Earlier this month, fans across the world were shocked after news broke that Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics. Back in 2016, Jaylen was officially drafted by the team. After spending 10 seasons with Boston, it was revealed that Brown would be leaving the Celtics and joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

On Monday, July 6, the Celtics took to their X account to give the basketball star his flowers, highlighting his accomplishments:

“5x All-Star

2x All-NBA Second Team

ECF & Finals MVP

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NBA Champion

The impact you made both on and off the court will forever be felt by the city of Boston and Celtics fans everywhere.

Thank you to one of the all-time great Celtics, Jaylen Brown.”

The trade left many fans emotional, including one young supporter whose reaction quickly went viral online.

RELATED: Issa Look? Jaylen Brown STUNS Fans By Letting Braids Go For New Hairstyle (PHOTO)

Young Fan Goes Viral After Emotional Reaction To Jaylen Brown Getting Traded

Last week, a video of a young fan named Gio went viral following his emotional reaction to the news of Jaylen Brown’s trade. In the video, Gio breaks down crying as he tells his favorite basketball player how much he loves him and how much he means to him. He also thanked Brown for everything he’s done with the Celtics.

Gio even created a sign that read, “I love you JB. Comb back one day. To JB, From Gio.” The 6-year-old couldn’t contain his sadness over the news. His mother captioned the post, “I think my 6 year old just experienced his first heartbreak. His favorite player Jaylen Brown got traded. I am in tears watching him cry like this.”

Jaylen Brown ended up seeing the post and left a sweet message in the comments, writing, “It’s ok lil bro we will always be friends.”

Jaylen Brown Reunites With Young Fan Gio

Not long after the video went viral, Jaylen Brown kept his promise about always being friends with Gio. After previously taking pictures together in 2025, the duo then shared another heartwarming moment.

It was all smiles as Jaylen and Gio reunited at his 7uice Foundation event. The two shared a sweet moment, with Jaylen picking Gio up, hugging him, and showing him some love. Alongside his family, Gio also got to take some pictures with his favorite basketball player.

Social Media Reacts To The Wholesome Moment

Many gathered on social media as they reacted to the sweet moment between Jaylen Brown and Gio. Many flooded the comments with pure joy and love. While some cracked a few jokes, others were happy to see the duo reunite.

Instagram user @dessa wrote, “Yayyyyyyy!!!! I’m so happy for him 🥹 I was sad for little man. So sweet of Jaylen ❤️ “

Instagram user @superthicknerd wrote, “I love this. This warmed my heart. 💞 ✨ “

While Instagram user @domdukess wrote, “So if I cry hard enough for Halle Berry to come back to me, I want the same energy 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

Instagram user @tanyaaa.love wrote, “You were telling me all my child has to do is throw a fit and go viral to meet our favorite celebrity. Let me go prep my video. 🤣🤣”

Instagram user @leoqueen86 added, “They look like they could be family members of Jaylen. Lil man better start calling him Unc & get them season tickets 😂”

While Instagram user @kikimama_ wrote, “The one thing I love about this experience is that he’ll grow up, and continue expressing his feelings ❤️”

Instagram user @alexislovesme wrote, “Yayyy! Glad he got to meet him again! 💖”

Instagram user @pinkangel6 wrote, “❤️❤️❤️love this because that baby made me tear up watching the original video”

While Instagram user @itsticketsworld wrote, “Black men are so needed! Look at the smile on this babies face ❤️ “

RELATED: Boston Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Becomes First NBA Player To Sign With Kanye West’s Donda Sports

OMB Peezy had social media kicking their feet after surprising his girlfriend with a generous gift. While many praised the sweet gesture, others turned the conversation toward Zoe Spencer. Zoe hopped into The Shade Room Teens’ comment section to clear the air.

RELATED: Try Again?! Zoe Spencer Announces Plans To Apply For Streamer University 2 After Missing Out The First Time (WATCH)

Commenters Bring Up Zoe Spencer As OMB Peezy Shares Video With Girlfriend

On Monday, July 6, OMB Peezy had social media users saying “aww” after sharing a heartfelt video documenting a special date night with his girlfriend. The couple kicked off the evening by enjoying cigars before heading to dinner. However, the biggest surprise came once they were seated.

At the beginning of the video, Peezy explained that his girlfriend recently told him she wanted to change her college major from pathology to neurology. Wanting to support her new career path, the rapper secretly planned a surprise. During dinner, he presented her with $40,000 to cover her college tuition.

The thoughtful gesture quickly earned praise across social media, with many applauding Peezy for being a generous king.

