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‘Love Island’ Star Beatriz Hatz Blindsided By Gabriel

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Beatriz Hatz, Love Island cast member.

Beatriz Hatz entered the “Love Island” villa in Fiji hoping to find love. However, her time on the popular Peacock reality show came to an end nearly a week ago, as the Paralympic medalist was sent packing after co-star Corbin Mims was forced to save either her or Melanie Moreno. After her departure, Hatz, 25, spoke with Ciara Miller about her time on the show on an episode of “Aftersun.” Now, in a new interview, the Colorado native is spilling even more tea about her “Love Island” experience.

Beatriz Hatz, Love Island cast member.
Peacock | Ben Symons

Before she was dumped from the island, Hatz had a connection with Sean Reifel before coupling up with day one bombshell Gabriel Vasconcelos. Throughout her time in the villa, Hatz and Vasconcelos bonded over their cultural similarities, resulting in a union that some “Love Island” viewers believed was among the strongest on the show.

After Hatz was sent packing, though, Vasconcelos immediately coupled up with Jennifer (Jen) Terry and even shared a passionate kiss with her the same night. Speaking with PEOPLE, Hatz said that Vasconcelos’ actions caught her “off guard,” but said that she couldn’t blame him for playing the game.

“I can’t really fault him for moving on. You’re in the villa, you’re supposed to. I don’t want to harp on that, and I don’t want it to change the way that I viewed him,” she said.

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Could Hatz See Herself Rekindling Things With Vasconcelos In The Real World?

Beatriz Hatz, Love Island cast member.
Peacock | Ben Symons

Before leaving the villa, Hatz implied that she’d wait for Vasconcelos in the outside world. Today, however, she’s singing a different tune, telling the outlet that rekindling things might be off the table.

“I don’t know if we would rekindle anything,” she said. “I know I left and I said, ‘Oh yeah, you know where to find me,’ but he seems to be building a strong connection currently and that’s all I would want for him. So who knows what’s going to happen.”

What Was The Hardest Part Of Filming ‘Love Island’ For Hatz?

Beatriz Hatz, Love Island cast member.
Peacock | Ben Symons

While Hatz bumped heads with a few of the islanders, including Melanie Moreno, her feuds with her co-stars weren’t the hardest part of filming the series—it was getting dolled up every night.

“Wearing dresses every day and having to do my makeup in the daytime and the nighttime was very surprising,” she said. “I think I don’t really wear a lot of makeup in the daytime because I’m working out all day. I’m on the track, but then maybe when I go out at night out with my friends, I’ll throw on some pants, some baggy pants and a cute crop top and maybe some sneakers or some cute kitten heels. I’m pretty low-key.”

Hatz explained that wearing dresses and fancy shoes added another layer of difficulty to the process for her. “I can’t move the way I want. You have to sit differently,” she said, adding that she was the “most athletic” girl on the cast, and being around a group of feminine women made her feel like a “tomboy.”

Drama For Some ‘Love Island’ Cast Members

Sean Reifel on "Love Island: Aftersun."
Peacock | Ben Symons

Hatz appeared on an episode of “Aftersun” with Reifel, who spoke openly about being blasted by his former employer, the mayor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

According to a previous report from The Blast, Mayor William J. Reynolds felt some type of way about Reifel leaving his job as a police officer to film the series, while Bethlehem’s police chief said she was “disappointed” in the 29-year-old.

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Reifel responded to their statements, calling them “interesting” before revealing he had a lengthy conversation with his employer about where he was going and why he wanted to request unpaid leave.

“It does bother me because they – just before I left – gave me awards for like, with my partners, taking a lady out of a building on fire and talking someone off a roof that was mentally ill. So, to give me those, and then do something like this? I just don’t understand,” the father of one said.

Contestant Is Removed From The Cast After Previously Using A Racial Slur

Vasana cast photo "Love Island."
Peacock | Ben Symons

Before all of that, drama had reached the “Love Island” villa prior to the new season even starting, as cast member Vasana Montgomery was removed from the series after previous videos of her using a racial slur resurfaced.

A new episode of “Love Island” airs tonight, June 19, on Peacock at 9 PM ET.

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Jose Alvarado Wants Taylor Swift at More Knicks Games

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Why NBA Star Jose Alvarado Says Taylor Swift Needs to Come to Knicks Games More Often Inline

Taylor Swift’s appearance at the 2026 NBA Finals sparked backlash from some basketball fans — but New York Knicks player Jose Alvarado is all about Swiftie mania.

Alvarado, 28, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, June 18, that it was “amazing” having Swift, 36, sitting courtside during Game 4 of the Knicks’ championship series on June 10 against the San Antonio Spurs.

“That’s a surreal superstar, and I was happy she was cheering us on,” the point guard said while promoting his partnership with Bacardi Rum during the post-parade celebration at Tonita’s Caribbean Social Club in Brooklyn. “And [she] seemed like she was having a good time, and we won, so even better.”

Alvarado teased, “She got to come more often,” since Swift, a longtime New York resident, seemingly brought the team good luck after the Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit and defeated the Spurs 107-106.

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Why NBA Star Jose Alvarado Says Taylor Swift Needs to Come to Knicks Games More Often Inline

Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay at NBA Finals.
Al Bello/Getty Images

While Alvarado is cool with Swift coming to games, he joked that her tying the knot with Travis Kelce, a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, could cause tension.

“The house [is] gonna be divided, one side gonna be a loser, and then one side gonna be a winner,” he teased.

Kelce, 36, proposed to Swift in August 2025, and while the couple are preparing to get married this summer, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end was not by Swift’s side when she attended the Knicks game earlier this month.

Taylor Swift Jokes She Screamed for Entire Knicks Game


Related: Taylor Swift Jokes She Was Screaming for ‘100 Percent’ of Knicks Game

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Taylor Swift has no regrets about losing her voice at the New York Knicks game. “I got home and was like, ‘You gotta stop screaming, you’re screaming too much, you’re screaming instead of talking, you’re too excited,’” Swift, 36, joked during her speech at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York City […]

Swift, however, wasn’t alone at the game. She was spotted in floor seats with longtime friends Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay.

The foursome turned heads throughout the game in part because they were wearing custom T-shirts showing team support while honoring different celebrities.

Swift, for example, was wearing a “Stevie Knicks” shirt, paying homage to Fleetwood Mac icon Stevie Nicks. (Harigitay, 62, wore the same tee.)

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Why NBA Star Jose Alvarado Says Taylor Swift Needs to Come to Knicks Games More Often Game 4

Este Haim, Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay.
Al Bello/Getty Images

The Haim sisters, meanwhile, donned Knickelback and Knickole Kidman shirts, which were in honor of the band Nickelback and actress Nicole Kidman.

