Entertainment
Calling Middle-earth A Franchise Allows Hollywood To Destroy Lord Of The Rings
By Jennifer Asencio
| Published
As more material based in the world in which The Lord of the Rings takes place gets made, more entertainment pundits and fans are referring to Middle-earth and everything in it as a “franchise.” This is a travesty of entertainment that was even decried by Christopher Tolkien, son of the story’s creator, JRR. Middle-earth has been the inspiration for almost all modern fantasy, most notably the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, but calling The Lord of the Rings and its associated worldbuilding a franchise is a cynical attempt to pardon weak and uncreative attempts to add to it by modern filmmakers.
Tolkien’s son famously did not enjoy the original Peter Jackson trilogy’s telling of the quest to destroy the One Ring. In a 2012 interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Christopher decried the films for a variety of reasons, including the commercialization of The Lord of the Rings for pop culture, which he felt betrayed the essence of his father’s work. “The chasm between the beauty and seriousness of the work, and what it has become, have overwhelmed me.”
How The Hobbit Stretched Tolkien
The younger Tolkien said this just in time for the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of the Lord of the Rings films to contain source material Tolkien didn’t write. Young Tolkien’s statements were about the original trilogy, which he felt overshadowed the books and thus subsumed them as the authoritative version of the story, but The Hobbit trilogy only made that worse. It expanded a single book into three movies that were as long as their predecessors, each covering one book apiece.
To stretch the single book The Hobbit into a trilogy, writers like Phillipa Boyens added plots that JRR Tolkien never intended. This included the infamous love triangle between Legolas, Kili, and Tauriel, the latter played by Evangeline Lilly, who only joined the cast on the condition she would not be inserted into a gratuitous love triangle. That she finished filming the trilogy despite this blatant betrayal is either a remarkable sign of Lilly’s patience or of the power of her movie contract.
Rings Of Power Took A Bad Idea And Ran With It
Rings of Power took the technique of adding extraneous and original characters and subplots into the established lore and ran with it faster than Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli ran to Rohan. The most blatant of these new additions is the constant attempts to give Galadriel a love interest despite lore linking her to Celeborn in a marriage lasting thousands of years and no established history of her being with anyone else. They even matched her in the second season of the show with a character who turned out to be Sauron.
Many of the new characters are also gratuitous, including an Orc protagonist, despite canon that is clear that Orcs are corrupted former elves (this is an oversimplified explanation about which Tolkien wrote entire books). Races that don’t have the variety of humans are given that variety anyway, especially if the character it is given to is in a position to lead or be a hero. These characters wouldn’t be an issue except that they were not the world Tolkien wrote; they are imposed upon Tolkien’s world by the lack of respect for his source material.
Tolkien Under Fire From Activists
Tolkien’s source material has been attacked by commentators before, including the 50th anniversary edition of the game Dungeons & Dragons. In that book, the publishers at Wizards of the Coast denounced the creators of the game for misogyny, racism, and themes of colonialism and slavery.
Lord of the Rings had so much inspiration on Dungeons & Dragons that the game had to replace hobbits with Halflings to avoid a lawsuit for copyright infringement (and even then, the names of the different Halfling races are very similar to those of The Shire). This close adherence by D&D to Tolkien’s vision opened the author and his works to the same accusations, especially since the minions of Sauron include men who seem to be based on North African and Indian soldiers.
The Importance Of Skin Color In Middle-earth
These accusations are therefore “answered” by subverting all the racial elements of the show, both those that are real-world and those that are fantasy. Protagonist Orcs are not something Tolkien would have designed, especially in a prequel to the main series that takes place so long before it, when Orcs were new.
All Elves were fair, because those who were “dark” never saw the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor; this is in Tolkien’s Middle-earth history, The Silmarillion. With the wide variety of human skin tone variants present among Men, Dwarves, and Harfoots (the predecessors to hobbits), inserting real-world identity politics on the Orcs and Elves is more of a rebellion against Tolkien and his perceived transgressions than it is “inclusive.”
Upcoming Middle-earth Transgressions
Two new Lord of the Rings projects are expected in the next year or two: The Hunt for Gollum and Shadows of the Past. The Hunt for Gollum is about the period between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, as Aragorn tracks the doomed hobbit-creature in the search for the One Ring before anyone knows Bilbo has it. The problem with this script, directed by original Gollum actor Andy Serkis, is that Philippa Boyens and her co-writers are essentially making it up. This particular period in Middle-earth’s history isn’t detailed in any of the books; it’s only alluded to through secondhand information from Gandalf when he visits The Shire for the One Ring.
