Alex Cooper is making a major change to the business structure surrounding her media empire. 

The “Call Her Daddy” podcast host has reportedly parted ways with UTA as she expands Unwell beyond podcasting, while tensions involving prominent figures in her orbit appear to have complicated the relationship. 

The move comes alongside a broader push into television, film, live events and branded work, giving Cooper a potentially much larger business to manage.

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Alex Cooper is stepping away from her talent agency, UTA, as her focus increasingly shifts from traditional talent representation to building Unwell into a broader media company. 

As Variety reported, three people familiar with the matter said the 31-year-old had left the agency, while a representative for Unwell confirmed that the company ended its relationship with UTA on July 27.

The agency had been part of Cooper’s rise, helping develop her profile and negotiate major opportunities, including interviews she hosted for Peacock during NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

However, the priorities surrounding Cooper’s career have changed considerably since then. One source familiar with the situation claimed the media personality had become frustrated with UTA’s continuing relationships with Alix Earle and Dave Portnoy, two personalities who have feuded with her. 

According to the source, Cooper had pressed the agency to end its relationship with Earle. The dispute has not been presented as the sole reason for Cooper’s departure. However, the broader expansion of Unwell is now a major focus.

The company has moved into television, film, live events and creative agency work, while Cooper and her husband, Matt Kaplan, continue to hold a majority stake. 

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The bigger story surrounding Alex Cooper is what she is building outside the podcasting world. Unwell has been expanding its slate of projects, including “Unwell Winter Games,” a reality competition series that will bring 16 contestants to “a luxury chalet in Park City, Utah” for “mental and physical challenges over four days.”

The company is also producing “Icebreaker,” a Netflix series based on Hannah Grace’s novel, while veteran marketing executive Joanne Bradford has joined Unwell as president. 

That expansion received a significant boost from Patrick Whitesell, the former executive chairman of Endeavor and WME co-founder. His investment firm, WTSL, invested an undisclosed amount in Unwell, with the company releasing information on August 12 valuing the business at $500 million.

Cooper and Kaplan retain majority ownership of the company, which they originally self-funded after its formation in 2023. Unwell says it has been profitable since its launch and considers the WTSL deal growth capital.

The company is also targeting traditional media and advertising organizations, with WTSL offering “deep strategic expertise, industry relationships and a proven track record of supporting some of the most innovative companies and storytellers in media,” including Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.

Alex Cooper Faces Questions About Unwell As Expansion Accelerates

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The rapid growth of Cooper’s company has unfolded alongside uncomfortable questions about what it is like to work inside Unwell. 

A June Vanity Fair investigation included an allegation from a freelancer who said Kaplan “creates the most toxic work environment that I’ve ever seen.” 

Anonymous sources also alleged that Kaplan questioned employees about their sex lives and commented on their physical appearance.

Bloomberg had previously reported that Kaplan “has earned a reputation for frequently yelling at staff members” and that employees were “looking for the exit.”

Cooper addressed the criticism during a Wall Street Journal interview at Cannes Lions in June, where she declined to delve into the specific allegations. “I will just kind of leave it at ‘Don’t believe everything that you read on the internet’ — but I think everyone knows that at this point,” she said.

She also stood behind the company and its employees, saying, “I think that we have done a really incredible job at Unwell, and I think if you walk the halls, there are so many people that are so happy to work at this company.”

Cooper’s Unwell Expansion Gets A Reality TV Test With Harry Jowsey

Alex Cooper’s push to make Unwell more than a podcast company is already taking shape on Netflix, where her latest project has put her in a very different position behind the scenes. 

Cooper serves as an executive producer on “Let’s Marry Harry,” the dating series starring Harry Jowsey. 

The Netflix series follows 20 women competing for Jowsey’s hand in marriage over five weeks, with people close to him, including Cooper, helping guide him through the experience. 

Speaking about his experience while filming, Jowsey told Page Six Radio that living alongside all the contestants made filming “overwhelming,” particularly because the women were constantly trying to pull him aside for conversations. 

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“It was a lot,” he admitted. “They’re always trying to pull you for a chat, and I’m the only one. So, it was a lot the whole time.” He even joked, “I don’t know how ‘The Bachelor’ does 30 [women].”

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While Cooper is expanding her career into new areas, an old chapter has also returned to the conversation after Portnoy made explosive claims about the circumstances surrounding her departure from Barstool Sports. 

