“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” alum Jen Shah was released from prison in December 2025 after serving over two years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Now, months after her release, not only has she apologized to the victims of the years-long telemarketing scheme, but the “RHOSLC” alum is now opening up about some of the troubles in her marriage.

Shah, 52, has been married to Sharrieff Shah, 55, since August 1994. The “RHOSLC” alums share two children.

Jen Shah Opens Up About The Troubles In Her Marriage

Shah broke her silence about her life behind bars and the events leading up to it in an interview with PEOPLE. During the emotional conversation, Shah also revealed that she and her longtime husband were edging closer to a divorce amid her legal woes.

The “RHOSLC” alum said, “My husband and I were separated. We were on the verge of a divorce. I was overwhelmed with immense grief from the death of my grandmother, my father, and my aunt, all in a very short period of time. I was spiraling deeper into my previously diagnosed clinical depression.”

Shah went on to note that making a marriage last for multiple decades is challenging for couples. According to her, “Nobody’s married for 32 years, and it’s all perfect, right? So [I say] we were separated and going towards a divorce because I don’t want our relationship [to look] like, ‘Oh, it’s all perfect.’ We put in hard work to get there.”

She added, “The thing about Coach and I is that our anchor is our faith. And a big part of our faith is the sanctity of marriage. I think people believe the hard thing to do is to get a divorce. The hard thing is to stay together. You have to put real work in.”

The ‘RHOSLC’ Alum Says Her Marriage Is Better Now

Luckily for the Shahs, their marriage has improved after the struggles they faced leading up to her prison stint. She said to the outlet, “He’s one of a kind. Most people would have run away, most people would have left. … I’m so grateful and so blessed that my husband and my children were there for me.”

The mom of two then said, “My family has come closer together through all of this. [My] marriage is stronger than it’s ever been, and my children and I, our family unit as a whole, is just closer than we’ve ever been.”

After that, she shared an adage from their marriage, saying, “Coach has a saying: ‘We’re going to love each other through it. No matter what obstacle we’re facing, no matter what we’re dealing with, I’m just going to love you through it. And we’re going to love each other through it.’ And that’s kind of been our family’s mantra.”

Fans Are Reacting To Shah’s Post-Prison Interview

Shah has kept a relatively low profile since being released from the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas. Because of this, there has been considerable anticipation for her first public thoughts since being reunited with her family. Regarding the reaction, “RHOSLC” fans are mixed, with some saying she’s not being accountable enough.

First, one person reacted to Shah’s comments about her marriage. They said on X, “Strong love like that doesn’t break; it only gets stronger.”

Someone else reacted to the interview as a whole, writing, “I really don’t think Jen Shah is remorseful or sorry for what she has done. And she just needs to go away. Don’t bring her back to the show.”

Another person reacted to the section of the interview where she discussed the food in prison. They said on X, “Someone should see how well the victims of her crimes are eating. Especially the ones she took everything from, and they ended their lives…freaking sociopath.”

Still, others would like to see her back on “RHOSLC.”

Jen Shah Posted For Their Anniversary In 2025

Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison in January 2023. Ultimately, she served 33 months of the lengthy sentence. While behind bars, she managed to retain some connection with the outside world, including statements from her management and various social media posts.

According to PEOPLE, the “RHOSLC” alum posted on Instagram in August 2025 to celebrate her 31st wedding anniversary.

She said in a caption, “Happy 31st Anniversary today to me and my baby. Words cannot express how much I love and appreciate you. You bring so much joy to my life & I am forever thankful for your overwhelming love and support as we approach this next chapter. Thank you for blessing me with two amazing young men.”

Shah continued, “I love you so much & can’t wait to hold you again soon.” Notably, this was before it was announced that she would be released from prison in December.

Heather Gay Accused Shah’s Husband Of Flirting With An ‘RHOSLC’ Co-Star

Shah was one of the original cast members on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” as was Heather Gay. According to US Weekly, in her 2024 book, “Good Time Girl,” Gay accused Shah’s husband of having tried to kiss Monica Garcia, who appeared on “RHOLSC” following Shah’s exit.

