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6 Essential Western Books for Beginners

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'The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains' by Owen Wister

Western movies are one thing, but where ought one start if they’re looking to get into literary takes on the Old West? That’s a good question, though perhaps one not so easily answered. There are countless different novel combinations to choose from when it comes to the wild frontier, but if you’re seeking novels perfect for those just starting out in the genre, we have a few suggestions. From classical cowboy adventures to modern takes on the frontier, there are plenty of great Western tales out there worth diving into.

The Western novel (as well as the short story and novella) is often considered the bread and butter of the horse opera. After all, plenty of films and television programs are a direct result of bringing such thrilling words to the screen. You’ll likely recognize many of the works on display here for their live-action connotations, but rest assured, the best place to begin is the novel. So, get your bookmarks ready for this venture into the American West.

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‘The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains’ (1902)

'The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains' by Owen Wister
‘The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains’ by Owen Wister
Image via Macmillan

While the title may evoke images of James Drury and Doug McClure, the original Owen Wister novel couldn’t have been more different. Published in 1902, The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains followed the titular hero as he makes his way along the frontier, finding love and conflict in the largely untamed Wyoming Territory. Wister paints a breathtaking picture of the mythic West and had a mighty hand in establishing the iconic cowboy tropes that long defined the genre.

The Virginian has been adapted several times in a feature film format and loosely as the aforementioned (and well-known) television series, which ran for nine seasons on NBC. But that aside, the novel deserves high praise for its vast influence on the Western genre at large. In fact, Wister’s tale was so influential that the Western Writers of America offers an annual “Owen Wister Award” in his honor for those who contribute powerfully to the genre. The Virginian was truly the first popular cowboy novel, so it’s no wonder that the series that shares its namesake is counted among the best classic Western TV shows as well.

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‘True Grit’ (1968)

Book cover of 'True Grit' by Charles Portis
Book cover of ‘True Grit’ by Charles Portis
Image via Simon & Schuster

Originally published as a serial in The Saturday Evening Post, Charles Portis‘ expert Western novel was so popular that it found its way to the big screen (and with John Wayne at the helm) only a year after its release in 1968. Considered one of the “great American novels,” True Grit is a reflection by spinster Mattie Ross on her teenage exploits with U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn as she seeks vengeance for her father’s murder at the hands of outlaw Tom Chaney.

True Grit is a straightforward tale, but one that will keep the reader thoroughly engaged throughout. It’s also told through a perspective not often explored in a Western novel (apart from the Western romance subgenre, that is), which makes it a particularly unique experience. As one of the best Western books of all time, you can’t go wrong with this sweeping classic. Of the two major film adaptations, the 2010 picture by the Coen Brothers is the more faithful to the text.

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‘Shane’ (1949)

Book cover of 'Shane' by Jack Schaefer
Book cover of ‘Shane’ by Jack Schaefer
Image via Clarion Books

Another Western novel that made a major splash on the big screen, Shane is Jack Schaefer‘s claim to genre fame. Originally titled Rider from Nowhere, Shane was published in three parts in Argosy magazine before it hit mainstream shelves in 1949. Like the 1953 film of the same name (which boasts one of the greatest Western endings out there), it follows a drifting gunslinger as he finds himself in the middle of a land dispute in 1889 Wyoming Territory reminiscent of the Johnson County War.

Considered the “finest” Western novel by the Western Writers of America, Shane is a literary triumph that captures the pioneer spirit of the American West. Its lead character is all one could ask for in a Western protagonist who remains tough and firm yet showcases a tender heart for those in need, something perfectly translated to the screen in the Alan Ladd-led motion picture. As a serial, it was already good, but as a novel… Well, let’s just say that Shane changed the Western game forever — both on the page and the screen.













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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
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Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

🔧John McClane

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🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

Rambo

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Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

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Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

Ethan Hunt

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Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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‘Open Season’ (2001)

Open Season' by C.J. Box
Open Season’ by C.J. Box
Image via Berkley

Admittedly, Open Season is a bit of an outlier on this list. With this C. J. Box novel (published in 2001), we’re treading into neo-Western territory, but considering that’s where much of the genre has turned to today, perhaps that’s not such a bad thing. The first in Box’s series of mystery novels following Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett (there are over 25 of them now), Open Season is a powerful introduction that speaks to the potential of the contemporary genre. Faithfully adapted in the first season of the short-lived Joe Pickett television series, Open Season is a clear-cut mystery that isn’t afraid to get Western.

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Not only does the Pickett family stand out as a sort of modern take on Old West pioneers, but Joe himself is a traditional Western hero wrapped up in modern trimmings and trappings. As one of the great Western novels to be adapted on the small screen, you’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat as you plow through each short chapter. If you’re looking for more neo-Western fare after this, we recommend The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson, the first in a series of mystery novels that inspired the television hit Longmire.

‘Hondo’ (1953)

The cover for ‘Hondo’ by Louis L'Amour
The cover for ‘Hondo’ by Louis L’Amour
Image via Random House

No matter which of Louis L’Amour‘s seemingly endless collection of Western novels you choose, you’re in the right place. That said, if we had to pick only one to highlight the author’s Western prowess, we’d choose Hondo. Yes, Hondo, the novelization of the 1953 John Wayne film of the same name that was in turn inspired by L’Amour’s own short story “The Gift of Cochise.” This was the book that changed L’Amour’s career, even before the Sacketts became his main focus.

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Not only is the novel better than the film, but Hondo perfectly blends the mythic Hollywood interpretation of the Old West with the harsh truths of frontier living. L’Amour fills out the characters and the world swimmingly as the title hero finds himself fighting for a married woman and her child who are in the middle of a conflict between the U.S. Cavalry and a band of Apaches. If you loved Hondo, give these other Louis L’Amour Westerns a try next!

