Jen Vestuto
(She/Her)
- Freelance TV Features Writer, Collider
- Seasonal Content Producer, MLB (Major League Baseball)
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Articles by Jen Vestuto
CBS’s 2-Season Sitcom Got Cancelled After Breaking Its Own Formula
After the massive success of The King of Queens in the late '90s and early 2000s, Kevin James returned to CBS in 2016 with another multi-camera sitcom, Kevin Can Wait. To the network, it likely felt like a safe bet with a familiar star, a traditional format, and a network audience that had embraced him for nearly a decade. While the show received some pretty gnarly criticism in its first season, it performed well enough to earn a second.
CBS’s 2-Season Sitcom Got Cancelled After Breaking Its Own Formula
After the massive success of The King of Queens in the late '90s and early 2000s, Kevin James returned to CBS in 2016 with another multi-camera sitcom, Kevin Can Wait. To the network, it likely felt like a safe bet with a familiar star, a traditional format, and a network audience that had embraced him for nearly a decade. While the show received some pretty gnarly criticism in its first season, it performed well enough to earn a second.
15 Years Later, Netflix’s Dystopian Sci-Fi Series Is Still One of the Best Ever Made
In 2026, Black Mirror remains an inviting starting point for viewers who usually avoid science fiction. Whether it’s aliens, time travel, or futuristic technology, the “out of this world” elements can sometimes overshadow character development and make it harder for audiences to connect emotionally. But even if you’ve always sworn you’re not a sci-fi fan, there’s one Netflix series that will almost certainly change your mind.
15 Years Later, Netflix’s Dystopian Sci-Fi Series Is Still One of the Best Ever Made
In 2026, Black Mirror remains an inviting starting point for viewers who usually avoid science fiction. Whether it’s aliens, time travel, or futuristic technology, the “out of this world” elements can sometimes overshadow character development and make it harder for audiences to connect emotionally. But even if you’ve always sworn you’re not a sci-fi fan, there’s one Netflix series that will almost certainly change your mind.
Law and Order | Collider
"I guess you could call it a demotion of sorts in terms of the job from President to DA."
4 Years Later, HBO’s Award-Winning Sci-Fi Thriller Still Deserves a Proper Ending
When HBO abruptly canceled Westworld in 2022, it was a shock not just to the show’s devoted fanbase, but to creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy as well. A far cry from its 1973 film inspiration, the ambitious sci-fi series spent four seasons building a complex, mind-bending universe while asking deep philosophical questions about identity, free will, and what it means to be human.
4 Years Later, HBO’s Award-Winning Sci-Fi Thriller Still Deserves a Proper Ending
When HBO abruptly canceled Westworld in 2022, it was a shock not just to the show’s devoted fanbase, but to creators Jonathan Nolan andLisa Joy as well. A far cry from its 1973 film inspiration, the ambitious sci-fi series spent four seasons building a complex, mind-bending universe while asking deep philosophical questions about identity, free will, and what it means to be human.
12 Years Later, This Gritty 4-Season Spy Thriller Is the Perfect Weekend Binge
Published Sep 5, 2026, 7:23 AM EDT In 2024, Apple TV released the historical drama miniseries Manhunt, which followed the aftermath of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. While most people know the name John Wilkes Booth and can identify him as Lincoln's assassin, Manhunt goes deeper than the history books, focusing on the less-recognized people who helped track down and capture Booth.
Morejon's quiet relief dominance fueling Padres' playoff push
When you look at the Padres’ second-half success, there are plenty of places to point. The starting rotation has been strong, led by Michael King, who owns a 2.64 ERA in August and a 2.83 ERA since the All-Star break. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s resurgence after an uncharacteristically slow start to the season has fueled the offense, with nine homers and a 1.002 OPS this month.
Stephen King's Favorite Sci-Fi Show Is a Forgotten Series That Blends '24' With 'Lost'
In 2010, iconic horror author Stephen King recounted some of his top-10 favorite TV shows of the year for Entertainment Weekly. The first three choices were familiar, widely acclaimed titles, including Friday Night Lights, The Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad. But the fourth entry was a less well-known series that he singled out as something special, describing it as a blend between Lost and 24. Unlike those long-running, Emmy-winning shows, this one only lasted a single season on NBC.
