“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Dorit Kemsley took to social media on Father’s Day to not-so-cryptically call out her estranged husband and father of her children, Paul ‘PK’ Kemsley. Now, following the post, Boy George, who PK manages, is slamming the “RHOBH” fan-favorite over her diss.

George’s comments come after the Bravo star has been open about losing her connection to the singer amid the messy divorce from PK.

Kemsley posted the message to her Instagram Stories, using text overlays, various photos and videos, and what appears to be an AI voiceover. She began, “I don’t care who gets offended, I’m gonna say it anyway.”

After that, the “RHOBH” star got vulnerable, saying, “A man who makes the mother of his child struggle is a complete failure. There’s nothing respectable about watching the woman raising your child carry everything alone without real support.”

Kemsley then spoke about being “overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted” before stating that children can pick up “that same pressure every single day.”

She went on to assert that “a real man doesn’t sit back while the mother of his child breaks down and still handles both roles by herself.” Kemsley concluded, “Leadership isn’t control.” Luckily, Bravo Snark Side on X reshared the post.

Boy George Didn’t Take Too Kindly To What Kemsley Said

After hearing of Kemsley’s comments about his manager, George took to Instagram Stories to share the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star’s post. He did so by including the section with the text overlay that read, “A man who makes the mother of his child struggle…”

The singer added, “This post on Father’s Day? Absolutely disgusting!” Additionally, in a post that appears to have been deleted, George questioned Kemsley’s affinity for designer handbags.

Regarding George’s connection to PK, Bravo says they met in 2014, and PK later began managing his career. Kemsley previously said of their relationship, “There was like an instant love between George, PK, and I.”

She added, “We met George a few years back when he had approached PK about managing him. And when he came to L.A., PK had suggested, ’cause we had the room, he said, ‘You’re welcome to come to the house.’”

Following George’s take on Kemsley’s Father’s Day post, fans are weighing in on social media. While some believe the singer’s defense of her friend was warranted, others questioned whether he’s the best judge of character, given his prior legal situations in which he was alleged to be the aggressor.

One person stated on X, “I think chaining someone to a radiator and beating them for days disqualifies them from posting derogatory comments on others.” Someone else wrote, “I’m not the biggest Dorit fan, but is Boy George really that great of a character witness?”

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A different person said, “Just found out some ‘stuff’ about Bot George and maybe he should now sit this one out. If you’re an abusive jerk, don’t try to distract us with talk about ‘handbags.’”

Still, not all comments were on Kemsley’s side in the matter. One “RHOBH” fan said, “Y’all poo-pooing what Boy says, but Dorit’s the one who flaunted their friendship on the show.”

Another person wrote, “Does anyone really believe Dorit didn’t do this to herself? Not sure why she is struggling if she is such a great businesswoman? After all, she claims to have had many successful businesses in the past, but have any of them survived?”

Dorit Previously Admitted That Boy George Was On PK’s Side

Kemsley appeared on Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast in early 2025 and gave an update on her relationship with George amid her divorce from PK. During the interview, she noted that she and the music legend had become quite close since 2014, but that things had changed.

She said, “Boy George is firmly in PK’s camp. I’m also not fighting for people that are in his camp. It’s like, let PK have whomever he needs [for support]. He should have that as should I.” However, Kemsley then predicted about their friendship, saying, “I think George and I still will always be friends, but I think he’s definitely firmly in PK’s camp.”

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PK Is Producing The Boy George Biopic

Variety announced in 2019 that a music biopic about George’s life was in the works, with Sacha Gervasi tapped to write and direct. PK is set to produce the film alongside Kevin King Templeton, who also produced two of the “Creed” movies.

Regarding an update on the film, in 2025, PK shot down rumors that it had been paused. Per Bravo, he said of the reports, “Not only wildly untrue!!! We are making this movie.”

House of the Dragon returned with a bang on Sunday, June 21, featuring a scene that will undoubtedly have everyone talking.

During a tense exchange with his mom, Alicent Hightower (played by Olivia Cooke), during the season 3 premiere, Ewan Mitchell‘s prince regent, Aemond Targaryen, shocked viewers — and his mother — by planting a kiss on her lips.

According to Mitchell, 29, it “kind of makes you want to throw up in your mouth a little bit.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of shocking. But then also, I just recognized a tremendous challenge and an opportunity to show Aemond in a new light,” the British actor told People in an interview published on Sunday.

