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Thomas West

Thomas J. West III earned a PhD in film and screen studies from Syracuse University in 2018. His writing on film and TV has appeared at Screen Rant, Screenology, FanFare, Primetimer, Cinemania, and in a number of scholarly journals and edited collections. He co-hosts the Queens of the B's podcast and writes a regular newsletter, Omnivorous, on Substack. He is also an active member of GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.

20 famous actors who played a fictional version of themselves

Not every actor is willing or able to take on what is arguably the most difficult role to play convincingly: themselves. Sometimes, these kinds of performances come off as trite or desperate. At their best, though, these moments reveal stars who don’t take themselves seriously and are willing to play around with their star texts and the way that the audience understands them. 

20 A-list actors who had a second hit TV show

For an actor to have two or more hit shows under their belt is a bit of an entertainment miracle. TV history has repeatedly proved that some just have that extra bit of charisma or charm that helps them succeed, and so it’s worth taking a closer look at those actors and actresses who managed to notch more than one major success.

20 TV shows that were great from the start and also stuck the landing

There are few things quite as pleasurable as watching a TV series that manages to maintain a consistent level of quality from the beginning to the end of its run. Given how rare this is in the entertainment industry, it’s worth celebrating shows that maintained their quality over their entire run and stuck the landing. 

The 20 most surprising movies of the 2020s so far

Whether it’s a film that uses Barbie to explore existential angst or a successful attempt to adapt a popular video game into a movie, this decade has been filled with surprises when it comes to the cinematic experience. One should therefore never believe the hype that says movies are dead; they will always have the ability to enchant and entertain.

The 20 most heartbreaking moments in TV history

The most heartbreaking moments emerge naturally from the narrative and the characters, ultimately leaving the audience in tears.

20 depressing TV shows that are hard to make it all the way through

Though many people tune in to TV to escape the burdens and dreariness of everyday life, there’s also something to be said for those shows that lean into the depressing nature of life. These shows are often necessary viewing, but they can be difficult to finish, particularly for those who rely on TV to help them get away from it all.

20 surprisingly serious movies from comedians

Many people might enjoy comedy, but comedic actors struggle to get the critical praise and regard that’s so often heaped on those who devote their careers to drama. It’s often the case that the Academy approves of these kinds of career moves, and many of the comedy actors who make a turn to drama end up being nominated for an Oscar, and some even manage to take home the statue.

The 20 most disturbing TV shows about real events

While many of the most frightening and disturbing TV series, particularly those in the horror genre, draw their power from the fact that they are at least somewhat removed from reality, others lean into the fact that they are based in the real world. 

The 20 most terrifying performances in movies

There’s something uniquely pleasurable about a terrifying performance in a movie. Very often, the most terrifying performances emerge out of the horror genre — as one would expect — but they also have been known to come from a wide variety of other cinematic genres, including film noir, fantasy, and even, on occasion, a children’s film.

20 actors written off of shows because of on-set problems

Hollywood history is filled with notorious incidents in which an actor or actress was dismissed from their lofty perch in the world of television by their own actions. As a result, stories of how actors were fired from their shows for various types of misbehavior are solemn reminders of what happens when fame goes to a person’s head.

The 20 best TV shows that mash up genres

Genre remains one of the primary ways people decide which shows and movies to watch. However, TV has often been a place where various genres can collide, allowing creators, showrunners, and writers to combine different generic elements to create something new, exciting, and fun. 

The 20 most intimidating TV characters

Whether male or female, whether in drama or comedy, the most intimidating characters are those who are once seen and encountered on the small screen and are never forgotten. There’s a certain charisma and potency that comes from these types of performances, and it’s thus important to recognize how much talent goes into exuding this kind of power on television.

20 legendary directors who just don't have it anymore

Their decreasing success at the box office and among critics shows how success in the entertainment business can be a very fleeting thing, even for directors who seem to have it all.

20 infamous movie urban legends that were 100% false

Hollywood history is filled with rumors like this, demonstrating the extent to which conspiracy theories and fake news have long been a part of popular discourse. It’s all the more important that one take a more objective look at the ways in which these “facts” are, in fact, urban legends designed to exploit controversy and create prurient interest. 

20 stupidly enjoyable action films you don't need your brain for

Every so often, one just wants to tune into an action film and turn off one’s brain. While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are still many pleasures associated with the kinds of movies that emphasize spectacle over storytelling or character development.

20 iconic films that changed how things are done in real life

Even though movies are often associated with escapism and the desire to escape from the real world, movie history is filled with examples of films that have had a real-world impact. It’s thus worth taking a look at some of the more extraordinary films that have gone on to change the culture around them, sometimes even inspiring legislation.

20 must-read books written by celebrities

Sometimes, a celebrity book is just a way of generating publicity and gaining positive coverage. In some cases, however, a celebrity book ends up being a strong piece of writing in its own right, often shedding necessary light on the lives and internal thoughts of a star or a musician.

The worst episodes from 20 iconic TV shows

It’s a sad but inevitable fact that even very good shows sometimes have bad episodes. Sometimes, these bad episodes are the result of poor writing and production choices, while at others, it’s just the fact that network seasons often require at least a few filler episodes.

The 20 most influential TV shows of all time

These shows remain beloved, sometimes decades after they left the air. As a result, they show the extent to which TV as a medium is always in flux, always finding new, exciting, and challenging ways to bring the human story to life.

The 20 best TV shows that take place in restaurants

Whether in the form of a drama, a comedy, or a documentary, shows set in restaurants aim to give viewers a deeper and richer understanding of these places' role in the fabric of society. They also demonstrate how food is not just something one eats but is also a key reflection of a culture and its values.

The 20 most iconic butlers from the TV world

Given the prominence of the butler figure in various shows–both comedy and drama–it’s worth taking a closer look at the most notable examples in order to see the variety of ways he has been used in popular media.

20 iconic films and TV shows about dealing with middle age

Whether in the form of a sitcom or a drama (or some combination of the two), popular culture has had much to say about middle age and what it means for a life well-lived (or not).

The 20 most fascinating father & son duos from pop culture

The father/son relationship is a very important one, so it makes sense that popular culture — both film and TV — would return to this subject again and again. Whatever form they take, the best father/son pairings in popular culture reveal much about how society thinks about this pivotal relationship and the institution of masculinity.

20 iconic must-watch movies & TV shows about coming out

The last several years have seen a flowering of coming-out narratives in popular culture, with many movies and TV series taking this as their subject. These stories are powerful and sometimes haunting, showing the many different forms that coming out can take.

The 20 most heartwarming LGBTQ+ movies and TV series

As a result of their tireless work and advocacy, members of the LGBTQ+ community can now watch quite a few films and TV shows that show that everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, deserves their happy ending.