Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the finale of Season 2 of The Gentlemen.The Gentlemen Season 2 is officially out now on Netflix. Guy Ritchie‘s gangster series takes inspiration from his 2019 film, and Season 2 takes what happened in Season 1 and turns the show into a completely new beast. The new season follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James) as his criminal empire grows. Under the guidance of Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone), Eddie has expanded the business out into Italy, and working alongside Susie (Kaya Scodelario), the weed business has never been better. However, when Eddie decides to go rogue and go against Bobby’s plans, the show takes its darkest turn yet. Bobby, aiming to teach Eddie a lesson, leaves him nearly dead in a shallow grave. To rub salt in the wound, after Eddie heals, he marries Bella (Benedetta Porcaroli), who tragically dies in a plane explosion meant to kill him.

Season 2 sees Bobby go to strange places as his belief in the mythological forces both Susie and Eddie to question his sanity. At the same time, Eddie seeks guidance from an enigmatic Stanley Johnston (Giancarlo Esposito), who seems to believe he is destined for far more than just the world of crime. The only positive influence in his life seems to be Geoff (Vinnie Jones), Eddie’s gamekeeper and the secret father of his half-sister, Charly (Jasmine Blackborow). Collider speaks with Winstone, Esposito, and Jones about their Season 2 storylines and what the future might hold for them in the future.

COLLIDER: Ray, how much do you hate saunas at this point?

RAY WINSTONE: Well, do you know what? I do like a sauna. I prefer a steam.

VINNIE JONES: Yeah, me too.

WINSTONE: I like steam, you know? And a little rub down after, getting in the cold water. I’m going to freeze up and back in the steam, a nice rub down. Can’t beat it.

Some little hands on your body.

WINSTONE: Yeah, the littler the hands, the better.

JONES: And the less hairy.

WINSTONE: If you know what I mean.

Ray Winstone on What’s Happened to Bobby in Season 2

“…I’m not sure myself yet where I’m going to take it.”

Image via Netflix

There is a slight concern during this season that Bobby is starting to lose it a little bit. He mentions the Bannick, and that seems to be this sort of mythical being that he keeps seeing in the sauna — that we see as well — and he knows he can’t trust Eddie because he gets the little scratches on his back. But after everything that has happened, do you think his trust in Eddie is restored, or do you think he’s just trying to keep his friends close and his enemies closer?

WINSTONE: Do you know what? I’m still thinking about it. I’m not sure. I’m treading lightly here because, with me, I’m not quite sure where I’m going, whether he’s losing his mind or not, or whether he’s playing a game. So, I think I’ll leave it there because I’m not sure myself yet where I’m going to take it.

How Will Bobby React to Susie’s Betrayal and Going Behind His Back?

“He’s created his own Frankenstein there.”

Image via Netflix

Where do you think Bobby’s going to land when he finds out his daughter is getting into dealing cocaine?

WINSTONE: I think that can end rather badly.

JONES: Fireworks.

WINSTONE: But, you know, that’s kids. He’s created his own Frankenstein there. He’s created a daughter that is very much like him — it’s him in a dress, you know? But she’s taking it on, and she’s the new breed.

It’s like today with social media. Our kids deal with social media where we never used to, and that’s the way forward. People get jobs today on how many people they got on social media for them. So, it’s a whole different world, and so she’s developing something on her own. So, I’ve created that, really, and it’s whether I accept that and how much I love my daughter. I love my daughter, but you know what? We’re gangsters.

He taught Eddie a pretty big lesson this season. Are there any lessons to be taught for Susie? I can’t imagine it’ll be that bad.

WINSTONE: It’s a bit of tough love, but it’s how much you’re going to put up with. You put the whole relationship, the whole business, the whole empire in danger by doing something I told you not do. So, we’ll see where that goes.

Giancarlo Esposito Decides Whether Stanley Johnston Is a True Believer in Eddie

“I think Stanley Johnston is in for the long game.”

Image via Netflix

Giancarlo, Mr. Johnston gets very, very cryptic and mythic in this season. I really enjoyed your little monologues. Is there a path that he’s pushing Eddie down that he’s clear about? What is his ultimate goal? Is he a true believer, or is he playing Eddie?

GIANCARLO ESPOSITO: Well, I have to be honest with you, Stanley Johnston is so well-studied and well-versed, well-educated in terms of history and past and present, and I think he is there to remind Eddie of his own particular history and to push him deeper into the knowledge of who he really is. And I think at this point, he sees something in Eddie that he admires and that he would like to cultivate, and I think Stanley Johnston is in for the long game. I think he’s going to cultivate Eddie, and I think he has an idea of where that should go.

