Fans of the popular anime series One Piece will have to wait another week for new content, as there will be no episode released this week. This pause is due to coverage of the Japan elections, which has affected the broadcast schedule for international audiences. While this news may be disappointing, there are still plenty of engaging alternatives available to watch on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix.

For those looking to fill the void left by One Piece, now is an excellent opportunity to catch up on previous episodes. Alternatively, viewers may want to explore other captivating anime series that have garnered attention this year. Here are three standout shows that are worth watching.

The Apothecary Diaries

One compelling option is The Apothecary Diaries, which recently concluded its second season. The series, which premiered in 2023, follows the story of Maomao, a young pharmacist who is kidnapped and forced into servitude within the emperor’s palace. The narrative, while inspired by ancient China, focuses on unraveling conspiracies that unfold in a politically charged environment.

Throughout the series, Maomao employs her medical expertise to solve various mysteries within the palace. By the end of the second season, she finds herself implicated in a kidnapping case, adding a layer of suspense to her journey. A significant identity reveal linked to her relationship with Jinshi also promises to captivate viewers as the story unfolds.

The Beginning After the End

For those seeking something fresh, The Beginning After the End is a new series set to make waves in 2025. The plot centers on King Grey, who dies and is reincarnated as Arthur Leywin, effectively starting anew. This unique premise combines intriguing narrative elements with a balance of action and character development.

With only 12 episodes in its first season, this series is easily bingeable during the hiatus of One Piece. While it may not focus exclusively on epic fight sequences, it offers a deeper exploration of themes and character dynamics, providing a refreshing take on the genre.

Dr. Stone Science Future

Fans who appreciate the depth and lore of One Piece may enjoy Dr. Stone Science Future, which is the fourth and final season of the beloved series. The second half premiered on July 10 and continues the journey of Senku and his friends as they attempt to establish a new nation, known as Corn City, with a population of one million.

In this season, the dynamic between the Perseus crew and their American counterparts, led by Brody, becomes a focal point. The ideological clash between Senku and Stanley adds complexity to the narrative, promising an engaging and chaotic journey as their goals converge.

While fans await the next episode of One Piece, these three series provide ample distraction and excitement. With compelling stories and unique characters, they are sure to entertain viewers looking for quality anime content during the wait.

The chief executive of the US-based tech company Astronomer, Andy Byron, has resigned following an incident at a Coldplay concert in Boston. Byron was filmed on a kiss cam embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s HR director, which drew significant attention on social media. The footage quickly went viral, prompting discussions about professional conduct and accountability within the firm.

In a statement issued on October 10, 2023, Astronomer confirmed Byron’s resignation, stating, “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.” The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to its values and culture, asserting, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”

The incident has raised questions about workplace relationships and the expectations placed on executives. As the video circulated online, many users expressed shock, particularly given Byron’s status as a married individual. The subsequent scrutiny has led to a broader conversation about the implications of personal actions on professional environments.

Astronomer, known for its data orchestration technology, has emphasized that it remains dedicated to maintaining a standard of integrity within its leadership. The Board of Directors is expected to discuss the appointment of an interim CEO as the company moves forward in the wake of this unexpected leadership change.

While the incident has sparked controversy, it also highlights the challenges faced by executives in navigating personal and professional boundaries, particularly in the age of social media where private moments can quickly become public. As companies increasingly emphasize corporate culture, the actions of their leaders are under greater scrutiny than ever before.

Moving ahead, Astronomer will likely focus on reinforcing its values and ensuring that its leadership exemplifies the conduct expected within the organization. The company’s response to this situation may set a precedent for how it manages similar issues in the future.

Digital Extremes showcased their upcoming title, Soulframe, at the TennoCon 2025 event, generating excitement among fans. The game, which is currently in a closed alpha testing phase, has limited access, with only a fraction of over one million applicants granted entry. This presentation offered a glimpse into the game’s potential, revealing new narrative quests and enhanced gameplay mechanics.

