Entertainment
10 Greatest Crowd-Pleasing Movie Endings of All Time
Who doesn’t love a happy ending? The kind that leaves you feeling lighter than air after a movie ends, and the credits begin to roll. They may not always be appropriate for every movie, but it’s par for the course when it comes to lighthearted entertainment. When a movie gives an audience everything they want and finishes with a crowd-pleasing ending, it’s about as pure an example of cinematic magic in effect.
Crowd-pleasing endings come in all shapes and sizes: they can encompass small moral victories or gigantic triumphs in the face of evil. They come in superhero blockbusters, animated classics, and romantic comedies — all that they really have in common is how they’ll leave you smiling and satisfied. These are the greatest crowd-pleasing movie endings of all time, standing the test of time because of the joy they bring.
‘Jaws’ (1975)
Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws ends with the shark succumbing to its wounds and dying alongside the obsessive shark hunter Quint in a manner similar to Moby Dick. Thematic similarities might work in a novel, but there’s simply no way that a slow death to the apex predator would have been even remotely satisfying for a film. Director Steven Spielberg decided on something far more explosive for his iconic adaptation. It’s completely implausible and illogical, as was once proven by Mythbusters, but it is incredibly crowd-pleasing.
With police chief Brody (Roy Scheider) left alone to face off against the great white shark that’s been terrorizing his sleepy New England resort town, he arms himself with a rifle and climbs atop the quickly sinking wreckage of Quint’s boat. He aims at the oxygen tank wedged in the shark’s mouth and, with a well-placed shot, turns it into a bloody chum. After a pause for applause as the remains of the shark sink to the bottom of the ocean, Brody swims off into the sunset with marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), who also gets to survive in the film, whereas his novel counterpart perished. Jaws is the original blockbuster with an ending that’s befitting that title.
‘Star Wars’ (1977)
Jaws walked (or swam) so Star Wars could run. If Spielberg’s horror classic started the blockbuster trend, George Lucas’ space opera codified it. With a narrative that pulls from adventure serials with a classic hero’s journey structure, it’s appropriate that the film ends triumphantly. It’s an emotionally satisfying ending that gives closure to the film while leaving the door open just a crack for future installments to follow. It’s a classic cliffhanger that doesn’t overtly telegraph itself, and more franchises should take notes on how to leave a dangling plot thread that can be satisfyingly followed through on.
After the climactic destruction of the Death Star, which leaves the Rebel Alliance victorious, the evil Empire wounded, and Darth Vader spinning out into the vast expanse of space, the film quickly wraps up with an award ceremony. The principal characters, minus one seriously overlooked Wookiee, get their due reward, and the future looks bright as the film ends and John Williams‘ soaring score takes over. Even if there had never been any sequels, and Vader’s fate was left forever unanswered, this ending would still be just as pleasing.
‘Iron Man’ (2008)
In its early days, the MCU included a remarkably consistent series of blockbusters that provided a solid decade of entertainment. That all started with the relatively small Iron Man, which ends with a defiant declaration that flew in the face of superhero cinema conventions. Secret identities were a staple of the genre, and moments of unmasking were always treated as major plot points with massive consequences. With Iron Man, Marvel decided to change all that in a very satisfying way.
Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Tony Stark is defined by his charisma, wit, and narcissism. He’s far from the tortured protagonists bearing the weight of their responsibilities like the contemporary portrayals of Spider-Man and Batman. Tony wants the glory and the admiration, and he won’t hide in the shadows. So when he takes the podium at a press conference to deliver what is expected to be a clever cover story, he defies expectations and proudly declares, “I am Iron Man,” sending chills down the spine of every comic book fan.
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
What seemed like a setup for a sequel then, and most definitely would be now, was never intended as such in the final moments of Back to the Future. The film was written as a stand-alone story, and its denouement was never meant as anything more than a fun suggestion that the characters’ adventures would continue beyond the frame. Of course, sequels were eventually produced, and thankfully, that fun suggestion became the basis for a very fun follow-up, but even if it hadn’t, the ending would still be incredibly crowd-pleasing.
After returning home to 1985 after successfully rekindling his parents’ teenage romance, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) finds his home has exponentially improved. He’s all set to take his brand-new truck on a trip to the lake with his girlfriend when Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) returns with an impassioned plea to come with him to help save their future children. They all pile into the Delorean, and the iconic time-traveling car takes flight. It’s a wonderful coda for the sci-fi comedy that perfectly epitomizes its status as a feel-good classic.
‘Coco’ (2017)
Pixar knows its way around a great ending. Whether it’s The Incredibles masking up to do battle, Remy prepping for the dinner rush in Ratatouille, or Marlin finally letting go and sending Nemo off on his own, the studio can simultaneously tug at our heartstrings and give us goosebumps. Any number of their endings would be fitting to include here, but there’s something so perfect and emotionally satisfying about the ending to Coco.
After jerking the tears from our eyes as Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) helps Mamá Coco (Ana Ofelia MurguÍa) remember through the power of their family’s music, the film cuts to one year later to warm our hearts. Music has been brought back into Miguel’s family, and they celebrate and remember their dearly departed family members, now including Mamá Coco, who is reunited with her long-lost father in the afterlife. It’s a beautiful ending that fills the frame with color, music and love.