Related: The Most Brutal ‘House of the Dragon’ Deaths So Far: Rhaenys and More

HBO Game of Thrones was no stranger to seeing some characters meet pretty gruesome fates, and its prequel, House of the Dragon, is following in a similar vein. The first two seasons of the HBO series have featured many onscreen deaths, from major characters to side players and other citizens of Westeros. Fans of the […]

“It’s quite a difficult pill to swallow, isn’t it? Kissing your mom on the lips, especially in that way,” he explained. “I mean, Aemond, growing up, he never felt like he was loved enough by his mom and his family around him, and a kid needs that unconditional love to develop a balanced view of themselves. And Aemond, because he never had that, he’s got a very skewed perception and a very strange way of showing love.”

“I think what you see in that scene in episode 1 is that skewed love,” he added.

Cooke, meanwhile, said the scene was difficult to film.

“I think it was quite odd for both of us,” said the actress. “There has been this Oedipal undercurrent — unbeknownst to Alicent. And I think it’s shocking.”

There’s also the small matter of Aemond being something of a psychopath. After all, he did burn his brother Aegon (played by Tom Glynn-Carney) half to death in season 2.

Cooke, 32, said that for Alicent, the kiss is “really dangerous, because he’s a very dangerous person.”

“She knows that one wrong facial expression, one perceived rejection, will cost her her life. So she’s trying to tread very, very carefully. But I do think she’s sort of stupefied in that moment,” she shared.

Despite having to kiss his onscreen mom, Mitchell praised his scene partner.

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“Working with Liv Cooke in that scene is just … it’s a masterclass working with Liv Cooke in any scene. Yeah, she’s a real one,” he gushed.

Of course, fans of House of the Dragon and its predecessor, Game of Thrones, are no strangers to shocking incest scenes. Aemond’s brother Aegon is, after all, married to his sister, Helaena (Phia Saban). Season 1 also featured the taboo romance between Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy) and her paternal uncle, Daemon (Matt Smith).

House of the Dragon season 3 airs Sundays on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max.

Former “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson received a ton of support after revealing during season 5 of his show, “Clarkson’s Farm,” that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of prostate cancer. Now, roughly a week after the episode aired, which had been filmed in 2025, he’s sharing that he’s cancer-free.

Clarkson interviewed with The Sunday Times in June 2026 following the airing of the “Clarkson’s Farm” episode, in which he vulnerably opened up about his cancer. He told the outlet, “I am, without a doubt, officially, the world’s luckiest man.

Clarkson also stated that he was surprised by the reaction to his sharing the health news, saying it “landed harder than I thought it would.” He then discussed his situation, stating, “It was an aggressive type of cancer.”

The former “Top Gear” host continued, “It could have spread, it could have gone into the pancreas, it could have gone anywhere, and that would have been trouble.” Clarkson went for a follow-up exam two months ago, which showed no presence of cancer. However, the host is understanding of the fact that 40% of people who get diagnosed with prostate cancer will suffer from it again.

The ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ Host Is Being Positive

Despite being aware that there is a significant chance he could be diagnosed with the rare form of prostate cancer again, Clarkson is deciding to remain positive regarding the outlook on his health. He told the outlet, “I try to be positive.”

The 66-year-old continued, “I’ve decided to be one of the 60% who doesn’t have a recurrence.” During his interview, Clarkson offered a message to others about their health. He encouraged, “This is why I have to say to everybody who’s reading this, please, please, please go and get checked.”

Clarkson added, “It’s not uncomfortable, it’s not undignified. And it’s a no-brainer. I did, and that’s why I’m sitting here talking to you 11 months down the line.”

Jeremy Clarkson’s Fans Are Rallying Around Him

Clarkson is an international treasure. Because of this, there was an outpouring of support after he revealed his cancer diagnosis. Now that he’s in remission, the “Top Gear” alum is also receiving positive comments on social media, with many also reiterating the importance of getting tested.

One person on X said, “Early detection is everything. Massive respect to him for speaking out so publicly about it. We need Jeremy around for a long time to come. Go get tested, lads.” Someone else wrote, “Massive win for him and for every stubborn man who now has one less excuse. Go get screened.”

Another person stated, “Glad to hear it, cancer is a stain on society, and I wish it didn’t exist.” A different social media user chimed in, “100%. Men need to stop treating prostate checks like something to be embarrassed about. Getting tested should be normal, simple, and encouraged. Early detection can save your life. No shame in looking after yourself.”