Shadows of the Past, written by Boyens, Stephen Colbert, and his son, Peter McKee, at least relies on source material to tell its story. There were a few chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring that were left out of the movie, particularly the adventures in the Barrow Downs and the party’s encounter with Bugs Bunny cartoon Tom Bombadil. However, unable to resist adding yet more of their own garnishes to Tolkien’s work, the trio have reportedly framed this story around Sam’s daughter, well after the trilogy takes place, who will be solving a mystery from the past.
How Calling Lord Of The Rings A Franchise Allows Hollywood To Ruin It
Calling Lord of the Rings a franchise is the backhanded technique that these writers think allows them to alter and add to Tolkien’s work. If a collection of stories is a franchise, it gives other creators permission to have their say about it, especially in film.
Most people haven’t read much more than The Hobbit or the trilogy, if they even got through all of that. The Silmarillion is a famously tough read, and Tolkien’s many other histories of his fantasy world are more like notes than prose. So most people wouldn’t recognize that these works have been altered, since, as Christopher observed, most people take the films as the definitive canon. In this way, The Lord of the Rings has been appropriated from its creator.
The fact is, until Peter Jackson got hold of it, The Lord of the Rings was the sole work of Tolkien. To write it, he leaned on his research of Icelandic sagas and Anglo-Saxon poetry, like Beowulf and Arthurian legend.
Tolkien wrote his novels and his histories of Middle-earth in the style of these sagas, complete with their triumphs, tragedies, wars, and romances. Tolkien modernized the concept of the saga, but he did so without turning the storytelling style into a franchise by creating his own original work.
Hollywood Is Rationalizing Theft
Those insisting that Lord of the Rings is a franchise are thus rationalizing the theft of Tolkien’s world from its author. The worst part is that this theft isn’t because of anything the author did wrong except not be a writer in the 2020s.
The changes that Boyens and her compatriots have made to the series are all there to apply presentism to the saga by adapting the content to their own tastes rather than presenting Tolkien’s work as it stands. There are too many themes of the series they deem “offensive” for them to present the source material accurately, so what we have gotten since the original, Oscar-winning trilogy are several Tolkien fanfictions with Mary Sue self-insertions.
Controlling Lord Of The Rings Corrupts Everyone Who Uses It
Control of the Lord of the Rings saga is just like the One Ring, and as happens to everyone who touches the One Ring (except maybe Sam Gamgee), it has corrupted those in power with their own egos. They think they can do better than Tolkien, but they can’t, so they pardon this with the cynical label of “franchise.”
The slop eaters let them get away with it because slop eaters will eat anything the producers tell them to, even when it attacks and subverts a thoroughly established canon. It’s up to the rest of us to remind Hollywood that Middle-earth is not a franchise, lest it continue to grow into the commercial nightmare JRR’s son feared.
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Brooks Nader revealed what happened to Sarah Jane Nader’s nipple piercings after a trip to the Arctic.
Brooks, 29, took to Instagram on Monday, April 20, to share a gory photo of blood stains on a sheet. “PSA: Take your nipple rings out before you go to the Arctic!!!!” Brooks captioned the post, tagging Sarah Jane, 23.
Before Brooks revealed what can happen in cold temperatures, Sarah Jane joked about having concerns about the jewelry while visiting Svalbard, Norway. In one pic, she sported a skin-tight black jacket that she partially unzipped to reveal her cleavage.
“Checking on the rings 💀,” she captioned the post.
Brooks, Sarah Jane, and their other two sisters, Grace Ann and Mary Holland, all took a trip to the Arctic to participate in a women’s health experiment.
“We are all deeply passionate about women’s rights and health advocacy, and next week, we are taking a major step in our support of these causes,” Brooks captioned a post of the four of them bundled up. “We’re heading to the Arctic with @nyulangone @uarizona @thespaceprize to take part in one of the first studies exploring how women’s bodies respond to extreme conditions — from sub-zero temperatures to 24-hour daylight.”
The Sports Illustrated model continued, “Because most research in extreme environments? It’s been done on men. As women step into space programs, expeditions, and high-performance environments, the data needs to catch up. So we’re helping build it.”
