Howard Stern is facing another major change at SiriusXM, months after dozens of employees connected to his long-running radio show lost their jobs.

The broadcaster’s archive channel, Howard 101, will reportedly be removed from the radio network as early as September.

The development follows an earlier reduction in Howard Stern’s staff members and arrives as questions continue to surround the future of his radio career.

Howard Stern’s Archive Channel Will Reportedly Go Off Air in September

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Howard 101 will reportedly disappear from SiriusXM beginning September 1, ending the channel’s run as the home of Stern’s archived material.

The major twist to the situation is that the station is expected to be replaced by a broadcast connected to Stern’s rival, Andy Cohen.

The change does not mean Stern is leaving SiriusXM immediately. His Howard 100 channel, which carries newer content material, will remain on the network, although its schedule has reportedly been reduced to just one live show each week.

Stern had already been dealing with uncertainty surrounding Howard 101 before the decision. Earlier in August, a source, per Globe Magazine, shared that he had “begrudgingly accepted that it’s time to scale things back,” but rumors that the archive station could be completely canceled were also affecting his mood.

His frustration was also said to stem partly from wanting to eventually leave on his own terms rather than have the decision made for him.

The Shock Jock Laid Off Roughly 50 Employees Ahead of the Channel’s Exit

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The removal of Howard 101 comes only months after Stern’s operation went through two rounds of layoffs that affected roughly 50 employees, according to Globe.

Several of those who lost their jobs had worked specifically on the archive channel, connecting the staffing reductions to a broader period of change surrounding Stern’s SiriusXM presence.

The cuts came as Stern’s radio operation was already being scaled down, with the future of Howard 101 becoming increasingly uncertain. The reduction in staff was therefore followed by an even bigger change, as the archive station itself is now preparing to stop airing.

The situation also appears to have been difficult for Stern because of the uncertainty surrounding decisions about his channels.

Describing his frustration, a source said, “Having to play this waiting game where he feels like the bosses are holding his future in their hands and capriciously deciding his fate is a nightmare.”

Howard Stern Allegedly Plans to End His Show in 2028

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Stern’s time behind the microphone could be said to be approaching its final years.

“The Howard Stern Show” is expected to come to an end when his current three-year SiriusXM contract expires in 2028, following a deal he signed with the company in December 2025.

According to one source, the program had already been slowing down before Stern entered his latest agreement.

“The show really limped to this last contract,” the insider said, adding that the show’s previous format “was not sustainable the way it’s been.”

Stern’s reduced broadcasting schedule has further fueled expectations that the longtime show is nearing its conclusion.

Addressing the move from two live shows a week to one, the source said, “Now that it’s going down to one, it’s clear it’s all just winding down.”

His Former Staffers Demanded Better Compensation After Layoffs

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Some of Stern’s former employees pushed back against the compensation they were offered after losing their jobs.

According to Page Six, several staffers declined an initial severance package that amounted to approximately one week of pay for every year they had worked, instead seeking better terms.

The negotiations have also extended beyond the amount of money offered. Some former employees had not signed the nondisclosure agreements attached to their packages and were negotiating their departures separately.

Others apparently had more success, with an insider saying some staffers were “feeling OK” about the final packages they secured after discussions with HR executives.

The dispute added another round of tension to the restructuring surrounding Stern’s radio operation, as longtime employees sought improved compensation before officially closing out their time with the show.

What Howard Stern Has Said About The Changes Being Made To His Show

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Regarding the surprising changes currently plaguing his show, Stern stressed to his fans during a live broadcast that the overhaul is perfect for his professional and personal life.

He said, “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all.”

The new deal reportedly gives him the freedom to reduce his time on the air while maintaining his worldwide reach. “More free time and continuing to be on the radio,” he noted, per Page Six.

Stern also defended his lightened workload by emphasizing his passion for pursuing personal interests outside of broadcasting.

He explained, “I do like my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”

NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin remains confident that Savannah Guthrie and her family will receive the answers they’ve been searching for in the wake of their mother Nancy Guthrie’s mysterious disappearance.

“I really still feel that there’s going to be a resolution and that [detectives are] going to solve it. I just know through my sources how many people are working behind the scenes,” Entin, 41, exclusively shared with Us in a new cover story focused on Nancy’s disappearance. “With other cases that go cold, they might have one detective that looks into it every once in a while, or they say it’s technically still open. With this case, there’s a dedicated task force. There are still FBI agents and detectives whose entire full-time job is just the Nancy Guthrie case every single day, and they all meet together every single day.”

After covering the case for more than six months, Entin is confident a breakthrough in the case is coming.

“I also have faith in the DNA. I’ve learned a lot about how much that technology is changing, and just other parts of science. There are advances every single week,” he claimed. “They’re able to do things they weren’t able to do not that long ago with DNA testing. I’m hopeful that eventually there’ll be a break on that front.”

Related: What Brian Entin Wants to Ask Savannah Guthrie After Covering Nancy’s Case

After covering Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance for more than 65 days, NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin hopes to have the opportunity to sit down with one close family member. “I would love to interview Savannah [Guthrie], and I’ve obviously, behind the scenes, been trying to make that happen,” Entin, 40, exclusively told Us Weekly on […]

News broke on February 1 that Savannah’s 84-year-old mom had been reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, after she failed to attend a virtual church service.

While police have yet to publicly name a suspect or person of interest in the case, a $1 million reward remains available to anyone with information that assists in Nancy’s recovery.

Entin traveled to Nancy’s hometown on February 2 and spent nearly 43 consecutive days in the city. He continues to make the trip to facilitate followup visits with neighbors, police and sources.

“I can’t think of another case I’ve covered where there was this level, I think, of pressure on law enforcement for it to be solved,” the journalist shared. “It goes all the way to the very top with [President Donald Trump and] people asking and concerned that it’s not solved and what’s going on. I think the agents and the detectives feel that, and I just think eventually there’s going to be a lucky break.”

