Carl Kolchak is supposed to be covering crime. That’s the assignment when the series begins. He deals with police reports, courthouse chatter, and the slow grind of a city newspaper trying to keep up with Chicago after dark. But the stories he stumbles into tend to delve into the realm of horror. A witness sees something strange. A detail refuses to make sense. Another piece of the puzzle turns up, and suddenly the explanation sounds less like police work and more like superstition.

The TV series wasn’t actually the beginning of Carl Kolchak’s story. Two television movies paved the way first. In 1972, The Night Stalker introduced the reporter as he investigated a string of killings in Las Vegas that turned out to involve a vampire. A year later, horror writer Richard Matheson’s The Night Strangler had Kolchak investigating the site of an ancient, undead killer who had lived there for generations. In 1974, Kolchak: The Night Stalker series premiered. Although only one season, it would clearly have an impact on later shows like The X-Files. Series creator Chris Carter admitted to being inspired by the 70s cult classic.

Kolchak Is Defined Not Only by His Job but Also by His City

Image via Peacock

Star Darren McGavin never gives in to the idea of Kolchak as a monster hunter. He’s a reporter who keeps following strange leads down rabbit holes. His rumpled suit makes him look like he’s spent the day chasing stories across the city and never stops. He scribbles notes and continues asking questions even when the people around him would rather change the subject.

In the first episode, “The Ripper,” you can see his persistence right away. It starts with a series of disturbingly familiar killings. Kolchak recalls a prior experience and feels the possible killer is someone he tangled with before. Back at the newsroom, his editor, Tony Vincenzo (Simon Oakland), reacts to these developments like a man who’s about to develop yet another ulcer. He respects Kolchak’s instincts but would prefer those instincts point toward stories that don’t sound like pulp fiction. Their arguments are a hilarious highlight of the show.

Related

This ’90s Fantasy Series Put a New Twist on the Police Procedural, and It’s Now Free To Watch

A police procedural about a detective working the night shift, except…

Advertisement

The city itself does much of the atmospheric work.Kolchak rarely looks polished or high-budget. The series wanders through darkened alleys, dim office buildings, and quiet residential streets where the traffic has thinned out for the night.Those places already carry a certain tension. A block that feels ordinary during the day can feel very different after midnight, when the sidewalks are empty, andthe only sound is a distant car passing somewhere out of view.

Episodes like “The Vampire” lean into that atmosphere nicely. It circles back to Janos Skorzeny (Barry Atwater), the Las Vegas vampire from the first television movie. Kolchak follows the connection through dark apartments and quiet parts of the city where the supernatural seems to slip into everyday life almost unnoticed.

The Monsters in ‘Kolchak: The Night Stalker’ Don’t Come From the Typical Legends

Image via ABC

The show also keeps things interesting by reaching beyond the most familiar horror creatures. Vampires appear, yes, but they don’t dominate the series. Instead, the writers wander into folklore and mythology that television rarely touches. “Horror in the Heights” is a good example. Kolchak is looking into some deaths in a Chicago neighborhood. He eventually realizes he’s dealing with a Rakshasa, a demon straight out of Hindu mythology that disguises itself as someone its victims can trust. That alone is terrifying, not knowing someone you know is a demon in disguise.

Other episodes drift into stranger territory still. “They Have Been, They Are, They Will Be…” has Kolchak investigating a series of deaths. They seem connected to an invisible alien that’s somewhere in the city trying to repair his spaceship, as Kolchak relentlessly searches for him. The show moves easily between the supernatural and science fiction without missing a beat.

‘Kolchak: The Night Stalker’s Influence Spreads Through Television Like ‘The X-Files’

Looking back now, it’s easy to see how much of modern paranormal television has grown out of this format. The structure is simple but effective. A stubborn investigator takes on a case that doesn’t make sense, while the authorities continually dismiss the explanation. The truth surfaces briefly before being buried again. Anyone who’s watched The X-Files will recognize that pattern, as the latter show’s creator intended. Both series follow investigators who keep running into phenomena that official institutions prefer not to acknowledge.

What keeps Kolchak: The Night Stalker memorable, though, isn’t just the concept. It’s McGavin’s performance. His dry sense of humor keeps the stories from getting too dark. Kolchak reacts to the supernatural with equal parts curiosity and annoyance, like a reporter who has just discovered that tonight’s assignment is far stranger than expected, and he won’t get home in time to watch the fights. Although only one season, once Kolchak is on your radar, the echoes start turning up more often than you’d expect.

