Parents in Arizona will not face charges after their toddler was found alive in a morgue just hours after he was believed to be dead after drowning in a backyard pool.

The boy, 18 months, was brought to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, after his family found him seemingly dead in their pool on February 8.

First responders reported to the home and performed life-saving measures before the boy was transported to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Upon his arrival, hospital staff continued resuscitation efforts until he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

However, the boy was later found alive in the morgue and is still alive today.

Related: Why Emilie and Brady Kiser Didn’t Use Pool Cover Ahead of Son Trigg’s Death

The redacted police report outlining the investigation into the death of Emilie and Brady Kiser’s son Trigg revealed new details about the fatal incident. In the redacted report obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, August 8, police officers noted that a pool covering had not been in place the day their 3-year-old son drowned. “On […]

Five months after the incident, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced in a statement on Wednesday, July 29, that police recommended that both of the boy’s parents be charged. However, prosecutors “determined that this case did not meet our charging standard of ‘reasonable likelihood of conviction.’”

“To file charges, the state would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury that the parents failed to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk, and that this failure was such a serious lapse in judgment that it was a gross deviation from what a reasonable person would have done under the same circumstances,” the statement read.

Officials wrote that “multiple childproof locks and safety measures” were in place at the family’s home, and “multiple adults were present in the home, all of whom believed someone was watching the child.”

Authorities also said that their investigation found “no evidence that the parents exhibited any obvious signs of impairment.”

Police records from earlier in July detailed how the child’s parents, a nurse and police officers all raised concerns that the boy was still alive before personnel from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office discovered that he was breathing when they arrived at the morgue to retrieve his body, according to the Associated Press.

The police report stated that a doctor was preparing to tell the parents that the boy died when a nurse told him, “I have a pulse.” A police officer relayed the concern to the doctor, the doctor allegedly responded, “Please do your thing and let me do my thing.”

Related: Attorney Who Will Decide Brady Kiser’s Fate Speaks Out After Child Drowning

The attorney who will decide Brady Kiser’s fate following a child abuse recommendation has addressed the news development. According to a report published by Phoenix, Arizona’s 12news on Thursday, July 17, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell spoke publicly about Chandler Police Department’s Class 4 felony charge of child abuse against Brady, which was announced two […]

Advertisement

After the boy was found to be alive, he was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Following the incident, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center said that it was “a heartbreaking situation.”

“We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the hospital said in a statement to People. “Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”

While the boy survived the incident, doctors said he still “faces a long and challenging recovery” and will “need extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring, and support.” A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical bills.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter, Violet Affleck, is drawing attention after a recent outing with her mother.

The college student, who has been extremely vocal about COVID-19 mask mandates, made the surprising decision to ditch her mask for her latest public appearance.

Photos of Violet Affleck’s outing are now circulating online, leading to criticism of the 20-year-old, especially after he infamous UN speech on mask mandates.

5

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter, Violet, has become widely recognized for her consistent masking and her high-profile activism demanding the return of mask mandates.

The college student consistently dons a face mask whenever she is out in public, but during her latest sighting, Violet ditched the device for a moment, while smiling next to her mother.

Standing significantly taller than Garner, Violet walked alongside the actress while sporting a pink floral maxi dress. Her choice of footwear was unique, pairing a single sneaker with a rigid medical walking boot.

Although the exact cause of her orthopedic cast remains unconfirmed, these devices are typically prescribed to aid the recovery of ankle and foot trauma.

Meanwhile, Garner maintained her signature casual style, opting for a crimson patterned top over a jean skirt, accessorized with sandals and sunglasses.

The pro-mask activist eventually pulled out the mask and wore it, returning to her usual clean-air routine.

See photos from the outing here.

Ben Affleck’s Daughter’s Outing Sparked Concern Online

5

Images from Violet’s outing with her mother quickly circulated online, sparking mixed reactions from netizens, with many bringing up her UN speech.

