Spider-Noir is a groundbreaking moment in the Spider-Man franchise. Not only will it be Nicolas Cage‘s first television role, but it’s also the first Spider-Man series to be rated TV-14, per The Direct. That also means this is the first Spider-Man series that will tackle mature content, with the trailer even featuring Ben Reilly (Cage) drinking, smoking, and laying a brutal beatdown on criminals. It’s hard to imagine a Spider-Man show that could go to those dark places, especially given the restrictions that Marvel and Sony placed on live-action depictions of the web-slinger.

Those restrictions were revealed during the infamous 2024 Sony hack, which revealed what filmmakers can and can’t do with Spider-Man. These “character integrity obligations” state that Spider-Man cannot smoke, drink alcohol, torture or kill. It also laid out strict rules for Peter Parker, including that he had to be a Caucasian, heterosexual male and the standard origin story of being bitten by a radioactive spider while being driven to heroism by the death of his Uncle Ben. On the one hand, these rules make sense. Unlike Wolverine or the Punisher, Spider-Man isn’t a jaded antihero who drowns his pain in alcohol and murder. On the other hand, these restrictions limit the type of Spider-Man stories that could be told on screen. Spider-Noir aims to change that.

‘Spider-Noir’ Has The Chance to Tell A Unique Spider-Man Story

Image via Prime Video

The stifling effects of Sony and Marvel’s “character integrity obligations” can be best felt in The Amazing Spider-Man films. Prior to Andrew Garfield being cast as Peter Parker, the Internet suggested that Donald Glover should be Peter Parker, using the #Donald4SpiderMan hashtag on Twitter. Given Glover’s energetic performance as Troy Barnes on Community, it wasn’t a stretch to imagine him bringing that same commitment to Peter Parker…yet probably due to the Sony/Marvel contract, a host of Caucasian actors were considered instead of Glover. There is a silver lining: the campaign inspired prolific comic writer Brian Michael Bendis to help create Miles Morales, and Glover even voiced Miles in an episode of Ultimate Spider-Man.

Spider-Noir is taking its own steps to skirt the Sony/Marvel restrictions, starting with the fact that Nicolas Cage isn’t playing a version of Peter Parker. Noir being Ben Reilly is both a nod to the fan-favorite Scarlet Spider and a clear sign that this is a darker, more psychologically tortured Spider-Man. It’s also more in line with the original Spider-Man: Noir comics by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky; while that version of Spider-Man was Peter Parker, he fought cannibalistic criminals and Nazis, and even carried a gun (and wasn’t shy about using it.) Spider-Noir has creators that aren’t afraid to go in the same direction, as producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller laid out how this is a very different Spider-Man than fans are expecting:

“This character’s very different from the Peter Parker from the movies. He’s older and jaded, and not afraid to punch a guy in the face drunkenly…He already had his Chinatown disillusionment moment that happened years and years ago.”

Related

Nicolas Cage’s ‘Spider-Noir’ Leaves the Door Open for Season 2 and Beyond [Exclusive]

Cage is “a spider pretending to be a person” in the upcoming live-action series.

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If ‘Spider-Noir’ Is A Success, Marvel & Sony Can Do Darker Versions of Spider-Man

By opening the door to a darker version of Spider-Man, Spider-Noir could set a trend for more mature Spider-Man stories in film and television. Sony is looking to reboot its Spider-Man film universe; if it brings in a different version of Kraven the Hunter, this could allow a filmmaker to finally bring the iconic “Kraven’s Last Hunt” storyline where Kraven shoots and drugs Spidey, then buries him alive before taking his identity. Other Spider-Men who, like Noir, walk on the dark side of the street are Hobie Brown, aka Spider-Punk, who’s slated to get his own spinoff, and Kaine Parker, a clone of Spider-Man who takes up the Scarlet Spider mantle and has no problem with grievously wounding or killing his foes.

Spider-Noir is making its debut in a big year for Spider-Man projects, but there’s more to this series than adapting a fan-favorite character. It’s a show that can remind Sony, Marvel, and fans that there’s more than one way to tell a Spider-Man story.

Spider-Noir premieres on Prime Video on May 27, 2026.

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Release Date

May 27, 2026

Network

MGM+

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Showrunner

Oren Uziel, Steve Lightfoot

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Young and the Restless 2-week spoilers for March 02 – 13, 2026 reveal Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) is absolutely enraged and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) horrified as Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) takes things way too far with a shocking kidnapping. Let’s dive into what’s coming up in Genoa City.

Young and the Restless Spoilers Monday, March 2nd: The Newman Women Worry and Sally Gets Romanced

On Monday, March 2nd, Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) talk about Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) being off and still in a lot of pain. Nikki says she and Victor noticed. Victoria says Nick is running through pills way too fast and at the same time, determined to take down Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) alone when he’s in no shape to do so.