Portnoy addressed the former “Call Her Daddy” host in his memoir, “Cancel Me If You Can,” alleging that Cooper and her former co-host Sofia Franklyn had discussed using false sexual-harassment accusations as a way to escape their contract. 

When Cooper was confronted about the allegation during a CNBC interview, she did not offer a detailed account of what happened. 

Instead, she acknowledged the complicated history between herself and Portnoy while making clear that she remembered events differently.

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She also explained that she had not read Portnoy’s memoir, although she had seen herself being discussed online. 

When asked whether she wanted to give her version of the story, Cooper declined. “No. I’m in my mother era. I’m no drama right now. We’re here to talk business,” she said.

Kate Walsh is making another major change after years of living in Australia.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star has returned to the US and is settling into life in New York City. She is especially excited about getting back to everyday activities like “walking and hiking.”

Kate Walsh originally moved from Los Angeles to Australia after the 2020 travel restrictions led her to meet her now-fiancé, Andrew Nixon. She later returned to the US to film several projects, including new episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Walsh has officially moved back to the United States after spending years in Australia. The actress said she now lives in New York City. She also admitted that she loves being back in the city.

This move is another change for the businesswoman after she once left Los Angeles for a quieter life overseas. She ended up in Australia because of travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She eventually fell in love with the country and decided to stay.

Walsh is enjoying the things she missed about city life. She explained that New York “feeds her soul” and gives her a “creative and cultural energy” she enjoys. Her recent comments about the move were shared with US Magazine⁠.

The Actress Is Looking Forward To ‘Walking’ Again

One of the biggest things Walsh is enjoying about being back in New York is “walking.” The actress said she loves walking and missed being able to move around without depending on a car. For her, that everyday freedom is one of the best parts of being back.

She also mentioned “hiking” as another activity she enjoys. Her years in Western Australia gave her plenty of access to nature, but she now seems happy to have moved from Tinsel Town. Realestate previously highlighted her love for the quiet Australian lifestyle.⁠

In the coastal suburb of Cottesloe, actress Walsh enjoys a remarkably low-key life with her partner in a modest, single-story beachside home. The property features an open-plan layout, outdoor entertaining spaces, and a dedicated meditation room. She said she loves the private life in Perth, where she is rarely bothered in public.

Health Issues Influenced Kate Walsh’s Decision To Relocate

Back in 2015, the “Emily in Paris” star Walsh was diagnosed with a shocking brain tumor. This made her rethink her high-pressure life in New York and Los Angeles. Walsh said she needed a more stable life: “I needed my life to be a lot more balanced.”

Before her move to Australia, the actress cashed out of the American real estate market by listing her Encino estate for $6.37 million. She had just purchased the property just four years prior for $2.75 million. Actor David Arquette purchased the three-bedroom home from Walsh. 

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The health crisis served as a wake-up call for Walsh to kick off “part two” of her journey. This personal shift also led her to the love of her life, “an Aussie.” Her relationship with Nixon became another reason the country felt like home.

The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actress Talked About Her Divorce

The 58-year-old faced a major change in her marital life. She previously went through a difficult divorce from film executive Alex Young. The experience left her leaning on the people closest to her.

Walsh credited her family and close friends with helping her through the difficult time. She said their support and encouragement gave her something to be grateful for after the very public split. Her experience also helped her become more open to seeking advice from people she trusted.

The actress said she second-guessed herself, but she finally worked towards finding herself again. PEOPLE highlighted the role her loved ones played in helping her through the divorce, showing another side of Walsh beyond her Hollywood career. 

Kate Walsh Wishes To Have No Children

Walsh has also been candid about another deeply personal part of her life. In 2015, she revealed that she had gone through early menopause. The actress said the experience meant she would not be able to have children.

The businesswoman also admitted that she had always wanted to become a parent. She also questioned the pressure placed on women to achieve certain milestones before they can feel fulfilled. Her comments reflected how much she had reconsidered her own definition of a successful life.

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Walsh described the expectation that women can “have it all” as an “American Myth.” She also said she had learned to embrace what was in front of her rather than remain focused on what she thought her life should look like. ABC News reported on her candid discussion about fertility and motherhood. 

Influencers Matt and Abby Howard have officially expanded their family.

“He’s here!!!!” Matt wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 17, announcing the couple’s newborn son’s arrival alongside a picture of Abby crying shortly after giving birth, her infant son laying on her chest with his face covered with an emoji.

“We have been soaking up every bit of this beautiful new chapter as a family of 5,” he added. “Can’t wait to slowly catch you all up on the past week of our life.”

