For fans of science fiction, Apple TV has become a go-to television destination. Whether it’s the corporate dystopia of Severance, the far-future space opera of Foundation, the speculative post-apocalypse of Pluribus, or the towering kaiju of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, every beloved niche genre is represented. There’s something for everyone, but it can often take years to get the next installment and, even then, it’s a long seven days between episodes. Silo, one of the best sci-fi offerings on the platform – and one of the best shows on TV right now, period – returned for a third season on July 3, and it’s already clear the signature cliffhangers will leave us wanting more all summer.

Instead of speculating about what might happen next week, the time between summer Fridays presents the perfect opportunity to explore the worlds of other science fiction book series that, much like Silo’s source material, Hugh Howey’s New York Times bestselling Wool trilogy, are worth getting lost in for a while. From rogue AI hijacking robots and starting a war with humanity to interspecies space colonization to an alternate present in which a country has completely fallen off the map, in the same way Apple TV’s wide-ranging offerings entice every type of viewer, literary sci-fi continually pushes the boundaries of imagination to create new extensions of our reality that appeal to every type of reader. Pulled from across the genre, these are some of the very best book series sci-fi has to offer, and the worlds that unfold within their pages are guaranteed to keep you entertained all season long.

1

‘Children of Time’

By Adrian Tchaikovsky

Images via Hachette Book Group

There are two parallel narratives at the heart of Children of Time that unfold over generations, both born out of one brilliant, narcissistic scientist’s plan to terraform a distant exoplanet and accelerate the evolution of non-human life. One tracks the human survivors who attempt to resettle on the exoplanet after the fallout of an ideological war over the ethics of the scientist’s actions renders the Earth uninhabitable, the other focuses on a species of jumping spider that was unintentionally infected by the scientist’s genetic virus, and how the species evolves over thousands of years into a highly intelligent race that populates the exoplanet with an entire civilization of its own.

The post-apocalyptic humans naturally didn’t expect to find a super-spider society on the planet they intended to call home, and when the narratives collide, chaos ensues. But once the dust settles, it becomes clear that the scientist – who was forced to merge with her ship’s AI to survive – wasn’t the only one responsible for the terraforming, and that humanity’s schadenfreude extends further into space than anyone could’ve imagined. The resulting four-book hard sci-fi journey showcases the importance of unity for survival, and how the power of communication, empathy, and understanding can bring together even the most radically different individuals when given enough time.

2

‘Scattered All Over the Earth’

By Yoko Tawada

Images via New Directions Publishing

Books are very rarely described as “cheerfully dystopian” by their publisher, but there’s truly no better phrase to use when talking about the Scattered All Over the Earth trilogy. Set in a near-future in which the climate crisis has caused Japan to disappear, a refugee in Denmark searching for others from her missing country creates a new language, Panska, to communicate with the pan-Scandinavian people she encounters. Drawn to her by language and bonded through friendship, she creates an ever-widening multinational band of companions who join her on her hunt as it expands throughout Europe and beyond.

The three books are built on a first-person narrative structure, with each chapter featuring the perspective of a different member of the group or a person adjacent to them. By rotating through unique characters and giving each a rich backstory, the underlying quest ultimately becomes less about finding other refugees from “the land of sushi” – as it’s exclusively called – and restoring the past, and more about building a new, resilient community around the belonging they’ve built on their shared love of language. Few people could take two of the most harrowing topics, the climate and refugee crises, and build a story around them that feels optimistic in the way that Yoko Tawada does; Scattered All Over the Earth is so utterly original, lovable, and unforgettable you’ll be thinking about it for months to come.

3

‘Wanderers’

By Chuck Wendig

Images via Penguin Random House

Though Wanderers is only two books, Chuck Wendig‘s masterpiece duology is well over 1,600 pages – and it’s one of the most vivid sociopolitical renderings of an apocalyptic America ever written. It starts with a group of people who become gripped by a sleepwalking epidemic; they won’t wake up, they won’t respond, and as more and more people amass into a flock and their loved ones join as shepherds, it becomes clear they’re intent on reaching an unknown destination. As the narrative expands, it becomes clear just how many things have simultaneously fractured across the country: a different pandemic threatens to extinguish human life, an extremist group is rapidly expanding, and a predictive AI may be the most powerful figure of all.

The first book tracks the apocalypse, and without giving too much away, the second tells the story of what happens after. Much like Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven, the collapse is narrated from the third-person shifting perspective of people experiencing the events in real time, often as pilgrims, and their stories tackle survival, trauma, and loss. It’s a journey through every worst-case scenario in our modern lives where survival is predicated on the strength of the human spirit, and it leaves you breathless by the time you reach the final page.

4

‘Noumena’

By Lindsay Ellis

Images via Macmillan Publishers

First contact is a foundational pillar of science fiction, and alternate histories are a core subgenre – but combining the two is very rarely done, as it’s incredibly difficult to merge the imaginary nature of alien life we haven’t encountered yet with plausible real-world geopolitical stakes. That’s what makes the Noumena series so extraordinary; Axiom’s End takes the lofty ideal of first contact and drops it into ordinary 2007 American life by presenting it as a cover-up by the sitting presidential administration, which pans out exactly the way it would have in that year, down to the last cultural detail. By covering all the bases of plausibility in the first book, Lindsay Ellis sets the stage to examine all the larger implications of extraterrestrial life on Earth with stunning authority.