Lastly, another person highlighted one problem with screenings, saying, “Great news on his recovery. Though early screening access remains unequally distributed across regions and income levels.”

Jeremy Clarkson Has Doubled Down On Testing And Early Prevention

Days after the “Clarkson’s Farm” episode aired, the host took to Instagram to discuss his health. He did so by posting a video of himself as he walked around outside and discussed his prostate cancer diagnosis.

He began, in his usual Clarkson fashion, “Hello, everyone. Now, the more observant among you will have noticed that I’m not dead. I’m not just not dead, I’m perfectly fine.” He went on to say that early detection was the reason why he was “fine.”

After that, he encouraged other men to get tested, reassuring them that “it’s just a blood test these days,” rather than a medical professional using their finger for the exam. Clarkson also advised on how to deal with doctors who don’t want to test due to lack of symptoms or age, telling them, “just lie. Say you have got symptoms.”

‘Clarkson’s Farm’ Has Been Renewed

Season 5 of “Clarkson’s Farm” premiered on Amazon Prime Video in June 2026 and wrapped roughly a month later. In an Instagram video shared by Prime Video UK and Clarkson himself, he confirmed that season 6 has been greenlit and is currently in production.

He said in the clip, “So, bit of a year, but I am delighted to tell you that season 6 of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ is currently being filmed. It’s in production.” He went on to allude to his health revelation and how the show’s return was “particularly good news” for him, saying, “Well, if you know, you know, and if you don’t know, you need to watch season 5.”

The first reactions to Supergirl have arrived, and if the early buzz is any indication, DC may have another major success on its hands.

Critics and journalists who attended early screenings have praised the film’s emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and, above all else, Milly Alcock’s performance as Kara Zor-El. Many are calling her portrayal one of the standout superhero performances in recent years, describing her Supergirl as fierce, vulnerable, rebellious, and deeply human.

Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis wrote that Supergirl is “a visually stunning and emotionally rich adventure” and praised Alcock for delivering a “star-making performance.” Others echoed that sentiment, saying she completely owns the role and creates a version of Kara that feels dramatically different from Superman while remaining just as compelling.

Several reactions have highlighted the film’s unique tone, noting that it feels less like a traditional superhero movie and more like a cosmic fantasy adventure. The story reportedly embraces the darker, more emotional elements of the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, following Kara on an interstellar journey filled with loss, vengeance, and self-discovery.

One early reaction described the film as “heartbreaking, hilarious, and visually gorgeous,” while another praised director Craig Gillespie for creating a world that feels expansive and unlike anything previously seen in the DC Universe. Critics have also singled out the chemistry between Alcock and Eve Ridley, who plays Ruthye, saying their relationship forms the emotional core of the movie.

Credit: Warner Bros.

The praise surrounding Alcock has been especially consistent. In a recent profile, Gillespie praised the actress’s commitment and authenticity, while DC executives reportedly knew they had found their Supergirl after seeing her screen test. Her version of Kara is described as tougher, more emotionally scarred, and more rebellious than previous incarnations of the character.

That approach aligns closely with the film’s source material. Based on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the movie presents Kara not as an idealized hero, but as someone carrying the trauma of Krypton’s destruction while searching for her own purpose in the universe.

With Superman helping launch the new DC Universe and Supergirl now earning rave first reactions, fans have even more reason to be excited about the future of DC Studios.

If these early impressions hold true with audiences, Milly Alcock may have just delivered the definitive live-action Supergirl for a new generation.

For the past few weeks, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have been living in a newlywed dream. 

From a lavish wedding celebration in Sicily to romantic days spent wandering through Rome, the pair have looked completely wrapped up in their post-wedding bliss. 

However, every honeymoon eventually comes to an end. Over the weekend, the superstar singer and Hollywood actor were spotted packing up their luxury getaway and heading back to reality, offering fans another glimpse into their whirlwind life as husband and wife.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner appeared to be savoring every final moment of their Italian honeymoon before returning to their busy careers.

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The newlyweds have spent recent days soaking up the atmosphere in Rome, where they enjoyed sightseeing, romantic dinners, and time away from the spotlight following their extravagant wedding celebrations.

On Friday, photos obtained by the Daily Mail showed the couple leaving their hotel and loading luggage into their eye-catching £200,000 ($264,000) Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.

