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Although every entry in the "Stargate" franchise remains interconnected to some degree, the common denominator holding them together is the strange, shimmering Stargate device. Roland Emmerich's 1994 sci-fi adventure, "Stargate," gives us the earliest ideas surrounding this titular portal, where it is established as a mode of instantaneous space travel. In the film, linguist Daniel Jackson (James Spader) and a group of military officers led by Colonel Jack O'Neill (Kurt Russell) enter the Stargate and land on the desert planet of Abydos, but are stuck there once they're unable to activate the Stargate from which they emerged. Turns out, you need the shimmering blue energy field around the portal for both connecting gates to function, which is only one tiny aspect of how these Stargates actually work as hopping devices from points A to B.

While Emmerich's flick treats the Stargate as a convenient MacGuffin, its series follow-up — the long-running...

What happens when a long-running series sees its end in a spectacular and emotional finale, it often continues to resonate with fans even years later? Something similar occurred with the unforgettable final season of Young Sheldon, particularly the episode just before the finale Funeral.

Following George Sr.’s heartbreaking death, Funeral is filled with raw, emotional moments that struck a deep chord with viewers. It’s no surprise that this episode has since become the highest-rated of the entire series.

It’s been a year since Young Sheldon released its most heartbreaking episode

As Young Sheldon wrapped up its run with Season 7, we fans of The Big Bang Theory lore were bracing ourselves for the emotional moment when the series would address the death of Sheldon’s father, George Cooper Sr. (Lance Barber).

And then it came, not with fanfare, but with a subtle knock at the door, as the...

Actor James Spader has played some of the most iconic roles on television in the past two decades. He had a lengthy run on The Blacklist, which only concluded in 2023 after ten seasons. In the meantime, Spader continues to be as reclusive and private in his personal life as he has for most of his career in Hollywood.

As a result, Spader’s political inclinations are unclear since the actor hasn’t openly talked about them. However, one of Spader’s most famous roles, which turned him into a household name, might have leaned towards the Democratic policies. As a result, the character remains one of Spader’s most fascinating roles, and here is what he had to say about it.

James Spader’s Boston Legal role might be a Democrat

James Spader started his career with roles in films like Pretty in Pink, showing charisma in roles that often...

Warning: contains spoilers for West Coast Avengers #7!

Ultron’s coolest look to date has been revealed, and it puts his MCU design to total shame. Ultron has been one of Marvel’s most terrifying villains for nearly 60 years, striking fear into the hearts of the Avengers. Ultron also menaced the team in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he was scarier than ever. Now, in West Coast Avengers #7, the new “Ultron the Scorched” arrives, promising more terror.

West Coast Avengers #7 was written by Gerry Duggan and drawn by Danny Kim. A former model of Ultron, who survived a fall into the sun, re-emerges, traveling to Earth to see the work his “good” variant has done. Calling itself “Ultron the Scorched,” this new variant begins killing members of the Church of Ultron one at a time. By the time Spider-Woman arrives on the scene, Ultron the Scorched has killed all the cult members,...

William Shatner kickstarted the Star Trek franchise as its first captain, James T. Kirk, in the original series. The swashbuckling and charismatic Captain Kirk became a pop cultural icon, and apart from its writing, it was Shatner’s performance that made the character legendary. Shatner has been an irreplaceable part of the franchise and laid its foundations.

However, the veteran star has been synonymous with other roles as well. In the movies, he has featured in Miss Congeniality, Judgement at Nuremberg, Loaded Weapon 1, and more. On TV, he has played the titular detective in T.J. Hooker and the lawyer Denny Crane in Boston Legal. The latter won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award.

William Shatner’s non-Star Trek role won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe William Shatner in Star Trek | Credits: Paramount

William Shatner was the face of Star Trek, along with Leonard Nimoy,...

After Roland Emmerich's 1994 "Stargate" movie debuted, there were actually plans for a "Stargate" trilogy of films. Instead, a continuation TV series followed, but Emmerich was nowhere in sight when "Sg-1" arrived in 1997. Neither were stars of the film, Kurt Russell and James Spader. Instead, "Sg-1" was overseen by showrunners Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner with "MacGyver "star Richard Dean Anderson replacing Russell in the role of Colonel Jack O'Neill and Michael Shanks replacing Spader as Dr. Daniel Jackson.

In some ways, it might seem as though a TV series would be easier to make than a sequel to a successful Hollywood blockbuster. For one thing, TV was not yet in the so-called "golden age" that would arise in the years that followed its debut, and as such, audiences didn't always expect movie-level production values from their small-screen entertainment. On the other hand, a show about an elite squadron that...

