Although Apple TV is known as the prestige television streamer, with dramas like Severance, Pluribus, and Silo among its most recognizable titles, the platform also plays host to a fair few feel-good comedies. Chief among those is Ted Lasso — following Jason Sudeikis‘s ever-positive American football coach — which is set to return for Season 4 on August 5. Bill Lawrence‘s other hit series, Shrinking, has also brought plenty of warmth as it explored a grieving therapist learning how to find acceptance and move forward after his wife’s tragic death. Compared to those two, however, the sitcom Trying has flown a bit under the radar despite plenty of critical acclaim and a fifth season on the way.

Trying premiered in 2020 and has since followed the ever-evolving parenting journey of Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall). Unable to have children, they spent the show’s early seasons trying to adopt and facing a whole mess of unexpected challenges along the way, from dealing with their chaotic friends and family to jumping through hoops to show they are ready for the responsibility of starting a family. They now have a son named Tyler (Cooper Turner) and a daughter named Princess (Scarlett Rayner), and, after a six-year time skip ahead of Season 4, they began wrestling with a new phase of life, with their kids becoming teenagers and facing further trials. With the arrival of Princess and Tyler’s birth mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), in the season finale back in 2024, however, the couple’s lives are about to be thrown for a loop that they never could’ve predicted when they first set out on this adventure together.

After a nearly two-year wait, Apple TV has now confirmed that Season 5 of Trying will debut on Wednesday, July 8, with new episodes following every week through August 26. Along with the announcement came the first images that show Nikki and Jason once again trying their best to navigate parenthood amid the complicated circumstances. Kat acts as a whirlwind, disrupting the settled life that the couple has spent over six years now trying to build and undoubtedly bringing up mixed feelings for their kids. However, they’ve weathered plenty of storms before and have a support system built around them to accompany them once again, for better or worse. Rounding out the award-worthy ensemble are Darren Boyd, Siân Brooke, Celia Imrie, Phil Davis, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Colin Morgan.

‘Trying’ Has Been One of Apple TV’s Most Acclaimed Shows to Date

Created by Andy Wolton as a co-production between Apple TV and BBC, Trying has been showered with praise as one of the streamer’s best and most bingeable series since the very beginning, owning a 96% score overall on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the bold changes from its original premise with the time jump, Season 4 was met with even higher marks, including a 9/10 review from Collider’s Tania Hussain. Hailing its twists and feel-good nature, she said, “It’ll have viewers sticking around and wondering what’s ahead for a show that deserves more attention as one of Apple TV+’s best.” The same team will be back to keep the good vibes coming, with BAFTA Award nominees Josh Cole and Sam Pinnell joining Wolton as executive producers, alongside International Emmy Award winner Chris Sussman and stars Smith and Spall.

Trying Season 5 premieres on Wednesday, July 8. Check out the first images in the gallery above.

Jimmy Kimmel continued his war of words with President Donald Trump on the Tuesday, April 28, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In his opening monologue on Tuesday, Kimmel, 58, played a clip of Trump’s televised news conference earlier in the day welcoming the U.K.’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a state visit to the U.S.

During his speech, Trump, 79, noted that his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, moved from Scotland to the U.S. at age 19 and, “She met my father. We loved him so much, we all loved him, we loved her, we loved him: Fred. And they were married for 63 years.”

Turning to wife Melania Trump, the president then quipped, “And, uh, excuse me, if you don’t mind, that’s a record we won’t be able to match, darling.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just not going to work out that way. We’ll do well, but we’re not going to do that well,” he added.

“My God, you should be fired for that,” Kimmel quipped on Tuesday night, referring to the Trumps’ calls for him to be fired for a joke he made on his ABC late-night talk show last week.

Kimmel went on, “Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age and then a day later make a joke about his own old age.”

On the Thursday, April 23, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel hosted a mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner two days before the real one took place and joked that Melania, 56, had a “glow like an expectant widow.”

Related: Jimmy Kimmel Breaks His Silence on the Trumps Demanding His Firing

Jimmy Kimmel has broken his silence over President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanding his firing from his late-night show. “Sometimes you wake up in the morning and the first lady puts out a statement demanding you be fired from your job. We’ve all been there, right?” Kimmel, 58, joked in his Jimmy […]

Trump branded Kimmel’s comments a “call to violence” following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25.