Notably, Garcia was Shah’s assistant, which served as her connection to the group. Following the claim, all involved parties have denied that Shah’s husband attempted to kiss Garcia.

There’s a lot that can be written about Stephen King, but that’s understandable when you consider how much writing there is by Stephen King. He’s been having work published consistently since 1974, which is when Carrie first came out, and it was that book (plus Salem’s Lot and The Shining, released in the following few years) that really helped establish him as a horror author.

His scariest books often remain some of his most popular and enduring, but King’s work is far from just horror-focused, since he’s written his fair share of sci-fi, crime, and fantasy books, too. It’s the fantasy genre that’s going to be focused on below, with some of these admittedly crossing over into the horror genre, to some extent. But if something’s either predominantly fantasy or somewhere between fantasy and horror, it can be counted, for present purposes.

10

‘The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger’ (1982)

Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher

The Dark Tower is going to pop up a few times here, since it’s a book series that encompasses seven main novels, and then one interquel set between books #4 and #5; call it book 4.5, if you want. The whole series is perhaps most easily definable as a dark fantasy one, though there are so many other genres explored throughout, with parts of it being creepy, some chunks of certain books having a particularly strong Western feel, and sci-fi elements ultimately playing a role quite a lot, too.

So, here’s the first book in the series, The Gunslinger, which is a great introduction to the main character, Roland, and his quest to find the titular Dark Tower, alongside the stage being set for the strange world he (initially) inhabits. It’s a weird book, and one that makes more sense the more of the series you read, but the fantastical stuff here is too bold and distinct to not give this first Dark Tower book some recognition here.

9

‘Insomnia’ (1994)

Image via Viking/Stephen King

Very much worth talking about within the context of The Dark Tower series, Insomnia is most interesting for the allusions and references it has to some of the characters (especially of a villainous nature) and concepts from The Dark Tower. Its central premise, though, involves an old man who has the titular condition, and his lack of sleep has him seeing increasingly strange supernatural things.

Those supernatural things are part of a bigger conflict, and as he loses his grip on reality, to some extent, he gains more knowledge of something outside “reality” as it’s understood. The Dark Tower is referenced in plenty of other Stephen King novels and stories, but probably most referenced here, in Insomnia, which makes it a dense and somewhat difficult-to-approach book, albeit a very rewarding one if you’re invested in the whole Stephen King multiverse.

8

‘The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla’ (2003)

Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher

Jumping ahead a little in The Dark Tower series, here’s Wolves of the Calla, which marked the start of a race toward the finish for Stephen King. He had a brush with death in 1999, after being hit and seriously injured by a vehicle, which seemed to inspire King to finish The Dark Tower, which had its first four books published over a fairly long stretch of time (1982 to 1997).

The last three books were all published between 2003 and 2004, with Wolves of the Calla being a bit punchier and more immediate in terms of forwarding things toward a climax. The third and fourth books are well-loved by some King fans, because the third does some great world-building, and then the fourth is instrumental in laying out so much of Roland’s backstory, but they do spin their wheels a bit (and not just because a train is involved near the third book’s end and the fourth’s beginning). Wolves of the Calla says, “Yep, okay, let’s get this done,” having a good deal of action and then a very intense final 50 to 100 pages or so, all of it very important for the final two books in the series.

7

‘The Talisman’ (1984)

Image via Viking Press/Stephen King/Peter Straub

Diving into Stephen King’s whole body of work will reveal a few books he’s co-written, with the best of his collaborations to date being with Peter Straub. The two wrote The Talisman in 1984, and then Black House in 2001, with a third book in the series talked about for a while, with its publication seeming less likely after Straub sadly passed away in 2022… but then King finished the third book, Other Worlds Than These, scheduled for release in 2026.

But sticking to The Talisman, it’s a pretty great fantasy/adventure story about a young boy going on a quest to an alternate world/dimension in an attempt to save his mother from dying of lung cancer. It’s a premise King kind of revisited himself, in Fairy Tale, but he does it much better in this book, with Straub. And then, Black House isn’t quite as good, but is still ultimately worthy of a read for anyone who enjoyed what The Talisman was doing.