One individual on X wrote, “I feel sympathy for people like her. They were young, and elites used COVID to warp their minds.”

Another critic stated, “Hollywood is an infection. They put out slop propaganda, then spawn liberal weirdos that have money to try to destroy society.”

“Who allows their child to give a batsh-t crazy lecture to the UN and be mocked by the world?” a third asked, taking aim at the 20-year-old’s parents.

Amid the criticism, Violet received some support from people telling critics to leave her alone: “Jesus Christ!! Leave the girl alone. It’s her business when and if she wears a mask. She is a beautiful, intelligent young woman.”

Why Ben Affleck’s Daughter Consistently Wears A Mask In Public

5

Despite her firm commitment to wearing masks whenever she’s out in public, internet speculation tends to chalk up her actions to a desire for personal privacy.

However, reports confirmed that the 20-year-old’s habit stems from a severe post-viral illness she contracted in 2019.

Since dealing with that medical crisis, she has consistently worn a face mask during everyday public outings, including casual trips with her family.

Violet solidified her dedication to public health advocacy in September 2025 when she addressed the United Nations, demanding a reinstatement of mandatory face coverings.

5

During her impassioned speech, the clean-air advocate warned that people have abandoned protective masks too quickly.

She emphasized that COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat to global health and should be taken more seriously.

“It is neglect of the highest order to look children in the eyes and say: ‘We knew how to protect you, and we didn’t do it,’” she told the UN, per the Daily Mail.

She continued, “For adults, the relentless beat of ‘back to normal,’ ignoring, downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of Long Covid manifested in a series of choices […] Our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes.”

“My hope for this event and my belief in this community pressed on the belief that we can, and we must do that again,” Violet added. “We can recognize filtered air as a human right, as intuitively as we do filtered water.”

Ben Affleck Called His Daughter Violet ‘Spectacular’

5

Although Violet gets a lot of flak online for her mask advocacy, her father Affleck has frequently expressed his admiration for her.

During a conversation with Access Hollywood, the Oscar winner praised his daughter as “spectacular” and noted how much she “takes after” her mother.

He also opened up about his seamless co-parenting dynamic with Garner, emphasizing how effortless she makes the partnership.

According to Hola, Affleck shared: “I’m very lucky that I’ve got a great partner and we’ve got great kids. It’s the joy of my life, and I’m just very, very lucky. And it makes me happy every day.”

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have taken a big step in their coparenting journey with their daughter, Scottie Rose.

A source confirmed to Us on Friday, July 31, that the pair have reached “a joint agreement pertaining to their child.”

“We are cooperatively coparenting our daughter whose well-being remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to working together to give her love from both of us,” the couple said in a joint statement via their reps to Us.

In December 2025, Davidson, 32, and Hewitt’s lives changed forever when they welcomed a baby girl. Scottie was named after Davidson’s late dad, a firefighter who died in the line of duty while responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Related: Pete Davidson’s Dating History: Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande and More!

From on-again, off-again relationships to whirlwind engagements, Pete Davidson has had a rocky dating history. Following a brief engagement to Ariana Grande in 2018, Davidson didn’t turn his back on romance with fellow A-Listers. Davidson began romancing actress Margaret Qualley several months later until October 2019 before he rebounded with the likes of Kaia Gerber […]

News broke in May, however, that the couple split five months after becoming parents.

“They tried to make it work, but there were different stressors, including having a baby together as two people who didn’t yet know each other that well,” a source said at the time. “They are both trying to make it work and have made accommodations in their schedules for the baby.”

Hewitt, 30, raised eyebrows on May 16 when she claimed via TikTok that she was raising baby Scottie “on my own.”

Sources, however, later told Us that the claim was not true and Davidson was fully financially supporting Hewitt and their daughter.

“He’s very present in the baby’s life,” an insider previously told Us. “He wants nothing but the best for Elsie and he shoulders all of the financial costs, including the costs for Elsie, her rent and her health insurance. Elsie’s posts caught everyone around them off guard because they are simply not true.”

