In just 1 day, Taylor Sheridan‘s intense war thriller returns to Paramount+ for its long-awaited third season after nearly two years off the air. Filming wrapped in March, and the new season is expected to raise the stakes with even more high-risk missions. Although Season 3 has yet to premiere, there’s already news about the show’s future, with growing speculation over a potential Season 4, even though Paramount+ has yet to renew the hit drama.

Premiering on August 2, 2026, Lioness Season 3 will consist of eight episodes, with a new installment debuting every Sunday through the season finale on September 20. Episodes are expected to run between 40 and 55 minutes. Furthermore, Zoe Saldaña returns as CIA senior case officer Joe McNamara, alongside Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade, the senior CIA official overseeing the Lioness program. Morgan Freeman also reprises his role as U.S. Secretary of State Edwin Mullins, while Michael Kelly returns as CIA Deputy Director Byron Westfield.

Now speaking about Lioness’ future, returning stars Laysla De Oliveira and Jill Wagner expressed confidence during a ScreenRant interview that the spy thriller isn’t finished yet. De Oliveira reprises her role as Cruz Manuelos, a member of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF), while Wagner returns as Bobby, the QRF team leader.

“We’re going to get Lioness Season 4,” Wagner said confidently, agreeing with De Oliveira that fans will be eager for another season once they see what Sheridan has planned for the finale. De Oliveira echoed that sentiment, saying viewers “won’t want” the series to end after Season 3 and revealing that the season concludes with a cliffhanger that leaves the door wide open for another chapter. Keep in mind that Season 3 is expected to be Saldaña’s final outing as Joe after the actress originally signed a three-season agreement to star in and executive produce the series.

What Happened in ‘Lioness’ Season 2?

Season 2 saw the CIA’s war on terror move closer to home as Joe led a dangerous operation involving a Mexican drug cartel. The mission nearly cost her life, leaving her questioning whether to step down from leading the Lioness program. Instead, Lioness Season 3 finds Joe back in command as she leads her team on another high-stakes mission. At the same time, she must confront the growing strain her career has placed on her family while continuing to do whatever it takes to eliminate the threats standing in her way.

Lioness Season 3 premieres on August 2 on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for further updates.

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Release Date

July 23, 2023

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Paramount+

Directors

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John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan

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• 
• 

  Laysla De Oliveira

  Cruz Manuelos

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The 2026 TV calendar has proven fruitful. Between new programs and returning shows, the non-stop binge has been filled with extraordinary content. From networks to premium cable and streamers in between, the boundaries have been pushed to bring viewers to their screens. And when it comes to science fiction, the shows are delivering. We’re here to celebrate the best sci-fi TV of the year so far. If you love science fiction, your appetite has been satisfied.

This year, we’ve seen many returning shows prove they are nowhere near a sophomore slump. There have been first-season spin-offs of long-running hits that have been as good, if not better, than the flagship show. And then there were daring new concepts with all-star casts willing to play in the sandbox of fantastical stories. The ranking reflects the entire season; thus, Silo is not going to be included. We’ll likely put that series in at the end of 2026. It’s already been a great year, so it’s truly splitting hairs in a few of these spots. Which is your favorite so far?

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‘The Beauty’ (Season 1)

Image via FX

Ryan Murphy is always going to be represented on screen. Whether with returning series or new shows, the Murphy vision is alive and well. At the end of 2025, Murphy gave the world a campy hot mess. In 2026, he dropped the camp for a high-concept sci-fi body horror that actually worked, and that may be due to the blueprint he had to work from. The Beauty, based on the graphic novel by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, centers on a sexually transmitted virus that magically transforms ordinary people into physically perfect beings, but carries a terrifying, lethal cost. The lab-engineered miracle drug dubbed “The Beauty” spreads as an STD, granting overnight physical perfection. Created by Byron Forst (Ashton Kutcher), a shadowy tech billionaire, the drug acts as the ultimate shortcut to extreme beauty, youth, and confidence. However, eventually, those affected suffer from extreme internal burning, physical deterioration, and uncontrollable rage, leading to an investigation by FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall).

Though dark in premise, The Beauty is presented in a way that is anything but. It serves as a satirical commentary on modern societal beauty standards, celebrity culture, and extreme interventions in the era of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. It depicts the dark lengths to which people will go to achieve an unattainable ideal of physical perfection. The Beauty is an addictive, campy dark thriller that is provocative and viscerally daring. The show thrives on unapologetic, grotesque gore to hammer home its thesis. A big part of why the show is addictive is the cavalcade of stars who are willing to go ham, including Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Isabella Rossellini, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Jon Jon Briones, Ben Platt, Meghan Trainor, Billy Eichner, and more. If you don’t mind watching your favorites explode before your eyes, The Beauty is high-octane entertainment.

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‘For All Mankind’ (Season 5)

Image via Apple TV

In this era of streaming, lasting five seasons is a feat and a triumph, especially when it lacks high-profile superstars. Fortunately, For All Mankind stands proudly on its own two feet as an underrated gem in the sci-fi realm. Widely praised for its thrilling “what if” premise, grounded character development, and meticulous world-building, the series moves into the 2010s, focusing on the escalating tensions between a massive, bustling Happy Valley colony on Mars and a controlling Earth. Years after the Goldilocks asteroid heist, Earth’s nations demand strict law and order on Mars. This sparks a rebellion in which Miles Dale (Toby Kebbell) blows up the Helios base’s command crew, and the Mars governor, Leonid “Lenya” Polivanov (Costa Ronin), turns against Earth. A tense, localized war breaks out in Happy Valley before a ceasefire is finally called, and Miles is sworn in as the new governor of Mars.

