Roomies, when you’re trying to enjoy a night out with your boo, sometimes you’ve gotta make it clear who’s invited and who’s not! Moneybagg Yo and Ari Fletcher recently turned up together at the club, but it looks like Bagg wasn’t letting just anybody get too comfortable in their section. A clip circulating online has folks talking after the rapper appeared to personally make sure his VIP space stayed exclusive.

RELATED: Fans Think Moneybagg Yo & Ari Fletcher Have Already Tied The Knot After He Flexes HUGE Ring (PHOTOS)

Moneybagg Yo & Ari Fletcher Stepped Out Looking Good

Moneybagg Yo and Ari Fletcher were both serving looks for their night out. Bagg stepped out in a black leather jacket worn with no shirt underneath, shades, and a chain, while Ari complemented the vibe in an all-black ensemble, sparkling jewelry, a glam beat, and a sleek updo.

Moneybagg Yo Makes It Clear Who’s Welcome

But while the couple enjoyed their time in the VIP section, Moneybagg appeared to have a message for some of the people who entered their space. In the circulating footage, the rapper could be seen gesturing for individuals to leave and seemingly ushering someone out of the booth as he worked to keep the section private.

Fans Had Plenty Of Theories

One Instagram user @icemikeloveasia said, “once u get shood away, it’s time to gone to da crib 😮‍💨”

This Instagram user @ntunga.abantu added, “The way she looks at him✨✨ He must’ve been protecting her peace👌🏾”

And, Instagram user @privonsitaaaa wrote, “Lmao she was so happy he did that 😭”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @_gonetillnovembr shared, “Me acting shocked my man mean asl to other ppl even though that’s my fav part about him lol”

While Instagram user @callmejudy___ claimed, “LMAOOO SOMEBODY SAID WAS IT LIL BABY BYE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭”

Finally, Instagram user @donna_sowblessed shared, “When your side piece try to sit in the section lol”

RELATED: Ari Fletcher & Moneybagg Yo Bring The Heat To Ibiza For Her Birthday & Fans Can’t Get Enough (PHOTO + VIDEO)

Chris Brown filed documents to keep his former housekeeper away from his tour royalties. The ‘Residuals’ singer was ordered to pay Maria Avila $13 million after she won a lawsuit claiming his dog attacked her back in 2020.

RELATED: Chris Brown Has Folks In Their Feelings After Stepping In For A Fan & Sending Her Boss A Message (VIDEO)

Chris Brown Files Court Documents To Protect Tour Royalties

Chris Brown recently filed documents to prevent his former housekeeper away from his tour royalties, according to TMZ. The ‘Residuals’ singer was ordered to pay Maria Avila $13 million last month after she won a lawsuit claiming his dog attacked her back in 2020.

Brown is reportedly asking the court to block Avila from collecting her $13 million lawsuit judgement from his tour royalties and future earnings. Avila is reportedly attempting to have dibs on all of Brown’s present and future income until the judgement is settled.

Amanda Kloots may have hung up her ballroom shoes, but she’s always one to give advice to new contestants on Dancing With the Stars.

“I know a couple people [joining season 35] but that’s only because — it’s funny, people reach out when they’re like, ‘I’m thinking about doing this show. Should I do it?’” Kloots, 44, exclusively told Us while promoting her “Good Grief with Amanda Kloots” podcast. “I’m always like, ‘Yes, yes, you should do it. It’ll be the best, hardest thing you do, but it’ll be the best thing you ever do. I promise you, you will not regret it.’”

Kloots played coy about who reached out to her about the show, which has confirmed four contestants: Love Island’s Maura Higgins, Summer House star Ciara Miller, Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson and Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez. ABC has yet to disclose more celebrities or pros competing on the series, which is set to premiere on September 15.

“Pretty much every year after I’ve done the show, I’ve had somebody reach out going, ‘OK, did you really like this? Did you really have a good time?’ And I’m always like, ‘If you do not sign up for that show, you’re really missing the boat,’” she said.

