Lauren Gray is a New York-based writer, editor, and consultant. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from Kenyon College.
Doctors and dietitians agree: If you want to improve your health, one of the best things you can do is to eat a nutrient-dense diet full of whole, plant-based foods. Of course, there's also an important role for lean sources of protein, the building blocks that make up our muscles, bones, cartilage, blood, skin, enzymes, and more. Experts recommend eating chicken, turkey, fatty fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts, while also limiting your intake of red meat and processed meat, such as steak, pork, deli meat, and sausages.
"Eating large amounts of red meat, particularly processed varieties, is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases such as colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. This is often due to the presence of carcinogenic compounds formed during meat processing or cooking," says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, the average American eats at least five servings of red or processed meat per week—but the World Cancer Research Fund International says we should eat no more than three. To complicate matters further, we often don't realize that our portion sizes are wildly out of scale.
"Eating a steakhouse filet, which typically weighs up to 12 ounces, you could consume roughly three and a half servings in a single meal," Harvard experts warn.
Wondering how eating too much red meat could be impacting your health? These are the 10 signs you're consuming too much, according to doctors and dietitians.
One of the most common problems associated with eating too much red meat is developing digestive problems. As Routhenstein explains, because red meat is low in fiber, eating it can cause constipation or bloating. It may also irritate the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Brynna Connor, MD, a board-certified family physician and healthcare ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com, explains why fiber can have such a profound impact on gut health.
"Fiber has several functions in the digestive tract. It helps waste move through the body, increases the size of your stool, softens it (making it easier to pass!), and regulates bowel movements," Connor says.
"When your body isn't getting enough dietary fiber, waste doesn't move through your body as efficiently, and your stool hardens and becomes more difficult to pass. It then sits in your colon for longer, allowing bacteria to ferment, which releases gas that causes bloating," the physician tells Best Life.
2. High LDL cholesterol
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Having high cholesterol is usually asymptomatic, but you may learn that you have it through testing at your doctor's office. If you have high LDL cholesterol—the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and harden them—this may be a sign that you're eating too much red meat.
"Elevated LDL and apoB laboratory levels, markers of plaque-forming cholesterol, can indicate excessive intake of red meat's high saturated fat and TMAO content, which may increase the risk of heart disease," says Routheinstein.
Another symptom you might notice at your next medical check-up is high blood pressure.
"Red meat tends to be higher in overall calories and fat, specifically saturated fat and cholesterol. While much debate continues around this, solid evidence links a higher red meat consumption to increased cardiovascular disease risk," says Jennie Stanford, MD, an obesity medicine physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. She notes that this can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
"Hypertension (high blood pressure) is another potential effect of too much red meat, especially the heavily processed types," she adds.
4. Bad breath
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If you're struggling with halitosis, this may also be related to your red meat consumption.
"There are several reasons why red meat, especially when eaten in large quantities, can contribute to unpleasant smells, either through bad breath or body odor," says Connor. "When it comes to bad breath, if you don't brush or floss adequately after eating meat, residual pieces can become stuck in your teeth and attract bacteria, which leads to an unpleasant odor."
"Halitosis can also occur because when the body breaks down protein during the digestive process, it creates ammonia as a bi-product, some of which can escape through your mouth, and typically smells similar to cat urine," she adds.
It's also not uncommon to develop body odor as a result of eating too much red meat.
"Foul-smelling body odor can be due to eating too much red meat, and it happens because red meat can be difficult for the body to break down," Connor explains. "Red meat leaves a residue in the digestive tract, which mixes with bacteria to create fatty acids and is then expelled from the body through sweat. When the fatty acids mix with bacteria on the skin (especially in larger quantities, which can occur when eating too much red meat), it can have an offensive smell."
6. Skin problems
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Skin problems can also be explained by your diet if you tend to eat too much red meat.
"Excessive red meat intake, especially with high saturated fat content, can contribute to skin issues such as acne or dullness due to its impact on overall inflammation levels," Routhenstein points out.
Eating lots of protein is usually associated with vitality and physical vigor since your muscles need protein to grow and repair. However, the experts point out that eating too much red meat can leave you feeling fatigued or weak.
"Although your protein intake may be high if you eat a lot of red meat, it may come at the expense of other essential vitamins, minerals, and/or nutrients your body needs to function properly," says Connor. "Often, nutritional deficiencies can manifest as fatigue or weakness, which can be caused by eating too much red meat."