On their trip, Brooks and her sisters were being tracked on their sleep, hormones, stress and recovery levels.
In July 2025, she normalized getting a period stain on her white skirt at Wimbledon. Brooks hid the fashion faux pas by walking with her bag over her bum and shuffling against walls.
“Tries to be chic,” she captioned a TikTok of herself turning around and showing the stain. “Starts 🩸 at Wimbledon.”
Madonna is experiencing mixed feelings after her Coachella appearance.
The pop icon gave the musical festival all its tens, but that magnitude of a good time came at a high cost of sentimental items for the vocalist.
Madonna made a grand entry to Coachella for the first time in over a decade alongside Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter, who headlined the festival for the second week of the festival.
Madonna Offers Reward For Safe Return Of Her Missing Items
The singer, in an Instagram Story posted on April 20, 2026, revealed that she was still “flying high” after her incredible performance at the festival, which featured new songs from her upcoming album “Confessions II.”
Madonna confessed that her great feeling was quickly dampened by a sad realization that some of her prized possessions were gone. She identified vintage pieces worn for her performance, like her jacket, corset, and dress, and other items that are a significant part of her wardrobe.
The singer continued to her teeming followers that she is hopeful that someone would be kind enough to locate the items and reach out to her team at the email address attached. Madonna displayed another dimension to her generosity by writing, “I’m offering a reward for their safe return. Thank you with all My Heart [pink heart emoji].”
Inside The Fashion Icon’s Surprise Performance With Sabrina Carpenter
The singer teamed up with the “Please Please Please” singer to serenade attendees of the festival on weekend two. Madonna emerged on stage midway through Carpenter’s “Juno,” where the track transitioned to her 1990 hit song “Vogue.”
As reported by The Blast, the duo hopped on another track, allegedly from her soon-to-be-released album, which also features Carpenter. The performance ended with a warm exchange of pleasantries and admiration between the two music powerhouses and a concluding performance of “Like a Prayer” from the star.
Madonna seized the opportunity to share the story of her Coachella debut with the audience, stating that it was done in a dance tent and was the first time she performed “Confessions on a Dance Floor Pt. 1” in America. In her words, “You can imagine what a thrill it is for me to be back 20 years later in the same boots, the same corset, the jacket I had on earlier, the same Gucci jacket. So it’s like a full circle moment, very meaningful for me.”
Madonna’s Dance Fueled Criticisms On The Internet
The legend always tries to leave tongues wagging whenever she steps on the stage, and Coachella is not excluded. From her viral steamy kiss with Drake to her most recent dance moves in the crowd, the singer never fails to cause conversations.
The Blast noted on April 19 that the 67-year-old let her hips loose in the crowd, dancing like it’s 99, to the admiration of her fans and an equal dislike. Some critics wondered why she always gets herself involved in childish displays, whether for attention or to trend.
Other internet users claimed she had to be influenced by a substance for her to move like that, while some folks on the other side of the divide defended her dance moves as a harmless, carefree display. They urged the fans who had a bone to pick with her manner of expression to lean into her humor and accept her for the joyful being she had become.
Sabrina Carpenter Raved About The Rare Opportunity Of Performing Alongside The Legend
The Grammy winner also had a full-circle moment of her own, describing sharing the stage with Madonna as a very surreal moment. She expressed gratitude to the singer for providing her with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to belt out tunes together on stage.
Carpenter described the performance as a dream come true, and equally thanked other musical talents like Geena Davis, Terry Crews, and Corey Fogelmanis for lighting up the whole arena with their energies. The duo’s heartwarming gig at one of the world’s biggest music festivals comes amid anticipation for her latest project, which is set to be released on July 3 via Warner Records.
Carpenter delivered a breathtaking theatrical 20-song production titled “Sabrinawood,” which marked her return to the festival as a headliner just two years after she debuted in 2024.
Madonna Was Involved In Another Iconic Reunion Earlier This Year
The 67-year-old gave her fans another thing to be excited about when a clip of her enjoying a gondola ride with her pal Julia Garner, singing along to her “Like A Virgin” hit track.
The reunion reportedly happened while they were filming season two of the Apple TV+ series “The Studio” in Venice. The media personalities even showed up in matching outfits of black-and-white horizontally striped shirts paired with black blazers.
