By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 1 minute ago

In today’s modern streaming environment, companies are paywalling content that was once free on other streaming sites and syndication. The most recent victim of this tactic is the much-loved sci-fi space opera Babylon 5.

A show that was once free on Tubi, Amazon Prime, and other services is now locked behind the YouTube/Google Play paywall. The series can only be bought on YouTube and is not available for subscription streaming.

If this were not bad enough, long-known technical issues with the old program interfere with the integrity of its YouTube presentation. It was shot originally in the 4:3 aspect ratio when it was aired in the 1990s. The aspect ratio came from that earlier era of recording and broadcasting technology and its inherent limitations.

YouTube and Google have not maintained this as saliently as they could have. Many fans of the series have commented on the quality of the picture being inconsistent. Whether that was due to using the original 4:3 programming alongside remastered scenes or to using scenes from other recording services, fans have complained about distorted visuals and cropped framing.

There’s also the glaring issue of parts of the show being erased. The season 1, episode 20 installment, “Babylon Squared,” has missing scenes in the versions available on YouTube and Google Play. This known technical issue was resolved by streaming services HBO Max, iTunes, and Tubi, which aired it before Google’s acquisition of the series.

Practices like these are raising larger questions about the content that gets siloed by these streaming services. More content that was once widely available has either been hidden behind Internet paywalls or plans are in the works. The NFL infamously put its Christmas Day games, a staple in most family homes, on Netflix, a subscription service. After 2029, the Oscars will also be limited to YouTube subscribers.

As the number of streaming services increases almost daily, the reasons for the cord-cutting of prior decades are being replaced by the prohibitive cost of maintaining so many services. People moved to streaming because cable was limited to only what was airing at the time, and streaming was on demand.

Now, consumers have to have not just cable but also a streaming service to access content that is decades old or once on broadcast television. What once served as a primary source of news, entertainment, and culture is now hidden online, accessible only to those willing to follow the Balkanization. Now every movie is a rental, and to access media, one must have the right combination of expensive subscriptions. It’s like having to pay for each individual cable channel instead of getting a package.

Streamers have even been known to delete movies and shows from their own libraries, cutting off access to people who actually paid for them, as happened to the Adult Swim cartoon Final Space in 2022. Warner Bros, which owns HBO and Discovery, is infamous for doing this by writing off its less popular properties for tax purposes, regardless of who spent money to acquire the content. They couldn’t do that with physical media, but it is something all streamers can do and have even quietly done.

Most streamers also don’t carry many older movies. A recent perusal of Paramount Plus’s “all movies” menu showed classics like To Catch a Thief, but they were few and far between among more modern fare from the studio, like the Smile movies. Paramount has a long history of producing some of Hollywood’s classics, but they can’t be accessed on their streaming service.

These are all consequences of siloing away entertainment and limiting it to streaming apps and computer screens. It not only wreaks havoc on the integrity of the shows as it did for Babylon 5, but it also dictates which parts of culture people are allowed to access. In a previous world, anyone could see Babylon 5 in all its glory on syndication or get the series on DVD. Now, we all have to add yet another subscription to see it, and we’re not even getting all of what we paid for.

General Hospital early weekly spoilers for February 23rd through the 27th expect Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) is dragged in and Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) is really confused about what’s going on in her personal life next week.

As we always do on early edition day, we start with what’s coming the rest of this week and then we’ll dive into what is ahead next week.

General Hospital Spoilers: Michael’s Key Ring and the PCPD Investigation

On Wednesday, February 18th on GH, we have Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) needing to check out Michael’s keys that he handed over to Nathan when he served the warrant. Michael handed them over without even looking.

That’s actually a positive sign because if he was guilty, you’d think he would take the key off. But we know that Wiley Quartermaine Corinthos (Viron Weaver) knows that Harrison Chase’s (Josh Swickard) hands were on it. I wonder if his prints are on the key since he was handling it.

Plus, Nathan is back at the PCPD and sharing his feelings with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna). This is on the topic of Maxie. Nathan tells Dante that he has no idea what’s going to happen when he and Maxie are face to face.

