Jerry Seinfeld has stirred up fresh debate over two of television’s biggest sitcoms after taking a playful but pointed swipe at “Friends” during a live appearance in Los Angeles.

The comedy icon joked that NBC copied the formula behind “Seinfeld” and simply replaced the cast with more attractive stars.

His remarks quickly reignited the longtime comparison between the two legendary series.

Jerry Seinfeld made the eyebrow-raising comments while appearing at the “Netflix Is a Joke” festival at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

During the event, the comedian reflected on the massive success of his own sitcom before joking that NBC borrowed the same formula when creating “Friends.”

“Here’s my theory on Friends,” Seinfeld said, per Variety. “ My show came on ’89, ’90. Friends came on a few years later.”

He then delivered the line that immediately got fans talking online: “I think NBC was watching my show and went, ‘Hey, this is working pretty well. Why don’t we try the same thing with good-looking people?’”

The comedian doubled down on the joke by adding, “And that was a pretty good idea. I think that kind of worked.”

Although the remark appeared lighthearted, it quickly reignited old arguments among sitcom fans who have spent decades debating which show had the bigger cultural impact.

Jerry Seinfeld Jokes About Watching Himself

The topic surfaced after Seinfeld asked audience members to guess his all-time favorite television series.

One fan shouted out “Seinfeld,” prompting the comedian to poke fun at the suggestion.

“Seinfeld? I am Seinfeld. Why would I watch Seinfeld?” he joked.

He then compared the idea to admiring yourself in the mirror every day.

“Would you go up to your bathroom mirror and go, ‘This is fantastic. I love this show. I’m in every episode.’”

Seinfeld never actually revealed what his favorite show was, though he acknowledged that fans guessing “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Breaking Bad” were on the right track.

The legendary comic co-created “Seinfeld” alongside Larry David, who later went on to create and star in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

The NBC sitcom premiered in 1989 and ran until 1998, becoming one of the most successful comedy series in television history.

The show followed four single friends navigating life in New York City and starred Seinfeld alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards.

Its final episode became a television event, drawing more than 76 million viewers in the United States alone.

‘Friends’ Became A Cultural Phenomenon Too

While Jerry Seinfeld’s comments sparked laughter, “Friends” built a television empire of its own after premiering in 1994.

The beloved sitcom followed six close friends living in Manhattan and quickly became a global obsession throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Jennifer Aniston led the cast as Rachel Green alongside Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry.

The sitcom ran for 10 seasons and continues to generate huge audiences decades after leaving the air.

In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked “Seinfeld” as the third greatest sitcom ever made while placing “Friends” at number 38 on its list of the 100 best sitcoms of all time.

Still, the financial success of “Friends” remains staggering.

The cast famously negotiated their contracts together, boosting their salaries from $22,500 per episode during the first season to $1 million each by the show’s final years.

In 2021, the stars reunited for an HBO Max special and reportedly earned around $2.5 million apiece for the nostalgic return.

Lisa Kudrow Reveals ‘Friends’ Still Makes Millions

Lisa Kudrow recently revealed that the money tied to “Friends” never truly stopped flowing.

Speaking to The Times, the actress admitted the show still generates enormous residual payments every year through syndication and streaming deals around the world.

According to Kudrow, the cast continues earning approximately $20 million annually.

She also reflected emotionally on revisiting the series after Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023.

“After Matthew died I watched the show again. Before, I only saw what I did wrong or could have done better, but for the first time I truly appreciated just how great it was,” Kudrow explained.

Lisa Kudrow Pays Emotional Tribute To Matthew Perry

Kudrow credited the show’s success to the chemistry between the cast members and the creative team behind the scenes.

“Because there was a genius at work. And whatever any of us do in the future, we will never experience something like that again.”

Kudrow also praised her co-stars while remembering Perry’s unforgettable comedic timing.

She said, “I felt I did OK, but Jennifer and Courteney? Amazing. David and Matt? They had me laughing so hard. And then Matthew – he was just beyond us all.”