The task proved more challenging than expected. With designer bags piling up and limited trunk space available, hotel valets stepped in to help squeeze everything into the luxury sports car before the pair drove away.

Lipa embraced the European heatwave in a fitted vest and low-rise jeans, accessorizing the look with a blue headscarf, layered pendant necklaces, and a Chanel straw tote. 

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She also drew attention with an unusual phone case featuring the famous paparazzi image of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan. Turner, on the other hand, donned a lightweight shirt and shorts as he took the driver’s seat.

Lipa’s Fairytale Wedding Came With A $1.9 Million Celebration

The Italian getaway followed a wedding celebration that reportedly cost £1.5 million ($1.9 million). Just three days after officially marrying at Marylebone Town Hall in London, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner traveled to Sicily for a three-day celebration centered around Palermo.

The festivities took place at the historic Villa Valguarnera, where the couple hosted a blessing ceremony surrounded by family and celebrity friends.

For the wedding, the “Dance The Night” singer stunned in a custom haute couture Chanel gown designed by Matthieu Blazy. 

The backless halterneck dress featured thousands of silver and white beads, while its dramatic train was decorated with 25,000 feathers.

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The intricate cathedral veil reportedly required 3,220 hours of embroidery and was paired with a feathered headpiece that completed the breathtaking bridal look.

Turner complemented his bride in a bespoke Louis Vuitton suit that perfectly matched the elegance of the occasion.

Dua Lipa Shared Intimate Wedding Moments With Fans

Fans finally received a closer look at the celebrations when Lipa shared official wedding photographs over the weekend on Instagram. 

Captured by renowned photographer David Sims, the images documented some of the most memorable moments from the festivities.

The photos showed the newlyweds celebrating late into the night, dancing until 6 a.m. while guests enjoyed a spectacular ten-minute fireworks display.

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One image featured the “Eternity” actor patiently waiting for his bride to arrive, while others showcased Lipa posing throughout the stunning villa grounds in her elaborate Chanel creation.

Holding a glass of champagne, the 30-year-old looked completely at ease as she celebrated with friends and family. Keeping the caption simple, Lipa wrote, “Mr And Mrs.”

The celebrations had actually begun the evening before with a cocktail party at the Galleria Moderna, where the bride wore a custom-made Bottega Veneta dress.

Lipa’s Family Played Key Roles In The Wedding

Family remained at the heart of the celebrations. Dua Lipa was proudly given away by her father, Dukagjin, who also serves as her manager and has played a major role throughout her career.

Meanwhile, Turner’s mother, Rose, was also given a special role during the wedding festivities. 

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According to sources close to the couple, family remains one of the most important priorities in their relationship.

One friend told the Daily Mail, “They are so in love, they want to be together forever and they want to be parents in the not too distant future. They are both so family orientated. It’s so exciting.”

Dua Lipa And Callum Turner Prepare For A New Life In America

The honeymoon may be over, but another major adventure is already on the horizon. It has been revealed that Lipa and Turner are preparing to relocate to the United States for seven months while the actor completes two major film projects.

First, the 36-year-old will star alongside Margaret Qualley in a remake of the 1981 horror film “Possession.” After that, he is set to appear in the baseball drama “The Comebacker,” with Tom Hanks playing his pitching coach.

Rather than spending long stretches apart, Dua Lipa plans to accompany her husband throughout the extended stay. 

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Reflecting on their lifestyle, Turner recently told The Hollywood Reporter, “We work jobs where we have to go around the world. It’s important when we are home in London to be with our friends as much as possible.”

For the newlyweds, staying connected remains the priority. Turner added, “We make sure that we’re together as much as possible.”

DC Studios has had a relatively quiet year in 2026 so far, but that’s all going to change later this month with the launch of the next feature film, Supergirl. Starring Milly Alcock, who first made her debut in Superman last year, Supergirl also features other big stars like Jason Momoa as Lobo and Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills. The DCU future — both on the big and small screen — is also bright in the months and years beyond Supergirl. The HBO original series Lanterns, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, is coming on August 16. Pierre is also confirmed to reprise his role as John Stewart in the 2027 DC tentpole, Man of Tomorrow, led by David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

While there is a new Batman movie in the works at the DCU, different from The Batman Part II shooting under director Matt Reeves right now, there’s another Batman-adjacent project confirmed for release in theaters on June 30, 2028. Back in 2024, DC announced it was working on a Dynamic Duo movie, which would follow the origins of the first Robins, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Casting for the film is still being kept under wraps, but Arthur Mintz has been tapped to direct with a script from Matthew Aldrich, Scott Neustadter, and Michael H. Weber.