While authorities have shared limited updates in recent weeks, Entin is not surprised that Americans continue to be captivated by the unsolved case.

“I think they just connected with it because they feel something for Nancy. You think about your own mom. You think about your own grandma,” he shared. “I think all of us who have older parents are always a little worried about them being alone. Do they have what they need? Are they still OK by themselves? Do they need security cameras? Do they remember to lock the door at night? … It was less about Savannah, and it was more just how does this nice older woman just vanish in the night? And there are no answers.”

Related: Investigating the Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes and What They Mean for the Case

Two ransom notes sent to local and national news outlets in connection with the disappearance of Today show host Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, continue to provide more questions than answers. “I think the sheriff’s office officially releasing the notes was probably trying to capitalize on that six-month moment,” NewsNation’s senior national correspondent Brian Entin […]

As police continue to investigate and ask for new tips, Entin is ready to pack his bags and head back to Tucson at a moment’s notice if needed. After six months, he’s confident that day will come sooner rather than later.

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“I would tell you if I thought that it was becoming a cold case,” he said. “I would just tell you if I was getting that vibe. But I still think every day, I’m like, ‘Today could be the day.’ I think that there’s just too many people working on it, and I think eventually there’s going to be a break.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can remain anonymous.

For more on Nancy, pick up the latest issue of Us – on newsstands now.

The Young and the Restless hot new spoilers for next week look at Sally Spectra‘s (Courtney Hope) pregnancy crisis, and things may take a really bad turn. Also, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) is suspicious when an uninvited visitor shows up to see him in rehab. They’ve got a motive and questions.

Also, things get awkward for Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle), and we find out where Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) has taken off to. We’ve got the latest The Young and the Restless spoilers for the week of August 31st.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Phyllis Enrages Nick

So, first, let’s talk about Nick’s uninvited visitor at rehab. Turns out it’s Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford). So, at the end of this week, she marches over to the new ranch to talk to Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), really to confront him. At first, Phyllis claims she’s there because Summer Newman (Allison Lanier) is upset. But Victor knows this isn’t true.

And he laughs right in Phyllis’s face. Because Victor says he knows that Phyllis has not talked to Summer in many months. And then Victor taunts Phyllis, asking if she’s there about Arabesque, and he calls it her half ass company, which is really nice. So that’s when she reveals the real reason that she’s there. And Phyllis demands to know what did Victor do to Matt. Phyllis says he’s nowhere to be found.

Y&R Spoilers: Phyllis Lashes Out at Victor

Victor finds it funny. But Phyllis is amped up and pacing, saying that he disappeared. And Victor reminds Phyllis that Matt told her he was leaving Genoa City, but Phyllis insists she and Matt made plans, and she knows he wouldn’t leave town without telling her. So, Phyllis accuses Victor of doing something to Matt and he tells Phyllis to check Matt’s aliases, check the prisons, and then Victor tells Phyllis to get out. But she threatens to call the cops since she heard Victor threatening Matt. And Phyllis suspects that Victor made Matt disappear.

So, Victor challenges Phyllis to call the police. Because then they’ll get rid of the real danger in town. And I’m guessing Victor means Matt. So, then Phyllis is hissing that Victor won’t get away with this and she storms out as he’s telling her, “Look, just forget all about Matt Clark.” Which is probably good advice. And then later, Phyllis runs into her son, Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei), and Phyllis actually asks Daniel to help her because she thinks Matt has been the victim of foul play.

But of course, Daniel doesn’t care. And he claps back that Matt is a dangerous criminal. But then Phyllis is blathering on about how Matt’s a changed man. And that’s when Daniel gets all upset. Because he realizes his mom, Phyllis, is involved with that lunatic, Matt. And Daniel tells Phyllis that something is wrong with her. Just a quick note before I tell you about the next spoiler for next week.

Matt Locked Up on Young and Restless?

There was a spoiler for this Friday’s episode that said Matt reconnects with Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk). But that didn’t happen on Friday’s episode. So, that spoiler is likely pushed off into next week, which is concerning for Matt. Because Patty’s in a high security facility and Victor just told Phyllis call the prisons.

So maybe Victor did somehow have Matt tossed into the psych hospital, maybe under another name or something. Or, you know, maybe he went to see Patty and just didn’t call Phyllis to give her a heads up that he was going to see that nutcase. That would be really weird. So, next week on The Young and the Restless, Phyllis reaches out to somebody that she should not be bothering, and that is Nick Newman.

Phyllis shows up at the rehab center, and Nick asks why she’s there, and Phyllis says it’s because she’s worried about him. But Nick says, “You’re here because of Matt Clark, aren’t you?” So, I wonder if Nick got a heads up from Victor that he planned to get rid of Matt once and for all, just to give Nick some peace of mind.

Young and the Restless Spoilers:

Also, at the end of this week, Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is with Sally. They’re at Society talking about Billy’s meeting with Lily Winters (Christel Khalil), and Billy’s telling Sally that Lily was questioning his motives for why he wants Chancellor. And Billy says he wishes that Lily would just accept Chancellor belongs to him. So, Sally’s got some anxiety. She feels like the other shoe’s going to drop. But Billy is assuring Sally that Lily’s just putting him through his paces.

And Billy’s trying to not just yank Chancellor away from Lily the way that Jill Abbott (Jess Walton) yanked it away from him. But Sally is worried that Lily is setting a trap for Billy. And Lily might be because Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) and Lily talked about something being really off about this whole loan situation that John Abbott (Jerry Douglas) made to Chancellor. Lily thinks that Catherine would have absolutely paid back the loan and they suspect something may be dodgy about all this.

So Lily and Cane talk about letting this sketchy thing come out under Billy’s tenure, not theirs. So, it seems like Lily needs to call Jill, who likely knows the real deal. Sally’s not sure Lily will give up Chancellor. But Billy says Lily is running Winters alone, so she can’t deal with it. But Sally says that Lily may want to keep Chancellor for Cane. So Sally is sensing something else is going on and she wonder if Lily has talked to somebody who was close to Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper), maybe like Amber Moore. That’s a nice call back.

