Ryan Seacrest’s status as a long-term bachelor has led to plenty of headlines over the years as he’s navigated dating, family life and pressure to settle down.

The American Idol host has had a series of high-profile romances, even while trying to keep much of his personal life private. He dated model Shana Wall from 2003 to 2005 and spent three years with Julianne Hough. Seacrest has also been romantically linked to Shayna Taylor, Renée Hall, Aubrey Paige and more over the years.

While he’s never actually been married, he’s had some close calls over the years — and contemplated his own future along the way.

Keep scrolling to learn what Seacrest has said about marriage, having a family and everything in between.

Related: Ryan Seacrest Through the Years: From Radio Personality to Media Mogul

Media royalty. Ryan Seacrest has dominated the entertainment industry for more than two decades — both in front of and behind the camera. Born in Atlanta in 1974, the Emmy-winning producer began his first radio internship while still in high school. After graduating, he studied journalism at the University of Georgia, but he dropped out […]

Being Single

Seacrest cracked a joke about being single during season 23 of American Idol, reacting to a performance by contestant Thunderstorm Artis.

“Well done,” he said on the May 2025 episode. “It is a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics. I just printed them out backstage. ‘Your green eyes are soft like the summer and your touch can put out the embers of my burning heart from that gray December.’ I’ve never been more depressed to be single than right now in this moment.”

Artis performed the song “Out of the Blue” as a Mother’s Day tribute to his wife, Faith.

Having Kids

Seacrest explained in a 2021 interview with the Wall Street Journal that he eventually wants kids — but for now, he is focused on living in the present.

“I haven’t even gone down that path, which is nuts at my age,” he said. “I think in the last year, it’s become clear to me that yes, I do want to do that. … I want to be available and present.”

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Related: Ryan Seacrest and Model Aubrey Paige Petcosky’s Relationship Timeline

Ryan Seacrest has been notoriously private about his relationships, but he let down his walls a little with ex-girlfriend Aubrey Paige. Us Weekly exclusively confirmed the American Idol host’s romance with the model, whose full name is Aubrey Paige Petcosky, in June 2021. “[They are] very happy together and doing great,” an insider told Us […]

Meanwhile, Seacrest remains close with his family, which includes his sister, Meredith, and mother, Constance Marie Zullinger. He said in 2022 that the relationships he already has are enough.

“I’m happy. I’m happy in the present moment,” he told Lisa Rinna during an episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan. “I don’t think about anything else. Why push it? I think having kids at the right time would be great. I have a fantastic family, a very small family. I have a niece, [my sister] Meredith has a daughter. My parents have been married 52 and a half years, so that’s a high bar. So that’s in my head.”

He added that his mom has “given up” on wanting grandchildren from him.

Still Time to Get Married

Seacrest discussed the inevitable proposals that he would see in the crowd in Times Square on New Year’s Eve during a December 2024 appearance on Good Morning America.

“There’s still time for me,” he joked of an eventual trip down the wedding aisle.

ABC correspondent Will Reeve replied, “You’ve got this, Ryan. We won’t rush you, though.”

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Related: Look Back at Ryan Seacrest’s Dating History Through the Years

America’s sweetheart! Ryan Seacrest is one of the most recognizable faces on television today — but he’s managed to keep much of his dating life private. The On Air With Ryan Seacrest host’s most high-profile romance came in 2010 when he dated Julianne Hough. After the pair split three years later, Hough opened up about […]

‘How Do I Do That?’

Seacrest told listeners to his radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest, in October 2020 that watching his friends’ kids get excited for Halloween helped him decide that he wants to be a dad one day.

“It was weird because Halloween changed me,” he said. “I said a few weeks ago, ‘I’m not so into it,’ and then I saw some of my friends’ kids get excited about it. Then I see my niece, and she’s so beautiful. Then I see you [Sisanie] with twins, and I see how happy you are, and I would never in a million years — actually if you asked me when I was 40 a few years ago ‘Do you want kids?’ [I’d say], ‘I don’t know’ — and now, all of a sudden, all I can think about is, ‘Wow, how do I do that? I’m getting older. What are the options?’”

Almost Getting Engaged

Cohost Kelly Ripa asked Seacrest on a May 2017 episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan whether he has ever been engaged. While the Wheel of Fortune host said he had not, he revealed he once came close.

