Violence in television can take many forms, yet some miniseries leave a deeper mark because they refuse to soften what they are showing. These miniseries are brutal, not simply because of the presence of violence. The real weight comes from the situations surrounding it. A wrongful conviction slowly reshapes a young life. A government disaster exposes the danger of secrecy. Soldiers experience the psychological toll of combat that continues long after the fighting ends.

Because the episodes are limited, the creators can focus closely on the emotional and human cost of each event without stretching the story unnecessarily. Here are some of the most brutal series of all time that hit all the right chords.

10

‘Waco’ (2018)

Image via Showtime

Some historical tragedies feel distant with time, yet the events in Waco still carry a heavy sense of unease. The miniseries revisits the 1993 siege between federal agents and the Branch Davidians in Texas, a conflict that unfolded slowly and painfully in front of national television. Instead of rushing toward the outcome, the show spends time with the people on both sides.

At the center of the compound stands David Koresh (Taylor Kitsch), a religious leader who believes he must protect his followers from outside authority. Across the barricade, negotiator Gary Noesner (Michael Shannon) tries to find a peaceful way out before the situation collapses. As days turn into weeks, families inside the compound grow more fearful while federal agents face pressure to end the standoff. The series keeps returning to these small human moments, and slowly it becomes clear how misunderstanding and pride can push a crisis toward an irreversible end.

9

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

A single night can change the direction of a life, and The Night Of explores that idea with painful patience. The series begins quietly, almost like an ordinary crime story, yet it gradually turns into a much deeper look at how the justice system affects everyone caught inside it. The tone remains restrained and serious, which allows the tension to grow through small developments instead of dramatic twists.

The story centers on Nasir Khan (Riz Ahmed), a college student who takes his father’s taxi for an evening in Manhattan. After meeting a stranger named Andrea (Sofia Black-D’Elia), the night ends in confusion when Nasir wakes up beside her lifeless body. The investigation quickly turns toward him, and the case moves through police stations, courtrooms, and the harsh routine of Rikers Island. His lawyer, John Stone (John Turturro), struggles to build a defense while the system slowly reshapes Nasir himself. As the series moves forward, the question of guilt remains uncertain, yet the damage done to everyone involved becomes impossible to ignore.

8

‘When They See Us’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Some stories are difficult to revisit because the outcome is already known, yet the injustice behind them still demands attention. When They See Us approaches the case of the Central Park Five with patience and care. The series does not rely on sensational courtroom drama. Instead, it focuses on how institutions can fail young people when fear and public pressure begin to shape the investigation.

The story follows five teenagers, Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Kevin Richardson (Ethan Herisse), Yusef Salaam (Chris Chalk), Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez), and Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome), who become suspects after a violent assault in Central Park in 1989. During questioning, detectives push the boys into confessions that do not match the evidence. As the case moves to court, prosecutors present a version of events that the public quickly accepts. Years later, the truth slowly emerges through new evidence. The series traces that long path carefully, showing how the weight of a wrongful conviction continues to shape their lives long after the headlines fade.

7

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

At first glance, Unbelievable appears to follow a familiar investigative structure, yet the series quickly reveals a deeper concern. It examines how victims are treated when their stories do not immediately fit the expectations of law enforcement. Rather than rushing through the investigation, the show takes time to show how doubt and disbelief can cause as much harm as the crime itself.

The story begins with Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a teenager who reports that she has been sexually assaulted in her apartment. During questioning, detectives begin to question her memory and consistency. Under pressure, Marie eventually withdraws her statement and is accused of making a false report. Years later, detectives Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever) and Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) begin investigating a series of similar assaults in another state. As the pattern becomes clearer, the investigation slowly reconnects with Marie’s original report. Step by step, the series reveals how one dismissed testimony nearly allowed a serial offender to continue unchecked.

6

‘The Act’ (2019)

Image via Hulu

True crime stories often focus on a single shocking event, yet The Act shows how disturbing situations can grow slowly inside ordinary surroundings. The series examines the strange and troubling relationship between a mother and daughter living in a quiet Missouri town. At first, the situation appears tragic. Neighbors believe they are helping a sick child and her devoted parent, and the community treats them with sympathy.

