Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton recently stepped out together in Tokyo, Us Weekly has learned.

Kardashian, 45, and Hamilton, 41, were spotted walking side by side on a crowded sidewalk in Japan on Sunday, March 22, according to social media footage. The Skims mogul rocked a gray dress with over-the-knee heeled boots, while Hamilton kept it casual in a brown jacket and coordinating slacks.

Kim’s sister Khloé Kardashian also appeared to join the new couple on the getaway, per additional X clips.

While Kim and the Formula 1 champ have been friends for many years, their bond recently turned romantic.

Related: What to Know About Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s Romance

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s romance was years in the making. Sources exclusively told Us Weekly that the friends-turned-lovers are “really happy” — and those closest to both of them believe their newfound relationship “could be endgame.” FULL STORY: [Here] Here’s everything to know about their blossoming courtship so far: • Kardashian and Hamilton’s friendship […]

“She has felt ready to put herself back out there recently,” a source exclusively told Us in February of the pair’s “casual” relationship.

Weeks later, Kim and Hamilton seemingly made their public debut at the 2026 Super Bowl as they cuddled up in a private box to watch the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots.

While neither the Kardashians star nor Hamilton have publicly addressed their blossoming connection, a second source gave Us an update earlier this month.

“They are going strong and really happy. Lewis is head over heels and those closest to him believe he has finally met his match,” the second insider exclusively told Us. “He has waited over a decade for his dream girl and is crazy about her.”

As Hamilton and Kim get closer, they’ve had to accommodate their respective busy careers.

“They are both very committed to making things work no matter how long the distance is or how busy they are,” the second source said, noting the duo frequently FaceTime while Hamilton is in the F1 paddock between races. “Because their relationship started with a friendship first, those closest to them believe this could be endgame for them both.”

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Lewis Hamilton couldn’t help but have a flirty response to Kim Kardashian’s look from the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars party. “GUCCI GIRL,” Kardashian, 45, wrote via Instagram on Monday, March 16, alongside a series of behind-the-scenes photos of her party look from the night before. Kardashian donned a gold sequin turtleneck gown for the Sunday, […]

Hamilton has seldom discussed his dating life, while Kim has been single after her brief romances with comedian Pete Davidson and NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. fizzled out. They were her first romances after divorcing Kanye West.

Kim and West, 48, split in 2021, sharing custody of their four children. The pro racer has yet to meet Kardashian’s kids, according to a third insider.

“[Kim and Lewis] are keeping things casual and seeing where it leads,” the third source told Us in March. “She’s learned that too much pressure is usually when things fall apart.”

That being said, the insider noted that Kim was “open” to Hamilton meeting her kids in the future.

“Lewis is such a great guy and has really been courting her and treating her right. He’s been making all the plans and making sure she is taken care of,” the third source added. “Everyone around her thinks it’s really sweet and what she deserves. Kim has had such a relaxed aura recently in all aspects of her life. Her mindset has totally changed. She’s not forcing anything, just letting it unfold naturally.”

Meghan Markle’s beauty routine changes periodically, but one thing remains constant: she always gives her skin the royal treatment by prioritizing ingredients such as rice enzyme powder, which effectively cleanses and deeply nourishes the skin.

In an interview with Allure, the Duchess of Sussex revealed Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Polish as the product behind her effortless glow.

“It just sort of foams on your face,” she told the publication, adding that the polish “gives you a really subtle exfoliation” and aligns with her self-proclaimed “low-key” approach to her everyday cosmetology. “I don’t wear foundation in real life,” Markle continued. In other words, what you see is what you get.

Get the Tatcha: The Rice Polish for $69 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

We’re willing to bet it was Markle’s close friend and trusted makeup artist, Daniel Martin, who put her on to the product. His years-long obsession with Tatcha earned him an ambassadorship, and he now serves as the brand’s Global Director of Artistry. Occasionally, he’ll reveal which items he uses on the former actress, like a serum that shoppers swear is Botox in a stick.

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When it comes to achieving that lit-from-within glow, Meghan Markle has always leaned toward simple yet effective skincare. One product she’s famously credited for her “homegrown glow” is the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Often dubbed the “Hollywood two-minute facial,” this cult-favorite scrub has been a red-carpet staple for years, beloved by celebrities, makeup […]

Tatcha’s Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder is a water-activated exfoliator. It starts as a powder and transforms into a creamy foam, delivering a gentle, everyday cleanse. Highlighted ingredients include rice bran (a nonabrasive exfoliant rich in vitamins and proteins), Hadasei-3 (Tatcha’s Proprietary Complex consisting of rice, green tea, and algae), silk proteins, Japanese wild rose to tighten pores, licorice root to prevent flakiness and Japanese indigo to soothe any skin irritation. It sounds like something out of a fairytale, but happy customers say it really is that good.

