After waiting for over a year, viewers finally found out who died in the newest season of Virgin River.

The season 6 finale, which aired in December 2024, showed Jack (Martin Henderson) arriving at Charmaine’s (Lauren Hammersley) home, only to find a startling scene.

When the hit Netflix series returned for season 7 on Thursday, March 12, it was confirmed that Charmaine was kidnapped while Calvin (Josh Blacker) had been killed.

Charmaine was the main suspect since she was nowhere to be found. Brie (Zibby Allen), however, figured out that the mom of two was taken hostage and ultimately connected it back to Charmaine’s boss Grant (Alessandro Juliani).

Related: What Happened to Charmaine on ‘Virgin River’? Cliffhanger Explained

Virgin River is almost back for season 7 after ending on a major cliffhanger for Charmaine. During the season 6 finale, which aired in December 2024, Lauren Hammersley‘s divisive character appeared to go missing when her home was found ransacked. Charmaine and her twin babies were gone, which caused concern among fans about whether they […]

Grant claimed he killed Calvin to protect Charmaine. He was ultimately arrested for murdering Calvin and abducting Charmaine.

“I knew somebody was dead, but I wasn’t sure who exactly it was until I knew what it would lead to,” showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told TV Line on Thursday. “I saw the potential in what the different [options] were, but I wanted to explore all the different choices to see which played best in the totality of the season.”

Smith called Calvin’s death a “convenient” way to end Calvin’s story. He noted that Calvin has “already come back from the dead and wants his children and has murdered people. [The actor was recast in season 6] as well, so it just felt like an opportunity to clean that out.”

Season 7 of Virgin River went through several cast changes. News broke on Thursday that Marco Grazzini won’t be returning as a series regular.

Related: Meet the Season 7 Cast of Netflix’s Hit ‘Virgin River’ After Surprise Exit

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Netflix’s longest-running scripted series Virgin River has gone through some surprising cast changes — so who is expected to appear in season 7? Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel and Jack. The hit series, which premiered in 2019, […]

“Character departures are very common in this business — especially on a long-running and beloved series like Virgin River,” Grazzini, 45, who has been on the show since season 2, told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to play Mike for six seasons.”

Grazzini said he has “nothing but love for the cast, crew and especially the phenomenal fans who make the show so special,” adding, “I’m excited for this new chapter in my career.”

In addition to Grazzini, Lauren Hammersley, who has been playing Charmaine since the show premiered on Netflix in 2019, is also not expected to come back. With the exception of Grazzini, the rest of Virgin River‘s season 7 series regulars are expected to return in season 8.

This isn’t the first time the show has gone through some changes behind the scenes. Grayson Gurnsey left as Ricky after season 4, and Mark Ghanimé, who played Cameron, had a surprising exit once season 6 was released.

Virgin River is currently streaming on Netflix.

Jana Kramer has been an open book about her divorce from ex-husband Mike Caussin — but she wouldn’t have shared everything publicly without his approval.

“Even writing stuff about my ex in my book, it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m obviously writing stories, here are some of them. Would you like to see them?’” Kramer, 42, recalled on the Friday, March 13, episode of her “Whine Down” podcast.

Kramer said that she gave Caussin, 39, a heads-up about what she planned to include in her 2023 book, The Next Chapter: Making Peace with Hard Memories, Finding Hope All Around Me, and Clearing Space for Good Things to Come―Navigating Heartbreak and Loss with Wisdom.

Kramer explained, “I think it’s the respectful thing to do to reach out to people if you’re going to talk about them.”

The One Tree Hill alum joked that she told Caussin at the time that “because our book deal about trust went away,” she was instead going to write about her experience as a divorcee.

Related: Jana Kramer Makes Ex Mike Caussin Read 1 Section of Her New Book

Jana Kramer made sure her ex-husband Mike Caussin read the special shout-out she gave him in her new book, The Next Chapter. “I know that you have not read the book, but there is one part I do want you to read,” Kramer, 39, told Caussin, 36, on the Monday, October 30, episode of her […]

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The now-exes previously collaborated on The Good Fight: Wanting to Leave, Choosing to Stay, and the Powerful Practice for Loving Faithfully and were supposed to work together on a second project about trust when Kramer learned that Caussin allegedly cheated on her . (Caussin has not publicly spoke about the alleged infidelity, but Kramer wrote about it in her book). They split for good in spring 2021.

“I said, what I want you to know first and foremost is that this isn’t an ‘I hate Mike book.’ This is about my year post-divorce,” Kramer remembered on Friday’s podcast.