“I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said, but this is something far beyond the pale,” Trump shared via his Truth Social account on Monday, April 27. “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

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Melania, meanwhile, shared via X, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”

Kimmel denied that his joke was intended to incite violence during his monologue later on Monday.

“It obviously was a joke about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they’re together. It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am,” he said. “It was not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination, and they know that. I’ve been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence, but I understand that the first lady had a stressful experience over the weekend, and probably every weekend is pretty stressful in that house.”

Beyoncé will be back in the spotlight for the first time in months when she appears at this year’s Met Gala; however, the singer will not be releasing her new album directly after her appearance. After the “RENAISSANCE” singer shared posts on Instagram celebrating the 10th year anniversary of “Lemonade,” the 25th anniversary of “Survivor,” and one of her in a flowy purple dress, it got internet sleuths searching for clues about the next album’s release date. Now, the BeyHive can rest easy knowing new music from the singer is coming, but not as soon as some may have thought.

On “TODAY,” Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones commented on the speculation that Beyoncé was releasing a new album some time next week, denying the claims after saying they got word for a “reliable source” about the upcoming project.

“In the middle of the night, a very reliable source in the wee hours, wee hours, called — now this is not ‘reliable source,’ friend of, this is a reliable source,” Bush Hager said on the show.

“No, no, it’s not the most reliable, but it’s pretty reliable,” she added. “And we don’t want you to be disappointed so brace yourself, sit down. We can report, Act III is not coming out next week. Sorry.”

Why Did Fans Think Beyoncé Was Dropping An Album Next Week?

Continuing, Bush Hager said that fans shouldn’t be dismayed by the news, because a new album is “coming.” She went on to say that knowing the news will help loyal fans manage their emotions. “We hope you guys at home can sit with this news,” she said.

Jones, meanwhile, said the confirmation is a “good” thing, noting that fans know what to expect when the singer makes her first Met Gala appearance in a decade. “Because she’s such a lovely human. I don’t think she wants anyone to wait around and then it doesn’t happen,” Jones said.

The growing speculation about Beyoncé’s next album has been ongoing since she wrapped her “Cowboy Carter” tour in the summer of 2025. The chatter grew over the last few days, according to The Blast, when the singer shared an image of herself holding three lemons on her Instagram to celebrate the milestone anniversary of her sixth studio album, “Lemonade.”

Additionally, the singer paid homage to Destiny’s Child’s third album, “Survivor.” The carousel featured images of Beyoncé alongside singers Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. “To my soul sisters, I thank God for you both,” she captioned the post.

Can Beyoncé Fans Believe The Statements That An Album Is Not Imminent?

The BeyHive is used to navigating rumors about Beyoncé, but this time, her management has jumped into the chat to deny the claims about the 44-year-old’s next project.

On X, formerly Twitter, Beyoncé’s longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, replied to a user who claimed the singer’s album would be released sometime the week of May 4, 2026. “This is unequivocally false!!” she responded.

But can Beyoncé fans take her word for it? In November 2024, Noel-Schure denied claims that the superstar singer and mother of three would announce a “Cowboy Carter” album after her NFL Halftime Performance on Christmas Day of that year.

What ended up happening, though? Beyoncé announced a date that would later become the day she announced the 32-date show.

Two Acts Have Already Been Released

The theories surrounding Beyoncé’s next album aren’t for nothing. In 2022, the singer dropped “RENAISSANCE,” and teased that it was the first part of a three-part project. The dance-inspired project pays homage to the Black LGBTQ+ community.

“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” Beyoncé said about the making of the Grammy-winning album. “It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment, a place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”

In 2024, the “Obsessed” actress released part two, “Cowboy Carter,” which came with two singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” The album topped the Billboard charts, won the singer three additional Grammys, and spawned the highest-grossing country tour of all time.

More Info About Bey’s Music-Making Process

While it’s unclear when the third album will arrive on streaming platforms, BeyHive members can bet that the singer had a significant hand in the music-making process.

In a previous interview, Dr. Dre opened up about working with Beyoncé and her husband, Jay Z, on their 2018 surprise album, “Everything Is Love.”

Speaking with Billboard, Dre squashed the rumors that Beyoncé doesn’t write her own music, saying, “She was 100% involved.”

“She put her mind to the music and did her thing. If she had a melody idea, she came up with the words. If we had the words, she came up with the melody. She’s a beast,” he said.

Carrie Underwood has opened up about the “frustrating” and “rewarding” life of living off-grid with her family.

