Wendy Williams has been spotted on a public outing for the first time since February.

The former talk show host, 62, was spotted walking around New York City with shopping bags on Wednesday, August 19, as seen in photos obtained by Page Six. She sported a black T-shirt, high-rise jean shorts and black boots and carried a red handbag. Williams was accompanied by a male companion, with whom she was seen chatting as they walked through the streets.

During the outing, Williams was asked by a paparazzo what she had to tell fans about “what she is going through.”

According to the outlet, the TV personality responded, “I want out!”

Williams has been under a court-ordered financial and personal conservatorship in New York since May 2022. At the time, claimed to a New York Supreme Court judge that the former radio DJ was an “incapacitated person” who needed a “temporary guardian” to ensure her “affairs are being properly handled.”

Related: Wendy Williams Attends New York Fashion Week Amid Guardianship Battle

Wendy Williams is stepping out for New York Fashion Week amid her guardianship battle.  Williams, 61, was photographed at the Bach Mai fashion show on Sunday, September 14, wearing a black mini-dress, gold Gucci belt and black Chanel shoes. She added a “W” necklace and red lipstick, and her hair was styled in long, glamorous […]

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Sabrina E. Morrissey, a New York-based attorney, was subsequently appointed as Williams’ legal guardian.

Williams has voiced her opposition to the guardianship and denied that she is cognitively impaired.

“They say that I need somebody to handle my accounts, and I don’t want that. I want all my money,” she said on Good Morning America in 2022. “I want to see all my money that I worked hard for my entire life. My entire life. I don’t lie, and I don’t cheat, and I don’t steal. I am an honest, hardworking person.”

In 2018, Williams revealed that she had been quietly battling Graves’ disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Her battle with the illness led her to take a hiatus from The Wendy Williams Show in 2020. (The talk show was later canceled in 2022 amid Williams’ health struggles.)

Williams’ team later announced in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia the year prior. FTD is a group of brain diseases that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and lead to problems with thinking and behavior.

Following her diagnosis, Williams was placed in a treatment center, where her family was unable to contact her.

Last year, Williams submitted paperwork to end her conservatorship in February 2025, but the filing was denied.

The following month, Williams told Page Six that she felt “better than good” amid her health and conservatorship battles.

“I am fabulous. I’m better than good, but have been accused to being otherwise,” she told the outlet in March 2025. “I am very much alive. I deserve freedom, darling.”

Her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, also filed a $250 million lawsuit in June 2025 attempting to end the guardianship, claiming it had “become a weapon, not a shield.”

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Hunter, who was married to Williams from 1999 to 2020, claimed that his ex was “being abused, neglected, and defrauded under the care of court-appointed guardians.”

Williams’ lawyers said they found Hunter’s lawsuit to be “detrimental” to the media personality’s interests, Us reported in July 2025.

“Moreover, [Williams] herself does not believe the complaint is in her best interest,” the paperwork read. (Hunter’s lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in October 2025.)

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 21, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Kim Zolciak‘s son Kroy “KJ” Biermann Jr. was arrested in Alpharetta, Georgia, for sodomy and aggravated sexual assault on August 17, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 8. Zolciak said her son “categorically denies” involvement, voluntarily took and passed a polygraph examination and that no DNA belonging to him was found on his alleged victim.

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• Hayden Panettiere‘s three best friends — Emily Buckingham, Kasey Kitchen and Allie Beatti — shared heartfelt tributes exclusively with Us, honoring the late actress on what would have been her birthday, August 21, five days after her death. They remembered her as empathic, fiery, brave, funny and deeply committed to helping others and advocating for mental health and substance abuse awareness.

• Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere’s on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, laid out a timeline of the effort to save her life, saying he found her unconscious at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, called 911 and jointly performed CPR with Brian while Brian administered Narcan. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, and the Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Not only is it very expensive to purchase an Hermès bag, but you have to be very lucky to get one in stock, too. Or, you could skip the games by going right to the lookalike on Amazon that shoppers are seriously wowed by. The Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag is roomy enough for your everyday essentials but sleek enough to wear from day to night.

If you get offered an actual Hermès Picotin in the store, it’ll cost you around $4,000. The Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag, though, is on sale for just $27. Still, it offers the very familiar silhouette and details, so it looks eerily like the real thing. Plus, there are some features that might actually make it better.

