Entertainment

10 Greatest Disco Songs from Rock Artists

Published

2 hours ago

5 August 2026

10 Greatest Disco Songs from Rock Artists

The ignominious end of disco is popularly linked to Disco Demolition Night, an ill-advised promotional stunt for the Chicago White Sox that saw Chicago DJ Steve Dahl blow up a dumpster filled with disco records between games, sparking a riot from the hundreds of rock fans in attendance celebrating the event. But for a time, disco really was king, with the likes of Saturday Night Fever and its iconic, Bee-Gees-heavy soundtrack glorifying the groovy music and the halter top, flare pants and jumpsuits that were part of the discotheque scene. It had so pervaded the music scene at the time that, to the horror of many a rocker, some of rock’s greatest bands opted to “get down and boogie” with their own entries in the genre. A shameful thing, to be sure, but some turned out pretty darn good, particularly these here, the ten best disco songs from rock bands, aka “disco songs that don’t suck.”

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10. “Shakedown Street” – Grateful Dead

Deadheads may not buy singles, but do they boogie down? Hard to say, but at least their band of choice, the Grateful Dead, gave them the track to do it: “Shakedown Street,” from their 1978 album of the same name. Of course, the thought of the proudly non-commercial band giving into the dance trend, a distinct move away from the loose, laid-back, jam template that had defined their work – and built their devoted fan-base – to that point. Some fans speak derisively of the era they call “Disco Dead,” while others maintain it’s more a funky rock song than a pure disco song.

Sorry: it’s a disco song. Yes, it has that Parliament-Funkadelic groove to it, and Jerry Garcia‘s voice is more bluesy than boogie. But it has the unmistakable earmarks that define the genre, particularly the “four-on-the-floor” percussion and the funky bassline. More damning is its immediate hit-the-dance-floor vibe. It’s okay, though, Deadheads. Despite its disco trappings, “Shakedown Street” failed to hit the Billboard Hot 100, so the Grateful Dead didn’t really sell out, at least not until 1987’s “Touch of Grey.”

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9. “Shine a Little Love” – Electric Light Orchestra

“Evil Woman.” “Strange Magic.” “Mr. Blue Sky.” “Don’t Bring Me Down” (Bruce!). “Shine a Little Love.” Which one of these hit songs is not like the other? That’s right, “Shine a Little Love,” a disco tune from Electric Light Orchestra, aka ELO, and its Bob Ross doppelgänger, big-ass-aviator-glasses-wearing lead singer Jeff Lynne. Its defenders will say it’s more disco-infused rock than pure disco, but let’s see, shall we? Steady “mirror ball bass pulse”: Check. A driving, galloping drum rhythm: Check. String section: Check. Falsetto Bee-Gee background harmonies in the chorus: Also check.

Lynne himself said in the liner notes for the 2001 remaster of Discovery that there’s a “bit of a disco beat on this one, and quite a lot of things going on, forty-piece string section and all. It’s very jolly and bouncy and I must have been in a very good mood when I wrote it!” Calls that they were selling out, however, were a little harsh, given only “Shine a Little Light” and “Last Train to London” are the only two tracks on 1979’s Discovery with a disco-bend.

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8. “One of These Nights” – The Eagles

In 1975, drummer Don Henley of the Eagles, talking about “One of These Nights,” said, “We wanted to get away from the ballad syndrome with ‘One of These Nights.’ With Don Felder in the band now, we can really rock. He’s made us nastier and done a great guitar solo on the single.” Yes, the song does have a great blues-infused solo, but “really rock?” I don’t think so, Mr. Henley. In fact, the guitar solo is really the only thing that keeps the track from being a “true” disco song.

And between Henley and Glenn Frey, the two admitted hearing “One of These Nights” at clubs in New York, Rotterdam, and Miami, and, well, disco clubs don’t play non-disco songs. It may not entirely be their fault, however: While recording the album, they shared a studio in Miami with disco demi-gods the Bee Gees, and as you may or may not know, disco is contagious (if you contract disco, take two Metallica albums before bedtime).

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7. “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen

“Another One Bites the Dust” from Queen actually came out after the so-called death of disco, but so, too, did Donna Summer‘s “Bad Girls” and Chic‘s “Good Times.” It was the latter that inspired bassist John Deacon to create the song’s iconic bassline, which, with Roger Taylor‘s straightforward, minimalist drumming, created the club-friendly vibe that drove the track to reach number two on the Disco Top 100 chart (yes, there were enough disco songs to have a top 100). It would also reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to the rock-edge of Freddie Mercury‘s vocals and Brian May‘s subdued, accentuating guitar. “Another One Bites the Dust” would be among the last rock/disco fusion songs to reach that level of success, just as Queen and others on this list were just getting the balance right.

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6. “Disco Inferno” – Dread Zeppelin

American reggae rock band Dread Zeppelin formed in 1989, becoming best known for performing Led Zeppelin songs in a reggae style, sung by 300-pound Elvis impersonator Tortelvis (Greg Tortell). It worked significantly better than one might think, with “Immigrant Song,” “Your Time Is Gonna Come,” and a cover of Bob Marley‘s “Stir It Up” particular highlights. Then, in 1992, the band inexplicably pivoted to covering disco songs, with drummer Put-Mon (Gary Putnam) taking over as lead vocalist after Tortelvis left the band, giving himself the moniker Gary B.I.B.B. The ensuing album, It’s Not Unusual, was ironically deemed too unusual for the band, and whether it was the switch to disco or the loss of Tortelvis, or both, the divisive album didn’t sell as hoped, and Dread Zeppelin was dropped from I.R.S. Records.