The former “American Idol” winner shared that her life in the spotlight is different from what she is at home, where she’s always “covered in poop.”

Carrie Underwood also recently revealed that she believes she and her family can be “self-sufficient” on their Tennessee farm away from the buzz of Hollywood.

Underwood may be a country music sweetheart and a regular feature in Hollywood with her judging gig on “American Idol,” but when she’s at home, things can get real.

During the recent episode of “American Idol”, Taylor Swift night on Monday, April 27, she told US Weekly that although it comes with its challenges, there are upsides to it.

“My goal is to just do as much as I can myself,” she told the news outlet. “I love it. It’s a challenge, and it’s frustrating, and it’s exciting, and it’s rewarding, and just all the things.”

The “Before He Cheats” singer then added that her life on the stage as an “American Idol” judge and country singer is the “polar opposite” of what she is at home.

“I go home, and I had to have talks with my family at one point, because I was like, ‘OK, when I’m away, I’m like, Cinderella at the ball.’ I’m a princess, and it’s great,” she explained. “And then I come home, and I’m like, covered in dirt. I’m covered in poop. It’s just the polar opposite. I’m like, cleaning up after everybody and barefoot in the kitchen. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The Country Music Star Believes Her Family Can Be ‘Self-Sustained’ On Their Farm

Underwood has been living on the 400-acre farm since 2019 with her husband, Mike Fisher, and their sons, Isaiah and Jacob.

She often takes to social media, showing off some of her farm animals and routines that often include planting and harvesting crops in her garden.

Earlier this week, she said that she believes her family is getting to the point where they can be entirely “self-sustained” on their farm located outside of Nashville, noting that she loves “growing things.”

“If I had all the time in the world, I would… not really need to go to the grocery store for too much,” the singer told Fox News Digital.

“But it’s a lot of fun,” Underwood continued. “You know, I love our chickens. We have cows, we have sheep, we have donkeys. We have horses. I have my garden, and it’s a great way to connect with the earth. That’s my contribution to the family.”

Carrie Underwood Makes Use Of A Farm Manager

In her chat with the news outlet, the country music star revealed that she has a manager who helps run her farm.

This is likely due to her Hollywood career taking most of her time, especially now that she’s a judge on “American Idol.”

“I feel like a lot of other responsibilities are mine,” the singer said. “We have a farm manager who is wonderful… He’s taking care of my sheep while I’m gone.”

“He looks after the horses and things like that,” Underwood continued. “We do as much as we can, but I’m obviously not there all the time, and neither is my husband, so we do have help.”

Lionel Richie Speaks On The Country Star’s Biggest Challenge As A Judge

Since returning to the show as a judge, Underwood has grown to become a fine addition to the panel as she often gives contestants “constructive criticisms” on their performance.

However, she has been called out by some fans of the show for her remarks to contestants, with her fellow judge Lionel Richie revealing her biggest challenge as an “American Idol” judge.

“I think for her, the toughest part was saying ‘No.’ It took her about halfway through her first season,” Richie told Us Weekly during Monday’s episode.

He added, “And I get it, we’re here to not tear them down, but to encourage. But at the same time, not to lie to them. It’s a great balancing act.”

According to Ritchie, once Underwood moved past the initial hurdle as a judge, things became much easier for her and the contestants, with the country star giving helpful criticisms of the performances.

Carrie Underwood Shares Why She Gives Contestants ‘Constructive Criticism’

Earlier this month, Underwood weighed in on why she always gives “constructive criticism” on contestants’ performances during an episode of the “American Idol Podcast” with host Danielle Fishel.

Noting how she was booed after a particular harsh comment in an earlier episode, the country star said she doesn’t care.

“I can’t lie, I’m a terrible liar,” she said, per People Magazine. “As a fan of the show, if there was ever somebody that kind of had an off night and everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, that’s so great.’ I’m sitting at home being like, ‘What? Liars!’ You want them to pay attention to those things going forward.”

Underwood noted, “They’re obviously talented, or they wouldn’t be here right now.”

R.J. Decker ended season 1 with a shocking death — despite the show not being renewed for more episodes yet.

During the Tuesday, April 28, episode Emi’s (Jaina Lee Ortiz) father, Victor (David Zayas), was killed after being put behind bars. The shocking twist wrapped up the first season while teasing what R.J. (Scott Speedman) could be up against in a second season.