The Sopranos is no stranger to shocking deaths, whether it be Christopher Moltisanti or Sal Bonpensiero’s demise, and one thing common among them is that they’re greatly executed on-screen. However, one crucial death in the show has often been criticized for being a literal mess, which is unlike anything the show had offered during its six-year-long dominance on the small screen.

The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

But given David Chase’s history with the show, beneath the rather unsatisfying death, which ruffled a few feathers, it seems the showrunner’s decision to make Jackie Aprile Jr’s death unappealing might have been the point.

Jackie Aprile Jr’s death encapsulates his pathetic existence Jackie Jr.’ in The Sopranos| Credit: HBO

It’s not hard to see why viewers were initially disappointed by Jackie Aprile Jr’s demise, as in contrast to other deaths in the show, his death feels rushed,...

Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai got a double dose of star power at its annual spring luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel thanks to a pair of high-profile sisters.

Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Judy turned up at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday to honor CAA agent Toni Howard and her sister, author and philanthropist Wendy Howard Goldberg, with Trailblazer Awards during a gala ceremony emceed by Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner.

The former is one of Hollywood’s most well-known agents, and she represents Jackson, Michael Keaton, James Spader, Edie Falco, Michael Sheen, Holly Hunter, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Diane Lane (in attendance), Goldie Hawn, Tim Robbins, Catherine O’Hara, Nathan Lane and Billie Lourd, among others. Howard Goldberg is a long-serving member of the guild, having volunteered with the organization for more than four decades. She co-authored the books The Blue Bloods Cookbook, Marry Me and Hollywood Moms. She...

(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)

How do you make something bigger than one of the biggest movies of all time? "By not trying to," Joss Whedon said in 2012 when asked how he could possibly top "The Avengers" with its inevitable sequel. "By being smaller. More personal, more painful. By being the next thing that should happen to these characters and not just a rehash of what seemed to work the first time."

Whedon's "The Avengers" made more than $1.5 billion at the box office globally in 2012, trailing only James Cameron's "Titanic" and "Avatar" on the list of highest-grossing movies ever at the time of its release. The pressure was on for the director to deliver a satisfying follow-up, but, at least initially, he didn't want to fall...

Megan Boone Departs The Blacklist Role(Photo Credit –Facebook)

When Megan Boone vanished from The Blacklist after eight seasons of dodging bullets, chasing secrets, and side-eyeing James Spader’s Reddington, fans were left asking, ‘Wait, Liz Keen just left?’ Boone had been the heart of the FBI drama since day one, unraveling conspiracy webs and navigating her own twisty past with equally puzzled expressions. So her sudden exit just before the series’ final chapters felt like Sherlock Holmes skipping the final case. But while fans may have cooked up wild theories about betrayal or behind-the-scenes drama, the truth behind her departure is far more grounded—and surprisingly chill. Yes, this wasn’t a Reddington-level conspiracy. Sometimes, even the profiler needs to profile a new chapter in life. So what really happened to Liz Keen? Let’s dig into Boone’s big goodbye.

Megan Boone Left On Her Own Terms

Megan Boone wasn’t pushed out,...

James Spader turned himself into a household name thanks to his brilliant stint on television. The actor won multiple Emmy Awards for his performance as Alan Shore in Boston Legal and had a ten-year-long stint as the enigmatic Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist.

During an interview, Spader reflected on his lengthy career, which started with movies but quickly transitioned to phenomenal success on television. In the process, the actor revealed the only demand he had for accepting television gigs. As a result, Spader is perfect for Taylor Sheridan’s multi-billion-dollar empire, and here is why.

James Spader admitted he prefers TV roles because of the paycheck

Actor James Spader started his career with appearances in cult hit movies like Pretty in Pink. However, a turning point in Spader’s career came when he transitioned to television with the legal drama Boston Legal, which earned him multiple Emmy wins, turning...

Actor James Spader played the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist. The series received critical acclaim and lasted for ten seasons before reaching its inevitable conclusion in 2023. However, the much-anticipated series finale wasn’t as universally acclaimed for more than one reason.

During an interview, Spader revealed his take on the show’s controversial series finale. The actor felt that the ending was appropriate and showed support for the creative decisions of the series finale. As a result, fans might argue with Spader’s reasoning for the ending, and here is what the veteran actor had to say about it.

James Spader revealed his thoughts on The Blacklist‘s controversial finale

James Spader played the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington on The Blacklist, which premiered in 2013. The series proved to be an instant hit with Spader’s portrayal of the enigmatic criminal turned FBI informant receiving critical acclaim.

James Spader’s career has been defined by his television career with hits like Boston Legal and The Blacklist under his belt. As a result, his film career has mostly been forgotten, except for perhaps his only cult-hit movie from the 1980s, which also features Young Sheldon actress Annie Potts.

