Entertainment
10 K-Dramas Better Than ‘Crash Landing on You’
The world has changed since the advent of South Korea culture in 2020. Additionally, in the United States, K-Dramas have begun an endless cycle of popularity in Western pop culture. Netflix was one of the first streaming platforms that caught onto the potential of K-Dramas, first with the acclaimed Squid Game, and then simultaneously conjoining with Korean TV broadcast releases, such as what happened with Business Proposal.
Titles such as Crash Landing On You were internationally distributed on the streaming platform, which made more Western viewers interested in the beauty of K-Dramas. However, some K-Dramas are really underrated and should be viewed and engaged with as much as the popular ones out there. Furthermore, Collider is giving out a compilation of K-Dramas that are better than Crash Landing On You, so you can begin streaming them right away. Without further ado, cook some delicious Korean food at home, sit on the couch, and begin deep diving into these wonderful K-Drama titles.
10
‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’ (2020)
Some K-Dramas are well-done but lack the emotional depth that draws viewers in. This is not the case for the very popular K-Drama It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. Even if it is a pretty recent one, this K-Drama has it all: excellent portrayals from both main leads, a storyline that pulls your heartstrings, stunning cinematography, and characters that feel very realistic, which brings more emotion to the viewer in the first place.
It’s Okay Not To Be Okay tells the touching story of a community health worker, named Moon Gang Tae, portrayed by Kim Soo-Hyun, and a popular children’s book writer, named Ko Mun Young, portrayed by Seo Yea Ji. They meet while Moon Gang is working his usual shift at the psychiatric ward, and Ko Moon has come there to read to the children hospitalized there. The catch is that Ko Moon suffers from an antisocial personality disorder and denies love from other people. Slowly, Moon Gang opens their heart, and they fall in love, not without emotional obstacles in the way. When the series was released, its popularity soared to the point that a Filipino remake of the same name was created. One of the most touching stories in a K-Drama, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay is a series that will make you go through a healing process, just like the characters, and needs to be viewed attentively till the very end.
9
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)
One of the most beautiful performances from the famous Korean actress IU, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a K-Drama that makes you emotional yet completely entranced by its intricate storyline. What makes this series so compelling to its viewers is the beautiful scenography and cinematography, as well as the enthralling performances from both main leads. Additionally, its stupendous soundtrack will make you want to watch it over and over again.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo tells the story of a woman named Go Ha Jin (IU), who, after inadvertently falling into an enchanted lake, travels back in time to the Korean Goryeo Dynasty of the year 918. When she arrives there, she is in the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo, who is living in the house of the eighth Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul). As she desperately tries to find a way to get out of this world, she also meets the ostracized fourth Prince, named Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi), and gets inadvertently pulled into the political and emotional turmoil between the princes. I definitely recommend watching this K-Drama because it’s truly a beautiful story that will keep you hooked till the end.
8
‘Descendants Of The Sun’ (2016)
K-Dramas that touch war as a theme are rare for me to watch, but when my sister recommended me Descendants Of The Sun, the plot convinced me. She was right, as this K-Drama is one of the most touching and profound ever seen. It follows the tear-jerking story of the captain of the Korean Special Forces, Yoo Shi Jin (Song Joong-ki), and Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye-kyo), a doctor working at the Haesung Hospital in Korea. When she is sent to work in the fictional country of Uruk, which is at war, to assist and to cure Yoo Shi’s soldiers who end up injured.
This K-Drama does not have a single issue. It has a perfect storyline, characters that make you relate to them so much, despite the situation that they are in, and a beautiful score. The portrayal by the main leads is something that will make you remember this K-Drama for a very long time. It just touches your heart to the point that you can’t forget about it.
7
‘Hotel Del Luna’ (2019)
Another unforgettable K-Drama, Hotel De La Luna is a K-Drama that exceeded every viewer’s expectations. It has all those supernatural elements that make the fantasy genre so unique: spirits, magic, ghosts, and much more, which ensures this K-Drama is one of a kind. Its visuals are something that you won’t get enough of, as you’ll want to keep watching it to the end.
Additionally, all the cast do a phenomenal job, but especially its main female lead, IU, who portrays Jang Mal-Wol, the eccentric owner of this ghastly hotel. This series follows her story, as Jang Mal is the owner, bound to it by a powerful curse that forces her to keep the place running. The only way for her to get rid of this curse is that she has to let go of all her resentful personality, open up, and fall in love. One day, she meets a human named Goo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-goo), who then later becomes the hotel’s manager after his father forged a deal with Jang Mal. So, the couple’s troublesome and emotional relationship unfolds between these walls, giving viewers a compelling love story that they won’t forget very soon.
6
‘Bad And Crazy’ (2021)
Now, onto an action K-Drama that has become very popular internationally, Bad And Crazy. This K-Drama is very underrated in its home country, as it gained more attention internationally, drawing in Western audiences. However, Bad And Crazy has a great blend of well-done action fight sequences, phenomenal chemistry between the two male leads’ characters, and awesome comedic one-liner delivery.
Bad And Crazy tells the story of a corrupted but brilliant cop, Soo Yeol (Lee Dong-Wook), who built his way up to the position of officer by surrendering to what his superiors requested of him, often ignoring justice and rightful ways in the process. One day, suddenly, a figure enters his life: an eccentric yet very righteous motorcycle rider, K (Wi Ha Joon), who beats him up every time he has the chance to. The catch? K never appears on any CCTV cameras when Soo Yeol requests to look into him, so everyone thinks he is crazy, even when the chance to be promoted appears. So, Soo Yeol tries to form an unlikely partnership with K to be seen better by his superiors again. This K-Drama will definitely appeal to whoever has thrillers and crime as their favorite genres, and its storyline is truly compelling.
5
‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ (2018)