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
Before Pixar became part of the House of Mouse, Disney had already perfected the crowd-pleasing happy ending in their long list of animated classics. Pick any one of their princess films, and you’re guaranteed to feel better by the end of it. However, if there’s one Disney classic that stands out, it’s the 1994 classic The Lion King, with its full-circle ending.
The iconic animated film is predicated on the circle of life. It makes that literal as it ends its story where it began, with the young cub Simba growing to become the king after reclaiming his throne. As any ’90s parent who got dragged to theaters for multiple viewings of the film can attest, it’s hard not to get a little choked up as the music swells and the chorus sings. The Lion King is a crowning achievement for Disney, and it more than earns its crowd-pleasing ending.
‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)
Romantic movies are basically designed to have crowd-pleasing endings, since they almost all inevitably lead to their protagonists getting together. While there’s a certain satisfaction in those bittersweet endings in movies like Casablanca, nothing beats the joy of true love winning; case in point, Rob Reiner’s ultimate crowd pleaser, When Harry Met Sally… Loud declarations of love may be a cliché of the genre, but there’s no doubting their effectiveness, and few films do it better than this one.
After years of chance encounters, missed opportunities and genuine connections, the two titular characters spend New Year’s Eve separated, any potential relationship seemingly dead in the water. That’s when Harry (Billy Crystal) decides to show up at a party and tell Sally (Meg Ryan) exactly how he feels. Romantic comedy endings are the ultimate source of optimism, conveniently ending at an emotional apex before reality can intrude, but there’s something so comforting and satisfying about them regardless. When Harry Met Sally… is a classic of the genre and does that ending better than any other.
‘Rocky’ (1976)
Edging out the feel-good vibes of romantic endings is the energizing triumph that comes from a gritty sports drama. Everyone loves to watch a scrappy underdog snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, which makes it all the more surprising that the most crowd-pleasing sports ending is one where the underdog technically loses. Rocky ends with the titular boxer being defeated by Apollo Creed in a split decision. It’s a moral victory for the character, made all the more potent by how it mirrored the hard-fought battle that it took for Sylvester Stallone to get the movie made.
Rocky Balboa (Stallone) is a small-time boxer in Philadelphia who gets a shot at glory when heavyweight champion Creed (Carl Weathers) selects him as his next opponent. The journey to the ring is filled with all the tropes that would become staples of the franchise, and the fight itself is a brutalizing effort between two men refusing to go down. The result itself is immaterial as Rocky proves he can go the distance with the champ and reconciles with his love, Adrian (Talia Shire), in an ending that had crowds cheering on and off the screen.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing ending. Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has become such a totemic film in pop culture that most people will know its final moments without ever having watched another frame of it. Forget that the plot never shows the villain facing justice or receiving any comeuppance; it’s enough to know that his bitter, lonely existence will never match that of the protagonist. Capra’s career is filled with common man heroes and the strength of communities, and It’s a Wonderful Life is the purest example of both.
George Bailey (James Stewart) is a small-town guy with big dreams. He’s made plans to get out and see the world, but those plans are consistently put on hold as George selflessly puts the needs of others over his own. When he reaches his breaking point over a stolen sum of money that will destroy his savings and loan, he considers ending his life before an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) intervenes. George is shown the effect he’s had on his town and the people in it, and then the generosity of those in his life as they come together to raise the money for George. He’s saved, and Clarence gets his wings in this wonderful ending.
‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)
Frank Darabont’s directorial debut, The Shawshank Redemption, which he adapted from a Stephen King novella, is predicated on hope and redemption. Its story of incarcerated men is certainly not without some of the ugliness inherent to prison films, but its journey ultimately arrives at one of the most satisfying and euphoric endings of any film ever made. It’s what helped the film earn multiple Oscar nominations as well as ensure its enduring cinematic legacy.
After serving almost two decades in Shawshank, wrongly convicted prisoner Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) enacts his methodical escape plan, crawling his way to freedom with a bank account filled with the warden’s illicit money. The next year, when his best friend Red (Morgan Freeman) is paroled and finds himself struggling after years of institutionalization, he finds a letter from Andy telling him to visit him in Zihuatenejo. The two reunite in one of the most jubilant displays of salvation ever committed to film. The most hardened of hearts will find it difficult not to soften during The Shawshank Redemption’s all-time greatest crowd-pleasing ending.
Entertainment
Marvin Sapp & La’Boris Cole Tie The Knot In Stunning Ceremony
Roommates, it’s official! Marvin Sapp and his longtime friend Dr. La’Boris Cole are married! The now husband-and-wife shared exclusive wedding flicks with Essence magazine.
RELATED: Congrats! Marvin Sapp Announces Engagement To Dr. La’Boris Cole After Years Of Friendship (PHOTOS)
Marvin Sapp & Dr. La’Boris Cole Tie The Knot In Stunning Ceremony
According to Essence, Marvin Sapp and La’Boris Cole made it official at The Chosen Vessel Church on March 20. Marvin came through with not one, but two suits for the big day. He rocked a classic black tuxedo for the ceremony and later changed into a navy blue suit. La’Boris shut it DOWN in a strapless, floor-length white gown with a dramatic train, giving very much Queen energy! The reception seemed to be an all-black affair. Pictures showed Marvin turning up on the dance floor while guests cheesed hard in their all-black fits.