Over time, an insider revealed to Us that Davidson and Hewitt’s communication had “improved” and noted that the exes are “having productive conversations” in regards to coparenting.

“They’ve been working together on parenting,” the source added. “Pete has adjusted his schedule to be there for their daughter.”

As for the romantic aspect of their relationship, “Pete and Elsie both wanted [the relationship] to work and it didn’t.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt‘s Relationship Timeline

Pete Davidson and model Elsie Hewitt kept their relationship relatively low-key before their 2026 breakup. After the pair were spotted together on multiple occasions in March 2025, Us Weekly confirmed that they were dating. Weeks earlier, Hewitt gave a clue about her romantic life. “It’s actually so simple, like, I just want somebody who is […]

Relationships aside, Davidson remains hard at work transforming into mob killer Tommy Pitera for the upcoming crime-thriller Tommy Karate.

As for Hewitt, she has continued her advocacy work and explored acting while spending plenty of time with her daughter.

“My lil strawberry’s first time swimming,” Hewitt wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 30, when documenting her daughter’s trip to the pool. “My heart’s millionth time exploding🍓🍓🫀🫀💓🧑‍🧒♥️.”

The fallout from the latest round of layoffs at “The Howard Stern Show” reportedly is not over yet. Multiple former employees are said to be negotiating with SiriusXM after rejecting initial severance packages that offered approximately one week of pay for every year they worked on the program. The offers also reportedly came with strict nondisclosure agreements, but one insider claimed not everyone was willing to sign immediately.

5

According to multiple sources, several laid-off staff members declined the first severance offer presented to them. “Some people are still negotiating their exit packages,” one insider told The U.S. Sun. Another source claimed some former employees eventually felt more comfortable with the amount they received after going back and forth with SiriusXM’s human resources department.

The severance negotiations reportedly centered on more than just money. The initial packages allegedly included strict NDAs governing what former employees could publicly discuss after leaving the company.

Although some staffers have described the layoffs as unexpected, another source claimed employees had already noticed warning signs. “The writing was on the wall,” the insider said. “Staff knew these layoffs were coming.”

More Than A Dozen ‘Howard Stern Show’ Staffers Were Let Go

5

The cuts reportedly affected more than a dozen people connected to Stern’s long-running SiriusXM operation, including at least five on-air personalities.

The layoffs followed a Zoom call during which employees reportedly learned that Stern would reduce his schedule to one live show per week beginning in September.

Moving forward, “The Howard Stern Show” is expected to air as a single three-hour block each week.

Rahsaan Rogers Speaks Out After 16 Years

5

Rahsaan Rogers was among the longtime employees affected by the layoffs after spending 16 years with Stern’s radio operation. He confirmed his departure in a message shared on LinkedIn. “After 16 incredible years with ‘The Howard Stern Show’ and the Howard Stern Channels, I’m opening a new chapter,” Rogers wrote.

He reflected on the opportunities he received during his lengthy tenure, from speaking with people he admired to guiding other employees. “I got to interview people I grew up admiring, direct live broadcasts in real time, and mentor some seriously talented producers along the way,” Rogers said before concluding his post by thanking those who worked alongside him. “To everyone I worked with over these 16 years: thank you. What a ride.”

Howard Stern’s Schedule Has Gradually Shrunk

5

Stern and his longtime co-host, Robin Quivers, began working together in March 1981. The pair became dominant figures in terrestrial radio while producing five live shows each week. Stern later made a historic move to Sirius Satellite Radio in January 2006 under a reported $500 million agreement.

His schedule gradually became less demanding after joining satellite radio. The program first dropped to four live broadcasts each week before moving to three. Frequent vacations and reruns increasingly filled out the calendar between new episodes.

Radio Host Recently Signed A New Three-Year Contract

5

The schedule change comes shortly after Stern agreed to remain with SiriusXM through 2028. He signed a new three-year contract in December 2025 and said the agreement would provide him with more “flexibility.” Stern celebrated the deal on his show, telling listeners, “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio.”