One of the most beloved K-Dramas out there, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a K-Drama that will pull your heartstrings but also keep you on edge. The beautiful love story between the characters and the crime subplot ensure that viewers are engaged with the material till the very end. Furthermore, its soundtrack is also very well-done, as it features great songs to listen to.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon tells the story of Bong Soon (Park Bo-Young), an eccentric yet good-hearted woman who has super strength, which was given to her by her ancestors, so each member of her family has the same quirk. This power can be used only for the greater good, because if not, the power will be taken away. After bravely standing up against gang bullies, Bong Soon meets the childish yet brilliant An Min Hyeok (Park Hyung-Sik), CEO of Ainsoft, which is a famous video game developing company, who offers her a job as his bodyguard, and falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, her neighborhood is targeted by a serial killer who kidnaps women, and her childhood best friend, Officer In Guk Du (Kim Ji Soo), is investigating the case. This K-Drama skyrocketed in popularity because of the powerful chemistry between the two main leads, and the story just gets better on each rewatch. Simply a 10/10 K-Drama if you are looking for a rom-com with a splash of action and thriller elements.
4
‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009)
Now onto one of the most famous K-Dramas of all time. Boys Over Flowers was originally based on a 1992 Japanese manga named Hana Yori Dango, written by Yoko Kamio. Its huge popularity spawned the release of an anime, an audio drama, a movie, and a musical in its home country between 1993 and 1997, and various remakes around the world afterward. The first remakes were three Thai series, Meteor Garden, Meteor Rain, and Meteor Garden II, released between 2001 and 2002. Between 2005 and 2008, Japan also did various TV dramas based on all issues of the manga. In 2009, Korea also adapted it with the name of Boys Over Flowers, as its popularity contributed to the first Hallyu Wave, meaning when Korean culture becomes popular in Western countries. Afterward, a Chinese drama adaptation, Meteor Garden, was released in 2018, alongside another Thai one named F1 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, which are the most famous internationally, along with the Korean one. It features the classic poor girl/rich boy trope with the two main leads having different economic backgrounds, people trying to separate them (his parents), and her changing his heart from bad to good.
This K-Drama follows the story (same as the manga) of Geum Jan-Di (Ku Hye-Sun), who wins a scholarship to the prestigious Shinwa School, where only the rich and elite can attend. There, she stumbles onto the famous and feared clique of boys named F4, clashing against its leader, troublemaker Gu Jun-Pyo (Lee Min-Ho), to defend her friend being bullied by them. Slowly, she gets entangled in a love triangle with Jun-Pyo and another F4 member, the kind-hearted Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-joong). This K-Drama will put you in a difficult position: you will be defending Ji-hoo one episode, and soften your heart towards Jun-Pyo the next. The chemistry of each couple in this love triangle will fascinate you to the point that you won’t know which one to root for in the first place. Simply an iconic K-Drama of the 2000s, which will inspire you to watch all its other remakes (which I also highly recommend)!
3
‘The Heirs’ (2013)
Another iconic K-Drama of the 2010s, The Heirs, also known as The Inheritors, is one of those K-Dramas that you need to savor each episode before it’s over, because it’s truly a masterpiece. Its characters will become so important to you by the end of the series. It does have some classic clichés of the poor girl/rich boy trope again, just like Boys Over Flowers, so if it’s not something you like, this isn’t the show for you.
The Heirs focuses on the story of Kim Tan (Min-Ho), who is a wealthy heir to his family’s conglomerate, named Jenguk Group, and Cha Eun-Sang (Park Shin-Hye). He was exiled to the USA by his half-brother because he wanted to overtake the family business instead of Kim Tan, and always saw him as a rival, despite Kim Tan trying his best to rekindle his brotherly relationship with him. Furthermore, his family arranged an engagement to another heiress named Yoo Rachel (Kim Ji-Won). While in the States, he meets Eun-Sang because she was looking for her sister, and he falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, this is also one of the most popular Min-Ho roles. This story is tear-jerking, wonderful, and very well-done, as the chemistry between the two main leads is something that will keep your attention till the very end.
2
‘Strangers From Hell’ (2019)
Now onto another K-Thriller that blends psychological thriller and horror all in one, Strangers From Hell, based on a Korean webtoon of the same name, written by Kim Yong-Ki. In total honesty, this K-Thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It is disturbing, as it tackles heavy themes such as cannibalism, psychological manipulation, loss of identity, mental deterioration, and much more. It gives a claustrophobic feel to the viewer, as they think they are trapped in the series’ location at the same time as the protagonist, going from sane to mad alongside him.
This stunning and wounded K-Thriller tells the story of a 20-year-old man named Yoon Jong-woo (K-Pop group singer Im Si-wan), a graduate student and aspiring crime writer, who moves to Seoul for the duration of his short, unpaid internship. Since he does not have money, he settles into the Eden Residences. There, he finds creepy neighbors and a new (serial killer and obsessive) friend in a dentist named Seo Moon-Jo (Dong-Wook). Slowly, the truth about the Eden Residences and its inhabitants is revealed, turning Yoon Jong into an insane psychopath to survive, giving up on normalcy. Strangers From Hell is a K-Thriller that you shouldn’t watch alone if you are not a fan of the genre (don’t make the same mistake I did), and during the day, if you can, because it will give you lots of jump scares as the story unfolds.
1
‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ (2020)
The second most popular K-Drama for Dong-Wook, Tale of the Nine Tailed is something that will fascinate you yet make you want to look up the backstory of the fantasy creature in it. It’s an enthralling story, which focuses on a 1000-year-old gumiho, which is an East Asian folktale creature, named Lee Yeon (Dong-Wook), who works with people from the afterlife to find and destroy supernatural threats to the human world. On one of his jobs, he encounters the beautiful Nam Ji-Ah (Jo Bo-Ah), who finds out about his supernatural nature, and is also looking for her parents, who disappeared mysteriously after a car accident she had with them at a young age.
This K-Drama has the beauty of intersecting with different Korean myths and supernatural creatures, so you have to prepare yourself to keep up with each of them, and it will make you want to inform yourself after watching each episode. Each member of the cast did phenomenal performances, but the ones that shocked me the most were those of Dong-Wook and Kim Bum, who portrayed one of the troublemaker villains of the series, Lee Yeon’s half-brother Lee Rang. The chemistry between the main leads was wonderful! Furthermore, the banter and fights between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang were so entertaining to watch.
- Release Date
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2020 – 2023-00-00
- Network
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tvN
- Directors
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Kang Shin-hyo
- Writers
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Han Woo-ri
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Kim Hee-jung
Ji-A’s mother
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Entertainment
How ‘RHOP’ Star Stacey Rusch Really Feels About Gizelle
Stacey Rusch is still riding the high of becoming one of the most popular cast members on Bravo’s “RHOP.” Recently, she was named one of the most powerful people in unscripted television by Vulture, and she called her position in pop culture history “a blessing.” Also, during that interview, the former QVC host opened up about her “Real Housewives of Potomac” castmates and shared her candid thoughts on her on-screen nemesis, Gizelle Bryant.