So, long story short, the first release from the album, Dread Zeppelin’s cover of The Trammps‘ classic “Disco Inferno,” is technically a rock cover of a disco song, as opposed to the others on this list, which are rock bands with a disco song. But we’re splitting afro hairs here. “Disco Inferno” is electrifying, a high-energy cover that reinvents the iconic original. And while Gary B.I.B.B.’s Elvis-tinged vocals aren’t as good as Tortelvis’ – how could they be? – they work, giving the song a surreal edge, and even somewhat redeems my pick for Elvis Presley‘s worst song, “In the Ghetto,” in the process. Somewhat.

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5. “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” – Pink Floyd

Sacrilege, you say? Alas, it’s true: Pink Floyd’s legendary hit “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” is a disco song, but begrudgingly so on the part of the band, if that helps. As David Gilmour tells it: “It wasn’t my idea to do disco music, it was Bob’s [Ezrin, producer]. He said to me, ‘Go to a couple of clubs and listen to what’s happening with disco music,’ so I forced myself out and listened to loud, four-to-the-bar bass drums and stuff and thought, Gawd, awful!” But they did it anyway, selecting one of the “Another Brick in the Wall” parts, part 2, and adding the disco-friendly four-on-the-floor drums.

Ezrin realized it was a hit, but with one verse and one chorus clocking in at one minute 20, it needed another verse and two choruses. But according to Ezrin, the band said, “Well, you’re not bloody getting them. We don’t do singles, so fuck you.” They left, and Ezrin figured out how to do it anyway, bringing in the iconic children’s choir to record the additional vocals. He brought Roger Waters in to listen to the completed track, and the rest is history. Interestingly, Pink Floyd received no grief over their flirtation with disco, with most agreeing with Gilmour’s opinion: “It doesn’t, in the end, not sound like Pink Floyd.”

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4. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” – Rod Stewart

To paraphrase a quote from Charles Caleb Colton in 1820: “Parody is the sincerest form of flattery.” And, according to co-writer Duane Hitchings, that is exactly what Rod Stewart’s foray into disco, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” is. More specifically, he’s cited it as a “spoof on guys from the ‘cocaine lounge lizards’ of the Saturday Night Fever days.” Truthfully, it’s pretty evident that Stewart is leaning on his reputation as a Lothario, with tongue firmly in cheek with the brazen nature of the chorus.

It’s just that he did it so damn well. The four-beat drumming, the driving bass line, the synthesizer riff, all of it: “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” is as much a disco song as the ones it purports to spoof. It also happens to be one of four appearances by Stewart at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, as well as topping out the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The song’s iconic hook, however, can’t be fully credited to its songwriting team, with Stewart “unconsciously plagiarizing” a song by Brazilian songwriter Jorge Ben called “Taj Mahal.” A plagiarism lawsuit followed, and after Ben won, they agreed that royalties for the song go to UNICEF. Perhaps its royalties should have gone to a GoFundMe for pipers that go down from playing it.

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3. “Miss You” – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones haven’t endured as long as they have by disregarding contemporary music trends, but rather embracing and giving them a Stones-makeover. And with “Miss You” from 1978, they did just that with disco. There’s a difference of opinion between frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards – shockingly – as to its genesis, with Jagger claiming it was never conceived as a disco song, while Richards claims “‘Miss You’ was a damn good disco record; it was calculated to be one.”

Leave it to the band’s mediator, drummer Charlie Watts, to find the middle ground, revealing: “A lot of those songs like ‘Miss You’ were heavily influenced by going to the discos. You can hear it in a lot of those four-on-the-floor rhythms and the Philadelphia-style drumming. Mick and I used to go to discos a lot… It was a great period.” Bill Wyman‘s cool bass line groove, meanwhile, originated with “the fifth Beatle” Billy Preston, who adapted Preston’s ideas into the brilliant final product. There was the predictable outrage from die-hard fans about selling out, of course, but “Miss You” would end up as the Stones’ eighth, and final, number one U.S. single.

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2. “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” – Kiss

It probably shouldn’t be all that surprising that Kiss would release a disco song at the height of disco’s popularity, given their propensity for marketing their brand. But, an unsubstantiated story suggests that “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” wasn’t a purposeful attempt at jumping on the bandwagon. As the tale goes, the producers wanted a more radio-friendly, popular sound, and the band argued against it, with Paul Stanley saying it was easy to write, and record, a hit disco song in a short time frame. The bet was on, and within hours the song’s demo was completed. It’s safe to say Stanley won the bet, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and years later joining Spotify‘s exclusive “Billions Club” with 1.64 billion streams.

Not just a hit disco song, mind you, but a great one at that. It has the driving bass and drums of the genre, the infectious “do do do do do” chorus, and one of Ace Frehley‘s shortest, but great all the same, guitar solos. But it’s Stanley’s powerhouse vocal performance in the song that pushes it over the edge. “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” allows Stanley to show off his truly impressive vocal range, from low tenor to codpiece-crunching falsetto. Needless to say, the KISS Army was less than impressed with the track, but it’s okay: neither is Gene Simmons.

