16 amazing animated series and movies to add to your comfort show list

Because cartoons aren’t just for kids.

Jan 21, 2025

Bluey (left); Flow (right) – Photo credit: Bluey and Flow promo images

In times of stress, comfort shows can provide just the right amount of escapism, familiarity, and emotional relief. When the world seems to be crumbling around us, sometimes the only way to actually relax is to thrust ourselves into the world of fiction, where characters reflect the best parts of ourselves (or at least the funniest parts) and storylines are soothingly predictable.

As far as what types of comfort shows to watch, many might gravitate towards sitcoms or reality shows. But man, are those folks missing out on what feels like a golden age of animation. It’s not just kid cartoons anymore, nor the sardonic slapstick styles of “made for adult” cartoons like The Simpsons or Family Guy. We’re talking deeply compelling storylines set against incredibly striking visuals. What’s not to like? You get everything you enjoy about good TV, while getting to escape into art.

And, animated films and television shows haven’t only added more depth, but breadth of variety. We’ve curated a list of some for you to consider during your next binge. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or do both at the same time, there’s sure to be something worth watching.

Whimsical + Fun

These are more nostalgia driven, and have a bit of a classic cartoon feel. For when you want to just let your inner child come out for a bit.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

This animated Nickelodeon show premiered in 2005 and also made our previous “comfort shows” list because it’s just that good. Sure, it’s made for kids, but viewers of all ages continue to appreciate the show’s quirky, loveable characters and interwoven mindfulness lessons. What’s more, ATLA does a lot of heavy lifting in its storylines. Though the packaging of the show is indeed whimsical and fantastic, it fearlessly tackles deep topics such as genocide, the destruction of war, nationalism and imperialism, social justice, loss, the importance of protecting the environment, and the value of love, friendship, and family. There’s a reason its remained extremely popular since its debut twenty years ago.

Bluey

Bluey is even more of a kiddie show, and yet is perfect for kids and parents alike because of its relatable, realistic family dynamics, tackling complex emotions in a child-friendly way with clever humor and wholesome portrayals of everyday life. And because every character on the show, including the parents, share their discoveries, many adults find the show to be healing.

Adventure Time

Speaking of progressive kid’s shows, if you’re looking for an animated show that features a charming bromance, gender swaps, body positivity, and fun slang like “oh my glob!” then check out Adventure Time. It premiered on Cartoon Network in 2010 but still holds up with or without the power of nostalgia thanks to how it portrays growth, relationships, trauma, and the beauty of life and friendship.

Over the Garden Wall

Over the Garden Wall is an American animated miniseries that centers on two half-brothers who travel through a mysterious forest called The Unknown to find their way home, encountering a variety of strange and fantastical things on their journey. Since premiering on Cartoon Network in 2014, the show has become a cult classic of sorts, and surged again in popularity thanks to a three-minute stop-motion short celebrating its 10th anniversary this past November. When you enter The Unknown prepare to be enthralled by a spooky, yet whimsical story that belongs in a Brothers Grimm’s collection, brought to life by an incredible voice acting cast and score.

The Dragon Prince

The Dragon Prince, later known as The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos, was a clear attempt to tonally pick up where Avatar left off (it was written by the same writers, after all). And in many ways, it follows a similar fantasy quest template. We have a bit of an enemies-to-lovers thing going on as Callum, a human training to be a mage, and Rayla, a Moon elf, begin their quest whilst taking care of the infant Storm Dragon, the titular Dragon Prince during a time of conflict between magical beings and mankind. But the story definitely finds its legs, creating its own unique blend of goofy charm and mature plotlines.

Epic Action

Moving into more mature, complex territory here, this next batch of shows are great options for folks who think cartoons aren’t for them. These are more like the works of Shakespeare, set in a painting.

Arcane

This show is, in a word, STUNNING. Both in terms of visuals and storytelling. Yes, it’s based on the League of Legends video game, but you can be the antithesis of a gamer and still appreciate it’s complex characters, deep emotional themes, and well-crafted world. Talk about a brilliant meditation on classism and trauma.

The Legend of Vox Machina

Again, this animated series is captivating whether you’re into Dungeons and Dragons or not. Though there’s plenty of silly humor in this one, it is well balanced with serious (downright heartbreaking) moments as well. If you’ve got a soft spot for found family dynamics, enjoy.

Blue Eye Samurai

After becoming a near overnight mega hit on Netflix, Blue Eye Samurai was dubbed not only one of the best animated shows on the platform, but one of its best shows period. You could almost think of it as an elevated anime, that tonally feels like a spaghetti western samurai film hybrid alá The Magnificent Seven. Beyond the revenge plot is also an inspiring story of transcending societal expectations, all in order to find one’s own greatness. This is made evident by one of the key characters, Akemi (voiced by Brenda Song) declaring “I want to be great” during a pivotal fork-in-the-road moment. That’s all we’ll say about that.

Based on a Comic Book

Sure, cartoons are not a hard sell for comic book fans, but when put into animated form, even non-nerds can enjoy the high stakes storylines and compelling characters that come with the genre, making it even more accessible.