Rusch joined the cast of “RHOP” in 2024, starring alongside Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Mia Thornton, Keirna Stewart, and, of course, Bryant.
Speaking of Bryant, she feuded with Rusch during her rookie season and continued to bump heads in 2025.
Their tense interaction was not a surprise to “Potomac” viewers, given Bryant’s long history of feuding with newcomers.
Despite their beef, Rusch gave Bryant her flowers during her recent interview, calling the mother of three 100% authentic.
“Gizelle Bryant is exactly who she is on-camera,” Rusch said. “You get what you get, 24/7, lights on or lights off, cameras up or cameras down. Gizelle is just going to be Gizelle.”
Rusch Says This One Person Is ‘Completely Different’ When The ‘RHOP’ Cameras Are Rolling

Rusch couldn’t say the same for all of her “RHOP” co-stars, though. Continuing, Rusch said that Darby tends to blow with the wind depending on who is around.
“Someone who’s a little wishy-washy, depending on if the cameras are up, that would definitely be messy Ashley Darby,” Rusch shared boldly. “You never know what you’re going to get with her.”
Rusch’s comments are hardly a surprise, given that Darby attempted to air her dirty laundry out for the world to see during “RHOP” season 10.
According to Bravo’s Daily Dish, Darby sparked controversy when she asked Monique Samuels’ ex-husband, Chris Samuels, whether he had hooked up with Rusch.
While Chris Samuels never appeared on the show to tell his side of the story, Darby was adamant that the former NFL star had hinted that things were escalating between them.
“So, Stacey lyin’,” Darby said on camera; meanwhile, Bryant chimed in, accusing Rusch of “lyin’ through her teeth.”
“No means no. No answer means yes,” Bryant added. “If he didn’t [hook up with Stacey], he would’ve said no.”
Rusch Is Returning For A Third Year On ‘RHOP’

Rusch’s comments about her co-stars come amid the reality star’s third year filming “RHOP.”
According to a previous report from The Blast, the show’s 11th season will feature the returning vets and welcome back Karen Huger (who was imprisoned during season 10) and Robyn Dixon.
For those who may have been unfamiliar, Dixon departed the show after season 8, revealing that Bravo decided to move in a different direction.
“Yes, I will not be returning to season nine of The Real Housewives of Potomac,” she said. “It’s reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugarcoat the situation and say, ‘Oh, I am walking away and this is a brea’ or anything like this. This is a network decision.”
‘Real Housewives Of Potomac’ Should Touch On Huger’s Substance Abuse

While Huger has spoken briefly about her time in prison, a portion of “RHOP’s” 11th season will likely focus on her addiction struggles.
During a sit-down interview with Andy Cohen, Huger said she was grateful to the show for helping her realize she needed help.
“The show actually saved me,” she said. “It occupied me. I think I would have spiraled quicker without it. It gave me discipline. I had a routine. So, I can’t hate it. I don’t hate it. And I don’t need to blame it either. No, I was responsible for me. I was sick. I have the disease of alcoholism. I have the disease of, you know, taking prescription medicine and abusing it. That’s me.”
Osefo Is Facing Criminal Charges

