Superheroes remain one of the most appealing characters in the movie industry, as evidenced by the box office success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. A Marvel Studios production, the studio is well-versed in such successful ventures, and a similar feat was the goal when the decision was made to see James Gunn and Peter Safran take the helm ofDC Studios. Gunn and Safran put together a plan, and Chapter One: Gods and Monsters was envisioned with Superman (starring David Corenswet), which premiered in July 2025, kicking things off. Since then, Supergirl (starring Milly Alcock), which premiered in June 2026, albeit to a rather disappointing showing at the box office, as well as Creature Commandos in 2024 and Peacemaker Season 2 in 2025, have all premiered.

Overall, the revamp has been a success with Superman‘s solid start, a standout point of reference, but there is more that can be done with the characters available. And so the baton falls on Lanterns, the newest live-action series from DC Studios, to further help establish the new regime. Since the show debuted on August 16, it has rapidly established itself as a hit for HBO. The Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler-led sci-fi crime drama has seen its audience share seemingly grow week-on-week amid the spread of positive word of mouth. With twists already dropping midway through the first season, there is much to enjoy for veterans and those who are newcomers to the Green Lantern mythos as well. So, why does the future of Lanterns Season 2 remain uncertain?

Speaking to Deadline recently, Casey Bloys, the boss of HBO, said fans need to note the difference between “development” and those which are “greenlit shows.” Bloys praised “our track record in DC,” going on to name-drop “Watchmen to Peacemaker to Penguin and now Lanterns,” while highlighting that the shows are “pretty good.” Pressed on whether any other show was in active development, Bloys added that The People v Gorilla Grodd, the upcoming Superman TV spin-off, following The Daily Planet‘s Jimmy Olsen is the only TV series in active development at DC Studios. “No, not right now, obviously you’ve got [The People v] Gorilla Grodd, which I’m very happy about, [they’re] doing something different, and I think it’s a really fun idea. They just started shooting,” Bloys said.

For Lanterns fans, Bloys’ latest comments could be the warning sign no one wants. While the HBO boss was quick to praise DC’s recent television track record, when discussing the studio’s active developments, there was a notable omission: a confirmed second season of Lanterns. That does seem strange, especially given how well the series has been received, but with Bloys’ distinction between discussion and greenlighted projects, things do begin to make sense. DC Studio’s original Chapter One: Gods and Monsters plans have already undergone some alterations, so a successful debut, then, is clearly not an automatic ticket to another season. There is, however, at least one encouraging detail as Chris Mundy has reportedly put together a writers’ room for DC Studios to begin exploring ideas for Lanterns Season 2. That suggests that a renewal could be just around the corner and with Pierre’s Stewart already set to play a role in Man of Tomorrow, Gunn’s Superman sequel, there is much to look forward to.

New episodes of Lanterns premiere Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 16, 2026

Network

HBO

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Blake Shelton and wife Gwen Stefani have The Voice to thank for their happy relationship — but not all of their coworkers were convinced it would work at first.

“There were rumors that you two were getting together,” host Carson Daly recalled during The Voice: 30th Season Celebration on Thursday, September 17, while sitting down with OG coaches Shelton, 50, Adam Levine and CeeLo Green, as well as Stefani, 56, who joined the show during season 7.

Daly, 53, remembered “coming out of Adam’s dressing room” and thinking “there’s something happening with Blake and Gwen” — but he wasn’t convinced it was real.

“We were both like, ‘There’s no way. There’s no way this is possible,’” the Today cohost admitted.

Levine, however, remembered the start of Shelton and Stefani’s love story a little differently.

“I was so pumped on it. I was like, ‘This is going down, dude. This is going down,’” he said with a smile.

Daly confessed, “I tried everything in my power to not let this thing happen,” but Levine, 47, was all in from the jump.

“I was like, ‘I know what’s going on,’” Levine remembered, which took Stefani by surprise.

“You knew?” she asked. The Maroon 5 frontman simply replied, “Of course I did.”

Shelton, for his part, backed Daly’s recollection from when the romance started, confirming that his longtime friend “did try to get us to pump the brakes.”

“You both went through a crazy divorce publicly. Then we went to Gwen’s house once,” Daly explained of his reservations. (Shelton was married to Miranda Lambert from 2011 to 2015. Stefani also filed for divorce from Gavin Rossdale in 2015 after 14 years of marriage. Shelton and Stefani started dating three months after her split.)

Daly turned to Shelton and added, “I’ve known you for a long time and I love you. I was like, ‘You guys gotta stop this. This will never work.’ Then cut to years later, you called me in New York and said, ‘Would you marry me?’”

