How to Make Meaningful Small Talk

Chatting with strangers is an everyday part of being an adult, whether you’re at a networking event, a friend’s birthday party, or your day job. If you’re an extrovert, the new convos might be just what you need. But if you hate the very idea of small talk, it’s important to find ways to manage social events with ease and recharge after a hectic holiday season to reduce your stress. We chatted with author Vanessa Van Edwards, who runs a human behavior lab called The Science of People, about how we can all learn to better navigate social situations. Her book, Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People, delves even deeper into the idea of how to use science to better understand human behavior.

1. Record yourself. In a blog post on vocal power, Van Edwards shares research showing that people judge how trustworthy or dominant you are within seconds of hearing your voice. As Van Edwards points out, “We focus on the script of our conversations or pitches, but we forget the how. When you master your conversational voice, people want to hear what you have to say.” Her best suggestion is to record yourself in different settings — chatting with friends, giving a presentation, and speaking aloud on your own. Determine what types of settings spike your nerves, then try one of the calming techniques below to quell the nervousness that might cause your voice to waver.

2. Calm your nerves. Van Edwards suggests a few tried-and-true methods for keeping yourself relaxed. Deep breathing throughout the day will help you fall into a more calming natural breathing pattern. “So when it comes times to speak, you’ll have less trouble doing it when your nerves kick in,” she says. Stay hydrated a few hours before an event so your voice doesn’t dry out when you’re speaking. Lastly, stand or sit up straight. Van Edwards says, “Research has found that our physicality can affect the sound of our voice. Standing or sitting straight while speaking radiates maximum resonance and power.”

3. Perfect your handshake. “Your handshake is a key component of your first impression,” says Van Edwards. If your palms tend to get sweaty, try Van Edwards’s napkin trick. “Order a drink from the bar and wrap a napkin around the glass. Hold the glass with your handshaking hand so the napkin absorbs your sweat before you shake someone’s hand.” Another key point: Keep your hand vertical and your thumb pointed toward the sky. Use a firm shake that’s not too tight or too limp. These simple suggestions will give anyone who meets you a positive first impression.

4. Find conversational sparks. If you’re at an event and you want to chat to a particular VIP, Van Edwards says the best way to be memorable is to fuel dopamine in the speaker. “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in the amygdala when we feel pleasure. Molecular biologist Dr. John Medina likens dopamine to a mental marker. When you produce dopamine during a conversation, you not only give your partner more enjoyment, but you are also assigned more significance, which increases your memorability,” says Van Edwards. Look for that person’s hot-button issues — a topic, hobby, or activity that lights them up — by asking questions about what they’re passionate about.

5. Look for engagement cues. Keep an eye out for verbal affirmations that indicate you’ve hit on a topic that excites the person you’re talking to: “Wow!” “Fascinating.” “Aaah!” Nonverbal gestures like leaning in, raising eyebrows, or smiling and using more animated gestures mean you’ve sparked some dopamine. “When you are interested, listen, and let people talk, they feel pleasure,” which is a great way to give a lasting impression, according to Van Edwards.

6. Give a unique spin on your job title. One of the first questions most people ask when they meet someone new is “What do you do?” Instead of giving a simple response, spice it up with a new take on your original job title. Says Van Edwards, “Quicken Loans has a ‘vice president of miscellaneous stuff’ who helps with a little bit of everything. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt calls its receptionists ‘directors of first impressions’ since they are typically the company’s greeters.” Be creative and you’ll be remembered.

7. Use body language to exit gracefully. When you’re at a social event and want to end a conversation with the person you’re talking to, try these suggestions to make a smooth exit. “Your last impression is just as important as your first impression,” says Van Edwards. “Point your toes in the direction where you want to go. The other person’s brain will pick up on this signal and copy you or speak more quickly.” Politely distance yourself by turning your head slightly toward the door or food table while still maintaining eye contact. Step back slightly or lean back in your chair to tee-up that you’ll be leaving soon.

What’s your best tip for rocking small talk with strangers? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know.

