J Balvin‘s girlfriend, model Valentina Ferrer, is confirming that the couple have split after nearly 10 years together.

“After sharing so many years and important moments together, José and I have decided to take separate paths,” the Miss Universe contestant, 32, announced via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 16.

J Balvin (full name José Álvaro Osorio Balvín), 41, reportedly met Valentina on a shoot for his “Sigo Extrañándote” music video in 2017 and they started dating soon after. They welcomed a son — who is named Río in honor of the musician’s love for Rio de Janeiro — in June 2021.

Us has reached out to both parties’ representatives for comment.

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“[Our split] has been a decision made from love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family,” Ferrer wrote in Wednesday’s Instagram Story. “Our priority will continue to be always accompanying Río with all our love.”

Ferrer called for the public to give her and J Balvin privacy as they navigate this significant change for their family.

“We are going through this process calmly and deeply appreciate the understanding and respect toward this very personal moment for us,” her Instagram Story statement concluded.

Fans suspected there were complications in Ferrer and J Balvin’s relationship in recent months, as the two reportedly haven’t released joint social media content since late July.

Hola reported that Ferrer recently responded with “likes” on social media content when fans speculated that she may have been dropping hints about trouble in her relationship by posting Karol G’s breakup anthem “Alguien Que Te Amaba.”

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Stars didn’t hold back with their creative outfits at the 2026 Coachella Music & Arts Festival. Bachelor Nation’s Kit Keenan, for example, hand-made her sparkling ensemble with help from her designer mom, Cynthia Rowley. She documented the design process via TikTok earlier this month, sharing behind-the-scenes clips of her mom busy at work sewing pieces […]

However, Ferrer gave an interview to Brazil’s G Show on Thursday, September 10, where she was asked about the key to her and J Balvin’s near ten-year relationship.

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“There isn’t [one key]. Each couple develops a different kind of complicity and way of approaching the relationship,” she said. “It’s more about respecting each other, knowing how to communicate, and a lot of companionship.”

Ferrer confirmed that she was staying behind in New York City while J Balvin performed on the main stage of the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 12. She noted that both she and J Balvin orchestrate their busy careers in order to maximize time with Río.

“Río is 5 years old and already has his own routine with school, activities, and playtime. We’re always adjusting our daily lives so we can enjoy time with Río,” Ferrer told G Show last week. “He doesn’t yet understand the scope of our careers, but that will come with time.”

The fantasy genre is one of the oldest and most vibrant genres of storytelling thanks to its ability to bring anything the storyteller can imagine to life. It can be further broken down into different sub-genres, such as high fantasy, like Lord of the Rings, and urban magic, like Harry Potter. One that has become more popular in recent years is dark fantasy.

Defining dark fantasy is a bit tricky, but the basic idea is that it is a fantasy story that incorporates elements of horror and more mature and frightening themes. As such, creative types can go wild with these stories, especially in film. Dark fantasy movies always stand out for their amazing visuals and how harsh their stories can be, even if the target audience is children.

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‘Legend’ (1985)

Image via Universal Pictures

Princess Lili (Mia Sara) is a pure-hearted soul who has befriended a woodland sprite named Jack in the Green (Tom Cruise). One day, Jack takes Lili to see the last pair of unicorns, one of whom is killed by the goblin Blix (Alice Playten), in service to the evil Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry). This brings about a deadly winter, and if the second unicorn is killed, Darkness can banish the sun.

Though poorly received on release, Legend has become a cult classic thanks to its charismatic actors and phenomenal practical effects. Its story is a simple good vs. evil fairy tale, but it lends itself to some memorable characters, with the highlight being Darkness. Along with a striking and intimidating design, his personality is another chance for Curry to chew the scenery. Note: if you’re going to watch it, try to find the director’s cut, which includes the original score by Jerry Goldsmith.

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‘Fire and Ice’ (1983)

Image via 20th Century Fox

Sorceress Queen Juliana (Susan Tyrrell) and her son, Nekron (Stephen Mendel), use their magic to spread Arctic glaciers in their war against humanity, with only the volcanic kingdom of Firekeep standing against them. Juliana sends her minions to kidnap Firekeep’s princess, Teegra (Maggie Roswell), to be Nekron’s bride, but she escapes. She finds allies against the sorcerers in the form of Larn (William Ostrander), a survivor from a tribe wiped out by the glaciers, and Darkwolf (Steve Sandor), a powerful and mysterious warrior.

