Entertainment
This 12-Part Crime Hit Was Just Another Procedural Until One Scene Changed Everything
It’s rare for any show to run more than a few seasons without a noticeable dip, especially network procedurals built around a familiar week-to-week formula. Even when a series puts a fresh spin on the standard investigative setup, the “case of the week” structure can start to feel repetitive once viewers learn the rhythm of how each episode is going to play out. Bones managed to avoid a lot of those pitfalls because creator Hart Hanson put real emphasis on character, not just plot. The show has an eclectic supporting bench, but it ultimately lived and died on the chemistry between Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz. Sure, crime dramas naturally hook people with the cases themselves, but Bones had a central dynamic that made the procedural engine feel secondary, and that only worked because those two performances made it believable.
Loosely based on the real life and books of Kathy Reichs, Bones centers on the brilliant forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan (Deschanel), who works to investigate evidence at crime scenes at the industrious Jeffersonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Brennan has a close relationship with artist Angela Montenegro (Michaela Conlin), entomologist Jack Hodgins (T.J. Thyne), intern Zack Addy (Eric Millegan), psychologist Lance Sweets (John Francis Daley), and pathologist Camille Saroyan (Tamara Taylor).
However, it’s her personal and professional connection with FBI Agent Seeley Booth (Boreanaz) that gave Bones its distinct charm. While Hanson originally had a much different approach in mind, Booth and Brennan’s roles were changed after a critical moment when filming the pilot episode. It came down to the two actors being completely in sync on what direction the show should head, and it ended up inspiring a series that continues to garner new viewers based on its rewatchability.
Booth Was Never Meant To Be a Permanent Fixture on ‘Bones’
Bones was unique among procedural crime shows because, at its heart, it was a character drama. Booth and Brennan are complete opposites: while Brennan is socially adverse and highly neurotic, Booth is gregarious, often relying upon his “gut” to make decisions. Initially, their partnership is rocky, as their approaches to solving crimes are radically different; Brennan often feels that Booth doesn’t treat the scientific procedures that she conducts with respect, and he often feels that she uses advanced terminology in order to make him “feel dumb” and undermine his authority. However, Booth and Brennan eventually discover that their skills are complementary and they enjoy spending time together. Eventually, a romance blossoms between the two, but Booth is originally set to be a minor character in the series. According to Hanson, the show would have involved a group of different FBI agents who came in to help Brennan complete her cases.
Despite the importance he ultimately played in the show’s narrative, Booth was originally intended to be little more than an audience surrogate. As someone not well-versed in the scientific jargon that Brennan often spoke about, he would’ve served as a character who asked the same questions that the audience did without breaking the format of the narrative structure. However, Hanson took note of the chemistry between Deschanel and Boreanaz when filming the show’s pilot episode. He stated that he felt the audience would “want to watch these two interact,” because they were “a very rational person and very emotional person.” He compared their dynamic to that of Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in the classic mystery series, Moonlighting.
‘Bones’ Reunion Set With Stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz Amid Revival Talks
A Jeffersonian crew reunion? Yes, please.
The relationship between Brennan and Booth turned Bones from a standard procedural into must-see television. Generally, “case of the week” shows don’t require viewers to pay close attention to the character details, as they tend to revert to the status quo at the end of each episode. However, Bones gave the viewer a reason to watch the show sequentially, as Booth and Brennan began to mature as they understood each other more closely. Early episodes may have felt closer to a more traditional mystery series, but the standout Season 1 episode, “The Man In The Fallout Shelter,” indicated that Bones was putting its characters first and foremost.
It was in this installment that Booth opened up to Brennan about his regrets about fatherhood and how he began to become a workaholic to avoid depression about his admitted failure to stand by his son. Likewise, Brennan was able to discuss the similarly complex relationship that she had with her own father, Max (Ryan O’Neal), who had left her family due to a series of crimes that he had committed. Both Booth and Brennan are essentially lonely children in need of acceptance; while their family lives were never ideal, they can at least find solace in relating and empathizing with one another.
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz Developed a Real Friendship While Making ‘Bones’
Although their chemistry may have been apparent to Hanson as early as the pilot episode, Deschanel and Boreanaz worked to develop their own onscreen dynamic. The two would regularly meet with an acting coach to develop the snappy “back and forth” dialogue between their characters to make it feel more realistic. Over the course of their experience, Deschanel and Boreanaz developed a real friendship that mirrored their onscreen personas. The time and investment they put in was certainly advantageous; later moments in the series that explored the intimacies of their relationship felt more sincere thanks to the stars’ genuine respect for each other. While having a pleasant working environment is something that every production strives for, it was essential for Bones, a show that cranked out 22 episodes a year for over a decade. It is unlikely that the show would have had the same longevity if the actors didn’t feel comfortable playing off one another and acting friendly on screen together.