Ahead of Apple TV’s ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2, Sci-Fi Fans Need To Binge This Hidden Gem
Published Aug 6, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT Dark Matter premiered in May 2024 on Apple TV and garnered praise from both critics and audiences for its intriguing themes about identity, alternate realities, and the power of choice. But while fans are waiting for Season 2 to drop, which is finally set to premiere on August 28, they should check out this dark sci-fi series that ran on Starz for two seasons.
ABC's Forgotten 22-Episode Sci-Fi Series Is One of TV's Best Thrillers
The 2009 short-lived ABC drama FlashForward should be included on every “cancelled too soon” list. Although it only lasted one season, the show had a stellar ensemble cast and creative team behind it, coupled with a fascinating sci-fi premise that allowed for great character development. FlashForward centers around a group of FBI agents and their loved ones after a global blackout causes everyone on Earth to see six months into the future.
WNBA Midseason Check-In: Revisiting My Way-Too-Early Picks
We’re officially in the second half of a historic and exciting 2026 WNBA season, which wraps at the end of September. So now feels like the perfect time to look back at some of the biggest surprises from the first half, and what I’ll be watching closely as the season unfolds.
Prime Video’s Best Crime Thriller Abandons the Formula of James Patterson’s Books
Prime Video has become the top spot for iconic book-to-TV adaptations featuring iconic characters. After the success of shows like Bosch, Jack Ryan, and Reacher, it makes perfect sense that their latest adaption is Cross, an 8-episode series featuring the classic James Patterson character, Alex Cross, played by Aldis Hodge. The brilliant detective first appeared back in 1993 with the novel Along Came a Spider.
Before 'Widow's Bay,' Matthew Rhys' Most Career-Defining Role Remains FX's 96% Spy Thriller
Published Jul 26, 2026, 6:46 PM EDT Matthew Rhys is once again earning widespread critical acclaim thanks to his performance in Apple TV’s Widow's Bay. But even as Widow's Bay introduces a new wave of viewers to Rhys’ talent, it’s impossible not to look back at the role that defined his career. Nearly a decade after its finale, The Americansremains one of the most acclaimed TV dramas of all time, and Rhys’ performance as Philip Jennings is still widely regarded as his greatest work.
Kelsey Mitchell Was Always This Good
Michael Hickey/NBAE via Getty Images Flash back to 2018. The WNBA was admittedly in a very different place. Average attendance across the league was just over 6,700 fans per game, and while the league had dedicated fans, it wasn’t part of the national sports conversation the way it is today. But in hindsight, that year in particular marked the beginning of a formative era. No. 1 in the draft that year? Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson out of South Carolina.
Prime Video's 16-Episode Crime Thriller Is a Must-Watch for Fans of 'The Lincoln Lawyer'
Fans of The Lincoln Lawyer know that when it comes to legal thrillers, the character leading the way is just as compelling as the cases he takes on. Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is quick-witted, morally grounded, and juggling a messy personal life, all of which make Netflix’s hit series endlessly bingeable.
The Most Humble Star
Gabby Williams | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire “What did I say on Day 1? I said she’s one of the best players in the world.” That was Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase talking about first-year Valkyrie forward Gabby Williams, now in her seventh WNBA season and with her fourth team. Perhaps some fans were surprised to see Williams named an All-Star starter. But if you’ve been following her career, it feels less like a surprise and more like it was about time. “She’s our star.
This 9-Part Crime Sci-Fi Miniseries on HBO Is Perfect From Start to Finish
When HBO announced it was adapting Watchmen, many weren’t sure what to expect. The original comic book by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is widely considered one of the most influential comics in modern history. It delivers a layered, politically charged story that challenges the very idea of superheroes. Zack Snyder’s 2009 film was divisive, and plenty of people thought any attempt at a follow-up would be doomed from the start.
This 9-Part Crime Sci-Fi Miniseries on HBO Is Perfect From Start to Finish
Image via Mark Hill, HBO; Everett Collection When HBO announced it was adapting Watchmen, many weren't sure what to expect. The original comic book by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is widely considered one of the most influential comics in modern history. It delivers a layered, politically charged story that challenges the very idea of superheroes. Zack Snyder's 2009 film was divisive, and plenty of people thought any attempt at a follow-up would be doomed from the start.
Marina Mabrey and What Expansion Is Revealing
Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo celebrates after tying the all-time WNBA scoring record with 53 points in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto on June 25, 2026. (Mark Blinch/NBAE) “I mean, A’ja’s just the best player in the world… to ever play our game. So to say that I’m in any record book with A’ja is… I’m never living it down.” That was Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey after a performance worthy of the history books.
