Entertainment
Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez’s Relationship Timeline
Stronger every day. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez‘s love for one another has guided them through even their biggest challenges.
The couple were first linked two years after the former Manchester United player‘s 2015 split from Irina Shayk. Ronaldo was already the father of son Cristiano Jr., born in 2010, before sparking his high-profile romances. (He has stated that he will never publicly reveal the identity of his child’s mother.)
When Ronaldo and Rodríguez attended their first event as a couple in January 2017 — the Best FIFA Football Awards in Germany — they were accompanied by the athlete’s son. The pair later reflected on the beginning of their relationship in Netflix’s I Am Georgina, which debuted in January 2022.
“We had a very special start to our relationship,” Rodríguez, who was working in a Gucci store when she met her beau, told the cameras. “Many times he’d come after work. He [came], I remember once, in a Bugatti. My coworkers went crazy. They get there on the bus, and I would leave in a Bugatti. I mean, people couldn’t believe it.”
The Portugal native chimed in: “It was funny because I would wait for her outside the store in these flashy cars I have. … We would go home, and there we would go into our own world.”
In August 2026, the couple made their love story official when they got married during a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal.
Scroll down for a look back at Ronaldo and Rodríguez’s love story:
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Editor’s note: The below contains minor spoilers for the Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere.
One of the most popular shows of all time is officially back on Apple TV. Ted Lasso appeared to wrap up its run for good in 2023 with what was billed as the third and seemingly final season. However, given the show’s enduring popularity, Apple TV has now brought back the Emmy-winning series for another go. Season 4 premiered last week, reuniting many of our favorite characters and reintroducing the show’s signature charm — but a surprising movie reference in the premiere might leave some fans scratching their heads.
‘Ted Lasso’s Season 4 Return Includes a Fun Quentin Tarantino Easter Egg
When Episode 1 begins, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is back in his hometown of Kansas City three years after leaving England. He’s devoted his life to spending time with his son and being the best dad he can be while working as an assistant manager at a grocery store. Ted might not be totally in his element like he was as a soccer coach, but he’s doing the best he can. While Ted is scanning grocery items for a customer in the checkout line, eagle-eyed fans might notice one product in particular that has actually earned a spot in pop culture lore.
Red Apple is a fictional cigarette brand created by the legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, which first appeared in 1994’s seminal classic, Pulp Fiction, when Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) orders a pack at a bar. Other characters, including Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) and Ringo (Tim Roth), can be seen smoking the brand. Tarantino has also included his invented brand in other films like Kill Bill: Volume 1, Death Proof, and The Hateful Eight. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino even inserts a Red Apple commercial starring Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) into the action, as well as ensuring that Red Apple is Cliff Booth’s (Brad Pitt) brand of choice throughout the movie. While the brand and its recognizable label have become a signature of Tarantino’s, most Ted Lasso viewers might be a tad stumped about why the two worlds have now crossed over.
‘Ted Lasso’s Tarantino Connection Offers a Hint About Season 4’s Storytelling
Because Tarantino movies and Ted Lasso are so incredibly different in tone and storytelling style, there has been some speculation from viewers about why the Apple TV series decided to include the brand. Tarantino has been quoted as saying that some of his films do take place in a “real universe,” so the cigarettes could serve as a hint that Ted Lasso‘s story exists on that same plane. Fans have also pointed out that there are many Wizard of Oz allusions in the show, so the Red Apple cigarettes could be viewed as a nod to the trees that pop up along Dorothy’s journey.
In reality, a recent interview with Sudeikis confirms that Season 4’s Red Apple reference was intentional, and that the show’s writers did get permission from Tarantino to use the brand. As huge fans of Tarantino’s work, they merely wanted to pay tribute to his movies in a small yet noteworthy way. The Red Apple nod doubles as the perfect way to honor America before Ted travels back across the pond, making the UK his home again. As the season unfolds, it’s unlikely that there will be many more Tarantino references, but any Easter eggs included for the show’s most devoted fans just make watching Ted Lasso all the more fun.
Ted Lasso
- Release Date
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August 14, 2020
- Network
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Apple TV
- Directors
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Declan Lowney, MJ Delaney, Erica Dunton, Matt Lipsey
Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 11, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:
• Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11 after nearly 10 years together. The private wedding was attended by their five children.
• Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago beginning September 7 at the Ambassador Theatre. The six-week limited engagement runs through October 18 and follows her surprise retirement from the iconic DCC squad earlier this year.
• A judge signed off on a plea by order that could allow Joseph and Kendra Duggar‘s child endangerment and false imprisonment charges to be dismissed if they comply with court-approved conditions for one year, Us can confirm. The couple must maintain good behavior, follow legal orders and pay $1,850 in fines and costs, with a review hearing set for August 4, 2027.
Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance
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Jeans are a closet staple, so why can’t denim dresses hold that same honor? The classic fabric can be styled for all sorts of occasions and makes for a smart summer-to-fall transition. Many denim dress options are also made with stretch, so they’re comfortable for all-day wear and work as easy, everyday staples. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that, while pretty, these pieces are still durable in the washing machine.
Just like any other kind of dress, denim dresses come in mini, midi and maxi silhouettes. Some are sleeveless while others boast prominent sleeves that’ll come in handy when temperatures cool down. We think it’s time for denim to become the star of your outfit, rather than just a part of your bottom half.
13 Denim Dresses for Summer-to-Fall Dressing
1. Our Favorite: With a collar and waist tie, this short-sleeve denim dress has a more polished look. It’s just as easy to pair with heels as it is with boots.
2. Sleek and Sleeveless: Thanks to the darker wash, this sleeveless denim dress doesn’t feel overwhelming. The midi length works for every day, and the thicker straps allow you to wear your regular bra.
3. Bell Babe: The mini length with three-quarter bell sleeves gives this A-line denim dress a retro vibe. Catch us wearing it with sandals through the end of summer and then switching to boots come fall.
4. Everyday Wear: This relaxed denim shirtdress can take you from a casual office to happy hour with ease. And this Madewell style is cinched in the back, so it won’t overwhelm your frame.
Nothing says ‘effortlessly put together’ quite like the right dress, but if you’re like Us, you might be bored with your current lineup. Instead of grabbing summer dresses to fill the void, we’re grabbing these chic wonders that go straight from summer to fall. Better yet, they’re all on major sale at Macy’s — we’re […]
5. Must-Have Maxi: With tiers and a V-neck, this denim maxi dress will be a standout option in your wardrobe. When the occasion calls for something a little more elevated without being too fancy, this will be your go-to.
6. Flowy Find: On days you don’t feel like thinking too hard about your outfit, this flowy short dress will come to the rescue. It has puffed to-the-elbow sleeves, so it can be worn all on its own.
7. Hot Halter: Let your back do the talking in this halter maxi dress. When summer starts winding down, simply throw a cardigan or blazer over it for a versatile style.
8. Fit and Flare: The dark wash really works in this Steven Madden dress that features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. The vertical seams up top and pleats on the bottom elongate the body, too.
9. Sweet Cinch: Thanks to the elastic waistband, this short-sleeve denim dress has a nice balance between being flowy and structured. It comes in long-sleeve options, too!
10. Plus-Size Pick: This fit-and-flare Walmart find is available in sizes 0X to 5X. The sleeveless design and midi length mean you can style it in so many ways, too.
11. Collared Cutie: Denim feels a bit more polished with a collar, and that’s what you’ll get with this mini short-sleeved option. Now you just have to decide between the light and dark washes.
12. Dark Wash: From far away, someone might not even be able to tell that this three-quarter-sleeve denim dress is, well, denim. And the cutesy collar brings it all together for a more structured option.
13. Buttoned Beauty: If there is one denim dress that we’d say works for the office, it’s this midi button-up pick. It is more fitted and has a small slit in the front, making it easy to walk in.
Heels aren’t the only way to fake longer-looking legs. The right dress silhouette can completely change your proportions, creating the illusion of extra height while keeping you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of summer. That’s why we went on a hunt to pull rich-looking styles that pair perfectly with even your favorite sandals. […]
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Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Anne Hathaway is having one of the biggest years of her career. However, the project many fans are most excited about is still in development: “The Princess Diaries 3.” Recently, another star of the films, Hollywood legend Julie Andrews, opened up about why fans won’t see her in the upcoming film.
It was confirmed in 2022 that “The Princess Diaries 3” was in the works with Aadrita Mukerji hired to write the screenplay. More recently, Hathaway has discussed the planned movie, revealing that there have been different versions of the script.
