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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

From director Nitesh Tiwari, with an expansive story by Shridhar Raghavan, comes one of India’s most anticipated features of 2026: Ramayana. At an exclusive early preview, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the opportunity to talk with the film’s lead, Ranbir Kapoor, who has the esteemed honor of portraying not only Lord Rama in the movie, but is pulling double duty representing Lord Parshuram, as well. In this interview, Kapoor talks with us about the responsibility of the role, why he initially turned it down, and why this is a must-see in IMAX.

Ramayana, told in two parts, is a sweeping, timeless epic from producer and filmmaker Namit Malhotra. In the movie, Heaven and Earth are inching closer to chaos, and to restore the balance, the Trinity god Vishnu must descend to Earth as an avatar, Rama (Kapoor). Rama is a prince whose opposition is the formidable and immortal demon king Ravana (Yash). Unfortunately, Rama does not yet realize that his destiny is to confront this vengeful demon in a clash so catastrophic that the fate of the gods and mortals hang in its balance. In the movie, Kapoor leads a star-studded ensemble, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.​​

Don’t miss the full conversation in the video above, or the transcript below, where Kapoor discusses the importance of the whirlwind global promotion of Ramayana, why he first declined the role, and the gratitude and responsibility he feels representing this story. Kapoor also talks about why audiences must see Ramayana in IMAX if they’re able, Indian cinema’s reach across the world since films like 2022’s RRR (and long before), and growing up among cinema royalty.

Ranbir Kapoor Shares His Favorite Fan Moments as a Movie Geek

He tells stories about Al Pacino, Bill Murray, Quentin Tarantino, and more.

Image via New Line Cinema

COLLIDER: We’re in Los Angeles right now, and literally yesterday you were on set in India filming part two. What were you filming yesterday, and what is it like to just jump on a plane and fly around the world?

RANBIR KAPOOR: Well, I won’t lie, it is a bit hard and daunting, but moments like this and films like this come very rarely in a person’s life, and when you’re so proud of something, you’re so inspired, you want to travel the world and try and pass on the message that this film is coming out and what the movie’s about. So, yes, it is tiring, but the immense faith and intention that we have behind making this film, I think that just pulls us all together.

Can you tease what you were filming on set?

KAPOOR: We’re already halfway done filming part two, at least my portions. It’s even more exciting than what you guys have seen.

I won’t pressure you anymore. I like asking a few fun questions to actors, and this is my fun question for you: Have you ever asked for someone’s autograph?

KAPOOR: Absolutely. Much like yourselves, I’m a big geek of movies. I’ve been watching a film a day for the last 35 years. Apart from my local heroes, where I grew up in India, when I’ve traveled, I’ve been shooed away by Natalie Portman, Quentin Tarantino has shown me the finger, and I’ve met Bill Murray. Al Pacino was doing a reading of Salomé on Broadway; I was a student at that time, and I stood outside for three hours just to get a shout-out from him. Met [Robert] DeNiro in India. These are my screen idols, and just to meet them has given me immense joy.

Coming as a fan, how much has that impacted when you’re meeting your fans? How much has that changed you, knowing that you’ve been on the other side, where you stood in line for three hours wanting to meet someone? You have a lot of fans, so does that play a little factor with you?

KAPOOR: Absolutely. I feel a lot of gratitude. Sometimes it’s disbelief, like, “All of these people want to take my autograph or take a picture with me?” Also, I come from a film family. I’m fourth generation, so my family has been contributing to Indian cinema for close to 100 years. I’ve seen it around me while growing up. I’ve seen people with immense success, even with immense failure, and I think that really balanced me out very early on. So, I don’t get swayed by success or get disheartened by failure.

Ranbir Kapoor Says ‘Ramayana’ Is India’s Answer to the Greatest Global Epics

“It’s nothing less than Lord of the Rings.”

World of Ramayana

A lot of people in America who are going to be watching this interview won’t actually know the story, won’t know much about the history. What can you tease people about the movie? Why does it mean so much to you and so many people around the world?

KAPOOR: Well, it is the greatest epic to come from my country, India. Apart from the entertainment and every emotion that it will give you, there are a lot of life lessons that you can take from a film like Ramayana and the characters. I’m extremely excited that the West, the entire world, and the entire global audience will get to sample this story.

