Jon, co-host of Geek Freaks, is a busy dad with a demanding job—but like many of you, he still wants to stay in the loop with the most impactful shows and movies in geek culture. This page is dedicated to the essential shows and films every modern geek should have on their radar. Jon will share fresh reviews as he works through the watchlist.

Invincible

Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible has quickly become essential viewing for geeks and superhero fans. Based on the comic by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, the series follows teenager Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers under the shadow of his father, Omni-Man. What starts as a familiar coming-of-age story transforms into a brutal, emotional, and unpredictable journey that redefines what superhero stories can be. With standout performances from Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J.K. Simmons, and an animation style that captures both the intensity and heart of the source material, Invincible offers a gripping alternative to the usual capes and costumes. It’s smart, shocking, and deeply character-driven—making it required watching for modern geek culture.

Peacemaker

HBO’s Peacemaker blends irreverent humor, explosive action, and surprising emotional weight. Created by James Gunn as a spin-off from The Suicide Squad, the series centers on Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, played by John Cena. What begins as a satire of jingoistic heroism grows into a character study exploring identity, trauma, and the cost of blind loyalty. The show stands out for its over-the-top energy, from its choreographed opening sequence to its wild hair metal soundtrack, all while digging into serious themes like generational damage and self-worth. Cena delivers a standout performance, balancing comedy and vulnerability with ease. With more on the way in season two, Peacemaker has carved out its own space in the superhero genre, offering something sharp, unfiltered, and full of heart.

Prerequisite: James Gunn’s Suicide Squad

Black Widow

Marvel’s Black Widow (2021) has taken on new significance with the release of Thunderbolts (2025), serving as a foundational chapter for several key characters. The film introduces Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who emerges as a central figure in Thunderbolts, leading a team of antiheroes. Additionally, Black Widow brings back Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Antonia Dreykov, known as Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), both of whom play pivotal roles in the later ensemble. The post-credits scene also features Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), hinting at the formation of the Thunderbolts team.

Beyond its action sequences, Black Widow delves into themes of family, identity, and autonomy, providing depth to characters who later confront their pasts in Thunderbolts. Yelena’s journey, in particular, gains emotional weight when revisiting her origins and relationships established in Black Widow, enriching her narrative arc in the subsequent film. For viewers looking to fully grasp the dynamics and motivations in Thunderbolts, revisiting Black Widow offers valuable context and enhances the overall experience.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

The series delves into Sam Wilson’s internal conflict about assuming the mantle of Captain America. Initially hesitant, Sam grapples with the legacy of the shield and what it represents, especially as a Black man in America. His journey, influenced by figures like Isaiah Bradley, a super-soldier subjected to government experiments, culminates in his acceptance of the role, marking a significant evolution in his character arc .

Bucky Barnes’ transformation is equally significant. Transitioning from the tormented Winter Soldier to a man seeking redemption, Bucky confronts his past actions and strives to make amends. His development sets the stage for his leadership role in Thunderbolts, where he guides a team of reformed individuals, drawing from his own experiences of seeking atonement .

The introduction of John Walker as the government’s choice for Captain America adds complexity to the narrative. Walker’s actions and subsequent transformation into U.S. Agent, under the guidance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, establish connections to the Thunderbolts storyline, highlighting themes of power, responsibility, and redemption .

In essence, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier not only redefines the identities of its central characters but also lays the groundwork for future MCU storylines, emphasizing themes of legacy, redemption, and the complexities of heroism.

Star Wars Rebels

Star Wars Rebels has become essential viewing for fans looking to keep up with the evolving Star Wars timeline, especially with how central its characters and events have become in the live-action universe. The Ahsoka series directly builds on the foundation laid by Rebels, continuing storylines for Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. The animated series not only developed deep bonds between these characters but also explored the growing threat of Thrawn—who now emerges as the primary antagonist shaping the next era of the franchise. With the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu movie expected to feature Thrawn as a major threat, Rebels offers the background needed to fully understand his tactical brilliance and the stakes involved. Watching Rebels enhances the emotional and narrative weight of current and future Star Wars projects.

Prerequisite: Star Wars Clone Wars

As the geek culture landscape continues to evolve, so too will this list. New characters emerge, hidden connections are revealed, and what was once optional viewing becomes essential overnight. Whether it’s the next big Marvel crossover, a surprise Star Wars twist, or a sleeper hit from DC, staying current means revisiting key stories and discovering new ones. Jon will keep updating this space with fresh recommendations and reviews to help you stay ahead of the curve—because in this fast-moving world of fandom, there’s always something new worth watching.