Related: What to Know About Season 35 of ‘Dancing With the Stars‘ So Far: Cast and More

The Dancing With the Stars ballroom is filling up fast for season 35. While simultaneously confirming the reality competition’s renewal, Hulu shared during the Get Real House event in April that Summer House’s Ciara Miller and Love Island star Maura Higgins would be lacing up their dancing shoes. The following month, Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson […]

Kloots appeared on season 30 of the hit ABC competition show, where she was partnered with Alan Bersten. The pair ultimately placed fourth and lost to champions Iman Shumpert and pro Daniella Karagach. Kloots, however, would be game to try her hand at an all-star season.

“I would be there. I’m sure [casting director and executive producer] Deena Katz and ABC know that I would be there in a heartbeat,” she told Us. “I mean, it would be a dream come true. I’m so proud of that show.”

Kloots went on to gush about the series recently receiving an Emmy nomination, which she said was “so well deserved” given its “wonderful atmosphere.”

“Everybody’s rooting for each other,” she said. “There’s no jealousy or cattiness or fights or mean spirited. Everybody’s there to help each other. It’s such a wonderful experience. I would love to go back.”

While not quite an all-star season, Kloots did return to the ballroom for DWTS Con in Palm Springs earlier this month and performed a number alongside Bersten, 32, and former champ Hannah Brown.

“It was so fun, oh my gosh!” Kloots said. “I love that show so much and dancing has always been a part of my life. But then I packed my shoes away. When I got to do that show, it was such a part of my healing journey. I am forever grateful. So to be back with that family — and I say family because they are all those pros are incredible and they now have children. Everybody’s in the dressing room and playing with everybody, and they’re all so kind and so supportive and they work so hard. Then all the celebrities that came back are like me, they just love this show so much and have been so grateful to be a part of it. It’s just sort of like this big love fest amidst this crazy dancing.”

Days after appearing at the fan convention, Kloots launched the “Good Grief With Amanda Kloots” podcast with Dear Media. Kloots, whose husband Nick Cordero died in 2020 after facing COVID-19 complications, hopes to feature candid conversations about facing significant changes in life. (Kloots and Cordero shared son Elvis, whom they welcomed in 2019.)

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“It’s been six years since I lost my husband. I do a lot of therapy, from science-backed therapy to very woo-woo — I live in Los Angeles, so I’ve done almost all of it,” she shared. “It was in this last year that I had this kind of turnaround in therapy with my relationship to grief.”

Kloots explained that she helps “a lot of widows” who she takes “under [her] wing and try to help because widows did that” for her when she was “newly grieving.”

“We all talk about how to survive grief in the beginning, but we don’t really talk about the beauty and the things that grief can teach us because we live with it,” she noted. “We live with it for the rest of our lives. It isn’t going anywhere, which was my misconception. I thought I could heal it, and I’d get my graduate certificate. And it isn’t that. It’s how you learn to live with it, and most importantly, how you can learn to love yourself again in this grief. So that’s hopefully the message of the podcast.”

When Naomi Watts shares the beauty products behind her radiant complexion, it’s worth taking note. One staple in her makeup routine is the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer, a creamy formula that delivers full coverage while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish. The actress’ Met Gala makeup look relied on the concealer, as it brightened and perfected her complexion.

What makes the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer stand out is its ability to deliver full coverage without looking or feeling heavy. The creamy formula effortlessly camouflages dark circles, redness, discoloration and blemishes while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish that never appears flat or mask-like. Better yet, it’s buildable, so you can apply a sheer layer for everyday wear or add more in targeted areas without worrying about it becoming cakey.

Get the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer for $42 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The skincare-infused formula is another reason it’s become such a cult favorite. Dior formulated the concealer with floral extracts to help keep skin feeling hydrated and comfortable throughout the day, making it especially appealing for anyone with dry or mature skin. Instead of emphasizing texture or settling into fine lines as the hours pass, it maintains a fresh, radiant look that leaves the complexion appearing smoother and more awake.

Application is just as effortless thanks to its oversized doe-foot applicator. The plush wand deposits enough product to quickly cover larger areas like under the eyes, around the nose and across the chin while still allowing for precise spot concealing. Many beauty lovers even skip foundation altogether, using a few strategically placed swipes of the concealer wherever they want extra coverage before blending with a sponge, brush or fingertips for an incredibly natural finish.