Season 5 continues to do what it does best: storytelling and production. The series continues its trend of stellar visual effects, showcasing a bustling Mars with schools, gift shops, and space elevators while pushing expeditions further out to Titan. Season 5 is a bridge season of sorts as decades of history and emotional weight come to a head. New characters arrive, including children of beloved long-running characters like Alex Baldwin (Sean Kaufman), as others depart. While the series sadly says goodbye to beloved characters, including Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman), who has died from cancer, and Kelly Baldwin (Cynthia Wu), who sacrifices herself to get her crew back to Earth after discovering alien life, Season 5 does a great job establishing a new adventure in the 2020s for Season 6.

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‘Star City’ (Season 1)

Image via Apple TV

Fans of the flagship series may be disappointed that Star City ranks above For All Mankind, but a new, refreshing show that is more than just a companion series deserves a bit more praise. Star City explores an alternate-history space program from the perspective of the Soviet Union. Created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi, the space race thriller takes place in the same universe as For All Mankind, where the Soviets were the first to land on the moon, but focuses on the claustrophobic, paranoid, and highly secretive reality behind the Iron Curtain. Instead of focusing purely on triumphant space exploration, Star City examines how human nature, engineering, and personal ambition are stifled by a totalitarian regime.

For the first season, the narrative centers on cosmonauts, engineers like “Chief Designer,” aka Sergei Korolev (Rhys Ifans), and KGB intelligence officers like Lyudmilla Raskova (Anna Maxwell Martin), who are constantly monitoring one another. It acts as an intense spy thriller where the psychological tension and danger on the ground are just as deadly as the risks taken in space. Season 1 is a slow-burning story that swiftly escalates into a thrilling cinematic tale. Although it exists in the For All Mankind universe, the series is entirely self-contained. You do not need to watch the original show to enjoy this gritty, historical-alternate thriller. It just might make it juicier.

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‘Fallout’ (Season 2)

Image via Prime Video

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Season 1 of Prime Video’s Fallout certainly wet our whistle, but Season 2 was a highly entertaining and bloodier continuation that expands the universe with the iconic New Vegas setting. Based on the iconic video game series, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two centuries after a nuclear holocaust destroyed society. The season picks up right where Season 1 left off, following Lucy (Ella Purnell) and The Ghoul (Walton Goggins) on a quest to hunt down her father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan). The season also balances the Vault storylines alongside Maximus’ (Aaron Moten) struggles within the Brotherhood of Steel. All this to set up a potentially epic third season. Filled with campy humor and violent atmosphere, Season 2 proves that with a brilliant blueprint to build a series around, Fallout isn’t solely for gamers; the series stands alone as a brilliant entity that unites old and new fans alike.

Just like Season 1, Fallout continues the effortless blend of cartoonish, post-apocalyptic violence with genuinely emotional character moments and dark, retro-futuristic comedy. Season 2 strengthens and hardens many of our favorite relationships. Lucy began as a gleeful delight, only to emerge as a young woman not only willing to accept the truth but turn on her blood for the betterment of the water. The season did a remarkable job of bringing some fan-favorite elements from the game while introducing series-only weaponry. The primary ensemble was better than ever, with breakout performances coming from Annabel O’Hagan as Steph and Moises Arias as Norm MacLean. Perhaps the best part of the season came from the cameos of Kumail Nanjiani and Macaulay Culkin. Watching the series explore New Vegas to its fullest extent became the best decision of Season 2. ​​​​​​​Season 3 will no doubt do it again.

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‘The Testaments’ (Season 1)

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For six seasons, viewers were taken on a wild ride through Margaret Atwood’s dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale. Gilead was a terrifying world, and yet Atwood had more in store. Based on the 2019 novel, The Testaments became the companion sequel series to The Handmaid’s Tale, extending the story through a new perspective. The coming-of-age drama follows a new generation of young women growing up inside the regime — including June Osborne’s (Elisabeth Moss) biological daughter, Agnes MacKenzie (Chase Infiniti), and a Canadian outsider, Daisy (Lucy Halliday). The story focuses on privileged daughters of Commanders attending an elite “Wife School,” governed by a regime intent on molding them into submissive spouses. Rather than just surviving in a constant state of torment, the younger characters actively deprogram Gilead’s brainwashing and plot to free themselves. Through an exploration of political control of women’s bodies, religious hypocrisy, the power of testimony in preserving truth, and the complex moral choices required to resist systemic injustice, it offers a newfound perspective on recurring themes.

The Testaments is a gripping drama that revitalizes the dystopian world of Gilead by shifting the focus to a new generation. It features suspenseful spy-thriller pacing and a fresh, compelling look at young women slowly unraveling into a new sense of identity. The Testaments may be a part of the overall story but can be enjoyed proudly on its own. One of the best connective tissues is the return of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, this time operating outwardly as a high-ranking enforcer but secretly working to subvert the regime. The season also explores flashbacks revealing how she survived the initial revolution and the choices that led to her rise. It may not be her story, but she continues to dominate the screen. Infiniti, who was robbed of an Oscar nomination this year, rightly earned an Emmy nom. Her breathtaking portrayal of Agnes was like watching Moss during her first season of the main show — a star shining brightly. If you miss Moss as June, it’s a good idea to watch. There are a few familiar faces that pop in when you least expect them.

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‘The Boroughs’ (Season 1)

Image via Netflix

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Pour one out for The Boroughs. Gone too soon. Though Season 1 ended in a manner that allowed it to be a limited series, it was such a brilliantly addictive binge-watch, and we all wanted more of this wild story and star-studded ensemble. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews and executive produced by The Duffer Brothers, the series tells the tale of a lovable group of retirees living in a seemingly idyllic desert retirement community in New Mexico who discover a dark, supernatural conspiracy lurking beneath their perfect surface and must band together to stop a monster from stealing their time. Flipping the “kids on bikes” sci-fi trope in exchange for seniors with a mission, The Boroughs balances a monster mystery with heartfelt explorations of grief and aging led by an all-star ensemble.

