Entertainment
Cheer Mom Who Allegedly Killed Daughter in Murder-Suicide Had Past Custody Issues
Cheer Mom
History of Custody Issues Preceded Apparent Murder-Suicide
Published
Tawnia McGeehan — the mom who allegedly killed her teen daughter Addi Smith and then herself in a Las Vegas hotel room over the weekend — had a custody battle for her daughter, which lasted 9 years … according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
The papers show multiple instances where Tawnia was accused of custodial interference, but the charges were later dismissed.
In the original temporary orders from 2015, Tawnia and her ex, Bradley Smith, agreed that Addi would live with Tawnia as her primary residence, but that Bradley was to be granted parent time and joint custody.
But in 2020, there was a temporary order in which Tawnia was accused of subjecting Addi to “behavior on the spectrum of parental alienation.” The papers also allege Tawnia committed domestic abuse in front of the child.
This 2020 order determined Bradley would have temporary sole custody of Addi, having “demonstrated a better understanding of the child’s needs.”
Then in 2021, Tawnia filed a temporary restraining order and alleged she was being recorded by Addi’s stepmom during their parent-time exchanges.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
In the end, Tawnia and Bradley were awarded joint legal and physical custody of Addi with one week on and one week off in 2024.
As we reported … Tawnia and Addi traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheer competition they never showed up for. Police believe Tawnia shot Addi late Saturday at the Rio Hotel & Casino before turning the gun on herself.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Entertainment
Virgin River Timeline Explained: How Much Time Has Passed Since Season 1?
While Virgin River is Netflix’s longest-running scripted series, viewers have been left confused about how much time has actually passed on the show.
Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson). The hit series, which premiered in 2019, also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé and Kai Bradbury.
Netflix’s hit series is seven seasons in – but it seems like way less time has passed for the residents of Virgin River. Mel signed one-year contract with Doc (Matheson) that is somehow not up yet while Charmaine’s pregnancy lasted five seasons of the show.
“I’m like, ‘You guys, eventually, you’re gonna have to do a time jump because we’re just aging way too fast for a five-month span,’” Allen, who plays Brie, joked to Today in 2022. “But yeah, I think that the pregnancy thing was one of the first sort of tells because even I, when I was watching the show before I was on, was like, ‘Oh, this covers way more time in the story.’ And it really doesn’t.”
With some of Us still confused how long each season has covered, keep scrolling for a breakdown.
Season 1 (One Month)

The debut season covered Mel’s initial arrival in the early spring but it seemed to only last four weeks maximum.
Season 2 (Four to Six Weeks)

Barely any time went by so season 2 stretched across a little over one month.
Season 3 (One Month)

Following Jack’s shooting, there was a time jump of three weeks before seasons 2 and 3. The rest of the events lasted another four weeks before Mel realized she was pregnant.
Season 4 (Four to Six Weeks)

The fourth season picked up around one to two weeks after season 3. This allowed Mel to continue to remain in the first trimester for the rest of season 4.
Season 5 (Three to Four Months)

Based on the holidays that took place on screen – from Labor Day to Christmas — season 5 was the longest to date with at least three months passing. There was a small time jump between parts 1 and 2 though, which allowed for the timeline to expand.
Season 6 (One Month)

The buildup to Mel and Jack’s wedding led to a timeline of three to four weeks maximum. Season 4 notably picked up in the spring, which meant there was a large time jump since the third season wrapped at Christmastime.
Entertainment
Jill Zarin Gets Another ‘Real Housewives’ Support
Jill Zarin is not facing these trying times alone, as her pals are rallying behind her.
The “Real Housewives” alum has some of her former fellow on-screen stars rising to her defense publicly after she was kicked off the “Real Housewives of New York” reboot show, before the cameras started rolling.
Jill Zarin ignited the controversy when she made a social media statement lauding her opinions about Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime show.
Article continues below advertisement
Aviva Drescher Does Not Think Jill Zarin Is Racist