By TeeJay Small
| Published 26 seconds ago

The 2026 South by Southwest Film and TV Festival kicked off over the weekend, with a variety of new projects announced. Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David was in attendance with a first look at his next project as well, which has been given the extremely wordy title Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America. According to a report in Variety, the series is shaping up to be quite a star-studded event, with guest stars including Bill Hader, Jerry Seinfeld, Kathryn Hahn, and even former President Barack Obama.

The first look trailer for the series reveals that Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness will have a lot in common with Curb Your Enthusiasm. The series appears to share the same comedic sensibilities, improvisational style, and even the same director, Jeff Schaffer. Most of the key Curb actors are set to return in some capacity as well, including Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and the inimitable J.B. Smoove. Schaffer reportedly joked that the new show could be retitled “Curb in costume.”

Shia LaBeouf is making headlines again after a wild moment in an Italian hotel lobby, appearing in just his boxer briefs with a cigarette dangling from his mouth while asking for a match.

The actor, in Italy to attend his father’s baptism, has faced ongoing legal troubles stemming from a Mardi Gras bar fight in New Orleans, including misdemeanor battery charges.

Shia LaBeouf is also facing marital issues, as it was revealed he has been separated from his wife, Mia Goth, for over a year now, but remains involved in his daughter’s life.

Shia LaBeouf Strips Down And Stirs Drama In Italian Hotel

Shia LaBeouf made quite the scene in an Italian hotel lobby, barely clothed and in his boxer briefs, with a cigarette dangling from his lips.

Video footage obtained by TMZ shows the actor pleading with someone nearby, “C’mon, bro… got a match? Give me a f-cking match!” Meanwhile, a woman nearby appeared uneasy and quickly walked away from the commotion.

Advertisement

The actor is in Italy for a personal reason: attending his father’s baptism. Initially, LaBeouf’s request to leave New Orleans was blocked because he was supposed to continue his substance abuse treatment. However, his lawyer successfully petitioned the court, which approved the trip.

LaBeouf’s latest legal troubles stem from an incident earlier this year. During Mardi Gras in February, the former Disney star was involved in a bar fight in the Marigny neighborhood, allegedly punching two men and head-butting a third around 12:45 a.m. at R Bar.

Following the incident, he was briefly jailed after receiving medical attention at a hospital.

The Actor Allegedly Used Homophobic Slurs During His Mardi Gras Fight

After LaBeouf’s arrest, allegations surfaced that the” Fury” actor used homophobic slurs during the Mardi Gras altercation, prompting Judge Simone Levine to set his bond at $105,000 on February 26, most of which had to be posted before he could remain free after his release.

Two of the alleged victims are part of the LGBTQ+ community: one identifies as queer, while the other sometimes dresses in drag.

Advertisement

The latter has publicly urged prosecutors to consider hate crime charges, citing a state law that enhances penalties for crimes motivated by “actual or perceived” gender or sexual orientation.

Shia LaBeouf Addressed His Mardi Gras Arrest And Controversial Remarks

In a YouTube interview with Channel 5 at his New Orleans home, LaBeouf cited his “traditional Catholic” faith and described feeling intimidated by “big gay people” while addressing the arrest incident.

He defended his behavior, claiming the violence occurred after the alleged victims touched him in a way that made him uncomfortable.

“Three gay dudes [were] next to me, touching my leg… I got scared,” he said. Acknowledging the controversy, he added: “I’m sorry—if that’s homophobic, then I’m that.”

The actor, however, noted that he was in the “wrong for touching anyone, ever. And that’s the end of my statement on this whole sh-t.”

Advertisement

The Actor Admits He Has A ‘Small Man Complex’

During the chat, LaBeouf also reflected on his behavior, suggesting that anger and ego, rather than alcohol, were at the root of his issues.

“I think I have a small man complex,” he told Andrew Callaghan. “I’m gonna address it … I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more so than my drinking, but that’s where I’m at now on my journey, and I’m trying to navigate it.”

Amid the controversy, LaBeouf’s attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, argued that her client should not face harsher treatment because of his celebrity status.

“No regular person would be required to post over $100,000 in bonds and be jailed twice for a single misdemeanor incident,” she said. “Just as he does not deserve preferential treatment, Mr. LaBeouf also does not deserve to be treated more harshly by the police and courts just because he is a public figure.”

Shia LaBeouf And Mia Goth’s Split Faces Conflicting Accounts From Their Inner Circles

Meanwhile, sources close to LaBeouf tell TMZ that he was not the cause of his breakup with Mia Goth, though people close to Goth offer a different perspective.