8. Weight Gain
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Eating lots of protein is usually associated with vitality and physical vigor since your muscles need protein to grow and repair. However, the experts point out that eating too much red meat can leave you feeling fatigued or weak.
"Although your protein intake may be high if you eat a lot of red meat, it may come at the expense of other essential vitamins, minerals, and/or nutrients your body needs to function properly," says Connor. "Often, nutritional deficiencies can manifest as fatigue or weakness, which can be caused by eating too much red meat."
Your gut health influences your inflammation levels, and your inflammation levels influence your likelihood of developing a wide range of chronic illnesses. Connor says that if you eat excessive amounts of red meat regularly, you may develop joint pain as one expression of chronic inflammation.
"Red meat is higher in fat (and saturated fat) than other types of protein, and research has shown that it may increase levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine, which are markers of inflammation," the physician tells Best life. "This inflammation is not limited to the gut but can manifest in the joints."
She adds that another reason too much red meat can potentially cause joint pain is that it's high in purines, a natural chemical found in our bodies. "When broken down, these create uric acid. When uric acid builds up in the blood it creates crystals that get lodged in joints, which leads to pain and swelling," Connor explains.
10. Kidney disease
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People who eat too much red meat may also simply be eating too much protein overall. One of the most common symptoms of hypoproteinemia is that it can affect kidney function.
Raj Dasgupta, MD, a medical reviewer for NCOA and an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, previously told Best Life that if you already have kidney disease, following a high-protein diet may worsen your kidney function. This is because the body may not be able to remove all of the waste products associated with proteins.
Recent research also suggests that some people may experience kidney symptoms, even if they have no history of impaired kidney function. A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) found that high-protein diets were associated with an increased incidence of de novo (new onset) chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Ever since the late 90s, low-carb diets—those that drastically limit the number of carbohydrates one consumes—have been at the forefront of the weight-loss industry. Though the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calorie intake, a low-carb diet usually means eating 100 grams or less of carbohydrates per day.The theory goes that by pushing your body into a state of ketosis, a metabolic state in which you burn fat instead of glucose, you'll drop more pounds. To enter such a state, people who follow low-carb diets will typically forego added sugars, grains, refined carbohydrates such as those found in cookies or crackers, fruit, some vegetables, and more.
However, a 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open has found that not all low-carb foods are created equally when it comes to weight loss. Those researchers reviewed data from three large prospective cohort studies that included over 123,000 subjects and determined that low-carb diets that focused on high-quality macronutrients from healthy plant-based foods were associated with less weight gain. Meanwhile, low-carb diets centered on animal-sourced proteins, fats, or refined carbohydrates were associated with more weight gain.
Read on for the 10 worst low-carb foods when you want to move the needle on the scale.
In general, processed meats are best avoided for your health because they're high in sodium and trans fats—both of which are unhealthy for your heart. Experts say they can also contribute to weight gain despite being low in carbohydrates.
Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, says this is true regardless of type: Sausages made of processed beef, pork, chicken, or turkey can all slow movement on the scale.
"These are low in carbs but high in salt, which can lead to water retention and bloating, potentially hindering weight loss efforts," she explains.
2. Low-carb cookies or crackers
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If you eat low-carb cookies or crackers in the place of more traditional pre-packaged snacks, this may help you lose weight. However, experts note that these are still highly processed and can be labeled misleadingly, leading to slowed progress.
"Although these may be low in carbs, they are often higher in fat and total calories since they often use ground nuts and seeds in them," points out Liz Weinandy, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
She notes that rather than eating low-carb processed foods, it's better to eat healthy carbs from natural sources—for instance, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
"Time and time again, studies show those who eat more plant foods have better health and lower risks for many chronic diseases," the dietitian says. "A better approach would be to lower the amount of ultra-processed carbs," even those that are labeled as being low in carbohydrates.
If you've been on TikTok lately, you may have noticed the viral trend of the "carnivore diet," a restrictive meal plan in which dieters eat only meat and other animal products, such as eggs and dairy. However, experts say that not only is this a heart health hazard, but it may also backfire when it comes to weight loss.
"Fatty red meat, like ribeye steak, contains significant amounts of saturated fat, which can increase insulin resistance and inflammation, thereby hindering progress toward weight loss goals," says Routhenstein.
The dietitian notes that deli meats are also poor additions to your weight loss diet: "Processed meats like salami are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives, which can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems."