Another major storyline of season 11 will undoubtedly be about Osefo’s ongoing legal woes.
The Blast reported about her and her husband’s October 2025 arrest, during which they were accused of reporting a fake burglary to secure massive payments from various insurance companies.
The pair are facing various fraud charges and could spend up to 15 years in prison.
At BravoCon, Osefo thanked the audience for their support with a vulnerable message.
“I read your messages. I can’t respond to everyone, but your love and support means the world to me,” she said. “You know, it’s an unfortunate situation, and right now I can’t say too much, but I will say when the time is right, I will share my story with everyone, and for now they’re just allegations, so we will continue to push forward.”
Entertainment
Victoria Monét Celebrates Major Culinary Milestone
Victoria Monét is truly a jack-of-all-trades. We’ve gotten a glimpse into her life as a mother while she balances being a talented songwriter, singer, and dancer. It’s safe to say the three-time Grammy winner can accomplish anything she puts her mind to, and that remains true as she celebrates another big win in her culinary journey.
RELATED: What’s Tea? Victoria Monét’s Ex-Boyfriend John Gaines Speaks Out After Photo With Kristy Scott Sparks Dating Speculation
Victoria Monét Thanks Her Family And Team After Completing Her Culinary School Journey
On Monday, Victoria Monét took to Instagram to share photos from her graduation day. In the pictures, she rocked a black dress and graduation cap while popping bottles to celebrate completing culinary school. Alongside the post, the singer reflected on balancing school while creating her next album. She wrote:
“…I’m officially a Culinary School Graduate after I walk the stage tonight! Imma cry 🥺😌 @iceculinary
I’m sooo thankful to my family, my daughter, my trainers, my culinary teachers, my community, my assistant, my driver and my whole team for indulging in this absolutely crazy ambitious idea to go to school while I create my next album!!! One of my 50 side quests lol the 4am alarms to the late night moonlit studio endings and the 11 million things in between… we got it all done!!
It’s ‘Yes Chef’ now when u see me”
Social Media Floods The Singer With Love As They Celebrate Her Accomplishments And Black Excellence
Many gathered under The Shade Room’s comments as they celebrated Victoria Monét’s big moment. Her peers and supporters sent her love while also getting ready for her next project.
Instagram user @lawanda_gelsey_wrote. “Okay Ms “I get it from my mama ” 🔥 🔥 🔥 congrats 🎉
Instagram user @denilitess added, “She can cook dance and sing such a dangerous combination”
While Instagram user @beyou_tiffulll wrote, “Black women in caps and gowns are everything 😍”
Instagram user @dominiquechinn wrote, “Love when a person has there hands in multiple things 👏🏾 “
Instagram user @danijosie18 added, “ I love that her, Teyanna and Drea going to culinary school 👏🏾 😍It was my dream to do that”
While Instagram user @tenthshadeofblue wrote, “I can see the @desmondscott collab in my head now👀😂
Instagram user @grantmcarthur25 wrote, “Congrats but enough side quests back to the music girl !!!!!”
Instagram user &callmemc added, “now let’s get cooking in the studio, the people need more”
While Instagram user @sicilybriana wrote, “Hear me out, album listening party at a restaurant. You’re the chef. Album on a 403 vinyl played throughout the restaurant. Menu named after track list. Titled ‘Good for the Soul’ or ‘Food for Thought’”
What Can We Expect From Victoria Monét’s Next Album?
While Victoria has been cooking it up in the kitchen, she’s also been staying busy in the studio. The past few months have been exciting for the singer, from releasing her single ‘Let Me’ in February to kicking off the month of May with a birthday celebration. Last week, she shared new photos, writing, “new year new frequency chapter 37 tune in.”
In April, Victoria sat down with Hot 97 and opened up about the personal growth behind her upcoming album. During the interview, she shared that she had to ground herself mentally and physically before creating this next project. She also reflected on overcoming vocal issues and creating some of her most personal music yet.
Victoria additionally spoke about working with artists like Bryson Tiller, seeing her daughter develop a love for music, and why this next project could be a pivotal moment in her career.
RELATED: Yes Chef! Draya Michele Says “It’s Never Too Late To Change” While Revealing She’s In Culinary School (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
What Battlestar Galactica Did Better Than Star Trek Ever Did
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

The showrunner for Battlestar Galactica was Ronald D. Moore, who got his start in television by writing for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Accordingly, there have been plenty of comparisons over the years between these two franchises. BSG fans point out that the show handles ongoing stories better than vintage Trek, and its vision of the future is much more realistic. There are no replicators, for example, so Commander Adama and his crew have to deal with scarcity in a way that Picard and Janeway never had to.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to each of these different kinds of sci-fi storytelling. But in making comparisons, fans of both franchises often overlook the best thing that Battlestar Galactica does better than Star Trek. Starting in the Season 1 episode “Litmus,” BSG went out of its way to give even the most minor characters their own compelling identities and backstories. In Star Trek, such characters are relegated to the role of “redshirts” who don’t get to do anything but die in agony, so our heroes can live to warp another day.
Birth Of A Pop Culture Phenomenon

In case this famous sci-fi trope needs an introduction, here goes: in Star Trek: The Original Series, security officers wore red shirts. This helped distinguish them from other divisions: a blue shirt indicated a focus in science or medicine (like with Spock and McCoy), and a gold shirt indicated command (like with Kirk). Whenever our major characters beamed down to a new Away Team mission, they brought along several red-shirted security officers. Unfortunately, these characters were usually doomed to die a grisly fate, leaving our intrepid main characters to figure out what killed their security detail.
Soon enough, “red shirt” entered into the pop culture vernacular as a name for an otherwise disposable character. While the shirt colors changed, this general trend continued into future Star Trek shows. Security officers were often dispatched by the villain of the week, including poor Tasha Yar, who was insta-killed by a villainous oil slick. Eventually, Discovery took the idea of disposable Star Trek characters to the next level by giving us a show where half the people on the bridge were relatively unknown, all the way to the very end.
Make It “No”

