Harry Styles addressed those “queerbaiting” allegations head on — literally — during an appearance on Saturday Night Live.

“People seem to pay a lot of attention to the clothes I was wearing, and some people accused me of something called ‘queerbaiting,’” Styles, 32, mentioned while hosting SNL on Saturday, March 14. “Did it ever occur to you that maybe you don’t know everything about me, dad? I ran it past him, he was fine with it.”

Per the Oxford English Dictionary, queerbaiting is defined as the “practice of trying to appeal to and capitalize on LGBTQ audiences or customers in a deceptive or superficial manner.”

Styles suggested that any confusion comes from his love of kissing. SNL cast members Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman crept up behind the former One Direction during his ode to kissing, though each backed off as Styles rattled off a list of turnoffs.

Related: Harry Styles Has a ‘Dress Code’ for Upcoming Global Residency Tour

Harry Styles gave fans one simple style tip as he gears up for his highly anticipated Together, Together global residency tour. The singer, 31, suggested wearing “comfy shoes” to move and groove in when asked about his “dress code” during an interview with iHeartRadio on Friday, January 23. “Dancing shoes. I want you to dance, […]

When Styles mentioned he was particularly attracted to “a tight little bum,” SNL star Ben Marshall jumped on stage to ask for his kiss.

“Come on, Ben! Everyone knows there’s nothing little about that thaaaang. You’re holding a damn wagon back there,” Styles joked.

Still, Styles pulled Marshall, 30, in for a passionate smooch before quipping, “Now, that’s queerbaiting!”

Elsewhere in the monologue, Styles poked fun at fruit featuring so prominently in his music. (Aside from his hit “Watermelon Sugar,” Styles has also named songs after “Cherry,” “Grapejuice” and “Kiwi.”)

“I finished my last tour in 2023, and after that I took a bunch of time off,” Styles recalled. “I realized I spent half of my life in music, touring, creating albums and making songs about fruit that people think are about sex! I just really like fruit, guys. I like sex too.”

He then teased, “You know, when you’re on holiday, it’s like five in the afternoon, you’re all covered in sand. You and your partner are all sweaty and hot, and you stumble back to the room and you just wanna [some] papaya?”

Styles got an early start on his return to Saturday Night Live when he made a cameo in host Ryan Gosling’s monologue last week. The former 1D star explained to Gosling, 45, that he wanted a refresher on hosting SNL since he’d last done it in 2019.

His appearance frazzled Gosling, who resorted to bringing back his “I’m Just Ken” song from the Barbie movie to take the focus off Styles watching him from the front row.

Styles hosted and performed on SNL this week to promote his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which was released on March 6.

Us Weekly exclusively learned on Thursday, March 12, why Styles plans to ditch a proper world tour for his new album in favor of performing multi-night Together, Together residencies in seven cities.

“Harry approached this project and tour very mindfully,” a source told Us. “By doing multi-night residencies, there is less travel and less burnout.”

The insider indicated that Styles “will likely add more dates” to his Together, Together trek in 2027 but is “approaching this [leg of the tour] in a way that feels healthy for him.”

“For Harry, the past couple of years have been about slowing down, stepping back and finding peace,” the insider tells Us. “He really treasured that time and the sense of privacy and normalcy. He is coming into this tour knowing what works for him. He is incredibly emotionally mature and is constantly working on himself.”

For now, fans can catch Styles’ Together, Together Tour on select dates in Amsterdam from May 16 to June 5, in London from June 12 to July 4, in São Paulo from July 17 to July 24, in Mexico City from July 31 to August 10, in New York City from August 26 to October 31, in Melbourne from November 27 to December 2 and in Sydney on December 12 and December 13. A variety of support acts will appear depending on the city and date, including Robyn, Shania Twain, Jorja Smith and Jamie xx, among others.

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Related: Everything to Know About Harry Styles’ New Album: Release Date and More

Harry Styles is entering his disco era. On January 15, Styles announced his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., via Instagram. His post featured the album cover, which shows Styles in jeans and a blue T-shirt while standing outdoors under a disco ball. The album marks his first release since Harry’s House […]

In February, Styles told The Sunday Times that he had to completely rethink his approach to touring after his Love On Tour concerts brought 173 shows to more than 20 countries between 2021 and 2023.