Zarin’s former castmate, Aviva Drescher, is addressing the comments made about her following the release of her now-deleted Instagram video about Bad Bunny’s performance.
Backlash downpoured as fans reacted, calling Zarin a racist. Drescher’s statement is in response to this claim, and she insists her former castmate is not racist even though her commentary came off that way.
Drescher addressed the media sensation’s ordeal on “Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel” podcast, giving a little background view into her relationship with Zarin.
“I’ve known Jill since 2011, since I joined ‘Housewives’, even though we didn’t work together, we became friendly. I’ve never thought of Jill to be racist, and that was really the thing that stung. That was just the most awful about her tirade,” she stated.
Article continues below advertisement
The reality TV star added that she would not have done the show with Zarin if she felt any nuance of racism, as she draws a hard line on the topic.
Still addressing the matter, Drescher clarified that she was not defending the remarks her fellow Real Housewife made, but stated that she does not think they came from a place of hate. However, she did not hold back in her thoughts about Zarin’s commentary, saying:
“It came off as completely racist, but I don’t think she’s racist. I don’t think it came from a hateful place. It was completely stupid.”
Article continues below advertisement
Why Was The Reality TV Star Labeled A Racist?

In case you missed it, Zarin posted a video analyzing the rapper’s performance where she did not hold back with the criticism. Her words in turn created a firestorm online, which then led to her being kicked off the “Real Housewives” spin-off project.
In the video, she complained that there were no white people in the Puerto Rican artist’s performance, slamming it as the worst halftime show ever. “To me, it looked like a political statement because there were literally no white people in the entire thing,” she said.
Zarin also complained that she could not understand a word of Bad Bunny’s performance, although she would have loved to, since he sang in Spanish. She claimed that the choice of his native language over English was inappropriate.
Article continues below advertisement
She took it down from Instagram shortly after the video was posted, but some fans already reposted it on X. Since then, many fans called her out, claiming her statement was racist, and later, news spread that she was fired from E! ‘s upcoming “RHONHY” reboot show.
Article continues below advertisement
Aviva Drescher Was Not The First To Show Support For The ‘Real Housewives’ Alum

Brandi Glanville previously addressed her pals’ firing from the upcoming reunion show, stating that people should not be punished for their opinions.
In her statement shared in a post on X, she credited the rapper for his performance, writing that she enjoyed it, but as much as she did, she acknowledged that some people like Zarin didn’t, and everyone is free to have a different opinion.
The Blast shared that the former bravolebrity emphasized that “opinions aren’t wrong, they’re subjective,” explaining that firing her as punishment for having a different opinion was not sending the right message.
“I want to watch Jill on TV explain herself & hopefully learn something. Or we can just keep watching ‘yes people’ afraid to share,” she penned.
Zarin Addressed The Network’s Decision

Zarin’s contract with E! for the new “RHONY” spin-off, “The Golden Life,” was cut off shortly after her controversial video went viral. Being one of the OG Housewives, she took the news of her firing to heart.
The producers announced it in a public statement, which read, “In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life. We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values,” as shared by The Blast.
Zarin claims she acknowledged her fault almost immediately, which was why she took the video down, but E! already threw in the towel on her. “[They] didn’t even give me a chance” to rectify the situation.
Article continues below advertisement
“I took it down right away. People make mistakes. I’m human,” the TV star said. She was also fired ahead of season 5 of “RHONY” in September 2011, so this marks her second axing.
Since Jill Zarin Is Out, Who Is In?