Which Blue Jays have built the strongest award cases so far?
This story was excerpted from the Blue Jays Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox. Every baseball season reaches a point when the conversation begins to change. While the All-Star break serves as MLB’s symbolic midpoint, Toronto has already passed the halfway point of its season. Now, award races begin shifting from projections to results.
‘X-Files’ Introduced One of TV’s Most Iconic Sci-Fi Monsters 33 Years Ago
It’s been three decades since The X-Files premiered and changed the television landscape forever, blending serialized sci-fi with chilling case-of-the-week horror. While aliens and government conspiracies would come to define the series, it was Season 1, Episode 3 — “Squeeze” — that truly cemented the show’s potential.
The Cost of the Calendar: The WNBA’s 50-Game Question
Growth has defined the WNBA’s first 30 years. Now, it’s starting to reshape what the league looks like in real time. In its inaugural 1997 season, the league featured eight teams playing a brief 28-game sprint. Fast forward to 2026, and a 15-team league is navigating a 44-game calendar, with expansion already set to bring teams to Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). But the next major structural evolution is already on the horizon.
Netflix’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Reboot Shouldn’t Ignore the Classic Show’s Secret Weapon
After it was first announced in 2025, excitement is brewing around Netflix developing a reboot of Land of the Lost, the cult sci‑fi series that first aired in the 1970s, later revived in the '90s, and was spoofed by Will Ferrell and Danny McBride in a 2009 movie. Created by Sid and Marty Krofft, the original was a Saturday morning favorite thanks to its trippy tone, surreal family dynamics, and wonderfully janky stop‑motion dinosaurs.
Netflix’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Reboot Shouldn’t Ignore the Classic Show’s Secret Weapon
After it was first announced in 2025, excitement is brewing around Netflix developing a reboot of Land of the Lost, the cult sci‑fi series that first aired in the 1970s, later revived in the '90s, and was spoofed by Will Ferrell and Danny McBride in a 2009 movie. Created by Sid and Marty Krofft, the original was a Saturday morning favorite thanks to its trippy tone, surreal family dynamics, and wonderfully janky stop‑motion dinosaurs.
New York State of Mind
Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) Photo Credit: Chris Poss Start spreading the news… The New York Knicks just won their first NBA title in 53 years, taking down the San Antonio Spurs in five games. I’m still buzzing from it, and I know the entire city is, too. It’s something New York has needed and deserved for a long time. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and the entire team deserve every bit of the spotlight. They’re going to be the kings of the city for a while.
This 6-Part ‘Succession’ Meets ‘Knives Out’ Crime Series Is a Stellar Murder Mystery
If you’re craving a twisty, character-driven crime drama that blends a murder mystery with a deeply dysfunctional family saga, the British series I, Jack Wright should be at the top of your list. This six-part drama combines the high-stakes legacy drama of Succession with the layered intrigue and family secrets of Knives Out, while still feeling fresh and distinctly its own. It all begins with the apparent suicide of Jack Wright (Trevor Eve), a wealthy brick manufacturing mogul.
This 6-Part ‘Succession’ Meets ‘Knives Out’ Crime Series Is a Stellar Murder Mystery
If you're craving a twisty, character-driven crime drama that blends a murder mystery with a deeply dysfunctional family saga, the British series I, Jack Wrightshould be at the top of your list. This six-part drama combines the high-stakes legacy drama of Successionwith the layered intrigue and family secrets of Knives Out, while still feeling fresh and distinctly its own. It all begins with the apparent suicide of Jack Wright (Trevor Eve), a wealthy brick manufacturing mogul.
Livin' the Dream
It was the trade that rocked the WNBA when it first happened. Angel Reese was leaving the Chicago Sky and heading to the Atlanta Dream in a move that felt like a long time coming, even for a third-year player. Reese showed the world what she could do at LSU, leading the program to its first-ever national championship in 2023. There was never a question about her talent or her fire. She was drafted by the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 overall pick and immediately brought that same energy to the league.