“At the end of the tour, the idea of taking time out felt insane. I didn’t know if I could do it, but it was the right time for me,” Styles recalled. “We’d finished the tour in July and I was turning 30 in February. It was time for me to stop for a bit and pay some attention to other parts of my life.”

He noted that his extended break allowed him to be more present for his family, especially when his sister, Gemma, welcomed a daughter in 2024.

“At any other time in my life, I would have missed a lot of that,” he explained. “To be there to get to know my niece as she’s growing up, it’s so obvious to me what’s real. It was really obvious that was where I wanted to be.”

He went on, “I’d always thought, or hoped, that I was the kind of person who didn’t need the dopamine hits that doing this job often gives you. But I hadn’t actually removed myself from it and it’s hard to eliminate the doubt that maybe if it all went away, I’d really miss it. That’s always been a fear for me. So, living my life in a way where I could really like who I am away from this world has been so powerful for me.”

Saturday Night Live’s next new episode airs on NBC April 4 at 11.30 p.m. ET with Jack Black as host and Jack White as musical guest.

From Season 4 Trailer

What Is ‘From’ About?

Although King has nothing to do with From, the series feels very much inspired by his horror-fueled style. Comparisons are very appropriate, considering the mostly blue-collar townsfolk forced to deal with the nameless place they cannot escape from, where they’re terrorized and stalked by predatory creatures. The creatures are vicious and feral, but the fact that they can appear human, with creepy grins and period clothing, makes them all the more unsettling. King previously gave the series his stamp of approval, praising it as being “believable and scary as hell” and saying that From left him “absolutely riveted.”
From mixes its horror premise with the intrigue and mystery familiar to fans of the hit television show Lost — a parallel that feels even more apropos given that the series is led by former Lost actor Harold Perrineau. From also boasts a large, diverse ensemble cast, exploring the group dynamics in the town’s community and their struggles to find answers to the untold mysteries of the town. Additionally, just as the mystery of the island served as a major focus in Lost, uncovering the strange town’s secrets is a significant part of From‘s story, and always keeps viewers coming back for more.

‘From’ Never Loses Sight of Its Grounded Human Drama

A good horror story is meaningless without strong characters, and From has built a tremendous ensemble over its last three seasons. It’s deeply harrowing to see the survivors struggling to stay alive in such a horrible situation. One character, Jim Matthews (Eion Bailey), is desperate to protect his family, who are already mourning the loss of a child before the events of the series. Meanwhile, the town’s self-appointed sheriff and mayor Boyd Stevens (Perrineau), does his best to lead the town and keep everyone alive, constantly fighting a losing battle each season while desperately trying to find answers about their entrapment. Perrineau delivers a knockout performance as a man who does his best while simultaneously struggling with his own tenuous grip on sanity in the face of such overwhelming darkness.
Through its excellent cast of grounded characters, From never loses sight of the townspeople’s fight to survive and maintain their hold on sanity. Some of the survivors band together, strengthening their love and bonds to reinforce their sense of community, but others fall prey to the physical and psychological terrors of the nameless town, making their struggle extremely compelling to watch. In Season 3, Fatima (Pegah Ghafoori), the girlfriend and later wife of Boyd’s son Ellis (Corteon Moore), discovers that she’s miraculously pregnant despite it being medically impossible before she arrived in the town. Eventually, Fatima’s premonitions of something being very wrong with her pregnancy grow stronger and more deeply disturbing as the subplot progresses.

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Pure terror from start to finish.

‘From’ Reaches a Major Turning Point in Season 3

Although the story’s feral creatures only emerge at night, the townsfolk are terrorized by psychological entities and horrors during the daytime, such as the malevolent music box monster who haunts multiple townsfolk during Season 2. Later in Season 3, one of the newer cast members who arrived on the bus, Elgin Williams (Nathan D. Simmons), is stalked by a ghostly specter in a kimono. The monstrous creatures who hunt the townsfolk are merely the beginning, as whoever is controlling what happens in the town wants to keep the survivors in a permanent state of terror and despair. These more haunting moments definitely appear right out of the Stephen King-approved playbook.
Just when it appeared like From was on the verge of becoming overwrought with its increasing cast and lack of bigger answers, however, the story finally reaches a major turning point. Without giving too much away, the series finally provides some much-needed answers regarding the town’s backstory and the likely origin of its deadly creatures. The great thing is that From doesn’t spoon-feed all these answers, and the revelations offer just enough information to build the anticipation for the fourth season. Rather than giving away every secret, the narrative drops just enough reveals to drive the viewer to continue watching, providing the proper escalation in tension and intrigue ahead of From‘s Season 4 return next month on MGM+.