How, then, did Ronald D. Moore’s Battlestar Galactica fix this annoyingly persistent Star Trek mistake? Arguably, it all started with “Litmus.” This is the episode where Commander Adama and his crew discover that Cylons can look like human beings. That revelation leads to a tribunal designed to suss out who might have helped the Cylon Doral pull off a recent suicide bombing. Inevitably, the tribunal becomes a witch hunt that accomplishes nothing more than punishing an innocent man so the public has a scapegoat to hate.
A big part of the episode’s drama is that members of the deck crew try to protect Chief Tyrol, who has been secretly having an affair with Boomer. When his absence from his post is noted, these minor crew members come up with different cover stories to explain where he is. Unfortunately, this just makes their boss look more suspicious, and Tyrol calls off the affair after one of his subordinates lies to protect him. He also ends the episode wondering about Boomer’s loyalties, which is a good call. Eventually, she is revealed to be one of the Cylons who has secretly infiltrated humanity.
There Are No Red Shirts Anymore

“Litmus” prominently features some interesting deck hand characters, including Tarn and Socinus. It also prominently features Cally, a future love interest for the Chief. In a Star Trek episode, these deckhands would mostly be redshirts that we hardly ever see again. They would just suffer to protect our lead characters and then quietly shuffle off. This is particularly true of Socinus, who falls on his sword (he is stripped of rank and confined to the brig) to save Tyrol. However, Socinus and everyone else just keep showing up in later episodes, often playing surprisingly pivotal roles in various plots.
This is effectively a mission statement from former Star Trek writer Ronald D. Moore: there are no disposable characters in Battlestar Galactica. This isn’t a show about a handful of charismatic leads. Rather, everyone in this series is important, just as every remnant of humanity that survived the Cylon-led genocide is important. It’s a bold storytelling strategy that rewards careful viewing, all while building out this fantastic fictional world. Now, be honest: isn’t that a lot better than watching some rando in a red shirt get eaten by a salt monster?
Entertainment
What Justin Hartley’s Tracker Costars Said About Him Amid Cast Exits
Justin Hartley‘s Tracker costars have often spoken about their experiences working with him as the hit CBS series lost several cast members.
After becoming a household name with roles in Passions, Smallville, The Young and the Restless and This Is Us, Hartley scored a major career success with Tracker. The show, which premiered in February 2024, was coined the most-watched broadcast premiere since NCIS‘ final episode with Mark Harmon in September 2021. Its average viewership was reported to be 18.2 million per episode.
Hartley, for his part, received praise for his work as the star of the show. Meanwhile, his role as an executive producer on the show allowed him to bring in some familiar faces for guest star roles, including Sofia Pernas, Jensen Ackles, Melissa Roxburgh, Jennifer Morrison and more.
Despite Tracker quickly becoming the show many wanted to join, it also made headlines when Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany and Eric Graise all exited the show before season 3. Executive producer Elwood Reid previously defended the onscreen reconfiguration during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.
“I don’t want the show to be phone-a-friend every week. I think that gets old, and Justin is always challenging me on that. He’s like, ‘Do we need to do this? Do I need to call Bobby all the time? Can I do this?’” Reid shared in May 2025. “You don’t [always] see Reenie. He talks to Velma for two seconds. He may talk to Bobby for one phone call. The show works because you are over Justin’s shoulder.”
Luckily, Hartley has received nothing but praise and support from those who continue to appear on Tracker. Keep scrolling for everything various Tracker guest stars have said about working with Hartley before those cast exits:
Jensen Ackles

The Supernatural alum has returned to Tracker every season since being cast as Hartley’s onscreen brother.
“I’m playing the older brother of somebody that I know very well, and I get along with very well. I mean, Justin and I have known each other for over 20 years, and we’ve been buds and we’ve never gotten to work together,” Ackles told TV Insider in July 2025. “So it was really fun for us to get on set. But it was also very easy because it’s just hanging out with your buddy and we get to have fun and we get to mix it up.”
He continued: “And it’s nice that he’s an executive producer on it so he can be like, ‘Do you like that word? Do you like that line?’ Just change it, whatever you want.’ So it kind gives us a little freedom.”
Melissa Roxburgh

Speaking of fictional siblings, Roxburgh has rounded out the Shaw family as Hartley’s sister on the show.
“Justin is great. It’s such a lovely and warm set [because] Justin does such a good job of making it that way,” she told Us in February 2025. “So I’d love to go back. Justin is a friend and it’s nice to play with your friends and I love the show, so we’ll see.”
Fiona Rene

As the last remaining main cast member alongside Hartley, Rene has praised her costar for his hard work.
“He’s such a phenomenal No. 1 [on the call sheet]. He wears so many hats [on set]. Not only is he an actor, but [he is focused on] the numbers of the show,” Rene told Us in November 2024. “It’s important to him as well as a producer. When he comes on set, he’s all about business and we even call him the Terminator.”
Rene spoke highly of Hartley’s process on set.
“But then he takes off that hat, he puts on his actor hat and he genuinely plays. It’s such a dream for an actor to be able to come on set and work together to find what feels right between their characters,” she added. “Justin is always up for that. And for someone wearing so many hats, to be able to let all of that go and play in that moment is honestly the dream. I hope I can do the same.”
Jennifer Morrison