And so I don’t think anyone in this show is particularly released from their character being informed by an outcome that they desire. We’re human beings; we want something. Whether we are able to voice that and be consciously aware of that or not does not matter. Something inside of us is guiding us down a certain path, and when that path is undeniable, there is something that we want. So I think in the back of Stanley Johnston’s mind, and I would think with Stanley and with me behind him and with Guy [Ritchie] behind the characterizations that are within this piece, that there is definitely an end game for Stanley Johnston.

Is Stanley Johnston Making a Move Against Bobby?

“…they seem to understand each other in a way where others wouldn’t.”

Image via Netflix

Is he making a move against Bobby? Because that makes more sense to me than all these comments about the London Stone and all these things.

ESPOSITO: I think it’s a very deep possibility. There is a protocol and a civilization that was deeper and more well-informed, more spiritually connected than our own, than that of the gangster. And so there is something that Stanley Johnston is trying to restore in Eddie, and the possibility of what you just mentioned is available.

Would Bobby and Stanley work together? That’s available too, because they seem to understand each other in a way where others wouldn’t. There is also the idea in thinking that we come from a more cultivated old world. I’m an old-school dude. I have old-school, old-world values, and there’s something to be said about that within the show with Bobby’s child and with Eddie. There’s a different value system there. There’s a new world. They don’t look at consequences the way we do. We want to keep growing, but we want to keep it within a realm that we’re not going to be looked at and suspected by the powers that be that are going to crush us.

In our world, we find connections between those in politics who can protect us, those in the police department, those higher who control the purse strings of the politics. But those people now in our world are people who want the money that we make. So is there enough room for everybody? I don’t know. We’ll find out.

There never is.

ESPOSITO: There never is.

Vinnie Jones Discusses Eddie’s Big Changes to Character in ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2

“He’s the last man standing kind of thing.”

Image via Netflix

Vinnie, I think Jeff is probably the closest thing Eddie has to a decent father figure in this show, present company notwithstanding, but do you think there’s a part of him that’s worried about the dark path that Eddie is going down? Because I think it’s really something that should be concerning to anybody who cares about him.

JONES: Yeah, but I also think Jeff, at the start of Episode 1, says, “I used to be 40,000 acres,” or whatever it was, “and I want it back.” Jeff agrees. Jeff wants it all back as well, but I think he gets alarmed at how he wants to do it and nothing will get in his way. So, I think, the same as Bobby Glass, I think he’s concerned that he’s going to get out of hand, but Jeff will still be there, whatever happens. It’s one of them, you know? So, yeah, I think he’s just got to look after him. If he makes that decision, he doesn’t have to agree, but he’ll go along with him. Whether it’s taking him to hospital, or taking him home or getting him home, that’s the loyalty. He’s the last man standing kind of thing.

The Gentlemen Season 2 is now available to stream on Netflix.

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Release Date

2024 – 2026-00-00

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Netflix

Directors

David Caffrey, Guy Ritchie, Eran Creevy, Nima Nourizadeh

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Writers

Stuart Carolan, Guy Ritchie, Matthew Read, Billy Mason Wood, Haleema Mirza

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Alix Earle is opening up about one of the trickiest decisions she has had to make in her career — firing her best friend!

The content creator, who rose to fame by posing raw “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos on social media, recently got candid about her experience in a TikTok video, revealing how she went from hiring her longtime friend, Sally Carden, to eventually deciding that the pair needed to stop working together.

Earle explained that she and Carden had been best friends since they were 14 years old, and even attended high school together. However, their lives began heading in different directions after college.

While Earle was building her career as a social media personality, Carden made a move to Aspen for work, which gave Earle an idea. As the TikTok star’s career became increasingly busy, she realized she needed help managing some of her social media platforms.

“I love Aspen. I travel a lot and it can get a little lonely and I was like, you know what, maybe I also need some help with my content, like posting on Snapchat or my Amazon,” she said. “This would be the perfect scenario. Like, if I can hire you, then basically you can come with me everywhere. We’re like gonna be best friends traveling everywhere together, and you like have a job.”

She added, “The job market was hard, y’all.”

Earle thought hiring Carden would be the perfect arrangement. Her best friend could help with her social media accounts while also traveling with her. Basically, she envisioned two friends working and traveling together. However, there was one major problem — neither of them really knew how to separate friendship from business.

