More change is coming to Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” or “SLOMW,” for short. According to series OG Jessi Draper, Dakota Mortensen, Taylor Frankie Paul‘s ex-boyfriend, and Draper’s ex-husband, Jordan Ngatikaura, are no longer filming episodes for the show’s upcoming season.

Mortensen and Ngatikaura’s exits come directly after season 1 star Mikayla Matthews said she was also walking away from “SLOMW” after season 6, and days after Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor said they were also considering taking a break.

On an episode of the “Just Trish” podcast, Draper confirmed that Mortensen and Ngatikaura will no longer be part of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu.

“Jordan and Dakota are both done filming,” she said, adding that she believed it was a “good” thing since they’re both exes of current cast members. “Wish them the best, but like, let’s just keep it with the women,” she added.

Draper Says Not Filming Will Allow Mortensen And Ngatikaura To Heal

4

Elsewhere in the episode, Draper said that not filming new episodes of “SLOMW” will also allow Mortensen and Ngatikaura to truly focus on their health and well-being.

“Here’s the thing: Even though me and my ex have had a tumultuous relationship, Dakota and Taylor had their thing, I still believe everyone deserves to like heal and move on. So, if both of them want the chance to do that, I want that for them,” she said about the men.

Draper went on to say that even though she wishes the men well, it doesn’t mean they “need to be filming” the show.

How Long Will Draper Continue To Be Part Of ‘SLOMW’?

4

When Draper was asked how long she planned to stay on the show, the reality star and mother of two said that she couldn’t predict what would happen in the future.

“I don’t know, because I love it so much and it’s not just a show—it’s my real friend group, right?” she said. “It’s our real lives, and so it’s weird to be like, ‘Well, I’d leave,’ ‘cause those are my friends.”

But that doesn’t mean filming the explosive reality series is a walk in the park for the JZ Styles Salon & Hair Extension owner.

According to the 34-year-old, “being on reality is hard.” She also said filming the show as often as they do is “a lot” because most of their lives are “so exposed and everyone has opinions.”

Mayci Neeley And Layla Taylor Unsure About Returning To The Show

4

According to a previous report from The Blast, Mortensen and Ngatikaura might not be the only “SLMOW” stars not returning in future seasons.

Mayci Neeley responded to a fan on social media who asked her about her status on the show, saying she wasn’t “sure about” returning after season 6. Layla Taylor shared a similar statement, telling a fan that she would finish season 6 and decide following that.

Mikayla Matthews Releases Fiery Statement About Exit

4

Their revelations came days after Mikayla Matthews announced her departure from the series on Instagram.

She expressed gratitude for the show, saying it gave her a new quality of life. However, she implied she was leaving because the producers decided to bring Taylor Frankie Paul back to film.

“Supporting an ADULT doesn’t mean constantly making excuses for toxic behavior while giving unconditional sympathy and grace with zero accountability or change. I was in that enabling cycle for years, and I’m not going to be a part of that again,” she wrote.

In another post, she seemed to confirm that Paul’s return prompted her decision, writing, “I told [production] before agreeing to do [season] 6 that I wasn’t going to film if that certain someone came back. Because it’s UNETHICAL and kids are involved. I filmed [season] 6 cause that person was not there. Then we were told she was coming back.”

Mary J. Blige is heading back to Las Vegas for the final shows of her first residency.

The Queen of R&B will close out her “My Life” run after months of celebrating the music that made her a household name. The run comes more than 30 years after “My Life” turned her pain into music.

Mary J. Blige first put that deeply personal journey into music with “My Life” in 1994. Now, with nine Grammys, an Emmy, two Oscar nominations and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, she is taking that story to its Vegas finale.

Blige’s show, “My life, My story,” has 10 days left at Dolby Live. She first stepped onto the Dolby Live stage at Park MGM for her residency in May 2026.

The R&B singer first made heartbreak, healing, and hard-won confidence part of her music with “What’s the 411?” in 1992. Two years later, “My Life” made that formula deeply personal for her. More than three decades later, the title has taken on a much bigger meaning.

Her final leg begins October 23 and includes five performances scattered throughout the month. That run will also feature a Halloween show before she takes a break from the Strip. The singer will return to Las Vegas on February 12, 2027. The residency will officially conclude with its final show on February 20.

