As massive and ubiquitous as the Harry Potter franchise is, there isn’t actually that much material in the Wizarding World. After completing the main series of seven books, author J.K. Rowling wrote some in-world reference books, a sequel stage play, and finally the scripts for the Fantastic Beasts spinoff films. There are games that explore other parts of the timeline as well, but that still leaves a lot of the Wizarding World unexplored. That’s one of the biggest reasons it was surprising for Warner Bros. to pursue a Harry Potter remake as an HBO series so soon after the movies’ conclusion, but apparently that wasn’t always the plan. According to an unverified report by Knight Edge Media, the studio considered expanding the franchise with a series focused on the Marauders instead.

Warner Bros. launched HBO Max in the spring of 2020, and the company was quick to leverage the Harry Potter franchise as one of its most recognizable intellectual properties. A 2021 article in The Hollywood Reporter mentioned multiple Harry Potter spinoffs in development for the new streamer, and now insiders say one of them was a show about the Marauders. This is the self-assigned nickname for Harry’s father James Potter and his friends Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. The show would have explored their time at Hogwarts in the 1970s, including the creation the Marauders’ Map and other adventures.

A Marauders Series Could Have Expanded the Franchise

Image via Warner Bros.

Before even considering the particulars of a Marauders prequel, this already sounds like a great idea. Exploring a different part of the timeline in the Wizarding World would have added new material and new life to the franchise, rather than rehashing familiar territory. It would have taken the pressure off the show to compete with the existing movies and let it find its own path. The Marauders are characters we already know a bit about — unlike the ensemble from Fantastic Beasts — so this would have hit close to home without feeling like a do-over.

On top of that, it just so happens a Marauders prequel is something fans have been wanting for a long time. There are posts on fan forums from decades ago remarking on how fun it would be to spend more time with these characters, and that sentiment hasn’t died down. The show could have given us a fresh perspective on many events we already know about, and there would have been room for new adventures as well. It would have made the Wizarding World setting feel more full and cohesive in all its forms.

Of course, remaking the main Harry Potter series has some obvious appeal to both fans and the studio, and there are things this show can do that the movies could not. These days, fantasy adaptations seem to be doing better as TV shows in general, and it makes sense for the studio to put Harry Potter on that same path. However, filling in a few obscure scenes from the books that were cut from the movies is not quite as exciting as fleshing out brand-new characters and exploring Voldemort’s first rise to power from behind the walls of Hogwarts.

The Marauders May Not Be Off The Map

Image via Warner Bros.

Marauders fans can hold out hope that their prequel will still get made someday in some form, especially if the Harry Potter remake series is as successful as Warner Bros. is anticipating. Renewed interest in the franchise could spark all kinds of expansions, and this concept has clearly made its way to Hollywood boardrooms before. That said, there are some major obstacles that writers and producers would have to tackle before they could bring a Marauders series to life.

Like all prequels, a Marauders show would need to find some source of suspense and narrative tension for an audience that already knows what’s going to happen. One of the best ways for prequels to do this is to reach far enough back in the timeline to explore an event with some mystery left around it — for example, the Fantastic Beasts series’ focus on the dark wizard Grindelwald. This would be much more difficult for the Marauders, since their stories are laid out pretty plainly in the main series itself. Some fans might still like to go along for the ride and take a closer look, but the show would still need some enduring suspense to keep it going.

It’s also worth noting that a Marauders series would inevitably disappoint a large swath of the fandom one way or another when it comes to romance. Fan fiction and forum discussion about the Marauders is often linked to romantic ships among them — most notably between Sirius and Remus. The show would either need to walk a fine line of teasing out this pairing without confirming it, or take a firm stance, either way leaving many fans heartbroken.

Of course, that brings us back to Rowling, who maintains an enormous amount of creative control of the franchise. She has been criticized in the past for her handling of LGBTQ+ representation, and those issues have only grown worse in this decade. In 2016, the University of Florida’s Jacquelin Elliott wrote that Rowling had “foreclosed on alternate readings” of her book, with the popular Remus/Sirius pairing as a prime example. However, Rowling’s outspoken transphobia of the last six years has driven many fans to boycott her work in all its forms anyway, and a Marauders prequel would be unlikely to draw them back regardless of its approach to LGBTQ+ representation.

For now, the whole Harry Potter franchise — and Warner Bros. itself — hinges on the success or failure of the Harry Potter remake series, premiering on December 25 on HBO and HBO Max. The second season is in pre-production now.

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First Film

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

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Created by

J.K. Rowling

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Latest Film

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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Roommates, Kelis is THE birthday! On August 21, the ‘Milkshake’ singer celebrated her 47th birthday and treated fans to a fitness look that had them mentioning that same song.