Despite having aged slightly poorly, the film in question also launched several other actors to superstardom. As a result, it sits as a bit of an anomaly in his career, especially since Spader himself does not speak about the movie during his already limited public appearances. Here is everything you need to know about Spader’s cult classic movie that is almost 40 years old.

James Spader did not hesitate before accepting a role in the cult-hit movie Pretty in Pink

James Spader appeared in the 1986 teen romantic comedy-drama Pretty in Pink. The film stars Molly Ringwald in the lead role...

NetEase Games just can’t stop teasing us about Marvel Rivals’ upcoming roster additions. Their latest breadcrumb? A sneaky peek at Ultron’s character icon in the hero selection wheel.

And I’ve got to say, seeing that menacing metallic face among all those colorful hero portraits feels like spotting a wolf in a petting zoo. It’s deliciously out of place.

But what really has me intrigued isn’t just Ultron’s arrival on May 30th—it’s whether NetEase can deliver a version of the character that surpasses what we got in the MCU. Don’t get me wrong, James Spader was brilliant, but there’s so much more to this villain than what we saw on the big screen.

The villain we deserve is apparently… a healer?

The latest “Art Vision Vol. 01” behind-the-scenes video from NetEase Games confirms what leakers have been claiming for weeks—Ultron is...

Actor James Spader became a household name in the early 2000s thanks to his performance as Alan Shore in Boston Legal. However, Spader later reinvented himself on the small screen with his critically acclaimed run on the crime-drama series The Blacklist, which lasted for an impressive ten seasons.

Despite being a part of the MCU, Spader’s performance as the enigmatic Raymond “Red” Reddington in the series makes him suitable for one DC villain role. With The Batman 2 yet to start production, it might be worth looking at Spader for this DC character, who would easily fit into Matt Reeves’ Gotham. Here is why James Spader is perfect for one DC villain.

The Blacklist star James Spader is perfect for DC villain Calendar Man

James Spader is synonymous with the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist. In the series, Spader played the former criminal turned FBI informant...

"Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars" are on the way, and their collective cast will be even bigger than we thought (even though they won't be including every single Phase 4 character). The Russo Brothers are also returning to their directors' chairs to bring this next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a climactic ending. Oh yeah, and Robert Downey Jr. is back, this time as supervillain Doctor Doom.

As we gear up for a fresh era of MCU cross-over mayhem, it's fun to look back on the legacy that built the foundation for these monumental cinematic projects. There have been four live-action Avengers movies, in particular, in the MCU to date. The first one kicked off the eponymous group's run on the big screen way back in 2012, with the last one bringing Thanos to his knees seven years later.

Each "Avengers" flick is special in its own way. But...

Thanks to his stint on Boston Legal, James Spader became a household name in the early 2000s. Despite a promising film career, the actor turned his attention to the small screen in the following decade, resulting in a critically acclaimed ten-season run on the hit crime-drama series The Blacklist.

During an interview, Spader discussed taking up the now-iconic role of Raymond “Red” Reddington, especially in an era when cable television offered more freedom compared to the rigorous schedule of network television. Here’s what Spader had to say about joining a network show and why its demanding schedule wasn’t an issue for him.

The Blacklist star James Spader explained why he agreed to do a network show

Actor James Spader was already a multiple Emmy award winner when he concluded his run as Alan Shore on Boston Legal in 2008. The series turned Spader into a household name, but when...

Actor James Spader was tasked with the tough act of following Steve Carell’s phenomenal run on the hit sitcom The Office. Following Carell’s exit, Spader was brought in as a replacement, serving as the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton Branch.

Spader’s tenure on the sitcom lasted only one season, and despite his decent performance contributing to stable ratings, his character never quite felt at home with the rest of the ensemble. In an interview, Spader admitted that he was unsure what his role was on the sitcom, and here is what he had to say about his stint on The Office.

James Spader admitted he was unsure about his character’s role in The Office

After seven seasons, lead actor Steve Carell, who gained popularity for his performance as Michael Scott, exited The Office. A hunt for a new manager was a major part of...

The Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai’s annual spring luncheon is shaping up to be a family affair.

The guild has zeroed in on a pair of siblings to honor by tapping veteran agent Toni Howard of CAA and her sister, author and philanthropist Wendy Howard Goldberg, to receive Trailblazer Awards during a gala held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on May 1. Entertainment Tonight host Nischelle Turner is confirmed to emcee the festivities, which will also feature a fireside chat with the Howards moderated by their longtime close friend Judge Judy Sheindlin.

Funds raised at the event will benefit the Women’s Guild neurology project and the Women’s Guild distinguished chair in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. Also at the event, fashion designer Elyse Walker will host a pop-up boutique featuring items from her brand, elysewalker, with 10 percent of the proceeds benefitting the guild. To date, the Women’s...