In an Amazon review, one person waxed poetic over how the product makes skin feel regal.

“Tatcha’s Rice Polish had my face feeling so smooth I was convinced I’d been secretly sandblasted by skincare angels,” they said of their experience. “One minute I’m a tired human, the next I’m a porcelain teacup from a royal collection.”

Another person praised its immediate, visibly noticeable results. “Right away after I wash it off I can tell my complexion is brighter and my skin smoother,” they wrote, adding, astounded, “I don’t know how it does this, but it does it.”

You can treat your complexion to Markle’s crowning glory exfoliator at home. The As Ever founder’s go-to powder-to-foam cleanser is available on Amazon at just-under $70 for over 2 ounces of product.

Get the Tatcha: The Rice Polish for $69 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

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Taylor Frankie Paul sent a message to Doug Mason after he reacted to the news ABC decided to cancel her season 22 of The Bachelorette.

“In light of everything that has happened, I am just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked,” Doug, 28, said in an Instagram video on Friday, March 20. “All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise.”

He concluded, “I hope you guys have a great day, and let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need.”

After a fan account for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reposted the video, Taylor, 31, replied in the comments section, writing alongside a bandage heart emoji, “Aw my heart goes out to him. So sweet.”

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Despite Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette being canceled, she has needed to carry on as usual. “[I’m] always on [my phone],” Taylor, 31, wrote via Instagram comment on Friday, March 20, after a fan questioned why the reality TV star was posting on social media amid the Bachelor Nation scandal. “It’s my job, […]

ABC announced on Thursday, March 19, that season 22 of The Bachelorette was canceled days before the scheduled Sunday, March 22, premiere.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told Us in a statement at the time.

The update came after TMZ released footage of Taylor physically assaulting and throwing multiple chairs at ex Dakota Mortensen in a 2023 incident. In the video, Taylor’s daughter can be heard crying in the background. (Taylor shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul. She’s also mom to son Ever, whom she welcomed with Dakota in 2024.)

The incident led to Taylor’s arrest at the time, where she was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She later reached a plea deal.

A rep for Taylor told Us in a statement on Thursday that she is “very grateful for ABC’s support” while she “prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”

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Taylor Frankie Paul had been honest about her on–off relationship with Dakota Mortensen while filming The Bachelorette. “There were several conversations had [about Taylor’s status with Dakota], and the writing was on the wall,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, referring to Taylor and her Bachelorette contestants. “Many feel like their time was wasted.” Taylor, […]

“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the rep said.

The statement continued, “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”

Dakota, for his part, addressed the footage in a separate statement.

“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota said at the time. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”

Dakota has since been granted a temporary protective order against Taylor and given temporary custody of their son, per documents obtained by Us.

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.

Saturday Night Live UK made its television debut by taking aim at ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the deeply unpopular war in Iran and the seemingly endless Beckham family drama.

The UK version of the hit U.S. sketch comedy show — produced by Sky Studios — made its debut on Saturday, March 21, featuring a British cast of comedians. The cast wasted no time in weighing in on some of the world’s biggest news stories.

“Coming up on Weekend Update: pedophila. But first, war!” Weekend Update, the UK version, host Ania Magliano said alongside her cohost, Paddy Young.

After a slew of Iran-related jokes, the pair turned their attention back to the disgraced royal, who was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

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President Donald Trump is speaking out after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. “I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad,” Trump, 79, told reporters on Air Force One on Thursday, February 19. “I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s […]

Mountbatten-Windsor is accused of sharing confidential government information with the late pedophile while he served as a U.K. trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

“Renovations to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new home, Marsh Farm, have been taking place over the last month, including installation of Sky TV,” Mangliano said. “So, if you’re watching Andrew, hello! You’re not going to like this next bit. Also, I’m older than I look.”

She continued, “Andrew’s new residence, Marsh Farm, is of course named after the nearby marsh where his body will be found.”

“It was reported this week that the police investigation into Andrew is set to widen,” Young chimed in. “The big question now is, if Andrew is charged, found guilty and put in prison, will he be able to keep his mouth shut?”

The comedian then made a crude joke in reference to the ex-prince’s fictional cellmate’s penis.