‘Lonesome Dove’ (1985)

Lonesome Dove - book cover - 1985
Lonesome Dove – book cover – 1985
Image via Simon & Schuster

You’ve likely been waiting for this one the entire time, but there’s something truly remarkable about Larry McMurtry‘s Lonesome Dove that you simply cannot understand apart from reading it. Sure, the epic CBS miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall is a masterful adaptation that speaks straight to the heart of the novel, but McMurtry’s (sometimes long-winded) prose is so crisp that it’s difficult to put down. If you have yet to give this one a chance, wait no longer.

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Published in 1985, Lonesome Dove follows former Texas Rangers Woodrow F. Call and Augustus “Gus” McCrae as they leave their border town in dusty Texas for the luscious Montana sky, chronicling all the trials they experience in between — they and a host of other cast members, of course. Not only is the 1989 television adaptation considered among the best Westerns ever made, but Lonesome Dove, the novel, is often deemed the greatest Western novel. If you love it, McMurtry penned a sequel, Streets of Laredo, and two prequel novels as well, each of which has likewise been adapted as a television miniseries.

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Demi Moore’s Button-Down Shirt Has 1 Detail We Can’t Get Over

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Jennifer Aniston attends the EMMY FYC Screening For Apple TV's "The Morning Show" Season 4 at DGA Theater Complex on June 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

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It’s impossible to reinvent or upgrade some articles of clothing. At least, that’s what I thought about trusty button-down tanks. After all, they’re a wardrobe classic for a reason! However, Demi Moore recently stepped out in a design that has a unique slimming element.

While the actress’ Instagram post gave me serious style envy, it also made me do a double-take. At first glance, her button-down shirt looks pretty standard. However, the drawstring hem makes the top even more figure-flattering by skimming the waistline. Who knew one little detail could make such a major difference?

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Unsurprisingly, Amazon has a similar style for under $25.

Get the Tankaneo Sleeveless Button Down Cropped Tank for $20 (originally $25) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

It’s rare to see a drawstring built into a shirt — the detail is mostly spotted on pants — but in this trendy tank, it adds a layer of unexpected dimension. By adjusting the hem width, you can accentuate your waist. Plus, the button-down is a bit boxy, so pulling in the hem cinches you in all the right places. Even if you don’t have the smallest midsection, this shirt gives you the illusion of an hourglass figure.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Jennifer Aniston attends the EMMY FYC Screening For Apple TV's "The Morning Show" Season 4 at DGA Theater Complex on June 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)


Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Summer Uniform Starts With This Basic Top

A huge part of developing your personal style is leaning into timeless pieces instead of chasing every passing trend — and no one does it better than Jennifer Aniston. The actress has built a style legacy focused on wardrobe staples that always look effortlessly cool and polished. She’s often seen rocking pieces like fitted jeans, […]

Most crop tops are rather casual, but this design feels elevated thanks to the padded shoulders and crisp lapels. With the right high-waisted skirt, the crop top would be totally acceptable in an office setting. So go on, push the boundaries!

However, be warned: Amazon shoppers love this shirt so much that a few have come back to buy additional colors (and considering the price, I can hardly blame them).

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“I really love this top,” one reviewer wrote. “The fit is slightly oversized, which makes it very comfortable and stylish. It looks relaxed but still flattering. The material feels nice, and it’s easy to wear with many outfits. I liked it so much that I ordered two more in black and blue.”

The Tankaneo Sleeveless Button Down Cropped Tank is far from your average button-down, and it proves that small details make a big impact on your style and confidence. It’s already in my cart, but what about yours?

Get the Tankaneo Sleeveless Button Down Cropped Tank for $20 (originally $25) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Tankaneo here and more button-down tanks here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Taylor Swift is seen on May 14, 2026 in New York City.


Related: Get Taylor Swift’s Waist-Defining Peplum Blouse Look For Just $20

Taylor Swift managed to give Us another masterclass in easy yet elevated style. This time, it all came down to one surprisingly simple piece: a crisp white blouse style that instantly creates a defined, sculpted waist, proving how powerful the right silhouette can be. Even better, you don’t need a four-figure budget to get the same […]

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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

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Chrissy Teigen’s Designer Woven Bag Style Is on Amazon

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Chrissy Teigen's Designer Woven Bag Style Is on Amazon

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Chrissy Teigen took the rich mom style to a different level, carrying a tote so roomy, it could have been a weekender. We love the woven bag style, but are looking for something more practical than a tote. This designer-inspired crossbody channels the same high-end energy, and it’s on sale right now for $59.

Teigen ran errands in Beverly Hills while wearing a denim jacket, leggings and slide slippers. She elevated the look with a massive $8,900 Bottega Veneta tote, and it took the outfit from comfy-casual to incredibly luxe. This chic bag does the same, and since it’s a crossbody, you’ll rock it daily for errands, vacations and beyond.

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Get the Leestuty Woven Crossbody Bag for $59 (was $70) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Leestuty Woven Crossbody Bag has a woven-like design, structured shape and expensive-looking hardware that catches the light just right. The only difference? This faux-leather find costs thousands less than the designer version.

While the classy bag is designed with a top handle, it also comes with a crossbody strap that makes it super versatile. Additionally, the inside works for real life, thanks to the organized compartments, zipper pockets and a secure magnetic closure. If you ask Us, this chic accessory is as functional as it is stylish.

Shoppers are gravitating toward this Amazon find in droves. The proof? Over 400 people bought the purse in the last month, and many confirm it looks so similar to the designer.

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“I wanted the Bottega real leather handbag, but I didn’t want to pay $6,000 for it,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I just received this handbag and I must say, I’m very impressed with how identical it looks to the real designer bag.”

Another happy fan shared, “I got it in a large for my airport travel. It holds a lot of items. Looks just like the Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag.”

It comes in dozens of colors and sizes, but if you want to dress like Teigen, opt for sleek black. Either way, this woven crossbody will be perfect for coffee runs, dinner reservations or long weekends downtown, which is why it belongs in your rotation. The deal is selling out as we type, so run!