Harley Quinn

The animated series on Max exudes all the qualities that most people love about this iconic comic book henchman-turned-villainess in her own right. It’s vivacious, it’s fun, and it’s bonkers. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, the romantic relationship between Harley and Poison Ivy is put front and center and refreshingly full of queer joy.

X-Men 97

There’s a reason this show has been hailed a masterpiece, and nostalgia has very little to do with it. This animated series succeeds at what all the live action iterations have failed to do in tackling Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original themes of prejudice, racism, and the importance of fighting against them.

Invincible

Invincible has all the campy comic book fun that we grew up with as kids, and yet still goes down very, very dark roads. In a similar vein to Amazon’s The Boys, it portrays the reality of being a hero, and how being idolized does not a hero make. Arguably though, unlike The Boys, there’s as much heart as there is grit.

Movies

Because not everyone has the wherewithal to binge yet another series. animated movies offer plenty of comfort, too. You might notice that most of the movies on this list came from 2024—and rightfully so because it was a good year for animation.

Flow

This little independent Latvian film is making a huge splash this awards season, and for good reason. The dialogue-free story—which centers around a lone black cat and its unlikely crew of a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a Golden retriever—is less of a movie and more of a beautifully profound meditation on life itself. It’s whimsical, poignant, breathtakingly gorgeous, and worth many, many watches. Primarily because the first watch is so stressful seeing those animals get into hairy situations.

Wild Robot

Ever wanted an animated film that feels like a ”warm hug from a mother?” Then this is the film for you. Based on a somber children’s book by Peter Brown that deals with grief, loss, and found families, the movie is just deeply resonating. Definitely a “grab your tissues” kind of watch. But a very cathartic one.

Spirited Away

Truthfully any of Hayao Miyazaki’s works could fit the bill, but Spirited Away specifically feels like being thrust into a Japanese fairytale. And yet, there are universal themes of self-discovery, facing fears, and the importance of identity. Don’t expect a cut-and-dry hero-vs-villain storyline here, but prepare to walk away with lasting wisdom.

Inside Out 1&2

Similarly, Pixar’s animated films about dealing with complex human emotions doesn’t have a true antagonist, and it’s because of that that audiences are able to explore mental health and/or emotional struggles we have all had and see them in all new, hopefully more compassionate ways. Both the original and its sequel are part film, part therapy.

We understand that times might be especially anxiety inducing, particularly those experiencing loss or stress from the California wildfire emergency. That’s why Upworthy has created a resource guide for those who need help, and those who want to help. Perhaps after regulating and finding calm (hopefully with one or more of these shows!), it might be a good read.

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Youth-led party for community engagement, MEDEA, Tanzania Captured by James Roh for Pura

Culture, Education, Empowered Women, Equality, Family, Identity, Modern Families

The next generation of female leaders has arrived. Here’s how they’re making sure they (and every girl) get a chance to learn.

Malala Fund and their local partners, with support from Pura, help girls find their voice. The result: greater access to education and a better world.

Sarah Watts

3/8/2026

Music, community and joy drive real change

In a small village in Pwani, a district on Tanzania’s coast, a massive dance party is coming to a close. For the past two hours, locals have paraded through the village streets, singing and beating ngombe drums; now, in a large clearing, a woman named Sheilla motions for everyone to sit facing a large projector screen. A film premiere is about to begin.

It’s an unusual way to kick off a film about gender bias, inequality, early marriage, and other barriers that prevent girls from accessing education in Tanzania. But in Pwani and beyond, local organizations supported by Malala Fund and funded by Pura are finding creative, culturally relevant ways like this one to capture people’s interest.

The film ends and Sheilla, the Communications and Partnership Lead for Media for Development and Advocacy (MEDEA), stands in front of the crowd once again, asking the audience to reflect: What did you think about the film? How did it relate to your own experience? What can we learn?

Sheilla explains that, once the community sees the film, “It brings out conversations within themselves, reflective conversations.” The resonance and immediate action create a ripple effect of change.

MEDEA Screening Audience in Tanzania. Captured by James Roh for Pura

Across Tanzania, gender-based violence often forces adolescent girls out of the classroom. This and other barriers — including child marriage, poverty, conflict, and discrimination — prevent girls from completing their education around the world.

Sheilla and her team are using film and radio programs to address the challenges girls face in their communities. MEDEA’s ultimate goal is to affirm education as a fundamental right for everyone, and to ensure that every member of a community understands how girls’ education contributes to a stronger whole and how to be an ally for their sisters, daughters, granddaughters, friends, nieces, and girlfriends.

Sheilla’s story is one of many that inspired Heart on Fire, a new fragrance from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection that blends the warm, earthy spices of Tanzania with a playful, joyful twist. Here’s how Pura is using scent as a tool to connect the world and inspire action.

A partnership focused on local impact, on a global mission

Pura, a fragrance company that recognizes education as both freedom and a human right, has partnered with Malala Fund since 2022. In order to defend every girl’s right to access and complete 12 years of education, Malala Fund partners with local organizations in countries where the educational barriers are the greatest. They invest in locally-led solutions because they know that those who are closest to the problems are best equipped to solve and build durable solutions, like MEDEA, which works with communities to challenge discrimination against girls and change beliefs about their education.

