes. The tournament already was in the bag.
“That last putt, it felt like if I make it, then it’s going to be the record,” he said. “So I’m so happy that it went in.”
He extended his arm and lightly pumped his first when it fell. His 35 under broke by one the record to par Cameron Smith set at Kapalua in 2022. It also was his 35th hole of birdie or better, breaking the record set by Smith in 2022 and matched by Sungjae Im at Kapalua last year.
“He was matching me yesterday shot for shot,” said Morikawa, alluding to both posting a 62 in the third round that set them apart from the field.
“Today he just never let up,” Morikawa said. “Then you get to the third hole and the guy holes it. I just knew I had to be on top of everything, and just kind of let a few slip on that front nine. Played a good back nine, but to win on a course like this, conditions like this, you’ve got to have it for 72 [holes]. And I had it for 65.”
Morikawa closed with a 67 to finish three behind at 32-under 260.
Matsuyama has three PGA Tour victories in the past 10 months, all of them against strong fields — Riviera last February and the first FedEx Cup playoff event in August. He moves to No. 5 in the world ranking.
Matsuyama began to build some separation when he holed a sand wedge from 107 yards on the third hole, the ball landing in front of the pin, taking one hop and disappearing in the cup for eagle.
Matsuyama saw the crowd cheer from behind the elevated green, widened his eyes and pursed his lips and tapped fists with his caddie. And that was that. It was a methodical game, a methodical week.
Morikawa, determined to give it his best shot, stayed within two until he had a three-putt par on the fifth hole after Matsuyama hit a superb chip from behind the green to tap-in range. Then, Morikawa had another three-putt from 60 feet, this one for bogey on the sixth.
That put him four shots behind, and he did well to stay in the game until the final few holes. Morikawa birdied the 14th and 15th holes — Matsuyama missed birdie chances from 6 feet and 10 feet — to close to within two shots with three to play.
Matsuyama effectively ended it with a wedge to 4 feet on the 16th for birdie.
The Sentry is a signature event with a $20 million purse, and the $3.6 million payoff to Matsuyama put him over $60 million for his career.
Im closed with a 65 to finish alone in third, worth $1.36 million.
Matsuyama is the seventh player to win both Hawaii tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule. Justin Thomas (2017) and Ernie Els (2003) are the only players to win both in the same year. Matsuyama will have a chance to join them next week in the Sony Open on Oahu, where he won three years ago.
Taylor Pendrith delivered the most unlikely shot of the tournament, holing out his 6-iron from 200 yards on the par-5 fifth for the first albatross on the Plantation course since this season-opening tournament moved to Kapalua in 1999.
“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was going to be really good,” Pendrith said. “Didn’t expect it to go in. Didn’t see it go in. But the fans that were up by the green went crazy so, yeah, it was a really good bonus.”
Under the Wiltern’s center-stage spotlight, a bedazzled tejana slowly rises into the audience’s view. As the concealed hydraulic platform peaks on the stage’s second level, Chiquis appears, sparkling in an all-white rhinestoned outfit. Her surrounding 13-piece band plays the energetic opening notes of “Porque Soy Abeja Reina,” a single off her 2022 album “Abeja Reina,” and the Wiltern’s crowd roars. The multi-hyphenate talent born as Janney Marin Rivera descends from the staircase and the only thing going through her mind is that all her hard work is finally paying off.
Over the past decade, Chiquis has fought what she calls an uphill battle to make music she’s proud of. In the face of harsh comparisons to her late mother, the música Mexicana legend Jenni Rivera, and expectations to carry on the family legacy, the three-time Latin Grammy winner stands firm in her corner of contemporary banda music. Unafraid to bring “new school influences” to the traditional genre, the 39-year-old brings a reignited sense of confidence to her latest album, “Diamantes.”
“I was actually crying right before the show. You know, it’s the end of the year and my mom passed away in December. This season usually makes me feel more sensitive,” said Chiquis. “I started thinking, ‘Are people going be able to tell? Are they going see?’ But then I reminded myself, that’s what my music’s all about. If I need to cry, I’m going to cry. I’m going to talk about it. This is my space to be myself.”
As the singer took the Wiltern’s stage that night for what she considers to be a hometown concert, with an extravagant stage design and a full production crew, she says putting on a show of such a large scale reminds her of how much things have changed — she began her musical career by performing at places like the Grove and small nightclubs. Now she sips Don Julio 70 from a diamond-shaped flask and unapologetically belts her lyrics of resilience to a packed theater.
Tequila in hand, Chiquis sings to the Wiltern’s crowd.
(Ringo Chiu/For The Times)
A few days after her show, I catch Chiquis at a boutique cafe in the heart of Beverly Hills. Wearing a full-length trench coat and a matching beige L.A. baseball cap, the fresh-faced singer recounts the musical breakthrough she experienced with her fourth album “Abeja Reina.”
Bringing touches of R&B to banda and experimenting with a corrido style for the first time, Chiquis says she finally discovered how to be authentic in her artistry. While making this album, she let go of imposter syndrome and stopped seeking others’ approval in her sound.