YR Spoilers: Billy is Confident about Chancellor

And Billy appreciates that Sally’s looking out for him. He promises to stay alert. Bottom line, Sally’s very worried this won’t go the way that Billy wants and that he’s going to get knocked down again. But he tells Sally he’s got karma and the law on his side. And in the end, we all know Billy is going to refuse to walk away from this. But he insists to Sally he’s got a plan.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Sally’s Baby at Risk

So then, in next week’s The Young and the Restless spoilers, things take a drastic and scary turn. At the GCAC bar, Sally doubles over in pain and Billy panics and asks Sally what’s happening. And she says, “I don’t know. I think something is wrong.” So it looks like something could be going on with the baby. And if that’s the case, then Billy definitely needs to put all his focus on Sally and stop with this Chancellor mess. Maybe this will test Billy’s priorities.

And if something really is wrong with Sally or the baby, I would hope that Billy would walk away from Chancellor and be there one hundred percent for Sally. But this is Billy, so probably not. I’m sure that Sally is going to be terrified given that she lost her daughter Ava in childbirth. And these circumstances look eerily familiar.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Sally’s Tragic Pregnancy History

If you recall back in 2023, Sally was out with Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) and she grabbed her stomach and doubled over. She was in severe pain. Sally was also struggling to breathe and she had a headache. So Adam rushed Sally to the hospital and they diagnosed her with preeclampsia and a placental abruption.

So, they had to do an emergency C-section and Adam was forced to make the awful choice of whose life to save. And he chose Sally over the baby, and she was so upset with him. That was really hard on Adam and on Sally. So, Billy might find himself in the exact same position that Adam was in three years ago. Hopefully, The Young and the Restless won’t take another baby away from Sally, though.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Audra Taunts Victoria

Also, in next week The Young and the Restless spoilers, Victoria walks up on Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) and Kyle talking at Crimson Lights. Audra tells Victoria she and Kyle were just talking about her and Audra says, “You’ve been a very naughty girl, haven’t you?”

I think that Victoria is going to panic, thinking that Kyle let something slip to Audra about their night of passion. Kyle did not do that. But he might have provoked Audra and told her that Victoria is rebooting Vibrante since Newman owns it and we all know how much Kyle loves to poke at Audra.

Days of Our Lives reveals that Arianna Horton (Vico Escorcia) just got an earful after overhearing EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) talking with Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) about Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis).

So, I’m just wondering if Ari is going to tell her FBI agent Uncle Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) what she overheard. There wasn’t a smoking gun in the conversation, but Ari heard enough to make some trouble for EJ. Let’s get into what Ari could do with this new information that she got eavesdropping on EJ and Johnny.

Days of our Lives: Holly Blasts EJ

So, let’s dive into one more source of trouble coming EJ’s way as karma chases him down. Recently on Days, Holly Jonas confronted EJ DiMera about putting opioid pills in her bag at the hospital. And of course he did not admit it to Holly. He wasn’t going to. Instead, EJ deflected and he acted like he had no idea what she was talking about. Then he reminded Holly she should be grateful because he made the lawsuit go away.

But Holly kept on. She blasted EJ for calling in the Kiriakis loan and says now her whole family is about to lose everything. They won’t have a place to live. Holly also revealed somebody’s buying the mansion and EJ rushed off to make a call to Rita Lesley (Maggie Carney) because he wants the Kiriakis home. He wants it all.

There is so much that EJ has done to so many people in Salem over the last few months. Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) was stunned when Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) realized EJ planted the drugs in Holly’s bag. So, Sarah had to apologize to her niece Holly for doubting her. Ari and Tate Donovan Black (Leo Howard) thought that Holly had been using drugs because of her past pill popping. So, that’s bad. And the other big thing EJ did was letting DiMera Pharmaceuticals taint the well water on Smith Island.

EJ Gets Lucky on DOOL

That’s something right now he’s gotten away with. Sarah, Xander and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf)’s investigation hit a dead end because Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) cleaned up the well water. And John Oliver’s quirky water weirdo Develin St. John was also upset he was going to take down EJ, but Rita drugged him.

And then she gave both Develin and EJ some CRS to forget all this. So far, so good for EJ. That’s a whole bunch of crimes he’s gotten away with. But three law enforcement staffers, Jada Hunter (Elia Cantu), Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord), and Rafe would all love to put EJ behind bars.

So far, they just can’t make anything stick, but that could change. If you remember, Arianna interned at DiMera Enterprises while taking classes at Salem U. And she and Holly just moved back into the dorms and she headed off for her daily grind at DiMera. And that’s right when Johnny had come up to see EJ at the office.

Days of our Lives: Johnny’s Fed Up

So, Ari’s doing her intern thing and she overheard them talking. Specifically, what caught her attention was hearing Holly’s name mentioned behind closed doors. Johnny told his dad EJ that he came clean to his wife Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) about knowing that Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) was in the tunnels. I mean, that’s not a big deal, though, since she asked EJ to hide her there and he didn’t kidnap Lexie.

But Johnny kept going and he blasted EJ about him having to keep lying for his dad. Johnny doesn’t like keeping other secrets that EJ insists that he’s got to keep hidden, like what’s going on with his aunt Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) being on the run. But the topic at hand when Ari was passing by in the hallway was about Holly and the secret.

And Ari heard Johnny ask, “What about Holly?” And of course, Ari’s ears perked right up when she heard mention of her bestie Holly in this conversation between EJ and Johnny that sounded so intense. So Ari stood there and listened and she definitely got an earful. EJ said that he thought Johnny understood that he was just doing what he had to do to save DiMera. So, EJ mentioned that he spoke to Holly earlier.

 EJ Hits Back Hard on Days

However, EJ claimed that she was only upset that the Kiriakis mansion was being sold. He didn’t mention anything specific to Johnny about planting the Coriseal in Holly’s bag or the drugged well water where Ari could hear. And then Johnny went on about how he can’t keep keeping secrets for his father. And then EJ clapped back hard at Johnny and EJ was asking Johnny how he was going to support his family if he can’t move on from this. Well, I’m sure Samantha would be happy to fund him. She’s engaged to a gazillionaire on Days of our Lives.

