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Entertainment

‘Widow’s Bay’ Showrunner Katie Dippold Reveals How the Finale Twist Shapes Season 2

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Matthew Rhys as Tom, Stephen Root as Wyck, and Kate O'Flynn as Patricia sitting together in Widow's Bay

Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for the Widow’s Bay Season 1 finale.

Horror was a big part of Katie Dippold’s childhood, spending summer nights in New Jersey in the ‘80s watching movies with her family. And then, she wrote the Widow’s Bay script as a spec for an episode of NBC’s Parks and Recreation, where she worked as a writer and co-producer. But that joke-focused version that felt more like a parody evolved over the years, eventually becoming a story full of quirky characters set in a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England that is now a breakout hit for Apple TV.

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In a town that feels like a cross between Amity Island from Jaws and Cabot Cove from Murder, She Wrote, Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) tried to boost tourism as strange events started to unfold, unleashing a centuries-old curse. Dealing with a sea hag wreaking havoc and a Boogeyman bent on destruction brought Tom together with Wyck (Stephen Root) and Patricia (Kate O’Flynn), each outcasts in their own way, as they worked together to get answers about how to break that curse before anyone else gets hurt. Instead, Tom learned a horrible truth that put his son (Kingston Rumi Southwick) directly in the path of danger in a way that they won’t be able to ignore in Season 2.

Creator/showrunner Dippold sat down with me for a conversation that dug into the evolution of the hit horror comedy series that has already gotten the greenlight for a second season and teased what’s next for this town and its residents. She also discussed the challenge of working with such a tricky tone, the fun of playing with horror tropes, what she loves about the trio of Tom, Wyck, and Patricia, how the finale reveal could play into Season 2, how far ahead she’s thought about the story, and whether this curse is fated.

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‘Widow’s Bay’ Started as a Spec Script for ‘Parks and Recreation’ Writer Dippold

“The comedic voice was there, but it was very different.”

Matthew Rhys as Tom, Stephen Root as Wyck, and Kate O'Flynn as Patricia sitting together in Widow's Bay
Matthew Rhys as Tom, Stephen Root as Wyck, and Kate O’Flynn as Patricia sitting together in Widow’s Bay
Image via Apple TV

COLLIDER: It’s wild that you wrote the pilot for this so long ago that you submitted it to Parks and Rec to get hired for that show. How close is the pilot that we see now to the script that you wrote back then?

KATIE DIPPOLD: It’s very different, but the heart of it is the same. The comedic voice was there, but it was very different. It was very joke-focused. I think that version would have felt more like a parody. I don’t think I, myself, would have watched it, to be honest. I want the horror and the tension and the stakes to all be taken very seriously. I want it to feel like a real place. Over the many, many years, that’s the thing I kept working on. This was my novel. When a writer has their little side project, this was that. I just kept coming back to it. The big difference is that it feels more like a real place and there’s actually more tension.

What is it about the horror genre that you love, and what do you think comedy brings out in horror?

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DIPPOLD: Horror was a big part of my childhood. I don’t know why my family watched horror movies all the time when I was very young. I just associate a summer night in New Jersey in the ‘80s with watching Friday the 13th, or something. My parents are pranksters. I remember my dad walking down the hallway doing [the Friday the 13th theme]. When I was 16 and Blair Witch came out, I opened my door and he had left the sticks outside the door. I also feel like, as an anxious person, I’ve always found horror to be cathartic. If you’re an anxious person, you’re always waiting for the shoe to drop. And so, when you watch a horror movie, you get to experience that bad thing that you were waiting for. It happens, but then you’re safe.

I find that very relaxing. It’s a very tricky tonal balance with comedy and horror because it’s very easy to do it wrong. It is very important to us to have the comedy never be undercut the horror tension, and also make sure the characters always behave and act like this is happening and this is terrifying and not ever treating it lightly. That was one of the hardest parts. In Episode 7, when a coffin comes up, it’s so easy to write in a lighthearted way, but no, what’s happening is crazy. They have to have lines that let them react to this crazy thing that’s happening. I’ve never experienced that, so in the writers’ room, it was like, “What would they say right now?”


Matthew Rhys gripping a bag and staring dully ahead in Widow's Bay

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Matthew Rhys’ Horror Series ‘Widow’s Bay’ Is Apple TV’s Weirdest, Boldest Show Yet | Review

‘Widow’s Bay’ premieres April 29 on Apple TV.

You’ve worked in comedy and in sketch comedy, but you’ve also been blending comedy with the spooky for a bit, with Ghostbusters and Haunted Mansion. As a horror fan, did you have a board of things you wanted to work into this show somewhere, and is there still a lot left over that you couldn’t do this season?

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DIPPOLD: There is a lot still to do, I have to say. For the first season, the goal was finding these horror tropes that we could add our Widow’s Bay spin to, and that were things you could buy happening to this island, A fog felt like a good entry point. It feels very New England island town. If you go too far right away, you’re going to be like, “I don’t buy any of this,” so you have to really slowly take the audience there. There were some things that came up in Season 1 that felt too big or too weird, but I think you could eventually get there. It’s tricky. You want to stay with the familiar so you can have fun with it, but you also have to make sure that you can add enough of your spin.

Horror and Comedy Are Equally Important When It Comes to ‘Widow’s Bay’

“Sometimes an idea for an episode will start from a place of horror, and sometimes it will start from more of a comedic place, even if it ends up being the opposite.”

Stephen Root as Wyck standing in front of Kate O'Flynn as Patricia holding his arms out in Widow's Bay
Stephen Root as Wyck standing in front of Kate O’Flynn as Patricia holding his arms out in Widow’s Bay
Image via Apple TV

When it came to adding a sea hag or a Boogeyman, did you have other possibilities that you were choosing between, or were there very clear and specific choices?

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DIPPOLD: Sometimes an idea for an episode will start from a place of horror, and sometimes it will start from more of a comedic place, even if it ends up being the opposite. For example, the inn was something where I was like, “Okay, Widow’s Bay has to have a spooky inn on this island that’s been around for centuries, and that has a Captain’s suite and all this lore within the building itself. It started from a place of really liking the idea of staying the night at the inn to prove it’s safe, and following Loftis around there. That started from more of a horror trope, but we then could use it because we were able to tie it to his emotional story, and it gave us a way to learn more about Loftis and see what he’s willing to do to bring tourists to the town and to just discover more about him.

And then, there were things like, for example, the sea hag episode. Going into this, I always wanted to do something with a hitchhiker. There’s a dark road on the island, he’s driving, and there’s some kind of hitchhiker. That started from a comedic place because I imagined that conversation with Patricia where she’s annoyed that he picked up a young woman and not an older woman. I always had that in my head. And then, in the [writers’] room, we started talking about a sea hag, and we brought all those things together. There are a lot of different ways in. We come at it from different angles.

As a horror fan, what’s it like to get to create the look of characters like that? How long did you think about what the Boogeyman should look like?

DIPPOLD: That’s so funny that you asked that. I would say it’s a challenging blast. Every episode taps into something, some kind of horror trope that we all know and love. But those tropes are usually their own movie, where they’ve had all year to think about what the Boogeyman’s mask looks like or what the book looks like in Episode 4. We were suddenly having to do all that really fast and doing so much of it. That was probably one of the more challenging things. You want the Boogeyman mask to be so special that it could have its own movie. That was always the creative challenge.

