Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, and her dad, Larry Birkhead, kept their father-daughter tradition alive at the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Larry, 53, and Dannielynn, 19, stepped out at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, for the annual equestrian race.

“And We’re Off… to The 152nd @kentuckyderby with Dannielynn after an awesome Barnstable-Brown party last night!” Larry wrote via Instagram on Saturday, sharing snaps of the father-daughter pair twinning in black-and-white ensembles.

Dannielynn wore a strapless Mac Duggal gown with a fascinator from The Hat Haven that matched her newly dyed gray hair.

“I’m still a vampire,” she quipped during an Access Hollywood interview about her self-proclaimed “cool” style. “But, I don’t look like it too much now.”

Larry and Dannielynn have a long-standing tradition of attending both the Derby and the Barnstable Brown Gala, held the night before the iconic race.

“Another @kentuckyderby has come and gone. We had such a great time,” Larry wrote via Instagram in May 2025. “An unbelievable full circle moment seeing Dannielynn shine at The Barnstable-Brown Derby Eve Gala wearing her Mom’s iconic dress from the same event.”

He continued, “Hearing Dannielynn share her thoughts when she was asked about what that meant was an emotional yet proud Dad moment. To finish the weekend, a relaxing day at @churchilldowns seeing old friends we met before.”

Dannielynn wore a stunning off-the-shoulder teal MacDuggal gown to the Kentucky Derby last year after choosing a sentimental look for the Barnstable-Brown Gala.

Related: Larry Birkhead Reveals His Final Conversation With Anna Nicole Smith

Larry Birkhead revealed the last thing he told Anna Nicole Smith before her tragic death. “The last conversation I had with her was me pretty much wooing her back and telling her she was in trouble,” Birkhead, 53, said on the Thursday, March 26, episode of Bunnie Xo’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast. “I don’t know that […]

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“I can’t know my mom, sadly, and this is one of the only reasons and ways I can,” the teen told Access Hollywood, revealing she chose to wear Smith’s iconic black halter dress for the occasion. “This is the closest I’ll ever be getting to a hug from her, so I’ve been, like, on and off tears the whole day.”

Larry, a photographer, met Smith at the Barnstable Brown Gala in 2003. The model died in 2007, just five months after giving birth to Dannielynn. She was 39.

As Larry raised Dannielynn as a single parent, he’s always sought to keep Smith’s memory alive.

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“She’s got some personality traits of her mom’s, and she’s funny, but I think she’s a good mix of the two of us,” Larry exclusively told Us Weekly in 2020. “So many people come up to her and say, you know, ‘I was a big fan of your mom’s,’ and, ‘I loved your mom,’ or, ‘She inspired me to lose weight or be a model or just being a single parent.’ And so, you know, a lot of people helped me in that regard. … She’s just a really great kid.”

Larry made sure to celebrate Dannielynn’s 19th birthday late last year with great fanfare.

“After this dad busted out of the emergency room for a bout of kidney stones and a muscle tear, Dannielynn’s 19th Birthday weekend celebration got started,” he wrote via Instagram in September 2025. “First up: a trip to @universalorlando Hollywood Horror nights. Then, Dannielynn met up with old school friends and they had a great time. Nineteen years gone by in a flash!”

HBO is no stranger to producing great television. In fact, they’ve spent the last five years doing what they’ve done best: dominating the landscape with shows that feel distinct, purposeful, and (more often than not) worth the emotional investment. Indeed, from sprawling fantasy epics and prestige dramas to offbeat comedies and genre-bending experiments, the network’s output hasn’t just been strong—it’s been varied in a way that keeps audiences constantly on their toes.

No wonder they’ve prevailed throughout awards season. In the past half-decade, HBO has delivered a handful of shows that redefined what their genres could look like—whether through bold storytelling choices, clever IP selections, unforgettable performances, or a willingness to take creative risks. Either way, these are the most recent shows, starting from 2021 (sorry Succession fans), that prove to be a cut above the rest.

10

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)

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Set in a post-apocalyptic America, ravaged by a fungal outbreak, hardened smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with escorting young Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country as she may hold the key to creating a cure. But what starts as a transactional mission quickly evolves as the pair navigate hostile survivors, militant factions, and the lingering ghosts of their pasts—all while forging an unexpected bond.