Despite earning great acclaim, The Boroughs was one-and-done, which is unfortunate. The show was filled with nostalgia, firing on all cylinders. It’s what made it so fresh. The isolated, secluded, corporate-run retirement community in the New Mexico desert made for an unlikely horror-mystery, especially as authority figures and facility staff often try to dismiss the retirees’ claims of otherworldly monsters as mere dementia. It operates on a comical level while also highlighting what happens to those individuals of a certain age. The story is charming and thrilling but also serves as a poignant memento mori. The Boroughs boasts a cast with undeniable chemistry, including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman. The Boroughs may be gone but never forgotten, which is fitting, as that’s the heart of the story. ​​​​​​​

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‘Paradise’ (Season 2)

Image via Hulu

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It doesn’t get much better than Paradise. After a solid first season last year, it returned even better for Season 2. Created by Dan Fogelman, the hit series follows a Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) as he investigates the assassination of a former president (James Marsden). The investigation exposes a massive conspiracy: the seemingly idyllic town is an underground bunker housing the elite survivors of a catastrophic, world-ending event. The second season exploded the lore as Collins left the bunker to search for his wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma), who survived the global apocalypse. Meanwhile, the utopian shelter faces social collapse and reveals shocking origins, while time glitches and quantum AI named “Alex” begin to actively bend reality. As the season pivoted from mystery to a science-fiction thriller, Paradise Season 2 showcased what happens when an idyllic haven implodes within due to mistrust and betrayal.

Paradise works better than most sci-fi thrillers because it never gets bigger than its ambition. The intense, emotional twists are earned and warranted. The mystery box unfolds masterfully and in a gripping way. Paradise is a highly bingeable series because the cliffhangers and twists don’t linger too long. You get your answers, whether you like them or not, when they need to be revealed. Paradise features some of the best acting of the year, especially from Julianne Nicholson and Shailene Woodley. Both actresses bring raw emotion that will have you bawling by the end. The sprawling world-building got bigger in Season 2, only for it to come crashing down by its solid finale. Season 3 has us all eager because it’s truly a new frontier.

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Paradise

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Release Date

January 26, 2025

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Hulu

Showrunner

Dan Fogelman

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Directors

Gandja Monteiro

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Michael B. Jordan is joining in on the joke after social media users likened his go-to red-carpet stance to a waiter preparing to take an order.

It’s not the first time the actor’s poses have become a talking point online, either, with his resurfaced Calvin Klein campaign also fueling plenty of online commentary a few months ago.

Michael B. Jordan proved he can laugh at himself after fans roasted one of his most recognizable red-carpet habits. Bustle shared an Instagram carousel highlighting years of photos showing the Oscar winner standing with his hands folded in front of him, alongside a viral post comparing the stance to a restaurant server asking, “Y’all ready to order yet?”

Rather than ignore the teasing, Jordan jumped into the comments with laughing and facepalm emojis, embracing the internet’s latest observation. The Bustle admin added to the fun by joking that Jordan could “take my order anytime.”

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The lighthearted exchange follows just months after The Blast reported on another instance when Jordan’s poses became part of a heated online conversation. A resurfaced Calvin Klein campaign he ran in 2023 ignited a wave of reactions as fans praised the actor’s physique and confident modeling. A handful of critics were less impressed, though, with one dismissing the images as “not cute.”

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Jordan wasn’t the only one enjoying the viral joke. Plenty of fans and fellow celebrities also joined in on the fun in Bustle’s comment section, with many arguing the actor was being unfairly singled out for a pose almost anyone would fall back on during a red-carpet event.

Kevin Hart came to his peer’s defense by joking that the “Hardest thing in the world is finding something to do with your hands on the carpet.” Actress DeWanda Wise playfully added, “Let actors be introverts, ok?!”

Fans, meanwhile, had no intention of letting the restaurant comparison die. One commenter imagined Jordan greeting guests with, “What can I start YALL off with today?” Another extended the bit by asking, “How does everything taste so far? What great customer service.”

Michael B Jordan Kept It Casual At ‘Spider-Man’ Premiere

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The Bustle post that roasted Jordan’s signature pose depicted his appearance at the recent “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” premiere. While social media continued to fixate on his folded-hands stance, the rest of his outfit quietly made a statement of its own.

The “Sinners” star arrived in a vintage-inspired Spider-Man graphic T-shirt tucked into wide-leg black trousers, paired with understated accessories.

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The relaxed look stood out precisely because it didn’t try too hard. While many superhero premieres have become showcases for custom designer outfits inspired by the films themselves, Jordan looked more like a stylish fan showing support than someone trying to steal the spotlight.

His appearance also fueled the inevitable Marvel speculation. Having played Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” and Johnny Storm in 2015’s “Fantastic Four,” Jordan’s presence at any Marvel-related event is enough to get fans wondering whether another comic book return could be around the corner.

Jordan Picked Zendaya Over Himself In Their Fashion Faceoff

Remember when Michael B Jordan wore that mottled texture Berluti Suit to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty? Well Zendaya wore that mottled texture Berluti suit to the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party last night et THE RUE JUMPED OUT. pic.twitter.com/Hm5DoGtYhh

— GoodGalReRe (@_reneebu) September 7, 2019

Years earlier, the actor unexpectedly found himself at the center of a red-carpet fashion faceoff after Zendaya stepped out in the same gray Berluti suit he had worn to the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

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The matching looks quickly took over social media, with fans arguing over who wore the tailored ensemble better. Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, even joined the conversation by posting both outfits and asking followers to choose between the two stars.