Fire and Ice is an underrated gem in the wild filmography of Ralph Bakshi. It boasts some fantastic use of rotoscoping, which gives the characters more lifelike movement and adds a lot of realism to the action scenes. This realistic movement also makes the film feel more dangerous, as the characters struggle to survive in this hostile world and fight for their right to live.

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‘Return to Oz’ (1985)

Image via Buena Vista Distribution

After returning from the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) is sent to the sanatorium of Dr. Worley (Nicol Williamson), who plans to use electroshock therapy on her. She escapes with the help of a mysterious girl and returns to Oz, which has been taken over by the Nome King (Nicol Williamson and Pons Maar). With help from a mechanical man named Tik-Tok (Sean Barrett), a pumpkin-headed scarecrow named Jack (Brian Henson), and a talking chicken named Billina (Denise Bryer), Dorothy attempts to find her friend the Scarecrow (Justin Case) and save Oz from the Nome King’s rule.

Return to Oz has earned a reputation as one of the most disturbing kids’ films ever made, especially if one watches it after seeing the original Wizard of Oz. It trades bright and colorful imagery for some truly twisted and terrifying concepts, such as a witch who collects the heads of young women, her wheel-limbed minions called Wheelers, and some of the creepiest stop-motion in film, brought to life by the legendary Will Vinton. This fits the tone of the original Oz books better than the 1939 classic and has helped the movie gain a strong cult following over the years.

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‘The Neverending Story’ (1984)

Image via Warner Bros.

Bastian Balthazar Bux (Barret Oliver) is an introverted child who lives with his father following the recent death of his mother. One day, while escaping bullies, he runs into a mysterious bookshop and steals one titled “The Neverending Story”. It details a fantasy world called Fantasia, which is being destroyed by an abstract force called The Nothing, and the hero Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), who sets off to defeat it.

The Neverending Story is an amazing balancing act between a rich, whimsical fantasy world and dark, existential themes. The Nothing in particular is one of the most terrifying forces in any fantasy film: an abstract manifestation of loss and depression that slowly erodes the world until all color and hope have left it. Still, there’s lots of wonder and magic to be found, such as in the character of Falcor (Alan Oppenheimer), an optimistic luckdragon who encourages Atreyu to never give up.

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‘Dragonslayer’ (1981)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Galen Brandwardyn (Peter MacNicol) is a young man apprenticed to the great sorcerer, Ulrich of Cragganmore (Ralph Richardson). One day, a group of soldiers from the kingdom of Urland arrive at Ulrich’s tower to request his help in slaying the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative. Unfortunately, one of the soldiers stabs Ulrich when he tries to demonstrate his power, leaving Galen to try and kill the dragon with nothing but his master’s ashes and magic amulet.

Dragonslayer is a gritty and subversive film that pulls no punches with how grim its world can be. Young women are regularly sacrificed to Vermithrax to appease its hunger, while Galen and his allies are pushed to their limit in trying to find a way to bring down the dragon. Speaking of Vermithrax, it remains one of the greatest dragons in film thanks to an ancient, menacing design, and the multitude of techniques that went into its creation.

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‘The Dark Crystal’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

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On the world of Thra live two ancient dying races: the evil Skeksis, who drain the planet’s life force through a dark crystal to prolong their lives, and the good Mystics, who practice ancient magic in isolation. As the Skeksis emperor and the elder Mystic die on the same day, Jen (Stephen Garlick), one of the last Gelflings, is tasked with finding a shard from the dark crystal to bring an end to the Skeksis’ rule. He must do this before the three suns of Thra converge, which will allow the Skeksis to achieve full immortality.

The Dark Crystal is one of the most visually distinct fantasy movies ever made. Thra looks and feels like a truly alien world: plants and even patches of earth seem to pulse with breath, and every creature’s design is perfectly tailored to their role in the world. The Skeksis are easily the most iconic creatures from the film, with their vulture-like heads, extravagant costumes, and decadent personalities making them the perfect representation of greed, corruption, and rot.