Madonna and Garner also wore blue jeans while being flanked by a film crew as they filmed on location along the famous Grand Canal. The stars’ sighting immediately sparked anticipation for a Madonna biopic to be played by Garner, with emphasis on the striking resemblance between the duo.
Will Madonna find what she is looking for?
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
Garfield and Friends said it best: “Oh no, we’ve resorted to an evil twin storyline.” Star Trek: The Original Series did it the best with Mirror Universe Spock, and ever since, it’s been a lazy excuse for every series to use when they run out of ideas. The exception is Stargate SG-1’s sixth episode, “Cold Lazarus,” which plays with the trope by making the twin less evil and more confused.
When fans say they skip this episode when rewatching, it’s not because it’s a lazy, poorly written episode. In fact, it’s the opposite. The ending of “Cold Lazarus” is a pivotal character moment for Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and a gut punch to the audience.
Stargate SG-1’s First Evil Twin
“Cold Lazarus” opens with the SG-1 team on a planet that doesn’t look like Vancouver (it was a giant pile of sulfur at the port of Vancouver). The desert landscape is dotted with shattered blue crystals that look like the remnants of a civilization until we see a crystal eye-view of O’Neill, a mysterious light knocks him out, and all of a sudden, a second O’Neill is looking down at the first. Turns out, the crystals are the civilization.
Fake O’Neill is trying to figure out who O’Neill is and what SGC is all about. When he pulls out photos of his family, it takes Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) by surprise. O’Neill’s never mentioned his wife, Sara, or his son, Charlie. Confused, the Fake O’Neill goes to the home, where Sara is disgusted he’d come by and thinks it’s a sick joke that he’s asking about Charlie. If you’re wondering if you missed a key part of O’Neill’s backstory, don’t worry, this is the first time that either Sara or Charlie is mentioned, and tragically, we soon learn why.
No One Ever Dies
Charlie shot himself with O’Neill’s gun. Fake O’Neill starts to piece this together when he goes into Charlie’s old room and breaks down, prompting Sara and him to finally have the conversation about their shared grief. Back in SGC, the crystal’s nature is revealed to be an energy alien calling itself Unity, which accidentally killed a Jaffa, and the Goa’uld shattered them in retribution. That’s when O’Neill stumbles back through the Stargate, and the team realizes the mistake they made.
The Fake O’Neill is soon captured at a local hospital, suffering from Earth’s radiation, where he explains that he sensed O’Neill’s pain after he took his form and wanted to help ease the suffering, as nothing ever truly dies to Unity. To prove its point, Unity transforms into Charlie, giving O’Neill and Sara one last chance to see their child. Fans who haven’t lost a child can understand the emotion, but for fans who have, this scene is emotional torture, in the best way possible.
Jack knows this isn’t Charlie, but he talks to him like he is, and then they walk together through the Stargate back to Unity’s planet. It’s a beautiful moment that explains so much about O’Neill’s throwing himself into work and how even his friendships remain professional. “Cold Lazarus” may have started out with the “evil twin” trope in full effect, but the ending is proof that even early during its run, Stargate SG-1 was going to be the greatest.
Quinton Aaron has spoken up about discovering his wife, Margarita DeLeon, was legally married to her ex after he suffered a stroke.
Margarita had been making decisions on his behalf all through his health scare, but after the revelation came to light, the actor’s family stopped her.
Amid his healing journey, Quinton Aaron disclosed that he’s yet unable to walk but is a lot better than when he was first hospitalized and is holding on to hopes he’ll soon regain his ability to walk.
Quinton Aaron Made Shocking Discovery About His Wife After Suffering A Stroke
Quinton Aaron joined ABC News for an interview on Monday morning, where he opened up about the confusing state of things between him and his wife, Margarita.
“The Blind Side” actor had been out unconscious after suffering a critical health crisis in January 2026 involving a spinal stroke that required him to be placed on life support.
However, once he gained consciousness in February, he was greeted with news that his wife, Margarita, who had been taking care of him, was still legally married to her ex-husband despite claiming throughout their relationship that she’d been divorced for over a decade.
“The entire time we were together, she told me she had been divorced for 10 plus years,” Aaron said. “She even told the person where we were getting married, ‘Oh yes, I have all the documents. I can email over to you the divorce decree.’”