Mixing Friendship With Business Complicates A Lot Of Things

Earle admitted that she was still learning how to be a boss and struggled to tell people what needed to get done.

“And I felt very grateful and lucky to be able to work with Sal, but I also was just coming out of college,” she explained. “I didn’t even know how to like be a boss, I guess. Like, I felt bad asking anyone to do anything.”

Earle continued, “I remember my first assistant. I feel like I finally just started to learn how to not be rude, but just like, get things done. I was just always afraid of anyone thinking I was gonna be like rude.”

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Carden’s responsibilities included posting content to Earle’s Snapchat. The process sometimes involved the influencer adding photos to a shared album for her assistant to post. That system occasionally created confusion. She recalled posting photos that Earle herself had added to the album, only for the latter to later question why the photos had been posted.

The pair also tried experimenting with more clickbait-style content to boost views, including making “boobas” as a thumbnail, which they regarded as a “big thing” back then. But instead of making their jobs easier, the arrangement appeared to create even more confusion.

Alix Earle Admits She Was Too Scared To End Their Working Relationship

Things became even more difficult when Earle joined “Dancing With The Stars” while simultaneously working on her other projects. Eventually, she said she knew the working relationship had to end. The Sports Illustrated model had planned to go their separate ways by the end of the year, but admitted she was “too scared” to actually tell Carden.

“I started to like literally not answer Sally,” she recalled. “I think it was like the fall, I kind of like soft launched. I was like, ‘oh, maybe like just do Snapchat, not Amazon.’ And then I was supposed to be like, ‘by the end of the year, let’s just like go our separate ways.’ But I was too scared and never said anything.”

At the same time, Earle said she didn’t want to leave her friend “high and dry.” Carden  had also begun working with a manager and taking on brand deals, which the influencer felt could give her an opportunity to focus on building something for herself. Eventually, the conversation happened while the pair were in Aspen.

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Cutting Ties Gave Them Relief

Despite the awkwardness surrounding their professional relationship, Earle made it clear that ending the arrangement didn’t mean ending their friendship. In fact, they appeared to agree that separating work from their friendship was ultimately for the best.

“I feel like it was like a big weight lifted off my shoulders,” Earle admitted, to which Carden agreed, while also joking that her bestie had previously been difficult to reach when she was busy.

Alix Earle And Sally Carden Put Their Friendship First

The candid conversation gave fans a rare look at the less glamorous side of Earle’s rapidly growing career, and the challenges that can come with turning a lifelong friendship into a business relationship.

For Earle and Carden, it seems the decision to stop working together may have been exactly what their friendship needed.

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O.J. Simpson’s attempt to reinvent himself as a prank-show star reportedly became frighteningly real when an argument erupted behind the scenes. Todd Lewis, the director and producer of Simpson’s controversial 2006 project “Juiced,” recalled seeing the former NFL star become visibly angry during a confrontation captured by the production. The tense exchange is revisited in Investigation Discovery’s new docuseries, “O.J. Unseen: Exploitation of Evil,” which examines how the ill-fated prank show was conceived, filmed, and ultimately released.

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A preview for the docuseries obtained by TMZ shows Simpson getting into an argument with Lewis while cameras were rolling. During the exchange, Simpson called the producer racist, a remark Lewis said crossed a line and genuinely upset him.

Lewis claimed he initially tried to avoid escalating the confrontation because he did not know how Simpson might react. However, the disagreement continued to intensify.

The producer recalled looking at Simpson and said he “saw anger in his eyes.” Lewis admitted that he was unsure what might happen next, transforming what was supposed to be entertainment into a moment of genuine uncertainty.

The clip offers a glimpse at what the docuseries describes as an increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the troubled production.

‘Juiced’ Tried To Turn O.J. Simpson Into A Prank Star

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Released as a pay-per-view special and on DVD in 2006, “Juiced” featured Simpson using costumes, disguises and his own notoriety to fool unsuspecting participants. In one segment, he posed as a salesman attempting to sell a white Ford Bronco, intentionally referencing the vehicle that became forever linked to his 1994 police chase.

Other sketches featured Simpson dressed as an Elvis Presley impersonator and pretending to have an affair with another man’s girlfriend.

The format resembled the celebrity prank shows that were popular during the era, but Simpson’s highly controversial public image made the project far more provocative.

Simpson had been acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. A civil jury later found him liable for their wrongful deaths and ordered him to pay more than $33 million in damages.

The creators of “Juiced” attempted to use that notoriety as the foundation of the show, frequently building jokes around moments associated with Simpson’s criminal case.

New Docuseries Revisits The Troubled Production

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“O.J. Unseen: Exploitation of Evil” uses previously unreleased footage and interviews with people involved in creating “Juiced” to examine how the project unfolded. The four-part series looks beyond the pranks to explore the ethical questions surrounding an entertainment production built around one of the most polarizing figures in American popular culture.

According to PEOPLE, the behind-the-scenes material includes Simpson discussing the murder case, commenting on the Ford Bronco, and becoming increasingly comfortable around people participating in the pranks.

The documentary also examines whether “Juiced” was intended to repair Simpson’s public image or simply capitalize on the attention surrounding him.

O.J. Simpson Was Arrested One Year Later

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The prank special arrived shortly before Simpson became involved in another criminal case. On September 13, 2007, Simpson and several other men confronted two sports memorabilia dealers inside a room at the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas.

Simpson maintained that he was attempting to recover personal items that had been stolen from him. However, at least one person accompanying him displayed a firearm, and the memorabilia dealers were prevented from leaving the room during the confrontation.

A Las Vegas jury convicted Simpson on all 12 charges in October 2008. The counts included armed robbery and kidnapping with a deadly weapon.

The verdict came exactly 13 years after he was acquitted in the criminal trial over the deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman. Simpson was sentenced to a maximum of 33 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after nine years. He served his sentence at Nevada’s Lovelock Correctional Center.

The Former NFL Star Was Released In 2017

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Simpson was granted parole in July 2017 and left prison on October 1 of that year after serving nine years. Nevada officials ended his parole early in December 2021 because he had received credits for good behavior, according to NBC News.

Simpson died from cancer on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76.

The four-part documentary event premieres Monday, September 7, and continues Tuesday, September 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Investigation Discovery. Episodes will also be available to stream on HBO Max.

If there’s one thing Hollywood loves more than a time loop, it’s if there’s one thing Hollywood loves more than… wait a second. Sorry, we got confused there. But not as confused as Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) was when he took a trip for some PR work and ended up in the middle of an alien invasion. More than a decade after its theatrical release, this time-turning, mind-bending ride is one of the most acclaimed science-fiction action movies of the 2010s, even if its original box office performance never quite reflected its reputation.

Now, there’s another opportunity to revisit it. Edge of Tomorrow officially joined Paramount+ on September 1, giving the $370 million sci-fi epic a new streaming home. Based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel All You Need Is Kill, the movie takes place during humanity’s increasingly desperate war against an alien species known as the Mimics. Cruise’s Major William Cage is a military public relations officer with absolutely zero interest in, you know, fighting.

This becomes a problem when Cage is dumped onto the front line. He’s killed almost immediately, only to wake up at the beginning of the previous day. Cage has somehow become trapped in a time loop, forcing him to experience the same catastrophic battle again and again. His only real hope is Emily Blunt’s Sergeant Rita Vrataski, a hardened soldier who’s definitely more clued-up on what the heck is happening to Cage than he is.

The cast features Bill Paxton (Aliens) as Master Sergeant Farell, Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) as General Brigham, Noah Taylor (Game of Thrones) as Dr. Carter, Kick Gurry (Jupiter Ascending) as Griff, Dragomir Mrsic (Snabba Cash) as Kuntz, and Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders) as Nance. The film is directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity).

Was ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ a Success?

Despite the cast, the quality and the timing of release, Edge of Tomorrow didn’t become the enormous theatrical hit Warner Bros. might have anticipated. Its reputation has only improved since, however, with the movie currently holding an excellent 91% critics’ score and 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its combination of large-scale alien warfare, surprisingly funny time-loop mechanics and Cruise and Blunt’s chemistry has helped turn Edge of Tomorrow into a classic. Now, about that sequel?

Edge of Tomorrow is streaming now on Paramount+.

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Release Date

June 6, 2014

Runtime

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114 minutes

Director

Doug Liman

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Writers

Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Hiroshi Sakurazaka

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Producers

Erwin Stoff, Gregory Jacobs, Jeffrey Silver, Jason Hoffs, Tom Lassally

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Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump have been through a lot this year, spanning court cases and health challenges. However, these issues have reportedly not made a dent in their love life.

The pair have faced serious changes, with the golfer engrossed in the fallout from his car crash in March and successive legal troubles. Vanessa, on the other hand, was going through one of the worst moments of her life with a cancer diagnosis.

Rather than pull the couple apart, the challenging period in their lives has reportedly made them stronger together. Now, a new report claims Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump are focusing on marriage.

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Despite all the issues they have faced this year, Woods and Vanessa seem to be coming out on top. They allegedly have not abandoned their plans to become a married couple.

According to Globe Magazine, the wedding plan is still a “top priority” for them. This report comes more than a year after insiders claimed that the duo was actively moving towards walking down the aisle.

Neither of them has come out to confirm or dispute the claims of their union, leading fans to continually believe that they are definitely already engaging in marriage conversations.

In July 2025, a source close to Vanessa described the couple as “wedding bells serious” and claimed the former model had finally found happiness in her personal life.

Their Difficult Year Reportedly Made The Couple ‘Stronger’

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These latest speculations about incoming wedding bells come after reports suggested that Woods and Vanessa’s relationship became “Stronger” than ever while navigating personal challenges.

A source close to them revealed to People Magazine that the pair refused to let their personal problems get in the way of their love story. During this difficult time, they allegedly leaned on each other for support and strength.

“Tiger and Vanessa have faced big problems at the same time and have helped the other through it,” the insider said.

Woods and Vanessa first made their relationship public in March 2025 following several months of speculation. The golfer sparked a viral reaction from fans when he shared photos of them enjoying each other’s company, tagging it “love is in the air and life is better with you by my side.”

Following the public declaration of love, things quickly took a downturn for the pair

Vanessa Trump Stood By Tiger Woods During His Court Appearance

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Vanessa showed the world how committed she was to Woods recently when she accompanied him for a court appearance in Florida.

On September 2, the legendary golfer had to appear at the Martin County Courthouse for a crash he was involved in months prior.

At the end of the day, Woods entered a no-contest plea, and the judge in the case suspended his driver’s license for five years for reckless driving.

The other, more serious DUI charge was totally dropped, and he was ordered to pay some fines.

Photographs from that day confirmed Vanessa’s presence at the courthouse, and a source revealed to People that though she was distraught about the case, she still chose to stand by her man.

Tiger Woods Supported Vanessa Trump Through Her Cancer Diagnosis

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Vanessa was not the only one who knew what it felt like to have total support from her partner.

A few months back, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. This devastating news took her entire fan base by surprise, as they quickly offered their love and support in the comment section.

In the announcement, Vanessa noted that she would remain hopeful for a good outcome and that she has the support of her family and loved ones to lean on.

Woods reportedly became an important part of that support system.

A source close to the Trumps revealed that the golf champion was always there for Vanessa when she needed him. “He has given her a lot of love,” the insider said.

Throughout her health issues, Vanessa remains in the company of her children and loved ones.

Wedding Rumors Have Been Swirling For Over A Year

Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts. pic.twitter.com/ETONf1pUmI

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 23, 2025

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Rumors about an impending wedding are not new when it comes to Vanessa and Woods.

Page Six reported in July 2025 that a person close to Vanessa considered the couple’s “wedding bells serious.” Another source claimed Vanessa was extremely happy with Woods.

Despite these speculations that have gone on for most of the year, neither Woods nor Vanessa has come out to dispute the claims.

However, what is clear is that the lovers are still building a life together and sticking with one another no matter what.

Tyler Cameron is having a rough time pitching potential team names to his Dancing With the Stars professional partner Sharna Burgess.

“Our new team name, guys! Team Shart,” Tyler, 33, announced via Instagram on Thursday, September 3. “You take Sharna and Tyler, you put them together and you’ve got ‘Shart!’”

Sharna, 41, was not exactly enthusiastic about Tyler’s poop-related idea, insisting that Team Shart is “not the name” for their partnership.

“Everyone needs a good shart every once in a while … You get two a year,” Tyler argued. “If you do more than two, it’s criminal.”

“Two a year? What are you, 5?” an incredulous Sharna asked the Bachelor Nation alum. “I would say one is criminal. Sir, at your age, a shart is criminal!”

As Tyler kept up the poop jokes, Sharna jokingly complained about being partnered with “a child” when she already has 4-year-old son Zane at home. (Sharna shares Zane with fiancé Brian Austin Green. He also has four older children from previous relationships with exes Vanessa Marcil and Megan Fox.)

“That’s not our team name,” Sharna declared, before urging fans to pitch better ideas, saying: “We need a team name. I didn’t realize we still did team names. But we need a team name! Let’s think of something that is not poop-related. I have enough of that at home!”

Unfortunately for Sharna, the team name seems to have caught on as Tyler shared his own video announcing “Team Shart” as their nickname on Saturday, September 5, while seemingly passing gas in front of his pro partner. Tyler’s fiancée, Tate Madden, and DWTS pro Mark Ballas even got on board by reposting the icky team name.

Us exclusively reported that Tyler would be part of this year’s Dancing With the Stars celebrity cast in August, before his pairing with Sharna was officially unveiled by ABC on Wednesday, September 2. Sharna is returning to the pro ranks after a five-year absence.

Tyler subsequently revealed on Hulu’s “Get Real” podcast that he nearly earned a dance minor in college — though he insisted his previous experience won’t give him any edge over fellow competitors.

“I was not a great dancer at all. Basically, I got thrown into dance classes because I failed out my first semester of college,” he recalled. “My coach was like, ‘You’re gonna take dance classes to get your GPA up.’”

He went on to say, “It was me and 30 girls. I was like, ‘This is amazing.’ I got to be the Bachelor before I ever went on The Bachelorette, you know? None of the girls paid any interest in me, but I was in there giving maximum effort and giving the worst pirouettes and, like, the worst ballet dances ever.”

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Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Cast: Meet the Celebs and Their Pros

Dancing With the Stars is headed back to the ballroom with a star-studded cast for season 35. The complete lineup of celebrity contestants and pro dancers for the milestone season was unveiled during the Wednesday, September 2, episode of Good Morning America. The newly confirmed participants join Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez, […]

Tyler also got to show off his dance skills as a contestant on 2022’s competition series The Real Dirty Dancing, where he finished as runner-up to winners Corbin Bleu and Cat Cora.

“I will say, that is like one-fifth of what we’re doing here,” he said of The Real Dirty Dancing. “It was fun and I learned a little bit, but our dances are probably a quarter of what we do for our dances [on DWTS]. That was, like, a two-week show, but this is the real deal.”

Dancing With the Stars premieres with a two-night event on ABC and Disney+ starting Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET.

Anya Taylor-Joy burst onto the scene in a spell-binding performance that no one is likely to forget for some time. Robert Eggers’ feature film debut, The Witch, showcased the performer’s talents, and she instantly rose to the top. Roles in Furiosa and Dune: Part Two have defined her career thus far, but there may be one movie that passed viewers by. In 2017, Taylor-Joy co-starred with House of the Dragon’s own Olivia Cooke in a crime thriller unlike anything else.

Throughbreds was a directorial first for Cory Finley and is utterly unique. Many creatives have attempted to pull off psychopathic teenage girls in the past, but this attempt was startling and extremely specific. The characters in the mystery aren’t caricatures but fleshed-out people who just happen to be in an extremely heightened story.

‘Thoroughbreds’ Captures the Viciousness of Teenage Girlhood

Cory Finley is one of the rare male directors who writes female characters who are complex and believable. Only comparable to Ari Aster’s depiction of Dani Arbor (Florence Pugh) in Midsommar. Finley also portrays women not just as set pieces or vehicles for plot, but in their complex and sometimes terrible glory. Thoroughbreds’ entire concept depends on how difficult these girls are, and it pulls it off spectacularly.

The narrative is a thrilling mystery about two teenage girls in the upper-class of suburban Connecticut. Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) is a popular student who agrees to tutor an outcast, Amanda (Olivia Cooke). Because of a mental disorder, Amanda has no emotions, but she and Lily find common ground and form a tight bond. When Amanda suggests they kill Lily’s abusive stepfather, Mark (Paul Sparks), the affluent girl is disturbed, but it doesn’t take long for her to come around to her line of thinking.

Mark enrolls Lily in a boarding school for girls with behavioral issues, putting a ticking clock on the plan. The tight, 93-minute film wastes no time in establishing the stakes for these characters and showing the unbreakable and sometimes inscrutable bond between teenage girls. Unlike similar dark fare such as Heathers, which leans more into comedic territory, Thoroughbreds relishes the darkness of female friendships. This bond leads up to an ending that has to be seen to be believed.

The story embraces the darkness and, in some ways, celebrates it as a form of love attachment. Lily and Amanda show each other their affection by extremely violent acts. Even though Amanda allegedly has no emotions, she clearly has some sort of loyalty to Lily. She sacrifices everything to prove herself to the other girl in perhaps the only form of genuine attachment she has ever had. These deep character facets are fascinating and only appear in other fare featuring darkly motivated women, such as Amy Elliott-Dunne in Gone Girl.

Thoroughbreds refuses to judge its characters in a way that is refreshing in this day and age. Male-written stories such as The Last of Us are so afraid of showing that women are irredeemable monsters that it is breathtaking when someone pulls the trigger on such a story. Thoroughbreds is one of the best mysteries out there, not just because of the narrative, but also because of the colorful characters that populate the story.

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Thoroughbreds

Release Date

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March 9, 2018

Runtime

92 Minutes

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Director

Cory Finley

Writers

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Cory Finley

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Anime is more popular than it has ever been, and viewers will also say it is better than it ever was before. Series like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Jujutsu Kaisen have made anime a worldwide sensation, pushing the bounds of creativity. The animation is impeccable, and the direction is incredible, but is this the best of the best, or can some classics still hang with the newer series despite modern tastes and technological improvement?

Even though modern anime is popular, it misses a lot of what was good about the originals, which is why this list will feature eight classic anime series that are still better than most new series. Based on aspects such as staying power, writing, animation, influence, rewatchability, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these anime shows weren’t just good for their time; they are ageless masterpieces that put modern anime in their place. For an anime to be considered a classic on this list, it had to have come out anytime before the 2010s.

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‘Maison Ikkoku’ (1986–1988)

Image via Studio Deen

One of the best anime genres is romance, and while it has evolved quite a bit, there is nothing better than a classic love story, and that is exactly what Maison Ikkoku delivers. The titular boarding house is home to many eccentric characters, and at his limit with their shenanigans, Yuusaku is about to move out. However, after meeting the new manager, he falls madly in love, now deciding to stay there a bit longer.

A lot of romance anime either takes things too slow with no meaningful change or tries to rush things, and while Maison Ikkoku is a slow burn, it also acts as a wholesome and realistic slice-of-life anime. It isn’t just a fluffy love story; it captures the bittersweet realities of life and relationships with a mature focus. Maison Ikkoku isn’t a high school romance; it is a sophisticated and compelling romance that is better than most newer love stories.

7

‘Bleach’ (2004–Present)

Image via Pierrot

The Big Three are some of the most popular anime series of all time, and while the other two are just as popular, this list has opted to feature Bleach because of its modern-day resurgence. Ichigo is a normal high schooler, except for the fact that he can talk to ghosts. When he meets a Soul Reaper and borrows her powers, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural where he must protect his friends and town from new dangers.

Even decades after its peak popularity, when Bleach returned, it became one of the best modern anime shows, proving the classic is better than most new series. With one of the best anime power systems, this series instantly hooked viewers, showcasing the rule of cool and unmatched style it possesses. Bleach is also an influential anime in the modern landscape, proving its importance while remaining better than everything it inspired.

6

‘Great Teacher Onizuka’ (1999–2000)

Image via Pierrot

Comedy changes every decade, maybe even every year, meaning it is hard for some shows to age well after some things become offensive or just not funny. However, Great Teacher Onizuka transcends time, not losing a step. The titular teacher is starting his first gig, but he is thrown to the wolves, with a classroom full of manipulative brats. Luckily, his days as a yakuza might be exactly what is needed to straighten these kids out.

Some aspects of Great Teacher Onizuka definitely didn’t age well, but the fact remains that no other anime series balances its tone of comedic genius, silliness, and maturity as well as this show. This anime touches on serious topics such as bullying and suicide with nuance, genuinely providing profound discussion then quickly shifting to ridiculous humor, in a good way. Great Teacher Onizuka is one of a kind, and an anime that no modern-day comedy can match.

5

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

Image via Sunrise

There are some classic anime that are simply better than modern shows, and then there are some which have been impossible to try and replicate: Cowboy Bebop falls into the latter. Spike Spiegel and his team of bounty hunters spend their days cleaning up the galaxy of crime filth, but when his dark past resurfaces, he must tackle it head-on or risk putting himself and his friends in danger.

Cowboy Bebop is a distinct anime that blends neo-noir with sci-fi, Hong Kong action, and jazz music, creating one of the most unique anime of all time. It is a timeless recipe that no modern series has found the secret formula for, making it a truly special show. Some modern anime have perfect episodes, but every single episode of Cowboy Bebop is an art form in its purest form, concluding with one of the best finales ever put to screen.

4

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

Image via Madhouse

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Naoki Urasawa is a prolific manga author, and while he has a handful of anime adaptations, one classic masterpiece is a landmark of the medium. Monster follows Dr. Tenma, who saves the life of a child, only for that same kid to become a serial killer in the future. Taking matters into his own hands, Tenma plans to kill Johan, but will he be able to do it after learning about his dark and tragic past?