Us Magazine reported that Blige still has 10 dates remaining in the residency and described the experience as “divine timing.” “I feel even more grateful and deeply inspired after every show,” she said.

She encouraged fans to grab their girlfriends and boots before joining her in Vegas. The final run comes after her 2025 “For My Fans” Tour with Ne-Yo and Mario.

Blige Says Her Las Vegas Residency Is ‘Where I’m Supposed To Be’

The Grammy singer has spent more than three decades turning personal experiences into music. Her career began with “What’s the 411?” in 1992 before “My Life” made that emotional honesty even more personal.

The 1994 album became a musical diary about heartbreak, healing, and searching for happiness. Its title now carries a different weight after everything Blige has experienced and accomplished since its release.

In a clip from her upcoming “Good Morning America” interview, she explained why, telling Robin Roberts, “It’s just time.” In February 2026, she revisited the song “Be Happy” by executive-producing a Lifetime movie inspired by the track.

The project starred Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer and Russell Hornsby. Entertainment Weekly shared that Blige sees her Vegas residency as a natural progression rather than simply a full-circle moment. “I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she told Robin Roberts, adding, “I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. And I didn’t give up.” 

Mary J. Blige Says She Became Better Through The Struggles

The soul queen revealed her difficult experiences behind her music. She has spoken publicly about childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. Her sobriety also required her to confront her past instead of continuing to run from it. 

The songwriter once described seeing visions of what could happen if she continued using drugs and questioned why she would return to that place. Therapy also became part of her efforts to move forward. Blige revealed she stopped working with one therapist because she worried that her most private moments could be used against her.

Advertisement

She has also learned to protect parts of herself despite living publicly. “I’m not bitter, I’m better,” Blige told Roberts. She said her true fans appreciate that she has remained better rather than becoming bitter. “They’ve seen me go through so much… good, bad, the whole thing,” she explained.

Self-Love Became Another Part Of The Singer’s Story

Her 1994 album “My Life” reflected abusive relationships, substance use, and depression she experienced. The album later became the subject of her 2021 documentary, “Mary J. Blige’s My Life.”

In a 2022 interview, the award-winning singer said she once struggled to believe that she was beautiful despite how confidently she presented herself to the world. 

Blige said she did not truly feel beautiful until around 2016. “If you’ve been beaten down mentally by someone, you’re never pretty enough,” she explained.

Her experience working on the 2017 film “Mudbound” helped change that mindset. She revealed that she eventually learned to embrace her natural beauty through playing Florence in the film.

Advertisement

The Blast revealed that Blige began giving herself compliments each morning, especially when she faced herself without makeup or styled hair. That practice eventually became part of her daily routine.

She told herself, “Good morning, Gorgeous. I love you. I got you. I need you,” turning self-love into something she actively practiced rather than simply talked about. The “My Life” singer has released 11 albums and collected nine Grammy Awards, alongside an Oscar nomination and Golden Globe recognition. 

Mary J. Blige Remembers The Legends Who Shaped Her Musical Journey

Blige has shared some of her biggest career moments with artists who influenced and inspired her. One of the most memorable came when she performed alongside Aretha Franklin for “VH1 Divas Live” in 1998. The R&B singer remembered being nervous when Franklin arrived at the studio.

Blige said Franklin looked as though she was “coming to fight or something.” He eventually greeted her with “Hey, what’s up, Choppy?” Blige initially thought the nickname was an insult before learning that Franklin was actually admiring her singing ability.

They later appeared together on “Never Gonna Break My Faith.” The song received a new version in 2020 to mark Juneteenth. Blige also reflected on performing at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show. She shared the stage with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar during the performance.

Advertisement

She performed “Family Affair” and “No More Drama” during the historic set. She praised Dre as an important figure in hip-hop and discussed the strong rapport among the performers, as per The Blast.

Mary J. Blige is giving Las Vegas one last celebration of her story.

The sci-fi genre space in the modern age has its fair share of epic stories that, without question, have the ability to truly and utterly captivate its audience. For instance, 3 Body Problem, based on novels by Liu Cixin, is a mind-bending Netflix series which jumps straight to mind, as do several offerings from Apple TV, like Silo and Severance. However, there was a generation that laid the foundations for the stories we now enjoy on-screen. In the ’70s and ’80s, some huge stories were being told within the big science fiction franchises of the time, with Star Trek and Star Wars top of the list. Before mind-bending foes like the San-Ti ever threatened Earth, both franchises made it abundantly clear that the universe was both an uncharted, intimidating and strange place, with levels of danger which are sometimes unfathomable.