6

‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ (1984)

Image via Viking/Stephen King

The Eyes of the Dragon is potentially the gentlest book Stephen King wrote before the 1990s, or maybe even before the 2000s, as he’s gotten a little more sentimental as he’s gotten older (see Lisey’s Story, for a dramatic example). It came out at a time when King was largely known for horror and some science fiction-related stories, most of them pretty heavy on cruelty, suspense, and frequent deaths.

You still get conflict with The Eyes of the Dragon, and it’s not that it lacks stakes or anything, but it feels more fantasy than dark fantasy, compared to just about any other fantasy-related book King’s penned. It’s also on the slimmer side of things, by the standards of Stephen King’s novels, which makes it an approachable book, and one that could be read by younger readers more easily than the majority of his other works.

5

‘The Green Mile’ (1996)

Image via Signet Books

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Both the book and movie versions of The Green Mile have low-key fantasy elements, compared to most other fantasy stories, but you’ve still got a death row prisoner integral to the narrative who has difficult-to-explain powers of healing. He also seems innocent of the crimes he’s been sentenced to death for, which gets the block supervisor of death row conflicted about what to do regarding what legally has to be carried out.

Stephen King wrote this one in the form of a six-part serial novel, and all the parts add up to something pretty great overall… and it’s easy to call The Green Mile one of King’s most emotional books, too. It’s not full-on fantasy, perhaps more magical realism, and it’s also light on true horror elements, so The Green Mile stands out pretty well within King’s body of work for those reasons (plus the fact that it’s also very good, of course).

4

‘The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three’ (1987)

Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher

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After The Gunslinger served as a good introduction for some things, The Drawing of the Three (book #2 in The Dark Tower series) does so much for introducing even more out-there concepts into the series, and for also giving Roland more by way of compelling supporting characters. The Drawing of the Three also might have one of the greatest opening chapters in literary history, since things get shaken up so intensely, bizarrely, gruesomely, and borderline-recklessly.

But the momentum from the gonzo opening is kept up, and all the jumping between world-related stuff is incredible, and also vital for the rest of the series and how it operates narratively. The Gunslinger is still good, but The Drawing of the Three is where The Dark Tower gets genuinely great, and there’s a very high chance that, should you get to book #2, you’ll be hooked from that point on until book #7.

3

‘It’ (1986)

Image via Viking

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It feels a bit more of a horror book than a fantasy one, sure, but it’s sprawling enough to ultimately exist within a few different genres, and one of them is dark fantasy. What you get here is a bunch of kids taking on a horrific entity, and then doing the same as adults, because this particular being is active every 27 years… but structurally, it jumps back and forth between those two timelines.

It’s a dizzying read that proved hard to do justice in either a miniseries or movie duology form, especially because, regarding the latter, quite a few of the more out-there fantastical ideas weren’t really tackled/adapted. The best way to experience the story, by far, is still as a novel, and even if It is an incredibly long novel, it’s ultimately very much worth tackling.

2

‘The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower’ (2004)

The most infamous of The Dark Tower books is the seventh, and yet it also might be the best of them. What you definitely get here, for better or worse, is a definitive ending, to the point where a genuine eighth book feels not just unlikely, but wholly unnecessary. It’s also been 20-ish years, and while there’s been that interquel and other stories that reference The Dark Tower, this seventh book feels like a definitive conclusion in every way.

What are some of those ways? Well, this is one of the easiest to spoil books ever, since you get drama and surprisingly high stakes right from the very first chapter, so alluding to anything that happens here could ruin the book, and also a bunch of the books that came before it, in the series. It’s King just about at his best, though, within the fantasy genre (like, It might be the better book, but The Dark Tower VII is beating it here, partly because The Dark Tower VII is more fantasy heavy).

1

‘The Stand’ (1978)

Image via Doubleday

Since it’s a post-apocalyptic book, and particularly heavy on the elements that make up such a genre early on, you might initially feel like The Stand leans a little more into science fiction than fantasy. But as it goes along, the survivors of a massive viral outbreak (the people left after more than 99% of humanity dies) get roped into a battle of good versus evil, and the leaders of both sides have mysterious and fantastical powers.

