Entertainment
10 Perfect HBO Shows With 20 Episodes or Less
HBO is one of the few networks that has valued quantity over quality, which may explain why its output as a distributor has been so consistently strong. While rival streamers attempt to pack their libraries with as much content as possible, HBO has given time to its showrunners to develop the best stories possible. While it can sometimes be irritating to wait several years for a new season of a highly anticipated show, the benefit is that there aren’t as many significant disappointments.
HBO has only a few long-running shows that expanded for too many seasons, as many of its best programs were either short-lived series or miniseries limited events. The fact that they were able to do so much in a small amount of time speaks to the economics of storytelling and how avoiding bloat can be an effective storytelling decision.
10
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Band of Brothers is perhaps the greatest miniseries ever made, and definitely the most immersive and well-rounded exploration of World War II. Although trying to fit the greatest conflict in the history of the human race into a single, ten-episode series would have been a challenge, Band of Brothers made the smart decision to follow the perspective of the men in “Easy Company” from their early days in training camp to Japan’s surrender in 1945.
Band of Brothers featured a terrific ensemble that felt particularly realistic because the cast went to a real boot camp in order to prepare for their roles and develop the type of friendships that could be seen on screen. It’s a stunning achievement that is both informative and inspirational and will be remembered many years down the line as a perfect embodiment of American history.
9
‘The Pacific’ (2010)
The Pacific is a sequel of sorts to Band of Brothers that is also set in World War II but is focused on the Pacific theater of combat, which tended to be even more brutal. Unlike Band of Brothers, which began with the characters in boot camp, The Pacific follows the soldiers during their lives before the war, and even goes beyond to see how they struggle in the aftermath to deal with adjusting to normal life and coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Pacific is a more well-rounded depiction of the heartlessness and senselessness of war that shows the brutal techniques used on both sides of the conflict. While not an easy series to watch, it does offer an important insight into what the “Greatest Generation” actually looked like and why the past might be doomed to repeat itself.
8
‘The Sympthazier’ (2024)
The Sympathizer is a wildly inventive spy thriller based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, and was created by the legendary South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. Park is known for many provocative, dark films that use non-linear and experimental techniques to show human frailty, and The Sympathizer offers a complex portrayal of a North Vietnamese spy who goes undercover in the United States as the war escalates, leading to the fall of Saigon.
The Sympathizer looked at the terrifying code of silence within Communist regimes, but it also satirized American indulgence through a great performance by Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple characters that represent different areas of corruption and intellectual fascism. Although there are some moments of dark humor, The Sympathizer is a sobering story about sacrificing oneself for the platonic ideal of a movement that might not actually exist.
7
‘DTF St. Louis’ (2026)
DTF St. Louis is a relatively new entry into HBO’s catalog of great miniseries, but it is already proving to have significant lasting power. While HBO has always done a great job at generating shows that offer a frank depiction of sexuality and human nature, DTF St. Louis is particularly clever in how it uses a murder mystery and flashback structure to explore a deteriorating marriage and one man’s quest to reach even the slightest degree of self-confidence.
DTF St. Louis features Emmy-worthy performances from its entire cast, with David Harbour having the standout role as Floyd, a sign language translator for a weather station who discovers that his wife (Linda Cardellini) is having an affair with his best friend (Jason Bateman). Although the show has a very unique sense of humor, Harbour is able to ensure that Floyd himself is never treated as the butt of the joke.
6
‘Angels in America’ (2003)
Angels in America is the definitive portrayal of the AIDS crisis in media, as it adapted the Tony-award-winning play from the great Tony Kushner into a heartbreaking six-part series that explored the perspective of victims, artists, parents, politicians, and activists during the tragic era of the 1980s. Although the density of the material would have made it impossible to turn into a traditional cinematic adaptation, legendary film director Mike Nichols was able to ensure that the series attained a high degree of artistry.
Angels in America is a profound work of tonal balancing that combines grounded moments of intimacy with religious imagery and metaphorical content. It’s an achievement that was made to ensure that the memories of this lost generation would not be discounted or forgotten and remains an empathetic work of art that should continue to be celebrated.
