Roommates, a grieving family is speaking out after finding themselves at the center of yet another heartbreaking online situation. As they continue navigating an unimaginable loss, they are urging the public to be mindful of what they share online. The family is asking for consideration and respect as they grieve. What started as a video making the rounds online quickly caught the attention of many. But according to Nolan Xavier Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, it isn’t what it appears to be.

RELATED: Ben Crump Says Nolan Xavier Wells Was A Strong Swimmer While Noting Texts Appear To Have Been Deleted From His Phone (VIDEO)

Family Denounces Alleged AI Video Circulating Online

On Wednesday, Christine Wonsley took to her Facebook account to address an alleged AI-generated video circulating about her son, Nolan Xavier Wells, and the mystery surrounding his death. In her post, she made it clear that neither she nor anyone working closely with her family created or approved the video. She also called on the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

In her caption, Wonsley wrote, “🚨THIS VIDEO WAS NOT CREATED BY ME OR ANYONE WORKING CLOSELY WITH MY HUSBAND AND I. This is AI generated. For God’s sake please respect our privacy. Please REPORT THIS VIDEO!” Her statement comes as AI-generated content continues to spread rapidly across social media, raising concerns about misinformation and the emotional toll it can have on families already coping with tragedy.

Click here to see the AI-generated video that she is referencing.

Family Shares Important GoFundMe Update

Wonsley also appeared to provide supporters with another update on Thursday, this time regarding the GoFundMe created for Nolan Wells. In a post shared online, she revealed that she has officially taken over management of the fundraiser. She said the decision came following guidance from her legal team. “🚨 GoFund Me Update: I have taken over the GoFund Me account for my son Nolan Wells at the recommendation of my legal. Please share this so there are no issues or misunderstandings. I’m still in the process of updating the account fully,” she wrote, asking supporters to spread the message to help avoid any confusion as the page continues to be updated.

The fundraiser was initially launched by a family friend, as The Shade Room previously reported.

Questions Continue Surrounding Nolan Xavier Wells’ Death

Questions surrounding Nolan Xavier Wells’ death continue. As previously reported, his body was discovered on Horn Island following a days-long search. According to WLOX, a park ranger found the body around 8:45 a.m. on Monday, July 6—two days after the 18-year-old was reported missing during a Fourth of July trip. Although the body was not immediately identified, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter reportedly confirmed it matched Wells’ description. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the condition of his body. However, it appears they believe no foul play was involved in his death.

Meanwhile, social media users have continued to speculate about the circumstances leading up to Wells’ disappearance. Additionally, photos circulated online appearing to show him with a group of white young men during the trip. At this time, it appears no arrests have been made in connection with the case.

RELATED: Family Of Nolan Xavier Wells Retains Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump As Investigation Into His Death Continues (UPDATE)

By TeeJay Small
| Published 1 hour ago

As digital purchases are being stripped from consumers, and the media streaming landscape becomes increasingly expensive and tenuous to keep up with, physical media has never seemed so appealing. Hardcore film and TV fans have been spreading the word across the world regarding their desire for more Criterion collection releases, 4K upscales, and special featurettes that can’t be found anywhere except in the loving embrace of a bright, shiny disc. Now, fans of the classic crime drama The Sopranos can finally rejoice, as the series is getting its first-ever 4K remaster.

Flying Off Shelves Faster Than Gabagool At A New Jersey Deli

The Sopranos 4k remaster is set to release on December 8, containing all 86 episodes spread out across 28 discs. It’s already available for pre-order through Amazon, Walmart, and Gruv, with a whopping $149.99 price tag. The box set is a limited edition release though, so Sopranos ultra-fans should be sure to grab their copy before a bunch of them get taken out the side door and loaded onto a truck by a couple of mobsters in tracksuits.

Whether you’re just starting a physical media collection, or you’re looking to add a crown jewel to your already impressive stash, this Sopranos set appears to have everything you’ll need. A suite of bonus features from previous DVD releases will come packaged in every order, along with brand new commentary and documentary pieces following series creator David Chase.

