The 2000s were the beginning of a new millennium and a new era of television, which meant things needed to change, and quickly. Cable television reigned supreme, since this was before streaming services, and many networks were looking for ways to attract attention by way of new, exciting TV shows of all genres. From animation to live-action, there was no shortage of iconic shows produced during this decade.

Even fantasy had a lot of new entries, and this was before the fantasy boom of the 2010s and 2020s. Many of these fantasy series became icons for millennials and the new generation of Zoomers, who still go back to watch their favorites from time to time. Each year of the 2000s saw something amazing released; series that have barely left the spotlight since their inception. These are the best fantasy TV shows from every year of the 2000s.

10

‘Inuyasha’ (2000–2004)

Image via Toonami

Inuyasha might not be quite as popular as the other anime shows on this list, but it was pretty popular nonetheless. The franchise spawned a sizable multimedia empire, including feature-length films, video games, and a line of toys and action figures, all of which sold very well. This anime series is about a girl who magically travels back in time to Feudal Japan to assist a young half-demon in recovering the shards of a great gem of power.

DVDs of this series sold millions of copies internationally and topped the bestseller lists for three whole weeks. It’s not commonly talked about anymore, but for the 2000s, this was the beginning of a new era of anime and a great addition to the fantasy genre. Truth be told, not a lot of fantasy shows came out in 2000, but even if there had been more, Inuyasha still would’ve taken the number one spot among anime due to sheer popularity and critical response.

9

‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017)

Image via Nickelodeon

The Fairly OddParents is a crucial part of many a Zoomer’s childhood. This Nickelodeon fantasy/comedy cartoon features Timmy Turner (Tara Strong), an average kid who no one understands. He has two dim-witted parents, an evil babysitter, and is frequently the target of bullies. To abate his misery, he receives two fairy godparents from the Fairy World, who are there to grant his every wish and make his childhood a little easier.

Timmy often makes outlandish or dangerous wishes during moments of anger or misery, which always come back to bite him in the butt later. Still, the first few seasons of this show are absolute comedy gold. It is easily one of the finest cartoons Nickelodeon has ever produced. There weren’t a lot of ’00s kids who didn’t wish they had fairies of their own, which is part of the reason why the show is such a staple of the decade.

8

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

Image via Studio Pierrot

Naruto is another anime series that skyrocketed to popularity upon release, eventually becoming known as one of the “Big Three” anime series. What this effectively means is that it constantly dominated charts, had an enormous cultural impact, and received international attention. That alone should speak to how popular Naruto was, and why it is still a major streaming hit all these years later.

The premise is pretty simple: it’s about a young, rebellious ninja who struggles to find his identity and achieve his dreams. In this world, though, ninjas often have some magical powers, which is why it’s a fantasy. At heart, this series is definitely more of a comedy, not that it doesn’t feature great action and adventure. So many memes have been made of this show that it’s not even funny, and it still gets quoted in casual conversation to this day. It’s easily the best and most culturally important fantasy show that came out in 2002.

7

‘Dead Like Me’ (2003–2004)

Image via Showtime

Dead Like Me is a dark dramedy with fantasy overtones, which was actually pretty popular for its time. Currently, it’s mostly been forgotten, which is kind of a shame because it was kind of a hit in 2003. The show follows Georgia (Ellen Muth), a college-aged woman who is abruptly killed by a falling toilet seat jettisoned from a space station. Yes, really. Upon reaching the great beyond, she is informed that in her death, she will have a job, and that job is to serve one of the reapers who escort the souls of the departed to the afterlife.

Her new boss happens to be a guy named Rube (Mandy Patinkin), who is kind of a jerk, but also becomes a sort of father figure to Georgia. Their chemistry on screen together is really something, which only contributes to the bleak comedy that the show became known for. Overall, it was received very well, particularly in the second season, for its wit and biting humor about the nature of life and death. It’s an underrated cult classic that just has to be seen.