E! has announced that another face will be taking Zarin’s place on “The Golden Life” set, which is scheduled to air later in the year. The show was initially set to feature the original cast of “RHONY,” Zarin, Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, and Ramona Singer.
With the latest developments, Zarin is being replaced by Dorinda Medley, who is not a new face to viewers. She starred on the show previously for six seasons, and fans have since anticipated her return.
The Blast noted in a previous release that the network did not intend to share that Medley was stepping up from being a spare cast member immediately. Instead, they hoped to announce her role closer to the show’s premiere as they wanted to extend the publicity for the show a little longer.
Entertainment
Summer Walker — Fun In Fendi Bikini Beach Babe Pics!
It’s always summer somewhere when Summer Walker steps out … and these pics are living proof she brings the heat wherever she goes!
Check out these scorching shots … Summer’s soaking up the sun in a barely-there Fendi bikini, putting her curves on full display while striking poses that are impossible to ignore.
No surprise here — Summer’s basically made a sport out of blessing fans with next-level bikini moments, and TBH, nobody’s complaining!
We’ve got one more Summer Walker snap in the mix — but you’ll have to piece it together yourself …
So yeah, temperatures might be dropping where you are — but Summer’s keeping things hot all on her own!
Entertainment
Jeffrey Epstein Emails Refer to Toxic ‘Zombie Drug’ Plants He Kept
Jeffrey Epstein may have had a collection of highly poisonous plants known to produce a drug that blocks free will in its victims … according to newly discovered emails in the last document dump of the Epstein Files.
In one of the uncovered messages, Epstein sends an email asking about his “trumpet plants at nursery.”
For background … Angel’s Trumpet plants are extremely toxic and produce a drug called scopolamine, which is known to basically turn humans into zombies, wiping them of memory and eliminating their free will. Severe intoxication reportedly may even cause paralysis and death.
Even more alarming, scopolamine reportedly doesn’t show up on toxicology reports.
And if you’re wondering if Epstein was aware of this … there’s an excellent chance he was. In another email, he was sent an article all about the effects of scopolamine and the plant it comes from.
Epstein died in his cell in 2019 awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Lawmakers voted to force President Donald Trump‘s Dept. of Justice to publicly release the Epstein Files last year … they’ve been dropped in batches, the most recent last month … though the DOJ says there won’t be any more forthcoming.
Last week, Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a deposition in front of the House Oversight Committee, refusing to answer questions relating to Trump’s association with Epstein. Trump has not been accused of any crime in relation to Epstein … dozens of high-profile figures in entertainment, business, science and academia are featured in the files as friends and confidants.
Entertainment
Natalie Portman took very specific momento from “Star Wars” set: 'I stole it and lost it'
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Star-Wars-Episode-III-Revenge-of-the-Sith-Natalie-Portman-020326-fe1e04fb097540be99cefff29d08653a.jpg)
Her costar Hayden Christensen recently revealed that he took a similar prop from the films.
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian’s Daughter North Stuns Fans As She Flaunts ‘Face Piercings’
It comes just weeks after the twelve-year-old sparked online backlash for sporting risky finger studs, with many slamming her famous parents for giving her such freedom at a young age.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had been at loggerheads over their daughter’s social media activities following their divorce, but recent reports suggest the “Donda” rapper now supports North.
Article continues below advertisement
North West Rocks’ Face Piercings’ While Out On A Shopping Spree
North has made headlines again for her bold fashion statements after previously coming under fire for the same. This time, she was seen sporting “face piercings” while out on a weekend shopping spree.
The preteen was photographed with what appeared to be several metallic studs across her bridge and cheek, but they’re only temporary stickers that gave the illusion of facial “piercings.”
Blue-haired North was dressed in an all-black ensemble as she rocked a diamond-crusted “skull” neck chain, and Black hand gloves with skeleton prints.
Her latest fashion statement appears to be an attempt to look the part, as she promotes her debut new single, “Piercing On My Hand,” which she recently performed with her father at his concert in Mexico last month.
Article continues below advertisement
Fans Have Mixed Reactions To North West’s Body Modifications
Social media had mixed reactions to North’s piercings, as some fans had a go at her parents, calling them “irresponsible,” while others commended her style.
“Does she even go to school and do school work? This little girl is headed down a terrible path,” a critic wrote on X, while another added that they “wish she would be allowed to be a kid.”
However, a few fans resonated with North’s fashion choice and didn’t hold back from praising her.
“Is it just me, or is anyone else fw north style? I actually like that Kim lets her explore and express herself through fashion,” a fan penned.
Another person said, “Love her and her style. The adults tryna bully her should do better.”
Article continues below advertisement
“I will never understand people that shame her simply bc she has colored hair. We all wanted colorful hair growing up, and what? Some piercing? What’s wrong with that? And her clothes are so modest and appropriate for her age,” one user wrote.
Some even branded her a female version of her dad, with one writing, “She’s literally just female Kanye.”
Article continues below advertisement
North West Is Building Her Own Fashion Brand