One of the things about being the main character in a movie like this is that it has to, as an actor, be very daunting. Your whole career has led to this moment, so what was it like for you in the months leading up to that first day of filming, to get your head around what you would be doing mentally and physically?

KAPOOR: Steve, if I can go back a year before filming is when I felt the jitters, when there was a lot of fear. But I think by the time it was a month before filming, I felt so much gratitude to get this opportunity. It was a blessing of Lord Ram that I got to play this — nobody can represent him, but to actually surrender myself to the character that I played.

A month before, if I can remember, I was chasing the director, Nitesh Tiwari, to try to take as much as I could about the story, about the journey of Ram. Because it’s limitless, right? There is not just a definite “this is it, and this is what you play.” So, I think really to truly surrender to the part, to make certain sacrifices about your life, make certain changes to really feel close to what you’re trying to engage the audience with, I think a month before shoot, I was all there.

In the new trailer that will be out by the time people watch this, there’s a shot of you swinging on a branch with a creature, and it reminded me a little bit of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings. It was just this massive spectacle. So, what can you tease people in terms of some of the spectacle and the cool things that you do in these movies?

KAPOOR: Like you said, Steve, you know, it’s nothing less than Lord of the Rings. It’s our greatest epic spectacle coming from our country, and this was just a teaser. We have six hours of epic visuals and epic action sequences, emotions. It teaches you to be a better son, a better husband, a better brother. It’s the triumph of good over evil. There are so many different layers of storytelling happening with this film that I’m really excited for people to sample it.

There is significant buzz about you playing both Lord Ram and Parshuram. How are you using your body language and voice to differentiate between the two distinct divine entities, one representing calm and the other righteous fury?

KAPOOR: Well, you’ve done your homework pretty well. Just to give you a backstory, Lord Vishnu had different avatars. Lord Ram is one avatar; Lord Parshuram was an avatar before Lord Rām. And just to get the opportunity, like how I got to play Lord Rām, to also play Lord Parshuram was fantastic.

As an actor, apart from body language, if you deeply understand the spirituality, the emotionality of characters, I think everything starts from there. That’s what I did that year, leading to the shoot of Ramayana, was to really understand who these people are, who these characters are, what they stand for, what their motives are, and then everything just becomes easier.

Every generation has its Rām. How do you detach yourself from those legendary benchmarks to ensure your version feels fresh without being disrespectful to the core sentiments?

KAPOOR: Like I said, it’s a responsibility. It’s a responsibility that you’re carrying on your shoulders. Because, like I mentioned earlier, you can’t really play him. You are representing. You’re telling, as an actor, your version of Lord Rām. So, the responsibility, the intention, the faith, and the belief that I have as an actor, I have as an Indian, towards this story, towards Lord Rām, I think that’s where it all begins.

So, Rama is often described as the ideal man. After living in this character’s skin for so long, what is the one quality of Rama that has actually rubbed off on you, the person?

KAPOOR: I think the leading qualities which really stand out to me, apart from all there is, are his compassion, his courage, his ability to forgive, and righteousness. There is a saying in the scriptures, “Tara Maa protects those who uphold it,” and I think that’s something that really stayed with me.

How ‘RRR’ Impacted Indian Cinema’s Reach in the West

“Indian cinema has been a leading nation in making cinema.”

You’ve been working in Indian cinema for decades. How have you seen Indian cinema change over the last 20 years? And I’m curious, with the success of RRR in America, how much that may have opened the Western audiences for Indian cinema, from your perspective?

KAPOOR: Yes, of course. RRR made a huge impact, which was two years back, but I’ve always believed that a good story really translates and travels, irrespective of language, which could be a barrier. I think Indian cinema has been a leading nation in making cinema. My grandfather’s films, which were in the 1950s, traveled to Russia, to Japan, to different parts of the world. I think with every generation, we are taking giant steps, where a larger audience is sampling our movies and giving respect to our cinema. I think with Ramayana, the intention is to really take Indian cinema, take a giant leap, and really make a large audience sample our movies.

People don’t realize the long hours it takes to make a movie. Making one movie is an immense challenge, but you’re filming two, I believe, back to back. What is it like for you to maintain that stamina and energy when it’s such a long production?