From Love To “I Do”: How Marvin & La’Boris Found Their Way To Forever
Back in February, Marvin Sapp spoke with Essence and kept it real about how he managed to pop the question to La’Boris Cole after years of friendship. The Gospel Python turned her birthday celebration into a full-on surprise proposal. La’Boris thought the night was going to be focused on birthday festivities, but Marvin had other plans. He turned her big day into a family moment, with loved ones ready to watch him drop to one knee and ask for her hand in marriage. Although they ended up tying the knot just about a month later, the couple never shared details on their ceremony plans.
Marvin also shared that he and La’Boris had been friends for over a decade before they decided to take things to the next level. He took his time getting back outside after losing his wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp, to colon cancer in 2010. After her passing, he focused on navigating life as a widower and raising his three kids.
More About Dr. La’Boris Cole
Dr. La’Boris Cole might be Marvin Sapp’s Queen now, but she’s also a therapist and ministry leader. She built and runs the Born 2 Danz Worship Art Conference and leads Cole Associates & Counselors of Texas, her very own behavioral health practice.
RELATED: Come Again?! Marvin Sapp Riles Up Social Media After Teasing New Song Inspired By “Close The Door” Controversy (LISTEN)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
How Jen Shah Makes Money During Home Confinement
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alum Jen Shah is peeling back the curtain on her life under home confinement after being released from prison.
“I’m on home confinement until August, or possibly a little bit before that,” Shah, 52, revealed in an interview with People published on Friday, April 3. “You still get to go out; you can request to go out for employment reasons, for work, religious needs — whatever you need to do based on your security level. But everything you do has to be approved.”
The former Bravo star revealed that she can even run errands to places like Target. At the same time, she must wear an ankle monitor that knows when she leaves her residence and comes back.
“I can go to Target. It’s called hygiene passes,” she shared. “You get to go to the store and Target or different places like that to do your shopping and take care of things.”
Shah was sentenced in 2023 to prison for her role in a yearslong telemarketing scheme that the government said defrauded innocent people across the country. After serving less than three years at a federal prison camp in Texas, Shah was released in December 2025.
When asked how she is making money after prison, Shah said she is working on many different projects and “looking at different opportunities in the media and entertainment industry.”

Jen Shah Courtesy of Jen Shah/Instagram
“I still have a lot to say, so whether that’s in a book, on a podcast — there’s lots of options,” she explained. “And I really want to create a fictional musical about life in a woman’s prison. I think it would be a great Broadway show.”
As she works to pay back more than $6.6 million in restitution, Shah is quick to say she was “wrong” and “should have done things differently.”
Moving forward, she hopes to spread some positivity and use her fame for good.
“I found my way of healing through service there, so I want to continue to do advocacy work,” she explained. “That’s something I’m passionate about, especially when it comes to the children of incarcerated women, who are often left alone when their mothers are taken away from them.”
As for a possible return to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Shah believes in never say never. After Andy Cohen’s strong comments that it likely won’t happen, the Utah resident isn’t focused on it.
“I appreciate the show and the time I had on it, because it did afford me a platform that I wasn’t able to have before,” she said. “I guess right now at this time, anything is possible. All I can say is, whatever I decide to work on moving forward has to align with my values and my family. I wasn’t good at setting boundaries before, but I’m much better at those now and there are things that I will accept and not accept.”
Entertainment
Brian Cox Slams Margot Robbie and More in Unfiltered Interview
Succession star Brian Cox shared his unfiltered thoughts on Margot Robbie and other celebrities in a scathing new interview.
“Margot Robbie is far too beautiful for that role in [Wuthering Heights],” Cox, 79, told The Times in an interview published on Friday, April 3. “I mean, I think there should be something more of the Gypsy about her, but it’s wrong of me to judge. It may be a brilliant film.”
Robbie, 35, stars opposite Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively, in the adaptation of Emily Brontë’s famous novel. Both the Barbie actress, who was also a producer on the film, and Elordi, 28, previously received backlash for their casting, as fans argued that they did not match the physical descriptions of their characters. (Both Catherine and Heathcliff are meant to be teenagers in the novel.)
Cox also mocked Robbie’s Australian accent while discussing the role, quipping, “ ‘Keith Cliff! It’s me, Cathy!’ ‘How ya doing, Keith? Awright?’ ‘Yeah, I’m awright!’ ”
Elsewhere in the interview, Cox took aim at President Donald Trump.
“Trump doesn’t give a s*** about the people. He’s only interested in the oil [in Iran]. There’s just sheer f***g greed motivating him, nothing else. The idea he’s liberating people is nonsense,” he said.
The Times article also included previous quotes on Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Spacey, Johnny Depp and Edward Norton, which Cox’s reps clarified to Us Weekly were from his 2022 autobiography, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat.
In his memoir, Cox described Tarantino’s work as “meretricious” — defined as “apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity.”
