Two of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding guests donned the same gown for the glitzy white-veiled occasion.

Swift’s childhood best friend, Abigail Anderson Berard, rocked a Sau Lee gown to the Friday, July 3, nuptials. The frock features a corset bodice embroidered with flowers and a silky brown skirt.

Anderson Berard wasn’t the only attendee to wear the Sau Lee ensemble. Laura Kruk, who is engaged to Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster, donned the same gown.

While neither Anderson Berard nor Kruk addressed the twinning moment, retailer Anthropologie couldn’t resist chiming in.

Related: Every Time Taylor Swift Was a Bridesmaid Before Her Wedding to Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift has finally found her prince charming in Travis Kelce, but she’s previously been involved in some of her friends’ love stories by serving as a bridesmaid in their weddings. Swift was a bridesmaid for the very first time during childhood best friend Britany Maack LaManna’s wedding in 2016, where the “Love Story” singer […]

“Yes… these are the wedding guest dresses everyone’s talking about. 😉✨,” a Saturday, July 4, post on the Anthropologie Weddings account read, alongside a model wearing the same frock. “Shop the SAU LEE Frances Corset Gown and the De La Vali Mayara Maxi Dress at the link in our bio.”

Anderson Berard and Kruk were both present as Swift and Kelce, both 36, said “I do” at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden arena on Friday.

“The best night celebrating T&T,” Kruk gushed via Instagram Stories the next day, adding that she had a “hot date forever” in Smith-Schuster, 29, by her side.

Anderson Berard, for her part, hasn’t shared any insight into Swift’s big day. They have been close friends since high school.

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“We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about Romeo and Juliet because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time,” Anderson Berard recalled of her friendship with Swift during a 2008 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “We just really connected and ever since then we have been inseparable.”

Related: Who Is Abigail Anderson? What to Know About Taylor Swift’s High School BFF

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Before Taylor Swift was an international pop star, she was a high school student in Tennessee aspiring to make it big. While her life has changed drastically since she released her debut self-titled album in 2006, one thing that has remained consistent is her longtime friendship with high school BFF Abigail Anderson. From appearing in […]

Swift even name-dropped her bestie on her songs “Fifteen” and “Ruin the Friendship.”

“I used to write about high school all the time. I haven’t written about it in a very long time, but sometimes I will,” the Grammy winner explained in a “Ruin the Friendship” explanation video shared in October 2025. “I love to kind of go back to that moment. Now that I’ve had years that have passed since that experience, I was having a very specific thought of, ‘You just think that everything is so intense and everything will ruin everything if you put one foot out of line.’”

Donna Kelce, the mother of both Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, watched Travis exchange vows with pop superstar Taylor Swift at the wedding at Madison Square Garden on July 3. Although no photos were allowed at the event, several celebrity guests have spoken out online, praising the effort to transform MSG into an intimate space for the wedding. When Donna Kelce was asked about the star-studded wedding during Macy’s 4^th of July celebrations, she summed it up in just one word.  

Donna Kelce stayed in New York City after the wedding to enjoy Macy’s 50^th Fourth of July Celebration, which took place on Saturday, July 4. When asked about the wedding, Donna described it with just one word: magical.

“I really can’t say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical,” she said in an interview posted on Macy’s Instagram on Sunday, July 5.

Donna Kelce Reminisced About Her Own Family Fourth of July Celebrations

Although many fans surely wanted to hear more about the wedding, Donna chose instead to talk about her favorite Fourth of July memories.

“I remember I used to take the boys down to Lake Erie and we would watch the fireworks in Euclid, Ohio, and we had the best time,” the 74-year-old mother of the groom shared.

What Did Taylor Swift’s Wedding Dress Look Like?

Although many fans surely want to know what Taylor Swift’s dress looked like, details have been scarce. Fortunately, her rep did release a statement immediately after the couple exchanged their vows, revealing that she wore a Dior gown.

“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom,” the statement said. “This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. Their shoes were custom-made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”

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Who Was Travis Kelce’s Best Man?

Fans were not surprised to hear that Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, served as his Best Man. Instead of having a Maid of Honor, Swift chose to have her brother, Austin, serve as her Man of Honor. The service was officiated by Adam Sandler. Not only are he and his family longtime fans of the singer, but Travis also appeared in the “Happy Girlmore” sequel.

“Taylor walked down the aisle to a stage where they said ‘I do,’ [and] their vows were about 20 minutes each,” one insider told PEOPLE magazine. “After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom invited everyone into the reception room where a stage was set up [for guest performers].”

Who Performed At Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding?

The insider went on to reveal that Paul McCartney performed The Beatles’ beloved hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Stevie Nicks was also said to perform, but it’s not clear what she sang.