It’s all dark fantasy, of course, since The Stand is a pretty bleak book that also finds plenty of time to be frightening, at least when it’s not focused on also being an adventure story, or something a bit more suspense/thrill-heavy. The Stand, in its uncut form, is easily Stephen King’s longest single novel, so there’s ample room here for him to play around and do a bit of everything, and here, he does a bit of everything so incredibly well.

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The Stand

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1994 – 1994-00-00

Directors

Mick Garris

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Blake Lively has spoken out after a judge dismissed several of the actress’ claims against her It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle.

“I am grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake, but also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to … many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know,” Lively, 38, began in a lengthy statement shared via her Instagram Story on Friday, April 3.

The actress continued, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”

Lively added that she hoped the court’s decision won’t keep others from speaking up. She also shared that while her situation might be labeled as “celebrity drama,” others outside of the spotlight who have endured similar issues can also relate to her story.

Related: Blake Lively Reacts After Most of Her Claims Against Baldoni Are Dismissed

Blake Lively’s team has reacted after a U.S. District Court judge ruled to throw out 10 of 13 claims against her It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle. “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took […]

“The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” she wrote. “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”

Lively explained that digital violence “affects us all,” including women and children.

“So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety is in part at trial, but it will also continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I’m most proud of,” she shared. “I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me – and the masses who are still around us all — creating laws, social change, sparking conversations, rallying, working privately and publicly, risking and sometimes losing everything for the safety of others in all spaces. Some whose names we know, most we don’t. Thank you. All of you.”

Lively added that she “will never stop doing” her part in the fight to “expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims.”

“I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going,” she concluded.

Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle.

Us Weekly has reached out to Baldoni’s team for comment.

Related: Justin Baldoni’s Team Reacts After Judge Dismisses 10 Blake Lively Claims

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Justin Baldoni‘s team has reacted to their partial legal victory in his ongoing lawsuit against Blake Lively. “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,” attorneys for the Wayfarer defendants said in a statement to […]

Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle. The allegations that have been dismissed include harassment, defamation and conspiracy. Claims of breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation will proceed to a trial.

“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, April 2, in response to the ruling. “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted. She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”

Baldoni’s team also reacted to the ruling in a statement, telling Us, “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel. These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.”

Lively’s legal team also issued a response to the statement from Baldoni’s lawyers.

“What the Court actually decided yesterday is that Blake Lively provided evidence to go to trial on her core claims: that she spoke out against what she believed was sexual harassment on the set, and suffered retaliation that harmed her reputation as a result,” the statement read.“The court held, in painstaking detail, that Ms. Lively provided sufficient evidence of all the following: (1) She privately opposed and negotiated changes to on-set behavior by Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath; (2) She reasonably believed, in good faith, that the behavior she complained about privately was unlawful sexual harassment; (3) Baldoni, Heath, and Wayfarer Studios understood that her claims amounted to sexual harassment allegations; and (4) They crossed the line in response and took steps that harmed her reputation and career.”

Related: Blake Lively Fights Against Justin Baldoni’s Request to Dismiss Trial

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Blake Lively is fighting against Justin Baldoni’s request for dismissal. Lively, 38, and her legal team filed a letter on Thursday, March 12, citing a recent federal appeals court ruling that allegedly proves her lawsuit against her It Ends With Us costar and director should not be dismissed. (Lively played Lily in the 2024 film […]

After news broke of Lively’s legal setback, the actress’ agency WME — which also used to represent Baldoni — released a statement of support for the Gossip Girl alum.

“In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up for herself, her castmates, and those without the ability to fight back,” a spokesperson for the agency told Deadline in a statement on Friday. “She has met this moment with courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination.”

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Lively and Baldoni’s legal battle began in December 2024. She accused the It Ends With Us star and director of creating a “hostile work environment,” sexual harassment and orchestrating an alleged smear campaign against her.

Baldoni, who has vehemently denied the allegations, countersued Lively, but his lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June 2025.

Lively’s lawsuit remains ongoing and is scheduled for trial in May.

Now that April is here, Peacock‘s movie library has gotten the fresh influx of new titles that it so desperately needed.

Peacock may drop most of its films at the beginning of a month, but the films tend to be an impressive mixture of new hits and classics.

The Watch With Us team has selected our picks for the three best Peacock movies to binge-watch this weekend.

