You can always count on Prime Video to have a good film available to stream.

In September, there are at least three new movies with great Rotten Tomatoes scores that you should stream ASAP.

At the top of Watch With Us’ list is Collateral, a Tom Cruise action-thriller that’s only gotten better with age.

We also recommend diving into the mystery of Videodrome, a groundbreaking ‘80s film starring James Woods and Debbie Harry.

Finally, it wouldn’t be spooky season without M. Night Shyamalan and The Visit is one of his best recent horror pictures, with a twist you won’t see coming.

‘Collateral’ (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86 percent

As a Los Angeles taxi driver, Max (Jamie Foxx) has seen some crazy s**t, so when he’s hired by the elegantly dressed Vincent (Cruise) to drive him around town for the night, he thinks he can relax for a bit. He’s never been more wrong, as Vincent soon reveals himself to be a hitman who’s been hired to eliminate several witnesses in an upcoming drug trial. Max isn’t a saint, but he’s no killer, either, and he can’t let Vincent shoot strangers and get away with it. But how can he stop someone who’s been trained to kill and doesn’t have a conscience?

Related: Tom Cruise’s 10 Greatest Action Movies, Ranked

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To anyone who says there are no movie stars left, Tom Cruise is living proof that’s not true. For the better part of four decades, Cruise has been a box-office draw like few others. Cruise has also starred in some truly terrific action movies over the years, and he’s got a new one out now. […]

Collateral works on three levels. First and foremost, it’s a great action film with a thrilling narrative that really does keep you on the edge of your seat. In addition, it’s a superb portrait of L.A. nightlife and really shows off the city’s beauty and diversity. Most importantly, though, Collateral showcases one of Cruise’s most unusual performances. Playing a rare bad guy role, the Top Gun actor revels in playing a character with no moral compass and a killer sense of style.

‘The Visit’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68 percent

Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) have never met their maternal grandparents, and their mother, Loretta (Kathryn Hahn), decides to change that. She’s going on a cruise with her new boyfriend anyway, so it’s convenient for her to send them to their grandparents’ isolated farmhouse for a week-long visit. But Becca and Tyler quickly clock that something is off with Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie) — they act irrationally and chase away local townspeople. When a friendly neighbor disappears after visiting their house, the kids blame the grandparents, but with their mother thousands of miles away, no one is around to help or save them from their possibly sinister relatives.

The Visit is directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and yes, there’s a twist that turns the entire plot on its head. This twist makes sense, though, and actually raises the stakes rather than making you groan. The film is shot in the found-footage style (Becca is an aspiring filmmaker), which makes all the horrors the two kids experience all the more visceral.

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‘Videodrome’ (1983)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83 percent

Max Renn (James Woods) is looking for his next big hit. As the CEO of a Toronto TV station, he has to, or else he’s out of a job. When he becomes aware of a controversial new program called Videodrome, which shows people being tortured and killed on air, he thinks it’s just the show to put him on the map. But as he digs deeper into who is making Videodrome, and whether it actually depicts real-life murders, he begins to lose his grip on reality. Is his paranoia about the show all in his head? Or is Videodrome just a front for a vast conspiracy that could kill millions of people?

Even though it didn’t make much money when it was first released, Videodrome catapulted Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg into the international limelight — and jump-started a career that’s produced such classics as Dead Ringers and Crash (the good one). The film’s signature image, of a man merging his head into a functioning TV set, captures the film’s spooky tech vibe — it’s a horror film that’s unlike any other, and it will rattle your bones. Blondie’s Debbie Harry has her best role ever as Nikki Brand, a kinky radio host who is aroused by Videodrome and is willing to risk her life to become a part of it.

Science fiction is alive and well in the modern day. After all, over the last 15 years, the world has been treated to several books that are bound to go down in history as some of the best sci-fi books of the 21st century. Whether it’s an epic space opera, a science fantasy dystopia, or any other kind of science fiction story, these exceptional books prove that the genre is just as healthy today as it has always been.

From massively successful standalone titles like The Martian to big series installments like Leviathan Wakes, the best sci-fi books that bookworms have been treated to from 2011 until the present should all be considered essential reading for fans of the genre. They’re intelligent, imaginative, irresistibly entertaining, and everything that a science fiction lover could possibly want out of a novel.