She told him, “There are things I didn’t speak about to protect you, mostly the kids. Because if there were certain things I put in there he would’ve fought [about it].”

Kramer told her listeners, “I felt like I was tasteful enough with the stories” and Caussin agreed.

Related: Jana Kramer‘s ‘The Next Chapter‘ Book: Biggest Takeaways

Jana Kramer managed to save a few revelations for her second book, The Next Chapter. After initially releasing The Good Fight: Wanting to Leave, Choosing to Stay, and the Powerful Practice for Loving Faithfully with then-husband Mike Caussin, the spouses were given a book deal to write a second installment on trust in 2021. Two […]

“He goes, ‘I trust that you are saying what you’re saying about the stories and that you wouldn’t put in what I would hope you wouldn’t,’” she shared.

Kramer confessed that if the tables were turned, “I would’ve read every single page.”

When asked whether she would have “changed” any parts of the story if Caussin had objected, Kramer admitted that she would but only “pieces” of her book because it was her “truth.”

Kramer noted that when it comes to her split from Caussin, her book and what she discusses on her podcast only focuses on their past together, not what the retired NFL player is doing now.

“Whatever you do now, it’s not on me to talk about. I’m not that person,” Kramer said. “All I’ve ever talked about was past experiences when we were in a marriage.”

Kramer announced in April 2021 that she and Caussin were getting divorced after nearly six years of marriage.

“‘It’s time.’ As I try to make sense of a reality I never wanted to believe could be possible again, those words have now become a reality,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. ”I’ve fought y’all. I’ve loved hard. I’ve forgiven. I’ve put the work in. I’ve given everything I have, and now I have nothing else to give.”

Kramer and Caussin previously separated in 2016 after Us Weekly broke the news that he was unfaithful. Caussin later entered treatment for sex addiction and the pair renewed their vows in 2017.

Related: Jana Kramer and Ex Mike Caussin Share How They’ve Remained Close

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Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin are proud to say they’ve found a way to be cordial exes after a public divorce. “You have to love your kids more than you hate your ex,” Kramer, 40, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, April 15, when asked how she remains close with her ex-husband. “And I […]

The exes, who share daughter Jolie, 10, and son Jace, 7, split for good in 2021 after he allegedly confessed to cheating on her again. (Kramer is now married to Allan Russell, with whom she shares son Roman, 2.)

Kramer has continued to speak about her highs and lows with Caussin as well as their coparenting dynamic on her podcast.

In her book, she claimed that amid their divorce proceedings, Caussin told her, “You know, I never really loved you.”

“He wanted to hurt me, and news flash, it did,” she wrote. “I had taken massive steps away from him and toward a new future in the last few weeks, but hearing those words confirmed the little voice in my head that had been telling me that everything he did and said in our marriage was because he didn’t love me.”

March has already been a great month for Prime Video subscribers, as a brand-new screen adaptation of a classic literary tale has taken the streamer by storm. Able to overcome competition from the likes of Fallout Season 2 and the return of Ben Watkins‘ Cross, Young Sherlock, based on the young adult thriller novel series Young Sherlock Holmes by Andrew Lane, immediately topped the Prime Video streaming charts in the U.S. Boasting the burgeoning acting talent of Hero Fiennes Tiffin and the directing prowess of veteran Guy Ritchie, Young Sherlock is a hit. But for those who have already finished with their binge of the series, what should you watch next? To help you decide, here’s a look at three Prime Video shows you need to binge this weekend.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Prime Video.

1

‘Scarpetta’ (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 5.7/10

The hottest new arrival on Prime Video this week is the perfect place to begin this list of recommendations. Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell’s book series of the same name, follows the brilliant titular forensic pathologist, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, as she travels to various locations solving improbable crimes and puzzling mysteries using her detailed skillset.

Praised for “captivating” performances in Aidan Kelley‘s review for Collider, Scarpetta‘s biggest highlight has to be its star-studded cast. Kidman alone is enough to lead a series, but throw in the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Ariana DeBose, and Simon Baker, and a recipe for a streaming hit is born. Already rivaling Young Sherlock for the Prime Video crown, join the rest of the world in binge-watching Scarpetta.

2

‘A Small Light’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.4/10

At a time when the world seems constantly frightening, this series is the perfect reminder that light pushes through even in the darkest times. A Small Light follows the life of Miep Gies (Bel Powley), a Dutch woman most famous for sheltering Anne Frank (Billie Boulet) during the Holocaust for more than two years.