Exploring the Unique World of Soulframe

Soulframe is a free-to-play action-fantasy game that draws from the creative successes of Warframe. While the two titles share developmental roots, Soulframe aims to carve its own identity in a saturated genre. The live demo at TennoCon highlighted its distinctive narrative focus and whimsical elements, with an emphasis on imaginative visuals and unusual character designs.

Visual influences in Soulframe are eclectic, featuring environments reminiscent of popular games such as Skyrim and The Witcher. The demo included a vibrant underground area filled with mushrooms, echoing scenes from Blackreach. Meanwhile, the overworld presented bleak landscapes akin to those found in Souls games. Such references hint at a rich tapestry woven from various gaming inspirations.

In the demo, players encountered a unique enemy— a three-headed bear creature with a bell attached to its jaw, which served as a memorable boss fight. This blend of creativity and familiar tropes speaks to Digital Extremes’ ability to merge genres, maintaining the spirit of innovation that has characterized their previous work.

Challenges Ahead for Soulframe

Despite the promising elements showcased, concerns remain regarding Soulframe‘s unique gameplay mechanics. While the demo displayed engaging action, featuring dodging, blocking, and ranged attacks, it did not introduce groundbreaking innovations. A notable ability allowed players to temporarily transform into a butterfly for stealth tactics, yet it felt like a variation of existing game mechanics.

The current landscape for new titles has shifted significantly since Warframe was first released. Players and investors alike exhibit less patience for unproven concepts, with many live-service games facing abrupt cancellations. Tencent, a major stakeholder in Digital Extremes, has historically supported the studio’s creative freedom, but it remains uncertain whether this will extend to Soulframe.

As the development of Soulframe progresses, Digital Extremes’ leadership under CEO Steve Sinclair and new creative director Rebecca Ford will be crucial. Both have demonstrated their commitment to quality through Warframe, and their involvement suggests that Soulframe may evolve into an innovative title.

With its vibrant visuals and quirky charm, Soulframe holds promise for a successful launch. Fans eagerly await updates that will detail further developments, including potential customization options for the endearing characters featured in the game. The journey of Soulframe is just beginning, and its success will depend on how well it distinguishes itself in an increasingly competitive market.

Former President Donald Trump expressed his approval on Friday regarding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which was announced by CBS as a “purely a financial decision.” Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to share his thoughts, stating, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” His comments extended beyond Colbert, as he criticized other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, while praising Greg Gutfeld of Fox News for his performance. 

CBS Responds to Cancellation Decision

CBS characterized the cancellation of Colbert’s show as an “agonizing decision,” clarifying that it was “not related to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” the parent company of CBS. This announcement comes on the heels of significant developments related to a lawsuit filed by Trump during his presidential campaign last year. The lawsuit stemmed from a $16 million (NZ$27 million) settlement reached by Paramount over a 60 Minutes interview featuring Kamala Harris. In this case, Trump claimed that his electoral chances were negatively impacted by the airing of two edited versions of Harris’ response. CBS has maintained that the edits were made solely for time constraints and were not intended to manipulate public perception of the Vice President. 

Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some political commentators who view the late-night television landscape as increasingly partisan. His targeted critique of Kimmel and Fallon aligns with his ongoing narrative regarding media bias against him and his supporters. 

Impact and Reactions in the Entertainment Landscape

The cancellation of Colbert’s show has ignited discussions about the future of late-night television, a genre that has faced numerous challenges in recent years. As the media landscape evolves, many industry analysts are scrutinizing the financial viability of such programs, particularly those that engage in political satire. The mix of entertainment and politics has historically drawn varied audience reactions, with some viewers embracing the satire, while others express frustration over what they perceive as bias. 

In this shifting environment, hosts that adopt a more moderate or balanced approach, such as Gutfeld, appear to be resonating with a wider audience. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of politically charged late-night formats and their ability to attract diverse viewers. As CBS moves forward, the network will likely assess these dynamics closely to inform its programming decisions.

As the situation develops, it will be interesting to observe how these changes impact the relationships between political figures and media personalities, especially in an era where the lines between entertainment and politics continue to blur.