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‘The Deluge’ (2023)

Image via Simon & Schuster

For people who love science fiction about societal collapse and the end of the world, Stephen Markley is a must-read author. A very solid starting point to dive into his work is his latest novel, the hugely acclaimed 900-page climate-fiction gem The Deluge. Cli-fi has become one of sci-fi’s most prolific subgenres as the climate crisis keeps growing more and more pressing, and The Deluge is one of the best books that cli-fi has ever had to offer.

The book is an epic with precisely the kind of sprawling scope and scale that you’d expect from a book that’s nearly a thousand pages long. Thematically, it’s not just about the climate, with it also dealing with themes of political extremism and general social decay. Add to that a richly complex character-driven narrative and Markley’s viscerally realistic and experimental prose, and you get one of the best sci-fi books of the 2020s so far.

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‘The Martian’ (2011)

Image via Ballantine Books

Whereas soft science fiction is more focused on characters, emotions, and soft sciences like politics and sociology, hard science fiction is all about scientific rigor and sticking to the laws of physics. As far as contemporary hard sci-fi goes, few authors are doing better work than Andy Weir, whose The Martian is far and away one of the best techno-thriller books of all time.

Originally published chapter by chapter on Weir’s personal blog, The Martian stands out as one of the most accessible hard sci-fi books of the last 15 years. It’s technical and scientifically accurate enough to satisfy even the most demanding hard sci-fi lover, but it also tells its story with such charm, wit, and humor that more general readers should also find it fascinating. It’s as much of a love letter to human ingenuity as it is to the science fiction genre itself.

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‘All Systems Red’ (2017)

Image via Tor.com

Martha Wells‘ The Murderbot Diaries is one of the best sci-fi book series of the last decade, and its first installment, All Systems Red, may still be the peak of the series so far. At just a little over 150 pages long, this winner of the Nebula and Hugo Awards for Best Novella should be a deliciously breezy read in a single weekend. Indeed, it’s such an addictive page-turner that it feels like there isn’t really any other way to read it.

Aside from introducing the world to Murderbot, one of the most charming protagonists and narrators that science fiction literature has seen in years, All Systems Red brilliantly blends its high-stakes adventure with an exquisitely humorous tone of voice that doesn’t get tiring at any point. All in all, it’s one of the best sci-fi books of the past 20 years, perfectly paced and with a faultless balance between sardonic satire and clever sci-fi elements.

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‘Station Eleven’ (2014)

Image via HarperCollins

Canadian literature has plenty to offer in the speculative fiction department, and dystopian science fiction is no exception, as perfectly demonstrated by Emily St. John Mandel‘s Station Eleven. Before it inspired one of HBO’s best miniseries of the 21st century, it was one of the best books published since 2010, a post-apocalyptic masterpiece that proves that the dystopian genre can be gentle and still deliver an unforgettable experience.

Indeed, Station Eleven twists the sci-fi dystopia subgenre on its head by rejecting the usual grim tone that dominates these kinds of stories. Instead, it delivers a poignant reflection on how art and human connections become essential for survival in the face of a terrible crisis. Mandel’s writing is powerfully subtle throughout, allowing the multi-POV structure of its narrative to shine all the brighter.

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‘A Desolation Called Peace’ (2021)

Image via Tor

Arkady Martine (the pen name of AnnaLinden Weller) made history when both books in her debut duology, the Teixcalaan Series, won the Hugo Award for Best Novel. A Memory Called Empire is nothing short of a masterpiece, but its sequel, A Desolation Called Peace, goes so far as to be one of the most perfectly written sci-fi book masterpieces of the last 15 years. The whole duology helped redefine the space opera genre for 2020s readers, but the second installment of the series in particular packs a hell of a punch.Desolation Called Peace, which also won the Locus Award, deconstructs the space opera genre by moving its flashier, most heroically epic conventions to the background. Instead, the book invites the reader to examine the most profound linguistic, political, and philosophical implications of a first contact event. But far from being subversive just for the sake of being subversive, it’s a wonderfully nuanced and entertaining novel with some of the most elaborate prose the genre has seen in years.