Given how dark the subject material was, the comic banter between Boreanaz and Deschanel was critical to the tone of Bones. The series often dealt with graphic content and featured more than a few ruthless serial killers who pushed the Jeffersonian staff to their limit; murder, suicide, sexual assault, and torture became commonplace on a series that managed to incorporate a surprising amount of graphic content, despite its TV-14 rating. Viewers may have only been able to stomach so much disturbing material if that was the only thing that Bones had to offer, but Booth and Brennan often traded comic jabs at each other’s expense.
It’s impressive that Boreanaz and Deschanel could add these humorous elements without ever sacrificing the show’s integrity; the comic relief felt authentic to the characters and didn’t detract from the gravity of their responsibilities. In many ways, Booth and Brennan use their comedic banter as a way of blowing off steam when the weight of what’s going around them makes it too difficult to go through traditional therapy. It’s also noted that given how unique their profession is, Booth and Brennan are among the few people who can actually relate to each other’s experiences.
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz’s Chemistry Is Crucial to ‘Bones’
Some of Bones’ most emotionally impactful scenes feel more realistic due to Deschanel and Boreanaz’s real-life connection. In the controversial Season 10 episode, “The Conspiracy and the Corpse,” fan-favorite character Lance Sweets (John Francis Daley) is beaten to death by a rogue Navy SEAL in one of the most shocking, brutal moments in the series. Although Daley left the show to pursue other creative opportunities, there were certainly better ways to have said goodbye to his beloved character than brutally killing him off in a way that not only feels jarringly abrupt but also inauthentic. It became more than obvious that the decision was made purely to appease an actor’s schedule and did not creatively fit into the narrative that Hanson had in mind.
The one saving grace of this tragic moment in the series is Deschanel and Boreanaz’s effortless chemistry. Because the actors share such a close bond in real life, their characters’ reactions to Sweet’s death feels authentic – even if Sweet’s death itself does not. The way the two actors were able to react and respond to each other’s grief and shock heightens the scene. It’s because of Deschanel and Boreanaz that even in Bones’ most unpopular moments, viewers kept coming back. To the credit of both Deschanel and Boreanaz, Bones never felt like it was ignoring the consequences of this moment, as it would become an important part of both characters’ development within the final two seasons. Booth begins to cope with some serious mental health issues as he copes with the loss of Sweets, a former rival who he had grown to trust as one of his best friends.
‘Bones’ Maintained a Consistent Level of Quality Throughout Its Run
While even the best shows can be accused of “jumping the shark” at a certain point, Bones never suffered a serious decline in quality thanks to the strong performances of Deschanel and Boreanaz. Even when the show developed storylines that weren’t realized to their full potential, both actors ensured that Booth and Brennan always acted within character. This was also the result of Boreanaz’s creative involvement; he stepped behind the camera to direct several episodes, including the acclaimed series finale that brought Bones to a satisfying conclusion. While pulling off a great season finale is challenging for any show, it’s particularly hard for a procedural that had to justify the years of investment that fans had in the material. Thankfully, Bones‘ final installment was one that wrapped up a particularly compelling conspiracy storyline in a satisfying way, yet also managed to look back at the eclectic cast of characters and assess how radically they had evolved since the series began in 2005.
The chemistry between Deschanel and Boreanaz is what gave Bones its longevity. It was a level of success that proved difficult to replicate, as the botched spinoff series, The Finder, was unable to develop the same connection with its cast. The series remains highly rewatchable as “comfort television” for many fans because the characters feel like family over time. Rumors persist that a reboot or continuation of Bones is in the works, with Boreanaz recently stating that it was a character and universe that he would be interested in returning to.
While there have been some disastrous television revivals in recent years, it’s easy to imagine that Boreanaz and Deschanel would have enough integrity to ensure the wait was worth it for Bones fans. That being said, it would be much more challenging for viewers to accept any way of continuing Bones in which these two were not directly involved on a creative level to ensure that Booth and Brennan were still the same people that they always were.
Bones is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
- Release Date
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2005 – 2017
- Network
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FOX
- Showrunner
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Hart Hanson
- Directors
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Ian Toynton, Dwight H. Little, Chad Lowe, Jeannot Szwarc, Allan Kroeker, Kate Woods, Steven DePaul, Tim Southam, Jeff Woolnough, Milan Cheylov, Randall Zisk, Alex Chapple, François Velle, Jesús Salvador Treviño, Tony Wharmby, Craig Ross Jr., Kevin Hooks, Michael Lange, Sanford Bookstaver, Allison Liddi-Brown, David Grossman, Emile B. Levisetti, Greg Yaitanes, Brad Turner
- Writers
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Hart Hanson, Michael Peterson, Dean Lopata, Jonathan Collier, Keith Foglesong, Janet Lin, Elizabeth Benjamin, Pat Charles, Josh Berman, Scott Williams, Hilary Weisman Graham, Noah Hawley, Lyla Oliver, Karyn Usher, Dave Thomas, Janet Tamaro, Sanford Golden, Steve Blackman, Joe Hortua, Karen Wyscarver, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Emily Silver, Yael Zinkow, Greg Ball
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Emily Deschanel
Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan
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It’s always summer somewhere when Summer Walker steps out … and these pics are living proof she brings the heat wherever she goes!