6

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Image via ABC

Lost was a show that really took the world by storm with its complex plot, wide cast of characters, and surprising substance. Of course, many were disappointed with the way Lost ended, yet many still agree that the first few seasons were absolutely perfect. The series follows a group of survivors from a plane crash on an uncharted island. But the island is no ordinary land mass, as strange forces lurk deep in the jungle.

This show dives into everything from mystery to sci-fi, and yes, fantasy. What’s even better is that the show lets all of its diverse characters have their own time to shine in the spotlight, thanks to a series of flashback sequences showing their lives before they arrived on the island. Excitement about Lost might have died down a bit with time, but when it came out, this was huge, and for a good reason. It’s just so intriguing and has a little something for everyone.

5

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

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Avatar: The Last Airbender is a Nickelodeon cartoon meant to emulate the anime art style, despite being made by an American studio. Unlike most other Nick cartoons, this one had proper continuity, with a story arc over numerous episodes. It can’t be picked up or dropped at any time—it has to be watched from beginning to end. This is worth it, though, because the world that the creators made for this series is incredibly immersive.

The series is set in a continent inspired by East Asia, made up of four nations based on the elements of fire, air, water, and earth. Each nation is home to sorcerers called “benders,” who can manipulate the element of their nation at will. The Fire Nation, using their war machines and firebenders, has begun a conquest of the rest of the continent, which patiently awaits the arrival of the Avatar, who is destined to master all four elements and unite the nations. This show garnered a huge following and even got a live-action remake for Netflix. There’s just no other show like this one, which has carved out a legendary legacy for itself.

4

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Image via Madhouse

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Death Note is such a popular and influential anime series that it’s honestly kind of shocking it only lasted a year. As many know by now, the series is about a magical book. If someone’s full name is written in the book, that person will die almost immediately. It was a premise that really caught on, receiving a terrible live-action remake via Netflix, and even being parodied during a Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons.

It’s honestly amazing that a show with one season and 37 episodes could have this much widespread impact, yet Death Note delivers. It isn’t just because of the darkness or the chemistry between characters, but also because the premise is just so intriguing. Be honest, everybody who knows about this show has wondered what they would do with a real-life death note if they had one. While it may not be the ideal choice for non-anime fans, this is considered one of the greatest anime series of all time by many a seasoned viewer.

3

‘The Wizards of Waverly Place’ (2007–2012)

Image via Disney

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The Wizards of Waverly Place is a Disney sitcom that aired on the Disney Channel, and which quickly became one of the most popular kids’ sitcoms of the decade. The series is about a family of wizards living in suburban New York City, and all the misadventures they have. Their normal lives often clash with their learning to master their magical abilities, resulting in many comedic situations.

The series features a young Selena Gomez and Jake T. Austin as part of the Russo family, a group of siblings who frequently work on magical experiments and such. It might be a little bit cringeworthy to look back on as an adult, but for the time, this show was kind of a big deal, to say the least. It was extremely popular among the youth and proved to be a breakout role for many of its young actors. Even now, a lot of adults look back on this show with fond nostalgia.

2

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Image via BBC

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Merlin is a pretty popular fantasy TV show that was met with a lot of critical acclaim, so there’s little doubt that it deserves the number one spot for the best fantasy show of 2008. The series, true to its name, is about Merlin (Colin Morgan), the wizard from Arthurian legend. Typically, in the stories, Merlin is depicted as a grouchy old fuddy-duddy with a long silvery beard, a blue robe and pointy hat, and a wand or staff. Pretty standard wizard stuff.

This show serves as more of an origin story for Merlin, though, with a much younger version of the character learning how to use his magical powers and meeting his future allies. There’s not only a grand sense of adventure and action in this series, but there’s also some great comedic timing and some heartfelt romance, too. It’s a refreshing take on a classic character, one that did pretty well for itself, and which still had a dedicated following.