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Showrunner Dippold Wants the Scary in ‘Widow’s Bay’ To Always Be Scary Without Feeling Too Human

“If [the Boogeyman] took off his mask and it was someone you know, it would feel like a different kind of place.”Kate O'Flynn as Patricia looking concerned in Widow's Bay

Was it also important not to have a big reveal and have the Boogeyman be someone’s neighbor?

DIPPOLD: Yeah. It was a big goal for me for the scary to always be scary, and to never undercut it, as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t break the rules, but for the most part, that was a goal. Some things I just want to feel supernatural. With the Boogeyman, I just wanted to feel like there was something buried underneath a cement basement that was trying to get its way out, and it finally does. Can it be supernatural? Sometimes if the horror feels too human, it just doesn’t feel right for this show. If he took off his mask and it was someone you know, it would feel like a different kind of place.

I loved the choice of Patricia following the Boogeyman with her shotgun pointed at him and even going with him all the way to the furnace.

DIPPOLD: Oh, good. Episode 8 is interesting because it’s the Boogeyman and he’s scary, but we are having fun with it. Originally, we talked about that being a flashback episode where you see exactly what happened in that year when she was 16. But we had this great actress and this character we’ve come to know and love, and it was ultimately more fun to watch this 40-year-old woman running through the streets of her town, claiming a Boogeyman is chasing her, and still no one believing her. As ridiculous and absurd as the episode is, I really didn’t want him to do much that was funny. But Patricia holding the shotgun to him is something I would do. Anytime a horror movie gets to the end, it’s like, “No, shoot him a thousand times.” I would cut him into different pieces and ship them off to different parts of the world. I would take it so far. Patricia is a little bit funny doing something we would all want to see someone do, which is make sure he’s dead, please.

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Kate O’Flynn as Patricia wearing a tiara and holding a microphone at her party in Widow’s Bay


‘Widow’s Bay’ Just Added a Horrific New Layer to the Town’s Creepy Lore With 1 Shocking Scene

Kate O’Flynn also talks about Patricia’s unlikely bond with town misfits Tom and Wyck.

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Patricia is such an odd character that I’m curious how much of that you saw and how much of that was what Kate O’Flynn brought to that role?

DIPPOLD: Patricia was probably the most fun to pitch for in the writers’ room. Everyone really got that character. Part of the inspiration is my own mom. She’s pretty neurotic and will just say the things she wants to say. I feel like that’s something Patricia would do. It comes from that. But I also feel like there’s just an element of Patricia that wants to be seen. She wants someone to say, “I see you and you’re great.” That’s all she really wants. She doesn’t want to be left out. Kate O’Flynn is such an incredible performer. It’s so rare that you just see someone and you’re like, “Oh, this is that person.”

I don’t see the actor. And she’s nothing like this character. She’s this very sweet, lovely British woman that’s a wonderful theater actress. Every part she plays is so different. She’s really incredible. I really think she’s doing something very special here. She brought all these other layers to it, even with her gait. The way she walks is so funny to me. It’s like a Muppet in a way, but it’s still very realistic. I think she’s incredible. (Casting director) Allison Jones sent us her tape, and it was just such a wonderful surprise. It wasn’t exactly how I pictured it at all, but I was like, “Well, that’s Patricia.”

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What do you love about the trio of Tom, Patricia and Wyck?

DIPPOLD: The three of those actors are so good together. Among those three characters, a lot of different things are happening, Loftis and Patricia have a co-dependent thing. He can be rude to her and bicker with her and is impatient with her, and she can throw it back at him. And then, Loftis and Wyck have a rough dynamic and they’re at odds. But also, there’s possibly a slight father-son dynamic in the making. And then, Wyck seems to be very kind to Patricia, even if he says things that can infuriate her. He seems to really care for her and has a soft spot for her, and I don’t know that she’s ever had anyone look at her that way before. I feel like these actors bring all these different layers that are really fun to watch.

I remember when we were shooting outside the church, and I was inside the church. We needed a shot for Episode 4 when Loftis, Patricia, and Wyck are going in from the truck to the church. I was inside the church, going over the script with two of the writers, Neil [Casey] and Kelly [Galuska], and I forgot that they were coming in. We were writing, but there were no cameras. The three of them came in, in character, and I was like, “Am I in the show?” It was so weird. When the three of them would walk onto set together, it was exciting. They have something together. It’s very, very fun.

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The ‘Widow’s Bay’ Finale Almost Looked Different Before Ultimately Raising the Stakes for Tom Loftis

“There was a period of time when I wondered for a moment if the whole episode should just be Loftis talking to Ruth, and it’s just the two of them, the whole episode.”

Matthew Rhys as Tom sitting on a couch next to K Callan as Ruth in Widow's Bay
Matthew Rhys as Tom sitting on a couch next to K Callan as Ruth in Widow’s Bay
Image via Apple TV

There’s an interesting balance in the finale between this intimate conversation between Tom and Ruth, and then all the other people in town trapped in a confined space together while the tension continues to rise. Did you think about it in that way and how that would compare?

DIPPOLD: There was a period of time when I wondered for a moment if the whole episode should just be Loftis talking to Ruth, and it’s just the two of them, the whole episode. But you’ve spent this whole season with all these other characters, and you want to see what they’re doing and also how their stories are resolving. But also, seeing them in the shelter and it feeling claustrophobic and feeling like it’s all boiling and things are about to blow just to put more pressure on Loftis. I wanted, as much as possible, for the audience to really be with Loftis and really understand. If you go back to the shelter and see the tension rising, you can remember that. Otherwise, it could be easy to be like, “Oh, you know what? Just forget it. Just leave. Just don’t do anything. Just talk to Ruth and go home.” You need that reminder, whether that’s five people about to really tear each other apart down there or if the shelter is not going to hold or what Evan is getting into down deeper in the basement. Those are all things to raise the stakes for Loftis.

How do you think Loftis feels about learning that it’s actually the son he was trying to protect that’s going to be the issue? Is that something you want to explore more?

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DIPPOLD: We’ll definitely have to get into it. I think he feels not good. Not to get too heavy, but you have these dreams of what life should be and I almost feel like I can Disnify things. What’s the Disney version of life? And when you start to realize all the horrors that exist in the real world, it’s hard to accept. There’s a lot of that acceptance at the end of the show, so that’s a big thing that we’re exploring.


Stephen Root, Matthew Rhys and Kate O’Flynn in


Apple TV’s Best Series Since ‘Silo’ Is Officially Returning

Is it the next Martha’s Vineyard, or is it definitely cursed?

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Dale found the video about the people needing to be sacrificed according to the number of bell tolls and flipped out, making everyone else flip out, but he doesn’t articulate what he’s seeing and how it makes him feel. With everything that comes out in the finale, are these residents just going to have to deal with things on a different level moving forward? They can’t just ignore that, can they?