North’s style has increasingly become bolder by the months, and has included a custom-made set of grillz by jeweler Johnny Dang. In recent times, she changed it to a pair of black grillz designed by influencer Sukii Baby.
The nepo baby is already carving a path for herself in the fashion world as she’s set to launch her own clothing and jewelry line, soon named “NOR11.” The brand will have a wide range of goods and services, including shoes, clothes, and accessories.
According to reports, her famous mom already submitted three trademark applications for the brand, under KimYe’s Kid Inc., which was incorporated in California in August 2023.
Article continues below advertisement
Kim Kardashian Has Filed To Trademark A Wide Variety Of Items, Including Watches, For The Child Star

One trademark was for clothing and accessories, including dresses, footwear, hats, and stockings, while the other was for watches and jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
The third trademark application was for a variety of bags, for example, handbags, wallets, and cosmetic cases.
The company’s name, under which the trademark was filed, seemingly alludes to both her parents being the owners; however, it appears West has nothing to do with it, as Kardashian is listed as the only officer, per California records.
Kanye West And Kim Kardashian Have Been At Odds About How To Raise Their Kids

West has previously slammed his ex-wife for the way she allows their daughter use social media as well as her fashion choices.
However, the SKIMS founder opened up about the challenges of parenting during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she admitted that balancing self-expression with age-appropriate boundaries has been difficult.
“It’s really hard, and it’s really interesting because all the kids are wearing the same things,” Kardashian said. “But then my daughter tries to wear it, and I’m like, ‘OK, we’re never wearing that again.’ Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world.”
Article continues below advertisement
Meanwhile, she recently shared on her sister Khloe’s “Khloe In Wonderland” podcast that her relationship with her children’s father, which was strained, is now in a good place, per Us Weekly.
“You and Ye have really bonded over North’s producing,” Khloe told her. “You guys are now in a much better place because of that.”

Article continues below advertisement
“Yeah, I’m a really empathetic person. I mean, at the end of the day, we’re always family,” Kardashian said. “I always look at it that way, no matter what’s going on. There are times when I have to be super protective, and there are times when, at any moment, I would love that relationship. I’ve always said that.”
“The music side and the producing isn’t my thing, and that’s her bonding thing with her dad,” Kim said of North’s foray into the music world.
“Even just coming up with stuff, we have to communicate about how North moves through that world and all these opportunities that come her way and having to filter that and respecting his opinion on the things that go on with his kids is really important,” she added. “I think it’s important for the kids. You just, kind of, have to put all the other stuff to the side.”
Entertainment
Prince William And Kate Had Different Reactions To Prince Harry’s Royal Exit
While the Princess of Wales reportedly viewed his departure as inevitable, her husband was said to be deeply saddened by it.
Meanwhile, former royal aide Paul Burrell claims the divide between Prince Harry’s family and the royal family has widened, affecting even King Charles’ relationship with the duke’s children.
Article continues below advertisement
How Prince William And Kate Middleton Reacted Differently To Prince Harry’s Royal Exit

A new book is shedding light on how the Prince and Princess of Wales privately responded to Prince Harry’s dramatic departure from royal duties in 2020, and it suggests their reactions were far from identical.
In “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” set for release on March 10, royal correspondent Russell Myers explores the emotional aftermath of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back from their senior royal roles.
When Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America while pursuing financial independence, it sent shockwaves through the monarchy and the world at large.
Article continues below advertisement
According to People Magazine, an excerpt published revealed that Kate reportedly took a more supportive view of Harry’s choice.
Myers writes that she “had less interest than her husband in trying to persuade Harry to stay in his current role.”
She is said to have believed that the long-standing dynamic between “the heir and the spare” made Harry’s dissatisfaction almost inevitable, that his role would never feel equal or expansive enough.
Article continues below advertisement
Prince William Was ‘Intensely Saddened’ By Prince Harry’s Exit