Nikki hates that Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) is running Newman Enterprises and gloating. Victoria is certain they’ll get it all back. Nikki says even if they get it back, maybe she and Victor should retire because they’d spend the rest of their lives rebuilding.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victoria’s Vow

Victoria vows to never give up until they get back everything Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) and Phyllis stole. I love that none of them are blaming Victor, which is insane. He’s not a victim, he’s the cause of all this misery.

Kyle and Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) chat and she says she didn’t get the dirt on Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver). But Claire thinks Audra robbed an art gallery owner and then she and Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) made him disappear. Kyle thinks Claire should let it go but she insists that Audra’s up to something.

Kyle says Audra’s got a new job with Sally that’ll keep her busy—she’s not worried about Claire, so leave it. She tells Kyle he was right about Holden—he’s not right for her. Claire tells Kyle that Holden’s keeping secrets so Claire broke up with him.

Holden tells Audra that Claire didn’t find anything in LA. Holden catches Audra up on Victor losing everything and thinks it’s karma for using the AI on Cane’s company. Audra advises not to trash Victor in front of Claire. Audra also worries Claire won’t stop digging.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Holden is Impressed

Holden’s impressed with Audra’s new job with Sally. Holden says Claire dumped him for keeping Audra’s dirty secret. He thinks Claire’s finally ready to let it go.

Sally has dinner with Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) and he set up a romantic evening to win Sally back. Billy tells Sally he loves her and says they can separate personal and professional. She tells Billy about picking her dad up over and over and Sally doesn’t want to play that part with Billy.

When Sally cries and says her dad chose other things over her and Billy did the same with Chancellor, he keeps at it till he convinces Sally to take him back. She caves and kisses Billy.

Y&R Spoilers Tuesday, March 3rd: Sharon Questions Daniel and Phyllis Swaps Threats with Cane

On Tuesday, March 3rd, Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) has questions for Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) about him and Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks). I suspect Sharon might want Daniel away from Tessa. Sharon may tell Daniel he needs to give them a chance to reconcile. Tessa wants Daniel and may not like Sharon interfering.

Phyllis and Cane swap threats. Cane wants Phyllis to give back Newman stuff or pretend to so he can save Lily Winters (Christel Khalil). Phyllis sees that Cane legit thinks they’re in danger but Phyllis is certain Victor’s bluffing. Cane tries to tempt Phyllis and says he has something she wants so badly she can’t refuse. I’m thinking it involves her kids.

Claire and Kyle clear the air. A reunion might be coming now that Claire’s done with Holden.

Young and the Restless Spoilers, March 4th: Victor Gets the Upper Hand on the Abbotts

On Wednesday, March 4th, Victor gets one up on the Abbotts. Looks like he snatches Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). Nick and Sharon get a message that has them very worried. No doubt from Matt.

This week, Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) and Sharon worry about Nick. An upset Noah wants to know if Sharon’s heard from Nick because his dad’s not answering calls or messages. Sharon hasn’t heard from Nick either and she doesn’t like it.

Cane strikes back with a low blow. I bet against Phyllis if she turned down his offer.

Thursday, March 5th: Victor Traps Billy as the Abbotts Learn Jack’s Been Taken

On Thursday, March 5th, Victor has Billy in a tight spot. Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) and Kyle are shocked when Billy shows up at the Abbott mansion and tells Diane and Kyle that Victor told him if he doesn’t hand back Chancellor by the end of the day, they’ll never see Jack again.

Kyle makes a move. Does he try to get Jack back at all costs? I suspect he turns to Claire. Someone gives Jack a rude awakening. I’m sure wherever he’s being held by Victor.

Friday, March 6th: Jack’s World is Rocked and Diane Takes Extreme Measures

On Friday, March 6th, Jack’s world is rocked. He was not expecting to be collateral damage and kidnapped. Phyllis tries to make amends with Daniel. Will she offer him a job?

Diane takes extreme measures to get Jack back. Diane loves Jack dearly and she’ll do anything to save him. I wonder if Diane unleashes on Nikki because of what Victor’s done. Jack had nothing to do with this.

Week Two: March 9th-13th – The Race to Save Jack

During the second week, Diane, Kyle, and Billy race against time to find Jack. They’re outraged that Victor took him when Jack did nothing and in fact, Victor was planning to attack Jabot.

This is too much. Billy’s in a tough spot. Will he give back Chancellor or hope that Victor won’t hurt Jack? And will the Abbotts ever forgive Billy if he refuses to save Jack?

Daniel stands his ground with Phyllis. He won’t forgive her. Nikki’s furious with Victor over Jack’s kidnapping. Will she help Diane and Kyle? Claire may try and help Kyle but there’s no talking reason to Victor. Lily returns soon. She’s due back in March.

Will Devon Hamilton Winters (Bryton James) and Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) find her? And if Victor changed her voluntary kidnapping to a real one, will all of Genoa City turn against him?