5
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
The Night Of is a brilliant legal thriller that shows a nightmarish situation for a young Muslim man, played by Riz Ahmed, who is falsely accused of murdering a woman and sentenced to imprisonment as his trial lawyer (John Turturro) attempts to fight for his rights. It’s not only a compelling mystery in which the stakes can’t be higher but also a deeply disturbing exploration of the realities of xenophobia and police brutality within New York City.
Ahmed has rarely been better than he is in The Night Of as a relatively normal man who has his life transformed overnight, forcing him to air out his secrets as he pleads to be treated without bias. There haven’t been many recent legal dramas that have explored the realities of a court case in such a grounded way, as The Night Of is elevated beyond a procedural approach.
4
‘John Adams’ (2008)
John Adams is an outstanding biopic of the second President of the United States that features Paul Giamatti in one of his best performances ever. Although John Adams has a complex reputation among America’s commanders-in-chief, he was an important leader in the Continental Congress who pushed for the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain and was instrumental in preserving democracy during America’s early days as a nation.
John Adams is able to explore a remarkable amount of time without ever feeling rushed, as it begins by showing the titular figure’s relationship with Sam Adams (Danny Huston) during the Boston Massacre and follows through until the aftermath of his one term as President when he was ousted in the 1800 election. It’s not just a pitch-perfect series for history buffs but a great character study about ambition, justice, and the pursuit of the American dream.
3
‘Watchmen’ (2019)
Watchmen was a radical reinvention of one of the most famous graphic novels of all-time because it was not a straight adaptation. Instead, Damon Lindelof chose to create an original story that treated the original Alan Moore Watchmen as history and explored the aftermath of the devastating attack on New York City that sent all the former superheroes into hiding.
Watchmen is able to begin with an abstract mystery about murders linked to a mysterious cult that claims to follow in the footsteps of the vigilante Rorschach, but ends up tying in many of the classic characters in exciting ways. Although it is exciting to see these iconic superheroes reintroduced in such compelling ways, Watchmen is also able to make important political commentary on corruption and racism, and even succeeds in shedding light on the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre in the 1920s.
2
‘The Rehearsal’ (2022–2025)
The Reshearsal is one of the most complex and challenging endeavors that Nathan Fielder has ever embarked upon, which is saying something when considering how many lines he has crossed in the name of comedy. It would be insincere to describe The Rehearsal as just a comedy, as Fielder clearly has greater ambitions in mind; the first season of the show analyzes the art of performance as Fielder attempts to simulate what it would be like to be part of a family, and the second tackles a real issue regarding plane crashes by analyzing the behavior of pilots that could be cause for concern.
The Rehearsal is never willing to state outright when it is being satirical and how much of Fielder’s professed truthfulness should be believed, but it does feature some of the wildest and most unpredictable social experiments ever seen on television.
1
‘The Young Pope’ (2016)
The Young Pope is a show that has become even more relevant in recent months because it was made when the idea of an American becoming Pope of the Catholic Church was still unheard of. The fictional story by the legendary Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino tells the story of an American cardinal (Jude Law) who is elected to the highest office in the Church due to infighting amongst the passions, and starts a radical new regime that could cause the entire faith to implode.
The Young Pope is a taut political drama that isn’t afraid to get genuinely surrealist and metaphorical, making it one of the rare works of television that actually feels like an arthouse film. While the first season tells a self-contained story, Sorrentino continued with his sequel series, The New Pope, starring John Malkovich and Law, four years later.
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New sci-fi shows come out nearly every month on all the big streaming services, but it’s rare that one finds a foothold strong enough to stay around for a few years. Just look back to The Boroughs, Netflix’s big sci-fi gamble of 2026 that was even hailed as the platform’s next Stranger Things, with creatives and producers (Matt and Ross Duffer) admitting to plans beyond Season 1. However, despite a mostly positive reception, Netflix canceled the show while it was still sitting in the global top 10, setting a dangerous precedent going forward. One of Netflix’s biggest competitors, Prime Video, has found success in the sci-fi genre in recent years with a few shows, but perhaps none have become as popular as Fallout. Through two seasons, the show picked up over 100 million views.
When it came time to adapt Fallout, Prime Video made a decision that could be viewed as risky in telling a completely original story and not opting to adapt a game one-for-one. This ultimately worked out, as it allowed the show to introduce beloved new characters like Ghoul (played by Walton Goggins) and Lucy (played by Ella Purnell), while also bringing back beloved characters from the game such as Dogmeat. However, just because Prime Video’s Fallout is on top of the world right now before its third season doesn’t mean Bethesda is done sinking resources into its most recent single-player Fallout experience, Fallout 4. Earlier this week, the official Fallout X account announced the addition of a new Creation Club companion known as Miss Weldy, a chaotic automatron robot now available to download on all platforms.