DIPPOLD: Right. I guess the only way I can say it is that I feel like Season 1 is almost a prequel to living on a haunted island. Season 1 is slowly starting to realize what’s happening. I think there’s much more fun to be had in Season 2. But I don’t want to say any more than that.

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What Tom Loftis Learns in the Season Finale of ‘Widow’s Bay’ Will Change His Life and Trajectory Forever

“I knew that he was going to have this dilemma, and I knew what would be revealed.”

Matthew Rhys as Tom standing outside with a slight smile in Widow's Bay
Matthew Rhys as Tom standing outside with a slight smile in Widow’s Bay
Image via Apple TV

This show existed for a while before you actually shot it, and it evolved over that time. At what point did you know where you would leave things in the finale? What made you decide to end it with Tom having all this information, but no one else having that information yet?

DIPPOLD: Going into the season, I knew I wanted to do something with the bloodline. I knew that I wanted Loftis to be presented with this horrible dilemma, something that really asks what kind of person and leader he is and really makes it not easy and makes it as complicated as possible. We had this debate in the writers’ room about what you would do, and everyone had different answers. When Wyck says, in Episode 9, “Just take a shotgun and shoot her in the back of the head,” I actually don’t know that he’s wrong. I do think that’s the kind thing to do. Loftis does something that I think I would do, deciding to just peacefully poison her to sleep, which seems like the easier way. But because it’s easier for Loftis, he pays the price for that. That leads to him finding out something that will change his life and trajectory forever.

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I knew that he was going to have this dilemma, and I knew what would be revealed. Exactly how it was going to play out, I wasn’t sure. We talked about different options in the writers’ room. One of the writers pitched the Bechir move, which I thought was very interesting. I liked how it gave Kevin Carroll much more to do. It makes it interesting, going forward, that there is a man who’s a police detective that is willing to do anything to get off the island, and God help Loftis if he ever finds out about his son. The original ending, I wrote the draft of while we were in production. I can’t remember where it ended off, but Apple encouraged me to give more, and I did. I just can’t remember what exactly came out of that, but it was a whole process of figuring out exactly how to end it.

How far have you planned things out with this series, or at least thought about the story you’re telling? Do you have a good sense of Season 2 and Season 3?

DIPPOLD: I have a good sense of Season 2, in the sense of how I want it to feel, the kinds of stuff we can do, and more of the lore to show. I’ve always had an idea for how I think Loftis’ story should end. Whether that’s what we end up doing or not, I’m not sure, but there’s something I’ve always had in mind.

Do you see it being more full-on horror moving forward?

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DIPPOLD: I think it’s always going to serve both.

If You Love the World of ‘Widow’s Bay,’ There Could Be Future Miniseries

“What happened at the inn over that New Year’s night could be a standalone six-episode season.”

Matthew Rhys as Tom, Stephen Root as Wyck, and Kate O'Flynn as Patricia around a table in Widow's Bay
Matthew Rhys as Tom, Stephen Root as Wyck, and Kate O’Flynn as Patricia around a table in Widow’s Bay
Image via Apple TV

Do you want to do more flashbacks?

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DIPPOLD: Yes. I think it’d be fun to do more flashbacks. What I think could be very fun about this show and that I always had in mind was, if you build this world and people like being in this world, then aside from this story, there could be future miniseries. What happened at the inn over that New Year’s night could be a standalone six-episode season. I think there is all sorts of stuff you can do, as long as this world is established. I think there’s a lot of fun to be had.

You’re also playing with things that are fated, like the bells in town ringing with the number of people that need to be sacrificed. Is that predetermined and fated? Can anything be changed? Is that something you also want to delve deeper into?

DIPPOLD: Yes. These are the complications that would come up in Season 2.

Widow’s Bay is available to stream on Apple TV.

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Release Date

April 28, 2026

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Network

Apple TV

Showrunner
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Katie Dippold

Directors

Sam Donovan, Andrew DeYoung, Hiro Murai, Ti West

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Writers

Alberto Roldán, Neil Casey, Kelly Galuska, Colton Dunn, Dave Harris, Katie Dippold, Mackenzie Dohr

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Marvel’s New R-Rated Project Just Hit a Major Disney+ Milestone

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Jon Bernthal is on a ride this year. 2026 started for the fan-favorite with Netflix’s His & Hers, a murder mystery where he stars opposite Tessa Thompson. The miniseries proved a big hit for the streamer as it broke into its all-time top 10 list with 98.2 million views. Then he inflicted some emotional damage with The Bear’s surprise prequel, Gary, which he co-wrote with co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

With one episode, the emotional framework for The Bear’s final season changes as we get to see more of Mikey’s (Bernthal) internal state and his friendship with Richie. The 100% Rotten Tomatoes-rated special will tug at your heart and give a glimpse of the character that casts a long shadow on Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and the restaurant. In the same week, Bernthal also came out with the highly anticipated MCU Special Presentation, The Punisher: One Last Kill.

While we have been on a journey with The Punisher since his Netflix days, his standalone MCU entry meant a lot for longtime fans. Frank Castle was first introduced in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, but The Punisher: One Last Kill gives him a fresh start before we meet him in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Just like how Gary gave us a peek into Michael’s troubled life, the MCU entry gives a Bernthal character a chance to heal with Frank Castle. One Last Kill finds Frank after he has avenged his family, but as it happens, grief takes its own course, and in the end, vengeance leaves you empty. The special brilliantly showcases a Frank who finds a reason to keep going after he has fulfilled his long-term goal, and with him, fans too move on. The R-rated, pared-down, no-holds-barred actioner was something both fans and the character needed to make an impression in the MCU.

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Collider Exclusive · Taylor Sheridan Universe Quiz
Which Taylor Sheridan
Show Do You Belong In?

Yellowstone · Landman · Tulsa King · Mayor of Kingstown

Four worlds. All of them brutal, complicated, and built on power, loyalty, and the price of survival. Taylor Sheridan doesn’t write heroes — he writes people who do what they have to do and live with the cost. Ten questions will reveal which one of his worlds you were made for.

🤠Yellowstone

🛢️Landman

👑Tulsa King

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⚖️Mayor of Kingstown

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01

Where does your power come from?
In Sheridan’s world, everyone has leverage. The question is what kind.




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02

Who do you put first, no matter what?
Loyalty in Sheridan’s universe is always absolute — and always costly.




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03

Someone crosses a line. How do you respond?
Every Sheridan protagonist has a line. What matters is what happens after it’s crossed.




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04

Where do you feel most in your element?
Sheridan’s worlds are as much about place as they are about people.




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05

How do you feel about operating in the grey?
Nobody in a Sheridan show has clean hands. The question is how they carry the dirt.




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06

What are you actually fighting to hold onto?
Every Sheridan character is fighting a war. The real question is what they’re defending.




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07

How do you lead?
Authority in Sheridan’s world is never given — it’s established, maintained, and constantly tested.




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08

Someone new arrives and tries to change how things work. Your reaction?
Every Sheridan show has an outsider disrupting an established order. Sometimes that outsider is you.




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09

What has your position cost you?
Nobody gets to where these characters are without paying for it. The bill is always personal.




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10

When it’s over, what do you want people to say?
Sheridan’s characters all know the ending is coming. The question is what they leave behind.