I’m sure Nathan’s going to hold back on the fact he’s crushing on Dante’s ex-wife, Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening). We have seen Maxie in shock and Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) worried, but maybe Nathan and Maxie won’t have a spark at first-glance reunion. Or maybe they will.

GH Spoilers: Spinelli’s Jealousy and Cody’s Lessons in Privacy

Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) offers some advice to Spinelli, and he’s telling Brook Lynn that how he handles what happens could change his life. The bottom line is Spinelli cannot act jealous. That’s a problem.

He really can’t do more than be there for Maxie and hope for the best. If he’s pushy or interfering or accusatory, Spinelli could lose her anyway.

Plus, Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) encourages Cody Bell (Josh Kelly), and he’s telling Kristina there’s a steep price for violating Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos) privacy. I wonder if he’s talking about the price he paid since he seemed to pay, but Kristina really didn’t.

Maybe he finished reading that Jane Austen novel. Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) told him to finish the whole thing and maybe he’ll be a little more considerate about what Molly wrote. I’m sure there’s a character arc in the book.

Lulu’s Secret Feelings and Willow’s Shocking News on General Hospital

Lulu has another confession to make to her mom, Laura Spencer (Genie Francis), who asks immediately to Lulu if this is about Maxie. I’m sure Lulu is feeling guilty over the Nathan thing, but still attracted to him nevertheless.

Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) reveals shocking news to her mom, Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros). It’s likely that Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) thinks Willow should take over for Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) in Washington. She seemed unsure talking to him, but Nina may actively encourage it.

Nina tells Willow that she has a secret weapon. I don’t know if that’s having a rich mom or sympathy because she has a paralyzed, locked-in husband. And I don’t think Drew is going to like this. I don’t think Michael is going to like it. Additionally, Molly tells somebody they’re perfect for the job. This is Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) about the congresswoman position, I’m sure.

Thursday GH Spoilers: Michael on the Hot Seat and the Frame Job Revealed

Then, on Thursday, February 19th, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) says something shocking. This may be when he’s down at the PCPD with Michael. There was the warrant Nathan served and the key that Chase planted.

Ric may be down at the cop shop with his client slash nephew because Michael is put on the spot, sitting in the hot seat on Thursday. I’m guessing it’ll be easy for the PCPD to go check and see if that is Drew’s house key on Michael’s key ring.

Michael may suspect that Chase framed him since he just confronted Michael and directly accused him of the shooting and has the most access to Michael. We all know Willow Tait put that there, and then Chase just discovered it.

Maxie’s Welcome Home Party and Willow’s Misery-Style Strategy on General Hospital

Spinelli welcomes Maxie home. She’s been released from the Boston long-term care facility and is back home in Port Chuck. Georgie Spinelli (Lily Fisher) and James West (Gary James Fuller) are on hand, and I’m sure lots more friends and family will be at Maxie’s welcome home party, but it could be awkward.

I’m betting that Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) is not going to let Nathan skip it, even though he mentioned that she’s ready to shove Spinelli off a bridge to clear a path for Nathan to reunite with Maxie.

Plus, Willow shares big news with Drew Cain Quartermaine. I think Willow may tell him that Sidwell wants her to take over his seat in Congress. I think Drew will be appalled, not that he can say a word about it.

Willow may also tell Drew she quit her job at General Hospital so she can focus on taking care of him. He should be terrified. It’s like that movie Misery, except that Willow is not Drew’s number one fan at all. She’s so much worse.

Alexis Davis makes a keen observation on Thursday. This could be about Danny Morgan (Asher Jared Antonyzyn) and Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke), or it could be about Willow considering taking Drew’s seat because we know Laura wants Alexis to have the seat.

General Hospital Special Tribute: Honoring Luke Spencer and Tony Geary

On Friday, February 20th, we have a very, very special episode honoring the decades of Luke Spencer on General Hospital and, of course, the iconic Tony Geary who played the role. Grab your tissues. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

GH February Sweeps Finale: Carly’s Investigation and Michael’s Defense

The week of February 23rd through the 27th is the last few days of sweeps. They wrap on Wednesday the 25th. I expect big confrontational action.

Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright) and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) may realize Sidwell and Wyndemere are a dead end for them. Not just because of Cullum but now Carly knows Marco’s in on what’s going on and she’s very worried about Lucas Jones (Van Hansis).

Also, Spinelli’s scared he’ll lose Maxie. I’m curious if Spinelli just goes and has an honest conversation with Nathan to see where his head is at. Maxie is in love with Spinelli, and she was before the coma. Of course, Nathan is crushing on Lulu. So, it’s messy. It’s soapy. I’m excited to see how they end sweeps with this storyline.

Molly and Cody’s Relationship and Life-Changing Shifts for Maxie

Michael and Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell) keep getting more serious, and he may confide in her that somebody is framing him, but Michael is not 100% sure who did it. I still think Chase is going to be his first suspect. Nathan is going to question Michael about Drew’s key and all he can say is he didn’t know it was there.

Hopefully Wiley spills that he saw Chase with the keys, but Michael’s sure to be thrown for a loop and worried about what’s next. Molly and Cody have a heart-to-heart that will hopefully mend the rift in their new relationship. I think Molly and Cody are super cute together.

They had been slid to the back burner because Josh Kelly, who plays Cody, really didn’t want to be on contract. He was looking at doing some other things and he kind of slid back to recurring.

But I’m excited to see more of him. I’m enjoying Molly and Cody. Kristina needs a romance, but other than that, we got Molly in a good place. At least as soon as Cody says he’s sorry for reading the book and overreacting.

The Threat to Lucas and Steve Burton’s Final GH Air Date

Maxie is going to slowly try and ease back into her life. There’s a lot to process. Of course, she doesn’t know Sidwell did this to her. No one does. Tracy was talking about how Maxie was going to be digging in and they want to look at all the shipments.

Sidwell may try and take Maxie out again if Tracy’s already threatening him. Nathan coming back from the dead is life-changing. Lots going on for her. Things are going to shift more for Willow and Drew, and Lulu has no idea what to do.

She doesn’t want to lose Maxie just because she caught feelings for Nathan. Also, Sidwell knows from Pascal (Mark Forget) that Lucas was eavesdropping. Sidwell is already planning to put Lucas in a grave if he interferes in their plans or in Marco’s role in the plans.

I will say that Marco seemed genuinely distraught about the idea of losing Lucas. But was Marco just panic blathering or did he really mean what he said? Also, we’re on a countdown to Steve Burton‘s last air date and then Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) going to be gone for a few months.

Quinton Aaron
‘Spiritual Wife’ Court-Ordered to Stay Away From His Brother

Published
February 18, 2026
9:20 AM PST

More than 20 years ago, Tom Cruise starred in what eventually became one of his most overlooked sci-fi works despite being a critical and commercial success. As you already know, the award-winning actor has since established himself as an icon in high-concept science fiction, often combining the genre with intense action and visual spectacles. Edge of Tomorrow, Minority Report, War of the Worlds, Oblivion, and Vanilla Sky remain among his most renowned sci-fi works to date, and one of these has seen a sudden resurgence on streaming.

From director Steven Spielberg and marking one of multiple collaborations between Cruise and Spielberg, this underappreciated sci-fi movie is based on H. G. Wells’ popular 1898 novel. War of the Worlds centers on an American dockworker who must look after his estranged children as he struggles to protect and reunite them with their mother when extraterrestrials invade Earth and devastate cities with giant war machines. In addition to the 63-year-old actor, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins appear in main roles, while Morgan Freeman serves as the narrator.

For nearly a week, War of the Worlds has been trending on Paramount+ in Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland. It has been among the top 5 movies in both countries since Valentine’s Day and ranks in the third spot as of this publication. This comes 21 years after the sci-fi action movie was released in June 2005 and grossed over $603 million worldwide against a $132 million production budget, making it the fourth-most successful film of that year. Additionally, as a critical success, the masterpiece boasts a Certified Fresh 75% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Tom Cruise’s ‘War of the Worlds’ Isn’t the Only Adaptation

Cruise’s War of the Worlds isn’t the only adaptation of the 1898 novel, as the book has inspired eight films as of 2025. The most recent of the bunch is director Rich Lee’s massive flop, released on July 30, 2025. Starring Ice Cube and Eva Longoria, the sci-fi film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and holds a rotten 4% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is also described as one of the worst movies of all time.