LaBeouf’s circle says the actor still cares deeply for the actress, even after their split last year, and insists the relationship “just didn’t work out.” They reject claims that he was responsible for the breakup.

Advertisement

Despite living in New Orleans to care for his family, LaBeouf reportedly remains very involved in their daughter Isabel’s life, making time for her while Goth focuses on work. Sources close to Goth, however, deny that her career played any part in ending the relationship.

Friends of LaBeouf say he tried everything to make the relationship work, from taking vacations together to turning toward religion. One friend noted that he became more devout after his previous breakup with FKA Twigs.

According to LaBeouf’s inner circle, Goth still cares for him but does not want to be married. Meanwhile, sources close to Goth argue that LaBeouf’s drinking and personal struggles were the primary issues, leaving her unconvinced he could grow or address his problems.

Advertisement

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette contestants are standing together after the recent news about their leading lady.

“The men on The Bachelorette have all been rallying around each other in solidarity and feel extremely upset and let down by Taylor and the situation,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively.

News broke on Monday, March 16, that the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has halted production on the show’s upcoming fifth season after a report that Taylor, 31, and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen were allegedly involved in a domestic dispute.

Draper City Police Department confirmed to People on Monday that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving Taylor and Dakota, 33, after multiple outlets reported that an incident between the two took place earlier this month.

Details about Taylor’s alleged domestic dispute also comes days before her season of The Bachelorette is set to premiere on Sunday, March 22.

Us has reached out to ABC for comment.

SLOMW viewers know that this most recent controversy is not the first time that Taylor has experienced a brush with the law. She was previously arrested for domestic violence in February 2023.

Taylor told Us in her recent cover story that her Bachelorette contestants asked about “all” of her past controversies — also including her soft-swinging scandal — during one-on-one conversations with the men.

“I was ready for it. I’ve got nothing else to hide. My arrest will always be a sensitive subject given the circumstances in that,” the reality star told Us. “Swinging — that’s such a scandal headline — but it’s also a very traumatic time in my life. That was one of my rock-bottom points. I lost my family, my husband.”

Related: ‘Mormon Wives’ Cast Is ‘Terrified’ to Film With Taylor Frankie Paul

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costars are hesitant to continue filming amid her dispute with ex Dakota Mortensen. “The Mormon Wives cast [is] honestly terrified to film with Taylor right now,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, noting that production is “shut down” at the moment and “the women have made it […]

Before Taylor was in an on and off relationship with Dakota, with whom she shares 23-month-old son Ever True, she was married to Tate Paul. Taylor and Tate wed in 2016 and were divorced by 2022. They share kids Indy May, 8, and Ocean, 5.

“It’s so much deeper than that to me, and deep conversations were had,” she said referring to her time on The Bachelorette. “I think anyone that actually cares about me would definitely be asking those.”

Taylor told Us that her contestants were “very receptive and nonjudgmental and open-minded” when having discussions about her past. Taylor also said the men on her season had “concern” about her being attracted to toxic relationships.

Related: How Long Were Mormon Wives‘ Taylor and Dakota Together Between Breakups?

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul’s relationship timeline with Dakota Mortensen isn’t easy to pin down after numerous breakups — but how long were they actually together in between their public splits? Taylor and Dakota started dating before the show premiered on Hulu in September 2024. Dakota was Taylor’s first public […]

“Of course that’s going to be their concern going into this, especially if they knew anything about me prior,” she said. “That’d be a question for me if I was on the other end.”

Taylor explained to Us that her “goal” with The Bachelorette was “to find my person” and jumped headfirst into the journey.

“I didn’t really have any vision of how it had to go — an engagement, we leave together or we’re trying dating,” she said. “I didn’t set any other expectations.”

Young and the Restless reveals got Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) walking out on her husband this week and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) just tossed out his wife. So, we’re expecting some big couple shakeups, especially with Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) still in town on Y&R and it could change everything.

We’re going to talk about what happens when Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) moves into the GCAC and how Diane might look for revenge on Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

Young and the Restless: Diane Hits the Roof

So, this week, Diane walked in on Jack in bed naked after just having done the dirty with crazy Patty Williams on the yacht. And of course, this is all down to Victor setting it up. So Jack was kidnapped and left in the middle of Lake Michigan. He is with his psycho ex-wife Patty. While Jack was trying to explain to Diane that he and Patty had been drugged with ecstasy by Victor.