Elsewhere during the show — hosted by SNL alum Tina Fey featuring a performance from Wet Leg — the cast took aim at President Donald Trump and his continued war in Iran. Since announcing the U.S. government, along with Israel, launched “Operation Epic Fury,” Trump, 79, has criticized NATO countries for their unwillingness to participate in the war.

“Remember the one where Ross and Rachel were on a break? I think perhaps that’s what we need,” cast member George Fouracres, who played Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the show’s cold open, said to an off-screen Trump via phone. “Not forever. Just until you’ve got all this war out of your system. Listen, we want different things. I know how badly you want to start World War III, and that’s great. You should absolutely do that. But we can’t be a part of it. You can, however, use the naval bases whenever you want.”

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Royal watchers learned in October 2025 that King Charles III stripped his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — of his royal titles and evicted him from his lavish home. The former prince’s spectacular fall from grace has been tied to his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. […]

Elsewhere in the premiere’s Weekend Update segment, Young focused on the ongoing feud between David Beckham and Victoria Beckham and their estranged son, Brooklyn Beckham.

“Feuding father and son David and Brooklyn Beckham narrowly missed each other whilst at the same Beverly Hills hotel,” Young began. “The feud began when Victoria was, quote, ‘inappropriately’ close with her son at his wedding.”

Young then made a crude incest joke regarding Victoria and her son.

The new UK sketch comedy series, executive produced by SNL creator Lorne Michaels, also stars Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep and Emma Sidi.

Actor Jason Momoa is sharing an update on the devastating flooding ravaging parts of Hawaii.

“I got my family with me. We got out of the North Shore … our power went off,” Momoa, 46, said in a since-expired post shared via his Instagram Stories, per multiple media outlets including People and Page Six. “We’re safe for now, but there’s a lot of people who aren’t, so we’re sending all of our love.”

The Game of Thrones actor — who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa — continued, “The North Shore is pretty gnarly right now. So hopefully everyone’s safe and getting out. Stay safe out there.”

Catastrophic flooding has hit portions of Hawaii after the islands were hit with back-to-back storms. According to local authorities, the flooding is the worst the state has seen in 20 years. On Friday, March 20, flooding threatened to bust through a dam in northern Oahu, prompting thousands of people to evacuate, according to USA Today.

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“LEAVE NOW,” an alert sent to residents in Hale’iwa and Wailua, read.

According to Governor Josh Green, an estimated 200 people have been rescued and 10 have presented at hospitals with symptoms consistent with hypothermia. On Friday, a weather service bulletin stated that “civilians had to be rescued and transported on a bulldozer” after a foot of water rose over a road one mile east of Waialua.

“This is a major threat to our people and to our state,” the governor reiterated during a Friday news conference.

On Saturday, March 21, the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a flood watch for the whole state through the afternoon of Sunday, March 22, citing heavy rain — sometimes as much as 2 to 4 inches per hour — in addition to thunderstorms and an increased risk of flash flooding.

On Saturday, Momoa shared several photographs of the devastation the flooding has caused on the North Shore, including a video of debris being pushed up onto the beach and images of destroyed roads.

The actor also shared a video of an event space suitable to host “a fundraiser.”

“Mahalo to Ko Olina and Hawaiian counsel helping put together a fundraiser soon,” he wrote over the footage. “Stay tuned to help donate we still got to get through this weekend. Stay safe all my aloha.”

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“It would be beautiful to do, if we can do a fundraiser here,” he said as he showed off the property. “Wow, that’s a sick tent, huh? That’s a cool stage.”

He continued, “This would be really cool to do a fundraiser … Awesome, let’s do it. Try to get a fundraiser going with the green … Just trying to figure out something we can do, make some money for those in need. Let’s go! Good job, cousins. Good job, my cousin.”

Chappell Roan has broken her silence and responded to allegations made by soccer star Jorginho over a reported security incident involving his 11-year-old daughter, Ada Law. The singer shared her side of the story, saying that she had nothing to do with the incident.

Jorginho’s wife, Catherine Harding, also known as Cat Cavelli, who was with her daughter when the interaction with security happened, has also spoken out about the issue.

Jorginho’s Claims About Chappell Roan

On March 21, Jorginho made a lengthy post on Instagram Stories, alleging that Roan sent a member of her security team to approach his wife and daughter while having breakfast at a hotel, as The Blast previously reported.

The mother and daughter were in São Paulo to attend Lollapalooza, where Roan was one of the performers. It just so happened that they were staying at the hotel where the singer was, and Ada got excited upon seeing the singer. Jorginho said her daughter walked by Roan’s table to confirm it was her and didn’t do anything else.