Morrison was thrilled to reunite with Hartley after their time on This Is Us, telling Closer in November 2024, “I think it was Justin’s idea. We had a great time working on This Is Us. We just got along so great. What I’m constantly looking for in this industry is to spend time on set with people I really care about, respect and admire. Justin is one of those people.”
Jon Huertas

Huertas, who has only appeared behind the scenes as a director, had similar feelings about Hartley.
“Because Justin and I had this history together, it was like we just fell in lockstep again from when I directed him on This Is Us [and] when we worked together in scenes as stepfather and stepson,” Huertas shared with Us in April 2024. “We fell into that rhythm so naturally that it was easy. It made it really easy.”
Huertas was thrilled to be reunited with Hartley after This Is Us.
“That’s what I love about working with people that I’ve worked with before and working with friends. In fact, Diana [Maria Riva], who worked with Justin in this episode, she and I have known each other for a long time,” he noted. “So having a rapport with people really makes the process much easier and smoother. And because TV moves so fast, I like that. I like working with people that I know.”
Sofia Pernas

“We get asked all the time, like, ‘You guys don’t take a break from each other?’ I’m like, ‘I love him.’ Thankfully that’s reciprocated because how often do you get that?” Pernas, who has been married to Hartley since 2021, told People in March 2024 after joining Tracker as her husband’s onscreen love interest. “I’m just really thankful that we both feel that way about each other and that we’re able to take that to work and not need extended breaks from each other because we’re so absorbed.”
Lachlan Quarmby

During an exclusive interview with Us, Hallmark’s Lachlan Quarmby recalled his guest appearance in season 1, sharing in August 2025, “Justin is awesome. He’s straight in there. He’s a real captain of that ship. That was a great time.”
Quarmby walked away from the hit CBS series with a very positive experience.
“I got to do an Australian accent. I was told when I was at acting school in Australia that I’d never play a surfer since I just don’t have the look. And I got to play a surfer in Vancouver, who was Australian,” he noted. “That was so fun.”
Michael Rady

Michael Rady, who plays Elliot, took to Instagram in February 2026 to share photos from set, writing, “Tracker season 3 is airing now on CBS. Elliott had a rough season 2. Michael had a great time.”
Chris Lee

“I really do believe he’s the best leader I’ve ever worked with. He just commands a great and professional set and a great low maintenance and fun set. I definitely learned work ethic from him,” Lee told Us. “The dude works so hard, he knows everything and he watches on the day. He’s so involved. It’s his show.”
He added: “I’ve just been a real student — and that’s been super, super fun. Then when we do scenes together — and episodes together — it’s like Rush Hour. Big bro and little bro. It’s really fun so I love working with Justin.”
Entertainment
Kevin Hart Helps Offer $90K ‘Dream’ Role For Fans
Kevin Hart is helping turn one lucky soccer fan’s dream into reality, and the payoff is just as big as the stage. Partnering with Michelob ULTRA, the comedian is hyping up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a $90,000 gig tied directly to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Michelob ULTRA is currently accepting applications for its “Chief Trophy Officer” position, tasking one passionate soccer fan with delivering the Superior Player of the Match trophy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
“This really might be the best job in the world. I mean, it’s so good, I even tried applying for it!” Hart joked in a press release sent to The Blast. “To go from being a fan watching at home to end up at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match is something most people can only wish for. I’m excited to partner with Michelob ULTRA to give that one lucky fan the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The role calls for someone who thrives under pressure and lives for the game, with responsibilities centered around presenting one of the tournament’s most prestigious honors on one of soccer’s biggest stages.
The perks include $90,000 for just 90 minutes of work, two tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, and exclusive access to one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world. Candidates must be available on Sunday, July 19, when the final takes place.
Applications Open For $90K FIFA Role

Think you’ve got what it takes? The application process is quick, but competitive.
Fans 21 and older can apply by submitting a 90-second video explaining why they’re the perfect fit for the role. Submissions can be uploaded directly via Michelob ULTRA’s website or posted on social media by tagging @MichelobULTRA with #ULTRACTO and #contest.
The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026.
Lionel Messi Helps Unveil New Trophy Design

Lionel Messi is also part of the campaign, helping reveal the newly designed Superior Player of the Match trophy ahead of the tournament. Created in collaboration with acclaimed artist Victor Solomon, the trophy represents tradition and modern artistry.
Key design elements include a satin-finished aluminum structure with a 26-degree angle, honoring the tournament year; a striking red crystal insert made of 104 faceted pieces, representing the number of matches; and a three-layer base symbolizing the host countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Messi, who holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in FIFA World Cup history, helped spotlight the prestige behind the honor in a digital campaign celebrating excellence on the field.
A Trophy That Celebrates Greatness

The Superior Player of the Match award will be given after every match during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with fans playing a key role in selecting winners.
“When reimagining the Superior Player of the Match trophy, I wanted to create a piece that didn’t just honor excellence but felt born from the energy of the FIFA World Cup itself,” Solomon said. “Every detail is meant to celebrate the pursuit of greatness, and the moments that make history.”
Michelob ULTRA Expands Its Soccer Presence