1

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

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The Vampire Diaries came out at the peak of the Twilight craze, which didn’t really do a lot for its reputation. Like Twilight, many assumed that this show was just going to be a sappy and moody romance with vampires and werewolves, and very little substance to it apart from that. But The Vampire Diaries ended up outlasting Twilight, breaking away from these comparisons and becoming something much more unique.

Yes, it’s primarily a romantasy series, and yes, there are indeed vampires in it. But it has a lot more emotional depth than Twilight. While Twilight fans, of course, tend to appreciate The Vampire Diaries, the show also attracted a lot of other fans, too, which is why it was able to last for eight whole years before concluding its story. For something that seemed like a quick cash grab capitalizing on a trend, it did pretty well for itself, developing a fanbase that persists nearly 10 years later.

There comes a point every spring when jeans just start feeling…offensive. Between stiff waistbands that dig into your stomach, rigid denim that refuses to stretch and tight silhouettes that somehow feel restrictive and uncomfortable at the same time, it’s no wonder so many of Us are ready to swap our skinny jeans for flowy styles the second temperatures climb above 70 degrees. And unfortunately, finding pants that are actually soft, breezy and flattering usually means shelling out way more money than we’d like.

That’s exactly why shoppers are gravitating toward easy-to-pull-on pants, like the Jessica Simpson Nara Pull-On Wide-Leg Pant at Walmart. With a relaxed wide-leg silhouette, lightweight woven fabric and a comfy drawstring waistband, they deliver all the polish of “real pants” without any of the usual discomfort.

Get the Jessica Simpson Nara Pull-On Wide-Leg Pant for $28 at Walmart. Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Even better? They’re surprisingly affordable at just $28, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to escape the tyranny of stiff denim. Whether you’re running errands, heading to brunch or packing for vacation, these easy wide-leg pants feel like the kind of wardrobe reset your closet has been begging for.

Related: They Said It, Not Us! 13 Wide-Leg Jeans Amazon Shoppers Deem ‘Super Soft’

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It might seem too early to call it, but we’re calling it: wide-leg denim is the ‘it’ look for 2026. Everyone’s rocking the style, including A-listers like Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle and more. To find the pairs worth your hard-earned dollars, we turned to Amazon reviewers, who detail the good, the bad and everything in […]

The beauty of these pants is that they look structured like jeans, but without any of the usual discomfort that comes with traditional pants. The relaxed wide-leg silhouette creates that effortlessly cool, slightly elevated vibe that fashion people are living in right now, while the lightweight woven fabric keeps things breathable and easy for warmer days. Basically, they strike the perfect balance between “put together” and “I could absolutely nap in these.”

The pull-on design is a game-changer. Instead of stiff buttons and unforgiving waistbands, this pair features an adjustable drawstring waist that feels infinitely more forgiving and comfortable throughout the day.

And while they’re super comfortable, the pants also have tons of details that make them feel so stylish. A front seam elongates the legs for a sleeker look, while the back yoke adds subtle shape so the relaxed fit doesn’t feel sloppy or oversized. The long, flowy 29-inch inseam also gives them that breezy, expensive-looking movement that pairs perfectly with sandals, sneakers or even a little wedge heel for dinner plans.

Shoppers are already fully on board with the comfy-chic energy. “I love these jeans, they’re so comfortable,” one reviewer shared. They’re the kind of easy pants you’ll end up reaching for on repeat all season long, especially on days when real jeans feel like far too much commitment.

Get the Jessica Simpson Nara Pull-On Wide-Leg Pant for $28 at Walmart. Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Kodak Black is once again facing serious legal trouble after being arrested for the second time in less than two weeks. 

The Florida rapper, whose real name is Bill Kapri, was taken into custody on new charges connected to an alleged incident involving law enforcement. 

The latest arrest comes while the rapper is already battling a separate felony drug trafficking case tied to an investigation from last year. 

Now, the mounting legal drama is putting Kodak Black back under an intense spotlight as his attorney claims the rapper is being unfairly targeted by authorities.

Kodak Black was arrested on Thursday, May 14, in Broward County, Florida, according to jail records viewed by PEOPLE.