The story centers on Dee Dee Blanchard (Patricia Arquette) and her daughter Gypsy Rose (Joey King). Dee Dee claims that Gypsy suffers from numerous illnesses and keeps her dependent on medical treatments and constant supervision. Over time, however, Gypsy begins to question the reality of her condition and the limits placed on her life. As she searches for independence, the tension between them grows more intense. Eventually, that conflict leads to a violent crime that forces investigators to uncover years of manipulation and control hidden behind a carefully maintained public image.

5

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Some disasters remain difficult to comprehend because of their scale, and the nuclear accident at Chernobyl is one of them. The miniseries approaches the event with careful detail and focuses on the chain of decisions and mistakes that allowed the catastrophe to unfold. Instead of rushing through the explosion itself, the show examines the people who were forced to confront the crisis in its earliest and most dangerous moments.

The story begins with the reactor failure at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986. As radiation spreads across the region, Soviet officials struggle to understand the situation and control the damage. Valery Legasov (Jared Harris), a nuclear scientist, joins government official Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgård) to investigate what truly happened inside the reactor. Meanwhile, scientist Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson) works to uncover the technical failures behind the accident. Through their efforts, the series shows how secrecy, denial, and pressure from authority delayed the truth while thousands of people faced the consequences of the disaster.

4

‘The Pacific’ (2010)

Image via HBO

War stories often focus on strategy and victory, yet The Pacific chooses a different direction. The series looks closely at the soldiers themselves and the emotional cost of fighting in the Pacific theater during the Second World War. Each episode moves through brutal island battles where exhaustion, fear, and isolation slowly reshape the men who are sent there.

The story centers on several Marines whose paths cross during the campaign. Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) records his experiences in letters and reflections as the fighting grows harsher. Eugene “Sledge” Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) enters the war with idealism, yet the reality of combat begins to wear down his sense of innocence. John Basilone (Jon Seda) becomes widely recognized for his heroism.

3

‘Generation Kill’ (2008)

Image via HBO

Modern warfare often appears distant when seen through headlines, yet Generation Kill places viewers directly alongside the soldiers experiencing it. The series looks at the early weeks of the Iraq War in 2003 through the perspective of a Marine reconnaissance battalion. The show observes the confusion and unpredictability that shape daily life during a fast-moving military campaign.

The narrative follows a group of Marines traveling across Iraq in armored vehicles as the invasion begins. Sergeant Brad “Iceman” Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård) leads his team while trying to maintain discipline and focus in constantly changing conditions. Lieutenant Nate Fick (Stark Sands) attempts to balance responsibility for his men with orders coming from higher command. Embedded reporter Evan Wright (Lee Tergesen) records what he sees, documenting the long drives, sudden firefights, and quiet moments between them. As the mission continues, the series reveals how uncertainty and exhaustion begin to affect the soldiers as much as the combat itself.

2

‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Some crime stories disturb viewers not only because of what happened, but because of how long it continued without interruption. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story explores the crimes committed by Jeffrey Dahmer and the failures that allowed him to operate for years in Milwaukee. The series keeps its focus on the environment around the case, showing how warning signs were overlooked and how victims’ voices were often ignored.

The story moves through the period when Dahmer (Evan Peters) lived in an apartment building where several neighbors began noticing strange behavior. One of them, Glenda Cleveland (Niecy Nash), repeatedly tries to alert the authorities after hearing disturbing sounds and witnessing troubling incidents. Despite these warnings, the investigation stalls again and again. As the series continues, the truth behind the disappearances becomes impossible to deny. The show traces how the case eventually comes to light and how the justice system confronts the consequences of the years when those warnings were not taken seriously.

1

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Image via HBO

Few war miniseries attempt the same scale and emotional depth as Band of Brothers. The show tells the story of Easy Company, a unit of American paratroopers during the Second World War. From training camps in the United States to the final days of the war in Europe, the series follows the soldiers through some of the conflict’s most difficult battles.

The narrative introduces officers and enlisted men whose experiences gradually intertwine across the campaign. Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) rises into leadership while trying to guide his company through increasingly dangerous missions. Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston) remains at his side, offering support while struggling with the psychological strain of war. As Easy Company moves through the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and the advance into Germany, the series stays close to the men themselves. The focus remains on how long stretches of fear, loyalty, and survival shape the soldiers who endure the fighting together.