The latter books explore the definitions of citizenship, the very real possibility of backlash, threats posed by a common enemy, and the role of media and celebrity in influencing our everyday lives. But while the events of each book feel plausible – probable, even – communication between human and non-human species is conducted through a transfer of emotions, which layers in a deeply relatable sentimentality as the bond between the two grows closer and the series progresses. It’s an exploration of what humanity really means in the context of life beyond what we know, yet it’s grounded in a strikingly similar world to the one we live in.

5

‘Remembrance of Earth’s Past’

By Cixin Liu

Images via Tor Publishing Group

Before 3 Body Problem became a big-budget hit on Netflix, Remembrance of Earth’s Past was a global phenomenon in print. The trilogy begins during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, when a disillusioned astrophysicist discovers a way to broadcast a message into space using the sun as an amplifier. Eight years later, she receives a response from the planet Trisolaris saying not to contact them again or Earth will be invaded, as their system will soon be destroyed by its three chaotic suns – the classical three-body problem of physics – and her response is, more or less, bring it.

A half century later, a string of high-profile scientists commit suicide, which causes shocking facts to be uncovered. The Trisolarians are 50 years into their 450-year journey to Earth; Trisolarian microcomputers have been spying on humanity and stunting the planet’s scientific development to ensure dominance; and the organization the astrophysicist founded to help them has been split into factions that either want them destroyed or have been recruiting sympathizers for decades. Humanity is forced to reckon with itself and try every solution to stop the Trisolarians before it’s too late – and over an 18-million-year timeline spanning three books, the conflict unfolds in ways you would never imagine.

6

‘The Water City Trilogy’

By Chris McKinney

Images via Penguin Random House

Noir is one of the greatest subgenres ever, but it’s exceptionally great when it’s sci-fi noir. The Water City Trilogy is a perfect three-book noir-tinged plunge into a future climate dystopia where megacities are built underwater, the planet is recovering from a near-miss with an asteroid, and the woman who eliminated the threat is being hailed as the second coming. When she’s brutally murdered, her former head of security – a nameless synesthetic who’s now a detective on the police force – begins an investigation that pulls him into a set of events that spans decades, takes him from the bottom of the ocean to the moon, and puts everything he loves in jeopardy.

It starts with a comforting detective procedural vibe, which remains a steady but less-present force as the stakes grow higher over the course of the series. As things tilt towards full-on post-apocalypse, it’s hard not to be drawn to the nameless noir shadow who’s constantly fighting for justice in a world where nothing is clear, and everything has consequences. And there’s absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the thrilling twist that leads to the page-turner insanity that is the final book, Sunset, Water City.

7

‘Robopocalypse’

By Daniel H. Wilson

Images via Penguin Random House

I’ve read more than my fair share of robot-based science fiction, and absolutely nothing compares to the brilliance of Robopocalypse and its sequel, Robogenesis, which have held a spot in my top five for well over a decade. Much like its contemporary, World War Z by Max Brooks, the first book is an oral history of the war between humans and robots from zero hour onward, cobbled together from transcripts, interviews, testimonies, and logs by a human soldier who survived. What starts as a pretty clear-cut case of man versus machine is soon revealed to be AI using a virus to hijack machines, and as the story unfolds, the “Freeborn” robots who manage to break away from their hivemind begin to join the humans in their fight.

The second book features just as many characters and still serves as a record of war, but uses third-person chapters to pick up right after the war has ended – or so they thought, as the human, robot, and hybrid alliance quickly find themselves up against a much more dangerous threat. Former robotics engineer Daniel H. Wilson masterfully delivers a two-part crash course on what could actually happen if AI tries to take control in the most realistic way possible, and delivers a tale of human resiliency at its finest. And one day, it’ll eventually find its way to the big screen where it belongs.

8

‘Southern Reach Series’

By Jeff VanderMeer

Images via Macmillan Publishers

It is incredibly difficult to describe the groundbreaking, awe-inspiring, utterly bizarre cosmic horror world of the Southern Reach Series. Loosely, the original trilogy focuses on Area X, a coastal region being consumed by an alien presence and plagued by inexplicable phenomena, and Southern Reach, the secret agency that manages expedition teams – consisting of a biologist, anthropologist, psychologist, and surveyor – to the rapidly expanding area. The first book – Annihilation, which was adapted into a movie starring Natalie Portman that has recently found a second life with fans – depicts an expedition, the second book documents the collapse of Southern Reach, and the third book ties all the narratives together and tracks a final mission to the area.

From the start, everything about this series has been different. Jeff VanderMeer‘s editor rewrote the rules of publishing in 2014 by rapidly releasing the original trilogy in eight months; then, a decade later, the trilogy became a series with the publication of a surprise fourth book, a prequel that fills in some of the missing backstory, and a fifth release was announced for 2027. The lack of a real plot summary here isn’t because the books aren’t amazing – they unquestionably are – but because the series is best experienced with an open mind to start and a willingness to spend hours on Reddit once you’re done.

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Release Date

May 5, 2023

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Apple TV

Showrunner

Graham Yost

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Directors

Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino

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Writers

Graham Yost, Hugh Howey, Jeffery Wang, Lekethia Dalcoe

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As all fans of Westerns know, the best place to find them in recent years has been Paramount+, the current streaming home of Taylor Sheridan‘s shows, both in the Yellowstone universe and beyond. Last fall, however, Sheridan signed a deal with NBCUniversal, which will take effect after his television partnership with Paramount ends in 2028. With Sheridan set to move on and Paramount+ set to lose its most prolific creator, it would be wise for the streamer to start acquiring other Westerns in the meantime.