One of NCIS‘s spin-offs is about to air its series finale, months after the premiere of its latest season. This action-drama franchise, which began in 2003, followed a similar premise: a close-knit team investigates crimes against the U.S. military. Since then, NCIS has spawned many titles set in different locations, and one of them went international.

NCIS: Sydney, the first Australian international spin-off of the NCIS franchise, launched in 2023, and is currently in its third season. The show follows two NCIS members, Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) and DeShawn Jackson (Sean Sagar), who team up with Australian Federal Police officers, Jim “JD” Dempsey (Todd Lasance), Evie Cooper (Tuuli Narkle), Bluebird Gleeson (Mavournee Hazel), and Roy Penrose (William McInnes) as they solve U.S. Navy-related crimes in the land down under, and, in Season 3, Antarctica. The third season premiered in October 2025, and its two-part finale is scheduled to air next week.

Recently, NCIS: Sydney returned to the global streaming charts, ranking at #10 on Paramount+ Top 10 TV Shows worldwide. The third season of NCIS: Sydney introduces a new plot line: The Collective, a group within the U.S. military involved in drug smuggling and tied to Mackey’s backstory of being court-martialed during her time in Afghanistan. Season 3 also introduced a new member of the NCIS x AFP team-up, Travis Riggs (aka: Trigger), played by Claude Jabbour. According to a plot synopsis for the Season 3 finale shared on Paramount’s press site, this military criminal group is back, and the FBI will be getting involved.

Is ‘NCIS: Sydney’ Worth Watching?

When NCIS: Sydney debuted, it was reported to be the “most-streamed CBS network premiere ever on Paramount+,” with nearly 10 million views in November 2023. While Seasons 2 and 3 don’t have Rotten Tomatoes scores, Season 1 was well received by critics, earning a 73% rating, while audiences gave it a low 33% rating. On IMDb, NCIS: Sydney received a 6.2-star rating, with each Season maintaining similar episode scores; the highest-rated episode by far was Season 3, episodes 12 and 13, tied at 8.4 stars. Following its success, a fourth season has been greenlit.

Australian critics note that this Australian spin-off doesn’t plan to change an established formula that has lasted for decades, nor will it do anything new to a long-running TV series. However, they appreciated that it added some Australian references to the mix and praised the Australian leads, noting that both Lasance and Swann have “decent chemistry.”

All three seasons of NCIS: Sydney are available to stream on Paramount+. New episodes air every Friday on CBS.

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Release Date

November 10, 2023

Network

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Paramount+

Showrunner

Morgan O’Neill

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Directors

Jennifer Leacey, Shawn Seet

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Writers

Andrew Anastasios, James Cripps, Morgan O’Neill

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• 

  Olivia Swann

  Michelle Mackey

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  Todd Lasance

  Jim ‘JD’ Dempsey

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Tatum O’Neal has spoken candidly about the family trauma she believes contributed to half-brother Redmond O’Neal’s long struggles with addiction, mental illness, and crime.

In a new interview, Tatum blamed their late father, Ryan O’Neal, for what she described as years of cruel treatment and instability.

Her comments come as Redmond remains hospitalized after being ruled mentally unfit to stand trial over violent criminal charges tied to a 2018 attack spree in Los Angeles.

Tatum O’Neal Speaks Out On Redmond O’Neal’s Struggles And Father’s ‘Horrifying’ Parenting

Tatum is opening up about the painful family history she believes shaped her half-brother Redmond O’Neal’s troubled life, blaming years of what she described as “horrifying and cruel” treatment by their late father, Hollywood star Ryan O’Neal.

Her remarks came after Redmond recently appeared in a California courtroom over an attempted murder case, drawing renewed attention for his heavily tattooed appearance, including devil horns inked onto his head, and the long-running struggles that have kept him in and out of headlines for years.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Tatum said her half-brother is “doing very poorly” and reflected on what she called a deeply unstable upbringing marked by addiction, emotional turmoil, and repeated trauma.