Zoe Spencer Clears The Air On Her And OMB Peezy’s Relationship

While OMB Peezy’s video was filled with love and support, some fans immediately brought up Zoe Spencer. The speculation dates back to the pair appearing cozy during livestreams and being spotted courtside together. After clips of their chemistry made the rounds online, social media began connecting the two, even though neither ever confirmed they were dating.

After seeing her name repeatedly mentioned, Zoe stepped into The Shade Room Teens’ comment section to clear the air. She reminded commenters that she and Peezy were never in a relationship and urged them to let both of them move forward.

“1. We were never ever together, you parasocials.”

She continued,

“2. I’m living my life. Please allow him to live his. God makes no mistakes over here. I ain’t fumble nothing I wasn’t supposed to have! Have a great day, kings and queens, and be safe out there!”

Her response quickly gained attention as she shut down the ongoing speculation surrounding her and the rapper.

Social Media Reacts

The Shade Room Teens commenters shared mixed reactions after Zoe addressed the speculation.

Instagram user @imdeethejunk wrote, “We just wanted it to be YOUUU soo bad sista dassall 😫😫”

Another Instagram user @tytyanadanae wrote, “no fr cause yall birds see money and start flocking like relax 😒”

While Instagram user @prettymixtur wrote, “They was cute together lol but yea leave them alone 😂😂😂😂 s*** wasn’t serious for yall to still be attaching her name to him”

Instagram user @Maya.rockstar2 wrote, “Well I mean you was the one who made him feel some type of way anf got people shipping you two together and be widhing you to stop playing hard to get but I guess you did the same way with Zeddy 🤷🏽‍♀️”

Another Instagram user @exoticnik wrote, “How you fake a relationship then wonder why people think yall together 😂”

While Instagram user @Nelly__rosee wrote, “Zoie & Peezy made it clear so many times they was not together”

Instagram user @lastplacenay wrote, “Cause everytime yall see him you bring up her”

Another Instagram user @__letsgetin2it wrote, “Y’all did try to force her to be with him 😂”

While Instagram user @tggkylce wrote, “She def ain’t fumble just because he’s blessing his new partner that he’s with now, there’s always bigger & better 💯 then on top of that she said what she said in a respectful and professional matter ‼️”

RELATED: New Couple Alert? Zoe Spencer and OMB Peezy Spark Dating Rumors After Their Night Out

Even after admitting she has been dealing with a recent health setback, Dolly Parton isn’t taking her foot off the gas. 

Instead, the country music legend is celebrating one of the biggest milestones of her career after officially confirming that the story of her remarkable life is headed to Broadway. 

Packed with beloved classics and brand-new songs written by Parton herself, the production promises to take audiences behind the rhinestones and into the moments that shaped one of music’s most enduring icons.

For decades, Dolly Parton has shared her life through hit songs. Now, she’s inviting fans to experience the journey in an entirely new way.

On Tuesday, the music icon announced that “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” is officially making its Broadway debut, calling it her most personal project yet.

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Rather than focusing solely on the glamour that made her famous, Parton said the production explores the experiences that defined her long before she became a household name.

“Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” she said in an Instagram video, adding, “It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way and told it in my own words.”

The 80-year-old explained that the production is told from her perspective, combining stories from her life with the music that has accompanied every chapter.

Alongside many of her biggest hits, Parton revealed that she’s also written brand-new songs exclusively for the show. “This really is a dream come true,” she said. “I can’t wait to share it with all of you.”

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Parton Fans Celebrate Long-Awaited Broadway Announcement

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Dolly Parton’s announcement quickly struck a chord with fans, who flooded the comments section to celebrate the long-awaited Broadway milestone and congratulate the country music legend.

One fan said, “Oh Miss Dolly, I know this is your heart and soul. I’m so excited for this and for you to see this, finally, at Broadway. You are a Rockstar on her way to her first Tony Award.”

Another user shared, “Stop it!!!! Oh my goodness! Dolly the musical at Christmas time in NYC????” while a third person added, “This musical is an absolute must-see! I was able to see the show last summer in Nashville, and it was SO GOOD!”

A fourth fan wrote, “We’re so excited, Dolly! Broadway is of course the pinnacle but you’ve always supported us here at home in Easy Tennessee, too.”

Dolly Parton’s Life Story Will Take Broadway Audiences Behind The Music

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Following a sold-out premiere engagement in Nashville, “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” is scheduled to open on Broadway this winter.

Preview performances begin December 7 at New York City’s St. James Theatre before opening night on January 19, 2027, Parton’s 81st birthday.

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Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher will helm the production, which traces the singer’s journey from her humble upbringing in the Smoky Mountains to becoming one of country music’s most celebrated entertainers.