Their baby is joining older siblings Griffin and August, whom the couple welcomed in 2022 and 2023, respectively. In March, Matt and Abby shared that they were expecting a baby after experiencing a previous pregnancy loss.

“Baby #4 🌈,” the pair captioned their Instagram post at the time. “Grateful beyond measure.”

Months prior, Matt and Abby revealed that they were pregnant with their third baby.

“Going for our third baby is almost more exciting than ever because now we truly know just how good it is,” they told People in August 2025.

In September 2025, the couple shared that Abby had experienced a pregnancy loss.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we share about the loss of our baby girl born far too soon,” Matt and Abby wrote via Instagram at the time. “At a routine pregnancy appointment, our doctor could not find a heartbeat. Shortly after they sent us in for an ultrasound where the technician said words we will never forget, ‘I am so sorry I do not have good news.’”

The statement continued, “That is when we got the gender reveal we never hoped for and also the news that our baby had a genetic condition that took her life around 17 weeks gestation.”

The twosome shared that the news “felt unimaginable” and the grief has been “absolutely devastating.”

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“But we feel so much gratitude for the time that we did get to have with her. And we still have hope. Hope has continued to show up for us in so many ways,” Matt and Abby concluded. “For now we will grieve and continue to think of ways to honor her life offline. Thoughts and prayers are more than welcome. Thank you everyone for celebrating this precious life with us for the past 17 weeks.❤️.”

Abby, for her part, later opened up about having to return to the hospital to start the induction process.

“I always say that delivering our daughter was just … it was so eerily similar to, like, a live birth. You’re in the same unit as everyone else that’s having babies that are alive,” she said during a June episode of “The Squeeze” podcast. “They have, like, an incubator across from you that you just know that you’re not gonna use. There’s no fetal monitoring of any kind. It’s just an experience that you wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it is an experience that has grown me like so, so much.”

Hayden Panettiere’s death came as a shock to many of her fans — but her friends were “worried” about the actress after she reconnected with her abusive ex Brian Hickerson.

“Hayden seemed to be doing well [recently], but there was still concern among her friends and inner circle,” a source who recently spoke with Panettiere exclusively tells Us. “Especially because she started spending time with Brian again.”

The insider continues, “That relationship and association had led her down a dark path in the past, so her friends and inner circle were worried for her. There were concerns and her friends really hoped she was doing OK.”

Us has reached out to representatives for both Panettiere and Hickerson for comment.

Related: Celebrities React to Hayden Panettiere’s Sudden Death at 36

Hollywood is mourning the tragic loss of Hayden Panettiere at age 36. The Heroes and Nashville alum’s representative confirmed to Us on Sunday, August 16, that the actress had died. Details surrounding Panettiere’s death were not immediately available. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, […]

Panettiere navigated a series of public highs and lows as a former child star-turned-bonafide actress — including several allegations of domestic violence against Hickerson, one of which landed him in jail in 2021 — before she was found unresponsive on Sunday, August 16.

The Nashville alum’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death that same day, calling Hayden “an incredible light and a force of nature.” She was 36.

Despite “everything she was going through personally,” the source tells Us, Hayden was a “very supportive friend” until the end.

“She always tried to remain positive and was such a joyful person to be around,” the insider shares of the Heroes alum, who dealt with postpartum depression, addiction and abuse at the hands of Hickerson in the years prior to her untimely death.

Hayden — whose younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, died in February 2023 at the age of 28 — was “fighting a lot of demons behind the scenes,” the source reveals.

“But she still remained optimistic about her future and hopeful about what was ahead,” the insider adds.

The source also tells Us that after Hayden published her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May, she felt “relief” and appeared to be headed in a positive direction.

“She wanted to be a bright light and an advocate and always talked about wanting to help people,” the insider tells Us.

Related: Hayden Panettiere‘s Most Emotional Quotes About Brother Jansen‘s Death

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Before her shocking death, Hayden Panettiere was grappling with the sudden loss of her best friend and younger brother, Jansen Panettiere. News broke on August 16, 2026, that Hayden had died at the age of 36. Authorities in South Carolina confirmed the following day that they had responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” at […]

Hayden was first linked to Hickerson in 2018 and one year later he was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident against the former child star.

At the time, Hickerson was charged with felony domestic violence and was ordered to stay away from Hayden. Those charges were eventually dropped and Hickerson continued to date the Remember the Titans actress.

Hickerson was arrested again in 2020 for another domestic violence incident involving Hayden, for which he served 33 days in prison. Following his 2021 release, Hickerson was placed on four years probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine.