The rumor mill is also suggesting that a famous scene between Tony Soprano (the late James Gandolfini) and his mother Livia (Nancy Marchand) has been digitally altered from its original release. For those who don’t recall, Marchand passed away between filming season two and season three of the hit HBO series. As a result, her final scene utilizes some super early deepfake technology, along with a few sound bites from previous episodes and unused takes. The scene was meant to be a caring sendoff for the esteemed character actress, but it has aged poorly, leaving new fans confused. If the rumored change is real, that will mark one of the only digital alterations of the original footage, save for the 4K upscaling.

For now, there’s no way of knowing if we’ll ever get the 4K remaster on HBO Max or other streaming outlets. The streamer is one of the few that’s actually capable of offering 4K to their subscribers, so long as you have an appropriate television setup. Either way, it would surely be nice to have all 86 episodes of The Sopranos on hand, just in case you need to barter with your local union representative, or you need a blunt object to put a couple of unforeseen problems to bed in a pinch. Just remember to put your universal remote back on the docking station when you’re done binge-watching.

Chrisean Rock is still working on removing her portrait tattoo of Blueface, but she already knows what she wants to replace it with. Recently, the boxer and rapper spilled some tea about her tattoo plans during a livestream, and of course, folks online wasted no time sharing their thoughts.

RELATED: Calm Down! Blueface Addresses Viral Footage Of Him Seemingly Linking With Chrisean Rock & Folks Are Going OFF 

Chrisean Rock Gives Update On Her Tattoo Transformation

Recently, Chrisean Rock hopped on a livestream and gave fans an update on her Blueface portrait tattoo. She told fans she’s still on her removal journey, but she doesn’t go out of her way to hide it unless she’s performing at church. Chrisean explained that the tattoo can be distracting during performances, but most of the time she just lets it rock. “I feel like it’s too distracting sometimes, but sometimes I just leave it alone.” From there, she added that she can’t wait until the tattoo is officially gone and plans to replace it with something new — a fresh portrait of her son, Chrisean Jesus Jr.

“It will be all gone.” She continued, “The nightmare will be over and off my face. When it gets removed enough I’m going to put my son’s face on this side,”

Social Media Sounds OFF After Chrisean Reveals Her Tattoo Plans

Once The Shade Room Teens shared the clip from Rock’s livestream, the Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of fans said they’re over the updates and just want to see her without the tat already. Meanwhile, others gave her props for leveling up and stepping into a new era.

Instagram user @reallyashlee wrote, “how many times we gone go through this.” 

Instagram user @niyyysl_ wrote, “she just needs a clear face.” 

While Instagram user @allhailjenn wrote, “Imagine waking up everyday seeing that s**t on ur face omg, she really played.” 

Then Instagram user @prettydy._ wrote, “Girl i’m tired of hearing about it , be about it & just do it damn 😭😭😭” 

Another Instagram user @onyominddailyy_ wrote, “Y’all do realize it hurts so bad and it doesn’t take 2-3 sessions especially how dark it was and how light she is  She shouldn’t have gotten that.” 

Instagram user @amari.lashay wrote, “She shouldn’t have gotten that on her face in the first place.” 

Then another Instagram user @ thaa.muvaa wrote, “‘The nightmare will be over, off my face’ I’m so proud of who she is rn omg it was a time where all of us thought this girl couldn’t and wouldn’t get away…” 

While another Instagram user @_iam.milly_ wrote, “Girl no shade you don’t need to add Jr. on ur face either.” 

Finally, Instagram user @lilteetee88 wrote, “How about you just leave your face alone for a minute.” 

Rock Previously Gave Fans A Behind The Scenes Look At Her Tattoo Removal Session

Rock previously took fans along for her tattoo removal journey at the end of 2025. She shared an emotional video from the procedure, showing herself removing the Blueface mugshot tattoo from the side of her face. The clip shows her fighting through serious discomfort and shedding tears as the laser begins breaking down the portrait. Even though the process was extremely painful, Rock encouraged professionals to “keep going,” adding that she needed to “get it off.”

RELATED: Yikes! Karlissa Saffold Harvey Reacts After Chrisean Rock Calls Out Blueface For Getting Three Women Pregnant (VIDEOS) 

Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, are reflecting on how their family dealt with unimaginable loss after their 3-year-old son River drowned.

