Entertainment
Howard Stern Staffers Reveal ‘Cultish’ Rules Behind The Scenes
Former staffers are offering a revealing look inside Howard Stern’s SiriusXM operation, claiming employees were expected to follow unusual rules surrounding the famous radio host. One of the most startling allegations involves company parties, where workers were reportedly instructed not to approach Stern or attempt to start a conversation with him. The claims arrive amid significant upheaval at “The Howard Stern Show,” including layoffs, severance disputes and Stern’s newly negotiated schedule allowing him more time away from the microphone.
An insider claimed employees received explicit instructions before attending work-related celebrations. “People were warned before any company parties not to speak to Howard, with the added note that people have actually gotten fired for it,” the source alleged to The U.S. Sun.
The account suggests Stern remained separated from much of his own workforce, even when employees were gathered for an event intended to bring the company together. The report did not provide specific examples of employees who were allegedly fired for speaking to Stern at a party.
Stern and SiriusXM also have not publicly addressed the latest claims in the material provided.
Sources Describe The SiriusXM Workplace As ‘Cultish’
The restrictions reportedly extended beyond employees’ interactions with Stern at social events. Sources characterized the New York City section of SiriusXM occupied by Stern’s team as insular and heavily centered around the broadcaster’s identity. “All of these men [who work for Stern] are so desperate for Howard’s attention, it’s like they all just like want Daddy’s approval so bad,” one insider alleged.
The source claimed some staff members would attempt to attract Stern’s attention through their behavior. “I think that a lot of them like acted out to get that attention,” the insider continued. “You go into that compound, and it’s just pictures of Howard everywhere.”
Even casual greetings among colleagues reportedly reinforced Stern’s influence on the workplace. “And then everyone greets each other like, ‘Hey now, hey now,’” the source said, referring to one of the broadcaster’s best-known catchphrases.
While those details could initially appear to be harmless traditions created around a long-running entertainment program, the insider claimed the overall atmosphere felt different after gaining some distance from it. “And it all seems light and fun, but once you step back, you see it as something else,” the source alleged.
Another Insider Says Employees Wanted To Please The Boss
A second source agreed that Stern’s operation could appear cult-like, particularly to people who were not part of its internal culture. The insider said the environment felt like a cult “especially if you’re on the outside looking in.”
However, the source also suggested that some of the behavior may have developed from a more familiar workplace dynamic: employees attempting to satisfy the person with the greatest authority. “Whenever you’re part of something, and you know someone is in charge of everything, you know you want to please that person,” the second insider alleged.
The accounts remain claims from unnamed sources rather than independently established findings. Nevertheless, they offer new context surrounding a workplace that has recently undergone significant restructuring.
Laid-Off Employees Reportedly Rejected Their Severance Offers
The alleged workplace rules emerged days after reports that several former “Howard Stern Show” employees were negotiating their exits from SiriusXM. The cuts reportedly affected more than a dozen employees connected to the program, including at least five personalities who had appeared on air.
According to a previous U.S. Sun report, multiple workers rejected their initial severance packages. Those offers allegedly provided approximately one week of pay for every year an employee had spent with the show. “Some people are still negotiating their exit packages,” one insider claimed.
Another source said some former employees eventually became more comfortable with their compensation after negotiating with SiriusXM’s human resources department.
Money reportedly was not the only point of disagreement. The packages allegedly included strict nondisclosure agreements limiting what former staff members could reveal publicly after leaving the company. Some employees were reportedly unwilling to accept those conditions immediately.
Insiders Claim Staff Saw Warning Signs Before The Cuts
Although some workers reportedly considered the layoffs unexpected, one source alleged there had been signs that reductions were approaching. “The writing was on the wall,” the insider said. “Staff knew these layoffs were coming.”
The timing has attracted additional attention because the cuts followed Stern’s decision to extend his relationship with SiriusXM. Stern signed a new three-year contract in December 2025, keeping him with the satellite radio company through 2028.
The agreement also provided the broadcaster with a more flexible schedule. “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio,” Stern told listeners when announcing the extension.
SiriusXM’s official announcement similarly confirmed that the renewed deal would allow Stern to continue hosting his show while gaining greater flexibility.
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For years, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s breakup remained one of Hollywood’s most dissected romances, with the fallout turning their private pain into a global spectacle.
So when the former couple reunited at the 2020 SAG Awards, their warm exchange instantly sent fans into a frenzy. However, what happened afterward was far quieter and arguably more meaningful.
Away from cameras, Pitt reportedly began visiting Aniston’s “The Morning Show” set for private lunches, marking an unexpected new chapter in their relationship.
Rather than making their renewed friendship a public spectacle, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston reportedly found a way to spend time together that was remarkably ordinary.
According to a Daily Mail insider, the “F1” actor began turning up at the set of “The Morning Show” during its second season, with the actor being taken directly to Aniston’s trailer.
The meetings were reportedly just between the former couple. Pitt would arrive, have lunch with Aniston, and leave when she needed to return to filming.
“During season 2 of The Morning Show, Brad was coming to set and having lunch with Jen in her trailer. He would arrive and get dropped directly at her trailer for a private lunch just the two of them and then he would leave once filming for Jen resumed,” the source said.
More notably, the visits reportedly became a weekly habit. According to the insider, “Brad would come to set at least once a week. Some crew knew but had no idea who or how many. It was a standing lunch date and he stuck to it.”
Pitt And Aniston’s Friendship Reportedly Started With A Simple Exchange
The reported lunch routine was said to have followed an unexpected development at the 2020 SAG Awards.