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Mariah’s Fate

Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) awaits her fate. I’m not expecting a trial—Christine Williams (Lauralee Bell) may work a plea bargain. Sally is back with Billy but if he doesn’t give back Chancellor to save Jack, I expect Sally to be horrified and she and Billy may be over again already since Sally really likes Jack—she used to have a crush on him. Audra and Holden get closer. Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) is in danger soon. That’s your Young and the Restless two-week spoiler outlook.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 minute ago

In Star Trek: The Original Series, we got small glimpses of how characters in the far future were still obsessed with art and literature from their distant past. The Next Generation took this storytelling trope to the next level, primarily through the character of Captain Picard: when he’s not commanding the starship Enterprise, Picard likes to read Shakespeare and listen to classical music. But his most beloved form of entertainment is the last thing you’d expect: he likes to visit the holodeck and recreate gumshoe detective adventures from the 1940s.

Intellectual Sadism (noun) – the tendency to derive pleasure from demonstrating one’s mental superiority by exposing, correcting, or humiliating an inferior person’s perceived ignorance or errors.

You see, Picard is a huge fan of Dixon Hill, a private investigator who solved crimes in 1941 San Francisco. Most fans treat this as a fun affectation, one that gives the stodgy captain some much-needed personality and texture. But on one occasion, a veteran Star Trek director called out Picard’s hobby for what it is: throwing his advanced intellect around with a bunch of virtual cavemen.

Captain Picard, The Gumshoe Detective

Rob Bowman directed “Manhunt,” a Season 2 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, where Picard faces something much more dangerous than the Borg: an extra-horny Lwaxana Troi (she’s currently going through “the Phase,” which makes her Betazed people especially randy) is on the prowl for a new husband. She sets her sights on Picard, who decides to do the grown-up thing and go hide out on the holodeck. There, he once again recreates one of the Dixon Hill stories he loves so much, donning a hat and trenchcoat to look the part of a hard-nosed private investigator.

This is a mostly lighthearted episode that fans generally like, but they might change their minds after hearing what the director had to say. As published in the tenth issue of The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine, he noted how weird it is to have “characters that are several hundred years in the future from where we are now” revisit the ‘40s in such a robust way. He particularly called out Captain Picard, “who is so far advanced intellectually,” for how he wants to deal “with what are, essentially, cave people.”

Captain Picard Versus The Cavemen

Personally, as a nostalgic man with many quirky hobbies of my own, I found the director’s observation quite funny. But he makes a really great point here: it’s downright weird that Picard and others are so fixated on the past that they go out of their way to recreate it on the holodeck. Sure, it makes for great television (who doesn’t love seeing Data as Sherlock Holmes, for example?), but in-universe, it’s strange that characters who are so advanced would want to digitally slum it around with primitive people.

Ironically, Star Trek emphasizes this point whenever the holodeck isn’t involved. In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Kirk reveals that humanity has moved past the use of money, and Dr. McCoy compares ‘80s medicine to “the Dark Ages.” First Contact further emphasized humanity moving beyond capitalism, with Kirk saying, “The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force in our lives. We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity.” Furthermore, shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation often portrayed people from the 20th century and earlier as idiots, as evidenced by the antics of those weird, unfrozen hillbillies in “The Neutral Zone.” 

Is Future Humanity Really All That Advanced?

At almost every single turn, Star Trek points out that characters in the far future are so advanced that they barely recognize or understand the way of life for those in the 20th century. Why, then, does Picard want to spend his spare time hanging around with virtual versions of people from over 300 years in the past, ones who would seem like knuckle-dragging cavemen? One has to wonder if this is like a weird power trip for Picard, or maybe just an excuse to turn his brain off and let his hair down (so to speak).

Rob Bowman’s observation doesn’t make the Dixon Hill episodes any less fun, of course, but it does forever change how I will view everyone’s fixation on the past in Star Trek: The Next Generation. These are characters who are trained to never interfere in the development of undeveloped worlds, but they spend all their spare time hanging out with primitives on the holodeck. It could be worse, though: they could, like me, spend all their time writing about TV shows that went off the air over three decades ago!

Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most beloved authors of the 20th century, and for good reason. It’s no wonder that his works have been sought after for adaptation, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. Emphasize “sought after” because not many of his novels or short stories have actually made it to the big screen. Vonnegut’s stories are often sarcastic, time-hopping, told from the first person, and uniquely bleak… but also hilarious. His specifically strange brand of sci-fi, comedy, and satire has long been a tough cookie to crumble over onto film, like Cat’s Cradle.

As one of the flagship novels in his bibliography, unabashedly represents all of these attributes in ways that make it one of the most “Vonnegut” novels there is. It’s an odd choice on Hollywood’s part to adapt, not only in a business sense, but because it also feels like one of the remaining novels left that is still unable to be adapted for the screen.