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events of all time. For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted across three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing the global game to an unprecedented stage. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, the competition is expected to draw millions of fans from around the world, both in stadiums and watching from home.
And as an official beer sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Michelob ULTRA is doubling down on its commitment to the sport. Through its “Superior Access” platform, the brand plans to give away over $1 million in tickets and gear, bringing fans closer than ever to the action.
From exclusive giveaways to unforgettable experiences like the Chief Trophy Officer role, it’s clear Michelob ULTRA is aiming to make this World Cup just as memorable off the field as it is on it.
Entertainment
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Reveals Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar
Jersey Shore’s Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is opening up about his mental health after fans expressed concern over his behavior in a recent viral video.
In a series of Instagram Story posts on Tuesday, May 5, Ortiz-Magro, 40, revealed that he suffers from depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
“I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown support,” he wrote. “I really appreciate all of the fans sharing their stories of mental health struggles with me. It shows that we are not alone.”
“Even though everything may look perfect on the outside, every day I battle my depression, bipolar [disorder] and anxiety in silence,” the reality star continued. “I know there are many people who do the same. While there are prescription medications that I take to help me manage symptoms, and I participate in weekly therapy, etc., unfortunately, and as others in similar situations can attest, these are ongoing measures and not a finite/permanent cure.”
Ortiz-Magro went on to address recent footage of him appearing to drift off to sleep during a recent interview with his Jersey Shore castmates. Clips of the appearance went viral last week as fans shared concerns for the star’s health.
“I have tried very hard to not let any of my symptoms impact how I show up for my Jersey Shore family and the fans. Last week, what you saw during that interview was evidence of my ongoing struggle,” he explained. “Some recent emotional events had begun to wear on me. Medication has helped me manage my symptoms, but it can have side effects. Typically, I can work through the effects in private. Wanting to be with my castmates for a press tour celebration at the same time as carrying this weight required me to work through the effects in a public setting; as a result, I was taped nodding off, which started rumors and accusations. I thought I could be strong enough to get through it, but what you saw was me trying to battle through one of my toughest moments. I pushed myself to try to show up for other people when I just needed to show up for myself.”
“I have learned that no matter the situation, event, or circumstances, you have to put your mental health first and prioritize your own care no matter what, and I will continue to do that every day,” Ortiz-Magro continued. “It means the world to me that everyone has rallied for me and has seen past the rumors.”
“Please feel free to reach out to continue to share your experiences, as it makes me (and everyone else reading) feel like they are not alone,” he concluded. “Thank you again to everyone who sent their prayers and love! It means more at a time like this more than I can explain. If you know anyone suffering from mental health-related difficulties, please be kind and patient.”
In April, TMZ reported that police were called to Ortiz-Magro’s home in Miami following an alleged dispute with his girlfriend, Kirsten.
Kirsten called the cops on March 29 to request help retrieving her belongings after their breakup, TMZ said, citing a police report, which reportedly listed the call as a “domestic dispute.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Entertainment
Charlize Theron’s Hit Netflix Thriller Passes an Unexpected Milestone
Some streaming hits take over the charts and then quietly move on. Others apparently start dragging 11-year-old electronic songs back into the conversation, because that’s where we are now. A Netflix thriller has already climbed to No. 1 on the platform’s Top 10, but its success has now spilled into music in a very unexpected way. One of the film’s standout needle drops has become a fresh obsession for viewers, which is honestly a pretty ideal side quest when your movie is already working.
Apex features The Chemical Brothers’ 2015 track “Go” during one of its most memorable scenes. The song plays when the demented villain, Ben, begins hunting our heroine Sasha, giving her a head start and telling her she has until the end of the track before he starts pursuing her. Casual behavior, obviously. The result is a scene that clearly stuck with viewers, because “Go” has now hit No. 1 on Shazam’s Global Top 200 and debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Dance Digital Songs chart.
The cast includes Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road, Monster) as Sasha, Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Kingsman: The Secret Service) as Ben, Eric Bana (Munich, Troy) as Tommy, Matt Whelan (Narcos, The Luminaries) as one of the hunters, Bessie Holland (The Tourist, Spreadsheet) as a cashier, Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish) as a park ranger, Rob Carlton (Chandon Pictures, Paper Giants) as a second hunter, and Caitlin Stasey (Smile, Neighbours) as Leah. Netflix’s official listing describes the film as following a grieving woman whose solo adventure in the Australian wild turns into a twisted game with a killer who believes she is prey. That’s putting it mildly.
Is ‘Apex’ Worth Watching?
Collider’s review stated that Apex doesn’t exactly reinvent the survival-thriller formula, but it still makes for a tense, good-looking ride thanks to Theron and some seriously immersive action. In the end, Apex is a slick, exciting survival thriller that may be familiar, but is still absolutely worth the watch.
For Theron’s part, she was drawn in to the pure, feral nature of the story. “This movie really fired up my brain,” Theron told Netflix. “When I read the script, I couldn’t put it down and it stayed with me. It felt very pure but with great impact. The bite and the kick were so strong in what it was trying to accomplish without bells and whistles, and I loved that.”
Apex is streaming now on Netflix.
- Release Date
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April 24, 2026
- Director
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Baltasar Kormákur
- Writers
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Jeremy Robbins
Entertainment
Netflix’s 3-Part Murder-Mystery Series Is the Perfect Late Night Thriller