“Victor was constructed to go away in a ninth and final episode, just as we kind of looked — I don’t know when we settled on it. It was probably sort of the midpoint of our season that it felt appropriate,” creator Robert Doherty told TV Insider. “It felt like a good punctuation mark at the end of our various first-season arcs.”

Doherty hoped the death would “open” the show up to “some bigger things.”

Related: Meet the Cast of ABC‘s ‘RJ Decker’: Who Does Scott Speedman Play?

Scott Speedman has made the move from Grey’s Anatomy to a more permanent appearance on RJ Decker — but who does the actor and the rest of the cast play? Based on Carl Hiaasen‘s novel Double Whammy, RJ Decker focuses on a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who “starts over as a private investigator in […]

“I will cop to having second thoughts after we cast David Zayas, who is just a remarkable person and actor,” he continued. “He was just so much fun to watch and interact with. In my book, he’s TV royalty. Ultimately, though, we had to say goodbye to Victor, but we’ll miss David.”

While Doherty didn’t reveal who killed off Victor, he hinted at the fallout, adding, “I think the people closest to him will have to find themselves under a magnifying glass. I think Emi in our finale was part of a cabal to bring him down. If you look at that from another angle, it could look like she was acting against him, and maybe this was something. Certain parties may come to believe that Emi had a hand in what happened.”

He continued: “Beyond that, as we mentioned in the finale, Victor copped to being a shady politician, which I hear is a very rare thing. But he confessed to Emi that he maintains relationships with a lot of people that on paper he should not, but he has decided that it’s for the greater good. It makes Fort Lauderdale a safer city and Florida a safer state. So we’ll have to pick our way through some of those people, too. That’ll take some digging for sure. Who was Victor in bed with, and could they have done him in?”

Related: Where Is Scott Speedman‘s ‘RJ Decker‘ Filmed? Show‘s Location Explained

Scott Speedman is making the move from Grey’s Anatomy’s Seattle to RJ Decker‘s South Florida — but where is his show actually filmed? Based on Carl Hiaasen‘s novel Double Whammy, RJ Decker, focuses on a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who “starts over as a private investigator in the colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida, tackling […]

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Doherty noted that the onscreen murder “has to change things.”

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“I think dramatically that’s a good thing for us as writers. It’s good to have to sort of wend your way through that sort of surprise and that sort of tragedy. It will disrupt the Emi and RJ relationship, not just because each can, will, and should be looked at as suspects, but Emi’s going to carry some guilt,” he detailed. “She didn’t see any of this coming, but the truth is she teed him up for an arrest, and the arrest made him a vulnerability to someone else, someone to be identified.”

Season 2 would also follow Emi’s reaction. “As brilliant as Emi is, it’s the one thing she couldn’t have seen coming, and she’ll have to sort of pick her way through that,” he detailed. “And I think that will make it harder to be around RJ, at least in the short term. Not because she blames him, but because it’s hard to look at RJ and not sort of be reminded of the path that ultimately led to her dad getting gunned down in his home.”

R.J. Decker is streaming now on Hulu.

Cynthia Erivo isn’t letting fans break the rules mid-performance. The multi-Oscar nominee briefly halted her solo West End show earlier this week after spotting an audience member filming her, pausing the performance for nearly ten minutes to address the situation directly.

The attendee was ultimately removed from the venue, and the moment has since drawn praise from some online users who backed Erivo’s firm stance.

Erivo didn’t hold back when she spotted a rule-breaking audience member. A TikTok user who attended her solo West End performance of “Dracula” recalled the moment the actress abruptly paused the show for nearly ten minutes after noticing someone filming.

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Another attendee backed up the account, saying Erivo directly confronted the individual from the stage.

“She straight-up called the guy out! Put her hand up and said, ‘Excuse me, are you filming right now?’” the witness shared. “The person said ‘Sorry,’ and she replied, ‘Did you just say sorry?’”

According to the same attendee, crew members quickly stepped in and removed the disruptive fan from the theater for violating the no-filming rule.

Fans Back Erivo After Onstage Confrontation

Erivo didn’t face much backlash for the tense moment. In fact, many online were firmly on her side. Despite the fan being removed and missing the rest of the performance, social media users largely defended the actress, arguing the disruption crossed a clear line.

One person pointed out that Erivo had just run a marathon days earlier before taking on multiple roles in her demanding one-woman show, adding that it was “that deep” for her to react the way she did.

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Another user called for better audience behavior altogether, writing, “Bring back theater etiquette.” A third critic focused on the wider issue, saying “loads of people have their phones out” during performances and calling it “so rude,” noting that it distracts the cast.