“I did get close and I didn’t do it and it was the right move,” he explained. “But I love the idea — and I know you’re going to ask me — of marriage because my parents have been married for 47 years, and so I have this thing — and you’ve been married 21.”

Following His Parents’ Example

If Seacrest does decide to settle down, he has already set some pretty high standards for himself in the romance department. He explained that he views his own parents and their marriage as an example to follow, and the years he has spent looking up to them has set “a high bar.”

“My parents [have] been married for 47 years, and so I have this thing …” He explained to Ripa in May 2017. “The truth is, I have this thing that I don’t want to screw it up and a lot of times, they get screwed up and so I figure, the longer I wait, the older I’ll be, the closer to death I am, so I can get it in, and not screw it up.”

Online Dating

During a March 2026 “Love Is in the Air”–themed episode of Wheel of Fortune, Seacrest hinted that he was looking for love via the dating app Tinder.

“I love ‘Love Is in the Air.’ I am so excited to watch all of these shows. And I’ll be on Tinder tonight so I can find it,” he told cohost Vanna White, joking that he was “so lonely up here” as a single man among the couples participating on the episode.

By TeeJay Small
| Published 5 seconds ago

If you’re the kind of adult who enjoys cartoon violence, cutaway gags, and thick New England accents, you’re more than likely familiar with the comedy stylings of Seth MacFarlane. The decorated humorist has been churning out television gold for decades now, having created such hits as Family Guy, American Dad, The Orville, and the Ted franchise. Now, thanks to an exclusive report from Deadline, we can confirm that Seth MacFarlane’s next outing will be a Family Guy spinoff show titled Stewie, which will center around the eponymous foul-mouthed toddler.

Stewie Griffin has obviously been a fan-favorite Family Guy character since the show premiered back in 1999, as evidenced by the fact that he’s become the center of more and more episodes as the seasons have progressed. Even still, this news feels a bit odd, considering many fans agree that Family Guy is far past its prime. It seems that the most appropriate time to develop a Stewie-centric spinoff show might have been during the early 2000s as the raunchy animated hit was gaining cult status through DVD sales, or in 2009 when the Griffins’ neighbor Cleveland Brown got his own oft forgotten spinoff.

Family Guy Meets Magic School Bus?

Seth MacFarlane will continue voicing Stewie Griffin in the new show, with a host of Family Guy alumnus expected to rotate into the fold depending on the setting of each episode. Still, most of the Griffin family will be absent from the bulk of the series, as the new show will follow Stewie enrolling in a new preschool. Along the way, the evil transatlantic mastermind will interact with a host of other schoolchildren, and a talking turtle who will serve as the class pet. Each episode will see Stewie whipping out some kind of sci-fi invention, which he can use to transport the class through space and time, like a foul-mouthed reimagining of The Magic School Bus.

According to the Deadline report, Stewie will premiere on Fox in the Fall of 2027, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+. The series has been given a two season order, with expectations that it will run alongside Fox’s lineup of adult animated staples such as The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers. With plans to run both Stewie and Family Guy through 2029, it seems clear that Fox has no interest in closing the door on the Quahog crew, even as the latter series rounds out its 24th season this May.

Family Guy’s Lasting Legacy

Though the series has been running for nearly three decades, Family Guy remains a ratings darling. In 2025 alone, the irreverent animated sitcom reportedly clocked over 3 billion minutes of total watch time, making it one of the most popular streaming programs in the country. For now, it remains to be seen if Stewie Griffin will continue to bolster adventures on Family Guy, or if the bulk of his storylines will be switched over to Stewie, relegating him to a glorified background character in future seasons of the original show.

Either way, the news of this spinoff will surely inspire old fans to return to the Griffin family’s household, especially considering the success of Seth MacFarlane’s other recent projects. Peacock’s Ted prequel series in particular has drawn heads, as the show provides a lot of the same wit, humor, and vulgarity that made Family Guy such a major hit in the first place. If the new Stewie series showcases the same level of care in the writing and storylines, it stands to reason that it might become an instant hit with new and returning audiences alike.

Best friends forever! Laurie Hernandez made her Broadway debut in & Juliet at the Sondheim Theatre in New York City on March 17, and don’t be surprised if her 2016 “Final Five” Olympic teammates are in the audience.

The two-time Olympic medalist joined the show’s musical ensemble in the featured dance role of Charmion for performances through June 14, 2026, and Madison Kocian, Simone Biles, and Aly Raisman can’t wait to grab a seat.