RELATED: Pop Out, Then! Kelis Turns Heads & Serves BAWDY In Recent Bikini Flicks (PHOTOS)

Kelis Serves BAWDY On Her 47th Birthday

If aging like fine wine were a person, Kelis would arguably be in the top spot for the title!  She had fan heads on a swivel on Friday (August 21) after her fitness look dump on Instagram. The singer wore a pink sports bra paired with bright purple biker shorts, black sneakers, and a North Face workout vest. She had her pink-and-purple locs tied into a ponytail. Ultimately, she flexed her body -ody, -ody from multiple angles, including the back.

“Happy Bday to me 🤗🎂 47 today💕 remember ladies take care of your skin ☀️ 🤎✨ get you some Black Don’t Crack sunscreen 🧴 x Skin Food x Rosehip & Turmeric 🫶🏾 and preserve your glow #skincare #happybirthday #bday #hike #outdoors,” Kelis’ caption read.

47 where?! Kelis is outchea aging like fine wine as she celebrates her 47th birthday.😍 Roomies, let’s wish her many more.🥳 pic.twitter.com/cEw1oT722D

— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) August 23, 2026

Fans Flood The Singer With Compliments 

In one day, Kelis’ birthday post collected over 3,700 comments and nearly 70,000 likes. Both celebs and fans flooded her with birthday wishes and compliments, especially on her physique.

Chloe Bailey, for example, wrote: “😍😍😍😍 happy birthday!!!!” Also, India Love added, “Wow!!!😍😍😍 happy birthday to the Goat🎈🎁”

@bigfolkspop commented, “That milkshake still bringing me to the yard 😍”

@certifieddolamac said, “Makes sense the baddest is a Leo 😍😍”

“You make 47 look like diamonds luv 💎✨️✨️✨️,” @raulxorxdie wrote.

“You have the figure of a 21-year-old. Happy Birthday 🎉, you’re the Leo Leading lady of my Dreams❤️. I genuinely thank you for all your contributions. You make life a bit easier. Thank you. Enjoy your day beautiful,” @kwame_ture_evers added.

@royal_dreamzz said, “How are you aging backwards? Omg 😩 Happy Birthday Queen!! 🎂🎁”

@drxpd__ commented, “At 47 ?!? You may be the blueprint. Happy birthday 🎂”

@coccyroccy_ added, “Happy birthday wowww!!!!! 40 what?🥰🎂”

“THE GWOAT😍😍😍😍 fine AF,” @kamaria said.

SEE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BELOW. 

Kelis Keeps Her Foot On Our Necks!

At least once a year, the singer stops fans in their tracks, effortlessly pulling them into her comment section. In 2024, she caused an internet commotion with her pop-out in Africa, namely her visit to Zanzibar. Fans primarily highlighted that it appeared Kelis, 44 at the time, was aging backwards.

Then, in April 2025, she posted herself rocking greyish-purple cornrows at hip length. Again, fans flooded her with compliments. Fast-forward to the end of 2025, Kelis was trending while turning heads once more. That time it was for steamy bikini photos that agin proved aging is doing Ms. Kelis all the justice!

RELATED: Body-ody! Bhad Bhabie Shows Off Her Curves With Steamy Dance Footage (VIDEO)

Justin and Hailey Bieber’s son, Jack Blues, is officially out of the baby stage after turning 2 on Saturday, August 22.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Hailey, 29, offered a glimpse of the family of three’s festivities.

“2 ❤️,” the Rhode founder captioned a pic of a plate full of pancakes topped with swirls upon swirls of whipped cream.

Hailey, who added four red candles atop the breakfast dish in honor of her son’s special day, set her upload to Justin’s song “Everything Hallelujah,” which features lines about the singer’s  wife and child.

“Mom and Dad, hallelujah/ Hailey, babe, hallelujah,” Justin, 32, sings in a verse. “Baby Jack, hallelujah / Oscar, Piggy, hallelujah / Brand new day, hallelujah / Brush my teeth, hallelujah / Take a swim, hallelujah / Everything hallelujah.”

Related: Hailey Bieber Reveals Which of Justin’s Songs Baby Jack Is Singing

Hailey Bieber’s son, Jack Blues, is growing up fast. “He’s 16 months,” Hailey, 29, gushed over her little one, whom she shares with Justin Bieber, on the Wednesday, February 18, episode of Jake Shane’s “Therapuss” podcast. “He talks a lot about basketball. He says ‘Basketball’ all the time,” she continued. “I went to get him […]

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Justin and Hailey have been married since 2018, welcoming son Jack nearly six years later in August 2024.

“It’s total bliss for the two of them,” a source exclusively told Us at the time. “Hailey is enjoying and savoring these moments being a new mom. She is over the moon and in [the] mom zone, and completely focused on the health of the baby.”

The couple subsequently learned new truths about their marriage after becoming parents.