One novel that would make the perfect TV show is House of Leaves author Mark Z. Danielewski‘s 2025 neo-Western horror epic, Tom’s Crossing. While Danielewski has previously expressed hesitation about the possibility of his book ever being adapted, “because it’s more vivid than anything you could put onscreen,” he clarified that the right creative team might be able to pull it off. Tom’s Crossing would make a phenomenal television series in the right hands, and it would be smart for Paramount+ to kick off a new, post-Sheridan Western lineup with an adaptation of such a great work.

What Is ‘Tom’s Crossing’ About?

Tom’s Crossing jumps around through time to tell the story of several days in 1982 that change everything for a small town. It all starts when a teenage boy named Kalin March moves to Orvop, Utah, with his mother. Kalin is an outcast who gets picked on for being different, but he has a way with horses that nobody else does, and soon befriends a universally liked classmate named Tom Gatestone.

Tom and Kalin make a habit of sneaking onto the ranch of the Gatestones’ rivals, the Porches, to ride two of the family’s neglected horses. The horses (named Navidad and Mouse by the boys) aren’t important to the family patriarch, Old Porch, and will eventually be put up for slaughter, anyway. Tom and Kalin’s friendship is cut short, though, when Tom is diagnosed with terminal cancer. On his deathbed, Tom makes Kalin promise that as soon as Navidad and Mouse are put up for slaughter, he will steal them and set them free through Isatch Canyon.

As soon as Navidad and Mouse are moved to the paddock designated for slaughter, Kalin honors his word, stealing them and taking them into the canyon for what is supposed to be an impossible journey, hoping to lead the horses to an idyllic crossing where they will finally be free. Kalin is soon accompanied on his journey by two surprising individuals — first by Tom’s little sister, Landry, who wants to help, and then by his classmate, Russel Porch, who wants to prove himself to his family by getting the horses back.

When unspeakable tragedy strikes, a bounty is quickly put out on Kalin and Landry, with the very powerful Porch family vowing not to rest until both are dead. The teens have to race through the dangerous canyon, determined to do what it takes to save the horses, while trying to stay one step ahead of the Porches. Meanwhile, Kalin starts to see Tom’s ghost and is unsure what it means.

‘Tom’s Crossing’ Would Make a Phenomenal TV Series If Adapted Correctly

Image via Pantheon

While Tom’s Crossing primarily focuses on the events of Kalin and Landry’s quest through Isatch Canyon, the book weaves in the perspectives of various townspeople who either witnessed or heard about core events, and its narrator carefully pieces together all of these details to depict the impact of the story and its lasting legacy. The Porches’ vendetta against Kalin and Landry is primarily what makes Tom’s Crossing a captivating Western, with Old Porch the epitome of a classic villain who will do anything to maintain his power. Horror elements emerge the further that Kalin and Landry venture into the canyon, but the story remains grounded in the central characters’ desire to honor Tom’s dying wish.

As Paramount+ prepares to say goodbye to Taylor Sheridan, an adaptation of Tom’s Crossing would make a great replacement. It’s a deeply suspenseful and emotional story that follows an overarching battle between good and evil, as well as a straightforward coming-of-age tale about honoring the memory of a close friend. Danielewski is right that Tom’s Crossing would be difficult to faithfully adapt, but if done carefully and accurately, it would be perfect for television.

90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way alum Armando Niedermeier-Rubio shared a positive update on his 13-year-old daughter Hannah’s health following her hospitalization.

“She’s improving every day, doing amazing and getting back to her old self slowly but surely,” Niedermeier-Rubio revealed via Instagram on Saturday, July 18. “Although we still have so many unanswered questions as to the cause of her medical emergency and still seeing how she progresses.”

Hannah was hospitalized in Arizona earlier this week after being airlifted from her home in Mexico due to rapidly declining health. Doctors determined that Hannah had blood on brain after she experienced a loss of strength in half of her body as well as facial drooping.

The 13-year-old was accompanied by her grandmother and aunt to Arizona since they are legal residents of the U.S., per the 90 Day star. Armando’s husband, Kenny Niedermeier, joined Hannah at her bedside as he’d been visiting Ohio.

However, Armando was initially turned away at the Mexico-U.S. border until multiple lawmakers intervened to secure him an emergency visa.

In Saturday’s Instagram post, Armando thanked two Arizona politicians, Democrats Rep. Adelita Grijalva and Sen. Mark Kelly, for helping to get permission for him to reunite Hannah at her bedside in Arizona.

“Family, we did it, you did it, I made it to my baby girl! 😭❤️‍🩹 After campaigning by us, our attorney @kelseyzubkoff and YOU, our amazing supporters for contacting, tagging and using your social media voices to give us national attention & exposure that was needed,” he proudly shared via Instagram. “With that came special attention and thanks to congresswoman @repgrijalva Adelita Grijalva (D) of Arizona who reached out to us to help as she facilitated and advocated for me getting approved & into the states on an emergency humanitarian visa with the help and supporting letters from lawmakers in Arizona including Arizona Senator @senmarkkelly Mark Kelly (D).”

Armando continued, “We are very thankful for the amazing Customs & Border Patrol Officers in Arizona who ultimately approved and signed of[f] on my visa & granted me entry into the United States. Truly speechless at all the love & support for making a moment I doubted would happen, happen! Still in disbelief.”