“The moment my Broadway debut was announced, Maddie, Simone, and Aly texted our group chat to see when they could come,” Hernandez told ET.

“We haven’t landed on dates yet, but there’s been a lot of support there. It’s felt really nice.”

From the gym to the stage, some things never change, including the athlete’s pre-show mindset.

“Growing up, I had a lot of performance anxiety, so early on I had to learn so many different tools to cope with that and understand the way my brain works,” she shared.

“I gained a toolbox, so whenever I was nervous or feeling like the pressure was on, I knew what tools to turn to, and I’m using those same things for my Broadway debut.”

That routine still includes a little pre-show hype.

“When I was competing, before any competition, I’d always sit with my teammates and blast music,” she dished. “That’s what we do backstage at the theater too, so the process is actually kind of similar.”

Luckily, the author has a whole new team behind her this time.

“Everyone has been celebrating the fact that it’s my Broadway debut, and even if they’ve been in two, three, or four shows before this, their excitement about getting to do this every night is contagious,” Hernandez revealed.

“Once I have that support and energy from my peers, I’m ready to try anything I’ve never done before. … I love new environments and trying new things when I know there’s a support system there to catch me if I take a left turn.”

Of course, not everything translates from her Olympic life.

“As a gymnast, I had 11 years to train for something that was essentially only a couple minutes long,” she explained. “For & Juliet, I’ve had about three weeks to train for something that is 2.5 hours long, so I’m trying to figure out how I know when I’m ready.”

As Hernandez finds her rhythm, she’s taking care of her body.

“I’ve been using a travel-size Theragun muscle massager and that’s been changing my life,” she revealed. “It’s small enough to slip into my purse, so I’ve been able to use it to warm up and cool down. It’s literally been saving my muscles. That, and a really good moisturizer, since I’m sweating a lot more than I have in a long time.”

From there, the season 23 Dancing With the Stars winner feels ready to take the stage.

“At the end of the day, I’m so excited to get out there and keep the energy moving. … I think it’s going to be a lot of fun connecting with audiences every single night,” she spilled.

Created by David West Read, & Juliet imagines what would happen if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo and instead got a second chance at life and love on her own terms. The story comes to life through a playlist of pop songs by Max Martin, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” “Confident,” and more. The production is direction by Luke Sheppard, with choreography by Jennifer Weber.

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From Colton Underwood to Madi Prewett to Ashley Iaconetti, reality TV contestants have opened up about choosing to remain a virgin while looking for love.

Netflix’s Age of Attraction, which premiered in March 2026, followed a group of people who explored connections without knowing each other’s ages. This led to multiple pairings with significant age gaps as each couple attempted to see if they had a future together.

Contestant Ashley Marie later took to social media to reveal that her love story didn’t make the final edit. She reflected on her decision to participate in the show — before revealing she was a virgin at age 39.

“Nervous about sharing what I did at the end. Spilling some tea about my time on Age of Attraction, the new dating show on Netflix,” Ashley captioned the post. “Going on a dáting show isn’t exactly something I thought was in my future but life tends to take us down unexpected paths. I was very prayerful about the decision and trusted that God would take me where he wanted me to go.”

Related: ‘Bachelor’ and ‘Bachelorette’ Virgins Through the Years

Virgins are few and far between in Bachelor Nation. Ashley Iaconetti, Sean Lowe, Colton Underwood and Becca Tilley are just a few of the cast members who famously spoke out on TV about holding onto their V-cards. “I feel like people think I’m less of a man because of that. And that’s the hardest thing […]

Other contestants who were candid about their lack of sexual experience include participants from The Bachelor, Are You My First and more.

Keep scrolling to see which reality TV stars have opened up over the years:

Ashley Marie (‘Age of Attraction’)

Ashley Marie took to TikTok in March 2026 to share how there is “probably one thing about me that has really affected my dating life,” adding, “I’m gonna start to talk about it more but it’s something that I haven’t really talked about in a really long time outside of my close circle. That is that I’m a virgin, [and] waiting for marriage. I know. Take it in. I am going to continue to share my story — both in my personal and dating life — because I feel like it’s such a lonely time to be 39 and single and no kids. Hopefully it will help people feel like you’re not alone in this phase.”