“We’re just taking it a day at a time,” Hailey told GQ in November 2025. “We both feel very protective of our son and I don’t think that’s ever going to change, but our life is our life and it is really public, so I think we’re just going to cross every bridge that we need to when we get there.”

She continued at the time, “As of right now, I feel really comfortable about the way we are sharing things and not sharing things.”

As Hailey and Justin embrace their parenting era, the couple are also open to expanding their brood down the line.

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“I don’t think there’s anything someone can tell you about it that will ever, ever, ever prepare you until you do it yourself,” Hailey told the outlet of parenthood. “But I feel much more prepared to do it again, as opposed to how not prepared I felt doing it for the first time. And I think for me personally, there’s so much unknown to it, but so much happens and so much changes and you evolve in a totally different way that you would never be able to prepare for until you do it.”

Related: Justin Bieber Gushes Over Wife Hailey as They Celebrate His 32nd Birthday

Justin Bieber turned 32 with his loving wife, Hailey Bieber, by his side. Justin, who celebrated his birthday on Sunday, March 1, shared intimate snaps from his celebration with wife Hailey, 29, via Instagram and captioned the post, “No one id rather spend my birthday withhh.. :)) 💋.” In the snaps, Justin and Hailey can […]

Months later, Hailey gushed about the “most exciting” aspect of motherhood.

“Just seeing this little human evolve before your eyes,” the model told Interview in an April profile. “They grow so fast and they change so much and there’s always so much excitement. You’re watching them experience life for the first time, so you kind of feel like you’re experiencing it that way with them.”

Poison frontman Bret Michaels has canceled his remaining scheduled concerts amid his ongoing kidney stone surgery recovery.

“Following Bret Michaels’ comeback show at The Bowl at Sugar Hill, doctors and paramedics determined immediately after the show that he still needs additional rest and recovery from his recent surgeries,” a Saturday, August 21, statement shared via the singer’s Facebook page read. “Bret will be taking the next several months off to heal and get back to 100 percent.”

Michaels, 63, performed at Georgia’s The Bowl at Sugar Hill on Friday, August 21 — his first concert since undergoing surgery last month. Following the concert, the musician’s doctors advised him to refrain from taking the stage again until he has fully recovered.

“We will be pulling Bret off the road for the time being,” Dr. Abby Borhan and Dr. Patel said in a separate statement. “He wanted to attempt this show, but we feel there is a much-needed period of rest and slow recovery ahead, especially considering the heat and humidity during the summer months and the effect it can have on his blood sugar levels.”

Related: Bret Michaels Underwent Surgery Following ‘Intense’ Pain During 3 Concerts

Bret Michaels confirmed he pushed through “intense” pain during three concerts before finally having surgery for kidney stones. Michaels, 63, detailed his recent health setback on Wednesday, July 22, telling his Facebook followers that on #WisdomWednesday he has “complete gratitude for the frontline workers, doctors and nurses who this week have recently taken care of […]

Michaels’ eponymous management company, Michaels Entertainment Group, also offered its “deepest apologies” to ticketholders in the wake of the cancellations.

“We were truly looking forward to the rest of this year’s shows, including The Mountain Music Festival, private events and all the great shows coming up,” the social media statement concluded. “We now look ahead and to Bret being able to return healthy, strong and ready to rock.”

Michaels revealed in July that he recently had surgery to remove a kidney stone.

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Related: Poison Calls Off Tour After Bret Michaels Allegedly Demands 600% More Money

Poison called off their plans for a 40th anniversary tour after frontman Bret Michaels allegedly demanded 600 percent more money than his bandmates. “We had a great offer, I thought. But we left the table,” the glam rock band’s drummer, Rikki Rockett, told the New York Post‘s Page Six on Sunday, January 18. “It didn’t […]

“On this #WisdomWednesday, the first thing I learned is complete gratitude for the frontline workers, doctors and nurses who this week have recently taken care of me, as the kidney stone would not pass,” he wrote via Facebook at the time. “The pain became intense but, as usual, I played through Charleston WV, Grantville PA and a special private show at Fairchild AFB in Spokane for veterans, active duty and their families. But immediately, the next day following that show, I was admitted to the hospital, as the pain became too much when the stone would not pass.”

In his July update, Michaels confirmed the “operation has been done” successfully.

“I’m out of post-op recovery, and I’m doing everything within my power to feel better and continue playing great shows for great fans when I’ve got a complete clean bill of health,” he noted. “Just want to say on this #WisdomWednesday that I am wise enough to know how important family, friends, fans, doctors and nurses play such a vital role in our everyday health. Also just know, they eventually forced me out of my clothes and into a hospital gown, as I had gone straight from the show to the hospital.”

Reality TV star June “Mama June” Shannon’s daughter Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird is opening up about her new OnlyFans venture, revealing how much she says she makes per day on the adult-only content site.