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(Featured photo via Getty)

If it weren't for pop culture and society-at-large prioritizing picture-perfect celebrity couplesor the idealistic "happily ever after," I don't think I would've been as obsessed with falling in love as I was during my 20s. I'm not kidding: my single era could've been used as a case study because I spent entirely too much time fantasizing about "Mr. Right" or "Prince Charming." It's probably why I laugh maniacally whenever I see Shrek's depiction of the latter because I know firsthand how awful some self-professed "nice guys" can be.

But I'd be lying if I said failed situationships and relationships didn't make me lament entering the solo phase again. I almost felt — dare I say — ashamed to be "alone." I liken it to being the only person in a crowd who's wearing their underwear over their cute outfit while someone plays the world's smallest violin in the background. It's a feeling journalist Nicola Slawson's all too familiar with, hence her desire to pen a powerful single girls manifesto for anyone who's still learning how to embrace this season of their lives.

Scroll to see author Nicola Slawson's top tips for living your best single life!

Mia Petkovic

What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About Single Women

Did you know that 50% of people who aren't in relationships actually aren't looking for one (via Pew Research Center)? Yet, pop culture still has conflicting ideas about what this looks like for women (think everything from Sex and the City to Dead to Me). However, it seems that finding a new partner to fill a loneliness void seems to be at least one character's goal.

As a journalist and author of Single: Living A Complete Life On Your Own Terms, Nicola's noticed this too."There is this assumption that all single women are miserable and desperate and that our biggest concern is how we can quickly find a man in order to quickly end what people assume is a terrible state to be in," she says.

Sierra White

Guess what she sees that debunks this myth? "...most single women I know live good and full lives and dating is only a small part of their lives. We have so much more going on and being single is not a waiting room," she shares. To further prove uncoupled people aren't curled up in a dark corner crying into a bowl of ice cream, she features insights about singledom in her book.

"Lots of people I spoke to for my book were either taking a break from dating or simply not interested, yet those stories are rarely told when it comes to books and films and TV shows," she points out. But sadly, "single women are often the butt of the joke," according to her.

R Maz

Rewrite The Rules

If you consider yourself to be a content person who has unlimited things to do on a Sunday? I'm so happy you've found your happy little groove, but I'm also rooting for you if you feel you're wondering about aimlessly because you're not dating someone.

Here's what Nicola has to say about this: "I think one of the first things I would say is to let go of the idea that you’re somehow in a waiting room waiting for your life to start if you don’t have a partner." Having been in your shoes, she says "there used to be so many things," she avoided. "...I felt like I should do them with a romantic partner until I realized I was holding myself back," she gently shares.

She's also conscious that "there is this idea that you need to be coupled up in order to be complete." But, no! "...you're a whole person and, in the words of one of my interviewees Bella De Paulo, one is a whole number," Nicola exclaims.

Ebony Forsyth

Navigating Singleness When You're Thinking About Fertility

The conversation about reproductive rights has made some people reconsider conceiving, but others are still open to becoming parents. If you're one of the few people who's worried about your biological clock ticking as a single person, Nicola and I want you to know your feelings are valid. In fact, she says "this is such a tough position to be in" and that she does "understand the pain and feelings of panic that you can feel as you get older and know your fertility must be declining."

Frankly, she acknowledges "it feels like a race against time," but your choices aren't limited. "I would say start researching your options. You can quite easily get a fertility check to see how you’re doing. Plus, thanks to advances in sciences, you can also freeze your eggs," she suggests. She knows "it's not guaranteed to work, but it may help you further down the line."

Also, understand that you don't have to deal with this by yourself. You can "reach out to support groups" like the community Nicola runs for uncoupled people. "It's associated with my newsletter and there are lots of people in the same boat. It can help to feel less alone," she says. Another resource she recommends is the "Stork and I community for those considering solo motherhood by choice (with a sperm donor)."

Cora Pursley

Moving On After A Long-Term Relationship Ends

You thought you and your former sweetheart were destined to be together forever until a bad breakup left you feeling disoriented. Nicola says she understand this feeling because she's "been there" too! But this isn't the time to pretend like you can bounce back like nothing happened.