In his interview with The Times, Cox further said of the 63-year-old director, “[When directing] I like to honor the actor’s performance. With a Quentin Tarantino film, what you see is all Quentin Tarantino. That’s not me. I don’t want to do that.”
Cox also wrote in his memoir that Spacey, 66 — his costar in the 1994 film Iron Will — is a “stupid, stupid man.”
In the book, Cox wrote that he turned down a role in Pirates of the Caribbean because he didn’t want to work with Depp, 62, calling the actor “so overblown, so overrated.” (He later admitted that he “regretted” making the comment about Depp and “was just being harsh.”)
Meanwhile, he called Norton, 56, “a pain in the arse.” (Cox and Norton costarred in the 2002 drama 25th Hour, directed by Spike Lee.)
Cox has made headlines for years with his candid assessments of fellow Hollywood stars. Back in 2024, he slammed Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Napoleon, calling it “truly terrible.” He has also frequently spoken out against “f***ing annoying” method acting, particularly when done by Succession costar Jeremy Strong.
Cox was again asked about Strong, 47, in his interview with The Times.
“I don’t want to go on about Jeremy, because I’ve got into a lot of problems and he’s begged me to stop talking about him. He’s a good actor, Jeremy,” Cox told the outlet.
When asked by the outlet if his opinions on Hollywood talent have cost him anything, Cox responded, “Well, I don’t know yet if it’s caused me problems. I mean, my wife [Nicole Ansari-Cox] keeps saying, ‘Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful.’ I think, ‘F*** it, I don’t want to be careful anymore! I’ll be 80 this year. F*** I’m gonna say what I want to say.’”
Entertainment
Netflix’s 6-Part Crime Drama Series Is Still Worth an Easy One-Night Binge
With the state of streaming right now, there are constant shows being dropped — some that slip by quietly, and others that arrive with a big splash and only get bigger. That’s exactly what happened last year when The Perfect Couple debuted on Netflix. The six-episode crime drama had all the markings of a late-summer obsession: a stacked cast, a glossy “beach read” adaptation, and a murder mystery baked into the lives of the ultra-wealthy. It’s the kind of show that feels engineered for a weekend binge, but somehow works even better when you knock it out in one sitting.
And while The Perfect Couple doesn’t completely reinvent the genre, that’s not really the point. This is a comfort-viewing mystery at its best, leaning into familiar tropes while elevating them through performance and style. Even when the twists feel slightly telegraphed, the show remains undeniably watchable, anchored by a cast and creative team that know exactly how to navigate its mix of melodrama and suspense.
What Is Netflix’s Mystery Series ‘The Perfect Couple’ About?
Set against the wealthy, beachfront backdrop of Nantucket, The Perfect Couple is a classic whodunit filled with complex characters and tangled relationships. The series kicks off with what should be a lavish wedding weekend, only for everything to unravel when a body turns up just hours before the ceremony. From that moment on, every member of the wedding party becomes a suspect, and the glossy facade of this seemingly perfect family begins to crack.
The story centers on Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman), a famous novelist whose carefully curated life is suddenly thrown into chaos. She and her husband Tag (Liev Schreiber) appear to have a storybook marriage, but beneath the surface lies tension and secrets that quickly come to light. As investigators dig deeper and family members begin turning on one another, long-held secrets and interpersonal fractures emerge, transforming what should have been a celebration into something far more volatile.
Every Episode of ‘The Perfect Couple,’ Ranked
The opening credits may be great, but the episodes are even better!
Surrounding them is an ensemble that includes standout performances from Eve Hewson, Meghann Fahy, and Dakota Fanning, each bringing a distinct energy to characters who are as flawed as they are fascinating. Based on the novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the series stays true to the spirit of its source material while making key changes — including a different ending from the book — to better suit television. With all six episodes directed by Susanne Bier, the show maintains a consistent visual and tonal identity, balancing sun-drenched luxury with a creeping sense of unease. Even when some of the narrative beats feel familiar, the pacing makes it incredibly easy to binge in one sitting, elevated by performances that are stronger than the material itself.
‘The Perfect Couple’s Performances Make the Netflix Series So Addictive
What ultimately elevates The Perfect Couple beyond its predictable edges is the strength of its performances. Nicole Kidman, who also serves as a producer, is particularly compelling as Greer, a woman who has spent years controlling her narrative, only to watch that control slip away in increasingly public ways. It’s a performance that blends vulnerability with calculation, making Greer as frustrating as she is fascinating — a space Kidman has come to own in her TV work.
Liev Schreiber is just as strong as Tag, balancing an easygoing charm with something far more unsettling beneath the surface. The ensemble around them adds depth, especially Eve Hewson as Amelia, the outsider marrying into the family, and Dakota Fanning as Abby, who brings a sharper, more calculating edge. Hewson, in particular, serves as the emotional anchor, grounding the series even as the drama escalates. Together, the cast creates a dynamic that keeps the show engaging, even when the mystery itself starts to feel secondary.
That engagement translated into massive viewership, with The Perfect Couple becoming one of Netflix’s biggest hits and racking up billions of minutes watched. Its success has already led to a continuation, with a second season announced as an anthology inspired by Elin Hilderbrand’s 2024 novel Swan Song, centered on a new wealthy family. Even if the series doesn’t break new ground, it doesn’t need to. With a compelling cast, a polished aesthetic and just enough twists to keep you hooked, it delivers exactly what it promises and is an entertaining mystery that’s almost impossible not to finish in one night.