So, EJ playing economic blackmail is real dirty. But he told Johnny that Holly has moved on and that her main concern was Grandma Maggie Horton (Susanne Rogers) having to move out of the mansion. So, Ari also heard Johnny say that he can’t forget this big secret and just pretend it never happened. So EJ hit back at Johnny saying, “Look, you need to just focus on your wife and your two children.”

And EJ assured Johnny that there was nothing to worry about. And everything she heard was, I think, vague and not really actionable. But the clincher was when EJ told Johnny that quote, “Holly doesn’t know anything about it.” So Ari did hear some interesting things. I’m quite certain that she may report back to Holly about what she overheard EJ and Johnny saying.

Ari in Danger on DOOL

And Ari may want to get Holly’s side of things. And EJ also tells Rita this week to do something with the head of DiMera Pharmaceuticals, George O’Halloran, whose loose drunken lips spilled the boozy tea to Develin St. John about the whole Coriseal coverup. But of course, EJ doesn’t remember Develin, who was the one who told EJ that George got drunk and blabbed.

So the CRS that Rita drugged EJ with has erased this whole Develin thing from his memory. So, he may not know exactly how problematic George is. But the good news is Rita knows. But this could all be really advantageous for Rafe, Jada, and Cat if they find out about George. So Ari could take this information to her uncle Rafe.

Problem is, Ari has to pretend she didn’t hear anything. You know, nobody can find out that she eavesdropped because EJ’s dangerous and he might kidnap Ari and dump her on the private island if EJ thinks that she can take him down. But once Ari tells Rafe what she overheard, you know, nothing EJ does is going to make a difference.

Days of our Lives: Rafe Nudges Ari?

So, in fact, if Ari tells Rafe what she heard and then EJ disappeared Ari, that’s one more crime that they could lay at his doorstep. So, if the cops hear that something was done to Holly that she doesn’t know about, they can trace that back to her hospital crisis.

And since Julie cleaned up the well water, the next best source of evidence is George O’Halloran, the guy that EJ wants Rita to take care of. So Rafe may encourage Ari to quit DiMera, look for an internship anywhere else because they know that EJ’s up to something really bad and that Holly’s involved and they don’t want Ari involved.

So if Rafe gets this interesting info from his niece Ariana, he may corner Johnny and put the screws to him. Rafe and or Jada may try to get Johnny to stop keeping secrets for EJ. They may threaten him that he might be implicated in a criminal probe and they might also realize all this goes back to the Coriseal and go pick up George O’Halloran. And if EJ disappeared George before then that’s a red flag they all need to keep digging.

Oliver Hudson and his wife, Erinn Bartlett, sent their eldest child off to college with an overwhelming amount of emotion.

“This little guy turned 19 yesterday and we moved him into college last week🤯😭,” Bartlett, 53, wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 24, alongside a childhood photo of her son Wilder in front of move-in day snapshots. “Lots of tears not gonna lie wow … but so happy and proud and excited for you, Wildman!! Couldn’t love you more and counting the days til I can hug you and annoy you again 🤗.”

Hudson, 49, joined his wife earlier in August to help Wilder unpack his luggage inside his dorm room. The proud parents helped Wilder and his roommate set up matching gray duvets, a string of fairy lights to outline their window and a cozy rug beneath their lofted twin beds.

In addition to Wilder, Hudson and Bartlett are parents of son Bodhi, 16, and daughter Rio, 13. The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in June.

Related: Oliver Hudson and Wife Erinn Bartlett’s Sweetest Moments With Their Kids

Oliver Hudson loves to goof around with his and wife Erinn Bartlett’s three kids — even if it sometimes causes conflict with his extended family. “[My sister, Kate Hudson, and I] haven’t gotten into many fights … as adults,” the Nashville alum confessed during a January 2022 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy […]

“She’s … sexy as hell. Just sexy, sexy, sexy, hot and sexy. My self-discovery has allowed me to be more vulnerable, and it’s deepened the sex,” Hudson exclusively gushed to Us of his wife in a December 2025 interview. “It’s still crazy and nuts — it’s not like [’90s erotic anthology] Red Shoe Diaries and smooth jazz is on and it’s all slow and beautiful — but there’s a connection that just makes it so much better.”

He added, “I look at her every day, and I’m like, ‘God, she’s beautiful.’”

Oliver, who recently tackled the Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test course in the upcoming season 4, is the son of exes Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson. (Hawn, 80, and Bill, 76, who also share daughter Kate Hudson, split in 1980. They have each moved on with new partners.)

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There’s a new member of the Hudson crew stepping into the world of acting – Oliver Hudson’s 18-year-old son, Wilder Hudson. The teen will make his acting debut in his dad’s upcoming holiday film, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, a performance that brought Oliver, 49, to tears. “I’m sitting there listening in [on] the movie, and […]

“I don’t know who I would be without my mother. I can’t even fathom it,” Oliver said of Hawn on a 2024 episode of his “Sibling Revelry” podcast with sister Kate, 47. “The love that I have for her and the respect and the reverence that I have for her is beyond anything.”

Oliver and Kate were primarily raised by Hawn and her longtime partner, Kurt Russell. The siblings have since slowly opened the lines of communication with estranged father Bill.

“We’re in contact now more than ever, talking about a few little projects together,” Oliver told Us last year. “We’ve had amazing lunches, throwing back some beers and crying and understanding each other more and more. It was really beautiful to sit down with him and look at my reflection in a way.”

Lady Gaga may be celebrated for embracing chaos onstage, but the singer reportedly wanted nothing left to chance before embarking on one of the biggest tours of her career. Ahead of the “Born This Way Ball” in 2012, Gaga was said to have consulted astrologers after discovering that part of the global tour would coincide with Mercury retrograde. The Grammy winner reportedly followed her horoscope closely and discussed the potentially troublesome planetary transit with members of her spiritual team.