When Does ‘Fallout’ Season 3 Come Out?
Prime Video has yet to set an official release date or window for Fallout Season 3, but production is gearing up to begin soon. Some big new casting additions have been announced in recent weeks leading up to the start of filming, including Breaking Bad veteran Aaron Paul and The Acolyte villain Manny Jacinto. Assuming the show does resume filming in the next few months, it can be safely said that it will certainly return sometime in 2027, but likely not before the end of 2026. Still, after the first season premiered in 2024 and Season 2 debuted at the turn of 2025/2026, three seasons in five years is as good as it gets during the streaming era for a sci-fi show with such a big budget.
Check out the first two seasons of Fallout on Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Season 3.
- Release Date
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April 10, 2024
- Network
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Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Lisa Joy, Jonathan Nolan
- Directors
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Frederick E. O. Toye, Wayne Che Yip, Stephen Williams, Liz Friedlander, Jonathan Nolan, Daniel Gray Longino, Clare Kilner
- Writers
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Lisa Joy, Jonathan Nolan
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Flat sandals are an easy grab, but they come with a hefty side of regret. When you’re running errands, walking to the restaurant or traveling abroad, you’ll be glad you grabbed these comfy-chic shoe styles that serve the same casual ease, minus the aching arches.
This summer’s trendiest shoes hide serious engineering under sleek silhouettes. Think: contouring tucked inside slides, memory foam footbeds disguised as platforms and built-in arch support. Below, you’ll find 13 stylish pairs that look like they belong on a Positano postcard, but feel like they were made for a 12,000-step day.
13 Secretly Supportive Summer Shoes — From $12
1. Bestseller Alert: Slip into these cushiony toe-loop sandals for anything on your July calendar. Breezy and plush, they’re a bestseller for a reason.
2. Boutique Find: Ribbon laces and delicate lace detailing give these pink ballet sneakers the look of flats with the feeling of trainers.
3. Luxe Leopard: Blisters ruin new shoes (and your day). Thankfully, these leopard-print flats have stretchy knit upper that skips the phase entirely; they mold to your foot from the first wear.
4. Logging Miles: When you booked a walking tour and don’t want to arrive in sneakers, slip into these arch-supportive sandals and go for 15,000 steps.
5. New York Socialite: White faux leather, polished gold hardware and a round-toe shape give these luxe-looking loafers a Madison Avenue finish for $34.
Whether you’re walking around Paris or New York City, chances are you’ll see ballerina sneakers everywhere. Rich moms are especially obsessed with the 2026 shoe trend, and given how comfy and chic this style is, we understand why. The summer-friendly design is just as versatile as white sneakers, but 10 times classier. These sneaker-flat hybrids make […]
6. European Rich Mom: Adidas took the Mary Jane silhouette and gave it a sporty twist with this pair. The Parisian-style Barreda sneakers go beautifully with dresses and still handle airport days.
7. Elevated Flops: Flat flip-flops provide zero support, but heeled sandals kill you by 9 p.m. This platform pair splits the difference with a stable base and a classic thong design.
8. Mega Classy: Two-tone paneling gives these Mary Jane sneakers a compliment-worthy appeal. The strap keeps them secure without the toe-grip clench of ballet flats.
9. Oddly Chic: Crocs took its signature foam and shaped it into toe-loop sandals, which may sound strange until you wear them. These cloud-like wonders are wildly comfortable.
10. Hamptons Vibes: If you love the Hermès Oran, you’ll adore these coastal-inspired slides that feature a raffia-looking H-strap and memory foam footbed.
11. Total Hybrid: Museum days that turn into dinner plans call for shoes that work for both. These Mary Jane sneakers skip the outfit-change panic.
12. Beach Day: Reef built its reputation on comfort and these easy Vista sandals prove why. They cushion you through sand, salt water and the walk back to the car.
13. Half Off: These classy gold-strap sandals should cost triple the price, with thick metallic straps that dress up denim and sundresses alike. But hey, no complaints!