According to the show’s synopsis, audiences will witness the dreams, heartbreaks, setbacks, and triumphs that shaped Parton’s remarkable life and career.

Fans can also expect to hear beloved hits including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” along with several original songs written exclusively for the stage adaptation.

Parton’s Nashville Success Set The Stage For Broadway

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Before making the leap to Broadway, the musical enjoyed a record-breaking run at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

Producers described it as the venue’s most successful production ever, prompting the creative team to continue refining the show ahead of its New York debut.

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Although Broadway casting has yet to be revealed, the Nashville production featured three actresses portraying the icon at different stages of her life. 

Quinn Titcomb played “Little Dolly,” Carrie St. Louis portrayed the singer during her early rise to fame, and Katie Rose Clarke stepped into the role as Parton during the years that cemented her status as a global superstar.

Dolly Parton Suffers Health Blow As Ongoing Recovery Forces Major Career Changes

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Dolly Parton’s recent career move comes after she revealed that a series of health setbacks had forced her to put live performances on hold, including the cancellation of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency. 

The country music icon explained that complications involving her immune system and digestive system, along with recurring kidney stones and other medical procedures, left her unable to return to the stage. 

While sharing an update with fans, Parton said she was responding well to medication and treatment but admitted some of the medications left her feeling “swimmy-headed,” making it unsafe to perform.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding may have been one of the year’s most exclusive celebrations, but it is the conflicting accounts from inside the event that are now stealing the spotlight. 

While anonymous attendees claimed the star-studded reception was marred by buffet lines, seating issues, and logistical hiccups, one guest with firsthand knowledge says that version of events couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt’s wife, Tavia Hunt, has now publicly challenged the viral claims, offering a dramatically different account of the lavish celebration.

In the days following Taylor Swift and Kelce’s July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden, reports emerged suggesting the lavish reception didn’t unfold as seamlessly as many expected.

The Daily Mail first reported that several guests described long lines for food and claimed the buffet-style service felt out of place for such a high-profile event.

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“I couldn’t believe that there was a buffet at the wedding of the year! That felt like such a tacky move,” one guest told the outlet.

Another attendee alleged there were “slightly chaotic scenes around the food carts,” claiming celebrities including Julia Roberts and Steven Spielberg were among those waiting in line.

Questions were also raised about the ceremony itself, with one source alleging only 150 seats had been provided, leaving hundreds of guests standing while the newlyweds each delivered 20-minute vows.

“It was not great and served buffet-style with long lines if you wanted to eat,” another source claimed.

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Swift’s Wedding Guest Tavia Hunt Pushes Back Against Viral Claims

Those reports were soon challenged by someone who attended the celebration. After podcaster Zack Peter re-shared the Daily Mail report on Instagram, Tavia publicly disputed nearly every aspect of the story.

“They did not run out of champagne. There were not long lines. Every single person was seated for the ceremony,” she wrote in the comments section.

Tavia also dismissed the anonymous claims as inaccurate, insisting the event had been flawlessly executed.

“It could not have been a more fabulous experience,” she added, further noting, “And frankly, it is inappropriate to say things like this when you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. That is hearsay – not truth.”

Taylor Swift Wedding Backlash Sparks Heated Fan Debate

Tavia wasn’t the only one pushing back. Her response quickly sparked a wave of reactions, as fans filled the comments section with their own takes on the controversy surrounding Swift and Kelce’s big day.

“No way this is true. Taylor Swift, a literal billionaire, no way ran out of champagne or made her 1,000 guests stand in line for food. Y’all are trippin,” one fan wrote.

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Another user shared, “Reports besides this one state there was no buffet. There were numerous food stations and bars. I’m not buying what the Daily Mail is selling.”

Other fans noted that they believed the reports, with some even calling the event tacky. As one user put it, “Tackiest wedding of all time.”

Another stated, “The fact that it was at MSG wasn’t tacky enough? Seriously if she wanted that fairytale wedding and castle, she’s rich enough to get married in an actual castle?! Tacky and mean girl!”

Swift’s Wedding Included Carefully Planned Guest Arrivals

While debate continued over the reception itself, reports suggested the event was organized with tightly controlled logistics from start to finish.

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Guests were assigned specific arrival windows based on their relationship with the couple. 

Cara Delevingne reportedly arrived at 2:30 p.m., followed by Bradley Cooper and Graham Norton around 3:30 p.m., while Swift’s longtime friend Abigail Anderson was said to have arrived closer to 4:30 p.m. 

Those considered closest to the bride and groom reportedly entered shortly before the 5:30 p.m. ceremony. One source claimed the staggered schedule created long waits before festivities officially began.