Get the Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag for $27 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag has a bucket bag-like shape, complete with two handles and a foldover closure. It comes with a removable pouch, unlike Hermès, so you can safely store small items. If you wanted an exotic Picotin, that would cost you even more. But the Amazon version offers textured-looking picks to give an even higher-end look. In fact, you have your choice of 35 hues, including colorblock combinations. For fall, we’re eyeing the deep red and dark brown.

Related: What‘s a ‘Boatkin‘ Bag? Meet the Rich Mom Carryall of Our Dreams

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When you think of an Hermès Birkin and an L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, chances are you think the two well-known styles belong to different customers. However, the brand Hathaway Hutton, founded by Jen Risk, put the two together to create the tote bag design of our dreams — now officially known as the ‘Boatkin’ bag. […]

Hundreds of real-life shoppers have given this top-handle bag five out of five stars on Amazon. Many point out that the material feels like real leather without the real leather price tag.

“Love it! A very cute bag for holding a bit more than just essentials. It’s roomier than you think. Resembles a very expensive classic designer bag with a lock and key instead of a turn lock. This bag has a very nice pebble leather texture that makes it appear better quality than other pleather bags,” a five-star reviewer said.

“The moment I opened the package, I fell in love with it,” one happy reviewer wrote. “It’s stylish, lightweight and the perfect size to carry all my daily essentials without feeling bulky. Whether you’re going to brunch, shopping, work or dinner, this bag instantly elevates your look.”

As if the Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag wasn’t impressive enough, the under-$30 price makes it a steal of a find. Don’t be surprised if you get double takes when you’re out and about!

Get the Kadynow Faux-Leather Top-Handle Bag for $27 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more top-handle bags here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Love Kris Jenner’s Hermès Birkin Bag? This $40 Amazon Find Nails It

Kris Jenner is at it again . . . serving purse goals no one else can top! The reality TV icon was seen carrying a Hermès Birkin that looks straight out of a millionaire’s closet. Thankfully, this $40 alternative radiates the same luxe energy — minus the five-figure splurge. Spotted in Beverly Hills, The Kardashians […]

The Spa Weekend stars Leslie Mann, Anna Faris, Isla Fisher and Michelle Buteau showed off their swimwear in a now-viral dance clip.

“Best friends, bathing suits & bad decisions!” Buteau, 49, wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 21. “@spaweekendmovie serves up all the chaos you need!👙🥂✨.”

The video featured Mann, 54, in a black bikini and Faris, 49, rocking a striped two-piece as they stood next to each other. The women flaunted their toned stomachs as they stared down the camera.

Fisher, 50, was behind Faris and Mann and donned a pink floral and animal print one-piece. She walked over to stand in between Faris and Mann. The actress hooked her legs between her costars legs. The three exchanged glances before they started moving their hips to a techno beat that played in the background.

Related: Leslie Mann Was Flustered Meeting Adam Demos After Watching Him on ‘Sex/Life’

Leslie Mann admitted she was totally flustered meeting Spa Weekend costar Adam Demos after watching his steamy performance on Sex/Life. “The first day I met you, we were rehearsing with [directors] Scott [Moore] and Jon [Lucas],” Mann, 54, recalled during a Wednesday, August 12, cast interview on SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live. Mann began to blush […]

Buteau, who was hiding below the frame, popped up and started to sway to the beat. The comedian donned a bright blue swimsuit.

The clip earned praise from multiple famous faces.

“This is so f***ing weird and I am OBSESSED,” singer JoJo wrote in the comments section while Jersey Shore’s Jenni “JWoww” Farley replied, “Whatever this is … I f***ing love it lol.”

Fans of the actresses also gushed about how great they looked.

“Bodies are Bodying 😍,” one social media user responded while another shared, “Ok but you’re all bad af 🔥🔥🔥 get it.”

Mann, Faris, Fisher and Buteau all star in their new movie, Spa Weekend, which hit theaters on Friday. The comedy follows a group of childhood friends who book a stay at a resort to relax and get away from their daily obligations. Another pal crashes the trip and the foursome get into some trouble.

While on the red carpet for its premiere, Faris opened up about how filming Spa Weekend on location helped the group form a strong bond.