‘Cat’s Cradle’ Might Be Kurt Vonnegut’s Best Book

Cat’s Cradle is a 1963 postmodern satire, written by the late great Kurt Vonnegut. The film follows Felix Hoenikker and a group of scientists as they navigate life after the invention of ice-nine, a substance that could freeze the entire planet. The novel is bleakly comical, absurd, and hits some of its commentaries pretty hard on the nose, but it also has its moments of subtlety. That’s just how Vonnegut operates, though. He knows that he gets in his audience’s face with social and political commentary, but any time it’s on the nose, it’s to get a laugh. Cat’s Cradle is one of those Vonnegut books, though. It’s like the even more well-known Slaughterhouse-Five in that it has actual statements that it’s trying to make. Kurt Vonnegut is a funny guy, but when he wants to make an actual point about something, he does so like a gut punch. There’s a reason that he’s largely considered one of the greatest authors of his time. It’s because he can do it all!

There’s a good argument to be made that Cat’s Cradle is Vonnegut’s best book. It’s a sprawling epic that manages to fit a ridiculous amount of subplots, ideas, and themes into one pretty tight story. When there’s this much going on, it’d probably be preferred if the book was able to breathe a bit more (it’s only a little over 300 pages) and let these ideas expand upon themselves more naturally. There’s a case to be made that this is where a format like a TV show could benefit the source material.

That being said, that’s kind of its charm. Heavy subjects are brought up and briefly touched upon, usually with some degree of humor, then we move on to the next thing. It makes for a bit of a disorienting experience with how quickly we move from scene to scene, but that also adds to the framing device that the story is being told in flashback. It really does feel like you’re reading a memory.

What Is Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘Cat’s Cradle’ About?

Image via Holt, Rinehart and Winston

Given Cat’s Cradle’s odd narrative structure, its tendency to jump from plot point to plot point, and oddball, Vonnegut-ian sense of humor, it’s not ideal to say that the book is unadaptable… but it just might need to stay on the page. It’s not the book’s high-concept ideas that would be tough for audiences to swallow, but it’s the way that the author delivers them. Cat’s Cradle is fun because of how little time we spend on the detrimental choices made and events leading toward the post-apocalyptic setting that our narrator is in. If a movie or TV show tried to recreate that, there would probably be too much filler added, and the story’s breakneck pace would ultimately become diluted.

The novel’s sense of humor also wouldn’t likely translate well onto the screen. Not that the book is offensive or “couldn’t be made today” because of jokes that just didn’t age well. It’s just, you know, a Kurt Vonnegut novel! He makes light of things that are touchy subjects, like discussing what North American civilians were doing the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This is done so in a way that comments on how unaware people can be of what their government is up to. (Either that or how they willingly turn a blind eye.) Other times, Vonnegut jokes around the parameters of philosophy and religion.

This is mostly explored through a fictional religion, Bokononism, a pretty hilarious concept that is practiced through extremely odd practices. For instance, boku-maru is an act of worship in Bokononism when two people press the exposed soles of their feet together for a long period of time. I don’t really know how you would get audiences on board with watching an adaptation of a novel that works so well because of how fast-paced it is, or how singular the author’s sense of humor is. This all just works best on the page.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Noah Hawley Want To Adapt ‘Cat’s Cradle’

Image via Paramount Pictures 

There have been multiple attempts to bring Cat’s Cradle to both the big and small screens. Elements of the novel were adapted for the 1972 TV movie Between Time and Timbuktu, a project that pulled from several different Kurt Vonnegut stories. Leonardo DiCaprio‘s production company attempted to adapt the book into a movie back in 2005, but the film never moved past the writing stages. Most recently, co-creator of the FX series Fargo, Noah Hawley, attempted to adapt Cat’s Cradle as a limited series. Like DiCaprio’s attempt before him, Hawley’s series remains unmade.

It’s tough to choose which project would do the novel justice best, but it’s safe to assume that a film would probably encapsulate the book’s spirit best. Vonnegut’s book is only 300-ish pages, so there’s likely not a lot that would need to be trimmed down to properly bring the story to life. The movie would require a truly gifted editor to try to make the movie properly flow, but at least its fast pace would be true to Vonnegut’s work. As stated before, a TV show would just stretch the story out too much, and it wouldn’t feel like Cat’s Cradle anymore.

Sure, it’d carry over characters like Jonah the narrator and Felix Hoenikker, on-screen practices of Bokononism, and some pretty interesting ice-nine visuals, but the bloat of a TV show would suck all the fun out of it. Cat’s Cradle is the perfect novel for those looking to get Vonnegut’s trademark sense of humor and philosophy in rapid fire. There’s no need to drag it out in 10 episodes over 10 hours. That being said, if someone did make this movie, please make it Yorgos Lanthimos!

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It’s Time To Add This Long-Forgotten Kurt Vonnegut Adaptation and Must-See Masterpiece to Your Queue

“So it goes.”

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Cat’s Cradle just might be Kurt Vonnegut’s best book, but that doesn’t mean it should also be adapted for film. Some novels can survive the process of being brought off the page and adapted to the screen, while others are successful narratives because of the medium in which they reside. We do need more adaptations of Kurt Vonnegut’s books (Deadeye Dick and Galápagos, please), but let’s also be real about which ones will work the best. It’s an easy answer, but a book that might be more feasible to adapt would be his most widely known work, Slaughterhouse-Five.