As for the reception, the source revealed that there were food stations featuring sushi and Italian cuisine, as well as “bars everywhere.” Despite the venue’s size, the insider noted it was “very crowded.”

Taylor Swift Reveals She Never Pictured Her Own Wedding

On October 3, 2025, only a few weeks after they had gotten engaged, Swift told Heart Radio that she had never pictured her own wedding until things started to get serious with Kelce.

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“You would think that I had been the type of person who would have obsessed over the idea of a wedding my whole life, but I actually never thought about what I would ever do or what I would want until I met the person.”

That same day, she said that Travis “crushed it when it came to surprising” her on The Graham Norton Show. “We had actually filmed a podcast episode — he has a podcast called New Heights — so we filmed the podcast for about three or four hours … and meanwhile behind his house, he was having the whole back garden turned into this.”

“And one of the things that he put in there, very strategically, was a wall of hedges that weren’t there before. And inside the hedges was my tour photographer hiding in bushes that had not previously been there,” she continued, adding, “He went all out — 10 out of 10.”

The couple announced their engagement in a joint Instagram post on August 26, 2025. Alongside photos of the garden proposal, Swift wrote, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”

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Ryan Reynolds returned to social media over the weekend with a post celebrating his native Canada, but the update came as reports continue to swirl about Taylor Swift‘s decision to leave Blake Lively off the guest list for her lavish wedding to Travis Kelce.

The actor took to Instagram on Sunday to react to Canada’s World Cup run, marking one of his first public posts since Swift and Kelce’s star-studded wedding dominated headlines. While Ryan Reynolds focused on soccer, attention remains fixed on the reported fallout between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively, whose friendship appears to have completely unraveled.

Rather than addressing the wedding chatter, Reynolds used his social media platform to pay tribute to Team Canada after the country’s 3-0 loss to Morocco ended its World Cup run.

The actor, who has long been vocal about his support for Canadian sports teams, kept the spotlight on soccer despite the growing speculation surrounding his family’s absence from one of the year’s biggest celebrity events.

His post came just days after Swift and Kelce exchanged vows during an elaborate ceremony at Madison Square Garden. For the big day, the “Love Story” singer wore a custom Christian Dior Haute Couture wedding gown created by Jonathan Anderson. She accessorized with custom Christian Louboutin heels and Cartier jewelry, while Kelce complemented her look in a bespoke Dior tuxedo.

Blake Lively Reportedly Felt Hurt By Wedding Exclusion

According to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail, Lively was deeply upset after not receiving an invitation to the wedding despite their years-long friendship.

The insider claimed the actress was “sad and a little bit ped. No, a lot ped. That friendship was over before, but if there was hope, it’s gone. They’ll never be friends again.”

The insider also alleged that Lively had hoped her history with Swift would be enough to secure an invitation despite recent tensions. “The ‘Gossip Girl’ star wanted to go,” the source said. “It feels bad to be excluded like that.”

According to the report, the wedding snub has effectively ended any possibility of repairing the relationship.

Taylor Swift And Blake Lively’s Friendship Reportedly Fell Apart Over Legal Drama

The reported fracture in the friendship stems from Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. Multiple reports have suggested Swift was unwillingly pulled into the controversy, creating tension between the longtime friends. As part of the dispute, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s private text messages were unsealed, leaving Swift feeling “like her privacy was impacted.”

Swift has maintained a close relationship with Lively and Reynolds for years, even becoming the godmother to their children. Because of that connection, many fans expected the couple to attend the wedding. Instead, their absence became one of the most talked-about aspects of the celebration.

The Wedding Guest List Included Hollywood’s Biggest Names

Swift and Kelce welcomed roughly 1,000 guests to Madison Square Garden for their wedding celebration. The guest list featured a mix of Hollywood stars, athletes, musicians, and longtime friends.

Among those reportedly in attendance were Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham, Machine Gun Kelly, Hugh Grant, Steven Spielberg, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Tom Brady, Jessica Chastain, Ed Sheeran, Chris Rock, Jessica Alba, Gracie Abrams, and several Kansas City Chiefs players, including Patrick Mahomes.

Even Karlie Kloss, whose friendship with Swift has long been the subject of speculation, reportedly received an invitation. Lively, however, was noticeably absent.

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Were Spotted Elsewhere

While celebrities arrived in Manhattan for the wedding festivities, Reynolds and Lively were reportedly hundreds of miles away. According to TMZ, the couple spent time in Lake Placid, New York, supporting their six-year-old daughter Betty at a horse show.