Check out these scorching shots … Summer’s soaking up the sun in a barely-there Fendi bikini, putting her curves on full display while striking poses that are impossible to ignore.
No surprise here — Summer’s basically made a sport out of blessing fans with next-level bikini moments, and TBH, nobody’s complaining!
We’ve got one more Summer Walker snap in the mix — but you’ll have to piece it together yourself …
So yeah, temperatures might be dropping where you are — but Summer’s keeping things hot all on her own!
Jeffrey Epstein may have had a collection of highly poisonous plants known to produce a drug that blocks free will in its victims … according to newly discovered emails in the last document dump of the Epstein Files.
In one of the uncovered messages, Epstein sends an email asking about his “trumpet plants at nursery.”
For background … Angel’s Trumpet plants are extremely toxic and produce a drug called scopolamine, which is known to basically turn humans into zombies, wiping them of memory and eliminating their free will. Severe intoxication reportedly may even cause paralysis and death.
Even more alarming, scopolamine reportedly doesn’t show up on toxicology reports.
And if you’re wondering if Epstein was aware of this … there’s an excellent chance he was. In another email, he was sent an article all about the effects of scopolamine and the plant it comes from.
Epstein died in his cell in 2019 awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Lawmakers voted to force President Donald Trump‘s Dept. of Justice to publicly release the Epstein Files last year … they’ve been dropped in batches, the most recent last month … though the DOJ says there won’t be any more forthcoming.
Last week, Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a deposition in front of the House Oversight Committee, refusing to answer questions relating to Trump’s association with Epstein. Trump has not been accused of any crime in relation to Epstein … dozens of high-profile figures in entertainment, business, science and academia are featured in the files as friends and confidants.
Entertainment
Natalie Portman took very specific momento from “Star Wars” set: 'I stole it and lost it'
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Her costar Hayden Christensen recently revealed that he took a similar prop from the films.
It comes just weeks after the twelve-year-old sparked online backlash for sporting risky finger studs, with many slamming her famous parents for giving her such freedom at a young age.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had been at loggerheads over their daughter’s social media activities following their divorce, but recent reports suggest the “Donda” rapper now supports North.
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North West Rocks’ Face Piercings’ While Out On A Shopping Spree
North has made headlines again for her bold fashion statements after previously coming under fire for the same. This time, she was seen sporting “face piercings” while out on a weekend shopping spree.
The preteen was photographed with what appeared to be several metallic studs across her bridge and cheek, but they’re only temporary stickers that gave the illusion of facial “piercings.”
Blue-haired North was dressed in an all-black ensemble as she rocked a diamond-crusted “skull” neck chain, and Black hand gloves with skeleton prints.
Her latest fashion statement appears to be an attempt to look the part, as she promotes her debut new single, “Piercing On My Hand,” which she recently performed with her father at his concert in Mexico last month.
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Fans Have Mixed Reactions To North West’s Body Modifications
Social media had mixed reactions to North’s piercings, as some fans had a go at her parents, calling them “irresponsible,” while others commended her style.
“Does she even go to school and do school work? This little girl is headed down a terrible path,” a critic wrote on X, while another added that they “wish she would be allowed to be a kid.”
However, a few fans resonated with North’s fashion choice and didn’t hold back from praising her.
“Is it just me, or is anyone else fw north style? I actually like that Kim lets her explore and express herself through fashion,” a fan penned.
Another person said, “Love her and her style. The adults tryna bully her should do better.”
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“I will never understand people that shame her simply bc she has colored hair. We all wanted colorful hair growing up, and what? Some piercing? What’s wrong with that? And her clothes are so modest and appropriate for her age,” one user wrote.
Some even branded her a female version of her dad, with one writing, “She’s literally just female Kanye.”
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North West Is Building Her Own Fashion Brand
North’s style has increasingly become bolder by the months, and has included a custom-made set of grillz by jeweler Johnny Dang. In recent times, she changed it to a pair of black grillz designed by influencer Sukii Baby.
The nepo baby is already carving a path for herself in the fashion world as she’s set to launch her own clothing and jewelry line, soon named “NOR11.” The brand will have a wide range of goods and services, including shoes, clothes, and accessories.
According to reports, her famous mom already submitted three trademark applications for the brand, under KimYe’s Kid Inc., which was incorporated in California in August 2023.