By contrast, William was described as “intensely saddened at his brother’s decision to quit.”
The two had already grown apart over time, but Harry’s final break signaled a point of no return.
Myers wrote that “Fond memories of their childhood, from helping each other through the tragedy of their mother’s death, to growing up in the public eye, were now tarnished by the division at the heart of the family.”
Following their departure, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled in California, where they are raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Article continues below advertisement
The Royal Rift Deepened Years After Sandringham Summit

While Harry and Meghan initially expressed a wish to support the monarchy in a modified capacity, discussions at the Sandringham summit, convened by Queen Elizabeth II, made it clear that a hybrid “half-in, half-out” arrangement would not be possible.
In the years since, tensions have remained evident between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Although Harry met with his father, King Charles III, as recently as September 2025, his relationship with William appears unresolved, with reports claiming that reconciliation between the siblings is highly unlikely.
Public interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s “Spare” memoir further exposed grievances, while further worsening the fracture.
Article continues below advertisement
Royal Rift Unlikely To Heal, As Expert Claims Prince William Is Keeping His Distance From Prince Harry

Royal expert Paul Burrell, who once served Princess Diana, recently noted that the divide between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly the Waleses, may be even worse than the public realizes.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Burrell suggested that William has intentionally created more distance from his younger brother in recent years, and he doubts the two will reconcile anytime soon, if at all.
According to Burrell, William’s increasing proximity to the throne has shaped his approach. As heir, he must operate within a tightly controlled environment, safeguarding both his role and the institution.
“He can’t let things leak out,” said Burrell. “He doesn’t want to live in a world with a leaky sieve. He doesn’t want to live in a world that can’t be controlled because, to be a monarch, you have to control the environment. You have to look after the crown.”
Article continues below advertisement
The Rift Between The Brothers Has Greatly Impacted King Charles

Burrell also suggested that the ongoing rift has taken an emotional toll on Charles III, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Harry’s children.
According to Burrell, the king is said to feel deep sadness over the limited time he has spent with Archie and Lilibet, who are growing up in Montecito, California.
Living thousands of miles from the U.K., the children are largely removed from the royal environment that shaped their father’s upbringing.
“It’s sad for Archie and Lilibet, who will never know that world. Their father came from that world, and they will never know their cousins and the people who populate that world,” Burrell said. “It’s sad for the king, who can’t embrace all his grandchildren at the same time. He can’t put his arms around Archie and Lilibet the same way that he can around [William’s children] George, Charlotte, and Louis. I think he’s very sad.”
Reflecting on the family divide, Burrell added that Princess Diana would likely have been distressed to see her sons estranged and living on separate continents, separated not just by circumstance but by an ocean.
Entertainment
Ray J’s Bloody Valentine Show Leaves Fans Confused
Just weeks after delivering alarming updates about his failing heart, Ray Jstepped onto a Valentine’s Day stage in Louisiana and left fans stunned.
The 45-year-old singer performed with what appeared to be blood streaming from his eyes and a medical monitor strapped to his chest, igniting intense speculation about his health and state of mind.
Article continues below advertisement
Ray J Takes The Stage In Graphic Valentine’s Day Moment
On February 14 in Shreveport, Ray J delivered a performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.
Video compilations shared online show the singer handing roses to audience members while wearing dark sunglasses. Beneath them, red streaks were visible, trailing down from one eye.
As the show continued, he removed his orange shirt, revealing a medical monitor taped to his chest.
In another clip, he briefly lifted his sunglasses, exposing what looked like blood under both eyes. A later photo showed the performer shirtless beside a fan, with visible red stains near the chest device.
Before taking the stage, Ray J hinted at the intensity of the night. In a Facebook post shared ahead of the concert, he wrote, “I’m putting my life on the line for this show!!”
Article continues below advertisement
The Valentine’s Day lineup also included Kelly Price and Bobby Valentino, adding to what was billed as a celebratory evening.
Instead, the viral footage shifted the conversation into something far more serious.
Article continues below advertisement
Fans Question Whether The Moment Was Real