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‘Children of Time’ (2015)

Image via Hachette Book Group

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Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of the most consistently engrossing voices in modern-day speculative fiction, celebrated for his profound thematic work and his intricately detailed world-building. Case in point: Children of Time, which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and was even compared to the “universal scale and sense of wonder” of Clarke himself by the director of the award program. It’s no small compliment for a novel that deserves all the praise it gets.

Children of Time is one of the best sci-fi books of the last 25 years, the first in the series that carries its title. People who love the surprisingly prolific “giant alien bug invasion” subgenre of space sci-fi are bound to love Children of Time, since it’s a twist on those kinds of stories that benefits greatly from Tchaikovsky’s background in both zoology and psychology. With layered complexity, he crafts an absolutely fascinating alien culture that completely reframes how the alien invasion genre typically works. “Humans are the actual monsters” is a common trope in science fiction, but Tchaikovsky dissects it with noteworthy nuance.

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‘Leviathan Wakes’ (2011)

Image via Orbit Books

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Leviathan Wakes is the first book in The Expanse Series, written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck under the pen name James S. A. Corey. Inspired by a hugely detailed tabletop RPG Franck had developed, the book’s very core and DNA—from its structure to its plot to its character development—feel every bit as addictive as the most entertaining RPG imaginable. From start to finish, Leviathan Wakes is such a hard book to put down that reading its sequels becomes immediately tempting.

But as phenomenal as the sequels are, there’s a strong argument to be made that Leviathan Wakes is the one most worthy of being counted among the best sci-fi books of the last 15 years. It’s one of those sci-fi books that are perfect from the first page to the last, a space opera whose relative scientific realism, fascinating worldbuilding, and seamless blend of genres made it entirely deserving of the Hugo and Locus Awards it was nominated for.

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‘Project Hail Mary’ (2021)

Image viaa Ballantine Books

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As if any more proof were needed that hard science fiction fans should be thankful for Andy Weir’s mere existence, there’s Project Hail Mary, which by this point seems like one of the most essential sci-fi books for beginners. If The Martian was great for those uninitiated in the world of hard science fiction, then Project Hail Mary saw Weir perfect that formula, crafting a book that should be equally satisfying and compelling for die-hard fans of the genre and those who are only slightly familiar with it.

It’s a masterfully paced survival thriller that makes science and the scientific method seem like the most exciting things in the universe, all thanks to Weir’s unique eye for detail, wonderfully accessible prose, and endless optimism. And with a first contact story that’s surprisingly emotional as the cherry on top, it’s no wonder why Project Hail Mary quickly became a pop-cultural sensation well before the release of this year’s movie adaptation.

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‘Golden Son’ (2015)

Image via Random House Worlds

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Pierce Brown‘s dystopian sci-fi book series Red Rising is one of the most masterful the genre has seen throughout the 21st century, one of those sci-fi book series that are a masterclass in worldbuilding. But as close to perfection as the original Red Rising and all of its sequels are, there’s one particular book in the series that stands out above most other sci-fi books from the 21st century: Golden Son, the second installment in the series.

Sophomore slump? Brown has apparently never heard of such a thing. Golden Son is a masterpiece so full of shocking curveballs and fascinating creative decisions that it’s hard to believe what one is reading throughout those 464 pages. Brown transforms the series from Red Rising‘s more localized dystopia into a staggeringly sprawling space opera unlike any other that literature has seen in over a decade. Golden Son is a clear choice as the single greatest space opera book of the last 15 years.

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‘The Fifth Season’ (2015)

Image via Orbit

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Some people love science fiction; other people love fantasy. Mix the two, and you get science fantasy, a genre that, if done right, can be among the most deliciously satisfying that speculative fiction has to offer. There are plenty of books worthy of being counted among the best science fantasy books of all time, and as far as the genre’s output throughout the last 15 years goes, there’s a clear winner: N. K. Jemisin‘s The Fifth Season.