When Brad Pitt and Aniston encountered each other backstage, their interaction became one of the night’s biggest talking points.
The former couple smiled, hugged, and briefly held hands, creating an image that quickly spread across the internet.
However, according to an insider, there was something more practical happening behind the scenes: the pair discovered that they no longer had each other’s current phone numbers.
“They both had new numbers, so they swapped and said they’d be in touch. Brad was the first one to text,” the source noted.
By then, both stars had experienced major changes in their personal lives. Pitt had separated from Angelina Jolie, while Aniston’s marriage to Justin Theroux had ended in 2018.
Brad Pitt And Jennifer Aniston Had Long Since Moved Beyond Their Marriage
The reason their reported friendship attracted so much attention was partly because of how heavily their breakup had been covered.
Pitt and Aniston’s relationship began in the late 1990s after they were introduced by their managers. They eventually became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable couples, making their red-carpet debut at the 1999 Emmy Awards before marrying in Malibu in July 2000.
Their wedding was anything but understated, reportedly bringing together about 200 guests and featuring 50,000 flowers, four bands and a 13-minute fireworks display. Aniston also made a playful promise to Pitt during the ceremony, referring to him as her “favorite banana milkshake.”
Their connection extended into their careers. The 62-year-old actor appeared on “Friends,” and the couple became involved in Plan B, the production company they launched in 2002.
In 2004, Aniston was still openly discussing the possibility of starting a family, telling The Guardian, “It’s time. It’s time. You know, I think you can work with a baby, I think you can work pregnant, I think you can do all of it.”
However, that version of their future did not last. The couple announced their separation in January 2005, with Aniston filing for divorce two months later.
Aniston Recalled Brad Pitt’s ‘Friends’ Cameo Years After Their Marriage Ended
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt’s reported private friendship has given their famously complicated history a much quieter dimension, and Aniston’s memories of their time together on “Friends” offered another glimpse of that changed perspective.
While speaking with Lisa Kudrow for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series in June, Aniston laughed when Kudrow brought up Pitt’s memorable Thanksgiving appearance, agreeing that it was “hilarious.”
The conversation then turned to the unusual experience of having major movie stars step onto the “Friends” set, with Aniston naming Pitt alongside Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, Isabella Rossellini and Sean Penn.
She recalled that the famous guest stars were often nervous about fitting into the sitcom’s established rhythm. Kudrow explained that even experienced actors could be unsure of the show’s tone, prompting the pair to joke about how they had learned to tell nervous guest stars to simply speak louder.
Pitt appeared as Will Colbert in the Season 8 episode “The One with the Rumor,” playing Ross’ former high school friend who helped create the “I Hate Rachel” club.
Aniston may have reached a more relaxed place when it comes to Pitt, but her willingness to speak fondly about their shared “Friends” history reportedly created an unexpected problem in her relationship with Jim Curtis.
Weeks after Aniston reminisced with Kudrow about Pitt’s “hilarious” cameo on the sitcom, a source told Closer Online the seemingly harmless remarks became a “surprising source of tension” between the actress and her boyfriend.
According to the insider, Aniston saw her ability to discuss Pitt without bitterness as a sign of “growth” and maturity, while Curtis allegedly felt some relationships were better left in the past.
The report also claimed Curtis denied being jealous, but that did not stop Pitt’s name from becoming an awkward point of discussion.
Radio and TV personality Bobby Bones is ecstatic to have been reunited with his Mirrorball Trophy, the coveted prize he won for winning Season 27 of “Dancing With the Stars.” He made the unusual decision to give it back after feeling hurt by a comment from former host Tom Bergeron. The two have since hashed it out, and after expressing regret over giving up his trophy, he now has it back in his possession.
On August 6, Bobby Bones took to social media to share that he has his Mirrorball Trophy back, captioning the photo, “Look what just came in the mail.” The radio host won the coveted award in 2018 after besting the other contestants in “Dancing With the Stars” Season 27.
Bones’ win is arguably the most controversial in the competition show’s history, as many thought he wasn’t the best dancer. Years later, he also jokingly said he “cheated” to win.
In 2025, Bones mailed back the trophy after getting hurt over something former “DWTS” host Tom Bergeron said during an interview. In late May, he expressed regret about sending it back, and now he has it.
His fans are showing their support, with many pointing out that he earned the right to have the trophy. “I’m glad you got it back. You worked SO HARD for that, you deserve it!!!” one fan commented.
In November 2025, Bones revealed in a TikTok video that he mailed his Mirrorball Trophy back to ABC.
The move came after he saw Bergeron’s interview with Parade, in which he was asked about which elimination surprised him the most. Instead of answering the question, the former “DWTS” host revealed which winner came as a surprise to him: Bobby Bones. “Bobby Bones was the first time I kind of… It was like ouch.”
Bones said it wasn’t so much about the comment as who said it, adding that he liked and admired Bergeron. “I try not to get my feelings hurt, especially about stuff like this, but this was hurtful,” he said.
Bones defended himself, saying that he didn’t even want to be in the show but was asked to do it to promote another project, which he agreed to, and he gave it his full effort. However, after hearing comments, not only from Bergeron, he felt “DWTS” didn’t like him, and he returned the trophy.
Bobby Bones And Tom Bergeron Cleared The Air
In March, Bergeron joined Bones on “The BobbyCast” where they talked about the comments he made.
Bones shared that despite his comment, he still loved Bergeron. The latter then apologized and said he should have phrased what he said better. “The fact that it hurt your feelings and that you sent your trophy back, I felt terrible about that,” Bergeron said.
