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28 Breezy Songs to Listen to at the Beach
From '60s Motown to the hottest pop of 2024, listen to these tunes while you catch some rays.
Lia Beck is a freelance writer, who has been working in media for over 10 years. She is the former celebrity news editor at Bustle, and has since leaving that role freelanced for a variety of publications including Best Life, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, People, Entertainment Weekly, and more.
Lia has written primarily about entertainment and lifestyle topics, and has a particular interest in movies, reality TV, and fashion. Her published pieces include everything from essays to interviews to listicles. Aside from the writing she does for online publications, she enjoys writing personal essays.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she lives in New York City with her husband, dog, and baby son.
Heading to the beach? It's time to get your playlist ready. Whether you have a portable speaker or are looking to listen solo with some headphones, the beachy songs below are sure to get you in the right mood. They're summery. They're vibrant. They're simply the right summer vibe. You might even forget how sweaty you are. Don't forget sunscreen, though. It's one thing that more important than the right tunes!
Read on for 28 songs perfect for listening to at the beach and for an original Spotify playlist with all our picks. (Keep in mind that some songs include adult content and/or strong language.)
The song of summer 2024 is the first on our list. This single from Sabrina Carpenter includes somewhat nonsensical lines, like "that's that me espresso," but it's also extremely catchy and fun. Plus, the video is appropriately beach-themed.
2 | "Rockaway Beach" by The Ramones
Let's head back to 1977 for this song from classic punk band the Ramones. The simple tune is all about hitching a ride to New York City's Rockaway Beach, which is a popular seaside hangout in Queens.
3 | "Africa" by Toto
You need some yacht rock on your beach playlist. How about the calming sounds of Toto's "Africa," their big hit from 1982?
4 | "Watermelon Sugar "by Harry Styles
Regardless of the real meaning of "Watermelon Sugar," this Harry Styles song is pure summer—as is its sun-drenched video.
5 | "Summer Girls" by LFO
It's clear that LFO's "Summer Girls" is about a summer fling. What's less clear is what lyrics like "Michael J. Fox was Alex P. Keaton" and "Chinese food makes me sick" have to do with that. Still, it's a bop.
"Despacito" was the song of the summer back in 2019, and it's still just as infectious today.
7 | "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama
The 1983 song "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama definitely sounds summery, even if the lyrics are a little more of a bummer than most beach-worthy songs: "Hot summer streets and the pavements are burning, I sit around / Trying to smile, but the air is so heavy and dry." It's a cathartic track for anyone with the summer blues.
8 | "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift
That's right. This beach playlist has not one, but two "Cruel Summers." And they're both worthy. Taylor Swift's 2019 track isn't a cover of Bananarama's, but an original song about a new romance.
9 | "XO" by Beyoncé
This love song by Beyoncé has a fun, yet relaxing feel. Bonus summery points for the music video being set at the amusement park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
10 | "Holiday" by Madonna
Madonna's "Holiday" has overwhelmingly positively lyrics all about taking a holiday and "some time to celebrate." So why not take her advice? As she puts it, "It would be, it would be so nice."
11 | "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
Before Will Smith became one of the most famous actors on the planet, he was a rapper in the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. One of their biggest hits is about the hottest season and tells you what to do right in the chorus: "Time to sit back and unwind."
12 | "Calm Down" by Rema
Rema's "Calm Down" is just irresistible and chill—which you might expect from the title. There's also a remix featuring Selena Gomez.
13 | "Lust for Life" by Girls
This simple song is included for its sunny sound and featuring the lyrics, "I wish I had a suntan / I wish I had a pizza and a bottle of wine / I wish I had a beach house / And we could make a big fire every night." We're in!
14 | "Honey" by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's oeuvre includes a lot of love songs, some of which are very dramatic (looking at you, "We Belong Together"). This smooth 1997 dance track is a lighter one that's much more appropriate for a beach hang.
15 | "Is This Love" by Bob Marley
Reggae is the ideal music genre for a day of sun and sand. Every summer playlist needs at least one reggae song, and we'd recommend Bob Marley's "Is This Love."
Of course the most famous music artist to hail from Barbados makes great beach tunes. The lyrics of Rihanna's "Rude Boy" are plenty suggestive, and the beat will get you moving, should you want to have a dance party in the sand.
17 | "Surf Wax America" by Weezer
This 1994 song from Weezer's acclaimed Blue Album is a punk rock tribute to the Beach Boys, who had a few popular surf-themed tracks of their own.
18 | "Loca" by Shakira feat. Dizzee Rascal
A lot of Shakira songs have a fun and flirty feeling, but this one includes the lyrics: "Yo sigo tranquila, like I'm on a beach in Anguilla / Sippin' my Corona like it's nothin' goin' on." That would sound pretty good coming out of a Bluetooth speaker sitting in the sand, right?
19 | "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts
If the summer breeze makes you feel fine, then you definitely need this song on your playlist. This 1972 song has a soothing vintage groove to match its lyrics.