There is, however, one franchise that often gets brushed aside in the conversation and that should not be the case. This franchise’s contribution to the genre has been immense. The 1994 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, Stargate, launched the franchise, with Roland Emmerich directing in a film that featured the likes of Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital, and Viveca Lindfors. The central theme of the story saw humanity traversing the vastness of space in search of new alien allies and weapons of defense. Very quickly, within two years to be precise, a sequel series, the iconic Stargate SG-1 from Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, would launch and go on to enjoy a 10-season run while also attracting an incredibly loyal fan base along the way.

Last December, a reboot of the long-dormant science fiction franchise was announced to be in development at Prime Video and that sounded exciting to many. Several key staff members from the series’ earlier incarnations came on board, but somewhat surprisingly, earlier this year, that reboot was canceled, with its being allegedly heavily targeted by Stargate‘s existing fanbase, the reason. Such a development is sure to have broken the hearts of those who hold the franchise to heart, but there is some good news, according to sources. The discovery of the lost city of Atlantis at the end of SG-1 Season 7 would be the premise for the franchise spin-off sequel, Stargate: Atlantis. For those interested in investigating Atlantis, the home of the advanced alien race known as the Ancients, you will be pleased to know that the sequel series has been listed among the free TV streaming options on YouTube.

The Canceled Amazon Reboot Series Wasn’t Exactly a Reboot

It has been three months since Prime Video decided to cancel the Stargate reboot series, but efforts from fans and several franchise stars are actively trying to save it. A dedicated campaign labelled “Save Stargate with Martin Gero!” has been running for months, in the hopes of reversing a decision some believe was a huge mistake. Richard Dean Anderson, who played Jack O’Neill in all ten seasons of SG-1, was one of the franchise stars with knowledge of the reboot, and recently offered insight on what audiences would have enjoyed on screen. Speaking at the Stargate SG-1 reunion panel at Rose City Comic Con, Anderson shared his insight, saying the Amazon series wasn’t actually a traditional reboot:

“I’ve stayed out of touch with many things in my life, but the politics going on over the reboot, they’re calling it – first of all, it technically didn’t seem like a reboot more than it was using Michael Shanks’ character, Daniel, well again, as the conduit that would take us from our show, from our universe to the next generation of it.”

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

2004 – 2009-00-00

Directors

Advertisement

Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, William Waring, Peter DeLuise, Brad Turner, Mario Philip Azzopardi, Robert C. Cooper, Brenton Spencer, David Winning, Ken Girotti, David Warry-Smith, Holly Dale, James Head, Jule Gilfillan, Neill Fearnley, Paul Ziller, Martin Gero

Writers

Alan McCullough, Damian Kindler, Ken Cuperus, Joe Flanigan, Alan Brennert, Jill E. Blotevogel, Melissa R. Byer, Scott Nimerfro, Sean Carley, Treena Hancock, Alex Levine, Holly Henderson

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 

  Joe Flanigan

  John Sheppard

• 

  David Hewlett

  Advertisement

  Rodney McKay

• 

  Rachel Luttrell

  Teyla Emmagan

  Advertisement
• 

  amanda tapping

  Samantha Carter

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Rosie O’Donnell has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving Pink and rapper Macklemore.

The TV host criticized the “Just Give Me A Reason” singer over her response to Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening set on Ed Sheeran’s tour. O’Donnell said she was “absolutely shocked” and questioned why a call to end genocide would be offensive.

O’Donnell also reignited her feud with Donald Trump, mocking him and suggesting he resign during her brief hosting stint on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Rosie O’Donnell has weighed in on the tense situation involving singer Pink and rapper Macklemore.

The 64-year-old comedian took to Instagram to share a lengthy video promoting a protest in Ireland against Donald Trump’s visit and weighing in on the controversy surrounding the two artists.

She discussed how events in the United States affect the rest of the world before commenting on the war in Gaza, saying, “Those are our bombs that Israel is dropping.”

Turning her attention to Pink and Macklemore, she said she was “shocked” and would love to hear the “So What” singer “speak about the apparent change of heart” she had experienced.