Following the Knicks epic Game 4 win, Swift found herself at the center of controversy when some fans, celebrities and sports analysts threw shade at her by claiming she pulled focus from the team.

JalenBrunson-Defends-Taylor-Swift-Fandom


Related: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Issues Message to Swifties About Monica McNutt Drama

New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson is issuing a message to anyone still criticizing Taylor Swift’s appearance at the 2026 NBA Finals. “I just want to say something to the Swifties: She’s a really good one,” Brunson, 29, said in a postgame interview on Saturday, June 13, after winning the NBA championship. “Cut her some […]

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“I’ll tell you the one that bothered me was Taylor Swift. Come on,” actor Hank Azaria confessed on the June 11 broadcast of The Dan Le Batard Show. “I know she’s the hugest thing in the world, but we had to sit with her all through the NFL and now she’s at the Garden. Come on.”

Shannon Hart, who is married to Knicks player Josh Hart, exclusively told Us that Swift was clearly a fan, noting how invested she was in the team all night long.

“Just seeing how into the game she was, that was really cool,” Shannon, 31, said on June 12. “Jumping up and down, hugging each other.”

Why NBA Star Jose Alvarado Says Taylor Swift Needs to Come to Knicks Games More Often Championship

Jose Alvarado at New York Knicks Championship Parade.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images

While the Haim sisters are from Los Angeles, Alana, 34, told Vogue on June 11 that she is also a fan of the Knicks. However, it was Swift who came up with the idea of making shirts to support the NYC team.

“I got a text from Taylor that was really the text that you want to get as an amateur screen printer. She said, ‘I want to wear this shirt to the game, can you make it for me?’” Alana recalled. “And I was like, ‘I thought you would never ask, this is my dream.’ Whenever I start out a session with a friend, I go, ‘Let’s talk about fonts, let’s talk about sizing,’ and [Swift] came up with Stevie Knicks.”

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The Knicks later won the NBA championship in Game 5, marking their first title since 1973.

“[It’s] something that you can’t really put into words,” Alvarado told Us after the historic win. “I’m a kid from the city, and I got to able to witness something that we haven’t done in 53 years, and it just brings so much joy, and everybody together.”

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The athlete added, “Me experiencing [the victory] is the best feeling in the world, just to be a part of something that I can see people getting together and showing so much love and appreciation.”

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Marvel Icon Foolishly Thinks He’s Safe From AI

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Marvel Icon Foolishly Thinks He’s Safe From AI

By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated

The new Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailers have really emphasized how the titular hero has grown up. As he deals with a mutating body, a bevy of new villains, and even a showdown with the Incredible Hulk, one thing’s for sure: Peter Parker’s not a kid anymore. The same can be said for Tom Holland, the man behind the mask. He was only 19 when he swung into the MCU in Captain America: Civil War. Now, the actor is 30, and life has seriously changed him. Some of the changes are good, like an engagement with his Spider-Man costar Zendaya; others are bad, like his hairline trying to creep up.

This has been on my mind ever since I watched Tom Holland’s appearance on Spain’s El Hormiguero talk show. Intellectually, I know that Tom Holland is a grown man, someone closer to middle age than to his teenage years. But when the actor spoke about the topic of AI, he seemed as naive as any child. The actor said, “I feel protected” because artificial intelligence doesn’t understand emotional expression or “the difference between being happy and being sad.” While Holland spoke about the importance of creativity and passion when it comes to making movies, he also ignored a fundamental reality: as a masked action star, he might be the most replaceable actor of them all! 

Spider-Man Vs. Ultron

When he appeared on El Hormiguero, Tom Holland was very blunt about AI, something that he pointed out “doesn’t have a soul.” When it comes to generative AI, the Spider-Man actor said that, “Creativity is safe from AI because creativity has to do with the human experience.” Continuing, he said that creativity is “about emotions, it’s about understanding one another.”

The Marvel icon then waxed philosophic about the limitations of this new technology. “AI can sift through data, but it can’t understand people’s emotions. It doesn’t understand the difference between being happy and being sad.” Comparing his work to another medium entirely, Holland finished his thoughts: “The way artists paint, it’s not about what they’re copying, it’s about expressing themselves. So I feel protected.”

To be clear, I fully agree with Holland that AI is soulless and that the creative things made with it will never have the same spark as human creation. Furthermore, I agree with his stance that creativity is about sharing and enjoying what humans have to say. However, the problem is that the Spider-Man: Brand New Day star is focusing entirely on what he and other like-minded people would or would not buy, i.e., that they wouldn’t buy an AI-made product. However, Holland would be better off focusing less on what he’s not buying and more on what Hollywood is selling.

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Copy And Paste Actors

Hollywood is fascinated by AI for the same reason that countless CEOs are fascinated with it: they think they’ll make more money by having to hire fewer people. This means fewer artists, effects gurus, and editors. It also means fewer actors; like, one of the big things that SAG actors went on strike for was protecting themselves from being replaced by AI. Tom Holland, bless his soul, thinks that he is safe from being replaced by this technology, but that’s just not true. If you have any doubt about that, just check out the growing legion of Spider-Man videos fans have made via AI. 

Spider-Man is particularly easy to recreate with AI because half of his movies are just action scenes involving a hero with a mask. It’s not hard to portray Holland and others unmasked, either; again, a quick perusal of existing AI fan videos proves that. Granted, all of these fan videos are nowhere close to the quality of even the worst Marvel movie. So, Holland is right that AI-generated stuff will never be as good as human-made stuff. Where he is wrong, though, is that he doesn’t think every big studio will try to use AI whenever possible, including with actors if they can get away with it, because they’re gambling nobody will notice.

Pull The Plug, Spidey

Given a choice, most moviegoers would avoid AI-assisted films. This is why some directors are calling for an AI rating system which would (much like Steam does for PC gamers) create some much-needed transparency. This would allow someone to ask themselves the big question: “do I want to pay full price for a movie they cut corners on?” Without such a rating system, though, it’s the Wild West out there. Hollywood can and will sell you discount slop at full price, with CEOs laughing all the way to the bank while the rest of us gripe about how movies have gotten so bad without knowing exactly how.  