The rapper was booked on charges of resisting an officer without violence and attempting to flee law enforcement. Both charges are currently listed as pending trial, while his bond was reportedly set at $0.

The arrest marks the second time in less than two weeks that Kodak Black has landed behind bars. Following the latest development, the rapper’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, strongly pushed back against the allegations while speaking to TMZ.

“This is a self surrender from yet another ‘investigation’ that just happened to also take 5 months to ‘investigate’ for allegedly fleeing and alluding,” Cohen said. The attorney also questioned the repeated investigations involving his client. 

“It’s not unexpected, as this is usually the procedure we go through where there is an unfounded weak arrest and then followed up by yet another arrest for cases that allegedly take 5 or 6 months to investigate,” Cohen continued, adding, “At this point I think everyone agrees that Kodak is consistently being targeted.”

Kodak Black’s Earlier Drug Arrest Sparked Major Headlines

Just days before the latest arrest, Kodak Black was already dealing with a separate felony drug trafficking charge. 

As The Blast reported, the rapper was arrested on May 6 after authorities connected him to an alleged incident outside Orlando’s Children’s Safety Village back in November.

According to an arrest warrant, police responded to reports of gunfire in the area and discovered a BMW and a Lamborghini parked nearby. While officers investigated the scene, one officer allegedly smelled marijuana coming from one of the vehicles.

The affidavit claims Kodak Black approached officers while they searched the cars. Authorities later alleged they found several items that appeared connected to the rapper, including pink scissors matching a pair previously seen in one of his Instagram photos.

Police also claimed a ring recovered at the scene resembled one Kodak Black had shown online, while a firearm allegedly matched another weapon featured on his social media.

The affidavit further stated that officers discovered drugs inside one of the vehicles, leading to the 28-year-old’s arrest on a trafficking in MDMA charge.

Kodak Black Pleaded Not Guilty In Court Appearance

Kodak Black appeared before a judge on May 7 following the drug trafficking arrest. 

According to reports, “Wake Up in the Sky” singer pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.

The judge ultimately set his bond at $75,000. During the hearing, the court reportedly referenced Kodak Black’s lengthy criminal history, which includes 12 felony convictions, two misdemeanor convictions, and one failure to appear. 

Despite the serious charges, he was later able to post bond and secure his release. 

In the meantime, the singer’s attorney continues insisting the rapper is being unfairly scrutinized by authorities.

Kodak Black Previously Faced Arrests Over Drugs And Probation Issues

Kodak Black’s recent arrests are far from his first run-in with the law. In 2023, police in Plantation, Florida, arrested the songwriter after officers reportedly found him asleep behind the wheel with white powder around his mouth.

According to a report from The Blast, authorities initially believed the substance was cocaine, but later lab testing determined it was oxycodone prescribed to the rapper. 

Still, the arrest reportedly violated Kodak Black’s probation in another case, leading to him spending two months locked up in Miami.

He was also arrested in 2022 on charges related to oxycodone trafficking and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

After being released on bond, Kodak Black was required to undergo regular drug testing as part of the conditions tied to his release.

Court records later showed he was ordered into rehab for 30 days in 2023 after missing a drug test and then testing positive for fentanyl days later.

Kodak Black Previously Received Clemency From Donald Trump

Jersey Shore: Family Reunion’s Angelina Pivarnick announced she is pregnant.

The reality TV star shared the news on the Thursday, May 14, episode as she showed her costar, Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, a positive pregnancy test.

“There’s no way that it just happened naturally. There’s no sperm donor now,” a shocked Angelina, 39, said, referencing her fertility journey that has been one of her main storylines this season.

“I did not think I was able to get pregnant but wow, I’m … pregnant,” Angelina said on a piece-to-camera. “This could be a great thing. This could be my fairy tale, my path, my baby.”

Later in the episode, Angelina phoned the father of her unborn child, who was referred to as “John Doe-Nor” on the show, to tell him her pregnancy news.