One mature-skinned Nordstrom shopper said “covers all my dark spots,” while another said it “gives a natural look” and is “very blendable.”

Whether you’re looking to camouflage dark circles, cover discoloration or simply achieve a more even-looking complexion, the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer lives up to its cult-favorite status.

Get the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer for $42 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Naomi Watts Unveiled her Go-To Facial Serum for Deep Hydration

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When your skin starts to feel the effects of changing hormones, dryness and loss of firmness, finding a product that does more than just moisturize becomes a must. Enter the The Power Move Hydrating Facial Serum from Stripes Beauty, a brand created by Naomi Watts with mature skin in mind. The 57-year-old actress recently told InStyle […]

Reacher Season 4 is about to debut on Prime Video, but fans already know which of Lee Child‘s books Season 5 will adapt. This news, accompanied by the announcement that Season 5 has officially begun production, confirms that Reacher will be breaking away from the formula previously established by recent seasons. Based on the book’s plot alone, it has the potential to be the show’s darkest storyline yet for its lead, played by Alan Ritchson.

What Is ‘Make Me’ About?

Make Me, the twentieth book in Child’s Jack Reacher series, opens with the wayward Reacher arriving in a small Midwestern town — the name of which, Mother’s Rest, immediately piques his interest. After receiving strange treatment from the locals, Reacher senses that something is amiss and tries to figure out what’s really going on. He soon uncovers a dark, macabre mystery unlike anything he has faced in previous adventures. Without getting into spoilers, Make Me features a very intense plot, as Reacher investigates unsavory activities in Mother’s Rest.

‘Reacher’ Season 5 Is Making a Major Change for the Series

Make Me revolves around a plot that’s very different from the books previously adapted for Reacher. The first three seasons of the show have included very personal stakes for the titular lead, including the murder of Reacher’s older brother, Joe (Christopher Russell), the deaths of some of his former teammates in the 110th Special Investigations Unit, and the murder of his first protégé, Dominique Kohl (Mariah Robinson).

Across every season of Reacher that has aired to date, Reacher gets involved in exacting vengeance for the death of a friend or loved one, but Make Me doesn’t feature those same personal stakes. When Reacher arrives in town and recognizes something is wrong, he simply takes it upon himself to seek justice. Additionally, the small-town Midwestern setting sets Make Me apart from previous seasons, distinguishing Season 5 from a sweltering Georgia in Season 1, New York City and Atlantic City in Season 2, coastal Maine in Season 3, and Philadelphia in Season 4. Reacher consistently benefits from switching up locations each season, and Season 5 will maintain that tradition.

‘Make Me’ Is Another Standalone Reacher Story

Image via Prime Video

Make Me may represent a diversion from the winning formula of Reacher’s first three seasons, as it doesn’t involve the eponymous hero carrying out a personal vendetta, but Season 5 will still revolve around another standalone adventure. Make Me is actually the twentieth Jack Reacher installment written by Child, but many of the books can be read in any order. For example, Reacher Season 4 is adapted from the thirteenth book, Gone Tomorrow, so the Prime Video series is now jumping ahead in the novels’ timeline.

Reacher generally avoids serialized elements and recurring characters, aside from Francis Neagley (Maria Sten), who pops up frequently within the first three seasons, as well as a brief cameo from Malcolm Goodwin‘s Detective Oscar Finlay in Season 2. Despite those aforementioned moments, the beauty of Reacher‘s storytelling comes from tightly focused storylines that aren’t necessarily concerned about building to future seasons. 2026 already marks a major year for the franchise, with Season 4 set to premiere on August 12 on Prime Video. After Season 4 concludes, Neagley, the franchise’s first-ever spin-off, debuts on September 16, with Ritchson reprising his role as a guest star opposite Sten as Neagley.

There’s something about a black and white swimsuit that always looks expensive. The eye-catching contrast, clean lines and timeless color combo have a way of creating a longer, leaner silhouette before you even step foot in the water. Meghan Markle just reminded Us why it’s the rich-girl swim trick that never goes out of style.