Doja Cat is opening up about a deeply personal part of her life. The Grammy-winning rapper recently shared that she has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, offering fans a raw and honest look at the mental health challenges she’s been navigating behind the scenes. In a candid TikTok, Doja Cat reflected on how the condition has affected her for years, explaining that she is continuing to work through it with therapy and self-reflection.

Doja Cat Shares Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis

Doja Cat revealed to fans that she has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, commonly referred to as BPD. Speaking directly to viewers in a TikTok video posted Friday, the singer said she believes the condition has been present in her life for a long time, even if she only recently recognized it.

“I’ve learned from a very young age to pretend that I like stuff, to pretend that I’m happy, to pretend that I don’t like stuff that I do, to appear like everything is okay,” said Doja Cat. “I’ll get it done. And it caught up with me, and I think it always does for people. I’m now struggling with BPD.”

The artist suggested that years of masking her true feelings may have contributed to the emotional toll she is now confronting.

Singer Says Living With The Condition Has Been ‘Agonizing’

During the emotional conversation, Doja Cat admitted that the struggles connected to the diagnosis have been ongoing for much of her life. She explained that the challenges she associates with BPD didn’t appear overnight but instead have likely been present for years.

The “Paint The Town Red” artist said she’s been “struggling” with BPD for “probably forever” and that it’s been “agonizing.” Despite the difficulties, the performer’s openness about the topic resonated with many fans who praised her willingness to speak publicly about mental health.

Therapy Has Been A Key Part Of Doja Cat’s Healing

While discussing the condition, Doja Cat emphasized that therapy has played an important role in helping her navigate the experience. She shared that she has been working with professionals for years and feels proud of the progress she has made along the way.

“I’ve been in therapy for years now, and I am so relieved and so proud of myself. I’ve made it so far, and I still make mistakes,” she said, noting that it’s been a journey of “treatment and healing.”

What Borderline Personality Disorder Is

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that can significantly impact how individuals perceive themselves and their relationships with others.

According to the Mayo Clinic, BPD “is a mental health condition that affects the way people feel about themselves and others.” It can make it difficult to manage everyday life and is often associated with intense emotions, impulsive behavior, and unstable relationships.

People living with the condition may also struggle with their sense of identity and self-image.

Doja Cat Praises Chappell Roan For Her Honesty

Elsewhere in the TikTok video, Doja Cat spoke about fellow artist Chappell Roan and how her openness has inspired her. The rapper applauded the “Pink Pony Club” singer for being unapologetically authentic while in the public eye, something Doja Cat says she is continuing to work on herself.

“I had to learn how to be honest,” Doja Cat said. “I had to learn how to be honest with myself. I lied to myself for years, for most of my life, and to see her sit there, and I love it. I love that she can do that without hurting people. She hasn’t hurt one person by being herself, and that shows that I can do the same.”

The singer has previously spoken about prioritizing her mental health. During an October 2025 appearance on the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast, Doja Cat shared that therapy helps her stay grounded and ensures she’s addressing the things she needs to work through.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges, help is available. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org, to reach the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Chappell Roan’s tense run-in with photographers in Paris has sparked a wider conversation about celebrity boundaries, and fellow musicians are weighing in. After a video of the Grammy-winning singer confronting paparazzi and fans began circulating online, Culture Club icon Boy George shared his perspective on how stars navigate public attention. His message encouraged Roan to embrace the realities of fame while also acknowledging the pressures that come with living in the spotlight. Meanwhile, another major artist stepped in to defend Chappell Roan, arguing that many of the people following her aren’t actually fans at all.

Chappell Roan Calls Out Photographers In Paris

The conversation began after Roan filmed herself confronting photographers and fans while trying to go about her evening in Paris. The singer, whose real name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, appeared frustrated as people continued approaching her outside a restaurant. “I’m just trying to go to dinner, and I’ve asked these people several times to get away from me,” the Grammy winner said in the video.