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Kim Kardashian Has Filed To Trademark A Wide Variety Of Items, Including Watches, For The Child Star
One trademark was for clothing and accessories, including dresses, footwear, hats, and stockings, while the other was for watches and jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
The third trademark application was for a variety of bags, for example, handbags, wallets, and cosmetic cases.
The company’s name, under which the trademark was filed, seemingly alludes to both her parents being the owners; however, it appears West has nothing to do with it, as Kardashian is listed as the only officer, per California records.
Kanye West And Kim Kardashian Have Been At Odds About How To Raise Their Kids
West has previously slammed his ex-wife for the way she allows their daughter use social media as well as her fashion choices.
However, the SKIMS founder opened up about the challenges of parenting during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she admitted that balancing self-expression with age-appropriate boundaries has been difficult.
“It’s really hard, and it’s really interesting because all the kids are wearing the same things,” Kardashian said. “But then my daughter tries to wear it, and I’m like, ‘OK, we’re never wearing that again.’ Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world.”
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Meanwhile, she recently shared on her sister Khloe’s “Khloe In Wonderland” podcast that her relationship with her children’s father, which was strained, is now in a good place, per Us Weekly.
“You and Ye have really bonded over North’s producing,” Khloe told her. “You guys are now in a much better place because of that.”
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“Yeah, I’m a really empathetic person. I mean, at the end of the day, we’re always family,” Kardashian said. “I always look at it that way, no matter what’s going on. There are times when I have to be super protective, and there are times when, at any moment, I would love that relationship. I’ve always said that.”
“The music side and the producing isn’t my thing, and that’s her bonding thing with her dad,” Kim said of North’s foray into the music world.
“Even just coming up with stuff, we have to communicate about how North moves through that world and all these opportunities that come her way and having to filter that and respecting his opinion on the things that go on with his kids is really important,” she added. “I think it’s important for the kids. You just, kind of, have to put all the other stuff to the side.”
While the Princess of Wales reportedly viewed his departure as inevitable, her husband was said to be deeply saddened by it.
Meanwhile, former royal aide Paul Burrell claims the divide between Prince Harry’s family and the royal family has widened, affecting even King Charles’ relationship with the duke’s children.
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How Prince William And Kate Middleton Reacted Differently To Prince Harry’s Royal Exit
A new book is shedding light on how the Prince and Princess of Wales privately responded to Prince Harry’s dramatic departure from royal duties in 2020, and it suggests their reactions were far from identical.
In “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” set for release on March 10, royal correspondent Russell Myers explores the emotional aftermath of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back from their senior royal roles.
When Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America while pursuing financial independence, it sent shockwaves through the monarchy and the world at large.
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According to People Magazine, an excerpt published revealed that Kate reportedly took a more supportive view of Harry’s choice.
Myers writes that she “had less interest than her husband in trying to persuade Harry to stay in his current role.”
She is said to have believed that the long-standing dynamic between “the heir and the spare” made Harry’s dissatisfaction almost inevitable, that his role would never feel equal or expansive enough.
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Prince William Was ‘Intensely Saddened’ By Prince Harry’s Exit
By contrast, William was described as “intensely saddened at his brother’s decision to quit.”
The two had already grown apart over time, but Harry’s final break signaled a point of no return.
Myers wrote that “Fond memories of their childhood, from helping each other through the tragedy of their mother’s death, to growing up in the public eye, were now tarnished by the division at the heart of the family.”
Following their departure, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled in California, where they are raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
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The Royal Rift Deepened Years After Sandringham Summit
While Harry and Meghan initially expressed a wish to support the monarchy in a modified capacity, discussions at the Sandringham summit, convened by Queen Elizabeth II, made it clear that a hybrid “half-in, half-out” arrangement would not be possible.
In the years since, tensions have remained evident between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Although Harry met with his father, King Charles III, as recently as September 2025, his relationship with William appears unresolved, with reports claiming that reconciliation between the siblings is highly unlikely.
Public interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s “Spare” memoir further exposed grievances, while further worsening the fracture.
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Royal Rift Unlikely To Heal, As Expert Claims Prince William Is Keeping His Distance From Prince Harry
Royal expert Paul Burrell, who once served Princess Diana, recently noted that the divide between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly the Waleses, may be even worse than the public realizes.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Burrell suggested that William has intentionally created more distance from his younger brother in recent years, and he doubts the two will reconcile anytime soon, if at all.
According to Burrell, William’s increasing proximity to the throne has shaped his approach. As heir, he must operate within a tightly controlled environment, safeguarding both his role and the institution.
“He can’t let things leak out,” said Burrell. “He doesn’t want to live in a world with a leaky sieve. He doesn’t want to live in a world that can’t be controlled because, to be a monarch, you have to control the environment. You have to look after the crown.”
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The Rift Between The Brothers Has Greatly Impacted King Charles
Burrell also suggested that the ongoing rift has taken an emotional toll on Charles III, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Harry’s children.