As a comfort connoisseur, I’m all about sneakers. But as a fashion person, I’m also about, well, fashion. When the occasion calls for a dress and sporty isn’t the vibe, I found 13 elevated shoe styles that make my summer dresses appear triple the price. These chic flats, sandals, slides and more are the easiest […]
Entertainment
Madonna, daughter Lourdes Leon address 'coattail' criticism and scrutiny on new, emotionally raw song
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Madonna debuted “The Test” with her daughter, whose birth greatly inspired the pop icon’s work on her 1998 album “Ray of Light.”
Critical Role has built an entertainment empire by bringing TTRPG (tabletop role-playing game) style storytelling to the masses, first via their web series and now also by adapting those campaigns into animated series on Prime Video — The Legend of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein. Over the years, they’ve amassed a staggeringly impressive following and also continue to tell unparalleled fantasy stories via new campaigns, the latest of which kicked off in October 2025.
Not only are the members of Critical Role icons in the D&D space, but they’re also wildly talented and accomplished actors. That combination could make them ideal casting for Peacock’s upcoming Dungeon Crawler Carl series.
Collider Ladies Night recently celebrated its first-ever full live show at the Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles with Critical Role’s Laura Bailey, Marisha Ray and Ashley Johnson. During a round of Dicey Questions, the group rolled our fan casting question, and were challenged to cast each other in the film or show of their choice. Bailey immediately zeroed in on the highly anticipated Dungeon Crawler Carl show.
What Is ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl?’
An ambitious adaptation that could be a major hit for Peacock.
Dungeon Crawler Carl is a literary role-playing game series from author Matt Dinniman. At the start of book one, an alien invasion almost entirely annihilates life on earth. Survivors are forced to enter the World Dungeon, an 18-level space constructed using Earth’s resources that serves as a game show arena. Carl and other “crawlers,” including his ex-girlfriend’s cat Donut, must navigate each level while learning from NPCs, selecting their character race and class, collecting supplies, and fighting bosses. If they don’t make their way to the next level in the allotted time, the level they’re on collapses, killing all crawlers who remain.
The first book was a hit and paved the way for Dinniman to publish eight novels total by May 2026. In 2024, it was announced that Universal International Studios and Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door emerged victorious in a “highly competitive situation” and scooped up the rights to turn Dungeon Crawler Carl into a TV series. Just a few weeks ago, Peacock gave the project a straight-to-series order, so that means MacFarlane and co. might be casting up in the near future.
Prime Video’s 4-Part Epic Fantasy ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ Gets a Gripping Reset | Review
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ Season 4 premieres June 3 on Prime Video.
Laura Bailey Wants to See Marisha Ray in ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’
And has a role she wants to play herself.
Given Bailey is busy reading Dungeon Crawler Carl right now, it didn’t take long for the perfect answer to come to mind for our fan-casting Dicey Question.
“I’ve been reading a lot of Dungeon Crawler Carl, and I just saw that the rights got picked up, and it’s already green lit, and I’m freaking out about it. But listen, I’ve been reading the series, and I got to the role of Samantha, and I think Marisha would be amazing.”
Why that role in particular for Ray? Bailey explained that the idea came to mind courtesy of something Ray did on the video podcast series Weird Kids. She explained, “You did this little thing, like a spoof on Critical Role, and it was just your head on this little body, and you had a high ponytail.”
Given how specific and unusual that visual is, you might be wondering, why would that bring Dungeon Crawler Carl to mind? First, Dungeon Crawler Carl is a swing-for-the-fences type of story. After all, Carl’s ex-girlfriend’s cat, Donut, becomes sapient courtesy of an enchanted pet biscuit.
With that in mind, it might not come as much of a surprise to learn that Samantha is actually a sex doll. Bailey noted, “I’m not going to spoil anything — she’s a sex doll. But also, hilarious and psycho.” When Ray laughed and said, “You should just stop while you’re ahead,” Bailey added, “She’s great! She’s, like, one of my favorite characters. She’s just a head. Okay, I’m stopping.”
Ray jumped in and joked, “I’ll do anything. Look, Hollywood, I’ll do anything,” and then added, “This has actually been the best pitch for me to read Dungeon Crawler Carl. Now I’m like, ‘Well, that sounds pretty good.’”
