Get full access to The Daily Beast for $1

SUBSCRIBE

Jack Francis

Jack Francis is a UK-based culture writer. He has written for Rolling Stone, Radio Times, and Paste Magazine among others, with a focus on all things Star Wars, science-fiction, and fantasy.

A photo illustration of the cast of The West Wing on NBC.
THE LIST

Every Episode of ‘The West Wing,’ Ranked Worst to Best

It’s been 25 years since Aaron Sorkin’s Emmy juggernaut first premiered. Here’s our bold, noble ranking of every single episode.

Jack Francis

Photo illustration of the cast of Friends
THE ONE WITH THE RANKING

Every Single ‘Friends’ Episode Ranked Worst to Best

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the “Friends” pilot, we embark on the herculean task of ranking each episode—and brace for your response.

Jack Francis

A photo illustration of Charlie Vickers as Sauron on Rings of Power.
CHARACTER STUDY

Sauron on ‘Rings of Power’ Is Officially TV’s Best Villain

With “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 2 now in full flow, we’re enthralled with Charlie Vickers’ captivating, multi-dimensional breakout.

Jack Francis

A photo illustraiton of Kieran Bew, Emma D'Arcy, and Tom Bennett.
THE BLACKFYRE REBELLION

The Future of ‘House of the Dragon’ Lies in Its Bastards

The latest “HOTD” planted seeds not just for an explosive finale, but for one of the biggest moments in George R.R. Martin’s books: the Blackfyre Rebellion. Here’s our handy guide.

Jack Francis

A photo of Emma D'Arcy and a dragon in 'House of the Dragon'
WE NEED A HERO

‘House of the Dragon’ Improved the Ultimate Fantasy Cliché

This season’s arc echoes a storyline that everything from “The Lord of the Rings” to “Harry Potter” has done—and may even be doing it better.

Jack Francis

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

A photo illustration of Tom Glynn-Carney on House of the Dragon.
DANCE OF DRAGONS

We Need to Talk About Aegon on ‘House of the Dragon’

The game-changing “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode of “HOTD” showcased why Tom Glynn-Carney’s Aegon Targaryen is the show’s secret weapon. What happened to him? Let’s dive in…

Jack Francis

Dragons from House of the Dragon
FIRE-BREATHING EXPLAINER

The Many Dragons of ‘House of the Dragon’: A Handy Guide

Can’t tell your Seasmoke from your Moondancer, or your Vhagar from your Syrax? We break down all the show’s dragons, who rides them, and where in Westeros they reside.

Jack Francis

A photo illustration of scenes from the Star Wars franchise.
THE FORCE IS STRONG

The 101 Greatest Moments in the Entire ‘Star Wars’ Universe

From the original trilogy to the new TV series and everything in between, here’s the definitive ranking of the most iconic scenes in the canon. May the force be with your debating.

Jack Francis

ADVERTISEMENT

GET THE APP
Subscribe
Log In
Newsletters
Podcasts
AboutContactTipsJobsAdvertiseHelpCode of Ethics & StandardsInclusionTerms & ConditionsCopyright & TrademarkPrivacy

© 2026 The Daily Beast Company LLC