As an adaptation of a beloved video game, The Last of Us shines in how it shapes survival as both a physical feat and an emotional cost. This is because, unlike others in its genre, this show is not a mere tale about zombies: it’s a careful analysis of human nature. Joel’s growing attachment to Ellie isn’t just framed as heroic—it’s messy, selfish, and by the finale, morally devastating. It’s a show that constantly asks whether love is a saving grace or a destructive force. Add in the career-best performances, and you’ve got an adaptation that’s genuinely haunting and incredibly moving. Fingers-crossed, Season 3 doesn’t fall into a slump.

9

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

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Nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, King Viserys (Paddy Considine) of House Targaryen breaks centuries of tradition by naming his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock, later Emma D’Arcy), as his successor. However, when Viserys later remarries and produces a son, the realm (and his family) engage in a bitter dispute over who has the rightful claim to the Iron Throne.

Rather than chasing the obvious spectacle of the legendary Targaryen dynasty, House of the Dragon leans into the psychology of power: how it warps relationships, distorts truth, and erodes trust over time. Most of the characters aren’t painted as simple rivals but as products of a system that pits them against each other, making every confrontation feel tragically inevitable. It strangely feels like a more intimate, deliberate kind of storytelling, but one that pays off in its devastating portrayal of a family tearing itself apart. Let’s hope Season 3 can up the ante.

8

‘Somebody Somewhere’ (2022–2024)

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After the death of her sister, Sam (Bridget Everett) returns to her hometown in Kansas, but struggles to find her footing in a place she once knew. Thankfully, just before she fully disconnects from those around her, Sam forms an unexpected bond with Joel (Jeff Hiller), a former classmate and now colleague who introduces her to a community of outsiders who embrace self-expression and vulnerability.

While simple in its premise, its radical sincerity is exactly what makes Somebody Somewhere resonate so deeply. There’s no rush in “fixing” Sam or neatly resolving her grief. Instead, the show finds meaning in the slow, often uncomfortable process of healing. Better still, the humor is less punchline-driven, allowing the comedy to come out by simply letting its characters exist. And in doing so, the show captures something incredibly universal about the loneliness and courage of seeking out connection.

7

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

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Deep within Westeros, humble (but naive) hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), travels across the land, with his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) in search of purpose and opportunity. Their journey takes them through tournaments, political tensions, and crazed chance encounters, all of which gradually reveal that Egg is more important than he seems.

Despite this being yet another Game of Thrones spin-off, its smaller scope is what gives A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms its special charm. Dunk’s earnest sensibility and Egg’s hidden complexity create a dynamic that feels refreshingly grounded in a world of mythology and cynicism. Instead of constant betrayal, the show explores what it means when characters consistently try to do the right thing. Yes, it’s perhaps a gentler entry into the world of the Iron Throne, but one that still carries the weight of its history.

6

‘The Rehearsal’ (2022–Present)

Nathan Fielder helps ordinary people prepare for major life moments by constructing meticulously detailed simulations of real-world scenarios. From confessing a long-held lie to navigating parenthood, each “rehearsal” involves increasingly elaborate layers of planning. But as the experiments grow more complex, Nathan inserts himself deeper into the process, blurring the lines between facilitator and participant.

The brilliance of The Rehearsal lies in how it weaponizes discomfort. Beneath the absurdity is a sharp exploration of control, anxiety, and the impossibility of training for life’s messiest moments. As Nathan inserts himself deeper into his own experiments, the show begins to question its own ethics, turning the camera inward in ways that are both hilarious and deeply unsettling. Think of it as a twisted (and much darker) Jury Duty.

5

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)

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A group of wealthy guests arrives at the luxurious White Lotus resort expecting a time of relaxation, only to be met with personal tensions bubbling to the surface. As staff caters to their every need, classes divide, relationships fracture, and hidden resentments begin to unravel, all of which culminate in a shocking death.

Despite the rotating cast and locations, The White Lotus has secured its addictive status for its razor-sharp social commentary that just so happens to be wrapped in dark humor. The characters are often deeply flawed—sometimes outright insufferable—but never without dimension, making their unraveling both entertaining and revealing. It helps that the performances are top-tier, especially with Mike White‘s iconic and extremely quotable lines from The White Lotus. Think of it as satire with teeth, one that knows exactly where to sink them.