Our selections include a thriller, an affecting drama and the film that paved the way for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie‘s box office domination.

‘Sea of Love’ (1989)

NYPD Police Detective Frank Keller (Al Pacino) is a lonely man in the thriller Sea of Love. Frank’s lost his wife to a new lover, and he’s recently had a brush with death that’s making him reconsider his life. At the same time, there’s a serial killer targeting men just like Frank, who placed ads in the newspaper’s personal section. Whoever is behind this killing spree is likely a woman.

While working undercover to identify the killer, Frank becomes attracted to Helen Cruger (Ellen Barkin), so much so that he leaves her out of his investigation. That may be a huge mistake, because Helen does have a connection to the victims, and even Frank isn’t sure if she’s a murderer or just another lonely heart looking for love. The answer to that question might literally be a matter of life or death.

Sea of Love is streaming on Peacock.

‘Land’ (2021)

Robin Wright made her directorial debut with Land, which also features the actress in the leading role as Edee Holzer. Following a devastating personal tragedy, Edee has resolved to live a life of solitude on a remote patch of land. Unfortunately for Edee, she doesn’t have the survival skills to fully live off the land, and she’s not able to take care of some of her basic needs when misfortune revisits her more than once.

Related: 9 Must-Watch Movies on Peacock Right Now

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Peacock has a fantastic selection of movies spanning genres and decades, all available at one’s fingertips in December. Watch With Us takes a look at the best movies streaming on Peacock right now, and we’re highlighting two of the newest additions this month. Our first pick is Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, a funny, touching autobiographical drama about […]

A local hunter, Miguel (Demián Bichir), goes out of his way to help Edee through her most difficult days. He’s been through a lot of personal trauma as well. Although Edee makes it perfectly clear that she’s not looking for any kind of relationship, the gift that Miguel has to offer may finally give her a path to move forward in her life. She just has to be brave enough to take that step.

Land is streaming on Peacock.

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)

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If you grew up at any point between now and the ’80s, there’s a very good chance you’ve played one of the many Super Mario video games or at least know of them. It only took Hollywood a little over three decades to get it right, but The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the film that generations of Nintendo fans had been waiting for. It’s not only one of the best video game adaptations, it’s a beautifully animated film that features some of Illumination’s best work in the field.

Chris Pratt lends his voice to Mario, while Charlie Day plays his brother, Luigi. On Earth, they’re just a pair of plumbers who can barely keep their business afloat. But once they find a portal to another world, their lives go into wildly different directions. For Luigi, he has to survive as a captive of Bowser (Jack Black), a tyrant who wants to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom. As for Mario, he’ll have to team up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) to rescue his brother and save the day.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is streaming on Peacock.

Charlize Theron just reminded everyone why she’s been turning heads for decades. The Oscar winner was spotted vacationing in Hawaii wearing a strapless yellow bikini that looked like pure sunshine. At 50, she’s serving looks that would make women half her age take notes.

Here’s the thing about Theron. She’s never been one to try too hard. Her off-duty style leans effortless, and that Hawaiian beach moment was no exception. No cover-up, no oversized hat, no elaborate accessories. Just a bright yellow bandeau bikini and the kind of confidence that comes from genuinely not caring what anyone thinks. The strapless silhouette gave the whole look a clean, minimalist feel that let the bold color do all the talking.

Ahead of summer, you can get the same style for a whole lot less on Amazon. The Yacun Strapless Bandeau Bikini Set is just $28 — and it’s a similar match to Theron’s sunshine-filled swimsuit.

Get the Yacun Strapless Bandeau Bikini Set for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Yellow is having a serious moment right now, and Theron clearly got the memo. The color pops against sun-kissed skin and photographs like a dream (her paparazzi shots practically glowed).

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Related: These 15 Flattering Bikinis for Women Over 40 Still Feel Super Trendy

Finding a bikini swimsuit that’s both flattering and stylish can get more nuanced over time — but that doesn’t mean your options get limited. If anything, it’s all about knowing what works. Think: supportive fits, thoughtful cuts and elevated designs that feel just as good as they look. Amazon is full of surprisingly chic swim […]

The Yacun Strapless Bandeau Bikini Set features a U-wire neckline that mirrors the flattering shape Theron was wearing. It’s a two-piece with a cheeky cut bottom and lace-up detailing that adds just enough visual interest without going overboard. The bandeau top stays put (a genuine concern with strapless swimwear, and one worth addressing head-on) while creating that same smooth, strap-free look that made Theron’s beach photos so striking.