KAPOOR: Again, it goes back to faith and belief, because you believe in it. The intention of all the makers, the cast, and crew is so positive, and everybody has this full energy to tell the story in the best way possible. I think that’s something which really keeps us going. Where the story starts and where it continues to go is a very exciting narrative for an actor just to be part of that.

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‘RRR’ Director S.S. Rajamouli Teases His Most Ambitious Film Yet After James Cameron’s Praise

“We should concentrate on how to make that high higher or bigger rather than trying to recreate from the previous success,” says S.S. Rajamouli.

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What was it actually like for you reading the script for the first time? Because it’s one thing to hear what you’re going to do, it’s another thing to actually read that script. What was something that you couldn’t believe was on the page? What was something that made you say, “How are we going to film this?”

KAPOOR: It was a journey because when Namit [Malhotra] offered me this part, he didn’t narrate the script to me. He just said, “Listen, I’m making this film. What do you feel about playing Lord Rām?” And out of fear, my instinct reaction was, “No, I can’t do it. I’m not fit enough for it.” But then, over a period of time, Namit took me through his vision and what he was doing with the film.

Then, when I met Nitesh Sir, and he narrated the story to me, I could not thank my stars that I was in the right place at the right time, getting the opportunity to be part of a film like this, to play Lord Rām. I still have to pinch myself to understand that I am playing Lord Rām, and that’s something which is probably a big turning point in my life and career.

Why IMAX Is the Best Way To Experience ‘Ramayana’

“It just blew my mind.”

World of Ramayana

I want to bring up the IMAX of it all. I can’t wait to watch this in IMAX. It’s my favorite format for the big screen experience, and more and more audiences around the world now understand what IMAX means. Can you talk about why you’re going to want to see this in IMAX, and what it is like making a movie that’s going to be on these massive, massive screens?

KAPOOR: I guess when you’re telling such epic stories, which are such big-scale event films, this is probably one of the biggest IMAXs I’ve ever seen in my life.

We should mention we’re in the AMC Burbank.

KAPOOR: AMC Burbank.

This is one of James Cameron’s favorite theaters.

KAPOOR: It just blew my mind. It’s like you’re immersed. You’re in there. And Ramayana is a story that should be sampled in IMAX. That’s where you really feel the experience of the movie.

Speaking of movie theaters, I love seeing movies in movie theaters. Do you have a favorite movie theater? It could be anywhere that you’ve been.

KAPOOR: Yes. There is a theater in India called Gaiety Galaxy. That’s where I grew up, going to watch movies. We have a system where there is a stall and a balcony. The stall is where everyone’s really having a party, like they’re throwing money on the screen and throwing papers all over. People in the balcony are a little bit more dignified, if I might say, looking down at all the people having fun. But my earliest memories of cinema and larger-than-life characters started from that place, Gaiety Galaxy.

Your family is essentially a royal family when it comes to cinema in India. At what point in your life did you realize, “Actually, I think I am going to want to be an actor. I do want to do this?” When did it hit you?

KAPOOR: Everyone in my family just took it for granted that “Probably, he’ll grow up to be an actor or a director.” But growing up in a film family, there was no sense of ego or, “This is a very easy thing for me to do,” because all people are successful in my family because they’re extremely hardworking, extremely passionate. Everybody had an individualistic approach towards their work, and that’s why they were successful. That’s the learning I got very early on in my life, that unless I have my own individual approach to my work, my own stories to tell, it’ll be hard for me. So, yeah, it was amazing to feel the passion, to feel that energy and madness towards cinema. That was very contagious growing up.

Ramayana: Part 1 opens in theaters and IMAX globally this fall, during Diwali 2026. Part 2 is currently in production and slated to debut globally during Diwali 2027.

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Release Date

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November 8, 2026

Director

Nitesh Tiwari

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Writers

Shridhar Raghavan

Producers

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Yash, Namit Malhotra

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Former “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Jen Shah recently broke her silence on where she stands with Mary Cosby. The pair feuded incessantly on the first two seasons of the Bravo reality series. However, their relationship stalled after Shah was imprisoned in February 2023. In her first interview since her release, Shah opened up about her reported crimes and her relationship with many of her former co-stars.