Appearing on the Thursday, July 9, episode of the “Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew” podcast, Amber shared that each family member “grieved differently” after River’s death in 2019. (Granger, 46, and Amber, 44, also share London, 14, and Lincoln, 12. They welcomed their fourth child, Maverick, in August 2021.)

“We lost our son River to a drowning in our backyard and as you can imagine, as a mom and a dad, it flipped our world upside down and we didn’t know if our family would survive, if our marriage would survive, if we would ever find joy again,” Amber said.

She continued, “And so, we just navigated that grief and pain together, very differently. We both grieved very differently, our children grieved very differently.”

Related: Granger Smith and Wife Reflect on ‘Crushing’ Guilt After Son’s Death

Former country music singer Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, are opening up the death of their son River Kelly in 2019. He was 3 years old. While appearing on the Tuesday, September 19, episode of Tamron Hall, the couple reflected on the guilt they felt after River’s drowning accident. “I was processing it […]

Amber added that she was early in her faith journey at the time of River’s death and had only recently started going to Bible studies and to church. She explained her religion helped her navigate the grief.

“I had little bits and pieces of scripture in my heart so when I was on that bathroom floor crying and grieving so hard, I knew that I didn’t want to stay there,” she shared. “I had a husband and I had two other children who needed me so I ran to the Lord and I searched for light and I searched for hope.”

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In June 2019, Granger took to Instagram to announce the heartbreaking news that their son had died.

“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” the country singer wrote via Instagram at the time. “We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived. Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father.”

Related: Granger Smith and Wife Made ‘Unromantic’ Marriage Pact After Son’s Death

Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, made a vow to stay together after the tragic death of their 3-year-old son. “I think we recognized early that most couples don’t make it,” Granger, 46, said on the Wednesday, May 6, episode of the “Jinger and Jeremy” podcast. “I don’t know the statistic, but it’s over […]

The “Backroad Song” singer added: “Riv was special. Everyone that met him knew that immediately. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed and his light will be forever in our hearts. If there are words to say more, I cannot find them in this moment. Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this.”

NBA YoungBoy has been an open book when it comes to his personal struggles and overcoming his past, especially through the messages he shares in his music. However, as speculation began to surface about his marriage with his wife Jazlyn Mychelle, the rapper hopped online to quickly shut down the rumors.

RELATED: Social Media Users Are Mentioning Yaya Mayweather After Jazlyn Mychelle Went Live With NBA YoungBoy (WATCH)

NBA YoungBoy Releases New Song As He Reflects On Growth And Past Struggles

Earlier this month, NBA YoungBoy seemingly teased a new era in his life as he reflected on discipline, prayer, and growth. The rapper shared a photo of himself in an all-white robe while opening up about the importance of bettering yourself.

In the post, he wrote, “Bettering yourself is the best thing you can put effort towards. Not being disciplined and selfish can leave you very lonely. I been there and barely escaped. Hold on to the people who really love you and always pray. #MRGAULDEN”

He later added that he would be deactivating soon, writing, “Deactivating soon #ily.”

Amid this, he also released his new song ‘Try So Hard,’ where the rapper reflects on his life, relationships, and overcoming past struggles.

In some of the lyrics, he raps:

“I couldn’t make you walk again, I’m sorry, KD, my brother

God won’t spare my life again if I don’t try and do better

Tryna show my girl that I love her, but every day, I just thug her”

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He also apologized to his mom Sherhonda and his friend DDawg, adding:

“I don’t want no problem, tired of arguin’ with you, I’m exhausted

How I get it back? I don’t wanna bargain with you, I took losses

Sherhonda, I’m sorry, DDawg, I’m sorry

I been tryna make up for all of this”

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NBA YoungBoy Addresses Rumors Surrounding His Marriage With Jazlyn

NBA YoungBoy reportedly took to his wife Jazlyn’s YouTube account with a message as he responded to speculation that she left him.

He said, “This is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden talking to your miserable a** right now. I don’t like when my wife exposes my demons, and I like to live with my demons. When she does expose them, I get very emotional.”