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“We hung out more, and we got to know each other, and that felt really, really special,” the actress told USA Today.

Spa Weekend producer Suzanne Todd revealed to People on Thursday, August 20, that filming was delayed for three days due to weather conditions. Todd told the outlet that the impromptu down time led to the ladies “literally making bikini TikTok dance videos.”

“We had them in the most incredible oceanfront suites, exactly where you would want to be, 180-degree view of the ocean — until there’s a cyclone,” she said of the conditions that had everyone staying in their rooms. “And then it was 100-mile-an-hour winds and swells like you couldn’t imagine.”

Former royal butler Grant Harrold has exclusively told Us that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may, in part, be moving back to the U.K. to get closer to King Charles III.

“I imagine King Charles has played a part in their decision, and Harry wanting to spend more time with his father,” Harrold, 48, says. “I think behind closed doors Harry and the King have been working hard to heal their relationship. Only so much can be done when they live so far apart, so I think this is Harry making his dad his priority, which is really nice to see.”

He adds, “I think the King will be delighted to have his son and daughter-in-law closer to home. He’s well aware that their rift will never be healed when they’re only seeing each other once a twice a year, this is the next step that’s needed if they want to heal their relationship.”

It was reported earlier this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to relocate from their current residence in Montecito, California, in time for their son Prince Archie, 7, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 5, to begin school in the U.K. in September.

Related: Prince Harry Was ‘Not as Happy’ Living in the U.S. After Royal Exit

Prince Harry is looking forward to coming back home after spending six years in California. “Harry is not as happy in the U.S. as he is in the U.K.,” a source exclusively shares with Us after news broke that the Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan Markle would be moving back to Britain. “They aim […]

The Sussexes most recently visited with the King, 77, and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, on July 10 during Harry’s whirlwind U.K. trip to promote the Invictus Games. This was Charles’ first time seeing Harry and Meghan’s children in person in four years.

While Harrold suspects Charles will be “delighted” to see the Sussexes returning to the U.K., he hinted there may still be concerns about Harry’s ongoing rift with older brother Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton.

“I think the King will be concerned about William’s reaction. His biggest challenge is going to be acting as peace negotiation between his two sons,” the former royal butler predicts. “The King won’t just be thinking about the now, he’s thinking about the future.”

The king may have a tough task ahead of him since Harrold suspects that William, 44, may not be particularly willing to make peace with Harry, 41, at this stage following the shocking claims made in his book, Spare, and Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

The Duke of Sussex, however, said that he wanted to mend fences amid Charles’ ongoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

“I doubt Harry’s move back to the U.K. is going to completely heal things between William and Harry. It will take a lot more than that. Too much happened,” he tells Us. “It will be a situation where actions mean more than words. William will need to see Harry continuously making an effort to heal the rift. Right now, I don’t see things healing. I think they will be poker faced and play happy families, but behind the scenes it will take a lot more.”

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Brothers and Wives author Christopher Andersen exclusively told Us earlier this week that William and Kate, 44, may have been caught off guard by the Sussexes’ decision to leave their home base in Montecito. According to reports, Harry and Meghan plan to keep their California residence and vacation property in Portugal. (Harry and Meghan moved into their coastal estate after stepping down as senior working royals in January 2020.)

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Related: Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U.K. Move Change Their Royal Roles?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom, but will they resume their duties as senior working royals? News broke on Wednesday, August 19, that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, planned to move back to England in time for their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to start […]

“All I can think of is: here we go again,” Andersen, 77, declared. “For starters, I can only imagine that William and Kate are tearing their hair out. They have so much on their plate as it is trying to shore up the monarchy and propel it into the future; they don’t really need to cope with having Harry and Megan on their proverbial doorstep.”

The royal expert hinted, “By returning to the U.K., the Sussexes will inevitably suck up all the oxygen in the room. They will generate countless tabloid stories and take the focus away from other members of the Royal family, which is a major no-no. King Charles and Queen Camilla, in particular, don’t like to be upstaged, and the same goes for William.”