The bandeau style is particularly smart for women who want a sophisticated swimsuit without fussy details. No tangled halter ties, no weird tan lines across your shoulders, no straps slipping down every time you reach for your drink. Just a streamlined silhouette that looks polished whether you’re lounging poolside or walking the shoreline like you own the place.

The bikini bottoms deserve a mention, too. It hits that sweet spot between full coverage and cheeky, which is exactly where most women over 40 want to land. Enough to feel sexy, not so much that you’re tugging at fabric all afternoon. Paired with the structured bandeau top, the proportions balance out nicely for a range of body types.

Vacation season is calling, the yellow bikini trend has an A-list endorsement, and Amazon has a version that costs less than most people spend on lunch in Honolulu.

Get the Yacun Strapless Bandeau Bikini Set for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Period dramas have been enjoying a resurgence, with shows ranging from Bridgerton to The Crown all offering compelling narratives, but one stands out among the rest. HBO’s The Gilded Age tells a realistic and intriguing story of New York’s elite in the late 19th century, where long-established society leaders are threatened by the arrival of newly wealthy families seeking to join their ranks.

The Gilded Age sets itself apart from other period dramas with its complex characters and unique approach to history, which is why it continues to thrive. Created by Julian Fellowes, best known for Downton Abbey, the 2022 series has already aired for three seasons, and it gets better with each installment. Even now, it shows no signs of stopping, having been renewed for Season 4. This means there’s plenty of time for new viewers to become invested in the scandalous twists and growing rivalries the series offers. With its interesting story and vivid characters, The Gilded Age is a period drama that no fan should miss.

‘The Gilded Age’ Is Full of History and Drama

While The Gilded Age tackles many historical moments, it isn’t focused on a solitary figure; instead, it uses its grand setting to weave truth and embellishment into its overall story. Fellowes’ series primarily centers around two families: the van Rhijns, who have long been among New York’s elite, and the Russells, whose recent rise in status mirrors the Vanderbilts’. Van Rhijn matriarch, Agnes (Christine Baranski), is deeply entrenched in the old guard and instantly dislikes the Russells when they move in next door. However, that sentiment is not shared by her newly arrived niece, Marian (Louisa Jacobson), or unmarried sister, Ada (Cynthia Nixon), creating plenty of conflict in the house. Meanwhile, across the street, Bertha Russell’s (Carrie Coon) never-ending ambition places a strain on the family, as her husband, George (Morgan Spector), fights ruthlessly to stay on top of the railroad industry.

The Gilded Age gives each character something to fight for, with Bertha and George chasing success, Agnes showing the struggle of holding on to the old ways, and Marian and the Russells’ children, Larry (Harry Richardson) and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), hoping to escape the expectations placed on them. While this alone could easily create a series worth watching, The Gilded Age goes even further, incorporating many more characters, from the household staff to the separate society of the Black elite, so it never lacks for drama. Like their employers, Church (Jack Gilpin) and Bannister (Simon Jones), the respective butlers of the two neighbors, have their own rivalry; meanwhile, Marian’s friend, Peggy (Denée Benton), and fan-favorite footman, Jack (Ben Ahlers), pursue their own ambitions. With so much going on, there’s never a dull moment in The Gilded Age, making it an addictive watch.

Related

The Surprising New Connection Between ‘The Gilded Age’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ That Could Lead to a Crossover

We might want to see Agnes van Rhijn and Violet Crawley exchanging insults, but merging the two series is trickier than it sounds.