According to Burrell, the king is said to feel deep sadness over the limited time he has spent with Archie and Lilibet, who are growing up in Montecito, California.
Living thousands of miles from the U.K., the children are largely removed from the royal environment that shaped their father’s upbringing.
“It’s sad for Archie and Lilibet, who will never know that world. Their father came from that world, and they will never know their cousins and the people who populate that world,” Burrell said. “It’s sad for the king, who can’t embrace all his grandchildren at the same time. He can’t put his arms around Archie and Lilibet the same way that he can around [William’s children] George, Charlotte, and Louis. I think he’s very sad.”
Reflecting on the family divide, Burrell added that Princess Diana would likely have been distressed to see her sons estranged and living on separate continents, separated not just by circumstance but by an ocean.
Just weeks after delivering alarming updates about his failing heart, Ray Jstepped onto a Valentine’s Day stage in Louisiana and left fans stunned.
The 45-year-old singer performed with what appeared to be blood streaming from his eyes and a medical monitor strapped to his chest, igniting intense speculation about his health and state of mind.
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Ray J Takes The Stage In Graphic Valentine’s Day Moment
On February 14 in Shreveport, Ray J delivered a performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.
Video compilations shared online show the singer handing roses to audience members while wearing dark sunglasses. Beneath them, red streaks were visible, trailing down from one eye.
As the show continued, he removed his orange shirt, revealing a medical monitor taped to his chest.
In another clip, he briefly lifted his sunglasses, exposing what looked like blood under both eyes. A later photo showed the performer shirtless beside a fan, with visible red stains near the chest device.
Before taking the stage, Ray J hinted at the intensity of the night. In a Facebook post shared ahead of the concert, he wrote, “I’m putting my life on the line for this show!!”
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The Valentine’s Day lineup also included Kelly Price and Bobby Valentino, adding to what was billed as a celebratory evening.
Instead, the viral footage shifted the conversation into something far more serious.
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Fans Question Whether The Moment Was Real
As the clip of Ray J’s shocking performance went viral, many fans took turns sharing their thoughts about it, with many wondering if he is really sick or just making things up.
One person said, “Ray J play [sic] so much I don’t know whether to send my condolences or prayers.”
Another tweep asked, “Does Ray J want us to witness his death live onstage or what??????”
A third fan asked, “Is this real about his situation or this fake because you know Ray J play around. He is all entertainment.”
A tweep said bluntly, “Fake,” while another added, “Trust me, if this was true, he wouldn’t be on stage.”
The criticism kept coming with one fan stating, “He’s a stunt king,” while another added, “Ray J keep faking everything for attention, n-gga you 50.”
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Other Fans Urge Ray J To Slow Down
Another person advised the musician, “N-gga go home. Nobody wanna see you that bad,” while another fan added, “He is a big hoax and a clown, doesn’t care about anyone.”
While many fans questioned the authenticity of Ray J’s bloody performance, some others were genuinely concerned for him, as one fan advised him, “Bro, slow your roll, a heart needs time to heal.”
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Health Warnings From Ray J Resurface
Ray J Says Doctors Warned His Time Is Limited, Credits Brandy for Covering His Bills. Ray J Admits Excessive Drinking and D*ug Use Damaged His Health, Says Part of His Heart Is “Black” Ray J Reflects on Life, Wants More Time With His Kids and Shares $10M Trust Fund Reveal.🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/0sWJpa2zTK
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) January 28, 2026
The dramatic imagery would have raised eyebrows under any circumstances. But coming so soon after his troubling health disclosures, it carried heavier weight.
“I want to thank everybody for praying for me. I was in a hospital. My heart’s only beating like 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right,” he said at the time.
Later that same month, during an Instagram Live session, he made an even more chilling statement. He said, “2027 is definitely a wrap for me.”
In the livestream, he claimed doctors told him he would not live long and that his heart had turned “black” due to abusing alcohol and drugs.
Those words are now being replayed across social media alongside clips from the Louisiana performance, with fans debating whether the bloody visuals were symbolic, theatrical, or something more concerning.
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Hospitalization And Lingering Questions
Ray J was admitted to a Las Vegas hospital on January 7 due to severe pneumonia and heart pain, according to earlier reports.
The episode added to a pattern of health scares. He had also been hospitalized with pneumonia in 2021.
As of now, representatives for the singer have not publicly responded to requests for clarification about the concert imagery.
Whether the dramatic stage presence was performance art, shock value, or a reflection of deeper struggles, one thing remains clear.
Ray J’s latest appearance has blurred the line between spectacle and reality, leaving fans unsettled and searching for answers about what comes next.