The 2005 War of the Worlds‘ adaptation streams on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland. Follow Collider for more information.

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Release Date

June 29, 2005

Runtime

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116 Minutes

Writers

Josh Friedman, David Koepp, H.G. Wells

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been making headlines in recent months following domestic abuse allegations from his ex. Now, it appears he’s stepping into a new chapter as he spends time with Rubi Rose.

RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Release Statement In Response To Domestic Abuse Claims From Rashee Rice’s Former Girlfriend (PHOTOS)

Rashee Rice Is Accused Of Domestic Violence In January

Back in January, Dacoda Nichole Jones, who shares two children with wide receiver Rashee Rice, spoke out on Instagram. She posted photos showing bruises and injuries, alleging she endured abuse from Rice for several years.

She wrote, “ DOMESTIC AWARENESS WARNING!!I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through too much in a span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH! I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and since then it’s been nothing but hell”

Although Jones did not name Rice directly, she said the alleged abuser was her children’s father. post, she described the father of her children as controlling and accused him of repeated abuse. She claimed he damaged her home, destroyed her belongings, and once locked her outside overnight in freezing weather. She ended by saying she is done protecting his image and is focused on protecting her peace and her children. At the time, reports indicated that no police report had been filed in Overland Park, Kansas, or in Dallas.

As the allegations spread online, the Kansas City Chiefs released a statement regarding their wide receiver. According to ESPN, the team said, “The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time.”

Rubi Rose And Rashee Rice Are Apparently All Boo’d Up 

Then, over the weekend, Rashee Rice shook up the timeline once again after sharing cozy photos of himself and Rubi Rose boo’d up on Valentine’s Day. Rubi also posted flicks of the pair riding an ATV, smiling big, and even sharing a kiss. Furthermore, she even reposted one of her old tweets that read, “I’m tired of Galentine’s. A b**** I’m tryna get cracked,” adding the caption, “Chat we made it.”

Rubi didn’t stop there. She showed off the new designer bag and shoes Rice gifted her, and revealed she spoiled him with a new bag as well.

Social Media Reacts 

Many quickly gathered under The Shade Room Teens to react to Rubi Rose and Rashee Rice’s new photos. While some were here for the pop-out and called them a cute couple, others were confused and questioned what happened to his family. Several users also brought up the past domestic abuse allegations involving Rice and his ex.

Instagram user @cutelikezaria wrote, “IM MADDD WHY IS SHE WITH MY BOO”

Instagram user @hai.leyyyy._ added,”He fine asf i dont blame her bookie lol”

While Instagram user @_niquenasty wrote, “They look good together”

Instagram user @immamakeumybish wrote, “she is truly a pass around. career isn’t going anywhere so she’s going from guy to guy.”

Instagram user @nybangaaaa added. “I hate women in the comments who just being negative for no reason gaee we supposed to be sticking together”

While Instagram user @Istunnagal wrote, “I thought he had a family ???”

Instagram user @secretlifeof.kierra wrote, “ion find him attractive no more since he was beating on his ex hopefully he don’t do it to rubi”

Instagram user @rosten2k wrote, “Just enjoy the ride my young brotha”

While Instagram user @yea_its_tt wrote, “I thought he be beating on females.. Smh, word of advice don’t ever think it won’t be you.”

RELATED: To Be Clear! Rubi Rose Admits THIS Comment She Made About Druski Was A “Lame” Lie (VIDEO)

Chrissy Lampkin is looking stunning in rare footage from her recent night out.

RELATED: Social Media Users Are Mentioning Chrissy Lampkin After THIS Female Rapper Posted About Jim Jones Getting “Finer & Finer”

Chrissy Lampkin Stuns In Rare Footage Of Her Recent Night Out

On Tuesday, February 17, Lampkin took to Instagram to share a reel from her recent night out at Madison Square Garden for an apparent Knicks Game. In the clip, Lampkin hopped out of a black truck, donning her long black hair, a black leather jacket, corset denim, and a rare Hermès Birkin HAC Rock 40 handbag worth tens of thousands.