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1. “Heart of Glass” – Blondie

Blondie‘s “Heart of Glass” is the one song on this list that does more than incorporate disco elements: it pushes disco’s boundaries, experimenting with the genre while remaining true to it. As a result, Debbie Harry and band earn the top spot on this list. It goes beyond the simple four-beat norm with a groove that incorporates a Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 drum machine, one of the first, with the brilliant, metronomic-precise drumming of drummer Clem Burke, one of rock’s all-time greatest. The syncopated groove, however, takes a turn at the bridge, going into 7/8 time before resuming.

Then there’s Debbie Harry’s siren-like vocals, effortlessly enticing while remaining emotionally detached. That detachment is in line with the song’s tale of a woman who found a lover who “‘was a gas’ and ‘seemed like the real thing’, only to prove untrustworthy, only to shrug it off. As Harry once said (per the previously cited Financial Times), “I was tired of hearing girl singers write or sing about being beaten by love. So I said, ‘Well listen, there are also a lot of girls who just walk away.’” It’s a very new wave, punk attitude in the confines of a disco track, a true bridging of the underground and mainstream music scenes.

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Keke Palmer Lands NBC Pioneering Hosting Gig

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11 minutes ago

5 August 2026

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Keke Palmer is joining NBC in a brand new role!

The Nickelodeon alum has been revealed as the host of the first celebrity edition of “The Voice” with an equally iconic array of coaches to shape up everyone’s vocals and performances.

Keke Palmer has, over the years, ventured into several sectors of the entertainment industry, leaving her footprints and even walking away with awards like an Emmy in 2024 for hosting an NBC game show.

The actress, dressed in matching pink sets, tried out her hosting voice with the viral four-step challenge on Instagram. The prompt on the video asked that the media personality repeat “This is The Voice” in a disappointed, happy, sarcastic, and flirty tone, which she aced at every point.

Most importantly, the television star confirmed the rumors that she would be the host with the most for the celebrity edition of the singing show, which also doubles as its 31st season on television. Palmer declared her excitement to see a fully packed studio with an audience waiting to be entertained.

Palmer exuded radiance in the short clip, rocking her short curly hair in shades of auburn and chestnut paired together with a softly made-up face and pearly white teeth.

The video, shared on NBC The Voice’s official Instagram page, was followed with the caption, “You already know who it is! Keke Palmer hosts The Voice Season 31 coming in 2027 on NBC.”

Palmer began her career in Hollywood as a child star and earned early fame via her role in “The Wool Cap” in 2004 before going on to appear in the equally successful “Akeelah and the Bee” in 2006.

The teen star’s good news was well received by fans in their hundreds who praised her generational run, clinching those gigs in the industry. She even earned the “KEKE KEEP A JOB PALMER!!!” title from this commenter.
Fabletics’ Instagram page did not forget to remind the actress just how excited they are for the news, as another commenter noted that Palmer and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal are one of the most booked personalities in the industry.
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Several long-time fans of the actress also promised to tune in to the show once it kicks off in 2027 simply because she would be handling the hosting microphone. “Sounds like I might tune in; I love her as a host on PASSWORD,” one Instagram user noted.
Comments like “Queen of being employed,” “There’s literally no job she can’t do,” and “Extended her record for keeping a job,” all sat under the post.
‘The Voice’ Season 31 Is Set To Be The First Celebrity Edition In The History Of The Franchise

CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

As shared by Variety, NBC revealed on Tuesday, August 4, that production will start very soon with eyes set on a date in 2027 to air the show. Palmer will host, while a packed team including Queen Latifah, Joe Jonas and Riley Green will coach the contestants.
While celebrity appearances are not alien to earlier seasons of the show, this will be the first time anywhere in the world that a season will be solely dedicated to celebrity contestants.
Various personalities across all sectors will fight for the bragging rights of “The Voice” winner, including actors, influencers, comedians, reality TV stars, athletes, and many more.
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It will not be Palmer’s first rodeo as a host for TV shows, including NBC, as she currently handles the game show “Password.” The media guru is also the star of Peacock’s “The ‘Burbs” and has previously served as a guest mentor on “American Idol.”
The 32-Year-Old Broke A Daytime Emmy Record In 2024

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

Palmer, two years ago, broke the glass ceiling in the Primetime Emmy universe when she became the first woman in nearly two decades to win an Emmy for hosting a game show. Deadline noted that she took the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for “Password.”
She wrestled with four men in the category, including Steve Harvey, Pat Sajak, Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik, to win the title, becoming the first Black woman to be nominated in the category and even win it. It was also the first time in 50 years that the NBC show had been nominated or won in that category.
Palmer got to add that Emmy to the one she won in 2021 for the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category courtesy of her role in “Turnt Up With The Taylors.”
Palmer’s NBC show has Jimmy Fallon at the wheel as an executive producer, and he duly earned his flowers in the actress’ acceptance speech at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
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“I’m really just so thankful; I’m almost speechless. I want to thank the people who allowed this to happen, thank you to Jimmy Fallon, thanks to NBC,” Palmer declared in 2024.
Keke Palmer Highlighted Her Hollywood Legacy In Clapback Response Against Colorism