Cheer Mom
History of Custody Issues Preceded Apparent Murder-Suicide
Published
Tawnia McGeehan — the mom who allegedly killed her teen daughter Addi Smith and then herself in a Las Vegas hotel room over the weekend — had a custody battle for her daughter, which lasted 9 years … according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
The papers show multiple instances where Tawnia was accused of custodial interference, but the charges were later dismissed.
In the original temporary orders from 2015, Tawnia and her ex, Bradley Smith, agreed that Addi would live with Tawnia as her primary residence, but that Bradley was to be granted parent time and joint custody.
But in 2020, there was a temporary order in which Tawnia was accused of subjecting Addi to “behavior on the spectrum of parental alienation.” The papers also allege Tawnia committed domestic abuse in front of the child.
This 2020 order determined Bradley would have temporary sole custody of Addi, having “demonstrated a better understanding of the child’s needs.”
Then in 2021, Tawnia filed a temporary restraining order and alleged she was being recorded by Addi’s stepmom during their parent-time exchanges.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
In the end, Tawnia and Bradley were awarded joint legal and physical custody of Addi with one week on and one week off in 2024.
As we reported … Tawnia and Addi traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheer competition they never showed up for. Police believe Tawnia shot Addi late Saturday at the Rio Hotel & Casino before turning the gun on herself.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Entertainment
Ryan Murphy’s 88 RT% Crime Miniseries Convinced Stephen King To Adapt His Favorite Horror Story
Stephen King is one of the most well-known and acclaimed authors of all time — so much so, in fact, that he’s been deemed the King of Horror on more than one occasion. His novels have been adapted into some of the horror genre’s most influential films, such as Carrie, The Shining, and Misery. His novels are still being adapted today, whether it be for movies or television, but there was one story in particular that he held onto for years, and that’s Lisey’s Story. But the time finally came when King felt ready to adapt the novel, and it was due in part to Ryan Murphy.
What Is ‘Lisey’s Story’ About?
Lisey’s Story was published in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the novel finally earned an adaptation — though not from a lack of interest, as King has repeatedly said that it is his personal favorite of the novels he has written, and even expressed interest in Lisey’s Story being adapted into a TV series back in 2017. The story follows Lisey Landon (Julianne Moore), the widow of a novelist, who is plagued by repressed memories that connect back to her husband’s death.
King previously divulged that the idea for Lisey’s Story came to him after a bad case of pneumonia sent him to the hospital. While he was there, his wife, Tabitha King, decided to redecorate his office. When he came home and saw all his books and other belongings in boxes, he had a startling vision of what his office would look like upon his death.
Mike Flanagan Is Turning Another Stephen King Favorite Into a TV Series
Get the corn syrup and red dye ready.
Stephen King Credits Ryan Murphy as the Reason ‘Lisey’s Story’ Became a TV Show
Given that Lisey’s Story is King’s personal favorite novel, that love made it difficult for him to agree to let anyone adapt it for the screen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the author revealed that he was actually inspired by the second season of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story anthology series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace:
“I saw this thing on FX that was about the fashion designer Versace and about the man who killed him. And I had not really thought about getting involved with Lisey at that point or tackling it as a TV project, but I looked at that thing, and I said to myself, my goodness, this guy, Tom Rob Smith, wrote the whole thing. He wrote all eight or nine episodes, and I thought, well, if he could do that and bring it home and do such a great job, what about Lisey? And I sat down, and I started, and I showed the scripts to Ben Stephenson at Bad Robot one by one, and he was very encouraging. So the scripts got done, and everything else followed from that.”
According to King, something else that inspired him to tackle his own small-screen adaptation of Lisey’s Story was the changes introduced by streaming TV. “You have a chance to do more,” he said. “You can be a little more graphic with language and with sexual situations and with length, just the chance to do something that has that kind of spread, texture, and a little more nuance. For guys like me, it’s been great.”
Alongside the possibility of a longer format with multiple episodes (anyone who has read the author knows how long-winded he can be, so it’s no wonder that TV held appeal), King admitted he was able to make some necessary updates to Lisey’s Story, looking at the book through different eyes after 15 years, which enabled him to streamline the plot or cut characters that were unnecessary for the screen version. A Stephen King adaptation is always exciting, but Lisey’s Story was one that fans had been especially eager to see brought to life. So, thanks, Ryan Murphy (and American Crime Story), Stephen King might not have done it without you.
When it comes to magnetic screen presence, it’s hard not to put Tom Hardy at the top of the list. Over the years, he’s delivered some of his most striking work in films like The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road, while also anchoring blockbuster franchises like Venom. Just as importantly, Hardy has consistently shown a willingness to commit to challenging television roles, including his scene-stealing turn on Peaky Blinders and more recently on MobLand. In 2017, he took that commitment a step further, teaming up with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to build a series very much on his own terms.