20 | "Steal My Sunshine" by Len
It's impossible not to be in a good mood and transported back to 1999 (a simpler time for you, perhaps?) when Len's "Steal My Sunshine" comes on.
Do you remember what you were doing in the summer of 2012? Probably hearing Carly Rae Jepsen's bubblegum pop hit "Call Me Maybe" everywhere and struggling to not sing along.
22 | "Feels Like Summer" by Childish Gambino
Come for the chill, summer vibes in this Childish Gambino groove. Stay for the message about climate change!
23 | "I Ain't Worried" by OneRepublic
If this OneRepublic tune was good enough for the beach football scene in Top Gun: Maverick, then it's good enough for your sunbathing session.
24 | "Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vandellas
This 1963 song from girl group Martha and the Vandellas is not about a literal heatwave, it's about falling in love—or at least lust. Obviously, it's a perfect song to listen to on a hot day.
25 | "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
Lil Nas X's ubiquitous debut was the song of the whole year, really, in 2019, and it's just as catchy five years later.
26 | "New Rules" by Dua Lipa
Taking to the beach to try and get over an ex? Dua Lipa's "New Rules" could come in handy. And if you need some inspiration for your beach attire, check out all the looks in the pop star's pool-set music video.
27 | "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee
"Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee sets a mood on the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, and it's one you'll probably want to recreate by the seaside.
28 | "When I'm with You" by Best Coast
The lyrics are mostly "when I'm with you, I have fun" over and over again. If that's a sentiment you want to share with your friends or your significant other while you take in some rays, add this Best Coast track to your playlist.
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.
A sweet treat after dinner, a little afternoon pick-me-up with coffee—having a bite of candy is one of life's simple pleasures. However, for some Walmart and Dollar General shoppers, this seemingly simple purchase may have serious consequences. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just expanded a recall of white candy-coated pretzels, cookies, and snack mixes from Palmer Candy Company over potential Salmonella contamination. The food items were sold at the aforementioned stores, as well as Target and HyVee.
Sioux City, Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company, a 145-year-old, family-owned business, first issued a voluntary recall of its products on May 5. This came after it learned from its liquid coating supplier that its "White Coated Confectionary Items" possibly contained Salmonella.
Then, on Aug. 12, the FDA reclassified the recall to Class I, its highest level, reports USA Today. This level is used for "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," explains the FDA.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Salmonella most commonly causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach pains. Though it's the most common type of bacterial food poisoning in the U.S., it typically resolves itself within a few days. However, in severe cases, it can lead to severe dehydration, bacteremia, osteomyelitis, and reactive arthritis. In rare cases, it can become fatal, mainly in those who have compromised immune systems or sickle cell disease.
As of the time of writing, no illnesses connected to the recall had been reported.
The recall list now includes 29 items, most of which are candy-coated pretzels or cookies, as well as snack mixes that contain the coated pretzels or nuts. Expiration dates of the food products range from Nov. 2024 to April 2025. They were sold in stores throughout Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Palmer Candy CEO Marty Palmer told the Des Moines Register that the recall includes "thousands and thousands, many tons of products because we use a lot of white coatings." Production of the white coating has since been halted while the FDA completes its investigation to find the source of the contamination.
"While there is a very, very small chance [of contamination], when you are working with food and safety, 99.9% is not 100%. I only want my products to be 100% safe for our customers,” Palmer told the news outlet. "That’s why the U.S. food system is the best in the world."
You can view the FDA announcement for a full list of recalled items. If you find that you've purchased one of them, you can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Birthstones can make a birthday personable and special, but they’re more than pretty shiny gems that can be worn as jewelry. It’s been long believed they hold symbolic meanings and can say a great deal about your personality traits. Like zodiac signs, birthstones can provide insight into who you are but also have an energy that influences aspects of our lives, like love. Birthstones have a vibrant charm that can help you navigate, and Best Life spoke with astrologer Alice Smith, who breaks down what each birthstone means for your love life.
Garnets are gems with historical significance that were used as protective charms to ward off negativity. They’re associated with love and inner fire, and if a garnet is your birthstone, you can be passionate, committed, and devoted.
“Garnet energy encourages you to open up in love and to let go of your inhibitions, Smith tells us. “Its energy is enlivening and heartfelt, so if a garnet is your birthstone, its energy can help you to stay optimistic and present in your relationships. Garnet energy supports you in feeling safe and secure in yourself so that you’re able to give generously and receive love without fear.
February: Amethyst
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Amethyst has long been known as the “couple’s stone” because it’s associated with love and fidelity.
“By strengthening your connection to your inner wisdom, amethyst can help you tune out anxious chatter and see your relationships and partners clearly,” says Smith. “If amethyst is your birthstone, you have the ability to navigate your relationships through the clarity of your intuition. Listen to your gut.”