The Marvel Cinematic Universe had plenty of characters back in the Infinity Saga -- just rewatch the portal scene from "Avengers: Endgame" for an instant reminder -- but things have ballooned to truly gargantuan proportions in the Multiverse Saga. The sheer number of independent sub-series and Disney+ shows has made it basically impossible to keep track of everyone, leaving many characters to fall through the cracks for years at a time.

Such has been the case with White Vision (Paul Bettany), the silvery, S.W.O.R.D.-made copy of the red synthezoid who appears toward the end of "WandaVision" and ... well, nowhere else, so far. In the comics, it's a bit easier to juggle dozens of characters at the same time, but Hollywood makes that incredibly difficult with massive budgets and restrictive shooting and production schedules.

For those reasons, more casual MCU fans may have forgotten about White Vision entirely.

The Pitt’s Noah Wyle has shared some insight into how the show has influenced real doctors and practitioners. Max’s latest medical drama has been one of the biggest shows of the year thus far, taking the world by storm and dominating the conversation. The series has earned a nearly flawless rating of 97% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and although general audiences reviewed the show at only a 78% score, that hasn’t stopped it from consistently dominating Max streaming charts. Viewers have praised the show’s realism and its willingness to show the hardest parts of working in the ER, and during a recent interview with CNN, Wyle spoke about how real-world healthcare workers have responded to the series, calling it “triggering” for some:

“It’s been triggering for practitioners, especially these last couple of episodes and the ones that involve flashbacks to Covid-19. Those were, out of necessity,...

When "Stargate Sg-1" started back in 1997, it did so without the cast that fronted Roland Emmerich's original 1994 movie. "Stargate" starred Kurt Russell as Colonel Jack O'Neil, a U.S. Air Force Special Operations officer who agrees to pass through the titular portal in order to explore the strange worlds that lay beyond. Russell was flanked by James Spader, who played Dr. Daniel Jackson, an archaeologist who joins O'Neill on his perilous mission.

Originally planned as a trilogy, "Stargate" did not spawn a cinematic franchise despite doing reasonably well at the box office. Instead, Showtime debuted the TV spinoff "Stargate Sg-1" in 1997. However, Russell declined to return as Jack O'Neill, and Spader did the same for his character, leaving showrunners Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner to find some new stars. They did so in the form of "MacGyver" actor Richard Dean Anderson, who played Colonel O'Neill on the series, and Michael Shanks,...

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is very unique when it comes to its portrayal of comic book characters. On the one hand, it's capable of creating three-dimensional heroes that make mistakes, don't always keep their cool, are hunted by the demons of their past, and yet they manage to set an example to everybody else by saving the day countless times. On the other hand, they can also craft a one-dimensional villain with no outstanding motivations other than the caricaturesque "I want to rule the world" trope.

Granted, there are some big exceptions in the form of Kingpin, Thanos, Killmonger, The Vulture, and a few others. But more often than not, we remember an MCU project because of the hero and not its antagonistic counterpart.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a perfect example since it was widely criticized for its portrayal of the murderous robot. Granted, it was always going to...

Ten years after Avengers: Age of Ultron left theaters, James Spader's unsettling AI murder bot is officially back in the MCU. 

Vision, a spin-off of 2021's WandaVision starring Paul Bettany, is headed to Disney+ in 2026. Following reports of Spader's return as Ultron, fans now have official confirmation from another returning Marvel Studios star. 

James Spader's Ultron Confirmed for Vision on Disney+ Read full article on The Direct.

WandaVision concluded with the original Vision, rebuilt by S.W.O.R.D. to do as they command, attempting to kill Wanda Maximoff and his Hex double. The latter seemingly restored his doppelganger's memories during their clash, prompting the presumably emotionless "White Vision" to fly away to parts unknown.

Marvel Studios and Marvel Television will continue that story in Disney+'s upcoming Vision series, and there's a great deal of intrigue surrounding the project.

We know that James Spader will return as Ultron, while it's been widely reported that the Disney+ series will adapt elements of West Coast Avengers and Tom King's Vision series. There have even been rumblings that we'll see James D'Arcy and Kerry Condon play human versions of Edwin Jarvis and F.R.I.D.A.Y.

By far one of the most intriguing additions to the cast is Iron Man star Faran Tahir. He starred...

White Collar is one of the most popular crime dramas of the mid-2000s. With a reboot now on the way, it may be time to consider another series that could satisfy waiting fans. The Blacklistfirst aired on NBC in 2013, and it ran for 10 seasons before coming to an end in 2023.