“I know people don’t agree with what I do and my work and whatever the cast may be that they don’t agree with, but that is a huge deal for me,” Pumpkin, 26, said while appearing on the Friday, August 21, episode of “The TMZ Podcast.”

“It’s like being humbled, being blessed, being very grateful for the amount of opportunities that that’s brought to me,” she continued, “but also the financial stability that that has brought my entire family.”

Pumpkin went on to claim that she makes upwards of $15,000 per day on the controversial website, which offers explicit content to users willing to pay a monthly or annual fee.

Related: Mama June Shannon Reacts to Daughter Pumpkin’s Explicit OnlyFans Content

Reality TV star Mama June Shannon has some thoughts about her daughter Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird’s decision to join OnlyFans and offer explicit adult content to her subscribers. “All money ain’t good money,” Mama June, 46, told TMZ of her daughter’s new venture in an interview published on Saturday, August 7. According to the outlet, the […]

The former Here Comes Honey Boo Boo star went on to claim that she made $10,000 the day she announced she had joined the site — a decision she says has made it more possible for her to be present with her children. (Pumpkin shares kids Ella, Bentley and twins Sylus and Stella with her ex-husband, Josh Efird.)

“It’s not just about the money,” she continued. “It’s being able to provide my kids with such a better lifestyle. Like, we’re able to go out on the weekends and go out on our pontoon boat. I’m able to never miss a school event. I’m at every single field trip, every single soccer game, every single soccer practice.”

She went on to add that joining OnlyFans gave her “the ability to be there with my kids versus going to get a nine-to-five and barely struggling for childcare, paying bills, not getting any time with them without having to pick up a second job.”

The content creator charges $25.00 per month for access to her explicit content, which includes intimate moments with her boyfriend, Darrin Kitchens, who has been supportive of her career move from the start.

Pumpkin says her mom and siblings are also supportive of her OnlyFans venture.

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Related: Watch Lauryn ‘Pumpkin’ Shannon and Ex-Husband Hash Out Custody and More

Mama June’s daughter Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon and her ex-husband, Josh Efird, are finalizing the terms of their divorce in Us Weekly’s exclusive clip of the latest episode of Mama June: Family Crisis. “I did want to talk today because I don’t know [and] I never really had to do this before,” Lauryn, 25, tells Josh, […]

“My family is super supportive,” she said on Friday. “I know that my mama’s main goal is to make sure that obviously I make the amount of money that I need to make on exactly what I’m selling.”

She added that her sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Shannon, is particularly supportive, going so far as to even encourage her own followers to check out her sister’s explicit content.

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“She’s on [Instagram] live and she’s telling people, ‘Pumpkin’s got a deal going on, half-off subscriptions this week,’” Pumpkin said of her famous sister’s posts. “So my family, [I’m] super grateful for how involved they are.”

Pumpkin announced her OnlyFans venture back in March, telling TMZ at the time that she decided to join the online platform after watching her friends make “pretty good money” from the subscription service.

“The world has seen tits and ass from everyone,” she added at the time.

Tom Brady is celebrating his eldest son Jack’s 19th birthday with great fanfare.

“Happy 19th birthday, Jack! 🎉 Aug 22, 2007 is a day I’ll never forget, because that’s when you showed up and stole my heart (and my sleep… and my patience… hahahaha),” Brady, 49, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 22, sharing a carousel of throwback family photos. “You’re kind, thoughtful, empathetic and full of love!”

The NFL icon added, “I’m so proud of who you have become. You fill my heart with so much joy and I’m blessed to be your dad. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Brady, who shares Jack with ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, also shared the sweet birthday tribute via his Instagram Stories.

Related: Tom Brady and Bridget Moynahan’s Quotes About Their Son Jack

Tom Brady and Bridget Moynahan‘s son, Jack, has remained their priority over the years — even though they broke up before his birth. Brady was already dating his now ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, when he found out that he and Moynahan were expecting a baby. (Brady and Moynahan split in late 2006 and Jack was born in […]

“19?!! Slow down! HBD Jack,” he captioned the photos of his son dunking a basketball. “Don’t think I could do that at 19…”

In addition to Jack, Brady shares son Benjamin, 16, and daughter Vivian, 13, with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen. (The supermodel, 46, later welcomed her third child, her first with husband Joaquim Valente, in February 2025.)

“There’s definitely some challenges and there’s a lot of blessings, and I think just us as parents, we’re just trying to help them navigate a little bit,” Brady exclusively told Us in 2024 of fatherhood. “There’s a lot of cool things, a lot of things that are maybe a little tricky, but you just got to deal with it all in the best way you can.”