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Sheridan Has Spoken
You Belong In…

The show that claimed the most of your answers is the world you were built for. If two tied, both are shown — you’re complicated enough to straddle two Sheridan universes.

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🤠
Yellowstone

🛢️
Landman

👑
Tulsa King

⚖️
Mayor of Kingstown

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You are a Dutton — or you might as well be. You understand that some things are worth protecting at any cost, and that the modern world’s indifference to history, to land, to legacy, is not something you’re willing to accept quietly. You lead from the front, you carry your family’s weight without complaint, and when someone threatens what’s yours, you don’t escalate — you finish it. You’re not cruel. But you are absolute. In Yellowstone’s world, that combination of ferocity and loyalty doesn’t make you a villain. It makes you the only thing standing between everything that matters and everyone who wants to take it.

You thrive in the chaos of high-stakes negotiation, where the money is enormous, the margins are thin, and the wrong word in the wrong room can cost everyone everything. You’re a fixer — the person called when a situation is already on fire and needs someone with the nerve to walk into it. West Texas oil country rewards exactly what you are: sharp, adaptable, unsentimental, and absolutely clear-eyed about what people want and what they’ll do to get it. You’re not naive enough to think this world is fair. You’re smart enough to be the one deciding who it’s fair to.

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You are a Dwight Manfredi — someone who has served their time, paid their dues, and arrived somewhere unexpected with nothing but their reputation and their wits. You adapt without losing yourself. You build loyalty through respect rather than fear, though you’re not above reminding people that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Tulsa King is for people who are still standing when everyone assumed they’d be finished — who find, in an unfamiliar place, that they’re more capable than the world gave them credit for. You don’t need a throne. You build one, wherever you happen to land.

You carry the weight of a system that is broken by design, and you do it anyway — because someone has to, and because you’re the only one positioned to do it without the whole thing collapsing. Mike McLusky’s world is for people who are comfortable operating where there are no good options, only less catastrophic ones. You speak every language: law enforcement, criminal, political, human. That fluency makes you invaluable and it makes you a target. You’ve made your peace with both. Mayor of Kingstown belongs to people who understand that keeping the peace is not the same as being at peace — and who do the job regardless.

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‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ Has Cemented Itself on Streaming Charts

And indeed, The Punisher: One Last Kill has wowed the fans worldwide as it has cemented itself on Disney+ top 10 charts for over 30 days, as per FlixPatrol. While many new and old movies keep finding and losing the spot over the last month, Punisher has maintained its position, which is a testament to fans’ love. Bernthal will soon reprise Punisher in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, dropping on July 31. But before that, both Tom Holland and Bernthal will share screen space in The Odyssey, coming out July 17.

Meanwhile, The Punisher: One Last Kill is streaming on Disney+.


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Release Date

May 12, 2026

Directors
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Reinaldo Marcus Green


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Tom Holland Picks His Spider-Man Successor

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Tom Holland at Los Angeles Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'

Tom Holland is gearing up for the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” marking the fourth time he will appear as Peter Parker’s alter ego in a solo film. The actor has weighed in on who should take over the role, mentioning an Emmy-winning actor as his potential replacement.

Tom Holland at Los Angeles Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'
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Tom Holland was in his late teens when Marvel Studios cast him as Spider-Man, and at 30, he is thinking about potential actors who could take his place in the future.

In an interview with Esquire, Holland said Owen Cooper would be an “awesome” Spider-Man. “Obviously, he’s super talented and the talk of the town right now,” the actor said.

Cooper, a 16-year-old British actor, gained fame for portraying accused killer Jamie Miller in the Netflix series “Adolescence.” He made history in 2025 by becoming the youngest male actor to receive a Primetime Emmy Award at just 15, winning the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series category.

Holland said he would love to be involved in the franchise’s next stages as a mentor. “In the way that Robert Downey was such a mentor for me in my first three movies, I would love to be that person for whoever is next,” he shared.

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The Actor Was Hesitant To Go Back To The Role

Elsewhere in the interview, Holland said he was “on the fence” about returning to his Spider-Man role, adding that the contract he signed at 18 years old expired after the third movie, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” released in 2021.

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In fact, in an interview that year, the actor famously said, “If I’m playing Spider-Man after I’m 30, I’ve done something wrong.” He’s now looking back at his statement, saying it was “really stupid.” He changed his tune after his 30th birthday. In early June, he told GQ, “I think the point of it is that I would love to pass the baton on, and I haven’t achieved that yet… So maybe I need to change the quote to 37.”

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” director Destin Daniel Cretton spoke about Holland, saying that while some actors become “jaded” with the filmmaking process after playing a character several times, “Tom is the opposite.” Cretton added that they had a lot of fun filming that it “almost seems criminal.”

Tom Holland Was Heavily Involved In The Fourth Movie

Tom Holland at Onward - Los Angeles Premiere
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According to the actor, he was more involved in the making of the fourth movie, including the pre- and post-production stages.

Holland shared that he spent hours scouring the internet, watching videos, and listening to podcasts to learn what the fans wanted to see in the next installment. For instance, Spider-Man’s new suit was redesigned to take into account viewers’ thoughts from past Spider-Man movies.

Moreover, he was able to pitch his ideas. As he told Empire, he was given the chance to share his thoughts with the writers. He went with what he called “Spider-Puberty,” raising the question, “What happens if Peter Parker is losing control and things are changing?”

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Holland said the studio didn’t like his “Spider-Puberty” tagline, but was intrigued with the idea, which later evolved into the plot of “Brand New Day.”

The Actor Delayed The ‘Spider-Man’ Filming

Tom Holland at a press event wearing glasses and a burgundy jacket
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

The original filming schedule of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” coincided with Holland’s other film, “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan. The actor said he had an “uncomfortable conversation” with Sony after asking them to delay filming so he could work with the legendary director. The studio agreed, but Holland said, “Any other director, it might have been a slightly different conversation.”

It all worked out in the end, as the Spider-Man franchise had extra time to develop and improve the script. The actor believes the fourth installment is the “best version” yet, adding, “While it was a tough pill to swallow for Sony, I think in hindsight, they’re very grateful that it happened.”

Tom Holland On Playing The Superhero

While Holland is already thinking about who should replace him as the web-slinging superhero, that doesn’t mean he has closed his doors on portraying Spider-Man. As he told GQ, “I think the truth is that playing Spider-Man has been the joy of my life. I now kind of stand on the plinth of like, I’ll do it for as long as they’ll have me.”

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“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is slated for release on July 31.

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Amy Poehler shares why it was fun to be pregnant while on “SNL” cast

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The actress and comedian appeared on season 34 of the sketch comedy series while heavily pregnant, and famously missed an episode when she went into labor before showtime.

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The Real L Word’s Francine Beppu’s Cause of Death Revealed

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Bethenny Frankel Mourns Her Mother After Battle With Lung Cancer

The Real L Word star Francine Beppu’s cause of death has been revealed following her death at age 43.

According to a report by the Honolulu Medical Examiner, with details published by TMZ on Tuesday, June 16, Beppu died by suicide on February 17.

The examiner’s office also conducted toxicology testing which indicated “the presence of amphetamine and alcohol” in her system when she died.