Cynthia Erivo Pushes Limits With 23 Roles In ‘Dracula’

Erivo takes on far more than just the title role in “Dracula.” In the West End production, she portrays the infamous Count alongside a range of other key characters, including Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, and Lucy Westenra, bringing the total to 23 roles. She has been starring in the one-woman show since February.

The scale of the performance has drawn strong praise from critics, with one reviewer calling it “the most difficult thing ever seen accomplished on a stage.”

“I genuinely don’t know how Erivo will survive this run without exhausting herself physically and mentally,” the critic added, per Metro. “To call it a generous performance is an understatement. Erivo is pushing herself to the limit with this show.”

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The Actress Balanced Marathon Training With Her Demanding Stage Role

Erivo has opened up about how she managed the physical demands of marathon training alongside her intense stage schedule.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the “Wicked” star explained that the two actually worked hand in hand rather than against each other.

“I’ve been using the runs as a way to energize the day, so it means that my body’s warmed up and worked out,” she said. “Then, by the end of the day, I have the energy to do the show.”

She added that working out has become essential to maintaining her energy levels, noting that skipping it leaves her feeling “slow or sluggish” instead of “ready to go.”

Cynthia Erivo Planning Break After ‘Dracula’ Run

Erivo is already looking ahead to some well-earned downtime once her stage run wraps.

The actress clocked an impressive three hours, 21 minutes, and 40 seconds at the London Marathon, marking her fastest time yet, before returning to her demanding performance schedule.

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She is set to continue her “Dracula” run through May 31, after which she plans to step away from work and recharge.

“I mark the end of each big job with a pit stop,” she said. “I know that at the end of this run, I’m going to need a break. So, I’ve already prepared for that. I’m taking two weeks off… maybe to go to Italy.”.

The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the best shows to ever be created and nearly 30 years after its premiere, it’s pretty easy to see why. David Chase’s six-season saga takes viewers on a journey through the mind and life of Tony Soprano, who’s played by James Gandolfini, and while the characters all evolve, the family ends the show largely how they started it. And while the ending may have left viewers feeling a little unfulfilled, it’s one of the rare series that feels oddly complete when it ends.

The Sopranos paved the way for prestige drama, but few shows have been able to match the precision that Chase achieved with this classic. Part of what makes The Sopranos so great is that the creators trusted viewers to buy into the characters and love them for their flaws. They didn’t devalue the show by throwing in seemingly random plot lines or sharp 180 turns in character arcs. Everything feels deliberate, and the show stays thematically coherent from the opening scene to the last line, something few shows are able to achieve.

‘The Sopranos’ Is Barely A Crime Show

On paper, The Sopranos is a mob series and the entire Soprano family is dealing with the struggle of enjoying the benefits of that life while rejecting the worst parts of it. Of course, there are turf wars, people are killed, and FBI operations come together and fall apart. But Chase essentially made the criminal activity this burden or mundane task that needed to be done. Almost as if it was just another job the characters in the show had, seemingly treating it the same way you would any other career.

That decision took the show from a mob drama focused solely on violence, to making the flashy acts of violence almost a side player in the show. The show’s real focus is interpersonal relationships and its six seasons are built on psychology. Instead of focusing on the violent triumphs of the characters, Chase’s storytelling focuses on the collapse of the characters, forcing viewers to love them for all of their flaws, not for their power.

Tony Soprano Changed What a TV Protagonist Could Be

Image via HBO

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One of the greatest main characters on television, Tony changed what a protagonist could be and what viewers would accept from them. Before him, antiheroes were usually softened and redeemed, but Chase actively chose to keep Tony the same person he was at the beginning of the show. There is no real redemption arc for him. He starts the show as a violent, narcissistic, man who deeply loves his family and ends it the same way despite spending years grappling with the moral conundrums that come with his career path.

The moral discomfort that happens in The Sopranos is why the series has survived nearly 30 years. It refuses catharsis and at times, the violence is pointless. Therapy doesn’t cure Tony. It sometimes leaves him angry or with a rationale for why he behaves worse. The series also allows Tony to be a deeply contradictory character. He’s brutal, but also charming, pathetic and powerful, terrifying and also tender, sometimes within the same episode or even the same scene. It makes for one of the most realistic characters of all time and gives viewers an ability to understand a man that, in real life, they may never be able to relate to.

