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Marvel Rivals Tier List: Best Characters in Season 2

Welcome to our updated tier list for Marvel Rivals in Season 2! With the recent changes and character adjustments, we’re here to break down the best heroes you can choose right now. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, this list will help you find the right characters to enhance your gameplay. Let’s jump into the rankings and see who stands out in this competitive season!

Key Takeaways

  • Mister Fantastic, Hulk, and Rocket Raccoon are top picks in the S-Tier.
  • Iron Man, Magik, and Storm shine in the A-Tier, offering solid options for players.
  • B-Tier includes Captain America, Iron Fist, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, who are reliable but not top-tier.
  • C-Tier and D-Tier characters may need a bit more work to be effective in competitive play.
  • Always consider your playstyle when choosing characters from the Marvel Rivals tier list season 2.

Introduction to Marvel Rivals Season 2

Alright, let’s jump right into Marvel Rivals Season 2! It’s a fresh season, and things have definitely been shaken up. Patches, buffs, and nerfs have landed, and even team-ups have been tweaked. This means characters feel and play differently than before. So, if you’re looking to dominate the competition, you’ll need to stay updated on the best Marvel characters in season 2.

This guide will break down the Marvel Rivals season 2 tier list, highlighting the top contenders and helping you understand where your favorite heroes stand. We’ll be diving into the current meta, analyzing character strengths, and giving you the lowdown on who to pick to climb those ranks. Forget what you knew from Season 1; this is a whole new ball game!

Here’s what you can expect:

  • An overview of the current meta.
  • Detailed character rankings.
  • Tips for choosing the right hero for your playstyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting, this guide will give you the edge you need to master the Marvel Rivals character rankings and understand the top heroes in Marvel Rivals Season 2. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Tier List System

Okay, so you’re probably wondering how this whole tier list thing works, right? It’s pretty simple. We’ve broken down the Marvel Rivals roster into different tiers based on their overall performance and how well they fit into the current meta. Think of it like a report card, but for superheroes and villains.

The higher the tier, the stronger and more impactful the character is in the game. But don’t get discouraged if your favorite character isn’t at the top – skill, and team composition can make a huge difference!

Here’s a quick rundown of what each tier generally represents:

  • S-Tier: These are the absolute powerhouses. They’re often the most picked and banned characters because they bring so much to the table. Expect to see these guys dominating matches.
  • A-Tier: Super solid choices. They might not be quite as game-breaking as the S-Tier, but they’re still very effective and can shine in the right hands. A-Tier heroes are reliable and versatile.
  • B-Tier: These characters are decent and can be viable, but they might have some clear weaknesses or require more specific team comps to really work. They’re good in certain situations, but not always the best pick.
  • C-Tier and D-Tier: These are the characters that are either underperforming, niche or just need some love from the developers. Playing them can be a challenge, but hey, maybe you’ll discover a hidden strategy! You can always check out the Marvel Rivals ranking system to see how the characters are performing.

Remember, tier lists are subjective and can change as the meta evolves and patches roll out. So, take this as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

S-Tier Characters

Alright, let’s get into the heavy hitters – the S-Tier characters in Marvel Rivals Season 2. These are the heroes that can really turn the tide of a match, and you’ll see them picked often. If you want to climb the ranks, mastering at least one of these is a solid plan. They’re not unbeatable, but they bring a lot to the table. Remember that even the best characters need a good team to shine, so communication and strategy are still key. Let’s break down why these characters are considered top-tier.

Mister Fantastic

Mister Fantastic is a tactical powerhouse. His ability to control the battlefield with his stretching abilities makes him incredibly versatile. He can disrupt enemy formations, protect allies, and secure objectives with ease. He’s not always the flashiest pick, but his utility is unmatched. He can be a bit tricky to master, but once you get the hang of his abilities, you’ll find him to be an invaluable asset to any team. He’s especially good at locking down areas and controlling chokepoints, making him a nightmare for the opposing team to deal with. He’s a great choice if you like to play a more strategic, supportive role while still being able to dish out some damage.

Rocket Raccoon

Don’t let his size fool you; Rocket Raccoon packs a serious punch. He’s a damage-dealing machine, capable of shredding enemies from a distance with his various gadgets and explosives. He requires a bit more finesse than Hulk, but his damage output is insane. He’s also surprisingly mobile, allowing him to reposition quickly and stay out of harm’s way. Here’s why he’s so good:

  • High damage output
  • Good mobility
  • Versatile kit

Rocket is a great choice if you like to play a more ranged, damage-focused role. Just be aware that he can be a bit squishy, so you’ll need to be good at positioning and avoiding enemy fire.