It’s a similarly fast, heavy-handed, hilarious read, with an even more unconventional narrative structure, but it’s also a more cinematic book. Yeah, there was already a movie made in 1972, but let’s give that one another go, and if it’s successful, we can talk about making other Vonnegut movies. In the meantime, how about we leave Cat’s Cradle on the bookshelf? Is that too much to ask?

Things appear to be tense between Lydia Plath and her family in the Welcome to Plathville season 8 trailer.

“Everyone is stepping into a whole new chapter in their lives,” Lydia, 22, says in the clip that dropped on Monday, March 2.

The trailer then cuts to a family dinner between the Plath family including Lydia, husband Zac Wyse and Kim Plath. (Lydia is one of Kim, 53, and Barry Plath’s nine children, including Ethan, 27, Hosana, 26, Micah, 24, Moriah, 23, Isaac, 20, Amber, 17, Cassia, 14, and Mercy, 13.)

While gathering at the table, Kim hints that the family had the potential to expand.

Related: Lydia Plath Had Her ‘Wedding Date Planned’ Before Husband Zac Wyse Proposed

Welcome to Plathville star Lydia Plath had an inkling she would marry husband Zac Wyse even before he formally popped the question. “We, kind of, had our wedding date planned before we were even engaged,” Lydia, 21, said on the Wednesday, July 30, episode of Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo’s eponymous podcast. “We knew we […]

“There’s no telling how many people will be here next year,” Kim says, and when the subject of babies is brought up, Lydia replies, “You never know.”

Kim, who split from ex-husband Barry in 2022, jokes that she’s “not out of the race yet” to have another child. Zac, 21, shares in a confessional he didn’t want to speak about his “mother-in-law’s fertility.”

While things seemed amicable between Lydia and Kim during the group meal, Barry tells the camera that the mother-daughter duo has experienced tension in recent times.

“There’s healing that’s needed between Lydia and Kim,” Barry says.

The trailer flashes forward to a conversation between Kim and Lydia addressing their issues.

“You and I used to be really close before the divorce,” Kim tells her daughter while Lydia responds, “Whenever I would talk to you, it just felt like I was talking to a brick wall.”

In a confessional, Lydia opens up about her family seemingly hinting at the tension between the Plaths and Zac. (Kim and other members of the family previously claimed that Zac was “controlling” over Lydia. Lydia’s brother Ethan also asked Zac about his sexual orientation after proposing to Lydia)

“I’ve been angry,” Lydia tearfully says. “I’ve been really upset at my family for what they did.”

The screen flashes to Kim, who tells the camera that she thinks Lydia and Zac are “wanting apologies” following the drama. When asked if she was going to apologize for her part in the tension, Kim seemingly wavered.

“I don’t know,” Kim replied.

Zac shares in a confessional that he knows there’s only so much he and Lydia can do when it comes to her family.

“We’re going to control what we can control,” he says. “But their reactions, we can’t control.”

At some point in the season, Lydia and Zac have a sit down with the members of the Plath family. Lydia then warns her family there will be consequences if the drama continues.

Related: ‘Welcome to Plathville’ Recap: Ethan Is Wary Over Lydia’s ‘Shotgun Wedding’

Ethan Plath wasn’t sure of sister Lydia Plath’s whirlwind romance during the Welcome to Plathville season 7 premiere — especially after his own marriage ended in divorce. The Tuesday, July 22, premiere focused on new beginnings for the Plath family. Ethan, 27, and sister Moriah Plath were newly single when the cameras picked back up […]

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“If I find out that there’s still gossiping about Zac and I, I will not tolerate it,” Lydia declares.

Lydia and Zac tied the knot in February 2025, two months after getting engaged. The couple had their first kiss during their nuptials.

“We saved our FIRST KISS for our wedding day!😘,” Lydia wrote via Instagram in August 2025 addressing why she and Zac chose to wait to have their first kiss. “It’s really saddening to see how that is taken such the wrong way in this day and age. Instead of people seeing how honoring and selfless that was of my husband, they assume we just weren’t attracted to each other. QUITE THE OPPOSITE!”

Welcome to Plathville season 8 premieres on TLC on Tuesday, March 31, at 10 p.m. ET.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 14 seconds ago

It’s one of the most successful movie franchises in history. The search for its leads was the most anticipated Hollywood casting since Gone with the Wind. By almost every metric of success, 2015’s Fifty Shades of Grey is an incredible phenomenon.

The book, written by E. L. James, put self-publishing on the map and launched the rise of e-books, making it one of the most culturally significant books of the 21st century. Star Trek is less popular. Stargate has never been this popular. And yet, Fifty Shades of Grey is a punchline. For all its success, it’s a horrible movie, which makes it perfect for binging on Netflix in the privacy of your home, where no one needs to know.