So, Tom Holland (you are reading this, right?), it’s not enough to sit back and assume the importance of creativity and the human spirit will keep you safe from AI. If this issue really means that much to you, it would be better if you spoke out directly about the matter to fans, directors, studio heads, and so on. Of course, Marvel has already been busted using AI before, and former employees have spoken out about its usage behind-the-scenes. If the Spider-Man actor were to strongly speak out against this technology, he might just lose his cushy acting gig in the MCU. That leaves us with a depressing reminder: when one of the biggest superhero stars in the world can’t say anything more strident for fear of reprisal, it’s obvious that nobody is truly safe from AI.


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Shoppers Say This Flowy Maxi Dress Hides the ‘Mom Pooch’

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summer skort

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Finding a summer dress that’s comfortable, flattering and easy to wear is harder than it should be. Too often, breezy dresses look shapeless, while fitted styles cling in all the wrong places. That’s why shoppers can’t stop talking about one flowy Amazon maxi that reviewers say hides the “mom pooch” and earns “many compliments.”

The dress in question is the Popvil Spaghetti Strap Flowy A-Line Maxi Dress, a colorful summer style that’s racking up more than 100 five-star ratings. Available in several vibrant prints, including a standout rainbow stripe pattern, it delivers the easy, throw-on-and-go appeal shoppers look for this time of year. Even better, it’s available for $50 on Amazon.

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Get the Popvil Spaghetti Strap Flowy A-Line Maxi Dress for $55 (originally $63) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The flattering silhouette is what keeps earning praise. The A-line shape skims rather than clings, while the adjustable spaghetti straps and lightweight fabric make it an easy pick for hot summer days. One shopper called it “perfect for a cruise in the Caribbean,” noting the length “is right at my ankle” and works with both flats and wedges.

summer skort


Related: Bye, Leggings! This Bestselling Skort Was Made for Hot Summer Walks

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As much as we cherish our leggings, the summer months mean making some smart wardrobe swaps — and that’s where this athleisure skort comes in. Designed with moisture-wicking material, making it a practical option for exercise and activities, shoppers can’t get enough of how good it feels. Sure, technically it’s a sports skort, but it’s […]

The fabric has also become a favorite among reviewers. “This dress is absolutely gorgeous! It is breezy and lightweight. It is extremely soft on the skin, and the colors are perfect for spring and summer,” another customer shared.

Practical details help seal the deal. The maxi dress features side pockets that are actually deep enough to use, making it an easy choice for vacation dinners, backyard barbecues, farmers market trips and everyday errands. Pair it with flat sandals during the day or dress it up with wedges and gold jewelry at night.

Reviewers continue to rave about the fit, comfort and versatility. “Can not say enough about this dress. It hugs you perfectly and looks fantastic. The pockets are [of] perfect depth and hold almost everything,” one buyer wrote.

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For $50, it’s an easy way to add a flattering, compliment-worthy maxi dress to your summer wardrobe.

Get the Popvil Spaghetti Strap Flowy A-Line Maxi Dress for $55 (originally $63) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Popvil here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Holly Madison Recalls ‘Falling Out’ With Kendra Wilkinson

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Holly Madison Recalls Falling Out With Kendra Wilkinson Following Drama With Show Producer

Holly Madison confirmed that she still is not in touch with her former Girls Next Door costar Kendra Wilkinson.

“Kendra and I don’t speak, but I’m not opposed to speaking,” Madison, 46, shared on the Thursday, June 18, episode of E!’s “Hot Goss” YouTube show. “We had a falling out, but it was after the show. It was stuff that had to do with our spinoffs and working with the same producer.”

Madison believes the unnamed producer “tried to pit us against each other and got in our heads, so that’s a shame.”

Another upsetting moment came when Wilkinson, 41, claimed that she was never friends with Madison.

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“At the time, she was really caught up in the tabloid cycle. If her thing to get in the tabloids that week was a rift with someone, then she was going to say it,” Madison claimed. “If somebody wrote a clickbait headline, she was going to retweet it and I’m sitting here like, ‘Wait, I just sent your son a Christmas gift.’”

Holly Madison Recalls Falling Out With Kendra Wilkinson Following Drama With Show Producer

Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner, Bridget Marquardt, Kendra Wilkinson
! Network / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Nearly 16 years after Girls Next Door concluded, Madison has a new perspective on why Wilkinson may have acted the way she acted.

“I think she was just really caught up and we were never as close obviously as

me and Bridget [Marquardt],” Madison claimed. “We don’t have much in common, but we shared a lot of experiences and had a lot of good times together, so I never thought of her as not a friend.”

Madison, Wilkinson and Marquardt, 52, starred on the hit reality TV series The Girls Next Door, which focused on their lives in the infamous Playboy mansion while all dating Hugh Hefner at the same time.

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The reality show’s success led to Madison and Wilkinson getting their own spinoff shows, Holly’s World and Kendra, respectively.

Wilkinson has since stepped away from reality TV to focus on her career as a real estate agent. As for Madison, she remains a cohost of the “Girls Next Level” podcast with Marquardt.

“Bridget and I have always been super close. We’re still super close. We do a rewatch podcast together,” Madison told “Hot Goss” hosts Eyal Booker and Lonnie Marts IIV. “We’ve never even had a fight or anything in our 25 years of friendship.”

In a previous interview, Madison confessed that she hadn’t really thought about clearing the air with Wilkinson “until recently.”

“I don’t know if she would reach out because she really seems to be happy not having anything to do with anything from the past,” she explained. “I think that’s great. But I would not continue to hold a grudge at this point.”

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Alix Earle and Benson Boone Spotted at L.A. Hotspot

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Alix Earle Says She Wants to Date a Rockstar So Bad Is Over Football Players After Braxton Berrios

Alix Earle and Benson Boone sparked romance rumors after being spotted out to dinner in Los Angeles — and leaving together in his car.

The twosome were photographed on Thursday, June 18, leaving celebrity hotspot Craig’s after seemingly enjoying a meal together.

Earle, 25, was all smiles in a picture published by Extra, wearing oversized jeans and a black sheer lacy tank top. The influencer’s hair was down with light wavy curls and her skin was sunkissed.

The “Beautiful Things” singer, 23, wore a similarly casual ensemble for the date, rocking black jeans, black boots and a black shirt that showed off a little bit of his chest around the neckline. Boone topped off his look with tinted sunglasses and carried a distressed leather jacket.

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As the pair left the restaurant, Boone was seen opening Earle’s passenger side door before walking around and getting into the driver’s seat, according to a video posted by TMZ.

When asked, “Are you two dating?” Boone told the outlet, “Uh, no.” The musician then clarified that he and Earle were “just hanging out.”

While Boone denied that he and Earle are a couple, it’s not the first time the duo have spent time together this month, causing some fans to speculate that their relationship isn’t strictly platonic.