This series focuses on longtime criminal Raymond “Red” Reddington (played by James Spader), who finally decides to work with a specific FBI agent in order to catch other criminals on a “blacklist.” Even after its conclusion, the show still has strong reviews from both critics and audiences, and it features plenty of unanswered questions that have kept fans pondering.

The Blacklist Showcases Multidimensional Characters

In part thanks to its decade-long television run, The Blacklist successfully fleshes out a variety of characters. While there are arguably two characters – Red and Liz – who are more vital to the storyline, the series...

It’s no surprise that when The Blacklist premiered on NBC in 2013, it was a massive hit. The first reason was that James Spader was at the helm as career criminal Raymond “Red” Reddington, known as the Concierge of Crime. The story was also very intriguing. After running from authorities for decades and being at the top of the Most Wanted list, Reddington decides to willingly turn himself in. He offers his services to help the FBI take down the most awful criminals, and he delivers. But there’s an ulterior motive. They have to let him do his thing, and in taking down these thieves, criminals, and terrorists, they are inadvertently helping build Reddington’s own criminal enterprise in the process.

At the heart of the story was also Reddington’s interest in Elizabeth “Liz” Keen, a young agent to whom he had some type of prior relationship, but...

To a more modern audience James Spader is best known for his performance as Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist. However, Spader first rose to prominence with his film roles, alongside some of the biggest A-list stars of his generation. Nonetheless, Spader’s popularity doesn’t arguably rival some of his peers for one key reason.

James Spader in The Blacklist (Credit: NBC).

In several interviews, Spader has stressed his need for privacy, admitting that he prefers to keep his personal life away from the media. As a result, it can be argued that Spader happily paid a big price to protect his privacy, which had a direct impact on his popularity. Here is what Spader had to say about keeping his personal life private and how it may have affected his career.

The Blacklist star James Spader admitted to purposefully keeping his personal life private

James Spader is a...

Actor Bryan Cranston is best known for his role as Walter White in the hit crime-drama series Breaking Bad. The series ran for five seasons and received critical acclaim. During this period, Cranston dominated the awards scene, winning multiple Best Actor Emmys throughout the show’s five-season run.

Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad (Credit: AMC).

Cranston’s streak at the Emmys is even more impressive when looking at the other nominees he was up against, with Jon Hamm of Mad Men being his most serious challenger. In an interview, Cranston spoke about beating Hamm for the award several times and admitted the latter’s role was much harder. Here is what Cranston had to say about Hamm’s Mad Men role.

Bryan Cranston wanted Jon Hamm to win an Emmy for Mad Men

Breaking Bad and Mad Men are spiritual cousins, having started at around the same time and running...

David Cronenberg has offered up his thoughts on the backlash that the Oscar-winning film The Brutalist was on the receiving end of throughout awards season.

The Canadian filmmaker was at a London Soundtrack Festival talk with career-long collaborator Howard Shore to discuss some of the films they’ve partnered on over the years.

The two visionaries discussed M. Butterfly, Cronenberg’s 1993 film about a French diplomat (Jeremy Irons) who becomes infatuated with a Chinese opera performer, Song Liling (John Lone). Their affair lasts for 20 years, and they subsequently marry, but Irons’ character is unaware or willfully ignorant that Liling is a man.

Cronenberg compared his editing of the film to the criticism surrounding Brady Corbet’s post-war epic when it was revealed that artificial intelligence was used on the film’s lead, Brody (who went on to win the best actor Oscar for his performance), to enhance the accuracy of his character’s Hungarian accent.

James Spader played the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington in the hit crime-drama series The Blacklist. The series ran for ten seasons and emerged as a ratings success, becoming another glowing entry in Spader’s illustrious filmography. However, the veteran actor wasn’t the first choice for the part of the iconic fugitive turned informant.

James Spader in The Blacklist (Credit: NBC).

During an interview, the show’s executive producer John Eisendrath opened up about the casting process for the role of Red and revealed that Spader wasn’t the first choice. As a result, fans must be surprised to learn that four different actors were considered for the part before the creative team eventually managed to convince Spader. Here is everything you need to know about James Spader’s casting in The Blacklist.

The Blacklist producer John Eisendrath revealed the original choices for James Spader’s role

The Blacklist...

Quick LinksFoggy Nelson Is Set To Return in Daredevil: Born Again Season TwoThe MCU Has a History of Fake-Out DeathsCharacters Return in Comics All the Time, but the MCU Should Be Different

The following contains major spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again, Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2, "Heaven's Half Hour" and "Optics," now streaming on Disney+.

Daredevil: Born Again resurrected many elements from the Netflix series audiences enjoyed. So far, the Marvel Cinematic Universe series has included a one-shot action sequence, plenty of violence, and the return of many familiar faces. One of those familiar faces was Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdock's best friend and law partner. Foggy wasn't originally part of Marvel Studios' Daredevil: Born Again, but after a creative overhaul, the beloved supporting character made it into the revival.