4. Low-carb cocktails and beer
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When you want to lose weight, it's a good idea to cut back on your alcohol consumption. But simply switching to low-carb cocktails or beer at your previous volume is unlikely to yield the results you're after.
"Even low-carb alcohol still has calories in it, and these can add up," says Weinandy, noting that alcohol slows down the metabolism. "Most beverages with calories, if consumed regularly, can thwart weight loss efforts. This is why water and calorie-free tea and coffee is recommended over any sugary beverage."
When you're following a low-carb diet, it's best to reach for high-quality oils and fats to cook with—for instance, extra virgin olive oil.
"Butter, although it doesn't contain carbs, is calorically dense and high in saturated fat, which can impede weight loss goals by contributing to excess calorie intake," says Routhenstein.
6. Cheese
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Most types of cheese contain few or no carbs—but that doesn't mean they'll necessarily result in weight loss.
For instance, cream cheese—despite being low in carbs—is rich in saturated fats and calories. "Excessive consumption of cream cheese may lead to weight gain and negatively affect heart health," warns Routhenstein.
Condiments are often a hidden source of calories—which is why they can easily sabotage your weight loss goals if not portioned out carefully.
"Just one tablespoon of mayonnaise, about the size of your thumb from the tip to where it meets your palm, is 100 calories," notes Weinandy. "It's easy to use two to three tablespoons on a single sandwich. Low-carb? Yes. Low calorie? No!"
8. Whipped cream
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Whipped cream contains only 1.75 grams of carbohydrates per quarter cup, yet Routhenstein warns against it.
"Whipped cream is low in carbs but high in saturated fats and sugars, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess," she says.
9. Nuts and seeds
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Nuts and seeds can be a nutrient-dense snack that helps keep you fuller for longer. However, they're also calorie-dense—and this can lead to weight gain if you don't consider portion control.
"Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of nutrients, containing many different micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and fiber. However, they are high in fat and calories, too," says Weinandy.
She notes that though nuts contain healthy, monounsaturated fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, the calories will still add up and can prevent weight loss.
10. Artificial sweeteners
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Though it's a good idea to minimize sugar on any diet plan, some experts say that replacing it with artificial sweeteners can backfire.
"Research is mixed on sugar substitutes, with some studies showing they can help with weight loss and others showing no benefit or even worse—that they may increase appetite. There may even be a larger negative to using these, though. There is concern they may negatively affect the gut microbiome, and over time, this can affect many aspects of our health," warns Weinandy.
The best part about redecorating is shopping for everything from cozy linens to elegant table decor to funky accent chairs. But ask anyone who’s ever spearheaded an interior design project before; home decor doesn’t come cheap—especially when you have your eyes set on trendy pieces from Crate & Barrel or have a taste for the luxurious finishes of là Pottery Barn. However, according to Walmart shoppers, the retailer has home decor dupes for these high-end brands that would leave even Rachel Green impressed. And best of all, they’re up to $1,000 cheaper. Keep reading to see what Walmart shoppers are adding to their carts.
Made from a natural blend of jute, cotton, and wool, this floral accent rug from Walmart is $276 cheaper than its Pottery Barn version. The handwoven, frayed rug comes in a variety of sizes, whether you’re looking for a new doormat or something to position under the living room couch.
“You’re sleeping on Walmart…they are giving us the budget decor,” said one Walmart shopper on TikTok before showing off her dupe find. “It is under $20.”
She noted that the 2’x3’ rug is the perfect “doormat version,” “bathroom version,” or even “kitchen sink version.”
2. Dupe for Crate & Barrel's Swivel Accent Chair
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“Can you even believe this bird cage swivel chair is from Walmart? It looks super high-end and expensive, but it’s super affordable,” raved one TikToker.
With its lightweight, curved frame and upholstered linen fabric, this swivel chair belongs in any room of the house. Crate & Barrel sells a similar version for $1,299, but Walmart shoppers can get the dupe for just $274.
At the time of publication, the Lillian Swivel Birdcage Chair was sold out, but Walmart shoppers can sign up to be notified when it restocks.
3. Dupe for Pottery Barn's Diamond Quilt
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Is your bedroom in need of a major refresh? Swapping out old bedding for new linens, like Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen Diamond Quilt, that are weighted or a different color or texture can transform your space. Luckily for Walmart shoppers, the retailer has a dupe that’s almost 80 percent cheaper.
“I found these Better Homes & Gardens Diamond Quilts for only $55, compared that to the Pottery Barn Diamond Quilt sets that are $299,” said one TikToker.