"Firstly it’s OK to feel absolutely awful - it’s normal actually! It helped when I understood the science behind heartbreaks - there is a reason you feel so bad - which tells us that those going through heartbreak are experiencing similar feelings to those who are going through withdrawal from a drug addiction," she discloses.

The second thing she's sure about is that "your life is not over, but it's OK to take things day by day for a while." I don't remember how long it took to heal, but I was distraught after my last breakup. I thought I'd found the person I was going to marry and have children with so when it was obvious things weren't working out, I cried for a long time. Eventually, I was able to find joy in small things and went on to build a life I love.

And that's what Nicola wishes for you too! "Look after yourself, treat yourself and take it easy. Don’t try and push yourself to be happy and over it before you are," she advises.

Jordan Hunter

Solo Date Ideas To Celebrate Yourself

Solo date ideas are very much a thing I stand behind and does Nicola. "Sometimes I have chosen to completely ignore the day but other times I have embraced it and chosen to celebrate the love I have for myself. One year I took myself out for a meal one lunchtime at a spot I consider I real treat. I then bought myself flowers on the way home," she divulges. TBH, this sounds like my kind of carrying on!

She continues with, "Other things I’ve done on Valentine’s or on my birthday include booking a spa day or going for a massage, going to the cinema — which is one of the easiest solo date ideas as everyone is quiet and doesn’t speak when the film is on so you don’t need to go with anyone anyway — and choosing a recipe you have never tried before (bonus points if it’s something elaborate) and cooking yourself a slap up meal."

Nicola also says a guest writer for The Single Supplement newsletter "once wrote about a three course meal she lovingly prepared for herself because why not? You deserve to be treated, so you may as well treat yourself!"

Yaroslav Shuraev

What Loving Yourself While Single Feels Like

So, what does it mean to be 100% okay with being single? For Nicola, she's been finding new things to admire about herself. "I’ve learned just how capable and resilient I am and I now have the knowledge that I am OK - more than OK - on my own." One of the things that makes me smile is her realization that this "feels like a super power to her" in light of knowing she "used to have such a tendency towards being co-dependent in relationships."

It's evident my younger self didn't see this, but I too relied heavily on former partners for joy, fun, love, and validation. I thought that they were the answers to things that didn't feel right in my life, but that wasn't the case. The awesome thing about growth, however, is the ability to make peace with who you are and things you learned along the way.

To that Nicola says, "If I did find someone, I think I would be in a much healthier place than I used to be. But equally, if I remain single, I now know I can still lead a joyful life that’s full of love."

Check Out Nicola Slawson's "Single: Living a Complete Life On Your Own Terms" Today

Amazon

Single: Living a Complete Life On Your Own Terms by Nicola Slawson

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I'm still thinking about Jonathan Bailey in this summer's Jurassic World: Rebirth and the adorable first look at Lilo & Stitch, but before I get too ahead of myself and start thinking about summer, there are some incredible new movies coming in March! From reimagined Disney classics to horror thrillers, these are the best spring movies you can watch next month...alongside these amazing March TV shows, of course.

Here are 12 new movies coming in March you'll want to watch.

Sinners — In Theaters March 5, 2025

Warner Bros. Entertainment

When two twin brothers venture out in search of a better life, they come to the horrifying realization their future is just as sinister as their past.

Sinners premieres March 5 and stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.

Mickey 17 — In Theaters March 7, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

Mickey Barnes has one job: colonize the ice world of Niflheim, even if he dies in the process. After all, he's an Expandable, which means he can be cloned countless times. But everything changes when two Mickeys wind up surviving at the same time.

Mickey 17 premieres March 7 and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Rule Breakers — In Theaters March 7, 2025

Angel Studios

Hope and courage (as well as danger) rise when a woman defies everything to help educate young girls in Afghanistan — and train them to compete in a robotics competition.

Rule Breakers premieres March 7 and stars Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, Amber Afzali, Nina Hosseinzadeh, Nada El Belkasmi, Sara Malal Rowe, and Noorin Gulamgaus.

Queen of the Ring — In Theaters March 7, 2025

SUMERIAN

Before we can watch Sydney Sweeney kick butt as boxer Christy Martin, tune into this March movie about wrestler and single mom Mildred Burke, who became the first million-dollar female athlete. Did I mention wrestling was banned in most parts of America?