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Alix Earle Says She Wants to Date a Rockstar So Bad Is Over Football Players After Braxton Berrios


Related: Alix Earle ‘Wants to Date a Rockstar So Bad,‘ Is Over Football Players

Alix Earle is ready for a rockstar romance — and done with football players — after a transformative weekend at Coachella. “Why is he amazing? He’s perfect,” Earle, 25, said in her 2026 Coachella recap video posted on Thursday, April 16, after seeing Sombr perform live in the desert on Saturday, April 11, ahead of […]

Their L.A. outing comes just days after Earle was featured in Boone’s Tuesday, June 16, TikTok video teasing his upcoming music video for “The Time of My Life,” which comes out on June 26.

In the video, Boone and Earle both wore medieval costumes as they lip-synced to the lyrics of the Grammy nominee’s unreleased track.

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“The queen fr,” Boone captioned the cheeky clip, tagging Earle.

Boone wore leather pants, a leather vest, white shirt and leather gloves in the video as he held a giant sword in his lap, using it as a microphone. Earle, for her part, donned a flowy shirt, white blouse and corset that showed off her toned stomach.

Alix Earle Sparks Romance Rumors With Benson Boone After Being Spotted at LA Hotspot TikTok

Alix Earle, Benson Boone.
Courtesy of Benson Boone/TikTok

The pair previously hinted at their playful relationship via TikTok on June 10 when Boone recreated a post made by Earle earlier in the month.

In the video, Boone wore a black lace minidress — like the one Earle wore in her own upload — while sitting on a leather couch. He proceeded to get up and twirl around on a balcony, skipping as he sang along to his upcoming song, “The Time of My Life.”

“This song is going to wreck me,” he wrote over the clip, tagging Earle in the caption.

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Boone’s wardrobe and dancing in the video was a nod to Earle’s previous clip in which she wore a lace dress and frolicked on a yacht while lip-synching to the same song. “Release it now plz,” she captioned her video.

Alix Earle Isn't Worried About Tom Brady Seeing Other People: ‘Never Been Serious’


Related: Alix Earle Isn’t Worried About Tom Brady Seeing Other People: Source

Alix Earle and Tom Brady are continuing to keep things casual. “Alix and Tom have never been serious and their relationship has always been casual and ‘I’ll see you when I see you’ vibe,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. The insider notes that Earle, 25, went to Zero Bond with “several friends” and “mainly […]

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Earle and Boone’s flirtatious banter and dinner date comes after recent splits for both of them.

The “Slow It Down” singer broke up with Maggie Thurmon in September 2025 after dating for nearly two years.

Us Weekly confirmed in December 2025 that Earle had split from NFL player Braxton Berrios after their two-year romance.

She was later linked to Tom Brady after the pair were spotted getting cozy at a party over New Year’s in St. Barts.

A source exclusively told Us in February that Earle and Brady, 48, were “hooking up,” but noted that “neither wants anything serious,” so “it’s casual.”

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Prime Video’s 10-Part Detective Thriller Is So Good, Another Season Is Already on the Way

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Maggie Q in Ballard

Move over, Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver). The Bosch universe welcomes a new LAPD detective in its official spinoff, Ballard. This time, it’s Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) of the Cold Case Unit. The spin-off isn’t the first time Ballard has made her mark in the Bosch universe, but it’s certainly the first time a female protagonist is leading the investigation. Harry might’ve had his problems and lawsuits in the original Bosch series, but Ballard clearly has her own challenges — most of which come from being looked down on as a woman in the LAPD. It doesn’t help that her division has the least stellar reputation compared to the elite Homicide Department. There might be a case to solve in the spin-off, but Ballard is a story about proving others wrong when the odds are stacked against you.

What Is ‘Ballard’ About?

Once a stellar detective in the LAPD, Ballard is booted from the Homicide Division to the basement depths of the newly formed Cold Case Unit. Being put in charge of a department sounds like the promotion of a lifetime, but for Ballard, it’s a humiliation ritual. With little to no funding, outdated resources, and barely enough personnel to keep a division running, Ballard and her team of volunteers must make do with what they have as they trace back evidence with little to no leads. Unbeknownst to them, their tenacity shows a surprising result: a serial killer may still be on the loose.

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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt

Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

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🔧John McClane

🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

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Rambo

Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

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Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

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Ethan Hunt

Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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Although the Cold Case Unit is constantly mocked, it holds one of the most important cases in the LAPD: the unsolved murder of a councilman’s sister. It is this particular case that becomes the division’s starting point and prompts Ballard to recruit former cop Samira Parker (Courtney Taylor) to the team. Parker has long suspected that a group of LAPD officers may be involved in illegal corruption, including some of the very people who have berated Ballard. With two separate cases that may be connected and practically no clear leads beyond evidence that was initially dismissed or overlooked, Ballard and her team find themselves chasing answers wherever they can. In Ballard, it’s all eyes on the details.

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‘Ballard’ Is a Unique Standalone Story Despite Being a ‘Bosch’ Spin-Off

The good news is that newcomers don’t need extensive knowledge of the Bosch franchise to follow Ballard. Although Harry makes a few appearances to help Ballard out, the spin-off stands on its own. Ballard features a fully developed murder mystery and conspiracy that has never appeared in previous Bosch installments. More importantly, the biggest difference between Bosch and Ballard lies in their protagonists. While both are willing to get creative to solve their cases, Harry has the freedom to go completely rogue. Unfortunately for Ballard, being a female detective means having her entire move scrutinized, forcing her to stay as close to the rule book as possible.

For context, Harry and Ballard first crossed paths in the series finale of the franchise’s other spinoff, Bosch: Legacy, Episode 10, “Big Dawn.” The two initially don’t get along, as their first encounter isn’t exactly on the best of terms. Ballard needed files on an old cold case that Bosch had once worked on. Although he initially withheld a few details from her, he eventually recognized her genuine desire to seek justice for a forgotten victim. As a result, the two developed a professional working relationship that continues in Ballard.

‘Ballard’ Addresses the Harfmul Effects of Toxic Masculinity in Police Work

Maggie Q in Ballard Image via Prime Video
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Ballard deals with an uncomfortable reality that women have to face in the workforce: toxic masculinity. In the line of police work, gender-based discrimination is even more pronounced. In the beginning, when asked about her demotion to Cold Cases, Ballard casually skirts off the accusations, saying it has something to do with her male colleagues not liking her vocalness. While that is partly true, the real reason has to do with her being a victim of assault. The sickening part is that the majority of her superiors don’t take her complaint seriously — a disheartening experience that any victim of assault knows too painfully well, no matter the workplace.