Jordan, however, had no interest in turning it into a competition. When The Shade Room shared the side-by-side comparison, he cast his vote in Zendaya’s favor, writing, “@zendaya hands down no contest.” The gracious response earned praise from fans, many of whom applauded the actor for taking himself out of the equation.

The debate has resurfaced several times over the years, including on Reddit, where many users credited Zendaya’s tailoring and styling for giving her the edge.

Michael B. Jordan Backs Marvel’s New Black Panther

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The red carpet also allowed the actor to weigh in on one of Marvel’s biggest recent announcements.

Asked about David Jonsson being cast as the lead in “Black Panther 3” following the reveal at San Diego Comic-Con, Jordan made it clear he was fully behind the decision. The actor, who played Erik Killmonger in 2018’s “Black Panther” before returning for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022, didn’t hesitate when Entertainment Tonight sought his reaction.

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“Oh, I love it. It’s amazing! I can’t wait, can’t wait!” Jordan said, as The Blast previously reported.

Russell Latino, the lawyer for Bart Edmiston Jr., says the “enhanced” Sea Tow dispatch audio that has gone viral is “doctored,” while Ben Crump reportedly reacts to Warren Hudson‘s dad, Ben Hudson, planning to sue amid the Nolan Wells investigation.

RELATED: Bart Edmiston Jr. Reportedly Sends Cease-And-Desist To Kymbra Li For Alleged “False” Statements Amid Nolan Wells Investigation

Lawyer For Bart Edmiston Jr. Says “Enhanced” Sea Tow Dispatch Audio Is “Doctored”

According to TMZ, Russell Latino recently appeared on ‘News Nation’ with Chris Cuomo, where he was asked about the “enhanced” Sea Tow audio, which has been making its rounds on social media.

“We don’t see any legitimacy in a doctored transcript or a doctored audio that comes with a transcript, which is a nice sort of psychological game that people play with gargled audio. I’ll tell you this, my client’s role was to help drain audio off of a boat that reported it being in distress. There were 20-plus people separated between those two boats. All of them saw what he did. All of them saw what did and didn’t happen. There were two credible witnesses — at least — that saw Nolan Wells on Horn Island an hour and a half after those two boats left, and my client cooperated with the authorities from the very beginning,” Latino stated.

Per the lawyer, Bart Edmiston gave over evidence and answered “every” question from the authorities. Furthermore, Latino noted that, “People are just fabricating things wildly. And the consequence of that is you got people who are in legitimate fear for their lives.”

RELATED: California Man Arrested For Allegedly Sending Death Threats To Judge Ashlee Cole Amid Nolan Wells Death Investigation

Warren Hudon’s Dad Says He Plans To Sue Ben Crump Amid Nolan Wells Investigation

Amid Bart Edmiston Jr.’s lawyer speaking with Chris Cuomo, Warren Hudson’s dad, Bart Hudson, spoke with The New York Post. In an exclusive published on Thursday, July 30, Bart stated, “…Truth is not Ben Crump’s concern. He’s exploiting the situation and raising money. I think this is financially exploiting this entire tragedy and making it a much bigger tragedy at the expense of my family and our community and the Wells family.”

Per Bart, he and other families plan to sue Ben Crump for defamation and slander.

“In my opinion, Ben Crump has slandered and falsely accused my son and his friends of murder, and he’s pursued what’s an obvious false narrative. I think he can expect lawsuits not just from my family but from a number of other families who, in my opinion, he’s defamed,” he said.

Additionally, Bart Hudson called Reverend Al Sharpton’s advocacy in the case a quest for “political favor.”

“My family, the Wells-Wonsley family, and the families of all these other kids are being used by people like Al Sharpton and Ben Crump and news outlets as political pawns to win some kind of political favor for the midterms,” he said.

Furthermore, Bart confirmed that he and other families received spoliation notices on behalf of Crump. As The Shade Room previously reported, the notices were sent out on the day of Nolan Wells’ funeral. Additionally, they signaled upcoming litigation and asked that evidence be preserved during the case.

“I was very disappointed that they turned the funeral into a political rally. How would our children ever be able to attend that when they put out a $100,000 bounty alleging that my son and his friends had murdered their best friend? My son is 19. He’s trying to grieve the death of his friend. Meanwhile, he’s getting death threats, and he’s called a racist and a murderer, and the truth couldn’t be further from that,” Bart added.

Ben Crump Reacts To Warren Hudson’s Dad, Bart Hudson, As Jesse Jackson Speaks Out

According to the report, Ben Crump responded to Bart Hudson’s comments and apparent pending lawsuit by calling it a “distraction.”

“It’s a distraction, we’re not distracted by it at all. It’s about getting to the truth, that’s what we want, and that’s what we’re focused on. We haven’t done anything other than ask questions to get to the truth,” he reportedly told the outlet.

RELATED: Attorney Ben Crump Says Nolan Wells’ Family Has Hired Audio Experts To Review Viral Sea Tow Call (VIDEO)

Book-to-screen adaptations can be challenging. On one hand, you want to bring as much of the original text to life as possible. On another, a television series or feature film is simply not the same narrative medium, and thus things will have to be changed and adjusted to tell the story as best as possible. It may surprise you to learn that many Western features began as novels or short stories, and that same practice has been true of television programs as well.

Whether we’re talking about neo-Westerns that are essentially mystery novels or crime dramas, or classic, old-fashioned Western yarn that speaks to the issues of the wild frontier, there are plenty of great Western shows out there that build upon the foundation first set on the page. While there are more Western novels than you can probably count, there are a handful of popular (and lesser-known) horse operas out there that are pulled directly from them. So, if you’re looking for some riveting page-to-screen excitement, look no further than these Western television shows inspired by books.