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Band of Brothers

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Release Date

2001 – 2001

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Network

HBO

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Directors

David Frankel, David Nutter, Mikael Salomon, Phil Alden Robinson, Richard Loncraine, Tom Hanks

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• 
• 

  Donnie Wahlberg

  C. Carwood Lipton

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Timing is everything, and the timing of “Mormon Wives” star Layla Taylor’s Instagram Story couldn’t be any more intriguing. She recently shared an Instagram Story that might have some fans wondering if she’s trying to leave Utah and possibly even be part of the new reality show spinoff that is set to film in California. 

The speculation follows a slightly cryptic post she shared about possibly house hunting in Los Angeles, coming on the heels of a whirlwind week of “Mormon Wives” news. 

While she hasn’t confirmed any of the speculation, we do have an answer as to why she was visiting the LA area, or at least one reason she was, and it has nothing to do with the show, recent headlines, or the spinoff series. 

Layla Taylor Teases Looking At Houses In California In The Midst Of ‘Mormon Wives’ Chaos

On Wednesday evening, Layla shared a photo to her Instagram Story that might have some wondering if she’s seriously trying to leave the ongoing Utah drama in her rearview.

“May or may not have looked at some houses today,” she wrote, tagging her location as Los Angeles, California. Many fans already know that there’s a “Mormon Wives” spinoff being planned that will film in Orange County, making some wonder if perhaps she will be part of that series.

A source recently told PEOPLE that the spinoff will feature original cast member Jen Affleck alongside nine new castmates. So while it’s not clear if Layla will be part of that show, being in LA might make some hopeful that she will be in some capacity.

But a little online digging shows what Layla was doing while in Los Angeles, and it has nothing to do with reality TV.

Layla Taylor Recently Had Surgery With Viral TikTok Plastic Surgeon In Beverly Hills

Dr. Daniel Barrett, a well-known plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, has quite the following on social media, with more than 2.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.1 million on Instagram.

While Layla hasn’t posted on her social media about her recent surgery, Barrett has.

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“Layla Taylor from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ came to see me for a breast implant revision after feeling like her implants just didn’t fit her body anymore,” Barrett shared in an Instagram post. “When Layla first had them done at a different practice, going bigger made sense for her height. But over time she realized the size felt like too much for her frame and lifestyle. She told me she’d actually been thinking about redoing them almost since the day she got them.”

The Goal Was Not To ‘Go Bigger’

His caption goes on to explain that Layla, a mom of two, found finding clothes that fit her was the “biggest frustration.” He also shared that her goal was not to “go bigger.”

“It was to create something that felt more balanced, proportional, and natural for her body,” the caption continued. “Breast implant revision is more common than people think. Bodies change, lifestyles change, and sometimes what once felt right just doesn’t anymore.”

He concluded his caption by sharing, “Layla also shared something that stuck with me – as moms, you give so much of your body to your kids through pregnancy, nursing, and raising them. Wanting to feel confidence and comfortable in your own body again is completely valid.”

Dr. Barrett’s Instagram Stories Show Layla Taylor Was In LA For A Follow Up Visit

In a series of recently shared Instagram Stories on Dr. Barrett’s page, Layla’s two-week post-op visit is shared with viewers.

“We went down on the implant size. We went from 355 down to 250. We went down on the profile; it was moderate plus profile, we went down to moderate profile,” Barrett shared. “This, at a two-week result, is absolutely phenomenal.”

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Layla shared that she feels “so much better, so confident.” She also said, “I feel so much lighter and my posture is better.”

When asked about the process, Layla told Barrett that he made the process “so easy” and shared that if anyone is thinking about having breast surgery, they should, “just do it.”

“Honestly, I love the results already. I’m obsessed,” she said. “I feel like I feel confidence I haven’t felt in a really long time. I feel like I’m healing really good, too, for only being two weeks post op.”

Layla Taylor Recently Shared Her Struggle With An Eating Disorder And GLP-1 Addiction

During season 4 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Layla opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder, as well as her addition to GLP-1s. Layla admitted that she had been struggling with an eating disorder since high school, and added that she’s been using GLP-1s.