Related: Angelina Pivarnick Almost Just Nearly Quit ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’

Angelina Pivarnick nearly hit her breaking point during Jersey Shore Family Vacation season 7. “I almost quit actually,” Angelina, 38, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 18, noting that she had a revelation “two weeks ago.” “I actually called them and said, ‘I don’t think I can do this’ because I know people are […]

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“So I have some news for you,” Angelina said on the phone. “I am officially, definitely pregnant — we’re having a baby!”

Us Weekly has reached out to Angelina’s representative for comment.

Angelina took to X, as the episode, which was reportedly filmed in March 2025, aired. She posted on Thursday night, “I’m pregnant !!!! #jsfamilyvacation.”

Angelina has not yet posted any other updates on the pregnancy storyline including photos of her baby bump or news of a birth in the subsequent months.

Angelina took the pregnancy tests at the first birthday party of her costar Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s daughter, Luna, whom he shares with his wife Lauren. (The couple also share son Romeo, born May 2021, and daughter Mia, who they welcomed in January 2023.)

Mike shared a clip from the episode via Instagram on Thursday, which showed him struggling to keep tight-lipped about the news after he found out about Angelina’s positive pregnancy tests.

Last week’s episode of Jersey Shore: Family Reunion also featured Angelina’s fertility journey as she continued her efforts to become a mother.

Related: She Said Yes! Angelina Pivarnick’s BF Vinny Proposes on ‘Jersey Shore’

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Whirlwind romance! Angelina Pivarnick‘s boyfriend, Vinny Tortorella, popped the question in front of her Jersey Shore: Family Vacation costars on the Thursday, April 27, episode. The 36-year-old MTV personality and her cast mates were out to dinner when “new Vinny” stood at the head of the table to give a toast. “Your friend Angelina, I […]

Angelina spoke about trying to get pregnant using sperm donors. She also caused backlash when she joked about sleeping with multiple men in an attempt to become pregnant.

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“I have needs and they have needs,” Angelina said on the May 7 episode. “If it happened that would be great — I would definitely welcome a pregnancy in my life right now.”

Angelina later posted a statement via her Instagram Story to clarify she was just joking when she made those comments about her sex life.

“Following last night’s episode, I want to address a moment that has clearly been misunderstood,” she wrote. “The comments I made were intended in jest and do not reflect my real life. There are no ‘multiple men’ and that narrative is simply not accurate.  Anyone who truly knows me understands the kind of person I am and the values I stand by, especially when it comes to my relationships.”

Sydney Sweeney‘s “Euphoria” role continues to ruffle feathers, and this time, it has angered several sex workers and adult content creators.

The actress has been the subject of intense scrutiny due to the explicit scenes involving her character, Cassie, and the acts being portrayed on the hit show.

Now, sex workers and OnlyFans are speaking out, condemning the Sydney Sweeney scenes as “ridiculous” and “beyond troubling.”

OnlyFans stars are speaking out against the representation of adult content creation on the third season of the hit HBO show, “Euphoria.”

Their grievances stem from the portrayal of Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie, who has resorted to doing OnlyFans in the new season in an effort to make money for her wedding to Nate, played by Jacob Elordi.

Despite the already explicit nature of the show, the latest season seemed to push things a bit further as Cassie appeared in scenes, which some critics have deemed “disturbing,” as she dressed up and acted like a dog in one scene, and pretended to be a baby while in a diaper in another.

Reacting to this, Sydney Leathers, who has been an adult creator on OnlyFans since 2017, slammed the show’s portrayal of sex workers as “ridiculous and cartoonish.”

She told Variety, “There’s so much that they have her doing that is not even allowed on OnlyFans, and that alone is infuriating: the age-play stuff where she’s dressed as a baby in a diaper, for example. Credit card processors have very strict rules that you have to abide by, and the rules are getting stricter all the time.”