‘Centennial’ (1978–1979)

Image via NBC

Centennial is a 12-part miniseries that is about exactly what it sounds like. Released a few years after America’s 200th birthday, the television adaptation of James A. Michener’s Centennial novel has been considered a cult classic. As one of the most expensive miniseries productions at the time, the NBC drama ran for over a month on the network, chronicling the founding and expansion of the fictional town of Centennial, Colorado. This is a Western series that would’ve thrived in the streaming era.

With a robust cast and impressive visuals, Centennial is largely faithful to its source material, though it departs from the novel on occasion. The main difference is that while the novel uses contemporary magazine writer Lewis Vernor as a framing device, the miniseries sticks to a strict chronological ordering of events. Although the miniseries is 26 hours long, plenty was cut from the book for the sake of time.

‘Joe Pickett’ (2022–2024)

Image via Paramount+

Although a neo-Western, Joe Pickett is about as old-fashioned as a contemporary take on the West can get. Based on the popular (and ongoing) novels by author C. J. Box, the series follows the adventures of the titular Wyoming-based game warden (Michael Dorman) as he wrestles with keeping his family afloat and stumbling upon every new mystery that makes his way into his backyard. Sometimes quite literally.

A two-season Western series perfect for a quick binge, Joe Pickett tackles a novel or two each season. The first season, in particular, is quite true to Box’s debut Pickett adventure, Open Season, though the series does depart from the source material in certain ways (namely in its depiction of Nate Romanowski). Still, fans of Box’s novels (and newcomers alike) will enjoy this refreshing take on the neo-Western that couldn’t be more different than something like Yellowstone.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

Image via FX

While there is some debate regarding whether Justified can actually be considered a neo-Western, the Kentucky-based crime drama certainly carries with it the spirit of the Old West. As U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) finds himself back in his home state, he makes waves across the urban frontier as each new threat makes itself known — almost always connecting in some way to Walton Goggins‘ outlaw Boyd Crowder.

Justified was based directly on the Elmore Leonard short story/novella “Fire in the Hole,” though the Raylan Givens character appeared in two of the author’s crime novels before that. Aside from the pilot, which is almost a 1:1 adaptation of “Fire in the Hole,” Justified grew into its own. The best episodes of the show have nothing to do with Leonard’s literary work, though the show’s success would directly inspire his final novel, Raylan.

‘The Sacketts’ (1979)

Image via NBC

When you consider author Louis L’Amour’s best Western novels, it’s likely you’ll end up revisiting The Daybreakers or some other installment in The Sackett Family series. If that sounds like you, then there’s no better time to return to The Sacketts miniseries. Told in two parts by NBC, the miniseries was essentially a made-for-TV movie, but we’ll give it a pass here on account that it feels more like a TV production.

The miniseries combines both The Daybreakers (the first released installment of the Sackett books) and the next novel Sackett, following brothers Orrin (Tom Selleck) and Tyrel (Jeff Osterhage) as they head off to New Mexico to start anew. In conjunction with that second novel, it also chronicles the story of their older brother, Tell (Sam Elliott), a mountain man who ventures his way all across the west. Eventually, the trio all end up together, which is perhaps the biggest change from the books (though certainly a welcome one).

‘Dark Winds’ (2022–Present)

Image via AMC

There’s something about neo-Western mystery/crime novels that are just ripe for television adaptations. That was the case with Dark Winds, which is inspired (though quite loosely) by the Leaphorn and Chee series by Tony Hillerman. Hillerman’s daughter, Anne Hillerman, has taken to continuing the novels in recent years, which run parallel to the AMC series. However, the show couldn’t be more different — and for the most part, it actually works.

Yes, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Sgt. Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) still work alongside each other, with Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) by their side, but each season is almost more of a remix of the books than a proper adaptation. Some seasons pull from two novels at once, mixing the plots and character arcs together, while others pull from a single installment. Fans of the Hillerman books will likely still enjoy this underrated neo-Western drama, but expect some serious departures from the novels.

‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1974–1983)

Image via NBC

Speaking of television programs that are considerably different than the source material, Little House on the Prairie only departed further from the Little House novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder the longer it aired on NBC. What began with a television pilot film that was quite an accurate adaptation of the novel of the same name quickly turned into a family-friendly adventure that stuck to its moralistic guns and ran out of material to adapt. While elements of the books still find their way into the later seasons, Little House is very much its own thing.

That said, the original Little House television series remains one of the most beloved long-running dramas of the 20th century. Michael Landon‘s Charles Ingalls defined the role for generations, and nobody played young Laura quite like Melissa Gilbert. While the novels have been adapted more faithfully on other occasions, the nine-season Little House is the perfect cozy drama. If you want to revisit the series before catching Netflix’s latest reboot, give these Little House episodes a go — they’re a bit more faithful to the text.

‘The Virginian’ (1962–1971)

Image via NBC

Though not the first adaptation of the famed novel, The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains, by Owen Wister, The Virginian television series is the most well-known by far. Another incredibly loose adaptation, the NBC program featured James Drury in the title role opposite Doug McClure‘s Trampas and Lee J. Cobb‘s Judge Garth. Each episode chronicled its own new adventure, largely leaving the novel behind in favor of becoming another high-riding Western drama.

Perhaps the biggest change from Wister’s novel was turning Trampas from his villainous ways and making him essentially the Virginian’s sidekick. Still, although the screen versions of these characters were little like what folks read in the book, The Virginian is still considered one of the best classic TV Westerns ever made. The episodic nature was quite common for horse operas in its day, and Drury and McClure headline the series with that flawless cowboy charm. For a more proper adaptation of Wister’s masterwork, we’d recommend one of the many feature film adaptations instead.