“I know that it’s going too far, and I’m taking it too far, but I can’t stop,” she admitted.

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She revealed that she started to use GLP-1s after being rejected for a modeling job and has been using the weight loss meds for about a year.

“Getting rejected by a modeling agency, like that means there’s something wrong with me that they didn’t choose me,” she said on the show. “So, I feel I’ve been like, the last couple of days, I’ve really been struggling so hard with confidence that I’m like, ‘I weigh too much or my face isn’t symmetrical.”

She also shared that “people don’t talk about how addictive this is and how hard it is to get off.”

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Will Smith is making waves, literally. The Oscar winner proudly marked a major milestone this week, announcing that Luanda, Angola, will officially join the E1 World Electric Boat Championship. The move signals a big step forward for the sport, while also highlighting Will Smith’s growing involvement in the all-electric racing world.

Will Smith Welcomed At Presidential Palace In Luanda

Smith traveled to Luanda, where he was welcomed at the presidential palace and met with Angola’s President Joao Lourenco. The two were seen shaking hands and engaging in conversation as cameras captured the high-profile moment.

Joined by E1 Series President Alejandro Agag, Smith appeared energized as he helped usher in what many see as a significant expansion for the sport in a region already known for competitive sailing.

Tom Brady And Rafael Nadal Join Growing Racing Movement

Smith isn’t alone in backing the future of electric marine racing. Other big names, including Tom Brady and Rafael Nadal, have also invested in teams within the E1 league, helping bring star power to the rapidly growing sport.

Smith himself launched his own team, Team Westbrook, two years ago, and has been actively supporting its rise on the international stage.

Will Smith Pushes Sustainability Through Electric Racing

For Smith, this isn’t just about competition, but it’s about impact. The actor has long advocated for more sustainable practices, particularly when it comes to ocean health. He believes shifting away from traditional combustion engines to electric-powered boats is a critical step forward.

That passion has fueled his commitment to the sport, including celebrating Team Westbrook’s first major victory in Lake Como in 2024.

Smith Addresses Oscars Fallout While Moving Forward

As Smith continues to embrace new ventures, he’s also not shying away from addressing the moment that reshaped his public image. Following the 2022 Oscars incident involving Chris Rock, the actor has largely shifted his focus toward new projects and passions, including his work in electric racing. At the same time, he has used his creative outlets to confront the controversy head-on.

On his album “Based on a True Story,” Smith directly addressed the fallout, opening the track “Int. Barbershop — Day” with the line: “Will Smith is canceled.” The song features a mix of voices reflecting public reactions to the moment, including one asking, “Who the f-ck Will Smith think he is?” while another adds, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh-t he did.”

The track also references the aftermath of the incident with the lyric: “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that sh-t because he’s Black.”

While Smith did not return his Oscar, the Academy banned him from attending its events for 10 years. He also resigned his membership and later issued an apology, saying he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions.

Despite the controversy, Smith has continued to move forward, and recently received recognition from Michael B. Jordan during the Oscars. “I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” Jordan said.

Will Smith Opens Up About ‘Horrific Night’ In Rare Interview

Before tackling the Oscars controversy in his music, Smith first opened up about the moment in a rare, candid interview. Speaking with Trevor Noah, the actor reflected on the incident and the emotions behind it.

“That was a horrific night, as you can imagine,” Smith said. “There’s many nuances and complexities to it, but at the end of the day, I just, I lost it. I guess what I would say, you just never know what somebody’s going through.”

Smith went on to emphasize how personal struggles aren’t always visible, using the audience as an example of how people may be silently dealing with difficult situations.

“I was going through something that night. And not that that justifies my behavior at all,” he said. “You’re asking what did I learn and it’s that we just got to be nice to each other, man. It’s hard. And I guess the thing that was most painful for me is that I took my hard and made it hard for other people.”

Las Vegas does not do soft openings, and Marquee Dayclub’s grand reopening this past weekend at The Cosmopolitan was proof of that. The newly redesigned rooftop pool venue came back for its 2026 season with a stacked guest list — the Cavinder twins, NBA star Jimmy Butler, social media star Kira Shannon, and one of the biggest DJs on the planet all in the same place at the same time. Here’s how it went down.