You can never have too many vases, and now, Walmart shoppers can score a dupe for the trendy Acacia Wooden Vase from Pottery Barn for just 19.88. That’s a $439 price difference!
5. Dupe for Pottery Barn's Reed 4-Drawer Dresser
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Pottery Barn is beloved for its minimalist furniture, but redecorating can rack up a hefty bill—and fast. That’s why many shoppers are turning to Walmart for bedroom furniture like the Modern Farmhouse 4-Drawer Chest, which is a dupe for the Pottery Barn Reed 4-Drawer Dresser —and it costs $980 less. Walmart customers can even score the same dresser in a rustic white design for even less than the polished wood version.
It feels like 2024 simply won’t let up with health scares, with the onset of bird flu, rising COVID cases, and foodborne illness. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm on yet another troubling trend: an increase in human parvovirus cases. While people who contract the seasonal respiratory virus are often asymptomatic, there are certain signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for.
In an Aug. 13 Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, the CDC noted the increase in parvovirus B19 (also known as fifth disease) in the U.S. There was an earlier uptick in reported cases in 14 European countries.
Roughly 50 percent of adults have detectable parvovirus B19 antibodies (signaling a past infection and presumed protection against reinfection) by the time they’re 20, and more than 70 percent have them by 40. However, new data from the CDC revealed that the proportion of people of all ages with IgM antibodies—which indicate a recent infection—increased between 2022 and 2024. The greatest increase was observed in children between the ages of 5 and 9.
The virus is “highly transmissible in respiratory droplets,” and people working in schools with children are at a higher risk of infection. Some students and staff are infected during school outbreaks, while others are infected after “household exposure.” The illness can also be transmitted from a mother to a fetus during pregnancy or through certain kinds of blood and plasma transfusions. However, the CDC notes that “transfusion-associated parvovirus B19 infection is extremely rare.”
Those infected with parvovirus B19 might not show any symptoms, but when they do appear, they’re typically mild and appear in two phases. During the first phase, people may experience a fever, myalgia (muscle pain), and general malaise roughly a week after being infected. On its page outlining parvovirus B19, the CDC notes that headache, cough, sore throat, rashes, and joint pain can also occur. People are most contagious during this phase, which typically lasts five days.
During the second phase, adults may have a rash on the trunk of the body and joint pain, while kids often develop a “characteristic facial rash,” also known as a “slapped cheek” appearance. This may also be followed by a net-like rash and joint pain. When the rash shows up, children are no longer contagious.
The CDC notes that people generally only require care during the acute phase and then recover completely. Complications like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), hepatitis, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) are rare. However, those without preexisting immunity to parvovirus B19 who are pregnant, those who have weakened immune systems, and those with a specific form of anemia can have “adverse health outcomes.”
The CDC recommends familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and its respiratory virus guidance, especially if you are at higher risk of severe disease. You should also seek medical care if you are pregnant and have been exposed to parvovirus B19 or show symptoms, as well as if you have an underlying condition and symptoms of the virus.
Inflation fell just below 3% (2.9%) for the first time since 2021, which makes it the perfect time to look at your financial matters with a fresh perspective. But how can you take advantage of the current economic climate? “The top ways to grow your wealth are really simple, almost deceptively so,” self-made millionaire and author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit Sethi tells CNBC. “And they seem boring, but they are the ones that actually work.” So what should you do? Here’s how to save money and grow wealth, according to financial experts.
Consider investing even a small amount of money to grow wealth. “Invest a percentage of your income every year automatically and increase that percentage 1%,” Sethi says. “We often believe that rich people have access to secret investments, and that’s how they make a ton of money. Listen, I have access to those investments, and I can tell you right now, they typically do not perform better than a simple S&P index fund. The ordinary truth is that you can get great returns with a simple low-cost long-term index fund.”
2. Make More Money
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Don’t feel limited by the amount of money you make. "An often-overlooked option to save more money is to make more,” Kevin M. Curley, II, CFP, wealth advisor at Global Wealth Advisors, tells CBS News. “Working to improve or build up a skillset can increase an employee's value and the amount of money someone might be willing to pay them. Market any specialized skills on social media platforms by broadcasting them to anyone who will listen. You don't have to be an influencer to make money on YouTube, for example. It is possible to reach people who are interested in very niche areas and start making money with only 1,000 subscribers.”