Get the Leestuty Woven Crossbody Bag for $59 (was $70) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Lindsey Buckingham On Reconnecting With Stevie Nicks

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Christine McVie

Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks have shared one of the music industry’s most complicated relationships. The former couple became key members of Fleetwood Mac, helping shape the band’s legendary success despite years of personal and professional tensions. Now, Buckingham is offering a rare update on where he stands with his ex.

Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks have a relationship marred by personal and professional conflicts. Despite breaking up in the ’70s, the two continued performing together in Fleetwood Mac, with their complicated dynamic often fueling feuds while also inspiring some of the band’s biggest and most enduring hits.

Now, the guitarist is shedding light on his current relationship with Nicks after years of tension. Buckingham was at Variety’s Power of Hollywood event on August 5, where he told E! News, “Stevie and I are talking all the time now.”

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Last year, their self-titled 1973 album titled “Buckingham Nicks,” was re-released, and Nicks also made a comment, saying, “Lindsey and I started talking about it last night. This whole thing seems really like yesterday to us.”

While neither elaborated further, they seem to be in a much better place in their relationship.

Working On The Fleetwood Mac Documentary Healed Relationships

Buckingham shared that he and his former Fleetwood Mac bandmates have been working on a documentary for Apple TV, which will be released sometime in 2027.

The guitarist said the process was a “very circular healing process” for all the members. Buckingham had a falling out with Fleetwood Mac after he was let go from the band in 2018 due to internal disagreements and tensions with Nicks.

The conflict, he said, stemmed from “all the wrong reasons,” but they have since resolved their issues. “No one was happy about it, and all of that has been healed and worked out,” Buckingham shared.

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The yet-to-be-titled Fleetwood Mac documentary is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Frank Marshall, and it will be the first film about the band that would be told in their own words, per the press release.

Lindsey Buckingham Confirms New Solo Album

While at the Variety event, a reporter asked the musician about a rumored album, to which he replied, “It’s not a rumor. It’s a reality.”

The 76-year-old has released seven studio albums, his last being the self-titled record released in 2021. Buckingham said that he has been working on his upcoming album for the last three years and believes it’s one of his “best works,” he told AP News.

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In 2025, he teased what fans can expect, saying that it will reflect all the things he has learned from his decades of experience.

There isn’t a release date for his new album as of yet, but he confirmed it will launch after the Fleetwood Mac documentary.

The Musician Sued Fleetwood Mac After He Was Fired

Christine McVie
MEGA

Buckingham was fired ahead of Fleetwood Mac’s 2018 tour after being with them for more than three decades. Mick Fleetwood talked about parting ways with Buckingham shortly after, describing it as a “marriage that came to an end.” Nicks also spoke about it, adding, “We just couldn’t agree. And you know, when you’re in a band, it’s a team,” she said, per CBS News.

Buckingham filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates, citing breach of fiduciary duty, breach of oral contract, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, per The Blast. He claimed the band “lost their perspective” and added that it wasn’t his choice to leave.

The dispute did not proceed to trial. Instead, Buckingham later announced that he and Fleetwood Mac were able to privately settle the matter.

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Lindsey Buckingham Had An Alleged Stalker

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM 4/18/2003
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In April, a report by The Blast detailed that Buckingham’s alleged stalker attacked him in Santa Monica. The musician had an existing restraining order against the woman, who reportedly threw an unknown substance at Buckingham before taking off.

On August 6, the woman was declared unfit to stand trial. The judge noted that it was “medically appropriate to treat the defendant’s psychiatric condition with medication,” citing a report from a medical professional, per Rolling Stone.

The woman, who is facing six felony charges and a misdemeanor, will be back in court later this month to determine her fate.

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Stephen King’s Thrilling 5-Part Supernatural Drama Is Officially Free To Stream

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Steven Spielberg red carpet pic.

TV adaptations of Stephen King’s books are notoriously hit or miss, from the highs of Mr. Mercedes and 1990’s It, which scarred an entire generation, to The Langoliers and Under the Dome. One series that is squarely in the former is the thrilling supernatural drama Haven, which ran for 5 seasons on SyFy. The series is based loosely on King’s 2005 novel The Colorado Kid, creating a deep mythology of its own as it progresses… and now it is available to stream for free on Tubi.

‘Haven’ Uses Stephen King’s Book as a Stepping Stone into a Larger Story

When we say loosely based on King’s book, we mean very, very loosely: the murder of the titular character, 25-years prior, that drives the entire narrative of the book is merely a means of bringing FBI Agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) to the small town of Haven, Maine to investigate. Haven, naturally, is a nice, normal town where nothing strange ever happens. Right. Haven is, as its name suggests, a place where those plagued by a supernatural affliction known as “The Troubles” find refuge, a safe haven.

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Collider Exclusive · Universe Personality Quiz
Which Iconic Universe Do You Belong in the Most?
Star Wars · Lord of the Rings · Harry Potter · Game of Thrones · Star Trek

Five legendary universes. Five completely different visions of what the world could be — or already was. One of them is the world your instincts, your values, and your particular way of existing were built for. Eight questions will tell you which one.

🚀Star Wars

💍Lord of the Rings

🧙Harry Potter

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👑Game of Thrones

🖖Star Trek

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01

What gives your life its deepest sense of meaning?
Every universe is built around a different answer to this question.





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02

Which kind of world do you most want to inhabit?
The environment shapes who you become. Choose carefully.





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03

How do you prefer your conflicts resolved?
The shape of a world’s conflicts tells you everything about its soul.





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04

Who do you want beside you when things get difficult?
Your ideal companions reveal the world you were made for.





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05

What is your relationship with power?
How you seek, wield, or resist power is the map of who you are.





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06

How does your universe treat good and evil?
A world’s moral architecture tells you more about it than any map.





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07

What role would you naturally fall into?
Every universe has archetypes. Which one fits you without trying?





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08

What do you ultimately believe about the future?
The answer to this is the clearest window into which universe already lives inside you.





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Your Universe Has Been Chosen
You Belong In…

Your answers point to the iconic universe your values, your instincts, and your particular way of seeing the world were built for. This is where you would find your people — and your purpose.