Moments later, however, Harding and Ada were allegedly approached by a member of Roan’s security and spoke to them in an “aggressive” manner, telling Harding that she shouldn’t have allowed Ada to “disrespect” or “harass” people. According to Jorginho, the encounter left Ada “shaken” and “in tears.”

Chappell Roan’s Response To The Allegations

On March 22, Roan took to Instagram Stories to share her side of the incident. According to the singer, the security guard was not part of her team. Moreover, she didn’t see a woman and a child, adding that no one approached her at that time. “No one bothered me. Like, I was just sitting at my breakfast in my hotel. I think these people were staying at the hotel as well,” she explained.

The singer added that she didn’t ask security to talk to Harding and Ada. “It’s unfair for security to just assume someone doesn’t have good intentions when they have no reason to believe, because there’s no action even taken,” she said. Furthermore, she added that she does not hate kids, saying, “Like, that is crazy.”

She concluded by saying, “I’m sorry to the mother and child that someone was assuming that you would do something and if you felt uncomfortable.” Roan said the incident made her “sad,” adding, “You did not deserve that.”

Catherine Harding Also Spoke Out

Harding also shared her version of events on Instagram Stories. She decided to address the issue after getting “so many messages” after her husband posted about it. Harding said she has seen Roan’s video.

According to Harding, she’s absolutely sure that the person who approached her and Ada was not part of the hotel’s security, saying the person, who she described as “very large,” “looks after artists.” Whether or not Roan asked the guard to approach, she said she didn’t know.

Harding also questioned whether the security guard would have approached them without having been told, and if that’s what happened, “he’s representing her in a way that she doesn’t want to be represented so I think that’s really important for her to notice and realize that’s not correct.”

Catherine Harding Explained The Situation

According to Harding, the man berated her and told her to teach her daughter to “be better,” saying that the girl was “badly educated.” She explained the situation to the security guard, saying that her daughter was just excited to see Roan, adding that she knows about boundaries since Jorginho is also a public figure.

Harding said she hopes Roan didn’t really have anything to do with it. “I hope that maybe, if it wasn’t her, that she learns not to allow the people that work for her to treat people like this. That’s the end of it.”

Public Opinion Is Split

Jorginho’s post about the incident became viral, and now that both sides have spoken, social media users have differing opinions.

One user commented, “great job everyone for hopping on yet another woman’s hate train over a man’s unproven story.” Another wrote, “Where’s his apology? Or do men in sports get a free pass when they weaponize outrage?” “I know someone is lying and it’s not Chappell,” another added.

Meanwhile, others don’t believe the singer’s account. “I’m supposed to believe a random security guard came out of nowhere to defend her honor and thought a kid was a threat? All on his own? No orders just… just a lone security guy seeking justice?” one questioned. “Throws the guard under the bus while claiming zero involvement. Classic celeb deflection. Weak sauce,” another wrote.

NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, her three children and the family dog were killed in a house fire. She was 37.

“The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children,” the NHL said in a statement on Sunday, March 22. “Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”

Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire at a single-family home in Minnesota around 5:25 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 21, according to the White Bear Lake Fire Department.

“Neighbors that made the 911 call reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house and stated there were likely people inside of the house,” a statement from Fire Chief Greg Peterson read via Facebook. “Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Crews were then able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside of the house. Unfortunately, all were deceased.”

The statement noted that the department’s “hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy,” continuing, “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”

The statement was captioned, “It is a very difficult and sad day for our community. We will provide updates when it is appropriate. Our main focus at this time is on everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Pierce, who graduated from Iowa State University, was a contributor to NHL.com for the past 10 seasons and also worked for the Minnesota Wild. Michael Russo, a reporter for The Athletic, honored Pierce’s legacy via social media while sending a message to her husband, Mike.

“There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are,” he wrote via X on Sunday. “Jessi Pierce (Hinrichs) was the most vibrant person – the life of the party, always with a smile on her face, always bringing a passion to every article and podcast and interview she did. Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her upbeat, bubbly personality. I have literally NEVER met anybody that had a way of being EVERYBODY’s friend.”

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UPDATE — 12/29/25, 3:15 p.m. ET: One person has died, while another remains hospitalized, after a fire broke out at a North Carolina house belonging to NASCAR star Denny Hamlin. The residence was home to Hamlin’s parents, officials said on Monday, December 29.  The identities of the two individuals have not been released. According to […]

Russo’s tribute noted that Pierce “absolutely loved” her three children “more than anything” and was “the greatest mother who did everything she could to bring joy to her sweetest kids.”