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‘The Gilded Age’ Thrives with Complex Characters

There’s a lot to love about The Gilded Age, but what sets this period drama apart from the rest is its characters, who are allowed to be both flawed and lovable. Bertha’s drive to improve her status is all-consuming, and on several occasions, makes her harsh, even to her own family. Yet she also shows great kindness to those she considers friends, such as Aurora Fane (Kelli O’Hara) or her housekeeper, Mrs. Bruce (Celia Keenan-Bolger). This proves that Bertha is more than her ambitions, allowing the audience to have a better understanding of the character. Agnes is the same, as she forces her rigid expectations on those around her, but never fails to care for her sister, allowing rare glimpses of her softer side. These complexities make the character more interesting and provide a few surprises as the series goes on.

With a skilled ensemble cast, every actor does their part, from Coon, who is a standout as Bertha, to Debra Monk, who has the difficult task of making her Mrs. Armstrong both rude and sympathetic. All of these characters work together to show every corner of society, yet the talent within the cast makes every storyline compelling. While the constant scandals may pull the viewer in, it’s the characters who are worth staying for, as they add both humor and charm to the story, making it impossible not to get invested in The Gilded Age.

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January 24, 2022

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HBO Max

Directors

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Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield

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  Morgan Spector

  George Russell

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Brandy is opening up in a major way, and this time, it’s not just about the music. While promoting her new memoir ‘Phases,’ the singer is letting fans into some deeply personal moments—including where things currently stand with her brother, Ray J. And let’s just say, it’s giving honesty, growth, and a little distance.

RELATED: Brandy’s Memoir Reframes Past Relationship With Wanya Morris As An Adult Taking Advantage Of A Child

Brandy Addresses Distance With Ray J, Claims Love Remains

In a new interview with Parade Magazine, Brandy touched on everything from her upbringing to industry moments and even past tensions, but her comments about Ray J had folks paying close attention. She revealed that although he wasn’t present at her recent Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, there’s a reason behind it. According to Brandy, there’s currently “distance” between them due to certain things he’s done publicly that she doesn’t agree with.

“There is distance right now. There are a few things that he’s been doing in the public eye that I don’t condone, and I just feel like loving him from afar right now is best for me and my peace. But my life with Ray and my connection with him is all throughout the book, and my love for him never wavers,” the singer revealed.

While Brandy is choosing peace and boundaries in this chapter, she emphasized that her love for her brother remains solid. As of now, Ray J has yet to publicly respond to her comments.

Fans Split On Brandy And Ray J Situation

Folks quickly ran to TSR’s Instagram comment section, and whew—the reactions were split. Some agreed with Brandy, saying sometimes you really do have to love family from a distance to protect your peace. Others, however, felt differently, pointing out that Ray J has always shown support for her and questioning whether the move was fair.

One Instagram user @limihts commented, “She ain’t even had to bring him up“

This Instagram user @nay4shorttt said, “There’s nothing wrong with that. sometimes you have to do that even with family“

And, Instagram user @thatsmydink added, “He probably would’ve embarrassed her I’m this special moment so I don’t blame her“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @sasu_lens_md claimed, “I don like it… that’s still your brother and regardless of what people say, he always supports and defend you 🫤”

While Instagram user @thatgirl7108 shared, “One thing an Aquarius GONNA DO. Is protect their peace at all costs. Family is NOT exempt. Periodtttt ♒️”

Lastly, Instagram user @msfytmamas wrote, “As a HUGE Brandy fan I do wish he was there. Out of EVERYONE he has aways been her biggest supporter.”

Ray J Steps In After Sister’s Name Comes Up

Y’all… ain’t this the same Ray J who was just going OFF behind his big sis? After Cam’ron and Mase joked on ‘It Is What It Is’about both having a past with Brandy, with Shyne chiming in on the convo, things quickly turned messy online. The lighthearted storytelling had folks laughing—until Ray J caught wind of it and hopped on livestream with a whole different energy.

In a now-viral clip, Ray didn’t hold back, warning all three to keep his sister’s name out their mouths and making it clear he’s ready to defend Brandy at all costs. “Keep my sister name out your mouth before I slap the… daylights out of you,” he said, calling out Cam’ron, Mase, and Shyne directly. Now, with Brandy recently speaking on keeping distance from her brother, folks can’t help but side-eye the timing—like, didn’t he just step up for her in a major way?

RELATED: Shyne Doubles Down On Past History With Brandy & Accuses Her Of Lying To Protect Her Image