The first episode of Daredevil: Born Again started with a major death in the opening minutes, with Bullseye murdering Foggy. His death...

When Roland Emmerich's "Stargate" hit theaters in 1994, it made more money at the box office than industry experts had predicted. The film's critical reception was mixed, as its premise and execution were deemed terribly clichéd and devoid of genuine spectacle. Despite these flaws, "Stargate" grossed $196.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $55 million, which isn't too shabby, considering this is Emmerich's breakthrough project. In a surprising turn of events, "Stargate" ended up spawning a longstanding and beloved sci-fi franchise, eclipsing the scrappy indie roots of the oft-overlooked 1994 film. Everything that followed after, from "Stargate Sg-1" to "Stargate Universe," has helped flesh out a space saga that started with a metallic arch being dug up from a desert excavation site.

As with any long-running franchise, not every "Stargate" series, comic book, or direct-to-video movie is worth your time. Some spin-offs have been completely forgotten due to their inability to bring anything new to the table,...

When Roland Emmerich made 1994's "Stargate," there was no indication the film would spawn a surprisingly expansive sci-fi universe — especially one that was mainly depicted on the small screen. "Stargate" was initially supposed to kick off a trilogy of movies, but after plans for subsequent installments fell through, the property was taken to TV, with "Stargate Sg-1" debuting on Showtime as a continuation of the story begun by Emmerich.

Instead of Kurt Russell and James Spader in the lead roles, however, "Sg-1" had "MacGyver" actor Richard Dean Anderson taking on Russell's role of Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of the titular squad, and Canadian actor Michael Shank playing Daniel Jackson, the role initially handled by Spader. The pair were joined by Amanda Tapper, who portrayed Colonel Samantha Carter, and Christopher Judge, who played Jaffa warrior Teal'c. While Showtime were no doubt relying on Anderson and his fame to help make the show a success,...

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The Mentalist is a police procedural mystery crime thriller drama series created by Bruno Heller. The CBS series follows Patrick Jane, who has exceptional observational skills. He used to pretend to be a psychic to earn money but now works as a consultant to the Cbi to catch dangerous criminals. His main goal behind joining the Cbi is to catch the notorious serial killer, Red John, who murdered Patrick’s family. The Mentalist stars Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, Rockmond Dunbar, Emily Swallow, Joe Adler, and Josie Loren. So, if you loved the compelling stories, thrilling mysteries, and entertaining characters in The Mentalist, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Castle Credit – ABC

Castle is a police procedural mystery crime comedy-drama series created by Andrew W. Marlowe. The ABC series...

Men in Black's Tommy Lee Jones leads a star-studded Western that delivers a gripping tale of survival, now set to stream for free this April.

Starting April 1, 2025, Western fans can revisit The Homesman, Jones’ star-studded frontier drama, as it arrives for streaming on Tubi. Directed by and starring Jones, this 2014 Western received critical praise for its compelling storytelling and strong performances, earning an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, based on Glendon Swarthout’s novel of the same name, tells a harrowing tale of survival and redemption in the unforgiving landscape of the American frontier.

A Gritty Tale of Survival in the Old West

The Homesman follows Mary Bee Cuddy, played by The Next Karate Kid's Hilary Swank, a determined and independent woman who takes on the dangerous task of escorting three mentally ill women across the harsh Nebraska Territory. Realizing she can’t make the journey alone,...

What do you think of when The Black List is mentioned? In the scope of television and movies, the first feature that comes to mind is probably James Spader’s long-running NBC series from 2013. To documentarians and the like, it’s probably The Black List film interview series that aired on HBO years ago. Unbeknownst to many, that same term is connected to something extremely important in Hollywood as well. Originating over 20 years ago and conceived by then-development executive Franklin Leonard, this version of The Black List is a survey (curated by over 500 studio and production company executives) that showcases the “most-liked” but not-yet-produced screenplays.

In the past, this list has had some prominent movies pop up on it, including 2022’s The Menu (which made the list in 2019) and 2024’s Challengers, as well as Lift (released the same year and making an appearance on the list in 2021). As much as...

In October 2022, it was announced that Vision Quest was in development, with Jac Schaeffer serving as head writer and executive producer. By May 2023, Eileen Shim had joined the series as a writer as well.

However, Schaeffer shifted her focus to Agatha All Along, and now Vision Quest is being led by Terry Matalas. With Matalas at the helm, this marks Marvel’s first new live-action TV series in nearly two years, signaling a shift in their approach to TV production on Disney+.