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

In 2022, an internet conversation erupted following Palmer’s performance in “Nope,” a box office flick directed by Jordan Peele. As noted by BET, some social media users had claimed that it was Palmer’s breakout role, a statement the media personality strongly refuted by stating facts about her Hollywood journey.
In the rebuttal, Palmer stated that colorism fueled the reasoning behind comparing her to anyone, adding that attempting to reduce her decades of success to a single film overlooked her long list of artistic achievements.
Palmer duly informed the public that she has achieved several milestones in her career, including becoming the youngest talk show host. Her resume also has her as the first Black woman to lead her own Nickelodeon series, and the youngest and first Black actress to play Cinderella on Broadway.
The TV star, who insisted she was an incomparable talent, reminded naysayers that she has been a leading actress since age 11 with over 100 acting credits to her name. She noted that the release and success of “Nope” have only extended the long list of her accomplishments in the entertainment industry.
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The 15 best comedy movies on Hulu

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26 minutes ago

5 August 2026

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Uplifting Oscar winners and endless time loops are a few of the experiences in store in this list of comedy films that are must-watch.

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Perez Hilton Taken to Hospital After Self-Harm on Livestream

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38 minutes ago

5 August 2026

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Perez Hilton Health Scare Explained How the Blogger Survived Sepsis, Blood Clots and More

Perez Hilton has been transported to a Florida hospital after a disturbing livestream in which he appeared to commit self-harm, according to police.

“The individual has been safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention,” the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ, CNN and more in a statement late Tuesday, August 4.

“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals are also on scene providing support and resources to the individual’s family,” the statement added.

While the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office did not name Hilton, 48, neighbors at the scene told NBC6 that they believe the person is Hilton.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed it had “received multiple calls regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media.”

“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene and confirmed he was alone inside,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement to outlets including TMZ.

The statement continued, “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize deescalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication.”

“At this time, deputies have tactfully disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation,” the statement concluded.

During a TikTok livestream on Tuesday, Hilton appeared naked, covered in blood and seemingly committing acts of self-harm. His account has since been taken down.

“We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further,” Hilton’s managers, Golden Artists Entertainment co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, said in a statement to TMZ and Variety. “We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.”

Us has reached out to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Hilton’s management for further comment.

Hilton (real name Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr.) found fame as a celebrity blogger in the mid-2000s. He has three children, Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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Spider-Man’s Mary Jane Watson Officially Gets Her Time To Shine in New Spin-Off

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50 minutes ago

5 August 2026

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Peter Parker’s great love has always been Mary Jane Watson. Even Spider-Man: Brand New Day highlights the pain of them not being together with Peter (Tom Holland) struggling in a world where MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) do not remember their former friend. But it is often a classic tale of male superhero’s love interest when it comes to MJ’s comic storylines. She isn’t always the center of the story but a new comic run allows Mary Jane Watson the time to shine.

In Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1, fans get to see MJ as we rarely get to see her. There have, in the past, been comic runs and storylines with MJ as the main character, but for the most part, she’s a supporting player in Peter Parker’s life. Now, Peter gets sidelined for MJ to have her moment. Coming face to face with Chameleon, hanging with her own symbiote, taking on Haze, and more, the issue puts MJ in a series of comics from all different artists who really understand what makes Mary Jane Watson so captivating.

The stories within Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1 include “Faces in the Crowd” by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Andrew Broccardo. The story centers around Mary Jane coming to terms with the fact that Chameleon came into their home and pretended to be Peter and what that means for her relationship moving forward. In “Vamp #9,” by Ann Nocenti, MJ is on set as a zombie/vampire on a movie when she has to be the hero Peter often is. With art by Alina Yerofieieva, it is a return to MJ’s acting roots! We round out the issue with Ashley Allen‘s “Redux” with art by Phil Noto that features MJ and Haze back in action together. But one issue in particular brings us back to MJ’s first appearance in Peter Parker’s world.

Including a Heartbreaking Use of Her First Ever Appearance

In Soft Words at Sunset, we get to see Mary Jane Watson at a very different time in her life. Detailing her life with Peter Parker, the comic takes us back to their first introduction. Mary Jane was first introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #42 in November of 1966. She sees Peter, and one of the first things she ever said to him is “Face it, tiger…you just hit the jackpot!” The new comic, written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Luigi Zagaria, fans get to see Mary Jane as the center of her own story. This time, exploring her grief and love for Peter Parker while doing it.

Soft Words at Sunset is a beautiful exploration of how dedicated Peter Parker and MJ have always been to each other. She understood what it meant for him to be a superhero, and she understood that he was never going to stop. And Stracynski uses MJ’s first line in comic history in a breathtaking and heartbreaking way.

You can celebrate Mary Jane Watson by watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day and purchasing Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1, out now.

Release Date: Advertisement

July 31, 2026
Runtime: 145 Minutes
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Writers: Advertisement

Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, Stan Lee
Producers: Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel O’Connor, Avi Arad
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Spider-Man / Peter Parker

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Gregg Sulkin on Mason’s Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Plot Twist

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1 hour ago

5 August 2026

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Gregg Sulkin as Mason in Wizards of Waverly Place

More than a decade after saying goodbye to Wizards of Waverly Place, Gregg Sulkin was more than ready to step back into one of his most beloved roles — but his return wasn’t exactly what fans were expecting.

