Alex Summers articles

80s TV marked a turning point in how stories were told on the screen. As the lines between genres got blurred and prime-time soap operas became all the rage, these 80s TV shows shone the brightest and are still beloved today.

Some stories hit differently the first time. Then you go back and, well, nothing’s blowing your mind anymore. It turns out that not every “favorite” deserves another round.

Lupe Vélez was Hollywood’s first Latina icon—but if her name isn’t well-known today, maybe that’s because of her dark end. Not only was Vélez one of the most magnetic stars on screen, but she was also one of the most scandalous. When the cameras weren’t rolling, her love life kept the gossip columnists busy. Sadly, her time on Earth was all too short, and what happened to the woman they called the “Mexican Spitfire” is still the source of controversy today.

Cassandra Peterson rose to fame for her horror hostess role of Elvira. Her real life was every bit as terrifying—and titillating—as the films she presented to audiences.

The audition room can feel pretty brutal when young faces surround you. Some of Hollywood's well-known actors faced exactly that scenario. They stuck around anyway, and boy, did it pay off spectacularly.

Sure, it’s one of cinema’s most celebrated sagas, but even The Godfather isn’t immune to storytelling slip-ups. From vanishing characters to age-defying dons and suspiciously smooth Vatican deals, some moments leave us like this: “???”

Not all long movies drag with unnecessary shots. Some use their runtime to build richer worlds or tell emotional stories that just can’t be rushed.

For generations raised before algorithms decided the playlist, these cartoons shaped imagination and Saturday morning rituals. But somewhere between budget cuts and streaming takeovers, many of these gems were discontinued.

Before the lights found them, they were just names buried in credits. The roles were brief, forgettable even. But one day, those forgettable faces became the ones you couldn't forget.