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A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars

You believe in the cause — in the idea that freedom is worth fighting for even when the odds are impossible and the empire is vast.

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  • You are drawn to the moral clarity of a universe where hope itself is a form of resistance.
  • You’d find your people in the Rebellion — a ragtag coalition of true believers held together by conviction more than resources.
  • Star Wars is fundamentally a story about ordinary people choosing to matter in an extraordinary conflict — and that is exactly your kind of story.
  • The Force may or may not be with you. But the will to use it for something larger than yourself certainly is.


Middle-earth

Lord of the Rings

You understand, in the deepest part of yourself, that the journey matters as much as the destination — and that the world’s beauty is worth protecting even at great cost.

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  • Middle-earth is a world of ancient wonder, deep friendship, and a darkness that only retreats when enough small acts of courage accumulate.
  • You would thrive here because you value the fellowship more than the glory — the road more than the arrival.
  • Tolkien’s universe rewards patience, loyalty, and the willingness to carry something heavy across a very long distance.
  • Those are not burdens to you. They are simply how you move through the world.


The Wizarding World

Harry Potter

You believe that love, loyalty, and doing what’s right are not naive sentiments — they are the most powerful forces in any world, magical or otherwise.

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  • The Wizarding World is a place of wonder hidden in plain sight, where learning is transformative and the bonds you form at school follow you into every battle.
  • You would flourish here because you take both the magic and the friendships seriously — and you understand that one without the other is incomplete.
  • Harry Potter’s universe ultimately rewards those who choose to stand for something even when standing is terrifying.
  • That choice — made quietly, without guarantee — is something you understand completely.


Westeros · The Known World

Game of Thrones

You see the world clearly — its power structures, its hypocrisies, its brutal arithmetic — and you are not paralysed by that clarity. You use it.

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  • Westeros is a world that rewards intelligence, adaptability, and the willingness to understand that every alliance is also a negotiation.
  • You would survive here — possibly thrive here — because you don’t confuse the world as it is with the world as you’d like it to be.
  • Game of Thrones is a story about what happens when the idealists and the realists collide. You are sharp enough to know which one lasts longer.
  • Winter always comes. You are already prepared.


The United Federation of Planets

Star Trek

You believe the future is worth building — that curiosity, cooperation, and the expansion of understanding are not just ideals but the most practical path forward for any civilisation.

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  • Star Trek is a universe where the questions matter as much as the answers, and where encountering something utterly alien is cause for wonder rather than fear.
  • You would belong here because you are fundamentally optimistic about what intelligence and decency can achieve — while being honest about how hard that achievement is.
  • The Federation is the universe’s most ambitious thought experiment: what if we actually got better?
  • You don’t just hope that’s possible. You think it’s the only thing worth working toward.

The manifestations of the “Troubles” are what drive the series; a “paranormal trouble of the week” procedural, for lack of a better comparable. One person’s nightmares become physical manifestations, driving him to try and stay awake to protect others. Animals transform into human beings. Another has a living shadow that attacks and kills whatever has angered him. A woman poisons people in the vicinity when she’s stressed out. Typically, the Trouble is a response to an emotional trigger, and once that trigger has been identified, it can be sent into remission with the right coping mechanisms.

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Which is where Audrey comes in, as she, for some reason, is impervious to the effects of these Troubles. That extends to Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant), a local police officer whose Trouble is idiopathic neuropathy, a condition where one cannot feel physical sensations, i.e. pain or touch. But he can feel Audrey’s touch, and the two form a bond and partner up to help those afflicted, with Audrey eventually leaving the FBI to join the Haven Police Department. They’re aided by local charming rogue Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour), with the three forming a team… and the proverbial love triangle.

But the question really is why Audrey is immune from those with Troubles, which in turn poses even more questions. Was it coincidence that she came to Haven, or was she destined to be there? Why does she feel a connection to Haven, which starts to feel less like a town and more like an entity unto itself? And why are there photos of her in Haven from years ago? It’s an overarching mystery that is intertwined with the origins of The Troubles, and she’s going to need Duke and Nathan’s help to bring the Troubles to an end, once and for all.

‘Haven’ Has a Deep Mythology With Ties to Stephen King

The depth of the Troubles they encounter is staggering, a set of imaginative maladies that keep each episode from playing out too similarly to those before or after it. It’s truly imaginative, with a well-detailed mythology that ties to the broader world of Stephen King’s works. The Troubles, inherited through bloodlines, occur in a recurring cycle of major outbursts every 27 years, a nod to the same multi-decade hibernation cycle shared by It‘s Pennywise. Other Maine towns from King’s works — Derry and Castle Rock, for instance — are often mentioned. A model of a red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury coupe appears on a desk, which looks suspiciously like the titular Christine. And in one of the more overt cases, a young boy in a yellow raincoat chases his newspaper boat, only to see it go into the gutter, letting out a blood-curdling scream when he reaches in for it…

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Still, Haven stands on its own outside the King association. The relationship between the three leads has a similar vibe to The Vampire Diaries, with a very natural rapport between the three on screen. However, unlike its supernatural drama kin, where the love triangle often controlled the narrative, the focus of Haven remains on the mysteries of “The Troubles,” making the love triangle more of an engaging complementary piece than the main attraction.

The cast, led by the trio of Rose, Bryant, and Balfour, are excellent, breathing life into a host of characters that harbor their own deep secrets beneath their veneer. The one weakness of the series lies with the CGI, which is very, well, SyFy. But it’s a minor distraction, at worst, with the stories engaging enough to not have to rely heavily on it. Most importantly, it all feels somehow plausible, that despite the scope of the Troubles and Audrey’s place within it, Haven still feels grounded, a testament to Emily Rose, who shoulders the bulk of it. Haven is well worth the watch, especially now that it’s free to stream on Tubi. No “Troubles” at all.