Warning: Major spoilers below for the final season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

The actor, 34, reprised his role as fan-favorite werewolf Mason Greyback in the four-part Wizards Beyond Waverly Place finale, which aired on Disney Channel Tuesday, August 4. But the highly anticipated comeback came with a twist few saw coming: Alex Russo’s (Selena Gomez) first love died sometime before the events of the sequel series.

While the revelation surely came as a shock to viewers, Sulkin approached Mason’s fate the same way he would any other role — by trusting the creative team to deliver the best story possible.

“For me, I focus on what I think every actor does: on the script and turning the scene into the best it possibly can be,” Sulkin exclusively told Us ahead of the series finale. “The rest I left up to the writers. The writers are very capable, very talented. I think the Disney brand is one of the most successful in the world for a reason. And so, when they come up with story lines or when they go into specific directions with characters for many different reasons, it’s one of those where I just put my hands up, respect the decision, and then do my best with that.”

The original Wizards of Waverly Place aired from 2007 to 2012, with Sulkin joining in season 3 as Mason, the witty werewolf who quickly became Alex’s most popular boyfriend. More than a decade later, the Disney Channel franchise returned with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, bringing back several familiar faces while introducing a new generation of young wizards.

The four-part finale followed teen wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) as she searched for Alex after discovering the pair are mother and daughter. Trapped in an alternate universe with amnesia, Alex reunited with her best friend Harper (Jennifer Stone) and Mason.

At first, it appeared Mason and Alex had found their way back to each other, with the werewolf even preparing to propose. But Alex eventually regained her memories and realized the life she was seeing couldn’t be real — because Mason had already died.

Although Sulkin fully trusted the creative team with Mason’s fate, the actor did have a few ideas of his own when bringing the character back.

“There were certain callbacks that I wanted to make, and there were certain things that I thought the fans would appreciate if they heard out of my mouth,” Sulkin said with a smile. “A couple of line changes and a few little Easter eggs for the original fans. It definitely was a collaborative experience and a collaborative effort.”

Sulkin also clarified that while Mason is gone at the moment, he may not be gone forever.

“That’s not to say that there cannot be a spinoff in the future of potentially a prequel of all the years leading up to [his death],” Sulkin teased. “So, you know, I wouldn’t say Mason is [totally gone]. I mean, he’s dead for now.”

Whatever the future may hold, saying yes to a Wizards return was never really in doubt for Sulkin.

“I was really happy to be part of the original show. I mean, the original show meant so much to me,” he told Us. “It opened up so many opportunities, so many doors, and it was a show that I was always grateful for.”

While he knew the revival was in the works before it was publicly announced, Sulkin says he always felt his return needed to happen organically.

Gregg Sulkin, Selena Gomez Wizards of Waverly Place — Everett Collection

“I always knew that they wanted me to come back. I think it was just a matter of finding the perfect moment, the perfect time, the perfect storyline,” he explained. “Also, respecting the old characters, respecting the original show, but also giving space for this new show to breathe.”

Ultimately, returning allowed him the chance to thank everyone who helped shape those formative years of his career.

“It was an opportunity for me to say thank you to all the fans that supported me on the original show,” Sulkin continued, adding, “It was an opportunity to close a very beautiful chapter in my life. … And also to say thank you to the crew for being such an amazing support system at a very pivotal point in my own personal life.”

Despite the years between projects, stepping back into Mason’s shoes — and being back opposite Gomez — came naturally. “I think it took me about three seconds,” Sulkin joked. “It was a really surreal experience. It took Selena and me simply looking at each other on set and it was like, ‘OK, we’re back.”

Sulkin wasn’t even dismayed by the short amount of prep time before filming. “I can prep this all day long, but the feelings that I feel once I go back to set, working with Selena, working with Jen, it’s going to sort of all go out the window because there are so many emotions,” he said.

“I think some things in life you can’t force, and I think Selena and I’s professional chemistry since the start of the show was so strong that, and so natural that I felt that I just felt at ease,” he added of his special dynamic with Gomez, 33. “To come back many years later, nothing really had changed. Maybe I had a few more lines on my forehead, but apart from that, it was pretty much the same.”

Although Alex ultimately moved on from Mason, Sulkin doesn’t believe their love story ever truly ended — and urged viewers who may be disappointed to do the same.

“When you say Mason and Alex didn’t end up together, yes, in a way they didn’t,” he told Us. “But I do believe that, in Mason’s heart, anyway, they did in a way. Because I think there is so much love between them.”

“Whether or not they ended up with different partners and went on different approaches, I think the love that they have for each other is so deep and so real,” Sulkin added. “I couldn’t say that they didn’t end up together because I think in their heart they will always hold on to each other deep down.”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is streaming on Disney+ now.

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Jennifer Stone Details Wizards Return, Harper’s Future

Published

1 hour ago

5 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Jennifer Stone on Her Return to Wizards Selena Gomez Reunion and a Potential Bisexual Harper

The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place series finale went out with a bang — and the episode wouldn’t have felt right without the return of OG star Jennifer Stone.

Warning: Spoilers below from the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place series finale.

“I had kind of mourned the fact that I was not going to be a part of the reboot just because you know I talked to David Henrie [who plays Justin Russo]. It’s about a totally different family,” Stone, 33, exclusively told Us ahead of the Tuesday, August 4, finale. “Like Selena [Gomez] kind of pops in and out, and so [David was] like, ‘It doesn’t really make sense for you to come in.’”