But local initiatives can thrive and scale more powerfully with global support, which is why Pura is using their own superpower, the power of scent, to connect people around the world with the women and girls in these local communities.

The Pura x Malala Fund Collection incorporates ingredients naturally found in Tanzania, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Brazil: countries where Malala Fund operates to address systemic education barriers. Eight percent of net revenue from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection will be donated to Malala Fund directly, but beyond financial support, the Collection is also a love letter to each unique community, blending notes like lemon, jasmine, cedarwood, and clove to transport people, ignite their senses, and help them draw inspiration and hope from the global movement for girls’ education. Through scent, people can connect to the courage, joy, and tenacity of girls and local leaders, all while uniting in a shared commitment to education: the belief that supporting girls’ rights in one community benefits all of us, everywhere.

You’ve already met Sheilla. Now see how Naiara and Mama Habiba are building unique solutions to ensure every girl can learn freely and dare to dream.

Naiara Leite is reimagining what’s possible in Brazil

Julia with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

In Brazil, where pear trees and coconut plantations cover the Northeastern Coast, girls like ten-year-old Julia experience a different kind of educational barrier than girls in Tanzania. Too often, racial discrimination contributes to high dropout rates among Black, quilombola and Indigenous girls in the country.

“In the logic of Brazilian society, Black people don’t need to study,” says Naiara Leite, Executive Coordinator of Odara, a women-led organization and Malala Fund partner. Bahia, the state where Odara is based, was once one of the largest slave-receiving territories in the Americas, and because of that history, deeply-ingrained, anti-Black prejudice is still widespread. “Our role and the image constructed around us is one of manual labor,” Naiara says.

But education can change that. In 2020, with assistance from a Malala Fund grant, Odara launched its first initiative for improving school completion rates among Black, quilombola, and Indigenous girls: “Ayomidê Odara”. The young girls mentored under the program, including Julia, are known as the Ayomidês. And like the Pura x Malala Fund Collection’s Brazil: Breath of Courage scent, the Ayomidês are fierce, determined, and bursting with energy.

Ayomidês with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

Ayomidês take part in weekly educational sessions where they explore subjects like education and ethnic-racial relations. The girls are encouraged to find their own voices by producing Instagram lives, social media videos, and by participating in public panels. Already, the Ayomidês are rewriting the narrative on what’s possible for Afro-Brazilian girls to achieve. One of the earliest Ayomidês, a young woman named Debora, is now a communications intern. Another former Ayomidê, Francine, works at UNICEF, helping train the next generation of adolescent leaders. And Julia has already set her sights on becoming a math teacher or a model.

“These are generations of Black women who did not have access to a school,” Naiara says. “These are generations of Black women robbed daily of their dreams. And we’re telling them that they could be the generation in their family to write a new story.”

Mama Habiba is reframing the conversation in Nigeria

Centre for Girls' Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

In Mama Habiba’s home country of Nigeria, the scents of starfruit, ylang ylang and pineapple, all incorporated into the Pura x Malala Collection’s “Nigeria: Hope for Tomorrow,” can be found throughout the vibrant markets. Like these native scents, Mama Habiba says that the Nigerian girls are also bright and passionate, but too often they are forced to leave school long before their potential fully blooms.

“Some of these schools are very far, and there is an issue of quality, too,” Mama Habiba says. “Most parents find out when their children are in school, the girls are not learning. So why allow them to continue?”

When girls drop out of secondary school, marriage is often the alternative. In Nigeria, one in three girls is married before the age of 18. When this happens, girls are unable to fulfill their potential, and their families and communities lose out on the social, health and economic benefits.

Completing secondary school delays marriage, and according to UNESCO, educated girls become women who raise healthier children, lift their families out of poverty and contribute to more peaceful, resilient communities.

Centre for Girls’ Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

To encourage young girls to stay in school, the Centre for Girls’ Education, a nonprofit in Nigeria founded by Mama Habiba and supported by Malala Fund and Pura, has pioneered an initiative that’s similar to the Ayomidê workshops in Brazil: safe spaces. Here, girls meet regularly to learn literacy, numeracy, and other issues like reproductive health. These safe spaces also provide an opportunity for the girls to role-play and learn to advocate for themselves, develop their self-image, and practice conversations with others about their values, education being one of them. In safe spaces, Mama Habiba says, girls start to understand “who she is, and that she is a girl who has value. She has the right to negotiate with her parents on what she really feels or wants.”

“When girls are educated, they can unlock so many opportunities,” Mama Habiba says. “It will help the economy of the country. It will boost so many opportunities for the country. If they are given the opportunity, I think the sky is not the limit. It is the starting point for every girl.”

From parades, film screenings to safe spaces and educational programs, girls and local leaders are working hard to strengthen the quality, safety and accessibility of education and overcome systemic challenges. They are encouraging courageous behavior and reminding us all that education is freedom.

Experience the Pura x Malala Fund Collection here, and connect with the stories of real girls leading change across the globe.

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Jenny's number can now help cancer patients. – Photo credit: TutoneJJ/YouTube & Canva

Culture, Pop Culture

Pop music’s most famous phone number now connects callers to a cancer support helpline

Tommy Tutone’s frontman said he hopes it makes people smile.