Peep the rare footage of her night out below.

Social Media Reacts To The Rare Footage Alongside Jim Jones

Social media users reacted to the rare footage of Chrissy Lampkin in TSR’s comment section.

Additionally, Jim Jones, Lampkin’s longtime boo, even reacted in her comment section:

“U so fly,” he wrote.

Before Chrissy Lampkin Shared Her Night Out, She Shared A Stunning Selfie

Last year, Chrissy Lampkin also had the ‘gram fawning over her when she shared a rare selfie. As The Shade Room previously reported, in May 2025, Lampkin took to Instagram to share a selfie of her bare face, adorned only with lashes and hoop earrings.

“This is what drinking water and minding your business looks like,” Lampkin captioned the photo before Jim Jones hopped in her comment section to write. “I wanna drink ur water and ur bath water to wash it down daamn.”

RELATED: Baewatch! Jim Jones Drops Spicy Message For Chrissy Lampkin After She Shares THIS Flawless Selfie (PHOTO)

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is sharing an update on the Nancy Guthrie investigation, as the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom continues for a third week.

In a Tuesday, February 17, interview with NewsNation’s Brian Entin, Nanos was asked, “How long can this go on for, in terms of the investigation at this level?”

“Because of the media, we’ve generated so many leads. Last Wednesday, we had 18,000 leads. The FBI had 14. So you’re talking over 30,000 [leads]. We’re probably closer to 40 or 50,000 [leads],” Nanos said. “As long as those leads keep coming, we’ll keep at it.”

The search for Nancy, 84, began on February 1 when she was reported missing in Arizona after failing to attend a virtual church service. Nancy was last seen on the night of January 31 when she was dropped off at home in the Catalina Foothills, just outside of Tucson, by her daughter, Annie Guthrie, following a family dinner.

Related: Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Guthrie Could Take ‘Years’: Sheriff

Authorities are shedding light on a potential timeline into the ongoing investigation surrounding Savannah Guthrie’s mom Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times on Friday, February 13, that investigators are still “looking hard,” with about 400 people on the case. While he is certain that the team will find […]

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have been treating Nancy’s disappearance as a suspected kidnapping.

The FBI revealed a break in the case on February 10 when the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, released recovered surveillance camera footage and images of a masked suspect at Nancy’s home on the night of her apparent abduction.

“New images in the search for Nancy Guthrie,” Patel shared via X alongside four black-and-white photos of the masked individual, recovered from a Nest doorbell camera at the entrance of Nancy’s home. “Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices. The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems.”

The post continued, “Working with our partners – as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance. Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov.”

The individual in the photos and footage can be seen wearing a ski mask and backpack. The person also appeared to have a firearm holstered in the waistband of their pants.

Two days later, the FBI released more details about the suspect, describing the individual as likely being a “a male, approximately 5’9’’ – 5’10’’ tall, with an average build.”

“In [a newly-obtained security] video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack,” the FBI added in a February 12 update.

In a Monday, February 16, interview with CBS News, Nanos said that investigators believe the face mask and clothing worn by the individual in the footage were purchased from Walmart.

Related: Savannah Guthrie‘s Mom Nancy Is Missing in Arizona: Timeline of the Case

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Savannah Guthrie’s family faced an unimaginable situation when they learned that their matriarch, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona in February 2026. As police have become involved in the investigation and the case has unraveled, many people are curious about the timeline of events that went down before and after Nancy disappeared. “On […]

On Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that DNA found on a pair of gloves two miles from Nancy’s home did not match DNA profiles in the FBI’s national database.

In Tuesday’s interview with NewsNation, Nanos also weighed in on a theory that Nancy may have been abducted by someone with a grievance against Today show host Savannah, 54.

“Anything’s possible,” he said. “There was talk [that] this was a burglary gone bad, this was that … those things have never come out of this office. We recognize that anything is possible and we’ll allow that evidence to show us what that is.”

“The time to ask that question [about] motive is when we actually know who’s done this,” Nanos added.