4

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

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In a small Pennsylvanian town, detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) is tasked with investigating the murder of a young mother, while still reeling from her own personal tragedies. As the case unfolds, Mare’s professional responsibilities begin to collide with her personal life, pulling her deeper into the secrets of a community so intensely connected.

Like all great crime dramas, Mare of Easttown refuses to separate the mystery from its central character. Indeed, Mare isn’t just solving a murder; she’s navigating grief, guilt, and the weight of expectation in a place where everyone knows her history. The performances ground the story in something deeply human, ensuring that every twist carries emotional consequences. So, if you’re in for a solid single-season binge, this should be at the top of your list.

3

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

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Following the events of The Batman, Oswald “Oz” Cobb (Colin Farrell) makes his maneuvers to rise through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld. And with the city in complete disarray from the floods, this becomes much easier. His plan of attack? Meddle with the deep-seated rivalry between the Falcone and the Maroni families—the city’s greatest criminal overlords.

In a world of superhero fatigue, The Penguin stands out for its centralization of a deeply complex being. For many, there’s an intrigue in how Oz’s ruthlessness feels somewhat human. His hunger for respect, his insecurity, and his extreme adaptability are what make him both dangerous and strangely sympathetic. And the show doesn’t shy away from that, nor paint him as a cartoonish villain. Instead, it paints a portrait of ambition unchecked, and where every victory comes at a cost of moral darkness.

2

‘Hacks’ (2021–2026)

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Legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is forced to reinvent her act if she hopes to stay relevant in the modern cultural scene. This leads her to reluctantly hire Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young writer whose career has stalled after a public controversy. But while the two women initially clash over generational differences and opposing perspectives, they learn to collaborate, which leads to their relationship evolving into something much more complicated and unexpectedly personal.

At its core, Hacks thrives on the push-and-pull between its leads. Deborah and Ava challenge each other in ways that are often uncomfortable but ultimately necessary, with their growing bond forming the backbone of the entire series. It’s sharp, funny, and deeply reflective of the vulnerabilities that come with reinvention (especially within the entertainment industry). Throw in some other iconic ensemble members from Hacks, and you’ve got an award-winning show that captures the intersection of ambition, ego, and insecurity.

1

‘The Pitt’ (2025–Present)

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Set in the high-stakes environment of a chaotic, underfunded emergency department in a Pittsburgh trauma center, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) leads his team during a 15-hour, real-time shift. But as time passes, and the pressure of the job mounts, personal struggles and professional responsibilities begin to blur, revealing the emotional toll of working within an overstretched system.

While there are many great dramas on television, The Pitt sets itself apart with its unflinching commitment to realism—one that also never loses sight of its humanity. The medical cases are intense, but it’s their cumulative weight that truly lands, shaping every character in subtle, lasting ways. There’s no easy catharsis here, just the quiet resilience required to keep going in the face of exhaustion and loss. It’s gripping without being overly sensational, emotional without being manipulative. A rare perfect balance in the medical genre and one that makes it HBO’s most compelling recent achievement.

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The Pitt

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Release Date

January 9, 2025

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Max

Showrunner

R. Scott Gemmill

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Directors

Amanda Marsalis

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• 

  Noah Wyle

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  Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch

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  Tracy Ifeachor

  Dr. Heather Collins

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When it comes to prestige television, live-action shows typically receive the most viewership and accolades, with most lists of the greatest TV shows being overwhelmingly dominated by the medium. However, that doesn’t mean that animation doesn’t have its own advantages over live-action work. Animated shows arguably allow for more creativity, often taking place in worlds outside our own, even if masterpieces such as BoJack Horseman mirror our own reality closely. These beautiful, original universes allow us to explore moral complexities free from the biases of our own world, since the storyteller can shape the context entirely.

One of the greatest examples of this is the original animated Avatar: The Last Airbender. On the surface, some may consider it a show for children, but it is anything but. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a joy for everyone, whether it is your first or hundredth time watching. Not only does it balance its tone between a fun adventure series and a nuanced depiction of war, but its themes are extremely complex, with gorgeous animation that creates a dynamic and evolving universe.

What Is ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ About?