The Most Successful Fan Fiction In History

Fifty Shades of Grey started life as Twilight fan fiction. Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, was originally Bella Swan, and Christian Grey, brought to life by a sleepwalking Jamie Dornan, was Edward Cullen. Instead of vampires and werewolves, the film is about book publishing, a lonely billionaire, and “BDSM” (Bondage, Domination, Sadism, Masochism). The quotes are necessary because, as the kink community was quick to point out, the novel and the movie are about as accurate to BDSM as Hackers was to computers.

Hackers is a ’90s classic for a reason, and Fifty Shades of Grey was a massive hit not because of its accurate portrayal of consenting adults, but because it was unabashedly pure smut. The film has a plot, but it’s mostly an excuse to get to the next scene of Christian introducing Anastasia to his unique tastes. Actually, if the film had spent more time focused on the kink and less on the relationship, it could have been Secretary for a new generation, instead of spotlighting the most toxic relationship since Joker and Harley.

50 Shades Of Grey Started A Revolution

Christian is every stereotype of a dominating, rich billionaire: he’s stoic, he doesn’t understand boundaries, and he thinks a signed contract will solve everything. Anastasia is naive, and though this isn’t mentioned, she’s colorblind and thinks red flags are green flags. A lot of ink has been spilled over the last decade about the problematic plot of Fifty Shades of Grey, and none of it will stop fans from streaming it on Netflix this month.

Fifty Shades of Grey was released at the perfect point in time, after Twilight’s peak and exactly when e-readers were starting to hit the mass market. Readers could be reading anything on their tablet, Nook, etc., and no one would know it was the dirtiest, nastiest, darkest romance imaginable. To that end, E. L. James’s breakout feels quaint compared to the current rise of dark romantasy novels, thousands of which manage to be just as hot and sexy but feature better relationship dynamics and show more respect for the kink community.

The two sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, are also on Netflix, but neither one is as fun as the first. All told, the entire trilogy earned over $1 billion at the box office. For all the jokes and ridicule the movies have received, that sort of money makes them the type of hit Hollywood wishes they could produce today.

Anyone who’s shopped markdown sections knows the challenge of digging through a jumble of trends and colors to find pieces you’ll wear over and over. As spring begins and our closets get a revamp, we’re looking to Nordstrom’s sales section for elevated essentials that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Right now, the retailer’s markdowns are made up of plenty of versatile styles that never get discounted — but, surprisingly, are finally on sale now.

Luckily for you, we found a range of standout essentials and everyday pieces to love. We’ve got our eyes on chic ballet flats from Cole Haan and stylish jackets from Lauren Ralph Lauren that are so classic and timeless, we couldn’t believe they were marked down! Below, discover the top pieces from rich mom staples to office-friendly separates that will earn their place in your wardrobe this season and even more seasons to come.

Designer Pieces Majorly Marked Down at Nordstrom

1. Take up to 60% off Coach

Our Pick: The two-toned hardware on this metal Coach bangle brings the subtle style a cool, elevated finish that can be mixed and matched in any jewelry stack.

Check out all Coach deals included in the sale here!

2. Take up to 72% off Vince Camuto

Our Pick: When it comes to blouses, this Vince Camuto top is perfect for everyday wear. Its light fabric and pretty ruffles look elegant and expensive, despite its 50% markdown.

Check out all Vince Camuto deals included in the sale here!

3. Take up to 50% off Adidas

Our Pick: Suede sneakers are a must-have for everyday wear, like this Adidas pair. The style comes in a wide range of colors, all grounded by practical rubber soles.

Check out all Adidas deals included in the sale here!

4. Take up to 60% off Tory Burch

Our Pick: These chic Tory Burch slides are crafted from smooth leather, with lightweight soles and stitched monograms for a practical and detailed finish.

Check out all Tory Burch deals included in the sale here!

5. Take up to 60% off Levi’s 

Our Pick: Levi’s is known for denim, but the brand also makes stylish outerwear like this faux leather bomber jacket. The soft, relaxed style is perfect for layering and is marked down by 33% right now.

Check out all Levi’s deals included in the sale here! 

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Related: From Coach to Madewell, the Best Rich Mom Fashion Deals Are Under $100

Who says you have to live in an expensive zip code to channel rich mom energy? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (happening now through August 3) is packed with stylish deals that prove otherwise. From slouchy designer bags to flattering jeans, these sale picks bring their quiet, confident and well-dressed energy — without the five-figure price […]

6. Take up to 62% off ASTR the Label 

Our Pick: Dress up your midseason outfits with a midi skirt like this ASTR the Label style. The pull-on piece has an elegant, flowing silhouette that’s a major steal with its 60% markdown.

Check out all ASTR the Label deals included in the sale here! 

7. Take up to 85% off Good American 

Our Pick: This lightweight Good American blazer means business with its tailored, stretchy silhouette. At 56% off, it affordably makes a fashionable statement in and out of the office.

Check out all Good American deals included in the sale here! 

8. Take up to 60% off Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Our Pick: Soft, fluffy faux fur is given an approachable twist from this Karl Lagerfeld Paris jacket, a zip-up style that’s elevated by a classic collar — plus, it’s currently 40% off.