Queen of the Ring premieres March 7 and stars Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Tyler Posey, Kelli Berglund, Walton Goggins, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Gavin Casalegno.

O'Dessa — On Hulu March 13, 2025

Searchlight Pictures/Hulu

Farm girl O'Dessa sets out to find an invaluable family heirloom — and becomes a quest to save her one true love.

O'Dessa premieres March 13 and stars Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall.

Opus — In Theaters March 14, 2025

A24

This March movie examines fame — and its dangers — like you've never seen before. When a pop star invites writer Ariel into his remote compound in an exclusive guest list, she jumps at the opportunity. But as her stay becomes more alarming, Ariel wonders just what she's gotten herself into.

Opus premieres March 14 and stars Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Young Mazino, and Tatanka Means.

The Electric State — On Netflix March 14, 2025

Netflix

If 1923 season 2 totally has you in a Western mood, then turn on this sci-fi movie which follows teen Michelle on a journey to find her little brother. Naturally, she enlists the help of a robot and a drifter.

The Electric State premieres March 14 and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, and Alan Tudyk.

Black Bag — In Theaters March 14, 2025

Claudette Barius/Focus Features

Agent George Woodhouse must examine his loyalty to his marriage and to the country after his wife Kathryn becomes a major suspect. Mr. and Mrs. Smith fans this one's for you!

Black Bag premieres March 14 and stars Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.

Bob Trevino Likes It — In Select Theaters March 21, 2025

Roadside Attractions

20-something Lily is blindsided when her father suddenly abandons her. But when she connects with a man named Bob Trevino (her dad's name), their small acts of kindness could just change each other's lives.

Bob Trevino Likes It stars Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, and Rachel Bay Jones.

Disney's Live-Action Snow White — In Theaters March 21, 2025

Walt Disney Studios

This reimagined Snow White is just as focused on justice and leadership as she is on love — but she's got the same amount of heart, imagination, and kindness as the cartoon you know and love.

Snow White premieres March 21 and stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, and Ansu Kabia.

Ash — In Theaters March 21, 2025

RLJE Films

Riya is left alone on the planet of Ash when her entire crew is killed. But when Brion comes to help her, the relief turns into terror as they decide whether they can trust each other — and whether they can make it off the planet alive.

Ash premieres March 21 and stars Eiza González, Aaron Paul, Iko Uwais, Beulah Koale, and Kate Elliott.

Death of a Unicorn — In Theaters March 28, 2025

A24

This wacky new movie sees Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd on a father-daughter roadtrip to visit his wealthy boss...but when they accidentally hit a real-life unicorn with their car, that aforementioned boss obsesses over exploiting the unicorn's healing properties.

Death of a Unicorn premieres March 28 and stars Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, and Jessica Hynes.

Which new movie are you most excited for? Let us know on Instagram!

There's arguably nothing worse than dealing with a passive-aggressive boss. Rather than laying their grievances out on the line, they use indirect communication that leaves you feeling confused, frustrated, and unsure of how to respond without escalating the situation.

But whether it's a sarcastic remark, a roundabout criticism, or a backhanded compliment, handling these statements with calculated grace is key. So, here are 10 smart responses you can use on your boss the next time they make passive-aggressive comments.

Scroll to find out what you should say when your boss makes another passive-aggressive comment at work.

1. Clarify & Confirm

Marcus Aurelius

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a wild remark from your boss that practically made you do a double-take? If so, don't be afraid to respectfully ask for clarification, forcing them to expand on their perspective without any ambiguity.

For instance, saying something like, "I just want to make sure I understand you currently. Are you saying that..." and paraphrasing their comment is a powerful tool. Not only will it avoid miscommunication, but it will also make your boss address their issue with you head-on.

2. Ask For Their Feedback

Edmond Dantès

We can only learn and grow in environments that challenge us while supporting us along the way. However, passive-aggressive bosses may resort to beating around the bush, making offhand critiques about your work that are vague yet still hurtful.