‘The Son’ (2017–2019)

Image via AMC

For a book-to-screen adaptation that stays true to the novel, look no further than The Son. Unlike Dark Winds, this AMC drama was in part developed by author Philipp Meyer himself, alongside Lee Shipman and Brian McGreevy. The trio reworked Meyer’s novel into a two-season Western epic that follows Texan cattleman Eli McCullough in both the past (played by Jacob Lofland) and his early 20th century present (played by Pierce Brosnan). This Western series will hook you from start to finish.

The Son may depart in some ways from the novel-of-the-same-name, but it does so only with the blessing of the author. Meditating on themes of legacy, loss, and the high price of violence, this series puts Yellowstone to open shame. It chronicles the settling of the west, the foundation of modern cattle ranch operations, and the great pains it took to preserve them.

‘Longmire’ (2012–2017)

As arguably the most popular neo-Western drama outside the Yellowstone Universe, Longmire is so beloved that fans still celebrate the show (and the novels that inspired it) annually by gathering in Buffalo, Wyoming, for Longmire Days. Based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries series by author Craig Johnson, the A&E-turned-Netflix drama follows Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) as he fights to preserve the peace of the fictional Absaroka County and the neighboring Cheyenne Reservation. That said, it’s quite different from the books.

While some episodes are based on specific novels — “Unfinished Business” is The Cold Dish, while “Unquiet Mind” feels like a direct riff on Hell is Empty — the show honored certain elements of the larger Absaroka world while blatantly ignoring others. But don’t let that turn you off to this highly intelligent neo-Western drama. Johnson not only blessed the show, but continues to promote its return as he churns out new novels each year. It’s a Western series that will satisfy your inner cowboy.

‘Lonesome Dove’ (1989)

Image via CBS

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As if there was any doubt? Not only is Lonesome Dove the miniseries a powerful television epic that deserves high marks for its brilliant performances and sweeping visuals, but Lonesome Dove the novel by Larry McMurtry is often considered the Western novel. Following former Texas Rangers Augustus “Gus” McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones) as they lead their Hat Creek Outfit from the Lone Star State all the way to Montana, it’s an exceptional undertaking that has been cited as the best Western ever made.

Lonesome Dove is essential Western TV viewing, not to mention reading if we’re talking about the book. This CBS adaptation succeeds where so many book-to-screen operations fail by essentially using the novel as a roadmap. Every major bit is accounted for, and while it would have been impossible for this four-part miniseries to tackle every scene, it does its darnedest to bring the pages to life.

Y’all! Joseline Hernandez’s daughter Bonnie Bella is showing that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to standing out. The young star recently had social media doing a double-take after showcasing a skill that left fans impressed and applauding her dedication.

RELATED: Beef Over? Zeus CEO Lemuel Plummer & Joseline Hernandez Sit Down To Address Viral Allegations Made During Their Online Feud (VIDEO)

Bonnie Bella Shows Off Her Mandarin Skills

In a video circulating online, Joseline Hernandez is seen sitting alongside Bonnie Bella during what appears to be a family dinner. Wearing a white long-sleeved top, wavy hair, and a natural makeup look, Joseline smiles beside her daughter, who rocks glasses, necklaces, a polka-dot shirt, and a cozy cardigan. The clip captures Bonnie Bella singing in Mandarin Chinese, showcasing her language skills after reportedly taking Mandarin lessons for 3 years. The nine-year-old has apparently been learning Mandarin while also speaking English and Spanish, and we are here for it.

Roomies Show Love To Joseline & Bonnie Bella

Folks wasted no time running to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and showing Bonnie Bella some love. While many praised the young star for exploring another culture and learning a new language, others pointed out that Joseline Hernandez clearly doesn’t play when it comes to pouring into her daughter. And, of course, a few commenters joked that with skills like these, Bonnie is definitely the type of kid who’s bringing home straight A’s.

One Instagram user @richauntytv said, “I love when we allow our children to learn other cultures!!! It creates a well rounded human being 🔥🔥🔥🔥”

This Instagram user @destinconrad wrote, “me”

And, Instagram user @stylesbynailahalnisa claimed, “That baby look like she go to school and get all good grades 😍”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shadesofmahagoni added, “This baby speaks Chinese, Spanish and English??? Wow, that’s amazing!”

While Instagram user @dramaqueenb__ commented, “Her and Mimi don’t play about raising they girls 👏 ..”

Lastly, Instagram user @mzinfamousquani said, “I immediately thought of Mulan … this is actually impressive though 👏”

Bonnie Bella Keeps Proving She’s That Girl

Bonnie Bella Jordan is proving once again that she’s got the personality and confidence to match her talents. Before going viral for her Mandarin skills, the young star already had fans calling her one of the coolest kids on the internet after sharing an adorable moment with her mom.

Joseline and Bonnie Bella joined TikTok’s viral “Best Friend” trend, with Bonnie taking the lead while her mom held the camera. As the audio played, Bonnie made it clear that nothing could come between her and her “best friend” — her mom. Joseline nodded along and reacted to her daughter’s words, showing off their close mother-daughter bond. While fans loved the sweet moment, some also pointed out Bonnie’s resemblance to Mimi Faust’s daughter, Eva Giselle Jordan, with a few commenters admitting they initially thought the two were the same child.

RELATED: Double Tap Season! Joseline Hernandez Pops Out In Throwback Look & Fans Can’t Get Enough (PHOTOS)

Nicole Kidman had a heart-to-heart with mother Janelle Ann Kidman about allowing the actress’ teenage daughter Sunday Rose to pursue a modeling career ahead of the matriarch’s death.

