Entertainment
‘Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Disputes Corey Harrison Medical Bills Claims
‘Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison
Pushes Back At Corey Over Hospital Bills
Published
Rick Harrison is pushing back at claims made by his son Corey about his six-figure medical bills following Corey’s motorcycle accident and complications that followed … saying he covered the bills and Corey isn’t in debt to him.
The “Pawn Stars” star tells TMZ … “As far as I know, I paid all of Corey’s medical bills long before he put the GoFundMe out. He is a grown man in his 40’s and is responsible for how he handles his finances.”
As we reported … a GoFundMe was launched to help Corey cover outstanding medical bills, rent, medications and therapy — and to pay back money he said he borrowed from Rick and friends who helped foot the hospital costs.
But, Rick’s statement contradicts what Corey previously told us … that his dad paid “at least half” of his medical bills, which came as a loan, and he was dead set on paying him back.
Corey also said he drained his savings on the treatment and surgeries following his crash and now has just $400 left in his bank account.
However, Rick tells us … “It’s always nice to be paid back, but there is no repayment schedule in place.”
Corey isn’t convinced the debt has magically disappeared, telling TMZ … “If he decided I don’t have to pay him back the money, then happy birthday to me. But based on our personal and business relationship, I don’t see how that’s possible. I love my father very much, he’s always been there for me, and I don’t have a problem with him at all.”
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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
For a franchise that’s all about peaceful exploration, Star Trek has always placed a special emphasis on fighting. From the infamous “Kirk-fu” of The Original Series to the Vulcan martial arts in Discovery, it never takes too long for an away team mission to lead to fisticuffs. Of course, we all know that the fisticuffs in question are just as fake as the special effects that bring these sci-fi series to life.
On one occasion, though, Star Trek ended up hiding a real fistfight in plain sight. In the Deep Space Nine episode “Invasive Procedures,” future Voyager star Tim Russ accidentally really punched Nana Visitor’s stunt double during a fight scene. While everyone else freaked out, she urged Russ to keep going because of how real the fight was going to look onscreen!
A Star Trek Icon Returns
“Invasive Procedures” is a Deep Space Nine episode in which the station has to be mostly evacuated thanks to a plasma storm. The command staff stays on as a skeleton crew, but it doesn’t take long before they are invaded and overpowered by a ragtag group of bad guys. One of the invaders is an unjoined Trill, and her goal is horrifyingly simple: she wants the symbiont inside Dax’s body, but without it, the perky science officer will soon die.
Among the bad guys is a Klingon mercenary played by Tim Russ, who would later famously play the Vulcan Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager. This was actually his second appearance in the franchise, as he had previously appeared as a different kind of mercenary in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Starship Mine.” He would later make a memorable appearance in Star Trek: Generations before joining the lead cast of Voyager.
Deep Space Nine’s Strongest Fighter
Obviously, Russ made a major impact on the Star Trek producers early on, which is why they kept bringing him back for future appearances. In “Invasive Procedures,” however, he made an impact of an entirely different kind: with his fist. During the occupation of Deep Space Nine, Major Kira put up a fight, and she was scripted to scrap with the Klingon played by Russ.
According to Star Trek Monthly (issue 52), the fight went sideways when Tim Russ accidentally landed a punch. At the time, Patricia Tallman (who also played Lyta on Babylon 5) was Nana Visitor’s stunt double, so she was the one engaging in the onscreen fistfight. After Russ landed an actual punch, Tallman said that “everyone on the set freaked out, but I said, ‘No, don’t stop! That was really good – it looked very authentic!”
When Stunts Get Real
The stuntwoman had her way, and “we finished the fight there and then.” To her credit, it was a good call: while “Invasive Procedures” isn’t the best Star Trek episode, it does feature one of the most memorable fights in the entire franchise. That wouldn’t have happened if Patricia Tallman hadn’t been willing to take a punch and keep on filming.
While Tim Russ was horrified at accidentally punching a fellow actor, everything worked out. The onscreen fight looked excellent, and he went on to later have a thriving career as Star Trek’s second most-famous Vulcan. As for his Tuvok character, we can only assume he would declare that Tallman made the right call: after all, making their onscreen battle look as authentic as possible was only logical!
The third season of From might have wrapped on MGM+ in late 2024 with the series set to return for Season 4 in 2026, but it remains one of TV’s most chilling small-town horror stories. The people of the unnamed hamlet are just trying to survive each day while dealing with a mysterious group of evil night creatures. However, just five years ago, the guru of macabre, Mike Flanagan, created and directed a seven-episode miniseries for Netflix with many of the same plot devices and gruesome bloodletting. In Midnight Mass, available now on, it’s the residents of a sleepy, isolated island town that deal with the wrath of an evil presence exacerbated by a haunting sense of existential dread.