Hulk

Hulk is, well, Hulk. He’s all about raw power and aggression. If you want to smash, Hulk is your guy. He excels at disrupting enemy lines and dealing massive damage in close quarters. He’s not the most subtle character, but sometimes, you just need to go in and break things. Hulk’s survivability is also pretty high, making him a tough target to take down. He’s a great pick if you like to be in the thick of the action, causing chaos and generally making life difficult for the enemy team. Just be mindful of his lack of range; you’ll need to get up close and personal to make him shine. Consider how the DPS Heroes rank against each other.

Character Role Win Rate
Mister Fantastic Duelist 55.42%
Rocket Raccoon Strategist 55.32%
Hulk Vanguard 54.14%

A-Tier Characters

Alright, let’s talk about the A-Tier heroes in Marvel Rivals Season 2. These characters are super solid picks, and while they might not be quite as dominant as the S-Tier, they can definitely hold their own and seriously impact a match. They’re versatile, strong, and can often fill in gaps in your team composition really well. Think of them as your reliable go-to’s when your top choices are banned or already picked. You can also check out the Diamond+ list for more insights.

Storm

Storm is all about area control and dishing out consistent damage. Her abilities can disrupt enemy formations, zone them out of key areas, and provide some much-needed crowd control. She might not be the flashiest character, but her steady damage and utility make her a reliable choice in a variety of team compositions. She’s especially good at locking down objectives and punishing enemies who get too close.

Iron Man

Iron Man is still a powerhouse, offering great damage output and mobility. He can zip around the battlefield, harass enemies from a distance, and then swoop in for the kill. Mastering his energy management is key, but once you do, you’ll be melting faces left and right. He’s a great pick if you like a mix of ranged and close-quarters combat.

Magik

Magik brings some serious utility to the table with her teleportation abilities. She can quickly reposition herself and her team, set up flanks, and escape from tricky situations. Her damage isn’t the highest, but her ability to control the flow of battle makes her a valuable asset. Plus, who doesn’t love teleporting around and messing with the enemy team?

Character Role Win Rate
Storm Duelist 54.55%
Iron Man Duelist 54.10%
Magik Duelist 53.88%

B-Tier Characters

Alright, let’s talk about the B-Tier heroes. These characters are solid picks, and with some practice, you can definitely make an impact. They might not be the flashiest or the most overpowered, but they’re reliable and can hold their own in a variety of situations. Team composition and your personal playstyle will determine how effective these heroes are for you.

Captain America

Cap is always a decent choice. He’s got a good mix of offense and defense, making him a versatile pick for any team. His shield throw can disrupt enemies, and his charge can get you out of sticky situations. He’s not going to carry the team, but he’s a solid, dependable hero.

Iron Fist

Iron Fist can pack a punch, but he requires a bit more finesse to play effectively. You’ll need to get up close and personal, which can be risky. If you can master his combos and timing, you can definitely surprise some opponents. He’s a good pick if you like a more aggressive, in-your-face playstyle.

Black Panther

Black Panther is all about mobility and agility. He can quickly dart in and out of combat, making him a difficult target to pin down. His ultimate can be a game-changer if used correctly, but he can be a bit squishy, so you’ll need to be careful about positioning. He’s a fun pick if you like a fast-paced, hit-and-run playstyle.

Spider-Man

Spidey is always a popular choice, and for good reason. His web-slinging abilities make him incredibly mobile, and his attacks can be surprisingly effective. He can be a bit tricky to master, but once you get the hang of his movement, you can swing around the battlefield and cause some chaos. He’s a great pick if you like a more acrobatic, unpredictable playstyle.

Character Role Win Rate
Captain America Vanguard 52.89%
Iron Fist Duelist 52.78%
Black Panther Duelist 52.26%
Spider-Man Duelist 51.97%

C-Tier and D-Tier Characters

Alright, let’s talk about the characters that might need a little extra love in Season 2. These heroes aren’t exactly dominating the leaderboards, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely useless. It just means you might have to work a bit harder to find success with them, or that they shine in very specific team compositions or situations. Don’t let this discourage you from playing who you enjoy!

Think of it this way: picking a C or D-Tier character is like choosing the scenic route. It might take longer to get where you’re going, but you might discover some cool stuff along the way. Plus, surprising your opponents with an unexpected pick can be a strategy in itself.

I don’t have specific characters to list in these tiers right now but keep an eye out as the meta develops. Things can change quickly with balance adjustments and new strategies. Who knows, maybe your favorite underdog will rise through the ranks!

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve run through the current Marvel Rivals Season 2 tier list. Hopefully, this breakdown gives you a better idea of which characters are shining right now and who might need a little more love from the devs. Remember, tier lists are always changing as the meta evolves and new strategies emerge.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you continue playing:

  • Don’t let a tier list dictate who you play. The most important thing is to have fun and find characters that fit your playstyle.
  • Experiment with different team compositions. You might be surprised at how well some lower-tiered characters can perform with the right support.
  • Keep an eye on patch notes and community discussions. The game is constantly being updated, and what’s true today might not be true tomorrow.