That series is Taboo, an eight-episode historical thriller co-created by Hardy, his father Edward “Chips” Hardy, and Steven Knight. Set in a grimy, unforgiving early 19th-century London, Taboo is slow, dense, and unapologetically strange. While it earned a devoted cult following, it never fully broke into the mainstream conversation. Nearly a decade later, the series plays far better on a binge, revealing a meticulously crafted drama that remains one of Hardy’s purest and most hypnotic performances.
What Is Tom Hardy’s FX Series ‘Taboo’ About?
Set in 1814 London, Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney (Hardy), a man long presumed dead who abruptly returns from Africa after more than a decade away. His reappearance coincides with the death of his father, leaving him in possession of a small but strategically vital piece of land that places him in direct conflict with the East India Company, embodied by the chilling Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce), as well as representatives of the British Crown and American interests, including the calculating Atticus (Stephen Graham). What begins as a dispute over land quickly expands into a web of political manipulation, corporate greed, espionage, and colonial exploitation.
Tom Hardy’s One-Season Crime Masterpiece Is Back on Charts 9 Years Later
The show is one of Hardy’s many collaborations with ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight.
Taboo presents every institution Delaney encounters as morally compromised, offering no clear heroes and only competing forces vying for power. As the conspiracy deepens, the series slowly unravels Delaney’s personal history, particularly his complicated bond with his half-sister Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), whose quiet suffering adds emotional weight to the show’s brutality. Supporting players like Lorna Bow (Jessie Buckley) and Brace (David Hayman) further flesh out the seedy world. While some viewers may find the plot and world-building deliberately slow, that restraint ultimately gives Hardy the space to deliver a performance that becomes the series’ driving force.
Tom Hardy’s Performance in ‘Taboo’ Is Pure, Unfiltered Commitment From Start to Finish
At the center of Taboo’s enduring power is Tom Hardy’s extraordinary performance as James Delaney. This is not a traditionally charismatic role, nor is it designed to make Delaney likable. Hardy plays him as a man perpetually coiled, speaking sparingly and observing constantly, as though every interaction is a test of dominance. His low, gravelly voice becomes a weapon in itself, conveying menace even in silence. And like many of Hardy’s performances, his physicality is just as crucial. Delaney moves through the world like an imposing specter, his stillness often more unsettling than outright violence.
That discipline is entirely intentional. Hardy conceived James Delaney years before Taboo ever made it to screen, and his involvement went far beyond acting. In a 2017 Collider interview, Hardy explained that performance was “five percent” of the job for him, with the rest devoted to producing, world-building, and supporting the ensemble. He emphasized that the other characters mattered just as much as Delaney, even as he carried the responsibility of anchoring the series. That dual role helps explain why the performance feels so controlled and purposeful. Hardy isn’t just inhabiting Delaney, he’s safeguarding the integrity of the world around him.
Tom Hardy Is Great in Everything, but These Are His 6 Undisputed Masterpieces
Tom? I Hardy know him!
Taboo was officially renewed for Season 2 in 2017, but nearly nine years later, that follow-up has yet to materialize due to Hardy and Steven Knight’s packed schedules, even as both have repeatedly confirmed their commitment to continuing the story. Revisiting Taboo now also means watching a cast whose stars have only continued to rise. Stephen Graham became a household name following his Emmy-winning work in Adolescence, Jessie Buckley earned an Academy Award nomination for Hamnet, and Oona Chaplin joined the Avatar franchise — all actors who were already formidable here but have since become even more widely recognized for their craft.
Nearly a decade after its premiere, Taboo has only grown stronger with time. What once felt slow or demanding now reads as deliberate, anchored by Tom Hardy at his most disciplined and commanding, and shaped by his hand in crafting and producing something genuinely meaningful. No matter if we get a Season 2, the series stands as proof that this eight-part historical thriller isn’t just aging well — it’s aging brilliantly.
- Release Date
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2017 – 2017-00-00
- Network
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BBC One
- Showrunner
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Steven Knight
- Directors
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Anders Engström
- Writers
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Ben Hervey
Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model docuseries revealed where Tyra Banks stands with many former contestants after they offered their unfiltered opinions of the show.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, streaming now, features interviews from alums Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Danielle Evans and Keenyah Hill.
New confessionals with executive producer Ken Mok, former judges Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander and Nigel Barker offer more insight into the behind the scenes dynamics — including rare commentary from Banks herself.
“I haven’t really said much. But now it’s time,” Banks, 52, explains to producers in one scene. “I’m going to take you to 2020. COVID hit and the world was binging TV. … They didn’t watch it back then and it went from this thing that everybody loved to overnight heat — just a whole different lens. What I think is important is to understand where that came from.”