‘Are You My First’ Cast

Hulu released a show in August 2025 that was described as a new dating experiment “where virgins navigate love, lust and losing it.”

“In this groundbreaking new dating experiment, the largest, hottest group of virgins ever assembled search for intimacy, love — and maybe their first — in a tropical paradise designed just for them,” the synopsis read. “For the first time, they’re free to explore their connections without judgment, allowing these sexy young singles to embark on a heated yet heartfelt journey packed with romantic dates, revealing challenges, and new love interests eager to find ‘the one.’ Who will find that special someone? And who will go home hot, bothered and heartbroken?”

Hosts Colton Underwood and Kaitlyn Bristowe helped each contestant on their journey, which involved exploring connections, pairing up and even eliminating each other in what the show referred to as “virgin sacrifices.”

The Bachelorette‘s Mike Planeta — more on him below — participated in the show.

Colton Underwood (‘The Bachelor’)

During his time as The Bachelor, Colton Underwood was candid about his virginity, sharing in the 2019 premiere, “It was a conscious decision at first then I really started diving deep into my professional football career and my personal life took a backseat. It’s not like I’m going to lose it on a one-night stand … it’s just very important to me.”

Mike Planeta (‘The Bachelorette’)

The contestant from Katie Thurston’s season revealed in a 2021 episode that he was a virgin, saying, “Most people when they see me, they think I’m a huge player. But that’s not morally where I’m at. So I’m waiting for marriage, I’ve never had sex. The stigma is, like, ‘Oh you can’t connect with that.’ But I disagree with that.”

He continued: “I want Katie to understand that I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being sex-positive. I personally want to share that in within marriage, that’s me. I mean, if I fall in love with Katie, maybe that’s something that we can, you know, take that road together.”

Madi Prewett (‘The Bachelor’)

Madi Prewett said in a 2020 episode of The Bachelor that she was saving herself for marriage while vying for Peter Weber’s affection.

Ashley Iaconetti (‘The Bachelor’)

Ashley Iaconetti appeared on season 19 of The Bachelor where she revealed to Chris Soules that she never had a boyfriend and was a virgin.

“I dreaded being asked how I ended up being a virgin in my mid-20s because the reasoning was hard to pinpoint,” she wrote in an essay for Good Morning America in 2019. “The main explanation was that I was a hopeless romantic waiting for a committed relationship with someone I felt comfortable with and attracted to.”

Becca Tilley (‘The Bachelor’)

After Ashley Iaconetti got emotional about being a virgin, Becca Tilley notably revealed she also never had sex prior to the show.

“I hadn’t told anyone because I didn’t want it to be like the focus and I just casually was like, ‘Oh, I’m a virgin too. And I just totally forgot that there were cameras and a mic on me,” Tilley explained to Us Weekly in 2022 of her Bachelor Nation debut. “I don’t regret it in the sense that I think there were a lot of people who were able to relate to me in that decision. I still to this day feel like if you make that decision for yourself, it’s something you should be proud of and stand strong in.”

Taylor Frankie Paul made her first televised comments regarding the current domestic violence allegations against her stemming from an incident with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

In an exclusive interview, the star of the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” addressed the allegations and also the reported production shutdown of her hit reality series, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks With ‘GMA’ Amid Domestic Violence Allegations, Says It Feels Like ‘The End Of The World’

On Wednesday, March 18, Taylor Frankie Paul sat down for an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America” to address the domestic violence allegations against her, as well as promote the March 22 premiere of “The Bachelorette” that is still set to air as planned.

Speaking with ‘GMA’ co-host Lara Spencer, Paul shared that at the moment things for her feel like “the end of the world.”

“It’s hard to see past this — I’m not going to lie — in this moment, it’s just so heavy,” Paul said. “When your life is broadcasted out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world, that’s what it feels like — I’m not going to lie. I will say I’ve been here before and I got through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I’m hoping I can do that again.”

Paul admitted that things are “heavy” right now despite her being mere days away from her “Bachelorette” debut.

“Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of ‘The Bachelorette’ being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time,” she added, while also stressing that her children come first.

 “I’m a person that will always speak my truth and that’s what I’m known for and so when the time is right, I will be. But right now just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this.”

As for what prompted her to agree to find love on the long-running reality show, Paul said her “Mormon Wives” cast members, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, had a lot to do with it.