He explained further, saying that saying “ouch” was more about the “balance between judge and viewer voting,” adding that many other people were surprised as well. By the finale, Bones and his pro partner, Shana Burgess, had the lowest scores in the entire competition, and they never received scores higher than 8 throughout the season.
Since the judges’ scores and fan votes each accounted for 50 percent of the result, Bones ultimately won thanks to the public vote.
The Radio Personality Said He ‘Cheated’
In 2025, Bones admitted to “cheating” his way to victory during his season, but not in a way that broke the competition’s rules.
Instead, he put more time practicing than the four hours he said were allotted. As previously reported by The Blast, after his time with Burgess was over, Bones would rent a studio and continue practicing, as he knew he was “so far behind everybody else” in terms of dancing skills.
Despite describing it as “cheating,” Bones did not break any official “DWTS” rules. The show does not place restrictions on rehearsal time, and celebrities are free to practice independently.
‘Dancing With The Stars’ Returns For Season 35
“Dancing With The Stars” is returning for its 35th season, which will premiere on September 15. As of writing, only four contestants have been named: Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as hosts, and the judging panel will include Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
The remaining contestants, along with their pro dancing partners, will be revealed live on “Good Morning America” on September 2.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is breaking down the costs associated with freezing her eggs after revealing she’s taking control of her reproductive future.
“Cutting straight to the chase, this was one of the things that was most stressful for me, as well, when I was considering doing this — is cost,” the congresswoman, 36, said in a video shared via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, August 9. “My insurance does not cover one penny of this. It is 100 percent out of pocket. It doesn’t go to my deductible — nothing. It covers nothing.”
On Saturday, August 8, the Democrat representing New York City’s 14th congressional district revealed she had made the personal decision to freeze her eggs amid ongoing speculation she may one day be a frontrunner for the Democratic nominee for president.
“I want to share with you all a decision that is very personal that I have made that has taken me time to consider, weigh and save up for,” she said in a video also shared via her Instagram Stories. “And it is of a sensitive matter and a personal matter and usually I keep my private life quite private, but I have made the decision to start freezing my eggs.”
It has been a difficult road to parenthood for many celebrity parents, including Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. After in vitro fertilization didn’t work on the first try, Teigen wondered if she had done something wrong. “You just look for anything to blame, especially yourself,” Teigen explained to New York Magazine’s The Cut in April […]
Ocasio-Cortez went on to break down her personal cost of the procedure, noting that it can vary depending on a variety of factors including the clinic type, where the patient lives, medication needed and insurance costs for those who can obtain coverage.
“So, there are two main sources of costs,” she explained in her Sunday upload. “So you don’t just, like, pay one lump sum to the doctor — you pay for the medicine and then you also pay your clinic and for the procedure. So there’s two costs of it. Some places are very expensive — I am going to a place in New York City that specifically designs options for women who don’t have insurance covering it.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Getty Images
She added, “So the grand total personally, for me, all in, is going to be probably between $8,000 and $9,000.”
Earlier on Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez made an appearance on ABC’s This Week, telling host Jonathan Karl why she decided to go public — and document the experience for her millions of social media followers — about her decision to freeze her eggs.
“I think, um, it’s important for us to normalize these conversations, especially in this political environment,” she said. “This [Donald Trump] administration is denying reproductive care to women across the country, from abortion rights to the ability to carry out a healthy pregnancy. I think it’s important for us as leaders to have these conversations and share these processes, especially for working women across the country, and normalize them.”
Julianne Hough is opening up about an incredibly personal process: she’s freezing her eggs. “I just want to take a moment to say thank you to Dr. Carolyn Alexander and the incredible team at SCRC. Navigating fertility is never simple, especially with endometriosis and my own personal timeline and hopes around having children… but with […]
Currently, the United States is the only industrialized nation that does not mandate paid family leave, per the Pew Research Center. The country also has the worst maternal mortality rate of any developed nation — a rate that has only risen after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, which granted pregnant people the Constitutional right to abortion access. States that have banned or severely restricted access to abortion have higher and rising rates of maternal and infant death, according to various studies.
Intensive investigative reporting from various outlets has indicated that at least 12 pregnant women have died since Roe v Wade was overturned.
Aubrey Plaza gave birth to her first child with partner Chris Abbott, marking a major milestone for the actress. Known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation,” “The White Lotus,” and “Emily the Criminal,” Plaza has generally kept her personal life out of the spotlight. The arrival of her first child adds a new chapter to the actress’ life away from Hollywood.
Aubrey Plaza is stepping into her role as a mother. The 42-year-old actress was spotted in New York cradling her newborn after watching her partner, Chris Abbott, perform in Broadway’s production of “Death of a Salesman.”
Plaza, sporting jeans and a tank top, held her baby to her chest as she exited the venue. It’s the first time she has been seen out in public since giving birth. According to a source, the actress and Abbott welcomed the baby girl in late July, per a report from TMZ.
Since her pregnancy revelation in April, Plaza had been out and about, showing off her growing baby bump. Her last official public appearance while still pregnant was at the 79th Tony Awards held in New York in early June, where she posed at the red carpet alongside Abbott. On June 25, the actress also shared a mirror selfie on Instagram Stories, in which she showed off her belly.
The newborn is the first child for both Plaza and Abbott.
The Actress’ Pregnancy Was A ‘Beautiful Surprise’
As The Blast previously reported, news about Plaza’s pregnancy broke in April, and an insider revealed that the couple was delighted. “It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year; they feel very blessed,” the source said.