The Perfect Couple
TV-MA Drama Mystery Crime Release Date 2024 - 2023 Network Netflix This Binge-Worthy Emma Stone Sci-Fi Series Is One of the Best Shows on Netflix 'The Perfect Couple’ Author, 55, Teases What's in Store for Season 2 It Makes Sense for ‘The Perfect Couple’ To Change the Book's Ending Every Episode of 'The Perfect Couple,' Ranked ‘The Perfect Couple’s Jack Reynor Was Actually a Great Brother in This Short-Lived Sci-Fi Series 'The Perfect Couple's Biggest Clue About the Killer Is Hiding in Plain...
'Breaking Bad' Is a Masterpiece, but This 7-Part Thriller Series Might Be Even Better
Breaking Bad is rightly remembered as one of the greatest television shows of all time, frequently topping “best of” lists more than a decade after its finale. Bryan Cranston’s transformative performance as Walter White marked his first major dramatic leading role and turned the mild-mannered chemistry teacher-turned-meth kingpin into one of the most iconic antiheroes in modern TV history.
'Breaking Bad' Is a Masterpiece, but This 7-Part Thriller Series Might Be Even Better
Image via Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / Courtesy Everett Collection Breaking Bad is rightly remembered as one of the greatest television shows of all time, frequently topping “best of” lists more than a decade after its finale. Bryan Cranston’s transformative performance as Walter White marked his first major dramatic leading role and turned the mild-mannered chemistry teacher-turned-meth kingpin into one of the most iconic antiheroes in modern TV history.
James Cameron’s Best Action Movie Inspired This Forgotten Sci-Fi Spin-Off 18 Years Ago
When Terminator 2: Judgment Day premiered in 1991, it became a critical and commercial juggernaut as the highest-grossing film of the year and cemented both Arnold Schwarzenegger and director James Cameron as Hollywood powerhouses. Often hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi and action films ever made, Cameron’s masterpiece was originally meant to conclude the franchise, but instead it inspired multiple sequels and, in 2008, a television spin-off.
Fudd and Bueckers’ Chemistry Takes Center Stage in Dallas
If you’ve watched UConn basketball over the last few years, seeing guards Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers on the floor together feels natural. When the Dallas Wings selected Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, I’m sure they were hoping that on-court chemistry would translate from college to the pros.
This 26-Episode Sci-Fi Hidden Gem Is So Good, It Deserves a Second Life
When Dollhouse first aired on Fox in 2009, it had all the makings of a genre-defining hit: a high-concept premise, a talented ensemble led by Eliza Dushku, and a darkly ambitious story about identity, technology, and control. Yet despite its pedigree and potential, the series struggled to find its footing with mainstream audiences, lasting only two seasons before its cancellation.
Olivia Miles Is Bringing the True Point Guard Back
Pace. Poise. Being a general. That was Olivia Miles’ response when she was asked by one of the best to ever do it, Sue Bird, to define what a point guard is on her podcast Bird’s Eye View. Miles may be new to the league, but as the No. 2 overall pick out of TCU and now running the floor for the Minnesota Lynx, she already looks like the blueprint for a “true” point guard — something the Lynx haven’t had since franchise legend Lindsay Whalen.
‘Reacher’s Sharpest Replacement Series Is This 2-Part Action Thriller With a Killer CIA Conspiracy
Reacher has become a major hit for Prime Video, proving there is still a huge appetite for action-packed conspiracies with a charismatic, rogue hero at the center. From The Night Agent to The Recruit, and especially the Alan Ritchson–led series, audiences can’t get enough of this blend of action thrills and intriguing conspiracies. But before all those series began defining the modern action-thriller boom, there was another show quietly setting the stage.
Netflix Is Losing This 4-Part Historical Thriller, but It’s Still a Perfect Weekend Binge
In the era of prestige television, when AMC was already home to giants like Breaking Bad and Mad Men, a quieter gem slipped under the radar. TURN: Washington’s Spies ran for four seasons from 2014 to 2017, but never captured the cultural spotlight in the same way. But over time, it’s become one of the most compelling and unconventional spy dramas on television.
If You Don’t Know Kate Martin Yet, You Should
Discover more from Full Court Pressed Weekly stories, analysis, and culture coverage from around the WNBA. Already have an account? Sign in “The glue” player every team needs, Martin is making the most of every opportunity Kate Martin | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire On Friday night in Los Angeles, the crowd at Crypto.com Arena was on its feet, roaring.