At one point, Roan pointed out a specific person she claimed had repeatedly ignored her requests. “This person I’ve asked several times to go away, and they will not,” the singer said. “They’re hiding their face because they’re ashamed, because I’ve asked them.”

Roan Calls Out ‘Harassing’ Fans And Paparazzi In Viral Video

Roan went on to describe how the situation made her feel like her personal space was being ignored. “People that are completely disregarding all of my boundaries,” she said. “All of you, I’m asking you kindly to please leave me alone and stop following me and harassing me.”

When one fan asked for an autograph, the singer declined. “I’m not gonna sign,” she said bluntly. “This is what it’s like, if you were wondering how it is,” she told viewers while recording the interaction.

Boy George Encourages Chappell Roan To ‘Own Your Fame’

Following the viral moment, Boy George weighed in on social media with advice based on his decades of experience in the public eye. Reflecting on Roan filming the paparazzi during the incident, he wrote:

“It’s probably not helpful but I have been doing this fame thing for a while and you learn slowly and painfully that you don’t get a free pass once you turn yourself into a bird of paradise. I watched @ChappellRoan filming the paps in Paris and I laughed because I have kicked off at them many times. The trick is to own your fame. yes, it’s annoying at times but so is being ignored and told your a ‘has-been. Life is always now and I think Chappell looks great but cheer up girl. The world is at your feet stop kicking it! It takes so much more time to say no to a picture or a signature. Boundaries are boring. Break them with the magic of kindness!”

Not everyone agreed with Boy George’s perspective. Singer Noah Kahan came to Roan’s defense shortly after the video began spreading online.

Noah Kahan Defends Roan

Kahan shared a story about the incident and questioned why people continued following the singer after she had clearly asked to be left alone. “Maybe they should just idk leave her alone?” he asked.

He also criticized individuals who claim to be fans while waiting outside venues or restaurants. “Also those dudes saying ‘I’m a huge fan’ following her around are scalpers and are as bad as the paparazzi,” he wrote. “F-ck em all.”

Kahan Says Many ‘Fans’ Are Actually Resellers

Kahan later expanded on his thoughts in a video, arguing that some people who approach celebrities for autographs aren’t genuine fans at all. “These people literally find out where you’re staying, where you’re flying in to, where your team, family, whoever is staying, they are clearly not your fans, they just sit outside places so they can try to guilt you into signing sh-t so they can sell it,” he said.

According to Kahan, the situation often gets misunderstood by people who only see short clips of these encounters online. “They trick people like you who are just watching the video and don’t know what’s going on into thinking that someone’s being rude to one of their fans, when they’re really just manipulating you,” he said.

Bethenny Frankel doesn’t mince words when it comes to her must-haves — especially when hydration is involved. The entrepreneur and Real Housewives alum shared her monthly favorites, and one everyday essential stood out: the Brümate Rise Water Bottle, as mentioned in a recent Instagram post.

After testing countless options, Bethenny made it clear this one reigns supreme: “I’ve tested them all and this is the best. Hydration is non-negotiable in January, and this actually keeps drinks cold all day.” Consider Us immediately influenced.

Naturally, we had to take a closer look. The sleek, leakproof water bottle has quickly become a fan favorite for its stylish design and seriously impressive insulation. It’s the kind of everyday essential that fits seamlessly into busy days, workouts, errands and travel alike. If you’re trying to drink more water this year (or just want a bottle that won’t spill all over your bag), Bethenny’s stamp of approval is all the convincing you need.

Get the Brümate Rise Water Bottle for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

This bottle’s thoughtful, leakproof design actually works for real life. The covered SoftSip silicone straw creates a smooth, spill-free sipping experience and is fully removable for easy cleaning. Prefer to drink without a straw? You can pop out the internal ColdKey stainless steel straw and instantly switch to a chug-style bottle — no swapping lids required. It’s one of those smart details you don’t realize you need until you try it.

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Trying to pack light and bring your entire closet with you? You’re not alone. Whether you’re heading to a wedding weekend, a business trip or a vacation that requires multiple outfit changes and every hot tool you own, finding luggage that keeps it all together is a borderline miracle. But according to Bethenny Frankel, this […]

The brand’s patented insulation keeps drinks ice-cold for 24+ hours, while the protective silicone sleeve helps prevent dents, dings and scratches — making it perfect for gym bags, commutes and travel days. Plus, most components are top-rack dishwasher safe. Every bottle is backed by a lifetime warranty, so it’s designed to be your everyday hydration companion for the long haul. With 19 colors to choose from, it’s easy to find one that fits your vibe.