“My heart breaks for Mike for the loss of his wife and children and Jessi’s family, friends and colleagues for this unimaginable loss. This hockey community lost a wonderful, energetic and one of a kind voice and story teller and Grade A person,” Russo wrote. “Life can be unbearably unfair sometimes, and it’s impossible to make sense of this tragedy.”

Russo continued, “Please keep Jessi and her beautiful kids in your thoughts and prayers. I wish Mike all the peace and support and happiness in the world. A lot of tears were shed at the arena yesterday. We, in the Wild media and inside the Wild, will miss seeing Jessi everyday, laughing with her everyday. The press box and press room won’t be the same without her. It’ll be a lot quieter, a lot less funny. But her passion and joy for covering this hockey team and sport will remain.”

A representative for Sarah Ferguson is setting the record straight on whether she planned to participate in a reality TV show focused on cloning the late Queen Elizabeth II’s famous corgis.

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday, March 21, that Ferguson was set to star in a reality series following the royal as she sold clones of corgis Muick and Sandy. (Ferguson and her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had previously taken in the dogs after Elizabeth’s death in 2022.)

“Ms. Ferguson regularly receives varied TV offers and proposals — often for reality shows which she always declines,” her rep told People in a Sunday, March 22, statement.

The message noted that “to be absolutely clear” Ferguson “declined the proposal” reported by the Daily Mail “regarding a reality TV show involving the late Queen’s corgis.”

“She received the proposal following some initial conversations with Halcyon media to discuss a potential programme on dogs generally, but conversations ended following her declining the opportunity suggested,” the statement concluded.

Us Weekly reached out to Ferguson’s reps for comment.

The Daily Mail claimed that eight months after Elizabeth died, Ferguson spoke with multiple production companies in the United States about the corgis being involved in a potential show. Per the Daily Mail, a reported synopsis for the series noted that Ferguson set up a “company called The Queen’s Corgis, which aims to clone the Queen’s corgis and sell them to other dog lovers around the world.”

“But as she dives deeper into the world of genetics and cloning, Fergie realizes that her business venture is not without controversy…” the alleged synopsis reads. “As the series unfolds, viewers will be taken on a journey through the fascinating world of genetics and cloning, as well as the inner workings of the royal family. They will witness the highs and lows of Fergie’s business venture, and see how her determination and resilience are put to the test.”

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A doggone historic crowning ceremony! Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis have special plans for King Charles III’s coronation. When Charles, 74, is officially crowned on Saturday, May 6, the late queen’s dogs will be watching the celebration on TV with Sarah Ferguson. “I will definitely be watching [the ceremony] on television and be championing it […]

The synopsis concludes, “But ultimately, they will be left with a sense of hope and wonder, as they witness the incredible bond between humans and animals, and the enduring legacy of the Queen’s beloved corgis.”

Ferguson, who had gifted the pups to Elizabeth with Andrew, has been candid about the honor of taking in the late monarch’s furry friends.

“I have seven dogs and two of them are corgis [and] five of them are Norfolk terriers. They’re all doing very well,” Ferguson exclusively told Us in 2024. “They’re all very lovely and very, very loved!”

While detailing how she takes care of the animals, Ferguson gushed that the pets “do all get on with each other.”

Related: Sarah Ferguson Gives Us Pupdate on Taking Care of Late Queen’s Dogs

Sarah Ferguson is the proud caretaker of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis. “I have seven dogs and two of them are corgis [and] five of them are Norfolk terriers. They’re all doing very well,” the Duchess of York, 64, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, May 1, at the Global Citizen Prize Awards […]

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“It’s quite a lot of work, but it’s work I love,” she said. “I have many dog people around me who also love them and love to take care of them, so I can share and I do share.”

One year earlier, Ferguson shared that the corgis “can sense the late Queen’s presence at Royal Lodge, Windsor.” (Elizabeth died in 2022 at the age of 96.)

“It makes me think Queen Elizabeth is passing by and laughing. I’m not being weird,” Ferguson told the U.K.’s Express in April 2023. “At night they like their own space. I respect that they probably do miss her. I miss her too.”

Science fiction thrives on premise. A simple story of two space nations fighting has been done to death, space geopolitics having been delved into deeply as an opportunity for aspiring world-builders. What made Star Trek so great was how its episodic format allowed for each episode to explore a mind-blowing new “problem of the week” built on the creativity and imagination of writers whose love for sci-fi showed in the uniqueness of every episode. The cosmos is a strange and uncharted place filled with danger, but also with incredible wonders. Star Trek was limited only by the imagination of its writers. Tragically, the franchise suffered falling ratings that were detrimental to the series in the 2000s. Movies became the face of Trek, but even there, they focused more on the action and spectacle than the original shows did. Fortunately, that torch was taken up not only by Doctor Who, which was experiencing a revival in the New Millennium, but by a sadly oft-forgotten property that paved a new road to science fiction — Stargate.