Erik Barnes

3/23/2026

Since the 1980s, one particular phone number has earwormed its way into pop culture’s collective memory. That number? 867-5309 (which you probably just sang in your head). Today, however, that memorable number doesn’t belong to Jenny anymore. Thanks to Tommy Tutone’s frontman, dialing it now connects cancer patients to a support group.

Tommy Heath, the lead singer of Tommy Tutone, teamed up with the Cancer Support Community to secure the number for its free support helpline. In an exclusive interview with People, Heath shared how cancer has affected him as he’s gotten older, noting that he is dealing with “minor” skin cancer himself.

“I have some family members who are struggling with cancer,” he told People. “I’m out on tour with a lot of bands and suddenly somebody’s not there.”

The song’s prank-filled past

The song “867-5309/Jenny” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. However, its catchy, memorable chorus led to a wave of stories beyond music. It also sparked years of prank calls, with people asking for “Jenny” whenever they dialed the number—both during the song’s heyday in the 1980s and decades later.

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The Cancer Support Community’s hotline provides expert support from trained specialists who offer personal guidance, information, and a listening ear for cancer patients. Having such a recognizable phone number helps ensure people know exactly which number to dial for help. After learning this, Heath stepped in, wanting to give back after getting so much from the number that made him famous.

“I need to give back to the community, the people who have supported me all these years,” he told People. “I’m going to do what I can…I’d be happy if this was an enduring legacy, and made people smile and give them hope.”

Now, when someone dials the number using the 272 area code (or “CSC,” for “Cancer Support Community”), it connects them to a professional who can help people with cancer.

At 78, Heath is still going strong, performing live. And yes, he still happily plays and sings “867-5309/Jenny” for the crowds that support him.

If you need additional or specialized support in your battle against cancer, visiting the American Cancer Society’s website can help. Searching for and connecting with professionals there can provide patients with additional resources, including in-person, local support.

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Comedian Jack Shep as Princess Diana in a "Saturday Night Live UK" sketch. – Photo credit: Sky TV/YouTube

Culture, Pop Culture

Comedian Jack Shep steals new ‘SNL UK’ scene with impeccable Princess Diana impression

Audiences are already begging for him to do it again.

Heather Wake

3/23/2026

Saturday Night Live UK debuted over the weekend on Sky TV (and Peacock in America), and already, one performer is a fan favorite. In a skit titled “David Attenborough’s Last Supper,” the famed naturalist, played by George Fouracres, invites several of “history’s greatest Britons,” who have been resurrected thanks to his brother Richard Attenborough’s “Jurassic Park technology.”

Naturally, the sketch featured a slew of impressive celebrity impersonations, from Freddie Mercury to Winston Churchill to Agatha Christie. But even in a sea of notable performances, it was comedian Jack Shep’s Princess Diana who really stole the show.

Watch:

While Shep’s Diana does speak here and there—thanking Attenborough for the invitation and reassuring Freddie Mercury that if a menu item “has an asterisk next to its name, then it comes with free rice”—most of the laugh-out-loud moments come from her coy, flirtatious glances at the camera while others are speaking. The People’s Princess has, after all, long been a queer icon. But this takes things to a whole new level.

Reactions

One leisurely scroll through the YouTube comments makes it clear that Shep was a fan favorite. Many are eager for Diana to become an SNL UK staple.

@gaytimes
Saturday Night Live UK premiered last night and we can’t stop thinking about Jack Shep’s impersonation of gay icon Princess Diana! The British version of the long-running US sketch show debuted with host Tina Fey and musical guest Wet Leg. ‘The Last Supper with David Attenborough’ saw a dinner party featuring a number of resurrected British icons, including Princess Di, Freddie Mercury and Elizabeth I 👏 #snl #princessdiana #diana #tinafey #saturdaynightlive
♬ original sound – GAY TIMES

“The way he was eyeing the camera was hilarious.”

“I hope that Diana becomes a regular that randomly pops up in episodes to steal the show as she/he does here.”

“Princess Di was to die for.”

“I loved Princess Di but that Jack Shep impression was the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages.”

“Hope she’s a recurring visitor…”

“The Diana impression is an instant classic. Absolutely spot on.”

“The star of this show is definitely the person that played Princess Diana.”

Perhaps this comment says it best:

“Princess Di was uniquely special in real life and this actor does do her memory justice even though it’s a silly comedy skit. I feel she might have had a good laugh about the whole thing and it’s not disrespectful at all.”

Though Shep undoubtedly helped win favor among viewers, the overall reaction to an across-the-pond version of SNL has been mixed.

Some things, like host Tina Fey’s opening monologue and the edgier “Weekend Update” segment, have been mostly well-received.

However, some critics have lambasted the show as a “tepid cosplay” of its American predecessor, arguing that it copies the format without adding a unique touch. Still, even those critics seem to agree that certain elements need time to develop before the show can be fully assessed.

One promising sign is that, much like SNL in the U.S., SNL UK can give relatively unknown comedians like Shep a chance to share their gifts with the world. That certainly seems like a win-win for everyone.