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‘Conan The Barbarian’ (1982)

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As a child, Conan (Jorge Sanz and Arnold Schwarzenegger) is forced to watch as his village is destroyed, and his parents are killed by raiders in the service of a warlord named Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). Forced into slavery, Conan eventually earns his freedom as a gladiator and befriends the thief Subotai (Gerry Lopez) and the warrior Valeria (Sandahl Bergman). After the three successfully steal treasures from one of Doom’s towers, they are contracted by King Osric (Max von Sydow) to rescue his daughter, who has been brainwashed into joining Doom’s cult.

Conan The Barbarian is one of the most important and influential fantasy films ever made. It helped to kick off Schwarzenegger’s career as a major action star and inspired a decade’s worth of other gritty fantasy movies. The action scenes stand out, especially for their copious levels of blood, unshackled brutality, and fantastic music.

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‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

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After the death of his son, a woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) gets drunk one night and decides to try to remake him out of wood. After he passes out, a Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton) uses magic to bring to life the puppet he created, called Pinocchio (Gregory Mann), and assigns a cricket named Sebastian (Ewan McGregor) to teach him morality. As Pinocchio learns about life and all its trials and tribulations, he discovers that when he dies, he comes back to life after speaking with the Wood Sprite’s sister, Death (Tilda Swinton).

This adaptation of Pinocchio has been a passion project of Guillermo del Toro for years, and it shows in the finished product. The story manages to be darker than the Disney adaptations in some ways, replacing fantasy nightmares with real ones like Fascism. It’s also a very poignant dive into themes of mortality, exploitation, and what it means to truly live, all brought to life through fantastic stop-motion.

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‘Coraline’ (2009)

Image via Focus Features

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Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) is not happy when she moves from Michigan to a boarding house in Oregon, or that her parents are more preoccupied with work than her. While exploring the house, she discovers a door in the wall that leads to another world created by her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher). She tailors the world to whatever Coraline desires, but underneath the glamor there is something dark and sinister.

Coraline combines a story by Neil Gaiman, animation by Laika, and the creative vision of stop-motion legend Henry Selick to make one of the most stylistic and creepy children’s films in recent years. Everything about the Other World is especially disturbing, from how bright and perfect it is at first to how it slowly begins to erode and corrupt into a dark and twisted perversion of reality. The Other Mother herself is also one of animation’s scariest villains thanks to how sinister she is while luring children to their doom.

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‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a young girl living in Francoist Spain, follows a fairy deep into an underground labyrinth. There, she meets a faun (Doug Jones), who explains that she is the reincarnation of Princess Moanna of the underworld. To return to her kingdom, she must pass three trials, while also tending to her pregnant mother and ruthless stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López).

Pan’s Labyrinth is perhaps the masterpiece of Guillermo del Toro’s career. The film uses its fantasy elements to complement and explain the harshness of the world around Ofelia, such as the terrifying Pale Man (Doug Jones), an elderly creature who sustains himself by eating the flesh of children. Yet intermingled with this darkness are themes of hope, sacrifice, and bravery.

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The Dark Crystal

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Release Date

December 17, 1982

Runtime

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93 minutes

Director

Frank Oz

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Writers

David Odell, Jim Henson

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• 

  Jim Henson

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  Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master

• 

  Kathryn Mullen

  Kira, a Gelfling

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The first season of Nation’s Dumbest has come to an end … and the winner of the Fox game show is now speaking out.

Chase “Huddy” Hudson spoke exclusively to Us about coming out on top after Hilaria Baldwin graduated during the Wednesday, September 16, episode, saying, “I’m wearing that title with pride, for sure. I don’t think that it was a bad thing. I think that it’s going to be a good thing in the long run.”

Hudson, 24, pointed out that he had the honor of being the first person crowned the “Nation’s Dumbest.”

“For a TV show that’s never aired in America before, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. So when I was getting off the show, they told me everyone that had done this TV show in Europe had left the show and became these huge ambassadors of different things and shooting commercials,” he noted. “Everybody else that had shot the show, they’re going about their day, but the winner gets a crown, in a way.”

The musician didn’t mind wearing what he called a “badge of honor” despite it coming as a result of him not passing enough logic and classroom challenges.

“A lot of people at home are playing this with us, which is a cool thing. And they have been telling me, ‘Oh, I’ve been trying to play, and I got a lot of the same things you got wrong. I wouldn’t know any of this stuff,’” he recalled. “There are harder questions that stumped everybody. No one was able to guess it. So I’m like, ‘You know what? It doesn’t make me feel that bad now that I’m looking back on it.’ There were some pretty tough and very random things.”