Check out all Karl Lagerfeld Paris deals included in the sale here! 

9. Take up to 78% off Jeffrey Campbell

Our Pick: Whether you’re leading work meetings or on a date night, these Jeffrey Campbell pumps are sophisticated and effortless while sitting at an approachable height.

Check out all Jeffrey Campbell deals included in the sale here! 

10. Take up to 60% off Commando

Our Pick: This faux leather Commando knee-length skirt is perfect for day-to-night wear. Hailing from the female-founded brand loved by Kendall Jenner and Meg Ryan, the style features comfortable built-in shorts for extra support while remaining sleek and sharp.

Check out all Commando deals included in the sale here! 

11. Take up to 60% off Cole Haan

Our Pick: If you need a perfect flat for spring, look no further than this sweet suede Cole Haan style that’s accented by elegant bows.

Check out all Cole Haan deals included in the sale here! 

12. Take up to 72% off AllSaints

Our Pick: This long-sleeved AllSaints T-shirt is made with soft cotton for a smooth feel and fit, creating a perfect layering base.

Check out all AllSaints deals included in the sale here! 

13. Take up to 70% off Dolce Vita

Our Pick: Everyone needs an everyday bag like this Dolce Vita shoulder bag. The roomy, expandable style easily carries all of your essentials and comes in versatile neutral colors that complement any outfit.

Check out all Dolce Vita deals included in the sale here! 

14. Take up to 70% off Lauren Ralph Lauren

Our Pick: From work to nights out, this timeless Lauren Ralph Lauren cotton-blend coat is a wardrobe classic that’s elevated by a chic attached belt and buttoned cuffs.

Check out all Lauren Ralph Lauren deals included in the sale here! 

15. Take up to 60% off Pistola

Our Pick: With classic stripes and clean neutral tones, this Pistola cotton sweater makes a subtly detailed layering piece you’ll reach for over and over again.

Check out all Pistola deals included in the sale here! 

16. Take up to 60% off French Connection

Our Pick: Elevate your cold-weather wardrobe with this effortless French Connection sweater dress. The knit style’s maxi silhouette and soft fabric make it sophisticated, cozy and easy to dress up or down.

Check out all French Connection deals included in the sale here! 

17. Take up to 50% off Jessica Simpson

Our Pick: These breezy Jessica Simpson sandals include thick block heels and platform soles for a fashion-forward height boost. Knotted straps bring a hint of bohemian glamour, a bonus alongside their under-$50 price tag.

Check out all Jessica Simpson deals included in the sale here! 

Related: This Katie Holmes-Loved Sneaker Brand Just Dropped Exclusive Styles at Nordstrom

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There’s nothing like the relief of slipping into comfortable, stylish sneakers. Celebrities like Katie Holmes and Nicky Hilton Rothschild have all been spotted wearing classic Adidas sneakers, and the celebrity-loved brand teamed up with Nordstrom to release a limited edition collection. The new styles include updated colorways and trendy silhouettes, ranging from the beloved Samba to […]

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Black Mirror is arguably one of Netflix’s biggest hits, both in the realm of science fiction shows and the streamer’s slate of original programming. Most of its episodes, which tackle everything from the pitfalls of artificial intelligence to how social media is becoming entwined with our lives, have received critical praise and even awards nominations. Series creator Charlie Brooker recently confirmed that Black Mirror will be returning for Season 8, meaning that sci-fi fans will be in for more chilling tales about technology. Long before it was a mainstay in Netflix queues, Black Mirror started out life on cable television — specifically, Channel 4.

Brooker launched Black Mirror after working on comedy-based shows for other British channels, and decided to take his talents in the opposite direction with an anthology drama series. He cites The Twilight Zone as his biggest influence, specifically how Rod Serling would use science fiction and fantasy as a metaphor for real-life issues:

“In Serling’s day, the atom bomb, civil rights, McCarthyism, psychiatry and the space race were of primary concern. Today he’d be writing about terrorism, the economy, the media, privacy and our relationship with technology…That’s what we’re aiming for with Black Mirror: each episode has a different cast, a different setting, even a different reality. But they’re all about the way we live now – and the way we might be living in 10 minutes’ time if we’re clumsy.”

While Black Mirror is primarily a sci-fi series, it still keeps the wicked streak of black humor that permeates Brooker’s earlier work. Case in point: the premiere episode, “The National Anthem”, has a member of the Royal Family kidnapped and the only way for her to be freed is if the Prime Minister commits a lewd act with a pig. It was both a sign that Black Mirror was going to be unlike anything on TV, and foreshadowed why it moved to Netflix.

Budget Issues Led to Netflix Picking Up ‘Black Mirror’

Image via Netflix

Black Mirror was able to score two seasons on Channel 4, and received equal parts praise and complaints, due to the aforementioned season premiere. It was even one of the most complained-about shows of 2011, which is an honor that’s rather fitting for the series. Yet Charlie Brooker and his producing partner Annabel Jones were told by Channel 4 that Black Mirror was facing budget restraints, and needed a co-producer to continue. This led to a bidding war involving different cable networks, including HBO and AMC, yet Netflix won out at the last minute.