- Release Date
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2024 – 2023
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Jenna Lamia, Courtney Grace, Alex Berger, Bryan M. Holdman, Evelyn Yves, Leila Cohan-Miccio
Entertainment
Wayfair Has a Big Sale on Patio Furniture, Spring Decor and More
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Wayfair is already a hub for affordable home upgrades, but add a sale into the mix, and you can redecorate your entire place, patio included, with zero guilt. The retailer just dropped a major five-day sale on all things spring, including outdoor furniture, planter boxes, indoor greenery and even comfy chairs for hosting. Our favorites start at just $11!
The 5 Days of Deals event runs from now through April 6, but you don’t want to wait to shop. The best deals are selling out in real time, especially from top brands like Magnolia Home, Birch Lane and Lauren Ralph Lauren. Whether you’re looking for a small update or a major overhaul, this sale is your one-stop shop — but hurry!
13 Deals During Wayfair’s Spring Sale Event — From $11
1. Patio Party: Outdoor hosting season calls for this wicker table and chair set. It’s the perfect patio upgrade, fitting six guests with stools that stow conveniently underneath when the season ends. It even comes with cushions — was $1,104, now $400!
2. Boho Breeze: Curtains transform a room, and these breezy wonders are no exception. With a subtle geometric print, textured look and muted tone, they elevate your space while softly filtering light — was $65, now $40!!
3. Garden Girl: Add instant character to your porch with this wood planter box that works for flowers, herbs and seasonal greens. The cedar wood is weather-resistant, so it’ll last for seasons to come — was $139, now $87!
4. Hostess With the Mostest: According to one reviewer, these chic faux leather chairs are compliment magnets. “Everyone we’ve hosted comments on how comfortable they are” — was $429, now $200!
5. California Cool: You don’t need a home in Montecito to look like you live there. This rustic runner serves laid-back California vibes no matter where you are. Plus, it hides springtime stains like a champ — was $119, now $55!
6. Secret Storage: Score 76% off this expensive-looking sideboard that stores extra plates, books, holiday decorations and beyond. The mirrored cabinets, simple hardware and rustic finish scream ‘Pottery Barn’ — was $625, now $152!
7. Campfire Nights: Whether you prefer simple or vibrant hues, there’s a four-piece Adirondack chair set with your name on it. These chairs resist water, staining and fading, perfect for patios and beachside abodes — was $1,076, now $452!
8. Beauty Sleep: The right comforter is plush, lightweight and breathable. Enter this down-alternative bestseller, which is even hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin — was $140, now $53!
9. Lush Greenery: This faux fig tree is ideal for living rooms, offices and entryways, bringing natural style without the hassle of a living plant — was $279, now $118!
10. Feeling the Love: Not only is this 65-inch loveseat comfy, but also sophisticated, featuring upholstered linen fabric, rich color options and a minimal design — was $480, now $310!
11. Instant Upgrade: Brighten your space (literally and figuratively) with this elegant lamp set that combines modern and farmhouse styles. The linen shades channel warm, inviting energy — was $112, now $66!
12. In or Out: Indoor, outdoor, whatever! This sleek metal bench is functional and elevated, so we won’t be surprised if you grab one for the garden and one for the entryway — was $99, now $64!
13. Guest Bathroom: A new bath mat may seem like a small detail, but wait until you see how this striped number turns your bathroom into a coastal paradise — was $50, now $11!
Entertainment
Nicole Kidman’s PDA With Simon Baker Worries Keith Urban
Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker‘s close red carpet appearance has sparked widespread speculation, with insiders claiming it has unsettled both their inner circles.
Reports suggest the actress’s ex-husband, Keith Urban, is questioning their bond, while Baker’s ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg, is said to be surprised by the rumors.
As the rumors intensify, neither Nicole Kidman nor Simon Baker publicly addressed the nature of their relationship.
Keith Urban Reportedly Upset Over Nicole Kidman And Simon Baker’s Cozy Red Carpet Appearance

Kidman and Baker’s affectionate red carpet appearance is said to be stirring tension, with sources claiming it has unsettled the actress’s ex-husband, country music star Keith Urban.
“Keith can’t believe Simon would do this to him,” an insider told Globe. “He considered him a good friend, and now, everyone’s whispering that he and Nicole are an item. Of course, it feels like a betrayal.”
According to the source, Urban isn’t convinced by explanations that the moment was simply harmless promotion.
Despite being told nothing is going on, the photos, including the pair holding hands and appearing close, have left him uneasy.
“From where he’s standing, it looks like a line has been crossed, whether they admit to it or not,” the insider added.
The Country Star Allegedly Feels The Actress Is ‘Totally Disrespecting Him’

The situation is said to be particularly difficult for Urban, given the public narrative surrounding his past relationship with Kidman.
“He’s had to endure so much negativity directed towards him, and he’s never said a word to defend himself out of respect for Nicole,” the source added.
They continued, “And yet, here she is totally disrespecting him, or at least that’s how he sees it.”