“As a mother, I’m just, like, ‘OK.’ My mother let me do my passion that I wanted when I was 14,” Nicole, 59, told Entertainment Tonight in an interview published Friday, July 31, discussing Sunday, 18, recently slaying multiple couture catwalks and fashion campaigns. “Actually, before my mumma passed, she was there and I said, ‘Oh, should I let her? She wants to model.’”

Nicole revealed that her mom simply replied, “Well, you did it.”

“I went, ‘OK,’” the Babygirl star continued. “That was sort of my mumma’s parting gift to Sunny was [that] she encouraged me to let her be able to follow her bliss and follow her passion and what she wanted. That’s exactly what she said, ‘You, kind of, have to let her because I let you.’”

Related: Nicole Kidman Always Wanted to ‘Please’ Her Late Mother: ‘My Mentor’

Nicole Kidman, who announced the death of her mother Janelle on Saturday, September 7, referred to her mom as “my mentor, my guide and my nurturer” in a past interview. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020, Kidman, 57, described her mother glowingly and emphasized the important role Janelle played in shaping her career […]

Nicole announced in September 2024 that her mother had died.

“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” she wrote in a statement read aloud by Babygirl director Halina Reijn during a Venice International Film Festival panel. “I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me and she made me.”

The statement concluded, “I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.”

In addition to the Oscar winner, Janelle is survived by daughter Antonia, 56, and multiple grandchildren. (Nicole shares Sunday and Faith, 15, with ex-husband Keith Urban, as well as Bella, 33, and Connor, 31, with ex-husband Tom Cruise. Antonia, for her part, is a mom of six.)

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Related: Nicole Kidman Shares Her Mom’s Profound Last Words to Her

JC Olivera/WireImage Nicole Kidman is opening up about her mom’s profound final words to her before her death. The Babygirl star mourned the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September, and recalled her last words during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning on Sunday, December 15. “The final words my mama said, which […]

Nicole had traveled to Venice for the film festival but left before her movie’s panel.

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“I was about to go out on stage, and I found out that my mother had passed,” Nicole recalled to Variety in April of the heartbreaking moment she learned the news. “I went right back to my room in Venice, was getting into bed, and I was completely devastated. [I thought], ‘I’m not sure how I’m going to move forward or function now.’ She was so much a part of my existence.”

According to Nicole, it was “harrowing” hastily trying to leave Italy to reunite with her family.

“I remember getting into a boat in the canal, literally at night, trying to find my way to the airport, and then turning around going, ‘I can’t even do this,’” she said at the time. “Then I went back to bed. And I was alone. [Keith] wasn’t there, my children weren’t there. I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life.”

As the summer comes to an end, fans of beloved network TV shows can look forward to the returns of their favorite series this coming fall. This week, ABC officially announced the premiere dates for the new seasons of the scripted shows that will be airing as part of its Fall 2026 lineup, including R.J. Decker, Scrubs, Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, and 9-1-1: Nashville.

9-1-1 will return for Season 10 on Thursday, October 15, a little over five months after the conclusion of its ninth season. Season 9 of the hit procedural marked a number of major shifts for the show, transitioning 9-1-1 into a new chapter in the wake of Bobby Nash’s (Peter Krause) death the previous season. Now, as 9-1-1 officially moves into the double-digits, Season 10 will mark the beginning of a new era of the series when it premieres this October.

‘9-1-1’ Season 9 Was An Era of Transition for the Extended 118 Family

The central theme of 9-1-1 Season 9 was adjusting to change, and by the end of the season, the extended 118 family have all settled in for the beginning of the next chapters of their lives. Chimney (Kenneth Choi) is finally comfortable in his role as Captain of the 118, and he’s figured out how to balance his new position with his personal relationships. Harry (Elijah M. Cooper) is now officially a member of the 118, and he’s gone through the basic growing pains that come with being a rookie. Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody) has continued to become more vital to the 118, and Hen (Aisha Hinds) is now back at work after taking some time off due to her chronic illness.

Meanwhile, Buck (Oliver Stark) is now fostering Theo (Lincoln and Theodore Sykes), the child that he biologically fathered for Connor (Colin McCalla) and Kameron (Chelsea Kane) four years before their deaths. Eddie (Ryan Guzman) just survived another near-death experience. Athena (Angela Bassett) has come to terms with her grief and moved on to a new chapter in her career, leaving her job as a sergeant to become a detective. Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) had to adjust to a sudden promotion at work and all that it entailed. May (Corinne Massiah) decided to become a nurse after considering different career options going forward. Now, Season 10 will see how all of these changes come into play, and it will mark the next step forward in this new era for the show.

‘9-1-1’ Season 10 Will Mark a New Chapter for the 118

Season 9 of 9-1-1 started to bring May, Harry, and Ravi into the fold more, and it is likely that Season 10 will continue with this shift. At this point, Ravi and Harry are integral to the core unit of the 118, and May’s job as a nurse will likely factor into a number of emergencies this coming season. After a season of transition, 9-1-1 Season 9 has the opportunity to continue to give these three characters more focus, as well as to continue to give attention to their dynamics with the other characters. Last season, it was great to see Buck serve as a mentor to Harry, and to see more of Ravi’s friendship with Buck. Now, 9-1-1 still has plenty of untapped dynamics to explore with these characters. Maddie used to work as a nurse before she was a dispatcher, so it would make sense for her to act as a mentor to May next season. Eddie and Hen also work closely with Ravi and Harry, so it would be nice to see their dynamics with these characters, in addition to Buck’s.