“It was surprisingly chaotic inside,” the insider alleged. “Arrivals were staggered with people having to wait for hours with nothing to do. The cocktails only started at 4pm. People literally were twiddling their thumbs for hours.”

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Guests were also reportedly required to surrender their phones upon arrival, resulting in lengthy queues when the celebration came to an end, and attendees collected their devices.

Taylor Swift Wedding Guests Share Glowing Reviews Of The Celebration

Despite the criticism, several guests offered a much more positive glimpse inside the wedding.

Before handing over her phone, Joann Jordan, wife of celebrity trainer Rob Jordan, shared photos showing Madison Square Garden transformed with sweeping red carpets and elegant white-and-blush drapery.

“An unforgettable evening in New York celebrating the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for our dear friends, Travis and Taylor. Love was in the air, the city was magical, and every detail was simply unforgettable!” she wrote.

Kelce’s friend DJ Chop UFL echoed that sentiment after posting images from inside the venue. 

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“The secret garden was an unbelievable celebration and experience! So happy for my brother and sister Trav & Tay Tay. Congratulations once again! Yesterday was perfect,” he shared.

The 2020s have been a treasure trove of new anime, with some of the most popular shows of all time coming out in the past decade. Because of increased popularity, the medium is getting better, with more series, greater animation, quality, and storytelling. However, one of the best and most famous anime series from the 2020s is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which highlights the fantasy genre.

However, the fantasy genre has a deep catalog of anime, and this list will highlight ten fantasy anime series that are better than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Based on aspects such as writing, animation, originality, popularity, worldbuilding, lore, action, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality, these ten anime shows are must-watch masterpieces that are better than even a modern masterpiece like Frieren.

‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ (2021-present)

Image via Studio Bind

The Isekai genre, for better or worse, is the most popular in anime, and it is also tied to the fantasy genre, occasionally delivering stand-outs such as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. After living a regretful, sad, and lonely life, the protagonist is born into a fantasy world. Now named Rudeus, he uses his previous memories to build the life he always wanted, but danger still lies in wait.

This one may be a polarizing anime, but its worldbuilding is arguably better than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End for the thoughtful way it explores the culture and unique regions. The protagonist can be a bit much, but he shows signs of character development that make him more intriguing than others. Not to mention the action in Mushoku Tensei elevates it above most fantasy shows.

‘Witch Hat Atelier’ (2026-present)

Image via Crunchyroll

2026 has already been a fantastic year for fantasy anime, with a couple of sequel seasons and some new works, such as Witch Hat Atelier. Coco is a young girl who always aspired to be a witch even if it was impossible. However, after discovering the secret of magic, she accidentally petrifies her mother. Now, Coco must learn the ways of magic to try and save her mother, but a mysterious evil faction has its eyes on her.

Witch Hat Atelier is already one of the best anime series of 2026, and it has only had one season. Maybe it is a bit early to say it is better than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, but the sheer creativity is so compelling. The power system is among the best in anime, and the blend of mystery, animation, worldbuilding, and fascinating characters means it will likely only get better.

‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012-2014)

Image via A-1 Pictures

Fantasy can be inspired by many things, and Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic takes inspiration from Arabian Nights. Magi are magic users with great power who choose a king candidate, helping them conquer the world. When Alibaba overcomes a dungeon, he is granted a sword of fire and a magi, who, together, go on an adventure to bring a peaceful world.

High fantasy is so common in anime nowadays that fans want something different, and that is exactly what Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic offers. This show has much more of a structured plot than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, especially with its political intrigue and powerscaling, which makes it a double-edged sword that cuts with sharp dialogue, action, and adventure.

‘Ranking of Kings’ (2021-present)

Image via WIT Studio

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One of the most underrated fantasy anime that came out of nowhere was Ranking of Kings, which was overlooked based on its art style. Bojji is the young and fragile prince of the kingdom, always underestimated because of his size. Wanting to prove his strength, he sets out on an adventure to train alongside his shadowy friend, but much mystery is soon to reveal itself.

Fans underestimated Ranking of Kings just like the characters in the show, but this anime is one of the biggest shocks. Bojji is an endearing protagonist who fans can’t help but cheer for, also having a wholesome dynamic with Kage. As one of the best anime of recent years, Ranking of Kings can deliver some of the best fights and has character development and an expanding political plot with mystery and plot twists.

‘Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-‘ (2016-present)

Image via Crunchyroll

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As mentioned earlier, the isekai and fantasy genres are pretty much synonymous, and the best of the former is arguably Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-. Suddenly awakened in a new fantasy world, Subaru is instantly met with a gruesome death by a friendly passerby. However, he soon wakes up from that, realizing he is in a death loop in a fantasy world.

