Entertainment

Hisense U8G TV review: Premium Android TV under US$ 1,000

An affordable TV that has it all

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For a lot of us, TV shopping is not easy, and is something that needs to be done more deliberately. There are a lot of things to consider and it can get overwhelming.

Given all the choices out there, Hisense’s U8G series stands out because of three things: it’s got a bright display, it runs Android TV, and it doesn’t break the bank.

Bright 4K display

When it comes to TV displays, there are a few things that are a must with brightness being one of them. The Hisense U8G delivers in this regard because of its excellent peak brightness.

While Netflix and chill is most enjoyable at night after a long work day, I still use my TV from time to time during the day. I watch YouTube videos of recipes when I can’t think of anything to make for lunch, or football highlights that I missed while I was sleeping, or even the news to jumpstart my morning. 

Crime, fashion, and interior design don’t normally belong in the same sentence since crime series tend to be dark and gritty. That wasn’t the case with The Serpent, especially when viewed on the Hisense U8G. 

The TV’s improved color gamut made the beautiful midcentury furniture set in the tropics and the stylish outfits of Charles and Marie-Andrée even more visually captivating. 

The Hisense U8G also supports HDR10+ and the full suite of Dolby features, so I got to enjoy The Serpent’s production design in its full Dolby Vision glory.

Buy the Hisense U8G TV on Amazon

Its Quantum Dot technology produces richer, more vivid and accurate colors than a regular LED TV. Its contrast is also reminiscent of OLED TV, which means darker blacks and brighter whites.

One thing I did not enjoy while binge watching The Serpent was seeing video artifacts whenever the black Netflix loading screen appears. It’s not a deal breaker as it doesn’t ruin the content, but it’s also something you would instantly notice.

The U8G’s Ultra Motion feature removes the digital noise from moving objects. It also has a 120Hz  native refresh rate, which means a smoother gaming experience. I tend to watch rather slow TV shows and I’m not a gamer, so these weren’t something I was able to really use and appreciate.

Familiar OS

One of the biggest reasons to get a Hisense TV over its competition is its operating system — it runs Android TV. And on the U8G, it feels even more responsive.

The Hisense U8G TV remote is so handy and easy to use, with dedicated buttons for streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+

Setup is simple and easy, and navigation feels familiar. Just like on Android phones, it has Google Playstore where you can get your favorite streaming apps. Hulu which used to be notoriously sluggish on Android TV now runs smoother.

Get the 55-inch Hisense U8G TV on Amazon

Because it runs Android TV, Chromecast is also built-in. So it just take a few taps if you want to look at photos you took with your phone on the big screen.

Google Assistant is also built-in so you can use it to control your smart home devices or ask it questions. Because I already have a Lenovo Smart Clock, I turn off the mic on the bottom of the TV. When I do, it turns on four tiny yellow lights on the bottom of the TV that are really distracting, especially when I’m sleeping. 

Standout design

The Hisense U8G TV has a very slim profile and narrow bezels. Out of the box it comes with one cord for power, which you plug in on the right side of the TV. On the left side are the rest of the standard ports you’ll find in a TV in 2021.

You’re going to want to connect the U8G to a sound bar or a dedicated sound system if you want amazing audio with your content

Out of the four HDMI ports, two are HDMI 2.1 and one of which is the eARC port. This is great if you want to connect a better sound system as audio quality isn’t its strong suit.

My biggest gripe, and probably one of the compromises when it comes to this TV is its design. While its screen is bright and all, the way it looks isn’t something that blends well with my decor. The TV stands out — in a bad way.

Unlike Cruella’s window display, the U8G’s design stands out in a bad way

When I’m watching TV, I sometimes find myself getting distracted by its legs or the very visible power cord plugged on the right side. While this is highly subjective and not as important to some, its design detracts from how immersive the viewing experience could be on this TV.

Of course, this can also be solved by mounting the TV on the wall especially if you live in a house you own. But if you live in a New York rental like me, mounting a TV on the wall isn’t a sustainable option.

Is the Hisense U8G TV your GadgetMatch?

Starting at just US$ 999.99 for the 55-inch model, the U8G series of TVs is a great premium option for those on a tighter budget. If you are looking for a great TV in 2021 that has it all, the Hisense U8G TV is it. You will be highly satisfied watching content on this, especially since it also won’t cost you a fortune.

It’s not the most good looking TV nor is it the best sounding, but its price to performance ratio is unmatched. Hisense has always offered great value for money options, so it’s no surprise that the U8G series can compete against more expensive TVs like the Samsung QN90A QLED.

The best part is it runs Android TV, which I personally find to be the best TV OS and interface on the market right now.

You can buy the Hisense U8G TV on Amazon, or see Hisense’s Amazon store for their other TV offerings.

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Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel

Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans will return to write and direct.

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March 13, 2026

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This feels like a formality at this point. Netflix and Sony have officially confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel.

If you feel like you’ve read this exact title before, then you’re not alone. Since its massive success last year, the hit animated film constantly spawned talks of a potential franchise. It probably helped that the title quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. From the last we’ve heard of the rumors, Netflix was reportedly eyeing a 2029 premiere for the sequel.

Now, it’s official. As posted by Netflix itself, KPop Demon Hunters will get a sequel soon. Even better, the follow-up will be written and directed by the same duo, Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans.

Kang, who celebrated the first movie’s ability to tell a Korean story, says that there’s a lot more to explore in the film’s universe. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning,” she said.

Right now, the plot’s sequel is still unknown, especially since the Saja Boys were defeated in the first film.

Given how big the original movie got, the sequel is no surprise. Besides bagging the top spot on Netflix’s charts, the film also got an eventual release in theaters. KPop Demon Hunters is up for a potential Oscars win after it was nominated for Best Animated Feature. Its hit song, “Golden,” is also nominated for Best Original Song.

SEE ALSO: KPop Demon Hunters is now Netflix’s most-watched movie

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Entertainment

The internet is thirsting over the One Piece Season 2 cast

And honestly, fair

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March 12, 2026

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Netflix One Piece Season 2

Clips from One Piece Season 2 are circulating across TikTok, Threads, and X — and the internet has reached a very clear conclusion.

Screenshots of Zoro, Nami, Luffy, and Miss All Sunday have been circulating widely online.

This cast is aggressively attractive.

One Threads post even asked the question outright: “Why is the One Piece cast aggressively attractive?” Judging by the reactions online, plenty of fans seem more than happy to investigate.

And after watching the new season ourselves, we can confirm: yes, the viral moments making the rounds online are very real.

Zoro continues to be the internet’s favorite

A big chunk of the viral clips revolve around Mackenyu as Zoro.

Specifically, a scene where the swordsman appears shirtless — showing off a physique that fans immediately began thirst-posting about across social media.

It’s the kind of moment that practically feels engineered for screenshots. Stoic expression. Scarred swordsman energy. Abs fully visible.

Naturally, the internet noticed.

Luffy gets his Hollywood abs moment

Even Iñaki Godoy gets a similar viral moment.

One circulating clip shows Luffy wearing nothing but a towel, with his abs in full view. Fans quickly clipped the scene and began sharing it across social platforms.

Godoy himself seems aware of the moment. In one interview clip now floating around online, the actor joked that he might as well enjoy the “Hollywood abs” moment now — since his next role might just have him playing a regular guy.

Fair point.

@lyn_ching7 Have you seen shirtless LUFFY yet? Prepare for his “12 pack” ⚔️😁 @Netflix Philippines @Netflix @onepiecenetflix #onepiece #netflix #netflixph ♬ original sound – Ms. Lyn Ching

The internet also noticed Miss All Sunday

Another character generating plenty of reactions online is Miss All Sunday, also known to fans as Nico Robin.

Trailer comments posted by Netflix quickly filled up with reactions from viewers pointing out the character’s striking appearance — including jokes asking why her chest looked so prominent in the preview.

Other fans quickly pushed back, asking the obvious question: why complain?

Nami might be winning the internet

Still, the character that seems to be getting the biggest reaction online is Nami.

Clips and screenshots of Emily Rudd wearing a tiny red bra have been circulating widely, with fans praising both the character’s look and Rudd’s screen presence.

The scene is brief, but it clearly made an impression.

And judging by the number of screenshots floating around online, a lot of viewers had the exact same reaction.

Some people tuned in out of curiosity.

Others may have tuned in after seeing those screenshots.

Honestly, fair.

Either way, the viral clips are real — and they’re all pulled directly from the new season.

One Piece Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

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Entertainment

Samurai Champloo is getting a live-action adaptation

The adaptation is coming from One Piece’s Tomorrow Studios.

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March 11, 2026

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The live-action One Piece, which recently premiered its second season on Netflix, is one of the rare wins for the anime adaptation segment, especially after a string of misfires. Now, after the success of that series, things are getting bolder. Tomorrow Studios, which produced Netflix’s One Piece, will adapt Samurai Champloo into a live-action format.

Still from the brilliant mind of Shinichirō Watanabe, Samurai Champloo is often touted as the samurai version of Watanabe’s more popular Cowboy Bebop but with a more cohesive story and a hipper soundtrack. Since its first airing over two decades ago, the series has enjoyed a cult following, especially for those who enjoyed Cowboy Bebop.

First reported by Variety, Tomorrow Studios will adapt the show into a live-action series. Critically, Watanabe will be involved in the show’s production.

Because the show is still in early development, there’s no news beyond that. In fact, though it’s likely that Netflix will pick the series up, Tomorrow Studios hasn’t shopped the series to platforms yet.

Samurai Champloo is going to be a huge gamble for the studio. Previously, Tomorrow Studios crashed and burned with its Cowboy Bebop adaptation, which ended up getting canned soon after its premiere. Watanabe even criticized the series for changing the plot too much.

This time, however, Watanabe has given his blessing and will likely steer the adaptation to success. The studio has also promised an adaptation more faithful to the original’s story and soundtrack. Both of which were crucial to the original show’s success.

SEE ALSO: One Piece: Into the Grand Line unveils final trailer ahead of premiere

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