OF Star Says The Actress’s Baby Scene Was ‘Beyond Troubling’

Another adult content creator, Maitland Ward, ripped Sweeney’s scene in which she was shown dressed as a baby with a pacifier in her mouth while donning a diaper and holding up both of her legs.

Ward, who was once known for her role in “Boy Meets World” and is now a huge star on OnlyFans, raking in six figures, noted how damaging the baby scene was for adult stars.

“In the climate we’re in, that they dressed her up as a baby to make pornographic OnlyFans content was beyond troubling and again serves to perpetuate stereotypes that sex workers have no moral compass and that they will do anything for money,” Ward said.

She continued, “And there’s always this untrue stigma that somehow sex work is synonymous with sex trafficking and abuse. And they just said, let’s make a joke of it. That is so funny. I’m not laughing.”

Adult Actress Claims The Show Makes It Seem Like It’s Easy To Find Success On OnlyFans By Doing ‘Crazy Sh-t’

Not every part of Sweeney’s character’s OnlyFans arc has been seen as unrealistic, with adult creator Alix Lynx highlighting a scene where Cassie tries to market herself in order to grow her social media presence.

In the scene, Cassie, after being encouraged by Maddie, played by Alexa Demie, decided to attend a famous influencer’s mansion party, hoping to go viral.

The character let loose as she danced on a platform and kissed another girl at the event, with the whole thing being livestreamed by multiple people. At some point in the scene, she allows the popular host of the party to do cocaine on her navel as Maddie charges into the room with cameras ready to get footage of the moment.

Commenting on the scene, adult star Lynx noted that she herself comes from a “marketing background,” and it is a “great formula” for aspiring OnlyFans creators to attend such events with influencers.

However, she stated that the scene was a bit detached from reality as it “portrayed that if you just dress up and do crazy sh-t, you’ll instantly make money, or you just have to be hot and have big boobs and you’ll instantly cash out, and it doesn’t work like that.”

She added, “You have to really grow and nurture a fan base.”

Sydney Sweeney Was Excited About Cassie’s Journey In The New Season Of ‘Euphoria’

Prior to the backlash her character received, Sweeney talked about the new season with excitement and even hinted at her character’s “crazy” arc.

During the season three premiere, she told Entertainment Tonight that Cassie would make “wild” decisions and do whatever it takes to become popular.

“I mean, Cassie’s a crazy character,” the actress said. “She will do anything and at all costs to be famous this season, and she makes a lot of very wild and interesting choices.”

Sweeney has defended her role in “Euphoria” in the past, admitting she had no issues appearing in raunchy scenes, saying that people forget she’s “playing a character.”

“I have no problems with those scenes, and I won’t stop doing them, but I wish there was an easier way to have an open conversation about what we’re assuming about actors in the industry,” the actress told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2022 interview.

‘Euphoria’ Creator Sam Levinson Addressed His Thought Process Behind Sydney Sweeney’s Character

In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Sam Levinson, the creator of the popular show, revealed his rationale behind Sweeney’s character, Cassie’s OnlyFans journey.

He directly addressed the now-infamous dog scene, noting that his intention was to highlight the “absurdity” of the moment.

“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it,” Levinson told the publication.

“What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we’re able to tie into it so that we’re not too inside of her fantasy or illusion — the gag is to jump out, to break the wall,” he added.

Emilia Clarke was living what many actors would consider a dream after landing the career-defining role of Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” 

However, behind the fantasy series’ massive success, the actress was quietly fighting for her life. 

Years after first revealing she suffered two brain hemorrhages during the show’s run, Clarke is now opening up about the terrifying emotional aftermath. 

During a candid podcast appearance, the actress admitted she became convinced she was “meant to die” after surviving the near-fatal medical emergencies.

Emilia Clarke reflected on the frightening period shortly after finishing the first season of “Game of Thrones,” when her life changed almost overnight.

The actress explained on the “How To Fail with Elizabeth Day” podcast that she had been under intense stress as her career suddenly exploded following the HBO series’ breakout success.