“I looked at that, and I was like, you know, ‘They can do it, and they have kids, and they are going out and chasing their dreams, why can’t I?’ ” she said. “So for me, dating as a mom of three is extremely difficult, so I get to go out, get away from my toxic cycle here in Utah, go date, and then also have my kids come out and visit me. That to me seemed like ‘why not,’ right?”

Paul also confirmed the “Mormon Wives” shut down, but said she was not aware of when it would resume production.

Paul Broke Her Silence On The Allegations Hours Before ‘GMA’ Visit

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during a press preview of “The Bachelorette” in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, Paul addressed the domestic violence allegations against her for the first time.

“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul told the outlet. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”

“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she continued before sharing that she is currently “struggling” as the details and fallout of the incident continue to unfold. 

“I’m struggling for sure, but also at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard,” Paul said.

‘Bachelorette’ Cast Members Described The ‘Mormon Wives’ Star As ‘Pleasant To Be Around’ On The Show

Several members of the season 22 cast of “The Bachelorette” recently spoke with TMZ and sang Taylor Frankie Paul’s praises, notably pointing out how different she was on the show, in stark contrast to what “Mormon Wives” fans see, and to the current domestic violence allegations against her.

The contestants told the outlet that while filming, Paul was “kind, genuine, and well-intentioned,” and displayed “a softer, more authentic side.” They also added that overall, she was “consistently pleasant to be around.”

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Regarding the recent domestic violence allegations, they said that while the claims are “troubling,” they believe there are many misconceptions about Paul and want the public to refrain from rushing to judge, and that the full truth of what happened during the incident will be revealed in time. 

‘Mormon Wives’ Production Shut Down And Psych Evaluations Ordered For Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen

Per TMZ, Mortensen has made calls to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services multiple times, alleging Paul has been physically abusive to their son, which Paul firmly denies. 

According to the outlet, in late February, the former couple got into a verbal altercation while inside Mortensen’s car after Paul reportedly spilled a drink. Inside sources shared that Mortensen became “enraged” and “got physical” with Paul; however, he called the police and told them that she was the one who assaulted him. 

Following the incident, a source close to Paul told TMZ that Mortensen disappeared for weeks and ditched filming, which led to production being put on pause. However, sources with “Mormon Wives” said that filming stopped because cast members refused to film amid the domestic violence and child abuse allegations, despite production wanting to continue filming season 5. 

Additionally, due to Mortensen repeatedly calling DCFS on Paul, alleging abuse, both are now required to undergo psychological evaluations. 

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When production on “Mormon Wives” resumes, it has not been decided what capacity, if any, Mortensen will be in.

Domestic Violence Allegations Were ‘Made In Both Directions,’ Per Authorities

According to PEOPLE,  the Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet that an open “domestic assault investigation” exists between Paul and Mortensen. Per the police department’s spokesperson, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.” 

An inside source connected to “Mormon Wives” confirmed the production pause. “They are not filming,” the source said. “Taylor [Frankie Paul] has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”

Things are reportedly so serious that Paul’s fellow MomTok members have all distanced themselves from her. “None of the women want to be associated with her,” the source told the outlet.

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There’s a certain kind of outfit that always looks expensive — soft knits, tailored layers, effortless neutrals — but recreating it usually comes with a steep price tag. Spend five minutes in a department store and suddenly everything you touch is $150 and up. The good news? You don’t have to shop there to get the same effect — you can get the same look for as little as $14.

Amazon’s Early Spring Sale officially starts March 25, but the under-the-radar deals are already rolling in. Right now, the site is filled with rich mom-worthy pieces that look like they came straight from a high-end boutique, not a Prime delivery. Below, we sifted through hundreds of options to find 17 polished styles that deliver that luxury look — without the high-end spend.

Rich Mom-Worthy Finds in Amazon’s Early Spring Sale

Polished Tops

1. Our Favorite: This wool blend crew neck comes in a quiet-luxury beige that looks way more than $14. The short sleeves make it a solid three-season layering piece.

2. Low-Key Luxe: The contrast black and white V-neck detail gives this knitted short-sleeve sweater a designer feel. Dressy enough for lunch, casual enough for errands.

3. Pretty Polka Dots: Lightweight chiffon, a flattering V-neck and short flutter sleeves make this polka dot blouse incredibly wearable. The black and white print keeps it classic.

4. Silky Stunner: This collared satin blouse has a V-neck and long sleeves that transition straight from the office to dinner. The silk-like fabric drapes beautifully.