In August 2026, Andrews spoke to InStyle, confirming that she will not be in the film but that the team behind it had approached her with an offer. She began, “I think I probably passed. I think I’m retired, really, would be about the best description for that. [They] asked me all last year if I would be keen to do it.”
After that, she said, “It was very, very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age.”
Anne Hathaway Recently Gave An Update On ‘The Princess Diaries 3’
Hathaway is appearing in several big-budget movies in 2026. This includes “The Odyssey,” “The Last House on Oak Street,” and “Dune 3.” In June 2026, while appearing on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live,” the actress was asked for an update on “The Princess Diaries 3.”
She said that the development for the movie is “moving in the right direction.” Hathaway continued, “I can say I think we had a story breakthrough. The script that we were working on — we kind of had to start over with this new direction, which is not the update I think anybody wants, but we all feel really good that this is gonna be the one.”
Regarding the timeline, Hathaway, who is pregnant, stated, “I’m busy making baby number three, and that has sort of taken the place of knowing when exactly I can make ‘Princess Diaries 3.’”
Julie Andrews Hasn’t Appeared On Screen In Several Years
Andrews is a legend in Hollywood thanks to classics like “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” However, the legendary actress, now age 90, hasn’t appeared on screen since 2017’s “Julie’s Greenroom,” which consisted of 13 episodes. Regarding film, her last time being seen outside of voice work came with 2010’s “Tooth Fairy.”
More recently, she has lent her voice to projects such as Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “Despicable Me 3,” and “The King’s Daughter.”
The ‘Princess Diaries’ Movies Were Huge Hits
Walt Disney Studios released “The Princess Diaries” in August 2001 and its sequel, “The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement,” in 2024. Regarding the first film, according to Box Office Mojo, it has grossed $165,335,153, including both US and international markets. The movie had a budget of $26,000,000. It made $22,862,269 in its first weekend of release.
The second film was also a success, although not as big a one as the original film. In total, it has earned $134,734,481 off of a $40,000,000 budget. However, it should be noted that the second movie in the franchise had a bigger opening weekend than the first, bringing in $22,956,453.
Julie Andrews Has A New Children’s Book Out
Andrews’ newest book, “Shy,” which she coauthored with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, was released in August 2026 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Notably, they have written over 35 books together. While speaking to InStyle, Andrews discussed working with her daughter, saying, “We have slightly different strengths. Emma’s all the nuts and bolts of the book.”
She continued, “I do the kind of opening and closing, or finishing a chapter and moving on to the next one, and we finish each other’s sentences all the time…” Hamilton then chimmed in, “It’s true. I’m the champion of structure, and mom is the great ideas.” Her daughter also opened up about what it means to write books for other people’s children.
She stated, “There is something so joyous about it because ultimately the stories need to be inherently hopeful, or at least, if not hopeful—they don’t have to have a happy ending, but they have to provide tools.”
Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert’s son Tyler Boebert allegedly used the N-word in a series of text messages prior to his recent arrest in connection to an ongoing child sexual exploitation case.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, August 11, Tyler, 21, allegedly filmed a sex tape in 2024. At the time, Tyler was 18 while his then-girlfriend, who has remained unnamed, was 17 and two weeks away from her 18th birthday. The outlet reported that the allegedly sexually explicit video was recently sent to the girl’s ex-boyfriend.
The girl went to the police, claiming she was unsure of how her ex received the video and if others had obtained it as well, per the outlet.
According to the outlet, investigators obtained a series of text messages Tyler allegedly sent to others. Tyler allegedly sent the video to a person, writing, “Just for you” with a winking emoji.
In an additional alleged message to another person, Tyler casually dropped the N-word after the unidentified person accused him of making “people miserable.”
“You were worst [sic] than me. You had n***** waiting at the driveway while with me,” Tyler allegedly wrote back.
The person responded using the N-word as well and Tyler retorted, “Free speech yo. Literally love America.”
Us has reached out to Tyler’s lawyer for comment.
Tyler was arrested on Sunday, August 9, in Garfield County, Colorado, on five felony charges for alleged sexual exploitation of a child. The arrest was related to an alleged incident in January 2024 when he was 18 years old. Tyler’s charges include child sexual exploitation of a child to induce or entice, sexual exploitation of a child, possession with intent, sexual exploitation of a child involving video and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Tyler’s bond was set at $10,000 and he was released on Sunday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19.