In what is his beefiest and best role to date, Hamish Linklater leads a strong ensemble cast that includes Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas, and Annabeth Gish. Suppose you’re digging the vibes of John Griffin‘s From, in that case, you should absolutely watch (or even rewatch) this terrifying creep show that ventures into religious epistemology and how extremely dark forces can be misinterpreted.
What Is ‘Midnight Mass’ About?
On the small island town of Crockett, the Monsignor of the local Catholic Church has mysteriously disappeared, leaving the God-fearing congregation needing help and new leadership. The people of Crockett are struggling as the fishing economy that drives the town is shrinking. The sleepy town is dying until a charismatic priest named Father Paul Hill (Linklater) arrives to ostensibly replace Monsignor John Pruitt. Along with his undeniable charm and knowledge of scripture, he brings a series of inexplicable miracles that revitalize the dreary island.
But, like in From, a malevolent being lurks, attempting to exploit the desperate populace. Flanagan does brilliant work interweaving the stories of an ensemble of players who are all engaging characters with unique storylines. When they start to realize that Father Paul is leading them down a dark path, it is too late, and dozens of the people in the community suffer the consequences of having blind faith in what turns out to be an irreparably flawed man who has no idea of the destruction he has brought to Crockett Island.
‘Midnight Mass’ Has the Same Dreadful Tone as ‘From’
There are obvious similarities between Midnight Mass and From, including a small and isolated group of people cut off from the larger society and subject to the whims of an influential entity like Father Paul. Even as Paul brings a sense of hope and executes miracles of healing power, there is a feeling that it is a precursor to something else—something dangerous. In that sense, the ambiance of the two shows is unyielding existential dread, as if the audience is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Fortunately, while the slow-burning story of Paul’s secret forms throughout the series, Flanagan writes a collection of salt-of-the-earth people with interesting backstories. Riley Flynn (Gilford) is a recovering alcoholic who has returned to Crockett Island after having served time in jail for the vehicular manslaughter of a young woman. He fell asleep at the wheel because he was drunk. His love interest, Erin Greene (Siegel), tries to leave the small-town life behind her for greener pastures as a performer, but has also returned, getting pregnant and failing to achieve her dreams. The relationship between these two and their deep discussions about life and death is both profound and enlightening.
Father Paul’s Deadly Secret Devastates the Small Town in ‘Midnight Mass’
The unfortunate souls trapped in the Midwestern town deal with a deadly group of ghastly monsters every night in From. Midnight Mass is different because it continues collecting more gunpowder to deliver a massive haymaker of a shotgun blast in the final sequence. The series finale is intended to be Flanagan’s interpretation of the Bible’s Book of Revelations and the End of Days as it applies to the people of Crockett Island. He uses humanity’s shortcomings, lack of understanding, and misinterpretation of scripture to punctuate his story. Father Paul was wrong about everything regarding the bloodthirsty angel he brought back to the town.
He has brought the wrath of a cruel and winged vampire with designs to exsanguinate and own the souls of everyone on the island. He has brought a plague in the form of a ghoulish bloodsucker onto an island that has been completely cut off from the mainland and the rest of civilization. In the end, Flanagan intends to demonstrate how meek and clueless humanity is and that faith, while good for many people, can be twisted by a few in power. The result is a cataclysm that sees only two children survive as they row a small canoe away from an island engulfed in flames.
Midnight Mass is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
Tennis pro Caroline Wozniacki has a must-see bikini body.
Wozniacki, 35, showed off her figure in a sizzling hot swimsuit while enjoying a yacht outing with husband David Lee in St. Barths. In a carousel of photos, which she shared via Instagram on Thursday, March 5, Wozniacki was seen modeling a fiery set featuring a textured red triangle cup top finished with halter straps. She styled the itty-bitty piece with low-rise bottoms that hugged her hips.
The athlete made her look even more glamorous with a number of silver and gold bracelets stacked on one wrist. She further accessorized with a bronze scrunchie on her other arm and black shades.
Wozniacki went makeup-free while soaking up the sun and wore her blonde hair down and styled in a blowout.
Caroline Wozniacki and her husband, David Lee, are growing their family. “Officially switching to zone defense!” the couple wrote in a joint post via Instagram on Sunday, April 6. “Our family couldn’t be more excited to welcome baby #3 soon! 👶🏼 .” Alongside the pregnancy announcement, Wozniacki, 34, and Lee, 41, shared an image of […]
When fans swiped through her carousel, they were met with even steamier snaps of Wozniacki taking an outdoor shower. She leaned her head back and rinsed her hair out in one pic before turning to the side and laughing in another.