The broadcaster made no secret of appreciating the less demanding schedule afforded by the contract. “I do like my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute,” Stern said.

Former Staffer Jon Blitt Jokes About His ‘New’ Job

At least one former employee is using humor to navigate the layoffs. Jon Blitt recently shared a video pretending that he had started working at Old Navy following his departure from Stern’s show. “It’s different than my last job, but it’s a job, and the first thing I learned is ABF, ‘Always Be Folding,’” Blitt joked, which referenced Alec Baldwin’s “ABC: Always Be Closing” speech from the film “Glengarry Glen Ross.”

At the end of the video, Blitt approached a customer and asked, “Hi, can I help you?” and accompanied the clip with the hashtag “#newbeginning.”

We all like finding a good deal, like a flash sale at your favorite clothing store or a value meal at your local fast food restaurant.

The same holds true for streaming services. Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. While they offer one-of-a-kind content like Stranger Things, The Bear and Euphoria, their monthly subscription prices can do some damage to your wallet.

That’s why a lot of people are turning to free alternatives like Tubi and YouTube. Those are great, too, but there’s another free-to-watch platform that doesn’t get as much attention – Samsung TV Plus.

This August, Samsung TV’s Movie Hub channel will stream some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters from the last 30 years, like the complete Twilight Saga starring Robert Pattinson before he became Batman and embarked on an Odyssey) as well as fan-favorite flicks like the very funny The House Bunny with Anna Faris and the Oscar-winning drama Spotlight.

Samsung TV will also be streaming over 40 titles from indie studio A24’s award-winning library. You can watch such groundbreaking films as Lady Bird, The Green Knight and more without paying a single dime. Now that’s a deal worth taking.

Continue reading for the complete list of Samsung TV’s free movies streaming in August 2026.

‘The Twilight Saga’:

Twilight
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

Rom-Coms and Dramas:

Jerry Maguire
Music and Lyrics
Fool’s Gold
Sense and Sensibility
The Age of Adaline
Letters to Juliet
The House Bunny
Burnt

Action Movies:

Alien vs. Predator
Entrapment
Vertical Limit
Southpaw
Mechanic: Resurrection
Triple 9
The Marksman
Life of Crime

Horror Movies:

The Mist
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Sci-Fi Movies:

The Day After Tomorrow
Short Circuit

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Inspirational True Stories:

Spotlight
Lean on Me
Drumline

Family-Friendly Comedies:

Troop Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Ninja
Johnson Family Vacation
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Dog Days

A24 Movies:

Lady Bird
The Green Knight
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
First Cow
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
A Ghost Story
Green Room
The End of the Tour
American Honey
Red Rocket
Zola
The Souvenir
Problemista
A Different Man
Slow West
A Prayer Before Dawn
Mississippi Grind
Hot Summer Nights
Funny Pages
Stars at Noon
Never Goin’ Back
The Eternal Daughter
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
Earth Mama
Panet Planet
Tuesday
Medusa Deluxe
Dark Places
Mojave
Woman Walks Ahead
The Sea of Trees
The Adderall Diaries
The Last Movie Star
Cut Bank
The Ballad of Lefty Brown
Woodshock
A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III
Revenge of the Green Dragons
Low Tide
Look Into My Eyes
My Mercury
The Sixth

Comedians Nicole Byer and Devon Walker are using what they do best – comedy – to make conversations about sexual health, boundaries, and prevention feel a little less awkward. 

As part of Gilead’s Up To Date campaign, the two bring humor to a topic that can often feel clinical and uncomfortable, encouraging people to talk openly, know their status, and make informed choices.

During an exclusive chat with The Blast, Byer and Walker share some insight into the campaign, as well as open up about their career milestones and more. 

Gilead’s Up To Date campaign is bringing humor, honesty, and culturally relevant storytelling to conversations about sexual health and HIV prevention in Black communities. 