To take such a powerful true story and turn it into eight phenomenal episodes is no easy task, but to do so with such delicate respect for the real people at its heart is even more remarkable. A Small Light is one of the best historical series of this decade and boasts a terrific selection of performances, led by Powley in a turn that earned her a Critics’ Choice Award nomination.

3

‘Clean Slate’ (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.6/10

For something different this weekend, why not try a series that was cruelly cancelled way before its time? That series is Clean Slate, which follows Desiree Slate (Laverne Cox) as she returns to her hometown in Alabama to reunite with her estranged father, Harry (George Wallace). However, the last time Harry saw Desiree, she was living as a man.

As trans voices continue to be silenced, help this gem of a series let its voice be heard. There has been no official reason given for the show’s cancellation, and it doesn’t take a genius to see why a series like this could face the ax quicker than its contemporaries in a divisive political climate. A smart, funny sitcom with plenty of important stuff to say, don’t let Clean Slate pass you by.

In just a few weeks, this Brendan Fraser-led action-adventure film will be returning to theaters for its 25th anniversary. But in the meantime, fans are revisiting this movie, especially after it was confirmed that he will be returning to the franchise, along with one of his most legendary co-stars. It seems fans are keen to see Fraser make another theatrical comeback, years after the movie’s debut.

Fraser began his acting career in 1990 and has since appeared in many projects, including Journey to the Center of the Earth, Rental Family, and a handful of DC projects, such as Titans and Doom Patrol. During his career resurgence in the 2020s, his performance in The Whale earned widespread recognition, including the Academy Award for “Best Actor” and nominations for “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the BAFTAs and “Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama” at the Golden Globes. But before his career comeback, Fraser was already a recognized actor, and one of his projects is still a fan favorite to this day.

The Mummy and its sequel, The Mummy Returns, had a streaming comeback over the weekend, with The Mummy Returns placing at #2 on HBO Max’s Top Movies worldwide, between Jurassic World Rebirth and Alien, while The Mummy sat at #8, between Hulk and Locke. The Mummy franchise began in 1999 with a remake of the 1932 film of the same name, directed by Stephen Sommers. The trilogy stars Fraser as Rick O’Connell, an adventurer and treasure hunter, who must face a resurrected mummy determined to end the world. Both films found success after their theatrical releases, generating over $400 million each, and The Mummy received an Academy Award nomination for “Best Sound.” At the same time, the sequel earned four Saturn Award nominations, including “Best Fantasy Film.”

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Is Brendan Fraser Returning To ‘The Mummy’ Franchise?

Ever since the release of the third installment of The Mummy franchise, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Universal Pictures attempted to create a cinematic universe called the “Dark Universe,” with The Mummy leading the charge, starring Tom Cruise, but it was poorly received by fans and critics alike, and Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is set to enter theaters next month.

Recently, there was speculation that Fraser would return to The Mummy franchise, 17 years after the last film. And in 2025, those reports came true, as the actor will be reuniting with Rachel Weisz, who played the love interest, Evelyn Carnahan. According to the directors of The Mummy 4, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, they’ve reassured that Fraser and Weisz’s appearances aren’t “nostalgia bait” and that they want to be respectful of the previous films. However, it was reported that The Mummy 4 will not take into account the events of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. While plot details for this movie are still under wraps, it was reported that production prep is scheduled to start in May and shooting is expected to begin in August.

The Mummy is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. Meanwhile, The Mummy 4 is scheduled to come out in 2028. Follow Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

April 16, 1999

Runtime

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124 minutes

Producers

James Jacks, Sean Daniel

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Sometimes the drama doesn’t stay on TV—it hits close to home. Reality star Jenelle Evans is facing a frightening situation off-screen as her 16-year-old son, Jace, has been placed in a mental health facility. The placement follows a serious incident involving his grandmother, Barbara Evans. Jenelle and her mother became household names after appearing on hit shows like ‘16 and Pregnant’ and ‘Teen Mom 2,’ where grandma often stepped in—even when unwanted—to care for Jace. 

RELATED: ‘Teen Mom 2’ Alum Jenelle Evans Shuts Down Speculation Amid Alleged Child Abuse Claims Concerning Son Jace

What Happened Between Jace And His Grandmother?