“It was a terrible beginning with my dad, Ryan, who wasn’t a very good person, and with Redmond, he was mean and hurt him over and over,” she said, per the New York Post. “It was horrifying and cruel.”

Tatum, who has publicly battled addiction herself, added that Redmond “never even began a real life,” describing his struggles as a cycle that never truly stopped.

Redmond O’Neal’s Years Of Addiction, Arrests And Family Turmoil

Redmond’s history with substance abuse and legal trouble stretches back years.

He has faced multiple arrests, including a 2018 incident in which he allegedly carried out a string of violent attacks across Los Angeles during what authorities described as a knife rampage.

Prosecutors later charged him with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and battery.

Tatum also spoke candidly about her own health battles. The former child star said she has spent time receiving treatment at a memory care facility in California’s San Fernando Valley after suffering a stroke linked to a prescription drug overdose in 2020.

The family’s struggles were echoed by Griffin O’Neal, Ryan’s eldest son, who said he is amazed both he and Tatum survived years of addiction and dysfunction. Griffin has also faced long-running substance abuse issues and legal troubles throughout his life.

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David Leit, who became Redmond’s sponsor in a 12-step recovery program when he was 16, painted a similarly bleak picture of the family dynamic.

He described Ryan as a “raging narcissist” and said Redmond carried deep anger and addictive tendencies from a young age. While Leit remembered moments when Redmond could be funny and compassionate, he also said he struggled with intense emotional instability.

Redmond O’Neal’s Addiction Struggles And Mental Health Battles Played Out Publicly For Years

The family’s problems frequently spilled into public view. In 2008, authorities reportedly discovered methamphetamine in Ryan’s home during a parole search tied to Redmond, leading to the arrests of both father and son.

Ryan later accepted a plea deal on reduced charges and entered a treatment program. A year later, the movie star spoke openly about Redmond’s addiction in an interview with Vanity Fair, revealing that his son had entered rehab 13 times.

He harshly criticized Redmond’s inability to control his addictions, calling his son ”stupid” and a ”sap.”

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That same year, Redmond’s mother, Farrah Fawcett, died after battling cancer. Redmond, who was in custody at the time, reportedly visited his mother while restrained and later attended her funeral under heavy supervision. When Ryan died in 2023, Redmond, Tatum, and Griffin did not attend the funeral.

Redmond’s criminal case remains unresolved after repeated delays linked to his mental health. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder, and was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial in 2019. Since then, he has remained in psychiatric custody at Patton State Hospital.

Redmond O’Neal’s Conservator Shares Hopeful Update On His Recovery

In a statement to People Magazine, Redmond’s conservator, Mela Murphy, who was also one of Fawcett’s closest friends, shared a more hopeful update on his condition.

Murphy said Redmond has now been drug-free for five years while receiving treatment at Patton State Hospital, describing him as a “model patient” who has worked hard to rebuild his life after years of addiction and mental health struggles.

According to Murphy, Redmond’s progress only began after he finally received “a proper mental health diagnosis and medication.”

She believes many of his past substance abuse issues were tied to years of untreated mental illness and a lack of support earlier in life.

Redmond O’Neal’s Conservator Reveals His Mother Farrah Fawcett’s Final Words About Her Son

In her chat with the publication, Murphy noted that Redmond is now actively participating in a 12-step recovery program, spending time reading, helping fellow patients, and embracing spirituality as part of his recovery journey.

She further shared that he remains in contact with several longtime supporters and friends who continue to encourage his progress.

Murphy, who was by Fawcett’s side when she died in 2009, also once recalled the actress’s final moments, revealing that Farrah’s last words were about her son.

“She was saying his name, ‘Redmond,’” Murphy shared about the late screen goddess.