Collider’s Steve Weintraub recently attended a DC Studios panel at Annecy Film Festival in France, where the first footage from Dynamic Duo was shown. The footage confirms that not only will Dick and Jason go by the film’s title, Dynamic Duo, but it’s also a new type of animated movie, leaning more into puppets than digital animation. It’s even being compared to the Spider-Verse films, not due to the similarities in animation, but because it is so original that there isn’t anything to compare it to. A version of Red Hood inspired by the Killing Joke comic will also appear in the film. Both Dick and Grayson will be 15 years old, and while the story centers around Dick teaming up with Batman to save his best friend, one of them will choose Red Hood and the other will choose Batman at the end of the film, leading them down wildly different paths.

What Do We Know About the DCU’s Batman Movie?

Very little is known about the DCU’s Batman movie at this time, other than that it will be directed by Andy Muschietti, who recently worked on The Flash and IT: Welcome to Derry. The film has been in development for years now, and while it was once thought that Batman would have a key role in the early days of the DCU, it seems more likely now that he will be introduced at a later phase. The DCU’s Batman movie will feature an older Bruce Wayne, which has led fans to push for the casting of stars such as Jensen Ackles or Alan Ritchson in the lead role, instead of a younger, less established actor.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Dynamic Duo, which will be released in theaters on June 30, 2028.

Influencer Sue Rose has given birth to her fifth child, a baby girl, with husband Josh Vida.

Rose told People on Saturday, June 20, that she went into induced labor on Tuesday, June 16, welcoming daughter Melody Gisela Rose.

“After four boys, we are having a girl, and she has made sure to stand out,” the influencer told the outlet. “I always went into labor on my own, but I had developed gestational hypertension and my doctors surprised me with an induction date.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is when a pregnant person experiences high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Related: Influencer Babies of 2026: Sue Rose and More Stars Who Gave Birth in 2026

Some of the internet’s biggest faces expanded their families this year. 2026 began with influencers Haley and MonDarius Black welcoming their first baby together, daughter Leilani Noel Black, after previously suffering a pregnancy loss. The next month, influencer Dani Austin and husband Jordan Ramirez added their fourth child, while Emily Stomauk and Michael Justin later […]

“We were nervous, since I had never been induced, but the process and delivery couldn’t have been better and welcoming our little girl into this world has felt like a dream,” she added.

Melody, who was originally due in July, weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces at birth. In an Instagram Story on Sunday, June 20, Rose revealed that the little one’s middle name — Gisela — is inspired by her grandmother. “She passed away and I’ve always wanted to honor her in that way because she was such a big part of my life!” Rose wrote.

Rose and Vida are already parents to four boys: Leander, Mason, Jayden and Charlie.

Rose announced her pregnancy with baby no. 5 back in December, telling People, “We have four beautiful boys and last year, we just happened to put a baby onesie underneath the tree. This Christmas, our wish is coming true.”

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Related: Celebrity Pregnancy Announcements of 2026: Gordon Ramsay’s Daughter, More

Many stars are expanding their families in 2026. Actresses Bonnie Wright and Aubrey Plaza revealed in April that they are both pregnant. That same month, Natalie Portman announced that she is expecting baby No. 3, her first with partner Tanguy Destable. The next month, Princess Eugenie shared the news that she is expecting her third […]

“We went from a long distance (Germany to the U.S.) to creating a beautiful family of now soon to be 7. Baby 5 is due in 2026 in July, and we couldn’t be happier to grow our family!” she said at the time.

In February, Rose revealed the “surreal” news that she and Vida would be welcoming their first girl.

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“We honestly still can’t believe that we’re having a girl after four boys. At my last doctor’s appointment, my own doctor even told me ‘the odds were against us,’ so this just feels surreal,” she said.

“I grew up always seeing myself as a girl mom, then we became parents to the most loving and amazing boys that treat me like a queen, and we are just so excited for them to be big brothers to a sister, as all [of the] boys always have asked for a sister,” Rose added.

The influencer shared, “Josh and I are super excited to step into the ‘girl parents’ world and have that dream come true. She definitely completes the family!”

Procedurals live and die by their formulas. For instance, a crime happens, the team investigates, the bad guy gets caught, then roll credits, and repeat next week. This is the key reason many series within a single genre can seem so alike: the cases may differ, but the people who solve them don’t often change. Characters become vehicles for exposition rather than the reason viewers tune in.