Related: 21 ‘It’ Girl Fashion Staples to Grab Ahead of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

If effortless ‘It’ girl style had a shopping destination, it might just be Amazon’s early spring sale. The retailer is quietly marking down fashion pieces that feel straight out of a model off-duty wardrobe. Think cool denim, chic dresses and luxe accessories that instantly make outfits look more polished. Ahead, we rounded up 21 fashion […]

Chic Dresses

5. Our Favorite: Slip on this eyelet embroidered maxi for a garden party or brunch and watch the compliments roll in. The A-line swing shape is forgiving and breezy.

6. Parisian-Chic: A good wrap dress flatters nearly every body type, and this V-neck flowy maxi does it in a chic polka dot print. The Parisian vibe is unmistakable.

7. Resort-Ready: You’ll reach for this blue and white floral dress every time you pack a suitcase. It works poolside, at a seaside dinner or just running around town.

8. Pretty In Pink: Walk into a spring brunch in this Peach Spritz-toned dress and you’ll set the mood for the whole table. The floral print is pretty without going over the top.

Effortless Outfits

11. Our Favorite: This top-rated travel matching set pairs a relaxed top with wide-leg crop pants for a casual-chic vibe. It’s one of the best-reviewed spring sets on Amazon.

9. First Class Style: Wear this two-piece travel set through the airport and you’ll look like you fly first class. The lapel half-zip top and wide-leg pants feel as comfy as sweats.

10. Designer-Looking: Contrast hem details give this knit sweater and wide-leg set a designer look without the markup. The long-sleeve top and matching pants work as a full outfit instantly.

Lightweight Layers

12. Our Favorite: Throw this lapel trench coat over jeans and a tee, and suddenly you look like you have somewhere important to be. The belt cinches the waist beautifully.

13. Tailored Classic: Layer this one-button twill jacket over a white tee and dark jeans for an instant rich-mom look. The beige tone goes with practically everything in your closet.

14. Luxe Layer: An open-front blazer is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. This tailored black blazer layers over dresses, tees and blouses without adding bulk.

Elevated Accessories

15. Our Favorite: Slide these big square sunglasses on at school drop-off or poolside, and you instantly look like you summer in the Hamptons. They give you that rich-mom look for just $14, so losing them wouldn’t ruin your day.

16. Quilted Queen: You don’t need to spend four figures to get the quilted bag look. This gold chain crossbody reads designer at a glance and holds your essentials without added bulk.

17. Timeless Timepiece: A good watch elevates any outfit, and this gold-tone square watch by Nine West does exactly that. The mesh bracelet sits flat and comfortable on the wrist.

Related: I’m a Sneaker Snob — But I’d Buy These 17 Comfy Rich Mom Shoes

Your feet hurt by 2 p.m. and your old sneakers look like they survived a mud run. Spring hits and suddenly you need something that feels like a slipper but doesn’t look like one, and finding that combo gets harder — especially when arch support actually matters. Good news: Amazon is packed with comfy spring […]

In 1979, filmmaker Ridley Scott reimagined the sci-fi genre with an added touch of brutal terror when he unleashed Alien on cinema-goers around the world. The film not only launched a franchise and gave us a new kind of final girl in Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley, but also earned the bragging rights of being a favorite among its peers. While so often, films of the like are looked over during the award circuit, Alien stood out enough to not just land the Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, but also secured the bag and took the trophy home.

In the years since Alien’s initial success, the franchise has grown to a whopping seven titles — nine if you count the Alien vs. Predator crossover flicks as part of the lineup. What started with Scott quickly branched out to include some other incredibly talented filmmakers, with names like James Cameron and David Fincher picking up the reins and putting their own spin on things. Sadly, by the time the new millennium rolled around, it seemed like new and exciting ideas were beginning to fall by the wayside, and the film series was hit with a handful of less-than-savory releases.

That all shifted in 2024, when Fede Álvarez stepped out of the dark and chilly expanse of space to deliver Alien: Romulus. Shifting the focus from Weaver’s Ellen Ripley, the film introduced a brand-new lineup of stars to the extraterrestrial universe with Cailee Spaeny stepping into the role of Rain Carradine and stealing the hearts of viewers everywhere alongside her android brother, Andy (David Jonsson). Not only did the film breathe new life into the franchise, but it expanded on what could be achieved in the genre, all while raking in a staggering $350.9 million at the global box office. And, even though it’s been almost two years since Romulus graced the screens of local cinemas, it’s still a fan-favorite hit as, according to FlixPatrol, the movie sits at the top of HBO Max’s global Top 10 chart.