The 2010s saw the medium of television undergo a drastic change. Cable TV took a bit of a decline in popularity, streaming services and on-demand viewing began to take over, and networks started dumping bigger budgets into their original productions. Platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Hulu really started to dominate things, changing the way people consume their favorite shows.

With this change came a few new trends. One of these trends was that there was a massive uptick in fantasy TV shows, a trend that began in the early 2010s and that persists to this very day. It seems that people just can’t get enough of the fantasy genre, and with modern film techniques, it’s now easier than ever to tell more outlandish stories. Every year of the 2010s, several major fantasy shows debuted to the point where it’s easy to forget some of them. As such, this list will outline which fantasy shows were the absolute best for each year of this innovative decade.

10

‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2019)

Image via Cartoon Network

Adventure Time started as any other Cartoon Network show. Only, this one completely blew up and managed to surpass every single expectation. The silly, whimsical Land of Ooo is home to a lot of things, from sentient, talking game consoles, kingdoms made of candy, and even a race of lemon people. Nothing is too weird or off the wall for this show, which is part of why so many people fell in love with it.

With it being a cartoon, of course, there’s lots of humor involved. The humor doesn’t feel immature, though, as it appeals to many age groups, including kids and adults alike. Yet, its humor isn’t the only area where the show shines, as it also does pretty well in the morality department. There are a lot of relatable takeaways from this series, which often come with a bunch of life lessons that one would do well to remember. True to its namesake, there is indeed adventure involved, but where the show really succeeds is in its heart.

9

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Image via HBO

You probably knew that Game of Thrones would take the number one spot for the year 2011. Was there ever any doubt? It’s hard to pinpoint any other TV series of any genre that has had quite the cultural impact Game of Thrones did. Seriously, this show was a huge, huge deal, unlike anything television had ever seen before. The complex story, the dozens, perhaps hundreds of unique characters, and the immense production value made this not only a great pit of drama, but also a feast for the eyes.

There’s a little something for everyone in this series. Whether one likes comedy, drama, political thrillers, action, romance, or adventure, this show has it all, which is probably why Game of Thrones got so successful. Though many viewers expressed extreme disappointment at the show’s finale, there is little doubt that most of the seasons of the show are absolutely perfect in pretty much every way. It’s going to be a long time before television sees another phenomenon like Game of Thrones again.

8

‘Gravity Falls’ (2012–2016)

Image via Disney XD

Gravity Falls is another one of those series that starts off looking and feeling pretty simple, but that gets way, way more complicated the longer one spends watching it. While initially, it’s about two pre-teens spending their summer in the remote town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, the intervention of mysterious forces and magical beings makes their vacation very interesting, indeed. The show kicks off pretty much right away, thrusting viewers into the mystery surrounding the sleepy little town.

Unlike a lot of typical cartoons, there is genuine continuity in this one, meaning the episodes have to be watched in order of release, or there is no way one will be able to fully grasp the complex plot. There are so many unanswered questions in this series that it has prompted loads of online theories and discussions about it, which persist to this day. It is absolutely excellent and is a great watch for the curious or for those who enjoy philosophical themes in their cartoons.

7

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Crunchyroll

Attack on Titan is an iconic anime series that really took the world by storm. It wasn’t just a hit with fans of the medium, either, as it attracted a ton of non-anime fans to it with its dystopian world, darkness, lovable characters, and creative premise. The premise in question follows the remnants of humanity in a war for their very survival against flesh-eating giants called “titans,” which are nearly unkillable.

The world establishes itself right off the bat, letting the audience feel the crushing weight of humanity’s insignificant place in this new, hostile world. No longer is humanity the apex predator; no longer do they rule the animal kingdom, because there are things out there that are much smarter and more powerful than them. It offers a new perspective to fantasy that isn’t really explored much. This series is one heck of an emotional journey, which excels in nearly every aspect.