The situation has also reportedly left Urban questioning the true nature of Kidman and Baker’s relationship.
According to an insider, he had always believed the pair were simply “good friends,” but recent events have made him less certain.
Simon Baker’s Ex-Wife Was Reportedly Shocked By His Romance Rumors With Nicole Kidman

Speculation intensified after the “Babygirl” actress, fresh from her divorce, appeared alongside Baker, her longtime friend and “Scarpetta” co-star, at the project’s premiere.
The pair arrived hand-in-hand, posed closely for photos, and were later seen spending time together at an after-party, further fueling rumors about their chemistry.
While some fans have welcomed the possibility of a romance, Baker’s ex-wife, Rigg, is said to have been caught off guard.
Sources claim she was “totally in the dark,” particularly given her continued openness with Baker and her close bond with Kidman, who is godmother to their son, Harry.
Those close to Rigg are also reportedly surprised, with some describing the situation as insensitive given their longstanding personal ties.
“For Nicole to act all coy is really breaking the girl code,” the insider claimed, per New Idea.
Nicole Kidman And Simon Baker Fuel Romance Rumors Amid Strong On-Screen Chemistry

Adding to the speculation, both Kidman and Baker have spoken warmly about each other in recent interviews.
Discussing a scene in “Scarpetta,” Baker admitted their on-screen kiss initially felt “kind of strange,” though he quickly moved past it.
Kidman, however, dismissed any awkwardness, explaining that their long history made their chemistry feel natural and effortless.
“I think because of our history together, that’s in-built, so we didn’t have to work for that, that just vibrates,” she noted, per the Daily Telegraph.
Despite the growing buzz, neither Kidman nor Baker has publicly addressed the rumors. Still, insiders suggest that actress Naomi Watts is quietly supportive of the idea of them becoming more than friends.
According to one source, while their relationship has always been platonic, Baker has long admired Kidman, making the possibility of something deeper unsurprising.
However, Kidman is said to still be processing her recent divorce and may be reluctant to risk a longstanding friendship by pursuing anything romantic.
Nicole Kidman Revealed She Learned To Perform Autopsies For ‘Scarpetta’ Role

Meanwhile, last month during a Monday appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Kidman revealed she picked up an unexpected skill while preparing for her role in “Scarpetta.”
The “Big Little Lies” actress shared that she trained extensively as a medical examiner, even learning how to perform an autopsy.
The 58-year-old explained that she took the role seriously, gaining hands-on knowledge of the process, including identifying and removing organs. She joked that, if necessary, she could carry out the procedure herself.
“I can remove all the organs. I can name them all,” she said, per Fox News.
Kidman also laughed about a moment when Fallon’s team suggested she demonstrate her new skill on the show, an idea that caught the host off guard. She admitted it probably wouldn’t have been the most appealing segment for viewers. “But I can remove the lungs, the liver and the gallbladder, and the intestines,” she added.
Describing the experience as simply “part of the job,” Kidman said she worked closely with a professional medical examiner, studying his techniques to bring authenticity to her role in “Scarpetta.”
Entertainment
The Drama Movie Marketing Gets Backlash for Hiding Dark Twist
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson‘s new movie, The Drama, is facing criticism for its marketing method while hiding the dark twist of the film.
Warning: Spoilers for The Drama below.
The Drama follows engaged couple Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya), who are gearing up to walk down the aisle. However, days before their nuptials, the pair and a group of friends get together and reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. While it was teased in the trailer that Emma’s secret causes outrage amongst the group, details are not shared..
After the film hit theaters on Friday, April 3, it was revealed that Emma planned to commit a school shooting as a teenager but ultimately decided not go through with it.
Since details of The Drama’s twist have circulated online, many have condemned the film for its light-hearted and wedding-themed marketing plan, suggesting that the movie should be open and sensitive about the twist.
Zendaya and Pattinson have attended several press events together to speak about the film, in which the actress has worn bridal-themed outfits. For The Drama’s various premieres, she’s debuted looks that represent the timeless practice of something old, borrowed, new and blue for a bride. Both Zendaya and Pattinson have also been asked questions about marriage and weddings in multiple interviews, causing some to feel like the overall tone of the film has been marketed as a straight romance or comedy.
Additional promotional endeavors for The Drama have included a social campaign that used the style of a classic wedding invitation as well as a one-day wedding chapel in Las Vegas back in March.
On Thursday, April 2, gun control advocacy group March for Our Lives slammed The Drama’s marketing plan as the sensitive topic has not been addressed.
“The film may be attempting to engage real questions about accountability and change, but A24’s marketing does not meet it there,” the organization wrote via Instagram. “With a subject this serious, especially in the U.S., that conversation cannot begin and end on screen. It has to carry through in how the film is presented.”
Alyson Michalka and AJ Michalka, who make up the duo Aly and AJ, agreed in the comments section of March for Our Lives’ post. (The sisters survived a mass shooting outside one of their concerts in 2022.)
“Couldn’t agree more,” read a reply from the singers’ joint account. “The marketing made us sick when we found out the plot twist.”
Additional users also slammed The Drama for not being forthcoming about the twist.