The Actor Said Not Looking Into His Wife Was His ‘Biggest Mistake’
The 41-year-old tied the knot with Margarita in a “spiritual wedding” back in December 2024.
During the actor’s hospitalization, she was in charge of making major health and financial decisions on his behalf, but after the reports came to light, his family restricted her access to him.
“That’s what eventually led to the doctors removing her from around me,” Aaron said.
He then admitted that he never saw her divorce decree, adding that his not doing his due diligence about the situation was his “biggest mistake.”
“If I had a chance to do it over, I would have done my due diligence,” he reflected. “I would’ve definitely done a lot more research.”
Margarita Claims She Had No Idea Her Divorce Had Not Been Finalized
Aaron’s spiritual wife, Margarita, defended herself from his family’s claims, telling ABC News that she had no idea that the divorce had never been finalized.
“When I told Quinton back in the hospital bed, and I want to be very honest about this, I feel like this needs to be said and brought out there,” she stated.
“I said to him, I said, ‘Baby, this information that your family pulled up on me, you know, I wasn’t aware of it.’ I said, ‘This is what I found out. It is true,’” Margarita added.
Her estranged husband, Eric Guzman, stood by her claims, telling the news outlet that they both thought the divorce had gone through years ago, but since things turned out this way, he filed for divorce again in February.
The Actor Remains Unable To Walk
Aaron’s health is now in a better condition than it used to be, but it appears his journey to full recovery may take a while.
Noting that he’s still immobile, the actor said doctors explained to him that it may take up to one year before he regains consciousness in his legs, a time frame Aaron rejects.
“The doctors projected that it could take months, it could be a year, or up to a year,” he told the news outlet. “I said, ‘I don’t claim that time frame. I’ll be walking a lot sooner than you think.’ That’s just how I believe.”
He added, “That’s how, you know, between me, my faith, and my relationship with God.”
Quintin Aaron Regrets Not Listening To His Body
The actor admitted his regret for not taking good care of himself sooner than now, noting how he had been ignoring warning signs.
“I started paying attention to my body because I found out over the years, it was speaking very disrespectfully to me, and I was ignoring it,” Aaron said.
Reports suggest he’s now in physical therapy at an Atlanta hospital, working to regain his ability to walk.
“He’s in therapy every day, three hours a day,” Dr. Nithin Devireddy, medical director at the hospital where Aaron is recovering, told the news outlet. “That is the benchmark of all inpatient rehabilitation facilities.”
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If your closet is craving a spring refresh, consider this your sign to hit “add to cart.” The latest fashion arrivals from Nordstrom, Quince, Free People and Amazon are serving up everything we want to wear as the weather warms up. Think breezy silk dresses, effortlessly cool tops and throw-on-and-go sandals. Sometimes adding a few new additions to your closet is exactly what you need to feel instantly styled, even when you only have five minutes to get dressed.
Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, weekend getaway or want to romanticize your everyday wardrobe, these fresh finds strike the perfect balance between polished and practical. We rounded up standout pieces that feel current without trying too hard. Don’t be surprised when you reach for these pieces on repeat all season long (and probably beyond).
Best New Spring Arrivals
1. Our Favorite: This striped matching set is the definition of cute meets comfy. The oversized V-neck top brings a relaxed vibe, while the matching shorts keep things light and easy. Whether you’re lounging at home or grabbing an iced latte, it delivers that effortlessly put-together energy.
2. Linen Dream: Light, airy and ready for anything, this linen swing dress from Quince is the kind of piece you’ll reach for on repeat. The pin-tucked bodice and delicate shell buttons add subtle charm. We love how the breezy silhouette keeps things cool even on the warmest days. It’s an instant classic with just the right amount of movement!
3. Everyday Winner: This sporty-chic dress brings a little something extra to your everyday lineup. The ruched neckline and gathered pockets add dimension. The layered design creates a flowy, flattering shape that feels as good as it looks. It’s an easy yes for everything from beach walks to casual dinners.
4. Cloud Comfort: Designed with serious support in mind, these cloud-like sandals feature cushioned soles, adjustable straps and a soft, secure fit that makes long days way more manageable. Practical never looked (or felt) this good.
5. Butter Yellow Beauty: This sunshine-hued blouse feels like spring in clothing form. The square neckline and flutter sleeves keep things airy. Lace paneling and a button-front detail add a soft, feminine finish, making it the kind of top that instantly brightens your entire outfit.