The As Ever founder was spotted wearing a chic black and white color-blocked one-piece while enjoying a beach day, proving that sometimes the simplest swimsuits make the biggest statement. The sophisticated design perfectly complements her signature quiet-luxury aesthetic, and it’s exactly the kind of flattering style that’s both classic and confidence-boosting. Better yet, we found a remarkably similar version on Amazon for just $38.

Get the Eomenie One Piece Color Block Swimsuit for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Eomenie One Piece Color Block Swimsuit has the same polished look, complete with a slimming color-blocked design, scoop neckline and strategically ruched waist. Removable padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and full-coverage bottoms make this alternative just as practical as it is chic, and the contrasting panels help create the illusion of a more defined waistline.

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s ’90s-Inspired Weekender Tote Look Is Only $20

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Jennifer Aniston has never been one to chase flashy handbag trends. While everyone else cycles through micro purses and logo-covered totes, she’s loyal to one timeless staple: a roomy black weekender bag. And the style somehow manages to look just as polished today as it did in the ’90s. The best part is you can […]

It’s easy to see why the style has become an Amazon favorite. The smooth, stretchy fabric dries quickly and holds its shape after long days at the beach or pool, so it’s truly a swimsuit you’ll reach for all season long. Whether you’re lounging poolside or throwing on a linen cover-up for lunch, it delivers that effortless, put-together feel Markle always nails.

Shoppers can’t help but rave about the fit. One reviewer called it “super flattering,” adding that it “hides the mama apron” while providing the “perfect support for chest.” Another buyer said the fabric “allows you to maneuver the tummy section to your liking,” making them feel “covered, yet confident.”

You can choose from a Meghan-inspired black and white as well as green, navy and several other color combinations, all of which are available in sizes S through XXL.

If you’ve been searching for a swimsuit that feels timeless, elegant and subtly slimming, this rich-girl-inspired find is an easy way to recreate Meghan’s beach style without the designer price tag.

Get the Eomenie One Piece Color Block Swimsuit for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Eomenie here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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.

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Related: Eva Longoria’s Confidence-Boosting Bikini Look Never Goes Out of Style

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If there’s one swimsuit style that’s classic, simple and chic, it’s the classic triangle bikini, and Eva Longoria was spotted wearing the confidence-boosting look while on vacation. Her two-piece swimsuit reminded Us why some trends never lose their appeal, earning a permanent place in summer wardrobes everywhere. You don’t need a celebrity budget to recreate […]

LeBron James‘ wife, Savannah James, recently revealed that an employee at a luxury store was fired after she allegedly failed to serve her and her friend. On an episode of her podcast, “Question Everything,” Savannah said she and a friend were refused service despite having a scheduled appointment.

Speaking with her co-host, April McDaniel, both ladies recalled the time they went shopping in Italy and were allegedly turned away at the door of the Hermès store.

“We be hustling,” McDaniel said, adding that when they got to the store, they were “treated like sh-t.”

When their guest asked the ladies to share more, McDaniel revealed that a saleswoman had allegedly turned her and Savannah away despite their appointment. They shared even further that the saleswoman was fired after McDaniel said, “We’ll be back for you. I’ll be right back.”

Savannah said that the pair had an appointment and the saleswoman allegedly acted like there was something shady about the situation. “I said baby you caught the wrong one today,” McDaniel said, revealing that Savannah is nicer than she is.

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LeBron James’ Wife Was Able To Shop After Her Friend Made A Few Calls

As the episode continued, Savannah revealed that she and McDaniel eventually made it into the store and, once inside, requested to see crocodile leather pieces. “They brought out everything,” Savannah said.

McDaniel, meanwhile, said she spent a pretty penny in the store on several luxury items, including bathing suits, silverware, and purses.

Unfortunately for the pair of friends, that wasn’t their only negative experience while shopping at luxury stores abroad. They shared that they were also treated poorly at the Chanel store in France, adding that an employee allegedly chastised Savannah for touching a bag that was out and available for viewing.

Despite some negative interactions, McDaniel said it’s never stopped her from enjoying her time. “I’m calling the boss,” she said. “We’re closing the store down. She can go like that. I’m closing it down. You’re fired. That’s the last person… I’m heated, I’m ruining the whole situation.”