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Peter Dinklage on "Game of Thrones" – Photo credit: Warner Bros Discovery

Culture, Pop Culture

Brit shares the one-word ‘dead giveaway’ that American actors can’t do in an English accent

“There is one word that is a dead giveaway that an English character in a movie or a TV show is being played by an American.”

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

3/23/2026

When it comes to actors doing accents across the pond, some Americans are known for their great British accents, such as Natalie Portman (“The Other Boleyn Girl”), Robert Downey, Jr. (“Sherlock Holmes”), and Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady”). Some have taken a lot of heat for their cartoonish or just plain weird-sounding British accents, Dick Van Dyke (“Mary Poppins”), Kevin Costner (“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”) and Keanu Reeves (“Bram Stoker’s Dracula”).

Some actors, such as Tom Hardy (“The Drop”) and Hugh Laurie (“House”), have American accents so good that people have no idea they are British. Benedict Townsend, a London-based comedian and host of the “Scroll Deep” podcast, says there is one word that American actors playing characters with a British accent never get right.

And no, it’s not the word “Schedule,” which British people pronounce the entire first 3 letters, and Americans boil down to 2. And it’s not “aluminum,” which British and American people seem to pronounce every stinking letter differently.

@benedicttown
The one word American actors aways get wrong when doing an English accent
♬ original sound – Benedict Townsend

What word do American actors always get wrong when they do British accents?

“There is one word that is a dead giveaway that an English character in a movie or a TV show is being played by an American. One word that always trips them up. And once you notice it, you can’t stop noticing it,” Townsend says. “You would see this lot in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the word that would always trip them up was ‘daughter.’”

Townsend adds that when British people say “daughter,” they pronounce it like the word “door” or “door-tah.” Meanwhile, Americans, even when they are putting on a British accent, say it like “dah-ter.”

“So, top tip if you are an actor trying to do an English accent, daughter like a door. Like you’re opening a door,” Townsend says.

Townsend later confirmed in a follow-up video that he and his wife identified the American actor in Netflix’s “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” within moments of hearing her speak. He also noted in an interview that “America” itself may be one of the hardest words for non-Americans to pull off convincingly in an American accent — which adds a pleasing layer of irony to the whole thing.

As it turns out, the problem runs both ways.

Daniel Radcliffe explains why he chooses to maintain his American accent the entire time he's in the theater for #MerrilyWeRollAlong while chatting at the #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/dFs2SBlsSQ
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 16, 2024

Some American commenters returned the favor by sharing the word that British actors never get right when using American accents: “Anything.”

“I can always tell a Brit playing an American by the word anything. An American would say en-ee-thing. Brits say it ena-thing,” Dreaming_of_Gaea wrote.

“The dead giveaway for English people playing Americans: ‘Anything.’ Brits always say ‘EH-nuh-thin,’” marliemagill added. “I can always tell an actor is English playing an American when they say ‘anything.’ English people always say it like ‘enny-thin,’” mkmason wrote.

What is the cot-caught merger?

One commenter noted that the problem goes back to the cot-caught merger, when Americans in the western US and Canadians began to merge different sounds into one. People on the East Coast and in Britain pronounce them as different sounds.

“Depending on where you live, you might be thinking one of two things right now: Of course, ‘cot’ and ‘caught’ sound exactly the same! or “There’s no way that ‘cot’ and ‘caught’ sound the same!” Laura McGrath writes at DoYouReadMe. “As a result, although the different spellings remain, the vowel sounds in the words cot/caught, nod/gnawed, stock/stalk are identical for some English speakers and not for others.” For example, a person from New Jersey would pronounce cot and catch it as “caht” and “cawt,” while someone from Los Angeles may pronounce them as “caht” and “caht.”

To get a better idea of the big difference in how “caught” and “cot” are pronounced in the U.S., you can take a look at the educational video below, produced for a college course on linguistics.

American actors owe Townsend a debt of gratitude for pointing out the one thing that even the best can’t seem to get right. For some actors, it could mean the difference between a great performance and one that has people scratching their heads. He should also give the commenters a tip of the cap for sharing the big word that British people have trouble with when doing an American accent. Now, if we could just get through to Ewan McGregor and tell him that even though he is fantastic in so many films, his American accent still needs a lot of work.

This article originally appeared last year.

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"Jeopardy!" contestants ready to compete – Photo credit: Rosemaryetoufee

Culture, Pop Culture

One seemingly simple question stumped all three Final Jeopardy contestants in 1984

It was only Alex Trebek’s second day on the job when all three contestants gave the same wrong answer and all ended up with $0.

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

3/23/2026

The popular game show “Jeopardy!” originated in 1964, and for six decades it has stumped contestants and viewers with tough trivia questions and answers (or answers and questions, to be more accurate). Competing on “Jeopardy!” is practically synonymous with being a smartypants, and champions win lifelong bragging rights along with whatever monetary winnings they take home.

To win “Jeopardy!,” you place a wager in the Final Jeopardy round with whatever money you’ve collected through the first two rounds. All three contestants write down their wagers based solely on the category given, then they have 30 seconds to write down the question for the same answer after it’s revealed. Very rarely do all three contestants get the Final Jeopardy wrong.

But in 1984, on Alex Trebek’s second day hosting the show, a deceptively simple Final Jeopardy answer resulted in all three contestants making the same wrong guess and ending the round with $0 each.