In January 2025, Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, died by suicide. It was later revealed that the former couple, who had been together since 2011 and married since 2020, had separated months before his death.
In July that year, several sources claimed Plaza was dating Abbott after they were spotted getting cozy. The actor then became Plaza’s constant companion at public events, though they never confirmed their romantic relationship.
Aubrey Plaza Revealed How She Found Out She Was Pregnant
Plaza first publicly spoke about her pregnancy on the “Smartless” podcast with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes.
“Well, there’s a baby inside of me,” she told the hosts, who sounded baffled by the revelation. “That’s a true story?” Arnett asked, to which Plaza replied, “Yeah, that’s true.” She then told the story about how she found out that she was expecting. The actress took her dog for an ultrasound at the vet, and she decided to get a scan, too. “I got an ultrasound on my stomach, and there is a baby in there,” Plaza said.
The actress, who leans heavily into her “witchy” persona, added that the scan showed her baby “already has a cloak and a little hat.”
The Actress Was Excited To Be A First-Time Mother
Elsewhere during the interview, Plaza was asked if she was excited to be a mom. “I am. Yeah. I’ve always wanted to see what that’s all about, you know? It just seems so interesting, that whole thing,” she answered.
While she didn’t have concrete plans regarding where she and Abbot wanted to raise the baby, Plaza said, “East Coast for sure.”
Before having her baby, Plaza split her time between Los Angeles and New York. In September 2025, however, she placed her Los Feliz home in Los Angeles up for sale and has since permanently relocated to New York.
Aubrey Plaza And Chris Abbott Keep Their Relationship Low-Key
Plaza and Abbott first met while working on the 2020 psychological thriller “Black Bear.” They reunited professionally to star in the theater production “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” in 2023.
The couple has largely kept their relationship away from the public eye since they began dating, rarely discussing their personal lives in interviews or sharing details on social media. The couple has maintained a low-key presence despite both having successful careers in entertainment.
So far, neither Plaza nor Abbott has spoken publicly about their daughter’s birth.
Aubrey Plaza and her boyfriend, Chris Abbott, have reportedly welcomed their first baby together.
In photos obtained by TMZ and published on Sunday, August, 9, the actress was seen holding their newborn while leaving her partner’s final performance in Broadway’s legendary Death of a Salesman on Sunday.
According to the outlet, the pair reportedly welcomed their infant — a baby girl — in late July. Us has reached out to reps for both Plaza and Abbott for comment.
Plaza’s rep previously confirmed to People in April that the Parks and Recreation alum was pregnant and expecting her first child with Abbott, whom she previously starred with in the 2020 film Black Bear and the 2023 Off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.
One day after the pregnancy news broke, Plaza debuted her baby bump while walking her dog in New York City. The following day, she supported Abbott at an afterparty for his Broadway play Death of a Salesman’s opening night.
Many stars grew their families in 2026. Ushering in the year, Becca Kufrin, Justin Theroux, MLB player Freddie Freeman, TikTok star Allison Kuch and NFL star Baker Mayfield all welcomed little ones into their respective families in April, followed by Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden in May. That month also brought new arrivals to Stephen […]
Later in April, Plaza spoke out about her impending arrival for the first time.
“Well, there’s a baby inside of me,” she said during an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast.
Plaza offered a lighthearted update on her pregnancy journey at the time.
“Today was a big day. I went to the doctor’s today, and my dog also went to the doctor’s,” she noted. “Both of us — my dog’s getting a scan right now. I got a scan earlier. I’m not kidding.”
She added, “She had to get an ultrasound on her stomach. And then I got an ultrasound on my stomach, and there is a baby in there.”
Plaza went on to share that she was “excited” about becoming a mom.
“I’ve always wanted to see what that’s all about, you know?” she said. “It just seems so interesting, that whole thing.”
Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott knew each other for years before their relationship turned romantic. Plaza’s rep confirmed to People in April 2026 that the actress is pregnant and expecting her first baby with Abbott. A source told the publication that it was a “beautiful surprise” following the Parks and Recreation alum’s difficult year. Plaza […]
The following month, Plaza’s unborn baby interrupted her with an unexpected kick during an interview.
“The baby just knocked on me,” she shared while speaking with TheWrap in May. “I just got knocked.”
For his part, Abbott publicly reacted to Plaza’s pregnancy during a May appearance on Today With Jenna and Sheinelle.
“Can we say congratulations?” Jenna Bush Hager asked him at the time. “You’re expecting a babe.”
Abbott replied, “I thought for my Tony nom! No, no, I’m kidding.”
Bush Hager then acknowledged that Abbott had “a lot going on,” including his Tony Award nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his portrayal of Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman.
Abbott agreed that there was “too much going on” in his life to keep up.
Aubrey Plaza is gearing up to welcome her first baby. “There’s something inside: it’s a baby,” Plaza quipped on an April 2026 episode of Late Night With Seth Meyers, announcing her pregnancy. “[I] may need you to pull it out. That’s why I came here tonight. It’s either you or [fellow guest] Henry Winkler. Those […]
“We love Aubrey here,” Bush Hager added. “We’re so happy for the both of you.”
Abbott responded, “That’s very nice. Thank you very much. It’s very exciting.”
Prior to her pregnancy, Plaza’s estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died by suicide at age 47 in January 2025. The pair, who tied the knot in 2021, quietly separated prior to his death.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
In August 2025, Plaza opened up about her grief following Baena’s death.
“Overall, I’m here, and I’m functioning, and I feel grateful to be moving through the world,” she said on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast. “I think, like, I’m OK, but it’s a daily struggle, obviously.”