According to reports, the incident occurred on February 22 at Barbara Evans’ home in North Carolina. Authorities responded to what they described as a “troubled teen disturbance” after Barbara reportedly called 911. Sources tell TMZ that Jace allegedly pulled a gun on his grandmother, put it to his own head, and threatened both Barbara and himself. There were also concerns about possible substance use in the lead-up to the incident, with claims that Jace had been drinking and using drugs.

For context, Jace has been in his grandmother’s care since birth, when she took custody of him. Custody was returned to Janelle 13 years later, in 2023, per PEOPLE. It’s unclear why he remained with Barbara Evans after the legal change.

How Jenelle Is Handling The Situation

A spokesperson for Jenelle told Entertainment Weekly that the reality star is “still trying to find him the best [facility] to meet his needs.” Jenelle currently lives in Las Vegas and is a full-time mom to her other children: 11-year-old Kaiser with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith, and 9-year-old Ensley with ex-husband David Eason. Jace, her oldest, was conceived with her high school boyfriend Andrew Lewis.

Jace’s Next Steps Revealed

Jace is now receiving professional care at a mental health facility, though it’s unclear how long he will remain in treatment. Those close to the family say the focus is on his health and stability rather than public commentary. Furthermore, law enforcement confirmed the response to Barbara’s 911 call, but details remain limited. Both Jenelle and Barbara have not publicly commented on the situation beyond statements through representatives.

RELATED: Time Flies! ‘Teen Mom 2’ Alum Jenelle Evans Celebrates Son Jace Turning 14

Maya Hawke is in the honeymoon phase of her relationship with husband Christian Lee Hutson one month after they tied the knot.

Hawke, 27, called married life “absolutely fantastic” while attending the world premiere of her new movie Wishful Thinking on Thursday, March 12.

“I’m a very, very lucky person who’s very happy right now,” Hawke told People at the SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas. “And yeah, [I] couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Stranger Things alum couldn’t stop gushing about her romance with Hutson, 35, at the event.

Related: Maya Hawke Marries Christian Lee Hutson in Surprise Valentine’s Day Wedding

Stranger Things star Maya Hawke is married after saying “I do” to Christian Lee Hutson on Valentine’s Day. Hawke, 27, and Hutson, 35, exchanged vows on Saturday, February 14, in New York City, according to photos obtained by People. The bride looked elegant in a white ballgown with a matching cropped jacket, while Hutson sported […]

“I feel so lucky to have found my best friend and to have someone I can tell anything to,” Hawke told Page Six on Thursday of her spouse, who is a singer-songwriter. “It makes something like getting married feel like, ‘Oh, of course,’ you know, not like, ‘What?’ And I’m very, very, very lucky, so I’m really happy.”

She added that she’s “ecstatically happy” following her wedding. “I mean … love is the best,” Hawke revealed.

Hawke and Hutson surprised fans by exchanging vows on Valentine’s Day, February 14, in New York City.

Related: Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke Show Off Their Mother-Daughter Style at NYC Gala

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Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke looked refined and aligned at the Room to Grow 25th anniversary gala in New York City.  The mother-daughter duo graced the Wednesday, October 25, blue carpet in coordinated all-black ensembles. Thurman, 53, opted for a timeless black dress that featured a subtle but sexy thigh-high slit. She teamed the garment […]

According to photos from the nuptials obtained by multiple outlets, Hawke wore an elegant white ballgown with a matching cropped jacket. Hutson wore a classic black tuxedo to say, “I do.”

The bride’s famous parents, exes Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, were on hand to celebrate their special day. (Thurman, 55, welcomed Maya with Ethan, 55, in July 1998. The exes, who split in 2005, also share son Levon, 24. Ethan is also father to daughters Clementine, 17, and India, 14, whom he shares with wife Ryan Shawhughes Hawke.)

Maya’s Stranger Things costars were also represented on the guest list, with Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery all showing up to toast the happy couple.

Maya and Hutson’s wedding day was unexpected as the pair never publicly announced their engagement.

The newlyweds dated for roughly three years before they walked down the aisle. They were first romantically linked in 2023.

Maya opened up about finding love with Hutson in 2024 during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show.

Related: See the ‘Stranger Things’ Cast From Season 1 to Now

Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo and the rest of the Stranger Things cast have evolved tremendously since the show began in 2016. The once relatively unknown actors burst into the Hollywood industry full speed ahead after the drama’s massive success. “I don’t think Netflix thought it was going to be as huge as it became, […]

“I cannot recommend highly enough dating your friends. It’s the best,” she gushed. “They know you, and as a human being who has dated other people. They really know you as a person who has feelings … not just a piece of paper for them to project their image of [the] perfect girlfriend onto. It’s the best to feel seen in that way.”