Beppu, who starred on season 2 of the Showtime reality TV show in 2011, was confirmed dead by a spokesperson for her family who spoke to People several days later. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” a statement from the family obtained by the outlet read at the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her. We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her.”

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Bethenny Frankel Mourns Her Mother After Battle With Lung Cancer


Related: ‘RHONY’ Alum Bethenny Frankel Mourns Death of Once-Estranged Mom

Bethenny Frankel is mourning the death of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who died on Friday, April 19, at the age of 73 following a battle with lung cancer. The Real Housewives of New York City alum, 53, posted photos and a touching tribute on Instagram, opening up about her complicated relationship with her mom. “She […]

The family added that they had appreciated “the many gestures of love for Francine” while requesting privacy and they navigated “this unimaginable loss and honor her memory.”

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The Real L Word was a spin off of The L Word, a Showtime drama series that followed a group of lesbian and bisexual women who lived in West Hollywood, California. It ran from 2004 to 2009 before The Real L Word explored further characters, including Beppu, in L.A. and New York City.

Beppu only featured in the show for one season, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, as cameras filmed her coming out as a lesbian to her mom.

Drag Race Star The Vivienne Cause of Death Revealed


Related: ‘Drag Race’ Star The Vivienne’s Cause of Death Revealed

The cause of death for RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams, a.k.a. The Vivienne, has been confirmed. The drag artist’s family told BBC News that they died from cardiac arrest caused by use of the powerful anesthetic drug ketamine. The Williams family have confirmed plans to work with a substance abuse charity, Adferiad, on […]

During a 2022 interview for The Hawai’i Herald, Beppu said that coming out was far from easy, despite taking the news well while cameras rolled. “There were some tears but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet at the time. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”

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While her cast inclusion was brief, Beppu’s advocation for LGBTQ+ rights endured. She served as a chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization that focuses on “empowering individuals and communities through education, cultural enrichment and advocacy … to create a world where MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA individuals can thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice,” according to its website.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/

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20 Teen Movies Like ‘Mean Girls’ That Are So Fetch

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Renee Rapp as Regina George standing in the high school hallway with red overhead lights in Mean Girls

Mean Girls is among the new millennium’s most influential movies. From the comedic genius of Tina Fey, the film stars a who’s who of future movie stars, including Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lizzy Caplan. Especially with the Mean Girls musical reboot, there is no better time than the present to get into the glamorous and cutthroat mood that Mean Girls and other teen films so effectively provide.

Endlessly quotable, hilarious, and infinitely rewatchable, Mean Girls is a generation-defining film and one of the best teen movies in American cinema. Fans of the movie might want to watch other similar films, and, luckily for them, there’s no shortage of options. From films with similar themes to the dark comedies that inspired it, these movies are perfect companions for Mean Girls.

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20

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

Renee Rapp as Regina George standing in the high school hallway with red overhead lights in Mean Girls
Renee Rapp as Regina George standing in the high school hallway with red overhead lights in Mean Girls
Image via Paramount Pictures

As far as films that recapture and fully embrace the type of slick, pop energy of Mean Girls, it’s difficult to find something more similar than the musical remake that came out in 2024. Adapted from a stage musical that was adapted from the original 2004 film, this modern interpretation of Mean Girls features a new cast and the same distinct energy and style that made the musical such a hit. It mostly follows the same story and beats as the original film, yet updated for a modern audience.

While it’s easy to be harsh on modern remakes due to usually not being able to compare in quality to the original film, the 2024 Mean Girls‘ musical angle helps distinguish itself as a separate experience from the original film. At the same time, the film features a lot of the same inherent strengths and qualities of the original story, such as the dynamic between Cady and the Plastics and the array of quotable lines.

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19

‘The Clique’ (2008)

A still from the 2008 teen movie The Clique featuring the four main girls eating lunch together

2008’s The Clique is based on the eponymous series of teen novels. The plot concerns Claire Lyons, a young girl who desperately attempts to join the most popular girls in her new school, the Clique, doing increasingly questionable things to sneak into the group. The film’s plot and characters find a great deal of inspiration from films like Mean Girls, but instead of simply attempting a blatant copy of the formula, The Clique has a genuine understanding of the important themes and messaging of Mean Girls.

The Clique might as well be middle-school Mean Girls. The plot is similar, visiting the same themes of the dangers of popularity and sacrificing individuality to fit in with the “cool” crowd. However, The Clique is charming enough to warrant a watch, especially for fashionistas; the film is a worthy heir to the Gossip Girl legacy of stunning preppy fashion.

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18

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

Osgood Perkins stands behind Reese Witherspoon in court in Legally Blonde
David (Osgood Perkins) and Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) entering the courtroom in Legally Blonde
Image Via MGM

One of the most defining romantic comedies of the era, Legally Blonde follows the story of sorority girl Elle Woods, who in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend, plans to follow in his footsteps and attend Harvard Law School. However, she soon finds herself taking a liking to the judicial process and decides to prove to her peers that she goes against the nasty stereotypes surrounding preppy blondes like herself.

While not as directly tied to the trends and cliques of high school as portrayed in Mean Girls, Legally Blonde shares a connection with the film through their shared love and importance placed upon female empowerment. Elle is a character who fits perfectly within the style and world of Mean Girls, almost acting as a kind-hearted, perfect version of a preppy plastic-type, combined with Reese Witherspoon‘s signature performance, making her an incredible main character to watch.

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17

‘Wild Child’ (2008)

Emma Roberts as Poppy Moore standing in front of a car in Wild Child

Emma Roberts became a teen icon with her explosive performance in the 2008 comedy Wild Child. The plot centers on Poppy Moore, a wealthy and rebellious girl who gets sent to a prestigious English boarding school to correct her attitude. However, things don’t go as planned when Poppy brings her unique brand of disruptive energy to the school.

Wild Child is a star vehicle for Roberts, who shines in a role similar to her future iconic turns in American Horror Story: Coven and Scream Queens. Wild Child is a great companion for Mean Girls, with both films focusing on young and rebellious girls who learn valuable lessons without sacrificing their individual fabulousness. However, the major difference and focus is the more character study-styled singular focus on Poppy, as opposed to a more generalized story about all of high school.

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16

‘Plan B’ (2021)

 Sunny and Lupe at a drugstore counter in Plan B.
Kuhoo Verma as Sunny and Victoria Moroles as Lupe at a drugstore counter in Plan B.
Image via Hulu

One of the core facets that makes Mean Girls such an effective teen comedy is its focus on female camaraderie and friendship, themes that are greatly felt throughout Plan B. The film follows straight-laced high school student Sunny, who, after a regrettable sexual encounter at a party, finds herself on a wild road trip across the countryside with her best friend Lupe in search of an elusive Plan B pill. Their journey sees them facing off against numerous unexpected hurdles and strange characters as the duo reevaluates their friendship and forms a tight-knit bond in the process.

Plan B features an effective blend of raunchy, R-rated comedy, likable female leads, and effective themes of coming-of-age friendship that are sure to make it a hit with fans of Mean Girls. This film is greatly elevated by its inherent charm and execution, getting a great deal of comedic mileage and earnest emotional moments thanks to the tone and style that it creates for itself. As far as modern teen films go, Plan B is one of the best when it comes to having as much wild fun as it has a great emotional core.