Sources previously suggested that because Madison Square Garden can accommodate tens of thousands of people, Lively’s absence would inevitably attract attention. “The guest list is so massive that Blake’s absence becomes impossible to ignore,” one source previously said.

With Reynolds choosing to focus publicly on soccer and Lively remaining silent, neither has directly addressed the wedding controversy. However, reports surrounding Swift’s decision continue to fuel speculation that one of Hollywood’s most famous friendships may be over for good.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding delivered no shortage of unforgettable moments, from celebrity arrivals to lavish décor inside Madison Square Garden.

Yet one of the biggest talking points didn’t involve the bride or groom at all. Instead, social media fell in love with a wedding staffer whose priceless reaction to checking in famous guests captured exactly how many people imagined they would feel in the same situation.

As celebrities poured into Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s highly anticipated wedding, one employee unexpectedly became a viral sensation.

The couple tied the knot before around 1,000 invited guests after months of speculation surrounding their wedding plans. At 7:30 p.m., the newlyweds announced they had officially become husband and wife by lighting up Madison Square Garden with giant displays reading “JUST&T MARRIED,” paying homage to their shared initials.

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The guest list featured some of entertainment’s biggest names, including Gigi Hadid, Lena Dunham, Steven Spielberg, Karlie Kloss, Barbara Corcoran, Selena Gomez, and Sabrina Carpenter.

While guests arrived throughout Friday afternoon, a TikTok video posted by user @themackenziemann quickly stole attention online.

The clip showed author Jenny Han, best known for “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” being checked into the venue by a staff member. She remained composed while greeting Han, but the moment the author disappeared inside, the employee turned toward a colleague with a look of complete disbelief.

After briefly pursing her lips, she opened her mouth in amazement, clearly struggling to process the parade of celebrities walking through the entrance.

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Fans Say Taylor Swift Wedding Employee Reacted Like Everyone Would

The clip quickly spread across social media, where viewers admitted the employee’s reaction perfectly reflected how they would have handled the moment.

One TikTok user joked, “That employee is like, ‘Oh my God I can’t believe this is happening,’” while another wrote, “Naw cause she’s me freaking out, like, girl the Jenny Han just walked in.”

Others appreciated how genuine the moment felt.

“That girl looks like she’s totally fangirling and I love that!” one viewer commented.

Another person described the employee as the audience’s representative inside the arena, writing, “That girl is all of us just hanging on for dear life to casually check these celebs in to the wedding of the century.”

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One final commenter admitted they would have struggled just as much, saying, “I would not be able to contain myself either!”

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Celebrate In Grand Style

Although the viral staffer briefly stole the spotlight, the ceremony itself lived up to expectations.

Following the exchange of vows, Swift’s publicist released details from the celebration, revealing that actor Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony.

The bride wore a custom Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, while Travis Kelce also chose custom Dior for the occasion.

Rather than having traditional bridesmaids, Swift selected her brother, Austin Swift, to serve as her “man of honor.” Travis, meanwhile, chose his older brother Jason Kelce as his best man.

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The celebration reportedly continued well into the evening as it evolved into a live concert featuring performances by Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, and Tim McGraw.

Reports also suggested that Swift herself performed for her husband and their guests during the festivities.

The wedding followed a smaller rehearsal dinner held the previous evening inside Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theater, where approximately 100 close friends and relatives gathered before the main celebration.

Inside The Secret Garden Wedding Transformation

Additional details about the ceremony later emerged from AMC CEO Adam Aron, who described the event in a now-deleted post on X after attending the wedding.

According to Aron, guests walked into an arena that looked nothing like Madison Square Garden.

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“It did not look like Madison Square Garden. Immediately upon entry, everything… floors, walls, ceilings… was draped in peach and white,” he wrote per the Daily Mail.

He also revealed a sentimental display greeting guests. “Large blown up pictures of Taylor and Travis at each age, year by year from one year-old to late teenager-hood, were on display,” Aron shared.

The venue’s dramatic transformation continued deeper inside. Aron shared, “A small portion of MSG was cordoned off, devoid of any notion that a basketball or hockey game ever shared that space. Somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat.”

Describing the ceremony area, he continued, “Everything draped off this time in green and white. Real flowers and I think artificial trees welcomed fifteen rows of maybe 75 or so chairs. They say there were around one thousand attendees, but surprisingly, it all felt intimate and small. Everything was close.”

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Guests Witness Emotional Vows And Pure Joy

It’s a “Love Story” and baby, they said “YES!”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce entered their married era with a star-studded wedding ceremony in New York City officiated by Adam Sandler, a representative for Swift confirmed to ABC News on Friday. pic.twitter.com/QpSPcN2m2Y

— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 4, 2026

Aron also offered some insight into the ceremony itself, describing the couple’s vows as heartfelt and deeply personal.