Ultimately, the best character is the one you enjoy playing the most and can be effective with. Good luck out there, and have fun climbing the ranks!

Conclusion

Our take on the best characters in Marvel Rivals for Season 2. It’s clear that the game is always changing, and what works now might not be the same down the road. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, remember to pick heroes that fit your style and have fun with it. Keep an eye on future updates, as they might shake things up again.

Ways To Keep Entertained At Home With A Friend

It’s fun to invite a friend over to hang out when you have some free time. It’s a good idea to think about what you can do and how you will spend your time in advance.

It will be useful to brainstorm some ideas and then consult with your friend about what might interest them the most. You don’t have to leave the house or spend money to enjoy yourselves and relax. Here you can review some ways to keep entertained at home with a friend.

Play Card Games

One way to keep yourself entertained at home with a friend is to play card games. Before your friend comes over, hop online and order some custom foil playing cards you can use. There is a wide selection of colours depending on your preference. These will add some shimmer and shine to your card-playing experience and put a smile on your face. There are a wide variety of card games you can play with two people. You can either play a game that you know well or go online and look up a new game that will be fun and challenging. 

Have A Movie Marathon

Another way to keep entertained at home with a friend is to have a movie marathon. It’s especially a good idea if you are both tired and simply want to put your feet up and rest. Consider what type of mood you are in and if you prefer to laugh or cry. There may be a favourite movie that you both enjoy or you can choose to watch something new that just came out. It may be a wise idea to go online and read reviews from other viewers before making a selection so you know it will be worth your time. Start early so that you can watch several movies in a row. Make it more enjoyable by wearing comfortable clothes and making a delicious snack such as a bowl of popcorn to eat. 

Play Video Games

Video games are fun and entertaining and you can get wrapped up in them for hours. If you and a friend are sitting around bored at home then consider playing video games against one another. Many games offer a two-player option so you can switch off playing the game. Challenge yourself to new levels and mix up what game you’re playing to keep it interesting. It’s always more enjoyable to play video games with someone else instead of alone since you can strike up a conversation while you play. There are some benefits to playing video games such as stress and anxiety relief as well as improved problem-solving skills. 

Bring Out the Board Games

Another idea is to bring out some board games to play with each other. You likely have a variety of games sitting in your closet that have just been collecting dust. Why not get them out and play them to pass the time? Board games are fun and relaxing and will take up a lot of time in some cases. Keep in mind that some games out there may require more than two players. If you know ahead of time you’ll be playing board games then you can always ask your friend to bring their favourite one over or order a new game online. Whenever you get sick of playing games you can always bring out a puzzle to do together. 

Cook A Meal

Sometimes it can be enjoyable to get busy in the kitchen and prepare a home-cooked meal. Work together to cook a tasty and healthy meal that you two can sit down and eat once the work is complete. You can make a main meal with some side dishes and bake something delicious for dessert. Cooking will be much easier and more enjoyable when there are two of you. It can be a very mindful and positive experience if you take your time and use healthy ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try to make something new and a bit more challenging. 

Create A Spa Experience

If you and a friend want to entertain yourselves at home then create a spa experience. For example, you can paint each other’s nails and get stuff for doing a facial. You may also want to soak your feet in some warm water. Change into a comfortable robe and put on some calming background music to feel more relaxed. While spas are enjoyable, they can be expensive and you won’t be able to have fun and converse with your friend when you’re in a public spa. It’s a great way to unwind and release some stress.

16 New Songs to Listen to Today: Militarie Gun and Dazy, Fontaines D.C., and More

There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.


Militarie Gun and Dazy – ‘Tall People Don’t Live Long’

Back in 2022, Militarie Gun and Dazy teamed up for ‘Pressure Cooker’, one of the best songs of that year. They then enlisted Mannequin Pussy’s Missy Dabice for the song’s remix, which took it in a dreamier direction they further embrace on their second collab, ‘Tall People Don’t Live Long’. “James is taller than me so you can guess how I came up with the title of this song,” Militiarie Gun’s Ian Shelton commented. “What started as a joke between us turned into a real conversation about how sometimes people who have reached certain heights in life begin to look down on others. ’Tall people’ became our tongue-in-cheek term for anyone that’s lost so much perspective that they think it’s alright to make someone feel less-than. This song is about rejecting that attitude – the bigger they are, the harder they fall.”

Dazy’s James Goodson added: “Ian and I wrote this song shortly after ‘Pressure Cooker’ came out and it made us realize how daring we could actually be with songwriting. It came together really quickly in an afternoon of us sending ideas back and forth, and I’ll never forget how we couldn’t stop listening to the demo and saying ‘I can’t believe we wrote this.’ Years later we were finally able to get together and take the song over the finish line with Justin Raisen. We see Dazy & Militarie Gun as basically its own band, a separate body of work from our other music with its own identity, and I think this song really solidified that idea for us.”