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Haven

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Release Date

2010 – 2015-00-00

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Directors

Tim Southam, Fred Gerber, Jason Priestley, Rob Lieberman, T. W. Peacocke, Adam Kane, Keith Samples, Ken Girotti, Lynne Stopkewich, Rachel Talalay, Rick Rosenthal, Stephen Reynolds, Mairzee Almas

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Ryan Murphy Offers Insight Into Next ‘Monster’ Season

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Ryan Murphy at Monsters, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Premiere in Los Angeles

Ryan Murphy is giving insight into the upcoming season of his anthology series, “Monster,” which will explore the infamous case of Lizzie Borden. The acclaimed producer recently explained why he wanted to tell Borden’s story, sharing what drew him to the case and why he believes it continues to captivate audiences more than a century after the murders.

Ryan Murphy at Monsters, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Premiere in Los Angeles
River / MEGA

Ryan Murphy, who co-created “Monster” with Ian Brennan, is sharing what prompted him to take on the 133-year-old murder case that involved Lizzie Borden, who was accused of killing his father and stepmother with an axe in 1892.

Past seasons explored the stories of convicted killers Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein. The fourth season marks a first for the anthology, as Borden was never convicted of the crimes.

In an interview, Murphy said he had a “very deep connection” with Borden’s story because he won first place at his kindergarten’s singing contest with the popular nursery rhyme, which goes, “Lizzie Borden took an axe / And gave her mother forty whacks / When she saw what she had done / She gave her father forty-one.”

“That was the first thing I ever won. So I grew up with that nursery rhyme. I’m from the Midwest. I thought everybody knew that nursery rhyme, and they did not,” Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter.

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Ryan Murphy Reveals Other Notorious Women Will Appear In ‘Monster 4’

'Glee' Director Ryan Murphy Reveals He Lied To Madonna About His Star Sign For THIS Reason
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Although the upcoming season of “Monster” will focus on Borden, Murphy shared that other notorious women will also be explored in the series. “I always wanted to do something about Aileen Wuornos. I’ve always wanted to do something about the Countess Elizabeth Báthory, who Dracula was modeled after,” he shared.

Wuornos was a serial killer who murdered seven men between 1989 and 1990. Countess Báthory, on the other hand, was accused in the early 1600s of killing hundreds of young girls and bathing in their blood to maintain her youth and beauty.

Murphy said “Monster” Season 4 will focus on the “women vs. the system” and pose the question: “What made them do it? Why did they do it, if they did it?”

“That’s what the show is about. And it has three really great ‘monsters’ behind it,” he added.

The Producer Says He Isn’t Glorifying Murderers

All three seasons of “Monster” proved to be streaming successes, though they were not without controversy. Some critics accused Murphy of sensationalizing the cases and exploiting real-life tragedies.

Murphy has accepted that creating shows based on real events comes with controversy. “No matter what you do, it’s going to be controversial. That’s baked into the cake,” he said, adding, “I’m always interested in, not glorifying these characters.”

Early this year, another Murphy project, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” drew criticism from the Kennedy family for the “grotesque display” of “fiction,” as previously reported by The Blast. The two seasons of his other series, “American Crime Story,” which explored the O.J. Simpson case and the murder of Gianni Versace, also caused a stir due to “inaccuracies.”

The Case Of Lizzie Borden

In August 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were discovered brutally murdered with an axe inside their Fall River, Massachusetts home. The only other people present in the house at that time were Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie, and their household help, Bridget Sullivan.

Authorities accused Lizzie of perpetrating the crimes after she allegedly provided inconsistent alibis and set a dress on fire days after the murders. A pharmacist also testified that Lizzie attempted to purchase cyanide one day before the killings, claiming she needed it to clean a cape.

Following a 13-day trial in 1893, Lizzie was acquitted. The all-male jury noted the pieces of evidence were circumstantial, and they couldn’t fathom how a religious woman from upper-class society could commit such horrible crimes. Despite her acquittal, Lizzie lived the rest of her life as a social outcast.

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The First Look At ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’

Netflix released the first look at the upcoming season of “Monster,” sparking excitement among fans. Ella Beatty will star as Lizzie, alongside Charlie Hunnam (Andrew Borden), Rebecca Hall (Lizzie’s stepmother), Vicky Krieps (Bridget Sullivan), and Billie Lourd (Emma Borden).

As Murphy revealed, Krieps will also be portraying Countess Báthory, and longtime collaborator Sarah Paulson will play Wuornos.

“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” will premiere on Netflix on September 17.

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Perez Hilton’s Three-Word Plea Revealed After His Crisis

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Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Self Harm LiveStream

Perez Hilton is continuing to recover after a frightening mental health crisis left family, friends, and fans searching for answers. 

While the celebrity blogger remains stable following his hospitalization, a longtime family friend has revealed the emotional words Hilton reportedly shared from his hospital bed. 

The insider also shed light on the hours leading up to the incident, describing a day that appeared completely ordinary before events took a devastating and unexpected turn inside his Miami home.

Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Self Harm LiveStream
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

After regaining the ability to speak in the hospital, Perez Hilton reportedly had one message for the person closest to him. 

According to a longtime family friend who spoke to the Daily Mail, the celebrity blogger told his mother, “I need help.”

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The insider, who has known the family for nearly 20 years, described Hilton as someone carrying an immense emotional burden despite now being in stable condition.

“He’s really suffering. He’s a man in a lot of pain. I think right now he’s focused on the physical, but it’s all tied together. No one deserves the torment he’s going through,” the source said.

Although Hilton was reportedly able to communicate clearly with his mother, the family friend believes he is still trying to understand everything that unfolded.

According to them, “He was able to articulate himself [to his mother in hospital] but I don’t think he’s quite self-aware enough yet [to understand exactly what happened].”

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The insider added that Hilton “is still in a dark place as I understand it. Just very very sad,” suggesting the emotional wounds remain far from healed.