Isekai anime aren’t for everyone, but even haters of the genre might enjoy Re:Zero simply because the writing is so good. This tragic anime is far more complex and dark than fans give it credit for, with each season building on the world and its characters. Especially after the most recent season, Re:Zero has proved itself to be among the greatest fantasy series ever.

‘Berserk’ (1997-1998)

Image via Nippon TV

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Kentaro Miura is a manga and anime legend, and while the manga is the definitive way to enjoy Berserk, the anime is also spectacular. Born from a hanging corpse, Guts’ life is a living hell, tossed between mercenary groups in a time of constant war. However, after finding a place he can call home, a brutal betrayal takes everything away from him, sending him on a blood-fueled quest for revenge.

The CGI movies are atrocious, but the 1990s anime is surprisingly gorgeous, especially with its classic animation. But at its heart, Berserk still holds the main story, and with it, all the tragedy, trauma, and flawless writing. Boasting some of the best character development in anime, Berserk has a flawless dynamic between Guts and Griffith, which reveals itself through every moment.

‘Dungeon Meshi’ (2024-present)

Image via Studio Trigger

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After Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End came out in 2023, fans wanted the next best fantasy anime, and that is exactly what Dungeon Meshi is. After one of their party members is eaten by a dragon, the rest of the gang prepares to go back down and save her. But with no money, supplies, or food, they decide to eat the monsters they kill inside the dungeon.

Dungeon Meshi and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End reached the same audience, and while it is close, a lot of fans prefer the former. They are hard series to compare, but Dungeon Meshi is far more unique and has a better cast with more relevance and interesting personalities. The monster biology and ecology of the dungeon works its way into the worldbuilding, mystery, character development, and plot, proving it achieves an impossibly creative feat.

‘One Piece’ (1999-present)

Image via Toei Animation

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Fantasy comes in many shapes and sizes, with most typical battle shounen falling under the genre, including One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy wants to become King of the Pirates, but to do so, he must build a crew and a reputation, which he does by picking fights with other pirates, the Marines, and the World Government. Danger is just another word for adventure for Luffy, as he and the Straw Hats explore the high seas.

There isn’t a lot of anime better than One Piece, even with its bad pacing. The worldbuilding is one-of-a-kind and on its own tier of impressive, connecting thousands of episodes of islands, political discourse, lore, mystery, and plot twists. Not only that, but One Piece evokes more emotion than any other show, and with it still hitting its stride, it is clear this anime is better than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014)

As previously mentioned, some of the greatest fantasy anime don’t offer a typical high fantasy narrative, but something completely new, an example being Hunter x Hunter. Gon had always wanted to meet his dad, who left him at a young age, prompting the young boy to set out on an adventure. First needing to become a hunter, Gon wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, no matter what danger comes his way.

Hunter x Hunter and One Piece are similar in many ways, and not just because they are better than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. A lot of characters get arcs, and with so much growth and change, it is no wonder why it has the best character development in anime. With a unique and intricate power system that adds tense moments to an emotional story of characters, this anime is a true fantasy masterpiece.

Image via Bones Inc.

On the surface, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood may not feel like a fantasy anime, but it technically qualifies as one. After brothers Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo alchemical experiment, they set out on a quest to find the philosopher’s stone. However, all they uncover is a government conspiracy that threatens to swallow the world unless they do something to stop it.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has a little bit of everything, from action to comedy, drama, good animation, worldbuilding, mystery, well-written characters, plot twists, and character development. It is no stretch to say it is an anime with no flaws, which shouldn’t be taken lightly, because even Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End isn’t perfect. In the end, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a historic anime that is perfect from the riveting introduction to the satisfying conclusion.

Since 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has become the blueprint when it comes to crime procedurals on TV. With Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni as the leads, the series tackles episodic cases of crimes of a sexual nature, not shying away from the gravity of the crimes, or the foul motivations of the culprits. But while the series has been praised now for 27 seasons, a new BBC series has been giving the series a run for its money.

First released March 27, 2023, Blue Lights is a crime procedural that depicts the realities of being a police officer so vividly and realistically, that it’s even been compared to HBO’s The Pitt, but for cops instead of ER doctors. The series, which released its third season in the fall of 2025, is already renewed for a fourth installment, and has been getting better season after season.

What Is ‘Blue Lights’ About?

Created by Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson and Stephen Wright, Blue Lights is an action-packed series set in the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The show focuses on three very different new recruits of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Grace (Sian Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy (Nathan Braniff), as they try to survive the final weeks of their probation period while working the city’s most difficult frontline calls. From the jump, the inexperienced rookies become involved in intense drama involving drug gangs, loyalist and republican paramilitary networks, undercover operations, and community tensions.