She also posed with Lee, 42, who wore blue swim trunks. The couple, who share daughter Olivia, 4, and sons James, 2, and Max, 7 months, wrapped their arms around each other and gazed at the camera.
“Lady in red👙🌊☀️⛵️😍,” she captioned the post. Her celebrity friends and followers were quick to praise her in the comments section.
“OMG!!! Hot!!!😍🔥🔥,” one wrote, while golfer Michelle Wie West commented, “DAYUMMMMM.” Karlie Kloss also gushed, “🔥🔥🔥.” Olympian Donna Vekic playfully added, “Probably ate pasta and french fries before taking these pics 🥲.”
Stars have no shortage of stylish swimsuits. This year, Hollywood’s favorites, including Gisele Bündchen, Simone Biles, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Brittany Mahomes, Hailey Bieber and more have shown off their bikini style in super sexy looks. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing […]
Wozniacki announced that she gave birth to Max in July 2025. At the time, she shared an adorable pic of Olivia and James cuddling with her newborn on a couch. “Max Wozniacki Lee, born July 26, 2025! Mom and baby are healthy and our family couldn’t be happier! ❤️✨,” she captioned the post.
Britney Spears is reportedly feeling “embarrassed” by her DUI arrest as she is worried about how it could affect her children.
A rep for the “Toxic” singer has since shared that she’s “going to take the steps” to get better and would have her sons by her side for emotional support.
Britney Spears’s past struggles with mental health issues are no news, but an insider recently shared that her ex-husband Kevin Federline‘s memoir sent her into a “downward” spiral.
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Britney Spears Is ‘Embarrassed’ By DUI Arrest
Britney Spears has reportedly been left embarrassed by her recent arrest for driving under the influence, as she worries over how it’ll affect her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James.
A source close to the pop icon shared that she is feeling “very emotional and regretful” about the situation amid reports she’s on the path to turning a new leaf.
“She’s very emotional and regretful this morning. She’s also embarrassed because of how it could affect her sons,” the insider said, per People Magazine. “She loves them very much and never wants them to feel like she’s letting them down.”
Following her arrest, a rep shared that the boys will still be by her side as they hope to help her get through this difficult phase.
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“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being,” the rep said.
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Kevin Federline Made Disturbing Claims About The Singer’s Relationship With The Boys
Spears has not had the best of relationships with her sons, who have stayed with their dad all through their lives.
In his memoir, “You Thought You Knew,” released in October 2025, Federline claimed that she and her children were not on speaking terms.
He claimed that her visits with them became “less frequent, then stopped altogether” because the boys were “emotionally drained” by the dynamic. He also wrote about an incident where she wielded a weapon while watching them sleep.
“They would awaken sometimes at night to find her standing silently in the doorway, watching them sleep — ‘Oh, you’re awake?’ — with a knife in her hand,” he wrote.
According to NewsNation, a source also confirmed that they were not speaking at the time.
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“As of now, she’s not talking to anyone,” the insider said. “The boys are very worried about their mom, but there’s not much they can do.”
The source also claimed that Spears was in a “very dark” place at the time, and shared that “It’s gotten very bad again.”
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Britney Spears Says Her Relationship With Her Sons Is ‘Complex’
The “Gimme More” singer hit back at Federline’s claims in an X post, but said that her relationship with her sons was “complex.”
“I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys,” she wrote. “Relationships with teenage boys is complex. I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life.”
Spears continued, “Sadly, they have always witnessed the lack of respect shown by [their] own father for me. They need to take responsibility for themselves. With one son only seeing me for 45 min in the past 5 years, and the other with only 4 visits in the past 5 years. I have pride, too. From now on, I will let them know when I am available.”
The pop star added that she will “always love them” and has been trying to live a “sacred and private life” despite the media portrayal of her.
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Kevin Federline’s Book May Have Worsened The Singer’s Situation
Meanwhile, a source claimed Federline’s damaging allegations in his memoir took a negative toll on her and led to a “downward” spiral that eventually led to her DUI arrest.
“But the truth is, this has been going on for a while,” the source told Page Six. “Her behavior has become increasingly erratic in recent months. She goes from being fine to being not.”
The insider continued, “It was the Kevin book that really sent her over the edge, and it’s been downhill from there. It really impacted her emotionally.”
Britney Spears Felt Exploited By Her Ex-Husband
Speaking more on the singer’s recent spiral, the source told the news outlet that Spears felt her ex-husband, Federline, had “used” her after years of giving him all that he asked for while raising their sons.