Rosie O’Donnell Questions What Pink Finds Offensive

4

The TV personality went on to describe Macklemore as a “brave and bold” social activist and rapper. She added that Ed Sheeran knew what he was getting into when he invited him to open on his tour.

“I don’t understand why someone saying we should not have genocide in the world anywhere is offensive to anyone,” O’Donnell said.

Elsewhere in the video, she urged protesters to gather in the city center to demonstrate against her longtime rival Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland.

She later shared clips from the protest on her Instagram Story, where a woman could be heard saying they “reject his politics of smash and grab.”

O’Donnell also shared posts from others opposing his visit, including one showing several people holding a banner that read, “No Welcome For Trump.”

Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ Set Draws Criticism

4

Macklemore faced criticism after wearing a keffiyeh, chanting “Free Palestine,” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during his opening set at Ed Sheeran’s concert earlier this month.

An advocacy group then shared a post accusing him of promoting “anti-Israel propaganda” and calling for him to be dropped from Sheeran’s tour.

Pink, who is Jewish, reposted it and shared follow-up memes.

However, the move drew intense scrutiny, with fans accusing her of prejudice and calling for a boycott of anything associated with her.

Pink Says Macklemore’s Statement Prompted Her Repost

4

As reported by The Blast, Pink recently broke her silence in a lengthy Instagram statement, saying a repost was not a statement and that people were putting words in her mouth.

She added that she used to like the “Thrift Shop” rapper. However, she took issue with a performance years earlier in which he wore a hooked nose, black beard, and bowl cut. He described the look as a “random costume” at the time.

Although she forgave him, Pink disputed that description and suggested the incident shaped how she received his later comments. She also said his onstage statement prompted her repost, rather than his “Free Palestine” chant.

Rosie O’Donnell Calls For Trump To Resign During Kimmel Stint

4

O’Donnell has been locked in a years-long feud with Trump and said she would leave the United States after he won the 2024 election.

The president embarked on a two-day weekend visit to Ireland for a series of engagements.

He met with Irish President Catherine Connolly, an outspoken critic of his, and was scheduled to travel to County Clare to visit his Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg and attend the Irish Open, according to Sky News.

Just last month, O’Donnell mocked Trump while filling in for Jimmy Kimmel and called for him to resign, among other pointed remarks.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle then issued a statement calling her “a nasty woman and a total slob whose brain has been completely destroyed by Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

A family tragedy took place when a man fatally shot his sister before he died by suicide in an apparent murder-suicide outside of a New Jersey home.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office announced in a press release that Daniel Lopez shot his sister, Janet Camacho, and left her to die on the front steps of a home in Pennsauken, New Jersey, on the morning of Wednesday, September 16. After he killed his sister, he took his own life.

Police reported to the home after they received reports of shots being fired and that a man who was armed with a handgun around 9 a.m.

Upon their arrival, police found Camacho, 59, on the stoop after she sustained gunshot wounds. She was rushed to Cooper University Hospital for treatment, where she was ultimately declared dead.

Authorities established a perimeter around the home and escorted neighbors out of their residences to safety, according to WPVI.

Police deployed a robotic dog, who entered the home and located Lopez, 60, inside. Lopez was found dead about 90 minutes after police were initially called.

While officials confirmed that the incident was being investigated as a murder-suicide, they have not revealed if there was a motive in the killings.

WPVI obtained surveillance footage, which reportedly showed Camacho being shot. The footage then captured a man, who was believed to be Lopez, pacing outside of the home.

The tragedy has left the neighborhood in shock, and neighbor Michelle Jimenez told the outlet that Lopez had been a close family friend.

“We used to invite him a lot for family parties. He would always be our guest. He was really close to our family. He was always nice. He would bake stuff for me and my siblings,” Jimenez said. “It was just shocking to me. I didn’t believe it.”

Neighbor Ozzie Marrero said that violent acts were “so rare” in the area and that they don’t “happen here.”

“It’s unfortunate, and I’m sorry that the families have to deal with this,” Jabril Smitherman added.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing as police work to determine if there was a motive and what exactly happened that led to the murder-suicide.

Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the case contact Pennsauken police or the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Millie Bobby Brown is pulling back the curtain on her experience as a first-time mom.

“This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption,” Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, wrote via Instagram in August 2025. “We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.

The couple, who married in May 2024, have not publicly revealed their daughter’s name. 

In September 2026, People reported that Brown and Bongiovi expanded their family by adopting a second baby.