Bailey’s pitch certainly had that effect on me. Immediately after our live event, I started listening to the first book in the series. While I’ve yet to reach Samantha’s part of the story, I have spent a good deal of time with Princess Donut. During the conversation about the adaptation, Bailey also added, “I want to be Donut in Dungeon Crawler Carl so bad,” and now I know, sincerely, that casting would be brilliant. Bailey’s a voice acting pro and would, no doubt, soar while taking it to the extreme Donut-style.
But the same is also true of any member of Critical Role. They’ve all got extensive acting resumes, but even if you only hear their work in The Legend of Vox Machina, which just wrapped up its fourth season on Prime Video, it’ll be abundantly clear that they’ve all got maximum range as performers and endless creative potential as artists. There’s already a good deal of hype for this Dungeon Crawler Carl series, but what would up that buzz more than adding members of Critical Role to the ensemble of a D&D-inspired book-turned-TV show?
Eager to hear even more from Bailey, Ray and Johnson? You can watch the full Collider Ladies Night Live recording in the video at the top of this article!
- Release Date
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January 27, 2022
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Brandon Auman
- Directors
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Young Heller, Eugene Lee, Alicia Chan
- Writers
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Eugene Son, Travis Willingham, Chris Wyatt, Kevin Burke, Suzanne Keilly, Mae Catt, Todd Casey, Ashly Burch, May Chan, Marc Bernardin
Entertainment
Millie Bobby Brown Reveals She Was “Heartbroken” After Losing Major Marvel Role : Coastal House Media
Following one of the strongest debut seasons in Marvel Animation history, X-Men ’97 faced enormous expectations entering Season 2. Fortunately, the first three episodes prove the series hasn’t lost any momentum, delivering another thrilling blend of superhero action, emotional storytelling, and deep comic book lore.
Rather than easing viewers back into the world of the X-Men, Season 2 immediately picks up after the explosive finale of Season 1. With the team scattered across three different time periods, the opening episodes follow multiple storylines simultaneously while laying the groundwork for Apocalypse‘s rise.
It’s an ambitious approach, but one that largely succeeds.
Episode 1 centers on Cyclops, Jean Grey, and the future timeline, adapting elements from The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix. Their reunion with Nathan, better known as Cable, provides some of the strongest emotional moments of the season so far. The episode reminds viewers that beneath all of the time travel and mutant battles, X-Men ’97 continues to thrive because of its characters.
X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]
Episode 2 shifts gears with a fun, action-packed adventure featuring Cable, Jubilee, Sunspot, and the formation of a new X-Force. While the episode embraces the over-the-top style of the classic ’90s comics, it also explores the moral differences between Cable’s hardened worldview and Jubilee’s optimism. Their dynamic creates one of the season’s most entertaining character pairings.
The third episode may be the strongest of the bunch, taking audiences thousands of years into the past as Magnetoencounters a young En Sabah Nur, the mutant destined to become Apocalypse. Rather than presenting the iconic villain as a one-dimensional conqueror, the episode explores his origins in a surprisingly thoughtful way. The conversations between Magneto and En Sabah Nur are among the most compelling scenes in the series, adding emotional complexity to a character fans thought they already knew.
Visually, X-Men ’97 remains one of Marvel’s most impressive productions. The animation captures the spirit of the original 1990s series while elevating every action sequence with fluid movement, vibrant colors, and cinematic direction. Whether it’s mutant powers colliding on the battlefield or quieter emotional moments between teammates, every frame feels carefully crafted.
The voice cast also continues to shine, bringing authenticity and heart to these beloved characters. Even with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, each episode finds time for meaningful character moments that remind viewers why the X-Men have endured for generations.
The biggest criticism of these opening episodes is pacing. Episode 1 in particular moves through a significant amount of story in a short amount of time, and several of the timelines could have benefited from an extra episode to further develop their characters and emotional beats. It’s less a flaw in storytelling than a reminder that there’s simply so much happening at once.
X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]
Even so, those concerns do little to diminish what has been an outstanding start to Season 2. Marvel Animation has once again found the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, honoring classic comic arcs while keeping longtime fans guessing about what’s coming next.
Three episodes in, X-Men ’97 is already shaping up to be one of the year’s best animated series. If the remaining episodes maintain this level of quality, Season 2 has every chance of surpassing its already exceptional predecessor.