It’s the inaugural volume of Jemisin’s Broken Earth Series, which became the first trilogy in history whose every book won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in consecutive years. It was a well-deserved honor, too, particularly regarding The Fifth Season. Structurally fascinating, delectably experimental, and full of incredibly immersive worldbuilding, it’s the peak of what sci-fi has had to offer since 2011.

Carson Rowland just broke his silence after Netflix’s shocking decision to cancel Sweet Magnolias after his exit from the show.

“End of an era,” Rowland, 28, wrote via Instagram Story on Friday, September 18, alongside a photo of the show on Netflix.

The reaction came shortly after news broke that Netflix chose not to renew Sweet Magnolias for a sixth season. Instead, the streaming service ordered a new drama series from Sweet Magnolias’ showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson — with JoAnna Garcia Swisher set to executive produce and potentially star in.

“All grand adventures must eventually end,” read a post from the show’s official Instagram account. “And here, dear friends, is where ours goes. Sweet Magnolias is now complete with five seasons streaming on Netflix.”

Sweet Magnolias, which premiered in 2020, is based on Sherryl Woods’ novels about three women who have been best friends since childhood as they navigate their romantic lives, careers and family.

Before season 5 premiered in June, Us broke the news that Rowland wouldn’t reprise his role as Ty. Anderson exclusively told Us that the actor made the “decision” to sit out.

“In his leaving, we wanted to make the best of the situation,” she shared. “And look at what happens when people leave the people they love to chase a dream.”

Anderson later told Deadline that the door is open for a return.

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Related: Most Shocking TV Exits of 2026: From ‘Grey‘s Anatomy‘ to ‘Virgin River‘

It is never easy to unexpectedly say goodbye to your favorite characters — and 2026 has featured an influx of shocking departures on our TV screens from Grey’s Anatomy to Virgin River. Virgin River fans were surprised when showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed multiple characters were written off the show after season 7. Marco Grazzini addressed […]

“We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?” Anderson teased about how the writers wanted to “give that story emotional weight, stakes, consequences” for Annie (Anneliese Judge). “To just pretend that nobody thinks about him, nobody asks about him, and that he’s not thinking about them would have been insincere, I believe.”

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Anderson added: “He’s still out there trying to figure out what happens next, she’s still in Serenity trying to figure out what happens next. And again, open doors we hope will lead to new information, different resolutions. Love isn’t cut and dry. You don’t just wake up one morning and say, I don’t love this person anymore, and move on. It takes time.”

Rowland, for his part, has remained tight-lipped about his decision to step away. He has since explored other opportunities after being cast in The Beauty and NBC’s upcoming series The Rockford Files.

Sweet Magnolias is now streaming on Netflix.

Ruby Rose and Collin Gosselin are among the celebrities putting themselves to the test on the latest season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” During a recent interview about their experience on the physically demanding reality series, the pair also briefly discussed the late Hayden Panettiere.

Rose became emotional while reflecting on her friendship with the actress and offered a glimpse of the deep connection they shared in the last few years of the actress’ life.

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Ruby Rose and Collin Gosselin are two of the celebrity competitors on the upcoming season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” and in a recent interview about the series, the former was asked about how she wanted her late friend, Hayden Panettiere, to be remembered.

Rose became visibly emotional and fought back tears as she said, “That was my best friend. We spoke every day for five years. I didn’t even think we were going to be friends,” she shared.

The Australian actress recalled her first meeting with Panettiere, saying that she was hesitant to have celebrity friends due to her less-than-ideal experience in the entertainment industry. However, the “Heroes” actress approached her, as she told Entertainment Tonight.

“I saw her, she saw me, and I just remember thinking, ‘Oh, no.’ And then she ran up anyway and was like, ‘Hey, I’m Hayden. Can we go talk somewhere? We’ve got a lot in common.’ I just laughed,” Rose said.

The Actress Shared A Message From Hayden Panettiere After Her Death

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Their conversation proved that they, indeed, had a lot in common, leading to a close friendship, with Rose saying that she considered Panettiere her family. They messaged daily and checked in on one another.

“Hayden, all that she ever wanted was to have her story told, her way, on her terms,” Rose said.