Influencer and Baywatch star Noah Beck’s older sister Haley Beck allegedly exchanged explicit text messages about oral sex with a high school student before she was fired from her teaching job. Haley, 27, was placed on administrative leave from Centennial High School in 2025 as the Peoria Unified investigated accusations that she groomed a minor. […]
Lauren, 39, addressed her son’s recent legal issues one day after his arrest.
“I love my son,” the congresswoman told the Denver Post on Monday, August 10. “We take these allegations very seriously and pray for everyone affected during this challenging time.”
This isn’t the first time Tyler has experienced a run-in with the law. Two years ago, he was arrested in connection to multiple vehicle trespasses and property thefts. In February 2024, Tyler and multiple of his friends were accused of breaking into cars and stealing debit cards, gift cards and cash. He was initially facing 22 felony and misdemeanor charges but ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of attempted identity theft.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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Ashley Benson is clearly a pro when it comes to packing for a French getaway. Between breezy dresses, designer bags and effortless jewelry, every look from her trip to Saint-Tropez struck the perfect balance of polished and unfussy. But it wasn’t her Chanel bag or lace slip dress that caught our attention — it was the chic jelly flats that quietly tied her outfit together.
The Pretty Little Liars alum recently shared photos from her family vacation, showing off a black lace slip dress styled with a quilted shoulder bag and clear jelly ballet flats that seemed straight off the runway. However, her shoes weren’t actually a splurge — Benson wore the Steve Madden Grove Ballet Flats, which are hiding on Amazon for just $49.
Get the Steve Madden Grove Ballet Flat for $49 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The clear jelly flats are the kind of shoe that instantly makes a summer wardrobe feel more current. The translucent design pairs with almost anything, from linen dresses and tailored shorts to relaxed denim and breezy maxis. The modern square toe also keeps this shoe looking elevated instead of overly playful. If clear isn’t quite your style, the same pick is also available in red, tortoiseshell, blue and several other colors in sizes 5 through 12.
Katie Holmes has a knack for making even the simplest accessories feel like the only thing worth shopping. Whether she’s grabbing coffee, running errands or heading across town, the actress always seems to find one standout piece that quietly steals the show. This time, it’s a roomy cherry red tote that instantly makes every neutral […]
These flats just as practical as they are stylish, too. The slip-on silhouette makes them easy to throw on before heading out the door, while the airy jelly cage design feels vacation-ready. With a subtle 0.25-inch heel, the shoe adds just enough lift without sacrificing comfort. One shopper called them “so comfortable and so cute,” adding they’re perfect to “wear to either a dinner or just to run errands” and fit true to size.
Another reviewer admitted they were hesitant to try jelly shoes again after remembering uncomfortable pairs from high school, but quickly changed their mind, writing, “boy am I glad I did . . . [they’re] so comfy and still stylish.” One person even admitted that they’re already on their second pair, since the flats “don’t cut in or hurt your feet at all,” adding, “I’ll probably get a third pair. They are just so whimsical.”
Whether you’re planning your own seaside escape or simply want shoes that make everyday outfits feel a little more fashion-forward, Benson’s exact jelly flats are an easy way to capture her vacation style — without spending designer money.
Get the Steve Madden Grove Ballet Flat for $49 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Steve Madden here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
If there’s one swimsuit style that’s classic, simple and chic, it’s the classic triangle bikini, and Eva Longoria was spotted wearing the confidence-boosting look while on vacation. Her two-piece swimsuit reminded Us why some trends never lose their appeal, earning a permanent place in summer wardrobes everywhere. You don’t need a celebrity budget to recreate […]
More than four decades after attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, John Hinckley Jr. has a message for Jodie Foster, the woman he was trying to impress at the time. Hinckley became obsessed with the actress after watching her in the 1976 film “Taxi Driver,” ultimately carrying out the 1981 shooting in an attempt to gain her attention.
John Hinckley Jr. became infamous for his assassination attempt at President Ronald Reagan in 1981, all to impress a young Jodie Foster. The 71-year-old is reflecting on his past in a rare interview, and he has a message for the actress.