As the clip of Ray J’s shocking performance went viral, many fans took turns sharing their thoughts about it, with many wondering if he is really sick or just making things up.
One person said, “Ray J play [sic] so much I don’t know whether to send my condolences or prayers.”
Another tweep asked, “Does Ray J want us to witness his death live onstage or what??????”
A third fan asked, “Is this real about his situation or this fake because you know Ray J play around. He is all entertainment.”
A tweep said bluntly, “Fake,” while another added, “Trust me, if this was true, he wouldn’t be on stage.”
The criticism kept coming with one fan stating, “He’s a stunt king,” while another added, “Ray J keep faking everything for attention, n-gga you 50.”
Article continues below advertisement
Other Fans Urge Ray J To Slow Down

Another person advised the musician, “N-gga go home. Nobody wanna see you that bad,” while another fan added, “He is a big hoax and a clown, doesn’t care about anyone.”
While many fans questioned the authenticity of Ray J’s bloody performance, some others were genuinely concerned for him, as one fan advised him, “Bro, slow your roll, a heart needs time to heal.”
Article continues below advertisement
Health Warnings From Ray J Resurface
Ray J Says Doctors Warned His Time Is Limited, Credits Brandy for Covering His Bills. Ray J Admits Excessive Drinking and D*ug Use Damaged His Health, Says Part of His Heart Is “Black” Ray J Reflects on Life, Wants More Time With His Kids and Shares $10M Trust Fund Reveal.🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/0sWJpa2zTK
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) January 28, 2026
The dramatic imagery would have raised eyebrows under any circumstances. But coming so soon after his troubling health disclosures, it carried heavier weight.
“I want to thank everybody for praying for me. I was in a hospital. My heart’s only beating like 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right,” he said at the time.
Later that same month, during an Instagram Live session, he made an even more chilling statement. He said, “2027 is definitely a wrap for me.”
In the livestream, he claimed doctors told him he would not live long and that his heart had turned “black” due to abusing alcohol and drugs.
Those words are now being replayed across social media alongside clips from the Louisiana performance, with fans debating whether the bloody visuals were symbolic, theatrical, or something more concerning.
Article continues below advertisement
Hospitalization And Lingering Questions