Previously, Marvel followed a movie-style model with directors and creative leaders in charge, but starting in 2022, they switched to a more traditional TV model, with longer development timelines and writer-producers as showrunners.

There have been some major updates recently. Paul Bettany revealed that he is preparing for his role as White Vision by watching Agatha All Along, hinting that the two shows are connected. Which would make sense...

The Blacklist kept its audience glued for almost a decade with its storytelling and the way it handled the mysterious elements of Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington. The series starred James Spader as the criminal mastermind giving himself up to the FBI. At its core, The Blacklist held the mystery of who Raymond Reddington actually is.

The show began with a promising premise where an ex-Naval Intelligence officer becomes the top criminal, walks in voluntarily through FBI headquarters as a partner for the agency to catch the most dangerous criminals worldwide. The only condition he makes is that he would only work with junior profiler Elizabeth Keen, aka Liz, played by Megan Boone.

James Spader and Megan Boone in The Blacklist | Credit: NBC/Universal Media

This little arrangement started an entire decade of storytelling that would keep most viewers guessing. Fans observed each and every clue, every cryptic conversation between Red and Liz.

Actor James Spader became a household name with a string of hit TV shows under his belt. On the other hand, Spader’s film credits include some truly underrated gems and some outright awful movies. However, the acclaimed actor found one movie’s script extremely awful, so much so that he refused to shoot it.

James Spader in The Blacklist (Credit: NBC).

In a conversation about the now cult classic sci-fi film Stargate, its producer and writer, Dean Devlin, opened up about collaborating with Spader. Devlin revealed that Spader was extremely unhappy with the movie’s script and refused to shoot some scenes until one of his co-actors stepped in with a great logic. Here is what happened when Spader worked in 1994’s Stargate.

James Spader admitted the script for Stargate was awful

Actor James Spader is best known for playing the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington in the crime-drama series The Blacklist.

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Wild Cards is a police procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Michael Konyves. The CW series follows down-and-out police detective Ellis, who had been demoted to the maritime unit, but his life changes when he is ordered to transport Max, a brilliant con woman. When Max helps Ellis in solving a major case, both of them are given an opportunity to work together. Wild Cards stars Vanessa Morgan, Giacomo Gianniotti, Jason Priestley, Terry Chen, Michael Xavier, and Karin Konoval. So, if you loved the entertaining stories, thrilling mysteries, and compelling characters in Wild Cards, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

White Collar Credit – USA Network

White Collar is a police procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Jeff Eastin. The USA Network series follows Neal Caffrey, a brilliant and charming con artist, and forger who...

It is impossible to envision the "Stargate" franchise without Dr. Daniel Jackson, the brilliant archeologist who made intergalactic travel through Stargates possible. In Roland Emmerich's "Stargate," James Spader played Jackson as an explorer with tender curiosity, the kind of person brave enough to do the right thing in the face of evil. This endearing bravery is also an integral part of Jackson's character in "Stargate Sg-1" and parts of "Stargate Atlantis," brought to life by Michael Shanks. Although Shanks initially mimicked some of Spader's acting quirks to make his version of Jackson feel grounded, his incredibly ranged performance gradually helped etch the portrait of an increasingly complex protagonist. After all, Shanks' Jackson takes many forms in the "Stargate" shows, from doppelgangers in alternate realities to manipulated vessels for antagonistic beings. In each iteration, Shanks' dynamic performance shines bright.

Things, however, were not always rosy on the set of "Stargate Sg-1.

In 1994, Roland Emmerich gave us "Stargate," a standalone sci-fi adventure replete with lost civilizations across the galaxy and an antagonist masquerading as a god. Although plans for a "Stargate" trilogy unfortunately fell through, the film spawned a long-standing franchise of beloved television shows and tie-in comics. Among these entries, the "Stargate Sg-1" and "Stargate Atlantis" shows do most of the heavy lifting, expanding the foundational lore in Emmerich's film in substantial ways. Although all "Stargate" stories are loosely connected, the only common denominator that binds them together is the titular Stargate, a device that allows instantaneous travel between two distant locations across galaxies. But what exactly is a Stargate and how does it work?

In Emmerich's film, the Stargate expedition team is assembled years after a capstone (also known as cover stone) is unearthed at Giza, Egypt in 1928. While the capstone is found engraved with hieroglyphs, the archeologists also find...

The Blacklist premiered in 2013 and emerged as one of the biggest shows on television at the time. Created by Jon Bokenkamp, the series stars James Spader in the lead role, adding quite a lot of starpower to give it a ratings boost. However, despite its novel concept and Spader’s star presence, one actor wasn’t sure about its chances of succeeding.

James Spader in The Blacklist (Credit: NBC).