Shoppers rave about the quality and design details just as much as Bethenny does. One reviewer called it the “best sport water bottle,” praising the stainless steel straw and noting the “silicone sleeve is fabulous.”

Another admitted they finally understand the hype, writing, “This water bottle is such good quality…I love the fact that they use a metal straw instead of a plastic one.”

Between the durability, luxe feel and genuinely useful features, it’s easy to see why Bethenny (and thousands of shoppers) swear by the Brümate Rise Water Bottle on Amazon.

Get the Brümate Rise Water Bottle for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Brümate here and more water bottles here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Eric Dane’s ex-girlfriend Priya Jain has opened up about her grief over the late actor’s death at age 53 following a battle with ALS.

“I’m processing,” Jain, 28, told TMZ outside West Hollywood hotspot The Abbey on Friday, March 13,

When asked to share her favorite memory with Dane, Jain replied, “All of them!”

“Eric was a great guy … I’m glad his kids are there to keep his legacy alive,” she added. “He was a great guy. It’s just awful.”

Related: Eric Dane’s GF Janell Shirtcliff Breaks Silence After His Death at Age 53

Eric Dane’s girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, is honoring the late actor after his death at age 53. Shirtcliff shared a handful of images of Dane to her Instagram Stories early on Saturday, February 21, including sweet snaps of the couple kissing and other pics of the Euphoria star posing next to a horse and getting a tattoo. Us […]

Dane’s family confirmed on February 19 that the former Grey’s Anatomy star had died nearly a year after publicly announcing his ALS diagnosis. (Per the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a “nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,” causing a progressive loss of muscle control over time.)

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

The statement went on, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

Us exclusively reported on February 24 that Jain made a $10,000 donation to a GoFundMe fundraiser started by “friends of the Dane family,” which lists his wife Rebecca Gayheart as his “Beneficiary.” The fundraiser has raised more than $489,000 for Dane’s family, as of publication. (Dane and Gayheart separated in February 2018 but never followed through with a divorce. Dane was dating filmmaker and photographer Janell Shirtcliff at the time of his death, while Gayheart has been spotted with billionaire Peter Morton in recent years.)

Jain — an actress who costarred with Josh Duhamel in the 2025 movie Not Without Hope — was with Dane for nearly a year, after initially being linked in November 2024. Us confirmed in February that the exes were on good terms at the time of Dane’s death.

“In the months leading up to Eric’s passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends,” a source told Us. “It was more important for them to remain friends [following their split].”

Us learned that Priya didn’t think Dane’s death “would happen this quickly” since he only went public with his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. An insider shared that Priya had “so much love” for Dane following his diagnosis and she “​​knows how hard this is for his daughters.”

“She has a lot of love for his family,” the source added.

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Related: Rebecca Gayheart Breaks Silence on Eric Dane’s Death After ALS Battle

Rebecca Gayheart broke her silence on husband Eric Dane’s death following his battle with ALS. Gayheart, 54, shared multiple throwback family photos with Dane and their two daughters via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, in addition to a link endorsing a GoFundMe campaign meant to financially support their kids in the wake of […]

Earlier this week, Dane’s wife Gayheart, 54, admitted that her family was still in “a state of shock” over losing him.

“It’s been challenging and meaningful, and people are kind,” she told Variety on Wednesday, March 11. “I’m having trouble receiving all of the support and love coming at me from every which way because of Eric and the [entertainment] community that’s so generous with their time.”

Gayheart went on, “[Friends and family have] been holding me and the girls up the last two weeks, and I don’t think they’re going anywhere. I think they’re in it for the long haul. Hollywood gets a bad rap. That kind of makes me mad, because we have a lovely community of people, and I’m so grateful for them.”

Legendary actress Raven Symoné has raised some eyebrows this March after sharing her Disney Mount Rushmore and excluding Miley Cyrus.