“It was brutal. It was traumatic. It was emotional,” Hayden exclusively told Us of the experience in her May cover story, noting it was “important” to “word that experience properly” in her book.

She added, “I needed to believe that it happened for a reason. For something so horrible to happen, the only thing that I could think of to make it all worth it, was [to] let people know that they’re not alone and help people.”

By detailing her alleged abuse in the memoir — Hayden recounted the first time Hickerson allegedly hit her with an “open-face slap” and another time he allegedly beat her so badly she didn’t “leave the house for weeks” — she told Us it was allowing her to help others not feel “alone” if they’ve been through a similar situation.

“[I want others to know] that there’s somebody out there who went through it,” Hayden added. “And even though it took her years to truly get herself out of the situation, it’s possible. You can do it.”

The same month that her book was released, Hickerson told TMZ that he imagined himself marrying Hayden some day, even though they “probably wouldn’t be good together.”

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Hayden, for her part, shut down that idea on May 13, telling the outlet, “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

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

There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day to enjoy a new episode of the TV show you are binging. However, some viewers don’t have time for long-running productions such as Game of Thrones and would rather have something short and sweet, which is where miniseries come in. These digestible single seasons have a self-contained story that starts and ends without needlessly dragging on.

Some of the most critically acclaimed shows are miniseries, such as Band of Brothers and The Queen’s Gambit. However, while most fans go back to the classics, the past half a decade has been home to some of the most underrated hits yet. That is why this list will rank the most perfect miniseries from the last five years based on consistency, lack of flaws, writing, directing, acting, originality, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality. For anyone looking for a quick watch to pass the day, these are the shows for them!

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‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

Image via HBO Max

COVID-19 was half a decade ago, and while it still seems fresh in our minds, it was quite a ways back. However, the situation could have been a lot worse, because at least that isn’t what happened in Station Eleven. The story takes place two decades after a pandemic has wiped out civilization, leaving only a handful of nomadic tribes, including a group of actors and musicians who wish to spread the tales of Shakespeare to the survivors, but this is threatened by a dangerous cult and its prophetic leader.

Adapted from the Emily St. John Mandel novel of the same name, Station Eleven is a brilliant subversion of the post-apocalyptic genre because of its optimistic focus. As opposed to doom and gloom with a side of bleakness, this miniseries is a testament to the human will to spread joy and bring good into the world. The uplifting nature alone will bring a tear to the viewers’ eyes in a time when everyone needs a little bit of good in their life.

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‘Ripley’ (2024)

There is a certain charm and elegant feeling about black-and-white television, which is why some shows use it for dramatic effect and aesthetic, such as Ripley. Based on the classic novels, this miniseries is set during the 1960s, following the titular character’s struggle to pull off his scams. However, when a wealthy man mistakes Ripley (Andrew Scott) for a friend of his son, he sends him to Italy in order to bring him back home. However, getting used to the high life, Ripley thinks that this life suits him more, giving him the idea to steal the son’s identity.

Not everyone can handle a slow-paced show, especially if it is a miniseries, but Ripley is a slow burn that rewards patience through its meticulously built suspense. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, highlighting the gorgeous country with sophisticated prestige. Ripley is unhurried in its pace, giving lots of time for the characters to breathe, also allowing Ripley to carefully plan his next steps with intricate precision. Ripley is a dazzling modern adaptation of the novel that feels classic and new at the same time, proving why it is a must-watch miniseries.

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‘Pluto’ (2023)

Image via Studio M2

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Fans were probably expecting all live-action series, which is only natural, but for the open-minded, anime is a whole new world of miniseries that contains some masterpieces. Naoki Urasawa is a prolific manga author, and one of his best works is Pluto, which follows robot Detective Gesicht and his investigation of the murders of the most advanced androids in the world and robot rights activists. However, the deeper he dives into the case, the more personal it becomes, especially when it involves past scars and world wars.

Anime isn’t for everyone, but for those skeptical about the medium, it is recommended to watch Pluto since it avoids a lot of the awkward tropes. It still feels like an anime, but it is vastly more mature and engaging than most shows. This two-headed dragon switches between gripping mystery and an emotional journey seamlessly, delivering both with incredible nuance. The winding plot and shocking twists add fuel to the burning questions that drive the mystery, while the themes of love, hate, and who has the right to them elevate the personal story and its emotional climax. Pluto isn’t just a perfect modern miniseries; it is one of the best anime shows of all time.