Sadly, Savannah isn’t the only celebrity who has been mistreated while shopping abroad at some of the world’s most luxurious stores. According to ABC News, talk show host and ultra-wealthy celebrity Oprah Winfrey allegedly received similar treatment at Paris Hermès in 2005.

The “Oprah” show host arrived at the store 15 minutes after closing, which is normal for high-profile celebrities so that they’re not bombarded by fans and the media, and was turned away at the door. While Hermès apologized, the situation was difficult for the “Color Purple” actress.

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Just a few years later, when Oprah was asked about racism and the use of the N-word, Oprah said that racism shows up in different ways, and she noticed it after being treated poorly in Zurich.

While shopping abroad, Oprah was told by a sales clerk at a luxury store that she couldn’t afford a pricey handbag. “I say to the woman, ‘Excuse me, may I see that bag right above your head,’” Oprah said, to which the woman allegedly replied, “No, it’s too expensive.”

The Swiss Tourism office apologized to Oprah and said the saleswoman “acted terribly wrong.”

Serena Williams Was Allegedly ‘Denied’ Service In Paris

During the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, tennis legend Serena Williams said she was “denied” access to a fancy rooftop eatery in an “empty restaurant” during their stay.

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Williams implied that she’d never experienced that kind of treatment before, writing, “Always a first.”

Paris Eatery Clarifies Issue With Williams Following Public Condemnation

Dear Mrs. Williams, 
Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. 
Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.

— The Peninsula Paris (@peninsulaparis) August 5, 2024

The Paris restaurant, The Peninsula, responded to Williams’ public condemnation and apologized for her experience at the establishment.

“Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved,” they added. “We have always been honored to welcome you and will always be to welcome you again.”

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Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis‘ daughter, Journey Porter, recently celebrated her fourth birthday on Aug. 5, but the occasion was followed by more drama between her parents. During a livestream, Jaidyn Alexis claimed Blueface did not call Journey on her birthday and called the rapper a “disappointment” when discussing his relationship with their children. Her comments come after Blueface claimed he was not allowed to attend Journey’s birthday celebration.

Related: Oop! Blueface Alleges Chrisean Rock Posted A Message Calling Chrisean Jr. His Son As Nevaeh Akira Reacts To Their Cozy Link-Up

Jaidyn Alexis Says Blueface Didn’t Call Journey On Her Birthday

Following Journey’s birthday, Jaidyn went live to answer viewers’ questions about Blueface and their children. One viewer asked whether Blueface called to wish Journey a happy birthday. In which she claimed he did not.

“No call, no post, just a lil measly shoutout on Twitch,” Jaidyn said, adding that Blueface’s behavior “doesn’t bother her at all” but is sad for their daughter, Journey.

When another viewer asked about claims that Blueface is a “deadbeat,” particularly following his time in custody, Jaidyn called him a “disappointment” to the kids.

Furthermore, Jaidyn also said she would rather keep her children away from Blueface if he chooses not to be around them. “Why would I give you the opportunity to deny them?” she said.

Social Media Reacts

As clips from Jaidyn Alexis’ livestream circulated online, social media users shared mixed reactions to her comments.

Instagram user @babpreme_ wrote, “Your choice sis not our problem.”

Another Instagram user @vaeporizer wrote, “Idk how Ana each does it I don’t wanna be hunching on no man that is missing his kids important days.”

While Instagram user @jlm.202_ wrote, “That’s sad he’s trying to be a dad and Jaidyn being bitter.”

Instagram user @inayahlamis wrote, “That’s sad, I know that little girl was asking for him.”

Another Instagram user @boss_mommy_4 wrote, “Jaidyn didn’t want him at the party, both of them wrong.”

While Instagram user @kierracynne._ wrote, “Call? He should’ve been there … 😕”

Instagram user @marcaylamarie_ wrote, “She threatened this man life if he showed up. I wouldn’t call either.”

Another Instagram user @ms.mulkmarieee wrote, “Him not having an invite to the party does not warrant or stop him from calling his baby 😂😂 I’m confused on why y’all making that an excusable reason to not call her.”