Related: Why Millie Bobby Brown Wants to ‘Protect’ Baby Daughter From the Spotlight

Millie Bobby Brown is already fiercely protective of her newborn daughter. “For me, it’s really important to protect her and her story until she’s old enough to potentially one day share it herself,” Brown, 21, told British Vogue in a cover story published Wednesday, November 5. “It’s not my place to purposefully put her in […]

Keep scrolling for the Stranger Things actress’ candid comments about motherhood:

The Adoption Process

Brown revealed on a June 2026 episode of the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast that the waiting period was the most difficult part of the entire adoption experience.

“Every journey is different. Waiting for the call is the hardest part,” Brown said. “I just would always encourage you to understand that every journey is different. Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t compare yourself to statistics, don’t compare yourself to other families, but your baby is out there, and you’ll find each other.”

Millie Bobby Brown Recalls ‘Magical Phone Call’ Solidifying Adoption

During her July 2026 appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, Brown recounted the “magical phone call” she received to inform her that the couple’s adoption plan was approved.

“Getting the call, I mean, I will never forget it. It was the most surreal feeling and yet we both knew in that moment, like that was … that we had found each other,” she gushed. “Like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is our girl, 100 percent, no doubt.’”

The actress continued, “The process is long and rightfully so; it’s a great process and, you know, in fact, it’s very thorough. I would say that’s probably the longest part, is just getting through all of that.”

Brown further revealed that she didn’t record the call, which made it an even more “special” moment.

“I think there’s something so special about it because my whole life’s recorded. My husband and I will never forget those words, where we were, what we were doing, the feeling,” she said. “I think in so many ways, that is why that shouldn’t be recorded. It’s, like, almost like you had to be there. … We were talking to someone, another adoptive mother, and it’s like, there are two ways to have a baby, one through your stomach and one through your heart, and my girl was through my heart.”

Millie Bobby Brown Claps Back at Mom-Shamers

Brown has not minced words about the criticism she has fielded since becoming a mother.

“I was like, ‘This is vicious, you are vicious,’ and I don’t have time for angry women that just need to bring you down, especially when it comes to motherhood,” Brown told
“Not Gonna Lie” host Kylie Kelce in June 2026. “I’ve never experienced anything like this. It’s like, I can always deal with the, ‘Oh, my God, you showed your nipples? What a bitch!’ Whatever; I don’t care about that, but when you’re like, ‘You didn’t put a hat on your baby?’ I’m like, ‘Try putting a hat on my baby. I dare you [to] put a beanie on her.’”

She continued, “Stay in your own lane, put a hat on your baby and put a sock in your mouth. Sorry, the English is coming out of me, but it’s so true. Like, shut up.”

Brown further acknowledged that she receives judgment both online and in person.

 “I’ve dealt with this mostly online, but when I do experience it in person, a lot of people will be like, ‘That’s a really big piece. Are you going to let her eat that?’” she said. “I know what my baby can eat. I will draw the line where necessary.”

Millie Bobby Brown Defends Jake Bongiovi

Brown addressed viral photos that sparked criticism of Bongiovi for supposedly not helping her carry bags or a stroller during her 2026 appearance on Kelce’s podcast.

“Hi, I’m Millie Bobbie Brown and I’m not gonna lie, when did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats and stuff?” Brown said in a teaser for the episode. “This stems from me holding all of my suitcases and bags and my kid and people are like, ‘Your husband doesn’t hold a single thing.’ Because I’m three miles ahead. I have been planning this all night.”

She added: “We’re all about empowering girls and, ‘You got it’ and ‘You don’t need a man.’ But then when I’m like, ‘Ok, I can carry my own things,’ people are like, ‘Where’s your husband?’ I can also do it on my own. Nobody knows my husband. My husband is the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me, but he also knows I’m capable.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Millie Bobby Brown Celebrates Jake Bongiovi’s First Father’s Day

Brown gave her husband a sweet shout-out on his first Father’s Day in June 2026, sharing a snap of Bongiovi cradling their baby girl via her Instagram Stories.

“Happy Father’s Day!!!” she wrote at the time. “I knew from the moment we met, you were going to be the best dad. We love you too much, Dada.”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. 

Sunny Hostin says Hollywood’s resistance to Black and Brown stories helped drive her decision to partner with an artificial intelligence studio. During a recent episode of “The View,” the 57-year-old television personality explained that she had spent six years trying to bring her romance trilogy to television and film.