She added, “At all times, there’s, like, a giant ocean of awfulness that’s, like, right there, and I can see it, and sometimes I just wanna dive into it and be in it. And then, sometimes, I just look at it, and sometimes I just try to get away from it.”
Kim Kardashian is flaunting her romance with Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton.
Cuddling up to her boyfriend, 41, in a string of PDA-filled selfies shared via Instagram on Sunday, August 9, Kim, 45, gripped the athlete’s arm and waist in two frames while other photos showed Hamilton with his arms wrapped around her.
Another snap, taken by Hamilton, captured the genetically blessed couple seated in a car as they both gazed softly at the lens.
Kim’s photo dump landed just two days after Hamilton, who is currently enjoying a Formula 1 World Championship summer break, shared his own cozy photos with her via his own Instagram account. In one shot, the pair appeared to be taking a walk in Calabasas, California, which is adjacent to Kim’s residence in the exclusive Hidden Hills.
Kim Kardashian and Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton are showing their romance. The pair were spotted packing on the PDA in Malibu, California, on Monday, April 20, while swimming in the ocean. Kardashian, 45, rolled down her wetsuit to reveal a bikini top while Hamilton, 41, sported a black T-shirt and black shorts. While on […]
Another photo of Hamilton’s showed Kim blowing a kiss at the camera while flashing a peace sign, and another showed her staring down a dog inside somebody’s home.
Kim’s loved ones showed their support for her own loved-up post on Sunday, taking to the comments section with messages of support. Her younger sister Khloe Kardashian, 42, posted seven red heart emojis while La La Anthony, one of Kim’s besties, posted five heart-eyed emojis.
Kylie Jenner, 28, also hit “like” on Kim’s post, as did Hailey Bieber.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Courtesy of Kim Kardashian/Instagram
Us confirmed in February that Kim and Hamilton’s longtime friendship had evolved into something more. After they were spotted enjoying time together during multiple public outings, including Super Bowl LX, an insider told Us that he was also enjoying time with Kim’s children. (Kim shares daughter North, 13, son Saint, 10, daughter Chicago, 8, and son Psalm, 7, with her ex-husband Kanye West.)
“Lewis loves kids, so it’s been fun for him,” the insider told Us at the time. “The kids think Lewis is really cool, especially Chicago and Saint, who are completely fascinated by the fact that he drives race cars for a living.”
Kim Kardashian is soaking up the summer with her boyfriend, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, and her kids. In a Monday, July 13, Instagram post, Kardashian, 45, smiled as she took a sweet selfie with Hamilton, 41, and daughter Chicago. (Kardashian shares daughters North, 13, and Chicago, 8, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, 7, with […]
Hamilton showered his girlfriend with praise himself in July, telling a fan during a press conference ahead of the British Grand Prix that the source of his recent happiness was, in part, thanks to his relationship. “Of course, of course it’s Kim,” he said at the time.
Kim and Hamilton’s friendship went as far back as 2014 when they posed for photos together at the 2014 GQ Men of the Year event. At the time, Kim was married to West, 49, and Hamilton was dating Nicole Scherzinger.
Entertainment
2 Marvel Epics Are Officially Conquering Disney+ Worldwide Before ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Last weekend, the long-awaited Spider-Man: Brand New Day exploded into life on the box office stage, storming to several eye-catching records. Not only did the film earn the biggest opening weekend haul in domestic history, but it also earned the largest preview haul with $72 million, as well as the biggest opening day with just shy of $170 million. It took Tom Holland‘s return as Peter Parker less than a week to break the billion-dollar boundary, doing so in the second-fastest time ever.
Brand New Day isn’t just a box office phenomenon; it is also a massive success with both critics and fans, with many calling it the best MCU movie in many years. In Charlie Ridgley‘s review for Collider, he awarded the movie an 8/10, calling it “the best Spidey adventure in 20 years.” If there is one thing that this instant triumph has taught us, it is that the anticipation for December 18’s Avengers: Doomsday is clearly high, with it being undeniable that the promise of an unmissable round-up of cinema’s biggest franchise later this year has impacted Brand New Day‘s success.
But this isn’t the only way that the anticipation for Doomsday is visible already. At the time of writing, both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame rank in the top ten most-streamed movies on Disney+ worldwide, as millions remind themselves of what came before ahead of December 18. It is the latter that Doomsday will be hoping to match the success of, with Endgame scoring the second-largest box office haul in cinema history ($2.8 billion).
Who Stars in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’?
It might be quicker to name everyone who won’t be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday. Disney and Marvel have put together perhaps the most jaw-dropping cast list for any film this century, with directors Joe and Anthony Russo facing a near impossible task to reward each of them with enough screen time. Among this cast are new additions to the MCU, such as Marvel’s First Family (Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach), who feature alongside classic MCU favorites such as Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Tom Hiddleston, and even a selection of Noughties X-Men favorites in Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, and James Marsden.
Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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December 18, 2026
- Runtime
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165 Minutes
Entertainment
‘House of the Dragon’ Star’s Most Overlooked Role Officially Finds a New Streaming Home
House of the Dragon Season 3 has been must-watch viewing for anyone with an HBO Max subscription these past few months. Returning on June 21, the opener, “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” generated 21.5 million global viewers within its first three days, with the entire season so far averaging over 33 million global viewers per episode, making it the second most-watched individual season in HBO’s illustrious history.