The Netflix deal included a bigger budget and a bigger range of guest stars for Black Mirror. It also led to some of the show’s most iconic episodes, particularly Season 3’s “San Junipero” and Season 4’s “U.S.S. Callister“. Moving to Netflix also gave Brooker the freedom to push the series’ boundaries, including basing each season around a different theme and even releasing an interactive film with Bandersnatch. Such attempts wouldn’t have been possible on Channel 4, but Brooker was determined to make the most of his deal with Netflix, and it paid off in waves.

Related

I Don’t Care If You Hate Sci-Fi, This Dystopian Netflix Series Will Change Your Mind

It’ll make you question everything.

‘Black Mirror’ Was One of Netflix’s Biggest Success Stories

Black Mirror‘s biggest claim to fame is that it arguably helped cement Netflix, and the idea of streaming, as a major force in the entertainment world when its third season premiered in 2016. Not only did 2016 mark the debut of fellow sci-fi hit Stranger Things, but it was also when the streamer became available worldwide — allowing a larger audience to see more of its original programming and the films it had acquired. This meant that Black Mirror had the kind of reach that wouldn’t have been available on Channel 4, allowing it to transcend from a cult hit to a smash hit nearly overnight.

While people will no doubt be tuning into Black Mirror Season 8, a decade has once again changed how people watch television. Streaming services are getting more expensive, and cable is having a tough time as more people are deciding to cut the cord. It’s highly unlikely that Charlie Brooker could have made the same deal for Black Mirror now that he did then, but the series more than likely will keep its sharp edge when it returns for Season 8.

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Release Date

December 4, 2011

Network

Channel 4, Netflix

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Directors

Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh

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Writers

Jesse Armstrong

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Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was allegedly under the influence of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and alcohol during an alleged confrontation with a truck driver last October, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly.

Attorneys for Perry Tole, 69, cite a “preliminary investigation” that revealed Sanchez, 39, had taken “multiple illegal substances.”

“[This is] including but not limited to cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and alcohol,” the filing reads. “Plaintiff has cause to believe that one or more of these substances may have been consumed in one of Huse’s establishments, which caused or contributed to Sanchez’s impairment and his subsequent negligent and/or knowing conduct.”

Sanchez and Tole were both hospitalized after the incident with Sanchez sustaining multiple stab wounds.

Related: Mark Sanchez’s Attorney Explains Quarterback’s Absence From Pretrial Hearing

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was not in attendance at a pretrial hearing as he prepares to face charges in relation to a violent incident in Indianapolis earlier this month. “Thank you for allowing our client to be excused from today’s hearing,” Sanchez’s attorney Tim Delaney said inside a Marion County, Indiana, courtroom on Wednesday, […]

The filing did not include direct evidence that Sanchez knowingly and purposefully ingested the illegal substances, but called for an additional investigation. Sanchez’s attorney, Andrew M. McNeil, denied the allegations in a statement to Us.

“These are allegations in a civil filing, nothing more, and they should be treated accordingly,” the statement read. “Allegations are not evidence. The truth will be determined by facts and evidence presented at trial, and we look forward to presenting them at the appropriate time.”

The incident occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, while Sanchez was in town to cover the Colts’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders the following day for Fox Sports. He is accused of accosting Tole, a truck driver, who was backing his vehicle into a hotel’s loading dock. Sanchez allegedly entered the truck without permission, preventing Tole from exiting. He is then accused of shoving Tole, who allegedly sprayed the former quarterback with pepper spray before he pulled a knife to defend himself.

Sanchez was booked in an Indianapolis jail and charged with three misdemeanors: battery resulting in injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. Prosecutors added a felony 5 charge days later, which carries a penalty of one to five years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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Related: Mark Sanchez Pleads Not Guilty, Remains Under ‘Medical Care’ After Stabbing

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has pleaded not guilty after being charged for his alleged role in a violent attack in downtown Indianapolis.  Sanchez, 38, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, October 7, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to The Athletic. […]

Fox Sports fired Sanchez in November amid the fallout from his arrest.

“We can confirm that Mark Sanchez is no longer with the network,” a Fox Sports spokesperson told Us at the time. “There will be no further comment at this time.”

Sanchez himself released a statement to Us through his brother, Nick Sanchez Jr., addressing his departure.

“It’s been a long month for Mark as he continues to recover from serious injuries while also grieving the loss of a close friend,” Nick wrote. “While the recent news — and its timing — is understandably disappointing, our priority remains his continued healing and recovery. Mark deeply values his time at Fox and the exceptional colleagues he’s had the privilege to work with. Those relationships are meaningful and will endure.”

Sanchez’s trial, which was originally slated for March 2026, will now begin April 9. The delay was the result of Sanchez’s lawyers, which requested a continuance of the case. Further delays are still possible, according to NBC Sports.