“I just wish Jodie Foster well, you know. I don’t really see her movies, but I wish her well, and I know she’s doing quite well. And that’s all I can say is just, I wish Jodie well, and I hope she has a good life,” Hinckley said in a preview clip of an episode of “The Mark Joseph Show,” per Entertainment Weekly.
Hinckley had been obsessed with Foster for several months before the shooting and even relocated to Connecticut upon learning that the actress was enrolled at Yale University. He repeatedly attempted to contact her, sending letters and poems that he slipped under her door.
Foster, who was 18 at the time, rejected his advances and set firm boundaries.
The Shooter Wanted To Have A ‘Union’ With The Actress
During the interview, Hinckley was asked what his intended outcome of the assassination was. Noting he was “delusional” at the time of the incident, he said he wanted to “have a union” with the actress and live the rest of his life with her.
Joseph argued that he would have known that prison was a possibility, but Hinckley said in his mind, Foster would be with him, wherever that may be. “I wasn’t sure if I was gonna be in jail or the hospital or what after things settled down. I had this notion that she was gonna join me wherever I was,” he said.
Moreover, he shared that Foster could also have been his target, but said “fate” had other plans, and Reagan became his intended target instead.
Inside The 1981 Attempted Assassination Of Ronald Reagan
On March 30, 1981, Reagan was at the Washington Hilton Hotel to deliver a speech to a labor union group. As the president exited the hotel and walked to his awaiting limousine, Hinckley opened fire. One bullet ricocheted off the armor plate on the presidential vehicle and hit Reagan, puncturing his lung and narrowly missing his heart.
Three other people were injured, including the press secretary, a Secret Service agent, and a police officer. Reagan was rushed to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
In 1982, Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Psychiatric experts testified that he had major depression and was diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic traits.
He was sent to a psychiatric facility where he underwent long-term treatment. He was released from the hospital under strict supervision in 2016, and restrictions were fully lifted in 2022.
Hinckley Wrote A Final Letter To Jodie Foster Before The Shooting
Young Jodie Foster pic.twitter.com/JKfcCruvtO
— – (@xxxx90s) March 15, 2016
FBI agents discovered a letter the shooter wrote to Foster before the attempted assassination. It was never sent, however, and was left in his hotel room. He told her his plan “to get Reagan” and confessed his undying love for her.
Hinckley said that he left “dozens of poems, letters and love messages,” hoping Foster would like him in return, but said he never approached her directly because he was shy and didn’t want to be bothersome. He took comfort in the fact that the actress, at least, knew his name and his feelings for her.
“At least you know that I’ll always love you. Jodie, I would abandon the idea of getting Reagan in a second if I could only win your heart and live out the rest of my life with you, whether it be in total obscurity or whatever,” he wrote.
Hinckley said Foster was the reason for the assassination, as he wanted to “impress” her, and he was willing to sacrifice his freedom or his life to change the actress’ mind about him. He signed off, writing, “I love you forever.”
John Hinckley Jr.’s Theory About Jodie Foster
In January, shortly after the release of his memoir, Hinckley shared his theory about Foster, saying that his obsession and assassination attempt on Reagan deeply traumatized the actress, that she no longer wanted to be with men and became a lesbian, as The Blast previously reported.
Foster addressed her sexuality publicly in 2013 at the Golden Globe Awards, saying that she already came out to her family and close friends “about a thousand years ago.”
The actress has rarely talked about Hinckley in the years since the attempted assassination.
Brooks Nader has come under fire after being spotted topless during an outing with her sister, Sarah Jane Nader, and their parents, Breaux and Holland Nader.
The move has sparked heavy debate among fans, with many slamming the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model for going as far as ditching her top in front of her dad, Breaux, who seemed unfazed in a viral video clip.
This comes as Brooks Nader prepares to star in the upcoming reboot of the ’90s hit series, “Baywatch,” which she recently claimed made her lose interest in her signature string bikinis.
Brooks has found herself at the center of heated debate after a video of her without a top while relaxing with family members, including her dad, Breaux, went viral on social media.
The clip in question features a braless Brooks next to her sister and parents on Sunday, August 9, during a boat trip through Sardinia, Italy.
The model was not entirely in the buff, as she had on white crochet bottoms, which she accessorized with a diamond necklace and earrings.
Showcasing her natural beauty, Brooks went completely makeup-free for the outing, per reports, while wearing her blonde locks in an updo style.