Fontaines D.C. – ‘Before You I Just Forget’

Fontaines D.C. have released a deluxe edition of their latest album Romance. It features the previously released ‘It’s Amazing To Be Young’, a live version of ‘Starburster / In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)’, and the expansive, shoegazey new song ‘Before You I Just Forget’. “‘Before You I Just Forget’ is a song that started with a vision of this really blown out sound, something that heaved and shifted with new details, becoming apparent every time you would listen,” the band’s Conor Curley explained. “Like never being able to step in the same river twice, the song morphs and changes, finishing with an incredible string part by Grian.”

MIKE and Tony Seltzer – ‘Prezzy’

Just over a year after the release of Pinball, MIKE and Tony Seltzer have announced its sequel with the intoxicating, shapeshifting ‘Prezzy’. Clams Casino helped co-produce the track.

Grumpy, claire rousay, and Pink Must – ‘Harmony’

Grumpy, the indie singer-songwriter who recently collaborated with country superstar Zach Bryan, has now teamed up with some of the biggest names in experimental music: claire rousay and Pink Must, the collaborative project of more eaze and Lynn Avery. “This song was scientifically engineered so that every individual element will be stuck in your head at all times,” Pink Must said in a press statement, which I can only call scientifically accurate. “I have no doubt in my mind that people will listen to this song and say ‘ya imma listen to that again’,” claire rousay added.

illuminati hotties – ‘Wreck My Life’ [feat. PUP]

illuminati hotties has announced a new EP, Nickel on the Fountain Floor, which arrives May 30 via Hopeless. PUP’s Stefan Babcock joins her on the punchy new track ‘Wreck My Life’. “There are a handful songs that I couldn’t quite figure out how to squeeze onto Power – they live in a nearby neighborhood to Power or perhaps weren’t fully formed in time, and ‘Wreck My Life’ was a tune that lay crying on the cutting room floor for a rework,” Sara Tudzin explained.

Goon – ‘Closer To’

Goon have announced a new LP, Dream 3, which is due July 11 via Born Losers. It’s led by  ‘Closer To’, a song of ghostly, striking intimacy. “I began this record so excited,” bandleader Kenny Becker shared. “The songwriting was less scripted, letting me loosen up the reins a little and follow whatever idea seemed most interesting. It started off as a really joyful recording process. Then came the most devastating time of my life.”

Joe Goddard – ‘Image and Style’ [feat. SUKU and Dynamite MC]

Joe Goddard of Hot Chip has announced a new EP, Kinetic – out May 9 – and previewed its clubby, garage-inspired sound with the new song ‘Image and Style’, featuring SUKU and Dynamite MC. “This EP focuses on the club more than my album Harmonics did,” Goddard explained. “Working with MCs like Dynamite, Suku and Pinty was a real pleasure as I have been a fan of all of them for many years. I have been playing these tracks whilst DJing for the last year. Seeing the resurgence of UK garage recently it felt like a good moment to work in that genre again as it has always been so close to my heart. Seeing it bloom around the world is so cool.”

Real Bad Man and Boldy James – ‘Come Back Around” [feat. DREAMCASTMOE] and ‘It Factor’ [feat. El-P]

LA producer Real Bad Man and Detroit rapper Boldy James have announced their third full-length collaboration, Conversational Pieces, following 2020’s Real Bad Boldy and 2022’s Killing Nothing. Today’s announcement comes paired with the release of two new songs, the catchy ‘Come Back Around’ (featuring DREAMCASTMOE) and the chiller ‘It Factor’ (featuring Run the Jewels’ El-P). The whole project, which also features Conway the Machine, is out May 2.

M83 – ‘A Necessary Escape (Part 2)’

M83 have announced a new soundtrack project, A Necessary Escape, which Anthony Gonzales composed for the upcoming documentary Dakar Chronicles. Our first preview of the record is the immersive eight-minute instrumental ‘A Necessary Escape (Part 2)’.

Jeanines – ‘On and On’

Jeanines have announced a new album, How Long Can It Last, with the bouncy, driving ‘On and On’. The record comes out June 27 via Slumberland/Skep Wax.

Lightheaded – ‘Same Drop’

On June 27, Slumberland/Skep Wax will also put out Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming, the latest effort by Lightheaded. Lead single ‘Same Drop’ is a bit mellower than the new Jeanines tune, but just as jangly.

The Bug Club – ‘How to Be a Confidante’

The Bug Club have dropped ‘How to Be a Confidante’, the latest offering from the group’s forthcoming LP Very Human Features. It’s absurdly funny and melodic, circling around the refrain, “If I’m lucky, I’ll never have another friend like you.”