In the third season of the show, which takes off two years into the trio’s work as officers, it has them as more seasoned officers, facing their biggest challenges to date. “Their work will take them into a sinister world hidden behind the veneer of middle-class life, the world of the accountants and lawyers who facilitate organized crime,” the synopsis reads. “The old political and criminal order has gone and a new global gang rule Belfast, bringing danger closer to home for our officers than ever before.” In addition to the main trio, Blue Lights also stars Martin McCann, Andi Osho, Joanne Crawford, Frankie McCafferty and Abigail McGibbon.

‘Blue Lights’ Is Much More Than a Classic Procedural

While the premise of Blue Lights alone might suggest a straightforward procedural, the series is anything but. While the individual cases still matter, the series earns its charm by focusing on the rookie officers and the way in which the job and its in-built danger and stress can affect and shape them each day. Therefore, while initially built like a procedural, the series itself feels more like prestige TV, building itself around complicated character arcs, real consequences, and moral pressure instead of case-of-the-week comfort. That’s especially the case with the inexperienced cops who, just like the viewer, are learning in real-time how dangerous and morally messy the job is. To do so, the series takes viewers into the high-paced life of an officer, delivering a pressure-cooker appeal like The Pitt or The Bear but, this time around, focusing on police officers.

Since its release, Blue Lights has been adored by fans and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has only gone up in critical ratings, reaching an impressive 91% in Season 1 and soaring to a flawless 100% in Season 3. In a review from The Guardian, the British outlet highlighted the series’ ambitious and unflinching view of the police force, all while delivering compelling, morally complex female characters. “Female characters steal the show, lending it depth and emotional potency – an impressive feat from an all-male writing team,” the review states. Overall, the outlet confidently named the series “one of the best shows on TV.”

Therefore, while Blue Lights has yet to receive worldwide attention, the series is proving to be a major force to be reckoned with. Delivering an unrelenting view of officers on duty, especially given turbulent, gritty Belfast as the setting, the series builds a tense, emotionally grounded portrait of what it costs to serve a community where every call carries history. The series is a resounding hidden gem, and an already-renewed fourth season makes it the perfect show to binge.

Travis Kelce‘s wedding to Taylor Swift has finally come and gone, but drama seems to be brewing over the NFL star’s guest list.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end is said to be at the center of a heated debate in group chats for his teammates over his thought process when it came to who he chose to invite to his nuptials.

This comes after it was revealed that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have no plans to turn their wedding footage into a film or documentary, with a source noting that the couple wants to keep it “private.”

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Some of Kelce’s teammates and football colleagues are said to be upset over not getting invited to his intimate dinner event on Thursday, with some being shut out from the entire wedding with a complete snub.

On Monday, after the nuptials, ex-NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton expressed their dissatisfaction at the lack of an invite, with Lewan wondering if it was a “personal shot” fired by Kelce, and Compton admitting it left him “flabbergasted.”

Addressing the brewing drama, an anonymous Chiefs player told the Daily Mail that it has sparked heated locker room discourse, especially the decision to exclude kicker Harrison Butker, which has led to tense exchanges in team group chats.

Butker’s controversial history has long put him at odds with Kelce and his wife, Swift. During a 2024 commencement address, the devout Catholic kicker drew intense criticism for calling Pride Month a “deadly sin” and suggesting women should focus on being homemakers rather than pursuing careers.

Kelce, at the time, publicly disagreed with his teammate’s stance, and Swift supports the Democratic Party and has publicly opposed President Donald Trump.

Chiefs Upcoming Training Camp Is Expected To Be Awkward As There’s ‘A Lot Of Gossip Going On’ About The Wedding Snub

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Regarding Butker’s absence, the insider from the team acknowledged that Swift and Kelce ultimately decide who attends their special day, making the omission of the kicker understandable.

However, the move has seemingly divided the team, sparking a flurry of text messages from teammates who view it as a deliberate slight.

“The general idea was that there was a blanket invite for the team, but [every other player] received something individually,” the insider said, adding that “if Harrison had really wanted to come, he probably could have. But they’re not close, so… he wasn’t going to go, even if he had been invited.”

The source continued, “There’s now a lot of gossip going on. Training camp [for the new NFL season] starts in three weeks, and it’s going to be a whole thing. A lot of guys want it to be drama [between Butker and Kelce]. They just like that sh-t… a couple of the guys are being messy and texting Harrison to see what he thinks. We’re like a high school team sometimes.”