Nearly five years after Us confirmed their relationship, Stefani and Shelton announced their engagement in October 2020. The musicians got married in July 2021 with Daly serving as the officiant.

The wedding was Shelton’s third. He was first married to Kaynette Williams from 2003 to 2006 before moving on with Lambert, 42.

Stefani, for her part, had the support of her three sons — Kingston, 20, Zuma, 18, and Apollo, 12, whom she shares with ex-husband Rossdale, 60 — when she said “I do” to Shelton.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

One year after getting hitched, Stefani returned to The Voice as a coach alongside her husband, who was the longest-running coach in the show’s history. Stefani most recently served as a coach during season 26 in 2024.

Shelton, meanwhile, exited the series ahead of season 24 having been a coach from 2011 to 2023. He made an appearance during the season 25 finale in 2024 and again during the season 27 finale last year.

The Voice: 30th Season Celebration is now streaming on Peacock.

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor did not expect their romance to become a lifelong relationship.

Taylor says she initially did not think much of their relationship because they had both recently ended other romances. The couple married less than a year after meeting and eventually welcomed two children together.

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor also worked together on several movies, including “Zoolander” and “Dodgeball.” Their marriage later hit a major roadblock before the pair found their way back to each other.

5

Taylor recently looked back on the beginning of her relationship with Stiller during a September 16 podcast appearance. “I had just broken up with someone, and he was just getting out of something,” Taylor explained. “We both thought [it] was our sort of rebound romance,” she added.

The pair did not immediately make their relationship public. Taylor said they were having fun and kept things “on the down-low,” telling only her closest friends and family at first.

The actress described those early months as a “whirlwind romance” before revealing how quickly everything changed. “We took a big leap,” she said, recalling their May 2000 wedding. 

Their daughter reportedly arrived the following year, further changing their lives. The couple also began working together after getting married. Taylor and Stiller appeared together in “Zoolander” and “Dodgeball.”

Their fast-moving relationship had quickly become a marriage, a family, and a professional partnership. Taylor recently described those early days on the “We’re Still Here, Babes” podcast with Nataya Ross. 

Their Marriage Eventually Reached ‘An Impasse‘

5

The couple’s early momentum did not mean their marriage was always easy. Stiller and Taylor welcomed Ella and Quinlin before announcing their separation in 2017. They had been married for 17 years at the time.

Taylor later explained that they had started growing in different directions. “We weren’t on the same page with a lot of things,” she said while discussing the issues that had developed between them. 

The decision to separate was not something they treated casually. Taylor said family remained a priority, but they reached “an impasse” where they needed to figure out what was best for that stage of their lives.

They also chose not to make their marital problems a public spectacle. The couple continued to prioritize their children and maintained a family connection even after separating. The separation eventually lasted about five years. Neither Stiller nor Taylor officially ended the marriage, leaving room for their relationship to change.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic placed the entire family together at home. Taylor said the experience gave them uninterrupted time to talk without their usual distractions. “We all ended up in our house together with two teenagers, and we found this way back,” Taylor recalled.

She said they had so much time to communicate that reconnecting happened naturally. Stiller confirmed their reconciliation in 2022. “We were separated and got back together, and we’re happy about that,” he said, calling the reunion one of the unexpected things that came out of the pandemic, according to Us Magazine.

Therapy Became Part Of Ben Stiller And Christine Taylor Reconciliation

5

Taylor later gave more insight into the work behind their reconciliation. She revealed that spending time together during the pandemic became a turning point.

The family was suddenly together in the same house with their children and had very little else competing for their attention. Their daughter was preparing to graduate from high school, while their son was finishing eighth grade.

The mother of two said they “had nothing but time” during that period. She described the experience as a “little gift” that helped them reconnect. The reconciliation also involved professional help.

Taylor revealed that she and Stiller worked with a therapist while trying to repair their relationship. She acknowledged that many people avoid discussing therapy because it can “feel like a failure.”

Taylor also explained that their marriage had struggled because they were not aligned on many things. The actress also emphasized that their reunion was not forced. The Blast revealed that she said the process happened “organically and naturally,” rather than because either person pressured the other into returning.

She noted that people often avoid discussing therapy in relationships. According to Taylor, many people view asking for professional help as something that “feels like a failure.”

Stiller’s Parents Influenced How He Viewed Marriage

5

The actor also found lessons about marriage through his own family history. His documentary, “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” focused on his late parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Their relationship gave him memories that later shaped how he viewed his own marriage.

“I started to think about my parents and all the stress and tension I remember seeing as a kid,” Stiller said. He also reflected on how they continued their relationship while working together.

The actor said his separation became a difficult period despite his career progressing. He felt unhappy, lost, and out of balance while also feeling disconnected from his family. 

Moving back into the family home gave him more time with his wife and children. The father of two said his parents’ marriage showed him how couples could work through difficult periods with kindness and love. He drew from those memories while navigating his own marital problems.

The Blast also shared that his children’s experiences during that period forced him to examine his priorities. His daughter, Ella, confronted him about not being around enough when she was younger. The conversation forced the actor to think about how his career had affected his role as a father.

He eventually realized that professional success could not replace being an emotionally present parent. “Kids just want a parent who’s emotionally present and supportive of them,” he said.

Christine Taylor Faced Hollywood Pressure Too

5

Taylor’s career brought its own unexpected challenges long before her marriage troubles. After landing the role of Marcia Brady in “The Brady Bunch Movie,” she was suddenly asked to lose 10 pounds. The request caught her off guard after she had already secured the part.

Taylor later said the demand left her feeling “embarrassed.” She recalled that she did not consider herself particularly heavy when the request was made. Looking back, she described the experience as something that reflected the Hollywood culture of the 1990s.

The Blast reported that Taylor recently recalled the demand during an episode of the “Office Ladies” podcast. She joked that viewers can actually notice her weight changing during the movie because of reshoots. She also remembered treating herself to nonfat frozen yogurt after filming.

Taylor’s career later crossed paths with her personal life in another unusual way. She initially avoided auditioning for “Zoolander” because she was dating Stiller and worried about being rejected for his movie.

The role eventually went to Taylor after other actresses, including Sarah Jessica Parker, were considered, with Taylor joking that she was “fourth choice and cheap.”

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor’s “big leap” ultimately became a long marriage that survived a major separation.

Netflix is heading to Sanctuary for its next major video game adaptation. Blizzard announced an animated Diablo series during BlizzCon 2026, adding another massive franchise to Netflix’s growing collection of gaming shows. Unfortunately, the reveal did not come with a release date, cast, or explanation of what story the series will tell.

There is still plenty happening in the games for anyone whose interest was revived by the announcement. Blizzard recently confirmed that Diablo 5 is targeting 2029 for launch, while Diablo 4 has entered its 15th season with a celebration of the franchise’s 30-year history. Players who have never visited Sanctuary can now experience its latest mainline adventure without spending anything, but the offer will not last long.

Steam users can download and play Diablo 4 completely free until September 21 at 10:00 a.m. PT, giving newcomers several days to explore Blizzard’s open-world action RPG. The promotion provides temporary access instead of permanently adding the game to players’ libraries, so anyone who wants to continue after the deadline will need to purchase it. Fortunately, Diablo 4 is also discounted by 75% during the promotion, dropping its regular $49.99 price to $12.49.

‘Diablo 4’ Is Free on Steam Until September 21

Image via Blizzard

The timing gives new players immediate access to Season 15, titled Season of Hell’s Legacy, which launched on September 15 after a brief server-related delay. The anniversary season introduces Waking Nightmares, an activity built around returning boss encounters from throughout the series, alongside new Soul Splinters and nostalgic rewards. Familiar characters and villains, including Deckard Cain, Mephisto, Baal, and Diablo himself, are also part of the celebration.

Diablo 4 takes place decades after Diablo 3, with Sanctuary facing another demonic invasion following the return of Lilith. Players can choose from several classes before crossing a shared open world filled with dungeons, strongholds, world events, and an unreasonable number of demons waiting to be turned into loot. Its campaign is far too large to complete casually in a single evening, but the free period provides enough time to determine whether its cycle of combat, character building, and increasingly powerful equipment is worth continuing.

Diablo 4 originally launched on June 6, 2023, before arriving on Steam on October 17, 2023. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with its Steam free trial ending September 21 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Advertisement

Released

June 6, 2023

Advertisement

ESRB

M

Franchise

Advertisement

Diablo

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Three family members are dead after a man fatally shot his parents before he died by suicide at a home in central Las Vegas valley.

LVMPD Homicide Lt. Robert Price said that officers with the Metro Police Department responded to the residence on Wednesday, September 16, at 9:55 a.m. after a man called 911 to report that he shot his parents, according to 8 News Now.

While he was on the line with the dispatcher, the 911 operator reported hearing another gunshot before the line went silent.

Officers then responded to the home and found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of the people were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third was taken to a local hospital. LVMPD later confirmed it was the son who died at the hospital.

Related: Children, Adults Found Dead After 911 Call About ‘Booby Traps’ at CA Home

Two children and two adults were found shot to death at a California home after police received a 911 call from someone saying they had opened fire inside and set up “booby traps” throughout the residence, according to authorities. Detectives are investigating the Tuesday, January 27, incident at a Rancho Cordova home in Sacramento County […]

Police said that they believe a man who was in his 40s shot his mother and his father, who were both in their 60s. After he killed his parents, it’s believed that he took his own life.

Price went on to insist that the killings were an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

Police have not yet revealed the names of the victims in the murder-suicide.

Following the shooting, a couple who lived in a nearby apartment complex spoke to 8 News Now about the incident and recalled waking up to yelling and screaming.

The woman told the outlet that she was “super concerned” and that violent incidents are “something that doesn’t usually happen here.”

“We just woke up to a little bit of yelling, we weren’t really sure what was going on. Then all this happened,” the man said. “It’s not out of the usual to hear yelling here and there. But this kind of, seemed a little bit serious this time.”

The couple said that they noticed other neighbors out on their balconies as they tried to get a look at what was happening, and police arrived at the scene just minutes later.

“We did see a huge influx of [police] come in and thought, woah this is a little more serious,” the woman said.

The man added, “It’s really tragic. It’s really, really sad and unfortunate. Didn’t think anything like that could happen in this area.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Another woman who lives in the apartment complex said she did not hear gunshots, but instead heard a large thud coming from the direction of the home. She also said she saw police rushing to the complex.

Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the family and their deaths contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555 or at crimestoppersofnv.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has received the news she was hoping for following her cervical cancer diagnosis: she currently has no evidence of disease. The “Jersey Shore” star shared the update seven months after her diagnosis and following a July 31 hysterectomy. While she is celebrating the successful surgery, Polizzi says she is still learning how to give her body time to heal. Now, she is preparing to use her experience to raise awareness about early detection and help other women feel less alone.

5

Polizzi opened up about her recovery in a new interview with PEOPLE. “As of right now, I am cancer-free,” she shares. “They got everything out. So I’m definitely happy that I did it.”

The reality star was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer earlier this year. Since then, she has undergone multiple procedures, culminating in the hysterectomy. “I avoided getting my pap smear for a long time,” she explained. “And once I finally went to the doctors, I feel like it’s just been week after week of doing a procedure, then another procedure, and then a hysterectomy. So it’s been a journey and a long road, but I’m happy that I’m on the other side of it and everything is going good.”

Her update marks a significant turning point after months of appointments and treatment. However, Polizzi emphasized that receiving positive news does not mean she has completely recovered from surgery.

The ‘Jersey Shore’ Star Is Learning Not To Push Herself

5

Polizzi said she is beginning to feel more like herself, but some days still bring exhaustion and discomfort. “I’m trying to listen to my body and give my body grace and not go crazy. There’s days where I do too much and then I just feel exhausted and I start getting pains,” she admitted. “But other than that, I’m finally starting to feel better. I feel like I’m almost getting back to myself.”

The Snooki Shop owner has publicly documented parts of her recovery, allowing followers to see a side of her life far removed from the energy associated with her reality television appearances.

Snooki Says Follow-Up Appointments Remain Essential

5

Although Polizzi says she is currently cancer-free, her doctors have explained that recurrence remains possible. According to her interview, she will continue monitoring her health with Pap smears every three months as part of her medical team’s follow-up plan.

For Polizzi, staying on top of appointments has become a priority rather than something she puts off. “Getting a cancer diagnosis is very terrifying and scary. So, I just want my body to be as healthy as it can be,” she continues. “I feel like I’m eating better, working out, obviously staying on top of my appointments. I’m just not avoiding anything and just trying to be the best version of myself.”

She Is Turning Her Experience Into Cancer Awareness

5

Polizzi is now partnering with F Cancer, a nonprofit focused on prevention, early detection and support for people affected by cancer. She will host the organization’s 100th event on September 23 at Academy Nightclub in Los Angeles.

The organization’s official event page confirms that Diplo, Dillon Francis and DJ Pauly D are scheduled to perform. Instead of a traditional ticket, attendees purchase a commemorative T-shirt, with the purchase serving as a donation to F Cancer.

Polizzi said she has known about the organization for years because her “Jersey Shore” castmate Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio has performed at its events. “I’m really excited and I’m honored to host. I’m honored to go and, you know, just F cancer,” she said with a laugh.

Beyond hosting, Polizzi is looking forward to meeting others whose experiences may be very different from her own. “I feel like this is all so new to me. And there’s obviously way more crazier stories that people go through and so many different types of cancer and how it affects everyone. So I’m excited to see the community and just hear people’s stories. That’s something that I haven’t really done yet so I’m excited.”

Snooki Found Support Through Her ‘Hyster Sisters’

5

Polizzi’s willingness to discuss her diagnosis has already helped her build a community online. She said the early days of her cancer journey were especially frightening because she did not personally know anyone going through the same experience.

“In the beginning, I felt so alone,” the author admited. “I had no idea what was gonna happen. I didn’t know anybody going through cervical cancer. So [speaking out] makes me feel like I’m giving a platform to women dealing with the same things that I did. Just a safe place for us women to talk.”

The connections have also given Polizzi support as she processes everything she has experienced. “Looking at all the comments and everyone’s saying, ‘Oh my God, you’re helping me so much.’ Like, people that got hysterectomies, we call each other ‘hyster sisters.’ I think it’s so cute that we can all just be there for each other,” she said. “It just makes it less scary because we’re not the only ones going through it. I needed something like that while I was going through it.”

As Polizzi continues recovering, her next chapter includes both ongoing medical care and a chance to connect with that community in person.

Viral TikToker Josh Liljenquist knows how to make the internet cry – happy tears, of course. With more than 40 million followers on social media, Josh has built an online community of people who love a feel-good story. Nearly all of his videos go viral quickly, but one particular video, posted earlier this year, has an update that he knows will tug at many heartstrings. 

Josh spoke to The Blast exclusively to share an exciting update to his February 2026 video captioned, “Changing A Man’s Life,” and May 2026 video titled, “Surprising a Man and Changing His Life.” 

In 2019, Josh began posting on TikTok while in college at Minnesota State University, Mankato. When he started out, he was doing it all by himself – from coming up with ideas to filming and editing and posting. He shared some insight into why he does what he does exclusively with The Blast. 

“I grew up in Fairmont, Minnesota with my parents, Trent and Julie Liljenquist and my older brother, Jacob. Helping people was something I saw modeled at home before I ever had an audience,” Josh said. “My family hosted two foreign exchange students while I was growing up, and my mom also opened our home to kids who were going through difficult situations. Jacob and I learned pretty early that sometimes helping another person means sharing your space, giving something up, or just being willing to make room for somebody else.” 

He said his brother had a huge influence on him, as well, and taught him “a lot about turning the other cheek.” 

“As the platform grew, I started thinking less about just making something people would watch and more about what could actually happen because they watched it,” he continued. “Today, I have more than 42 million followers combined across my public social media accounts, but honestly the biggest evolution hasn’t been the number. It has been figuring out how to turn attention into something useful.” 

How Josh Met James Cowan, Jr.

Back in February of this year, Josh posted a video of his first time meeting James Cowen, Jr. 

“Two months ago, I met a man whose bank account was in the negative,” Josh said in the video. He then tried to gift James with $500 but instead of taking the money, James donated to a nonprofit he was raising funds for. 

Advertisement

“James Cowan, Jr. came into my life during a really difficult period for him. He was rebuilding his life after addiction and was facing eviction,” Josh told The Blast. “We shared his story, and strangers on the internet rallied around James and his family. My team was able to help too, and that support changed what was possible for them. What I didn’t know at the time was that it wasn’t going to end with one video.”

When Josh found out that James was about to be kicked out of his home due to a criminal history, he started a GoFundMe to help James and was able to raise $40,000.  

Making Sure Each Video Is About The Experience

Josh’s videographer, editor, and co-producer, Ben Steine, helps to shape the stories that Josh tells on social media. He’s also involved in many of the decisions made about how they present people that they meet and help. 

“James’s story is actually a really good example of why Ben matters so much to what we do. I may be the person people see on camera, but Ben is often the person who takes what happened that day and turns it into a story people can really feel. He helped bring James’s original story to life,” Josh told The Blast. “I think part of the reason Ben understands the importance of documenting moments goes back to his own family. His dad was paralyzed, and there were things he physically couldn’t come along for anymore. Ben would use video to show his dad what he had done that day so his dad could still experience some of it afterward.”

Advertisement

He added that for Ben, it’s not just about getting a good shot; it’s also about the experience for someone who’s watching. 

An Update On Josh And James After That First Meeting

The story of the friendship made between Josh and James didn’t stop when the cameras stopped rolling. He recently shared a much-needed update on where they stand in a video posted in May. Months after that first chance meeting, Josh was able to give James some more exciting news. 

“James Cowan, Jr. is now a full-time employee on my team,” Josh told The Blast. “He handles a lot of the human side of what we do, talking with families, doing outreach, helping us on filming days and following up afterward.” 

Josh added, “Ben helps bring the story to life visually, and James helps make sure we never forget there is an actual person behind the story.” 

Advertisement

The team of three discuss everything from what to post, what they shouldn’t post, and how they can properly tell someone’s story. 

“That is probably the biggest difference between the early days and now,” he continued. “It went from me trying to make videos people would watch to having a team that spends a lot of time thinking about the person behind the video and what happens to them afterward.” 

Josh said this particular story changed his perspective because it showed “what can happen when you don’t treat the viral moment as the ending. He added, “if we had treated his first video as the end of his story, we would have missed the best part.”

Josh Liljenquist’s Message To Everyone

When asked what his main message is to everyone following his social media pages, Josh said, “live to love.” 

“There isn’t some crazy dramatic origin story behind it. The phrase honestly just popped into my head one morning, almost like a eureka moment. Live to love is the way I describe the mission behind what I do. It isn’t the name of a nonprofit. Over time, though, the phrase has meant more and more to me.” 

Advertisement

As for what’s next for Josh, he plans to keep doing what he’s doing, making a difference wherever he can. He also hopes to get “better at what happens after the video.” 

“The team has grown, and we are putting a lot more thought into follow-up,” he said. “It isn’t enough to me anymore for something to get millions of views or for a fundraiser to raise a big number. I want to know what actually changed for that person. James is probably the perfect example of why. I would love to keep finding more of those second chapters. I also never want this to become so big that we lose the personal part of it.” 

If you know someone in need and you would like to nominate them, Josh has set up a page. You can follow all that Josh and his team are doing on TikTok.

Advertisement

Video games have come a long way since their start, but there is still more to do. Unfortunately, video game consoles are becoming less common, with only three major companies releasing their hardware, including the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, and the PS5. As these consoles boast the best of the best, such as The Legend of Zelda, Halo, and God of War, the history of video game consoles is even older.

For better or worse, there used to be so many more video game consoles, and one of the most peculiar generations was the fifth. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest fifth-generation video game consoles based on aspects such as influence, popularity, innovation, capabilities, games, and success. It was an era of innovation and excitement, but that just meant there were a lot of great and not-so-great consoles.

10

Apple Bandai Pippin (1996)

Image via Bungie

Apple is best known for delivering Mac devices and iPhones, but once upon a time their Apple Macintosh was used to create a new gaming console called the Apple Bandai Pippin. Rather than just being a gaming system, it was intended for educational use and internet appliances.

The idea was unique enough, but that doesn’t mean it was practical, much less appealing to the average gaming fan. It is widely considered one of the worst consoles ever released, solidifying its place at the very bottom of the fifth-generation barrel. Not only did it boast an imposing $600 price tag, but the Pippin only contained boring educational video games, solidifying itself as a poor seller and disappointing release.

9

Virtual Boy (1995)

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo is one of the most popular video game providers, and they experimented a lot during this generation. This was both good and bad, with the latter revealing itself to be the Virtual Boy. Attempting to bring virtual reality to the mainstream, it was designed to have players view the game from their own point of view.

As a major company with some of the best video games, Nintendo is known for its consoles, but the Virtual Boy is by far one of their worst blunders. Causing headaches, neck pain, and eye strain, this system promised the future only to deliver a console that hurt to play. Even more, it had barely any games to play and was discontinued after a year on shelves, proving that it was too early for virtual reality.

8

NEC PC-FX (1994)

Image via Hudson Soft

TurboGrafx-16 was a highly successful PC engine, so NEC decided to follow that up with a successor, the NEC PC-FX. What was supposed to be the next iteration of the console looked like a desktop computer instead of a traditional gaming console that specifically processed 2D animation as opposed to 3D.

The NEC PC-FX was a forgettable console that completely misread the market, delivering something that nobody wanted. It did become somewhat popular in Japan for anime-style visual novels, and that niche fame is why it didn’t place lower than the others. But besides that, the NEC PC-FX is an obscure video game console that has been buried by the reputation ​​​​​​​of its fellow fifth-gen consoles.

7

Amiga CD32 (1993)

Image via Sensible Software

The biggest video game companies are from Japan or the USA, but Europe had its own competitor with Commodore, which released the Amiga CD32 in the fifth generation. Essentially a repackaged version of a previous console, it was Europe’s first 32-bit CD-based console.

The Amiga CD32 was an interesting console, to say the least. It found some success in porting popular Amiga computer games to the television, specifically in the United Kingdom. While its success was middling, its parent company, Commodore, went bankrupt before it reached overseas markets, dooming any prospect the Amiga had to reach mainstream recognition.

6

Atari Jaguar (1993)

Image via Atari

Atari used to be one of the largest video game companies of all time, specifically in the 1980s, when it was an innovator. Claiming to be the world’s first “64-bit” console, the Atari Jaguar was the company’s last attempt to reclaim their throne of old. Long story short, it didn’t succeed, but at least fans had a good time with it.

The Atari Jaguar is becoming somewhat of a popular console nowadays with a cult following, mainly because it was the company’s last console and their definitive end. The hardware was difficult to understand with too many buttons, and it notoriously lacked games, except for a handful of good ones. It might not have been a good swan song, but at least it was heard by some.

5

Panasonic 3DO (1993)

Image via EA

The fifth generation was full of innovative classics that failed in some regards and succeeded in others, and the Panasonic 3DO did both. It promoted the ability to play full-motion video and interactive games and created a standardized 32abit hardware system that would forever change the game.

The Panasonic 3DO was a genuine pioneer of the video game landscape, effectively spearheading the 32-bit era. Unfortunately, the main reason it failed was its horrible price tag, sitting at a shocking $700, way above its competitors and making it an outright luxury. The cost outweighed the benefit for many, dooming it to a small audience who did enjoy it. That smaller reach wasn’t enough to make a name for itself, especially with a cheaper console out a year later.

4

Game Boy Color (1998)

Image via Nintendo

As mentioned, Nintendo was all over the place during the fifth generation, and while they have another console later on, they also made the beloved Game Boy Color. This half-step upgrade of the Game Boy kept the original form, but added a color palette and faster processing. It was also backwards compatible with Game Boy games and had a better battery life for more playtime, not to mention a myriad of fun gadgets and physical add-ons that made it a whole experience.

The fifth generation of game consoles didn’t have many good handhelds, largely because nothing in the format could beat the Game Boy Color and its popularity. One of its biggest pluses was launching around the cultural phenomenon of Pokémon during a new generation, making it the go-to handheld gaming console that easily took over the world, overshadowing everything else.

3

Sega Saturn (1994)

Image via Team Andromeda

Everyone knows Sega for Sonic the Hedgehog, but they used to release consoles back in the day as well, such as the Sega Saturn. With dual-CPU architecture, it was a powerhouse at rendering 2D sprites, even if that meant it was harder for 3D polygons. Successful in Japan, it failed overseas because of a sudden release and a higher price tag than competitors.

Sega isn’t one of the Big Three of video games, but in another world it could have been, especially with a console such as the Sega Saturn. It was an incredible video game console that is famous for its library of arcade ports, making it a bridge between the earlier age of gaming and the newer one. Sadly, the Sega Saturn is more of a what-if, as it didn’t gain fame in the West and was discontinued too early.

2

Nintendo 64 (1996)

Nintendo has not one, not two, but three gaming consoles on this list, with the best being the Nintendo 64. They controversially stuck with expensive ROM cartridges for the system, which would ultimately drive developers away from it and to the competition. Its long game droughts and awkward controller were also pain points for the time, even if most gamers were more than able to look past these flaws.

While it wasn’t the best received on launch, the Nintendo 64 is undoubtedly the second-best console of the generation. While infamous, the controller would later become iconic and beloved, a case of gamers looking back fondly at something despite its overall issues. What’s more, the Nintendo 64 invented the structure of 3D games and was the home of some of the most legendary video games of all time. Indeed, titles that are often in the conversation for the all-time best video games, including Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, are N64 exclusives.

1

Sony PlayStation (1994)

Image via Square Electronic Arts

Advertisement

PlayStation is one of the largest video game companies in the world, but the first console, the PS1, started as an add-on to the SNES. It was later refined into a separate console that succeeded early because of its shift to CDs, which were cheaper and more enticing to game developers, ultimately leading to some of the greatest games released on the system.

There may be some bias and nostalgia for the Nintendo 64, especially because of the many acclaimed games, but the PS1 is easily the champion of the fifth generation, and it’s not as close as you’d think. PlayStation has incredible video games, not to mention an impressive legacy that survives to this day, and it all started here. The marketing pushed towards an older audience, focusing on more mature titles and a variety of genres, themes, and play styles. It proved to be the right move, as it is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. Today, the PS1 remains a groundbreaking icon of modern pop culture that signalled the arrival of a new dawn for the gaming industry.

Andy Cohen is eating his words following Julia Stiles‘ stellar performance on the “Dancing with the Stars” premiere.

The “Save the Last Dance” actress was cast on the dance show to mixed reactions, with some questioning whether her previous dance background gave her an advantage over other contestants. 

Now, Cohen himself is responding to comments he made surrounding the actress and her much-talked-about dance abilities. 

3

Cohen was his own “jackhole of the day” on Wednesday night’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live” for the comments he made about Stiles last year. 

In a video shared on X, the Bravo Boss shared his public apology, saying, “Julia, I am so sorry. I am the last person who should be giving anyone feedback on their dancing. Case in point.”

He then shared a fan-recorded video of himself at a Grateful Dead concert, where he was noticeably still finding his rhythm. 

“Great job, Julia Stiles. You killed it tonight,” he continued. “You did amazing tonight; I know you’re going to have a great run.” 

The segment concluded with a nod to Stiles iconic role as Kat Stratford, with the host saying, “This diva gives all of you permission to flood my inbox with the ten things you hate about me.”

Cohen did this after Stiles named him as the reason she returned to the dance floor after all these years. 

Julia Stiles Turned The Table On Andy Cohen At ‘DWTS’ Premiere 

Collin Gosselin seems unfazed by his mother, Kate Gosselin, after the former “Jon & Kate Plus 8” star sent her a blistering two-word message in a recent interview.

Collin, 22, is getting used to life in the spotlight again as he prepares to be featured in season 5 of Fox’s “World’s Toughest Test.” In addition to that, his memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” will be released in mid-October and tells the story of his mom’s alleged abuse.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Collin has spoken about his strained relationship with his estranged mother. In August 2025, the former TLC star shared on TikTok that he didn’t have a relationship with his siblings either.

3

Speaking with Page Six, Collin said reiterated that he wasn’t speaking to his mom but shared a two-word message for her in case she decides to stream. “Well, if she does, ‘Hey, Mom!’” Collin said with a laugh. “Hope you enjoy.”

Elsewhere in the interview, the “Jon & Kate Plus 8” alum shot back at the narrative that he’s doing the show because his mother did it before him.

“I’m an adult now, and there’s enough of my life that my mom took from me and [my] childhood that she robbed from me, and this isn’t about her — it’s about me,” he said. “It’s about growth. It’s about the amazing people I’ve met, and the amazing journey and adventure that we went on.”

Collin Gosselin Said Seeing Himself On ‘Special Forces’ Was ‘Healing’

3

“World’s Toughest Test” premieres on Fox on September 24, 2026, and will feature celebrities and public figures, including Mauricio Umansky, Brandi Glanville, and “Full House” star Candace Cameron Bure. The show puts the contestants through a series of demanding training exercises inspired by the U.S. Special Forces selection process.

While the show hasn’t aired yet, Collin said seeing himself in the promotional materials reaffirmed his decision to film it in the first place. “It was just so healing to be able to look at a picture of myself and be like, ‘That’s what I’m doing it for,’ and then think about all the millions of children who go through what I went through — getting thrown into the industry against their will,” he said.

Collin Gosselin Believes His Book Will ‘Expose A Lot’

Collin’s appearance on “World’s Toughest Test” comes weeks before his memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is released worldwide. He opened up about the book in a social media post in the summer of 2026, saying that he was finally ready to speak about the alleged abuse he endured.

“Growing up, millions of people watched my life on television. People felt like they knew me. They knew my family. They watched me grow up. But there was so much they never saw,” he said. “Writing this book forced me to revisit some of the hardest moments of my life, but it also gave me something I’ve been searching for for a long time: my voice.”

Advertisement

During his chat with Page Six, Collin made a similar statement and suggested fans get their hands on a copy as soon as they can. “This book is going to expose a lot. … Children deserve to be protected, and that’s what you can expect from my story,” he said.

Collin Doesn’t Speak To His Siblings

Collin’s mother isn’t the only Gosselin family member whom the 22-year-old is on bad terms with. In a 2025 TikTok, the TV personality said he wishes he had a relationship with his siblings, but he doesn’t.

“I very much wish that we did and that they knew who I actually was because we don’t know each other at all,” he said.

Advertisement

Collin’s dad, Jon Gosselin, confirmed that years earlier on the “First Class Fatherhood” podcast. In the episode, he seemed to imply that his ex-wife, Kate, caused the estrangement. “So the problem right now is we have parent alienation and sibling alienation,” he said.

Kate Said She Would Sue Her Son If She Weren’t In The Public Eye

3

After Collin announced his memoir, his mother shared pointed messages on social media. Replying to a fan who suggested she sue her son for defamation, Kate said the court would view her differently because she’s a public figure.

“The rules are different for ppl in the public eye,” she wrote. “I consulted a high power LA attorney (you’ve definitely heard of him) years ago when other ppl were putting crazy stuff out there and that’s what he said. The courts don’t honor it if you’re in the public eye.”