A Forgotten Franchise Picked Up Where Star Trek Slowed Down

In 1996, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released Stargate by iconic disaster movie director Roland Emmerich. The film opened to mixed reviews, with many critics lambasting how the film’s superb mystery and build-up to unlocking a mystical gate to another planet ultimately led to a desert. However, the idea itself retained incredible potential that was evidently not lost on the studio, and two-and-a-half years later, a new Canadian-American TV show had spawned, serving as the direct successor to the film: Stargate: SG-1.

An episodic military science fiction series, the show follows a team of predominantly four characters, one of several highly specialized United States Air Force “SG teams” who venture on missions through the “Stargate” in a secret complex under Cheyenne Mountain to explore new worlds and acquire alien allies and/or technology to use in Earth’s defense.

A Team Dynamic That Made Every Mission Worth Watching

Image via SyFy Channel

The series’ main cast typically consists of four characters, who are often where a chunk of the fun can be found. While they do get replaced at times, some permanently towards the end of the series’ life, the original four mains are still the face of the show. Colonel Jack O’Neill, played by Richard Dean Anderson of MacGyver fame, leads the team with an oddly blasé attitude. Despite his leadership role, he is naturally funny and possessed of a sharp tongue. He was once described in the show’s later seasons as a man who “laughs in the face of the enemy even when it’s inappropriate.” However, beneath his confident exterior, there is a depth to his character that the series displays with beautiful subtlety throughout his tenure.

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To infinity and beyond (the usual sci-fi shows)!

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Doctor Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), initially indistinguishable from James Spader‘s genius archeologist, is a natural diplomat and master of ancient cultures. His attitude and moral backbone lead him to butt heads with O’Neill on a regular basis, despite the friendship that develops between the two hard-headed individuals. Over the years, his growth as a character brings Daniel into his own as a distinct and stronger hero than his namesake in the movie. He represents the moral center of the team, and for a time, makes for the ideal audience surrogate as he struggles to adapt himself to a military lifestyle.

Samantha “Sam” Carter (Amanda Tapping) is the show’s resident tech wizard. Holding the rank of Major by the start of the show, her brilliant mind often finds the scientific solution to those problems too complicated for the other characters to handle. Despite her technological prowess, she is also an exceedingly competent fighter in her own right, well-trained among the Air Force’s best and brightest. Teal’c (Christopher Judge) is among the first of the alien characters the team encounters in the series. Originally the obedient lieutenant of the show’s first major villain, he defies his gods and joins the people of Earth to pursue freedom for his enslaved people, the Jaffa. His growth throughout the series is perhaps the most profound, gradually immersing himself in Earth culture with each passing season, to the point that his interactions with the blissfully ignorant outside world are among the most endearing moments in the series.

Villains That Balanced Mythology, Horror, and Classic Sci-Fi Threats

Image via Showtime

Of course, the show’s villains cannot go without mention. The main antagonists of the series are the Goa’uld, snake-like parasitic aliens who take human hosts with which to masquerade as gods (each one based on deities from ancient pantheons) and oppress the innocent beings of the galaxy. Though they are technically advanced and armed with an army of genetically engineered soldiers called Jaffa, they are culturally archaic, making them and their minions reasonably susceptible to the weapons of Earth’s heroes. The series’ other best villains include the Replicators, a swarm of self-replicating spider-like machines whose only goal is to increase their numbers in perpetuity, but their total lack of prejudice or soul as they spread like cancer arguably makes them as intimidating as Star Trek’s cybernetic villains, the Borg.

Somehow, for the majority of its history, the series perfectly balanced seriousness with comedy. The humor was a part of the characters, and the characters had enough dimensions to them that their wit never once undercut the drama of the story, yet there are those comedy-focused episodes that reveled in their hilarity. The Season 4 episode “Window of Opportunity” sees O’Neill and Teal’c trapped in an endless time loop reminiscent of Groundhog Day. Shenanigans ensue, yet the episode has a deeply poignant resolution despite being one of the show’s funniest episodes in the series.