Jen Shah Reached Out To Mary Cosby Following Her Son’s Sudden Death In February 2026

Shah and Cosby have a complicated history, as documented in earlier episodes of “RHOSLC.” Despite the past, Shah recently told PEOPLE that she decided to reach out to Cosby privately after learning her son passed away at 23.

“I felt like that was the respectful thing to do, so I mailed her a card and just told her how deeply sorry that I was to hear about the passing of Robert Jr., and that she’s in my family’s prayers every day,” Shah said.

According to a report from The Blast, Robert Cosby Jr. was pronounced dead in Salt Lake City in February 2026 after police responded to a call of a potential overdose.

Jen Shah Shares Why She Reached Out To Cosby Privately Rather Than Speaking Out Publicly

Several “Real Housewives” stars publicly showed their support for Cosby. Shah, however, said that she reached out to Cosby privately for a specific reason.

“I wanted to write to her and let her know that even though I hadn’t talked to her obviously for a few years while I’ve been gone, that I care about her, especially with right now, what she’s going through,” Shah said. “And I chose to reach out privately because I didn’t want it to be a distraction. … I wanted it to remain about what Mary was going through and about her son and honoring his memory.”

Cosby confirmed her son’s death in an Instagram post, per The Blast, saying he had “been called home to the Lord.”

She added, “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”

Jen Shah Opens Up About Life Behind Bars

Elsewhere during her latest interview, Shah spoke out about her experience behind bars.

For those unfamiliar, the former reality star was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison in the summer of 2022 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

US Attorneys claimed Shah was the mastermind behind a massive telemarketing scheme that defrauded elderly and other vulnerable victims.

In prison, Shah said she was required to walk around with a pink card, likened to a “scarlet letter,” informing others that she was a high-profile inmate.

“I had to carry it around and check in with officers every two hours,” she said.

Shah Said Being In Prison Was Like A ‘BravoCon Meet And Greet’

While behind bars at FPC Bryan in Texas, Shah said she met many fans of the “Real Housewives” franchise.

“Listen, it was like a BravoCon meet and greet when I got there,” she said. “Literally.”

“I didn’t know that there were so many fans there,” Shah continued. “I had people coming up to me, saying, ‘Hi, I’m the President of the Salt Lake City fan club out of Louisiana.”

When Shah first entered, though, the prison staff had to remove Bravo from the TVs because of the extra attention it drew to her.

“They had taken Bravo off all the TVs because it was drawing a lot of attention,” she said. “But after a few months, they put it back on… and it was just mayhem from then on.”

How Did Shah Find Herself Involved In The Alleged Scheme That Sent Her To Prison?

During her interview, Shah got candid about how she found herself at the center of the legal battle that sent her to prison.

“It’s a long and a very complex journey that brought me to this point,” she revealed about the matter. “And without re-litigating it, I became involved in the case because I made horrible business decisions and I disregarded huge red flags. I allowed the lines to be blurred between personal friendships and ethical business practices. And in essence, I trusted the wrong people at a very vulnerable time in my life.”

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 14 seconds ago

Whenever someone says they’re a fan of anime, a good follow-up is, “which anime?” Anime is a medium that simply means animated shows or movies from Japan, and within that are countless other genres including Shonen (One Piece, Demon Slayer), Isekai (Overlord, Sword Art Online), Romance (The Apothecary Diaries), Slice of Life (Your Name), and then there’s different styles within all of that, including the one that people bring up when they want to tear down anime as being mindless fanservice: ecchi.

Ecchi anime is incredibly suggestive. This is where you’ll find the gratuitous male gaze shots of every single female character, and plots with adult themes that are not mature because they also tend to have purposely juvenile comedy to them. That’s why it’s surprising to browse on Disney+ and find that 2010’s High School of the Dead is available for streaming. 

High School Of The Dead Is The Most Famous Ecchi Series

High School of the Dead is one of the most infamous anime of all time thanks to its blatant, gratuitous fanservice that you’ll either love or hate within the first five minutes. The plot is about a group of high schoolers trying to survive the zombie apocalypse, and as with The Walking Dead, the real danger is the complete breakdown of society. Not only the support systems they took for granted, but their own morals and ethics, all of which get tested. Within a few minutes of his introduction, you’ll think that teacher Koichi Shido is among history’s greatest villains when his inner monologue reveals he wants to reshape society with himself on top. 