He recalled them as “Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity, the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together.”

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According to Aron, the ceremony left little doubt about the couple’s connection.

He said guests witnessed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrate finding their “soulmate” and experience genuine “real” and “pure joy.”

The words ‘elegant’ and ‘comfortable’ are rarely used to describe flip-flops, but Jennifer Aniston uncovered rare sandals that deliver on all of the above. Turns out, her sleek, cushiony flip-flops are a bestseller on Amazon and are also loved by Jennifer Garner, Blake Lively and Jennifer Lopez!

Like other celebs, Aniston has rocked Tkees flip-flops for years, wearing them through the airport, around New York City, to hair appointments and everywhere in between. They read polished, not pool-deck, which is exactly why they’ve become such a fixture in her rotation. We’ve spotted her with black and brown, but we wouldn’t be surprised if she’s sitting on a few more!

Get the Tkees Liners Flip-Flops for $65 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Designed with a minimal silhouette, these 100% leather flip-flops elevate any outfit without even trying. They pair with dresses, linen pants and denim without competing for attention, so don’t be surprised if you wear them nonstop. Shoppers certainly are, especially since they describe them as “very comfortable.”

Reviewers praise the soft leather footbed that molds to your foot after a few wears and the thin straps that sit flat, preventing chafing, blisters and aching feet at once. It’s no wonder shoppers wear these comfy sandals for everything from coffee runs to vacation tours.

One five-star fan wrote, “They survived a trip to Jamaica (walking through all kinds of terrain in and out of the water) . . . I’d save yourself the hassle of buying cheap ones and buy ones that last like these have.”

If your summer wardrobe needs staple shoes you can slip on with anything and feel put-together, Aniston has been making the case for years. Sometimes a celebrity-approved pick isn’t a splurge or a status symbol, but just a really, really good pair of flip-flops.

Get the Tkees Liners Flip-Flops for $65 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

It looks like love was definitely in the air this weekend, and two familiar faces stepped out looking every bit like the power couple fans know them to be. While all eyes were on the headline-making celebration, Ashanti and Nelly had social media showing them plenty of love after clips of them arriving in coordinated looks started making the rounds online.

RELATED: Heart Eyes Only! Ashanti Has Fans Melting After Sharing Sweet Moments With Her Son (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

Ashanti & Nelly Bring The Heat To Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Wedding

Videos making their rounds on social media show Nelly pulling up looking smooth in a cream tuxedo, which he paired with a white T-shirt and a chain, while Ashanti was serving all the goddess vibes in a stunning cream beaded gown with a matching choker. After the festivities, both celebrated the newlyweds love online, with Nelly calling the celebration “incredible” and Ashanti saying there was “so much love in the building.” Their attendance also comes with a little full-circle moment, as Nelly has previously hit the stage with Taylor Swift during her tours, while Ashanti has shared that Taylor inspired her decision to re-record her earlier albums in an effort to regain ownership of her masters. Peep the clips of Ashanti and Nelly HERE.

The Roomies Had Plenty To Say

Chile, y’all already know The Shade Room comment section wasted no time clocking Ashanti and Nelly’s appearance. While some Roomies joked that Taylor Swift’s guest list was “so random,” others couldn’t get enough of seeing Ashanti and Nelly outside together, calling them one of their favorite couples. Meanwhile, plenty of folks said Ashanti was so stunning in her cream beaded gown that she looked like the bride herself.

One Instagram user @thedededoll said, “I’ll never spin the block but I’m so glad they did❤️🥹🙌🏾”

This Instagram user @oneandonlyqueen added, “He’s really doing life with his best friend and I love that for them ❤️”

And, Instagram user @_callmelou wrote, “Nelly and Ashanti at Taylor Swift wedding sounds so random 😮”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @foreverluvbug20 commented, “Taylor invited all these random people to her wedding 😂”

While Instagram user @__sandria claimed, “😍 Ashanti so pretty,this whole look🔥🔥”

Lastly, Instagram user @loveulolo shared, “I never seen Nelly smile sooooooo much..❗️. He keeps her fancy..💙 You won’t out shine the Haynes..“

Taylor & Travis’ Wedding Guest List Was Stacked

Whew, Roomies! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce took over New York City, tying the knot in what folks are already calling one of the most star-studded celebrity weddings ever! From the A-list guest list to the reported surprise officiant, the lavish celebration has the internet piecing together every detail.