He also went on to address critics who he feels celebrate when they think he’s going through pain or believe his wife left him. The rapper called out those rooting against him, saying they have “completely lost their minds.” While addressing the comments, he also mocked the speculation, saying, “’Bout time she got some sense, whoopty whoopty woo.’ What the f*** are you talking about?”

He even asked Jazlyn if she had anything to say while he was on the live because his feelings were hurt by the speculations.

Social Media Reacts

Folks gathered under The Shade Room Teens’ comment section as they reacted to NBA YoungBoy’s message. Many shared their thoughts on his response, while others weighed in on his marriage with Jazlyn.

Instagram user @folashadespeaks wrote, “Idk what he said but he right that girl ain’t leave him”

Instagram user @kissmyjordaans added, “So basically she ain’t went no where & he control the traffic Imsoo”

While Instagram user @breeeeia wrote, “Just know when he start talking like that and spark that cigarette yall in trouble 😂😭”

Instagram user @jusslikeayanna wrote, “He said his whole name 😂😂😂😂😂 he’s irritated asf”

Instagram user @chynablakk added, “Basically he saying yall need to mind yall business when it come to his wife and marriage.”

While Instagram user @bluv2u wrote, “he speak so softly i noticed a lot of great musicians with trauma always speak gently. specifically MJ”

Instagram user @alondatyonna wrote, “😂😂😂😂😂😂the calmest curse out has ever done the calmest curse”

Instagram user @banksbig4 wrote, “YB Really Has Grown As An Individual He Woulda Been Crashing Out In 2019”

While Instagram user @brownskin_shaye wrote, “Jaz is gonna leave him one day and he knows it, that’s why his feelings hurt”

RELATED: Not On Mother’s Day! Yaya Mayweather Pops OFF On NBA YoungBoy After Rumors About Him & Another Woman Circulate (PHOTO)

Jesse Eisenberg has revealed that he plans to spend more of the next chapter of his life making movies in Europe, saying Hollywood has made it increasingly difficult to produce the kinds of films he loves.

The former Mark Zuckerberg actor shared the update while receiving the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival President’s Award for his significant contribution to the film industry.

At the event, he also revealed that he is set to receive Polish citizenship, a move that further underscores his desire to build a deeper personal and professional connection to Central Europe.

Jesse Eisenberg’s receipt of the KVIFF President’s Award came with more than just an acceptance speech. It also included an announcement about the next chapter of his career.

The actor revealed that he now plans to focus more of his career outside Hollywood, a decision that comes as he prepares to officially receive Polish citizenship.

“Being here has particular meaning for me right now, because in exactly one week I am receiving my Polish citizenship,” the actor said on stage at the Grand Hall of the Hotel Thermal.

“I pursued Polish citizenship because of my family’s heritage, but also because I want to spend more time in my life and my career working in Europe, specifically Central Europe,” he added.

Eisenberg Says Hollywood Is Squeezing Out Mid-Budget Films

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In his speech, Eisenberg explained why he wants to focus more on Europe rather than deepen his ties to Hollywood.

“In America, many of the kind of films that I love so much – human scale, strange mid-budget films – have become increasingly difficult to make, but in Europe, those movies are thriving and celebrated,” he said.

Eisenberg’s comments come at a time when major Hollywood studios continue to lean heavily on franchise films, sequels, and other big-budget releases in pursuit of stronger box office returns.

That shift has made it harder for smaller, character-driven films to secure the same level of support, making Europe an increasingly attractive creative space for filmmakers like Eisenberg.

Jesse Eisenberg Says Europe Feels Like Home

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The transition from Hollywood to more work in Europe is unlikely to feel unfamiliar for Eisenberg, who already has a history of filming projects in the region.

One such project was “A Real Pain,” which was shot in Poland. He has also worked on films in Bosnia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

Speaking to the media on the red carpet at KVIFF, the actor further explained that his decision was driven by his feeling “very at home” in Europe, a sentiment he also linked to his family heritage. “My family lived in this part of the world for way longer than we lived in America. And so, in a way, I’m far more Czech and Polish than I am American,” he said.

The Actor Had Already Left Hollywood Behind

Even before his recent announcement, Eisenberg had already parted ways with Hollywood, at least as a place of residence.