Marquee Got a Complete Makeover

Before the crowd even arrived, the venue had already made a statement. Marquee brought in the Rockwell Group — the design firm behind some of the most high-profile hospitality spaces in the country — to lead a full redesign ahead of the 2026 season. The new look is desert-inspired, pulling warm terracotta tones, dusty blushes, and soft lilacs from the surrounding Mojave landscape. Custom murals wrap the venue’s curved rotunda walls in sweeping amber and lavender, and the arched portals, rounded daybeds, and scalloped cabana trim details give the whole space a resort-chic feel that photographs from every angle.

The VIP setup was completely reimagined too. In-water daybeds float behind sheer curtains at the edge of private pools, and the Grand Cabanas — semi-enclosed, fan-cooled, with full Strip views and sectional seating — are the kind of upgrade that makes people rebook on the spot. A new stage and DJ booth anchored by a gradient LED canopy and a state-of-the-art sound system means the production value matches the room.

Martin Garrix Opened the Season

For the first set of the season at the newly redesigned booth, Marquee booked Martin Garrix — a three-time holder of the number one spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list — alongside fellow Dutch artist Justin Mylo. It was the kind of booking that signals exactly what kind of season Marquee is planning to run.

The Cavinder Twins Brought the Bachelorette Energy

Haley Cavinder and her twin Hanna were two of the weekend’s most talked-about guests, arriving as part of Haley’s ongoing pre-wedding festivities with fiancé Jake Ferguson, the Dallas Cowboys tight end. The two got engaged in April 2025 and have been celebrating in style — Bahamas first, Vegas second.

At Marquee, Haley wore a pearl-detailed yellow two-piece and Hanna matched her in a zebra-striped bikini with a lace cover-up. Their crew took over a large cabana and spent the afternoon on Casa Dragones, Coors Light, and tableside ranch water cocktails. Ferguson brought his dad, Cowboys quarterback Will Grier and his wife, and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Haley Anderson along for the ride.

Kira Shannon Had the Time of Her Life

Social media star Kira Shannon was also among the guests at Marquee’s grand reopening — and she documented every minute of it. Shannon posted a montage reel from the weekend showing her rocking out in a bikini, digging into one of Marquee’s famed seafood towers, and getting up into the DJ booth alongside Martin Garrix himself. The caption said it all: “Marquee Vegas! what a time. I am humbled for the opportunity to celebrate the @marqueelv Grand reopening weekend with Martin Garrix. Congrats to the entire Marquee team on an amazing remodel, unmatched hospitality, and a fabulous time!”

Between the booth moment with Garrix and the seafood tower, Shannon’s reel captured the kind of grand reopening energy Marquee was clearly going for — and her audience got a front-row look at what the newly redesigned venue has to offer.

Jimmy Butler Closed It Out in Style

And if the rest of the list wasn’t enough, NBA star Jimmy Butler was also spotted at the event — hanging near the DJ booth, feasting on premium food and drinks, and taking in the full Marquee experience while Garrix held things down on the decks.

Between the redesign, the headliner, and a guest list that covered sports, social media, and the NBA, Marquee Dayclub made one thing very clear this weekend — it’s back, and it means business.

Cheryl Hines has responded to Chelsea Handler’s allegations that the Curb Your Enthusiasm alum sold her a “toxic” house.

“She bought this house five years ago and she’s just now complaining about it,” Hines, 60, said on the latest episode of OutKick’s “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast. “She’s buying a $6 million house and talking about how she feels duped and that we tried to sell her a house that was — her word — toxic, which also doesn’t make sense.”

Handler, 51, claimed on the March 5 episode of her “Dear Chelsea” podcast that she previously bought the property that belonged to Hines and her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The comedian added that she still hasn’t been able to move in after contractors discovered issues in the foundation.

“The story doesn’t really hold water,” Hines told podcast host Tomi Lahren. “I did write her a personal note when she moved in, just saying how much we love the house, and I hope that she has a beautiful life in this house. And if you need anything, call me, and I left my number.”

She continued, “So, I don’t know if we were trying to unload a toxic house on her. I wouldn’t have left my number, so I think she’s just trying to get attention and it’s probably fun for her to make fun of Bobby. What are you going to do? She’s trying to get a laugh, I guess, and some likes.”