So here’s what we know: The reported ceremony went down at Madison Square Garden and was allegedly kept under wraps with guests required to sign NDAs before stepping inside. Adam Sandler reportedly officiated the wedding, while nearly 1,000 guests from Hollywood were said to be in attendance. Among the familiar faces reportedly spotted were Ed Sheeran, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz Ashanti, Nelly, and more.

RELATED: It’s The Haynes! New Video Has Social Media Saying Nelly “Hasn’t Stopped Smiling” Since Spinning The Block With Ashanti

Game of Thrones is about a lot of people who want to be the king, or queen, who sits on the Iron Throne, ensuring they’re the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The first season has some conflict over which family should rule, and then things explode into all-out warfare from the second season onwards. And there’s also a mysterious army of the dead approaching the continent from a wintery area north of Westeros.

All the warring, fighting, and killing make Game of Thrones a pretty heavy show, more often than not. Few people ever feel safe, and the show was never afraid to have episodes (or sometimes even seasons) end on downer notes. So, to celebrate all the misery, in effect, here are the heaviest episodes of Game of Thrones; the ones that go the extra mile, in terms of being despairing.

There are unavoidable spoilers below for all eight seasons of Game of Thrones.

10

“Hardhome” (2015)

Season 5, Episode 8

You could single out “Hardhome” as the episode with the army of the dead in it, though that could technically be a fair few episodes… so it’s probably best to say it’s the episode where said army makes the biggest impact, and feels the scariest. There were two battle-focused episodes about taking on the Night King’s undead soldiers that aired after “Hardhome,” and probably tried to top it, but neither of them were as strong (season 7’s “Beyond the Wall” and season 8’s “The Long Night”).

There are losses suffered in those episodes, too, and technically, more high-profile characters are lost, since a dragon’s killed and reanimated in “Beyond the Wall,” and then a large number of supporting characters are killed off during “The Long Night.” They’re just scarier, in “Hardhome,” making the most of a first impression, since this episode gets to really drive home, for the first time, how overwhelming the army of the dead is. And there’s an extra sense of terror and heaviness that comes from the battle for survival near the episode’s end more or less exploding out of nowhere, cementing – on a visceral level – the existential threat that’s, at this stage, not far from reaching the Wall.

9

“The Bear and the Maiden Fair” (2013)

Season 3, Episode 7

Image via HBO

This is the most distressing episode of Game of Thrones that doesn’t involve a single person dying. Granted, there are only four episodes that fit that description, out of 73, which does really drive home how death-heavy this show was. But “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” finds another way to prove disturbing and bleak, since it’s particularly confronting with its Theon and Ramsay scenes.

The latter isn’t named at this point in the series, but he has spent a good chunk of season 3 up until this point torturing and tormenting the former. It reaches a particularly sadistic peak (or low) in “The Bear and the Maiden Fair,” and even though the most graphic act of violence isn’t directly seen, it is still horrifying to know it happens, and then it’s not even the end of Theon’s torment, either. There were reasons to hate Ramsay before this, and many after, but this remains up there as one of his cruelest and most despicable acts in the entire show.

8

“The Winds of Winter” (2016)

Season 6, Episode 10

Image via HBO

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A lot happens in the season 6 finale of Game of Thrones, “The Winds of Winter,” and not all of it’s 100% depressing. Jon Snow and Daenerys get relatively triumphant moments here, even if they’re both in positions of probable danger, since both are in charge of armies that’ll play some kind of role in one of two looming wars. One war involves the approaching army of the dead, which is imminent here, given that “The Winds of Winter” sees winter finally arriving.

There’s also everything that happens in King’s Landing, with villainous and somewhat likable characters alike dying in a massive explosion that Cersei sets off. She murders so many people, and then her actions cause her son, Tommen (the king), to take his own life, and all that makes various Houses (Tyrell, Baratheon, and Lannister) pretty close to extinct, in effect, if you’re talking about the prominent members of such families. The whole episode really did feel like it kicked off the show’s endgame, so to speak.

7

“The Door” (2016)

Season 6, Episode 5

Image via HBO

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In season 6, Game of Thrones well and truly overtook A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series the television show’s based on. Certain moments that George R.R. Martin has not yet written about (and may never, though one can hope The Winds of Winter will still come out) that did appear on the show weren’t widely loved… but Hodor’s death in “The Door” was well-received.

Not well-received in the sense that people were happy Hodor died, but it was an impactful moment for the show, and the episode it appeared in, “The Door,” is one of the better ones from the show’s second half. It might’ve worked as well as it did because it was confirmed to be an idea from Martin himself, so it’s almost a book idea. Learning about Hodor’s past and then how that also relates to his death is tragic, though his going out heroically does ensure there’s some bittersweetness to it. More bitter than sweet, sure, but far from all the morally good Game of Thrones characters have had meaningful or genuinely heroic deaths.