Breezy spring days have officially arrived, which means it’s time to find clothes that work for the warmer weather. One material you can’t go wrong with is linen, especially since the lightweight fabric easily transitions into the summer. Whether you opt for a new dress, top or trousers, linen pieces just nail that effortlessly elegant […]
6. Coastal Cool: Nothing says spring quite like stripes, and this textured tee nails the look. The lightweight knit feels easygoing, but the structured silhouette keeps it polished enough for everyday wear. Toss it on with denim, linen pants or cutoffs — it works with everything.
7. Rich Mom Blouse: Minimal effort, maximum polish. This silky satin tank drapes beautifully and adds a hint of shine to any outfit, whether you’re styling it solo or layering it under a blazer. It’s cool to the touch…and even cooler in your closet rotation.
8. Silk Moment: Equal parts luxe and wearable, this silk mini from Quince is a total standout. The draped neckline and softly flared sleeves give it that elevated feel, but the washable fabric is still surprisingly low-maintenance. Turn even a simple night out into a special occasion with zero effort.
9. Summer Staple: These aren’t your average flip-flops. With a yoga mat-inspired footbed and shock-absorbing sole, they’re made for all-day wear without the usual foot fatigue. The knotted strap adds a cute twist, making them just as stylish as they are comfortable.
10. Garden Party Glam: The vibrant floral print on this flowy maxi pops beautifully, and the flattering mock neck and tie-waist silhouette are oh-so flattering. From weddings to outdoor soirées, it brings instant elegance without feeling overdone.
11. Boho-Chic: Delicate and a little bit playful, this apron-style tank from Free People is full of charming details. Eyelet lace trim, adjustable tie sides and a breezy open fit give it that carefree, just-threw-this-on feel. It’s practically made for sunny afternoons.
12. Hamptons-Inspired: Simple from the front, striking from the back. This flowy cami dress features an open-back design that adds a subtle wow factor. The elongated silhouette creates a sleek, flattering look. It’s an easy pick for warm days when you still want to feel put together.
13. Skip the Jeans: Soft structure meets effortless volume in this dreamy tiered skirt. The smocked waistband keeps it comfortable, and the floaty tiers add movement with every step. And yes, it has pockets!
There’s something about fresh spring arrivals that tempts me to refresh my entire wardrobe. But after years of covering fashion, I’ve learned that only certain pieces actually sell out fast — and they all have a few key things in common. Think: easy silhouettes, versatile styling and that effortless, put-together look. These 13 new Amazon […]
Individually, Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie have delivered some of the most entertaining action films ever, but when they join forces, their combined impact is undeniable. They first collaborated on the ’90s crime thriller Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which also stars Jason Flemyng and Dexter Fletcher. Not only did this mark their first project together, but it was also Statham’s feature film debut, and it quickly showed he had star potential. Just two years later, they teamed up again for another iconic crime film, Snatch, which also includes Brad Pitt. More recently, their collaborations on Wrath of Man and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre have continued to earn praise from fans, even if they didn’t become major box office hits.
Ritchie and Statham are working on a new movie together, but before it arrives in theaters (likely next year), Ritchie still has some solo projects away from Statham to get through. Yet another Ritchie success story came earlier this year with the release of Young Sherlock, the hit series showcasing the origins of the famous British detective. The series is unconnected to Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Prime Video dropped all episodes of Young Sherlock as a binge last month on March 4, and although it took some time, the studio decided to renew the show for Season 2 just last week. It’s still unclear at this time when Young Sherlock Season 2 is going to be released, but the show is surging on streaming right now following the news of its renewal, pushing it back into the Prime Video global top 10.
What Is ‘Young Sherlock’ About?
The official synopsis for Young Sherlock, which was written and created for TV by Guy Ritchie, Peter Harness, and Matthew Parkhill, reads as follows: “A disgraced, young Sherlock Holmes finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, culminating in an explosive showdown that changes his life forever.” The ensemble cast for Young Sherlock consists of Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock Holmes, Dónal Finn as Moriarty, Natascha McElhone as Cordelia Holmes, Zine Tseng as Xiao Wei, Max Irons as Mycroft Holmes, and Holly Cattle as Edie.
Check out the first season of Young Sherlock on Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Season 2.