When Handler initially revealed her real estate saga, she mentioned that she was “totally over” it while “still working through it.”

“I did not know I was buying it from him. It was anonymous [through a trust]. It was all private … [but] I still have not lived in this house. That’s how f***ed up this house was,” Handler quipped at the time. “The idea that this guy is in charge of the health of our country when he didn’t even have a proper foundation at his house?”

According to Handler, building inspectors found multiple foundational issues on the property.

Related: Cheryl Hines Reveals ‘Painful’ Friendship Fallouts Over RFK Jr. Marriage

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Cheryl Hines opened up about losing friends due to her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during an appearance on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. The Curb Your Enthusiasm alum dived deep into the backlash surrounding her spouse, who went from being a mainstream environmental activist to a controversial member of President Donald Trump’s second […]

“When they opened up the house, they were like, ‘This house is the most toxic environment. You cannot live here for at least two years.’ I’m not exaggerating any of this,” Handler claimed. “It was a disaster, and I didn’t know it going in because everything was, you know, under wraps.”

Handler further joked that three separate contractors have told her the “house is cursed.”

“In the last week of inspection, they came in. Everything’s been redone, redone, redone,” she recalled. “They’re like, ‘Oh, there’s a little outdoor storage unit that’s been there since I bought the property, and they’re like, ‘This is illegal.’ … I’m, like, ‘How did they not find this upon the first inspection?’”

By Robert Scucci
| Published 20 seconds ago

NCIS is one of those ride-or-die franchises you’ll have a shaky relationship with for the rest of your life if you started watching at a certain age. I remember sitting with my parents watching the flagship series when it first came out, and over the years I’ve kept tabs on its many spinoffs. Now that NCIS: Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Hawai’i have run their course, and the one-off Tony & Ziva miniseries totally screwed the pooch, we’re back to just the flagship series and its prequel, NCIS: Origins.

Honestly, I’m okay with this. The original series still has its charm despite its many personnel changes, and NCIS: Origins allows for some great retconning and callbacks that are obvious enough for diehard fans, but not so granular that newcomers can’t jump in without doing homework. It’s a perfect show if you’re a fan of the franchise, and the best thing that’s been put out in years.

However, there’s one big problem that NCIS: Origins runs into, and it’s something unavoidable: there’s no suspense. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of thrills in the heat of the moment when the drama gets dialed up. There are also surprisingly strong action sequences for a series that belongs to a franchise that’s basically a procedural soap opera for boomers who just want to tune into their stories week after week.

One Specific Kind Of Suspense Is Missing

On an episode-to-episode basis, there are plenty of reasons to keep tuning into NCIS: Origins. We get to learn about the early days of Special Agent in Charge Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and how he cut his teeth working for NIS before it became the agency and franchise we all know and love. We see how his 91 rules came to be. We get more backstory on Special Agent Mike Franks, the best character in the series (and it’s not even close), and Kyle Schmid is a dead ringer for the older, somehow more cynical Franks from the original series (Muse Watson).

Even better, comic relief comes in the form of Randy Randolf (Caleb Foote), who, if it weren’t for Franks, would be the standout character. We also get the best kind of wise-cracking forensic nerd banter from Woody (Bobby Moynihan) and Philip (Ely Henry). I could go on, but the point is, NCIS: Origins is a beyond solid series, sans one thing.

There’s no real suspense.

Yes, people get hurt, and dangerous leads get chased, but that’s not the kind of suspense I’m talking about.

The kind of suspense the show is missing, which is par for the course when it comes to prequels, is the kind it could never have in the first place. The show stars Austin Stowell as a young and hungry Gibbs, but it’s still narrated by Mark Harmon. More importantly, we know Gibbs rises through the ranks and then has a 20-year tenure on NCIS. In other words, any time Gibbs finds himself in danger in NCIS: Origins, we know without a sliver of doubt that he’s going to be just fine.