The actress, who portrayed Alex Russo’s (Gomez) BFF Harper Finkle on Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007 to 2012, had come to terms with the fact that there wasn’t a place for her in the highly anticipated spinoff— but that all changed when she was asked to appear in the finale.

“I’m just really protective of her,” Stone told Us of her character and the only “hesitation” she felt personally when approached with the possibility of returning for one, very special episode. “I just wanted to be really sensitive of, like, she’s not the butt of a joke. We’re not making fun of her. Like she’s very confident and self assured.”

She noted that during the episode, fans see Harper back in action and fully herself, which ultimately made the decision to return an easy one.

“I just wanted to honor the character that I grew up with and loved so much,” Stone added.

During the four-part finale, teen wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) was on the search for Alex after learning that the pair are mother and daughter. Alex, meanwhile, was trapped in an alternate universe with amnesia, where she reunited with Harper, now her roommate, and her first love Mason Greyback (Gregg Sulkin).

While fans initially thought that Alex and Mason were happily back together, when Alex regained her memories she realized that Mason had already died prior to the events of the sequel series. (Harper, for her part, told Alex that they should look each other up back in the real world, hinting their friendship would be rekindled down the line.)

Despite Alex’s heartbreak on screen, Stone told Us that her reunion with Gomez, 34, behind the scenes and then working side by side was like a dream come true.

Jennifer Stone on Her Return to Wizards Selena Gomez Reunion and a Potential Bisexual Harper Finale — Selena Gomez and David Henrie on ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.’ Disney/Eric McCandless

“I was a mess. The waterproof mascara ran amok,” Stone recalled of watching Gomez step behind the camera for the pivotal episode. “Literally, the table read, I cried getting to see her direct. I cried. I was a mess.”

She remembered checking in with Gomez before filming and telling each other, “OK, this is probably it. This is probably the last time we’re ever gonna play Alex and Harper with each other.”

Stone added that it was “this beautiful thing of saying goodbye to these characters” while also celebrating how her and Gomez’s lives have grown and changed since they first met.

“I find it really poetic that we said goodbye to these characters as Jen and Selena, but … we’re still going to meet in each other’s lives,” she added. “We’re still [going to] live on you past what’s on camera.”

When it comes to how Harper’s story ended, Stone told Us that there was a lot left unsaid, so she has her own ideas as to where she is now — and will be in the future.

“I picture her because she’s so giving and sweet, and loves to nurture. I think that I can see her being like a teacher at Parsons in New York,” Stone shared. “I think she’s some kind of fashion teacher. That or she has to have her own fashion line.”

Jennifer Stone on Her Return to Wizards Selena Gomez Reunion and a Potential Bisexual Harper Disney — Jennifer Stone and Selena Gomez on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place.’ Bruce Birmelin/Disney Channel/Everett Collection

Stone explained that she’s not sure whether Harper would be married to Zeke Beakerman (Dan Benson), her high school sweetheart, since there’s a big “dating pool” in New York.

“I do think she probably calls him every now and then for the Velociraptor dance,” she said with a laugh and before telling Us that perhaps Harper is now bisexual.

Stone said a shift in Harper’s sexuality is “something that I can definitely see because, I mean, Harper’s so open and creative and I can just see her loving the person.”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is streaming on Disney+ now.

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“The O.C.” cast, then and now: See what the stars of the popular 2000s teen drama are doing today

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5 August 2026

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California, here we come.

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Rihanna Stuns in Barely-There Carnival Costume With Cutouts

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2 hours ago

5 August 2026

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Rihanna Is Red Hot on Mother’s Day in Sexy Comme des Garcons Ensemble

Rihanna has lit up Barbados Carnival, stepping out in her hometown in dazzling style.

The “Diamonds” hitmaker, 38, wowed onlookers while attending Grand Kadooment Day on Tuesday, August 4, as part of the annual celebrations. A shimmering rainbow of glittering jewels and feathers, she rocked a barely-there one-piece as she walked in a parade.

In photos captured and shared via Instagram by Backgrid, Rihanna was seen standing posing for snaps with fans and local authorities as a giant set of fluorescent wings towered over her from behind.

She completed the incredible ensemble, sported on the final day of the annual Barbados Carnival’s Crop Over Festival, with face jewels set beneath her eyes, a fuchsia lip and mesh shoes.

According to the photo agency, Rihanna partied with her brother, Rorrey Fenty, and his Carnival band, Aura.

According to Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna’s spectacular outfit was a custom creation by Lauren Austin. Austin, a designer who lives and works out of Barbados’ Christ Church, took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday to share snaps of Rihanna in her work of art.

“Lauren Austin design #5 for the queen,” Austin wrote over a photo of Rihanna in one Instagram Story. “Thank you for always choosing me @badgalriri. Beautiful woman.”

Additional Instagram Stories showed Rihanna dancing in her costume on the streets and clapping her hands to applaud performers on a moving bus as she giggled among friends and party goers. As fellow Barbados artist Spice, real name Grace Hamilton, danced seductively while hanging off the vehicle’s upper framework, Rihanna didn’t hold back in cheering her on.

Footage shared via Spice’s Instagram on Tuesday also captured Rihanna dancing seductively herself while aboard the vehicle, delighting Spice by wiggling her backside for the camera.