Hilton’s Ordinary Day Ended In A Terrifying Emergency

Perez Hilton speaking outside of Las Vegas courtroom
Image courtesy of Melanie Vanderveer | The Blast

For those who know Perez Hilton best, the incident has been especially difficult to process because nothing earlier in the day appeared out of the ordinary.

“He was acting normal. That’s the thing. He was getting excited about future projects. It had been a good day up to then,” the source explained.

Like countless other mornings, the media personality reportedly spent the day at his Miami home discussing work with colleagues and exchanging messages with entertainment sources as he followed celebrity news.

Just hours later, however, everything changed. As The Blast reported, authorities were called Tuesday evening after a TikTok livestream allegedly showed the media personality covered in blood, holding a large knife, and apparently harming himself inside his residence.

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Viewers quickly alerted emergency services, prompting deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department to respond. Officers reportedly carried out de-escalation measures before remaining at the property for several hours.

According to 911 dispatch audio, authorities were responding to an apparent “suicide attempt” before Hilton was ultimately transported to a hospital for treatment.

Perez Hilton’s Family Shielded His Children From The Disturbing Scene

Perez Hilton attends SOL Mexican Cocina's Las Vegas Grand Opening at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
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As new details emerged, Hilton’s family revealed that protecting his children became their immediate priority.

According to a report from The Blast, relatives released a statement, disclosing that Hilton’s children, his sister, and his niece had all been inside the home shortly before the livestream began.

“When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma,” the family said.

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The statement went on to explain that helping the children recover emotionally is now the family’s primary focus, noting, “Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”

Hilton’s Inner Circle Remains Searching For Answers

Perez Hilton at the Premiere Of Disney's "Mulan"
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

Even with Perez Hilton now recovering, those closest to him say they are still struggling to understand what triggered such a devastating crisis.

“There was nothing specific that happened that anyone knows of. He hasn’t been particularly depressed,” the longtime family friend said.

The insider stressed there had been no obvious professional setback or personal event that pointed toward what happened.

Instead, friends believe the pressures surrounding Hilton’s recent move may have quietly taken a heavier toll than anyone realized.

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“So there wasn’t like a big event. We think it’s the stress from the move. He can get very overwhelmed sometimes. Everyone knows that. But never to this extent,” one source explained.

TikTok Blames ‘Moderator Error’ For Delay In Removing Perez Hilton Livestream

Perez Hilton
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While Hilton continues to recover, attention has now shifted to TikTok’s handling of the disturbing livestream. 

In a statement to Deadline, the platform acknowledged that the broadcast remained online for roughly 15 to 20 minutes because of what it described as a “moderator error,” despite its automated systems flagging the content within minutes and escalating it to its U.S. moderation team. 

A TikTok spokesperson said the company also alerted law enforcement while the livestream was still active, helping prompt the emergency response to Hilton’s Miami home. 

Although some viewers claimed the broadcast lasted more than 30 minutes, TikTok disputed those accounts, maintaining the initial stream lasted about 15 minutes. 

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The company added that when Hilton attempted to go live again, each subsequent livestream was removed within approximately 90 seconds before his account was ultimately banned for violating TikTok’s policies on self-harm and graphic content.

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One Chicago, Law and Order

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Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

NBC is starting its fall season with several shows returning while dealing with offscreen cast exits.

The One Chicago franchise has made headlines over the years as cast members often come and go across all three shows. Before season 15 of Chicago Fire, multiple outlets confirmed that Joe Miñoso was leaving the hit NBC series, but he is still expected to appear in several episodes when the show returns.

Showrunner Andrea Newman also exited after spending more than a decade behind the scenes. News later broke that Dermot Mulroney is also leaving following his brief return in the season 14 finale earlier this year. Mulroney’s Dom Pascal was noticeably missing for several episodes throughout the season, with Rob Morgan (Andre Hopkins) taking over his position as chief at Firehouse 51.

Over on Law & Order, Detective Theo Walker (David Ajala) will be getting a new partner during season 26 after Detective Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) is written off. According to Deadline, James Badge Dale is going to be replacing Scott’s character as a new senior detective.

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The outlet reported that Scott, 48, will be in “a few episodes” before his exit is official. With the departure being Scott’s choice, the “amicable” decision will likely leave the door open for Riley to return in the future instead of killing the character off.

Keep scrolling for a full schedule for NBC shows airing in the fall:

Wednesday, September 9
Football Night in America 7 p.m. on NBC
NFL Kickoff Game 8:20 p.m. on NBC

Sunday, September 13
Football Night in America 7 p.m. on NBC
Sunday Night Football 8:20 p.m. on NBC

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Thursday, September 17
The Traitors: New Blood 8 p.m. on NBC

Monday, September 21
The Voice 8 p.m. on NBC
Line of Fire 10 p.m. on NBC

Tuesday, September 22
The Voice 8 p.m. on NBC

Friday, September 25
Dateline 9 p.m. on NBC

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Wednesday, October 7
Chicago Med 8 p.m. on NBC
Chicago Fire 9 p.m. on NBC
Chicago P.D. 10 p.m. on NBC

Thursday, October 8
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: New Blood 9 p.m. on NBC
Law & Order 10 p.m. on NBC

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Friday, October 23
Happy’s Place 8 p.m. on NBC
Newlyweds 8:30 p.m. on NBC

Monday, November 2
St. Denis Medical 8 p.m. on NBC
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins 8:30 p.m. on NBC

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Adrianne Curry Forgives Former ‘Bully’ Perez Hilton

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Perez Hilton at the Premiere Of Disney's "Mulan"

Adrianne Curry has weighed in on Perez Hilton‘s recent hospitalization. Reflecting on their contentious history, the former model said she has forgiven the celebrity blogger, whom she said bullied her in the past.

Hilton rose to fame in the 2000s as a highly controversial celebrity gossip blogger who posted his unfiltered thoughts and made graphic doodles on paparazzi photos.

Curry’s comments come days after Hilton was hospitalized due to self-harm, which he broadcast live on TikTok.