The category was “The Calendar,” and after the contestants placed their bets, the answer was revealed: “Calendar date with which the 20th century began.”

The 20th century was the 1900s, as most of us are aware, and all three contestants wrote down identical responses: “What is January 1, 1900?” But they were all incorrect. And unfortunately, all three had wagered their entire amount, leaving them with nothing across the board.

“Oh, I don’t believe it!” exclaimed one of the contestants as they all laughed at the absurdity. “I’m at a loss for words,” said Trebek.

A member of the audience asked what the correct answer–or question— was, and Trebek shared that the correct response would have been “What is January 1, 1901?”

If that seems confusing, it’s probably because we all made a huge deal about the year 2000, marking it as the end of the 20th century as well as the turn of the millennium. But basically, we were wrong. Some people did point it out at the time, but the excitement and momentum of celebrating Y2K had us all in a frenzy and no one was going to wait until January 1, 2001 to celebrate the new millennium.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek at the 2016 USO Gala. Credit: Jim Greenhill/Wikimedia Commons

Why should we have? It all comes down to the fact that in the Gregorian calendar, the first year wasn’t 0 A.D., it was 1 A.D. The first century spanned from 1 to 100 A.D., the second century from 101 to 200 A.D. and so on, leading up to the 20th century officially being from 1901 to 2000. So January 1, 1901 is actually the date that the 20th century began, despite how unintuitive it feels.

To be fair, you’d think a “Jeopardy!” contestant might recognize that the question seemed awfully simple for a Final Jeopardy round, but only having 30 seconds to think under pressure is tough. And it’s not like these people lived in the internet era where random trivia questions like this regularly go viral, making us more aware of them. And this episode aired over a decade before the “Seinfeld” episode where Jerry explains the “no year zero” thing to Newman, who had planned a millennium party.

As one person pointed out, the calendar answer is technically correct, but it’s not the way the average person thinks of centuries, just as a tomato is technically fruit but the average person thinks of it (and uses it) as a vegetable. Even though there were some sticklers about the year 2000, most of us just went along with seeing it as the turn of the millennium because it felt like that’s how it should be. It’s kind of wild how most of us can think of something incorrectly but we just sort of collectively accept our wrongness about it.

The 1984 episode, making a viral comeback, also prompted people to share how much they missed Alex Trebek. The beloved, long-time “Jeopardy!” host died in 2020 at age 80 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He worked up until the point where he couldn’t anymore, even while undergoing chemotherapy. His final episode included a touching tribute honoring his 37 seasons with the game show, the end of an illustrious and iconic era.

Ken Jennings, former “Jeopardy!” champion with the record for the longest winning streak, has been the sole host of the show since late 2023, after previously sharing hosting duties with Mayim Bialik.

This article originally appeared last year.

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A judge presiding over the court – Photo credit: Canva

Culture, Pop Culture

When an autistic 12-year-old showed up to back his mom in court, his reactions to her violations stopped the room

“I’m proud to have my autism because it makes me who I am now.”

Adam Albright-Hanna

3/21/2026

A clip from Caught in Providence, the nationally syndicated courtroom show that made Judge Frank Caprio one of the most beloved figures on the internet, captured a hearing that stopped the room cold in the best possible way.

A woman named Michelle Verdayo had come to the Providence Municipal Court to answer for four red light violations. She brought her 12-year-old son Arion, who is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. Arion introduced himself the moment they arrived.

“I am Arion. A-R-I-O-N. I am 12 years old, I’m in the seventh grade.”

Caprio, already won over, asked what Arion wanted to do after school. The boy said he was still deciding, but that he definitely wanted to be successful. “It’s hard to decide,” he told the judge. “When you’re at that age, you don’t know what you wanna do. At some points you wanna do what you wanna do but you don’t want to disappoint your family in any way.” Caprio looked at him for a moment. “You are speaking with the maturity of an adult,” he said.

Then they pulled up the footage.

As Caprio walked through each violation, Arion watched alongside his mom, offering live commentary. Some of the red lights, he allowed, seemed fairly minor. Then came the clip of his mom nearly hitting another car. Arion gasped. “How dare you!?” The courtroom broke.

“You think you know your mom,” he said, shaking his head, “and she goes out and blatantly does that.”

Caprio turned to Michelle with a grin. “You are being chastised right now, and rightfully so. You’ve got a great kid.”

A woman testifies in court. Photo credit: Canva

When Caprio asked about Arion’s autism, Michelle was candid. It had been hard, she said, especially with his father out of the picture. As she spoke, Arion stepped in, not to deflect but to reframe it entirely. He told Caprio that despite being teased, he had never seen his diagnosis as a problem.

“I’m proud to have my autism because it makes me who I am now.”

Caprio paused. “I am so impressed.”

He invited Arion up to the bench, shook his hand, and asked for his verdict. The boy picked up the gavel, brought it down, and announced: “Case dismissed.”

(L) 12-year-old Arion Verdayo speaks to the judge. (R) Judge Frank Caprio speaks during hearing. Photo course: Facebook | Caught In Providence

“You won your case,” Caprio told Michelle. “Your boy presented you well.” He closed by echoing something Arion had said earlier: “Just because you’re different doesn’t mean that you should be treated differently, because we’re all human beings.”