Related

The Truth Is In Here — The Collider TV Quiz!

This week, X marks the spot. Eight conspiratorial questions to see if you’re a real X-Files fan… or if you’re an alien posing as an agent.

What’s Next for the ‘Alien’ Franchise?

Following the success of Alien: Romulus, 20th Century Studios was quick to push forward a plan for a sequel. While Álvarez might not be attached to helm the production, things are still moving at a decent pace for the upcoming installment. Beyond the big screen, FX and Noah Hawley struck gold late last year with the arrival of Alien: Earth, which scored big with critics and fans alike. Now moving towards a second season, the series looks like it has plenty of running power left.

Head over to HBO Max now to stream Alien: Romulus.

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Release Date

August 16, 2024

Runtime

119 Minutes

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Director

Fede Alvarez

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Writers

Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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By Phillip Moyer
| Updated 40 seconds ago

White House Down stars Channing Tatum as Marine Corps veteran John Cale, who is working as a Capitol Police officer who applied for a job in the Secret Service before getting rejected as unqualified. However, after a paramilitary group seizes the White House, it’s up to Cale to save the president and stop the terrorists from starting a nuclear war.

While not seen as a bad movie, per se, White House Down wasn’t warmly received by critics when it was released in 2013, leaving the film with a 52 percent Tomatometer rating. The film, directed by Independence Day and Moonfall director Roland Emmerich, was praised for the chemistry between Channing Tatum and co-stars Jamie Foxx and Maggie Gyllenhaal, but derided for its overuse of action movie tropes.

Some critics noted the level of self-awareness the movie had, leading them to consider White House Down a parody rather than a straightforward action thriller.

A Box Office Disappointment

Audiences seemed to enjoy the White House Down, with CinemaScore giving the film an A- audience rating. However, those who took to the internet to share their reviews were similarly lukewarm towards the film, as demonstrated by the film’s 62 percent Popcornmeter score.

Regardless of how audiences felt about White House Down, the movie ended up with disappointing box office returns. The film made $205 million worldwide and only $73 million domestically. With a production budget of $150 million, these numbers were probably not enough for the film to break even after marketing and distribution costs are taken into consideration.

Another Film Hurt White House Down’s Chance Of Box Office Success

One thing that probably didn’t help White House Down was the fact that it was released three months after Olympus Has Fallen; another movie about a terrorist attack on the White House. Olympus Has Fallen starred Gerald Butler as a secret service agent tasked with rescuing President Benjamen Asher (played by Aaron Eckhart) after North Korean terrorists take over the White House.

When raw numbers are taken into account Olympus Has Fallen actually performed slightly worse than White House Down. While both films received an A- CinemaScore, Olympus Has Fallen received a 49 percent Tomatometer score and made $170 million at the box office. However, Olympus Has Fallen only cost $70 million to make, making the less-watched film yield a higher financial return.

While White House Down quitely left theaters, never to be heard from again, Olympus has Fallen spawned two sequels, London Has Fallen (2016) and Angel Has Fallen (2019). Neither sequel ended up selling more tickets than White House Down, but each sequel in the Has Fallen film series cost less to produce than the previous film making each entry into the series a box office success.

Channing Tatum’s Career After White House Down

Channing Tatum went on to receive top billing in a wide variety of films after the moderate failure of White House Down.

This includes reprising the role of the undercover cop Jekno in 22 Jump Street, the villainous Jody Domergue in Quentin Tarantinos The Hateful Eight, and the American spy Tequila in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. He also reprised the role of the male stripper Mike Lane in the sequels Magic Mike XXL and Magic Mike’s Last Dance.  

Magic Mike’s Last Dance, coincidentally enough, is another poorly-performing movie that has proved its staying power on streaming. The film only made $57 million off of a $45 million budget. However, after being released on Max, the conclusion of Channing Tatum’s stripper trilogy spent several days in the streaming service’s top three films.

While it’s probably far too late for a White House Down sequel to ever materialize, it remains to be seen whether the recent surge in White House Down’s popularity on streaming will lead to Channing Tatum being given more lead roles in straightforward action films.

White House Down is streaming on Netflix.