You can urge your employer to be more straightforward with you by telling them point-blank, "I value your feedback." Asking for open dialogue as opposed to one-off comments will show that you're receptive to constructive criticism and encourage your boss to be a stronger leader.

3. Politely Challenge

Vlada Karpovich

Whether your boss tries to guilt-trip you by implying you're not doing enough or praises you in a sarcastic manner, you can always politely challenge them, too.

Try saying, "It seems like you're hinting at something. Could you be more direct so I can address it appropriately?" Your boss will be put on the spot and driven to share their true feelings without the white noise.

4. Show Understanding

Edmond Dantès

Passive aggression shouldn't be acceptable in workplaces, but sometimes, showing compassion and understanding can help diffuse these all-too-common situations.

As hard as it may be, giving your boss some grace and acknowledging their apparent frustrations may be enough to get you both on the same page.

For instance, saying something such as, "It sounds like you might be feeling irritated. Let's figure out what we can do to fix it together," can encourage teamwork and put a stop to the indirect blame game.

5. Maintain Professional Distance

Thirdman

When passive-aggressive statements start to feel catty in the office, it's not just hurtful; it also retracts from productivity and can lessen the quality of completed work.

To cleverly call out your boss while shifting attention back to the matter at hand, you can respond with, "I'm not sure I follow the tone of your comment. Let's focus on our work so we can move forward."

6. Stay Calm & Collected

Kaboompics.com

It can be tempting to go on the offensive in passive-aggressive situations. Even so, staying cool as a cucumber will reinforce your professionalism and prevent a full-blown stand-off from occurring.

All you have to say is, "I hear your concerns, and I'll focus on improving that moving forward." It's direct, indicates you understand your boss' grievances, and should keep them from harping on.

7. Redirect To Next Steps

Christina Morillo

One of the biggest issues with passive aggression is that it makes someone's issue with you indirectly apparent. Yet, it can be tough to know exactly how to fix their problem moving forward, given they're beating around the bush.

Let's say your boss makes a snarky remark about a PTO request or acts unsatisfied with a project you completed. Don't hesitate to ask, "So, what next steps should we take to ensure this doesn't happen again?"

8. Make It Clear That You're There To Grow

Antoni Shkraba

You could be early in your career or an industry veteran. Either way, vague passive-aggressive statements about performance can be equally hurtful (not to mention unhelpful).

A smart way to respond is by saying, "I'm here to learn and grow." It makes your intentions crystal clear, reminds your boss that you're only human, and could open up conversations about avenues for improvement.

9. Share How You Value Your Professional Relationship

Christina Morillo

All relationships, from romantic and platonic to professional, rely on mutual respect and communication. Passive aggression is a sign of disrespect, but you can help turn interactions with your boss around by saying, "I value our professional relationship."

It will successfully set a positive tone and convey that you want a healthy working relationship. It may also help your boss realize that they haven't been treating you the way they'd like to be treated.

10. Set Boundaries

MART PRODUCTION

Finally, the most direct approach is to confront your boss' passive-aggressive attitude by setting firm boundaries. This can be uncomfortable, but with the right tact and professionalism, it can be very powerful.

For example, consider using this statement: "I believe in having open and honest communication. Can we make sure we're on the same page moving forward?"

It makes your desire for transparency clear and forces your boss to rise to your expectations.

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I currently find myself in between a few TV shows, but I am simply yearning for an obsession with a new series. Good thing these new March TV shows are almost here! There's plenty of heartwarming goodness and hilarious hijinks to keep us busy all 31 days of the month. Check out The 8 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month to tide you over.

Here are the 11 new TV shows coming in March you simply can't miss.

The Oscars — On ABC March 2, 2025

ABC

Our March TV shows are starting with a bang thanks to the Oscars. Will Emilia Pérez beat Wicked (again)? Will Timothée Chalamet become the youngest Best Actor winner? Will Zendaya show up to support Dune but use her 'fit to reference her Challengers snub? Tune in to find out.

The Oscars airs March 2 and will be hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Daredevil: Born Again — On Disney+ March 4, 2025

Marvel Television

Matt Murdock is FINALLY back, and he's fighting injustice in New York City — both with his daytime law job and his masked alter ego. And Wilson Fisk is out on his own political quest as things in the city continue to spiral.