Not long afterward, Clarke collapsed while exercising at a London gym. “The closest thing to describe it is imagine an elastic band just snapping around your brain,” she said, adding, “This insane pressure.”

The actress recalled crawling to the bathroom while in agonizing pain before realizing the situation was far more serious than she initially thought.

“In that moment, I knew I was being brain damaged,” Clarke admitted. At the time, she said she desperately tried to stay mentally focused because she feared losing the role she had worked so hard to land.

Clarke repeatedly reminded herself she was “an actor” while waiting for medical help to arrive.

Clarke Faced Another Emergency During Broadway Run

Years later, Emilia Clarke suffered a second aneurysm while living in New York and performing in a Broadway production.

Doctors had been closely monitoring the aneurysm after discovering it during treatment for the first hemorrhage. However, Clarke explained that the surgery meant to repair the issue went terribly wrong.

“My parents were waiting for me, and the doctors would come down every half an hour and say, ‘We think she’s going to die,’” the “Me Before You” star recalled.

The second hemorrhage affected her emotionally in a way the first one had not. “The biggest thing that happened to me with the second brain hemorrhage was I shut down emotionally,” she admitted.

Clarke described becoming deeply disconnected from the outside world while struggling with the invisible emotional effects of her brain injury.

“I just didn’t want anyone to know,” she said. The actress also became hyperaware of every headache afterward, constantly fearing another medical emergency was happening.

Emilia Clarke Believed She Had ‘Cheated Death’

Emilia Clarke revealed that surviving not one but two brain hemorrhages completely altered the way she viewed her life. 

“I was just convinced that I had cheated death and I was meant to die. Every day, that’s all I could think about,” Clarke said. 

The 39-year-old explained that doctors initially struggled to understand what was happening because of her age, even questioning whether drugs could have been involved.

Eventually, a nurse recommended a brain scan, which led to Clarke being transferred to a specialist hospital. While recovering, the “Terminator Genisys” star became consumed with proving she was still capable of continuing her work on “Game of Thrones.”

“I was so ashamed that this thing had happened and that the people who had employed me might see me as weak or see me as something that could be broken,” Clarke explained.

Although she informed the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, about the hemorrhage, Clarke kept the experience largely hidden from the public at the time.

Even while promoting one of television’s biggest shows, Emilia Clarke said fear consumed her. 

Shortly after one of her surgeries, the “Last Christmas” actress attended San Diego Comic-Con to help promote “Game of Thrones.”

Looking back, Clarke admitted her mindset at the time was deeply dark. “If I’m going to die, I’ll do it on live TV,” she remembered thinking. Despite the overwhelming fear, 

Clarke said, per PEOPLE, continuing to work became one of the only things helping her emotionally survive.

“Without my work, I don’t know what I would have done,” she admitted. The Emmy award winner also confessed that she was extremely harsh on herself during recovery and struggled to show herself compassion.

“I did not take care of myself. I did not give myself any grace. Everything was like, ‘You failed you,’” Clarke shared. Over time, however, she slowly began changing the way she viewed both herself and her recovery journey.

Emilia Clarke Now Helps Brain Injury Survivors Through SameYou

Clarke has since turned her painful experience into advocacy work focused on helping others recovering from brain injuries.

In 2019, the actress and her mother, Jennifer, founded SameYou, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors struggling with recovery and isolation.

“One of the biggest things I felt with a brain injury was profoundly alone,” Clarke previously told the Big Issue in 2024, adding, “That is what we’re trying to overcome.”

She said her understanding of what she endured has evolved significantly over the years. 

Clarke also reflected emotionally on how deeply “Game of Thrones” remains tied to that chapter of her life. 

“It was lightning in a bottle. That was my youth. ” Clarke said on the podcast.

G Herbo and Taina Williams are back in the spotlight just days after their daughter gagged social media on Mother’s Day. This time, the internet is chattin’ about what’s appropriate for their son, Essex Wright. Reactions are popping off after Herbo gifted the four-year-old a toy weapon, which Taina openly disagreed with.