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15

‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ (1999)

Seth Green wearing goggles in 'Can't Hardly Wait.'
Seth Green wearing goggles in ‘Can’t Hardly Wait.’ 

Can’t Hardly Wait follows the stories and events surrounding a massive graduation party, consisting of nearly every student at Huntington Hills High. In each student’s attempt to have the best night of their lives, they each find themselves overcoming a number of unexpected obstacles and changes, resulting in a night that will surely go down in history. While the plot may initially seem completely different, Can’t Hardly Wait shares a lot of DNA with Mean Girls when it comes to its satire and commentary on the trends of then-high school cliques and stereotypes.

Can’t Hardly Wait makes a major effort when it comes to blurring the lines between the archetypes of high school students, with the lines between jocks, nerds, and popular students fading away by the end of the film. It’s also a laugh riot throughout its runtime, as the film’s simple party-centric premise allows for a wide variety of different stories and characters that constantly blend in with one another throughout the runtime. Much like Mean Girls, the film embraces the clichés and trends of the teen movie genre to create its own original story, reflecting upon the clichés themselves.

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14

‘Election’ (1999)

Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick in Election
Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick in Election
Image via Paramount Pictures

Teen movies lend themselves perfectly as avenues for greater satires and social examinations of greater societal structures, something that Mean Girls greatly excelled at as one of the defining satires of the early 2000s. However, before Mean Girls took the world by storm, Election would provide a similar level of using high-school drama as an avenue for its adult satire, telling a hilarious story of abuse of power and elections. The film follows the chaos and infighting surrounding a student election, in which bright-eyed Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed, to the major dismay of teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick).

What makes films like Election and Mean Girls stand out from the variety of other teen movies of the era is their distinct use of cynicism and dark comedy to excel their satirical themes and messaging. This style of humor and storytelling lends itself to the high school setting perfectly, creating an effective balance of petty drama and surprisingly high stakes that makes for highly memorable cinematic experiences. Even 25 years after its release, Election is still widely regarded as one of the best teen movies of the era, in the same vein of legacy and status as Mean Girls.

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13

‘Do Revenge’ (2022)

Camilla Mendes and Maya Hawke in a scene from Do Revenge.
Camilla Mendes and Maya Hawke in a scene from Do Revenge.
Image via Netflix

Netflix’s wickedly funny teen comedy Do Revenge stars Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock‘s classic Strangers on a Train, the plot follows two students at a prestigious Miami school who team up to get revenge against the people who wronged them. However, as several twists and turns come with their newfound popularity, their original plans prove themselves to be falling apart at the seams.

Campy, self-aware, and endlessly funny, Do Revenge is a pastel-colored teen nightmare elevated by a pair of committed performances from Mendes and Hawke. More than simply acting as a modern retread of classic teen movies, the film finds massive inspiration and growth from the original formula, acting as the perfect modernization of this style of film. The film features a genuinely clever twist that separates it from other teen efforts, and its distinctive visual style and intelligent screenplay echo the heights achieved by Mean Girls.

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12

‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

Reese Witherspoon as Annette and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn in prep-school fashion in Cruel Intentions
Reese Witherspoon as Annette and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn in prep-school fashion in Cruel Intentions
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon cemented their legacies as ’90s teen icons with 1999’s Cruel Intentions. An updated adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ seminal epistolary novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the film follows two scheming step-siblings who make a bet concerning a newly-arrived virginal student.

Cruel Intentions is a sexy and surprisingly witty update to a literary classic. Powered by a wicked turn by a never-better Sarah Michelle Gellar and with a memorable ending that ranks among the all-time best finales in the teen genre, Cruel Intentions is a scandalous thriller that fans of Mean Girls will undoubtedly enjoy.

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11

’13 Going on 30′ (2004)

Jennifer Garner leaning on Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30.
Jennifer Garner leaning on Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30.
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

One of the quintessential coming-of-age experiences of the early 2000s, 13 Going on 30 stands head and toe alongside Mean Girls as a hilarious examination of teenage life that defined the era. The film follows the story of Jenna, a teenage girl who is tired of the painful social structures of teenage life and wishes that she could simply be an adult and skip these painful teenage years. She suddenly gets her wish when she wakes up as a 30-year-old woman, complete with a stable career and full life, yet it doesn’t take long before Jenna learns that adulthood isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

13 Going on 30 employs a similar style of coming-of-age comedy and humor as Mean Girls, with its focus simply placed on the contrast between teenage culture and adult life as opposed to entirely focusing on teenage life. Jennifer Garner gives a standout performance throughout the film, having to bring out the inherent optimism and beauty for the world in the eyes of a child, and elevating the entire experience as a result. Even despite there differing plots, there is an undeniable parallel in the tone and execution of Mean Girls and 13 Going on 30 that makes them complement one another perfectly.











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Collider Exclusive · TV Medicine Quiz
Which Fictional Hospital Would You Work Best In?
The Pitt · ER · Grey’s Anatomy · House · Scrubs
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Five hospitals. Five completely different ways medicine goes sideways on television — brutal, chaotic, romantic, brilliant, and ridiculous. Only one of them is the ward your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out exactly where you belong.

🚨The Pitt

🏥ER

💉Grey’s

🔬House

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🩺Scrubs

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01

A critical patient comes through the door. What’s your first instinct?
Medicine under pressure reveals who you actually are.





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02

Why did you go into medicine in the first place?
The honest answer says more about you than the one you’d give in an interview.





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03

What do you actually want from the people you work with?
Who you want beside you under pressure is who you are.





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04

You lose a patient you fought hard to save. How do you carry it?
Every doctor who’s worked a long shift has had to answer this question.





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05

How would your colleagues describe the way you work?
Your reputation on the floor is usually more accurate than your self-image.





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06

How do you feel about hospital protocol and procedure?
Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice.





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07

What does this job cost you personally?
Nobody works in medicine without paying a price. What’s yours?





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08

At the end of a long shift, what keeps you coming back?
The answer to this question is the most honest thing about you.





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Your Assignment Has Been Made
You Belong In…

Your answers have pointed to one fictional hospital above all others. This is the ward your instincts, your temperament, and your particular brand of dysfunction were built for.

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Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center

The Pitt

You are built for the most unsparing version of emergency medicine television has ever shown — one that puts you inside a single fifteen-hour shift and doesn’t let you look away.

  • You need your work to be real, not romanticised — meaning over drama, honesty over aesthetics.
  • You find purpose inside the work itself, not in the chaos surrounding it.
  • You’ve made peace with the fact that this job takes from you constantly, and gives back in ways that are harder to name.
  • Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center demands exactly that kind of person — and you would not want to be anywhere else.

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County General Hospital, Chicago

ER

You are the person who keeps the whole floor running — not the most brilliant in the room, but possibly the most essential.

  • You show up, do the work, absorb the losses, and come back the next day without needing the job to be anything other than what it is.
  • You care about patients as individual human beings, not as cases to solve or dramas to live through.
  • You believe in the system even when it fails you — and you understand that emergency medicine is about holding the line just long enough.
  • ER is television about endurance. You have it.