Shamir – ‘Recording 291’

Shamir has previewed their final album, Ten, with the vulnerable and cathartic ‘Neverwannago’. The record features songs written by their closest friends, and this one was cwritten by Paige Pfleger, who also starsin the music video directed by J.D. Biskner. Ten is out May 19.

Black Honey – ‘Dead’

Black Honey have announced a new full-length, Soak, for release on August 15. They’ve also shared its lead single ‘Dead’, which alludest to A Clockwork Orange: “And you couldn’t decide to stab my back or my eyes/ Oh no, I know what you like/ Just press on the knife.” Frontwoman Izzy B. Phillips commented: “Soak is me processing a decade of touring and creating music and art as an addict. It’s me picking at the layers of messy, romantic, confusing, woozy, beautiful and fucked up things. Who I thought I was, who I was supposed to be and who looks back at me now are all so different but I’m kind of here for it.”

Age of Apocalypse – ‘Impulse’ [feat. High Vis]

High Vis frontman Graham Sayle joins Age of Apocalypse on their pummeling new single, ‘Impulse’. It’s taken from their forthcoming LP In Oblivion, which AOA recorded with Taylor Young. “‘Impulse’ lyrically is just emphasizing that empathy is not weakness,” Dylan Kaplowitz explained. It’s suggesting that looking through the eyes of someone else one might be able to find peace. It’s specifically touching on police violence and the dehumanizing protocols that are sometimes taken to exert “the law.”

Lightheaded and Jeanines Announce New Albums and Joint Tour

Lightheaded and Jeanines have both announced new albums today: Lightheaded’s Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming and Jeanines’ How Long Can It Last will be released on June 27 via Slumberland/Skep Wax. The indie pop bands will then go on a joint UK tour in July. Listen to the records’ jangly first singles and check out the list of dates below.

How Long Can It Last Cover Artwork:

How Long Can It Last Tracklist:

1. To Fail
2. You Can’t Get It Back
3. You’ll Figure It Out
4. Coaxed A Storm
5. That’s What You Say
6. What’s Done Is Done
7. On And On
8. What’s Lost
9. What You Do
10. One Art
11. Satisfied
12. How Long Can It Last
13. Wrong Direction

Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming Cover Artwork:

Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming Tracklist:

1. Same Drop
2. The Lindens, The Lindens, The Lindens!
3. Me and Amelia Fletcher
4. The View From Your Room
5. Crash Landing of the Clod
6. Mercury Girl
7. Orange Creamsicle Head
8. The Garden
9. Patti Girl
10. Love Is Overrated

Jeanines and Lightheaded 2025 UK Tour Dates:

Jul 17 – London – Skep Wax Weekender
Jul 19 – London – Skep Wax Weekender @ The Lexington
Jul 20 – Brighton – The Albert
Jul 21 – Exeter – The Cavern
Jul 22 – Bristol – The Exchange
Jul 23 – Oxford – Common Ground
Jul 24 – Coventry – Just Dropped In
Jul 25 – Manchester – Gullivers
Jul 27 – Glasgow – Mono

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Season 2: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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A new Netflix docuseries is taking the internet by storm. This time around, the subject matter is a doozy.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing tells the story of The Squad, a group of child influencers who became viral sensations. While everything looked fun on camera, however, things weren’t as rosy behind the scenes.

Through interviews with former member and their parents, the docuseries asks interesting questions about the price of putting your life online, especially at such an early age. Hopefully, more people will listen.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Season 2 Release Date

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing premiered on Netflix on April 9, 2025, and consists of three episodes. At the time of writing, there are no plans for a potential sequel.

However, the docuseries quickly climbed in the streamer’s Top 10, proving there’s growing interest in this type of content.

Since there’s no shortage of underage social media stars, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Season 2 could eventually become a reality.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Cast

  • Claire RockSmith
  • Sawyer Sharbino
  • Corinne Joy
  • Sophie Fergi
  • Brandon Stewart
  • Taylor Lorenz

What Is Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing About?

The docuseries revolves around YouTube star Piper Rockelle and her mother/manager, Tiffany Smith.

Rockelle became a bona fide online star when she was just a child, as her YouTube and other social media channels began to gain traction.

Before long, she had millions of followers, and her mother started to recruit other kids to appear in the videos. The collective was lovingly referred to as The Squad. The children would be filmed hanging out together, doing pranks, chatting about crushes – that type of thing.

With time, Squad members and their parents alleged that Smith became more demanding and that she engaged in inappropriate behavior. In 2022, a few of them banded together to file a lawsuit alleging that the children were “frequently subjected to an emotionally, physically and sometimes sexually abusive environment.” The case was settled in 2024.

The Netflix docuseries features interviews with former Squad members and their parents, aiming to shed light on what went on behind the scenes. Besides, it asks important questions about the practice of creating online content involving children.