Hudson went on to point out that “you can’t even study” for Nation’s Dumbest, adding, “There’s nothing that you could do differently because you don’t know what trivia question you’re going to be asked. They’re spinning a wheel on a million random questions from a million different places, and a lot of them are meant to stump you. There’s trick questions where you’re going to think it’s one thing and it’s another.”

He continued: “The thing that I did when I went in there was I studied all the baseball teams, all the football teams and anything that had to do with, like, American sports or even the cities where the capitals were and landmarks. I thought it was just going to be American geography, and I knew that they were going to do coins as well. I knew they were going to do something with money, so I actually looked at all the faces. So when that came up in a challenge, I knew I studied for this.”

Nation’s Dumbest, which is streaming on Hulu, features 12 celebrities competing against each other in classroom challenges to prove they are not the “nation’s dumbest” and “graduate” as early as possible.

For Hudson, revisiting his time in school wasn’t always positive.

“When I was a student, I was definitely, like, all over the place. I’m super ADHD, and I think that that plays a role in all of this as well,” he told Us. “One of the things my mom pointed out — because she’s also ADHD — is it’s a lot easier for someone with ADHD to understand what the question is if it’s written out in front of them and they can read it. That’s something that we didn’t have on the TV show.”

The actor recalled feeling “underestimated” by others.

“I could have studied a lot harder, but I think that that just wasn’t where my brain was at. I had always been sort of, like, a visionary and more of a creative person. One thing that the show really showed me and the world is where my knowledge had lied,” he continued. “For me, that was always music and fashion and culture and art. Being able to showcase that for everybody, it’s nice to show people who think that I wouldn’t know a lot about those things that I do care about it. Some people think that people in our industry are half-ass caring about these things that they really care about and really pay attention to.”

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Since wrapping up his time on Nation’s Dumbest, Hudson has had a lot more to celebrate — including the Friday, September 18, release of his Somebody to Hate album.

“It is just about growing up feeling like people had something against me. Whether it was on social media where they didn’t like me or they didn’t like my music or I felt like they had been trying to find a reason to not like me,” he explained of the record’s concept. “So I think this was sort of taking that power back. There’s a story line to all of it as well. Things that I’ve gone through throughout my life living in L.A. that have made me into the person that I am today. I wanted to open up and be vulnerable with people about my journey in a way that feels striking. When you see it at first, I think a lot of people saw the title and were like, ‘What? This is crazy.’ And I’m just like, ‘No, it’s not me being defensive that I am somebody to hate.’”

Hudson concluded: “If people want to put that label onto me, I’ll wear it. I want not to convince you that I’m not somebody to hate but to show you an introspective look into who I am.”

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Looking ahead, Hudson has plans to keep challenging himself — but not always in reality TV form.

“I’ve been developing a jewelry brand, which is really cool. I’ve been working on a lot of new music,” he shared. “I might do a tour for this album, and I’ve been auditioning for a lot of really cool stuff. So maybe we’ll keep the acting ball rolling too.”

Nation’s Dumbest is streaming on Hulu.

Come 2027, Michael B. Jordan may be focusing on something other than the big screen. 

The “Sinners” star has enjoyed another standout year in Hollywood. From earning Best Actor honors for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in the hit film to lining up several major projects, Jordan has barely slowed down.

Now, the actor says he is preparing to do exactly that.

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After years of talking about taking a breather, Jordan says those plans are coming sooner rather than later. 

He is currently busy filming the modern revival of “Miami Vice” and producing “Delphi,” while the first part of 2027 will focus on promoting “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

After that, however, he intends to hit the brakes. “I’ll probably take the rest of next year off,” the “Creed” star told Vogue during a recent interview. 

Jordan explained that the downtime will allow him to slow down and take stock of everything he has accomplished. “That’s probably when I’m going to do more reflecting and processing of all of this,” the 39-year-old shared. 

Fresh off a major awards-season triumph, Jordan admitted he has been constantly on the move as his career continues to reach new heights.

He also teased that his future could take an unexpected turn, joking that he may one day “quit it all and make anime for the rest” of his life.

A Look At Michael B. Jordan’s Upcoming Projects

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Even with a break on the horizon, Jordan still has a packed slate ahead. The Blast previously reported that he will take on the role of Ricardo Tubbs, a character made famous by Philip Michael Thomas in the original NBC crime drama that aired from 1984 to 1990.