“Thank you for this ‘spoiler.’ It is marketed as a cute rom com. I was going to see it. If I had found out this plot point in the theater I would have walked out,” one fan wrote. “This is not casual conversation. Now I will not be going to see this. Do they give any sort of warning about this plot point in [the] opening credits or anything?”
Another person responded, “Bro, it’s about a girl who planned a school shooting? All of the marketing has been like a young adult rom com. Wtf?”
While some fans criticized the movie’s quietness about the plot, others defended it.
“I definitely don’t think it was ever labeled as a romantic rom com. And I also don’t think the plot is not far off from how a lot of kids may have felt/feel,” one user wrote in the comments. “It brings awareness to the societal context we are raising our children in.”
Another retorted, “You people are so anti art it’s insane. Sometimes art has to make you uncomfortable.”
Us Weekly has reached out to A24 for comment.
The Drama is in theaters now.
Entertainment
Kim Zolciak Temporarily Loses Custody Of Her Four Children
Kim Zolciak has reportedly lost temporary custody of the four children she shares with her estranged ex-husband Kroy Biermann. TMZ reports the former ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star must complete therapy sessions before she can see her kids again.
RELATED: Kim Zolciak Addresses Claims Alleging She Was Secretly Spending Her Daughters’ Money (VIDEO)
Kim Zolciak Ordered To Complete Therapy Amid Custody Loss
According to court docs obtained by TMZ, a Georgia judge told Kim Zolciak that the kids she shares with Kroy Biermann will stay with him from April 3 until she completes four parent therapy sessions. The order also says Kim can reunite with her kids as early as April 13. In his filing, Kroy claimed Kim missed court-ordered therapy sessions and spent two weeks out of the country. He said she only saw their kids one night — and that same night, a dog bit one of their children.
Kim, however, spoke with TMZ and shut those claims down. She said Kroy’s accusations are false and just an attempt to defame her character. The ‘Tardy For The Party’ singer said she spent time away from her kids to film two television shows to help provide for her family.
“I refuse to be bullied or have lies twisted into a narrative about who I am. I will not stay silent, the truth is on my side, and it will come to light—no matter how hard anyone tries to bury it,” Kim said in a statement.
According to Page Six, the new ruling dropped just days after Kroy asked for sole custody, citing Kim’s alleged “mismanagement of basic parenting responsibilities.” Kim and Kroy share four children together — Kroy Jr., 14, Kash Kade, 13, and 12-year-old twins, a daughter Kaia Rose and a son, Kane Ren. Kim also two daughters from previous relationships, Brielle Biermann and Arielle Biermann, whom Kroy legally adopted in 2013.
Details On Kim & Kroy’s Divorce
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann filed for divorce in May 2023 and officially listed their separation date as April 30. As The Shade Room previously reported, Kim wrote in her filing that their marriage was “irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation.” Both of them requested sole physical custody of their kids, and Kroy also asked for sole legal custody. Two months later, in July 2023, the couple decided to work on their marriage instead of going through with their split. TMZ reports that Kim asked the court dismiss her divorce petition. Then in August, 2023, Kroy refiled the petition, per Page Six.
Social Media Weighs In As Kim Temporarily Loses Custody
After The Shade Room shared the news about Kim’s temporary custody loss, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Some folks said they are surprised to see their divorce play out like this, while others said they mostly feel bad for the children. See some of the reactions below.
Instagram user @coleman_312 wrote, ‘We live in a society where moms are losing custody of kids man 💯😭”
Instagram user @vjazmyn_ wrote, “Can’t imagine losing my kids after a divorce and then the whole world knows 😭 Lost your family and everybody know.”
While Instagram user @canaryk_ wrote, “I would be in Mykonos by the 4th. So tomorrow.”
Then Instagram user @lovelyti__ wrote, “chilllleeee I saw this coming 👀 smh Kim should be embarrassed, I’m glad Kroy stepped up and did what needed to be done!”
Another Instagram user @ tishastratford wrote, “This is the 2nd time their kid has gotten bitten by a dog. One kid is permanently scarred from the attack. What in the world are they doing?!”
Instagram user @thegeminme wrote, “The divorce been on and off for like 10 yrs…crazy…”
Then another Instagram user @elh.430 wrote, “I always side with women because I know the fight HOWEVER I believe she was the problem.”
Lastly, Instagram user @makeitmakesensenow wrote, “I honestly feel bad for those kids, both of the parents have a lot of toxicity.”
RELATED: Back At It Again! Kroy Biermann Reportedly Files To Divorce Kim Zolciak Nearly 2 Months After Reconciling
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
GloRilla Reacts To Pregnancy Rumors At Recent Basketball Game
The internet has been speculating for a minute that GloRilla might have a baby on the way. Well, Big Glo has responded to the rumors and she didn’t hold back one bit!
RELATED: Bawdy Tea! GloRilla Is Giving THICK In New Post And Fans Can’t Look Away (VIDEO)
GloRilla Reacts To Pregnancy Speculation
Fans have been buzzing online, thinking GloRilla might be pregnant after seeing her in videos on social media. Now, she has come through with a super clear answer on whether she has a baby on board. The ‘F.N.F.’ raptress was recently spotted at a basketball game, and a fan even shared a Snapchat clip of her cheesing while stadium cameras caught her chilling courtside. When Glo noticed the cameras, she rubbed her belly and seemingly mouthed, “Who?” before cracking up — basically telling fans to “find somebody else to play with.”