During a recent interview, Raven Symoné explained why she believed Cyrus, who starred in the Disney Channel Original Series “Hannah Montana,” doesn’t qualify as one of the network’s founding fathers.

Raven Symoné Says Miley Cyrus Does Not Qualify To Be On The Disney Channel Mount Rushmore Of Stars During Recent Interview

While speaking with The Shade Room, Symoné, 40, discussed who she believed would qualify for a Disney Channel Mount Rushmore if there were such a thing.

In addition to herself, Raven mentioned Hilary Duff, who starred in “Lizzie McGuire,” Shia LaBeouf, who played Louis in “Even Stevens,” and actor Lee Thompson Young, who originated the role of Jett Jackson in “The Famous Jett Jackson.”

Before continuing, Symoné paid her respects to Young, who reportedly died by suicide in 2013. “He is no longer with us, but he was the first Black show on Disney. I believe he should be on Mt. Rushmore. He definitely deserves a spot,” Symoné said.

When Cyrus’s name was mentioned, Raven clarified why the award-winning singer wasn’t on the fictional monument in her mind. “I love you, Miley, but she came after,” Symoné said.

Raven Symoné Sparks Debate Online Over Who Brought More To Disney, Herself Or Miley Cyrus?

Symoné’s list caught some people by surprise, given Cyrus’s show ran from 2006 to 2011 and also spawned chart-topping albums, singles, and a massive tour. However, some social media users rushed to defend Symoné, stating that her legacy on the network still lives on to this day.

“I can turn on ‘That’s So Raven’ right now and laugh my [butt] off,” someone wrote. “Can’t say the same for the rest of them other shows.”

Another user said Raven’s resume at Disney is more than just her early-2000s sitcom. She also appeared in the “Zenon” movies, “Kim Possible,” “The Cheetah Girls,” and recently wrapped a “TSR” spin-off titled “Raven’s Home.”

A third X user questioned why some netizens were bothered by Symoné’s list. “… she’s been on disney channel since ‘99. that’s so raven was on its last season while hannah montana was on its first. they overlapped, but two different generations. she didn’t discredit miley whatsoever,” they wrote.

The Conversation About Raven Symoné And Miley Cyrus’s Contributions Continues

The debate about Raven and Cyrus’s contributions to Disney didn’t end there. Several other social media users opined that Raven was part of Disney Channel’s “golden age,” while Cyrus grew up with other iconic performers, including Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers.

“Raven’s entire point was about who built the era during her time on the Disney Channel, not who was the most popular Disney show ever,” someone shared. “The problem is a lot of y’all don’t listen.”

Another user argued that the only reason Disney had successful productions like “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical” was due to Raven and her work on “The Cheetah Girls.”

Raven Doesn’t Remember Her Own Disney Songs…

Speaking of Raven, the actress-turned-podcaster recently garnered even more attention when she failed to name her own song during an episode of her show, “Tea Time with Raven and Miranda.”

During the segment, someone off-camera read the lyrics of Raven’s song “Double Dutch Bus” to her and asked her to name the song and artist.

“What the h-ll? This is definitely somebody white,” Raven said before recognizing that it was, in fact, her song. “I sang that?” she asked.

Cyrus Will Return To Disney In March 2026

Cyrus has also been keeping busy these days, according to The Blast. In just 10 days, the “Flowers” singer will return to Disney in the “Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary Special,” which will show the 33-year-old revisiting iconic “Hannah Montana” sets and even singing a few of the show’s most legendary songs.

“Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” Cyrus said. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”

Phrases like “K-dramas” and “game-changing” somehow always went hand in hand. The K-drama landscape may have dramatically transformed over the past decade, but that didn’t happen by accident—it happened because certain shows dared to break the rules that were established for them early on. Essential 2000s K-dramas reached international viewers and helped numerous actors find their footing as global superstars. Over time, they paved the way for the beautiful and imaginative world of more and more K-dramas to emerge.

Since the 2000s and until today, some K-dramas have, more than others, expanded into what they could be. By doing so, these shows transformed the expectations of audiences worldwide for television, consistently raising the standard with each new series. Here are some game-changing K-dramas that totally rewrote the genre’s rules, fundamentally raising the bar and even expanding the possibilities for everyone who followed.