As we mentioned, there are currently no plans to expand the series. If we do get Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing season 2, however, the doco could become an anthology. It could focus on other kid influencers who are now old enough to tell their side of the story.

Are There Any Other Shows Like Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing?

If this docuseries resonated with you, you might like other shows that deal with online fame. The list includes Hulu’s The Age of Influence, streaming on Disney+ in the UK, and An Update On Our Family, available on Sky.

Grumpy, claire rousay, and Pink Must Collaborate on New Song ‘Harmony’

Grumpy, claire rousay, and more eaze – three artists who have been featured in our Artist Spotlight series – have joined forces for a new song, ‘Harmony’. more eaze, aka Mari Maurice, appears with Pink Must, her recent collaborative project with Lynn Avery. True to its name, the song is meticulously harmonious, but also plays with distortion in hypnotic ways. Listen to it below.

“This song was scientifically engineered so that every individual element will be stuck in your head at all times,” Pink Must said in a press release.

“I have no doubt in my mind that people will listen to this song and say ‘ya imma listen to that again’,” claire rousay added.

“I played bass and stuff,” Lynn Avery Murphy quipped.

And Heaven Schmitt, the leader of Grumpy, commented: “Women are notoriously difficult to work with but these three were actually really chill.”

Grumpy’s latest EP, Wolfed, came out in October. Schmitt then collaborated with country superstar Zach Bryan, so talk about a wide network. Read our interview with Grumpy.

MIKE and Tony Seltzer Announce New Album ‘Pinball II’, Share New Single ‘Prezzy”

MIKE and Tony Seltzer have shared the details of their new album Pinball II, which will follow March 2024’s Pinball. Out May 7 via 10k, the record is led by the dizzying ‘Prezzy’, which comes paired with a Nicholas Stafford Briggs-directed video. Check it out below.

Earl Sweatshirt and Niontay, who both guested on Pinball, appear on its sequel. The record also features Lunchbox, Sideshow, and production from Akachi, ivvys1, Laron, Dylvinci, Clams Casino, and MIKE himself. Earlier this year, MIKE dropped his latest solo LP, Showbiz!.

Pinball II Cover Artwork:

Pinball II Tracklist:

1. Sin City
2. Dolemite [feat. Lunchbox]
3. #71
4. WYC4
5. Golden Dragon
6. Money & Power
7. Belt
8. Sucka-Free
9. Angsty
10. DON’T FORCE IT
11. Hell Date [feat. Sideshow]
12. Splat!
13. Shaq & Kobe [feat. Niontay]
14. Amiri
15. Jumanji [feat. Earl Sweatshirt]
16. Chest Painz

Album Review: Julien Baker and TORRES, ‘Send a Prayer My Way’

On the surface, Send a Prayer My Way is the result of a decade-long friendship between two indie singer-songwriters with Southern roots and a longstanding love of country music. More deeply, it’s an opportunity for two remarkable voices – TORRES’ lower in register and full-bodied, Julien Baker’s higher and gentler – and approaches to songwriting – both bracingly vulnerable, with varying degrees of comedic levity – to entwine and make space for each other. “In my book there’s no such thing as guilty pleasure/ As long as your pleasure’s not unkind,” Mackenzie Scott sings on ‘The Only Marble I Have Left’, the closest the album comes to straight-up honky-tonk music. You could call it an act of subversion, but this is a record less concerned with reclaiming the genre’s traditions than reframing enduring themes of shame, betrayal, and heartache through a new, resilient lens and – more importantly – in good company. It’s an embrace, not some kind of reappraisal, which can make the ice thaw faster and devastating times, God willing, less so.


1. Dirt

Stark honesty is the first thing you’d expect from a Julien Baker and TORRES collaboration, but opener ‘Dirt’ goes a step further by dramatizing it. There’s no separation between the listener and the person Julien Baker dials up after last call: “If you ask how I’ve been doing, I won’t lie/ More than half the time, I’m only skating by/ Waiting for the ice to melt beneath me/ Why do I keep at it?” It sounds like a rhetorical question, but Baker is genuinely looking for answers before landing on the song’s devastating titular line: “Spend your whole life getting clean/ Just to wind up in the dirt.” She stretches the word clean with such pure, almost dreamy precision that the rawness of the truth strikes even harder. But the real magic, the moment where you realize the album’s potential, comes when Mackenzie Scott’s voice swings in to offer some form of understanding. It’s Aisha Burns’ strings, though, that ultimately prove the biggest balm.

2. The Only Marble I’ve Got Left

With Scott taking on lead vocals, Send a Prayer My Way introduces its playful, downright funny side on ‘The Only Marble I’ve Got Left’. Scott, especially, seems to delight in this slightly more ragged mode, delivering lyrics like, “If you get a taste with trouble/ Any given afternoon/ It won’t be me reining you in/ Oh, ‘cause I like trouble too.” Sounds like a healthy match!