Alongside an emotional video clip of him hugging Hannah, Armando said his daughter’s medical team thinks their reunion helped in her recovery.

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“The medics have even expressed my presence with Hannah is already showing improvements in her which have excelled in the last hours 🥹❤️‍🩹 Special love for @kenneth_90day my husband who has been nothing short of a stand up husband, father & human, stepping up in my absence,” he wrote. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all ❤️ Cannot express what my heart feels for all of you.”

Related: ’90 Day Fiance’ Couples Status Check: Who Is Still Together?

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90 Day Fiancé has been captivating audiences since its premiere in 2014 — and has more success stories than viewers might think. The TLC reality series follows hopeful couples who have applied for or received their K-1 visas and must get married within 90 days in order to stay in the United States. Thank You! […]

90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way originally introduced Armando in 2019 when future husband Kenny moved from Florida to live with him in Mexico. The couple tied the knot in 2021.

Kenny has four grown children — Bricen and triplets Madison, Cassidy and Taylor — from a previous relationship. Hannah was born during Armando’s marriage to his late wife.

Fantasy movies and TV shows are great, but the genre truly thrives in video games. The real fun comes in when players actually get to step into expansive worlds and fight off mythical beasts themselves. That level of immersion really is the key to the genre’s success, and the reason why video games have produced some of the greatest fantasy stories over the years.

Of course, everyone knows the big players like World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls, and The Witcher 3. However, there are plenty of overlooked fantasy video games that failed to garner the attention they truly deserve. This is a list of six such perfect fantasy titles that somehow slipped through the cracks, but are absolutely worth rediscovering today.

1

‘Arx Fatalis’ (2002)

Image via Windows/ JoWooD Productions

Arx Fatalis is one of the most underrated fantasy RPGs. The game, developed by Arkane Studios before Dishonored and Prey, takes place in a world where the sun has mysteriously disappeared. This forces humanity and every other race to abandon the surface and build a sprawling underground kingdom known as Arx. However, this uneasy coexistence among humans, goblins, trolls, dwarves, and snake women won’t last long. The game begins with the player waking up inside a goblin prison with no memory of who they are, and after escaping, they begin piecing together their forgotten past. That journey slowly expands into a bigger conflict as an ancient force known as Akbaa threatens to emerge and destroy the underground world.

Arx Fatalis stays true to the rules of its genre and gives its players freedom. Every obstacle in the gameplay can be approached in multiple ways, thanks to Arx Fatalis’s brilliant rune-based magic system, where spells are cast by drawing combinations of magical symbols instead of simply selecting them from a menu. All of this feels remarkably interactive for a game released in 2002. Players can take a break from the central conflict to bake bread, fish for food, and solve plenty of side quests rather than following a single, predictable path. This makes for an immersive, rewarding experience that players can’t help but keep coming back to.

2

‘Dark Messiah of Might and Magic’ (2006)

Image via Ubisoft

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic deserves to be mentioned alongside the genre’s biggest first-person fantasy classics, and it’s a shame that it isn’t. The game, developed by Arkane Studios, follows a young warrior and apprentice to the wizard Phenrig Sareth, as he is sent to the city of Stonehelm to recover the legendary Skull of Shadows. The retrieval mission isn’t as simple as it seems, though, because soon enough, Phenrig embarks on a continent-spanning adventure involving necromancers, orc armies, ancient prophecies, and a growing demonic influence. Along the way, the protagonist discovers that he is far more connected to the conflict than he ever imagined and is forced to choose between embracing the darkness within him or fighting to prevent it from consuming the world.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic really shines in its combat, which still feels pretty modern almost two decades later. The game constantly rewards creativity and encourages players to think out of the box rather than just trade blows with enemies. Players actually have the freedom to develop Sareth as a warrior, rogue, or mage, with each approach offering a completely different way to tackle encounters. Few fantasy games make every fight feel this dynamic, and that’s exactly why Dark Messiah of Might and Magic needs way more appreciation than it gets.

3

‘Folklore’ (2007)

Image via Sony Computer Entertainment

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Folklore is a PlayStation 3 exclusive that has to be on everyone’s radar. The fantasy action RPG follows two strangers who are mysteriously drawn to the quiet Irish village of Doolin. There’s Ellen, a young woman searching for the truth about her late mother, and Keats, a journalist who investigates paranormal phenomena. After arriving, the pair discover that the village serves as a gateway to the Netherworld, a mystical realm inhabited by spirits and creatures from Celtic folklore. Ellen and Keats travel between the two worlds as they investigate murders and speak with the dead. However, this adventure leads them to a mystery that might just define the fate of both the living and the dead.

Now, the clever part of the game is that each protagonist experiences different sides of the same story, which means the full picture only comes into focus once both campaigns are complete. This helps Folklore feel more exciting than any other typical RPG fantasy game. Folklore makes brilliant use of its Celtic mythology to create a Netherworld that feels mysterious, melancholic, and unlike anything else in the genre. It also lets players build a growing arsenal of supernatural abilities that can be mixed and matched in combat. The game creates an imaginative world that draws people in and immerses them in this rich fantasy until the very end.