Verdict
X-Men ’97 wastes no time reminding fans why it became one of Marvel’s biggest success stories. While the opening episodes occasionally move too quickly through their ambitious storylines, the outstanding animation, emotional character work, and faithful adaptation of beloved comic arcs make for an exceptional return. After three episodes, Season 2 is firing on all cylinders.
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You’ve vetted your supplements, scrutinized your skincare, and probably banished most of the seed oils from your kitchen. But the toothpaste you’re using twice a day, every day, has somehow escaped the same scrutiny.
ARU toothpaste is part of a new generation of oral care built for people who actually read the back of the box — shorter formulas, ingredients with a purpose and evidence behind the choices.
Conventional toothpaste tubes carry 15 to 20+ ingredients, many of which exist for foam, color or shelf appeal rather than dental outcomes. The pushback consumers have applied to food, beauty and cookware is finally reaching oral care, and the data behind cleaner formulations is more substantial than the category’s marketing has historically let on.
Making a Case for SLS-Free Toothpaste
Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is the foaming agent in most conventional toothpastes. It’s the reason your brush feels productive. It’s also a detergent originally developed for industrial cleaning, regulated as safe at toothpaste concentrations but well-documented as an irritant to soft tissue and a contributor to canker sores.
A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine found that SLS-free toothpaste reduced the number of ulcers, duration of ulcer, number of episodes and ulcer pain.
“Minor changes in a toothpaste can really make a difference in a patient’s quality of life,” Diana Messadi, a professor and the chair of oral medicine, oral pathology and orofacial pain at the UCLA School of Dentistry, told The Washington Post.
If you’ve quietly written off canker sores as bad luck, switching to an SLS-free toothpaste is one of the cheaper experiments you can run.
What’s Actually In Every ARU Toothpaste Formula
The ARU toothpaste line comes in four different formulas. None of them contain SLS. They’re also free from microbeads, dyes, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, fluoride, artificial flavors and animal testing.
They each share eight ingredients in common, all of which serve a specific purpose:
- Cocamidopropyl betaine, a coconut-derived surfactant that creates gentle foam and lifts away plaque and debris without irritating gum tissue (an SLS alternative).
- Sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that sweetens the formula and keeps it from drying out.
- Cellulose gum, a plant-derived thickener that keeps the paste smooth, stable, and evenly textured.
- Silica. a naturally occurring mineral that adds texture and gently scrubs away plaque and surface stains.
- Natural mint flavors, a blend of eucalyptus, spearmint, and peppermint oils for flavor and fresh breath.
- Potassium sorbate, a preservative that prevents mold, yeast, and bacterial growth in the tube.
- Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that rounds out the flavor without contributing to decay.
- Aqua (water), the solvent that dissolves and binds the other ingredients into a paste.
Three of the formulas add one more ingredient to the mix, while the fourth adds three. Those ingredients are specifically chosen to either whiten teeth, reduce sensitivity, improve gum health or protect cavities.
Here’s a breakdown:
- The fluoride-free whitening toothpaste adds sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to polish away surface stains, calcium carbonate as a gentle abrasive for plaque and calcium peroxide to break down deeper stains through slow oxidation.
- The fluoride-free sensitive toothpaste adds hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up natural tooth enamel, to remineralize teeth and fill in the micro-fissures that cause hot, cold, and sweet sensitivity.
- The gum health toothpaste adds stannous fluoride, which strengthens enamel while also reducing the bacterial overgrowth and nerve stimulation that lead to bleeding and inflamed gums .
- The cavity protection toothpaste adds sodium fluoride, the standard cavity-fighting active, which remineralizes enamel and increases its resistance to the acid erosion that causes decay.
Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: What the Evidence Says
The scientific consensus is clear. Fluoride is safe at the concentrations used in commercial toothpaste, and the American Dental Association still recommends fluoride toothpaste for daily use.
“The fluoride will help reduce the demineralization process, which is the first stage of tooth decay,” says Dr. David Okano, a periodontist and assistant professor at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. “Also, if you have the demineralization but not yet a full-blown cavity in the tooth, the fluoride can be taken up into that demineralized area to help it remineralize.”
A growing share of consumers still skip it. The most established concern is dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that develops when young children ingest too much fluoride while permanent teeth are still forming, which is why kids toothpaste choices warrant extra scrutiny. Some adults also report sensitivity or irritation from fluoride formulas. Others simply prefer shorter ingredient lists.