While Ballard’s assault is an unavoidable theme in the series, the detective refuses to let her trauma consume her. She does the work necessary to pursue justice not only for victims of her cold cases, but for herself. In the aftermath of the Season 1 finale’s shocking cliffhanger, it looks like the unfair treatment Ballard has endured so far is just the tip of the iceberg. The detective might have plucked out a few bad seeds in the department, but there is still an entire system going against her. As Ballard gears up for Season 2, scheduled to premiere in July 2026, the new season is expected to bring even more heat to the Cold Case Unit.


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Ballard

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Release Date

July 9, 2025

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Network

Prime Video

Directors
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Jet Wilkinson

Writers

Michael Connelly, Brandi Nicole, Galeesa Murph, John Coveny, Julissa Castillo, Kendall Sherwood, Liz Hsiao Lan Alper, Michael Alaimo, Ralph Gifford, Thania St. John

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    Courtney Taylor

    Samira Parker

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General Hospital: Willow Faces Total Devastation – Loses Everything in Shocking Collapse!

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General Hospital: Willow Tait Cain (Katelyn MacMullen)

General Hospital has things going downhill fast for Willow Tait Cain (Katelyn MacMullen). And it looks like she’s about to be busted possibly for more than one of the dirty deeds that she’s done. Maybe even a dirty deed that she didn’t do. And when it all comes out, she may lose absolutely everything.

We’re going to talk about how everything is piling up on Drew Cain’s (Cameron Mathison) devious little wife, and time is almost up. We’re going to talk about what Willow is about to lose and how bad it will get.

General Hospital: Willow’s Crimes Coming to Light

All right. So, everything is converging right now with Drew about to recover with Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) plotting against her with the whole Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) issue and several other things. We’re about to see Willow with nowhere to run and nowhere to hide because she’s getting hit from all sides.

First and foremost, of course, is that she shot Drew not once but twice. But at least that one little thing can’t come back to bite Willow. Since Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) got her acquitted, even though she tried to blow the closing argument in Willow’s case, it worked. So Drew’s shooting will be something she won’t answer for because of double jeopardy. But as for Willow drugging and holding Drew hostage in their home, that is definitely something Willow could face criminal charges for. Her days of controlling Drew are almost over. And with Sidwell on the run, that means Willow is nearly out of the paralytic that’s keeping Drew in check.

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Felicia Floors Willow on GH

And then another complication is when Felicia Scorpio (Kristina Wagner) told Willow that she’s setting up a way for Drew to communicate. Now, Willow had to act appreciative, but she’s horrified secretly by what Felicia told her because Willow knows Drew will expose her the second that he can communicate. He would love to tell everybody all the horrible things that Willow’s been doing to him. Now granted, I think Drew deserves everything he got because he is toxic and he gaslighted and controlled Willow until she basically turns psycho on him. So, I don’t know who’s actually going to feel sorry for Drew even if he told them what happened.

General Hospital: What Willow Stands to Lose

But the first thing that Willow’s going to lose obviously will be her husband, which honestly not such a big loss. and she may lose her seat in Congress if Drew demands it back. Willow can blackmail Drew into keeping quiet about what she did, but I think she can’t blackmail him into total compliance. So, I don’t think Willow is going to be able to keep his seat because there’s more coming. But that’s assuming that Jack Brennan can get to his secret box with the evidence in it because thanks to Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) injecting him accidentally, he is recovering from locked in also because she didn’t follow up with additional injections.

So with Drew about to communicate, this is going to be a race for Willow to shut Drew down. But even if Jack helps Willow stop Drew, we could see Brennan himself press charges on Willow for what she did. Nina’s injection was accidental, but Willow was fully planning to keep drugging Brennan.

Plus, he knows Willow shot Drew and may want her behind bars just because she is a hazard. So, we could see Willow lose her husband, which is good, lose her seat in Congress, which she loves, and possibly lose her freedom if Jack files charges or Drew won’t cooperate. But I kind of doubt either guy will do that. Still losing her hubby and political power is survivable, but there is more coming Willow’s way.

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General Hospital: Brook Lynn and Lucy’s Frame Job

Both Brook Lynn and Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) are gunning for Willow. And it’s Brook Lynn who’s the most dangerous of the two, which is why she may be able to totally blindside Willow who’s more worried about Tracy. But they are both on fire about Willow. And they agree she’s way too close to Chase (Josh Swickard) and is trying to steal him from Brook Lynn. And it certainly looks that way.

Now, actress Katelyn MacMullen, who plays Willow, said in a recent interview that her character genuinely wants to help Chase and Brook Lynn adopt Phoebe and that Willow wasn’t trying to get her hooks into Chase. But the actress also said just because it didn’t start off romantic doesn’t mean Willow’s feelings won’t change. And right now, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) is scheming with Brook Lynn, who’s actively plotting against Willow and determined to ruin her. And Brook Lynn’s playing nice to Willow’s face because it’s best to keep your enemies close.

BLQ Playing Nice & Plotting on GH

But also, Brook Lynn doesn’t want Willow to suspect she’s behind what’s about to happen because Brook Lynn got an assist from Sonny’s tech guy to frame Willow for being the other driver in the accident that Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) caused. Brook Lynn wants it leaked that Willow just drove away and left Jordan and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) for dead.

It’s not enough for an arrest, though. But as Lucy pointed out, leaking it online that Willow was the second driver will not only ruin her reputation in the public eye and mess up her congressional career, but it should also make Chase see Willow differently. Heartless, you know, cuz Brook Lynn wants Chase to see Willow as the villain that she is.

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And it looks like the plan may initially work because in the new General Hospital summer preview, it said Curtis’s court problems are worsened by Brook Lynn’s marriage issues. That’s because Curtis wants to accuse Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) of being the second driver to justify Curtis’s violent attack on him. So, with Willow outed, Curtis can’t play that card.

General Hospital: Willow Tait Cain (Katelyn MacMullen)General Hospital: Willow Tait Cain (Katelyn MacMullen)
General Hospital: Willow Tait Cain  

General Hospital: Potential Loss of Everything

So, it looks like initially Brook Lynn might successfully frame Willow and then of course the fake news is going to come out thanks to Brook Lynn and then the court of public opinion is probably going to hang Willow out to dry and that’s another reason she could lose her seat in Congress. And honestly, DA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor) may consider filing criminal charges because she already hates Willow and is certain that she shot Drew and got away with attempted murder. So, if Justine can find a way to make the charges work, I bet that she would try to prosecute her. And that could cost Willow both her reputation and possibly her freedom.