6

“The Mountain and the Viper” (2014)

Season 4, Episode 8

Image via HBO

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See, speaking of generally good characters who didn’t get to die meaningful deaths, here’s Oberyn Martell. He’s a highlight of the fourth season of Game of Thrones, since he’s willing to ally himself with a very desperate Tyrion Lannister, the latter of whom is on trial for Joffrey’s death. Oberyn fights for Tyrion in trial by combat, against Gregor Clegane (AKA “The Mountain”), partly so he can also get vengeance upon Gregor for the deaths of several of his family members.

So, there you get the episode’s title: “The Mountain and the Viper.” Oberyn, the Viper, seems like he’s about to win, but then he gets too confident, slips up when he could’ve just finished things, and then he dies in one of the most brutal ways imaginable. It’s upsetting for several reasons, all of them obvious: it’s a confronting death, it happened to an endearing character, the murderer still lives (just), and (the also endearing) Tyrion seems absolutely screwed, so you end the episode feeling fearful for his future, too.

5

“The Bells” (2019)

Season 8, Episode 5

Image via HBO

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The way King’s Landing gets devastated in “The Winds of Winter” has nothing on what happens to it in “The Bells.” This penultimate episode of the whole show controversially has Daenerys snapping, during an assault on King’s Landing, and ultimately razing so much of the city to the ground, thanks to a completely unrestrained Drogon. It is a lot to take in, to say the least.

Now, there’s an argument to be made that “The Bells” has all this happen a little too suddenly, and that, therefore, it’s not as powerful as it could’ve been. If you’re questioning Daenerys doing what she does the whole time, you might not be able to process the emotions you’re supposed to be feeling, but this ranking’s not really about episode quality (or lack thereof). Regardless of the execution or writing, what happens here is pretty terrifying and intense, in terms of seeing so many people die and so much destruction, not to mention having to grapple with one of the show’s most well-liked characters becoming so monstrous.

4

“The Dance of Dragons” (2015)

Season 5, Episode 9

Image via HBO

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Like “The Door,” “The Dance of Dragons” is an episode that contains material not yet written about in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, though the most noteworthy scene here is one Martin plans to have happen in the books… in all likelihood. And assuming those last two books come out. It’s the death of Shireen, which is one of the hardest moments of the whole show to watch.

Stannis has lost it by this point, albeit he’s lost it a bit more convincingly – and gradually – than Daenerys did. Still, it’s a new low for him to sacrifice his own daughter for a chance at better weather so he can potentially win an upcoming battle. His daughter, Shireen, was one of the few genuinely good-hearted characters on the show, she’s only a child, and she’s killed in a particularly horrific way: being burned at the stake. To make things somehow even worse, it’s all for nothing, since Stannis and his army are entirely defeated in the final episode of the season. Nothing easy about watching it, by any means, and that one scene alone ensures that “The Dance of Dragons” deserves to be called one of the most emotionally intense episodes of the whole show.

3

“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” (2015)

Season 5, Episode 6

Image via HBO

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Before the final two seasons of Game of Thrones, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” was about as controversial as an episode had ever gotten, and it’s also a bit like “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” in the sense that it’s distressing for reasons other than deaths. Theon was tortured in that season 3 episode in a particularly nasty way, and his same torturer, Ramsay, also puts Sansa through hell in this episode, culminating with him sexually assaulting her after their wedding.

“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” spares viewers from the sight of what happens at the episode’s end, to some extent, also like what happened with Theon, but there’s no doubt about what happens, and what is shown/heard is hugely distressing. Before, it was mentioned that what Ramsay did to Theon was one of the worst things he did on the show, and what he does to Sansa here is similarly horrible. There are other dark and disturbing moments throughout the episode, but it’s the stuff with Ramsay and Sansa that pushes “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” over the edge.

2

“Baelor” (2011)

Season 1, Episode 9

Image via HBO

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It’s more accurate to say that A Song of Ice and Fire was groundbreaking as a fantasy series, and that its brazenness and subversive qualities meant that Game of Thrones, being based on it, ultimately felt groundbreaking as a show. Still, the first season of Game of Thrones kind of makes Ned Stark feel even more like the central character than the first book does, largely thanks to Sean Bean being the highest-profile member of the main cast in that first season.

Of course, Ned’s killed off in the penultimate episode of season 1, “Baelor,” and the circumstances of his death (being shamed by Joffrey, confessing to save his life, but then his death gets ordered anyway) are so monumentally depressing. He was a generally good guy, and from that point, no one felt safe. Somehow, the show managed to top the devastation here, with the heaviest episode in the show’s run being the one you probably expected to see in the #1 spot.