‘The Sopranos’ Hid Its Darkest Tony Soprano Detail in Plain Sight the Whole Time
Published May 11, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT If you are an Italian-American, especially in the Tri-State area, you're familiar with the slang terms we sometimes use to describe our favorite foods,like “muzzadell” (mozzarella), “rigot” (ricotta), and "proshut" (prosciutto).Most famously, though, the slang term “gabagool” exploded into pop culture, thanks to the HBO hit series The Sopranos.
Forget ‘Blade Runner’ — Ridley Scott’s 2-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is the One That Needs a Revival
When people talk about Ridley Scott’s sci-fi legacy, Alien and Blade Runnerare usually the first titles that come to mind. But one of his most ambitious, and perhaps most underrated, contributions to the genre didn’t come from a big blockbuster film. The TV series Raised by Wolves, created by Aaron Guzikowski and produced by Scott (who also directed the first two episodes), was a stunning blend of hard science fiction, bold storytelling, and hauntingly beautiful visuals.
Forget ‘Blade Runner’ — Ridley Scott’s 2-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is the One That Needs a Revival
Image via HBO Max, Everett Collection When people talk about Ridley Scott’s sci-fi legacy, Alien and Blade Runnerare usually the first titles that come to mind. But one of his most ambitious, and perhaps most underrated, contributions to the genre didn’t come from a big blockbuster film.
4 No. 1 Picks Take Center Stage in Fever-Wings Opener
When it was announced that the Indiana Fever would have all 44 of their games nationally televised, it was historic, not just for the franchise, but for the league. It speaks to the level of excitement from fans and broadcasters alike to see Caitlin Clark healthy and back on the floor to kick off the 2026 season. But this season opener did more than just reintroduce Clark — it showcased the league’s next era.
Will Smith the comedian? Dodgers bring support, laughs
LOS ANGELES -- “Please welcome three-time All-Star and World Series champion and Game 7 hero Will Smith.” The familiar voice of Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis wasn’t announcing Smith stepping up to the plate. Instead, the catcher traded Dodger Stadium for a different kind of spotlight Thursday night at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills for Dodgers Comedy Night, part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival benefiting the Catching Hope Foundation.
This Trippy 3-Part Fantasy Epic on Prime Video Is Still One of the Best Ever Made
For fantasy fans, the news that Prime Video's The Wheel of Time was cancelled after just three seasons was a bitter blow — and now, a whole year later, that loss still stings. The series had only begun to scratch the surface of Robert Jordan’s sprawling saga, and its abrupt end left audiences without one of the genre’s rare large-scale TV adaptations. If you’re still looking to scratch that itch and fill that sweeping fantasy void, though, there’s an underrated series that might just surprise you.
This Trippy 3-Part Fantasy Epic on Prime Video Is Still One of the Best Ever Made
Image via Amazon Prime Video For fantasy fans, the news that Prime Video's The Wheel of Time was cancelled after just three seasons was a bitter blow — and now, a whole year later, that loss still stings. The series had only begun to scratch the surface of Robert Jordan’s sprawling saga, and its abrupt end left audiences without one of the genre’s rare large-scale TV adaptations.
These 5 WNBA Rookies Could Shape the 2026 Season
Welcome back to this week’s edition of Full Court Pressed! The 2026 WNBA season officially tips off May 8–10, and we’ll be breaking down early observations and standout moments from opening weekend. And don’t forget—next week I’ll be rolling out my preseason predictions, so be sure to drop yours in the comments, too. With the continued growth of the WNBA, it’s no surprise that interest in women’s college basketball has skyrocketed right alongside it.
‘SNL’ Created One of the Most Famous Insults Ever, but Hardly Anyone Realizes It
Published Apr 25, 2026, 2:44 PM EDT You’ve probably used it a hundred times, maybe to describe a friend or co-worker who always kills the vibe with something negative, or someone who finds the dark side of even the best news. You may have even been called one yourself after saying something that ruins the mood. “Don’t be such a Debbie Downer.”The phrase is so ingrained in everyday conversation that most people assume it’s always existed. But before 2004, it didn’t.
It’s a New WNBA Season… And a Lot Has Changed
Welcome back to Full Court Pressed! After a great inaugural season, we’re back on a weekly basis, breaking down the biggest games, moments, and storylines from around the league. The 2026 season tips off Friday, May 8, with a three-game slate to open the WNBA’s 30th season. Opening weekend continues Saturday and Sunday as part of a full 44-game schedule, and there’s no shortage of intrigue heading into this year.
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