Judge Frank Caprio presided over the Providence Municipal Court for nearly four decades and built a YouTube following of close to three million subscribers through Caught in Providence. He died on August 20, 2025, at 88, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was remembered widely as the nicest judge in the world. It is not hard to see why.

This article originally appeared two years ago.

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The Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” has sparked a viral dubbed video. – Photo credit: Spice Girls/YouTube

Culture, Pop Culture

A dubbed-over spoof of the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ video is comedic gold

“Absolute tears running down my face.”

Emily Shiffer

3/20/2026

The Spice Girls hold a dear place in the hearts of Millennials and older generations who lived through the 1990s. The five-member group, known for its “Girl Power” ethos, formed in 1994 and has remained relevant and beloved for its iconic fashion, talent, and fierce attitude.

Sadly, a much-anticipated 30th anniversary reunion for the group recently fell through. It was set to celebrate the Spice Girls’ debut single, “Wannabe,” which premiered in July 1996.

The song’s legendary music video featured all five members—Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham), Baby Spice (Emma Bunton), Scary Spice (Mel B), Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell-Horner), and Sporty Spice (Mel C)—frolicking through London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

The video is now going viral again for a dubbed spoof that fans are calling comedic gold.

Spicy pic.twitter.com/aQuMwCuzKH
— Todo Casi Bien (@todocasibien) March 17, 2026

The videos

On X, a series of videos featuring a mock voiceover of the original music video is blowing up. Shared by user @todocasibien, the clips replace the “Wannabe” track with shrill voices and stomping feet that imitate each Spice Girl as they face the camera.

Each one utters nonsensical phrases that seemingly match what they’re doing in the video. In one scene, Scary Spice begins the song’s famed line, “Yo, I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want”—but instead of her voice, the dub cuts in, setting the silly tone for the rest of the clip.

Power run pic.twitter.com/xyOdgdAM5e
— Todo Casi Bien (@todocasibien) March 19, 2026

Ginger Spice’s verse is up next: “So tell me what you want, what you really really want!” It quickly becomes clear that multiple voices are in play, and as the Spice Girls run to the next room, Ginger Spice’s cheeky butt grab of Baby Spice results in a hilarious dubbed comment.

“Haha, she touched my butt!” Baby Spice says, when in the original song she’s actually singing, “You gotta get with my friends!”

The girls move into a dining room scene, where Sporty Spice jumps onto a table and does a back handspring. A butler in the room is dubbed saying, “Don’t do that!” Added sounds of glasses and dishes breaking follow, ending with a perfectly timed scream.

The hilarity continues in another clip, striking a major funny bone with viewers.

Viewers respond

Many viewers shared the joy the videos brought them:

“The quick cutaway and clattering noises just before Sporty lands that backflip f*cking kills me.”

“This is the dumbest sh*t I’ve ever seen, but I am crying laughing!”

“Absolute tears running down my face. This is pure gold.”

“Contrary to what we were taught in the 90’s, if you wanna be my lover, please do not get with my friends.”

“The end killed me 💀.”

“Omg this is brilliant. The sound of dishes breaking on the table backflip …”

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Contestant gets a very tough 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle. – Photo credit: Wheel of Fortune/YouTube

Culture, Pop Culture

Fans boo after ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant gets ‘unfair’ puzzle worth $1 million

The fans couldn’t keep their cool.

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

3/20/2026

The usually respectful crowd at a “Wheel of Fortune” taping couldn’t hold back after they felt that a puzzle given to finalist Rob Dodson was too harsh. A big reason for their outrage (and why the puzzle was so tricky) was because $1 million was on the line.

Before the puzzle, Dodson chose from a selection of cards that held the prize he would win for solving it. Amongst the cards was the $1 million jackpot, so, understandably, tensions were high. Did Dodson choose the million-dollar card? Will he solve the puzzle under the “What Are You Doing Category”?

Well, things didn’t start too great.

After the usual R, S, T, L, N, and E were put up on the board, Dodson was looking at “_ _ _ _ _ L _ N _.” He quickly guessed C, H, P and A, none of which appeared on the board. He then guessed “funneling” and “finding,” but they didn’t work.

The final answer: “Quibbling.”

After the solution to the puzzle was revealed, the audience began to boo because they didn’t think it was fair. It had 2 Bs in the short answer, started with a Q and was a word that isn’t used often in casual conversation. The crowd’s reaction was an excellent show of support for Dodson, who encouraged the crowd to keep going by raising his hands.

Host Pat Sajak, 77, pushed back against the boos, jokingly asking the audience, “Who asked you?”

So, would Dodson have won the $1 million if he guessed quibbling? Nope. The card he chose would have earned him an Infiniti car if he had guessed correctly. But all in all, it wasn’t a bad outing for Dodson, a father of 2 from Aurora, Ohio. He managed to win $33,500 against Venetia Brown ($7,550) and Jessica Huffman ($2,000).

The tough puzzle earned a lot of boos on social media as well. X was lit up with people who thought that Dodson got cheated by being given a challenging puzzle with a word seldom used in conversation.