Monster is a perfect anime thriller, embodying everything great about the genre and then some, making it a blueprint that modern anime try to follow. However, no matter what new thriller or mystery anime comes out, it is never better than Monster, and that is because of its patient storytelling. Nothing can live up to the tension and shocking plot of this anime, especially modern anime that focus on flashy animation and overly dramatic storytelling.

3

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Image via TV Tokyo

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The modern anime landscape often ignores avant-garde series, and for that reason, the most popular of the genre, Neon Genesis Evangelion, is better than any new show. With the world facing its third apocalypse event, the only hope for humanity is Shinji and some other teenagers in mechs. However, he first needs to win a battle against himself and his inner demons before fighting the angel-like aliens that wish to destroy Earth.

A lot of modern anime don’t dare to spice things up and be innovative, and that is why anime original masterpieces like Neon Genesis Evangelion still thrive. Its imaginative and unique narrative redefined multiple genres and forms of storytelling, cementing a historic legacy that new series can’t even comprehend. Neon Genesis Evangelion had such flawless animation for its time, with a perfect hand-drawn style that newer animation simply can’t compete with.

2

‘Ashita no Joe’ (1970–1981)

Image via Mushi Production

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A classic can be subjective, because many of the anime on this list are from the 2000s, which some might still consider new, but the oldest series featured, from the 1970s, is undoubtedly a classic. Ashita no Joe is about the titular character, who starts as nothing but a street punk. However, when a former boxer notices his potential, he trains him for the ring; first, Joe needs to serve his time in prison before he conquers any ring.

The animation is definitely old and won’t resonate with some viewers, but the story is one of the best and still unique for the sports genre. Ashita no Joe is somehow a distinct story despite being over fifty years old. Mature, grounded, intriguing, and tragic don’t begin to describe this golden-era boxing story that features some of the best character development in the medium. Ashita no Joe still packs a punch for an old fighter, but its knockout story and chilling vibe are enough to beat any new sports anime.

Image via Bones Inc.

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Some probably don’t classify it as a classic anime, but considering Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood came out in the 2000s, albeit in 2009, it is eligible for this list. Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo alchemical experiment, prompting them to go on an adventure to find the philosopher’s stone. However, all they uncover is a government conspiracy that threatens to consume the world if they don’t intervene.

Many viewers claim Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the best anime series of all time, and with a title like that, it is almost impossible for new shows to compete. Barely any modern anime has a self-contained story that perfectly wraps up. Even older shows don’t have this, proving how rare Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is. It has everything anyone could ever want in an anime, and that fact alone is why no new series could ever live up to what this anime built.

Over the past couple of decades, it’s been rare for a superhero title to not dominate headlines. However, it’s been some time since a superhero film quite stole the spotlight as fervently as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which took just 17 days to cross the $2 billion mark at the global box office, the second-fastest time in cinema history. With countless other records broken by the so-called “best Spidey adventure in 20 years,” it’s worth remembering that there is still the small matter of Avengers: Doomsday, which some are predicting will perform even better.

But it isn’t just the big screen where superhero series are dominating. Already this year, the likes of Spider-Noir, a live-action series serving as a spin-off to the animated Spider-Verse films, and the fifth and final season of Eric Kripke‘s acclaimed superhero satire The Boys have proven huge hits. Now, the latest superhero series to dominate streaming is HBO’s Lanterns, part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, with millions tuning in to witness the gritty tale of superhero Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre).

Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, the series is considered the superhero version of True Detective and is earning plenty of praise from both fans and critics. For Collider, Michael John Petty awarded the series an 8/10, with ScreenRant‘s Felipe Rangel saying, “James Gunn’s DCU enters its brightest day.” Lanterns has now been the most-watched show on HBO Max in the U.S. for over two weeks, as well as currently holding the #1 position on the global charts. But Chandler’s isn’t the only Green Lantern currently proving a streaming hit.

Another ‘Green Lantern’ Is an HBO Max Hit

Resurrected by the popularity of Lanterns, Ryan Reynolds‘ infamous performance as Hal Jordan in the 2011 film Green Lantern is currently the eighth most-watched movie on HBO Max in the U.S. The film was panned by critics and DC fans alike, receiving some of the worst reviews in the franchise’s history. It also flopped at the box office, only just returning its $200 million budget with a global haul of $219 million.

Both Lanterns and Green Lantern are streaming on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

August 16, 2026

Network

HBO

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