Turns out his wife Diane wasn’t having any excuse. She slapped Jack right in the face and Diane did not seem to care that he was drugged. As far as she sees, Jack still knew he was married and should have kept it zipped. I mean, to be fair, he did tell Patty he’s married to Diane. And he told Patty several times to stop. But the drugs overwhelmed him. I mean, that’s what ecstasy does. Not that I’ve, you know, tried it. But I’ve heard. And Jack may be more susceptible to it given his past pill addiction.

Diane Walks Out on Jack on Y&R

So, when Diane, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor), and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) get Jack safely back home this week, you’ll see Diane in an absolute rage. She marched upstairs, slams the door. And it’s clear that Kyle and Billy aren’t too thrilled with Jack either. But he was abducted and drugged twice. But strangely, even knowing how monstrous Victor is and that he set this all up. Diane decided to pack a bag and stormed out. She’s done with Jack, she can’t be around him right now. So, I assume that Diane is headed over to the GCAC.

Victor Throws Nikki Out of Her Own Home on Young and the Restless

Meanwhile, guess who else is getting a room there? Nikki’s headed there, too. Because Victor threw her out of her own home. Nikki was flabbergasted that Victor tossed her out of the house. I mean, gave her that as a birthday present. It was a huge romantic gesture for Nikki. Since he rebuilt the house where they first fell in love after Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) burned it down years ago during a spiral. But Victor’s ticked off and he accused Nikki of not caring about his feelings and said she is more loyal to her precious Jack. And then Victor even told Nikki to go and lick Jack’s wounds.

I mean, Victor is obviously incredibly jealous of the connection Nikki still has with Jack. And the fact that she cares about her ex-husband’s well-being. And of course, Nikki was shocked that Victor was being so awful to her and actually threw her out of her own home. It’s kind of stunning that he unloaded like that on Nikki and that Victor had the nerve to play the victim card. When he’s the one who did despicable things by using the AI which put it in place to get turned around on them. And then he drugged and abducted Jack and gave him to crazy Patty of all people.

Could Nikki and Jack Get Back Together on Y&R?

So, right now, Nikki’s distraught over Victor tossing her out, and Jack’s distraught that he was just drugged and sexually assaulted. And then Diane blamed him and walked out. So, Young and the Restless may be laying the groundwork for Nikki and Jack to get back together.

I think that’s a long shot, though. And I certainly hope not. But, if you recall, Nikki and Jack were married a couple of times in the past. The last time was like 14 years ago, I think. They remain very good but platonic friends. And of course, that’s always driven Victor crazy and is a big part of why he hates Jack so much.

By the way, Peter Bergman did an interview that indicates Patty’s not done just yet. And she may circle back around to Jack looking for more. Patty loved having her way with Jack. And I doubt Patty will give up. She may be hoping for a full-blown reunion with Jack. I just saw an interview with Susan Walters who plays Diane and she said that Patty and Diane have some really tense scenes coming up.

Young and the Restless: Nikki Steps Up for Jack

And in the meantime, even if Diane remains estranged from Jack, I do think Nikki would go all out to protect Jack from Patty. We could see Nikki step in and tell Patty stay away from Jack that she ruined his marriage and Nikki won’t let Patty ruin Jack’s life.

But even though Nikki and Jack are both vulnerable right now and reeling from the fractured state of their marriages, I tend to think they wouldn’t just randomly start a fling, no matter how hurt they are. I do think Nikki would lean on Jack and offer him a shoulder to cry on. Because they are really good friends. I would be really surprised if they crossed the line from friendship into something more.

Could Diane and Victor Hook Up on Y&R?

But as for Nikki’s husband and Jack’s wife, that might be another story. Because Diane and Victor are both furious at their spouses. So, in terms of couple shakeups, I could totally see Diane and Victor plotting revenge and in the process of that winding up in the sheets together.

If you remember way back in 2011 when Maura West was playing the role of Diane, she and Victor were married at one point and things between Diane and Victor actually went really well for a while and Victor even fell hard for Diane. But eventually, of course, things fell apart for Victor and Diane. Then got ugly and then they divorced. The usual soap stuff.

Young and the Restless: Victor & Diane Reunion Ahead?

But since Diane and Victor were together before and he was smitten, they could rekindle. Even if it’s not. Because they actually want each other right now, we know Diane can be really vengeful and Victor is the king of payback. And right now, they both feel like their spouses betrayed them.

So, I could definitely see Diane going to rage at Victor about the kidnapping. He may tell Diane that Jack’s heart will always belong to Nikki and vice versa. And if you recall, Diane is just as mad as Victor that Jack went and took drugs to try and get Nikki to sober up and go to rehab. In that same interview with Susan Walters, she mentioned how much that is still eating at Diane about what he did for Nikki.