While Instagram user @therealstassi23 wrote, “Girl and you’re still going to entertain the man and sleep with him 🙄”

Blueface Previously Addressed Journey’s Birthday Celebration

Jaidyn Alexis’ comments come after Blueface previously spoke about Journey’s birthday celebration during a livestream. During his stream, Blueface claimed that Jaidyn was treating Journey’s birthday party as her own celebration and said he was not allowed to attend because he had not paid for the event.

The rapper also pushed back against the idea that his children could be used to control him. “I’m not going like that. You can’t control me with no kid, you can’t control my environment, you can’t control where I’m going. If I’m coming, if I’m not coming. I don’t operate like that. I’m not a controllable type of person. Until Jaidyn let my kids walk through this door and be a part of what I got going on here, it’ll be what it is. I got a kid on the way, I’m not about to put myself in no weird, risky situation.”

Related: Blueface’s Dad Speaks Out Amid Jaidyn Alexis Allegedly Blocking Rapper From Attending Daughter’s Birthday Party (VIDEOS)

Apple TV entered the streaming wars much later than everyone else, but it took no time changing the game. Big streamers including Netflix and HBO Max thrive on massive libraries that can keep people scrolling through titles for hours, but Apple TV set out to focus on quality over quantity. The platform has kept its catalog small, but its shows feel special because they are created with intention.

The streamer tells stories that will remain interesting long after current trends have died down, because they aren’t interested in capitalizing on hype. Apple keeps backing stories with real ambition and staying power, which is why it keeps the audience wanting more. The platform may still be relatively young, but these shows already deserve a place among television’s all-time greatest.

6

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (2023)

Image via Apple TV+

Lessons in Chemistry is a period drama that follows a woman who dared to challenge the norms. The story takes place in the 1950s, when women were told they belonged only in the kitchen. The audience sees this world through the eyes of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), a gifted chemist working at the Hastings Research Institute. Her male colleagues constantly dismiss her ideas and take credit for her work. The one person who recognizes her ability is Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), a respected scientist who becomes both her research partner and the love of her life. However, when he tragically dies, Elizabeth has to raise their daughter all alone. At the same time, she is pushed out of the laboratory, which leads her to accept a job hosting a television cooking program.

Now, Elizabeth has no interest in behaving like the cheerful housewife the producers expect. Instead, she treats cooking as chemistry and uses each episode to remind women that they are intelligent, capable, and deserving of more than the lives society has planned for them. The show becomes a surprise hit and becomes a way for Elizabeth to deal with grief and the very real sexism she has faced all her life. Her friendship with Harriet Sloane (Aja Naomi King) widens the story beyond her own struggle and shows how racism and sexism affected women in very different ways back in the day. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s daughter begins asking questions about Calvin’s past, which leads the family toward truths he never had the chance to share. Lessons in Chemistry balances all these hard-hitting stories with genuine heart. The show tells a complete story in just eight episodes, which stands as a testament to its brilliant writing.

5

‘Pachinko’ (2022–2024)

Image via Apple TV+

Pachinko is a sweeping family drama unlike any other. The series, based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel, follows a Korean family across four generations. The story begins during Japan’s occupation of Korea and moves between Korea, Japan, and America. The narrative centers on Sunja, played in her youth by Minha Kim and later in life by Youn Yuh-jung, whose decisions shape the lives of everyone who comes after her. As a young woman, Sunja falls for wealthy businessman Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho), only to discover that he already has a family, but it’s too late because she is already pregnant. She then accepts a marriage proposal from kind minister Baek Isak (Steve Sanghyun Noh) and leaves her home for Japan. There, Sunja raises her family through poverty, discrimination, and war while holding onto a culture that the world around her wants her to hide.

Decades later, her grandson Solomon (Jin Ha) still deals with the same questions of identity and belonging while trying to build a career in 1980s Japan. Despite covering such a large period of history, Pachinko never feels like a history lesson. The show explains colonialism and migration through intimate storylines and everyday moments, which makes it all feel a little too real. The show seamlessly moves between the past and present to show how generational trauma is passed down. Pachinko is visually stunning and huge in scale, but the story it tells is extremely personal. That’s what sets it up to be a modern classic.