The same can be said for Franks, and the rest of the gang to a certain degree. While I’m speculating here, I think we can guess Lala’s (Mariel Molino) fate as well. She’s never mentioned in the flagship series, yet she’s a constant presence in NCIS: Origins, the series that tells Gibbs’ entire backstory leading up to NCIS. I could be grasping at straws, but I have reason to believe something terrible happens to her that’s too painful to bring up later. The series has done an excellent job retconning the original series, so it’s surprising that they’d come up with a character who could have easily been one of the dozens of agents mentioned in the main series but never actually seen on screen or seen in passing. 

In other words, as much as I like her character, I’m not going to get too attached because she’ll probably meet a tragic end at some point.

Fortunately, We Don’t Need This Kind Of Suspense

Thankfully, NCIS: Origins is worth tuning into week after week, not for the suspense, which we’ve established doesn’t exist here for obvious reasons, but because it’s an excellent character study of one of cable’s most iconic, coffee-chugging curmudgeons. We’re currently watching Gibbs’ second marriage, which has yet to fall apart, and I can’t wait to see how that whole thing dissolves, along with his (checks notes) third and fourth marriages.

Lack of pure, adrenaline-pumping thrills aside, showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North know what they’re doing with the lore. NCIS: Origins remains a great watch for old-timers and newcomers alike. But if you’re like me and find yourself asking your wife, “Do you think he’s going to make it?” for the thousandth time in an attempt to be funny (she doesn’t find it funny), you’ll be pleased to know that Gibbs does, in fact, make it out alive, and then goes on to star in another 435 episodes.

NCIS: Origins is streaming on Paramount+

While NBA YoungBoy has been praised for supporting those around him, Yaya Mayweather appears to feel otherwise. Recently, the rapper made headlines for helping cover the funeral expenses of a 10-year-old girl in his hometown of Baton Rouge. Now, country artist Jas Von took to social media to thank YoungBoy for surprising her with what she described as the “best gift” she’s ever received. However, Yaya Mayweather is calling out the rapper for allegedly neglecting their son, Kentrell Jr.

RELATED: Positive Images! NBA YoungBoy Covers Funeral Costs for 10-Year-Old Kimani Thomas After Tragic Shooting

Jas Von Gets Emotional Over NBA YoungBoy’s Surprise Gift

On Thursday, March 26, Jas Von shared a video on her Instagram titled, “NBA YoungBoy sent a gift to my house.” In the clip, the country artist appears visibly confused as a car pulls a trailer into her driveway. While it’s unclear what was inside, many speculate it may have been an animal. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jas Von breaks down in tears, saying, “This is like the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

The full extent of Jas Von and NBA YoungBoy’s friendship remains unclear, though the two collaborated on a track titled ‘Gettin Older’ in September 2025. The music video, which features both artists, has amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube.

Yaya Mayweather Speaks Out Following Gift

However, not everyone celebrated the gesture. Yaya Mayweather took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to criticize the gift, writing:

“Sending a weak a** country singer a gift, but only have bought your son one gift in the five years he’s been living.”

Her comments come amid a series of tweets this week seemingly criticizing NBA YoungBoy for not fully participating in his son’s life. She added:

“IDGAF about nothing y’all talking about. I’m not letting up. If I have to see it online, y’all are going to hear about it online.”

Social Media Reacts

Social media users quickly chimed in on Yaya Mayweather’s reaction online:

Instagram user @_.kammoriaaa wrote, “girlllll like it overly gets to a point now.”

Another Instagram user @theerealkianna wrote, “He is wrong tho idc what yall say about her he dead wrong fr 😭”

While Instagram user @sweetsdadoll wrote, “Girl go heal and move on like Jania dang”

Instagram user @mons_lisa_smile wrote, “She right. Don’t matter if she got money. He got responsibilitie. Don’t let up Yaya 👏🏽”

Another Instagram user @angela.camillee_ wrote, “she must have thought she was gone be different….”

While Instagram user @jasminekhloe wrote, “Why the country singer gotta be insulted? Your issue is with him beloved”

Instagram user @badgal_ty wrote, “you didn’t say nothing when he gifted you that car 😂”

Another Instagram user @keepinup.wkyia wrote, “She was just praising him not too long again tho 😕”

While Instagram user @_kamillahd wrote, “Take him to court SIMPLE”

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Ari Fletcher is no stranger to keeping it all the way real—but this time, she might’ve shared a little more than folks were ready for. During a recent livestream, Ari got to talking about her body and past surgeries, and let’s just say the convo took a turn that had viewers Googling “internal bra.”