At some point in the video, her dad could be seen sitting next to her on the boat, looking completely unfazed by his daughter’s bold outfit choice, a move that has also raised eyebrows online.
See the video clip here.
The SI Cover Star Has Come Under Scrutiny
Social media was quick to call out Brooks Nader, with many fixating on the fact that her father was also with her during her topless display, instead of just her mother and sister.
One critic noted, “Being topless in front of your family IS weird wtf are ppl talking about,” while another said, “Topless in front of a dad or brother is strange idc if it’s Europe or not.”
“Mom and sister is one thing, but the dad and brother is crazy,” a third individual noted about Brooks’ outing with her family.
Another said, “Being naked in front of ANY family member like this is weird. I will change in front of my sister, but I’m not hanging out on the water naked with my whole family, including my dad… weird asf.”
“Her father and brother should definitely see an issue in this and not be okay with it. Her family shouldn’t want to see her like that???? Anyone defending this is weird af no joke,” one more person commented.
Brooks Nader Received A Lot Of Support Over Her Topless Display
Amid the scrutiny, Brooks also received a lot of support for going topless in front of her sister and parents, with many noting that it was a regular thing to see in Europe.
The incident also sparked a broader discussion regarding the contrasting cultural perceptions of nudity in Europe versus the United States, with many branding Americans “prudish.”
A supporter said, “To us prude Americans, this looks inappropriate, but I assure you that in European culture, this is normal.”
Another said, “Europeans don’t think of nudity the way that we do. Being topless is no big deal to the rest of the world.”
“It’s not weird to have boobs; people have just normalized hiding them. Why can guys take their shirts off if women can’t?” a third TikTok user asked.
One more noted, “This is normal behavior in Europe. Americans are too uptight about nudity.”
The Model Recently Opened Up About Starring In ‘Baywatch’ Reboot
Although Brooks Nader’s casting in the upcoming “Baywatch” reboot caught some fans off guard, the model feels the role was actually years in the making.
In a recent interview, she recalled selecting a specific red one-piece swimsuit during her Sports Illustrated cover shoot simply because it reminded her so much of the iconic beach series.
That intuitive wardrobe choice ultimately made the final cover, creating what she describes as a full-circle experience where a long-held dream turned into reality.
Brooks noted that spending more time living in Los Angeles also helped her manifest the opportunity, as immersing herself in the city made her feel deeply connected to the show’s legacy.
“I don’t know, I feel like I have been hoping for that one for a really long time, and it finally came true,” the model said of the project.
Brooks Nader Admits She’s Done With String Bikinis After Starring In ‘Baywatch’
To prepare for her upcoming role, Brooks made some interesting changes to her wardrobe by replacing her signature bikinis with one-piece swimsuits.
She told Page Six that she is now “100% into one-pieces,” sharing her particular fondness for Tropic of C, a sustainable swimwear label celebrated for its eco-friendly aesthetics.
Even prior to her official screen debut, the model has been displaying the style at high-profile events. At a recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show, she debuted a black one-piece designed with a striking thong back.
Later, at that same event, she joined fellow models for a photograph while wearing a red one-piece, which she accessorized with a wide white belt.
Tension is the lifeblood of every great thriller. While compelling characters and strong writing are important, the genre ultimately succeeds or fails based on its ability to keep readers turning pages. With that in mind, this list looks at some of the novels that do it best.
The titles below vary a lot in style and tone, each of them generating suspense in their own way, whether that’s through lost memories, espionage, lies, or relentless survival scenarios. All are worth checking out if you’re a thriller fanatic.
8
‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ (1963)
“What if nobody is truly on your side?” The Spy Who Came in from the Cold revolutionized espionage fiction with its complex characters and moral ambiguity, as well as its abundance of tightly coiled suspense. In it, British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is left exhausted and disillusioned by a disastrous mission. Offered one final assignment against East Germany, he agrees to participate in an elaborate deception that gradually becomes far more dangerous than either he or the reader initially realizes.
John le Carré’s greatest strength here might be his refusal to provide certainty. Every new revelation raises fresh doubts about who is telling the truth and whose interests are actually being served. These characters lie for a living, after all. The book broke major ground by depicting spycraft as something inherently corrosive, always ending in paranoia.