It’s a problem plenty of procedurals still struggle with, but NCIS: Los Angeles figured out the solution years ago. Instead of making audiences care about the case first and the characters second, the long-running spinoff flipped the equation. The investigations were important, but they were rarely the reason fans kept coming back for 14 seasons.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Made Viewers Care About the Team More Than the Cases

Image via CBS.

From the beginning, NCIS: Los Angeles understood that its greatest strength wasn’t terrorism plots or undercover operations. It was the people sitting around the Ops Center. The original NCIS thrived on its ensemble, but NCIS: LA built something that felt slightly different. The Office of Special Projects felt like a family from the first moment.

G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) formed the emotional backbone of the series. While Gibbs (Mark Harmon) often served as a mentor figure on the flagship series, Callen and Sam felt more like brothers, and their banter never came across as competition. The mutual trust, constant teasing, and warmth among all involved were key to creating an atmosphere that set NCIS:LA apart from other shows of its kind.

The glueof this, of course, was Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), the mysterious operations manager who was actually the head of the team butacted much more like a parental figure to them. The bonds she developed with Callen, Sam, Kensi (Daniela Ruah), Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), Eric (Barrett Foa), and Nell (Renée Felice Smith) gave the series an emotional anchor that was much more than just answering a crime each week.

Even with the absurdity of some of the scripts (and NCIS:LA had some very outlandish plots and some of the most outrageous action ever seen on television—which was incredibly refreshing), people were still willing to go along for the ride because they were invested in the characters. Plenty of procedurals ask audiences to invest in the mystery, while NCIS: Los Angeles had them count on investing in the team.

Callen, Sam, and Hetty Created One of Television’s Best Found Families

Image via CBS

One of the biggest differences between NCIS: Los Angeles and other procedurals was its lack of rigid hierarchy. Yes, Callen led the field team, and yes, Hetty was in charge, but relationships inside OSP felt remarkably casual. Characters teased one another, protected one another, and genuinely enjoyed spending time together, and naturally, that chemistry became the show’s secret weapon.

Eric and Nell evolved from co-workers into one of television’s sweetest couples, while Granger’s (Miguel Ferrer) initially frosty relationship with the team gradually transformed into mutual respect and affection. Later additions like Fatima Namazi (Medalion Rahimi) and Devin Rountree (Caleb Castielle) slipped naturally into the dynamic rather than feeling like replacements for Nell and Eric, who departed the show in later seasons and only returned for guest appearances thereafter.

Most importantly, however, the series allowed these relationships to evolve. Callen’s decades-long search for identity remained one of the show’s longest-running arcs, Sam navigated marriage, fatherhood, and loss, and Hetty’s mysterious past slowly unfolded over the years. Characters came and went, but the emotional continuity remained intact. Many procedurals essentially reset after every episode. NCIS: Los Angeles rarely did, showing that their actions had consequences, that relationships deepened, and that people changed.

Kensi and Deeks Proved Procedurals Could Handle Long-Term Romance

Image via CBS.

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Television has a long history of stretching romantic tension indefinitely. Shows spend years building couples up, only to lose momentum once they finally get together. Kensi and Deeks — a.k.a. Densi, to the shippers — never had that problem. Their relationship evolved gradually over more than a decade. Reluctant partners became friends, and friends became something more, until eventually, they married, became foster parents, and continued building a life together.

What made the pairing work wasn’t simply the chemistry between Ruah and Olsen, but it was also the writers’ willingness to let the relationship grow. The banter remained, and so too did the affection. Their romance became part of the show’s identity without overwhelming everything else around it.

More importantly, NCIS: Los Angeles understood that emotional stakes could be just as compelling as physical ones. Fans weren’t necessarily worried about whether Callen or Sam would survive every shootout. After 14 seasons, viewers knew better, but they cared deeply about how these experiences affected the people they had spent years getting to know. Would Callen finally find peace? Would Deeks and Kensi survive another difficult chapter? Would Hetty ever come home?

While many procedurals still treat characters as vehicles to solve the mystery, the CBS drama reversed the formula. The investigations gave the team something to do, but the relationships gave viewers a reason to care. Fourteen seasons later, that’s still the show’s greatest accomplishment, and one can only wish it were available to stream on platforms in the U.S. to live it again and again.