The actor said in a CBS interview last year that he had embraced a quieter life in Indiana, following in the footsteps of several celebrities who no longer call Hollywood home.

“I lived in Indiana for the last decade on and off,” the “Wild Indian” star said. “That’s where I feel kind of most comfortable. I’m not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me.”

His comments made it clear that his latest Europe-focused career plans are not a sudden break from Hollywood, but part of a longer shift away from the industry’s traditional center. CBS aired the interview in February 2025, and E! also reported the same Indiana remarks.

Jesse Eisenberg’s Next Chapter May Be Behind The Camera

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As an actor, writer, and director, Eisenberg may now be at a crossroads about which part of his career to prioritize in this new chapter.

However, his recent body of work suggests he has already been leaning toward more creative control behind the camera.

Over the past few years, he has increasingly focused on developing his own projects, serving as a writer, director, or producer on films such as “A Real Pain” and “Secret Mall Apartment.”

His upcoming film, “The Debut,” further reinforces that possibility. Eisenberg is set to write and direct the project, with reports also noting his involvement in the film’s original music and songs.

Former NBA star Charles Barkley wasn’t interested in attending Taylor Swift’s lavish wedding to NFL superstar Travis Kelce. While appearing on the “Unfiltered With Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo” podcast, the 63-year-old revealed the exact reason he declined the invitation to the ceremony, which reportedly drew over 1,000 guests, including a flock of major A-listers.

Charles Barkley DECLINED An Invite To Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding

📸Jason Miller/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/7fbNGbJDfY

— Unfiltered With Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo (@975Unfiltered) July 7, 2026

Barkley, who played professional basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, said that while he was invited to Swift and Kelce’s special day, he declined for a specific reason.

According to 11x All-Star, he doesn’t attend “weddings or funerals.”

And that’s not all he had to say about the power couple’s big day. He also revealed that he politely declined the invite because he “thought it was gonna be a crap show.”

There’s More Behind Barkley’s Decision To Decline Taylor Swift’s Wedding Invitation

Barkley doesn’t want people to get it twisted, though. He said he has much love and respect for Kelce and his brother, former NFL player Jason Kelce. Despite their rapport, the “Inside the NBA” host believed it was best for him to sit out this event.

When he has time to himself, Barkley said he enjoys relaxing and playing golf. “I don’t wanna dress up and all that other stuff,” he said. “But I appreciate the invitation; it was pretty special.”

Barkley Previously Defended Taylor Swift Against ‘Losers’ Who Were Hating On The Pop Star

In February 2024, Barkley made headlines when he defended Swift against criticism that the NFL was spending too much time promoting her during Kansas City Chiefs games. According to The Hill, right-wing media personalities theorized that the professional football league was hoping to raise the icon’s star so that she could endorse former President Joe Biden.

“If you’re screaming at Taylor Swift saying she ruined … you’re just a loser. You’re just a loser or a jack*ss,” Barkley said on his previous CNN show, “King Charles,” which he hosted with Gayle King. “You can be A or B. One of the two.”

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Kelce also broke his silence on the backlash his then-girlfriend was receiving, calling the reaction “crazy” before saying he was “having fun” with his new boo. “And you know what, we’re slowly reeling ’em in. They’re just—they’re fighting it right now,” he said, according to Marie Claire.

Kelce went on to say how thankful he was for Swift’s public support, calling it a “beautiful thing,” before adding that Swift’s appearance at Arrowhead Stadium is nothing more than a couple “supporting each other and having fun with it.”

He added, “And sure enough, I love it when Taylor comes and supports me, and enjoys the game with the fam and friends. It’s been nothing but just a wonderful year, man.”

Ryan Seacrest Also Had To Say No To Attending Swift And Kelce’s New York City Wedding

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Swift and Kelce were married on July 3, 2026, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, according to a previous report from The Blast. The ceremony featured over 1,000 guests, including Jay-Z, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Cooper Kupp, Kareem Hunt, and more. The wedding was officiated by comedian Adam Sandler.

The Blast also reported on Ryan Seacrest’s reason for turning down Swift and Kelce’s invitation. “I RSVP’d to go, and then Disney hired me to do the Fourth of July 250 special on the 3rd and the 4th, so I had to cancel,” the “American Idol” legend said on an episode of his radio show, “Ryan Seacrest Live.”