The source said that Spears “feels like she gave Kevin everything that he wanted over the years” and “paid him so much money,” but he still “exploited her” with his memoir.
“He used her; he wanted to ruin her,” the insider added. “And that was a really hard pill to swallow; it absolutely killed her that someone would want to damage her so much.”
Move over “trad wives,” because you might have some competition from the “trad sons” for the latest viral craze.
The term “trad son” started making waves via TikTok in 2025, describing adult sons that live at home for an extended period long after graduating from high school or college.
“There’s a lot of unrest in men in their 20s and 30s, today. There’s a lot of insecurity and instability. Most young people haven’t truly found themselves yet,” family therapist Kathryn Smerling told The New York Post in October 2025. “For some, it’s comforting to be at home. They feel safe and secure with their parents in a very conflictual world.”
Soon enough, several of these so-called “trad sons” began popularizing the term in a flurry of social media posts. Keep scrolling to learn more:
Courtesy of Nara Smith/Instagram; Courtesy of Hannah Neeleman/Instagram Who is Nara Smith, and what is a “trad wife?” Allow Us to explain. Viral influencer, model, and mother of three Nara Smith Smith attracted a following on TikTok for her cooking videos, which she started in 2022. She has since accumulated almost 9 million followers on […]
What Is a ‘Trad Son’?
The term “trad son” describes a child who has continued to live with his parents into adulthood in exchange for helping with various household chores.
The movement got a boost when Brendan Liaw appeared on Jeopardy! in May 2025 when he was 28, where he was introduced as a “stay-at-home son.”
“It’s a pretty good gig, but I’m worried I’m going to be called a loiterer at some point,” Liaw told Vanity Fair in October 2025. “I really threw it out there as a little joke. I don’t want to be permanently associated with the face of unemployment forever.”
He added, “I think it’s fun that we get to talk about what it’s like to be a young man, navigating the labor market right now. I think it’s very different than it was for my parents or other people of other generations.”
Liaw eventually did move away from home later in 2025, relocating to Canada to attend law school at the University of British Columbia.
Why Are Men Interested in Becoming ‘Trad Sons’ Over Independent Living?
Several social media users have disclosed their reasoning for living at home, often citing the rising cost of living as a major factor.
“I just wanted to,” Luke Jonathan Parkhurst, for his part, told Vanity Fair in 2025. “I packed up and moved home and sold my house.”
Parkhurst, whose mother calls him a “hub-son,” begins his day by going to the gym while his mom walks the family dog. From there, Parkhurst picks up groceries from Costco before returning home to cook them both lunch. He handles other chores later in the day.
“Even at school, when they would ask what I wanted to be when I was older, I would always write, ‘stay-at-home son,’” he quipped to the outlet, revealing he identifies as a “truth seeker” but distances himself from traditional masculine values associated with new Republican figures. “When they talk about, ‘Hey, this is what a man’s supposed to do,’ I’m not saying they’re incorrect, but I have different perspectives on what I think a man should do as well.”
Courtesy of Enitza Templeton/Instagram TikTok creator Enitza Templeton is looking back at her time as what would now be considered a trad wife. “It’s just this little dangling carrot to keep you trying to be this perfect trophy wife. She’s beautiful, she has the children, she does it unmedicated,” Templeton, 41, said in an interview […]
Are ‘Trad Sons’ Related to ‘Trad Wives’?
The “trad wives” movement, associated with women who follow stereotypical gender roles in their marriage, has gained traction through the likes of Hannah Neeleman and Nara Smith cooking their families home-cooked meals and raising a large brood of children. (Neeleman and Smith, however, both deny any connection to the label.)
Trad sons were given a similar name by virtue of living at home with goals of tackling housework.
While Fool Me Once is certainly Harlan Coben‘s most-watched TV show, even grasping Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched TV shows of all-time list at one point, there are a few of his series that have remained under the radar. Among them is Stay Close, a 2021 eight-episode drama series on Netflix that’s full of twists and turns, and has scored an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series, which has Coben’s signature style with mind-bending mystery, is the perfect weekend binge for anyone looking to be gripped from beginning to end. The story is all about how the past can come back to haunt you, even if you’re doing everything you can to move past it and reinvent yourself. But time has a way of playing tricks on you, as so does Coben.
What Is ‘Stay Close’ About?
Adapted by Danny Brocklehurst, Stay Close starts off with bride-to-be Megan Pierce (Cush Jumbo) as she enjoys her bachelorette party ahead of her seemingly picture-perfect wedding. But right when things are as happy as they can be, she gets a mysterious note on her doorstep that knocks her into place. The note is addressed to “Cassie,” her past self who she’s worked hard to keep buried. Right then, the suburban mother of three realizes she can’t escape her past, including her shady days as an exotic dancer at the strip club Vixens. As the series goes on, Megan tries to protect her family and confine her former life to the shadows, but new and old mysteries make it hard to keep everything under wraps.