Although there is no evidence that Gaga regularly schedules every concert or career move around astrology, the reports offered a surprising look at the rituals she may have used while preparing for a massive international production. Her own public frustration with Mercury retrograde also showed that the pop superstar was at least familiar with one of astrology’s most infamous events.

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Gaga was preparing to launch the “Born This Way Ball” when reports about her interest in astrology emerged in April 2012. According to Music-News.com, the singer had reportedly turned to astrologers because she was concerned that the stars might not be favorably aligned during the tour.

“Gaga is worried as she wants the stars to be aligned when she hits the road. She follows her horoscopes closely and has been looking ahead for when she’s away,” a source claimed at the time.

The “Born This Way Ball” began in Seoul, South Korea, on April 27, 2012. It eventually traveled across Asia, Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, and North America, making it a complicated undertaking with countless moving parts.

However, Mercury was expected to turn retrograde between July 15 and August 8, placing the astrological event in the middle of Gaga’s international tour. “She’s a typical Aries, outgoing with a sense of adventure,” the source added. “But when she found out Mercury is likely to go retrograde, she wasn’t happy and has been talking it through with her spiritual team.”

The Singer Publicly Called Out Mercury Retrograde

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The story did not emerge in a vacuum. Shortly before reports about her alleged consultations with astrologers appeared, Gaga directly referenced Mercury retrograde on social media. “If mercury doesn’t get the f-ck out of retrograde I may give birth to a small menstrual alien on stage,” Gaga wrote on X, then known as Twitter, on April 4, 2012, according to PopCrush.

The characteristically dramatic post did not explain exactly what had gone wrong or whether Gaga sincerely blamed the planetary transit. It nevertheless demonstrated that Mercury retrograde was already on her mind as she prepared for the extensive world tour.

Gaga’s wording also reflected the deliberately outrageous persona she had cultivated during the “Born This Way” era. References to transformation, birth, monsters, religion, and otherworldly creatures frequently appeared throughout her music and live performances.

Her interest in astrology, whether serious or playful, fit naturally alongside the symbolism that had become central to her creative identity.

Why Mercury Retrograde Can Worry Astrology Followers

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Mercury retrograde is among the most recognizable and frequently discussed events in modern astrology. Astronomically, Mercury does not actually reverse direction. The planet only appears to move backward from Earth because of the planets’ changing positions as they orbit the sun, according to NASA.

Astrologers interpret the event differently. Mercury is traditionally associated with communication, technology, transportation, contracts, and the exchange of information. When it appears to move backward, believers frequently connect the period with scheduling problems, technological failures, miscommunication, and unexpected travel disruptions.

Those themes could be particularly unsettling for an entertainer mounting an international arena tour. A production such as the “Born This Way Ball” depended upon elaborate sets, costumes, sound systems, video components, transportation, and coordination among a large traveling team.

Even without accepting astrology as a predictor of events, it is easy to understand why symbolism involving travel and communication problems could resonate with a performer facing that level of pressure. Consulting an astrologer could provide reassurance or another way of mentally preparing for circumstances beyond the artist’s control.

Lady Gaga’s Aries Identity Matches Her Fearless Image

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Gaga, whose full name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was born on March 28, 1986, making her an Aries. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is commonly associated with independence, ambition, boldness, and a willingness to take risks. Those qualities resemble the fearlessness that has defined much of Gaga’s career, from her provocative fashion to her dramatic reinventions and theatrical performances.

Her “Born This Way” era was an especially strong example. Gaga released a record filled with themes of identity, self-acceptance, rebellion, and personal liberation before turning it into an ambitious theatrical spectacle.

Astrology May Offer Celebrities A Sense Of Control

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Gaga is hardly the only person who may look toward astrology while facing a significant professional moment. For celebrities, major tours, movie premieres, weddings, and business launches can involve enormous financial and emotional stakes.

Astrology can function as a decision-making tool for believers, but it can also operate as a calming ritual. Checking planetary transits, selecting a supposedly favorable date, or speaking with a spiritual adviser may help someone feel more prepared before stepping into a highly unpredictable situation.

Producing a faultless finale is no easy feat. It needs to deliver an emotionally rewarding and powerful payoff that honors central themes and gives major characters appropriate resolutions while still offering something in the way of a surprise. This feat is arguably even more difficult for thriller series, with the innate nature of the genre—to raise questions and steer the story in smart and unpredictable directions—having to subside as narrative threads are closed, mysteries are explained, and engrossing, enigmatic character arcs are concluded.

While it is difficult to do well, the thriller series that have perfected their finales have delivered not only rewarding conclusions to universally adored shows, but some of the greatest ever stand-alone episodes of all time as well. From mystery miniseries that perfect the balance between shocking twists and dramatic finality, to long-running titles that bring about the perfect ending to their characters’ journeys, these thriller series finales are among the greatest television has seen.

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‘Devs’ (2021)

Image via FX

Created by Alex Garland, Devs is one of the more underrated miniseries of the decade so far, with its rich marriage of slow-burn mystery suspense, icy dystopian sci-fi ideas, and simmering suspense making for an enthralling gem of small-screen thrills. Unfurling over the course of eight episodes, it follows software engineer Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno) as she begins investigating the company she works for when her boyfriend and colleague kills himself on the first day of his promotion to the “Devs” team.

The series navigates enigmatic and meticulous mystery with aplomb, but arguably its greatest triumph is its finale. Balancing subversive storytelling decisions with poignant character drama and resonant thematic ideas revolving around fatalism and humanity’s relationship with technology, Devs ends on a note that is, above all else, fiercely compelling. While the think-piece miniseries has endured as an underappreciated gem, the way it repurposes techno-thriller coldness as a profound examination of grief, philosophy, and mortality is only growing more relevant with each passing year.