Victor & Diane Cross the Line on Y&R?

So, even though Victor, I think, likely planned this thing with Patty as a way to ruin Jack’s marriage for petty payback, he and Diane do share some very strong feelings in common. Not affection for each other. But about their spouses. Because they both think Jack and Nikki are way too close to each other way more than they should be. And the thing is, Victor may not have realized that by ruining their marriage, he could burn down his own marriage to Nikki by doing this.

And I could see Diane and Victor getting together, ranting, raging, maybe having too much scotch, and winding up in bed, you know, waking up hung over going, “Oh, what is this?” Although, if they do that, I really hope they don’t show it on screen. That’s not something I really want to see.

Of course, it would be nice if Diane realized that she was being unreasonable and she checks out of the GCAC and goes home. And Victor realizes the same thing. That he made a huge mistake and he overstepped and he tells Nikki, “Please come home.” But with the sloppy plots that Josh Griffith loves to write, I wouldn’t take a big couple swap off the table. I hope it doesn’t happen. But we’ll see how it plays out.

‘Love Island USA’ star Huda Mustafa and ‘Too Hot To Handle’ star Louis Russell have been going strong since making their red carpet debut at the Weapons movie premiere in August. The following month, the reality stars made things official after Louis asked Huda to be his girlfriend. 

While the couple has shared several moments in the limelight, they’ve also faced backlash online after a few viral, controversial moments. Now, the pair are sparking more conversation after the mother of Louis’s son spoke out with a series of accusations against Huda.

RELATED: Movin’ On Her Time! Huda Mustafa Sparks Reactions With Grammy Plans After Teasing NEW Music (VIDEOS)

Louis Russell’s Ex Nicole Alleges Huda Mustafa Made Threats And Tried To Break Into Her Building

Huda Mustafa has found herself in the hot seat yet again after a judge granted Nicole Olivera, the mother of Louis Russell’s son, a temporary restraining order. According to TMZ, Nicole Olivera went to court on Thursday seeking the restraining order. She claims Huda threatened her and her son and later showed up at her Los Angeles apartment building during a confrontation earlier this year.

In documents obtained by the outlet, Nicole alleges Huda swore on her daughter’s life that she planned to harm herself and made several “terrifying” threats involving herself, her daughter, and Nicole’s son. Nicole also claims Huda tried to get into the building and threatened to break down their doors.

Nicole says the incident happened in February and that police were called at the time. However, TMZ reports that the LAPD says it has no record of that call. She also alleges that Huda has continued harassing her on social media and says the situation has left her fearing for her safety and her son’s life.

A judge has since granted a temporary restraining order requiring Huda to stay at least 100 yards away from Nicole, her son, and their home.

Louis Russell Shares New Photo With Huda Following Recent Reports

Following the recent reports, Louis took to his Instagram Story with a photo of himself and Huda, captioning it “My 👑.” The couple was also recently seen on their IG Stories while boo’d up at the gym. Louis’ Story featured ‘Treacherous Twins’ by Drake and 21 Savage, while Huda’s Story played ‘Star Man’ by Abra Cadabra.

Louis Russell also celebrated his 25th birthday on Saturday. In a photo dump, he shared moments with his son, along with throwback pictures and fitness photos. The caption read, “Year. Of. The. Real.” His girlfriend Huda later hopped in the comments, writing, “My handsome birthday man.”

Social Media Reacts 

Social media users gathered under The Shade Room Teens as they reacted to the recent reports about Huda. While some called for her to be canceled and recalled her past behavior in the villa, others came to her defense and questioned the claims.

Instagram user @mochadelight_ wrote, “Huda was has been and will always be the problem”

Instagram user @milh.vs.u3h added, “we’re not shocked . restraining aren’t as easily granted either. that male centered bird been crazy”

While Instagram user @ilaamjayyy wrote, “Here the Huda hate train go again omgoshhh”

Instagram user @prettie_to wrote, “👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 unless I hear that 911 call I don’t see nothing 😂thanggyyy” 

Instagram user @_simplymya_ added, “I love when a man love his girl”

While Instagram user @tytiforevr wrote, “Lol well he don’t care idc hell”

Instagram user @itsshannaa wrote, “idkkkkkk huda has her own child & i don’t even think she would do this to her own.. but then again people do things to kids that aren’t theirs.. if she did that though that’s weird asl”

Instagram user @kayladiorbanks wrote, “FREE HUDA from false narratives. I’m tired.”