1

“The Rains of Castamere” (2013)

Season 3, Episode 9

Image via HBO

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Game of Thrones had already proven itself to be an incredible drama series before the penultimate episode of season 3, but in terms of pure drama, it is “The Rains of Castamere” that stands as the show’s most memorable (for better or worse) hour. The Starks had been underdogs, albeit very capable ones, ever since Ned had been executed back in season 1, but they’re effectively wiped out here.

Some of Ned and Catelyn’s children remain alive, but they’re scattered throughout Westeros and in different levels of peril, while the Stark army (including Catelyn, Robb, and Robb’s newly pregnant wife, Talisa) are massacred during what comes to be known as the Red Wedding. In hindsight, the show was building to it, and it makes sense why the Starks are betrayed by the Freys here, yet it’s still an absolute sucker-punch of an episode when you do see it for the first time. Television has seldom been heavier than this; it’s like a 21st-century “Abyssinia, Henry” (and hey, that episode of M*A*S*H also happened to come right near the end of said show’s third season).

Sullivan’s Crossing has gone through numerous surprise cast changes so is the hit show coming back for season 5?

Based on a book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. She finds herself reconnecting with estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), newcomer Cal (Chad Michael Murray) and more members of the community.

Sullivan’s Crossing was previously renewed for a fifth season, which is expected to premiere in 2027 on CTV. After airing in Canada, the hit show will follow up with episodes on The CW and then on Netflix presumably in the summer once the show wraps up on cable.

Before the season 4 premiere, Us Weekly broke the news in March 2026 that Scott Patterson would not be reprising his role.

Related: Which ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 5?

Sullivan’s Crossing has been renewed for season 5, but not every cast member is returning. Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she moves back home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). The brief getaway turns into Maggie […]

“Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” Roth shared with Us. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”

Patterson later hinted at what caused his surprising departure, writing via Instagram, “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”

Patterson later clarified it wasn’t always his vision to leave Sullivan’s Crossing.

“It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”

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Related: Why Was Scott Patterson Written Out of ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’? Exit Explained

Sullivan’s Crossing is going through a very big change with Scott Patterson‘s character Sully being written off — but what does the shocking exit mean for the show? Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she moves back home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect […]

Kohan, meanwhile, opened up about how Patterson’s exit affected the show.

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“It’s interesting. There are always going to be different dynamics,” she exclusively told Us. “One of the things that came out of not having Sully on the show was we did get all these wonderful new characters too.”

Kohan found it “really nice” getting to introduce new relationships on the show.

“What I really loved was getting to do the flashbacks and really seeing the younger version of Maggie,” she added to Us about the season 4 change. “Seeing her fully letting go and just going with what was happening in front of her … I’ve really loved getting to see.”

It’s hard to believe Tia and Tamera Mowry are turning 48 in just a few days. The beloved actresses, known for their breakout roles in the sitcom “Sister, Sister,” have been staples in the entertainment industry for years. After wrapping up their time playing lost twins separated at birth, who were reunited years later, they went on to perform in other notable works, including “The Game,” “Instant Mom,” “Double Wedding,” “Twitches,” and “The Real.” To honor their upcoming special day, Tia, the mother of children Cree and Cairo, posted a carousel of pictures of them accompanied by an emotional caption.

In the carousel, Tia gave her nearly 13 million Instagram followers a glimpse into their lifelong bond, sharing childhood photos of them smiling in matching braids alongside snapshots of them posing on red carpets over the years. She also included more recent images of themselves spending time together, seemingly during a trip to Napa Valley.

In the photo’s caption, Tia expressed her gratitude for her sister, Tamera, and recalled some of their many highlights. “Cancer season always hits a little differently when you’re a twin,” she wrote.

“We’ve shared birthdays, bedrooms, inside jokes, dreams and more memories than I could ever fit into one post,” Tia added. “Happy early birthday to us! Wouldn’t trade the memories for anything. Here’s to 48 (???) and all the adventures still ahead of us. Love you always!”

Tamera Mowry Shows Her Love To Tia After The Latter Celebrates Their Early Birthday

Tamera replied to the photos, “Happy early birthday to us, sissy. I love you. Always!”

The twins’ fans were also moved by the pictures, considering one user wrote, “Y’all really are identical. Thank you for giving us beautiful TV [during our] childhood,” and another said, “Reliving my childhood in these pics, LOL. Time Machine me — happy early birthday.”

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A third user also got in on the fun, writing, “Aww happy birthday to the most epic twin queens,” while a fourth posted, “Happy birthdayyy to the only twins ever!”