Ray J was admitted to a Las Vegas hospital on January 7 due to severe pneumonia and heart pain, according to earlier reports.
The episode added to a pattern of health scares. He had also been hospitalized with pneumonia in 2021.
As of now, representatives for the singer have not publicly responded to requests for clarification about the concert imagery.
Whether the dramatic stage presence was performance art, shock value, or a reflection of deeper struggles, one thing remains clear.
Ray J’s latest appearance has blurred the line between spectacle and reality, leaving fans unsettled and searching for answers about what comes next.
Entertainment
Ryan Murphy’s 88 RT% Crime Miniseries Convinced Stephen King To Adapt His Favorite Horror Story
Stephen King is one of the most well-known and acclaimed authors of all time — so much so, in fact, that he’s been deemed the King of Horror on more than one occasion. His novels have been adapted into some of the horror genre’s most influential films, such as Carrie, The Shining, and Misery. His novels are still being adapted today, whether it be for movies or television, but there was one story in particular that he held onto for years, and that’s Lisey’s Story. But the time finally came when King felt ready to adapt the novel, and it was due in part to Ryan Murphy.
What Is ‘Lisey’s Story’ About?
Lisey’s Story was published in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the novel finally earned an adaptation — though not from a lack of interest, as King has repeatedly said that it is his personal favorite of the novels he has written, and even expressed interest in Lisey’s Story being adapted into a TV series back in 2017. The story follows Lisey Landon (Julianne Moore), the widow of a novelist, who is plagued by repressed memories that connect back to her husband’s death.
King previously divulged that the idea for Lisey’s Story came to him after a bad case of pneumonia sent him to the hospital. While he was there, his wife, Tabitha King, decided to redecorate his office. When he came home and saw all his books and other belongings in boxes, he had a startling vision of what his office would look like upon his death.
Mike Flanagan Is Turning Another Stephen King Favorite Into a TV Series
Get the corn syrup and red dye ready.
Stephen King Credits Ryan Murphy as the Reason ‘Lisey’s Story’ Became a TV Show
Given that Lisey’s Story is King’s personal favorite novel, that love made it difficult for him to agree to let anyone adapt it for the screen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the author revealed that he was actually inspired by the second season of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story anthology series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace:
“I saw this thing on FX that was about the fashion designer Versace and about the man who killed him. And I had not really thought about getting involved with Lisey at that point or tackling it as a TV project, but I looked at that thing, and I said to myself, my goodness, this guy, Tom Rob Smith, wrote the whole thing. He wrote all eight or nine episodes, and I thought, well, if he could do that and bring it home and do such a great job, what about Lisey? And I sat down, and I started, and I showed the scripts to Ben Stephenson at Bad Robot one by one, and he was very encouraging. So the scripts got done, and everything else followed from that.”
According to King, something else that inspired him to tackle his own small-screen adaptation of Lisey’s Story was the changes introduced by streaming TV. “You have a chance to do more,” he said. “You can be a little more graphic with language and with sexual situations and with length, just the chance to do something that has that kind of spread, texture, and a little more nuance. For guys like me, it’s been great.”
Alongside the possibility of a longer format with multiple episodes (anyone who has read the author knows how long-winded he can be, so it’s no wonder that TV held appeal), King admitted he was able to make some necessary updates to Lisey’s Story, looking at the book through different eyes after 15 years, which enabled him to streamline the plot or cut characters that were unnecessary for the screen version. A Stephen King adaptation is always exciting, but Lisey’s Story was one that fans had been especially eager to see brought to life. So, thanks, Ryan Murphy (and American Crime Story), Stephen King might not have done it without you.
Entertainment
Tom Hardy’s 8-Episode Gritty Crime Thriller Is Aging Brilliantly
When it comes to magnetic screen presence, it’s hard not to put Tom Hardy at the top of the list. Over the years, he’s delivered some of his most striking work in films like The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road, while also anchoring blockbuster franchises like Venom. Just as importantly, Hardy has consistently shown a willingness to commit to challenging television roles, including his scene-stealing turn on Peaky Blinders and more recently on MobLand. In 2017, he took that commitment a step further, teaming up with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to build a series very much on his own terms.
That series is Taboo, an eight-episode historical thriller co-created by Hardy, his father Edward “Chips” Hardy, and Steven Knight. Set in a grimy, unforgiving early 19th-century London, Taboo is slow, dense, and unapologetically strange. While it earned a devoted cult following, it never fully broke into the mainstream conversation. Nearly a decade later, the series plays far better on a binge, revealing a meticulously crafted drama that remains one of Hardy’s purest and most hypnotic performances.
What Is Tom Hardy’s FX Series ‘Taboo’ About?