After Panettiere’s death, Rose took to Instagram Stories and implored her followers to “wait for all of the information” before making assumptions. “And don’t take it from her estranged mother. Or any of her abusers,” Rose added, per Nine.

On Threads, Rose also responded to an article about Panettiere’s mom, Lesley Vogel, and her statement following her daughter’s death. Rose posted a screenshot of a message allegedly from the actress that read, “I was sobbing over her cruelty yesterday thinking, my god I’m 36 and she can still cause this kind of pain. I’m her only child left and this is how she wants to handle the situation?!”

Colin Gosselin Shares His Thoughts On Hayden Panettiere’s Death

During the interview, Gosselin also had a brief remark about Panettiere. “I can’t voice against it enough when parents don’t look out for their children in this world,” he said.

Several days after Panettiere’s passing, Gosselin shared a post on Instagram Stories, writing, “In my humble opinion, her mother should have protected her. Because while we have laws in place to protect children, we also know how difficult they can be to enforce when the show must go on.”

Gosselin was thrust in a spotlight at a young age, growing up in the public eye as one of the sextuplets on the reality show “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” He is now estranged from his mother, Kate, and alleges that she was abusive, per The Blast. Gosselin details his experiences growing up in his upcoming memoir “In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.”

Hayden Panettiere’s Celebration Of Life Excludes Some People

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Panettiere’s celebration of life will be held on September 19, at a church in Malibu. More than a hundred close friends are expected to gather in honor of the actress, but as reported by The Blast, Brian and Zach Hickerson, as well as Vogel, will not be in attendance. The actress’ father, Skip, will reportedly be present.

Sources say the Hickerson brothers understand the sensitivity of the situation, especially amid the ongoing death investigation, and respect the organizers’ decision.

More Details Emerge About The Actress Death

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Panettiere’s official cause of death has not been released pending toxicology reports. Recently, law enforcement sources claim that the actress may have taken a fentanyl-laced pill before her death, per The Blast.

Her death investigation is ongoing, and federal investigators are reportedly looking at text messages between the actress and a drug dealer. They have directed their focus on identifying the person or people who supplied the pill.

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Toni Braxton and her mother Evelyn Braxton, were outsideeee showing Birdman some love at the Cash Money & No Limit tour stop in Atlanta. Mama Evelyn came through iced OUT with her bling bling, while Toni hit the stage during the show.

RELATED: All The Feels! Toni Braxton Shares Never-Before-Seen Wedding Pics As She Celebrates Second Wedding Anniversary With Birdman (PHOTOS) 

Evelyn Braxton Said She’s OUTSIDE For Her Son-In-Law

On Friday, September 18, Evelyn Braxton hopped on Instagram and let her followers know she was getting ready to pop out to support Birdman at the Cash Money & No Limit tour stop in Atlanta. Cash Money and No Limit took over State Farm Arena last night, and Evelyn made sure she came through dripped down to watch her son-in-law hit the stage. Evelyn stepped out in a matching gray denim set covered in sparkling rhinestones. But chileee, the real star of her fit was her blinged-out choker necklace. She made sure the camera caught every inch of her ice. She was definitely giving bling bling for the occasion! “I’m going to see my son-in-law some of you call him Baby, some call him Birdman […] call him whatever you want to call him he’s still my son-in-law. How about that?” Evelyn said in the clip.

Wifey Duties! Toni Braxton Made Sure To Show OUT For Her Hubby

And you already know Toni Braxton was holding her man DOWN! YBF Daily shared a clip of the singer onstage turning up in a green silk top while the music blasted through the arena. As the camera panned across the stage Birdman popped into the view rocking a white hoodie with black pants.

The Internet Is Here For Toni & Everlyn Holdin’ Birdman Down

Once fans peeped Toni catching a vibe, plenty of folks said they expected nothing less! Some joked that they already knew her energy would be on 100 because she does not play about her hubby. Meanwhile, others flooded YBF Daily’s comment section with love for Toni and Evelyn, saying they enjoyed seeing the ladies pull up. Peep some of the reactions below.

Instagram user @notjustalawyer wrote, “Mama Evelyn got on her bling bling yassss honey !!!” 