Also essential to the series is Ray (Richard Armitage), a former documentary photographer who’s posing as a paparazzo, and Lorraine (Sarah Parish), an old acquaintance of Megan’s who comes back into her life unannounced. In Coben’s signature style, the series also follows an interconnected police investigation, this time led by the unrelenting DS Michael Broome (James Nesbitt), who becomes obsessed with solving a missing-person cold case. Their stories kick off when a man connected to their shared past disappears, 17 years to the night from another mystery, pulling them all into a web of lies, guilt, and unfinished business.
Harlan Coben Reveals Who You’re Most Likely To See in His Next Murder Mystery
The writer’s next project debuts on New Year’s Day.
‘Stay Close’ Is An Underseen Mystery Modern Classic
While Stay Close didn’t receive the same attention as Fool Me Once or the latest Run Away when it was released, it was nonetheless loved by critics. Among the highlights, in addition to Jumbo’s solid lead performance, is the powerful cast of actors, including Coben’s often used actors Nesbitt and Armitage. Together, they built the outer layers of the story, all while adding to Megan/Cassie’s central drama. Plus, like many of Coben’s shows, the mystery is carefully and deliberately constructed and revealed throughout the series, making each episode a puzzle piece of the story. One review called the series a “particularly bonkers, lightning-fast, highly binge-able thriller.
With that said, while Harlan Coben has been known as a master of mysteries on the page, his TV shows have continued to make for enthralling and gripping TV. 2021’s Stay Close does just that, delivering a forbidden romance, a string of unsolved murders, medical scares, and a delicious finale that will have viewers satisfied and even craving for more.
Daylight Saving Time — The Collider Movie Quiz!
Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. Before we lose an hour of sleep, here’s a quiz about movie titles that contain Daylight, Saving, or Time.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2021-00-00
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James Nesbitt
DS Michael Broome
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Sarah Parish
Lorraine Griggs
Smokey Robinson
Accusers Hit Back in Legal Battle
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5:36 PM PT — Smokey’s lawyer Christopher Frost tells TMZ in response … “We are, unfortunately, not surprised that these plaintiffs and their lawyers are trying to get more media attention just after Mr. Robinson has announced new tour dates. We have explained in our lawsuit against them that their only real motivation is to recycle false allegations, vomit them all over the media at strategic times, and hope that they will affect Mr. Robinson’s livelihood and career enough to extort him into an undeserved settlement. That will not happen no matter how desperate Plaintiffs’ tactics become.”
Frost continues … “The plaintiffs’ recycled lamentations are clearly intended to mislead the public and hide their own misconduct. The truth is this: their discovery motions are a routine part of litigation and not newsworthy. What is newsworthy is the level of plaintiffs’ obfuscation and obstruction, for which we have repeatedly had to seek the court’s intervention.”
He adds … “It is the plaintiffs’ obfuscation and obstruction, for which we have repeatedly had to seek the court’s intervention, that is at issue here, on everything from completing depositions to imaging of cell phones to the numerous appeals we have had to make to the court to get deposition transcripts sent to the Los Angeles District Attorney. For them to somehow suggest the shoe is on the other foot could not be more absurd.”
Attorneys representing several of Smokey Robinson‘s accusers say they’ve asked a judge to step in … accusing the Motown legend of dragging his feet in the ongoing sexual-assault lawsuit.
John Harris — who represents Jane Does 1 through 4 — tells TMZ his team filed four motions to compel further discovery on Tuesday after what he describes as months of delays and incomplete responses from Smokey and his wife, Frances Robinson.
Harris claims the Robinsons’ discovery responses have been “evasive” and “designed to stall the progress of the case,” arguing the couple has repeatedly failed to comply with California’s discovery rules.
He also claims Smokey has been invoking the Fifth Amendment … even for routine questions, saying the constitutional protection shouldn’t be used as a blanket method to avoid answering questions or participating in the civil case.
According to Harris, the plaintiffs have done the opposite … fully cooperating with the legal process. He says all six accusers involved in the case — Jane Does 1 through 5 and John Doe 1 — have already sat for depositions — some as many as four times — despite what he calls intrusive questioning and retaliatory accusations.
Harris also points to Smokey’s $500 million countersuit against the accusers and their attorneys, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the plaintiffs.
The attorney says court intervention is now necessary to force transparency and move the case forward so the alleged victims can pursue justice.