Hostin claimed that traditional entertainment companies repeatedly passed on her stories, prompting her to explore an unconventional path involving AI. However, her announcement quickly sparked criticism from commentators who questioned both her allegations of industry discrimination and her willingness to use AI in the creative process.

5

Hostin discussed her new partnership with London-based studio Fountain 0 while addressing the growing influence of AI in entertainment. “One of the reasons I partnered with this company, is because I’ve written a trilogy, and for six years I’ve tried to get my films, or my stories, made into a series and films,” she said, per Daily Mail. “And the gatekeeping in Hollywood around Black and Brown creative content is insane.”

Hostin argued that the partnership could give her greater control over how her stories and characters are presented on screen.

The three novels in her “Summer Beach” series are “Summer on the Bluffs,” “Summer on Sag Harbor” and “Summer on Highland Beach.” The books center on affluent Black communities and explore romance, family, friendship and generational legacies. Hostin has playfully described the series as a love story with “a little bit of smut on the side.”

She also declared, “I do write smut!” while discussing the first novel during a previous episode of “The View.”

Her AI Partner Made History At The Tribeca Festival

5

Hostin highlighted Fountain 0’s role in making “Dreams of Violets,” a 75-minute feature that uses AI-generated visuals and performers. “It’s the first time that was done,” Hostin said while discussing the film’s acceptance at a major festival.

“Dreams of Violets” premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. The project was promoted as the first fully AI-generated, live-action feature accepted into the main program of a major film festival. The film, created by Iranian brothers Ash and Pooya Koosha, dramatizes the experiences of Iranians facing execution and draws on accounts of the government’s violent crackdown on protesters.

According to Variety, Fountain 0 reportedly produced the movie for approximately $2,000. The filmmakers used artificial intelligence for its visuals, voices and other production elements. The technology allowed them to create a feature without a traditional cast, physical set or camera crew, although those same methods have fueled concerns about AI replacing entertainment workers.

Sunny Hostin Previously Discussed Resistance From Publishing Executives

5

Hostin has made similar allegations about the publishing industry. During a 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she recalled encountering skepticism when she initially pitched a romance series centered on Black women.

“The first two meetings I had were unsuccessful because the people in the room didn’t get it. They just didn’t get it,” the daytime television host said.

She remembered one executive asking, “Well, what’s the market for this? And I was like, ‘Black women.’ She was like, ‘Really? You think so?’” she said. “Executives didn’t even think there was an audience for it. It was surprising and a bit disappointing.”

Hostin eventually found support from Gallery Books editor Carrie Feron, whom she credited with understanding her vision and intended readership. “She not only saw the characters, she saw me and the audience. She saw three books,” Hostin said.

The first book was released in 2021, followed by its sequels in 2023 and 2024.

An Earlier Television Adaptation Was Reportedly In Development

5

Although Hostin said she spent six years attempting to have the books adapted, Entertainment Weekly reported in 2024 that Amazon Prime Video was developing a television version of “Summer on the Bluffs.” The publication reported that Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer was attached as an executive producer and could potentially star in the project.

No completed series has been released, and the current status of that earlier adaptation remains unclear. Hostin’s Fountain 0 agreement may represent a new route for the property, but neither she nor the studio has announced a finished movie or television series based on the trilogy.

The Author Licensed Her Stories And Likeness To Fountain 0

5

Hostin signed the licensing agreement with Fountain 0 in August. The arrangement reportedly covers her intellectual property as well as the use of her image in AI-assisted productions. “To be able to bring my novels to life in movie and TV form, and actually have my image inserted in the productions, so that audiences can relate to me through my stories beyond my role as an author, is incredibly exciting to me,” she told Variety.

She added, “This entire generational innovation in filmmaking from Fountain 0 gives me confidence that AI can give me a way to both more fully develop, and more fully immerse myself in, [intellectual property] I have developed.”

Hostin also operates Roots & Wings Productions, the production company she launched in 2021. Her deal with Fountain 0 signals that she is continuing to pursue screen adaptations despite the setbacks she described. It also places her directly in the contentious debate over whether AI offers new opportunities to underrepresented creators or threatens the human artists who traditionally bring those projects to life.