RELATED: Aht! Aht! Emily B Addresses Her Granddaughter’s Reaction To G Herbo’s Mother’s Day Gift For Taina Williams (VIDEO)

G Herbo Shows How Toy Gun Works While Taina Calls Out The Purchase 

In a video shared on Instagram, G Herbo appeared to be showing Essex and Taina Williams a new-age toy gun. He explained that the gunfire sounds from the toy varied in volume with and without the toy silencer, eventually saying, “That’s fire.” While he didn’t add any text to the video, the rapper included several laughing emojis. Meanwhile, off-camera, Taina first questioned the silencer function before disagreeing with the purchase. She can be heard saying, “Well, they don’t need to be teaching kids that.” Herbo cuts in, but Williams then continues, “That’s a bad gift. Why would you buy him that?” The rapper then disagrees that the you gun is a bad gift, but Mama Taina doubles down with “Yes, that is.” He then says that he’s previously told her about teaching the kids about gun safety. “How they gon’ protect the house,” the rapper added. Someone then takes the you weapon and fires it against Herbo’s dome, but it’s unclear if the hand holding the toy was Taina’s or Essex’s.

Social Media Weighs In On Toy Guns

In The Shade Room’s comment section, the roommates shared their thoughts on toy guns in general, but also G Herbo and Taina Williams’ opposing views on them.

@tadollaz commented, “Herb just happy to be there, Taina doing the real parenting 😭😭”

“I love how she is with the kids… him being one of the kids 😮‍💨,” @nycelizabeth added.

“Teaching your children about gun safety is GREAT idea, especially if you have firearms in the home,” @diomi_writesdastory wrote.

“It’s funny that yt hunting kids don’t get criticized for learning how to use guns. Ppl see a gun in a blk person hands and it becomes so dangerous 😢. Why we can’t protect ourselves,” @mzyonnaaaaa said. 

“I agreee with both. Gun safety should be taught. But at an appropriate age,” @kala_tania added.

“Can yall be real like yall ain’t never have a toy gun 😭 my favorite was the dollar store ones with the caps in it that made the noise and blew real smoke 💨,” @stuck.on.lauren wrote.

“Nothing in this video screams gun safety 😂,” @mknzserenity commented.

“If you don’t teach the kids the streets will… it’s best it comes from the parents‼️💯,” @ny2dafulest said.

“He’s correct we as black ppl see the bad behind guns instead of teaching them gun safety so they can protect themselves and homes,” @tiffany_nydira added.

“I have to agree with Taina it is a bad gift,” @miss_honey26 wrote.

“You can try to shelter your children all you want. As a father everything is about education. Teach your children early. Trying to keep things away from them isn’t the way to go. I played with toys guns, played GTA and listened to Eminem. I think I turned out cool 😎,” @tony_hustle_215 said.

“If you keep guns from kids they get curious and that’s when accidents happen. Definitely should teach gun safety,” @kyamarye commented.

“Tbh he’s right it’s very important to teach your kids gun safetye especially at home but she’s also right because you don’t wanna make dat a habit,” @tannevacared added.

Wait, Emmy Did WHAT On Mother’s Day?

One thing about it, Emmy Wright, 3, has Daddy Herbo wrapped around her little fingers! She proved so on Mother’s Day. The rapper uploaded footage of him presenting Taina Williams with her gift, a custom diamond necklace. While Essex was happily recording mommy, Emmy was sitting her arms crossed and pouting. When asked by her dad, she admitted that she didn’t like the necklace because she didn’t get one, too. Taina brushed off the energy, calling her daughter selfish, while G Herbo immediately promised to get the 3-year-old a similar necklace. Taina quickly shut that down, but Herbo later doubled down on icing his daughter out. He even slid into The Shade Room’s comment section to defend his decision.

“I’m buying my baby a necklace F what y’all tome bout… She ain’t gone hate on nobody when she grow up cuz she gone have it.”

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