But in the end, it’s going to blow up in Brook Lynn’s face, according to General Hospital summer spoilers. At a minimum, Willow may lose Drew and her job. But on the flip, she might actually wind up with Chase as long as she can keep her other dirty deeds under wraps. Once Brook Lynn’s frame job comes out, I also suspect Willow may lose her kids. Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) is gonna jump right on that. And of course, Willow rationalizes all of this, saying she’s done it for her kids.

General Hospital: Willow Wants Drew Gone

And I think losing Drew, honestly, would be a welcome relief. She already told Chase she wants to cut him loose. Losing her freedom would be awful, but Willow could handle it if she got to keep seeing her kids, even if they had to visit her from behind bars. Losing her job in Congress, that’s also acceptable, even if Drew wound up getting the seat back. The one thing that Willow can’t handle is if Michael is able to yank away custody of her kids completely.

And of course, we know that’s his goal. He thinks Willow is bad for the kids. And so, Michael wants them out of her life for good. And in the end, I think Willow could get away with all of this, though. You know, we’ll see. But it feels like there’s a potential for complete chaos achieved. So, Drew may have to shut his mouth so he doesn’t go down for campaign fraud and Brook Lynn’s frame job is going to be exposed. So unfortunately while this she villain deserves to lose everything, she may actually only lose a little.

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Everything To Remember Before HBO’s Epic Fantasy Returns

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Alicent and Rhaenyra in her septa disguise in the Sept talking in front of candles in House of the Dragon.

House of the Dragon Season 3 promises to be bigger than ever as it builds on Season 2’s contentious ending. As Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) seek to claim the throne, the second season escalates the war, going from political divisions to full-on dragon battles, showing the ruthless lengths they will go to. Named heir by her father, Rhaenyra searches for allies who will honor their oaths, while Aegon relies on Westeros’ patriarchal society. But war is inevitable, and when dragons fight, no one is safe.

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Begins With Tragedy

Following the news of her second son’s death in Season 1, Rhaenyra takes her dragon to find Lucerys’ (Elliot Grihault) remains, though there isn’t much for her to grieve over. Meanwhile, Jacaerys (Harry Collett) hears the news about his brother while recruiting allies. He returns home to mourn and confirms that both House Stark and House Arryn will support Rhaenyra. In King’s Landing, the Greens face a different type of chaos. Hiding her affair with Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), Alicent (Olivia Cooke) tries to temper Aegon’s instincts, hoping for peace. But with a blockade threatening King’s Landing, the men are ready for war, particularly Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Aegon, though Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) urges patience. Yet the biggest danger to the Greens is Aegon’s inability to grasp political nuance, evident when he listens to his citizens’ complaints and rejects Otto’s advice.

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Daemon (Matt Smith), determined to take action, seeks help from Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), who has arrived on Dragonstone as a stowaway. In exchange for her freedom, she helps Daemon plot revenge. Sneaking into King’s Landing, Daemon recruits a member of the City Watch and a castle ratcatcher to go through the tunnels and kill Aemond, but he isn’t home. Instead, the two men kill Aegon’s young son, Jaehaerys, and torment Helaena (Phia Saban) in the process. In the aftermath, Otto uses the tragedy to their advantage, blaming Rhaenyra and turning the public against her with a public procession. Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) helps Aegon track down the culprits. Aegon kills the Goldcloak responsible, but, after being unable to trace the other, he orders all the city’s ratcatchers hanged. When Otto confronts Aegon about this, Aegon removes his grandfather as Hand of the King, replacing him with Criston. Elsewhere, Rhaenyra discovers Daemon’s role in the tragedy, and they argue. As the old wound of Viserys (Paddy Considine) choosing Rhaenyra over him resurfaces, Daemon flies away on his dragon.

The War Grows Too Bloody to Stop

Alicent and Rhaenyra in her septa disguise in the Sept talking in front of candles in House of the Dragon.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent and Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3.
Image via HBO

Criston hopes to follow Daemon’s lead in seeking revenge, sending the Kingsguard knight Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) to kill Rhaenyra while impersonating his twin, Erryk (Elliott Tittensor), who previously swore loyalty to the Blacks. However, Mysaria, whom Rhaenyra has begrudgingly allowed to leave, sees Arryk arrive and grows suspicious, then returns to Dragonstone. Arryk makes it to Rhaenyra uncontested, but before he can kill her, Erryk intervenes. The brothers fight until Erryk kills Arryk, but Arryk immediately takes his own life in grief. The only benefit of the confrontation is Rhaenyra’s newfound trust in Mysaria, who becomes an ally.

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On Rhaenys’ (Eve Best) advice, Rhaenyra seeks to make peace with Alicent before the body count gets higher. She sneaks into King’s Landing disguised as a septa, but Alicent believes the violence has gone too far. While Rhaenyra doesn’t negotiate peace, she uncovers the truth behind her father’s last words. While Viserys’ mutterings about Aegon previously convinced Alicent he wanted his son as heir, Rhaenyra recognizes the reference to Aegon’s Prophecy. Reassured by her father’s faith, Rhaenyra shares the truth of the prophecy with Jacaerys.

Daemon Claims Harrenhal and the Riverlands

Daemon’s control of Harrenhal is crucial, as the always-feuding Brackens and Blackwoods have the first battle, making the Riverlands the conflict’s center. Harrenhal’s castellan, Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale), surrenders to Daemon instantly, but the haunted castle torments him, driving him mad with visions of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), Viserys, and more. Somehow, these connect to the weirwood tree and the witch Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), adding to their mystery.

While in Harrenhal, Daemon oversteps his authority, naming himself as king rather than Rhaenyra’s consort. He struggles to build an army since the Riverlands’ leader, Lord Tully, is dying and unable to help. Instead, he makes a deal with Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones), offering to punish the Brackens in exchange for support. This proves a challenge, so Daemon suggests the Blackwoods use more brutal methods, alienating the River Lords. This misstep leads Daemon back to the Tullys and their new lord, Oscar (Archie Barnes), who fearlessly acknowledges Daemon’s failures. He agrees to keep his family’s oath to Rhaenyra if Daemon dispenses justice to Willem Blackwood. With little choice, Daemon carries out Willem’s death sentence, finally winning over the River Lords.

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Matthew Needham with his hands folded in 'House of the Dragon'


George R.R. Martin’s Least Favorite Game of Thrones Series Is Officially One of the Best

The penultimate season premieres this month.