While Instagram user @topictrope wrote, “There is no way in hell she passed that psych test. @loveislandusa y’all need to fire whatever psychiatrist y’all got because we don’t need no more lunatics on that show.”

RELATED: Yikes! Social Media Reacts After Huda Mustafa Loses Huda Beauty Partnership Over Livestream Controversy (PHOTOS)

The culture lost a music scene LEGEND this week. Kiki Shepard, former co-host of ‘Showtime At The Apollo,’ has passed away, per her rep. She was 74.

Rest in Power, Kiki Shepard. 💐🕊️

Showtime at the Apollo pic.twitter.com/gZhdHNoWvM

— Jermaine Watkins (@JermaineWatkins) March 17, 2026

RELATED: Prayers Up! Man Who Pushed For Traffic Light After Wife’s Fatal Crash Dies At Same Intersection (VIDEO)

What Happened To Kiki Shepard? 

TMZ was first to report the death of Kiki Shepard on Monday (March 16). Shepard’s rep, LaShirl Smith, revealed her cause of death to be a “massive heart attack.” The health crisis reportedly happened in Los Angeles on Monday. The rep said Kiki’s death was completely unexpected.

According to ABC7 Chicago, Kiki Shepard’s family has also confirmed her passing. A statement provided to the outlet reads:

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease,” Shepard’s family said in an emotional statement: “We thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

No further details, including confirmation of a surviving partner or children, are available at this time. However, ABC7 Chicago noted that her family plans to release funeral details in the upcoming days.

The Life Of A Legendary Woman Gone Too Soon 

The short answer? That girl. Full stop. Kiki Shepard has been a household name to millions for many years. She gained that recognition through her time co-hosting ‘Showtime at the Apollo,’ a popular show that started in the late ’80s and ran until 2018. She co-hosted alongside other entertainment giants like Steve Harvey, Mo’Nique and Sinbad.

The variety show was filmed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, show live performances from iconic musicians and showcasing rising talent during its ‘Amateur Night.’ In fact, the show gave early opportunities to some of music’s legends, from James Brown and Billie Holiday to Ella Fitzgerald, the Jackson 5, and Lauryn Hill. Modern artists like Jazmine Sullivan, Ne-Yo and Machine Gun Kelly also made appearances on ‘Showtime at the Apollo.’

“For 15 years, KiKi brought grace, warmth, and joy into the homes of millions as the beloved Co-Host of ‘Showtime at the Apollo.’ She was also renowned as the Apollo Queen of Fashion and Ambassador of the show,” Shepard’s family statement reportedly said.

Aside from the iconic show, Kiki Shepard also made her mark on TV shows like ‘A Different World’ and ‘Baywatch.’ In the ’70s and ’80s, she also appeared on Broadway. That era lasted 10 straight years, Kiki told Sherri Shepard in a talk show interview.

Before Kiki Shepard was the co-host of ‘Showtime at the Apollo,’ she was a trained professional dancer that danced on Broadway and later danced in ‘The Wiz’ (1978) and many musical artists. pic.twitter.com/Gb4jctGoko

— Travis (Undercover) (@travisfrombk97) March 17, 2026

Outside of the entertainment world, Kiki Shepard offered her support to families affected by sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black people. She founded The KIS Foundation, Inc. to lead this mission.

In their statement, Shepard’s family promised to keep the awareness, support and advocacy going in her honored.

“KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives. Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease,” her family highlighted her passion for service,” her family said.

Additionally, the statement said: “The KIS Foundation will carry forward KiKi’s legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and care for the sickle cell community … She was our guiding light: strong, loving, joyful, and endlessly generous. To the community she served, she was a tireless champion and a source of inspiration.”

Celebs & Social Media Pay Tribute To Kiki Shepard

As news of Kiki Shepard’s death spread, celebrities and fans took to social media to honor her aura, friendship and legacy in entertainment. Keep scrolling to see such tributes.

Just seeing the awful news that Kiki Shepard passed away today after suffering a massive heart attack. She was 74. I just saw her Feb. 12 at the NBA All-Star Weekend Gospel Celebration. She asked me to play in her annual golf tournament. I said yes and we traded numbers. We all… pic.twitter.com/S9qApTHqCt

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) March 17, 2026

Advertisement

It is with a heavy, shattered heart that I process the sudden passing of my dear friend, the legendary Kiki Shepard. To lose a light so bright without warning feels like a theft of time, leaving an ache that words can barely touch.

​Kiki was more than a cultural icon and the… pic.twitter.com/0zoO6wnVYk

— Elgin Charles (@ElginCharles) March 17, 2026

Kiki Shepard was always an amazing co-host on Showtime at the Apollo. She will be missed. RIP 🕊️ https://t.co/dLduDTa93s

— 𝕌𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕕𝕠𝕘𝔹𝕋: 𝔹𝕃𝕄 ✊🏿 (@B_Rabbit843) March 17, 2026

Damn Kiki Shepard died! What a legend.

— ti (@AtiaAddicted) March 17, 2026

Advertisement

The incomparable Kiki Shepard, so iconic. We lost a light. 🙏🏾

— Christopher Edmerson (@ChrisEdmerson) March 17, 2026

Rest Peacefully to the beautiful Ms Kiki Shepard! She is forever cemented in my childhood memories 🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/AMoMq03PGl

— Carolyn (@TheVirgoDiva) March 17, 2026

RELATED: Prayers Up! 12-Year-Old Girl Passes Away Following An After-School Fight With Another Student In Georgia (VIDEO)

Simone Biles celebrated another trip around the sun in the best fashion.

Biles, who turned 29 years old on Saturday, March 14, took to Instagram on Monday, March 16, to show off her curves in a bikini. While posing on a yacht, Biles stunned in a black bikini top featuring triangle cups and halter straps. She styled the piece with high-waisted black denim cutoffs and a sheer cover-up, which she wore untied.

The Olympian glammed up her look with silver rings, a hand chain and a black Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet. She further accessorized with a silver chain necklace and dainty hoop earrings.

Biles went makeup-free in the pic and wore her hair parted down the middle and styled in long curls.

Related: Simone Biles Dishes on Breast Augmentation: Size, Scars and More

Simone Biles broke down everything to know about her recent breast augmentation. Biles, 28, took to TikTok on Wednesday, November 19, to get candid about going under the knife. “Let’s talk about it,” Biles said while pointing at her chest. “I got my boobs done June 16, but I know everybody wants to know: Who […]

In one of the photos, Biles was surrounded by gold and white balloons spelling out her name.

Elsewhere in the social media dump, Biles showed off a trendy butter yellow outfit. She stunned in a halter corset top and with floral details that cascaded into a cowl waist skirt. She teamed the look with a colorful Louis Vuitton purse and diamond jewelry.

“This is 29 🌷,” she captioned the post.

Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, supported her in the comments section. “And more beautiful than ever 💜🤞🏽,” he gushed.

In November 2025, Biles opened up about her figure and her decision to get a breast augmentation via TikTok.

“I got my boobs done June 16, but I know everybody wants to know: Who was the doctor? Where did I get them done? Did I do over or under? And what size implants did I do?” she said, noting that she saw Dr. Kriti Mohan in Texas.

Related: Simone Biles Seemingly Confirms Boob Job After Plastic Surgery Rumors

Simone Biles just landed more than a tumbling pass — she may have confirmed long-running speculation that she underwent a breast augmentation. The gold-medal winning gymnast, 28, shared a not-so-subtle hint that she had the cosmetic procedure in a new Instagram Stories post shared on Wednesday, October 15, along with a video of herself jumping […]

Advertisement

Biles revealed that she spoke with her plastic surgeon at the time about her desired results and “we decided under the muscles was gonna be the best option for me based on my inspiration photos to get the most natural look.” She shared that she got 310cc “extra filled silicone” implants with a “high profile.”

She also added that the implants were the best for her frame because she’s 4-foot-8 and 105 pounds, and has “broad shoulders.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 36 seconds ago

Even the most casual fans of Star Trek know that Klingons are all about honor, fighting, and dying in the most glorious way possible. Of course, once you watch enough episodes, you learn that these aliens don’t reserve their violence for the battlefield. They are also into violently kinky sex, the kind that regularly sent Dax and Worf to the infirmary on Deep Space Nine.

As you might imagine, the Klingons weren’t always envisioned as being total freaks in bed; that concept wasn’t introduced until Star Trek: The Next Generation. Interestingly, we owe this weird bit of alien trivia to one man: Cliff Bole, the prolific director whom the Bolians were named after. He helmed the episode “The Emissary,” and when Worf hooked up with his future baby mama, K’Ehleyr, the director improvised by having the two draw blood because he thought that Klingons would be just as violent in bed as they are in battle.