 The film will explore both the glamour and darker side of mid-1980s Miami and draw inspiration from the show’s early seasons. Joseph Kosinski is directing the project, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 6, 2027.

Jordan is also stepping behind the camera for the second time with a romantic heist adventure in which he will also star. Speaking about the project, he described it as “big, international, sexy, and full of surprises,” hinting at twists audiences won’t see coming.

The ‘Swapped’ Actor Can’t Get Over His Latest Accomplishment

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Despite looking ahead to new ventures, Jordan is still enjoying the excitement surrounding his Oscar victory.

During Amazon’s CinemaCon presentation earlier this year, he was introduced as an Academy Award Winner, and was all smiles. 

“I don’t think that will ever get old,” the “Fantastic Four” actor gushed about it even though it has been months since he took the honor. 

As expected, fans celebrated his accomplishments. Per The Blast, one fan wrote, “Much respect. Of course, it shouldn’t get old, and other actors feel the same way. Congratulations to MBJ again for an epic and well-deserved win!”

This Hollywood Veteran Thinks Jordan Deserves More Awards

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While fans believe Jordan deserved the win, his colleague, Jamie Foxx, felt the same. 

Foxx did not hide his feelings after Jordan recognized him among the Black performers who had previously reached the same career milestone during his acceptance speech.

The Blast reported that Foxx later took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, expressing both his pride and admiration for Jordan’s continued success.

In the “Django Unchained” star’s caption, he wrote, “Words can’t express how proud I am of you. You deserve this and so much more. Congratulations, my brother.”

Michael B. Jordan Reacts To David Jonsson Leading The Next ‘Black Panther’

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Jordan has also shared his excitement about the future of the Marvel DC Comics franchise following reports that David Jonsson will lead the upcoming third installment.

The Oscar-winning performer famously portrayed Erik Killmonger in 2018’s part before reprising the character in “Wakanda Forever.”

Speaking on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Jordan couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when asked about Jonsson’s casting.

“Oh, I love it. It’s amazing! I can’t wait, can’t wait!” he said, according to The Blast.

Jonsson, best known for his performances in “Alien: Romulus” and “Industry”, is expected to portray the adult son of King T’Challa and Nakia, a character originally played by the late Chadwick Boseman.

While detective shows aren’t exactly few and far between in streaming, every so often a show comes along that flips the genre on its head. That’s certainly the case for Prime Video’s Young Sherlock, which first premiered on March 4, 2026, and is already renewed for Season 2. The series, created and directed by Guy Ritchie, not only brings something new to the genre with a fast-paced, Victorian mystery, but puts its own spin on the iconic character Sherlock Holmes.

After all, unlike previous TV adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle‘s beloved detective, such as Sherlock and Elementary, Young Sherlock has him at a very young age, when his observational skills were still being crafted and his experience with crimes was just starting to scratch the surface. By doing so, the series tells the story of a genius before he even reaches genius level, and it’s a thrilling and innovative perspective that had viewers hooked from Episode 1.

‘Young Sherlock’ Biggest Spin Makes It a Standout

Among the best parts of having Young Sherlock follow a younger, more shapeable Sherlock Holmes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) is the fact that the show follows him without his trusty sidekick, John Watson. While Watson is very much a character in both Sherlock and Elementary, played by Martin Freeman and Lucy Liu, respectively, Young Sherlock follows a period before they first met. Instead, the series has Sherlock join forces with his soon-to-be nemesis, James Moriarty (Dónal Finn). Together, young Sherlock and Moriarty are not only new friends, coming together to solve the crime at hand, but rely on each other as not only partners in crime, but confidants too.

“What makes Young Sherlock so compelling is this relationship between Moriarty and Sherlock,” Therese Lacson wrote in her review for Collider. “Rather than making them enemies from the start, their close friendship and the fact that Moriarty essentially almost becomes adopted into the Holmes family make his inevitable turn to evil all the more devastating.” By doing so, watching Young Sherlock is not only an entertaining ride for the mysteries themselves, but almost like watching a pot of water slowly come to a boil: you know exactly what’s coming, but you can’t look away.