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‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

Image via Netflix

From its very first episode, Ozark delivers a frenetic descent into the ultra-violent and volatile world of international drug crime that ties much of its suspense to the relatable humanity and desperation of the Byrde family. The four-season Netflix original series follows financial advisor Marty (Jason Bateman) and his family as they are forced to relocate to the Missouri Ozarks to oversee a money laundering operation for a Mexican drug cartel. Despite their best efforts to remain detached, the Byrde family is gradually pulled deeper into the cartel’s structure.

By the time Season 4 begins, the Byrdes are entangled in the very fabric of the crime operation while fending off probes from American law enforcement officials. The finale executes a phenomenal balancing act of survival, compromise, corruption, and acceptance. The Byrde family remains intact, but their hopes of one day outlasting their criminal servitude are proven to be futile. Fierce betrayals, shocking deaths, and a damning final scene see Ozark’s finale land as a powerful and poignant testament to the adage that crime doesn’t pay.

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‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

Image via BBC America

While it had a noteworthy cult following at the time, Orphan Black has mysteriously faded from public consciousness in the years since its finale despite the fact that it ends in sensational fashion. The high-concept sci-fi thriller unfolds as con artist Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) assumes the identity of her doppelgänger following her suicide, only to unearth a life-altering truth that she is but one of many clones and that she and her “sisters” are being hunted down.

The series as a whole is defined by its smart writing and Maslany’s exceptional performance as several distinct and different characters. Both of these factors come to the fore in the series finale, which adopts a warmer and more gentle tone as it operates as an epilogue of sorts that depicts the fates Sarah and her fellow clones embark on. The finale beautifully anchors Orphan Black’s cerebral story in grounded ideas of nature vs. nurture, found family, and personal freedom to stand as one of the most rewarding TV conclusions of the 2010s.

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‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

Released as a spin-off from 2022’s The Batman, The Penguin strikes an engrossing marriage between the gothic superhero allure of Gotham City’s darkest corners and the moral ferocity of crime drama. Set in the aftermath of the former kingpin’s death and the flooding of the city, it follows the rise to power of Oswald Cobb (Colin Farrell), a ruthless and amoral gangster who sees an opportunity to become the head of Gotham’s criminal infrastructure.

While all eight episodes of the miniseries are astonishing, the finale makes itself distinct through its uncompromising villainy. Cobb is bereft of anti-hero sympathies as he makes vile and irredeemable decisions to further his own ambition. “A Great or Little Thing” is a procession of stark betrayals, vicious self-interest, and terrifying triumphs that sees The Penguin end on a bitter though brilliant note of pure evil that, through razor-sharp writing and Farrell’s performance, refuses to soften Cobb’s depraved nature.

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‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019)

Image via USA Network

It is difficult to think of a series of any genre that has been as bold with its final episodes as Mr. Robot. The ceaselessly brilliant high-concept techno-thriller spends four seasons following Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert and talented hacker with debilitating social anxiety, as he is recruited by fsociety, a hacktivist movement intent on attacking E Corp to encrypt all consumer debt and level the economic playing field between rich and poor.

Throughout the entire series, the unreliable nature of Elliot’s psyche is a constant source of tension, and it delivers the greatest twist of all in the two-part finale, which reconfigures the show as a whole from being a thrilling dystopian epic into a piercing meditation on trauma, dissociation, and the fragility of the mind. What could so easily have been a series-ruining twist is instead a stunning narrative shift that reorientates the stakes by pivoting the focus from society at large to Elliot himself with profound intimacy and impact.

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‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Image via HBO

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Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, Sharp Objects dazzles as an atmospherically ensnaring marriage of methodical crime mystery tension and viscerally eerie Southern Gothic allure. Amy Adams stars as Camille Preaker, a St. Louis crime reporter who returns to her hometown after a stint in a psychiatric ward to investigate the murder of two young girls. In addition to trying to solve the horrific crime, Camille must also navigate the re-emerging demons of a complex past of abuse and trauma.

All eight episodes of the miniseries prove themselves to be adept at delivering a shocking twist, but the finale elevates the unpredictable turns and psychological tension to a new level. Just when audiences think they are safe, the series delivers one of the most disturbing plot reveals in television history. Accompanied by its mastery of tone and the chilling glimpses of violence that interrupt the credits, Sharp Objects uses its finale to carve scars into viewers’ psyches without ever sacrificing its investment in issues of generational trauma and family dysfunction.

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‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Image via FX

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The 2000s mark an era of excellence for crime drama television, one that saw FX’s seven-part masterpiece The Shield fly under the radar as something of an underrated gem. Laced with an appetite for gritty, high-octane tension, it always flaunts a sense of thrilling edge as it follows the Strike Team, a corrupt police unit operating in an L.A. district plagued by gang violence. It is a series of confronting morality, raw characters, and shocking twists, and all those storytelling qualities are defining reasons why its finale is so brilliant.

Titled “Family Meeting,” The Shield’s swan song caps off what is an outstanding final season of consequences and conclusions, with every character facing a sense of poetic justice for their unethical decisions. Notions of loyalty, honor, and strength are shattered as characters resort to desperate lengths to evade punishment, be it the betrayal of their colleagues or tragic outbursts of devastating violence.

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‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

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A German-language Netflix original series that became a landmark international success, Dark is a notable highlight of ambitious, genre-blending storytelling in the medium. It opens as the German town of Winden sees a sudden series of missing children’s cases, but it soon evolves into a manic time-travel thriller that sees the story unfold in multiple different timelines while a looming apocalyptic event draws ever nearer and, by season three, has come to fruition.

Despite having such an expansive story in terms of both sheer narrative scale and an abundance of characters, Dark brings its story to a stunning close with immaculate screenwriting that ties the time-travel puzzle with closure and clarity while still finding the time to deliver emotionally gratifying and philosophically intriguing resolutions. It captures the scope and gravitas of cosmic sci-fi while reveling in the poignant intimacy of tragic romance, and yet it finds hope and catharsis with striking elegance. It is a masterclass in how to conclude an elaborate, high-concept thriller as well as one of the greatest series finales of all time.