Related: Bridget Moynahan Gives Shout-Out to Ex Tom Brady After Graduation Reunion

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Bridget Moynahan gave her ex Tom Brady a subtle shoutout after the pair reunited to celebrate their son John “Jack” Edward Thomas Moynahan’s high school graduation. “So proud of our boy Jack,” Moynahan, 55, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, June 14, alongside a slew of photos from her son’s high school graduation. “We are all […]

He continued at the time, “I think giving them perspective all the time is really important. They’re kids, so we’re all human. We’re all going through stuff, so they’re going through their own set of unique experiences and you just try to give them the right perspective on the things that you’ve experienced and that you can correlate to their life.”

For the Super Bowl champ, Brady hoped that each of his three kids would eventually find “a life of purpose.”

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“As parents, we just want our kids to do better than us, and I think that’s for all of us. My parents did that for me,” Brady gushed to Us. “I want to try to guide my kids into a life of purpose and one that they can find their joy and happiness and create a life and a family together with someone and find things they love to do when they wake up in the morning.”

As for Moynahan, 55, she subtly marked Jack’s big day via her social media account.

“The love of my life doesn’t call me with romantic words or nicknames. The love of my life calls me ‘mom,’” an anonymous quote the actress reposted via Instagram on Saturday.

There’s some positive news on the Boston Blue front that will prove incredibly exciting for longtime fans of the Blue Bloods franchise. Series star Donnie Wahlberg recently revealed a video earlier this month, revealing that his fellow Blue Bloods co-star, Will Estes, is joining him for the hit CBS show’s second season. TV Insider later confirmed that Estes is indeed appearing in a guest star capacity on Boston Blue in a move that will certainly shake up the show’s winning formula. The Reagan family members making recurring guest appearances should work to Boston Blue’s overall benefit.

Will Estes’ Return to ‘Boston Blue’ Is Important to the Story

Boston Blue primarily focuses on two families: the Reagans through Danny (Wahlberg) and Sean Reagan (Mika Amonsen); and the Silvers through District Attorney Mae Silver (Gloria Reuben), stepdaughter and BPD Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson), sister and BPD Detective Lena Silva (Sonequa Martin-Green), and their little brother Jonah Silver (Marcus Scribner). Boston Blue begins as Danny arrives in Boston to visit the recently injured Sean, and he later opts to permanently move there to help mentor his son as he begins his career as a rookie BPD officer. During the first season, Danny officially retires from the NYPD and transfers to the BPD, reinforcing that his move is permanent, despite most of the Reagan clan and his girlfriend, Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), still residing in New York.

A couple of guest appearances from Blue Bloods veterans thus far include Bridget Moynahan, reprising her role as Erin Reagan, and even a guest visit from Len Cariou as Henry Reagan. However, Jamie Reagan has not yet appeared in the spin-off, although we did hear that Jamie and his wife Edith “Eddie” Janko welcomed a son, Joey Francis Reagan, between the end of Blue Bloods and Boston Blue Season 1. Estes’ return is fantastic news, as it reinforces the continuity between the two shows. Jamie and Danny always had a great dynamic in the flagship series, so it will be interesting for Danny and Sean to get a visit from Jamie.

Why ‘Boston Blue’ Needs More Reagan Guest Appearances

Boston Blue is still in a period where it’s searching for its identity. We have already established that Blue Bloods ended prematurely, even with plenty of material left to cover after 14 seasons. Blue Bloods star Tom Selleck even revealed during a recent conversation with Ted Danson on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast that none of the main cast wanted the show to end. Appearances by more of the veteran Reagans from Blue Bloods in Boston Blue soften the blow of the flagship series’ untimely loss as Boston Blue finds its footing and forges ahead as the next chapter in the saga.

Additionally, a Jamie Reagan appearance demonstrates the saga’s cohesion with the Reagan clan and sells that Boston Blue is a spin-off and continuation of Blue Bloods. Plus, it will be nice to check in to see how Jamie Reagan is doing, how he’s progressing in the NYPD’s Field Intelligence Unit, and dealing with becoming a father. In Erin’s last appearance on Boston Blue, “L’dor Vador,” she visits Danny in Boston to assist him with a case involving a dangerous suspect and a missing child. The show wouldn’t be much of a procedural drama if Jamie were simply visiting to check in with his brother and nephew. We can surmise that there will likely be some collaboration between the NYPD and the BPD, where Jamie and Danny are again thrust together in a dangerous case. It will be just like old times when the youngest Reagan sibling returns on Boston Blue.

Will Estes Should Signal the Last Major Holdout From ‘Blue Bloods’

Image via CBS

The last big holdout from the Blue Bloods cast, who was referenced throughout the first season, is Danny’s father, NYPD Commissioner Francis “Frank” Reagan (Selleck). The one thing that the first season of Boston Blue was genuinely missing was a giant crossover episode, where all the members of the Reagan and Silver families could come together for a big family gathering and dinner. The Shabbat dinners in Boston Blue have been good, and they functionally serve a similar purpose as the Reagans’ Sunday dinners on Blue Bloods. Now, it’s time to combine the two.