When 9-1-1 returns alongside the rest of ABC’s fall lineup this October, it will kick off with the show’s annual tradition of its large-scale opening emergency. When the season settles into its new normal, though, 9-1-1 will have the chance to embrace this new era for the 118. This could look like the show leaning into the new storylines that will come with Athena working as a detective and May working as a nurse. This will also give 9-1-1 the chance to lean back into the found family aspect of the show that it has been rebuilding since the loss of Bobby. Whatever happens, 9-1-1 is officially set to return in less than three months, and it will be interesting to see how last season’s changes are implemented moving forward.

9-1-1 will return to ABC on Thursday, October 15 at 8:00 P.M. EST. In the meantime, it is available to stream on Hulu.

Michelle Francine Edwards, a Cincinnati woman, has reportedly been arrested and charged after allegedly making bomb threats to Mississippi officials and Jackson County officers amid the Nolan Wells investigation.

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Cincinnati Woman Reportedly Charged After Allegedly Making Bomb Threats To Mississippi Officials & Jackson County Officers Amid Nolan Wells Investigation

According to the Sun Herald, Michelle Francine Edwards was charged in a federal court. This, for allegedly making bomb threats to “two Mississippi government offices.” Per the outlet, Edwards is charged with “transmitting in interstate commerce a threatening communication to kill or injure another person and to damage or destroy a building.”

Per the outlet, the charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Additionally, Edwards could be fined up to $250,000 and ordered to serve up to three years of supervised release upon her conviction.

More On The Threats

According to the Sun Herald, on July 23, Edwards made several threatening phone calls to the George County Chancery Clerk’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.  To do so, she allegedly concealed her identity by blocking her phone number.

Per the outlet, Edwards allegedly called the George County Chancery Clerk’s Office eight times between 1:34 p.m. and 1:42 p.m. During these calls, she allegedly threatened employees. Allegedly, telling them not to go outside and that the “clock” was “ticking.”

But that wasn’t all. Edwards allegedly also called the George County courthouse. This, with a bomb threat.

Furthermore, shortly after Edwards began calling the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office from her blocked number. In a series of eight calls, she allegedly told them they had a “bomb outside.” This led to the building being placed on lockdown.

🚨 BREAKING: Second Federal Threat Case Emerges in Nolan Wells Investigation

The federal investigation surrounding threats tied to the Nolan Wells case continues to expand.

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According to a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of… pic.twitter.com/ROTGKaixWp

— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) August 1, 2026

A California Man Was Recently Arrested For Threats Amid Nolan Wells Investigation

As The Shade Room previously reported, Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce, a California man, was arrested days ahead of Michelle Francine Edwards. This, for allegedly threatening Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole and her family amid the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death. As The Shade Room previously reported, Cole disclosed that her family was receiving death threats. This, weeks after her son, Warren Hudson, traveled out to Horn Island with Wells, who did not return home and was ultimately found dead on the island.

At the time, Cole shares screenshots of the alleged threats online. The shots showed threats of bombs,  strangulation, and “slow” and “painful” deaths.

RELATED: California Man Arrested For Allegedly Sending Death Threats To Judge Ashlee Cole Amid Nolan Wells Death Investigation

At this point in the summer, we’re practically done with sundresses. We simply want to look polished with zero effort, and thankfully, Jennifer Lopez has the easiest formula. Her wide-leg pant style makes even a tank top look chic, and we found the look for only $40.

Lopez turned a casual Parisian shopping trip into a full-blown style moment; she was caught wearing a white tank top, beige trousers and a matching handbag. The tank is cute, but her wide-leg pants are the real showstopper. Not only did they elevate her look, but they also elongated her legs, and these flowy wonders have the same effect.

Get the Willit Wide-Leg Dress Pants for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Willit Wide-Leg Dress Pants nail Lopez’s breezy, put-together vibe. Made from a linen-blend fabric, they have a subtle cooling effect, which is a major perk during the dog days of summer. The elasticized waistband (at the back) gives the pants a stretchy edge, making them perfect for brunches, in-office days and beyond.

Related: Jennifer Lawrence Elevated a T-Shirt With 1 Easy, Luxe-Looking Staple

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When you want to wear a T-shirt but still look put together, Jennifer Lawrence has the formula. Her satin skirt style makes any outfit appear expensive, and we found the sleek look for only $35! Lawrence was spotted in New York City wearing a vintage Stevie Wonder T-shirt with a long, glossy satin skirt. She […]

To top it off, the wear-everywhere trousers come in four inseam lengths, so tall women aren’t stuck with ankle-grazers and petites aren’t drowning in extra fabric. And if Lopez’s beige isn’t your thing, these elevated trousers come in enough colors to justify buying a few. Reviewers sure are getting them in bulk!

One happy shopper shared, “These pants are so comfortable, I considered canceling all my jeans. Soft, breathable and loose in all the right places — they’re basically pajamas pretending to be real pants.”

Another Amazon reviewer wrote, “If you want to look like an off-duty model, get these pants. They are lightweight enough for all weather and not heavy at all . . . they have become my go-to for everyday wear.”

This comfy-chic pants style borrows the sophistication of designer without the price tag or the stiff waistband. People will think you dropped quadruple digits while shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré, but we won’t tell!

Get the Willit Wide-Leg Dress Pants for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more chic pants, 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.

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Related: Rich Moms Are Ditching Stiff Denim for Breezy, Hamptons-Coded Shorts

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Denim has its place, but we’re certainly not mad about the latest summer trend that’s replacing stiff jeans with breezy, lightweight shorts. Hamptons rich moms are wearing these 13 luxe-looking styles nonstop, and we found them on Amazon, Quince, Nordstrom and more. Oh, and prices start as low as $5. Seriously! These comfy shorts have […]