During an interview, actor Diego Klattenhoff, who played Donald Ressler in the series, discussed working with Spader on the now hit crime-drama. However, Klattenhoff admitted that he was initially unsure about the show’s potential and only realized it would succeed after a few months. Here is what Diego Klattenhoff had to say about The Blacklist‘s early days.

The Blacklist star Diego Klattenhoff was unsure about the series despite James Spader’s star power

Actor Diego Klattenhoff played the role...

The Blacklist premiered in 2013 with one of the most intriguing premises for a crime-drama series. It stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, an enigmatic criminal turned informant with a special interest in Elizabeth “Liz” Keen, a young FBI profiler. The mysterious relationship between Red and Liz became a cornerstone of the series.

James Spader as Red in The Blaclist (Credit: NBC).

As the narrative progressed, the mystery was teased with several hints until the fifth season finale delivered a shocking twist that changed everything. Following the season 5 finale, creator Jon Bokenkamp discussed the twist regarding Red’s real identity and how it shook up the show’s status quo. However, Bokenkamp’s comments are even more frustrating in hindsight, given how the storyline eventually concluded.

The Blacklist season 5 delivered a game-chaning twist about James Spader’s character

The Blacklist stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a criminal mastermind...

The Officeis an NBC mockumentary sitcom that follows the lives of workers at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. For most of its seasons, the branch manager was the quirky, over-the-top Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell. The show adhered to a workplace comedy format, setting the standard for numerous shows that followed in its footsteps.

As The Office gained immense popularity, many stars appeared on the show. Some, like James Spader, lasted for entire seasons, while others, such as Evan Peters, appeared for only a short time. Through its many guest stars, The Office features actors who stand out despite their brief appearances on the show.

Related15 Times The Office Already Jumped The Shark Before Michael Left

Long before Steve Carell's Michael Scott departed The Office, the series began running out of ideas.

Will Ferrell's Deangelo Vickers Took Over as the New Boss After Michael Scott in The Office First...

NBC is welcoming back a veteran of the network this week on Found. Hisham Tawfiq, who spent ten seasons as Dembe Zuma, the trusted bodyguard of James Spader's Red, turned FBI special agent on The Blacklist, has returned to his old stomping grounds as a father desperately seeking his missing daughter with help from Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton) in the upcoming Season 2 episode "Missing While Matched." Ahead of the premiere tonight, Collider can share an exclusive sneak peek of his character being interviewed by Gabi and Margaret (Kelli Williams) about the case and their suspicions regarding his history of violence. Frustrated that he's seen as just another suspect, he pleads with the pair to show that they need to look elsewhere to find their perpetrator.

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Suits LA is a legal drama series created by Aaron Korsh. The NBC series is a spin-off to the USA Network series Suits, and it follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York who is now running his own firm in Los Angeles with a group of highly qualified and charming lawyers. Suits LA stars Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenberg, and Victoria Justice. So, if you loved thrilling legal drama, interpersonal relationships, and compelling characters in Suits LA, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Suits Credit – USA Network

Suits is a legal comedy-drama series created by Aaron Korsh. The USA Network series is set in New York City, and it follows Mike Ross, a college dropout, as he is hired as a lawyer by Harvey Specter, a charismatic attorney.

Whether Andy going off to anger management training or sailing off to the Bahamas, Ed Helms’ absence from The Office has been quite noticeable. Well, guess what? The actor was actually struggling with scheduling conflicts between the NBC sitcom and his hit blockbuster movie The Hangover.

Ed Helms as Andy Bernard in The Office | image: NBC

To be fair, it wasn’t just Ed Helms who was balancing between The Office and Hollywood projects, even Steve Carell was having scheduling conflicts due to film offers. But, while the actors on the show were more lenient towards Carell and his timing issues, Helms’ absence sparked a cold war on set. He soon realized that he was nowhere near the beloved Michael Scott actor.

Ed Helms’ role as Andy in The Office launched him in Hollywood Ed Helms as Stuart “Stu” Price in The Hangover franchise | image: Warner Bros.

No matter how...

James Spader awed fans with his portrayal of Raymond Reddington in the popular show The Blacklist. His mysterious aura, and intimidating demeanor gave fans an entertaining watch that ran for 10 whole years.

James Spader as Raymond Reddington in a still from The Blacklist | Credits: NBC

As such, one would think that Spader would love that his series got so much appreciation that it birthed the spin-off series The Blacklist: Redemption. The reality, however, is far from that.

The actor spoke in an interview, that while he loves that the series and its spin-off, got so much love from fans, there is one particular problem he has with them. While this might surprise most fans, the New Yorkers at least agree with him.

James Spader hates when regular life gets hindered by TV show filmings

The appreciation for TV shows comes from the fact that they always keep fans guessing. However,...