Now that summer is coming to a close, I’m swapping out warm-weather staples for fall-looking pieces with chocolate hues, suede materials and layerable designs. To get the look I’m going for, I went hunting through Amazon’s End-of-Summer Sale for fashion finds that can bridge the gap between this season and the next. Think breezy matching sets, lightweight knits, closed-toe shoes and rich-looking accessories that won’t feel premature in August.

After plenty of scrolling, I narrowed the sale down to 19 Amazon pieces I’d actually add to my cart, starting at $9. There are retro-style sneakers, a cozy matching sweater set and even a plaid trench that’s over 50% off. Whether you’re squeezing out the last few weeks of summer or already dressing for September, there’s something here for you.

19 Amazon End-of-Summer Fashion Deals

1. My Favorite: The chocolate brown suede and low-profile shape make these retro-style sneakers feel just right for a fall street-style outfit. I’d wear them with wide-leg jeans and a cozy knit on repeat — was $50, now $30!

2. Transition Shoe: Not ready for loafers yet? These lattice jelly flats have the closed-toe look I’m craving for fall with enough airflow to handle lingering summer temperatures — was $60, now $40!

3. Gingham Girl: This gingham matching set makes getting dressed ridiculously easy with its peplum tank and breezy wide-leg pants. The red print also feels like an effortless way to start sneaking fall colors into your wardrobe — was $40, now $30!

4. Budget Basic: At less than $10, this relaxed cap-sleeve tee is an inexpensive way to refresh everyday basics before fall. The short sleeves and drapey fit give it a slightly more elevated feel than a standard T-shirt — was $15, now $9!

5. Easy Breezy: Between the loose silhouette, lightweight fabric and Swiss dot detailing, this sleeveless boho blouse is ideal for outfits now and later. The lace accents give it enough polish for everything from lunch plans to casual Fridays — was $40, now $23!

6. Bye, Sandals: Wearing loafers in 77-degree weather is a no go, which is why these lattice Mary Jane flats hit the sweet spot. They offer closed-toe coverage while the open weave lets plenty of air through — was $50, now $35!

7. Denim Refresh: If your fall wardrobe could use new jeans, this high-waisted wide-leg pair is an easy place to start. They have a stretchy construction, roomy legs and this sophisticated dark wash — was $39, now $26!

8. Layer Up: I’m already picturing this plaid trench coat thrown over sweaters, jeans and loafers all season long. The classic check print makes it feel timeless, rather than overly trendy — was $90, now $43!

9. Fall Knit: Swap your basic work tee for this collared knit top, which instantly looks more polished without requiring any extra styling. The short sleeves make it practical for wearing well before sweater weather officially begins — was $34, now $19!

10. Floral Fix: I’m not giving up floral tops just because fall is around the corner, especially when there are polished half-sleeve blouses on Amazon. The muted blue print feels easy to carry into September with jeans and flats — was $35, now $30!

11. Skort Alert: You’d never guess this ruffled mini skirt has built-in shorts underneath the flowy tiers. It gives you the pretty look of a skirt without having to worry quite as much on breezy afternoons — was $27, now $18!

12. Two-for-One: This striped matching set gives you a cozy sweater and matching midi skirt that look chic together but can easily be styled separately. At $31 for both pieces, the cost-per-wear potential is hard to beat — was $50, now $31!

13. Denim Days: I’m always looking for lightweight layers I can throw over practically anything, and this denim button-down shirt fits the bill. I plan to pair it with tanks and shorts now, then sweaters and jeans later — was $37, now $25!

14. Suede Season: I’m ready to trade breezy summer shoes for rich-looking suede, starting with these brown Mary Jane flats. The chocolate hue practically screams ‘fall,’ but the flat silhouette keeps them easy enough for everyday wear — was $40, now $30!

15. Fall Romance: I’m squeezing in more dresses before summer ends, and this rust maxi dress transitions especially well into fall. The warm color, puff sleeves and waist-cinching belt give it such a romantic feel — was $55, now $23!

16. Loafer Love: A backless design gives these suede-looking loafers a more relaxed spin on the preppy classic. They’re exactly the kind of slip-on shoe I’d keep by the door for errands, workdays and weekend plans — was $56, now $45!

17. Polished Pants: These wide-leg trousers have the tailored pleats and high-rise fit I want for work without looking overly corporate. That deep coffee brown color also makes them feel much more fall-forward than basic black — was $50, now $30!