8

‘Signal’ (2016)

Image via tvN

Before Signal, time-travel stories in Korean dramas were mostly about romantic connections and possibilities. This K-drama showed that series within its genre could handle complex, mind-bending concepts without losing their emotional appeal. Signal drew inspiration from real Korean criminal cases such as the Hwaseong serial murders, grounding its sci-fi plot in reality. It also expertly establishes rules for its time-communication mechanic (the protagonists can only connect at a certain time, randomly, for a few minutes) and sticks to them, avoiding the potential plot holes that often plague similar shows.

Signal follows criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon), who discovers a mysterious walkie-talkie that connects him to Detective Lee Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) from fifteen years ago. Together with cold-case detective Cha Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo), they try to solve unsolved crimes by communicating across timelines. However, every change in the past has devastating consequences for the present, leaving the question: should some things be changed, even if they’re great deeds of injustice? Despite initial network reservations, Signal became one of the most successful cable dramas in history, proving that K-drama fans want to embrace sophisticated thrillers.

7

‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

After the global success of Descendants of the Sun and Goblin, writer Kim Eun-sook could have played it safe. Instead, she ventured into uncharted territory with Mr. Sunshine, a period epic set in the early 20th century Joseon, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Mr. Sunshine shattered the notion that period dramas couldn’t achieve blockbuster ratings after breaking Goblin’s record for the highest cable viewership debut. More importantly, it proved that K-dramas could achieve cinematic quality on the small screen, because everything from its lush production value and sweeping cinematography to meticulous attention to historical detail set a new benchmark for what television could aspire to.

Mr. Sunshine follows Choi Yoo-jin (Lee Byung-hun), a Korean-born boy who flees to America after his parents’ death; about two decades later, he returns as a U.S. Marine officer, meets, and develops feelings for Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), an aristocratic woman secretly fighting for Korea’s independence. Their story turns into a fated but tragic romance, and the chemistry between Lee and Kim is quite convincing despite a big age gap. The drama’s critical and commercial success opened the door to more ambitious period productions, and many shows since have tackled the topic of the Japanese occupation and freedom fighting, juxtaposing this difficult period with romantic plots, proving love always wins.

6

‘Stranger’ (2017–2018)

Image via Signal Entertainment Group

Stranger is the prime example that K-dramas can compete with prestige American television. Critics compared it to some of America’s most popular police procedurals and thrillers, praising its cinematic quality, psychological depth, and open criticism of corruption in the official ranks that should have the least of it. Since the protagonist has a catch about him—he’s emotionless due to a botched surgical procedure—Stranger proved that a leading character can lack empathy and still be compelling and triumphant. Its procedural storytelling also doesn’t need a romantic subplot to maintain viewership.

Stranger is a crime thriller that introduced international audiences to a new kind of K-drama protagonist. It follows the prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), who underwent brain surgery as a child to correct hypersensitivity to sound. However, the procedure left him unable to feel basic empathy, and his social and emotional cues are often maladjusted. When he teams up with police detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) to investigate a murder, they uncover deep corruption within the prosecutor’s office that threatens both of their livelihoods. The show was so successful that it spawned a second season and a spin-off, proving that Korean crime dramas could sustain franchises.

5

‘D.P.’ (2021–2023)

Image via Netflix

D.P. did something unprecedented: it put a spotlight on one of South Korea’s most sacred institutions—its mandatory military service. The show takes place in 2014, a year marked by military tragedies where soldiers suffered abuse. D.P. seemingly resonated deeply with Korean veterans, sparking conversations about reform in military practices and the treatment of soldiers. The show also proves that K-dramas can tackle social issues honestly while still being entertaining and thrilling.

Based on Kim Bo-tong‘s webtoon of the same name (who based the webtoon on his own experiences), D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) follows Private Ahn Jun-ho (Jung Hae-in), a directionless young man assigned to a military unit tasked with tracking down deserters. As he partners with seasoned deserter pursuer Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan), Jun-ho witnesses the brutal realities of South Korea’s conscription system, which is filled with hazing, abuse, and toxic masculinity that drives soldiers to flee or, in some cases, resort to violence. D.P. was released one month before Squid Game, and this may be why this drama isn’t as popular as it should be. Despite the timing, D.P. remains one of the most powerful and necessary K-dramas ever produced.