Created as part of the company’s Care for the Culture initiative and developed with Black creatives and talent, the campaign stars comedians Nicole Byer and Devon Walker as the inner voices of a couple navigating modern dating while balancing attraction with health-conscious choices. Inspired by the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black women, Up To Date aims to make conversations about prevention, testing, and sexual health feel more natural and empowering. The campaign will reach audiences across Peacock, Urban One, BET, Tubi, and Roku, including a placement during “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” on Peacock. 

Since comedy is something Devon does professionally, he feels it can be the easiest way to start any conversation, regardless of how heavy it may be.

“I think a little laugh to lighten the mood never hurt anybody,” Devon told The Blast about the comedic approach to the campaign. “And I think it’s especially helpful when getting into conversations that might be a little more challenging.” 

Nicole agreed with that thought adding, “I think humor makes things more accessible. When things are clinical, it’s hard to absorb and pay attention. I think humor truly makes things digestible.” 

The Campaign Brings A Startling Statistic To Light With Some Humor

4

The campaign is rooted in a startling statistic about Black women and new HIV diagnoses. 

“The disproportionate numbers certainly surprised me,” Devon said. “That definitely caught me off guard; I didn’t know that. Especially someone with a lot of Black women in my life, I feel it’s important to protect them. It’s something that’s near and dear to my heart personally.” 

Nicole said the statistic didn’t surprise her.

“Because Black women often feel left behind in healthcare, but I’m glad this Gilead campaign addresses it,” she told The Blast. “That knowing your HIV status is good. If you’re grown enough to have sex, you’re grown enough to have the convo about HIV prevention with someone. No one is saying don’t have fun, all we’re saying is have safe fun.” 

Nicole added that working with Devon on the campaign was a lot of fun.

“I feel like it was fun to play the inner thoughts — one more eager and one more cautious — because that’s how my thoughts work most of the time,” she told The Blast. “And working with Devon is easy and a blast. He’s such a treat and so funny.”

4

Both Nicole and Devon hope that the campaign helps start difficult conversations a little easier with less awkwardness. 

“I hope that they know that getting tested is the first step. I think it’s just really important to know where you stand and your status. I think that’s always important no matter if you are white or Black or any other community,” Devon said. “I am hoping that people know it’s just a good step to know and there is peace of mind that comes with knowing your status.” 

Devon added that he hopes people who see the campaign see the “comedic tone of it” and it helps to “spark a conversation.” 

Nicole hopes the campaign sheds light on having safe sex and talking about the topics that might be tough to talk about. 

Devon Walker On His Career And What’s Next

4

Devon has built his career on making others laugh, and his comedy has evolved from his early years to now. 

“I think when I started out, I was doing more of a character. I think I was being like a version of myself that was further out than it probably is now,” he said. “I feel like with each passing year that I get into comedy, I try to get closer and closer to the real life version of me.” 

Devon quickly became a standout on “Saturday Night Live,” a part of his journey that he said was “huge.” 

“I come from a stand-up background so I had very little sketch comedy experience,” he said, before comparing it to being great at baseball in high school and getting a golf scholarship. “Now you play at the best golf school in the country, the most famous golf school, and you’re good at swinging, and good at something similar, but get ready to learn this brand new thing. So it was a very big challenge, and just learning how to do live television, learning how to do sketch on live television, learning your cues and to read the cameras. They kind of just toss you in there. There is not really a training process.” 

He added that it’s something he is really proud of and something he will carry with him moving forward. “I think if I can do that, then it feels like anything is possible,” he shared. 

When asked if “SNL” was a “pinch me moment” in his career journey, he said he’s had a lot of those, and “SNL” is certainly one of them. Other standout moments include advancing in a comedy competition, getting on Comedy Central, writing for “Big Mouth,” and many others.

As for what the future holds, Devon would love to create a TV show with his friends. He’s currently working on a project he can’t talk much about, so there are some fun things in the works. 

