Thought Catalog • 16 April 2025

5 Slightly Obscure, Must-See Sebastian Stan Movies That Have Nothing To Do With Marvel

We all know Sebastian Stan as the brooding, tortured Bucky Barnes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe – a role he’s inhabited so completely, it’s easy to forget he’s got a whole other filmography that isn’t drenched in super-serum. But if you look past the Winter Soldier smolder, you’ll find a fascinating lineup of smaller, stranger, and even slightly obscure movies that show just how versatile Stan can be.

Thought Catalog • 16 March 2025

8 Damon Salvatore Quotes Made ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Unforgettable

Every character in The Vampire Diaries had their moments in the spotlight, with some of the best lines in the supernatural teen drama genre. But it was Damon Salvatore’s sarcastic one-liners, unexpected declarations, and downright silliness that had viewers scrambling for more.

Thought Catalog • 4 March 2025

Cobra Kai Vs. Miyagi-Do: Which Lessons Actually Work In Real Life?

Cobra Kai recently wrapped its sixth and final season by putting the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) to rest. Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai each have their own distinct martial arts styles. While the differences between calming balance and strike first, strike hard made for entertaining escapism, some lessons can actually be applied to real life.

Thought Catalog • 12 September 2024

Walter White Was Not The Villain In ‘Breaking Bad’ … He Was Its Tragic Victim

On the surface, the five-season crime drama chronicles Walter’s transformation into the infamous blue meth cook who goes by the alias Heisenberg and his descent into the criminal underworld. But upon closer examination, the series is actually an exploration of how far an inherently good, quiet, intelligent person can be pushed before they snap. To paraphrase Jesse, “Some straight is not all of a sudden just gonna break bad.”

TheSportster • 2 September 2024

Why Cody Rhodes' Reign As WWE Champion Feels So Creatively Repetitive

Cody Rhodes has all the qualities of the perfect WWE baby face. His eloquence, charisma, likable personality, and fantastic in-ring work make him a major attraction on the WWE card. Fans of all ages can't seem to get enough of the guy, as evidenced by countless photos and videos from every house show. However, the creative team seems to be letting their champion down with a slew of lackluster storylines.

Thought Catalog • 16 August 2024

Glen Powell Proves That Actors Don’t Need Superhero Roles To Become Leading-Man Material

While Powell’s climb to the top might seem pretty run-of-the-mill, the actor is different from the names that have dominated the headlines over the past decade. Unlike most of his peers, which include all four Hollywood Chris’s (Pine, Hemsworth, Evans, and Pratt) and various others, Powell did not get a career boost by playing a Marvel superhero or appearing in a major franchise like Star Trek.

Thought Catalog • 23 July 2024

The Best Comfort Films To Watch When You’re Feeling Down

Everyone has days when they feel a little off. It just means that you’re human. I find that the best way to kick those blues to the curb is by curling up on the couch with a soft blanket and a good comfort movie. You know the type. They’re often family-friendly, with a kind of predictable plot that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. 
Although streaming services offer a plethora of choices, nothing beats the classic films on this list. There’s a girl-meets-boy story (who doesn’t love those?),...

Thought Catalog • 13 July 2024

4 Reasons Why WWE’s Cody Rhodes Perfectly Embodies Modern Masculinity

When Cody Rhodes returned to the WWE as The American Nightmare in 2022, after six years away from the company, he could have just blended in with the other men on the roster, but something about him stood out. It was not his custom theme song, “Kingdom” by the band Downstait, it was not his wrestling gear, or even the fact he is incredibly good looking. What really set Cody apart was his authentic self, which made its way past his on-screen persona.

CBR • 2 August 2022

The Big Bang Theory's Worst Character, Explained

It’s been a minute since The Big Bang Theory hit our screens in 2007. Over its 12-season run,
Each week, fans tuned in to watch this lovable group of friends navigates the complexities of everyday life. Penny outgrew her ditsy qualities, Sheldon got better at picking up on social cues, Howard lost his creep vibe, and Raj was able to talk to women. But Leonard Hofstadter became increasingly irritating over the years, making him the most annoying character in the series.

The South African • 28 July 2023

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Will She Bring the Celebration to SA?