2

‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

Image via FX

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Following Elisabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) as they pose as an ordinary family in 1980s Washington D.C. while carrying out assignments for the KGB, The Americans is the greatest spy thriller television has ever seen. Across its five seasons of relentless suspense, it finds a perfect balance between the innate tension of spycraft and a poignant, meditative drama as it explores the intricacies and unique nature of the Jennings’ marriage, and their struggle to raise their unsuspecting children in American society.

The final few episodes present an engulfing culmination of the Jennings’ years of espionage. As the Cold War draws to an end, the Russian agents try to find a way to return to their homeland without alerting American authorities, but their endeavor exacts a heavy toll as their double life collapses and the family discovers they each want different things. In emphasizing the emotional beats, The Americans’ finale is one of devastating, perfectly written bittersweetness that revels in a melancholic air of sacrifice and survival.

1

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via AMC

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Considered by many to be the greatest series of all time, Breaking Bad exudes perfection across every episode of its five-season run. Its ability to continuously escalate tension through Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) steep moral decline as he goes from a suburban schoolteacher to an influential figure in the drug trade is paramount to this, especially as the criminal villain justifies his wickedness by attributing all his wrongdoing to helping his family.

The finale, “Felina,” cuts through this. Transpiring months after Walter’s downfall, as he lives in squalor to evade the police while battling the return of his cancer, it sees him make a final round of goodbyes before rescuing Jesse (Aaron Paul) from captivity and sacrificing himself in the process. From his confession to Skylar (Anne Gunn) to his planning of the M60 in the trunk, and even to its unforgettable final moments bolstered by Badfinger’s “Baby Blue,” Breaking Bad’s conclusion is a masterclass in resolving a long-running series with purpose and meaning.

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Breaking Bad

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Release Date

2008 – 2013-00-00

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Network

AMC

Showrunner

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Vince Gilligan

Directors

Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren

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Donald Trump is facing intense backlash after sharing AI-generated images depicting himself alongside Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death. The images, posted to Truth Social, placed Trump and Parton together in formal settings despite the pair never having posed for photographs together. Critics accused the president of using Parton’s death to draw attention to himself and borrow from the widespread goodwill surrounding the beloved singer.

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The artificial image going viral featured Trump and Parton walking arm in arm outside the White House. The picture was presented beneath the heading “President Trump and Dolly Parton,” potentially giving viewers the impression that it depicted a genuine meeting between them.

Trump had previously issued a statement praising Parton as one of the greatest country singers and ordered flags lowered to half-staff following her death. However, his decision to subsequently publish fabricated images of himself with the singer generated a much harsher response.

The timing was particularly sensitive because Parton had died only days earlier at age 80 following a battle with cancer.

Critics on X described Trump’s posts as disrespectful and accused him of attempting to associate himself with Parton’s popularity. “It takes a special kind of sc-mbag to post fake pictures with an icon hoping some of the goodwill towards her might come his way,” one person wrote.

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Another user posted, “That AI picture Trump posted of himself with Dolly Parton just proves that even in death, he forces himself on women who told him no.”

A third critic objected to the image of Parton holding Trump’s arm. “This picture is vile. Dolly Parton never appeared in pictures with him, nor do I think she would ever agree to. To place her in a picture on his arm is like taking the most beautiful soul imaginable, and throwing a disgusting bucket full of foul trump on her.”

Others argued that the image misrepresented Parton’s relationship with the White House. “What a c-nt this man is. Dolly never visited the White House and here is posting an AI photo with her. He can’t stand anyone being in the spotlight,” another person wrote.

One social media user added, “What sort of sick, senile old man leaps on the death of a superstar for cheap attention Oh yeah.”

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Dolly Parton Deliberately Avoided Partisan Politics

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Parton was a country singer, actress, philanthropist, storyteller and businesswoman, but she repeatedly avoided becoming closely associated with either major political party. The singer once described her approach by saying, “I think of myself more as a diplomat,” she said. “That’s the kind of people who tell you to go to hell in such a way you look forward to the trip.”

Her refusal to participate in partisan fights allowed her to maintain an unusually broad audience throughout decades of increasing political division. Sarah Phillips, who teaches an Anthropology of Dolly Parton course at Indiana University, described that ability as central to the singer’s appeal. “She is the one person who straddles political divides… the so-called culture wars,” Phillips said.

Country Singer Refused To ‘Play Politics’

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Parton previously explained that she did not want her personal political beliefs to alienate the people who supported her. “I’ve got as many Republican fans as Democrats, and I don’t want to make any of them mad at me, so I don’t play politics,” she said during an interview with Fox News, per BBC.

That approach made Trump’s AI posts especially controversial among critics. The images visually associated Parton with a deeply partisan political figure despite her longstanding effort to avoid appearing aligned with one side.

Although Parton spoke about social issues and supported numerous causes, she generally resisted pressure to endorse candidates or publicly reveal how she voted.

Dolly Parton Turned Down Trump’s Medal Offers

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Parton declined offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from two presidents. She reportedly rejected the honor twice when Trump offered it during his first administration, citing scheduling and health issues.

When President Joe Biden later extended the same offer, Parton also turned it down because she believed accepting it after declining Trump could appear politically motivated.

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A Tennessee school principal is facing serious allegations involving her own teenage son. The details surrounding what reportedly happened inside her home have sparked major concern. The situation involving Janelle Brooks, 38, has now moved from a family dispute to a criminal case. Brooks is the principal of Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School in Nashville. Authorities accuse her of conduct that allegedly left her 13-year-old son struggling to breathe.

RELATED: Sheesh! Teen Suspect Arrested After Fight At Georgia High School Escalates Into Student Shooting

What Sparked The Investigation Into Janelle Brooks?

According to court records and reports from local outlets, Brooks was arrested last week and charged with one count of aggravated domestic assault. The case reportedly came to light after Brooks’ ex-husband, who is the boy’s father, contacted the Portland Police Department with concerns about the safety of their children while they were staying with their mother. He initially told authorities he was concerned about Brooks’ boyfriend allegedly disciplining the children without his permission.