3. Sugar in the Tank

Here’s a single so infectiously romantic and tuneful you could dress it up in any genre, but the duo’s countrified version is a true joy. I love how Baker’s declarations gradually and poetically become more concrete, especially as soon as Scott’s voice joins in: “I love you swimming upstream in a flash flood/ Wondering when I’m gonna drown.” There’s desperation in the yearning, and the song’s conversational nature suggests there’s a long distance still to be travelled. But the engine’s already running, no doubt.

4. Bottom of a Bottle

Scott’s singing aches louder than in any of the previous tracks on ‘Bottom of a Barrel’, a song of searching vulnerability by way of an explanation. The narrator is out looking for her woman; “Next thing I knew, I was horizontal and my friends were fishing me out of the bottom of a bottle.” Could be the same one from ‘Dirt’, all wound up. Baker, tellingly, doesn’t get her own verse, but she’s got her back.

5. Downhill Both Ways

Dreamy and, for most of its runtime, drumless, ‘Downhill Both Ways’ feels like it’s over before it’s begun. It’s a portrait of addition accentuated by wistful pedal steel, evoking point where there’s less wondering, just drowning. 

6. No Desert Flower

Scott’s melodic sensibility is instantly recognizable in the chorus, and though the folky arrangement is a bit of an odd fit for this one, the band subtly diverges from it. The two artists seem to have snuck a couple of more solo-sounding songs in the middle of the tracklist.

7. Tape Runs Out

Darker yet (convincingly) groovy, the song finds Baker returning to the subject of honesty: “How come you can always tell when I am lying/ And I hardly ever ask you for the truth?” The lack of control manifests in one of the most satisfying buildups either artist has laid to tape, culminating in an electrifying wash of instruments that all flirt with being in the red. Again, you wish it’d last a little longer.

8. Off the Waggon

There’s nothing rare about a country ballad about being down-and-out, barely hanging on; this album has given us a few already. But how many artists would care to find the perfect electric guitar tone to reinforce the matter-of-factness and weathered melancholy of a line like “It makes sense to want not to feel”? To make this sort of numbness seem not just inevitable, but tangible, reasonable? Baker finally belts it out, for maybe the only time on the record, as if to show it’s not for a lack of trying.

9. Tuesday

Many singles have preceded the release of Send a Prayer My Way, but ‘Tuesday’ and ‘Sugar in the Tank’, two of the earliest ones, represent the best aspects of Baker and TORRES’ collaborative songwriting – really two sides of the same coin. ‘Tuesday’, with its piercing specificity and narrative focus – not to mention TORRES’ mix of vulnerability and cheekiness – feels like the record’s crowning achievement. It turns the page back to a relationship that’s caused lasting shame but which was also, in many ways, eye-opening. The delivery is as engaging as the storytelling: at one point, Scott recalls the titular character asking her to write to her mother and apologize for the confusion – “That of course there had been no sin/ To emphasize how much I love Jesus and men.” Baker’s voice comes in as she adds and men, making it one hell of a punchline.

10. Showdown

The same way ‘No Desert Flower’ is a dead ringer of a TORRES song, the sparseness of ‘Showdown’ chillingly calls back to Julien Baker’s Sprained Ankle. It gets a little overshadowed here, but Baker’s voice is hard to ignore, like sadness in the loudest of settings. “Fireworks are going off all night around my house,” she sings, “And I can’t find a single thing to be happy about.” Reminds me of jasmine.4.t’s ‘Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation’, which Baker had a hand in producing. 

11. Sylvia

The conflict here is simple and universal, the twist being that Sylvia is actually Scott’s dog. “So alone when I’m not with you/ But I ache to see the world/ What’s it even mean to have everything/ If I can’t share it with my girl?” she sings. The hook is as memorable as the song is relatable, though it leaves something to be desired.

12. Goodbye Baby

Ending the record with ‘Goodbye Baby’, which opens with humorous in-studio banter between the two singers, suggests they were having too much fun making the record not to include a few lighter, more upbeat songs. Send a Prayer My Way may gnaw at the pain of saying goodbye, but it concludes with the often more powerful sentiment of returning home to your loved one. A thing to be happy about, that gives meaning to everything.

Hacks Season 5: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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The best series not enough people are talking about, Hacks, is back with season 4. It’s still firing on all cylinders.

With an appealing cast, hilarious jokes, and captivating storylines, the Emmy-winning comedy has the potential to run for years to come. Whether that will actually be the case, we can’t tell for sure. However, we very much hope so.

Hacks Season 5 Release Date

Hacks premiered in 2021 and was renewed a few short months later. Subsequent seasons dropped in 2022 and 2024.