The appearance comes amid a week of celebrations for Rihanna. On Saturday, August 1, the singer and partner ASAP Rocky marked their son Riot’s third birthday with a Spider Man-themed party. In glimpses of the party shared via Instagram by Rihanna’s sister-in-law Nadia King, balloons, banners and treats created the ultimate space for their toddler. (Rihanna and Rocky are also parents to son RZA, who they welcomed in 2022, and daughter Rocki, who they welcomed in 2025.)

At the end of King’s social media footage, the crowd was seen singing “Happy Birthday” to Riot, including his dad, 37, who rocked a white T-shirt and baseball cap, and his mom, who opted for a flowy dress.

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Prime Video’s Forgotten Revenge Thriller Is Now Taking Over the Streaming

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2 hours ago

5 August 2026

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Art Camacho’s gripping action-thriller Ruthless features Dermot Mulroney as Harry, a grieving wrestling coach who’s unexpectedly thrust into the roles of both pseudo-detective and unrelenting protector. Upon realizing that a tragic and winding story lies just beneath the surface of one of his most skilled pupils, Catia, played by Melisa Diaz, Harry sets forth on an increasingly dangerous mission to save her. From the bustling halls of a small-town high school to the shifty streets of Sin City, the 2023 film is both truly stirring and unexpectedly thrilling.

Like many other accidental—unlikely-vigilante flicks, Ruthless is most notably grounded by Harry’s tragic backstory. It’s revealed rather early on that his daughter was violently murdered and assaulted. Thus, as an audience, it can reasonably be assumed that his motive to protect Catia is largely influenced by his desire to right the wrongs of his past. If only he could’ve saved her, if only he had been there to protect her. Now, four years later, he in some way can. Perhaps had another lead been propelling the plot forward, this sob story may have registered as cliché. However, Mulroney plays brooding yet soft very well. Similar to The Last of Us, Ruthless has a similar charm to the fill-in father and daughter trope.

Three Years Later, Camacho’s ‘Ruthless’ is Dominating Streaming Platforms

Despite the so-so critical response, Ruthless had a surprisingly successful streaming run. Such is the experience of your average, thrilling, yet not necessarily James Cameron-esque action feature. After its release, the film found a booming second life on Prime Video, and was so successful, in fact, that it ranked rather high on Prime’s most-watched charts. Currently, it’s positioned comfortably in the top ten, ranking above powerhouses like World War Z and Primate. Plus, even in the modest to negative reviews from film aficionados still praised Mulroney for his gritty, unrelenting commitment despite the occasionally off-beat dialogue and kitschy plot. After an entire career built off roles of a similar likeness, one would hope he’s mastered the Stoic, morally-grey thing at this point.

In summary, despite a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Ruthless is certainly worth a watch. As many critics have argued, because of the not one, not two, but four writers credited in the making of the film, things do get inarguably muddy. However, with that being said, both the heart of the leads and the thrilling action captured in just 92 minutes make this flick impossible to look away from. Critics be damned, the numbers alone vouch for the edge-of-your-seat experience that is Ruthless. For those looking for a B-tier, purely entertaining unlikely hero action flick, this is surely the one.

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7 Crime Show Endings That Are Genuine Masterpieces

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5 August 2026

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Cillian Murphy as Tommy in the English countryside with a burning caravan in Peaky Blinders Season 6.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for multiple TV shows.Crime dramas never go out of fashion, but every great series eventually reaches its end. Whether it’s a multi-season epic or a tightly scripted miniseries, the genre explores the gritty realities of those who uphold the law, those who operate outside of it, and those caught somewhere in between. Sometimes, it follows people failed by the justice system despite deserving its protection; other times, it examines those forced into a life of crime by circumstances beyond their control.

No matter which side they fall on, they all share one thing in common: their endings are shaped by the choices they make throughout the series. Some face the collapse of a once-feared criminal empire, while others fight to reclaim their innocence after being failed by the very system meant to protect them. Whether tragic, bittersweet, or unexpectedly hopeful, the best crime drama finales deliver endings that feel both inevitable and earned. From a feared mafia on the verge of extinction to a wrongly accused man seeking justice, here are crime show endings that are genuine masterpieces.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Every criminal empire is bound to meet its inevitable demise. Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby family as they expand from a humble gambling operation into an international business empire. But that rise comes at a bloody cost, requiring family patriarch Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) to eliminate anyone who dares cross him. While Tommy is far more merciful toward his family, he still has no qualms about cutting them out of the business—especially his cousin Michael Gray (Finn Cole), the son of his late aunt.

Although Tommy’s conflict with Michael finally ends with a gunshot in the finale, one battle remains: his failing health—or so he believes. After discovering his terminal diagnosis was fabricated by a doctor working with fascist allies determined to bring him down, Tommy tracks the doctor down, ready to kill him. Yet he ultimately walks away. It’s a fitting callback to the show’s recurring theme of the eleventh hour, symbolizing an armistice that proves Tommy has finally found peace after letting go of the criminal empire that brought him both power and misery.

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Riz Ahmed in a tank top and grey sweatpants, sitting in Rikers, in The Night Of

If there’s a crash course in just how unjust the American judicial system can be, it’s The Night Of. In just one night, the typically high-strung college student Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed) finds himself behind bars after one party changes the entire course of his life. Waking up next to a dead woman with all the evidence pointing to him, Naz’s innocence is immediately called into question, largely because of his Pakistani-American heritage and lack of financial means to afford the best lawyers.