18. Statement Jeans: When my fall outfit needs a little more personality, these leopard-print jeans get the job done right. The wide-leg silhouette and subtle brown palette make the bold pattern surprisingly versatile — was $44, now $29!

19. Designer-Looking: Despite the delicate gold frame and sophisticated brown lenses, these retro polarized sunglasses ring in at only $16! I can see them being worn now through November — was $20, now $16!

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

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Related: 17 New Early Fall Amazon Staples Worth Adding to Your Closet Now

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I’m officially at the point in summer when my brain wants sweaters, brown accessories and layers, however, the weather has other plans. Despite the warm temperatures, nothing can stop me from wearing autumnal pieces, especially since I stumbled upon over 100 seasonal fashion pieces in Amazon’s New Arrivals section. I went hunting specifically for early […]

Lindsay Clancy’s final words to her middle child were revealed right before the defense rested its case in her ongoing murder trial.

Dr. Avram Mack took the stand on Friday, August 21, to testify about the hours that led up to Clancy, 36, killing Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, on January 24, 2023. Mack, who is a psychiatrist, was hired to evaluate Clancy for the state in April 2026.

During his testimony, Mack said Clancy told him she heard a male voice on the afternoon of the murders saying, “You should kill the kids. This is your last chance so you can kill yourself,” according to the Daily Mail.

The murders began when Clancy took Dawson to the basement and strangled him with an exercise band. “Go to God,” she repeatedly said as she killed him, according to Mack’s testimony.

Related: Lindsay Clancy’s Mom, Sister Testify About Her Declining Mental State

Lindsay Clancy’s mother and sister took the stand to testify on her alleged mental state in the months leading up to the day she killed her three children. Clancy’s mother, Paula Musgrove, testified on Monday, August 17, that her daughter was a dedicated and loving mother. She added that Clancy’s mental health started to decline […]

Mack claimed that Clancy then strangled Cora and Callan before she went up to her bedroom. Once she made it upstairs, Clancy took medication from her bedroom and sliced her wrists and neck. She then cut through the window’s screen and “caused herself to fall from the window” in an apparent suicide attempt.

After he shared Clancy’s version of events, Mack told the court he believed the defendant could be held criminally responsible for the murders because she “methodically” killed the children.

Mack was then asked about Clancy’s last words to the children, and he said the phrase was “not only hope for the children but a description of the situation.”

Clancy later woke up after the murders and was overcome with immediate horror and shame over what she had done, according to Mack.

“The deaths were done one by one in a way that was organized and tended to achieve a particular goal,” Mack said. “Her attempt at suicide was also organized in that it included as many methods as possible.”

Mack also shared insight into Clancy’s mood in the hours leading up to the murders, saying she had a “good day.” Additionally, her husband, Patrick Clancy, told welfare officials that she was in a better mood than normal.

“She described the day as being a fun and productive day,” Mack said, noting that her behavior was “not inconsistent with suicide” and did not necessarily contradict her mental health struggles.

Lindsay’s attorneys have not denied that she killed her children. However, her attorney, Kevin Reddington, argued she should not be held criminally responsible for the murders because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder.

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Reddington added that Lindsay had been prescribed antidepressants to treat her postpartum depression, but the medications actually made her condition worse.

Meanwhile, prosecutors insisted Lindsay was aware of what she was doing and they pointed to her suicide attempt as an indicator that she was aware of what she had done.

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Jessica Alba revealed the special meaning behind her and daughter Honor’s matching tattoos.

Alba, 45, took to Instagram on Friday, August 21, to share the inspiration for the fine-line wrist tattoo she and Honor, 18, got earlier this summer.

“Forever connected and protected, my baby girl,” Alba captioned the post. “I love you @honor__warren 💗🧿🫶🏽💫.”

In a carousel of photos, Alba shared a painting of a pink heart with a blue eye inside of it, seemingly painted by Honor, as she tagged her daughter on the image. The heart was surrounded by polka dots and curved lines that filled up the canvas.

Elsewhere in the post, Alba shared photos of them getting the ink permanently etched into the inside of their wrist, courtesy of celebrity tattoo artist Winterstone, also known as Daniel Winter.

She also shared a pic of their final result, which featured the same eye, as well as a tiny infinity symbol below.