- Release Date
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March 4, 2026
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Matthew Parkhill
Two parents in Florida have been arrested after their 1-month-old son died with bruises, scratches and lacerations that covered his body.
Ashton Kurant and Gabriella Daniels have been charged with aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm.
Daniels, 22, called police after she found the boy unresponsive shortly before noon on Thursday, April 16, at the couple’s apartment, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit viewed by Law & Crime. Paramedics quickly reported to the scene, where they found the boy. He was pronounced dead soon after around 12:30 p.m.
While at the home, authorities noted the boy had multiple bruises along his hairline, as well as several scratches and lacerations that covered his body.
A mother and father in Union, South Carolina, have been arrested after their 5-month-old son died, with authorities allegedly believing that they neglected and abused the infant leading up to his passing. Officers with the Union Public Safety Department responded to Union Medical Center on August 8, 2025, after they received a report about potential […]
Both parents were given their Miranda warnings before they told officers that they didn’t know how the boy suffered the injuries. Officers said that the couple gave “inconsistent statements” regarding what times they fed and changed the boy, while Kurant, 21, also allegedly admitted to using marijuana while he took care of his son.
Amid the investigation, police learned that the Department of Children and Families was “involved” with the family and they saw the child six days before his death on April 10. The affidavit stated that the boy did not have any injuries at the time of the visit. However, it’s not currently clear why the department was visiting the couple’s home in the first place.
Police are still working to determine the cause and manner of the boy’s death, which will be revealed once the autopsy is completed.
Once the autopsy results come back, Kurant and Daniels could potentially face additional charges based on the boy’s cause and manner of death.
While the affidavit stated that the boy was injured, the paperwork did not detail how authorities believe the victim suffered the injuries.
A mother in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been arrested after she was accused of suffocating her 4-year-old son to death. Officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department were called to a property off Tanglewood Drive Northeast around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27. Upon their arrival, they found that 4-year-old Finley Cullom had died and […]
The affidavit stated that the infant was not enrolled in daycare and has always been under the supervision of his parents.
Both Kurant and Daniels are currently in custody at the Pinellas County Jail on a $750,000 bond. A future court date regarding the charges has not yet been publicly revealed.
It is not currently clear if Kurant and Daniels have entered pleas or retained legal counsel following their arrests. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Jennie Garth hasn’t seen Amanda Bynes since their What I Like About You days.
“I haven’t [spoken to her] in a long time,” Garth, 54, said in Us Weekly’s exclusive clip from this week episode of Amanda Hirsch‘s “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast. “I would love nothing more than to reconnect with her.”
She added, “I would love it.”
Garth played Bynes’ “uptight” sister on What I Like About You for four seasons from 2002 to 2006.
“They brought me in to do a chemistry meeting with Amanda Bynes,” Garth recalled. “That show, What I Like About You, was so fun.”
Bynes, now 40, played teenager Holly in the series, who was being cared for by her older sister, Val, played by Garth.
Garth has been reflecting on her career while promoting her book, I Choose Me, which was published earlier this month. During a recent appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Garth recalled working alongside disgraced television producer Dan Schneider on What I Like About You.
“I got called in by Will Calhoun, who was one of the head executives of Friends, and he was doing a new show with Amanda Bynes,” Garth recalled during the April 15 podcast episode. “[Schneider] was the other producer. He was kind of the Amanda side of it because it was starring myself and Amanda Bynes.”
Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth reminded fans of all the reasons they love the actresses during their run on What I Like About You. The duo starred as sisters Holly and Val Tyler, respectively, on the WB sitcom from 2002 to 2006. For four seasons, they cracked up viewers alongside their costars Nick Zano (Vince), Leslie Grossman […]
Schneider, now 60, worked closely with Bynes during her Nickelodeon days. Calhoun, 61, and Schneider cocreated What I Like About You.
Shepard, 51, wondered whether Garth had gotten “bad vibes” when meeting Schneider, who has previously been accused of fostering a toxic workplace and acting inappropriately with child actors. (Schneider apologized for his past actions after the 2024 release of the Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV docuseries. Bynes has never made accusations against Schneider.)
“Yeah, I was, to the point where I said to Will, like, ‘I would rather just communicate solely with you. I trust you,’” Garth recalled. “‘I think that you have my best interests in mind and I don’t feel that way with your partner. So I’d rather just be with you.’ And he was like, ‘No problem.’”