Will Estes returning as Jamie Reagan should serve as a grander buildup to the return of Selleck’s Frank Reagan and a major crossover arc. It should culminate in a giant family dinner between the two families and could appropriately pave the way for the Reagans to pass the torch to the new cast and series. Additionally, it will attract fans of Blue Bloods who have not yet checked out Boston Blue, while providing a huge event storyline for viewers of both shows. It will be interesting to see what the writers have in store for Danny and Jamie when Boston Blue returns for its second season on October 9 on CBS.

When it comes to watching some of the best movies and TV shows produced in the U.K., nothing beats BritBox. The powerhouse streamer has an impressive catalog that includes some of the most noteworthy titles across genres ranging from period dramas to absurdist comedies. With mega hits like The Other Bennet Sister, it has officially arrived in the on-demand viewing space and continues to excel at delivering exceptional content to countries around the world.

BritBox has a vast selection of both old and new titles for viewers across the pond to enjoy. From quirky, classic follies like Mr. Bean to cerebral thrillers like Broadchurch, there is something for everyone. When it comes to rewatchability and binge-worthiness, these 10 TV shows are some of the best, and everyone should keep them on their watchlist.

1

‘The Other Bennet Sister’ (2026)

Image via BritBox

Based on the book by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister focuses on an interesting and often overlooked character in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The middle sister of the vivacious Bennet family, Mary is an awkward, resolute, and truly unique heroine. Played superbly by Ella Bruccoleri, Mary tries to find her way in a world that seems suited to everyone but her.

The Other Bennet Sister is a triumph and a must-watch for any Austen or period drama fan. It has humor, romance, and candid commentaries about gender roles in society. The series was a tremendous hit for BritBox and earned an impressive 7.3 million views within its first few weeks. It has become so popular that a three-part Christmas special has been announced and is slated to release later this year. Now is the time to see what everyone is raving about and binge The Other Bennet Sister in time for the holiday episodes.

2

‘Ludwig’ (2024–Present)

Image via BBC One

John Taylor (David Mitchell) is an introvert who prefers to stay inside and create puzzles as his alter ego, Ludwig. When his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) calls him in distress because his twin brother has gone missing, he has no choice but to leave his reclusive life behind and intervene. John goes undercover, posing as his missing twin James, which includes taking over his job as a crime scene detective.

Ludwig is a brilliant and charming cozy mystery series. Mitchell is a veteran performer and stellar as always. The series received two BAFTA nominations last year, and fans only expect greatness in the future. It has become a must-watch show on BritBox and has been renewed for a third season before the second season even debuts. There is no time like the present to get in on this winning series before it explodes with even more fanfare.

3

‘The Cleaner’ (2021–Present)

Image via BritBox

Better known as his magnificent persona, the Taskmaster, Greg Davies takes on a whole new challenge in The Cleaner. In this scripted comedy, Davies plays the role of Paul Wickstead, a certified cleaning technician who is called upon to take care of some pretty bloody crime scenes. At each location, Paul has an encounter with a living person connected to the event, and a fascinating discourse develops.

The Cleaner brings an inventive new viewpoint to the crime genre. Instead of focusing on the victim, the series centers around those left behind. The Cleaner uses a practical setup to launch some whimsical scenarios, and it is full of the witty, droll humor that British comedy series are celebrated for.

4

‘Friday Night Dinner’ (2011–2020)

Starring Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird, Tom Rosenthal, and Mark Heap, Friday Night Dinner is a hilarious and culinary dysfunctional family sitcom. Every Friday night, Jackie (Greig) and Martin (Ritter) have their two sons over for supper. However, in the Goodman household nothing ever goes to plan, and the quiet family meal soon dissolves into utter chaos.

At 37 episodes long, Friday Night Dinner is a great binge. It has several recurring gags and established story arcs that run throughout the entire series. The finale is solid and includes a culmination of several established themes. All of the cast are phenomenal, and Heap is exemplary as the awkward, eccentric neighbor. Friday Night Dinner is a fan favorite and has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes to prove it.

5

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

Image via Focus Features / Courtesy Everett Collection

The series that launched the renaissance of all things period-specific, Downton Abbey tells the stories of the wealthy Crawley family and the staff who call the grand estate home. Downton Abbey ticks all the marks for excellence. The writing, acting, costumes, set design, and more are all perfection. It won 15 Primetime Emmys, two BAFTAs, and continues to be beloved by devotees.

If you haven’t seen this sweeping series yet, it remains as entertaining and impactful as ever. The interpersonal drama between members of the family and between members of the aristocracy and servants is highly engaging. There are several dynamic plot twists, and it is undeniably binge-worthy, as you will find yourself highly invested from the very beginning.