Seacrest Previously RSVP’d ‘Yes’ To The Wedding

Later in the show, Seacrest said he had previously RSVP’d yes to the wedding but had to change it at the last minute because of work. And to make matters worse, the “Wheel of Fortune” personality said he ran into Swift and Kelce in person after his initial response, telling them he was excited to attend the ceremony.

As he put it, though, there was nothing he could do about the schedule change, noting that he’s contractually bound to host different events for the network when they call on him. “It’s part of my job at Disney to do these things,” he said.

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MGM+ is the latest streamer trying to carve out a space for itself in the hyper-competitive world of 2020s television. Its newest offering is the crime drama The Westies, co-created by modern master of the genre Chris Brancato — the man behind hits like Narcos —and Michael Panes, who worked alongside Brancato on Godfather of Harlem. Led by Oscar winner J.K. Simmons and Bosch himself, Titus Welliver, and set in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1980s, the show delivers a classic tale of crime, deceit, and violence centered on the Westies, a criminal gang made up of Irishmen, and their contentious relationship with the Italian mafia.

The Westies might outwardly seem like the heir apparent to Boardwalk Empire, but it plays it too safe to reach the heights of Terence Winter‘s Emmy-winning triumph. It’s not a bad show by any means — in fact, it’s a solid eight-episode saga with strong performances, decent production value, and a killer soundtrack. Yet, one can’t help but ponder what the show could’ve been if it had a bit more ambition and a tad more meat on its bones.

What Is ‘The Westies’ About?

Set in 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, The Westies focuses on the titular gang, led by Eamon Sweeney (Simmons), a businessman who negotiates a sizable stake in the construction of the high-profile Javits Center. One of his most loyal men is Jimmy Rourke (Tom Brittney), whose troubled friend, war veteran Mickey Flanagan (Stanley Morgan), has recently been released from a mental institution following a tour in Vietnam. The Westies have a combative relationship with the Italians, particularly mob boss John Gotti (Hamish Allan-Headley), and the gangs’ animosity towards each other seemingly increases by the day.

One of Sweeney’s police informants is Glenn Keenan (Welliver), whose estranged son is becoming involved with the Westies, much to his chagrin. Over the course of the plot, Keenan also enters into a complicated partnership with Birdie Polk (Jessica Frances Dukes), a detective looking to bring down Sweeney. Meanwhile, Jimmy’s girlfriend, Bridget (Sarah Bolger), finds herself dragged back into the cause of Irish independence after a mysterious man from her past, Brendan Cahill (Allen Leech), reenters her life.

‘The Westies’ Features an All-Too-Familiar Story

The Westies is a story-driven show to a T — which is to say, the characters exist to serve the narrative. The actors here are not playing characters but rather archetypes: the ruthless crime boss, the moral criminal, the amoral revolutionary… you get the gist. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a story-driven approach — some of television’s all-time greats can be classified as story-driven — but The Westies takes that approach a bit too literally. The key players receive little to no development, simply going from Point A to Point B because the story demands it. As for the narrative, it’s fine, but nothing you haven’t seen before: lies, betrayals, ruthless killings, cocaine, whiskey, and some muscular fight scenes.

Luckily, the cast of The Westies is engaging enough to make up for their characters’ lack of progression. Brittney is a personable lead, playing Jimmy as someone who might not have a heart of gold, but at least has a moral compass. Similarly, Stanley’s work as the loose cannon Mickey is good, mainly because he’s never actually unlikable despite the fact that he’s a hothead. As for Simmons, he’s playing a role he could do in his sleep, but it is fun to see him and Allan-Headley trying to outsmirk each other. If anyone has it toughest, it’s Bolger, and Bridget’s revolutionary plot seems out of place in a narrative about ruthless criminals.

Welliver, best known for playing the titular protagonist of Bosch, is given far more to work with than anyone else, as Glenn deals with a troubled son, an inferiority complex, and a shifting sense of loyalty, finding himself between the police and the Westies. Welliver does a fine job in the role, embodying Glenn’s stiffness and indifference and slowly dropping both with each new episode. His personal storyline converges nicely with the Westies’ overarching narrative, and it’s hard not to wish that Simmons, Brittney, and Bolger received the same treatment.