All she needs is her signature smize! Tyra Banks got her start as a model, but she is perhaps more well-known as a TV host in this day and age. The businesswoman took the world by storm when she kicked off America’s Next Top Model in May 2003. She not only served as a host and mentor […]
Banks also recalls her approach with America’s Next Top Model, which ran from 2003 to 2018, saying, “I wanted to fight against the fashion industry. One day, this idea just hit me. What if I created a show where you saw what it took to become a model. And for this show to represent not all white, not all skinny and to just show all the differences and all the different types of beauties. I had a feeling that I was gonna change the beauty world.”
Despite positive intentions, Banks acknowledges the offscreen backlash from controversial photo shoot concepts to allegations of discrimination, sexual assault and more.
“Looking at that show through the lens of today, it’s like, ‘Why did you do that?’ I thank you for that. That is the only way you change. That is the only way you get better is by somebody calling you out on your s***,” Banks says. “It is important. I want to let you know that I want you guys to be just as open as I am now by getting called on my s*** by when somebody calls you out on yours. Because that day will come and continue to evolve. Because that’s what we’re all doing.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of which contestants and winners participated in the America’s Next Top Model docuseries — and where they stand with Banks:
Shannon Stewart (Cycle 1)
The runner-up from season 1 recalled her struggles with an eating disorder before and during the show. She expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for speaking out about the conversations surrounding weight on the show — and for sending flowers when Shannon Stewart didn’t win. Stewart ultimately left modeling and committed to her faith.
Ebony Haith (Cycle 1)
The contestant from the debut season voiced frustration with Tyra Banks after the former host brought up her sexual orientation on screen because she “forgot the danger” at the time. Ebony Haith was still happy how her personal life was portrayed — despite the obstacles she faced as a Black woman.
Ebony didn’t feel “protected” and felt “full disappointment” of how she was represented. She claimed Banks barely spoke to her on the show outside of comments that felt targeted, which is when she realized the host wouldn’t help her.
The aspiring actress ultimately said Banks “very much disappointed” her.
Giselle Samson (Cycle 1)
For Giselle Samson, it was shocking when America’s Next Top Model wasn’t what she thought it was going to be. She said she felt pushed by production to start drama and her self esteem suffered after watching Tyra Banks and others discuss her weight on the show.
Samson was a real estate agent after leaving modeling behind — and she has since joined a theater group.
Shandi Sullivan (Cycle 2)
Before joining America’s Next Top Model in 2004, Shandi Sullivan worked at her local Walgreens in Missouri. She nearly made it to the end of her season until she was sexually assaulted during a group trip to Italy. The assault was then used as a cheating story line.
She expressed frustration with Tyra Banks and producers before confirming she left modeling. Sullivan currently works with animals.
Bre Scullark (Cycle 5)
Bre Scullark, who now works with violent offenders to help their rehabilitation, pointed out how the show lacked in supporting Black women, contestants struggling with eating disorders and more.
Danielle Evans (Cycle 6)
Danielle Evans notably stayed longer during her season because she agreed to get rid of a gap in her teeth despite voicing issues with the medical procedure. She won her season but never found success as a model because of the stigma that came with appearing on America’s Next Top Model.
Danielle claimed she had a conversation with Tyra Banks, who admitted she knew the contestant wouldn’t succeed in the industry. The former model, who is no longer in the industry, said Tyra’s ‘ intentions in the beginning were good’ but ‘that s*** got lost.’
Joanie Dodds (Cycle 6)
In the doc, Joanie Dodds recalled having to get her teeth ripped out for a challenge. She consented to the procedure but claimed she didn’t realize the extent of the aftermath, which included “many orthodontic issues” that “never got fixed.”
Dodds admitted she would love to do America’s Next Top Model but not the same way. She has since found success on home improvement shows and that led to her owning her own business related to carpentry.
Dionne Walters (Cycle 8)
During her season, Dionne Walters had to do a photoshoot challenge where she posed as a victim of gun violence. Producers knew that Dionne’s mother was shot and paralyzed in real life, which she didn’t think was coincidental.
Dionne tried to make it in the modeling industry multiple times but it wasn’t successful. She also revealed she “wasn’t contacted” after being eliminated. Dionne is now a small business owner and a realtor.
Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10)
Whitney Thompson was the first plus-size winner of the show but that came with feeling self conscious. She recalled being given clothes that didn’t fit that she had to make work. While Whitney acknowledged that the show “didn’t age well,” it was “also a reflection of the time.” The ice cream shop owner expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for opening the door for her to be on the show.
Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4)
Keenyah Hill recalled how her entire narrative on the show surrounded her weight. She said it made her feel dirty to see the damaging edits of her eating and the conversations surrounding her appearance. Hill also pointed to a challenge where a male model was ‘aggressively hitting” on her and touching her – but her attempt to get protection turned into her being shamed.
Tyra Banks defended the reaction by saying she offered the best advice she could at the time. Banks admitted Hill deserved more. In her confessional, Hill revealed she is a pose coach helping aspiring models.
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