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Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Seattle

Grey’s Anatomy

You came to medicine with your whole self — your ambition, your emotions, your relationships, your history — and you have never quite managed to leave any of it at the door.

  • You feel things fully and form deep attachments to the people you work with.
  • Your personal and professional lives are permanently, chaotically entangled — and that entanglement drives both your greatest disasters and your most remarkable saves.
  • You understand that extraordinary medicine often happens at the intersection of clinical skill and profound human connection.
  • It’s messy at Grey Sloan. You would not have it any other way.

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Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, NJ

House

You are drawn to the problem above everything else — the symptom that doesn’t fit, the diagnosis hiding underneath the obvious one.

  • You’re not primarily motivated by the patient as a person — though you are capable of caring, even if you’d deny it.
  • You work best when the stakes are highest and the standard answer is wrong.
  • Princeton-Plainsboro exists to house one extraordinary, impossible mind — and everyone around that mind is there because they’re smart enough to keep up.
  • The only way forward here is to think harder than everyone else in the room. That is exactly what you do.

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Sacred Heart Hospital, California

Scrubs

You understand that medicine is tragic and absurd in almost equal measure — and that the only sane response is to hold both of those things at the same time.

  • You are warm, self-aware, and funnier than most people in your field.
  • You use humour to get through terrible moments — and at Sacred Heart, that’s not a flaw, it’s a survival strategy.
  • You lean on the people around you and let them lean back. The laughter and the grief are genuinely inseparable here.
  • Scrubs is a show about learning to become someone worthy of the job. You are still very much in the middle of that process — which is exactly right.
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Stephen Colbert Joke Ends With CBS Paying The Price

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Stephen Colbert on the red carpet

Stephen Colbert may have signed off from “The Late Show” with one final joke, but it turns out the gag came with real-world consequences for CBS

Nearly a month after the comedian playfully suggested that a musical stunt during his show’s finale could cost the network money, a licensing agreement has now been confirmed. 

The situation, which began as a tongue-in-cheek moment involving one of television’s most recognizable tunes, ultimately led CBS to strike a deal with the company that controls the rights to the beloved music.

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During the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, the longtime host appeared to knowingly flirt with copyright trouble while discussing legal disputes surrounding music from the classic “Charlie Brown” television specials.

The segment focused on recent enforcement efforts involving the “Peanuts” franchise and the iconic music composed by Vince Guaraldi. 

As Colbert spoke about lawsuits tied to unauthorized use of the music, he reminded viewers that the rights holders take the matter seriously.

“Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation in and of itself. Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose,” Colbert said during the broadcast. 

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The warning set up what would become one of the show’s final comedic moments.

Colbert Called Out His Own Band Mid-Segment

Stephen Colbert on the red carpet
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

As Stephen Colbert continued speaking, bandleader Louis Cato and “The Late Show” house band, the Great Big Joy Machine, began playing Guaraldi’s instantly recognizable “Linus and Lucy” theme in the background.

The host immediately drew attention to the music, pretending to realize what was happening in real time. 

“Louis, Louis! Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music I just said people were being sued for, for using without permission? Is that what you’re doing?” he asked.

Moments later, Colbert delivered the joke that would later prove surprisingly prophetic. “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!” he joked.

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At the time, the line appeared to be just another playful jab during his farewell episode. 

Weeks later, however, it became clear there was more truth behind the joke than viewers realized.

Stephen Colbert’s Musical Bit Led To A Licensing Agreement

Stephen Colbert posing with an Emmy on the red carpet.
MEGA4

According to the Daily Mail, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., the company that oversees Vince Guaraldi’s musical catalog, has now confirmed that CBS entered into a licensing agreement covering the use of “Linus and Lucy” during the finale.

According to the company, the performance required formal licensing approval after the episode aired. While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the arrangement officially resolved the use of the famous Peanuts tune featured during the broadcast.

The licensing agreement also produced an unexpected charitable benefit. Lee Mendelson Film Productions announced that all proceeds generated through the CBS licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.

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The organization is known for providing meals to communities affected by humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and conflicts worldwide.

The donation carries additional significance because World Central Kitchen had already played a role in the final days of Colbert’s program.

During the penultimate episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert and the show presented a $2.5 million donation to the organization and Andrés.

Stephen Colbert’s Final CBS Gag Earns Praise From Rights Holders

Stephen Colbert at New York Comic Con Day 2
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Rather than expressing frustration over the unauthorized use of the music, Lee Mendelson Film Productions embraced both the humor and the outcome.

Jason Mendelson, the company’s chairman, praised the segment while explaining the broader purpose of the organization’s enforcement efforts.

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“LMFP found the music’s use on The Late Show funny and entertaining, and is proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission,” Mendelson said in a statement.

He also emphasized that protecting the music remains an important part of the company’s work.

According to him, “A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting.”

Colbert Takes Aim At CBS During Surprise Hosting Return

CBS has cancelled the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Seen here in October 2022 in NYC
Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

Last month, Stephen Colbert made an unexpected return to television less than a day after ending his 11-year run on CBS’ “The Late Show,” stepping in as guest host of Michigan public-access program “Only in Monroe.”

As The Blast reported, the comedian used the appearance to poke fun at his former network, joking, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount.” 

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Colbert also mocked CBS’ approach to streaming, telling viewers they could watch online through technology and adding, “which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it.” 

Ultimately, the surprise hosting stint became a talking point among fans, as it also featured appearances by Jeff Daniels, Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, and Byron Allen.

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Sofía Vergara And Shakira Share Sweet World Cup Moment

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Shakira Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Sofía Vergara has once again shown herself to be one of Shakira’s biggest supporters.

The actress attended the World Cup opening ceremony, where the singer performed the event’s anthem, “Dia Dia.”

Vergara later took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with the “Hips Don’t Lie” hitmaker, as well as a video of herself dancing while Shakira performed on stage. The singer was also spotted blowing a kiss to her fellow Latin star.

At Shakira’s World Cup opening ceremony performance, Vergara was front and center, dancing along as the singer thrilled the packed crowd.

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The actress was there to support her friend, and the gesture seemingly didn’t go unnoticed by the Latin superstar. In viral videos that circulated online, the two shared a brief but heartwarming moment that drew cheers from attendees.

While singing and dancing on stage, Shakira spotted Vergara in the front row, fully immersed in the performance. The singer then blew her a kiss before continuing her choreography.

The gesture immediately brought a huge smile to Vergara’s face, and she continued dancing and singing along to the performance.

Fans Call Shakira And Vergara ‘Latina Royalty’

Shakira Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Fans on social media appeared to enjoy the heartfelt moment between the two Latin stars and expressed their excitement in online comments.

“Two icons in one moment, that’s a cultural crossover we didn’t know we needed,” one individual wrote.

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“Aww man, two queens from Barranquilla just making the whole stadium melt. Shakira blowing that kiss was so pure,” a second user commented.

“Latina royalty acknowledging Latina royalty. The crowd never stood a chance,” said a third.

“Shakira spotting Sofia and blowing that kiss is pure bestie energy,” one more wrote, while another remarked, “you can tell there’s a lot of mutual respect between them.”