Key to the show’s success has once again been the main cast, which includes the likes of Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, and Olivia Cooke. With the show’s third season coming to a close, fans will be looking for what to watch next. With that in mind, one of Alicent herself, Olivia Cooke’s, best miniseries performances is coming to streaming in the U.S. Back in 2018, Cooke starred in a seven-episode adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray‘s 1848 novel Vanity Fair, which aired on ITV across the pond.
Cooke stars as penniless orphan Becky Sharp in the adaptation, as she fights her way through the societal standards of Regency England after being given the position of governess in Hampshire. The series also stars Tom Bateman, Michael Palin, and a star of another beloved Regency era tale, Bridgerton‘s Claudia Jessie. The show received strong reviews upon arrival, scoring an 89% average rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with much of the credit going to Cooke’s “sparkling” central performance. Starting August 19, you’ll be able to stream 2018’s Vanity Fair on BritBox, the home of many beloved British titles.
‘Game of Thrones’ Is Heading to the Big Screen
Just as House of the Dragon Season 3 comes to an explosive end, fans of the franchise have been rewarded with the news many had long hoped for. It was revealed this week that the franchise is officially heading to the big screen during a 2027 slate presentation. Warner Bros. Discovery officially confirmed that Aegon’s Conquest will be released as a theatrical event movie, “Beyond 2027, the slate will continue to leverage iconic intellectual property, including the theatrical event film Aegon’s Conquest from the Game of Thrones universe, the next installment of The Matrix, the next Batman film, and a live-action Jetsons film starring Jim Carrey,“ the company confirmed.
Starting August 19, you’ll be able to stream 2018’s Vanity Fair on BritBox.
Joe Amabile is back home with his wife, Serena Pitt, after undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumor discovered during a full-body scan. The “Bachelor in Paradise” star was discharged from the hospital days after telling followers that doctors had successfully removed the entire mass. Although Amabile has now reached a major milestone in his recovery, the couple indicated that he still has a lengthy healing process ahead of him.
Serena Pitt Shares First Look At Joe Amabile Back Home
Pitt confirmed her husband’s return home through an Instagram Stories update on Saturday, August 8. “So happy to be back home with Joe,” she wrote alongside a photo of Amabile relaxing on the couch inside their New York City apartment while watching golf. “Lots of rest and recovery ahead of us.”
The image marked a significant change from the hospital photographs the couple had shared only days earlier. Pitt remained by Amabile’s side throughout his hospitalization and surgery.
Amabile offered his own encouraging update from the hospital on Thursday, August 6. “They got it all!” he wrote alongside a collection of post-operative selfies.
Pitt later confirmed that doctors had removed the entire tumor. “The best update: they were able to remove the entire tumor,” she shared. “Joe is recovering really well. We’re feeling so grateful.”
No further information about the tumor’s testing or Amabile’s long-term treatment plan was included in the available updates.
A Full-Body Scan Led To The Unexpected Discovery
Amabile revealed his health crisis in July, explaining that the tumor had been discovered after he underwent a Prenuvo full-body scan. “So a little medical update. I didn’t share my Prenuvo [full body scan] results because they ended up finding a lesion in my brain,” Amabile said in an Instagram video.
The reality star was subsequently sent for additional imaging to provide doctors with a clearer look at the abnormality. “Then, I had to go get a brain MRI, and there was a blueberry-sized lesion in my brain that looks to be a glioma, which is a tumor,” he continued. “I now need to get brain surgery next week to get it removed and get it tested.”
The finding came as a shock to Amabile, who admitted that he had not expected the screening to lead to such a serious procedure. “And then we’re going to go from there. So it’s been a wild couple weeks. I definitely wasn’t expecting this,” he said. “I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this will never happen to me.’ And here I am.”
Amabile said at the time that doctors believed the tumor was in its “really early stages” and were optimistic that they could remove it completely.
‘Grocery Store Joe’ Tried To Stay Positive Before Surgery
In the caption accompanying his initial announcement, Amabile acknowledged the emotional strain caused by the unexpected diagnosis. “This past month has been a lot of ups and downs to say the least. After multiple scans and MRIs, I have what looks to be an early-stage brain tumor,” he wrote.
He also revealed that the operation would take place at Memorial Sloan Kettering. “In two weeks I’ll be undergoing a craniotomy to have it removed, yeah brain surgery, @memorialsloankettering,” Amabile continued. “I’m doing my best to stay positive during this time and am lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends.”
Amabile became known as “Grocery Store Joe” after his first appearance in Bachelor Nation. He later met Pitt during Season 7 of “Bachelor in Paradise,” and their relationship continued after the cameras stopped rolling. The couple married at a New York City courthouse in October 2022 before holding a larger ceremony in South Carolina the following year.
Joe Amabile Explains Why He Chose A Craniotomy
Ahead of the operation, Amabile addressed the risks and reasoning behind his decision on the couple’s “Not Married to This” podcast. According to the former grocery store owner, monitoring the lesion would not have provided a definitive answer about what it was. “It was, we’ll never know what this is by just monitoring it. We will only know by taking it out or biopsying it,” Amabile explained.
He understood that operating on the brain carried serious risks, even though the tumor’s location reportedly made complete removal more feasible. “And from my understanding, they only do biopsies in the brain if removing it is very dangerous,” he said. “But where mine is located, it seems like it’s a less dangerous scale to remove it. I mean, the surgery is very dangerous. [A] craniotomy … is scary. It’s a serious surgery.”
The decision ultimately allowed doctors to remove the entire tumor, according to the postoperative updates shared by Amabile and Pitt.