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been making waves across the globe with its spectacular setlist, elaborate stage designs, and the pop superstar’s electrifying performances. As the tour continues to break records and earn massive accolades, South African fans can’t help but wonder if the songstress will bring her tour to our shores.

CBR • 6 February 2024

Welcome Home, Franklin Trailer Fixes Decades Old Peanuts Controversy

The Apple TV+ special addresses concerns of apparent, albeit unintentional, racism in the 1973 film, where the Thanksgiving scene seemed to "segregate" Franklin from his counterparts by seating him on a beach chair on the opposite side of the table, all by himself.

Flipping the script Welcome Home, Franklin sees the Peanuts gang sitting down to a similar meal, but this time, they save a spot for their new friend. "Hey, Franklin, we saved you a seat over here," Lunis van Pelt says, motioning to a place next to Charlie Brown.

The South African • 13 October 2023

Taylor Swift: A breakdown of each of her musical eras

Taylor Swift is a singer that resonates with music lovers across generations. From her debut single “Tim McGraw” in 2006 to her latest venture, Midnights, Swift has sold over 30 million albums and claimed 12 Grammy Awards.

Her music is a testament to the human experience, touching hearts and providing an emotional refuge. Swift’s musical evolution has been a spectacle, transforming her from a country music darling to an indie pop icon.

The South African • 15 December 2023

Navigating the festive frenzy: A guide to surviving the holiday season

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, joy, and togetherness. However, it can also be a source of stress and overwhelm for many.
From gift shopping to family gatherings, the holiday hustle can take a toll on everyone’s well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you not just endure but truly enjoy the holiday season.

The South African • 13 June 2023

The 12 best movies to stream on Showmax in June

Looking for some good movies to stream this June? Showmax has got you covered with a fantastic lineup of films that will keep you entertained. From suspenseful mysteries to epic adventures, here are the top movies you shouldn’t miss on the streaming service this month.

The South African • 26 May 2023

Backstreet Boys DNA Tour Pretoria: Unforgettable night of nostalgia

The Backstreet Boys’ DNA Tour in Pretoria, South Africa, was a truly unforgettable experience. The legendary quintet delivered a performance that celebrated their legacy while embracing the present, leaving the audience in awe.

From the moment the spotlight lit up the stage, Brian, Nick, AJ, Kevin, and Howie, mesmerized the crowd with their infectious energy and genuine enthusiasm.

Looper.com • 6 July 2022

The Untold Truth of Bernadette from The Big Bang Theory

When "The Big Bang Theory" debuted in 2007, viewers were instantly drawn to Sheldon's offbeat brilliance, Leonard's awkward sensibility, and Penny's free spirit. Over its 12-season run, fans also got to know their friends, Howard and Raj, a little better too.

But it wasn't until the show's third season that Bernadette Maryann Rostenkowski stepped into Pasadena's Cheesecake Factory and slowly weaved her way into everyone's hearts.That's when the series about a bunch of funny nerds became so much more than that.

CBR • 2 July 2021

Planet of the Apes Movies Ranked, According to Critics

Back when franchises were still a new concept, there was the Planet of the Apes film series. The story essentially holds up a mirror to humanity, depicting its failings and conflicts through a rather wild premise. The films have cemented their place in pop culture, making the franchise a must-see for anyone who loves good storytelling. That said, here's a ranking of every Planet of The Apes film by their Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes scores' average.

CBR • 30 April 2021

American Dad: One Family Member's Disguises Are BETTER Than Roger's

American Dad!’s resident alien Roger Smith is the king of personas. Seamlessly switching disguises in a matter of seconds, he has the residents of Langley Falls believing whatever he wants them to.
To keep track of his costumed shenanigans, the lovable alien keeps a ledger of all the people he knows and the aliases they know him as. While Roger’s never-ending carousel of outfits is impressive, Francine often gives him a run for his money when it comes to successfully pulling off a disguise.

CBR • 12 April 2021

Zack Snyder's Justice League: Superman's Best Moment Is Also the Cut's Worst Edit

Zack Snyder's Justice League has been one of the most-talked-about cinematic events in recent history. The phenomenal four-hour feature essentially removes all of Joss Whedon's footage and brings Synder's original vision to life in its spectacular entirety.
Overall, Zack Snyder's Justice League has been extremely well-received, but when it comes to Superman and Lois' reunion, it does have one notable difference from the theatrical cut.