ARU’s line covers both lanes, so a fluoride-free toothpaste and a remineralizing toothpaste with hydroxyapatite sit alongside the two fluoride picks.
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste as a Remineralizing Alternative
The most evidence-supported fluoride alternative is hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up natural tooth enamel. As a remineralizing toothpaste ingredient, it fills the micro-fissures that cause hot, cold, and sweet sensitivity and rebuilds enamel from the surface in.
ARU’s sensitive formula is a hydroxyapatite toothpaste — a credible toothpaste for sensitive teeth that doesn’t rely on fluoride to do the work. If you’ve been looking for a clinical reason to avoid fluoride beyond preference, remineralization via hydroxyapatite is the answer with the most data behind it.
The Honest Worth-It Verdict
Pick by goal. Want whiter teeth, go with whitening. Bleeding gums, gum health. Standard daily protection, cavity protection. Sensitive teeth, the hydroxyapatite formula. All four are available at Walmart and on Walmart.com.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
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There comes a point every summer when denim shorts start feeling like more trouble than they’re worth. They ride up, feel stiff in the heat and somehow never seem as comfortable as you remember. That’s when a throw-on striped dress becomes the easiest thing in your closet — add sandals, sneakers or flip-flops, and you’re out the door.
Whether you’re drawn to a boutique-worthy blue midi dress, a nautical-inspired knit style or a colorful striped maxi that instantly brightens your wardrobe, there’s something on this list for every summer occasion. Below, shop 17 throw-on Amazon dresses you’ll wear on repeat all season long. Best of all, they start at just $15.
17 Throw-on Striped Dresses You’ll Wear More Than Denim Shorts
1. Our Favorite: A cinched waist gives this long-sleeve midi dress a tailored look without feeling restrictive. Classic black-and-white stripes make it polished enough for dinner but casual enough for errands.
2. Boutique-Worthy: Ruffle cap sleeves and a flattering V-neck make this blue expensive-looking midi look like something you’d stumble across in a charming seaside boutique.
3. Bold Stripes: Bright, colorful stripes instantly bring this T-shirt mini dress to life. The relaxed silhouette keeps the bold pattern feeling fun instead of overwhelming.
4. Selling Fast: At under $20, it’s no surprise shoppers are scooping up this loose mini sundress. Ruffle cap sleeves and a flattering V-neck add just enough shape while keeping the fit breezy.
5. Coastal-Chic: Loose through the body, this button-front shirt dress was practically made for warm, humid days. It also doubles as an easy swimsuit cover-up.
I have a bad habit of opening Amazon for one thing, and somehow ending up with a cart full of dresses. This time, I stumbled across the retailer’s under-$40 dress edit and immediately started shopping for pieces that look far more expensive than their price tags. From breezy maxis to throw-on-and-go shirt dresses, there are […]
6. Color Crush: Neon-inspired stripes turn this flowy maxi dress into an instant statement piece. Thankfully, the breezy silhouette keeps it wearable for everyday.
7. Vacation-Ready: A smocked bodice lets this pink striped maxi dress move comfortably with you all day. Just add sandals, and you’re ready for sightseeing or dinner by the water.
8. Loungewear-Like: Think of this long-sleeve T-shirt dress as your favorite lounge dress — only polished enough to wear out of the house. Slides or sneakers both work with it perfectly.
9. Has Pockets: No summer dress is complete without somewhere to stash your phone, and this tie-waist mini dress delivers. The relaxed fit makes it just as practical as it is cute.
10. Rich Mom-Style: Between the tie waist, button front and soft blue stripes, this maxi shirt dress looks far more expensive than it actually is.
11. Figure-Flattering: Designed with a cinched waist and midi length, this blue striped dress naturally creates the look of an hourglass shape.
12. Tummy-Hiding: Sitting slightly above the waist, the seam on this light blue T-shirt midi dress draws the eye upward while skimming over the midsection.
13. Strapless Stunner: Thanks to a stretchy smocked bodice, this strapless maxi dress stays put without constant adjusting. The pockets are just a bonus.
14. Nautical Knit: Contrast trim and a button-front placket give this knit midi dress timeless sailor-inspired charm. The knit fabric also helps it keep its shape throughout the day.