4

‘My Name’ (2021)

My Name is often considered a landmark in the “female hero narrative” within K-dramas. Created to feel like a revenge action story, My Name gives its female protagonist a motive for retribution while focusing on her development; we often see the traditional “hero’s journey” narrative reserved for male characters, and this show plays on that beautifully, making the female hero imperfect yet ultimately heroic. My Name is one of the first Netflix K-dramas to prove that the eight-episode format removes the typical K-drama fluff and delivers constant tension.

My Name follows Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a young woman whose father was murdered in front of her when she was very young. Failed by the police, she joins her father’s criminal organization, endures brutal training, and goes undercover as a mole within the police force to hunt down his killer. Han performed her own stunts, bringing an authentic presence to every brutal confrontation and cementing herself as probably the first and biggest Korean female action star of the last five to ten years. My Name is living proof that female-led action could compete within this male-dominated genre, especially in the K-drama landscape.

Image via Netflix 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a series that had to have a gentle and careful approach to its subject matter, and it’s the first among K-dramas to have a neurodivergent person as its protagonist. However, the protagonist, Woo Young-woo, represents an “exceptional” case within the autism spectrum, which led the show’s creative team to acknowledge the feedback, remaining hopeful throughout it all. Many viewers felt optimistic after watching the drama, acknowledging the effort even if they didn’t fully support the narrative. Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a gentle and entertaining series that shows that sensitive, thoughtful representation of neurodiversity can achieve massive commercial success.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a legal dramedy that follows Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant young attorney with autism spectrum disorder and photographic memory. She gets a job at a prestigious law firm in Seoul, tackling complex cases and a world not designed for neurodivergent minds like hers. Young-woo’s inner world is depicted in rich and typical ways for someone like her: she is, in particular, obsessed with whales and knows all the facts about them; she eats only gimbap; and she likes wordplay and palindromes (her name is a palindrome, too). Extraordinary Attorney Woo really changed the K-drama landscape over the last few years.

2

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)

Image via Netflix

Kingdom was written by Signal‘s author, Kim Eun-hee, and it represents the fusion of globally recognizable genres and uniquely Korean elements. The zombie genre has a long history on film and TV, but Kingdom shook things up by setting its story in the Joseon Dynasty, thus creating the first-ever historical zombie K-drama. Besides the superfast flesh eaters, the second plight of Kingdom’s protagonist is political intrigue, which is essential to Korean period pieces. The zombies themselves become a form of social commentary, reflecting the hunger of peasants neglected by the ruling class and creating a conflict between the starving poor and the well-fed aristocrats.

Kingdom is set in Korea’s Joseon period and follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he uncovers a mysterious plague turning people into flesh-eating creatures and battles corrupt court officials who are keeping his sick father “alive” through the help of a mysterious flower as a way of getting to the Prince and the throne. The brilliant cinematography and editing make Kingdom a stellar vision that captures both the eeriness and beauty of Korean landscapes while they’re plagued by a zombie virus. As the first original Netflix K-drama, Kingdom proved that the streamer would invest heavily in Korean content—the rest is history.

1

‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

Image via Netflix

Squid Game was in the making for about ten years, and it’s a miracle that it succeeded as much as it did. It became Netflix’s most-watched show ever, still holding that record with over 265 million views for Season 1 and over 600 million views for all three seasons combined. It redefined K-dramas as mainstream blockbusters, pushing Netflix to invest in Korean content more than any other series until then. But its impact goes beyond just viewership levels: like Kingdom, it brings traditional Korean games to the battle royale survival genre while critiquing the extreme competition it creates.

Squid Game is a dystopian thriller following the protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and 455 other desperate contestants competing in deadly versions of their favorite childhood games for a massive cash prize. The show’s critical perspective on Korea, from the rat race and economic desperation to social polarization, resonated around the world because these issues seem universal in a capitalist society. Squid Game is the best example of Korean dramas becoming more than just a niche interest; instead, the show turned K-dramas into a dominant force in global entertainment, capable of launching fashion trends (the green tracksuits), inspiring Halloween costumes, and sparking conversations about capitalism and human nature worldwide; it’s the truest modern generator of the Korean Wave.

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Squid Game

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Release Date

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2021 – 2025

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Hwang Dong-hyuk

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Directors

Hwang Dong-hyuk

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  Wi Ha-jun

  Detective Hwang Jun-ho

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