As we previously reported … Robinson was first sued in May 2025 by four former housekeepers, who accused the singer of sexual battery and other misconduct while working in his home. Two additional accusers — including a male former employee — later sought to join the lawsuit, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to six.
Robinson has denied the allegations, and his attorney previously told TMZ the claims are part of an organized effort to extract money from the music icon.
Hulu is expanding The Handmaid’s Tale universe with its The Testaments spinoff — but who makes up the cast?
The Handmaid’s Tale universe was brought to life when Hulu adapted Margaret Atwood‘s 1985 novel of the same name in 2017. Atwood’s dystopian universe followed a future where low fertility rates have led women to be assigned to men for bearing children. Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Madeline Brewer, Dowd, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley and Amanda Brugel have led the cast since the show premiered in 2017.
After The Handmaid’s Tale‘s final season was announced in 2022, creator Bruce Miller stepped down as showrunner to work on The Testaments as executive producers Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang took over the day-to-day duties on the flagship drama.
“We are making The Testaments, and it’s not going to track precisely,” Miller told TVLine at the time. “Margaret writes these absolutely deliciously specific characters. We had to go away from that in Handmaid’s, and we’re going to have to go away from that in Testaments. Testaments is certainly going to be a sequel to the show.”
Hulu Hulu’s highly anticipated The Handmaid’s Tale spinoff The Testaments is in the works — but what is there to know about the show so far? Margaret Atwood’s dystopian universe was initially brought to life with The Handmaid’s Tale, which is based on the novel of the same name about a future where low fertility […]
Set 15 years later, The Testaments is narrated by Aunt Lydia as viewers are thrust back into the dystopian future with new characters such as Agnes from Gilead and Daisy from Canada as they secretly gather and smuggle incriminating information about Gilead’s regime out of the country. Agnes and Daisy pose as “Pearl Girls” to infiltrate Canada, while Aunt Lydia acts as a covert source within Gilead.
“Although I could not continue with the story of Offred, I could continue with three other people concerned in these events and tell the story of the beginning of the end, because we know from The Handmaid’s Tale that Gilead vanishes,” Atwood told journalists at an event in 2019. “It’s no longer present 200 years into the future, because they’re having a symposium on it. How did it collapse? How do these kinds of regimes disappear? I was interested in exploring that.”
She continued: “There [are] some new costume choices in this book. Human beings throughout time love outfits that tell you who you’re looking at, like football teams and things like that. So yes, we have some new outfits.”
Atwood said she kept Miller updated on her plans as The Handmaid’s Tale was coming to an end.
“I read the scripts; I make notes on them,” she added. “I have influence but no actual power. But luckily we’re in accord most of the time.”
Keep scrolling to meet The Testaments cast — and get a breakdown of who they play:
Ann Dowd
After playing Aunt Lydia in the OG series, Dowd is returning as a key player in orchestrating Gilead’s downfall from the inside.
Chase Infiniti
June’s daughter, Agnes, was raised in Gilead and formerly known as Hannah before taking part in the resistance.
Lucy Halliday
The character Daisy is described as a Canadian teenager whose life is upended as she becomes a crucial part of taking down Gilead.
Rowan Blanchard
The Girl Meets World alum plays Shunammite a.k.a a pampered, prominent Gilead girl whose story intersects with Agnes and Daisy’s.
Mattea Conforti
Becka’s character description teases “a kind but shy girl from a lower-class background who becomes a Supplicant and ally.”
Mabel Li
Aunt Vidala is a “powerful, fundamentalist Aunt who vies for authority,” according to the show’s breakdown of the character.
Amy Seimetz
Agnes’ harsh stepmother is named Paula and will be explored on screen.
With just eight tightly wound episodes, Netflix’s Bloodhounds is a phenomenal work of pathos-riddled suspense and an especially interesting Korean drama to emerge from the country’s massively successful Netflix partnership. K-Dramas produced by Netflix, rather than the ones aired on local networks and globally distributed by Netflix, tend to take full advantage of the greater creative freedom the streaming giant affords — a.k.a more violence, more sex, and more graphic material in general, whether visual or thematic. That blood-soaked sensibility feels especially relevant now, with Bloodhounds Season 2 premiering April 3 on Netflix.
As a thriller, Bloodhounds slots neatly in alongside other suspenseful Netflix-backed crime dramas like My Name, The Glory, and Little Women. It deals with unrelentingly dark subjects as harshly as if it dumped itself in a vat of blood, and doesn’t flinch away from said themes or harsh violence. Yet Bloodhounds strikes a magnificent, fascinating balance between the calcified violent imagery common to Netflix K-Dramas and the triumphant character-based optimism of Korea’s more traditional broadcast series.