Bachelor Nation Friend Was ‘Hoping For The Best’
Amabile received support from fellow Bachelor Nation personalities throughout his health ordeal. Before the surgery, Dylan Barbour told Us Weekly that he had recently spent time with Amabile in the Hamptons and remained in regular contact with him.
“I just saw Joe in the Hamptons,” Barbour said, adding that “he’s doing well.” “It’s good to see him. Good to spend time with him. I talk to him weekly,” the 32-year-old continued.
Barbour also described the close friendship that developed between their families after their time in the reality television franchise. “Joe’s the best. We spent summers together at our lake house. We went to the Hamptons. Him and Serena [Pitt] couldn’t be better people,” he said. “I’m hoping for the best.”
Amabile’s return home now begins the next phase of that recovery, with Pitt making it clear that rest will remain the couple’s immediate priority.
Greek mythology is a contender for the most well-known and influential mythology in the world. Originating as oral poems passed down through the ages, they have captured the human imagination for thousands of years thanks to their wide variety of gods, monsters, and heroes, all of whom have a dash of tragedy that makes their struggles feel more human. Even if you’ve never heard one of their myths in its entirety, monsters like the multiheaded Hydra and the one-eyed Cyclops have become staples in the fantasy genre, to say nothing about famous sayings like “flying too close to the sun,” which comes from the tragic tale of Icarus.
Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey has got people thinking about Greek Mythology again. Fortunately, there is a plethora of films based on these ancient tales, and each one offers something new and unique in its retelling.
1
‘Immortals’ (2011)
Having lost faith in the gods after the death of his family, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) rallies his armies and seeks out the Epirus Bow, a magic weapon that can be used to release the Titans and bring about the end of the Olympians. Despite the threat he poses, Zeus (Luke Evans) forbids the gods from directly aiding mortals, wanting them to have free will. However, he does take the form of an old man (Sir John Hurt) to train a demigod warrior named Theseus (Henry Cavill), who comes to despise Hyperion when he attacks his village.
Immortals is pure 2010s action-slop, but if you’re in the mood for cinematic junk food, it’s a lot of fun. Between the slo-mo action sequences inspired by 300, over-the-top gore and violence, and hilariously fake-looking costumes, the film manages to hold one’s attention, if only because you want to see how silly things can get by the end. Still, there are some things that do work, such as the performances by Cavill and Evans, who manage to tap into the complex emotions of their characters.
2
‘Métamorphoses’ (2014)
A young woman named Europe (Amira Akili) decides to skip class one day. She bumps into a charismatic man named Jupiter (Sébastien Hirel), who convinces her to travel with him. What follows is a magical odyssey that sees Europe bear witness to interactions between ancient gods and mortals, all linked by themes of transformation.
Métamorphoses is based on the Metamorphoses by Ovid, and while it was written from a Roman perspective and uses the Roman names for the gods, a majority of the stories within it come from Ancient Greece. This adaptation is a very trippy film, and the longer you watch it, the more it feels like you’ve stepped into a lucid dream. The result is an unsettling, confusing, and magical atmosphere that conveys a sense of having entered a world that may appear like our own, but plays by its own unknowable rules that can lead to harsh punishments if broken.
3
‘Ulysses’ (1954)
Penelope (Silvana Mangano), Queen of Ithaca, finds herself hounded by a mob of suitors who demand that, since her husband Ulysses (Kirk Douglas) never returned home from the Trojan War, she remarry and give Ithaca a king, despite having a grown son, Telemachus (Franco Interlenghi). Unbeknownst to them, Ulysses washes ashore on the island of Phaeacia, suffering from amnesia. He is taken in by King Alcinous (Jacques Dumesnil) and wins the affection of Princess Nausicaa (Rossana Podestà), but just as they are to be married, the memory of the events that led him there comes back.
Ulysses is a condensed telling of the Odyssey that goes for the strange choice of using a mix of Greek and Roman names for the characters. Once you get past that indecisiveness, it’s a pretty good adaptation with impressive sets for the time and strong performances. Douglas is by far the stand-out, as he manages to tap into Ulysses’ signature wit, intelligence, and pride, while mixing in his own natural charisma, resulting in a protagonist who is everything you could hope for in a Greek hero.
4
‘Hercules’ (1997)
When the God of the Underworld, Hades (James Woods), learns that the newly born Hercules (Josh Keaton and Tate Donovan) is the only thing that will prevent him from conquering Olympus, he sends his minions Pain (Bobcat Goldthwait) and Panic (Matt Frewer) to kidnap the baby, turn him mortal, and kill him. However, they are interrupted before he drinks the last drop, meaning that Hercules retains the strength of a god. This causes him to feel ostracized during his adolescence, but, upon speaking to his father, Zeus (Rip Torn), he learns that he can become a god again by becoming a true hero.
Hercules plays very fast and loose with the mythology that inspired it, combining elements from superhero and sports movies, while also spoofing celebrity endorsement deals. It’s a veritable ad lib of a film to be sure, but it’s still entertaining thanks to beautiful Disney animation, catchy songs, a good sense of humor, and likable characters. Hades also ranks as one of Disney’s best villains thanks to his interesting design and Woods’ iconic performance.
5
‘Iphigenia’ (1977)
After Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta (Costas Karras), is abducted by Paris of Troy, his older brother, King Agamemnon of Mycenae (Kostas Kazakos), rallies all of Greece into an army to get her back. Unfortunately, Agamemnon angers the goddess Artemis when his men kill one of her sacred deer, and she denies the Greeks the wind they need to set sail. High Priest Calchas (Dimitris Aronis) consults the Oracle and learns that Artemis will only be sated if Agamemnon offers his eldest daughter, Iphigenia (Tatiana Papamoschou), in sacrifice.