Here’s What The Teen Allegedly Told Police

The 13-year-old reportedly told police that his mother ordered him to leave the home, but would not allow him to take clothing or other belongings she had purchased for him. As a result, the teen was allegedly left wearing only his underwear. He then reportedly told investigators that Brooks retrieved a paddle and struck him several times on the legs before allegedly grabbing him by the neck and squeezing until he was “wheezing” for air, according to reports citing the arrest affidavit.

The teen reportedly told investigators that he did not contact police right away because he was not allowed to access a phone or other electronic devices while staying at his mother’s home. During an interview with detectives, the principal allegedly acknowledged using a paddle to discipline her son. She reportedly said he had disrespected her and refused to be paddled.

According to the affidavit, Brooks told investigators that she then told her son he could leave the home. However, she said he could not take items she had personally purchased for him. Brooks also reportedly acknowledged putting her hands around her son’s throat. She claimed the teen had “swelled up at her” and grabbed her arms while trying to block her.

Brooks Placed On Leave As Case Moves Forward

Following Brooks’ Aug. 20 arrest, Metro Nashville Public Schools announced that she had been placed on administrative leave. The district said the move comes as an external investigation takes place. Officials reportedly emphasized to parents that the allegations were unrelated to Brooks’ role at Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School or the school’s daily operations. According to court records, Brooks was released from Sumner County Jail on Aug. 21 after posting a $15,000 bond. She was also reportedly served with an order of protection. Brooks is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Sept. 4.

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Kai Cenat’s life as a streamer is always full of crazy moments, and somehow, there’s always another story to tell. Whether it’s something happening at the AMP house or an experience while traveling, Kai always has a crazy story time for chat. Being one of the biggest streamers also means Kai’s name can quickly become attached to some pretty unexpected situations online. Recently, Kai shared a wild story time that had his chat tuned in as he explained how an unexpected situation unfolded.

RELATED: Come Here Baby! Kai Cenat Pops Out With Fresh NEW Look & The Internet Can’t Get Enough (VIDEO)

Kai Cenat Explains How A Woman Pulled Up To His Home With Her Daughter

On Tuesday, Kai Cenat hopped on stream and shared footage of a wild encounter involving a woman who appeared outside his home. According to Kai, the woman traveled 15 hours with her young daughter before arriving at his gate with an unexpected paternity claim. In the video, Kai can be heard telling the woman he had never seen her before, while she responded, “So you gon’ act crazy now?” Kai responded, “On God,” while still taking a moment to tell the woman that her daughter was adorable.

The woman then claimed her daughter looked like Kai, but he quickly denied seeing any resemblance between himself and the child. Kai Cenat questioned whether she was serious about the claim, and the woman stood firm, confirming that she was “dead serious.”

Then he asked how old her daughter was, and the woman revealed that she was 2 years old. Kai quickly questioned the timeline, responding, “I was in a relationship for the last two years, what you talking about?” While talking to his chat, Kai doubled down on his belief that the timeline did not add up.

“I’ve been in a relationship the past two years! You talking about. N****, I was in a relationship. So how do I have a daughter? That doesn’t even make sense.”

While sharing the story with his chat, Kai revealed that one of the craziest moments actually happened when the cameras weren’t rolling.

“And y’all wanna know the crazy thing? I didn’t even catch it on camera. Bro, I look at the baby. I said, ‘Baby, who’s your father?’ Baby said, ‘Huh?’”

“I said, ‘Baby, who’s your dad?’ She said, ‘You.’ I say, ‘Oh, she trained the baby. Like, this baby a paid actress?’” Kai appeared shocked while he joked about the little girl’s response.

Social Media Reacts 

Many gathered under The Shade Room as they reacted to clips from Kai Cenat’s stream. While some joked about the moment with the woman and her daughter, others expressed concerns about the baby’s safety.

Instagram user @og_ceee wrote, “😭we must missed a episode of streamer university spring break gone wild or some😂”

Instagram user @_semmaj added, “Not she been at home showing the baby to pics like “This yo daddy his name Kai”😭😭”

While Instagram user @exclusivelyxnicole wrote, “Look what money make a bih doo 😂😂😂”

Instagram user @official_dtwinz07 wrote, “she must be Billy Jean”

Instagram user @kiwest777 added, “Ima do this with Drake!”

While Instagram @nxatune wrote, “Should’ve said duke would’ve been more believable”

Instagram user @ritabonnita wrote, “Ummmm. Baby is not safe with her, let’s focus”

Instagram user @miettah added, “Yo this was really a cps moment bcuz B**** whose driving 15hrs to throw a child on a stranger? I feel sorry for the baby bouz her mother is sick!”

While Instagram user @norfside.j4z wrote, “That’s not his damn baby But on the contrary it’s very possible to have a baby while in a relationship happens all the time”

Kai Cenat’s Walmart Run Takes An Unexpected Turn

Speaking of crazy moments, that same stream included a wild Walmart run with his fellow AMP member, ChrisNxtDoor. After meeting several supporters, Kai met a couple who asked for a selfie and revealed they had dated for two years.

Kai asked whether marriage was next, and the man revealed he was waiting until he had enough money for a ring. The conversation prompted Kai to offer to pay for the engagement ring, but he wanted to ensure the money was used. While figuring out the details, the woman told Kai she would DM him a picture once the proposal happened.

That’s when things took an unexpected turn after Kai discovered the woman had actually slid into his DMs years earlier. The woman appeared to panic while trying to remember what she could have messaged Kai, stressing that it happened years ago. The man appeared unbothered, making it clear the messages happened before their relationship and were now in the past.

On May 31, 2023, she messaged Kai, “Don’t u live in atl,” before following up with, “What the moves.”

Months later, on August 26, 2023, she messaged him again, writing, “KAII I LIVE 3 MILES FROM THE AMP HOUSE.”

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The woman later claimed she was simply trying to network with Kai when she sent the messages years ago. 

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