Shepard’s cohost, Monica Padman, wondered whether Garth had witnessed Bynes being “destroyed” by Schneider on set.
“Not specifically him,” Garth said. “There were a lot of problems in the ecosystem of her.”
The full episode of “Not Skinny But Not Fat” with Jennie Garth drops Tuesday, April 21, on all podcast platforms.
Entertainment
Artem Chigvintsev reflects on splitting from Nikki Garcia and “DWTS ”in same week: 'It was like a bad dream'
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The pro dancer was cut from the ABC competition series in August 2024 after his arrest for alleged corporal injury to a spouse.
Sister Wives star Tony Padron had a rough start when he first came home with Mykelti Brown to meet her parents, Kody Brown and Christine Brown. He didn’t make a good impression on his pending in-laws or for some of the fans as well.
It was all caught on camera for the TLC series. But something happened along the way to depict Tony Padron in a different light both on and off the Sister Wives screen.
Sister Wives: Did Tony Padron Insult Christine Brown’s Cooking?
Tony Padron made a remark when discussing wedding plans with Kody and Christine that many Sister Wives fans remember today. Tony wanted 10 tacos available for each of the 400 wedding guests they planned on inviting. And Mykelti went along with this.
He then insisted on “street tacos” and not the kind that Christine makes. Yep, and he said this outloud on the show. The Sister Wives fans know how much Christine prides herself on her cooking, so at some level this seemed to bother the mother of the bride.
Fans found this insulting to Christine, which put Tony in a less favorable light with many viewers. Still, fans got a kick out of watching Kody squirm as the dollar signs grew for Mykelti and Tony’s wedding venue.
Bad Money Vibes for Kody Brown?
The prospective Sister Wives son-in-law was adamant that 10 street tacos be available for each guest. So, if you do the math, that is 4,000 tacos. At the time this aired, fans jumped on social media to comment on how Tony seems to have no problem spending Kody’s money. After all, his future father-in-law was footing the bill for the wedding.
During the wedding planning, Kody looked worn down, as this marriage event came with a high price tag. Since Tony seemed to know how to push Kody’s buttons, fans requested seeing more of him on screen.
But once the wedding was over, Tony showed up now and then on the series. Then fans started to see something different in Mykelti’s new groom. They also saw a change in the couple through their social media posts.
Sister Wives: Will the Real Tony Please Stand Up…
The Sister Wives cameras first showed the viewers a Tony Padron who looked like he was about to ride on the coattails of this famous family. The show depicted him as a guy with an expectation of getting what he wanted for his wedding, regardless of the cost to Mykelti’s family.
This played out with Kody worrying about the cost of the wedding after Tony shared his plans of such a large affair. But things aren’t always what they look like on a reality TV show.
Then lo and behold, the curtains open to the Tony Padron we see today. Through his actions we learned something new. Mykelti’s husband is a highly successful chess player and one terrific family man who adores Mykelti and their children.
Introduction Scenes Caused a Buzz
Tony’s less-than-stellar introduction to Sister Wives certainly caused a buzz. But Mykelti marrying a chess wiz and all-around nice guy would not have gathered the drama that Tony’s wedding planning did. So, like a lot of other stuff seen on this show, fans believe he was introduced this way to spark the viewer’s interest, which it did.
Jump to Sister Wives today, and Tony has finally emerged as a likeable guy. Sure, he seems to lack that filter that stops him from blurting out what he is thinking before weighing the consequences first.
Christine described her son-in-law this way during one of the recent seasons. Talking about a lack of a filter, Kody Brown tends to have the same missing filter as well. So the family is likely used to this.
Sister Wives: Few Rocks Left Unturned
Today, many fans believe Tony brings out the best in Mykelti, and she does the same for him. Fans see them focus on being great parents. And from all their posts, it seems that they spend a lot of time with their kids.
They have a huge social media following, with fans flocking to hear what this couple has to say about the Brown family.
And as the video above suggests, Mykelti and Tony are not shy when it comes to sharing tidbits about Kody and the Brown family’s polygamous lifestyle of yesteryear. They leave very few rocks unturned when it comes to Kody.
This makes their posts very much sought after by the Sister Wives fans today. But no matter what topic these two share with their fans, there’s no doubt about it, they are living a life very much the opposite of Mykelti’s childhood.
Head back to Soap Dirt for the latest buzz on Sister Wives.
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