Ridges, For Her Pleasure

For context, “The Emissary” (not to be confused with the DS9 episode of the same name) is an episode where the Enterprise encounters a group of Klingons who have been in suspended animation for the past 75 years. In an effort to make a diplomatic solution work, Captain Picard works with K’Ehler, a Federation ambassador. She is also a Klingon who has a history with Worf, and these two end up hooking up; she will later give birth to Alexander, a son Worf will have to raise on his own (until he doesn’t) after K’Ehleyr is brutally murdered.

When Star Trek: The Next Generation first started, the writers were a little iffy on Klingon society, including whether or not the Empire had become part of the Federation. Later, the show would benefit from Ronald Moore, The Original Series superfan who helped create some of the best Klingon episodes in the franchise. But Moore wouldn’t be hired until Season 3, so it was up to Season 2 director Cliff Bole to create several Klingon customs on the fly.

Blood, Bodies, And Bat’leths

According to Captains’ Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages, this included Klingon mating rituals. “I came up with that thing where [K’Ehleyr] digs into [Worf’s] hand and there’s all that blood,” Bole said. “I did that on the set. I was wondering what these people do, and I had the image of bones breaking and felt that’s what they do when they get it on.” 

This quick improvisation became one of the key elements of Klingon lore, one that would be referenced in several other episodes. Previously, all Worf had really said about sex was that he wouldn’t be trying it on the ship because he thought Earth women were too fragile. This implied that he was worried about humans simply thinking he was too rough in bed. Thanks to “The Emissary,” we know that Worf is worried about fragile partners because Klingon mating is rougher than rough, regularly involving breaking bones and making your partner bleed.

50 Blades Of Grey

Just how rough Worf likes it is evidenced in Deep Space Nine once he begins a romantic relationship with Dax, and they hook up for the first time in “Looking For par’Mach in All the Wrong Places.” After getting injured during a bat’leth fight, they then haul their banged-up bodies to the infirmary, where a blushing Bashir quickly ascertains exactly how these two got their injuries. DS9 would frequently make allusions to their rough bedroom life, and Discovery eventually showed us just how violent Klingon coupling could be with a flashback scene where Ash Tyler/Voq may or may not have been assaulted by a very unclothed L’Rell.

Discovery was also the show that all but confirmed male Klingons have two genitals, which raised more than a few questions about Worf’s relationship with Troi and Dax. Obviously, the NuTrek show’s emphasis on Klingon hyper-aggressive mating builds on decades of lore for these angry aliens. But their well-earned reputation as the biggest freaks in the Quadrant all started with Cliff Bole, whose improvisation on the set of “The Emissary” left an unmistakable mark (kind of like what Worf does to women on the holodeck!) on Klingon society.

Remy Ma and Reminisce MacKenzie‘s recent mommy-daughter time has the internet gushing.

RELATED: Love To See It! Remy Ma & Papoose Share Pics & Videos From Reminisce MacKenzie’s 7th Birthday Party

More On Remy Ma & Reminisce MacKenzie’s Cute Mommy-Daughter Time

On Monday, March 16, Remy Ma took to Instagram to share a clip of her and Reminisce MacKenzie cruising in the car while listening to Wale & Usher’s single, ‘Matrimony.’ Furthermore, the clip showed her and MacKenzie recording in the studio, and the footage ended with a clip of MacKenzie rapping her mom’s verse on ‘All The Way Up.’

“My baby ; The Golden Child 🥰 @ReminisceMacKenzie be in the backseat doing all the adlibs. , hooks, and background vocals to my whole playlist😂 Soooo when we got to the studio I put her in the booth and told her to do my adlibs… JOKES!!! I think she was inspired cuz when we got home I caught her in the room doing my verse on All The Way Up from her core😭 Sidebar: this was for fun ; she’s gonna be a dentist -😎 Double Sidebar: but if u ask her she says a makeup artist and a hairstylist 😂,” Remy captioned the clip.

The Internet Is Gushing

Internet users were gushing over Remy Ma and Reminisce MacKenzie’s cute mommy-daughter time in TSR’s comment section.

Before Remy Ma & Reminisce MacKenzie’s Cute Mommy-Daughter Time, The Rapper Had The Internet Double-Tapping

Before Remy and Reminisce MacKenzie had the internet gushing, the rapper had the internet double-tapping. As The Shade Room previously reported, last month, Remy posted a carousel showing her transition from makeup-free to full glam. Ultimately, the flicks had social media users gagging over her beauty.

RELATED: Woke Up Like This! Remy Ma’s No-Makeup Post Has Fans Double-Tapping (PHOTOS)