Avatar: The Last Airbender follows Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), a 12-year-old boy who has been frozen for 100 years, while the Fire Nation has engaged in a war of aggression against the other nations. As the Avatar, destined to master all four elements of air, water, earth, and fire, Aang must save the world, with the help of his friends, Sokka (Jack De Sena), Katara (Mae Whitman), Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy), and his sky bison, Appa (Dee Bradley Baker), and winged lemur, Momo (Dee Bradley Baker). Since these are a group of children, many of their journeys across the world turn into bottle-adventure episodes where the stakes are arguably low, such as helping protect a village from the pollution of a Fire Nation factory.

Yet, Avatar: The Last Airbender balances this fun, comedic tone with layers of depth in its characters. One of these is Zuko (Dante Basco), son of the Fire Lord and Aang’s main antagonist at the beginning. Zuko seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of his father with the help of his kind uncle, Iroh (Mako), representing a complex character who is both sympathetic and a serious threat to our heroes. With this and episodes that truly emphasize the scale of the war, such as “The Siege of the North,” Avatar: The Last Airbender manages to convey numerous tones and genres throughout its 3 seasons.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Explores Dark Themes Such as War in Nuanced Ways

Some would expect that the lines would be clear between good guys and bad guys in Avatar: The Last Airbender, given its comedic tone and suitability for kids. Yet Avatar: The Last Airbender is at its best when dealing with complex topics, and it uses fascinating characters to do so. While Aang is essentially the chosen one and burdened with the mission to defeat the Fire Lord, he struggles with violence, especially around the subject of killing, exploring whether it is just to kill our enemies. Through Zuko and his obsessive drive to make his father happy, along with his growing hatred of Aang, we see how childhood trauma and revenge can create monsters, while Iroh’s belief in Zuko challenges the audience to see the good in everyone.

Even characters who don’t have huge roles throughout the series leave lasting impressions, such as Jet (Crawford Wilson), whose brutal methods of guerrilla warfare against the Fire Nation reflect how the ends don’t justify the means. Whether it is someone fighting for the right reasons, but in the wrong way, or vice versa, Avatar: The Last Airbender makes sure that every character has a purpose in developing the story.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Has Some of the Most Creative Animation

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Of course, the quality of animation is always a necessary measure in said medium, and Avatar: The Last Airbender uses the rules of its world to create striking visuals and give its characters personality through their movements. Due to the different styles of bending being so distinct, with a more flowing form for Katara’s waterbending compared to the stocky movements of Toph’s earthbending, each character has a distinct visual identity. Avatar: The Last Airbender also gives these powers the scale they deserve. Together, Toph and Aang can turn a mountain of stairs into one smooth incline in seconds, and Aang can hold back an erupting volcano without breaking a sweat. You not only feel the strength of their powers, but also how a bender is limited by their own creativity rather than the plot or an overcomplicated power-scaling system.

Overall, there are very few shows that can accomplish what Avatar: The Last Airbender did over its 3 seasons. Some may, at times, confuse animation as a genre in and of itself, and Avatar: The Last Airbender is a classic example of why. It never sticks to one genre but uses itself as a vehicle to convey several. To be funny or philosophical is one thing, but to combine the two, along with a fascinating world, is truly special. Even if you’ve never watched an animated show before, once you binge Avatar: The Last Airbender, you’ll be kicking yourself for not watching it sooner.

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Release Date

2005 – 2008

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Nickelodeon

Showrunner

Michael Dante DiMartino

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Directors

Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding, Lauren MacMullan, Dave Filoni, Joaquim Dos Santos, Anthony Lioi

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Writers

Tim Hedrick, Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Joshua Hamilton, James Eagan, Joann Estoesta, Nick Malis, May Chan, Katie Mattila

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Venus Williams’ Met Gala looks have been a smash hit over the years.

Williams attended her first Met Gala in 2008 where the theme was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. The tennis pro stunned in a silver strapless gown. Since her premiere strut on the museum’s iconic stairs, Williams has continued to elevate her fashion.

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Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, Williams was announced as one of the event’s cochairs alongside Beyoncé and Nicole Kidman. Williams teased her excitement for the festivities and the theme “Costume Art.”

“I love the theme. It’s a perfect fit for me,” Williams said in an April 2026 interview with Vogue. “It’s even more important today because people feel so much pressure to look a certain way. Though there’s so much beauty in difference.”

Keep scrolling to see William’s best Met Gala looks over the years: