Robert Louis Stevenson‘s Treasure Island is unarguably one of the greatest adventure novels ever written. Nearly a century and a half after its publication, the classic tale remains one of the most influential works in the genre, inspiring countless adaptations across film and television. The beloved story is getting another big-screen interpretation, with iconic director Ridley Scott putting his own spin on the seafaring classic in an upcoming movie starring Hugh Jackman. However, Scott’s adaptation won’t be the only new take on Treasure Island releasing soon. MGM+ and Paramount+ have already been hard at work on their own version of Stevenson’s story set to sail soon.

MGM+ and Paramount+’s adaptation of Stevenson’s novel is simply titled Treasure Island. According to the official synopsis, the series “reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story” by following a young Jim Hawkins and his fiercely determined mother, Beth, after they come into possession of Captain Flint’s legendary treasure map. The discovery sends the pair into a brutal race for unimaginable riches, setting the stage for a high-stakes adventure filled with danger and betrayal. The series promises a contemporary spin on Stevenson’s story while retaining its timeless themes. Created by Robert Murphy, the 6-part series is directed by Jeremy Lovering (Slow Horses), William McGregor (The Buccaneers), and Paul Walker (Shameless).

Treasure Island has officially unveiled its release date, alongside a carousel of first-look images offering audiences their first glimpse at the upcoming adaptation. The series will premiere in the U.S. on October 11 on MGM+, followed by its UK and Ireland debut on Paramount+ the following day, October 12. New episodes will be released weekly, with the U.S. run concluding on November 15 and the UK and Ireland run wrapping up on November 16. Treasure Island is a Paramount+ Original series in association with MGM+ and Fifth Season, which will reportedly handle the series’ international distribution. Playground and Mark Hedges are among the producers behind the pirate adventure series.

Who Stars in ‘Treasure Island’?

Treasure Island boasts an impressive ensemble of recognizable talent, led by David Oyelowo, the star of Taylor Sheridan‘s anthology series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Oyelowo will take on the charismatic role of Long John Silver, a character Jackman will also portray in Scott’s upcoming movie adaptation.

Hayley Atwell (Avengers: Doomsday) stars as Beth Hawkins, with Tom Sweet (Great Expectations) playing Jim Hawkins. The cast also includes Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone (The Boys) as Billy Bones, Craige Els (Andor) as Mr. Arrow, Tristan Sturrock (Poldark) as Captain Smollett, and Neil Pendleton (Outlander) as Mr. Cameron.

Treasure Island is being produced as a six-part limited series, so it will tell a complete story that won’t necessarily need another season, except, of course, as is often the case, the audience reception is overwhelmingly positive. A trailer has yet to be released, but with the series’ fall premiere now approaching, audiences shouldn’t have to wait much longer for their first proper look at the adaptation. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

August 17, 1934

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Runtime

103 minutes

Director

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Victor Fleming

Writers

John Lee Mahin

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Producers

Hunt Stromberg

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  Jackie Cooper

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  Jim Hawkins

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  Wallace Beery

  Long John Silver

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  Lionel Barrymore

  Billy Bones

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  Otto Kruger

  Doctor Livesey

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Tracker is expanding its season 4 cast by promoting a cast member following multiple offscreen exits.

According to Deadline, Cassady McClincy Zhang has been promoted to series regular after joining the show as Mel. Zhang, 26, recurred throughout season 3 when she was introduced as Reenie’s (Fiona Rene) new hire with her own mysterious past.

Zhang joins Justin Hartley, Rene and Chris Lee, who are all series regulars on the hit CBS series.

Tracker quickly found success when it premiered in 2024, following fictional survivalist Colter (Hartley) as he helped solve various missing persons cases. Viewers were also introduced to his team: handlers Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma (Abby McEnany), hacker Bobby (Eric Graise) and attorney Reenie (Rene).

Related: What to Know About Tracker’s Cassady McClincy After Show’s Several Cast Exits

Justin Hartley‘s hit CBS series Tracker brought Cassady McClincy in a key role after going through multiple cast changes in season 3. The network found success with Tracker immediately after it premiered in February 2024 to record-breaking ratings. Viewers have since tuned in week after week to see fictional survivalist Colter (Hartley) travel the country […]

Weigert’s character was later written off in the season 2 premiere as her wife, Velma, admitted that they needed some distance. Velma then started working with Reenie, and Teddi wasn’t discussed on the show again.

News later broke that Graise and McEnany wouldn’t be coming back for season 3. In their place, Lee returned as Randy and McClincy joined in the role of Mel.

“We didn’t ‘replace’ Velma or Bobby. It’s about where I get the most creative juice,” executive producer Elwood Reid told TVLine in September 2025. “What happened with Randy last year was that he popped in these little pieces with Fiona, and I thought, ‘He makes Fiona better. What if they were in the same space every week?’”

Reid further elaborated on the shakeup while speaking to Us, explaining, “The only rule I really have of the show is each week Colter is going to come to a new place and there’s going to be a new case. How he gets those answers and what he uses on the team, that’s all something that’s up for grabs.”

He continued: “Meeting these [local] weird characters is something we’re going to try to do more of as the season goes on. Just Colter coming in and interacting with other characters. That’s fun to see Justin flex those muscles with really good guest cast members.”

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Related: Which ‘Tracker’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 4 After Exits?

Justin Hartley’s Tracker has dealt with numerous surprise cast exits — so who is and isn’t returning for season 4? The hit CBS series, which premiered in February 2024, introduced fictional survivalist Colter (Hartley) as he travels the country to help solve various missing persons cases. The ensemble cast grew with characters such as handlers […]

More recently, Reid noted that Hartley’s fan-favorite character was only one constant on the show.

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“The audience leans in because they’ve seen that character before. But I think they’re still thinking the central DNA of the show is Colter. With this guy, what makes him appealing is he is a mystery to himself,” he told Us in December 2025. “He’s a mystery to the audience. We see him and his off time putting together some pieces of his past.”

He concluded, “I don’t know if we’ll ever put it all together, but he’s going to struggle to continue to do that. That’s just as far as we have thought. The biggest improvement we made this year — in my opinion — was getting people in the same room. Just that connectivity, I do think the audience is enjoying seeing their characters in the same place physically.”

Tracker returns to CBS Sunday, October 4, at 9 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Paramount+.

For years, consumers have debated whether they’re Team Samsung or Team iPhone. From debates over emojis to camera quality, both sides are always ready to defend their favorite. Well, it looks like Samsung isn’t folding under the competition as it enters the chat following Apple’s latest foldable phone reveal. 

RELATED: Issa Foodie Fight? Restaurants Like Wendy’s, Popeyes & Church’s Trade Shade As McDonald’s & Burger King Inspire Viral “Burger Wars” (VIDEOS)

Apple Unveils Its First-Ever Foldable iPhone At Annual Event

On Wednesday (Sept. 9), Apple returned with its annual event, where the company revealed its newest products and updates. This year, the company revealed its first-ever foldable phone, now known as the iPhone Duo.

The phone is set to hit shelves on October 23, with prices starting at $1,999. During the reveal, Apple showcased its dual-screen experience, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously. Users can also FaceTime while using another app, watch videos on the larger display, and easily switch between the two screens. The iPhone Duo also features an improved 48MP camera system, faster performance and a dual-battery system for longer battery life. Also, the company revealed the iPhone 18 Pro, new accessories, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5.

Samsung Dials Up The Shade During Apple’s Latest Event

However, during Apple’s latest event, Samsung decided to dial into the conversation and seemingly accused its longtime competitor of copying them. Samsung appeared to reference its Galaxy Z Fold series, which brought foldable phones to its lineup years before Apple entered the market.

On X, the company wrote, “So far, so same. #ItsTimeToSwitch.” Samsung also responded to a post about watching Apple’s event, writing, “Go ahead and take a nap, you’re not missing much.” The company continued with several shady posts, poking fun at Apple’s new foldable phone, features and timing. “Making us wait? Fine. We’ll be over here, folding 3 ways,” Samsung wrote in another post.

Samsung followed up with, “It’s feeling very familiar. Is this a Sims sequel…” The company continued the jokes in another post, writing, “Let us know when you’re done reheating our leftovers.”

Additionally, Samsung made several comments about Apple’s latest accessories and features as the event continued. Meanwhile, Duolingo joined in on the phone wars after Apple revealed the name of its new foldable phone. The language-learning company joked about its brand being infringed upon before asking, “It’s called the iPhone WHAT???” Duolingo also joked about the similar “Duo” name potentially affecting its SEO as it continued reacting to Apple’s announcement.

Samsung eventually jumped into Duolingo’s replies, writing, “I’m so sorry, @Duolingo. They copied us too #Solidarity.”

Duolingo jokingly rejected Samsung as its “twin,” prompting the phone company to respond, “Ugly?? Watch your language.” Duolingo later apologized to its new “twin” and joked about Samsung potentially breaking its app on Galaxy phones.

Social Media Reacts To The Phone Wars

Many folks gathered under The Shade Room as they reacted to Apple’s latest reveal. Meanwhile, over at The Shade Room Teens, TeaMates were tuned into the phone wars started up by Samsung.

Instagram user @losupreme_ wrote, “Oh Samsung got time today 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

Instagram user @mikevalier added, “samsung been the blueprint tho😂😂we  just love apple more 🤷🏾‍♂️”

While Instagram user @_haileyy.b wrote, “Keep in mind Apple don’t have to slander y’all to sell they products😂”

Instagram user @_Killaa wrong, “Oops not NTTV (Samsung) & ZEUS(Iphone) going at it 😭🤣🤭🤭🤭🤭”

Instagram user @sheluvstenge added, “cause who samsung think they feeling like apple better respond back 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @chris.cringle_ wrote, “Not Duolingo getting in the beef too 😂😂😂”

Instagram user @allthingsmaya_ wrote, “No shade I’m about to switch to Samsung”

Instagram user @icee.tay added, “Ion care what they talking about I’ll never get a Samsung 😩”

While Instagram user @toxicqween101 wrote. “LMAOO Samsung better give that employee a raise or sum😂😂”

RELATED: New iPhone 14 Feature Automatically Alerts First Responders To Fatal Crash After Car Full Of Passengers Hits Tree, Killing All Six

Raz-B and his wife, Mona Li Thornton, are privately grieving the passing of their infant son, Astro Monte Thornton, according to an exclusive family statement sent to The Shade Room and reported by Social Producer Lawrencia Grose. The couple’s second child together was born in May.

RELATED: Uncle Time! Fans Lose It After Raz-B’s Son Links Up With Omarion & Lil’ Fizz At First Birthday (PHOTOS)

Raz-B & Mona Thornton Are Requesting Privacy Amid Death

In an emailed statement, the Thornton family’s publicist and spokesperson David Robinson told The Shade Room confirmed the infant’s passing. Raz-B and his wife did not share details about the death, including when it happened. Astro was likely nearing four months old in September. The family statement mentioned his passing was unexpected. Right now, they just wants privacy.

“The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time and appreciated your love and support in advance.”

Neither parent has addressed their son’s passing on social media. Their rep agency, The David Brand, reshared TSR’s exclusive statement on IG Story on Thursday.

Singer Recently Shared His Joy Over Growing Family

Ahead of welcoming baby Astro Monte in May, the B2K singer dropped family photos on his fans via the ‘gram. The images showed himself, his then-pregnant wife, her daughter Alayah and their son Versai Carter, who was born in 2024. In the caption, penned by Raz-B, he spoke of always wanting his own family to take photos with and thanked God for making a way. He revealed his post was being shared from the hospital as they prepared to welcome Astro Monte. Also, Raz shared his love and admiration of his wife, Mona Li.

“Big congratulations to my beautiful wife for being so strong through this journey. Watching you become a mother again is one of the greatest blessings I could ever witness. The Thornton family continues to grow… and our legacy does too.”

RELATED: Chingy Sets The Record Straight On Where Things Stand With Son Isaiah Russell-Bailey (PHOTO)

Carmen Bryan, the mother of Nas’s oldest child, Destiny Jones, is reportedly suing N.O.R.E. for an alleged 1999 sexual assault.

RELATED: Hol’ On! Internet Users Are Weighing In After Nevaeh Akira Shares Apologetic Message To Blueface Following Their Split

Carmen Bryan, Mom Of Nas’s Oldest Child, Sues N.O.R.E. For Alleged 1999 Sexual Assault

According to Rolling Stone, Carmen Bryan is claiming that a “visibly intoxicated” N.O.R.E. forced himself on her by committing a “act of nonconsensual digital penetration” while they were at a New York City nightclub in 1999. Per Bryan, the “pervasive sexism, sexual objectification, and ‘misogynoir” within hip hop culture prompted her to stay silent about the alleged assault for the past 25 years.

Furthermore, the outlet notes that Bryan’s lawsuit is 20 pages long and was filed in New York City on Wednesday, September 9.

“No woman signs up to be assaulted. The assertion that an assault is excusable—or simply did not happen—because a perpetrator failed to recognize his victim strips women of their fundamental humanity. Ms. Bryan is coming forward not only to demand accountability for the lasting trauma and public humiliation inflicted upon her, but to challenge the culture of entitlement that treats women’s bodies as collateral damage,” Marjorie Mesidor and Heather Palmore, Bryan’s lawyers,  reportedly told the outlet.

The outlet reports that after the act, Bryan fled the club as Santiago followed her, making “crude” comments. Once outside, N.O.R.E. allegedly recognized her as the mother of one of Nas’s children, and said, “Carm, I didn’t know it was you. You’re always doing something different with your hair.”

Social Media Reacts To Claims From Mom Of Nas’s Oldest Child

Social media users reacted to Carmen Bryan’s sexual assault claims against N.O.R.E. in TSR’s comment section.

More On Carmen Bryan Sues N.O.R.E. For Alleged 1999 Sexual Assault

Furthermore, Rolling Stone reports that N.O.R.E.’s actions constitute “nonconsensual sexual contact, offensive touching, assault, battery, sexual assault, and gender-motivated violence.” The lawsuit reportedly notes that on a separate occasion, weeks later, N.O.R.E. attempted to apologize to Bryan again.

“Santiago’s repeated explanation that he had not known it was Ms. Bryan did not make the assault consensual, accidental, or lawful. It reinforced that Santiago understood he had crossed a line and sought to excuse his conduct only after recognizing who she was,” the lawsuit reportedly argues.

Per Bryan, she confided in Jay-Z about the alleged assault. The pair had reportedly had a “secret on-off relationship for years.” However, Bryan asked the rapper not to take action against N.O.R.E. Years later, after watching Cassie Ventura’s case against Diddy, Bryan reportedly decided to bring her claims to court.

“Learning of that filing triggered Ms. Bryan’s own traumatic memories of Santiago’s assault. The public nature of the assault magnified the injury. It was not only the physical violation. It was being grabbed, overpowered, and sexually humiliated in front of friends and strangers, in the orbit of an industry where women were often expected to absorb male misconduct in silence,” the lawsuit adds.

Lastly, Rolling Stone adds that Bryan attempted to privately settle the matter with N.O.R.E. in March. However, he allegedly behaved as if he did not know her, and she filed her lawsuit under the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.

She is reportedly seeking “compensatory damages as well as damages for emotional distress and mental anguish.”

RELATED: Internet Hypes Up Nevaeh Akira As Clip Shows Blueface FaceTiming Jaidyn Alexis & Pinkface During Outing With His Other Women

Roommates, it looks like Remy Ma isn’t backing down from trading insults with Claressa Shields. This week, Shields threw shade the rapper’s way by appearing to call her a “loser” in one comment and a “b***h” in another. Now, Rem is seemingly clapping back by calling the boxer “panini” PRESSED. Even Papoose got called out!

RELATED: Yikes! Claressa Shields Seemingly Claps Back After Remy Ma Links With Her Rival Boxers (VIDEO)

Remy Ma Posts Panini In Apparent Response To Claressa Shields

And that’s really what happened. In an Instagram Story post early Thursday, Remy shared a photo of a sandwich sitting in a panini press. The text appeared to be directed at Claressa Shields, who has been giving fiery answers to internet users who have been mentioning Remy Ma lately.

“Mr. & Mrs. Panini bothering me AGAIN I’m minding my business,” the rapper wrote, adding her song ‘Wanna Go’ to the post.

It appears she also added a red X over the “s” in Mrs., which reactions to the post say could be playing into the online narrative of “Clarence” or the fact that Claressa is not Papoose’s wife. She linked the music video to her new song ‘Say Yea’ with Millyz and added the words, “My business.”

The Beef Has Been Brewing All Summer Long

The public beef timeline between Remy Ma and Claressa Shields arguably goes back to December 2024 when Ma first exposed Papoose and Claressa’s relationship. This summer, especially, the insults have been spicy!

In June, Claressa clarified that she wasn’t “pressed” over Ma’s feature on the song, ‘Ever Since U Left Me.’ She also said that “if a b***h ain’t saying [her] name she not dissing” her.  Then in late July, Claressa went viral after clocking an Atlanta radio host who posed a question about Papoose as Shields dating “somebody’s husband.” To date, there’s been no public confirmation of a divorce between Remy Ma and Papoose.

Also, in early August, Remy Ma seemed to mention Papoose by name while performing her song, ‘W.Y.F.L.’ at Angie Martinez’s summer BBQ. “You always acting like you helped. Pap, n***a go help yourself,” she rapped. Following that performance, Claressa Shields dropped several messages about being focused on her boxing match and locked in on the “big picture.”

Ahead of Claressa’s match in Atlanta, Princess of Crime Mob revealed the boxer had blocked her for asking to perform during her walk-out. Remy Ma later made a diss track sampling, ‘Knuck If You Buck.’ Afterward, she used a video of Claressa to promote the song.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives‘ shortened season 5 didn’t waste time addressing Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen‘s domestic dispute.

“In May 2026, the Secret Lives cast returned to finish filming interviews following a 2 month production pause … without Taylor,” read a message before the first of the season’s five episodes, which was released Thursday, September 10, on Hulu.

Clips were then shown of Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Layla Taylor and Miranda Hope in their individual confessionals reflecting on the headlines surrounding Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33.

The season then flashed back to January, with the majority of the story lines focusing on the weeks leading up to production being paused. The last five minutes of the season featured the members of MomTok — minus Taylor or Whitney Leavitt — addressing how their friend group was “in shambles.”

While the women remained hopeful about the future of Mormon Wives, it remained unclear whether Taylor would be involved. The season wrapped with a “To Be Continued” message.

Related: Mormon Wives’ Taylor Frankie Paul, Dakota Mortensen‘s Relationship Timeline

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen‘s complicated romance was thrust into the spotlight on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — and their relationship status remains unclear. Before the show premiered on Hulu in September 2024, Taylor and Dakota started dating following her divorce from husband Tate Paul in the wake of a high-profile “soft […]

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Earlier in the season, Taylor discussed her rocky relationship with Dakota following her stint on The Bachelorette.

“I came home [in January]. Night one we were texting … and then I don’t know how it got to the point where he came over to my house and it was late,” Taylor said about how she hooked up with Dakota a few times after filming the dating show.

Taylor admitted it was complicated because she was still “engaged” to Doug Mason, who was a finalist on her Bachelorette season.

“That is where things get trickier, because I still have feelings,” she noted. “When you have an addiction, there’s not a lot that is more powerful than that drug.”

Taylor ultimately ended her engagement to Doug but was entangled in a romance with ex Ben Lambert throughout season 5. The last footage shown of Taylor was her arguing with Dakota over their relationship — in front of their friend group — shortly before production was paused. She was heard on a phone call with Mayci claiming that Dakota was trying to ruin her life.

News broke in March that production on season 5 was paused due to an alleged incident between Taylor and Dakota that occurred one month prior. Taylor and Dakota subsequently filed temporary restraining orders against each other, with Dakota earning temporary custody of their son. Taylor was granted supervised visits.

Authorities have since confirmed that Taylor would not be charged for the February incident with Dakota.

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” District Attorney Sim Gill’s office said in a statement to Us in April.

Taylor previously defended her decision not to stay silent on social media as the legal developments unfolded.

“I’ll continue sharing on social media showing how ugly healing can truly be. Making and editing videos is my way of processing just like people who like to write into a journal,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “This is my way and I choose to share it. Saying this with love, most people would need to get off and [that is] so understandable. I’m not most.”

Dakota ultimately issued his own statement.

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Related: How Long Were Mormon Wives‘ Taylor and Dakota Together Between Breakups?

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul’s relationship timeline with Dakota Mortensen isn’t easy to pin down after numerous breakups — but how long were they actually together in between their public splits? Taylor and Dakota started dating before the show premiered on Hulu in September 2024. Dakota was Taylor’s first public […]

“Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote via social media.

The post continued, “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

A new season of Fire Country means new changes are on the horizon. The CBS firefighter drama heads into its fifth season this fall, marked by developments like a new showrunner and a reduced episode count. But even the story itself is getting an upgrade with the arrival of two new characters. For the first time since the show premiered in 2022, it will add a new series regular as Olivia Thirlby joins as CJ. This development has led viewers to speculate that Bode is getting a new partner, or maybe something more.

Since the character first appeared in the pilot episode, there have been no hints that he would be paired up with anyone in the professional sense. However, he has occasionally teamed up with other characters or guest stars for demanding arcs. Most of his new relationships have been romantic, and he has had three romantic partners so far. His latest is Chloe (Alona Tal), a former single mother with a troubled son whom Bode helps, despite his involvement in the fire that claimed Vince’s life. They are now in a romantic relationship, but could CJ’s arrival spell trouble for Bode and Chloe?

Series star and co-creator Max Thieriot previewed the upcoming season and addressed the speculation that Bode is ready to move on from Chloe. While Bode and CJ do share a lot of scenes, especially in the Season 5 premiere, Thieriot confirmed that the connection is purely platonic and that Bode is still dedicated to Chloe. The Season 4 finale left them in a good place after Chloe admitted she loves Bode, even accompanying him as his date for Jake’s wedding. Thieriot, however, didn’t reveal what’s on the horizon for the couple. The other character is someone related to Manny (Kevin Alejandro), with his own complications.

What to Expect in the ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 Premiere

The season-opener features what Thieriot called a “multi-layer” emergency. A sinkhole that could be tied to the massive flooding from Season 4 opens up in Edgewater. It couldn’t have come at a worse time because Edgewater is celebrating Founder’s Day and Main Street is filled with people. Station 42 has to cut the celebration short when duty calls, and during the rescue, Bode meets CJ, a former firefighter running from something. They collaborate on the rescue, and Bode thinks there is something in CJ worth investing in, just not in a romantic sense. “Founder’s Day” airs on Friday, October 9, on CBS.

Catch up with Fire Country on Paramount+ and stay tuned to Collider for more updates. Watch the season’s promo above.

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Release Date

October 7, 2022

Showrunner

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Tia Napolitano, Eric Guggenheim

Directors

Bill Purple, Dermott Downs, Eagle Egilsson, Gonzalo Amat, Kevin Alejandro, Max Thieriot, Sarah Wayne Callies, Marie Jamora, Kantu Lentz, Antonio Negret, Laura Nisbet Peters, Lisa Demaine, Nicole Rubio, James Strong, Anton Cropper, Erica A. Watson, Joy T. Lane, Jacquie Gould, Chi-Yoon Chung

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Writers

Tia Napolitano, David Gould, Natalia Fernandez, Barbara Kaye Friend, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Dwain Worrell, Julia Fontana, Sara Casey, Manuel Herrera, Jen Klein, Anupam Nigam, Tonya Kong

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Beloved filmmaker David Lynch was the master of telling stories about people’s most private fears and desires. He was obsessed with the secrets people keep, even from themselves. Given his interest in the inner-life, it’s no surprise that Lynch made dream-like films, using symbols and mystery to get to the heart of a character’s dilemma, eschewing linear logic in favor of emotional truth. Sometimes, this dream logic makes Lynch’s films difficult to interpret, but his work rewards repeat viewings. Over a year after the death of David Lynch, an unexpected director is picking up where he left off. Jane Schoenbrun, director of We’re All Going to the World’s Fair and I saw the TV Glow places themself squarely in David Lynch’s lineage, and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma proves they’re ready to inherit the throne of surrealist film-making.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma follows a young filmmaker, Kris Williams (played by Hannah Einbinder), who sets out to create the next reboot of the Camp Miasma franchise. She journeys to a defunct summer camp in the remote Pacific Northwest to meet the actress who played the franchise’s original final girl, Billy Presley (played by Gillian Anderson). Loving references to Friday the 13th and Halloween show that this film is for the weird girls who watched too many scary movies growing up, but it’s more than fan service — it’s the most profound exploration of sexual fantasy ever put to film.

Schoenbrun Departs From Lynch’s Dream Logic in One Important Way

Image via Universal Studios

Lynch’s films slip in and out of the dream world, sometimes without warning or clear distinction. In Twin Peaks, many of Agent Cooper’s breakthroughs are the result of revelations in his dreams. He sees another world with interpretable symbols which lead him to the truth he seeks. He sees a glowing horse, a giant, an owl, and these symbols mean something. In dreams, there are shortcuts to understanding big, difficult truths through feelings and images. Agent Cooper is seeking the truth through his dreams, actively trying to decode their messages. Some of Lynch’s other characters, like Betty (played by Naomi Watts) in Mulholland Drive dream to escape reality. Her dream betrays her by allowing reality to intrude. Neither Agent Cooper nor Betty have control over the dream. The dream dictates the structure of the film and of the characters’ revelations.

Lynch’s dream logic works through a structure of symbolism. Schoenbrun’s fantasy logic is about playing in the world of symbolism and its gaps. In Teenage Sex and Death, Kris and Billy share several sexually charged scenes before they try to have sex. After some frustration, Kris asks Billy to stop. Kris explains to Billy that she’s never been able to “get there” with someone else without imagining she’s the final girl in a Camp Miasma film. In her fantasy, she’s explicitly a victim, explicitly objectified through the imaginary camera, watching herself be hunted by a faceless killer. The difference between dream and fantasy is that dreams are imposed on the dreamer, whereas one must participate in the fantasy.