Daredevil: Born Again premieres March 4 and stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Wilson Bethel, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki M. James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, Ayelet Zurer, and Jon Bernthal.

​With Love, Meghan — On Netflix March 4, 2025

Netflix

Join Meghan Markle as she celebrates "cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship" (via Deadline), alongside some celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling!

With Love, Meghan premieres March 4 and is hosted by Meghan Markle.

​Beauty in Black — On Netflix March 6, 2025

Calvin Ashford/Netflix

Tyler Perry's new TV show follows successful business owner Mallory and Kimmie, who's just trying to survive after getting kicked out of her mom's home. And when these two women cross paths, everything changes.

Beauty in Black premieres March 6 and stars Taylor Polidore Williams, Amber Reign Smith, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Steven G. Norfleet, Julian Horton, Terrell Carter, Shannon Wallace, Bryan Tanaka, Joy Rovaris, Xavier Smalls, Charles Malik Whitfield, Tamera “Tee” Kissen, Ursula O. Robinson, Ashley Versher, and George Middlebrook.

​Deli Boys — On Hulu March 6, 2025

Elizabeth Sisson/Disney

Two Pakistani American brothers lose it all after the death of their father...and have to take his place in the criminal underworld when they learn about his secret business dealings.

Deli Boys premieres March 6 and stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, and Brian George.

​The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 — On HBO March 9, 2025

Jake Giles Netter/HBO

The final season of The Righteous Gemstones follows this famed televangelist family as they try to move into the future (and into Hollywood?)...without forgetting their past.

The Righteous Gemstones premieres March 9 and stars Danny McBride, Adam Devine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero, Greg Alan Williams, Skyler Gisondo, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Nettles, James DuMont, Jody Hill, Troy Hogan, Valyn Hall, Kelton DuMont, Gavin Munn, Megan Mullally, Arden Myrin, and Seann William Scott.

​Dark Winds Season 3 — On AMC March 9, 2025

AMC Networks

Six months after season 2, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are investigating two missing boys, while Bernadette Manuelito gets used to her new life...and a potential human & drug smuggling ring she finds.

Dark Winds premieres March 9 and stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, Christopher Heyerdahl, A Martinez, and Jeri Ryan.

​Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up Season 2 — On Lifetime March 10, 2025

Lifetime/A&E

After serving 8 years in prison for the murder of her mother, Gypsy Rose's new TV show follows Gypsy's life out in the world, reconciling her fame and reputation with who she actually wants to be — including her role as a new mom.

Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up season 2 premieres March 10 and stars Gypsy Rose Blanchard.

​The Wheel of Time Season 3— On Prime Video March 13, 2025

Julie Vrabelova/Prime

After officially becoming the Dragon Reborn, Rand and his friends have to stand against the Black Ajah and the Forsaken — and everything else trying to get the Dragon to abandon the Light.

The Wheel of Time returns March 13 and stars Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, and Sophie Okonedo.

The Residence — On Netflix March 20, 2025

Netflix

We might have to wait for Bridgerton season 4, but Shondaland is keeping us FED. This new hilarious whodunnit takes place in the White House as two detectives keep their eye on a very important State Dinner.

The Residence premieres March 20 and stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman.

The Studio — On Apple TV+ March 26, 2025

Apple TV+

In this new TV show & comedy, Matt Remick's just trying to make great movies...and make greedy businessmen happy. And even if that goal doesn't bring his whole studio down, it looks like it could wreck his life. No big deal.

The Studio premieres March 26 and stars Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston.

Which March TV show are you excited to see this year? Let us know on Facebook!

Netflix has given us some bangers (hello Nobody Wants This!) but, according to TV viewers, it's also given us some epic flops. Whether the scripts fell flat or the actors had no chemistry, these are the worst TV shows on Netflix you can watch right now — with Rotten Tomatoes ratings of less than 40 percent! Listen, sometimes we all need a good hate watch while we're doing chores right? Is that just me? Anyway, let's get into it.

Here are the 8 worst Netflix shows you can stream in 2025.