March: Aquamarine
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The Aquamarine gem symbolizes peacefulness, clarity, and serenity. If this is your birthstone, you embody loyalty and truth in love.
“In matters of love, the energy of the aquamarine helps you to be vulnerable and trusting in relationships, explains Smith. “The act of letting go of control is a courageous act, and aquamarine energy supports our bravery when we need help leaning into love and trusting our partners, which can often feel like diving into an unfamiliar ocean. But like the sailors at sea that the aquamarine is said to protect, if this is your birthstone, it encourages you to dive in and trust in the outcome.”
April: Diamond
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Diamonds have been the go-to gem for engagement rings for centuries and symbolize eternal love and longevity in relationships.
“If the diamond is your birthstone, it means that the best relationships for you are genuine and uncomplicated,” says Smith. “Because of the diamond’s translucent and clear qualities, it also represents innocence, so the most important thing in a relationship, if a diamond is your birthstone, is just to be yourself and not overthink.”
May: Emerald
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Emeralds are connected to harmony and love and enhance domestic happiness when worn. The pretty green gem is also known for its prosperity and for setting emotional balance in relationships.
“You know what they say—you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself,” Smith states. “ If the emerald is your birthstone, its energy can help you uncover your inner beauty and worthiness. For those who have the emerald as their birthstone, the path to love is through loving themselves first.”
June: Pearl
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Seen as a symbol of love, affection, and meaning because they take years to form, pearls are popular gifts to give as earrings and necklaces for different occasions such as birthdays, graduation, and anniversaries.
According to Smith, “If the pearl is your birthstone, then it teaches you that you can still get what you want by listening and cooperating with your partner. The pearl’s energy encourages us to let go of the need to be right and to win because, in a partnership, you only win together or not at all.”
July: Ruby
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The fiery red ruby is associated with sensuality and inspires confidence when worn. The stone is also said to decrease anxiety and stress and ignite passion.
“The ruby’s energy brings passion and vigor into relationships, says Smith. If the ruby is your birthstone, it’s time to open your heart and let love reign. Be brave in love and stay present in your relationships so that you can truly enjoy them. The energy of the ruby makes love feel vibrant and alive, so get out and do things together more with your partner.”
August: Peridot
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Peridot represents compassion and peace. Some believe this stone can bring healing energy when worn and can balance the mind and emotions in relationships.
“If peridot is your birthstone, then you can use it to let go of the past, Smith says. “Peridot can help you move forward in your relationships by helping you to release old grudges. It soothes fears so that you can make room for grace and forgiveness in your love life. Having this as a birthstone means that your strength in love is the ability to identify whether something is actually a big deal and let it slide if it’s not.”
September: Sapphire
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The striking deep blue color of the sapphire symbolizes commitment and true life. If this is your birthstone, you’re likely to instill stability and wisdom in your romantic relationship.
According to Smith, a sapphire “can help stop unwanted and intrusive thoughts. It can help you see your relationship clearly, so when you’re feeling emotionally reactive, you can use the energy of the sapphire to clear your mind.”
She adds, “This birthstone helps you to stay objective in emotional situations so that you can maintain a bird’s eye view of your relationship. It doesn’t mean that emotions don’t matter—sapphire energy just helps to keep emotions from clouding judgment.”
October: Opal
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Opals are associated with many things in love, including creativity, safeguarding precious qualities, uniqueness, and passion. It’s a seductive stone that can also balance emotions in relationships.
“If the opal is your birthstone, your love life flowers when it’s expressive and fun,” says Smith. “There’s a reason why we call things that are multicolored ‘opalescent,’ and it’s because the opal contains within it a glittering myriad of colors. So for those with opal birthstones they thrive best when their love lives are interesting and active. If opal is your birthstone, its energy can help you keep your relationship from getting boring and stale!”
November: Citrine
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Known as the Radiant Rock for Love, citrine is often associated with hope, optimism, and joy. It can attract happiness and positivity in relationships.
“To have citrine as a birthstone means that you must infuse your love life with laughter, Smith explains. “Citrine energy encourages you to be an active participant in generating goodwill and cheer in your relationship, as opposed to opting for suspicion and criticism.”
Life has its challenges that can’t be overlooked, but in love, the citrine stone is a reminder that things don’t always have to be hard.
“At the end of the day, citrine energy wants to help us to lighten up and enjoy life, so in matters of love, it reminds us that love should be fun, too, Smith says.
December: Turquoise
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In love, turquoise symbolizes durability, everlasting love, and strong commitment. It can also represent peace and harmony and is often seen as good luck.
According to Smith, “Turquoise energy helps to encourage healthy and honest communication in relationships. If the turquoise is your birthstone, then it can help you to create a safe and brave space within which you and your partner can communicate honestly and openly.”
She adds, “In relationships, turquoise energy protects against miscommunication. Instead of contracting when things get difficult, the turquoise gently encourages us to do the opposite, which is to open up and listen.”
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.