‘Young Sherlock’ Was Beloved By Viewers and Critics Alike

Since its premiere, the series has received a warm reception from viewers and critics alike. Not only did the series reach over 45 million viewers in the first 28 days, per Deadline, and is ranked among the top 10 Prime Original Seasons all-time, but it also scored 84% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and 83% in the audience-led Popcorn Meter. Among the highlights, of course, is how Tiffin’s Sherlock sets itself apart from previous iterations. “One of the best series of the year with an amazingly fresh take on Sherlock Holmes with a career-defining performance from Hero Fiennes Tiffin,” wrote one review on the review aggregator. “This is a different look at a character that audiences know all too well, and, instead of being derivative, Young Sherlock finds the necessary spark to sustain itself outside the shadow of any existing adaptation,” echoed another review.

After so much success, Young Sherlock received the green light for Season 2. Per Deadline, the sophomore season kicked off filming in late May in Palermo, Italy, with executive producer Ritchie directing the first episode. In addition to the returning cast, Season 2 will also see new faces, including new series regulars Olivia Williams (Dune: Prophecy), Sophie Skelton (Outlander), Indira Varma (The Night Manager) and Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones).

With all that said, Prime Video’s Young Sherlock has quickly established itself as a must-watch series on the platform giant. By taking a character fans know and love, and showing a new, younger side of him, the series is not only entertaining, but offers a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter in his life. Plus, with a brand-new dynamic between Sherlock and Moriarty, the series became all the more nail-biting. With Season 2 officially underway, here’s hoping the series continues to expand on the TV magic it created with Season 1.

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Release Date

March 4, 2026

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Matthew Parkhill

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A “Game of Thrones” star has spoken out against Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from the singer’s tour.

Liam Cunningham, in a brief post on X, said the move had revealed who Sheeran truly was, a comment supported by several social media users. However, Sheeran has denied dropping Macklemore, saying the promoters made the call.

Taking to X, Cunningham called out Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from the ongoing Loop Tour following his comments about Palestine.

“We know who Ed Sheeran is now,” the “Game of Thrones” star wrote on the social media platform on September 14.

He followed up with another post that appeared to reference Sheeran’s stated neutrality on the Palestine issue.

“If you find yourself saying ‘I’m not taking sides’ during a genocide, you are. You most definitely are,” the actor said.

Wil Wheaton And Ms. Rachel Also Criticize Ed Sheeran

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Cunningham is among several high-profile figures who have criticized Sheeran amid the controversy, with actor Wil Wheaton and children’s educator Ms. Rachel also weighing in.

Wheaton called the singer a “coward with no conviction” and accused the “Shape of You” crooner of choosing greed over supporting Macklemore, whom he said had been friends with Sheeran for over a decade.

Ms. Rachel offered a less scathing response but still argued that Sheeran had missed an opportunity to speak out against the genocide in Gaza.

“Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine. Instead, he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it,” the children’s educator wrote on Threads.

Macklemore Repeated ‘Free Palestine’ Before His Tour Removal

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The controversy began when Macklemore made several pro-Palestinian comments onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, during Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

Among them was “Free Palestine,” which he repeated to the enthusiastic crowd.

Shortly afterward, Macklemore was dropped from the tour. He then took to Instagram to announce his removal and double down on his stance.

“If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on,” Macklemore said in an Instagram post.

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After Macklemore’s post, Sheeran said he wasn’t involved in the decision to remove the rapper from his tour.

According to the singer, the owners of venues hosting his upcoming shows had decided the tour would not move forward if Macklemore remained a supporting act following his comments about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sheeran said he tried to find a resolution, but the promoters ultimately decided the best course of action was to remove Macklemore from the tour.

At the time, the singer also said his decision to remain neutral did not mean he didn’t care about or support causes in his own way.

FINNEAS, Lukas Graham And Aaron Rowe Exit Ed Sheeran’s Tour

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Macklemore’s departure has been followed by several other supporting acts leaving the tour in solidarity with him.

Lukas Graham, FINNEAS, and Aaron Rowe all made the decision and shared their reasons for leaving in social media posts.

“Artists should not be silenced when they speak for the oppressed,” FINNEAS wrote.

“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children,” Rowe remarked.

Andy Cohen is taking accountability for shading Dancing With the Stars newbie Julia Stiles’ choreography in the classic movie Save the Last Dance.

