Netflix Finds New Hit In 117-Minute Action Movie From The Creator Of Widow's Bay

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Published Aug 25, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT

Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour.

Katie Dippold launched her hit Apple TV series Widow's Bay earlier this year, and she's also finding success on Netflix right now with an action film she wrote back in 2013. She has served as a writer and producer on several movies and TV shows over the years. Widow's Bay, the very first series that Dippold created, earned overwhelmingly positive reviews, landed several Emmy nominations and already has a second season in the works.

Thirteen years before Widow's Bay premiered, Dippold wrote the screenplay for the Paul Feig-directed action comedy The Heat starring Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock. Despite being released well over a decade ago, the film is still reaching new audiences and experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to Netflix. As of August 25, 2026, it's currently No. 2 on the popular streamer's global Top 10 movies chart, behind Facing El Chapo. The Last House, Don't Say Good Luck, Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing, 72 Hours, Breaking In, The Wave, A Child of My Own and Mickey 17 are also in the Top 10.

Katie Dippold's The Heat Shows Where Widow's Bay's Humor Comes From

The Heat is not available to stream anywhere in the United States, but the film is on Netflix in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK. Back in 2013 when it was released in theaters, The Heat grossed $229.9 million at the box office and earned mixed-to-positive reviews with a 66% Rotten Tomatoes score.

McCarthy and Bullock star in The Heat as a detective and FBI agent, respectively, who are forced to work together on a mobster investigation in Boston, despite having very opposing personalities. Their comedic performances were praised by critics, which speaks to Dippold's ability to infuse humor into all of her projects, including Widow's Bay, which has horror elements while still retaining the creator's signature brand of comedy. Dippold has also worked on Ghostbusters, Snatched and Parks and Recreation.

Sandra Bullock & Melissa McCarthy Are A Perfect Match In The Heat

Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock in The Heat

Before The Heat, the two leading actors had built up years of comedic timing and skills. While Bullock had several dramas and romantic comedies under her belt, she also appeared in full-blown comedies like Miss Congeniality. McCarthy, meanwhile, came to The Heat with a background in sketch comedy from The Groundlings and starring roles in Bridesmaids, Identity Thief, The Hangover Part III, Samantha Who? and Mike & Molly.

Bullock and McCarthy had never worked together before The Heat, but their on-screen chemistry was palpable throughout the entire movie, which critics applauded back in 2013. They proved to be a perfect match for each other, as their characters, Sarah Ashburn and Shannon Mullins, provided plenty of laughs throughout the 117-minute film. With The Heat now on Netflix in several countries, fans of Widow's Bay can get a look at Dippold's early career in comedy.