Jane Schoenbrun Plays with Slasher Conventions

In Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Schoenbrun weaves fantasy, film and reality together, so that it’s not easy to tell them apart. Throughout the film, the sets transition between beautiful, obviously painted backdrops and more naturalistic sets. The images of soaring pink-washed mountains and glittering snow make no attempt to hide their artificiality. They evoke old Hollywood sets like those in Black Narcissus and The Wizard of Oz, reminding the viewer that they are watching a film. Even the more naturalistic interior settings have strange homages to movie culture, like a candy-wrapper light shade hanging over the bed in which Kris and Billy play out the film’s central sexual fantasy. Through fluid storytelling, Schoenbrun suggests that fantasy (and film) may be just as true as reality, or maybe even truer.

The characters are also tongue-in-cheek aware of their own participation in the film. Kris is extremely aware of the tropes of the slasher genre, including its fraught history of sexism and transphobia. Billy appears onscreen for the first time out of the shadows, like the monster in a horror movie. When she speaks, she has a thick, almost silly southern drawl. The dialogue in the first act is slightly canned. Gillian Anderson has brought terrible dialogue to life in her career, so it’s safe to say that this campiness is to challenge the viewer’s understanding of what is real and what is fantasy.

‘Teenage Sex and Death’ Stays With You, Even After You Turn it Off

Image via MUBI

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In the final act in which Kris and Billy finally play out Kris’ fantasy, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma becomes its most convincing. Schoenbrun doesn’t outright reject what makes the slasher problematic. Instead, through Kris, they play with it. Kris’ fantasy of victimhood accepts the symbols of the slasher genre and then highjacks them for her own pleasure. She finally resists the urge to intellectualize the fantasy, to explain it or to censor it. Within the safety of fantasy, she and Billy can go as far as they want into the embarrassing, problematic world of the film that was the site of each of their sexual awakenings.

That’s the pleasure of the slasher — to get as absurd and violent as possible, to wrap that violence up with sex, to watch teenagers die gory deaths, and to still be safe on your own couch. “If it gets too real, you can always turn it off” becomes a mantra of the film, speaking to the roles that horror and fantasy play in people’s lives. Schoenbrun acknowledges the pleasure of being allowed to stay at a safe distance through the magic of film in Teenage Sex and Death, but they also acknowledge the real consequences of the slasher genre’s values. For example, Kris can’t have pleasure during sex without imagining violence. The film explores the complexity of the fantasy without judgment, but by ending with the vision of 8-year-old Kris watching Camp Miasma, the fantasy leaks into reality, reminding the viewer that when you turn off the movie, it doesn’t really go away. Maybe the real difference between dreams and fantasy is that dreams tell the dreamer the truth, and fantasy constructs the truth, reshaping the world and the fantasizer too.

Lynch Seeks to Disturb, but Schoenbrun Seeks to Please

Image via MUBI

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Schoenbrun’s film plays within the conventions of the slasher genre while imagining what lies beyond those conventions, constructing a new truth. Their full-hearted exploration of feminine sexuality is a revelation in the industry. They acknowledge the symbol of the phallus, and the power it holds, and put it in the hands of a trans character. Then, they make it an object of pleasure in the sexual fantasy of two women who have each been wronged by the very film they are fantasizing about. Their pleasure comes from being able to remake the fantasy and engage with it on their own terms.

Schoenbrun’s rich, psychological landscapes coupled with their commitment to the logic of fantasy makes it clear that they’re the next David Lynch. Like Lynch, their films may at times be confounding, difficult to articulate, or misunderstood. For these innovative directors, film is a site of discovery, not just box office dollars. Lynch was skilled at finding the disturbing in the pleasurable: the dark underbelly of suburbia in Blue Velvet, and the pain of heartbreak in Mulholland Drive. Schoenbrun starts from the disturbing and explores the pleasure within it. In their films, the dark underbelly of society isn’t the revelation, but pleasure is.

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Release Date

August 7, 2026

Runtime

112 minutes

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Director

Jane Schoenbrun

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Writers

Jane Schoenbrun

Producers

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Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

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