Instagram user @pb_la_g wrote, “IKTR Ms. Evelyn! 🤏🏾 They get it from their mama! 😂😂😂 She looks great!” 

While Instagram user @itskaterryj wrote, “I still can’t believe she married that man but she truly is his rider.” 

Then Instagram user @alleyezonbillie wrote, “I love when Toni feels good ❤️” 

Another Instagram user @theyoungd wrote, “My girl was outside 😍” 

Instagram user @melancholy_orchid wrote, “I love mama Evelyn❤️” 

Then another Instagram user @ohbradshaw wrote, “You know what…. Hell YEAH! 💃🏾” 

Lastly, Instagram user @dyou2 wrote, “I’m thinking Baby brought her the chain 😂😂” 

RELATED: Wife Era Unlocked! Toni Braxton Spills Tea On How She & Birdman Celebrated Their First Wedding Anniversary (VIDEO) 

Zara Larsson has hit out at Donald Trump’s White House for using her song “Midnight Sun” in a brutal ICE video promoting deportations.

The Swedish pop star slammed the people behind it as “f-cking losers,” explaining that the song is actually about feeling connected to nature, the universe, and other people.

This isn’t the first time she has been dragged into something like this. Earlier this year, she fired back after the White House mocked her post criticizing ICE amid reports that an officer shot a woman in Minnesota.

Zara Larsson has publicly condemned Donald Trump’s White House after her music was featured in a promotional video showcasing enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The official White House TikTok account shared the 19-second clip with the caption “never ending deportations,” set to Larsson’s track “Midnight Sun.” The video depicts around a dozen men restrained in handcuffs and leg shackles by officers.

However, the “Lush Life” singer expressed sadness over the clip in a three-minute video, arguing that it dehumanized those depicted and contributed to division. She also made an “L” sign with her hand.

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Larsson emphasized that “Midnight Sun” was written about feeling connected to nature, the universe, and humanity, making its association with mass deportation footage deeply antithetical to its message.

She noted that she and the person responsible for the video are no different, adding that the “biggest difference between us is that we were dealt a different hand in life.”

She questioned why the Trump administration keeps portraying undocumented immigrants that way, saying they are ordinary people looking to secure a better life for themselves and their families.

The singer also noted that the video only creates division among people before calling those responsible “f-cking losers.”

Several Stars Have Objected To Trump Using Their Music

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The “Ain’t My Fault” singer isn’t the first pop star to object to the Trump administration using their music to promote immigration policies and other achievements.

Artists including Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Olivia Rodrigo have previously slammed the White House for unauthorized song placements in social media clips showcasing ICE operations, per Rolling Stone.

Bad Bunny, Celine Dion, Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and several others have also spoken out against the Trump administration’s use of their music, either during the campaign or to promote its immigration policies.

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Meanwhile, the situation comes about seven months after the “Ain’t My Fault” singer was involved in a contentious back-and-forth with the White House on social media over the reported shooting of a woman in Minnesota by an ICE officer.

At the time, she reportedly took to her Instagram Story to condemn ICE activities, writing, “I love immigrants, I love criminals, I love trans people, I love abortions, I love queers, I love slutty women, I love contraception, I love welfare, I love socialism, I f-cking hate ICE.”

However, the White House appeared to respond through a video posted on its official TikTok account. The clip, which featured Trump, was set to her hit song “Lush Life” as text seemingly pushing back against her comments appeared on screen.

“We love America First … We love deportations … We love cheap gas prices … We love a secure border … We love world peace … We love law and order … We love work not welfare … WE LOVE ICE and our law enforcement!” some of the phrases read.

Larsson seemingly brushed off the response, writing that she thought they were “losers” and that she shared her opinions because she loved people and connections, per Buzzing Pop.

She added, “It’s not about the theater of it all.”

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Larsson’s outspoken political views haven’t come without a price, particularly when it comes to her pro-Palestine advocacy.

In a series of candid revelations in her documentary “Up Close,” she revealed that she had suffered several canceled gigs, lost lucrative deals, and even had invitations to award shows withdrawn.

She has consistently used her platform to draw attention to causes including immigration policy and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. However, the repercussions have seemingly reached an unprecedented level.