Nicole Byer Said All Her Projects Have Been ‘Special’

4

Nicole’s grateful for her comedy journey and said all the projects she’s done have been “special and incredible” and each one has been a “building block” in her career.

When asked if there’s one particular project that sticks out to her as one she couldn’t believe she was doing, she said, “everything.” 

“Every time I’m on set or drive onto a lot, when I hear ‘action,’” she shared. “Walking onto the stage feeling the lights. What I get to do is so f-cking cool.” 

What is Nicole looking forward to doing next? “Be Storm in an ‘X-Men’ movie,” she said. 

Chelsea Handler is not afraid to say exactly how she feels about Joe Rogan being named as one of the highest-earning podcasters. 

The comedian voiced strong criticism regarding Joe Rogan’s substantial earnings from his hit podcast, arguing that such massive wealth would be better directed toward a better cause. 

Meanwhile, Rogan was recently at the receiving end of backlash after being accused of sucking up to Donald Trump despite speaking out against the MAGA movement. 

5

Handler expressed open disbelief after Forbes released its evaluation of the highest-paid podcast hosts for 2026. The outlet placed Rogan in the top position with an estimated annual revenue of $82 million. 

Reacting directly to the media outlet’s announcement on social media, Handler questioned the justification for such a massive payout. 

“WHO IS PAYING JOE ROGAN 82 million?” she wrote. “Give that to our vets, or our children!!! 82 million to be completely uninformed and say ‘whoopsie doodle,’ every time he’s wrong, which is FREQUENT?”

Rogan, who launched “The Joe Rogan Experience” back in 2009, continues to dominate stream counts across major distribution networks. In 2024, he finalized a multi-year deal with Spotify valued at up to $250 million, per Entertainment Weekly. 

His financial success places him ahead of several other prominent podcast creators featured on the list, such as Ashley Flowers of “Crime Junkie” with $42 million, the comedy trio behind “Smartless” earning $37 million, and self-help host Mel Robbins at $35 million. 

Joe Rogan Criticized The MAGA Movement And Its Supporters

5

In addition to facing criticism over his income, Rogan has also sparked debate with a noticeable shift in his political commentary. Despite endorsing Trump during his 2024 presidential run, the broadcaster’s recent remarks demonstrate growing skepticism toward the political movement he previously backed. 

The Blast reported that during a broadcast, the UFC announcer openly criticized the political faction and its main slogan, questioning the premise of the “Make America Great Again” catchphrase. 

“That phrase sucks. America is great. Make America greater? I’m down,” Rogan stated during the episode. He argued that the political brand has transformed into a gathering space for “a bunch of dorks,” describing many associated individuals as “really weird, f-cking uninteresting, unintelligent people”.

Joe Rogan Was Slammed For His Shift In Stance

5

Following his sharp critique of the political movement, public commentary online swiftly erupted in response to his remarks.

Users across social platforms immediately dissected the host’s changing political stance. Opinions split sharply between former supporters feeling betrayed and critics pushing him to go even further in his repudiation.

Many commenters accused him of out-of-touch hypocrisy, pointing to a contradiction between his harsh words and the controversial figures he routinely invites onto his broadcast. 

Other listeners labeled him an “elitist” and “the ultimate uninteresting dork.” One user noted on X, “When did Joe become an elitist? You only matter to Joe if you’re an amazing, accomplished, intelligent person.”

Joe Rogan Garnered Mixed Reactions To His Viral Trump Handshake Video

5

Despite taking a harsher stance on the political movement, the popular podcaster still faced intense public backlash after a cordial interaction with the former president went viral. 

According to The Blast, video footage of the host greeting Trump with a warm handshake sparked widespread skepticism regarding the sincerity of his political critiques. 

Following the release of the greeting clip, social media users expressed doubt about the broadcaster’s consistency, with critics accusing him of appeasing the political leader despite his earlier callouts over policy decisions. 