What Is ‘Bloodhounds’ About?
Korean media frequently examines the flaws of their country’s socioeconomic systems with particular emphasis on how these structures negatively and inordinately affect those of lesser economic status and social class (which includes ostracized gender identities and sexual orientations). Dramas address these notions across all genres: revenge, thriller, romantic drama, and rom-coms alike. A popular joke among K-Drama fans is how a supposedly light-hearted series always has a heartbreakingly dark reveal up its sleeve.
Bloodhounds almost relishes its deconstruction of capitalism and the need for redemptive action, except nothing can be viewed as emotional trauma porn; it’s mere honesty. Starring Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, the series follows Kim Geon-woo (Woo) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee), two aspiring young boxers. The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered their career hopes and financially compromised countless small business owners, including Geon-woo’s mother, Yoon So-yeon (Yoon Yoo-sun). When powerful loan sharks operating under the guise of the Smile Capital company take advantage of So-yeon’s financial destitution by tricking her into an unfair contract, then destroying her shop and threatening her when she fails to deliver money she can’t possibly earn, Geon-woo and Woo-jin choose to fight this threat rather than flee. The problem lies in how Smile Capital’s CEO, Kim Myeong-gil (Park Sung-woong), is a sadistic criminal with a limitless capacity for cruelty.
Geon-woo and Woo-jin Are the Best Part of ‘Bloodhounds’
In Bloodhounds’ world, COVID-19 opened up a new avenue of exploitation. The impossibly rich Myeong-gil’s malice is so immense that he’s forced many of his victims to take their own lives if he doesn’t execute them himself. His company’s greed extends to stealing homeless individuals’ IDs. Nothing is beneath him. Set against this are Geon-woo and Woo-jin, also known as the goodest-good-boys of all time. Geon-woo adores his mother and is a natural protector of the defenseless. He’s a young man so unassuming and genuine that he believes any situation can be bested “with a good heart,” something he promises he “always” possesses no matter the circumstances. He also believes no one is beyond redemption if they truly try; what matters in life is finding your way back from corruption.
Meanwhile, Woo-jin is the human incarnation of an excited, adoring puppy, responsible for most of the show’s comedic relief until he’s suddenly the bleeding heart, and viewers are sobbing in fear over his fate. The pair’s amiable and unplanned friendship becomes an unbreakable bond forged in the fire of Myeong-gil’s persecution. They draw strength from one another and survive only thanks to the actual power of friendship. This is a love story, and they love unreservedly.
‘Bloodhounds’ Blends Optimism With Harsh Reality
At its thematic heart, Bloodhounds isn’t a story about boxing. Much like Rocky focuses more on the characters than the sport, it’s concerned with the “heart of a boxer” and how that equals the heart of a tirelessly earnest person. Geon-woo and Woo-jin are soon joined by Cha Hyun-joo (Kim Sae-ron), the adopted granddaughter of former loan executive Choi Tae-ho (Huh Joon-ho). The brothers-in-blood become a trio who fight against corruption first because life demands it, then by choice. They share the same sincerity and moral conviction: good people like them battle against horrible institutions because that’s the honorable thing to do. They become protectors and remain as much even when their mentor figures (Choi Tae-ho and his employees) are reformed criminals trying to atone for the harm they once caused. (Sadly but appropriately, Tae-ho’s past actions are what created and empowered Myeong-gil, a devil he has no choice but to eliminate.)
That earnestness doesn’t come with rose-colored glasses, which is where Bloodhounds’ brutality emerges. No character is safe; Episode 6 in particular will make you want to sue for emotional damages. Love powers our characters and saves the day in all technicalities, but not everyone magically survives. As Geon-woo and Woo-jin find themselves more ensnared in the loan industry underworld, endure more violence, and watch more people they love being slaughtered by the seemingly unstoppable Myeong-gil, the protagonists inflict greater violence in the name of justice.
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As such, Bloodhounds examines how fighting a system as warped and massive as capitalism leaves little room for keeping one’s hands morally clean. It’s punch-the-air satisfying to watch Geon-woo and Woo-jin have a power-up training montage before knocking their enemies’ lights out. Yet for all their momentary triumph, there’s the regret of the aftermath. They don’t become the monster to destroy the monster, but they dance inside its cage and emerge with scars. Hard-won survival doesn’t have easy exemptions for those with good hearts. Bloodhounds is optimism at a cost.