On August 4, Perez Hilton was rushed to the hospital following a “suicide attempt” that he broadcast on TikTok Live, per The Blast. The clip remained on the platform for about 20 minutes due to a “moderator error,” and screen recordings of the graphic video spread online.

Following the incident, “America’s Next Top Model” winner Adrianne Curry took to social media to share her thoughts about people taking advantage of Hilton’s situation. The former model said she and Hilton were “never” friends, but he commended him for his “redemption arc.”

Curry expressed sympathy over what happened to Hilton, adding, “I pray that he knows that his life has meaning and purpose.”

The Former Model Gave Context To Her Contentious Relationship With The Blogger

Some people who commented on Curry’s post accused her of monetizing the situation by posting about it as well, prompting her to post another video.

Curry said that following her win on “ANTM” in 2003, Hilton targeted and harassed her on his blog and drew male genitalia on her photos. “He bullied me and got the public to bully me. This was during his peak years,” she explained.

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She further noted that the goal of posting the first video and tagging Hilton was to let him know that even the people who “should not like him… know his life has value.” Curry has put the past behind her, saying, “I wish him peace.”

Addressing the blogger directly, Curry said, “I forgive you, I don’t think you should be hurting yourself, and I hope you get f-cking better.”

Adrianne Curry Discussed Her Feud With Perez Hilton In 2007

In 2007, Curry appeared on Chelsea Handler’s show, “Chelsea Lately,” where she detailed her feud with Hilton.

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She explained she never said “sh-t” about the blogger, but he started writing about her on his blog. “Every time he writes about me, it’s always something really vile,” she told Handler, adding that Hilton referred to her as a “reality TV wh-re.”

Hilton described himself as the “queen of vicious gossip,” and his early career was defined by a no-holds-barred approach to covering celebrities. He often mocked public figures with harsh commentary, gave them unflattering nicknames, edited photos, and even outed closeted celebrities.

Following severe backlash in 2010, Hilton changed his approach to celebrity reporting, saying he wanted to be “part of the solution and not part of the problem.”

Perez Hilton Targeted Many Celebrities

Perez Hilton at the Premiere Of Disney's "Mulan"
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

At the height of his career, Hilton frequently targeted the most popular celebrities at the time, including Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Mischa Barton. He also mocked the children of celebrities, including Tallulah Willis and Ireland Baldwin.

Closeted figures at that time, including Lance Bass, Neil Patrick Harris, and Matt Bomer, were also among his targets, and he outed them, believing they were harming the LGBTQ+ community by being in the closet.

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According to The Blast, Ireland Baldwin recently spoke about the blogger and said that while Hilton said many “unforgivable” things about her and her family, she hopes he gets the help he needs.

The Celebrity Blogger Apologized For His Past Behavior

Hilton expressed regret and has since apologized for the “mean” way he wrote about celebrities. As previously reported by The Blast, the blogger discussed his actions in his 2020 memoir, “TMI: My Life in Scandal,” writing that his treatment toward celebrities, especially their children, was his biggest regret.

In a “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” interview taped before his most recent hospitalization, Hilton shared that he reached out to some celebrities. “I live with that, you know. Like I’ve made amends or tried to with a lot of people,” he said. While some of his messages went unanswered, he said that Khloe Kardashian responded with kindness.

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This 10/10 Sim Video Game Is Officially the Best of 2026 So Far

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Ditto and pokémon celebrating in pokopia

2026 is over halfway done now, and in that time, fans have already experienced some of the best video games of the year, including 007: First Light and Resident Evil: Requiem. These two titles barely scratch the surface, though, as many phenomenal games are making this year unmissable for fans, and that is even before Grand Theft Auto VI and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake come out. However, one of the biggest gaming surprises comes from the biggest media franchise in the world: Pokémon. The recent state of their games has made fans stop expecting anything radical or even refreshing. Moreover, players are often upset over the lack of quality, bugs, and generally poor design, but the franchise might have just won back a lot of fans with their newest release in 2026, which marks the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Pokémon Pokopia is the latest entry in the Pokémon franchise, and while it is a spin-off, it is selling like a mainline game—already over 4 million copies—but that number is understated since it only counts for the first five weeks. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a polarizing console, which only makes Pokémon Pokopia feel like more of a breath of fresh air. A remarkably original entry into a series that’s not exactly known for experimenting, it’s already one of the best video games of 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 catalog will only grow more as the years go on, but this game has become an essential title for the system—not to mention a highlight in The Pokémon Company’s recent slate.

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What Is ‘Pokémon: Pokopia’ About?

Ditto and pokémon celebrating in pokopia
Ditto and pokemon celebrating in pokopia
Image via The Pokémon Company

Pokémon: Pokopia is a spin-off of the main franchise, meaning it doesn’t feature traditional gameplay like catching, battling, collecting gym badges, and facing the Elite Four. Instead, this title is a sandbox game with life simulator elements, almost like a blend of Minecraft and Animal Crossing. Using the abilities of the Pokémon players meet along the way, gamers are able to turn the isolated land into a habitable place for all Pokémon. From building pathways, buildings, and beds to creating grass, placing blocks, and creating an overall vision, this game is a town-builder type game with crafting. Developed by Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force studio, who are also responsible for Dragon Quest Builders 2, this game features its signature style. This studio is well-known for delivering the best sandbox-building games, some of which are already among the greatest Nintendo Switch games.

Pokémon Pokopia is set in a post-apocalyptic version of the Kanto region, best known for the Generation One games Red and Blue. In it, players control a Ditto with no memories of who they previously were. Abandoned by humans, this world is now uninhabitable by Pokémon, making it truly isolated. Finding a photo of their old trainer, Ditto takes the form of the human before discovering Professor Tangrowth, who studies the environment of the setting. Now, it is up to Ditto to restore the world to its former glory by making it habitable for Pokémon. As more Pokémon inhabit the town, the world grows further, with Ditto also investigating the mysterious disappearance of humans. Even though it has a main story, fans are able to build the world of Pokémon Pokopia to their complete imagination.