Many commenters expressed skepticism about his changing views, with one individual posting, “He is a very large part of the blame in how we got here, so this makes sense based on that. I don’t believe his recent change.” 

The Podcaster Also Received Public Backlash For His Oval Office Appearance

5

Adding to the relentless heat Rogan received for his political stance, he also came under fire for joining Trump at the White House. Standing beside the chief executive in the Oval Office, the broadcaster was present as a new directive was signed to speed up approval for alternative mental health treatments. 

Ironically, the host’s involvement sparked immediate outrage from observers who accused him of abandoning his previous principles. Online commentators aggressively condemned the host for standing with the administration so soon after insulting its supporters, per The Blast.

Critics quickly highlighted the glaring contradiction, with some calling him a “phony” who remains loyal to the political leader regardless of his public complaints.

“Say what you want about Rogan, but you gotta admit it’s pretty impressive to be a spineless little b-tch who stands for nothing,” another critic commented. 

Despicable rich people doing despicable things is not a concept we haven’t seen before. Netflix’s new release, Master of the House, certainly plays into this concept in a grotesquely confronting way, but it combines two well-loved ideas in a way that makes it fresh and worth the watch. Stylishly shot, the series immediately begins with a Knives Out premise, kicking off the underhanded drama and deception with the death of the patriarch. This is cohesively woven in with scandalous Succession-like rivalry, where characters are constantly at each other’s throats, vying for the inheritance and willing to cross unimaginable lines to get their greedy fingers on it.

Fans of both series will adore this thriller, though you will need a strong stomach for it, as it becomes a provocative tale about possession adorned with visuals that are often difficult to witness. With sexual assault, murder, and manipulation, the characters are all armed with the insatiable need for ownership that is so abhorrently graphic that we may need to look away from time to time, but our diligence is rewarded with the most gratifying ending.

Netflix’s ‘Master of The House’ Offers a ‘Knives Out’ Murder Mystery

One of the earliest relationships established in Master of the House is between the head of the household, Roongroj (Teerapong Leowrakwong), and his personal attendant, Kaimook (Narilya Gulmongkolpech). It is immediately set apart from the traditional master-servant model we see among the other staff members, as Roongroj asks for Kaimook’s input during a quarrel between his sons. By simply giving her a voice, he establishes a “special” connection between the two and also lauds his power over his sons, belittling them with an inferior’s opinion.

This is immediately reminiscent of Knives Out‘s Harlan (Christopher Plummer) and Marta (Ana de Armas), where Harlan is disparaging towards his greedy family members but clearly cares for Marta. However, Master of the House takes this a step further in the pilot, as Roongroj and Kaimook, shockingly, become husband and wife. But, of course, a murder mystery cannot begin without a death that all characters would benefit from, and in these films, that would be the patriarch.

Like in Knives Out, we mainly go through the whodunit plot through the perspective of the maid, while the rest of the family squabble over the inheritance and are usually aghast by what they received (or what they didn’t). Kaimook seems to be the only one who is vaguely interested in solving the murder, with even the police content to rule it an accident. As she picks up clues and scours for camera footage, we are faced with a handful of unsavory characters who all have fitting motivations. Despite the tangled web of deception that evokes the twists and turns of Knives Out, Master of the House‘s cinematography is clean and precise, fluidly moving from scene to scene cast in moody hues. While Knives Out is thoughtful and vibrant, Master of the House is provocative and shadowy, preferring its filming style to reflect its dark subject matter.

Runroj and Naimook’s Master-Servant Dynamic Is Creepy in ‘Master of the House’

While darkness certainly permeates throughout the show, there is something distinctly sinister and creepy about Roongroj and Kaimook’s relationship. While Harlan is fond of Marta because she is genuine and guileless, completely unlike the rest of his dysfunctional family, Roongroj is drawn to Kaimook’s obedience and beauty. As we learn more about Roongroj’s tyrannical and brutal ways, his marriage to Kaimook seems more like the same master-servant agreement, but now Kaimook gets to dress up and is more accessible in his bedroom. There is a holistic portrayal of their mysterious relationship in the show’s finale — it is as deeply unsettling and profoundly inexplicable as you would expect their relationship to be, yet still elicits a gasp. But the most intriguing way to dissect their bond is through the motif of butterflies.