4

‘Black Book’ (2020)

Image via HypeTrain Digital

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Black Book is a truly unique fantasy game that draws from Slavic myths, rural superstitions, and centuries-old folklore to create one of the genre’s most distinctive worlds. The game is set in 19th-century rural Russia and follows Vasilisa, a young woman who abandons a normal life to become a witch after her fiancé dies. Now, Vasilisa believes that the legendary Black Book has the power to grant any wish, so she sets out to break its seven seals and bring him back to life. Her journey takes her across haunted forests and isolated villages, where she helps ordinary people plagued by curses, bargains with demons known as chorts, and slowly uncovers the dangerous price of tampering with forces beyond human understanding.

Black Book meticulously weaves its cultural mythology into every aspect of the game. Even the comeback revolves around an addictive deck-building system where players combine spells and demonic abilities, while the choices they make throughout the story shape Vasilisa’s relationships and ultimately her fate. Every quest in Black Book feels rooted in something real rather than relying on familiar fantasy tropes. The game builds an unforgettable world from stories that many players will never have experienced before, and that alone makes it one of the greats.

5

‘Drakan: Order of the Flame’ (1999)

Image via Psygnosis/ Surreal Software

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Drakan: Order of the Flame delivered one of the greatest dragon-riding fantasies in gaming years before everyone else started doing it. The action-adventure game follows young warrior Rynn, whose peaceful village is destroyed by the evil sorcerer Navaros and his army of Wartoks. After her younger brother Delon is kidnapped, Rynn sets out on a rescue mission that leads her to the legendary dragon Arokh, the last surviving member of an ancient order of dragon riders. The two are bound together by a magical ritual and travel across the kingdom battling orcs, undead creatures, and powerful sorcerers, only to discover that what happened to Delon is part of a much larger plan to resurrect an ancient evil.

Through all this chaos, the dynamic between Rynn and Arokh remains the most compelling part of the game. Drakan: Order of the Flame constantly switches between grounded sword-and-shield combat inside sprawling dungeons and grand aerial battles where players soar across massive landscapes, breathing fire on enemy armies and rival dragons. However, this blend of exploration, dragon flight, and action feels absolutely seamless in a way that even most modern games have failed to achieve. That probably explains why the game has such a cult following despite not being the most mainstream title out there.

6

‘Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom’ (2010)

Image via Namco Bandai Games

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is a positively charming game that one just can’t get enough of. The story is set in a once-prosperous kingdom consumed by a mysterious Darkness and follows a young thief named Tepeu, who discovers and frees the legendary Majin Teotl, a mythical beast believed to be the only one capable of restoring the land. Together, the unlikely pair set out to defeat the four Dark Generals, reclaim the Majin’s lost powers, and stop the Darkness before it completely consumes the kingdom. Along the way, Tepeu and Teotl explore forgotten ruins, solve ancient puzzles, and gradually uncover the tragic history of this world that has been decaying for years.

The heart of the game is the friendship between Tepeu and the gentle giant Teotl, whose growing bond is reflected in both the story and the gameplay. The two work together to solve environmental puzzles, unlock new elemental abilities, and combine their strengths to overcome obstacles neither could face alone. It may not be the most intense game on this list, but that’s exactly what makes it so refreshing. Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom proves that a heartfelt adventure built around friendship can be just as memorable as one built around nonstop action.

Years after “Game of Thrones” aired its infamous Walk of Shame sequence, Lena Headey is setting the record straight about why she chose not to film the scene fully nude. The actress says the decision triggered an unexpectedly fierce reaction from fans, leaving her surprised by the level of criticism.

Headey has also condemned Hollywood’s long-standing culture of shielding powerful “predatory men,” saying the #MeToo movement exposed an industry-wide problem.

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Lena Headey is looking back on the backlash that followed her decision not to film her character’s infamous Walk of Shame scene in “Game of Thrones” nude.

The Emmy-nominated actress revealed she was blindsided by the criticism from fans who accused her of misleading viewers after it emerged that a body double, Rebecca Van Cleave, and CGI were used for the Season 5 sequence.

“I was really shocked by the anger, by this idea that I’d duped the audience,” Headey said in an interview with The Telegraph.

She explained that by then, the HBO phenomenon had become so massive that filming the emotionally grueling scene naked in front of roughly 3,000 extras would have left her feeling “full-on defensive” instead of fully immersed in her character’s vulnerability.

How HBO Filmed Cersei’s Walk Of Shame

Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Shame remains one of the iconic show’s most unforgettable scenes, but bringing it to life was no small feat.

The sequence was filmed over three days in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and unfolded before roughly 3,000 extras as Van Cleave performed the nude portions. HBO later digitally composited Headey’s face onto her body.

The performer later described the experience as both “scariest” and “most gratifying” of her career, crediting Headey for helping guide the emotional performance throughout filming.

On her part, Headey has consistently maintained that using a body double wasn’t about avoiding nudity but about protecting Cersei’s emotional arc. Despite criticism from some viewers who questioned her commitment, the actress insisted the choice ultimately served the story.

Lena Headey Slams Hollywood For Protecting ‘Predatory Men’

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Hollywood still has a long way to go in holding powerful men accountable, according to Headey.

Reflecting on her own experiences in the industry, the “GoT” star criticized what she labeled the “weird protection” afforded to predatory men. She argued that vulnerable actresses have too often been forced to tolerate inappropriate behavior simply to keep working.

Headey, who herself accused disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment in 2017, said the industry’s power imbalance had allowed individuals to “get away with it” for years before the #MeToo movement exposed how widespread the problem had become. 