Season 4, currently airing on Max, debuted in April 2025. Episodes are released weekly until the finale, scheduled for May 29.

At the time of writing, the comedy hasn’t been picked up for more episodes yet. If that happens, we’re confident we’ll get to see Hacks season 5 sometime in spring 2026.

Hacks Cast

  • Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
  • Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
  • Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus
  • Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
  • Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.

What Will Happen in Hacks Season 5?

Hacks centres on the relationship between legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian Deborah and 20-something writer Ava. When the show kicks off, Ava is down on her luck following a controversial tweet. To help them both out, their manager sends Ava to work with Deborah, hoping they’ll come out with fresh material.

While the two don’t see eye-to-eye at first, their partnership proves fruitful. Deborah decides to take more risks and maybe finally get what she always wanted. At the same time, Ava hones her skills and sees her career take a turn for the better.

The third season ended with Deborah landing her dream job as a late-night TV host and Ava basically blackmailing her into becoming head writer. The stakes are high in season 4, with the women reluctantly working together and being at odds. That never bodes well for either.

If they don’t fix their relationship, we don’t see Deborah’s show becoming a success – and whether or not it makes a splash will influence what happens moving forward. For now, all we can do is wait and see.

Thankfully, the showrunners are optimistic about the comedy’s future. While the initial plan was to make five seasons, that can easily chance.

“I think keeping the relationship fresh and making sure there are new places for Deborah and Ava to go, that is the beating heart of the show. If we found a way [to do more] that made sense, then maybe, yeah,” one of the show’s creators said when asked whether Hacks could continue beyond season 5.

We’ll take it.

Are There Any Other Shows Like Hacks?

No show is exactly like Hacks, which makes the comedy so special. That said, there are similar titles you can sample to see if they match your taste.

If you love Hacks for the stand-up comedy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and I’m Dying Up Here might be up your alley. Great shows about the entertainment industry include The Studio, Episodes, The Other Two, and The Comeback.

For age-gap humour, Only Murders in the Buildings is a delight. Finally, if the Deborah-Ava relationship is what pulls you in, check out UnREAL or Grace and Frankie.

The Last of Us Season 3: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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What can be more relaxing than watching a desolate, post-apocalyptic series in which most of humanity has been wiped off? Based on the enthusiasm surrounding the second season of The Last of Us, not much.

The sci-fi drama returned after a long break with an atmospheric premiere that set the tone for what’s to come. Even better, the quality remains consistent, with acting that gives you goosebumps and visuals that linger.

You can breathe easy: for now, the show’s ending is nowhere in sight.

The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date

The Last of Us premiered in January 2023 to critical acclaim. It broke viewership records and won eight Emmy awards, with fans praising the performances, story, and production.

As expected, the series was renewed for a second season which arrived in April 2025, following a two-year hiatus. At the time of writing, episodes roll out weekly, with the finale scheduled for May 25.

Thankfully, the show has already been renewed for more. Depending on how long fresh episodes take to film, we could get The Last of Us Season 3 in early 2027. While we would be thrilled for the series to return sooner, the long break between the first two installments doesn’t make that possibility very likely.

The Last of Us Cast

  • Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
  • Bella Ramsey as Ellie
  • Gabriel Luna as Tommy
  • Isabela Merced as Dina
  • Young Mazino as Jesse
  • Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

What Will Happen in The Last of Us Season 3?

The Last of Us is set 20 years after the breakout of a mass fungal infection that makes people turn into zombie-like creatures. Society as we know it is no more, and what’s left of humanity has a hard time keeping danger at bay.

In season 1, the action revolves around a smuggler, Joel, who travels across the US with a teenager, Ellie, attempting to safely escort her to a lab. She has immunity from the infection, and a group of scientists hope to use it to find a cure. Problem is, the two grow closer as they make their journey – and once they get there, Joel makes a decision that changes their lives for good.

The season 2 premiere catches up with Joel and Ellie five years later. Their relationship is strained, and they’ve settled into a community along with Joel’s brother Tommy. Soon, threats emerge and their personal issues unravel. There’s also a new player on the horizon, Abby, who seems set on wreaking all kinds of havoc.

With only the premiere out so far, it’s difficult to speculate what The Last of Us season 3 may bring. Abby’s path will eventually cross with that of our protagonists, a confrontation that will likely shape the narrative from there on.

For now, all we can do is hope that the action sequences will be explosive and the emotional beats will land. If the first season is any indication, there’s no doubt about it.

Is The Last of Us Based on a Book?

It’s actually based on a video game.

The series was inspired by the franchise created by Naughty Dog. Season 1 adapted the first game, The Last of Us, which came out in 2013. It’s widely praised as one of the greatest games of all time.

Sequel The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020. Its story is expected to act as a blueprint for the show moving forward. If you’re hungry for spoilers, start there.