Roongroj’s butterfly collection becomes a chilling visual metaphor for his worldview. Beauty isn’t admired—it is captured, pinned down, and possessed. He shows his appreciation through the act of pinning it down and encasing it in a glass prison with careful precision. The show plays on the link between power and beauty, as we usually see the elite carefully curate their appearances and indulge in lavish items. But Roongroj takes this further by holding a living thing captive, thus translating to how he views Kaimook. Interestingly, there are scenes where we also see Kaimook partaking in his hobby after he dies, hinting that perhaps the two aren’t so different after all.

‘Succession’ Rivalries Emerge in ‘Master of the House’

Image via Netflix

While Kaimook spends much of her screen time investigating the murder and being tormented by the family, the rest of the Thevasaitipaisarn clan compete in a rivalry that Succession fans would delight in. The back alley deals and games begin before the will is even read, particularly between the two brothers, Phupat (Charttayodom Hiranyasthiti) and Mavin (Thanavate Siriwattanagul). Everyone is vying for a hefty chunk of Roongroj’s multi-million-dollar diamond company, Theva Gems, and, like every true nepo-baby, is willing to cross lines to get it. The playing field is corrupted as blackmail firmly places one of the brothers at the helm of the empire, and naturally, below-the-belt deals, nasty jabs, and pitiless conniving ensue. This cutthroat debacle is also served with a disturbing dose of incest and numerous murders, and each culprit is elitist and arrogant enough to believe they will undoubtedly get away with it.

While Succession hosts an array of inherently unlikable characters, the show still manages to make them compelling through depth and complexity, even if a redeemable quality is nary in sight. Our obsession with the show exposes our glutton for villainy, as we invest in characters and stories to revel in the delicious drama. The characters of Master of the House may be unlikable in somewhat similar ways, but compelling, they are not. Instead, the series makes us revile them, particularly evident in Mavin’s characterization, who repeatedly sexually assaults and harasses his maids in repulsively graphic scenes. While we are hypnotized by Succession’s villainy, we are more traumatized by Master of the House‘s. But these disconcerting shots are effective in making the ending more powerful and celebratory, and we spend much of the runtime clutching onto the hope of seeing the family face their retribution.

‘Master of the House’ Is a Tale About Possession

Master of the House becomes a chilling and compelling tale about possession, as every motivation behind every decision in the household is based on taking ownership of something. The most overt example of this is the inheritance, where greed and power drive characters to head down ungodly depths just to gain a slight advantage. But greed and power also become their downfall, as the competitors are so blinded by their pride and extravagance that they don’t even realize there is another contender on the chessboard. This is inextricably linked to their desire to control the narrative around Roongroj’s death. While Kaimook is the only one actively seeking out the truth, the rest of the family members only become interested in the case when they can manipulate the facts to their advantage.

Most disgustingly, however, is when the characters try to possess other people. This is overtly done through the slave-like contract all the servants sign that strips them of autonomy and even allows the house to punish them by imprisoning them in a cage. The animalistic imagery paired with their visceral reaction is an absolutely harrowing viewing experience, and as we continue to watch the show, it’s almost as if we’ve sold our souls to this family alongside the staff. Murder and sexual assault also run rampant throughout the grounds, as masters “toy” with their staff just to prove that they are “above” them and own them. Despite all the brutality, the show also possesses us, holding our eyes captive with stunningly grim cinematography that delivers perfectly revolting images. As such, at the intersection of Knives Out and Succession is a provoking story about ownership and all the twisted forms it can manifest in that leaves us with a satisfying conclusion and rattled nerves.

Master of the House is available to stream now on Netflix in the U.S.