6

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

Over the Garden Wall might be just a miniseries, but it was somebody’s passion project, and it shows. The story follows two brothers who get lost in a deep, dark forest and have to find their way home. It’s a simple, fairytale-like premise at first glance, but what ensues is something profound, as well as remarkably moving. While geared towards kids, the show found an audience of fans from all age groups due to its adventure and its heartfelt subtext.

It has a star-studded cast, too, with Elijah Wood, Christopher Lloyd, and John Cleese all having roles in it, and that’s just some of the big names that make up the cast. At exactly 10 episodes, Over the Garden Wall managed to tell a concise, clear story that touched the hearts of its audience all around the world, and managed to develop a dedicated following that still discusses the show, even now. It’s incredibly special, not just to the creators, but to those who have seen it, too.

5

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Image via SYFY

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The Magicians is honestly pretty underrated, but there’s little doubt that it definitely deserves to be crowned the best fantasy series of 2015. The story starts with a student enrolling at a university, hoping to become a magician. Only, he ends up becoming a magician in the more literal sense. Instead of learning to pull rabbits out of hats, he winds up learning proper spells and incantations, discovering that the magical world from his favorite childhood fairytales is not only real, but also in a state of crisis.

For being a SyFy series, the visual effects of the magic are actually pretty impressive, and it really does a good job of hooking the viewer and never letting go. Fans loved the endlessly entertaining cast of characters and the banter between them, as well as the high-stakes story and its overall imagination. This is a perfect series for Harry Potter fans and for low fantasy fans in general.

4

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Image via NBC

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The Good Place isn’t exactly fantasy in the traditional sense. There’s not a lot of magic or mythical beings found within. Instead, it fits the definition because it takes place in an alternate dimension, an afterlife used to reward people who have lived their lives virtuously. Unlike most other fantasy TV shows, this one is a sitcom at heart, focusing on how the departed interact with each other in this new realm of eternity.

However, the series proved that it can still floor its audience just as well as any fantasy drama series. It includes one of the most legendary plot twists of all time, which cemented its legacy as a sitcom with a surprising amount of substance. There are also some deeply profound moments of moral wisdom contained within, especially in the finale. While the show is funny, it can just as easily make the viewer cry, and it definitely deserves the spot of being the best fantasy series of 2016.

3

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Image via Netflix

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Normally, one would expect a TV show based on a video game to be nothing but a quick cash grab with little substance, and that barely resembles the source material. Fear not, because Castlevania puts those fears to rest. Based on the original Japanese video game series, which began in the 1980s, this series was actually created by an American studio. However, they decided to pay homage to the franchise’s Japanese roots by having it done in an anime art style—”Americanime,” if you will.

But don’t expect to find common anime tropes of ninjas or samurai here. The show, like the original games, draws inspiration from European Gothic literature. This means vampires, werewolves, and other terrifying creatures of the night rule here. It’s dark, gritty, but also a wonderful treat for fans of the original video games. Even if you’ve never played the games before, this is honestly an exceptional show that demands more attention.

2

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)

Image via Netflix

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The Dragon Prince is a really ambitious project considering how lore-heavy it is, and how it has no source material to fall back on. There is no comic series, no group of novels, no video game to back this one up. It comes straight from the minds of its creators. Considering that, the world they created and the history behind it is actually really impressive. The series centers on the continent of Xadia, which is at war with itself. Non-magical humans have begun a war with the magical elves and dragons, throwing the continent into chaos.

Netflix’s The Dragon Prince plays things a little safer. While it’s not good for little kids, it’s more of a young adult/teen fantasy series, though one that can still safely be enjoyed by adults. It’s not just charming—the 3D animation and use of color are absolutely stunning. The fact that it’s gorgeous isn’t all it has going for it, however, as the story is also pretty engrossing, as is its expansive world. It’s not easy to get tired of The Dragon Prince, which is why it’s easily the best fantasy series of 2018.