1. The I-Land (2019)

Netflix

The I-Land has been compared to Lost, and it's a comparison that (somewhat) rings true. 10 people wake up on an island with one another...and without their memories. Unfortunately the 8 percent RT score proves this series missed the mark. "I-Land was terrible acting, just nothing redeemable," one Reddit user says. "They even green screened most of the beach scenes."

The I-Land stars Kate Bosworth, Ronald Peet, Michelle Veintimilla, Sibylla Deen, Gilles Geary, Kota Eberhardt, and Kyle Schmid.

2. Girlboss (2017)

Karen Ballard/Netflix

Sophia Amoruso might be rebellious and creative, but Netflix watchers aren't a fan of this TV show (and it has nothing to do with the fact we're in the post-girlboss era). "Some of the outfits were really cool but the main character was absolutely insufferable and had no redeeming qualities," one Reddit user points out.

The show, which follows Sophia's rise to business woman through selling vintage clothes online, has a 35 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Girlboss stars Britt Robertson, Ellie Reed, Alphonso McAuley, Johnny Simmons, and Dean Norris.

3. Another Life (2019)

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Another Life follows Niko, an astronaut on the hunt for AI. Except in this Netflix show, AI stands for alien intelligence. That means Niko and her crew are in for some serious alien danger, but unfortunately, according to the 6 percent RT score, that danger isn't enough to hook viewers.

Another Life stars Katee Sackhoff, Justin Chatwin, Samuel Anderson, Blu Hunt, A.J. Rivera, Jake Abel, Alex Ozerov, Alexander Eling, Jay R Tinaco, Lina Renna, Selma Blair, and Elizabeth Ludlow.

4. Sex/Life (2021)

Netflix

Viewers consider Sex/Life — which follows a love triangle between a woman, her husband, and a special someone from her past — to be one of the worst Netflix shows because "the acting and the writing was so, so, so bad," according to a Reddit user. "It was so corny and felt like fan fiction." And the 40 percent RT score agrees.

Sex/Life stars Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos, Margaret Odette, Cleo Anthony, and Darius Homayoun.

5. Echoes (2022)

Netflix

Leni and Gina are identical twins who have secretly swapped lives since childhood. But everything about their perfectly-curated double lives spirals when one sister goes missing. Sound gripping? The RT score of 22 percent says otherwise.

Echoes stars Michelle Monaghan, Matt Bomer, Daniel Sunjata, Ali Stroker, Karen Robinson, Rosanny Zayas, Michael O'Neill, Celia Weston, Gable Swanlund, and Jonathan Tucker.

6. Blockbuster (2023)

Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Blockbuster stars fan favorite actors like Melissa Fumero and Randall Park. But not even the incredible cast could save this Netflix show, which follows the last Blockbuster video store in the country, from a 23 percent RT score.

Blockbuster stars Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, and Madeleine Arthur.

7. Insatiable (2018)

Tina Rowden/Netflix

In Insatiable, a recently-thin Patty is out for revenge on anyone who ever fat-shamed her, and a beauty pageant sounds like a great place to start. The show has a 12 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and one Reddit user says they "can’t name one good thing about it." Yikes.

Insatiable stars Dallas Roberts, Debby Ryan, Christopher Gorham, Sarah Colonna, Erinn Westbrook, Kimmy Shields, Michael Provost, Irene Choi, Alyssa Milano, and Arden Myrin.

8. 13 Reasons Why (2017)

Beth Dubber/Netflix

This Netflix show might have been an iconic pop culture moment, but the 35 percent RT rating shows it's not necessarily an enjoyable one. The series follows Clay, who receives 13 voice tapes from a girl named Hannah after she takes her own life — and each tape details one reason she ended her life.

13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Miles Heizer, Ross Butler, Devin Druid, Amy Hargreaves, Derek Luke, Kate Walsh, Brian d'Arcy James, Grace Saif, Brenda Strong, Timothy Granaderos, Mark Pellegrino, Tyler Barnhardt, Jan Luis Castellanos, Deaken Bluman, and Gary Sinise.

Tell us your worst Netflix show in the comments!