7
‘Gone Girl’ (2012)
“What happens when nobody can be trusted?” Even before David Fincher‘s killer film adaptation, Gone Girl had established itself as one of the defining thrillers of the 2010s. The delectably intricate tale begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary. Her husband Nick quickly becomes the focus of public suspicion, but as the investigation unfolds, Gillian Flynn repeatedly overturns readers’ expectations.
Every chapter encourages readers to reassess earlier events, while the shifting perspectives continually undermine confidence in what appears to be true. There are twists aplenty and a ton of narrative misdirection, all of it calibrated for maximum impact. On top of being an exercise in sheer genre style, Gone Girl also works as a combustible dissection of a marriage. Not for nothing, it was a runaway bestseller.
6
‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1955)
“How long can someone successfully pretend to be another person?” Many thrillers build tension around catching a criminal. The Talented Mr. Ripley plunges us into the mind of the criminal himself. This is the book that introduced Tom Ripley, a struggling young American sent to Italy to persuade wealthy heir Dickie Greenleaf to return home. Instead, Tom becomes dangerously fascinated with Dickie’s privileged lifestyle. Soon, he’s spinning lies and contemplating violence.
Patricia Highsmith opened up new possibilities for thriller writing by getting us to understand this twisted antihero without ever fully approving of him. At the same time, she wrings unbearable tension out of every one of Ripley’s cons. They’re always threatening to collapse around him, and readers are forced to experience every one of those close calls. We feel the stress of a desperate man trying to avoid exposure.
5
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1988)
“We covet what we see every day.” Serial killer writing changed forever with The Silence of the Lambs. Author Thomas Harris had been delivering great work for years before this, but here he perfected his recipe. The setup is iconic by now: FBI trainee Clarice Starling seeks the imprisoned psychiatrist and cannibal Hannibal Lecter in hopes of gaining insight into another murderer known as Buffalo Bill. However, every interview with Lecter becomes a psychological contest.
Here, Harris balances multiple sources of suspense. We fear Clarice’s dangerous encounters with Lecter, we’re gripped by her race to stop Bill, and we constantly wonder whether Lecter himself is manipulating everyone around him for purposes not yet revealed. It helps that the character himself is so brilliant: urbane, unpredictable, charming, terrifying, adept at figuring out his interlocutors’ vulnerabilities.
4
‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2005)
“Sometimes the oldest secrets are the most dangerous.” Stieg Larsson‘s Millennium series was a publishing sensation in the mid-to-late 2000s, selling approximately a bazillion copies. It’s easy to see why: the main characters are memorable, and the plots keep the pages turning effortlessly. The first one pairs investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist with the brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander as they reopen the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger, whose wealthy family has remained haunted by the unsolved mystery for more than forty years.
Soon, the protagonists are knee-deep in family secrets, sprawling conspiracies, financial corruption, and the threat of violence. The whole way through, the narrative momentum never lets up. Every answer uncovers another mystery, every suspect conceals additional secrets, every breakthrough increases the danger, and the story tightens like a noose. Larsson knew exactly how to play his audience.
3
‘The Bourne Identity’ (1980)
“Who are you when even your own memories have disappeared?” Everyone knows the Bourne movies, but Robert Ludlum‘s original novel, published all the way back in 1980, is a banger in its own right. The plot hits the ground running, opening with an unidentified man being pulled from the Mediterranean Sea with multiple gunshot wounds and no memory of who he is. As he slowly begins uncovering fragments of his identity, he discovers evidence suggesting he may be one of the world’s most dangerous assassins.
Amnesia has become a familiar thriller device, but few novels have used it as effectively as this one. Bourne’s loss of identity is the prime mover of the whole story, and his quest is beset by dead ends and false turns, to the point that his identity seems to grow more uncertain the deeper he digs. The question of who he is and what he might have done generates endless drama.
2
‘And Then There Were None’ (1939)
“One by one…” This is one of the most influential mystery novels ever for a reason. In And Then There Were None, ten strangers are invited to a remote island by a mysterious host who never appears. Shortly after arriving, each guest is publicly accused of having caused another person’s death. Then the guests begin dying one by one, with every murder following the verses of a sinister nursery rhyme. Trapped on the island with no possibility of escape, the survivors desperately try to identify the killer before it’s too late.