6

‘Mr. Bean’ (1990–1995)

Image via ITV

Rowan Atkinson is the epitome of physical comedy in Mr. Bean. As the title character, Atkinson portrays a misfit individual who always makes the unusual and unexpected choice in any given circumstance. Atkinson’s performance is akin to ancient performance arts such as clowning and commedia dell’arte, which use body language, posture, and slapstick elements to convey humor. The show also deliberately restricts dialogue so it can be enjoyed by viewers in any country.

There are multiple theories as to what makes Mr. Bean tick. Some speculate that he is an alien, or was at least altered by aliens in some way. Others think he is simply an oddball who thinks outside the box. Either way, watching him navigate everyday conundrums is vastly entertaining, and Mr. Bean is still one of the best comedy series to watch nearly four decades later.

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‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975–1979)

Image via BBC

John Cleese is well known in the industry for his talent for absurdist comedy, as in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Rat Race, and A Fish Called Wanda. One of his best roles to date is in the 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers. The series focuses on the neurotic Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he owns and operates a small hotel with his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). Watching the high-strung and tightly wound Basil try to please customers and work with his wife and long-suffering staff makes for a riot of chuckles.

Fawlty Towers is one of the best British comedy shows of all time and never ceases to deliver on laughs and ridiculous predicaments. It is a masterclass in ramping up tension, taking an already precarious situation and adding more fire. Fans of Cleese and classic British comedies should definitely check Fawlty Towers out; it is one of the greats.

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‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)

Image via ITV

Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch is widely hailed as one of the best British detective shows. It features David Tennant and Olivia Colman as D.I. Alec Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller, respectively. Tennant and Colman are unmistakable talent, and their onscreen chemistry in Broadchurch is a core part of the magic that drives the series forward.

Broadchurch is a perfect watch for fans of mystery and crime thrillers. Having the events set in a small town makes the show instantly relatable, and the series explores poignant themes about violence, grief, and loss. Broadchurch feels like more than a surface-level crime-of-the-week format. As Collider’s Daniela Gama says, “At its heart, Chibnall’s acclaimed series is more than a murder mystery — it’s a thoughtful exploration of trauma and the consequences of crime and violence.”

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‘The IT Crowd’ (2006–2013)

Image via Channel 4

A British TV show that started slowly and grew to massive cult status is The IT Crowd. The quirky workplace comedy has Katherine Parkinson as Jen Barber. Jen is an enthusiastic new employee of Reynholm Industries who is sent to manage an odd duo of IT workers after she fibbed on her CV and overstated her computer knowledge. Chris O’Dowd and Richard Ayoade make up the two-person IT department, and their characters, Roy and Moss, are delightfully eccentric.

The IT Crowd has some truly hilarious plots. One of the best comedic bits is when Roy and Moss convince Jen that a small black box with a light on the top is the internet. The IT Crowd has won three BAFTAs and remains a continuously quoted and memed treasure trove of fandom. Even though technology has changed dramatically since 2006, humanity’s approach to and interaction with it has remained the same, and The IT Crowd is as funny and relevant now as it ever was.

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‘Whites’ (2010)

Image via BBC

A series that was a decade ahead of its time, Whites is a forerunner to bleak comedies like The Bear and is the BritBox show that everyone should binge. At one season long, viewers can take in all episodes of this witty dramedy in a weekend or a single evening. The show stars Alan Davies as Roland White, an outwardly morose but inwardly emotional head chef at a luxury hotel.

Whites is a must-watch for fans of shows like The Bear. The mix of culinary culture with character drama is fantastic. The humor of Whites is spot-on and walks the thin line of not enough frivolity and too much like a seasoned tightrope walker. It is one of those hidden gem treasures that was tragically canceled too soon, but exists perfectly as it is in its one-season-wonder format.

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Whites

Release Date

2010 – 2010-00-00

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Network

BBC Two

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Directors

David Kerr

Writers

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Oliver Lansley

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  Katherine Parkinson

  Caroline

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Sydney Sweeney and her boyfriend, Scooter Braun, are soaking up the last days of summer in super-powered style.

“Camp ‘26 🦸🏼‍♀️,” Sweeney, 28, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 22, alongside a handful of photos.

In one snap, Sweeney embodied Diana Prince (a.k.a Wonder Woman) with a replica corset costume complete with a coordinating headband. Braun, 45, opted to dress up as Clark Kent/ Superman as the duo posed for a selfie.

Elsewhere in Sweeney’s carousel, the pair hung out in the sunshine, indulged in karaoke and went swimming in a lake.

Related: Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun Pack on PDA in New Vacation Photos

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun looked as in love as ever in new photos from a trip to Australia. “A little aussie dump,” Sweeney, 28, captioned an Instagram post on Sunday, July 19, that included highlights from the getaway. The compilation included a glimpse of her romance with Braun, 45, who joined her in several […]

Braun shared more images of the pair’s weekend via his page, alongside the caption, “Camp of Heroes.”