2. Plan Ahead
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Plan ahead when doing food shopping or planning to go to a restaurant so you don’t get tempted by something outside your budget. "Be honest with yourself and set expectations with friends and family who might be expecting you to pick up the tab or purchase a gift,” Dr. Kate Mielitz, Accredited Financial Counselor at Beyond Finance, tells CBS News. “Yes, it's hard, and uncomfortable, to say, 'I can't afford it,' but it pays off when you have money in your account at the end of the pay period.”
4. Switch Service Providers
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Consider switching service providers to save money. "As a personal example, I recently switched telecom services and found it was 30% cheaper, and the plan gave me free cell service for the first year," Curley says. “Shopping around for home and auto insurance rates can be a good way to save money,” says Nia Adams, personal finance educator at Perspectives.
5. Is Your Salary Fair?
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Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise to make sure you are getting a fair wage. “Learn the skills of negotiating your salary and getting paid what you’re worth,” Sethi says.
6. Side Hustle
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Consider making more money by exploring side hustles. By using your spare time to work on new projects, you can make more money. “If you really want to increase your earnings, consider starting a business on the side,” Sethi says.
7. Reduce Investment-Related Fees
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Don’t overlook the fees on your investment accounts. "Fees are imperative to consider when choosing an investment because they can diminish your investment returns, and with compound interest, can cost you a substantial amount of money over time," Vincent Grosso, founder at Pascack Capital, tells CBS News. "To save money, investors can look for less expensive fund options. A more expensive fund does not always equate to a superior fund. Evaluating your fund fees can save you money today, and your future self will thank you, as well.”
Netflix fans rejoice—the streaming giant just renewed two major shows. Supacell and The Gentleman will both be returning for season 2 after performing very well in their initial seasons. “The world of The Gentlemen is a little bit of me,” Ritchie previously told Netflix. “We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast.” Here’s what to expect in season 2 of both hit shows.
According to the official description, Supacell is about “a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.”
2. What's Next?
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Creator Rapman says he has a clear idea of what will happen on the show. “I’ve always had it [mapped out] to Season 3. I know how Season 2 ends,” he told Tudum. “I’ve got stuff planned for this story. I’ve had this in my head for years, so I’m ready to go.”
3. Just Getting Started
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Rapman says each of the five Supacell heroes is just getting started. “Supacell Season 1 is my Batman Begins. It’s a prequel of what they’ll be like,” he told Tudum. “Season 2 is when you really see what they become. That future you saw at the end of the pilot in London, that exact future doesn’t exist anymore. They’ve changed everything. It’s going to be interesting when we get into the writers’ room.”
4. What's The Gentlemen About?
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The Gentlemen, based on the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name, is coming back for another 8-episode season. “When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren't going anywhere,” says Netflix in their official description.
5. What's Next?
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Even the cast are full of questions and speculations about what’s coming next. “It’d be fun to see the business spread a bit more,” Kaya Scodelario, who plays Susie, tells Tudum. “How do they take it to the next level? They’re very adamant about not getting into the chop game, so how do they then continue to build the empire? Where does that take them? How does the new structure of the business work practically?”
6. What About Susie and Eddie?
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Fans of the relationship between Susie and Eddie should be prepared for anything. “I think they’ve grown to love each other in their own way, but I think they’ll never fully trust each other because they are so different and they’re from such vastly different worlds,” Theo James told Tudum. “There’s a love between them, but ultimately they will never be from the same cloth.”
7. Supacell Rave Reviews
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Supacell scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike raving about the show. “Though the excitement of supernatural abilities and the magic of science fiction ripple across the show, the series also explores major themes that disproportionately affect Black people, including human trafficking, extreme surveillance, pervasive global anti-Blackness and predatory medical practices,” writes Aramide Tinubu for Variety.
8. London Superheroes
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Other reviews highlight the unique aspect of having a superhero story take place amongst people of color in London. “This is not your typical superhero origin story, where preserving truth, justice and the American way is the primary concern,” Leila Latif writes for The Guardian. “Instead, the characters are operating in a society where the odds are stacked against them, and they are all struggling to make ends meet and avoid violence. Their priority is to use the unexpected new tools at their disposal to even the playing field.”
9. Cheeky Humor
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Fans of Guy Ritchie will know what to expect from The Gentlemen. “As you’d expect from the prolific and provocative filmmaker behind Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, etc., The Gentlemen is filled with cheeky humor, sweeping camera movements, callbacks to previous plot developments and the occasional use of a graphic that spells out definitions and sometimes does some convenient math for us,” Richard Roeper says cia the Chicago Sun-Times.