1

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Kevin Baker/©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

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Crowning the best fantasy TV show of 2019 is honestly kind of a big ask, because there were so many good ones that came out that year. From The Witcher to South Korea’s Kingdom, there are really a lot of options to choose from. However, in terms of charm, consistency, quality, and overall world-building, the title has got to go to The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. This one is a true masterpiece, which is why many still haven’t forgiven Netflix for unceremoniously cancelling it after just one season.

The show is a prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal, taking audiences back to the world of Thra and allowing them to witness the rise of the Skeksis and the extinction of the gelflings. Like the movie, it’s created almost entirely with practical effects and puppetry, giving an extra special something in the world of television. The world of Thra is truly beautiful, and it’s so easy to get lost in this show, which is just one of many reasons why it was the best fantasy series to come out that year.

In the age of binge-watching, chances are that when a show is good, you’ll keep pressing “continue watching” when Netflix asks, “Are you still watching?” The story must keep you engaged, so you want to find out what happens next. One such example of this is the four-season series 13 Reasons Why. An adaptation of Jay Asher‘s young adult novel, 13 Reasons Why examined the aftermath of high school student Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) 13 cassette tapes left following her suicide. With each tape explaining why, it’s up to her classmate Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) to uncover the stories of bullying, sexual assault, and trauma that ultimately led to her death.

One of the most difficult shows to come to the streamer, the series provided an explicit portrayal of heavy themes in an authentic manner. 13 Reasons Why was an important series that opened the floor for necessary conversations, while entertaining audiences along the way. With 49 gripping episodes, 13 Reasons Why showcases a strong ensemble in a character-driven drama that’s perfect for a weekend binge.

’13 Reasons Why’ Walked So ‘Euphoria’ Could Run

After sending shockwaves over the controversial central topic, 13 Reasons Why evolved into a fascinating character study of the struggles modern teenagers face in their formative years. The first season focused on Hannah’s suicide and what led her to her decision. Through the cassette confession device, her reasons sent shockwaves through the school community. The later seasons tackle the fallout from the lawsuit brought by Hannah’s parents and many of the characters’ journeys toward truth, healing, and accountability. With plotlines including sexuality, homophobia, school shootings, and, yes, murder, 13 Reasons Why is an example of a kitchen sink drama— anything can and will happen.

The main reason 13 Reasons Why is an addictive binge-watch is the characters and the drama surrounding them. Starting as a compelling mystery thriller and leading into a young adult soap opera, 13 Reasons Why always has another surprise coming for the viewers. As in shows like Tell Me Lies and Euphoria, the structure of the series allows multiple storylines to run in parallel, ultimately culminating in the larger story. Whether you like the outcomes or are left in shock by the results, 13 Reasons Why is smartly plotted for a non-stop watch. Just as on similar shows, every action has a reaction, and the domino effect drives the story toward its larger purpose.

With a wide-spanning cast, you certainly have the characters you love and others that you don’t. As the cog in the post-inciting action narrative, Minnette’s protagonist moves from timid boy to a young man, albeit deeply traumatized, who anchors the community. No character goes from a bad boy to a selfless individual more so than Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn). His arc of redemption is unique because he is one of the few individuals who learns from his troubled past. There are individuals like Jessica Davis (Alisha Boe), Alex Standall (Miles Heizer), and Tyler Down (Devin Druid), who experience major traumatic events, evolving into fascinating representations of emotional recovery. Then, there are certain characters, like Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice) and Monty de la Cruz (Timothy Granaderos), who serve as primary antagonists, and you are eager to see their ultimate comeuppance. Though the teenagers are the main focus, the adults are affected by the events, leading to different perspectives revolving around how to be a parent after trauma.

’13 Reasons Why’ Acknowledges Its Controversial Content

It must be acknowledged that 13 Reasons Why has been accused of glamorizing suicide and not helping to contextualize mental health issues. The original cut of the show featured Hannah’s suicide, before Netflix later removed it after concerns that the graphic depiction could lead to copycat attempts. Though it took two years to happen, it was a major and important step in helping the series solidify its place in television history.