Tia Mowry Posts About Tamera Months After Saying The Pair Weren’t As Close

Tia’s post comes months after she spoke candidly about the relationship with her sister on her reality show, “Tia Mowry: My Next Act.” In the episode, Tia implied that she and Tamera weren’t in a great place after saying they hadn’t been communicating as much.

“I came into this world with a twin, and right after that, I went into a 22-year relationship, so I have never been alone in my life. It has been quite a journey,” Tia said while speaking about her divorce from Cory Hardrict. “Being alone has been the most challenging part of my divorce. It’s times like this when I feel and wish that my sister and I were still close, and I could pick up the phone and call her. But that’s just not where we are right now.”

Tamera seemed to confirm the rumors weeks later when she admitted she learned of Tia’s new show with the rest of the world. She said, “Tia is living her life right now, and Tia is doing Tia.” Tamera also confirmed that she wouldn’t appear in the series either, adding, “No, she’s like, this is my story, and you know, I can only respect that.”

Tia Said The Twins Now Have A ‘Pact’

According to Tia, they didn’t have a dramatic falling out. She said their distance was due to natural life changes, such as their growing families and expansive careers. To rectify that, though, Tia said the twins made a “pact” to call each other once a week, specifically on Sundays, adding that, “… as long as we make time for each other, that’s all that really matters.”

Tia Opens Up About Her New Relationship

A previous report from The Blast details Tia’s new relationship with her boyfriend, Javone Williams—someone she described as a “teacher, artist, and reader.”

She then explained that she “manifested” her new man months after divorcing Hardrict, saying she listened to music, lit candles, and wrote down everything that she was looking for in a partner.

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“I’m glad that it came around the time…because I really wouldn’t have known what I wanted three years ago. I really needed to sit in like solitude and like learn who I am first before I even figured out what it was and what it is that I want. So I did do that,” she said.

It looks like Danny McBride is serious about bringing G.I. Joe back to the big screen.

During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, McBride confirmed that he has completed a screenplay for a new G.I. Joe film, and according to the actor and writer, Paramount Pictures is enthusiastic about moving the project forward.

“I’ve written one. I’m stoked about it. I’m really fired up about the script,” McBride said. “Paramount seems fired up about it, so hopefully we’re shooting it next year.”

For longtime fans of the franchise, perhaps the most exciting revelation wasn’t the production update—it was hearing how deeply McBride understands the source material.

“It was definitely the cartoons and the comics,” he explained. “G.I. Joe was my thing when I was a kid. I liked that more than Star Wars, more than anything. I still have all the characters.”

That lifelong passion helped shape the movie’s direction.

According to McBride, his original pitch wasn’t even for a traditional G.I. Joe film. Instead, he wanted to make a movie centered around the Dreadnoks, Cobra’s infamous biker gang of mercenaries. Paramount liked the idea but felt the franchise first needed a proper relaunch before branching into spinoffs.

“I had an idea for a Dreadnoks movie,” McBride recalled. “So I went to Paramount and pitched it, and they were like, ‘Well, the franchise kind of needs to be launched, so we can’t come out with a Dreadnoks movie. Would you have an angle for a G.I. Joe project?’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’ll have an angle for that.’”

Rather than simply rehash familiar stories, McBride developed a new concept alongside his The Righteous Gemstonescollaborators Jeff Bradley and John Carcieri.

The film reportedly follows Duke and a team of Joes as they investigate Springfield, the infamous town from the comics that secretly operates under Cobra’s control.

“You’re following Duke and a group of other Joes. There’s that town in the comic, Springfield, which is a town that’s secretly all Cobra, and so that is where our film takes place.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the tone.

Despite McBride’s reputation for outrageous comedies like Eastbound & Down and The Righteous Gemstones, he insists this won’t be a comedic take on the iconic toy line.

“We cracked something that we really love,” he said. “It’s not a comedy; it’s kind of suspense and action. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

He even described the screenplay as a more grounded approach to the franchise, suggesting audiences should expect tension and espionage rather than over-the-top parody.

While McBride stopped short of revealing any casting announcements, he hinted that conversations are already taking place behind the scenes.

“We have some pretty interesting people lining up to be in it,” he teased. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it looks like it’s going to be pretty fun.”

Following the disappointing box office performance of Snake Eyes in 2021, Paramount has been searching for the right direction to revive the franchise. If McBride’s comments are any indication, the studio believes it has finally found a fresh approach—one rooted in the classic comics while delivering a grounded action-thriller centered around Duke, Cobra, and the mysterious town of Springfield.

Should production begin next year as planned, G.I. Joe fans may finally be getting the franchise reboot they’ve been waiting for.