‘The Westies’ Does a Decent Job Bringing ’80s New York to Life

Image via Brooke Palmer/MGM+

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Visually, The Westies is not particularly strong, with the same subdued, grayish look that so many streaming shows today bear, and very few instances of anything close to memorable or inspired. Behind the camera, the series’ directors adopt a more straightforward approach; there’s little panache but tons of dynamism, particularly in Episode 3, where director Chris Grismer brings real flair to one of the show’s most elaborate hours. The editing is rather good, most notably in the fight scenes. The stunts aren’t fast-paced and hectic like so many of today’s best action movies; rather, they’re precise, rough, almost messy, immersing the viewer in the Westies’ style of reactive street fighting.

The production design is decent, but the wigs are truly awful, and the costumes and overall staging occasionally make it hard to determine whether The Westies is set in the early ’80s or the early ’90s, with some late ’70s thrown in for good measure. The sets are few but lived-in: an Irish pub, a small office, a rundown apartment, a lavish mansion. They’re used several times — the show has a rather limited approach to Hell’s Kitchen — but, in all fairness, it really doesn’t need more to tell its story.

Overall, The Westies isn’t reinventing the formula, it’s not particularly ambitious, and it’s not concerned with offering more than what’s on the screen. If you like your crime stories with a bit more bite, this one will probably leave you unsatisfied. However, if you’re a fan of tough men doing bad things and traditional tales of underworld crime, then you’ll likely have a good time. Moreover, there are already plans for Season 2, so perhaps The Westies only has room to grow with its potential return, finding more confidence and a better grasp of its identity.

The Westies premieres July 12 on MGM+.

The Off Campus cast has spoken up after some viewers had concerns about their age differences.

Based on the Off-Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team and the women in their lives as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” per the official synopsis.

Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett’s (Belmont Cameli) love story took center stage in season 1 — with several key moments from their book, The Deal, being updated. The season, which premiered in May 2026, received some backlash after audience members questioned a then-18-year-old Bright filming sex scenes with Cameli.

The cast — and creator Louisa Levy — have addressed the misconceptions. Keep scrolling for their candid responses:

Related: How Old Is the ‘Off Campus’ Cast? Ella, Belmont and More Ages Revealed

Off Campus has dealt with some discourse surrounding onscreen age gaps between the stars — but how old is each cast member? Based on the Off-Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team and the women in their lives as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging […]

Louisa Levy

The creator broke her silence on the criticism surrounding the cast’s age differences.

“I had a conversation with Ella before we closed her deal to make sure she knew what was coming,” she told Variety in May 2026. “She’d read the book, so she already understood, but I walked her through everything and made sure she was comfortable and confident.”

Levy acknowledged that Bright and Cameli had a nearly nine-year age gap.

“If I had felt she wasn’t ready, I would have pumped the brakes immediately. But she was so game,” she continued. “And we have an extraordinary intimacy coordinator, Kathy Kadler, who had conversations with not just Belmont and Ella but with all the actors who had any intimacy work.”

Levy added: “[It was about] really understanding what made everyone comfortable, what they felt good about, what they didn’t. We never did anything that made anyone uncomfortable before we ever rolled a frame of camera.”

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Ella Bright

“For Hannah, the briefing was partial nudity, and for Allie [Hayes], it had to be full [nudity]. That was just because Allie has got this amazing confidence about her and she is so free with her body and sex is just such an important part of her life,” Bright explained on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast in June 2026, referencing the scenes Mika Abdalla had to shoot while playing Allie. “It’s honestly just showing the difference between these characters.”

She continued: “For Hannah — obviously, given her backstory [with sexual assault] — she dresses more innocently and she’s got the skinny jeans and the hoodies. It just shows the dichotomy between the characters. That was always — from the beginning — the idea.”

Bright clarified that nothing was altered when she got cast, adding, “All of [the people auditioning for] Hannah knew it was just going to be partial. For Allie, it was going to be full so everyone had [a] full understanding of what we were going into.”