“If I’m true to myself, people are going to feel that. And the people that I’m going to attract are the people I want to listen to my music,“ she said. “There’s always going be someone that doesn’t like me, and I’m okay with that now. I am who I am. I cuss. I love God. I’m a little bit of everything.”
She also began to fall in love with her voice. Due to her mother’s wide vocal range and the public’s constant comparison, Chiquis admits she has always been insecure about her vocals. After years of not listening to her own music, she hired a vocal coach and set out to improve.
Because of her inherited sense of fame, her music career originally started as a supplement to her already popular reality TV presence. In the early 2010s, she starred on “Jenni Rivera Presents: Chiquis y Raq-C,” continued to appear on her mother’s show “I Love Jenni” and starred in her own spin-off “Chiquis ‘n Control.” Much like the Kardashian clan, Chiquis was famous for the sake of being famous.
To this day, she maintains a whole other life outside her music career — with her continued pursuits in reality TV (“Chiquis Sin Filtro” and “Foodie on the Go”), podcasting (“Chiquis and Chill”), writing books (“The Girl Who Sings to Bees,” “Forgiveness” and “Unstoppable”) and appearing as a judge on Mexico’s “La Academia.”
As she juggles these passion projects, her music is where she strives to outdo herself. With each new release, she says she will always be her own biggest competitior.
Wearing tejanas and matching botas, the crowd showed up ready to hear Chiquis’ spin on música Mexicana.
(Ringo Chiu/For The Times)
If her 2022 album “Abeja Reina” was the catalyst in making Chiquis who she is today and giving her what she calls her “crazy a— confidence,” her May 2024 release “Diamantes” is the culmination of that artistic growth.
“‘Abeja Reina’ was more rough around the edges. I knew I wanted my next project to be more refined,” said Chiquis. “I’ve had a lot of pressure in my life from being the daughter of Jenni Rivera and all the BS that has happened after that. The idea of ‘Diamantes,’ and being a diamond made it all come together.
“There’s not one diamond that’s perfect. And I feel like we all have that. Life polishes us and it makes us shine. You can never break a diamond. They represent resilience in a lot of ways,” said Chiquis. “I’m a diamond and we all are. We are still here no matter what we do. This album speaks a lot of words of affirmation. For me, it’s like a note to self.”
Bedazzled mic in hand, Chiquis captures the crowd’s attention.
(Ringo Chiu/For The Times)
Ulises Lonzano, a longtime collaborator and main producer on the album, first came to know Chiquis when he was asked to help make a theme song for one of her reality TV show. Over the years, he says her essence has always remained the same, but as they move from one project to the next, he sees her trust her abilities more and more.
“When she’s singing she taps into her emotion, especially when she performs. For me, as a producer, that’s what makes the difference from one artist to another. It’s about their ability to express the song,” said Lonzano. “Because it’s not about who’s a better singer or songwriter. It’s about how you present your emotions through that piece of music. And that’s how Chiquis does it.”
Resilience is something that has always characterized the singer’s life. Throughout our conversation, she doesn’t shy away from explaining her life’s adversities. Mentioning the unprecedented death of her mother and its aftermath, the pressure of keeping the Rivera family united and her recent miscarriage while on the Diamantes tour, she comes across as an open and earnest book. She assures me that no matter what’s happening in her life, she will always come out the other end for the people who love her the most – her fans.
At her L.A. tour stop, the venue was filled with a sea of sparkly botas, glittery beards, denim jackets embossed with Jenni Rivera’s face and tattoo sleeves dedicated to Chiquis. Longtime fan Dora Bartolo, 29, has been following Chiquis since 2013. As we stand in the Wiltern’s historic lobby, the Compton native recalls buying tickets to see Chiquis for $25 at her first few performances. Attending the Diamantes tour six different times, Bartolo says she’s proud to have witnessed Chiquis’ evolution.
Chiquis dances on stage at her December show.
(Ringo Chiu/For The Times)
“I will be completely honest with you — in the very beginning [of her music career] her sound was a work in progress. It wasn’t her industry yet. It felt like she was just thrown in,” said Bartolo. “I knew we had to give her some time because she doesn’t give up. It’s in her blood. And when she gets on stage you really can see her strength and her growth.”
As much as the singer has shied away from comparisons to her late mother, their careers seem to reflect each other. Both acts have left a mark in the male-dominated subgenre of banda and expand their reach beyond music, all while trying to get out from under the shadow of the previous generation — Pedro Rivera, Chiquis’ grandfather, is also a música Mexicana artist.
As the new year kicks off, Chiquis says she isn’t entirely certain what her next step will be. Reflecting on her recent marriage to photographer Emilio Sánchez, she said she hopes to write more about a happy kind of love, instead of a tumultuous one, and explore how música Mexicana can lend itself to meditation music.
“I’m always going to move forward. But I feel like I need to take a step to the side to kind reconnect in a different way with my music. I need a breather. I want to get inspired again,” said Chiquis. “There’s a shift coming.”