‘A Lot Of People’ In The Team ‘RSVP’d No,’ Chiefs Source Claims

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Another anonymous Chiefs player shared with the Daily Mail that there are a lot of Team group chats, and that players were careful not to send messages about Kelce’s wedding to groups he is a part of.

“I have chains that have Travis on them, and chains that don’t,” the alleged player said. “You always have to check to make sure you’re sending to the right chain. There have been times where you’ll talk sh-t about someone and then realize they are in the group, and have to laugh it off.”

He continued, “I think most of the texts about the wedding are probably being sent in the groups without Travis. I have one that has about eight of us, and before the wedding, it was like, ‘Who’s going?’ And everyone was saying where they were staying, or why they weren’t going.”

The source further noted that “probably less” than half of the team attended Kelce’s wedding, as a “lot of people RSVP’d no, not because of anything bad, but because of a conflict.”

According to the Chiefs player, he personally chose not to attend the wedding as he didn’t want to spend July 4th in New York and couldn’t bring his children along for the trip.

Travis Kelce’s Teammates Are Not Taking The Wedding Invite Drama Seriously, Source Claims: ‘It’s Nothing Disrespectful’

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Speaking again about the Butker snub, the first Chiefs player who spoke with the Daily Mail admitted that people on group chats were stunned by the move, with someone writing, “WTF?!,” after a news story was shared about the kicker not being invited.

The source, however, stressed that it’s mostly locker room banter, and no one is genuinely mad at Kelce about his wedding guest list.

“I don’t think anyone on the team wishes [Kelce] anything but good things,” the Chiefs players noted. “Everyone likes him. He’s a good teammate and a good friend. There’s locker room sh-t, but it’s nothing disrespectful.”

Despite the awkward invite drama, several of Kelce and Swift’s guests have spoken out, praising the duo’s wedding and wishing the couple nothing but love.

Grammy-winning producer Smittybeatz told Page Six of the event: “All I can say is that it was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple. I’m extremely happy for the both of them.”

“They turned the Garden into a garden of love and wonderment. It was timeless. Again, very happy for them both. They are soulmates for sure,” he added.

Jermski, a childhood friend of Kelce’s and former college football teammate, expressed similar sentiment, saying, “It was the most beautiful event I’ve ever been to in my life.”

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Have Their Sights Set On Somewhere With ‘So Much History’ For Their Honeymoon

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Meanwhile, with their nuptials over, Kelce and Swift are reportedly looking to enjoy some private time alone, and may already be eyeing a place with a lot of history.

A Star Magazine source shared that the couple wants to get far away, to somewhere they can lay low without any disturbance from the public, or even family and friends.

“They just don’t want anything getting leaked,” the source said. “They want to be able to enjoy this special time with total privacy.”

According to the insider, there are already “whispers” that Swift and Kelce will kick off their Honeymoon at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, an “ultra-private” luxury resort, with “so much history.”

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy reportedly honeymooned at the resort back in 1953, and if Swift and Kelce end up choosing to stay there, the source noted that they can “rent out the entire property,” which can cost around “$500K for a week.”

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 3.For two seasons, House of the Dragon has positioned Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) as the series’ main romantic dynamic. Within the taboo context of their House, they’re made for each other: cut from the same elemental cloth, and just contradictory enough to be complementary. Yet twin flames destined to burn together can either fuse into a strengthened inferno or overpower and extinguish their closest ally. After hungrily circling each other during Season 1’s first half, when Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) was young, D’Arcy and Smith’s intense chemistry suggests their characters enjoyed a happy marriage offscreen after getting married.

However, the combined pressures of war, traumatic grief, and unresolved animosities swiftly fracture that harmony, until Daemon and Rhaenyra spend Season 2 separated by an emotional chasm as vast as their physical distance. Now, in Season 3, House of the Dragon gives us the payoff the Black Queen and her King Consort deserve as two halves of a unified whole.

Daemon’s Actions Back Up His Vow in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3

Rhaenyra grapples with her lingering insecurities throughout Season 2, but it’s Daemon who must be forced into a corner and psychologically shattered before he can reconcile with the vicious consequences of his impulsivity, let alone his major Achilles’ heel — how deeply he both resents his family’s judgment and craves their respect. Armed with stakes far bigger than a wounded ego or a guilty conscience, Season 3’s opening three episodes see Daemon putting his vow to serve Rhaenyra into practice.