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Rhaenyra Loses Another Ally

Eve Best as Rhaenys riding her dragon in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4
Eve Best as Rhaenys in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4
Image via HBO

The Dance of the Dragons begins in earnest when Criston takes his army through the Crownlands, attacking the castles of Rhaenyra’s supporters on the way to Rook’s Rest, following a strategy that Aegon is unaware of. After Aemond embarrasses him at a council meeting, Aegon decides to fly Sunfyre into the battle. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra learns of the plan and sends Rhaenys on Meleys. Though the battle has begun, the dragons’ arrival makes it even bloodier. While Meleys and Sunfyre clash, Aemond hides and waits with Vhagar, but he enters the fight, attacking his brother rather than his enemy. Aegon and Sunfyre crash, and Vhagar finishes the fight as Rhaenys dies with her dragon. The fight decimates the soldiers, but Criston escapes to find Aegon, who barely survived his fall.

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Following the battle, Rhaenyra feels like she’s losing control, while Jace is determined to take action. Realizing that the Stark men will need the Freys’ crossing to get to the Riverlands, he negotiates, offering Harrenhal in exchange for the Northmen’s passage and their loyalty. Though Rhaenyra doesn’t approve of his leaving, she appreciates his accomplishment in gaining her an army. Meanwhile, Corlys (Steve Toussaint) struggles with the loss of his wife, while Rhaenyra sends Baela (Bethany Antonia) to ask him to be her Hand. She talks him into the new role, though she refuses to become his heir. However, Corlys’ family trouble isn’t over. Throughout the season, Corlys gets to know his secret bastard son, Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim). Corlys makes Alyn his first mate, but Alyn wants nothing to do with his father. In contrast, Alyn’s brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty), feels Corlys owes them more recognition.

The Greens’ Problems in King’s Landing Only Get Worse

Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Image via HBO

After Aemond turns on Aegon, the Greens have plenty of problems, but one challenge grows throughout King’s Landing. As seen through Hugh’s (Kieran Bew) story, the smallfolk are starving due to the blockade preventing supplies from getting to the city. Worse, they are trapped inside to stop the discontent from spreading. Rhaenyra seeds rumors about the Greens and sends food to the people, inciting riots in her name. Alicent and Helaena get caught in the chaos while visiting the Sept, forcing them to see the unrest right outside their door.

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Inside the castle, Aemond becomes regent due to Aegon’s injuries and demands total authority. He sends Criston to Harrenhal with too small a host and kicks Alicent off the council. He also hopes to make Otto Hand, but gets no response. Yet Aegon isn’t dead. Though Aegon claims he doesn’t remember the battle, Aemond continues to threaten his brother. However, Larys remains Aegon’s loyal ally, as they bond over their disabilities. Larys encourages Aegon to rely on his mind and pushes him to recover more quickly from his injuries.

On Aemond’s orders, Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) recruits the Triarchy of the Free Cities for the Greens’ naval force, agreeing to give them the much-disputed Stepstones for their help. Before securing their allegiance, he must impress Admiral Lohar (Abigail Thorn) in a mud wrestling match. Simultaneously, Criston marches to Harrenhal, but on the way, Alicent’s brother, Gwayne (Freddie Fox), confronts him about his relationship with Alicent. Criston’s confession reveals his despair after the devastation at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, painting a bleak picture.

Rhaenyra Finds New Dragonriders

Rhaenyra on a rocky cliff with two roaring dragons behind in House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7.
Rhaenyra on a rocky cliff with two roaring dragons behind in House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7.
Image via HBO
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To beat Vhagar, Jace proposes finding riders for their unclaimed dragons. After referring to her family tree, Rhaenyra asks her Kingsguard knight, Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), to claim Seasmoke, but he dies in the attempt. Mysaria encourages a hopeless Rhaenyra, and they kiss, hinting at a deeper relationship. Meanwhile, Seasmoke chooses Addam of Hull as his rider, despite him having no known Targaryen lineage. Addam swears to serve Rhaenyra, who begins looking for Targaryen bastards to claim the remaining dragons. This plan angers Jace, whose legitimacy is tied to his dragon, but Baela encourages Jace to prove himself by fighting for his mother.

In King’s Landing, Rhaenyra’s message attracts many reluctant participants, including Ulf (Tom Bennett). Hugh also goes, as his mother was a Targaryen. When the group arrives, Rhaenyra has them face Vermithor, but he rejects the first bastard to approach him. It’s a bloodbath, as most participants die, but when Hugh protects a young girl from the dragon, Vermithor bonds with him. During the chaos, Ulf escapes, only to encounter Silverwing, who chooses him, giving Rhaenyra two more dragonriders. Ulf takes a joyride over King’s Landing, and Aemond pursues him on Vhagar, only to flee when he sees Rhaenyra’s new advantage.

Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) isn’t a dragonrider, but she plays an important role by taking Rhaenyra’s younger sons to the Vale to ensure Jeyne Arryn’s (Amanda Collin) allegiance. With two small dragons and several unhatched eggs, Rhaena must convince Jeyne that they have met her condition of a dragon’s protection, but Jeyne isn’t pleased. Rhaena learns this is because a wild dragon roams the Vale, and rather than accompanying the baby Targaryens to safety in Pentos, Rhaena searches for the beast, eventually finding it at the end of the season.

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War Looms in ‘House of the Dragon’s Season 2 Finale

House of the Dragon‘s Season 2 finale leaves everyone in a precarious place. When Aemond destroys a city in anger, Larys advises Aegon to flee before becoming Aemond’s next target. Aegon would rather take back control, but he cannot win without Vhagar, so he takes Larys’ advice, planning to return for the crown. Meanwhile, Aemond demands that Helaena fight for their side on her dragon, Dreamfyre, to give them an advantage over Rhaenyra’s numbers. She refuses, revealing that through her ability to dream the future, she knows Aegon will be king and Aemond will die, angering her brother even more.

Helaena isn’t the only one to see the future, as Alys takes Daemon to the godswood, where he sees flashes of the future, including Brenden Rivers (Joshua Ben-Tovim), the White Walkers, dead dragons, himself drowning, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) hatching dragons, and Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne. This changes Daemon’s course of action. When Rhaenyra hears that Daemon may betray her, she flies to Harrenhal to find Daemon and his army kneeling before her. Finally accepting Viserys’ choice of Rhaenyra, Daemon prepares to go to battle for her claim to the Iron Throne.

Season 2’s last moments do the most to set up the next installment. Alicent’s growing doubts and guilt help her realize her desire to escape war, so she offers to give Rhaenyra King’s Landing as soon as Aemond leaves. Once Alicent agrees to sacrifice Aegon, Rhaenyra agrees to her plan, but the war is already in motion. The Greens’ Oldtown forces, accompanied by Daeron Targaryen’s dragon, Tessarion, and their Lannister host, head to the Riverlands. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra’s Northmen cross the Freys’ land, and somewhere, Otto is being held captive. The Triarchy sets sail, as does Corlys’ fleet, leaving both land and sea primed for war in Season 3.