“I have never been cancelled like that before,” she stated in the film. “I lost gigs, didn’t get to perform at award shows, and had offers withdrawn.”

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Ted Lasso Season 4.

The “Believe” sign in AFC Richmond’s locker room is arguably Ted Lasso‘s most iconic symbol and is ever-present in fan memorabilia, from T-shirts to decorations, and even tattoos. Now, Season 4 has given it an upgrade. In the show’s latest episode, Ted’s (Jason Sudeikis) new “Believe” sign is added to the women’s locker room and faces instant backlash from the Lady Greyhounds — until coach Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds) makes a simple yet powerful gesture to change it.

‘Ted Lasso’s “Believe” Sign Change Has a Deeper Meaning

The Lady Greyhounds’ main argument against having a “Believe” sign in their locker room is that, as Margy (Mercedes Assad) puts it best, they already believe in themselves. They’re all dedicated to second-division women’s football mostly for the love of the game, and “believing” lifts none of the weight of being underpaid while still having to shoulder greater burdens than the overwhelming majority of male players. In that sense, it feels almost patronizing to tell a woman to “believe” under these circumstances.

The moment also doubles as an instant reality check for Ted. In previous seasons, he applied this philosophy to male players who were essentially rejects and needed only to believe in themselves to start winning. In women’s football, however, “believing” only gets you so far. In Episode 3, “Richmond’s Got Talent,” Keeley (Juno Temple) tells Roy (Brett Goldstein) ahead of the Lady Greyhounds’ first-ever match that “women don’t get friendlies; we either succeed, or we fail,” which perfectly illustrates the situation.

So far, Ted Lasso Season 4 has nailed its portrayal of this sad reality. Both individually and as a team, women are under a lot more pressure and scrutiny than men. Female teams often have only a fraction of their male counterparts’ budget and are still seen as a huge financial risk, as proven by Higgins’ (Jeremy Swift) report in Episode 3. So, they play not only against adversaries, but also against everyone else’s expectations, meaning that, for the Lady Greyhounds, “believing” isn’t enough.

‘Ted Lasso’s “Believe” Sign Moment Gives Alice a Bigger Role

Image via Apple TV

As “Yes & Baby” shows, the Lady Greyhounds have had everything but results, both on and off the pitch. Each member of the team has her own problems, but Alice is among those who have it the hardest. Working with Ted and Beard (Brendan Hunt) — two men coaching a women’s team — affected her self-esteem at first, but putting up the “Believe (and Win)” sign is her first concrete step toward getting it back in a positive way.

Season 4 has already established Alice as a counterpoint to Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed), and Ted is aware of her potential. She believes in her coaching abilities more than anyone else does, but, unlike Nate, Alice understands her need for self-improvement and has been taking concrete steps toward it. That’s what Ted and Beard’s “yes, and…” advice is all about: opening the door for more practical opportunities for those around her, like giving Shannon (Shannon Hayes) a chance during training, and real change for herself. In that sense, Ted Lasso‘s “Believe (and Win)” sign perfectly captures how much Alice has already improved. The team’s acceptance of this message might seem trivial at first, especially as they start chanting it in the locker room shortly after, but it’s really Alice’s first real message to the players, as well as her first real win.

‘Ted Lasso’s New “Believe” Sign Represents a Turning Point for Season 4

Ted Lasso Season 4 has already emphasized the differences between men’s and women’s football, from the very visual language established for the women’s team — the color schemes in both their jerseys and their “Believe” sign are inverted compared to the men’s — to the conditions they have to work under — they didn’t have their own locker room, didn’t have official uniforms for their first-ever match, don’t usually play at Nelson Road, etc.

There is one thing both teams need, though, and that’s a sense of unity and purpose. The original “Believe” sign gave the men just that, and now, the “Believe (and Win)” sign gives it to the women, too. Before that, they divided themselves into cliques, struggled to develop their pitch dynamics, and started getting disillusioned by this week’s episode. When Lizzie’s (Faye Marsay) kid finally reads the Post-It, it’s the realization the team needed while representing a bigger turning point for the Lady Greyhounds going forward, just as it did for the men’s team.