This whole book is a marvel of narrative construction, weaponizing point of view and building up to a killer twist. Every chapter steadily increases the pressure until readers, like the characters themselves, begin questioning absolutely everyone. The isolated setting ensures that the tension feels 10 times as intense, a veritable pressure-cooker threatening to explode.
1
‘Misery’ (1987)
“I’m your number-one fan.” Reading this book is a white-knuckle experience. Misery begins with novelist Paul Sheldon getting into a car accident during a Colorado snowstorm. Rescued by his self-proclaimed “number-one fan,” Annie Wilkes, Paul initially believes himself fortunate to be alive. He soon discovers, however, that Annie is dangerously unstable and has no intention of allowing her favorite author to leave until he rewrites the ending of his latest novel according to her demands.
Stephen King strips thriller mechanics down to their essentials with this one. It’s a claustrophobic psychological battle consisting of just two characters and one location, far from help. Wilkes herself is a truly loathsome creation, pivoting at a moment’s notice from kindness to shocking brutality, which is a huge part of why we root so desperately for Paul to escape… and why we’re so devastated when he fails.
Apple TV refuses to be a streamer put in a box, and this is evidenced by its best shows on the platform. 2026 was a landmark year, starting with the understated but hilarious horror-comedy Widow’s Bay. A perfect mix of Stephen King tropes and workplace comedy setups, the series is a perfect season of television with no weak episodes. There are many memorable moments from the show that define it as the best television experience, but its greatest sequence can be boiled down to four minutes in Episode 8, “Your Baggage.”
Widow’s Bay effortlessly balances the ensemble cast, with some of the best moments belonging to the Emmy-nominated Kate O’Flynn in the role of Patricia. The often overlooked and reasonably irritated municipal worker has to endure the jeering of townspeople, but in the end, she is victorious. O’Flynn delivers perfect comic timing as well as an important message at the tail end of the eighth episode of Widow’s Bay.
‘Widow’s Bay’ Episode 8 Solves the Final Girl Problem
Widow’s Bay is a huge success for Apple TV, not just because of its satirical nature, but also because of how it twists notable tropes in horror. This is perfectly utilized in “Your Baggage,” which finally gives credit where credit is due. While one of the best characters in Widow’s Bay, Patricia has often been ridiculed as the sole survivor of the Boogeyman, who was famous for killing teenage girls when she was in high school.
No one believes she was a target, but she proves them wrong when the Boogeyman returns to wreak havoc. Episode 8 hits its peak when Patricia is confined to the Final Girl trope, running through the streets and screaming for help as a masked figure, ala Michael Myers, attempts to kill her. Even the sheriff is powerless to stop this attack, leaving Patricia to demonstrate that she is made of stronger stuff than any Final Girl in Halloween or Friday the 13th.
Unlike all those other surviving characters, Patricia ensures that her Boogeyman won’t turn into a franchise. She resorts to clever solutions, like trying to incinerate the serial killer with a taser and finally getting her hands on a shotgun. Patricia shows that she is the Final Girl to end all Final Girls when she refuses to be victimized again.
Unlike Laurie Strode or Sydney Prescott, who have to endure masked killers over and over again, Patricia puts a stop to that immediately. The amazingly poignant and humorous sequence ends with Patricia never letting the monster out of her sight for one second. She joins him in the ambulance with a shotgun trained on him and follows him all the way to the morgue where he is cremated. Widow’s Bay puts a finer point on the concept as Patricia asks the crematorium worker if there is any other way out of the furnace, to which he answers with a curious “no.”
“Thank you so much,” Patricia answers politely. This distills the character perfectly but also notes the issues with these common tropes in slasher films. The Final Girl rarely goes to such lengths to ensure that the killer will never come back in any form. Patricia is only satisfied when she sees the pile of ashes and only then shoulders the shotgun she has been holding the entire time. This underestimated character has become an icon in horror and, as far as accolades are concerned. Kate O’Flynn steals every scene she’s in, especially with the best sequence on television.
- Release Date
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April 28, 2026
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Katie Dippold
- Directors
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Sam Donovan, Andrew DeYoung, Hiro Murai, Ti West
- Writers
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Alberto Roldán, Neil Casey, Kelly Galuska, Colton Dunn, Dave Harris, Katie Dippold, Mackenzie Dohr
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