“Tonight’s Jackhole [of the Day] goes to me for comments I made about Julia Stiles on the radio last year,” the TV host, 58, announced to Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen viewers on Wednesday, September 16. “Julia, I am so sorry!”

The drama between the WWHL host and Stiles came up during the second half of DWTS’ two-night premiere on Wednesday as Julia discussed her hesitancy around dancing.

“Andy Cohen, do you know him?” Julia, 45, asked her pro partner Ezra Sosa in the rehearsal room. “[His] quote is imprinted in my brain.”

Dancing With the Stars cut to a clip from Andy’s Sirius XM radio show from 2025, in which he was interviewing Julia’s Save the Last Dance costar Kerry Washington.

“Can we all just agree that Julia Stiles is not the greatest dancer on the planet?” Andy asked Kerry, 49. “It was her big Juilliard audition [in the movie]!”

Kerry chuckled over Andy’s joke before pointing out that Julia’s climactic dance sequence was choreographed by industry legend Fatima Robinson.

“[Fatima] was choreographing that dance within a specific cultural context … Greatness goes through different eras,” Kerry pointed out in her chat with Andy.

Back in the DWTS rehearsal room, Julia admitted to partner Ezra, 25, that she shied away from dancing in recent years because she felt pressure to live up to Save the Last Dance. (Julia starred in the 2001 romantic drama as a 17-year-old ballerina who embraces contemporary dance to land a spot at the prestigious Juilliard School.)

“I am not a professional dancer by any means. I just played one in a movie,” Julia told Ezra. “It was doubled [by another dancer], by the way. I stopped taking dance classes because people expected me to be this perfect dancer.”

While she’s now embracing her love of dance once again, Julia also admitted that she thinks of winning Dancing With the Stars as a way to settle her beef with Andy.

“We’re gonna win the mirrorball and sit on Andy’s [Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen] couch and be like, ‘Hey,’” she vowed.

Hours after the DWTS segment aired, Andy addressed Julia’s hurt feelings during his “Jackhole of the Day” segment on WWHL. (The late-night staple usually involves Andy poking fun at a public figure involved in controversy.)

“I am the last person who should be giving anyone feedback on their dancing,” Andy quipped.

Andy then showed some hilarious footage of himself at a concert, wearing a tie-dye T-shirt as he grooved to the music.

“Great job, Julia Stiles, you killed it tonight,” Andy declared. “You did amazing tonight and I know you’re going to have a great run. This diva gives all of you permission to flood my inbox with the ten things you hate about me!”

The 10 Things I Hate About You actress and Ezra made a solid first impression during the second half of Dancing With the Stars’ two-night premiere, earning a score of 18 out of 30 from the judges for their quickstep set to “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton. (Judge Derek Hough joked that Andy can “eat it” during his critique of Julia and Ezra, calling their routine “beautiful [and] graceful.”)

Prior to Wednesday’s kickoff show, Julia exclusively told Us on September 2 that Save the Last Dance did not “prepare” her at all for the ballroom.

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“First of all, I have not gone to a dance class. I stopped taking dance classes after that movie because I was so self conscious,” she explained. “I can see how tense I was in that movie.”

The actress added, “This is my chance to free myself from all that and just enjoy the experience and learn something new with an amazing partner at the top of his game. It’s a dream, a total dream.”

Dancing With the Stars season 35 airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

The late Hayden Panettiere’s on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson reportedly offered brief public comments one month after the former Heroes star’s shocking death at age 36.

Hickerson, 36, was approached by a photographer outside of a gas station in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday, September 16, and was asked how he was holding up, per footage obtained by E! News.

“How do you think I’m doing?” Hickerson retorted.

When the photographer extended condolences, Hickerson replied, “Appreciate it. That’s all I got for you, man.”

Related: Inside Hayden Panettiere’s On-Off Relationship With Brian Hickerson

In the years after they broke up, Hayden Panettiere’s relationship with Brian Hickerson was still complicated even at the time of her tragic death. “Hayden and Brian have been on and off for years, but have pretty much always remained in contact,” a source exclusively shares with Us of the pair’s history prior to her […]

The tense interaction occurred one month after Panettiere died inside a Greenville residence on August 16. A police report obtained by Us confirmed that Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the scene of Panettiere’s death.

This initial police report indicated that investigators found “no signs of trauma,” though a cause of death has yet to be determined. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office offered an update on its investigation on Monday, September 14, amid TMZ’s reporting that police suspect that Panettiere took one oxycodone pill that was laced with fentanyl.