The first few episode of High School of the Dead center around Takashi and Rei, both second-year students at Fujimi High School, who become the de facto leaders of the band of survivors. Some of the students get a chance to show off skills that’ve learned in clubs (kendo club turns out to be really useful), or studying abroad (the nerd who spent a month in America learned to shoot from a Delta Force member), while others quickly become fodder for the slow-moving horde. 

There’s one sequence early on that says everything you need to know about High School of the Dead. Two girls are running form zombies, talking about how they will be best friends forever, when one of them is grabbed by a zombie. As she’s getting pulled into the horde, her skirt rides up letting you know that this is absolutely an ecchi, and at the same time, her BFF is yelling at her to let go, and even stomps on her hand, leaving her to die. Violence, language, fanservice, and a dark sense of humor. That’s the entire series in one 20-second scene. 

The Most Banned Anime Of All Time

High School of the Dead is not for everyone. If you’re fine with the fanservice, you’ll discover it’s a decent zombie apocalypse anime with two good leads in Takashi and Rei, both of whom are allowed to grow and develop as society collapses around them. Getting to the good bits of the plot requires going through an awful lot of “plot” that should be listed in the dictionary right next to “male gaze.” 

The sex and violence found in every episode of Highschool of the Dead was enough for the Chinese government to ban it from the country in 2015. The manga has also been banned from countless libraries and schools before staff learned that not all manga is for kids. Sadly, for those who enjoyed the series, creator Daisuke Saito passed away in 2017, and out of respect, the publisher quietly canceled the manga and anime, leaving it forever at only one season. 

High School of the Dead is one of those anime that you’ll either love or hate, and a lot of it comes down to your personal sense of humor and how you like your horror. If you’re a fan of the 70s and 80s horror, you’ll find the series hits a similar tone, but if you’re not and you’re curious about it, think twice because the level of fan service can be hard to handle when you’re not on the same wavelength. 

If you do want to check it out, fire up Disney+, scroll past Bluey, and the entire run of High School of the Dead is available for streaming.

Arthur Horn, the lawyer for Pooh Shiesty‘s alleged co-conspirator, Rodney Wright Jr., also known as rapper Big30, has shared a statement in response to the kidnapping and robbery allegations involving Gucci Mane.

RELATED: UPDATE: Pooh Shiesty, His Dad & Others Reportedly Arrested For Kidnapping & Robbing Gucci Mane At Gunpoint (VIDEO)

Arthur Horn, Lawyer For Pooh Shiesty’s Alleged Co-Conspirator Rodney Wright Jr. A.K.A. Big30 Shares Statement

According to Localmemphis.com, Arthur Horn spoke exclusively with the outlet. He issued a statement in a report initially published on Thursday, April 2. Per the outlet, Horn noted the kidnapping and robbery allegations against his client as “shocking.”

“He doesn’t have a criminal history. He’s been making music for a number of years. He and Pooh Shiesty came up in the music game together. They were very close and made music together. It’s just sad that this is happening right now,” Horn reportedly told the outlet.

Furthermore, the lawyer also urged the public not to “pass judgment” on Big30 and the others “until all the facts come out.”

RELATED: Whew! YSL Woody Weighs In As Social Media Users Share Their Thoughts On Pooh Shiesty Allegedly Kidnapping & Robbing Gucci Mane (WATCH)

“I just hope that people will wait to pass judgment on Rodney and these other individuals until all the facts come out,” he reportedly concluded.

Per Horn, a detention hearing will center around Big30 on Friday, April 3.

“The first thing is, we’ll hopefully be able to get Rodney a bond. And then, once we are able to get him a bond, he’ll be able to fight this case,” he said.

Per Localmemphis.com, Pooh Shiesty’s dad, Darrion McDaniel, Kordae Johnson, and Damarian Gipson, will appear in the federal court at 2 p.m. alongside Big30 for the hearing.

More On The Gucci Mane Kidnapping & Robbery Allegations

As The Shade Room previously reported, on Wednesday, April 1, the FBI raided the family home of Pooh Shiesty and his father, Lontrell Williams Sr. Furthermore, at the time, the target of the search remained unclear. However, by the end of the day, Williams Sr. was reportedly arrested, and Pooh, who was reportedly in Dallas, Texas, was taken into custody as well.

To note, as The Shade Room previously reported, in October 2025, Pooh was released from behind bars. This, after serving three years for a federal firearms charge. According to The Independent, it was believed that Pooh had been staying at a residential reentry facility in Dallas since his release. Furthermore, he was reportedly expected to remain there until April 11.

On Thursday, April 2, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Texas revealed that Pooh, his dad, Rodney Wright Jr, and six others were the target of an investigation into a kidnapping and robbery involving three victims, per The Shade Room. Ultimately, it was revealed that on January 10, 2026, the group executed an “armed takeover,” luring victim later identified as Gucci Mane, and two others, to a studio in Dallas. There, allegedly forcing him to sign a music release contract at gunpoint.

RELATED: From Co-Signs To Controversy: A Look Back On Pooh Shiesty And Gucci Mane’s Business Relationship (VIDEOS)

Authorities reportedly connected Pooh and the group to the incident through electronic monitoring of the rapper’s location, cell phone records, license plate readers, car rental records, surveillance footage, fingerprints, Greyhound records, and social media posts of the alleged conspirators wearing stolen jewelry from the victims.

What Happens Next For Pooh Shiesty, His Alleged Co-Conspirator Rodney Wright Jr. A.K.A. Big30, & The Others

After the revelation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, social media users swarmed Pooh Shiesty’s comment section with shocked reactions at his alleged actions. Additionally, Pooh’s mother, Gladys Baines, took to social media. This, to share a few cryptic posts amid his and his father’s arrest, per The Shade Room.

Furthermore, by Thursday evening, the full 32-page criminal complaint against the group was released. As The Shade Room previously reported, the complaint broke down how the group allegedly cornered the victims in the studio. This, allegedly with “AK-style pistols.” And stole jewelry, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and other high-end goods while allegedly barricading doors and choking a victim near unconsciousness.

Additionally, the complaint detailed what the group allegedly did after the incident — including social media posts made. And how authorities connected them to the alleged crime. At this time, it is being reported that all nine suspects “could face up to life in prison.”

RELATED: UPDATE: Criminal Complaint Against Pooh Shiesty & His Conspirators Surfaces With Alleged Gucci Mane Kidnapping Details (SEE HERE)

Although he’s done far more on both film and television, stretching his range to new comedic and dramatic heights, Steve Carell will always be remembered by many as Michael Scott, first and foremost. His leading role on The Office helped catapult him to superstardom with endlessly quotable lines and memorable moments that cement him as one of entertainment’s greatest bosses. Now, he’s channeling that same awkward energy into one of his biggest comedy hits set beyond the walls of Dunder Mifflin. Collider can exclusively share a new sneak peek at Episode 5 of HBO‘s new series Rooster that sees Carell’s Greg Russo weighing how to reconnect with his ex-wife when he leans on a very familiar greeting.

The footage opens with Greg floating a potential family get-together with his daughter Katie (Charly Clive) and her mother, Beth (Connie Britton). For the former, it’s a welcome surprise given how badly her father has taken the split and how ugly the former couple’s previous meetings since the break-up have been. Still, Greg thinks he’s ready, and Katie is right there to support him, though he struggles to make the first move. His initial instinct is to just send a “Wassup” to Beth via text, but his daughter quickly overrules him and instead just gives her mother a call to make the arrangement. When Beth inevitably wants to talk to Greg, Katie hands over the phone, and her father, not knowing how to even start talking, delivers a gravelly “Wassup” like he’s greeting Jim Halpert. It may be painfully awkward, but by the end of the call, they have a date.

At its heart, Rooster revolves around how Greg navigates his complicated relationship with his daughter and the feelings he’s left with after a bitter divorce. It’s the whole reason his speaking event at the college Katie works at soon turns into something more as he not only embraces academia, but strives to support his daughter and her career. In that context, Episode 5 is shaping up to be an emotional one that will confront the lingering familial tension head-on, though not without a dose of good-hearted humor mixed in and a genuine effort from Greg to make things right.

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‘Rooster’ Earns More Good Grades for Bill Lawrence

Rooster is the latest effort from Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking creator Bill Lawrence and even features a few of his regular collaborators. Phil Dunster trades his AFC Richmond uniform for a professor’s attire as Katie’s ex-husband Archie, and John C. McGinley leaves Sacred Heart behind to play Ludlow College’s president, Walter Mann. Danielle Deadwyler and Lauren Tsai round out the main cast. So far, they’ve helped create another winner for Lawrence, becoming HBO’s most-watched comedy premiere in over ten years with 2.4 million cross-platform viewers within its first three days. Critics and audiences have also given the series good grades so far, with Collider’s Tania Hussain going as far as to say “Rooster belongs at the top of your must-watch list this season” in her 9/10 review.

Rooster Episode 5 airs on Sunday, April 5, on HBO. Check out our exclusive sneak peek in the player above.

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Release Date

March 8, 2026

Network

HBO

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Tiger Woods appeared to call President Donald Trump from the scene of his car crash on March 27, per police bodycam footage obtained by TMZ on Thursday, April 2.

Woods, 50, can be seen telling a police officer, “I was just talking to the president” from the site of the accident in Jupiter Island, Florida.

The golf player was reminded by the officer to stay close as he appeared to take a phone call. “Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye,” Woods can be heard saying on the phone.

Trump, 79, previously described Woods as a personal friend while addressing the crash with reporters on March 27.

Related: Tiger Woods Cited for Careless Driving in Car Accident: Everything to Know

Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with a DUI on March 27, 2026, after a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, that left his Land Rover overturned on a two-lane road. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a press conference that Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal […]

“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “There was an accident and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, amazing man. But some difficulty.”

Woods is dating the president’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

Trump also presented Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., in May 2019 during his first term in office.

Trump gave an update on Woods’ condition while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, March 31.

“I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” the president said. “He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg. He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.”

Woods was charged with a DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following the rollover car crash involving his Land Rover. He pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge.

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The golfer broke his silence on his arrest on Tuesday, revealing that he plans to seek treatment.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said in a statement. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

He continued, “I’ve committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asked for “privacy and prayers” this week. Instead, the internet has been making wild jokes about her husband, Bryon Noem, following reports of him allegedly cross-dressing and sending money to fetish models. From parody videos to GIFS and spicy tweets, social media users are on day three of cookin’ Bryon, Kristi and their marriage.

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Why Is Kristi Noem’s Husband Going Viral?

On Tuesday (March 31), The Daily Mail released its bombshell findings regarding an investigation into Bryon Noem’s “double life.” Their exclusive report alleged that Bryon was active in online fetish communities, specifically the “bimbofication scene.” He allegedly sent messages and money, at least $25,000, to sex workers who had that real-life doll look from surgical enhancements.

Also, in some messages, Bryon Noem allegedly shared his love for “huge, huge ridiculous boobs.” DM even secured photos that reportedly show Bryon posing in pink pants with fake breasts made from inflated balloons.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s husband exposed as a cross-dresser, Daily Mail reports. pic.twitter.com/zFINxTPuYW

— Remarks (@remarks) March 31, 2026

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Former Homeland Security Secretary Addresses Cross-Dressing Report

Keep in mind, The Daily Mail released their report amid the end of Kristi Noem’s time with Homeland Security. President Donald Trump fired Noem in early March via social media amid bipartisan criticism and questioning of her leadership, per the Associated Press. Her last day as Homeland Security Secretary was on March 31. Yup, that’s the same day DM published its findings about Bryon.

Rather than go out on a high note, Kristi Noem took time on Tuesday to address the report about her husband. Her representatives gave a statement to the New York Post.

“Ms. Noem is devastated. The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at this time,” the statement reportedly said.

Social Media Is Going IN With Jokes About Bryon Noem

More than 48 hours after the report went live, users on X, formerly Twitter, have not let up. While Kristi has already broken her silence with the privacy request statement, Bryon Noem hasn’t said a word…at least not on this side of the internet!

Still, social media users aren’t missing the chance to signal the irony of Noem’s “glass house.” Tweets with either Bryon’s name or “Kristi Noem husband” in the caption are going viral. Then, there’s the videos of women bouncing their breasts. There’s references to Kristi Noem’s past comments about the LGBTQ community, immigrants and her infamous story about shooting her dogs.

Not gonna happen.
The internet is forever. 😂 pic.twitter.com/1ORQORmn8E

— Patton (@GeneralPatton83) April 2, 2026

Nobody:

Kristi Noem’s husband: pic.twitter.com/cOLEFaaMex

— frankie gabagool 🤌 (@beantownthot) March 31, 2026

Kristi Noem’s husband when he hears the door open pic.twitter.com/MfEoRXuErg

— 7/11 Truther (@DaveMcNamee3000) March 31, 2026

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Kristi Noem’s husband while she’s out attacking drag queens pic.twitter.com/9fwXOjgVxc

— Nick | ❤️❤️ (@EnjoyMissJanet) April 2, 2026

kristi noem’s husband while she’s outside shooting dogs pic.twitter.com/ikxbBUFYAE

— Guilty as Slade? ✨🤌🏼 (@Jesse_bslade) March 31, 2026

Nobody:

Kristi Noem’s husband: pic.twitter.com/VubKvoWSxd

— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) April 1, 2026

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Nobody:

Kristi Noem husband: pic.twitter.com/jzDkkQc3s8

— shenellica bettencourt (@_Cordelra_) April 1, 2026

Kristi Noem at a podium trying to frame citizens as terrorists

Her husband at home: pic.twitter.com/mtLdMv9b7G

— uninspired beige (@TallForNxthing) March 31, 2026

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Kristi Noem’s Husband https://t.co/9cnZWn6LP8

— Katie (@KayTeeeOh) March 31, 2026

me to bryan noem pic.twitter.com/0ywbDfGQ46

— Christian Snow (@cgraysnow) April 1, 2026

Byron Noem in the house while Kristi was outside shooting dogs pic.twitter.com/3xfFyq7Lny

— act iii Updates (@B7Album) March 31, 2026

Kristi Noem: *oversees illegal disappearance of POC and murder of Americans*

Kristi Noem’s Husband: pic.twitter.com/hUnBa3jY3V

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— Sidney (as in Prescott) (@TheSidJoShow) March 31, 2026

Kristi Noem and her husband 😭 pic.twitter.com/710PO4ELrY

— Gizmo Memes (@GizmoMemes) March 31, 2026

kristi noem’s husband in the fitting room pic.twitter.com/pwgdDq7bEN

— jake 🪷 (@jakehasaproblem) April 1, 2026

Is this why Kristi Noem shot her dog execution style in the backyard? Because they knew too much!?! pic.twitter.com/HyuRtUH6xi

— Nico The Lowly Tarnished (@Nicosaesthetic) March 31, 2026

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I’m in actual tears!!! 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/E7956AEOwn

— Goddess L. (@GoddessL_) April 1, 2026

kristi noem’s dog to her husband before she took him out back with the rifle pic.twitter.com/E3kZwK38tx

— noah, like the ark (@sentient_dorito) March 31, 2026

kristi noem’s husband next time they go to their favorite Mexican restaurant. pic.twitter.com/QwXfglnyTv

— colibri (@senorcolibri) March 31, 2026

south park writers hearing the news about kristi noem’s husband pic.twitter.com/mK38CLgH5d

— aj (@trafficparadise) April 1, 2026

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Kristi Noem’s husband as soon as she leaves for work: pic.twitter.com/GNGWTt0yKZ

— Tony Michaels 🎙 (@thetonymichaels) April 1, 2026

Bryon Noem at a baseball game pic.twitter.com/jyrIMRMF9U

— Damin Toell (@damintoell) April 2, 2026

me in the elevator with Bryon Noem: pic.twitter.com/3Pzrhekpvh

— frankie gabagool 🤌 (@beantownthot) April 2, 2026

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/gbHAHCt1HK

— Andrew (@AndrewDamien) April 2, 2026

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Kristi Noem: I’m Devasted

Her Husband: pic.twitter.com/PTazWH9l90

— La Coochie Versace (@CoochieReloaded) April 2, 2026

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