No longer does he undermine her claim by accident or intent. With unquestionable commitment and absolute focus, he wholly supports Rhaenyra as her right hand, her loyal defender, and her obedient subject. He provides her with everything she requires — a sworn-sword, a brief laugh, a warm embrace when grief keeps her from sleeping in her father’s bedchambers — for no desire of his own, save ensuring her birthright. Daemon willingly walks in the length of her shadow, spurs her from staggering grief into decisive action, and is amply prepared to protect her until his death. And while an unconventional diplomat at best, he comprehends the political optics and hands over Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) execution — a kill the earlier Daemon would’ve seized with relish. In a rigged misogynistic game that no powerful woman can easily (if ever) win, Daemon becomes his wife’s Queenmaker.

Now, they’ll certainly continue to disagree on tactics. Their debate in Episode 3, with Rhaenyra advocating for securing King’s Landing while Daemon’s underlying predisposition for Targaryen supremacy gives him conquest eyeballs bigger than their dragons’ stomachs, proves as much. Nevertheless, they literally and figuratively move as a synchronized unit. They confer and confide, rely on and admire, make fair concessions and stand their ground with ferocious conviction. Daemon provides a stabilizing anchor and a warrior’s ruthless, countering perspective to Rhaenyra’s kinder ideals. The latter can’t survive in Westeros, no matter how much Rhaenyra resists the assertion that ruling means rescinding some of her fundamental values.

Rhaenyra and Daemon Are Their Most Unified in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3

Of course, it’s unlikely the reunited Targaryen power couple and their ascension into their healthiest, strongest, and most towering moment in the sun will last for long. Even if they avoid collapsing into direct conflict, House of the Dragon remains an inevitable tragedy. Too many forces conspire against them: Rhaenyra’s cumulative anguish, Ormund Hightower’s (James Norton) deception, tossing accelerant onto her volcanic wrath, the truth about Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) and Sheepstealer awaiting Daemon in the Vale. If Rhaenyra develops a degree of paranoia, justified or not, then Daemon may realize that protecting his daughter runs counter to carrying out his queen’s cries for vengeance. For now, at least, they’re aligned and blazing — stronger partners than ever before.

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House of the Dragon

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Release Date

August 21, 2022

Network

HBO

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Showrunner

George R.R. Martin

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Directors

Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel

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• 
• 

  Fabien Frankel

  Ser Criston Cole

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Olivia Wilde’s street style has always been unparalleled, and it’s evolved with her through every era of her life. No matter what trend she’s embodying, though — whether it be boho, quiet luxury or casual model-off-duty vibes — she always seems to be sporting one specific pair of penny loafers.

Most recently, Wilde was spotted running errands in New York wearing the comfortable and stylish Reformation Ani Ruched Penny Loafers. The shoes complemented her oversized white trousers and plain black tee — and the overall look is extremely replicable, especially since the exact shoes are available at Nordstrom.

Get the Reformation Ani Ruched Penny Loafers for $278 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Penny loafers first became popular in the 1950s for their casual yet polished appearance, and they’ve remained a classic wardrobe staple ever since. Beyond their timelessness, the right pair can last you literal decades. This style from Reformation certainly has potential, and they’re totally worth the splurge.

Related: Olivia Wilde’s Relaxed White Pants Are Summer’s Coolest Jean Swap

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Jeans will always have their place, but Olivia Wilde just reminded Us there’s a much cooler option for summer. Her latest street style look proves that relaxed white pants can feel just as versatile while keeping you far more comfortable on hot, sticky days. Equal parts effortless and elevated, they’re the kind of staple you’ll […]

The leather construction is as classic as it gets, while the addition of ruched front seaming modernizes the overall shoe. That detail, paired with the soft, supple leather exterior, makes this a no-brainer add to your closet. But it takes more than looks for a shoe to become something you continuously wear. Luckily, shoppers say these are incredibly comfortable too.

“I have been looking for some classic loafers and tried them all, but they’re always stiff and require too much breaking in for my taste,” one Nordstrom shopper writes. “These were perfect right out of the box, and I’ve since worn them nonstop.” Loafers are notoriously difficult to break in, so these seem to be a total unicorn in the footwear world.

The Reformation Ani Ruched Penny Loafers have everything going for them — the effortless, lasting style; soft broken-in leather; ready-to-wear comfort; modern flair. It’s no wonder they’re Wilde’s favorite. They could be yours too. Shop at Nordstrom today!

Get the Reformation Ani Ruched Penny Loafers for $278 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Reformation here and more penny loafers here! 

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Related: Olivia Wilde Styled Her Oversized Suit With These Sporty Sneakers

Olivia Wilde just made a strong case for skipping heels altogether. While oversized suiting is often paired with pumps or strappy sandals, the actress recently took a more practical route, styling her relaxed black suit with sporty retro sneakers instead. The best part? You can recreate the look with this $27 version on Amazon. On […]

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