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‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Image via HBO

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It is strange that this is such a common theme, but many miniseries are bleak in nature. Maybe that is just because a full show of despair would be too much, because Mare of Easttown fits everything sad about it in seven perfect episodes. Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) is a detective in a small town investigating the murder of a teenage mother. But she has her own issues to deal with, from the suicide of her son to her custody battle and a divorce.

Mare of Easttown isn’t for the faint of heart, because this dark and depressing miniseries is all about personal struggle and unresolved grief. However, it is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of suffering in a small town, which is highlighted by the outstanding performance from Winslet. Complex, authentic, and personal best describe this perfect miniseries that showcases the resilience people face in everyday life and the tragedies that fill them.

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‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

DC is in a weird spot in terms of film, but they have never been better for TV shows, because they delivered a masterful miniseries set in The Batman universe. The Penguin follows the titular character played by Colin Farrell and his rise to power. With the most powerful crime lord dead, a struggle for control takes over the streets of Gotham City, and the Penguin will do anything to be the head honcho, even if that means being the underdog in every turf war.

Some fans want these types of shows to be more comic-booky, but the grounded nature of The Penguin is what makes it so great. It also makes it more approachable to non-superhero fans, with some viewers not even realizing it is DC. This gangster drama transcends the superhero genre into a completely different beast, and that is because of its transformative acting and compelling plot. Oswald’s rise to the top is rocky, engaging, and full of drama, highlighting why it is arguably the best superhero TV show ever.

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‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Speaking of DC, Mike Flanagan is the writer for the upcoming Clayface movie, and that should get fans excited since he is the best in the business for horror. He has delivered multiple masterful miniseries, including one from the past five years, Midnight Mass. Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) is the young new priest of Crockett Island, and his arrival brings forth both miraculous events and frightening omens that could be the savior or destruction of the island.

Horror miniseries are the perfect form for the genre since they expand the story but don’t go too far with extra seasons. Instead, series like Midnight Mass create a perfect environment for terror to thrive with the exploration of remarkable themes, such as faith, guilt, and religious fanaticism. Midnight Mass isn’t just a terrifying experience; it is a wonderful character study that proves why Flanagan is the greatest horror mind of the past five years.

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‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

The past five years have spawned some fantastic miniseries, but the most recent, and most perfect, is arguably Adolescence, which became the biggest show of 2025. After a young boy is accused of murdering his girl classmate, the police open up an investigation that tears apart the family and destroys the world they once knew, with nothing but despair and grief filling the void.

Few miniseries have the same effect as Adolescence, which put the world at a standstill with its shocking story. It left many viewers feeling raw and emotional, achieving this through authentic storytelling and Emmy-worthy performances by the entire cast. The innovative narrative delivered the story in real time with an uninterrupted pace, giving a more personal view of the characters. Adolescence is a perfect miniseries not just from the past five years, but of all time.

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Adolescence

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Release Date

March 13, 2025

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Netflix

Directors

Philip Barantini

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Hayden Panettiere fiercely pushed back against the painful perception that she willingly walked away from her daughter, Kaya, years before her death at 36. In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” the “Nashville” actress detailed her decision to allow Kaya to live primarily with her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, while she struggled with addiction, depression, and the loss of her identity.

Big Brother 28 will have the veto meeting today, but in the meantime, we’ve got live feeds fun including Kamu Kirk saying something sketchy but also in an unrelated conversation, something totally ignorant.

Big Brother 28: Kamu’s Snarky Remark?

Angela Murray’s birthday is today. And plots are afoot. Yash Patel thinks he’s walking into a simple won’t-use-the-veto meeting but it’s all about to blow up.

Let’s start with what Kamu said now. We’ve had him soliciting baby mamas on the live feeds. He and Yash told Melody Morris they’d get her pregnant like it or not, which was a joke.

Then Kamu hassled Melody saying she’ll change her mind about kids. And now, this. Context is Yash, Kamu and Taylor Brown were talking about managing Lala Verrett because the others in the house will nominate her.

Yash is worried about them having guilt by association and being put up next to Lala because people are annoyed. Taylor told Lala to lock in or Taylor herself will put her on the block.

Taylor told Lala “people are p*ssed because you’re acting ugly” and “when you go up, they’ll put me up beside you”. So, Taylor told Lala lock in, shut up, and she said ok.

Then, Kamu said Lala just needs to fade into the background and just cook and clean. The context is important to make clear Kamu didn’t just out of the blue tell a woman to cook and clean.