While some viewers felt that the series was “misery porn,” with the show using intense trauma for shock rather than nuanced exploration of the topics at hand, the storylines, though sometimes sanitized, kept viewers glued to their screen as curiosity peaks just as the episode’s credits roll. 13 Reasons Why is hard to stop watching, but it may require breaks and pauses to digest the darker moments. But with its intriguing stories and thoughtful characters, 13 Reasons Why is a must-watch if you’re looking for something to binge this weekend.

A historian has drawn comparisons between Prince Harry and the late Edward VIII, claiming the Duke of Sussex regrets stepping back from his royal duties.

According to the author, Harry’s life bears a striking resemblance to Edward, who abdicated the throne in his quest to marry an American socialite.

Amid the scrutiny, Meghan Markle is said to be more in control of her public image while Prince Harry’s path remains uncertain, as both continue navigating life after quitting their royal roles.

Royal Historian Claims Prince Harry Mirrors Edward VIII’s Regret After Walking Away from Duty

Meghan is often compared to American socialite, Wallis Simpson, but royal historian Hugo Vickers argues the real story isn’t about the women, it’s about the men who chose them.

In his book “Behind Closed Doors,” Vickers explores the final years of the Duchess of Windsor, who died in 1986, and draws unexpected parallels between Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Prince Harry.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Vickers suggested that the “one thing in common is that the two husbands both look pretty miserable” in the lives they ultimately chose after stepping away from royal duty.

He pointed to images of Edward in later life, describing a visible sadness, and claimed Harry also often appears burdened and frustrated in public appearances. “In both cases, they decided not to do the duty which they had been born to undertake,” he said.

He contrasted that with Queen Elizabeth II, who he said embodied duty and calm acceptance of her role.

“When I give talks occasionally, usually at schools, I show a picture of the queen, our Queen Elizabeth II, with sparkling eyes at the age of 90, having done her duty and feeling the calm, level gaze, conscious of duty fulfilled, as somebody put it,” he said. “Whereas the Duke of Windsor looked pathetic, and he looked very sad. And Prince Harry also looks very, very sad most of the time and rather angry.”

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Post-Royal Life Compared To Edward VIII, As Freedom Brings New Pressures

Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, citing media pressure and lack of institutional support.

Since relocating to the U.S., they’ve spoken openly about their experiences in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” further widening the gap with the royal family.

Vickers argues that Meghan is “much more in control of her destiny than Wallis was,” using visibility and branding in a modern, media-driven way. Wallis, by contrast, stayed largely out of the spotlight, even in exile.

Other commentators note that while both couples sought independence from royal life, that freedom came with new pressures. Meghan has leaned into influence-building and commercial ventures, while Harry’s path is seen as less settled, shaped by advocacy work and an ongoing connection to his royal past.

Royal commentator Helena Chard told the publication that both Edward VIII and Harry ultimately wanted out of royal duty, with their partners playing central roles in that decision. She described their departures as a kind of escape route, though not necessarily one that led to lasting peace.

Prince Harry Recently Insisted That He’s Still A ‘Working Royal’

During a surprise visit to Ukraine on April 24, Harry was asked about no longer being a working royal.

He responded that he still considers himself part of the royal family, adding that he is simply continuing to do work he believes he was “born to do.”

That same month, Harry and Meghan also spent several days in Australia, a Commonwealth nation where King Charles remains head of state, keeping their ties to the broader royal sphere in view even after stepping back from official duties.

The Sussexes Seem To Be On Conflicting Paths, Royal Experts Claim

Commentators like Kinsey Schofield now argue that, unlike her husband, Meghan’s trajectory seems “firmly anchored in monetizing her proximity to the monarchy,” through media and commercial projects.

They claim that Harry, on the other hand, is unsure of his long-term role and goals, especially amid his continued strained relationship with the royal family while embarking on pseudo-royal tours.

Noting this, royal historian Vickers maintains that “the most successful members of the royal family are those who support the monarch without competing.”