Her followers were quick to praise the delicate ink in the comments section.

“The coolest mom ever!!!!❤️❤️,” one wrote, while another gushed, “There is something so beautiful about a mother and daughter saying, ‘No matter where life takes us, we are forever connected.’ 🥹💕 ” A third commented, “The best mom ever. Wonderful family.”

Alba and Honor previously debuted their tattoos via Winterstone’s Instagram before she leaves for Yale University in the fall. At the time, they held hands while showing off their new designs.

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“Matching tattoos with her daughter! @jessicaalba,” Winterstone captioned the post. “What a way to show love with an unforgettable experience! A memory they will share forever!”

Alba previously opened up about Honor leaving for college, telling People on Wednesday, August 19, that it was an “intense” time.

“It hasn’t really hit me personally, but I think for any parent, just that milestone, it’s intense,” the actress said. “I don’t think you can prepare for it. You just have to tackle it when it happens.”

Audible is the undisputed leading service for the purchase and stream of audiobooks. The service includes a vast collection of titles in multiple genres, although fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and thriller aficionados will be particularly well served by the site’s curation. The current Top 10 for Science Fiction & Fantasy is occupied nearly in its entirety by the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, but near the end of the list we find a gem from the 2010s that is more popular than ever, twelve years after its initial release.

Of course, I’m talking about Pierce Brown‘s 2014 Red Rising, a dystopian sci-fi story that has endured as a fan favorite for over a decade. The first entry in what has become a series of six (soon to be seven), the book is among the best entries in the science fiction genre in the 21st century, an exhilarating, cinematic space opera that is as timeless as it’s purely entertaining. The audiobook by veteran and accomplished narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds is an experience on its own, and perhaps the definitive way to experience this thrilling space adventure.

What Is ‘Red Rising’ About?

Image via Bastien Lecouffe Deharme

Red Rising is set in the far-off future, where the Solar System is under the control of the Society. People are born into one of 14 Colors that determine everything from their physical characteristics to their roles in everyday life. At the top sit the Golds, who are physically and intellectually superior; on the opposite end are the Reds, who are confined to doing the hard labor. The story centers on Darrow, a 16-year-old Red miner in the underground Mars colonies, harvesting the Helium-3 fuel meant to terraform the planet for humans to colonize.

Life is hard enough for Darrow, but things worsen when his wife, Eo, is whipped and hanged after they both sneak into a restricted underground forest. Darrow illegally buries her and is also hanged, but is saved by his uncle and taken to the rebel group known as the Sons of Ares. The leader, Dancer, comes up with a plan to turn Darrow into a Gold to infiltrate their society, hoping to overthrow the system from within. Thus, Darrow embarks on a transformative journey that will eventually see him enroll in the prestigious Mars Institute, where the elite Golds are trained.

What Makes ‘Red Rising’ A Great Book?

Image via Pierce Brown

Red Rising features many of the classic tropes from the YA dystopian genre, from the sorting into specific groups to the rampant injustice, abuse of power, social upheaval, and institutional corruption. It came out during the waning days of the YA genre, though, and is perhaps the last great entry into this once-dominant genre; it’s also, alongside Suzanne Collins‘ The Hunger Games, one of the few titles from the era that endure to this day. Reading it in 2026 might feel nostalgic, as it captures a very specific time in literary history.

The worldbuilding is quite impressive. The structure based on Colors is inspired enough, a ruthless, perfectly defined caste system with rampant injustice and inequality. It’s admirable how Brown finds such a clever, logical way to pair each color with a certain defined role within society—the ruling classes are, you guessed it, Gold, Silver, and Copper; pleasure workers belong to the color pink, pilots and starship workers are blue, and gray are police officers and military personnel. It all makes so much sense that it almost feels effortless, the mark of truly amazing worldbuilding.

Brown’s story is also eerily prophetic in the way it presents how genetic enhancements and selective breeding lead to an uncanny perfection that values perfection and competitiveness above everything else. Here, equality is non-existent from conception; in colloquial terms, the game is rigged from the get-go. Echoes to our real world are strong, especially today, when technology advancements paint a bleak future and eugenics practices still prevail.