4

‘Bad Sisters’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV+

Bad Sisters is one of the most unique shows on Apple TV right now. The black comedy TV series follows the five close-knit Garvey sisters, Eva (Sharon Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson). Their bond is tested by Grace’s controlling and emotionally abusive husband, John Paul (Claes Bang). Now, the twist comes when John Paul dies, and the story starts moving between the sisters’ increasingly disastrous attempts to kill him.

The stakes rise when insurance workers Thomas (Brian Gleeson) and Matt Claffin (Daryl McCormack) suspect that his death was not accidental and begin digging into the Garvey family. What ensues is a hilarious yet intriguing mystery that handles domestic abuse without turning Grace into a helpless character. Each sister has her own flaws and secrets, which makes their complex relationships with each other feel completely believable. The ensemble’s chemistry is excellent, and the writing seamlessly moves between heartbreak and laugh-out-loud comedy. The show’s clever structure, distinct Irish setting, and raw exploration of motherhood have made it an instant fan-favorite and one of Apple TV’s defining shows.

3

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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Ted Lasso is easily one of the most heartwarming and emotionally intelligent shows on TV right now. The sports comedy-drama follows Jason Sudeikis as Ted, a cheerful college football coach who is hired to manage struggling English club AFC Richmond despite having no experience with the sport. Now, Ted has no idea that the owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), brought him in specifically to destroy the team as revenge against her unfaithful former husband. Of course, everyone expects Ted to fail, including the players. However, he slowly wins people over by caring about them more than their scores. That approach begins changing Rebecca and everyone else Ted is working with.

Football remains an important part of the show, but the real story is about a complex group of people slowly learning how to trust one another. Ted Lasso is a show that unfolds with radical empathy. Ted’s optimism is a clear mask for all the grief and loneliness he deals with; the show makes sure to convey that being positive does not mean ignoring all that pain. It’s rare for a modern comedy to create so many lovable characters while also giving them all meaningful growth. Ted Lasso can make the audience laugh one minute, and break their heart a few scenes later, and that balance makes it so much more meaningful than just a feel-good comedy.

2

‘Slow Horses’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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Slow Horses turns the idea of the spy show on its head and chooses to focus on the agents that MI5 is trying their best to forget. The series is set in Slough House, a neglected department where intelligence officers are sent to rot away after making career-ending mistakes. The story follows River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), an ambitious young agent desperate to prove that one disastrous training exercise should not define him. Unfortunately, his new boss is the rude and irritated veteran Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who has stopped caring for just about anything.

However, soon enough, River and his fellow rejects find themselves caught in kidnappings, assassinations, and political conspiracies that no one else seems to be able to solve. Each season introduces the characters of Slow Horses to a new crisis, but the real entertainment comes from watching this dysfunctional group deal with situations they were never supposed to be trusted with. This gritty approach makes Slow Horses feel completely different from other spy thrillers where the agents can do no wrong. The show features great action, but it is just as interested in office politics and personal grudges. Slow Horses has only gotten better with time and is definitely going to become a benchmark in the spy thriller genre.

1

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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Severance takes the familiar idea of separating work from personal life and pushes it to a horrifying extreme. The sci-fi series follows employees at the mysterious Lumon Industries, who undergo a procedure that divides their memories in two. Their “outies” remember nothing about the office, while their “innies” exist only at work. At the center of the story is Mark Scout (Adam Scott), who agrees to the procedure while struggling with the loss of his wife. However, a rebellious new employee, Helly (Britt Lower), forces Mark and the others to question what their work actually means, and Lumon is so determined to keep them under control.

That premise alone is as intriguing as it gets, but Severance keeps raising the stakes further. The show uses Lumon’s sterile setting, endless white corridors, and outdated computers to provide biting commentary on corporate control, free will, and capitalism. Every episode expands Lumon’s world and mythology without ever losing sight of the people experiencing this nightmarish situation. Severance has an instantly recognizable visual style and a brilliant central idea that has successfully expanded in so many intriguing directions. Given all that, the Apple TV series already feels like the kind of classic that people will be obsessed with long after it ends.

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Severance

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Release Date

February 17, 2022

Network

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Apple TV

Showrunner

Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman

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