‘Bloodhounds’ Is One of Netflix’s Best New K-Dramas
The series also offers reluctant group hugs (the grumpy versus sunshine dynamic!), enduring friendships, and remarkable fight scenes. Bloodhounds’ choreography taps into boxing’s grace and dynamic ferocity. It’s a visually interesting change to watch its techniques applied to a massive two-against-30 fight scene. The seamlessly charismatic Woo Do-hwan of My Country: The New Age and Joseon Attorney pours his heart into a performance that burns onto one’s retinas. Lee Sang-yi of Once Again and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (and the music group MSG Wannabe) finally gets the leading man the focus his skill warrants, and, to use a different sports metaphor, scores an effortless touchdown.
Bloodhounds isn’t what you expect in the most satisfying ways. The series might not necessarily tell an original thematic story, but it’s an easy binge that’s incredibly well executed, and it was easily one of the streamer’s best releases.
Bloodhounds is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. with Season 2 premiering next month.
Bloodhounds
- Release Date
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June 9, 2023
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Jason Kim
- Writers
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Jason Kim
-
-
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Heo Joon-ho
President Choi
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Park Sung-woong
Kim Myeong-gil
Jennifer Lopez is looking to make a statement with her Las Vegas residency and has reportedly been working overtime to ensure she delivers a peak experience for her fans.
Reports claim the singer is hoping to use the show to rewrite the narrative around Hollywood that she is no longer a top diva in the game.
Jennifer Lopez also recently dropped a new song with David Guetta and said she’s in her “happy era,” more than a year after she finalized her split from Ben Affleck.
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Jennifer Lopez Is Putting In 13-Hour Rehearsal Days In Preparation For Her Vegas Show
Lopez isn’t just returning to the stage for her Las Vegas residency, but she’s also attempting to reclaim her spot as one of the music industry’s “it” girls.
According to the Daily Mail, the “Jenny From The Block” singer has been working nonstop in preparation for the run of shows, which will be held at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace.
“Jennifer is rehearsing night and day to make sure the show is spectacular, better than ever,” a source told the news outlet.
“She is working 13-hour days at a studio in North Hollywood with her backup dancers to make certain she looks like she is on top of her game. She always says she wants to be ‘better than yesterday,’ it’s her thing,” the insider shared.
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The Singer Wants To ‘Prove’ Her Shows Are Still The Best
While Lopez has always been known for her strong work ethic, the insider explained that this latest push is different because she wants to change the narrative that her star power has been dimmed.
“Everyone is going to the Sphere these days; that is the town’s big deal, so she wants to prove that a more old-fashioned concert at the Colosseum is still the place to be,” the insider said.
Despite enduring a tough past couple of years following her divorce from Ben Affleck, the multihyphenate entertainer still made several dashing performances, especially for her “Up All Night” concert on August 12, 2025, which included stops in Europe and the Middle East.
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“Jennifer loves to work; she never complains, it’s her jam,” the source said. “Some people like to vacation on the beach in Hawaii, and some like to work nonstop. Jennifer is the latter. She feels proud to be doing so well at her age and as a Latina woman.”
The insider also told the news outlet that the show will feature “a lot of excitement and surprise stars.”
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Jennifer Lopez Teased That Her Songs Will Be Performed In A ‘Very Fresh’ Way
Lopez has moved on from her marital breakdown and shared that she’s now in a better place in her life.
She recently released a new song, “Save Me Tonight,” with David Guetta ahead of her first show on March 6.
“It’s been a while since I put out a new song, but David Guetta had this song, and I just loved it. It just felt very much of the moment for me,” she shared, per Extra.
The “Maid In Manhattan” star spoke about what fans can expect and called the concert “the quintessential J.Lo show,” explaining, “You see who I am, I think, as not just an entertainer, a performer, but as an artist and as a human.”
“I still do all my hits and all the songs that people know me for, but it’s really done in a very fresh and exciting way,” she added.
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The Pop Star Is In Her ‘Happy Era’
The 56-year-old singer spoke about her love for performing and the gratitude she feels towards her fans who have stood beside her all these years.
“I’m in my happy era, and I have that in the show,” she noted, per Extra.
“I’ve never looked at it as a job. It’s just what I love to do,” Lopez continued. “And I just feel fortunate that I have these amazing fans who’ve supported me for so many years, and there’s so much love that I feel that I always want to be giving the love back to them. It’s just been an incredible blessing in my life.
The singer added, “I don’t know what I would do without it.”
Jennifer Lopez Says She Wakes Up Every Day ‘With A Smile’ On Her Face
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she discussed the idea of “protecting her joy” and said her life is a “different” one than what it was before.
“I feel very joyful. I’m very aware of things that I, you know, have learned along the way. I’m very grateful,” she noted.
“Just like I just wake up every day with a smile on my face,” the singer further explained, saying, “It’s a different life now than it was a few years ago.”
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