“We have not released anything at this time. We will send out an email release when ready,” the Coroner’s Office told Fox Carolina on Monday.

The late actress’ spokesperson told Us in a statement this week, “As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise.”

“Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate,” her rep’s statement continued. “While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold. The answers we are all seeking will come.”

Panettiere wrote about her allegedly volatile relationship with Brian in her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was released less than three months before her death.

A 2020 domestic violence incident between Brian and Panettiere in Wyoming resulted in the two breaking off their relationship, yet the Hickerson brothers were reportedly present at the scene when the Nashville alum was found dead in August. (Brian was sentenced to 45 days in county jail in 2021 after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a partner. He was also required to complete four years of formal probation and 52 domestic violence classes, pay $500 in restitution, and obey a five-year protective order as part of his plea.)

Related: Hayden Panettiere Once Dated Brian Hickerson’s Brother Zach

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Hayden Panettiere was once romantically involved with on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson’s brother before her death. Us understands that Panettiere dated Zach Hickerson in 2019. She and Brian, meanwhile, were together on and off from 2018 to 2020. The Daily Mail was first to report the news alongside photos of Panettiere and Zach holding hands […]

Brian initially broke his silence over his on-off girlfriend’s death in a statement released to Us through his lawyer Sloan Ellis on August 20.

“It is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Brian’s lawyer told Us. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Since that time, Brian was briefly detained by police for allegedly throwing a barstool and his brother, Zach, was arrested for disorderly conduct following an alleged altercation with others at a South Carolina bar on Saturday, September 12. TMZ reported that the incident occurred when the brothers were “heckled” over “Hayden’s death” by bar patrons.

Zach offered his side of the story while speaking to TMZ outside of the Greenville County Detention Center on Sunday, September 13, after being released on bond.

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“It’s super frustrating. All that we’ve been through and all the rumors that get started, and then people believe them,” he said. “And then they attack as a result of the rumors. That’s what pisses me off.”

A Greenville police spokesperson confirmed that Brian was released at the scene without facing any charges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. 

‘Wedding’ might make you think ‘black dress,’ especially if you want something slimming, but Penélope Cruz proved that the right floral dress is just as flattering and much more luxe. Her fall maxi is loose, classy and totally rich-mom-coded, and we found the chic look for only $36!

Spotted in Venice with beau Javier Bardem, Cruz wore a floral wrap dress, mini heels and a crossbody bag. The dress was scattered with dainty red, yellow and purple flowers that created a dreamy, romantic Italian aesthetic — one that makes you rethink all the neutrals in your wardrobe. Polished and sleek, this Amazon twin hits every note.

Get the Alisoker Floral Maxi Dress for $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Like Cruz’s, this Alisoker Floral Maxi Dress works wonders for your figure, thanks to the wrap waist, flowy fabric and long sleeves that feel autumnal without being heavy. The red and yellow flowers channel Cruz’s Venice moment perfectly, and they visually smooth cellulite without even trying.

Related: Reese Witherspoon Wore a Loose Black Dress With Boots — The $33 Look

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When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classy black dress — but Reese Witherspoon found an even better version that channels *such* rich mom vibes. Naturally, we found the timelessly chic look for less. Psst, our pick is only $33. Witherspoon served up a masterclass in Southern-meets-sophisticated dressing for her latest Draper James […]

The waistband is another superpower. One happy shopper raved, “The smocked waist is probably my favorite part because it gives the dress some shape without being tight or uncomfortable. It hits in a flattering spot, and then the skirt flows nicely from there.”

It also happens to be a stealth wedding-guest weapon, so consider all the fall nuptials, autumn garden parties and cousins’ rehearsal dinners on your calendar handled.

Another five-star reviewer summed it up: “The floral print is vibrant and elegant, while the V-neck design creates a flattering, feminine look. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and flows beautifully, making it ideal for vacations, church, brunch, weddings or everyday wear.”

It’s a staple fall dress that transitions from a piazza lunch to a museum day without a costume change — or, more realistically, from a school pick-up to a rehearsal dinner. Clearly, you don’t need Bardem on your arm or a Venetian palazzo booking to copy Cruz’s look.

Get the Alisoker Floral Maxi Dress for $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping