Mary Mary singer Erica Campbell recently celebrated 25 years of marriage with her husband, Warryn Campbell, in a stunning vow renewal. To note, Erica’s sister, Tina, also reacted to footage of their ceremony amid her ongoing divorce.

RELATED: Issa Wrap! Glendon Campbell Files For Divorce From Mary Mary Star Tina Campbell After 20+ Years Of Marriage

Mary Mary Singer Erica Campbell Celebrates 25 Years Of Marriage With Husband Warryn In Stunning Vow Renewal

On Monday, May 18, PEOPLE published an exclusive report asserting that the couple renewed their vows on Saturday, May 16. This, reportedly, at the California Worship Center in San Fernando, California, and after the couple initially said “I do” back in 2001. Per the outlet, 600 guests attended the celebration.

“Because why would you not celebrate 25 years of staying together? When you have gone through sickness and health, better and worse, and all the beauty and battles that come with choosing a love like this, what remains after the storms of life is something truly beautiful and unshakable,” Erica told the outlet.

Furthermore, per the outlet, the couple chose the worship center because it is their “spiritual home.” Additionally, Erica’s gown was designed by Nigerian designer Nneka C. Alexander of Brides by Nona.

“We now have 25 years of life and love behind us, along with a huge family that has watched us live it out. I know it sounds corny, but it honestly felt like the first time,” Erica shared. “The fun, the laughter, and what we have built together will definitely outlast us. It’s a legacy.”

Specifically, the outlet notes that the key to the couple’s love has been “the hard stuff [they] do not like to acknowledge: patience, listening, and not keeping score.”

“Take a deep breath daily, keep coming home to each other, and do not sleep separately. Touch and connect as much as possible, and speak from your heart, not your hurt,” Erica shared.

Social Media Users React To Erica & Warryn Campbell’s Stunning Vow Renewal

Social media users reacted to the couple’s stunning vow renewal in TSR’s comment section.

The Mary Mary Singer Celebrated 25 Years Of Marriage Amid Her Sister Tina’s Divorce — Tina Reacts To Her Vow Renewal Footage

As The Shade Room previously reported, in April, it was reported that Glendon Campbell had filed for divorce from Erica Campbell’s sister, Tina. The pair had reportedly married in 2000. However, they allegedly separated in 2024.

Then, about a week later, Erica Campbell took fans on her journey of searching for a wedding dress for her and Warryn’s vow renewal. At the time, users slid into TSR’s comment section, one writing, “I don’t know but I just feel like this was timed terribly…”

To note, Tina Campbell did react to Erica and Warryn’s vow renewal footage, writing, “GO HEAD DUB💍💍💍… WORK E😍🔥😍🔥😍🔥😍”

RELATED: Fans Drop Mixed Reactions After Erica Campbell Shares Clip Preparing For Her 25th Wedding Anniversary Amid Sister Tina’s Divorce (VIDEO)

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

After five seasons of ups and downs, The Boys came to an appropriately brutal and bloody series finale. It delivers on certain fan expectations, including the inevitable final showdown between Homelander and Butcher. However, the whole thing feels like the writers are just going through the motions and speeding to a conclusion that feels way too rushed. It’s a paradox, really. Given the not-so-shocking (at least, if you’ve read the comics) third-act twist, it seems like the final season would have benefited from another episode. At the same time, it’s fair to say that another episode, like the episodes before it, would have been mostly wasted setting up the next spinoff.

It’s the final irony for The Boys, which has always been at its best taking the piss out of Marvel and DC’s superhero movies. While showrunner Eric Kripke and his team achieved success by deconstructing these more famous heroes, they eventually ran into the same problem that is plaguing Marvel and ultimately ruined the DCEU. Namely, the need to rush in and create as much spinoff material as possible. In focusing so much on the future, they botched the here and now, giving us a final Boys episode that fails to leap fan expectations in a single bound. Instead, it simply crawls limply across the finish line.

A Bloody Bad Time

The plot of this series finale is largely rote and predictable. After a funeral for Frenchie, it’s revealed that Butcher’s plan B worked. Kimiko can now shoot a blast that removes someone’s superpowers, something she does to a grateful Sage. After that, the team races to the White House to fight Homelander, who is scheduled to address the nation on live television. The bad guys are waiting, though, forcing our heroes to run a gauntlet to reach their final target. The ultimate goal is for Butcher to have one last go at Homelander, and an audience of millions will watch their final confrontation. 

Without spoiling the very end (at least, not yet), that’s the gist of the final episode, and some of it is fun. For example, I found the final fight between Starlight and the Deep very satisfying, thanks largely to its horror movie-like ending. Also, the fight between Butcher and Homelander is engaging, thanks largely to its absolutely bonkers ending. Unfortunately, these fights are held back by an unfortunate reality that has plagued the entire final season of The Boys: a serious lack of onscreen budget. The Season 5 premiere had a very exciting set in the form of Camp Liberty. After that, each episode (including, shockingly, the finale) has looked as cheap as a bottle episode.

Nobody’s Really Having A Blast

Whether it’s bad writing, bad budgeting, or a bit of both, Homelander also seemed weirdly restrained this season. Sure, we see him casually kill civilians, including the president and, in this episode, a stand-in for Elon Musk. But he has seemed weirdly inept in his ability to kill the Boys, and never really matches his powers to his godlike ambitions. This season included marketing where Homelander watched a nuclear apocalypse from space, but that never happens, and everything ends with a grimy fight in a cramped White House set. Nerfing their Big Bad like this is just embarrassing, and it makes the Boys’ victories against Homelander that much less impressive.

The result of all of this is an episode that’s just, well, okay. It’s not the worst episode of The Boys, and it’s hardly the worst series finale ever made. But it fails to deliver on many of its promises (seriously, not a single scene of Homelander going crazy and lasering people en masse?), and this last episode will leave you screaming at your TV. You’ll mostly scream at Homelander: “Why did you not laser off Kimiko’s head as soon as she walked in? Why are you having trouble fighting Butcher’s hentai tentacles? Why do you seem weaker with the V1 than without it?” Don’t worry, though. You’ll keep screaming long after the fight is over. 

Oy! Here Come The Spoilers!

Now, spoilers from here on, mates, so you’ve been warned. After Kimiko successfully de-powers Homelander, Butcher, and Ryan, we see Butcher abuse and ultimately kill Homelander. It’s pretty pathetic to watch, with Homelander begging to do anything to save his life. It doesn’t work, though, and Butcher opens his brain up on live television. Happy ending, right? Wrong. After his dog dies and Ryan refuses to reconcile with him, Butcher returns to his original plan: unleashing a virus that will kill every supe. That includes Starlight, so Hughie predictably shows up to stop his mentor. Butcher fights back and dies after Hughie repeatedly shoots him.

On paper, this is meant to be a very moving scene of The Boys. Butcher is so driven by rage that he can’t even enjoy his victory over Homelander and must move on to the next atrocity. Hughie, meanwhile, is forced to confront the mentor he respects in order to save the woman he loves. Sadly, none of this really feels earned. We haven’t really gotten much of “far beyond redemption” Butcher this season, so his heel turn feels more like a 180 than a natural payoff. We also haven’t gotten much substantial Butcher/Hughie bonding in a long time, effectively robbing this scene of its possible emotional weight.

The Writers Never Saw The Light

In a nutshell, that’s the problem with The Boys’ last couple of seasons: there is no weight to pretty much anything. The show still has the over-the-top fights and gross-out moments the franchise is famous for, but every character has become a Flanderized parody of themselves. Meanwhile, while The Boys achieved success early on as a parody of superhero franchises like the MCU, it eventually succumbed to the need to chase money through endless spinoffs. One of those spinoffs already failed, and the setup for the next one arguably ruined this past season.

Gen V was canceled after two seasons, effectively nullifying the plots and characters that it tried to set up. Some of those characters popped up in The Boys and were given so little to do that it was downright insulting to fans of that plucky spinoff. Meanwhile, Soldier Boy was brought back and dominated most of this last season before being frozen again to set up the upcoming spinoff, Vought Rising. Endless spinoffs? Storylines that never pay off? Screwing over a current project just to set up the next one? Congrats, The Boys, you’re not making fun of Marvel anymore. Instead, you’ve become Marvel in all the worst possible ways.

Ironically, that will be the real lasting failure of this final episode. As an episode unto itself, the series finale is merely average. But as the payoff to five seasons of storytelling, it’s a massive disappointment. Meanwhile, nobody is as disappointed as Gen V fans who watched their favorite show turn into nothing more than a commercial for The Boys, which itself is now just a commercial for Vought Rising. Unfortunately, Eric Kripke doesn’t seem to realize that you can only poison the well so often before people stop drinking. If this is the best ending he can give to his only successful show, then why the hell would anyone watch anything he makes, ever again?

THE BOYS SERIES FINALE SCORE

 All five seasons of The Boys are streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

The loss of a Hollywood great is never easy, but in certain cases, a star’s passing comes long before it was their time to go.

Talents like Amy Winehouse, Prince, Whitney Houston, Cory Monteith and Robin Williams all left this world abruptly and without warning.

Stars including Chadwick Boseman, Willie Garson and Norm Macdonald all fought private battles with cancer.

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While some of Hollywood’s greatest talents were taken too soon, including Bob Saget, who passed away in January 2022 at age 65, other stars left fans wanting more … even if they lived into their 90s. That was the case when Betty White died on New Year’s Eve 2021 at age 99.

Diane Keaton left the world in shock when she died at age 79 in October 2025. Months later, news broke that James Van Der Beek died at age 48 in February 2026 after a cancer battle. That same year, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch suddenly died at the age of 41.

Scroll down to see what other greats went too soon:

Combining the high-concept allure of commanding genre filmmaking with propulsive stories of heart-racing excitement, science fiction–thriller cinema has long been a stalwart of breathtaking, mind-bending artistry regardless of whether it takes the form of major studio blockbusters or low-budget indie gems. The last 15 years alone exemplify this, with sci-fi thrillers from all corners of the world earning critical acclaim and audience fanfare for their compelling narratives, thematic resonance, and visual majesty.

From Oscar-winning sensations that leave viewers awe-struck and spellbound with their frenetic storytelling to skewering, socially-minded films that live on as hidden gems on streaming, these movies stand among the best and most absorbing sci-fi thrillers ever made. They’re pulsating, powerful, and perfectly perplexing, embroiling the watcher in all the twists and turns on display while establishing themselves as quintessential modern masterpieces that all science-fiction fanatics and thrill-seekers need to see.

10

‘The Platform’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Subtlety be damned, The Platform launches into a dystopian dissection of class structure, capitalist greed, and the unfairness of any form of social hierarchy with a venomous fervor that is gripping from the opening minutes. Set in a bizarre vertical prison where inmates are fed from a descending platform, leading those at the top to gorge themselves while those on the lower levels starve, it follows Goreng (Iván Massagué) as he sets out to change the system so that everyone may eat.

The Spanish movie became a surprise sensation when it was released globally on Netflix in 2020, watched by over 56 million households in its first four weeks on the streaming platform. Audiences responded to its commanding message of social inequality and the evil desperation it breeds, as well as its unique, high-concept premise. Its popularity was certainly buoyed by the sense of containment many felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, but The Platform’s allure extends far beyond its close-knit confines, flaunting a simple, minimalist ire regarding wealth and poverty that resonated with millions.

9

‘Coherence’ (2013)

Image via Oscilloscope Laboratories

A phenomenal triumph of indie cinema, Coherence weaves an absorbing and mind-melting story of existential dread, parallel universes, and the severity of consequences. It transpires on the night that Miller’s Comet passes Earth, following eight friends whose strained relations are put to the test when they learn the passing of the comet has created several mirror realities, each with different versions of themselves. As they scramble to make sense of the chaos, they also discover they may be in a fight for their lives against their alternate selves.

Coherence is truly ingenious in its ability to present a mercilessly elaborate and intricately plotted movie and yet have every surge of tension and every dread-filled discovery hit with visceral wrath. Indeed, it’s a hidden gem of modern sci-fi suspense laced with callous character-driven drama. It epitomizes sci-fi at its most convoluted and confounding, delivering a wonderfully winding head-scratcher that has become one of the most underrated movies of any genre of its decade.

8

‘Snowpiercer’ (2013)

Image via Radius TWC

In true Bong Joon Ho fashion, Snowpiercer excels as an enthralling and exuberant immersion in fast-paced genre storytelling that, beneath its captivating surface of entertainment and spectacle, holds a piercing social commentary as well. In an apocalyptic future, Earth has descended into an ice age. What few survivors remain live on a train traversing the globe. Eager to shatter the train’s bleak class structure, Curtis (Chris Evans) leads the impoverished to rise against the ruling class and take control of the engine room.

Snowpiercer combines a visually stunning and immersive dystopian setting and pulsating outbursts of true action thriller cinema. It also shines as a claustrophobic and chaotic push towards freedom and liberty where poverty is grimy and ferocious, and wealth, in all its indulgent lavishness, is coldly decadent. Always probing at questions of morality, fairness, and humanity even as its violent suspense takes centre stage, Snowpiercer is an engrossing sci-fi thriller with plenty to say.

7

‘The Call’ (2020)

Image via Yong Film

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Combining time-loop hysteria with a visceral psychological tension that borders on outright horror, The Call is an underappreciated gem of heart-stopping cinema from South Korea that thrives on the back of its brilliant writing, atmospheric intensity, and striking performances. Original, chilling, and exceptional at ratcheting up the suspense, it unfolds as two women in the same house 20 years apart are connected by a mysterious phone. Through their discussions, it becomes clear that 1999’s Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo) is a serial killer determined to change the past of Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) if she doesn’t help her change her own fate.

A sinister spin on butterfly effect science-fiction that sees minor actions in the past have monumental consequences in the present day, The Call is an enthralling concept realized with outstanding technical prowess and sharp narrative pacing. Maintaining tension throughout the entirety of its 112-minute runtime, the South Korean thriller is a hidden gem of scorching psychological suspense that plays with fundamental sci-fi tropes beautifully.

6

‘Source Code’ (2011)

Image via Summit Entertainment

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2026 marks 15 years since Source Code was released, and the taut sci-fi thriller remains both a cult hit of the genre and an underrated treat of modern cinema. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Colter Stevens, an army officer who is continuously sent into a simulated recreation of a commuter train bombing with the objective of identifying the culprit. With just eight minutes to investigate the busy train with each simulation, Stevens grows increasingly frustrated as he struggles to find results, especially when he learns the simulation is based on a real attack that could just be the start of a serial bomber’s reign.

Director Duncan Jones—in just his second directorial effort after his ravishing debut with 2009’s Moon—extracts suspense from the mounting complexity of the train bombing, ensuring every re-entry into the simulation presents more questions than answers. It thrives off its storytelling precision and intelligence, even implementing a tender romantic subplot that feeds the narrative rather than distracts from it. Ceaselessly compelling, exuberantly exciting, and thrilling from start to finish, Source Code is a triumph of modern science-fiction suspense.

5

‘Gravity’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

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One of the defining cinematic sensations of 2013, Gravity stunned the masses with its intense, suffocating atmosphere, outstanding visual effects, and Sandra Bullock’s blistering lead performance. Such was its esteem that it won seven Academy Awards from a staggering 10 nominations, more than any other movie throughout the 2010s. Moreover, it also became one of the highest-grossing movies of its year with a box office gross of $723.7 million.

It follows Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), an engineer on her first space mission, as she finds herself in a terrifying fight for survival when space debris destroys her shuttle while spacewalking, leaving her stranded in the cosmos and having to quickly conceive a plan to return to Earth. Viscerally eerie and relentlessly suspenseful, Gravity soars off the back of Alfonso Cuarón’s astute direction to deliver a harrowing, albeit visually astonishing, nightmare of desperation and isolation.

4

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

Image via Focus Features

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Mixing sci-fi thrills with psychological drama, dark comedy, and skewering social satire, Bugonia stands comfortably among the wildest and most wonderful movies released in recent years. Directed by the ever-compelling Yorgos Lanthimos, it revolves around two conspiracy theorists who abduct the CEO of a major pharmaceutical conglomerate, believing her to be a member of a malevolent alien race carrying out a plan to eradicate humanity by targeting Earth’s honeybees.

It is absurd, and unashamedly so. The genius of it is how Lanthimos leans into its lunacy to conjure grounded, palpable dread. Bugonia procures bouts of laughter and moments of pathos, but its truest form is the air of quiet angst that permeates beneath the surface throughout every scene of the movie. Also featuring Jesse Plemons and an Oscar-nominated Emma Stone at the top of their game, Bugonia shines as a confounding and complicated parable of modern-day hysteria that is difficult to grasp in full, but is never anything other than utterly transfixing.

3

‘Nope’ (2022)

A subtle pivot that yielded engrossing results, Nope sees Jordan Peele pivot ever-so-slightly away from the cerebral sci-fi horror of his first two movies, leaning more in the direction of blockbuster thrills. An awe-inspiring experience of mounting suspense, sci-fi spectacle, and large-scale storytelling, it follows a Hollywood horse wrangler and his sister as they attempt to document footage of what they believe to be an alien ship lurking in the skies above their ranch.

As has become a trademark of Peele’s, Nope excels at combining pulsating R-rated intensity with sci-fi tropes while also incorporating elements of comedy, character drama, and stirring social commentary into the fold. Its emphasis on the potential dangers of exploiting a phenomenon for self-gain is particularly pointed in today’s world, and the inflections of Western drama and ravishing, yet often chilling excitement. Nope is a uniquely ensnaring treat of sci-fi suspense that captures a special sense of adventurous and harrowing blockbuster brilliance.

2

‘Predestination’ (2014)

Image via Pinnacle Films

An intricate terrorist investigation, an unreservedly confounding exploration of identity, and a time-bending, paradoxical head-scratcher, Predestination has garnered a significant cult following off the back of its shocking complexity. However, it is far more than just a mind-scrambling sci-fi. Indeed, the Australian psychological thriller thrives as an enrapturing, time-jumping investigation and a character-driven drama charged with outstanding performances and nuanced, contemplative characters.

Ethan Hawke stars as an enigmatic temporal agent traveling through time in pursuit of an elusive terrorist known as the “Fizzle Bomber.” When he meets John (Sarah Snook), a scorned young writer with a tortured past, he offers him the chance to take revenge on the man who ruined his life while aiding in the investigation. It’s dense, demanding, and often disturbing, but within its most confronting depths is where Predestination finds its most emotionally loaded and intriguing moments. It is both an unforgettable sci-fi mystery thriller and a piercing character drama loaded with gobsmacking twists.

1

‘Ex Machina’ (2014)

Image via A24

Written and directed by genre maestro Alex Garland, Ex Machina is a sophisticated and sharply contained slow-burn thriller that uses its integral sci-fi elements to posit questions related to everything from the dangers of A.I. to the abuse of power within tech companies, and even the nuances of gender dynamics in the modern world. Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young programmer who wins a week-long getaway to his boss’ remote luxury home. Upon a rival, he learns he has been recruited into an experiment to test the intelligence and capabilities of a robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander).

Through subtle revelations and precise plot beats, Ex Machina excels as a simmering thriller of concealed character motives and unfurling cat-and-mouse intrigue. Dialogue and interactions are the film’s version of gunfire and explosions, with private conversations and subtextual inferences carrying the intensity. It is no surprise that Ex Machina also complements the might of its story with three incredible performances, rousing thematic depth, and an unshakable sense of atmospheric unease. It is one of the defining movies of the 21st century so far and an all-time classic of sci-fi suspense.

Lizzo turned heads on Thursday as she made a striking appearance in a stunning blue outfit while attending the amfAR gala in Cannes.

The singer, who has been on a fitness journey, set tongues wagging on social media due to her noticeable weight loss and youthful glow.

Lizzo has also spoken out about her transformation, slamming critics who accused her of using the popular drug Ozempic to achieve her new physique.

The “Good As Hell” singer had all the cameras on her when she turned up at the recently held amfAR Gala rocking a blue gown made by renowned designer Robert Wun.

The outfit had a peculiar piercing detail that allowed for a beautiful diamond necklace to be hung on the chest.

Lizzo finished off the jaw-dropping ensemble with a sleek blue satin fishtail skirt, matching gloves that tricked the eye, and stacks of diamonds trailing up her arms and neck.

According to reports, the premier fundraiser for amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research, was hosted by Oscar winner Geena Davis and featured performances from singers Zara Larsson and Robbie Williams.

The Singer’s Stunning Outfit Had Fans Raving About Her Transformation

On social media, fans of Lizzo were full of praise for the pop star, commending her for her daring fashion choices that highlight her figure.

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“This is so campy yet high fashion. She ate down,” one individual noted, while another said, “This outfit EVERYTHING.”

Others noted how happy and comfortable the singer looked in the Robert Wun look, while some who were a bit more critical of the outfit seemed to dislike the necklace hanging on her chest.

“She had too many necklaces; she didn’t know where to put the other one,” a person joked about Lizzo’s outfit.

Another individual noted, “With the right styling, this could’ve been a moment in time!”

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Lizzo Opens Up About Her Over 60 Pound Weight Loss

The music diva has been very candid about fitness and pursuing a healthier lifestyle, losing around 60 pounds, according to reports.

Although the pop star has never given a precise figure herself, she announced in 2025 on Instagram that she had finally hit her weight loss goal after reducing her body fat by 16 percent

In that same year, she addressed critics of her transformation who came after her for choosing to lose weight years after singing about body positivity.

“It was never about being ‘thin’ for me,” Lizzo wrote at the time. “I don’t even think it’s possible for me to be considered actually ‘thin.’”

She continued, “‘I will always have the stretch, and the skin of a woman who carries great weight. And I’m proud of that. Even when the world doesn’t want me to be.”

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The Singer Admitted To Trying Ozempic And Learning It Wasn’t For Her

Lizzo faced severe scrutiny over her weight loss journey, with critics claiming the pop star, like many in Hollywood, had resorted to using the popular drug Ozempic to achieve her new physique.

Although she initially ignored the claims, Lizzo finally addressed them during a chat with YouTuber Trisha Paytas, where she admitted to using the drug for a short while and ultimately deciding it wasn’t for her.

According to Lizzo, she “tried everything,” but what really helped her in the end was counting calories.

“Ozempic works because you eat less food,” she told Paytas on her podcast. “That’s it. It makes you feel full, so if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it’s the same sh-t.”

Lizzo Revealed She Became ‘Paranoid’ Over Her Legal Battle

Lizzo has been in a legal feud with her former dancers, who accused her of sexual harassment among other allegations.

According to the singer, the fallout from the incident left her feeling “paranoid” and made her lose sight of who she was.

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Lizzo made the confession during a chat with Women’s Health magazine, noting, “I wasn’t even talking to my therapist. I wasn’t present. I wasn’t open. I wasn’t myself anymore.”

“It got to the point where I was like, ‘I could die,’” she added. “I never attempted to kill myself or thought about it, but I did think, If everyone hates you and thinks you’re a terrible person, then what’s the point?”

Fortunately for the singer, she was able to find the strength she needed to turn her life back around after attending Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour and seeing thousands of fans excitedly cheer her on.

“It made me feel like, ‘Wow, maybe I don’t want to die,’” Lizzo said about the experience. “Life is worth living. That was the kick-starter to me being like, ‘Okay, Melissa, get your -ss in gear and take your f-cking life back.”

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Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for Rivals Season 2, Episode 1.Rivals Season 2 premiered on Hulu and Disney+, and it opened with a bang. As always, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) are at each other’s throats (spoiler: Baddingham is very much still alive), and the Cotswolds elite are unstoppable when it comes to scheming, being perpetually horny, and attempting to fill their lives with enough expensive liquor, affairs, secrets, and work. Rivals is a perfect soapy camp drama, shot in stunning scenery and starring a lively and talented cast.

If you enjoy the high-stakes rivalries, ’80s excess, and untamed steaminess of Dame Jilly Cooper‘s Rivals, it can be difficult to find a show that perfectly balances many of those dynamics. But there are series, from financial camp and political scandals to 1970s feminist magazines and location-based revenge plots, that are full of ambition, betrayal, and shady characters who can’t keep their pants on. These are the shows to watch if you love Rivals.

‘Joan’ (2024)

Image via The CW

For those mesmerized by the ’80s setting and tone of Rivals, Joan is an ideal follow‑up—but it’s not a show many people have heard of. Joan is packed with bold fashion, a compelling anti-heroine, and a story filled with affairs and double-crosses, all based on the real life of a woman, who had an incredible shift in her “career,” so to speak, going from a single mother to one of Britain’s most notorious jewel thieves. We love women in men’s fields. Joan’s relationship with her dangerous lover, her loyalty to her daughter, and her flirtations with scores keep the tension high, while the bonkers true story of Joan’s life echoes the phrase “life imitates art” because it is so poetic and chaotic that it feels like it could only have been made up.

Based on a true story, Joan follows Joan Hannington (Sophie Turner), a struggling mother in 1980s London trapped in a violent marriage. When her husband goes on the run, she seizes the chance to take control of her life by turning to crime, quickly becoming one of Britain’s most infamous jewel thieves, known as “The Godmother.” The series is a glamorous, fast‑paced saga of heists, romance, and high‑stakes deception, and Sophie Turner delivers a charismatic and powerful performance, which many critics called the best of her career.

‘Minx’ (2022–2023)

Minx is primarily a comedy, but its DNA is pure Rivals: it takes place in a glamorous, cutthroat industry (publishing) during a decadent period (the 1970s). The central couple, a buttoned-up feminist and a shady, charming hustler, share the same love-hate dynamic as Rupert and the majority of his competitors. The show is unapologetically naked, but never sleazy; it is intelligent about sex and even more so about power. If you enjoyed Rivals‘ combination of sharp social commentary and steamy fun, Minx will be your new obsession. HBO Max abruptly cancelled the series after two seasons, but it remains one of the most memorable, unfairly cut shows that evokes a specific time period and sentiment.

Minx is set in Los Angeles in 1972 and follows Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond), an earnest, Ivy League-educated feminist who wishes to launch an edgy magazine for women. The problem is that no publisher is interested in that. Enter Doug (Jake Johnson), a cash-strapped porn magnate, who sees an opportunity in Joyce’s idea, and “Minx,” the first erotic magazine for women, is created. Minx features an odd-couple partnership that explores clashing values, unexpected attraction, and heartfelt collaborations. As they battle censorship, sexism, and their own beautiful chemistry, the show sends a raunchy, clever love letter to the sexual revolution. If you enjoy Rivals‘ raunchy side, Minx provides that plus some.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Image via ABC

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Scandal is the epitome of twisty, soapy, sexy drama. It boasts a tumultuous relationship between Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) that threatens to destabilize the government and has rapid-fire dialogue and constant cliffhangers that make it incredibly bingeable. However, the main takeaway is the chemistry between Washington and Goldwyn, which still seems to exist, as their off-screen appearances often feel too good to be true. Scandal is a must-see for Rivals fans who enjoyed the dangerous flirtation between the characters and the undeniable chemistry between Rupert and Taggie (Bella Maclean). This Shonda Rhimes classic defined the 2010s.

Scandal revolves around Olivia Pope, a professional “fixer” in Washington, D.C., who handles the most explosive crises for the political elite. Her firm is staffed by a team of brilliant, damaged misfits, but her most important client is also her biggest secret: the President of the United States, with whom she is having an affair. As she deals with high-stakes spin control, election rigging, and murder cover-ups, her personal and professional lives collide dramatically. Washington’s performance earned her two Emmy nominations, and the show popularized the practice of live-tweeting during an episode, making Scandal a game-changing series in more ways than one.

‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ (2025–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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Your Friends & Neighbors is a recent Apple TV thriller created by Jonathan Tropper, but it’s not like his usual action-packed stints; this one is more of a suburban drama with hints of crime thriller and black comedy. Jon Hamm stars and brings all of his Mad Men charisma to the role of a man whose life is in disarray, forcing him to take a step back and rethink his own existence within a microcosm of the conveniently wealthy lifestyle. Your Friends & Neighbors, like Rivals, is full of suburban secrets, sexual tension, and moral ambiguity, but it’s about realizing that living “the life” has more consequences than you think.

Your Friends & Neighbors follows Andrew “Coop” Cooper (Hamm), a recently divorced hedge fund manager who loses his job and thus his ability to maintain his upscale lifestyle in Westmont Village, a gated community. Desperate to hide his ruin, he resorts to burglary, targeting the homes of his wealthy neighbors. However, when he breaks into the wrong house and discovers a dead body, he becomes both a thief and the prime suspect, forced to solve the crime while keeping his double life hidden. Amanda Peet, Hoon Lee, and Olivia Munn join Hamm, and James Marsden appears as Coop’s mysterious frenemy in Season 2. It’s entertaining and set in a gated community like Rivals, depicting how the wealthy spend their days in the modern world.

‘Industry’ (2020–Present)

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Industry enjoys being a messy, backstabbing camp drama that makes finance appear to be the most exciting and certainly the horniest industry to be a part of, thereby maintaining HBO’s prestige one-hour drama’s elite status. The show uses sex as the primary arena for its characters’ ruthlessly transactional power plays, and many of their tastes and preferences reflect their career decisions and characteristics. It is not for the faint of heart, but it could be a transformative experience for anyone who has never witnessed such dynamics between its leads. In the best way possible, Industry retains a supremely nasty edge that captures Rivals’ untamed, brutal energy.

Set in the pressure-cooker world of London’s elite investment banking, Industry follows a group of young, ruthless graduates who claw and sleep their way through the cutthroat ranks of the prestigious firm Pierpoint & Co. The core trio—brilliant but volatile Harper Stern (Myha’la), the dangerously charismatic Rob (Harry Lawtey), and the wealthy but desperately insecure Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela)—soon discover that their careers, friendships, and darkest desires have become inescapably linked. The show’s co-creators, both former bankers, have made authenticity the show’s selling point, making Industry a show for those who enjoy dangerous flirtation and moral ambiguity.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

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Revenge is pure, unapologetic soap opera TV, but it’s also a gripping thriller series. Everyone is sleeping with everyone in it; there are revenge plots, sexy poolside scenes, lavish parties, and steamy hookups, but it also captures the class war tension and backstabbing drama depicted in Rivals. All of this, however, is amplified in Revenge, creating an unforgettable viewing experience. As an added bonus, the Hamptons setting is similar to the Cotswolds in terms of glamorous escapism. The series aired for four seasons and is considered one of the most memorable of the 2010s.

Revenge follows Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp), who arrives in the Hamptons with the goal of destroying those who framed her father for a terrorist conspiracy. She rents a beachfront cottage near the powerful Grayson family, launching her elaborate scheme; she infiltrates high-society parties, seduces the son of her enemy, and gradually destroys each target from within. The series was loosely inspired by the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, and many analysts see Emily as a modern female version of the novel’s protagonist, Edmond Dantès; her desire for vengeance makes her sympathetic, making Revenge a quintessential “eat the rich” revenge story.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

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If you love Rivals‘ stylish period setting and exploration of a hedonistic, competitive industry, Mad Men is a must-see. It explores the same themes: professional ambition, personal betrayal, and the conflict between old and new money. The affairs are legendary, the man at the center is volatile but incredibly attractive, and the dynamics have blurred the lines between them to the point where you never know who is truly a friend and who is a hidden foe. It’s a slow-burning, beautifully crafted show that rewards attentive viewing. It’s another show on the list that features Jon Hamm, but Don Draper is unquestionably his most memorable role.

Mad Men is set in the glamorous and sexist world of a 1960s New York advertising agency and follows Don Draper (Hamm), the brilliant but deeply flawed creative director. The show follows his personal and professional lives, as well as those of his coworkers, as they navigate cutthroat business deals, shifting social norms, and their own existential crises against the backdrop of heavy drinking, smoking, and secret affairs. The show won four Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series and is regarded as one of the best TV dramas ever made.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–Present)

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The Morning Show, like Rivals, is a cutthroat drama set in broadcast media, capturing the same power struggles and professional jealousy that we see in the British drama. The boardroom battles over talent and ratings mirror Tony Baddingham’s struggle for power, while the romantic entanglements between co-anchors and executives add the perfect soapy touch. The series stars Billy Crudup, who won two Emmys for his portrayal of a brilliantly insane network executive, as well as Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell.

The Morning Show takes place in the high-pressure world of morning network television; a popular anchor, Mitch Kessler (Carell), is fired after several sexual misconduct allegations, causing the entire network to collapse. The show delves into the complicated personal lives of the anchors, producers, and executives who fight to stay on top—and threaten to destroy them. The series was based on Brian Stelter‘s book Top of the Morning and each season is inspired by real-life events such as the MeToo movement, COVID-19, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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The Morning Show

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Release Date

November 1, 2019

Network

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Apple TV

Directors

Stacie Passon, Miguel Arteta, Millicent Shelton, Tucker Gates, David Frankel, Jennifer Getzinger, Jessica Yu, Kevin Bray, Lesli Linka Glatter, Michelle MacLaren, Roxann Dawson, Thomas Carter, Victoria Mahoney, Lynn Shelton

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As a beauty industry expert of over 10 years, the drugstore is my bread and butter when it comes to shopping for beauty products. I specifically stock up on affordable finds at CVS that consistently outperform products that cost triple the price. Between the affordable prices, reputable brands and weekly beauty offers, it’s a treasure trove of goodies for beauty gurus like me.

Not only does the retailer carry some of the best affordable brands in the business, but it doubles as a place to grab everyday essentials on the same trip (at heavily discounted prices, might I add). As someone who tests beauty products for a living, these are the CVS finds I keep on rotation.

Affordable Beauty Staples I Always Restock at CVS

1. Customizable Skin Tint: What I love about this under-$20 skin tint from Maybelline is its versatility. Layer it on for a more full glam moment, or sheer it out with just a few drops.

2. Sun-Kissed Glow: If a bronzer can warm up your complexion without turning you orange, it’s a winner in my book. This super blendable pick from Physician’s Choice does just that.

3. Baked Blush Staple: Milani baked blush formula never appears chalky, and it instantly enhances the texture of your skin — all for just $13! Plus, there are eight gorgeous shades to choose from.

4. Hydrating Facial Spray: My dry skin drinks this glycerin-infused spray right up. Great for throwing in your gym bag, beach tote or car for on-the-go hydration!

5. Gentle Face Wash: Sensitive skin, rejoice! La Roche Posay’s creamy cleanser removes makeup, oil and grime, prepping it for whatever skincare you put on top.

Related: 13 Suncare Products From CVS That Go Beyond Just SPF

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6. Dazzle and Glow: Highlight powders are a quick way to add luminosity to your complexion. This incredibly soft formula has a silky texture that melts in for a second-skin finish.

7. Under-$6 Concealer: I’m a huge fan of the brush-tip applicator on this lightweight concealer — it allows the product to go on evenly without running the risk of over-application.

8. Tint-Highlighter Hybrid: On days I’m feeling extra dry, this luminous skin tint is what I reach for — it has coverage, gives my skin a dew and can even be applied to just the tops of the cheekbones for a natural-looking highlight.

9. Frizz Tamer: Right out of the shower, this frizz-defying spray gets spritzed in my hair. The result: soft, shiny and smooth strands no matter what style I go for.

10. Va Va Volume: Red carpet hair, but make it drugstore. For a hairspray that locks in my style without the crunch, this volume-boosting formula is it.

11. Makeup Remover: This micellar water has served as my first step of a double cleansing routine for decades. The reason? It doesn’t dry my skin out.

12. Plumping Moisturizer: What hydrates deeply, looks good under makeup and protects from harsh UV rays? This $14 moisturizer.

13. Acne Saviors: I like these invisible pimple patches because they’re discreet, gentle and absorb acne-causing gunk overnight.