He cited major senior royals such as the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla as examples of that balance.

Prince Harry And Meghan Face Renewed Marriage Speculation As Their 8th Anniversary Nears

Meanwhile, despite repeatedly stating they want a more private life, Harry and Meghan continue to find themselves in the public conversation.

Recently, they’ve even been at the center of renewed speculation about their marriage ahead of their eighth anniversary, with Meghan reportedly projecting a strong image of unity.

Royal author Russell Myers, in “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” suggests that tension may be emerging behind the scenes.

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He points to a possible clash between Meghan’s push to rebuild her footing in Hollywood and Harry’s lingering connection to royal life and identity.

“She knows, deep down, that Harry will never stop being a royal and that their life together is contingent on her accepting that,” said the source [via SheFinds]. “After all his promises and plans for independence, it’s a very tough pill to swallow.”

The Bachelorette alum Michael Allio is hopeful that his ex Katie Thurston will be able to “overcome” her stage IV breast cancer diagnosis.

“We text every now and again,” Allio, 41, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, May 7, while promoting his children’s book, Where the Wild Heart Grows. “Her journey is incredibly tough, and I feel for her.”

Thurston, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025 and underwent a double mastectomy late last month.

“I feel for Jeff [Arcuri, her husband] too because being a caregiver is often a very lonely place,” Allio, whose wife Laura Ritter-Allio died in 2018 after battling breast cancer, told Us. “They are really the unsung heroes, and from what the relationship looks like, it sounds like she’s so well-supported.”

Related: Bachelor Nation Rallies Around Katie Thurston Amid Her Breast Cancer Battle

Members of Bachelor Nation have rallied around former lead Katie Thurston as she battles cancer. “Life update: I have breast cancer,” Thurston, 34, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 15, revealing how she and fiancé Jeff Arcuri spent their Valentine’s Day. “I used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting […]

Thurston served as the Bachelorette in 2021’s season 17, where she met Allio. He ultimately self-eliminated ahead of fantasy suites. Thurston moved on with Arcuri, 38, following her brief engagement to Blake Moynes. Thurston and Arcuri got married in March 2025 amid her cancer battle.

“I subscribe to her broadcast [channel] on Instagram and try to keep up, but at the end of the day, it’s really their journey as a couple,” Allio added on Thursday. “I pray every day that she’s able to overcome this. I know she’ll be stronger because of it.”

Allio, for his part, served as his wife’s caregiver until her death. The couple shared son James, now 9.

The Bachelor Nation alum authored his debut children’s book, Where the Wild Heart Grows, to help explain concepts of grief, loss and courage to other families.

“It was a learning process. It’s not something you’re just, kind of, born with,” Allio told Us. “You figure it out, you stumble along the way. One thing I wanted to make sure I did was to not teach my son how to avoid pain, but learn how to walk through it and walk with it.”

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He continued, “I’ve humanized myself as a parent to him, understanding that I struggle too, and I think that’s created a very strong bond and a safe place for us, but to be honest, it was unnatural for me. I mean, we only know what we know from when we grow up, but I know that I didn’t want cancer to take more than it had. I wanted to make sure that he had a good upbringing in the life that he deserved.”

Related: Katie Thurston Tearfully Admits She Is Struggling to Stay ‘Positive’

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An emotional Katie Thurston opened up about her mental state as she fights cancer. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, September 30, the former Bachelorette, 34, cried as she spoke to fans about how she is coping after being diagnosed with breast cancer in February. “Tomorrow is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m, like, […]

Allio later started dating his girlfriend, Jade Marie Chapman, in 2025 after a brief connection with Bachelor in Paradise costar Danielle Maltby.

“I’m in such, like, a great place right now with my girlfriend, Jade, who’s just remarkable, and I never felt like I’d get there,” he gushed to Us. “So, if you’re listening and you’re going through something, keep fighting, keep walking, keep making sense of it. It does get better, not it doesn’t go away, but there’s still a life for you out there.”