The Season 5 episode “Wormhole X-Treme” sees the SGC learning of a mid-production TV show made in the suspicious likeness of the real Stargate program, yet the similarities are distinctly satirical and make for a very self-aware parody of the show. The Season 6 episode “The Other Guys” follows a trio of timid SGC scientists trying to rescue SG-1 from capture, and further shenanigans ensue.

The Standout Episodes That Prove the Format Still Works

But the series is not great simply because of excellent writing and superb characters. When Star Trek was panting with exhaustion by the 2000s, straining to carry the legacy of episodic science fiction, it was Stargate: SG-1 that kept on running. Each new episode was built around some fascinating idea, a new and creative problem to overcome with each episode. If the idea was new, it blew audiences away. If the idea was old, it was refined and perfected. These stories would simply not be possible outside the science fiction genre. The greatest sci-fi works have always functioned the same way, embracing mind-bending possibilities to explore anything from the most compelling adventures to the most thoughtful exploration of humanity. Star Trek did this well, andStargate: SG-1did so too.This format is preferable for this kind of series, not only because it allows for more self-contained explorations of the genre, but because the serial format is typically more akin to stretching a film out over a longer period to focus on a single giant story. WithSG-1, nothing is stopping viewers from picking up any of their favorite episodes to revisit one of the team’s best adventures, as opposed to watching an entire season from scratch to revisit a single giant story.

It is not hard to find episodes that thrive in this format. In the Season 2 episode “A Matter of Time,” the SGC dials a world in the process of being consumed by a black hole, and the gravitational feedback through the wormhole threatens to pull the entire Earth through the Stargate. In the Season 4 episode “Scorched Earth,” SG-1 is faced with the moral dilemma of deciding between the automated terra-former seeking to repopulate the embryos of an extinct civilization seeking a second chance, or the primitive tribe it threatens to annihilate in the process. In the Season 8 episode “Avatar”, Teal’c tests a new virtual reality simulator built using alien technology, only for the simulation to give him the most difficult challenge it can concoct, forcing him to repeat the seemingly impossible “game” over and over as the simulated invaders overcome his best attempts at victory, with no escape. The list goes on.

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The series is set to make a comeback thanks to Prime Video.

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This is not to say the series is perfect. The later seasons, especially 9 and 10, experienced a drop in quality, and the more realistic military theme fell by the wayside as the heroes started to get replaced with snarkier, funnier characters who felt more like superheroes than soldiers. Then there are the environments, where most alien planets tend to be the same forest in Vancouver, which is especially frustrating. That and most of the show’s transplanted human extra-terrestrials seem to speak English. There is also prominent Americentrism, one episode making it very clear that the Stargate program should belong entirely under American jurisdiction, and that other countries should contribute their efforts towards the defense of the Earth while expecting no shared decision-making in how the Stargate is operated.

But despite these flaws, the series is exhilarating. The middle seasons are easily the best, embracing the status quo of its premise yet still allowing its characters to grow as the series explores the creative boundaries of science fiction. Doctor Who was the show’s competitor into the 2000s, including against the equally great spinoff show Stargate: Atlantis, and while the iconic and campy British series performed better for the most part, its Canadian-American competition on the SyFy channel took itself more seriously despite its humorous ingredients, making it a worthy successor to the Star Trek legacy while still charting its own path in the space exploration concept.

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Stargate SG-1

Release Date

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1997 – 2007-00-00

Showrunner

Brad Wright

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Directors

Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, William Waring, Bill Gereghty, David Warry-Smith, Brad Turner, Mario Philip Azzopardi, William Gereghty, Peter F. Woeste, Dennis Berry, Ken Girotti, Charles Correll, Jonathan Glassner, Robert C. Cooper, Allan Eastman, Bill Corcoran, Jeff Woolnough, Jim Kaufman, Allan Lee, amanda tapping

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  Samantha Carter

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The King Arthur story has been adapted many times over and in every way imaginable. However, some are better than others. An often-ignored example is BBC’s Merlin, which came out in 2008. Though it adapts the legendary story, Merlin takes a unique approach, focusing on the wizard instead of the king. Certainly, Merlin takes liberties with the story, but it follows the same beats as Arthur rises to power and creates a legacy as the once and future king, with Merlin by his side. The show’s twist on the legend is a breath of fresh air, but what stands out most is Merlin‘s dynamic characters and creativity, making it deserving of more attention than it receives.