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‘Pokémon: Pokopia’ Is the Best Pokémon Game!

Pokémon Pokopia is the perfect anniversary present for the franchise’s 30th anniversary, even though fans were wishing the tenth generation of games would come out at the end of the year. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Pokémon Winds and Waves is coming out sometime in 2027 after the Pokémon Presents in February was announced. Thus, Pokémon Pokopia had enough room to really make an impact on the franchise, and make an impact it did. This spin-off feels like a true original while still respecting the essence of Pokémon.

Even if Pokémon Pokopia isn’t a mainline game, it is one of the greatest video game spin-offs of all time, and also one of the best-looking titles in the franchise. Graphics-wise, it is better than everything Pokémon has to offer in the 3D realm, delivering a gorgeous world with polished graphics, well-made models, and no bugs or glitches. Pokémon Pokopia is one of the best optimized and polished Pokémon games, making it much easier to play and immerse in. Not only that, but it is also the highest-rated Pokémon game on Metacritic with an 89, beating out the previous record holder, Pokémon X and Y, with an 88. Arguably, the game’s greatest strength is how it captures what it would be like to actually live in the Pokémon world. It’s immersive and charming, making players’ bond with Pokémon not only believable but actually impactful and meaningful.

It may be hard to compare it to other games in the franchise because it’s such a different take on the classic formula, but Pokémon Pokopia clearly has the passion, polish, and quality behind it that many Pokémon games are missing. Even compared to the older classics, Pokémon Pokopia embodies the best of the franchise, using its distinct gameplay and relaxing vibes mixed with Pokémon worldbuilding, lore, and easter eggs to create a must-play game. The amount of attention to detail is astounding, adding to the fact that the gameplay loop is rewarding and engaging, arguably making it one of the greatest video games of all time.

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Is ‘Pokémon: Pokopia’ the Game of the Year?

Pokemon gathering in pokopia game
Pokemon gathering in pokopia game
Image via The Pokémon Company

As mentioned in the introduction, there are a lot of good games from 2026, including 007: First Light and Resident Evil: Requiem, leading the pack with Pokémon Pokopia. If it were just this lineup, Pokémon Pokopia could walk away with the win as it is tied for the second highest rated video game of the year on Metacritic. Things get a bit more complicated in September, when dozens of highly anticipated video games come out, including Marvel’s Wolverine and Control Resonant. But the real competition is in November, when GTA 6 and likely Ocarina of Time come out. Pokémon Pokopia is a fantastic game, and it will definitely win some awards. However, its place as a remarkable experience within the Pokémon fandom already makes it one-of-a-kind.

Pokémon’s 30th anniversary has already been a big one, and even if gamers were hoping for a new mainline entry, Pokémon Pokopia is arguably the better option. This optimized masterpiece is one of the most fluid gaming experiences fans have had, and with wholesome fun and cute moments, it is another defining entry in the franchise and a big reason why it has so many fans. Pokémon Pokopia is something completely different, but that variety is what makes the franchise special. Fans may not have expected it to be as good as it is, but the simplicity, weirdness, and wholesomeness boosted the appeal of Pokémon Pokopia to make it the best game of 2026 so far, and arguably the greatest video game Pokémon has to offer in the 2020s, at least until Winds and Waves comes out.

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New Album To Be Dropped Under Gucci Mane

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Pooh Shiesty Teases New Album To Be Dropped Under Gucci Mane Label As He Awaits Trial For Allegedly Robbing The Rapper

Pooh Shiesty has teased his new album, ‘All Eyes On Shiest,’ which will be dropped under Gucci Mane‘s 1017 music label, as Shiesty awaits trial for allegedly robbing Gucci.

RELATED: Pooh Shiesty, His Dad, Gucci Mane & Keyshia Ka’oir Were Active On Social Media Around Time Of Alleged Robbery — Here’s What They Posted

Pooh Shiesty Teases New Album To Be Dropped Under Gucci Mane’s Label

Earlier this week, a new post was shared via Pooh Shiesty’s Instagram account. Furthermore, the post featured the caption, “Last Man Breathin out now. All Eyes on Shiest album Friday. For Entertainment Purposes Only…”

The clip appeared to be an apparent visual teaser for his single, ‘Last Man Breathin,’ off of the upcoming ‘All Eyes on Shiest.’

Peep the NSFW video clip by clicking here.

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Social Media Reacts To His New Album Under Gucci Mane’s Label

Furthermore, social media users entered Pooh Shiesty’s comment section with reactions to his new album. According to the album’s Apple Music page, it will be released under Gucci Mane’s 1017 Global Music label.

Instagram user @gram_84 wrote, Man judge give him a 3rd chance”

While Instagram user @taranshinger added, Album Gonna be Released under 1017😭😭😭”

Instagram user @officialeliii_ wrote, Gucci better not get a dime from this”

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While Instagram user @theyh8te_d3 added, Gucci rubbing his hands together ready to get paid lol”

Instagram user @cijyizzy wrote, 🥷 ain’t learnin shi in there 😭😂”

While Instagram user @nhlumayo_23 added, Guwop laughing at this , all the money he is about to make ..😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

Instagram user @blinkcinderella wrote, still under 1017 😂😭”

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While Instagram user @youloverichard added, Gucci posting this from his acc just smiling 🫩”

Instagram user @mau3jr wrote, Pooh ain’t gonna see a single Cent From This Album 🤣😂😂😭”

Pooh Shiesty Is Awaiting Trial For Allegedly Robbing The Rapper

As The Shade Room previously reported, Pooh Shiesty’s federal case for allegedly kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane was initially scheduled for July 2026. However, per Fox13 Memphis, the trial was pushed back to  February 22, 2027. According to Local Memphis, the trial will also include Pooh’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr., and six others.

Furthermore, the trial will reportedly be held at the Earle Cabell Federal Building in Dallas.

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RELATED: UPDATE: Pooh Shiesty Reportedly Learns Federal Trial Date In Robbery & Kidnapping Case (VIDEO)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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