Related

‘The Sopranos’ Made James Gandolfini a Legend, but It Came at a Cost

It took a lot to create Tony Soprano.

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A Supporting Cast Without Weak Links

Tony may be the focal point of the show, and Gandolfini’s performance is one for the ages, but The Sopranos thrives on the quality of the ensemble cast and their stories. Chase treats domestic life with the same seriousness as he does organized crime. Carmela Soprano, portrayed by Edie Falco, is given as much depth and complexity as a character as Tony. Her arguments with Tony over donations to Meadow Soprano’s college or AJ’s behavioral problems are given the same dramatic weight as mafia disputes.

Characters who could have turned into cheap stereotypes on other shows, like Paulie Walnuts, Christopher Moltisanti and even Uncle Junior, are complex and contradictory. Yes, they’re in Tony’s orbit and without him, we wouldn’t be watching a show about them, but, their characters also simultaneously feel like they exist totally independently of Tony. And for the characters that drift in and out of the show, their deaths or disappearances occur without much fanfare, showing the brutal reality that life goes on.

The Final Season’s Fearless Commitment

Image via HBO 

For many great shows, they outlive their welcome and the final season shows some of their greatest flaws. But, instead of turning its back on everything that made the show incredible by giving the audience comfort, Chase made the last season bleak, slow and almost heavy with dread. There’s no sharp growth, the characters don’t change, and for many consequences, they become unavoidable.

And, you can’t really talk about The Sopranos without mentioning the controversial final scene. It’s one of the most debated endings in television history, but it has endured precisely because it refuses explanation. Whether interpreted as literal death, existential ambiguity, or thematic culmination, it aligns perfectly with the show’s core idea that life is unstable, meaning is fragile, and certainty is an illusion.

Even critics who initially resisted the finale later acknowledged that it fit the series’ worldview and was a perfect ending to the show.

In an era of reboots and legacy sequels, The Sopranos stands out for something radical in that it ends. It tells the story it wants to tell and stops. No season exists purely to maintain momentum. No character overstays their purpose. The show’s confidence in its own limits is part of what makes it feel timeless. Twenty‑seven years on, The Sopranos isn’t just remembered as a classic. It remains a benchmark—one that countless shows have chased, referenced, or borrowed from, and almost none have surpassed.

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Release Date

1999 – 2007

Network

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HBO

Showrunner

David Chase

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Directors

Tim Van Patten, John Patterson, Alan Taylor, Jack Bender, Steve Buscemi, Daniel Attias, David Chase, Andy Wolk, Danny Leiner, David Nutter, James Hayman, Lee Tamahori, Lorraine Senna, Matthew Penn, Mike Figgis, Nick Gomez, Peter Bogdanovich, Phil Abraham, Rodrigo García

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Writers

Michael Imperioli, Jason Cahill, Lawrence Konner, David Flebotte, James Manos, Jr., Salvatore Stabile, Toni Kalem, Mark Saraceni, Nick Santora

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Rita Wilson has never shied away from speaking honestly about life’s toughest moments, but her reflections on her breast cancer journey revealed something even deeper about love, fear, and acceptance. 

While promoting her new music, the singer opened up about the emotional conversation she had with her husband, Tom Hanks, during one of the most uncertain periods of her life. 

The candid moment, filled with both vulnerability and unexpected humor, continues to resonate years after her diagnosis.

Rita Wilson shared that her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis led to a heartfelt and unforgettable discussion with her husband, Tom Hanks. 

Speaking at the Sound of a Woman: Rita Wilson in Conversation with Demi Moore event on Tuesday, Wilson explained that facing such uncertainty pushed her to think about the unimaginable and what she would want if things had gone differently.

She recalled telling Hanks, per PEOPLE, “Okay, if, if something happens and I go first, I just have two requests. And one is that you should be sad for a very, very long time.” 

At the same time, Wilson balanced that request with a more uplifting wish. 

She wanted her life to be remembered with joy, not just grief.

Wilson Turned Pain Into Music With ‘Throw Me A Party’

Rita Wilson later transformed that emotional experience into music, writing her 2019 song “Throw Me a Party.” 

She explained that the track was born from the thoughts that came with the life-altering diagnosis, when uncertainty took over and the future felt unclear.

“The song … it came out of this, this story I’ve told before,” she said, reflecting on how the idea took shape during that period. 

The 69-year-old described the fear that followed such news, admitting, “I don’t know, I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I hope I’m still here, you know, in a few years.”