Set in 1814 London, Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney (Hardy), a man long presumed dead who abruptly returns from Africa after more than a decade away. His reappearance coincides with the death of his father, leaving him in possession of a small but strategically vital piece of land that places him in direct conflict with the East India Company, embodied by the chilling Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce), as well as representatives of the British Crown and American interests, including the calculating Atticus (Stephen Graham). What begins as a dispute over land quickly expands into a web of political manipulation, corporate greed, espionage, and colonial exploitation.
Tom Hardy’s One-Season Crime Masterpiece Is Back on Charts 9 Years Later
The show is one of Hardy’s many collaborations with ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight.
Taboo presents every institution Delaney encounters as morally compromised, offering no clear heroes and only competing forces vying for power. As the conspiracy deepens, the series slowly unravels Delaney’s personal history, particularly his complicated bond with his half-sister Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), whose quiet suffering adds emotional weight to the show’s brutality. Supporting players like Lorna Bow (Jessie Buckley) and Brace (David Hayman) further flesh out the seedy world. While some viewers may find the plot and world-building deliberately slow, that restraint ultimately gives Hardy the space to deliver a performance that becomes the series’ driving force.
Tom Hardy’s Performance in ‘Taboo’ Is Pure, Unfiltered Commitment From Start to Finish
At the center of Taboo’s enduring power is Tom Hardy’s extraordinary performance as James Delaney. This is not a traditionally charismatic role, nor is it designed to make Delaney likable. Hardy plays him as a man perpetually coiled, speaking sparingly and observing constantly, as though every interaction is a test of dominance. His low, gravelly voice becomes a weapon in itself, conveying menace even in silence. And like many of Hardy’s performances, his physicality is just as crucial. Delaney moves through the world like an imposing specter, his stillness often more unsettling than outright violence.
That discipline is entirely intentional. Hardy conceived James Delaney years before Taboo ever made it to screen, and his involvement went far beyond acting. In a 2017 Collider interview, Hardy explained that performance was “five percent” of the job for him, with the rest devoted to producing, world-building, and supporting the ensemble. He emphasized that the other characters mattered just as much as Delaney, even as he carried the responsibility of anchoring the series. That dual role helps explain why the performance feels so controlled and purposeful. Hardy isn’t just inhabiting Delaney, he’s safeguarding the integrity of the world around him.
Tom Hardy Is Great in Everything, but These Are His 6 Undisputed Masterpieces
Tom? I Hardy know him!
Taboo was officially renewed for Season 2 in 2017, but nearly nine years later, that follow-up has yet to materialize due to Hardy and Steven Knight’s packed schedules, even as both have repeatedly confirmed their commitment to continuing the story. Revisiting Taboo now also means watching a cast whose stars have only continued to rise. Stephen Graham became a household name following his Emmy-winning work in Adolescence, Jessie Buckley earned an Academy Award nomination for Hamnet, and Oona Chaplin joined the Avatar franchise — all actors who were already formidable here but have since become even more widely recognized for their craft.
Nearly a decade after its premiere, Taboo has only grown stronger with time. What once felt slow or demanding now reads as deliberate, anchored by Tom Hardy at his most disciplined and commanding, and shaped by his hand in crafting and producing something genuinely meaningful. No matter if we get a Season 2, the series stands as proof that this eight-part historical thriller isn’t just aging well — it’s aging brilliantly.
- Release Date
-
2017 – 2017-00-00
- Network
-
BBC One
- Showrunner
-
Steven Knight
- Directors
-
Anders Engström
- Writers
-
Ben Hervey
-
Sports5 days agoBig Tech enters cricket ecosystem as ICC partners Google ahead of T20 WC | T20 World Cup 2026
-
Tech6 days agoSpaceX’s mighty Starship rocket enters final testing for 12th flight
-
Video16 hours agoBitcoin: We’re Entering The Most Dangerous Phase
-
Tech2 days agoLuxman Enters Its Second Century with the D-100 SACD Player and L-100 Integrated Amplifier
-
Tech4 hours agoThe Music Industry Enters Its Less-Is-More Era
-
Video4 days agoThe Final Warning: XRP Is Entering The Chaos Zone
-
Crypto World7 days agoBlockchain.com wins UK registration nearly four years after abandoning FCA process
-
Crypto World3 days agoBhutan’s Bitcoin sales enter third straight week with $6.7M BTC offload
-
Crypto World5 days agoPippin (PIPPIN) Enters Crypto’s Top 100 Club After Soaring 30% in a Day: More Room for Growth?
-
Video5 days agoPrepare: We Are Entering Phase 3 Of The Investing Cycle
-
NewsBeat2 days agoThe strange Cambridgeshire cemetery that forbade church rectors from entering
-
Business5 days agoBarbeques Galore Enters Voluntary Administration
-
Crypto World6 days agoCrypto Speculation Era Ending As Institutions Enter Market
-
Crypto World5 days agoEthereum Price Struggles Below $2,000 Despite Entering Buy Zone
-
Politics6 days agoWhy was a dog-humping paedo treated like a saint?
-
NewsBeat2 days agoMan dies after entering floodwater during police pursuit
-
Crypto World3 days agoBlackRock Enters DeFi Via UniSwap, Bitcoin Stages Modest Recovery
-
NewsBeat3 days agoUK construction company enters administration, records show
-
Sports6 days agoWinter Olympics 2026: Australian snowboarder Cam Bolton breaks neck in Winter Olympics training crash
-
Crypto World4 days agoKalshi enters $9B sports insurance market with new brokerage deal