15. Everyday Ease: Flutter sleeves add a feminine touch to this blue striped swing dress, while the relaxed silhouette makes it an easy choice for busy days.
16. Sneaker Friendly: White sneakers are the obvious match for this black-and-white tank dress, but it looks just as cute with flat sandals and flip-flops.
17. Brunch-Ready: From bridal showers to birthday dinners, this smocked midi dress fits right in. Dress it down with flat sandals or elevate it with wedges.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Rocking a tee and jeans combo is always tempting, but not when it’s 80 degrees and sunny outside. Thankfully, breezy summer dresses are even comfier than this tried-and-true pairing, not to mention much more stylish. The right dress makes you appear put together with any pair of shoes, be it sneakers, sandals or even flip-flops. […]
Entertainment
The cast of “Back to the Future”: See the stars of the 1985 sci-fi classic, then and now
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Great Scott, Robert Zemeckis’ masterpiece is more than 40 years old!
Love Island USA‘s Caleb McDaniel realized his connection with Jaiden Bacciocco wasn’t working after she stopped praising him.
“She doesn’t give me compliments,” he shared during the Thursday, July 2, episode of the hit Peacock series. “If I say something, she will say it back.”
Caleb admitted that he felt Jaiden losing interest — so he was too. His future with Jaiden remained unclear after a tumultuous Movie Night in the villa.
Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.
While the islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes and casting votes that affect the couples and the fate of the contestants.
Before viewers tuned in, Peacock issued a message to remind the audience to be kind.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” read their statement. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
Host Ariana Madix has also had to previously issue a message for those Love Island USA viewers who are taking things too far when expressing their frustrations with the show.
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
“I do want to say something to some of those people who are online,” she said during a June 2025 episode of Aftersun. “Don’t be contacting people’s families. Don’t be doxxing people.”
Ariana questioned the behavior she saw on social media.
“Don’t be going on islanders’ pages and saying rude things. You still have time to delete all of that because the islanders don’t have their phones,” she noted. “So we are giving you a chance because this is a fun, amazing and beautiful show. We should be thanking each one of these islanders every single day for giving us themselves.”
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
Josh Hart is seemingly putting a pin in speculation that the New York Knicks will be at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.
The starting guard, 31, hosed down rumors that the Knicks’ starting five players were invited to the “Wi$h Li$t” singer’s big day after she supported the team at the NBA finals last month.
Fellow Knicks player Jeremy Sochan quoted a report about the invite via X on Thursday, July 2, jokingly pleading with Hart to take him along to the nuptials.
“What about me? 😞 @joshhart can I be your plus 1?” Sochan, 23, quipped.
New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson is trying his best to stay out of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story. During an appearance on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, host Jenna Bush Hager asked the newly crowned NBA champion whether Madison Square Garden could make a great wedding venue for the couple. “Great venue,” […]
In response, Hart appeared to deny that he and fellow players, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, were ever invited to the event. “Lol bro this fake news,” Hart wrote.
Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs on June 10 at Madison Square Garden — the same venue where she will reportedly exchange vows with Kelce over the July 4 holiday weekend.
The following day she was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and joked during her speech that she may have supported the Knicks too loudly.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“The quality of my speaking voice is the product of [something] that I am not sorry for… I was lucky enough to go to a Knicks game last night,” Swift said as she acknowledged her scratchy voice from the night before.
She continued, “I screamed for 100% of it. And then I got home and was like, ‘You gotta stop screaming, you’re screaming too much, you’re screaming instead of talking, you’re too excited.’”
In Game 5, the Knicks won their first NBA Championship in 53 years after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in a nail-biting game.
Taylor Swift’s appearance at the 2026 NBA Finals sparked backlash from some basketball fans — but New York Knicks player Jose Alvarado is all about Swiftie mania. Alvarado, 28, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, June 18, that it was “amazing” having Swift, 36, sitting courtside during Game 4 of the Knicks’ championship series on […]
Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Swift and Kelce are preparing to tie the knot at Madison Square Garden this weekend.
While the couple have kept relatively tight-lipped about the details and location of their nuptials since announcing their engagement in August 2025, Swift previously shared she was looking forward to her big day.
“I think the wedding is what happens after [my Life of a Showgirl promotional tour] in the scheme of the planning, but I’m so excited about it,” Swift said on the Graham Norton Show in October 2025. “I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.”
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