House of the Dragon is streaming on HBO Max, with Season 3 premiering on June 21.

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Release Date

August 21, 2022

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Network

HBO

Showrunner
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George R.R. Martin

Directors

Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel

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Writers

Gabe Fonseca

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    Fabien Frankel

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Copy Gwyneth Paltrow’s Head-Turning White Bikini Look for $25

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Cindy Crawford attends Women's Wear Daily Presents The 2026 WWD Style Awards at Regent Santa Monica Beach on January 09, 2026 in Santa Monica, California.

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Gwyneth Paltrow knows how to do a European summer! The Goop founder was recently spotted soaking up the sun in the kind of crystal-blue water that quickly makes you rethink your own vacation plans. And the outfit she chose for the occasion? A simple white string bikini that looked effortlessly chic against the Mediterranean backdrop.

On June 15, Paltrow was photographed lounging aboard a yacht in Sardinia, Italy, wearing the timeless swimwear staple. Classic, understated pieces have become synonymous with the star’s style over the years, and this two-piece confirmed that sometimes the simplest designs make the biggest statement.

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Get the Suvimuga Halter String Two Piece Bikini Set for $25 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The best part about Paltrow’s look is how achievable it actually is. You don’t need her celebrity budget to channel that yacht-day glamour — you just need a quality white triangle bikini. The swimsuit style works just as well for community pool days and beach trips as it does for the Italian vacation you keep daydreaming about.

Cindy Crawford attends Women's Wear Daily Presents The 2026 WWD Style Awards at Regent Santa Monica Beach on January 09, 2026 in Santa Monica, California.


Related: Cindy Crawford Just Wore the Anti-Denim Trend Women Over 50 Love

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Cindy Crawford has long been a master of effortless style, and her latest look is proof that jeans aren’t always the answer. Instead of reaching for denim, the supermodel stepped out in a pair of tan high-waisted trousers that looked equal parts relaxed and sophisticated. It’s the kind of anti-denim trend that never goes out […]

While we don’t know Paltrow’s exact pick, the Suvimuga Halter String Two Piece Bikini Set gives you the same vibe at a fraction of designer prices. It’s a halter-style triangle bikini with tie closures at the neck and back, so you can adjust the fit to flatter your shape. The removable padded cups add support, and the Brazilian cut is elongating, giving you model-like stems.

Shoppers are just as impressed. The bikini has earned more than 9,500 five-star ratings, with one reviewer praising “how flattering the cut” is. Another said the Brazilian-style suit creates “very small tan lines” while still offering enough coverage to feel comfortable.

The Amazon alternative comes in classic white like Paltrow’s, but if you want options, there are also black, red and blue, plus several colorful prints to choose from. Sizes range from XS to XXL.

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Whether you’re headed to the beach, planning a tropical getaway, or simply updating your swim drawer for summer, this $25 bikini delivers the same timeless, yacht-ready energy as Paltrow’s vacation look.

Get the Suvimuga Halter String Two Piece Bikini Set for $25 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Suvimuga here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Halle Berry attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California.


Related: Halle Berry Just Made Sporty Sneakers Look So Chic for Summer

Halle Berry has a way of making even the most comfortable shoes look incredibly chic. The actress recently stepped out in a sporty retro sneaker style that instantly elevated her casual outfit. It just proves (once again) that practical footwear can still be fashion-forward. On May 29, 2026, Berry was spotted in New York City […]

 

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‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Creator Finally Breaks Silence on Ending the Series [Exclusive]

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Legal dramas and cop thrillers have taken no prisoners in the last few years in their conquest to take the streaming world by storm. Nearly every streaming service now has a flagship property in each of the genres — for Prime Video, it’s Bosch, the hit cop series starring Titus Welliver. Welliver has led two different Bosch shows, and now there’s a Ballard spin-off returning next month, as well as a Start of Watch prequel led by Cameron Monaghan. Over on Netflix, Bosch fans have found themselves enjoying The Lincoln Lawyer, the hit legal thriller starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. While there are plenty of differences between the shows to pick apart, they have so many overarching fans due to both being inspired by the writings of legendary crime author Michael Connelly.

Matthew McConaughey also brought The Lincoln Lawyer to life on the big screen back in 2011, but most fans would agree that the Netflix series is a much more faithful adaptation of Connelly’s source material. Netflix’s Lincoln Lawyer series first premiered back in 2022, and the streamer has consistently released new seasons of the show almost every year since. A few weeks before The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 came out this year, Netflix picked up the show for Season 5 before later announcing that it would be the final season of the series.

There are eight books in The Lincoln Lawyer series, starting with The Lincoln Lawyer (2005) and leading to The Proving Ground (2025).

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Collider’s Maggie Lovitt recently had a chance to chat with The Lincoln Lawyer writer and creator Ted Humphrey for Collider’s Dad TV Streaming Guide. When asked if fans would feel like the story is “complete” after watching the ending, he told Collider: “The answer that you’ve teed up so very nicely is yes. That was the most important thing.” He admitted that “we could have kept this show going for another season or two, and we had ideas to do that. But, we are very grateful to Netflix for giving us the opportunity to wrap the show up correctly.”

Humphrey continued, speaking about how most network shows are never given the chance to wrap things up properly before being canceled mid-story:

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“It’s a luxury that you have in the streaming universe that you didn’t generally have on network TV, which is the luxury of knowing in advance, and because we knew in advance, we were able to craft what we feel is a very satisfying ending to the show, one that hopefully can propel, potentially, some of our characters into new arenas, but that will also leave the audience feeling like they’ve watched a five-part thing that has come to an organic, and satisfying, and, hopefully, fulfilling conclusion.”































































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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt

Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

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🔧John McClane

🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

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Rambo

Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

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Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

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Ethan Hunt

Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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When Does ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 5 Come Out?

Netflix has not set a date yet for The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5, but the show is expected to return next year around the same time that the last season came out. Production on The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 kicked off a few months ago, not long after all episodes of the fourth season were dropped on Netflix, and it’s expected to wrap sometime later in the summer. With Humphrey teasing characters going into “new arenas,” though, it’s hard not to be excited about the potential for future spin-offs out of the Lincoln Lawyer universe. The show could follow in Bosch’s footsteps and develop a spin-off focused on a character soon to be introduced in the final season.

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Check out the first four seasons of The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the fifth and final season.


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Release Date
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2022 – 2027-00-00

Network

Netflix

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    Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

    Mickey Haller

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