Hawkins, Indiana isn’t exactly a place you’d want to take a vacation, is it? If you lived there, you’d probably be looking at selling up after the fifth or sixth supernatural incursion and disaster, right? Demogorgons, secret laboratories, alternate dimensions, giant monsters, and yet barely a flea market or local town fair to keep yourselves going. And yet, none of it has been enough to convince anyone to pack a suitcase and find somewhere considerably less cursed to call home.

The Stranger Things universe officially returns to Netflix today, September 17, with the second season of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 now available to stream. The animated spin-off heads back to the winter of 1985 for another adventure featuring younger versions of Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max.

The gang is back at it, and so are the strange creatures lurking about their seemingly quaint town. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, mysterious “ghostly” apparitions and a swarm of hate sprites are wreaking havoc around Hawkins. The HIC must uncover the truth behind these paranormal events before a new gate to the Upside Down is ripped open. Upcoming episodes will see the gang return to familiar places, like Hawkins Middle School and the Palace Arcade.

Who Stars in ‘Tales from ’85’?

Tales From ’85 features a new voice cast. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven, Luca Diaz plays Mike, Benjamin Plessala voices Will, Braxton Quinney plays Dustin, Elisha “EJ” Williams voices Lucas, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (In Your Dreams) plays Max, Odessa A’zion (Hellraiser) as Nikki Baxter and Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl) as Steve Harrington. The cast also includes Janeane Garofalo, Lou Diamond Phillips, Brett Gipson, Alysia Reiner, and Robert Englund, while it comes from showrunner Eric Robles (Glitch Techs), with original Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer serving as executive producers alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen.

Netflix revealed when announcing the renewal that Season 1 debuted at No. 7 in its global Top 10 and ranked among the streamer’s 15 biggest animated series debuts. Netflix also reported that the five seasons of the original Stranger Things had accumulated 1.5 billion views by that point

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Season 2 streams exclusively on Netflix.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

April 23, 2026

Network

Advertisement

Netflix

Showrunner

Eric Robles

Advertisement

Directors

Phil Allora, JJ Conway, Ben Choi

Advertisement

Writers

ChatGPT, Dan Milano, Ray Utarnachitt, Jennifer Muro, Chad Quandt, Chris Wyatt, Kevin Burke, Jen Bardekoff, Joshua Pruett

Advertisement

• 

  Brooklyn Davey Norstedt

  Advertisement

  Eleven (voice)

• 

  Jolie Hoang-Rappaport

  Max (voice)

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Benny Blanco is less than a week away from his one-year wedding anniversary with Selena Gomez. Ahead of the occasion, the “Eastside” singer is opening up about his desire to become a father, saying he’s not afraid of the challenge. This comes after the record producer previously said becoming a father was next on the list.

4

The 38-year-old record producer appeared on a September 2026 episode of Jenna Bush Hager‘s “Open Book” podcast to promote his new book, “F-uck Failure.” On the show, Blanco said he wants to become a father in the future and revealed why he’s “not afraid” of this potential major life change.

According to him, “Some of the negative things from my childhood are what helped me really get where I want to be and gave me the courage and bravery to do something different. He then said, “I’m not afraid. I mean, I of course want to be the best parent, the best partner. I’m excited when that day finally comes.”

From there, the musician admitted that he’s fully aware that his fatherhood journey won’t be perfect. He said, “I’m convinced that when that finally does happen, I am going to make mistakes, and that’s okay.”

Benny Said Failure Will Make His Child ‘Special’

4

As the podcast appearance continued, Blanco shared his thoughts about someday becoming a father after his marriage to Gomez. Specifically, he discussed his views on failure and how it shapes people. He stated, “Failure in real life, that’s what’s going to make my kid, that’s what’s going to screw ‘em up a little, but that’s what’s going to make them special.”

Blanco continued, “I do think it’s important, because we all have those blemishes on our report card, but that’s what makes it look so good when you did have that blemish, and then you’re like, now I have an ‘A.’”  

Notably, Blanco’s comments come just days after he appeared on “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” where he also discussed fatherhood, saying he was “pressing” the idea of having children in his marriage to Gomez. He added, “I’m full-court press over here.”

The ‘Eastside’ Singer Has Spoken About Fatherhood On Multiple Occasions

4

Blanco appeared on “The Howard Stern Show” in May 2024. During the conversation, he shared that becoming a father was one of his next goals.

He said, “It’s always a topic of conversation to me every day. That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of god-kids; I’ve got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids.” In that same interview, he talked about marriage, saying they were taking things “one day at a time.”

Blanco then said, “I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Later, in June 2025, the record producer spoke to InStyle, telling the outlet, “I love kids; I love being an uncle.” He continued, “I want to be a dad, though, God willing. I’m just dreaming and praying every day.”

Selena Gomez Has Been Open About Wanting Kids

4

Like Blanco, Gomez has shared her desire to have children on multiple occasions, most recently during a March 2026 episode of the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast. During a discussion about how many kids to have, the “Only Murders in the Building” star said, “I want four, but that’s out there.”

She continued, “Whatever happens, happens. If we’re only able to have one, none. I hope… we don’t know.” Before that, in March 2025, Gomez also discussed motherhood. According to her, “I don’t know what will happen, obviously, but I love children. I have an 11-year-old sister that I absolutely adore.”

She then said, “I love making [children] laugh; they’re just so sweet. So absolutely, when that day comes, I’m so excited for it.” Notably, according to ABC News, in September 2024, Gomez revealed that she’s unable to carry her own children due to medical complications. However, she’s open to other methods like adoption or surrogacy.

His New Book Was Recently Released

Simon & Schuster published Blanco’s new book, “F-ck Failure,” on September 15. The book includes personal experiences and offers advice on creativity, ambition, rejection, and learning from one’s mistakes.

Per the book’s description, “You want success? You gotta fail better. I fail constantly—small everyday failures and massive failures that last for years. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and all of them have to do with turning f*cking up into an art form.”

Advertisement

Coi Leray and Benzino have definitely had their ups and downs, but through it all, Coi has made it clear that she still has plenty of love for her dad. During a recent interview, the rapper kept it real about working to rebuild their relationship and opened up about seeing Benzino step into grandpa mode now that she’s a mom to her baby girl, Miyoco.

RELATED: Grandpa’s Baby! Coi Leray Melts Hearts After Sharing Sweet Moment Between Benzino & Baby Miyoco (PHOTO) 

Coi Leray Gets Real About Rebuilding Her Bond With Benzino

The rapper didn’t hold back during her exclusive sit-down with Jason Lee. Coi Leray kept it real about motherhood, co-parenting with Trippie Redd, and reconnecting with her dad, Benzino. Coi explained that she created some distance between them early in her career because she already knew her dad had some history in the industry. Although she feels some of that baggage has followed her throughout her own journey, Coi refuses to let it define her.

“I also feel like whatever my dad was doing and whatever bridges he was burning, I never wanted that to affect me, and still to this day I think it has affected me,” she said.

Instead, she has focused on staying true to herself, carving out her own lane and keeping any baggage that comes with her dad from weighing her down.

“So, I just try to push through and be me and let everybody get to know me so I don’t have to be attached to any baggage,” Leray explained.

It’s All Love? Coi Spills On Forgiving Her Dad

When it comes to forgiving her dad, Coi explained that she’s leaving the past right where it belongs — in the past.

“I forgive my dad because, bruh, like I’m the breadwinner now in the family. I’m the one that’s holding it down, so I get it,” she said.

The ‘No More Parties’ hitmaker also admitted that she doesn’t understand why Benzino gets such a bad rap, especially because she sees him as a hardworking Black man who put his all into making it out of the trenches. Coi said she has a lot of admiration for her dad, too. And yes, she knows he stays showing off his abs on Instagram, but she loves seeing him pour into himself and stay consistent in the gym.

“My thing is people talk so bad about him, they’re like, ‘Oh, his neck, this, that and the third’ […] but what I see is a man that went through sooo much like, my dad is from the trenches,” she said.

Baby Miyoco Has Paw Paw Wrapped Around Her Finger

Fans have already seen a lil’ peek at Coi and Benzino’s growing bond as she continues to share sweet moments between him and her daughter, Miyoco. Back in July, Coi dropped an adorable photo on her Instagram Story showing Benzino fully in his grandpa bag while spending some quality time with baby Miyoco. Miyoco looked like she was living for every second of her quality time with her paw paw. Baby girl flashed a huge smile in the flick while holding up a ball in what appeared to be her play area.

RELATED: Coi Leray Reveals Where She Stands With Trippie Redd Following His Apparent Callout Over Not Seeing Their Daughter Miyoco (VIDEO)