The series focuses on a young Merlin (Colin Morgan), who, in this retelling, is the same age as Arthur (Bradley James). Developing a hilarious friendship between the two central characters, Merlin thrives on this relationship, unlike other versions of the story, where Merlin is a mentor figure. But this distinction is not the only thing to recommend Merlin. The show includes fascinating character arcs, like Arthur’s progression from spoiled bully to noble king or the slow corruption of the once kindhearted Morgana (Katie McGrath), creating something new from familiar legends. Is it campy? Yes, but that is part of the charm. Merlin is not the bloody epic fantasy audiences have grown accustomed to, but a humorous and fun version of a familiar story that offers plenty of surprises. With the popularity of fantasy TV that came shortly after Merlin, the series is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be.

What’s So Different About ‘Merlin’?

The King Arthur mythos is familiar to most, whether from the many literary versions or the many adaptations that range from Disney’s Sword in the Stone to Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But Merlin is unlike any of them, reworking the legend into something entirely different. The most substantial change is Merlin’s age. Rather than introducing an aged wizard determined to guide the future king, Merlin centers on a young sorcerer who must hide his magic at the threat of death. Learning of the prince’s destiny, Merlin is forced to protect Arthur, becoming a servant and friend rather than fulfilling his traditional role as a guide. The unlikely friendship between Arthur and Merlin becomes the heart of the show as Merlin serves as Arthur’s manservant, hiding his secret and slowly earning the trust of the future king.

The relationship is unbalanced in many ways. Arthur is a skilled knight with position and power, while Merlin is a commoner who accidentally gets a job as Arthur’s servant that he doesn’t want. Conversely, Merlin is a powerful warlock, aware of Arthur’s destiny and equipped to handle magical threats, though he cannot reveal that. Yet all the things that complicate their friendship fall away as the two grow close. They may tease and insult each other at times, but they each risk their lives for their friend time and time again. In Merlin, Arthur’s respect for the title character helps him grow into the unbiased king he becomes known as, making this friendship more than just a crowd-pleasing and amusing change, but crucial to the story’s progression.

‘Merlin’s Characters Are Its Greatest Strength

Merlin makes it a point to begin the story before the characters become who they are in the legends, allowing the characters to undergo formative journeys as the story goes on. Though most have an idea of who they will be, it provides the chance for surprises. When Gwen (Angel Coulby) is introduced as a servant and daughter of a blacksmith, everyone knows she will become queen, but how remains a mystery. Combining the mythic figures of Arthurian legend with new characters like Gaius (Richard Wilson) and the Great Dragon (John Hurt), the show is not a straightforward retelling but something more akin to an origin story.

Merlin‘s characters grow in unexpected ways, creating complex arcs that surprise even those most familiar with the legends. Arthur is a good example of this, as he is introduced as an arrogant brute and, over time, becomes a caring and kind man, willing to change his father’s rigid laws to promote fairness and equality. Letting commoners become his most trusted knights, marrying a serving girl, and placing his trust in Merlin, Arthur earns his reputation as a just king, but his behavior at first leads the audience and Merlin to doubt. But Arthur is not the only one whose unfamiliar characterization changes over time. Throughout the series, Morgana goes from a caring, if rebellious, woman to a villain out to destroy everything Arthur and Merlin built. Her slow corruption, due to the lies she’s told and her unfortunate circumstances, turns her from an ally to an enemy in one of the show’s most compelling plots. These characters may have the most pronounced growth, demonstrating how the show uses the myths to create an interesting story.

‘Merlin’ Refuses to Take Itself Too Seriously

Image via BBC

Merlin came out just before fantasy TV really hit its stride. With the massive popularity of Game of Thrones and shows like it, the genre is booming. But Merlin doesn’t exactly fit in with the gritty, violent shows that rule fantasy TV now. Instead, Merlin uses cheesy effects that betray its limited funding, but they force the show not to take itself too seriously, which is for the best. The show thrives on humor and outlandish plots that support the more important character development. Merlin is not an epic fantasy in the way audiences have grown accustomed to, but it never promised to be.

Merlin presents an immersive story with dynamic characters and enjoyable relationships, which is all that can be asked of such a show, yet it seems to fade into the background of the crowded genre. Although Merlin wasn’t a widespread hit, it has a loyal fanbase who are still talking about the series more than a decade after its conclusion and dreaming of a continuation, though it is unlikely to happen. Merlin‘s twist on the classic story and well-crafted characters mean it deserves the love and attention it rarely receives.

Merlin is streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Merlin

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Release Date

2008 – 2012

Network

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BBC One

Showrunner

Julian Jones

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Directors

Jeremy Webb, Alice Troughton, David Moore, Justin Molotnikov, Ashley Way, Alex Pillai, James Hawes, Metin Hüseyin, Ed Fraiman, Stuart Orme

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