Taylor started the conversation but it’s a bad look. Kamu kept on saying, “you can be making everybody food but you can’t be talking as much”. Yash said, “agreed, bro”.

And in more crazy thing Kamu said news, he thinks the OceanGate deaths were a conspiracy to silence rich people who “knew too much”. Remember the little Titanic submarine that imploded? That’s full-on conspiracy theory.

Big Brother 28: Veto Ceremony Drama Expected

I can’t believe they’re pulling this on the six year anniversary of the 3 days before Rockstar’s daughter’s birthday — but guess what? It’s Angela’s birthday today, so happy crazy eyes day.

Big Brother delivered cake mix and icing. And party hats and streamers but no booze. Given that we’re getting a volatile veto meeting today I hope Big Brother pours some liquor on this mess.

Speaking of the veto brawl, the meeting’s today and here’s what we expect. Kamu pushed the idea of Yash using the veto to take down Angela and renom Barrett Pfeiffer. Yash seemed into it for a bit.

But in the end, he did some basic math and realize if he took Angela off the block, that leaves just one icon on the block. And those aren’t good odds for evicting a vet.

Then, for a hot weird minute, Kamu suggested using it on Dee Valladares. In the end, unless something changes, Yash will not use his power of veto and will stand up and say this veto meeting is now adjourned.

And that’s when Rick Devens steps up to say not so fast, I’m going to play my Diamond Power of Veto. They said Dee must act surprised when Devens plays it on her. Dee plans to curse at Devens for keeping the secret.

Then, Dee will say she suspected he had it all along. Devens told Dee that’s not very grateful and she told Devens she’ll hug him and thank him after she yells at him. They want it to be spontaneous.

Power Plays on BB28

Also, Angela now knows about the big power plan too. So, this will be as she says, her best birthday ever. If she gets to be part of seeing Kamu on the block, Angela might actually handle Melody’s roast better.

I won’t be surprised if Big Brother took down the feeds for Angela’s party which will anger the live feeders. Angela’s also planning to attack Yash in the veto meeting saying it’s my birthday, and you should use it on me.

Drew Campbell laughed as Angela said, I’m doing it. She’s going to call Yash heartless and spineless. Melody told her to wear her birthday hat while she does it. Angela got excited then Drew said we should all wear birthday hats.

He said they should all put their hats on mid-speech while Angela’s giving Yash the lecture. Melody said we’re the best at vetoes. I’m on the block and you have the power of veto that matches my birthday hat and should use it on me.

Drew told Angela do all that, say all that. Drew told Angela, then, the last thing to do is sit down and say, Kamu was that enough of a show for you? And Angela was giddy, laughing and clapping.

Big Brother 28: Playing with Production

Some non-strategy feeds fun. If you watch, you know Mallory Aurichio messes with the camera guys, swinging on her hammock, talking to them on her tour guide radio.

So, yesterday, Mallory said I wish we had an hour a day to talk about production. And Big Brother warned her, “MALLORY”. She said sorry and BB said “Thank you.”

Then, Devens yelled, “you’re playing favorites. No one gets thank you’s except Mallory”. He yelled, “it’s pure favoritism and I’m tired of it!” BB yelled, “Devens, cool your jets!”.

Also, Barrett, Dee and Melo-Drew were playing with the iPhone. And Barrett was trying to open the mail app to send a photo, but it’s all locked down. Big Brother said “be careful” and Melody says it’s a threat. Barrett said, “it must mean that I’m close”.

Production also played with Kamu up in the Have Not dungeon. Kamu pretended to box with the camera doing some of his MMA moves and the camera turned to the side like he punched it. He laughed and said good fight.

Dee, Devens and Angela think today’s gonna be their best day ever in Big Brother 28. And it might be. But Devens is a little deluded. Devens had been waffling a bit back and forth on using the DPOV or saving it.

Because with the new 7-person alliance, they can control the eviction vote. By the way, FAP-CON is now officially Mosh Pit. And the other five people in the house have an alliance that Lala has named The Covenant.

Anyway, Devens said he was definitely using his power. His rationale is that the Diamond POV power was a gift from the fans and he needs to let them have a big change in the house.

Not sure the icons being safe and the other side having smaller numbers is a change in the house. Yes, Devens, Dee and Angela pivoted allies but otherwise, they just replaced one set of cannon fodder with another.

Despite the hypocrisy from Devens, the veto ceremony should be fire. It may really be the best day ever.

Screen legend Julie Andrews recently confirmed that she has no plans to appear in the currently in-development “The Princess Diaries 3.” In a recent interview, Anne Hathaway, who is involved with the movie, broke her silence about her former costar opting not to return to her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.

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Hathaway attended the recent D23 Expo on August 16. Notably, she was inducted as a Disney Legend, the storied company’s highest honor for those who have contributed to its legacy. While on the red carpet, she spoke to Entertainment Tonight, with the reporter asking her how it felt to “take the reins” of the film, given Andrews’ decision not to appear.

The “Devil Wears Prada 2” star said, “First of all, I just want to say, if she has a change of heart, we’re down. Just anything, really.” After that, the actress stated that she and everyone else involved with the film would like to remain “respectful” of Andrews’ wishes not to be involved in the planned film.

Hathaway highlighted her former costar’s legacy, saying, “For goodness sake, if anybody has contributed to the world of entertainment and to our collective joy, it’s her. Whatever she wants, we completely understand.”

Anne Hathaway Admitted The Team Tried To Convince The ‘Mary Poppins’ Legend

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Hathaway continued her thoughts about Andrews by admitting that there were real attempts made to convince the 90-year-old actress to sign on to appear in “The Princess Diaries 3.” According to her, “We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it.”

From there, she responded to questions about what moviegoers could expect from the film. The “Odyssey” star stated, “I just want it to be fun.” She then mentioned the movie’s legacy, noting that “women who were six when the first one came out” now, in some cases, have children of their own.

She continued, “I want them to feel like they’re bringing their children to something that matters to them. A core memory for them. Something that was a part of their heart and their lives.”

Toward the end of the clip, Hathaway stated her desire to do the film “justice” as well as “taking the time that it takes” to create something special.

Julie Andrews Says She’s Retired From On-Screen Acting

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In recent years, Andrews has provided her work to several projects, including Netflix’s “Bridgerton.” However, she recently spoke to InStyle and revealed why she turned down “The Princess Diaries 3,” stating that she’s retired from appearing on screen.

The “Mary Poppins” alum said, “I think I probably passed – I think I’m retired, really, would be about the best description for that. [The film’s creative team] asked me all last year if I would be keen to do it. It was very, very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age.”

Previously, in 2022, Andrews interviewed with Access Hollywood, saying she didn’t think the film would be made. She said, “I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible. It was talked about very shortly after ‘2’ came out.” The actress went on to say that she felt it had been too long since the second film’s release for it to make sense.

Anne Hathaway Says Her Values Will Play Into The Film

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Hathaway interviewed with PEOPLE in August 2026. During the discussion, she was asked what she could tease about “The Princess Diaries 3.” She responded, “Well, I can’t answer that without giving away some of the plot points we’re taking, but I’d say that Mia and I probably have very similar values.”

Hathaway explained, “I think that we want to see a world that’s full of equality and full of love. I think she wants love and I want her to have love.”

Anne’s Latest Movie Recently Arrived In Movie Theaters

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In additon to having a hand in developing “The Princess Diaries 3,” Hathaway is both expecting her third child and also starring in several films this year. The latest of her new movies, “The House on Oak Street,” debuted in movie theaters on August 14.

The film was directed by David Robert Mitchell and also stars Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery. Regarding reviews, it has an 86% positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Next, she will star in “Verity,” which is set for release on October 2.

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 17, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Hayden Panettiere‘s autopsy is complete, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced, and discovered no signs of trauma that could have contributed to the actress’ death. An official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation, and dispatch audio referenced an overdose and cardiac arrest at the time of her August 16 death.

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• U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the continued disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, saying, “I wish I had an update.” Speaking on Meet the Press on August 16, Blanche said the FBI is committed to supporting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation six months after Nancy was last seen.

• Lindsay Clancy‘s mother and sister testified about her declining mental state in the months before she killed her three children in January 2023. Her mother, Paula Musgrove, said Clancy told her in December 2022 that she “had thoughts of harming the children,” while her sister, Allison Ozga, testified that Clancy admitted to daily suicidal thoughts.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Odyssey and The Return.

Christopher Nolan’s new Homeric epic, The Odyssey, has emerged as a critical and box office smash. Thanks to its success, other Odyssey stories are rising in the streaming charts, too. One such movie is The Return, another retelling of Homer’s epic poem that’s been surging up the charts of Just Watch. Starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus, The Return boasts an impressive cast and a fresh take on the original story’s ending. If you loved Nolan’s fantasy adventure epic, here’s why The Return should be your next watch.

‘The Return’ Begins After Odysseus’ Journey Ends

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Although Christopher Nolan’s version of The Odyssey adapts a more robust version of Homer’s poem, The Return takes an alternative approach to the source material. John Collee, Edward Bond, and director Uberto Pasolini’s script focuses entirely on Odysseus’ return home and the retaking of his kingdom. The movie begins with a haggard and exhausted Odysseus waking up on the shores of his homeland of Ithaca, only to find it in ruins and at the mercy of dastardly suitors who exploit Queen Penelope’s (Juliette Binoche) hospitality, as they attempt to take her hand in marriage and become the new king. Disguising himself as a beggar, Odysseus observes the situation and tries to find the strength to retake his homeland. However, he’s still mentally traumatized by the horrors of the Trojan War.

As The Return and The Odyssey adapt the same source material, viewers can recognize similar scenes in both versions, taken from Homer’s poem, and it’s interesting to see how the movies interpret those moments differently . For example, in both movies, Odysseus’ hunting dog Argos recognizes his old master Odysseus outside the royal palace before passing away from old age. The scene of the servant, Eurycleia, recognizing the scar on Odysseus’ leg while washing him also appears in both movies. However, since The Return’s entire narrative focuses on Odysseus’ return to Ithaca, it takes a slow-burn style, rather than the more ramped-up pacing of Nolan’s version.

Ralph Fiennes Delivers an Excellent Performance as the Haunted Hero

While watching both The Return and Nolan’s The Odyssey, one can easily recognize emotional parallels in Ralph Fiennes and Matt Damon’s respective versions of Odysseus. Both men are haunted by their experiences during the Trojan War, and both movies portray Odysseus’ inability to return home to Ithaca for years due to the trauma of the journey. As shown in The Odyssey, Damon’s Odysseus spends seven years on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island, eating lotus flowers in an attempt to forget the atrocities of the Trojan War. Damon’s Odysseus gravely fears the fallout from his actions after breaking the sacred bonds of men and the trust of Zeus’ law due to his trick with the Trojan horse.

Although Fiennes’ version of Odysseus is equally traumatized by the Trojan War, his nuanced approach is more akin to survivor’s guilt. Fiennes’ Odysseus doesn’t just feel guilty about the atrocities committed during the war; he also suffers with the fact that he survived while all of his soldiers perished. In the movie’s final moments, as Penelope confronts her husband about his long absence, Odysseus expresses his fear that she would no longer love the man he had become during the war. Fiennes and Binoche showcase exceptional pathos in their portrayals of Odysseus and Penelope, as they share a bittersweet, compassionate forgiveness in the movie’s emotionally hopeful and rewarding ending.

‘The Return’ Presents an Alternative Take on ‘The Odyssey’

Image via Bleecker Street

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The Return takes a granular approach to Odysseus returning to Ithaca, as the broken and despondent ruler must rediscover his strength to retake his ruined homeland. It results in a tighter, leaner, and more personalized adaptation of Homer’s poem. The Nolan version diverges from the poem and paints a grander, epic view by depicting the fallout from the Trojan War, as Damon’s Odysseus concludes his actions poisoned humanity, bringing about the fall of the Bronze Age and the start of the Dark Ages. He also fears his actions will spread to Ithaca, ruining his beloved homeland. Meanwhile, in The Return, Odysseus returns to Ithaca, with his home already a ruined “wasteland,” as the suitors attack and terrorize the people and civilians. However, that’s more a byproduct of the suitors acting out in Odysseus’ absence and the lack of a strong ruler to keep the bullying suitors in line, rather than Odysseus’ trick with the Trojan Horse causing a chain reaction that spreads to the rest of the world, bringing about the downfall of civilization.

Obviously, Nolan utilizes a much larger budget and canvas to work with for his $250 million fantasy epic, but The Return still provides a rewarding cinematic experience. Fiennes and Binoche bring a grounded, sobering reality to their performances as frayed yet forgiving versions of Odysseus and Penelope. The Return presents a contemplative emotional story about returning home from war and the way a husband and wife come to terms with how the experience changed them. It’s also deeply interesting to watch The Return after enjoying Nolan’s big-budget, engrossing, immersive version, recognizing parallel themes about the horror and trauma caused by war and conflict. The Return should be your next binge option after you watch The Odyssey.

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The Return

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Release Date

December 6, 2024

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Runtime

116 Minutes

Director

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Uberto Pasolini

Writers

Edward Bond, John Collee, Homer, Uberto Pasolini

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