Iphigenia was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and, thanks to being a Greek production, feels all the more authentic as an adaptation. The film is far less action-oriented compared to other Greek epics, instead relying on powerful emotional moments as the characters debate, anguish, and rage against this impossible situation. This results in some fantastic performances from everyone involved, but special note has to go to Kazakos for how he conveys Agamemnon’s broken spirit, and Papamoschou, who was only 13 when the film was made.
6
‘Jason and the Argonauts’ (1963)
Enraged that Pelias (Douglas Wilmer) defiled one of her temples when he killed the daughter of King Aristo during his coup, the goddess Hera (Honor Blackman) spirits away Aristo’s son, Jason (Todd Armstrong), and warns Pelias that a man wearing one sandal will be his downfall. Years later, an adult Jason intends to overthrow Pelias, but also unknowingly saves Pelias from drowning, losing a sandal in the process. Realizing who he is, Pelias encourages the young hero to go on a quest to find the legendary Golden Fleece, hoping he will be killed along the way.
Jason and the Argonauts is a fantastic adventure film that captures the epic nature of Greek mythology. This is thanks in large part to the phenomenal stop-motion animation by the legendary Ray Harryhausen, which not only brings the mythical creatures to life, but makes them move in such a way that feels both a part of the world yet distinctly not of it. No other moment captures this better than the iconic skeleton fight; Harryhausen’s team not only made it seem like the skeletons were there locking swords with Jason and his men, but they also move in more dynamic ways, such as by jumping over obstacles or vaulting over walls.
7
‘Clash of the Titans’ (1981)
Perseus (Harry Hamlin) is the demigod child of Zeus (Laurence Olivier) who grew up on the island of Seriphos until he was teleported off by the goddess Thetis (Dame Maggie Smith) in retribution for Zeus cursing her cruel demigod son, Calibos (Neil McCarthy). Now outside the city of Joppa, Perseus learns that Calibos cursed its princess, Andromeda (Judi Bowker), and helps to break the curse and secure her hand in marriage. However, Thetis announces that Joppa will be destroyed unless Andromeda is sacrificed to a sea monster called the Kraken, forcing Perseus to seek the means of killing it.
Clash of the Titans was the last film to feature Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion creatures, and they rank among his best. The show-stealer this time is the gorgon Medusa, notable for her horrific serpentine design, and for the fantastic atmosphere of dread and anxiety as Perseus and his men must desperately hide from her petrifying gaze. The story between the creatures is satisfactory for what it is, with the star-studded cast giving stellar performances, especially whenever the gods are on the screen.
8
‘Troy’ (2004)
Achilles (Brad Pitt) is the greatest warrior in all of Greece, and he is eager to earn more glory. He gets his chance when Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom) kidnaps Helen (Diane Kruger), wife of the King of Sparta, Meleneus (Brendan Gleeson), prompting his elder brother, King Agamemnon (Brian Cox), to rally all of Greece for the invasion. The war turns out to be far from easy, however, thanks to the size and strength of Troy’s walls, the leadership skills of Paris’ elder brother, Hector (Eric Bana), and Achilles refusing to fight after Agamemnon claims Briseis (Rose Byrne), a Priestess of Apollo captured by Achilles.
Troy is based on The Odyssey’s prequel story, The Iliad, although it plays very hard and loose with the story, such as removing any instance of the gods interfering with the war. It’s another movie where the best way to enjoy it is to focus on the action sequences, which are enthralling thanks to the choreography and the scope of the battles, especially when the armies clash or legendary heroes duel. That said, it does still have its emotional moments, and the star-studded cast all put out worthy performances for such an epic tale.
9
‘The Return’ (2024)
After years away from home, Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of his kingdom, Ithaca. However, he learns that, in his absence, his wife Penelope (Juliette Binoche) is being pressured to remarry by a gathering of impatient suitors, and the life of his son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), is in jeopardy. Rather than immediately retaking his throne, Odysseus poses as a beggar to assess the situation and come up with a plan.
The Return makes the rather bold choice to only adapt the second half of The Odyssey, thus omitting the gods, monsters, and the deadly overseas journey. This allows the story to become more grounded and focus on the characters and their inner turmoil. This is best represented through Odysseus’ struggle with PTSD at being the only one of his men to return home from the Trojan War, though Penelope’s impossible choice and Telemachus’ complex relationship with both of his parents are given their necessary dues as well.
10
‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)
A trio of convicts — Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney), Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro), and Delmar O’Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson) — escape from their chain gang and head off to recover some treasure that Ulysses buried before his arrest. They’re on a time crunch, however, as the area is slated to be flooded and turned into a reservoir. A blind man (Lee Weaver) tells them that they will indeed find their fortune, but not the one they seek, and only after enduring much hardship.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? may be set during the 1930s, but its foundation comes from The Odyssey, and if you know the story, you can quickly see how many of the plot beats match up. The film is a joy from beginning to end, with stellar camaraderie between the three protagonists, a hilarious comedy of errors that all pay off in the end, and even references to real-life figures, like Tommy Johnson (Chris Thomas King), a guitarist who sold his soul to the devil for his talent. Finally, there’s the soundtrack, which is a lovely collection of folk songs that display a wide array of styles and help to elevate the scenes they’re a part of.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
- Release Date
-
September 15, 2000
- Runtime
-
107 minutes
- Director
-
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Writers
-
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Homer
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