Her second request to Hanks became the heart of the song. She shared, “The second one was throw me a party. I want it to be a celebration of life. I want it to be about people telling stories and joy and, remembering me in that way.” 

Rita Wilson Reflects On Diagnosis And The Importance Of Second Opinions

Wilson’s journey began when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at 58. 

Before that, she had been closely monitoring her health after learning she had LCIS, undergoing regular screenings and tests.

Despite careful monitoring, further testing revealed something more serious. After initial procedures, she was told there was no cancer, but a second opinion changed everything.

“My gut told me that was the thing to do. A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by yet another pathologist,” the “Sleepless in Seattle” actress told PEOPLE in 2015.

Wilson emphasized that seeking additional medical input could make a life-saving difference, noting that early detection played a key role in treatment outcomes. 

Following her diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy along with reconstructive surgery, a decision that marked a major turning point in her health journey.

Wilson Celebrates 10 Years Cancer-Free With Gratitude

In March 2025, Rita Wilson reached a powerful milestone, marking 10 years since becoming cancer-free. 

She shared the moment publicly, calling it “a celebration for me” and expressing deep appreciation for everyone who supported her along the way.

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“10 years. And I am so deeply grateful,” she said in an Instagram video, reflecting on the journey. She acknowledged that the experience wasn’t easy, describing it as an emotional rollercoaster that many survivors understand all too well.

Wilson also took a moment to recognize her doctors, family, and friends, saying the gratitude she feels now didn’t always come so easily during the difficult stages. 

While she doesn’t often speak about her diagnosis, she explained that celebrating positive milestones matters.

“I am thinking of anybody out there who might be going through some difficulties. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Anyways, God bless you all,” she shared, extending support to others facing similar battles.

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Rita Wilson Reveals Shocking Secret Her Father Never Mentioned

Besides Wilson’s health journey, her family life has also placed her in the spotlight in recent months. 

A few days ago, The Blast reported that the icon was left stunned after uncovering a hidden chapter of her father’s life that he never shared with his family

During an interview, Wilson revealed that her father had a secret first wife and child in Bulgaria before immigrating to the United States. 

She recalled learning the truth through official records, saying the revelation was “so shocking and unusual” that the entire investigation focused on his story.   

Tragically, his first wife died shortly after giving birth, and their infant son also passed away months later due to illness. 

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What affected Wilson most was that her father never spoke about this painful past, leaving her with unanswered questions after his death. 

She admitted, “He never said anything to us,” expressing regret that she never had the chance to discuss it with him.

Too often, human actors bask in the spotlight, overshadowing the captivating animal performers who breathe life into countless films. Hollywood brims with thrilling tales of actors and their equine co-stars, like John Wayne‘s beloved companion Dollor, Gene Autry‘s trusty Champion, and the legendary Rex the Wonder Horse, silent film star of the 1920s and ’30s. These enduring partnerships delivered iconic performances that continue to mesmerize audiences. One such collaboration shines exceptionally brightly: Jimmy Stewart and Pie, the horse who shared the silver screen 17 times alongside the Hollywood stalwart. Their on-screen chemistry, though less examined, was undeniable, and their off-screen bond was even deeper. They shared a distinctive language, a connection that transcended ownership despite Stewart’s many failed attempts to buy Pie. This legendary friendship stands as a testament to the profound bond that can develop between humans and animals.

Jimmy Stewart and Pie Had a Remarkable Relationship

During Jimmy Stewart’s robust career, he became an iconic face in the Western genre, known for classics such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and Bend of the River. Out of all the Westerns he appeared in, a remarkable 17 featured him riding the same trusty steed: Pie. As reported by NPR, in a podcast featuring former Hollywood story editor Petrine Day Mitchum, who is also the author of Hollywood Hoofbeats, a book about horses in movies and television, Stewart and Pie’s relationship on and off-screen was the stuff of legendary folklore. According to Tom Hanks’ interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where the iconic actor discusses his first Western movie News of the World, Stewart’s regard for Pie was so high that his only piece of movie memorabilia in his house was a painting of Pie, gifted to him by Henry Fonda. Hanks, who had visited Stewart in his final years and had a tour of the legendary actor’s house, said that Stewart’s co-star in 17 movies died a week after Fonda gifted Stewart the painting.