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An Internal Bra Surgery Has Ari Saying “Never Again”

Earlier this week, Ari appeared on Jordyn Lucas’ Twitch livestream. During their chat, Fletcher got candid about her past cosmetic procedures—and one in particular had folks shook. She revealed that what she called her “bra procedure” was actually the most painful thing she’s ever experienced. According to Ari, the procedure involves a metal structure being placed inside her chest and drilled into her ribs. “I have a bra inside of my chest… it’s a metal bra. It’s drilled into my ribs,” she explained, leaving viewers stunned.

Ari went on to admit that while the procedure was suggested to her—seemingly by her surgeon—she didn’t fully understand what it entailed before agreeing to it. Afterward, she says she was left dealing with “excruciating pain.” She also shut down long-running assumptions about her body, claiming she’s never had a BBL. Instead, she shared that she’s had liposuction done in areas like her legs. Jordyn even chimed in, joking that Ari be getting procedures she’s never even heard of before.

Folks Shared Shock, Jokes, And “No Thanks” Energy

The clip obtained by Key and Shea Show on Instagram had folks rushing straight to the comment section to share their two cents. Some admitted they had no idea this even existed, while others joked, “TSA definitely hate to see her coming.” And of course, plenty made it clear—this is not a procedure they’d ever want to deal with themselves.

To be clear, no credible sources list metal as a material used in internal bras. Instead, surgical biocompatible meshes are reportedly used for this type of procedure.

One Instagram user @jwoody09 said, “I didn’t even know what was a thing“

This Instagram user @vancity_vixen wrote, “Isn’t the point of implants is so that you have a permanent (ish) lift? This is crazy Lol“

And, Instagram user @jneg82 added, “People get surgery and don’t even know what they had done to themselves 🤦🏼‍♀️ the internal bra procedure uses silicone or mesh.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @leesamharrison shared, “I had to Google this because ain’t no fukn way. You’d never be able to have a MRI LOL“

While Instagram user @robinrfisher commented, “Definitely sending off alarms at the airport.”

Lastly, Instagram user @fanof_comedy said, “I thought she was joking. I was ready to laugh.”

SEE THE FULL STREAM HERE.

Ari Dropped The Surgery Tea Years Ago

Now this isn’t the first time Ari Fletcher has hinted at this kind of procedure. Back in 2020, Ari actually spoke about getting what she described as a “permanent bra” during a breast augmentation revision. At the time, she hopped on Instagram Live while still fresh out of surgery—and clearly in pain—to answer fans’ questions about what she had done.

She explained that she had a revision to bring her breasts closer together, along with a lift, and added, “I got a permanent bra inside my chest, that’s why it hurt so bad.” Even then, she made it clear the recovery was no joke. Looking back, it sounds like she may have been referring to that same internal bra procedure she’s got everybody talking about now.

So, What Is An Internal Bra?

After Ari Fletcher had the timeline in shambles over her “metal bra” comment, folks started doing their Googling. And, the answers are just as intense as it sounded. What Ari is likely referring to is something called an “internal bra.” One version of the procedure is known as the Orbix Breast Support System. An internal bra is a surgical technique where doctors use a mesh-like material inside the body to support the breasts. Think of it as built-in scaffolding that helps hold everything up, shape it, and keep implants in place over time. Again, metal is NOT used in the U.S. for this procedure.

The mesh is typically attached to the chest wall, surrounding tissue, or even ribs to give an extra lift and prevent sagging. But here’s the part that really has people side-eyeing. It’s apparently not officially FDA-approved for use as an “internal bra.” That means it’s reportedly considered an off-label procedure, meaning surgeons allegedly use it in ways that haven’t been fully cleared for that purpose.

According to Music City Plastic Surgery in Tennessee, some versions of the material can dissolve over time as your body replaces it with collagen. Then, there’s the price tag, which can start at $4,000, per Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery. That cost can go up to $14,000 says The Lett Center, a surgery practice and medical spa in Tennessee.

Watch a plastic surgeon explain the cosmetic procedure below. 

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