In 2024, actress Mia McKenna-Bruce moved viewers in her breakout role in the British indie film How to Have Sex. Her performance, which earned her the coveted EE Rising Star Award at the BAFTAs, set her up to be one of Hollywood’s rising stars. So, of course, viewers were curious when she shifted from indie to Netflix in the platform’s latest miniseries adaptation, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, which premiered on January 15, 2026.
The three-episode series, however, wasn’t exactly beloved after its release. Despite the star-studded cast and Christie’s 1929 novel as inspiration, the series received mixed reviews, both from critics and the audience. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series earned 71% from critics, and an even lower 50% from the public. Nevertheless, the series is still an easy, three-hour binge, with a layered mystery that could have viewers hooked until the very end.
What Is ‘Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ About?
Set in London in 1925, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials follows Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent (McKenna-Bruce), a young woman living with her mother, Lady Caterham (Helena Bonham Carter), in a large country house. After experiencing financial troubles, they decide to rent their home to the wealthy Sir Oswald Coote (Mark Lewis Jones) and his wife (Dorothy Atkinson), who decide to throw a lavish masquerade. In attendance at the party are Gerry Wade (Corey Mylchreest), a friend of Bundle’s late brother and her apparent intended, and Jimmy Thesinger (Edward Bluemel), her closest friend. At the end of the party, two of Bundle and Gerry’s friends, Bill Eversleigh (Hughie O’Donnell) and Ronny Devereaux (Nabhaan Rizwan), play a prank on Gerry by hiding eight alarm clocks in his room.
The next day, however, the practical joke takes a turn when one of the guests turns up dead, with seven of the eight clocks on the mantle. Determined to find out what happened, Bundle begins a full-fledged investigation with the help of Jimmy, her supportive but distrustful mother, and the mysterious Superintendent Battle (Martin Freeman), a character who will be well known to Christie diehards. From the get-go, it’s clear that whoever pokes around the murder will pay the price, but Bundle won’t stop at anything to find answers.
Despite Mixed Reviews, ‘Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ Is Still a Perfect Late-Night Binge
Out of all of Agatha Christie’s novels, Seven Dials is one of her least celebrated and most criticized works, making the adaptation divisive from its very inception. And, despite the A-listers like Bonham-Carter and Freeman, the series wasn’t enough to fully entice viewers, with David Caballero summarizing it simply as “dull” in his review for Collider. “Too slow to be riveting and too needlessly drawn out, it’s a run-of-the-mill adaptation of one of Christie’s most run-of-the-mill novels,” he stated. “And the strongest proof that not every work from the renowned author warrants a fresh take.”
Despite the mixed reception, however, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is merely three one-hour-episodes long, making it an easy binge for any Netflix subscriber. After all, while detective shows are everywhere on Netflix, Harlan Coben mysteries take a full-length season, while movies like Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery requires a longer sitting no matter what. Instead, however, Seven Dials thrives in being a quick, snappy mystery that draws in viewers into its 1920s world and doesn’t wait long for revelations and realizations. “This tidy journey of less than three hours is lovely period-movie fun,” wrote one review on Rotten Tomatoes. So, while it’s certainly not the best murder-mystery on the platform, it’s one of the best to quickly watch until the end, while still feeling satisfied after it all pans out.
- Release Date
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2026 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Chris Sweeney
Entertainment
The 23 best bingeable miniseries streaming on Netflix
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EW’s picks range from sweeping romances like “Queen Charlotte” to tense crime dramas like “Adolescence” and “The Beast in Me.”
Entertainment
Anne Hathaway Wore Levi’s 501 Jeans in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
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Gird your loins! The long-awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has arrived. The fashion was, unsurprisingly, fabulous, no doubt giving devoted fans a host of inspiration for their wardrobes. But before you start searching for dupes, there were budget-friendly pieces in addition to couture, including a pair of Levi’s 501 original fit jeans worn by Anne Hathaway.
Andy Sachs may be the franchise’s underdog heroine, but we’d like to highlight her style evolution over her journalistic chops for a second. The fictional character is a prime example of how everyday clothing (re: not high fashion nor couture designer labels) can still be stylish in its own right. Case in point: The light-wash vintage Levi’s 501 Original Jeans Hathaway wore in one of her scenes, a source confirmed to Us.
Get the Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans for $63 (was $80) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Levi’s 501s are iconic because they’re beloved by women and men alike. They’re also one of those rare pieces that both celebrities and everyday people have in their wardrobe: Rockstars like Freddie Mercury and Bruce Springsteen, royalty like Princess Diana, as well as modern fashionistas like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid are renowned fans.
Levi 501 jeans can be worn in a myriad of ways and fit into a range of styles. For example, in the scene, Hathaway wears the blue denim with a brown suede jacket, a printed silk scarf with pops of blue, heeled snakeskin boots and a brown suede shoulder bag with fringe details and chunky hardware. But if this eclectic combination of patterns and colors isn’t your vibe, the jeans can just as seamlessly be paired with a graphic tee and sneakers, or a tank top and flip flops.
It’s also crucial to note that Levi’s 501s isn’t solely known for their style. Customers are adamant that the quality of Levi jeans is unmatched and continues to live up to that reputation today. One Amazon reviewer admitted they half-expected to receive a thinner version of the old Levi’s they’d worn and loved years ago, but were thrilled at the familiar, sturdy denim they could tell was “going to turn into the custom fit I remember from many moons ago.”
If you love the fashion featured in The Devil Wears Prada 2, but recoil at the thought of paying top dollar to channel the looks, you’re in luck. Anne Hathaway’s character was spotted in a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans, and you can snag a pair for yourself for just $63 on Amazon. Now that is groundbreaking.
Get the Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans for $63 (was $80) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more Levi jeans here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
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