Sweeney and the music manager were first romantically linked in June 2025 after meeting at Jeff Bezos’ star-studded wedding in Italy.

“It is not serious,” a source exclusively told Us in September 2025, noting that Sweeney was “dating around and in her single era without having any pressure” after calling off her engagement to ex-fiancé Jonathan Davino.

After several months of dating, a second insider told Us in November 2025 that Sweeney and Braun’s romance was “getting serious.”

“Neither of them expected it to turn into something serious at first and are surprised by how genuine the connection has become,” the second source exclusively shared, noting that the couple spent time together in between the Euphoria actress’ work commitments. “Scooter is extremely supportive and that is one of the reasons why she is so drawn to him.”

The second insider added at the time, ““He’s deeply interested in her career and life, and [he] often offers valuable perspective and guidance that she really appreciates.”

Sweeney and Braun publicly debuted their romance in May.

Related: Inside Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun’s ‘Very Serious’ Romance

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun are slowly “blending their lives” as they become more committed, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “They are the real deal, and their relationship has become very serious,” the insider shares, noting that “people around them thought that this would be just a fling, but they are committed.” Sweeney, 28, […]

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“I’ve met an extraordinary woman, kind and generous and smart, and real and down-to-earth,” he said on the “Second Thought” podcast at the time, revealing he is a massive fan of Sweeney’s hit HBO show, Euphoria. “I’m biased … I like it. I think there’s been an incredible performance by a certain actress.”

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The next month, Sweeney took to her Instagram page to celebrate Braun’s 45th birthday.

“Happiest of birthdays to the man with the biggest heart I know ❤️,” Sweeney gushed via Instagram in June. “Thank you for all the living room dances and making me smile again. A good man is rare. A man like you is once in a lifetime.”

Braun was previously married to Yael Cohen, with whom he shares three kids, from 2014 to 2022.

Actress Daisy Ridley, best known for her portrayal of Rey in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, recently opened up about an injury that she suffered in her own home. Although she has done plenty of stunt training for her role as a Jedi and underwent serious swimming lessons for her role in “Young Women and the Sea,” it appears she injured herself while doing ordinary housework.

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On Saturday, August 22, the “Chaos Walking” actress revealed that she had pulled something in her back and injured something in her head or neck, as she couldn’t turn it to the left.

“Scrubbed the oven so hard I pulled something in my back and can’t turn my head to the left?!” she posted in an Instagram Story on Saturday morning.

The photo features her sitting close to the camera wearing a black tank top. She is resting her head in one hand as she glances away from the camera.

Although it’s unclear how serious the injury is, many fans hope she recovers quickly, as they are eager to see her return to her role as Rey. She last portrayed the character in 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” which received a lackluster reception.

When Will Rey Next Appear In A Galaxy Far, Far Away?

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Fans are still unsure where Rey’s story will go following the events of 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Disney’s D23 event focused on the next upcoming “Star Wars” movie: 2027’s “Star Wars: Starlighter,” starring Ryan Gosling. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, will take place about five years after the fall of the First Order; however, it remains unclear if Ridley will reprise her role for a cameo appearance.

In 2023’s Star Wars Celebration, then-Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy announced that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy would be directing a film based on the new Jedi Order that Rey will be creating. However, updates about the project have been few and far between, as numerous writers have been hired and dismissed, including “Lost” creator Damon Lindelof.

Ridley Says New ‘Star Wars’ Film Is ‘Worth The Wait’

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The “We Bury the Dead” actress later told Parade that the new movie will be “worth the wait,” adding, “It will arrive when it’s ready.”

In 2026, Kennedy did not mention Rey’s movie at all during her exit interview with Deadline, leaving some to believe the film will be folded into the Simon Kinberg trilogy. However, details about that project have yet to be released.

Daisy Ridley Speaks Out On ‘The Hunt For Ben Solo’

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In October 2025, Adam Driver shocked fans by revealing that he and director Steven Soderbergh had been working on a movie called “The Hunt for Ben Solo,” which would have featured his character, Ben Solo. Although his character passed away at the end of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Lucasfilm gave the film the green light. After all, many characters, such as Emperor Palpatine and Darth Maul, have returned to a galaxy far, far away after their supposed “deaths.”

However, Driver told the Associated Press that executives later pulled the plug on the project because they didn’t understand how his character could still be alive.

Last December, Ridley told IGN that she had heard “rumblings” about the axed project. “I have lots of friends who are crew, so things always travel like that. But, whoa! When the story came out, no, I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’ And it was him that said it, right? It was funny because, like, ‘Oh, wow, Adam is saying it,’ and that’s the big surprise of the year,” she said.

Will ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ Ever Get Made?