Another user also praised Shakira for acknowledging her friend’s support.

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“I really like the way she cares about the people she knows,” the individual mentioned.

Sofía Vergara Gushed Over Shakira After The Show

Sofia Vergara arriving at Costes restaurant during Paris Fashion Week
Spread Pictures / MEGA

After the performance, Vergara headed backstage to see Shakira and ended up taking a photo with the singer.

She later took to Instagram to share the picture, which showed both women all smiles as they enjoyed each other’s company.

In the shot, Vergara remained dressed in the outfit she wore to the event, a yellow tank top paired with denim jeans. Meanwhile, Shakira had changed out of her performance attire and was wearing what appeared to be a glittering light blue tracksuit.

Vergara also added another clip from the performance showing her dancing, singing, and clapping along as Shakira performed. She captioned the post, “Con la más más!!!! Barranquilla in tha house!!!” which loosely translates to, “With the best of the best! Barranquilla is in the house!”

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Shakira Celebrated Sofía Vergara’s ‘Griselda’ Success

Last year, Shakira also shared her love for Vergara by congratulating her ahead of the premiere of Vergara’s Netflix series “Griselda.”

“Hi Sofi, congratulations on your new show ‘Griselda’, I’ll be seeing you this Thursday, a kiss,” the singer said in a social media post, referencing the premiere date in January 2024.

In the series, Vergara stars as Griselda Blanco, the former leader of the Medellín Cartel and mentor to Pablo Escobar, who became known as the “Godmother of Cocaine.”

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Following its debut, the series received positive reviews from critics, with much of the praise directed at Vergara’s performance in the lead role.

Subsequently, the “Hot Pursuit” star was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.

Shakira Will Return For The World Cup Final

Shakira wearing Versace with Piferi heels arrives at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Fans of Shakira will see her on stage again to round off the 2026 World Cup on July 19.

The singer is set to make history as a co-headliner of the inaugural World Cup Final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the event, she will share the stage with music legend Madonna and global K-pop powerhouse BTS.

The event will also serve a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative is dedicated to expanding access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

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“House of the Dragon” season 3 reviews: What critics are saying about the “Game of Thrones” prequel's newest chapter

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Season 3 of the fantasy series premieres June 21 on HBO.

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Jelly Roll’s Daughter Slams Split Speculation Online

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Jelly Roll's daughter speaks on divorce

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s split has dominated headlines, but it was the reaction from the country star’s daughter that quickly grabbed attention. 

As fans flooded social media with theories and speculation about the end of the couple’s nearly decade-long marriage, Bailee Ann decided she had seen enough. 

The 18-year-old took aim at those dissecting her family’s personal life, delivering a blunt message that left little doubt about how she feels. Her comments come as new attention falls on the bond she has long shared with Bunnie XO.

Jelly Roll's daughter speaks on divorce
TikTok | Bailee Ann

Bailee Ann has broken her silence following news that Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO are ending their marriage. 

The 18-year-old, whom the country star shares with ex-girlfriend Felicia Beckwith, took to TikTok on Tuesday to address the growing public interest surrounding the breakup.

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Rather than discuss the divorce directly, Bailee criticized those closely following developments within her family. 

“I am disgusted at how invested everyone is in a very clearly private family matter,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself lying in bed.

The teenager then urged followers to focus on their own lives instead. “Worry about your house – not mine,” she shared per the Daily Mail.  

While many hoped she would provide clarity about the situation, Bailee made it clear she was not prepared to speak publicly. “I’m not speaking on it – yet,” she added. 

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Her comments arrived less than 24 hours after reports surfaced that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce from Bunnie last month.

Jelly Roll’s Daughter Has Always Shared A Close Bond With Bunnie XO

Bailee’s reaction drew attention partly because of the famously close relationship she has with Bunnie. 

When Jelly Roll gained primary custody of his daughter in 2017, Bunnie stepped into a motherly role and helped raise her. 

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Over the years, the pair frequently documented their relationship online, sharing videos and photos that showcased their bond. Many of those clips carried the hashtag “#baileeandbunnie,” while Bailee has often referred to Bunnie as her mom on social media.

Last year, she even joked about having her “mom” Bunnie’s back “a little too much” while discussing how fiercely she defended her against critics. The affection has gone both ways.

During an appearance on “Today with Jenna and Sheinelle,” Bunnie reflected on how deeply she connected with Bailee because they shared similar childhood experiences involving mothers who struggled with addiction.

“When I met Bailee, I was looking at a younger version of me. Our lives are so parallel with the addict moms and just in and out of our lives,” the media personality shared. 

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She described Bailee as “so independent and so headstrong and tenacious,” adding, “When I saw her, I was like this is me and she deserves the chance I didn’t get.”

Jelly Roll And Bunnie XO Often Spoke About Building A Family Together

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo attend the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
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Bunnie has repeatedly credited Bailee with changing her and Jelly Roll’s lives for the better. 

Speaking about their journey as parents, she admitted that discussions about Bailee often left her emotional.

According to Bunnie, helping raise Bailee forced both adults to embrace responsibilities they had previously avoided.

“She really just was such a catalyst in my husband and I having to grow up and become adults. We were running from becoming adults for so long, and it was all because we wanted to give Bailee a chance,” Bunnie explained.

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The podcast host also made it clear that she considered Bailee her daughter in every way that matters. 

In her words, “She’s such a good kid, and I’m like, you know what, we did that. Like, I know that I didn’t birth her, but that’s my child. That’s my kid. I will ride for her until forever.”

Jelly Roll And Bunnie XO Overcame Major Obstacles During Their Marriage]

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO at the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala
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Jelly Roll and Bunnie’s relationship was far from perfect, but both frequently spoke about the challenges they overcame together.

They first met in 2015 while she was still involved in another relationship. After that romance ended, the two began dating and married the following year at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.

Recalling their first meeting during a 2022 appearance on “Taste Of Country Nights,” Jelly Roll said, “We hit it off. She said she fell in love with the saddest eyes in the room.”

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Their marriage faced a major setback in 2018 when they briefly separated after the singer admitted to having an affair. Speaking candidly about it last year, he described it as “one of the worst moments” of his life.

He explained that they worked hard to repair their relationship and said the healing process had been meaningful.

Jelly Roll Continued Working As Divorce News Became Public

Jelly Roll at 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
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Despite the headlines, Jelly Roll has largely remained focused on his career. Rather than retreat from the spotlight after the news emerged, he traveled to Toronto to perform with Post Malone at Rogers Stadium as part of their joint tour. 

The tour, which was delayed from its original May launch date because of a scheduling conflict, is expected to continue through October.

Meanwhile, the timing of the split is particularly notable given the public praise the couple exchanged earlier this year. 

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In February, Bunnie spoke warmly about Jelly Roll’s 300-pound weight-loss transformation, saying it had given him a “new zest for life.”

That same month, the 41-year-old honored his wife during a Grammy acceptance speech. “I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you,” he said, adding, “I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus. I thank you for that.”

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U.K. coroner fails to determine Jake Hall's cause of death after reality star died in Spain

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The British reality star died at 35 after a night out in Spain in May.

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