According to Scott Eyman, author of Hank and Jim: The Fifty-Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart, during the making of the hilarious Western comedy The Cheyenne Social Club in 1970, the then elderly Pie wasn’t feeling well and would sometimes be taken off the shoot for medical reasons. At the time, Stewart’s son had also just died during the Vietnam War, causing Stewart even more grief. Fonda, who was a talented painter, used some of the time Pie was on a break to do an oil painting of him. After the filming of The Cheyenne Social Club, Fonda presented Pie’s oil painting, to Stewart’s amazement.

Image via Columbia Pictures

Unlike the bitter ending of Jimmy Stewart and Anthony Mann‘s professional partnership, Stewart and Pie’s bond remained strong until the very end. As per NPR, during the trio’s collaboration on The Far Country, a scene required Pie to walk alone in the street for a long shot that was being dolly-filmed. Seemingly impossible, Mann asked Stewart if Pie could handle it. According to NPR’s archived recording of Stewart himself, Stewart shared: “I said, ‘Pie,’ (laughter) ‘now, this is tough because you’re a horse. But you have to walk straight down there, and I’m not going to be on you, you see.’” As NPR’s archived recording reveals, after this seemingly long chat, to everyone’s surprise, Pie did exactly as instructed. “I loved him. I loved the horse,” Stewart simply said. Although it is only a written transcription, you can hear his voice and feel his soul in these words. As per Eyman, Pie’s painting is under Stewart’s son Michael Stewart‘s care, with an illuminating light that never goes off.

Pie Had Broken a Few Actors’ Hearts Before Meeting Jimmy Stewart

According to Steve Hulett, former Disney Animation writer and author of Mouse in Orbit, Stewart’s Pie wasn’t for everyone. War hero Audie Murphy and actors Glenn Ford and Kirk Douglas, among others, rode Pie, with some finding themselves in precarious situations with the equine. Glenn Ford, particularly, had an unforgettable encounter with Pie’s rage. Hulett quotes Stewart, “I saw [Pie] when I started making Westerns. Audie Murphy rode him a couple of times. He nearly killed Glenn Ford, ran right into a tree… But I liked this darned little horse. He was a little bit small, a little quarter horse and Arabian. I got to know him like a friend.” Stewart and Pie’s bond was immediate, a love story on and off-screen. Pie, the horse who almost unseated other leading men, became Stewart’s loyal companion, further solidifying the charm that captivated both film audiences and President Truman, who once declared, “If Bess and I had a son, we’d want him to be just like Jimmy Stewart.”

As per NPR, Pie belonged to a woman named Stevie Myers, who rented him out to various Hollywood clients. One of her most loyal customers was Jimmy Stewart. Though Stewart grew so fond of Pie that he wanted to buy him, Stevie wouldn’t sell. Nevertheless, this didn’t diminish Stewart’s love for the steed. Their bond continued throughout Pie’s life, creating shared memories that, like Fonda’s painting, continue to illuminate our screens. When Pie passed away, Stewart’s attachment to him was so profound that he buried the horse in a secret grave in the San Fernando Valley. Stewart and Pie’s relationship transcended the typical human-animal bond; it was a love story that lasted a lifetime, leaving an enduring legacy.

Horses Have Had Tragic Moments on Film Sets

With the majestic scenes that horses like Pie create, not all has always been rosy behind the scenes for the equines. Some filmmakers employed barbaric methods for cinematic falls. Trip wires snapping under hooves and hidden pits swallowing unsuspecting steeds were some of those methods. As per NPR, one disheartening tale that changed this involved Errol Flynn during the filming of Charge of the Light Brigade. Flynn’s outcry spurred change, bringing the American Humane Association onto sets and ushering in the art of the trained fall, which was an improvement in horses’ acting work environment and a reprieve for co-stars like Pie.

Though often relegated to the role of supporting player, Pie’s legacy extends far beyond being Stewart’s loyal steed. His presence elevated countless Westerns, his intelligence and adaptability allowing him to seamlessly transition between genres, from the comedic heights of The Cheyenne Social Club to the dramatic intensity of Winchester ’73. Pie’s career stands as a testament to the versatility and brilliance of animal actors. Beyond the silver screen, Jimmy Stewart and Pie’s partnership transcends mere movie magic. It signifies the profound connection possible between humans and animals, a bond built on trust, respect, and shared experiences. Their story offers a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the most captivating scenes unfold not in scripted dialogue, but in the quiet moments of companionship. Pie, like his co-star Jimmy Stewart, is a true legend of cinema who deserves his flowers.