‘Red Rising’s Audiobook Is a Whole Other Experience

Image via Del Rey Books

Audiobooks aren’t for everyone; similarly, not every book is suited for an audiobook version. However, Red Rising‘s inherent cinematic qualities make it a perfect fit for the format, and narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds takes it to a whole other level. There’s a gravity to his voice that adds weight to an already heavy plot. Reynolds reads Brown’s prose with a measured, magnetic, almost weary tone, capturing the severity of the plot while conveying the grandiosity of the story, the scope of the author’s ambitious worldbuilding.

Phrases like “I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war” and “The measure of a man is what he does when he has power” are more powerful when Reynolds breathes life into them. At times, there’s a melancholy to his tone, a sense that he’s told this story before, that he knows how many battles, sacrifices, and blood will need to be won, made, and spent before this brutal tale ends. It’s a remarkably clever approach, one that makes the whole experience far more immersive. By their very nature, audiobooks are already quite absorbing, but Reynolds’ storytelling, which often recalls listening to a quiet story around a campfire, makes it all the more intimate, almost personal.

Particularly noteworthy is Reynolds’ take on Darrow himself. The character is an outstanding protagonist; Brown makes him a spitfire, brash and rebellious, as passionate and intense as the color he was born into. Accomplished performer that he is, Reynolds takes what’s already on the page and elevates it, bringing a vivid, spirited energy to his portrayal of Darrow. It’s not lively per se, not when the plot is so oppressive, but there is an underlying sense of hope to it all, and Reynolds perfectly captures it (the dramatized versions are also pretty good, if you’re looking for a more detailed depiction of the fast-moving story).

Like any other kind of performance, audiobook reading is an art form; some narrators are better than others, and Reynolds is one of the greats. His talent suits Red Rising like a glove, to the point where it doesn’t matter if we never see the saga in live-action; the audiobook is a performance by itself, and by Jove, is it cinematic, somehow. If you have a good imagination, and most of us do, then this enduring audiobook will be all the adaptation you’ll ever need. And if you don’t believe it, just ask the thousands, millions, probably, of readers who have already experienced it and keep making it a success on the Audible charts.

Red Rising is available for purchase on Audible.

While Universal has made a firm commitment to extend the theatrical window of its films, Amazon Studios is still doing things on a case-by-case basis. For instance, the studio made sure to release Red One on Prime Video in time for Christmas, even though the movie was far from recouping its reported $250 million budget at the box office. On the other hand, the same studio gave Project Hail Mary an extended run in theaters after it exceeded box-office expectations. However, one of its most expensive films of the summer debuted at home less than two months after its theatrical release, falling between Project Hail Mary and Red One. The movie fell drastically short of expectations, but it appears to be redeeming itself with strong numbers on Prime Video.

The latest Nielsen report sheds more light on how the movie performed in the week of its debut. Nielsen shares weekly viewership data for television and streaming, with the streaming figures delayed by a month. This is why the latest edition of the report tracks streaming viewership for the week of July 20 to July 26. The movie we’re talking about was released on Prime Video on July 22, after debuting theatrically on June 5. Directed by Travis Knight, it was headlined by Nicholas Galitzine, with Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, and Morena Baccarin in supporting roles.

The Fantasy Flop Received Better Reactions from Audiences Than from Critics

By now you’ve already guessed that we’re talking about Masters of the Universe, the newest live-action adaptation of the popular Mattel property. Produced on a reported budget of $170 million, the movie ended its theatrical run with just $114 million worldwide. This is a lower haul than that of fellow summer underperformer Supergirl, which made $126 million worldwide against a similar budget. Masters of the Universe received mixed reviews, with some praising its camp aesthetic and others finding it too broad for their tastes.

The film now holds a 67% critics’ score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “By the power of Grayskull and with a little help from its self-deprecating script and spirited cast, Masters of the Universe is a delightful adventure that finds the humanity in He-Man.” But its 86% audience score seems to be powering it to success at home. According to Nielsen, the movie debuted at the number-one spot on Prime Video in the week of its release, accumulating 1.1 billion minutes watched.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

June 3, 2026

Runtime

141 minutes

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Director

Travis Knight

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Writers

Aaron Nee, Chris Butler, Dave Callaham, Adam Nee

Producers

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DeVon Franklin, Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, Todd Black

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