While she admitted those experiences still make her “very angry,” Headey believes the landscape is slowly changing, praising younger actresses for being more willing to reject unsafe or uncomfortable situations outright rather than feeling pressured to comply.

Headey Says Early Hollywood Sex Scenes Left Her In Tears

Before finding the confidence to advocate for herself, Headey says she often left film sets questioning experiences that made her uncomfortable.

Reflecting on the early years of her career, the actress recalled how young women were routinely expected to film kissing, sex, and topless scenes as part of playing the “ingenue.”

Headey added she rarely challenged those expectations because she was simply grateful to be working. Instead, she said she would “go home and cry,” only later realizing those moments had crossed personal boundaries.

Looking back, Headey now views those experiences as a harsh reality many young actresses once faced in Hollywood.

Lena Headey Wasn’t The Only ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star To Speak Out

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Headey is not the only “Game of Thrones” alum who has later reflected on the challenges of filming the HBO fantasy drama’s intimate scenes. Emilia Clarke, who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen, revealed in a 2019 interview that she often felt overwhelmed by the show’s early nude scenes.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Clarke admitted she accepted them because she was new to the industry and believed they were simply expected of her. She also credited co-star Jason Momoa with helping her navigate those moments, recalling that he looked after her on set and pushed back when he felt she was being asked to do more than necessary.

“It’s only now that I realize how fortunate I was with that,” Clarke said. “Because Jason had experience; he was an experienced actor who had done a bunch of stuff before coming on to this.” The actress also revealed that after “GoT” made her famous, producers on other projects attempted to persuade her into additional nude scenes by claiming she wouldn’t want to disappoint fans of the series.

“Vanderpump Rules” alum Brittany Cartwright is finally speaking out after her estranged husband, Jax Taylor, was spotted getting cozy with their longtime, shared publicist.

Pictures of Taylor, 47, embracing Lori Krebs in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, hit the internet last week and riled up members of the Bravoverse.

While Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor are in the process of divorcing, Taylor’s headline-making moment with Krebs has put a spotlight squarely on the reality TV duo.

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Cartwright broke her silence on the matter while speaking with her “Valley” co-star, Zack Wickham, on an episode of her “When Reality Hits” podcast. During the conversation, Cartwright made a brief comment about the pictures, but vowed to share more down the road.

“All I’m going to say about this at this moment is I will be speaking my truth — the truth — on this matter very soon whenever I’m ready,” she said. “As of right now, I am focusing on me and the most important thing in my life, which is my beautiful son. And as of right now, I’m just trying to protect my son and my peace, and very soon I will be telling [my story].”

Jax Taylor Was Spotted With Krebs During A Birthday Getaway To Mexico In Early July 2026

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Cartwright’s comments come days after Taylor, known for his villainous ways on “Vanderpump Rules,” “The Valley,” and “House of Villains,” was seen getting awfully close with Krebs—his and Cartwright’s longtime publicist.

According to The Blast, pictures of them sharing a loving embrace in Hotel Mousai’s infinity pool were posted online, sparking much conversation. Other pictures showed them wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, and according to a witness, they gave everyone a show with much PDA.

A source claimed that Taylor was there with Krebs celebrating his early July birthday along with a much larger group of friends.

Brittany Cartwright Reportedly Thought Something Was Going On With Krebs And Jax Taylor ‘For Years’

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Although Cartwright seemed calm about the moment on her podcast, a source told Us Weekly that the reality star and mother of one made her quite upset and even “sick to her stomach.”

Cartwright, who married Taylor in June 2019, had reportedly been suspicious of Krebs and Taylor for years; however, she let her guard down because she believed Krebs had her best interests at heart. According to the insider, Cartwright heard the rumors about Taylor and Krebs, but she always dismissed them because she “trusted” Krebs. “They were very good friends and did not have a typical professional relationship,” the source added.

Regarding Taylor and Krebs’ surprising romance, the source added that the pair’s connection developed over the past several months as they grew closer to one another “through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.”

“What began as a longstanding friendship gradually evolved into a relationship. There was never a romantic relationship before that, despite years of speculation,” they added.

Taylor Was Accused Of Inappropriate Conduct With Female Staffers At His Bar

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This isn’t the first time that Taylor has been in the headlines for something negative. According to a previous report from The Blast, the Bravo reality star had previously been accused of engaging in inappropriate relationships with female staffers at his Los Angeles Bar, Jax’s Studio City.

A source at the time said that Taylor had reportedly used his position of power and outgoing personality to persuade female employees to connect with him, allegedly love bombing them with intimacy and other claims before tossing them to the side.

Other women who worked at the bar claimed that Taylor pursued them and used manipulative tactics, and that his behavior wasn’t isolated. Another employee alleged that Taylor was involved in relationships with “multiple” staffers.

“I thought I was the only one he slept with [from work],” she said “But after everything ended, I found out he told the same things and used the same tricks on a few of us.”

Taylor Is No Longer Employeed By Bravo

The ongoing drama between Taylor and Cartwright hasn’t been featured on Bravo this year due to Taylor’s firing from “The Valley” in 2025. Per The Blast, Taylor was reportedly asked to leave the show after displaying concerning patterns and behaviors that put himself and others at risk.

He released a statement, saying, “After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley.” Continuing, Taylor said his primary focus moving forward was on his sobriety and caring for his son, Cruz.

Controversial “manosphere” influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, have been arrested in Miami after the U.K. government filed rape and sex trafficking charges against the siblings.