Social Media Goes Wild Over Glo’s Response To Baby Rumors
After The Shade Room shared the clip of Glo, fans flooded the comment section with reactions. Some folks think there’s a possibility that she could still be hiding the news, while others pointed out that men’s bodies never get clocked this hard.
Instagram user @cocoeauxluxe wrote, “That girl covered up one good time and y’all ran with it 😂😂”
Instagram user @chevvy_caprice wrote, “Okay cool 🙏🏾 it’s 7pm FRIDAY 70degrees… 😂”
While Instagram user @stone_gem14 wrote, “She’s slim so she can hid that belly until the baby comes 😂”
Then Instagram user @sashasleigh wrote, “tell her stand up then 😭”
Instagram user @littladyd wrote, “Good for her…sidebar, y’all be waaaaay too invested in other folks business 🤣 😂”
Another Instagram user @truly.rare wrote, “Big Glo, no kids then lol 🥂”
Instagram user @jesseniaa.___ wrote, “Oh y’all was wrong this time 😂”
While another Instagram user @didontplay wrote, “WE LITT THIS SUMMER 😂😂😂👏”
Then another Instagram user @chocolateechip_ wrote, “Latto did the same thinggg soooo 😂”
Finally, Instagram user @ci_error wrote, “Men’s body’s do not be policed this hard 😕”
Fans Thought They Spotted A Baby Bump After Glo Dropped THIS Video
Rumors that Glo might be expecting seemed to pop off after Latto announced her pregnancy in her ‘Business & Personal’ music video in March. Glo shared a clip of herself vibing to the song, and fans swore they spotted a lil’ baby bump under her baby graphic tee. Peep the video below.
RELATED: Get ‘Em Glo! 6 Times GloRilla Had Fans In A Chokehold With Her One-Liners And Lyrics (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
The Sci-Fi That Exposed Star Trek’s Prime Directive As Cruel And Broken
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published

Stargate SG-1 debuted in 1997, in the shadow of Star Trek literally, as Deep Space Nine and Voyager were airing, and figuratively, as the series had to show how it was different. Both shows use a military structure to support exploring beyond where anyone has gone before, and both use the same sci-fi character archetypes.
However, Star Trek has the Prime Directive that dictates how they are not to interfere with less developed civilizations, and Stargate doesn’t. The SG-1 team made careers out of actively interfering with other planets and cultures. Season 1’s fourth episode, “The Broca Divide,” is an example of why, sometimes, getting involved in other people’s business is the right thing to do.
Stargate SG-1 Doesn’t Turn A Blind Eye To Injustice

“The Broca Divide” starts off with the team emerging from the stargate into a dark forest where they are quickly attacked by what looks like cavemen. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) spots a normal(ish) looking human woman with them, prompting Dr. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) to theorize that the cavemen are forcibly breeding. Carter’s reaction is complete disgust about how that’s wrong, and they should put a stop to it. No debate about the evolution of primitive cultures, no questioning the biology of the humanoids, she knows it’s wrong and wants it put to an end.
Nothing’s ever quite that simple in the world of Stargate SG-1, and the team quickly learns it’s not a primitive caveman society, but a more advanced Bronze Age, city-dwelling society suffering from a disease that devolves them back into their animalistic genetic ancestors. The planet is divided between the “Touched” who suffer from the disease, and the “Untouched,” which fascinates Jackson and Carter, but O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and Teal’c (Christopher Judge) want to bail as soon as they learn the Gou’ald haven’t been there in a generation, if at all.

Upon returning, General Hammond (Don S. Davis) makes it clear that scientific inquiry has been added to their mission, right before Stargate Command soldiers start to devolve, and it’s clear that the disease impacting the alien planet has come with them. Through some trial and error, Dr. Frasier (Teryl Rothery) figures out the cure is simple antihistamines synthesized into a dart-delivery system. The unaffected of the team go back and cure the Touched, uniting the alien civilization for the first time in generations.
Two Different Approaches To Exploring The Galaxy

Stargate SG-1 could have ended with the disease being wiped from Cheyenne Mountain, and the alien world being quarantined to progress naturally. If they were bound by anything similar to Star Trek’s Prime Directive, that’s exactly what they would have done. When they first landed on the planet and were referred to as Gods, Jackson commented that they should get used to that. To Starfleet, that’s a violation of the Prime Directive, to the SGC, that’s business as usual.
The Prime Directive to not interfere with the natural development of a civilization sounds good, but it can also result in turning a blind eye to injustice, disease, and tyranny. While it often exists in Star Trek only to be broken (looking at you, Kirk), it’s satisfying to see the SG-1 team decide to step in, help, and leave worlds better off than they found them. Sometimes.

Taking a far more proactive approach to spreading peace across the universe helps differentiate Stargate from Star Trek, even today, years after the show’s initial run came to an end. Stargate SG-1 is available to stream on Netflix, and it’s the perfect binge for fans who want to explore the underrated 90s series for either the first or the 20th time.
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