Sajak’s final episode as host aired on June 7, 2024. Sajak has been the host of “Wheel” since 1981. Vanna White, his co-host since 1982, will remain with the show. “I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come,” she wrote on X after Sajak announced this would be his last season. “Cheers to you.”

When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak! https://t.co/yYmo3G0Dtb
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) June 13, 2023

Sajak has been a beloved host on “Wheel of Fortune,” earning 19 Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host and winning three times. In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show, beating the previous record held by Bob Barker.

Sajak has been a beloved host on “Wheel of Fortune,” earning 19 Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host and winning three times. In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show, beating the previous record held by Bob Barker.

A familiar face replaced Sajak, Ryan Seacrest, best known for his work on “American Idol” and “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.”

“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” he said after it was announced he was the new host.

So, how did he do after taking over the coveted role of host? The first week that Seacrest took over for Sajak the ratings took a giant leap, bringing in the most viewers since 2015, making it the number one syndicated show that week. Time will tell if Seacrest can replace Sajak’s magic, but he has time; reports show that he has signed on for the gig into the 2030s.

This article originally appeared last year.

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"Sinners" director Ryan Coogler used American Sign Language at the Oscars. – Photo credit: Greg Hernandez/Wikimedia Commons & Kevin Paul/Wikimedia Commons

Culture, Pop Culture

Deaf filmmaker noticed ‘Sinners’ director casually signing at the Oscars. She was moved.

It was so seamless that many people may not have even noticed.

Jacalyn Wetzel

3/20/2026

Eyes were glued to the Oscars recently. While most people were discussing red carpet looks and who won what, one woman noticed something special. Chrissy Marshall, a filmmaker who is deaf, realized that Sinners director Ryan Coogler was using American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the night.

The Oscars are a major event that draws millions of viewers each year. But for Marshall, the March 15 ceremony became a moment of inclusion. As she watched Coogler sign, her emotions grew. The filmmaker took to social media to share her excitement with her followers.

Outside the Oscars. Photo credit: Greg Hernandez/Wikimedia Commons

In her Instagram video, Marshall excitedly signs, “That’s director Ryan Coogler signing ‘I love you.’ But there’s more.”

A brief clip of musician Ludwig Göransson saying Coogler’s name plays, prompting the Black Panther director to sign, “I love you. Thank you, brother.” Marshall then reappears to explain that Coogler was signing to people all night. As she shows more clips, her emotions build until she’s nearly in tears.

Marshall adds, “I just learned that his wife Zinzi, is an ASL interpreter… my heart…As a Deaf filmmaker, watching them normalize sign language like that…More please!”

View this post on Instagram

Zinzi Coogler, who co-founded Proximity Media with her husband and Sev Ohanian, didn’t always plan to work in film—in fact, the career wasn’t on her radar. She attended California State University, Fresno, where she studied communicative sciences and deaf studies, according to Marie Claire. After graduating, she worked as an interpreter at the nonprofit Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency. Given their shared professional paths, it’s likely Ryan Coogler picked up some sign language, though it’s unclear to what extent.

The inclusion of ASL isn’t new to the Cooglers. In 2015, Leonard Maltin hosted Ryan Coogler for his film symposium class at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. One student asked why the lead female character in Creed, played by Tessa Thompson, experiences hearing loss.

Maltin shared, “Ryan explained that his fiancée teaches ASL (American Sign Language) and being with her has brought him into that sphere. In other words, a significant facet of the movie is drawn from reality and is not a mere bit of business.”

It seems that ASL is integrated into the lives of the Cooglers, and they regularly incorporate it into their films. This seamless inclusion helps normalize sign language for audiences. Advocates report that the media underrepresents deaf and hard-of-hearing people, as well as ASL users.

In a statement, the National Association of the Deaf said, “Portrayals of deaf and hard of hearing people in film, television, and theater have a significant impact on the public image of our community. There is no shortage of professional deaf and hard of hearing actors to fill these roles. … We call for increased casting of deaf and hard of hearing actors in all roles.”

People who viewed Marshall’s post expressed gratitude for the inclusion of ASL and agreed that representation matters. One person wrote, “Inclusivity is not that hard and makes an incredibly huge impact.”

Advocating for ASL to be taught alongside English, another commenter wrote, “Sign Language should be taught to everyone along English or the main language. Imagine if we could ALL communicate in silence as well! Like calling or texting, we should be able to switch between talking and signing!”

A woman using sign language. Photo credit: Canva

Another person revealed, “His wife has Deaf family members. That’s why he learned (and there’s a lot of stories of him interpreting for Deaf/hoh people without making a big deal of it.) That’s also why there was a push for HBO to have BASL interpreted version of sinners.”

Further in the comments, someone shared their anticipation for the next Creed movie bringing more representation to the big screen. They wrote:

“And in his ‘CREED’ movies one of his main characters has a condition where she is losing her hearing. By CREED 3 there is the introduction of a Deaf character, Creed’s daughter. The two main characters and the daughter use sign language. This daughter seems interested in becoming a boxer…so now that CREED 4 has been announced, I predict the daughter will be the main character. This will be a movie that champions the ASL community, so keep an eye out for CREED 4.”

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