Although Naz ultimately regains his freedom in the finale, it comes at a grave cost. While the ending never reveals the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, Naz walks away with a bittersweet 6-6 hung jury. Unfortunately, his time in prison has altered him both physically and psychologically, leaving him unrecognizable from the young man audiences first met. As a result, The Night Of becomes less about who committed the crime and more about what the justice system does to underprivileged and underrepresented men like Naz.

‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)

Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) in the 'Bosch' series finale. — Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) in the ‘Bosch’ series finale.

In a sea of uniform blue, there will always be a black sheep like Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver). Bosch follows a case-of-the-season format, but one thread that ties every season together is Bosch’s growing skepticism toward the LAPD. As an authoritative figure, Bosch excels at putting bad guys behind bars. The bigger question, however, is whether the people above him—chiefs, the feds, and mayors—actually want to keep them there.

The series finale becomes the culmination of Bosch’s pent-up disappointment and disillusionment with the system. He finally arrests gang leader Mickey Peña (Gino Vento), but the FBI wants to use him as an asset in a larger investigation, despite Peña being responsible for the arson that killed an entire family. Peña is ultimately freed, only to be murdered by the grieving father of one of the victims, who is then shot by police. Bosch has crossed plenty of lines before, but none more outrageous than turning in his badge and walking away from a justice system built on compromise and political bargaining.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Tony (James Gandolfini) looks up from a tabletop jukebox in the finale of 'The Sopranos'. — Tony (James Gandolfini) looks up from a tabletop jukebox in the finale of ‘The Sopranos’.

The Sopranos arguably committed one of television’s cardinal sins: cutting to black. Working for the mafia has always been an uncertain business, and Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) bears much of that burden while hiding his panic attacks to avoid scrutiny from his peers. The glory days of the mafia are long gone. With racketeering and traditional scams becoming less profitable in the credit card era, and RICO constantly closing in, it’s only a matter of time before the old crime families fade away.

That moment finally arrives in the finale of The Sopranos. Tony brokers a truce with New York after the assassination of a rival boss, bringing a bloody mob war to an end. Yet he also faces a possible indictment after one of his associates likely becomes an informant. Knowing his time may be running out, Tony reunites with his family at Holsten’s diner. As he nervously watches every customer who walks in, the screen suddenly cuts to black. Whether Tony lives or dies remains one of television’s greatest mysteries.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Walter White with shaggy hair and a beard, standing in a room with a hand on a tank in the Breaking Bad finale.

Nobody dies a hero or a villain in the Breaking Bad finale, especially Walter White (Bryan Cranston). The former chemistry teacher may have started cooking meth to put food on the table and pay his mounting medical bills. But after getting his first real taste of success—something that had long eluded him in his academic career—something inside him changes. His noble intentions slowly disappear, and the Albuquerque drug empire becomes the one place where he truly feels respected and seen.

Yet Heisenberg never completely lets go of his humanity, as the finale makes clear. Before his death, Walter ties up every loose end, ensuring his family will be financially secure while finally admitting the truth to Skyler (Anna Gunn): he didn’t build his meth empire for them, but for himself. It was never about survival—it was about his own pride and ego. After rescuing Jesse (Aaron Paul) and wiping out his rivals, Walter dies inside a meth lab, ending his story in the very place that defined both the best and worst parts of who he became.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) in the 'Boardwalk Empire' series finale. — Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) in the ‘Boardwalk Empire’ series finale.

The past finally catches up with Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) in Boardwalk Empire. The treasurer of Atlantic City has spent his life clawing his way out of an abusive childhood while building not only a criminal empire but also the image of a beloved public politician for those unaware of his illicit dealings. He’s the very definition of duality: on one hand, he flashes the warmest smile to potential voters; on the other, he doesn’t hesitate to smash someone’s face into a bar.

Earlier in the series, Nucky takes Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) under his wing, only to kill him after uncovering his betrayal. But the dead never truly stay buried—they live on through those they leave behind. That makes Nucky’s death in the finale all the more tragic. Instead of falling to a rival mobster, he’s killed by Jimmy’s son, bringing his story full circle. It’s a fitting end, signaling the rise of a new generation of organized crime as the old guard finally surrenders to the Commission.

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Julianne Nicholson sitting on a park bench with Kate Winslet's head on her shoulder in 'Mare of Easttown'. — Julianne Nicholson sitting on a park bench with Kate Winslet’s head on her shoulder in ‘Mare of Easttown’.

Mare of Easttown shows how a murder mystery can parallel a mother’s grief, and the finale makes that connection all the more heartbreaking. Detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) may be the town’s best detective, but she’s emotionally drained after the death of her son. Understandably, grief clouds her judgment. Still, when a teenage girl is found murdered, and another remains missing from a cold case, Mare has no choice but to push through her pain before anyone else becomes a victim.

The finale finally reveals the killer, but with a devastating twist. Mare initially arrests John Ross (Joe Tippett) after he confesses, only for one last piece of evidence to expose the truth: the real killer is John’s tween son, Ryan (Cameron Mann), who accidentally shoots the girl while trying to scare her away from his father. The cruelest part is that Ryan is the son of Mare’s best friend, Lori (Julianne Nicholson), beginning another cycle of a mother’s grief just as Mare starts emerging from her own. In the end, grief is inevitable—it’s how we live with it that matters.