“We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offenses including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and offenses relating to indecent images of a child,” Malcolm McHaffie, head of the U.K. Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), announced on Saturday, July 18. “These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven.”

The CPS confirmed multiple media reports that Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, were apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Miami on Saturday ahead of a scheduled bareknuckle boxing event they were expected to host.

The Associated Press reported that the Tates are due to appear in a federal court early next week to begin extradition proceedings to the U.K.

Per the Crown Prosecution Service, prosecutors chose to move forward with 21 previous charges in addition to fresh counts related to four additional alleged victims. These additional incidents allegedly occurred between July 2010 and August 2017 in London.

Right-wing conservative personality Andrew now faces “seven further counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” per the CPS. He has also been cited for 19 additional alleged offences involving indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.

His brother Tristan is facing additional charges for one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and that these defendants have the right to a fair trial,” McHaffie said on Saturday. “It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

McHaffie concluded, “The CPS has requested the extradition of the Tates from the US. They have been arrested and await extradition proceedings to the UK.”

Us Weekly has reached out to the Tates for comment.

On Saturday, their attorney Joseph McBride told The Associated Press that he’d yet to speak to his clients, but claimed he was confident that the criminal charges were alleged ​​“filth and slander.” He added that the Tates have denied any wrongdoing.

“They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure these guys never get their day in court,” McBride claimed. “We are confident that once a competent judge sees the facts, and once the Department of Justice confronts this egregious abuse of its own authority, Andrew and Tristan Tate will walk free. America does not do Britain’s political dirty work.”

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The Tate brothers — who hold dual U.S. and British citizenship — have been involved in previous international legal cases. An unrelated sex trafficking case in Romania ultimately folded under accusations of alleged legal and procedural improprieties.

Andrew rose to fame as a contestant on the U.K. version of Big Brother before carving out an online niche with the manosphere through content that has been widely criticized as sexist, racist, misogynist and offensive. Both Tates are vocal supporters of President Donald Trump.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Savannah Guthrie has left New York following a frightening security breach at NBC’s “TODAY” studio, but her departure was not a sudden escape from the network’s mounting drama.

The 54-year-old anchor was photographed at LaGuardia Airport with her husband, Michael Feldman, one day after an intruder allegedly bypassed security and confronted Craig Melvin near Studio 1A. Guthrie’s trip had already been scheduled as part of a planned break from “Today,” during which she will film NBC’s upcoming “Wordle” game show.

Still, insiders claim the timing of the incident was especially painful for Savannah Guthrie as her family continues searching for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

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Guthrie had reportedly left the studio shortly before 41-year-old Andrew Truelove allegedly entered a restricted area inside NBC’s Rockefeller Center headquarters on July 16. Although she did not encounter the intruder herself, sources told the Daily Mail that learning what happened moments after she walked off the set was “incredibly triggering.”

“The timing couldn’t have been more heartbreaking. How much more can one person take?” one insider claimed. “After everything Savannah has endured with her family, this happened just moments after she walked off the set. It hit everyone hard, but it hit differently for her.”

Another insider said simply knowing the alleged confrontation occurred at her workplace was enough to leave Guthrie shaken.

The ‘TODAY’ Intruder Was Reportedly Searching For Al Roker

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According to the Associated Press, Truelove allegedly entered an unauthorized area near Studio 1A before approaching Melvin. Prosecutors claim he had been looking for Al Roker and directed a racial slur at Melvin during the encounter. No one was injured, and NBC said the man was detained without a physical altercation.

Truelove has since been charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree menacing as hate crimes. He is being held on bail and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, according to PEOPLE Magazine. Temporary restraining orders were also granted to Melvin and Roker. Truelove is expected to return to court on July 22.

Melvin addressed the incident during Friday’s broadcast, assuring viewers that everyone involved was safe.

NBC Reportedly Tightens Security After The Breach

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The encounter has reportedly raised serious questions inside NBC about how Truelove managed to reach a restricted area so close to the “TODAY” studio. Sources told the Daily Mail that security measures were strengthened almost immediately, with one insider describing the building as “Fort Knox” following the breach.

Guests are reportedly being instructed to arrive at least an hour before their scheduled appearances because screenings are taking longer. They have also allegedly been asked to limit the number of people accompanying them inside the building. “If your name is not on the security list, you are not getting in,” a source claimed.

Guthrie’s personal protection has also reportedly been increased. NBC has not publicly detailed the specific security changes but confirmed that it is reviewing its protocols.

PEOPLE later reported that a security guard was fired following the incident. Sources told the outlet that Truelove allegedly entered an employee-only area by following someone with the required access.

Guthrie’s Break From ‘Today’ Was Already Planned

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While Guthrie’s airport appearance came shortly after the security breach, she had already announced that she would be stepping away from “TODAY” for several weeks.

The anchor is preparing to film an entire season of NBC’s upcoming “Wordle” game show, which is expected to premiere in 2027. The series is being produced in collaboration with Jimmy Fallon and The New York Times, the company that owns the popular word game.

“TODAY” confirmed Guthrie’s temporary departure through its official social media accounts, making it clear that the break is tied to the new project rather than Thursday’s incident. However, colleagues reportedly view the planned time away as an opportunity for Guthrie to gain some distance following an emotionally exhausting year.

“Everyone is relieved she’s taking the next few weeks off to film another project,” one insider told the Daily Mail. “She’ll get some distance from all of this while everyone back here catches their breath.”

Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Remains Missing

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The security scare comes as Guthrie continues to cope with the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who was last seen at her Arizona home on January 31.

Authorities believe Nancy was taken against her will after evidence suggested someone tampered with her doorbell camera. Her pacemaker monitoring application also reportedly disconnected from her home during the suspected abduction window.

Although several purported ransom messages have surfaced, Reuters reported that investigators determined three widely reported notes were not credible. The FBI has nevertheless said it continues to investigate Nancy’s disappearance as a kidnapping-for-ransom case.

Amid her family’s ongoing ordeal, insiders say the security breach has left Guthrie’s NBC colleagues even more concerned for her well-being. “People are worried less about the show and more about her,” one source claimed. “They just want her to be okay.”

Wimbledon might be the biggest tennis tournament of the year, but celebrity guests like Jennifer Lopez tend to turn it into a fashion show of sorts as well — and we’re definitely not complaining. This year, the singer was spotted at the men’s final in London, England, and her elegant look was impossible to ignore, especially when it came to her accessories.

Lopez stunned in a neutral-colored bodycon dress and large diamond-encrusted earrings, but it was her oversized floppy hat style that really stole the show. The extra-wide brim not only shielded her face from the sun, but it also gave her an impossibly chic look that screams ‘sophisticated Hamptons rich mom.’ And while it looks beautiful with her dress, we could see this wide-brim hat looking just as good by the beach or pool, making it an end-of-summer essential we didn’t know we needed.

We’re not fully sure where Lopez got her floppy hat, but we found plenty of similar picks online to get her look. The best part? These hats start at just $9, so they won’t break the bank. Shop our favorites below.

13 Big Floppy Hats That Look So Chic

1. Our Favorite: This wide-brim straw hat offers the best of both worlds: a big, floppy look without being comically oversized. It also features a pretty bow that adds a feminine touch and an inner sweatband that absorbs moisture.

2. Runner-Up: This floppy straw hat has it all for a low price point. There’s a removable chin strap, an adjustable interior band for the perfect fit and a sweat panel to keep the hat more clean. Bonus: It comes with a pair of cute heart-shaped sunglasses to complete the glam look.

3. Suitcase Ready: With its lightweight feel and foldable shape, this roll-up straw hat is perfect for taking on vacation. It can easily fit in a suitcase or bag without getting misshapen, and it offers plenty of sun protection.

4. Slightly Smaller: If you love the idea of a large straw hat but want something that feels a little more practical, this straw bucket hat is a perfect compromise. It’s as chic, just smaller and more versatile, with a soft, breathable fabric on the inside.

5. Euro Summer: Everything about this floppy sun hat, from its dramatic wide brim to its large black bow, screams ‘Euro summer.’ It’s glamorous, interesting and beautifully made, making it worth the higher price point.

Related: Bethenny Frankel‘s Lobster Outfit Inspired Us to Get These Printed Picks

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Sometimes, the best fashion trends fly under the radar, only catching our attention after celebrities step out wearing them. Such was the case with summer 2026’s lobster-printed look. Sure, cute crustacean graphics previously popped up on some of our favorite pieces, decorating sundresses, tote bags and more. However, once Bethenny Frankel showed off her full lobster […]

6. Cute Details: We love this wide-brim hat for the cute details it features. There’s the wide black band and bow, the adjustable interior sweatband and most importantly, the snaps on the back. These allow you to wear it as an oversized hat, or tucked in the back for comfort while you sit to watch a tennis match.

7. Lace Look: This woven sun hat features a lace-like look that makes it feel elegant and feminine, so it’s a bit more elevated. While it would still work for the beach, it’s also the kind of hat you could easily dress up.

8. Feels So Glam: It’s impossible not to feel like a movie star while wearing this floppy straw hat, which has a very wide brim and enough structure to keep it comfortable. There’s also a touch of gold metallic shimmer woven in that makes it feel extra special.

9. Room to Spare: Our favorite thing about this paper straw hat isn’t the unique striped design, but the fact that the top is open. This makes it easy to put your hair in a ponytail or bun while still enjoying the wide-brimmed look. And instead of folding, it rolls up to a compact size for easy packing.

10. Statement Maker: There’s no chance you won’t stand out when wearing this oversized floppy hat, which just might be even bigger than Lopez’s. The large brim can be rolled up for easy viewing, however, it also semi hides your face for glam privacy.

11. Bright and Fun: Opt for a fun color with this Western-inspired straw hat, which is available in pink, green, blue and more. It has an adjustable chin strap and a wide brim that keeps your face protected.

12. Versatile Pick: This reversible hat can be worn in so many different ways. Switch between black or a more neutral color whenever you want and remove the chin strap as needed. This one is made of a soft, breathable material and is especially easy to pack.

13. Hamptons Ready: With its oversized look and floppy feel, this straw hat is basically an essential if you want a Hamptons-inspired wardrobe. It can be rolled up for packing and ironed flat again, and the extra large brim makes it perfect for the beach.

Related: Balloon Pants Are the Unexpected Yet Chic Style Taking Over for Summer

As if we couldn’t get further away from skinny jeans, the latest bottoms trend is all about loose, super voluminous style. Balloon pants have a distinct look, as they’re cinched in at the waist and ankles to create an extra baggy appearance. And since they’re usually made with lightweight fabrics, you can wear the pants […]

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