That same year, Hutson peeled back the curtain on his and Maya’s working relationship after recording several songs together.

“I just have so much fun writing with her, similar to Phoebe [Bridgers],” Hutson told Extra in November 2024. “I think she really understands how my brain works and is very good at helping flesh out the little world. It’s fun to be bouncing these characters around with her, and it’s just unbelievable.”

Netflix has yet to confirm the return of Selling Sunset for season 10, but the cast has already hinted who will — and won’t — return.

Season 9, which premiered in October 2025, left the future of the show unclear, with many of the central friendships fractured. Emma Hernan was no longer close to Chrishell Stause — or Chelsea Lazkani — due to her relationship with then-boyfriend Blake Davis.

Chrishell, meanwhile, was only on good terms with Chelsea, who was also keeping her distance from the rest of the cast. Chelsea was specifically at odds with Mary Bonnet and Bre Tiesi after individual feuds addressed on screen.

The cast member with the most drama became Nicole Young after Jason and Brett Oppenheim fired her following a controversial group dinner. Most of the show’s stars refused to film with Nicole, which led to further complications.

Related: What the ‘Selling Sunset’ Cast Has Said About Returning — Or Quitting

Netflix Selling Sunset getting renewed for season 9 feels inevitable, but will the whole group be back? The reality series, which debuted in 2019, became an overnight success for Netflix as viewers were introduced to employees at high-end Los Angeles real estate brokerage the Oppenheim Group. Selling Sunset always has fans talking — whether it […]

By the time the group sat down for the reunion, the division was worse than ever. Several cast members later teased that they were unsure about coming back for more episodes while former stars like Christine Quinn hinted at a possible return.

Scroll down to see which stars are — and are not — planning to return for a season 10:

Jason Oppenheim

It wouldn’t be Selling Sunset without the brothers who put the Oppenheim in the Oppenheim Group, so Jason Oppenheim is expected to be back.

Brett Oppenheim

The same goes for Brett Oppenheim, since Jason needs someone to argue with about the hedge in front of their office.

Christine Quinn

Christine Quinn exited Selling Sunset after season 5, which aired in 2022. Christine teased the possibility of her return to the reality show in February 2026. Us exclusively revealed in March 2026, “Christine is coming back” for season 10 after nearly four years off the show.

An insider told Us at the time that filming was already “supposed to start” but it had been “delayed because they are waiting for [Christine] to finish negotiations.”

Mary Bonnet

“Absolutely [I will come back]. I think so,” Mary Bonnet said during a red carpet interview at the 2025 National Television Awards. “As long as everyone’s on the same page on the direction that we want the show to go in. I’ll always be back.”

Chrishell Stause

When asked about returning for another season of the hit reality series, Chrishell Stause appeared to hint she was weighing her options.

“The reunion was so brutal. In that moment, I realized I will be done here going forward. I wish everyone the best, but this isn’t the place for me. It felt a little bit like a dog pile,” she told Variety in October 2025. “I don’t know when they will start filming. I hope they never tell me.”

She confirmed her exit one month later. “I’ve gotten to a place where I don’t need the show financially. I’m lucky to have other forms of employment, because it’s no longer good for my mental health,” she told Bustle.

Us confirmed in March 2026 that Chrishell is “not coming back” after previously talking about her need to take a step back.

Heather Rae El Moussa

“If I was to ever go back, it would be with Selling Sunset [and not Selling the OC] — just because that was my group,” Heather Rae El Moussa told Us in July 2025 before her season 9 cameo. “We were all an office and friends before Selling Sunset was even a show.”

She continued: “I have a rapport with them, I have loyalty with them and I have a lot of history with them. So if I want to go back, it would be Selling Sunset and not Selling the OC.”

Us exclusively confirmed in March 2026 that Heather is returning for season 10 of the Netflix series after leaving during season 7 in 2023.

Amanza Smith

Despite shifting back to interior design instead of selling real estate, Amanza Smith will likely return in season 10.

Emma Hernan

During an exclusive interview with Us in November 2025, Emma Hernan remained unsure about her future with the show.

“It’s one of those things where we’ll see when the call comes. But I’m really happy with my life right now, and it’s been really peaceful. It was just such a refreshing feeling to be done with the reunion, because that was so emotionally draining,” she explained. “I’ve been just really enjoying my time on the East Coast. A lot of time with my family, a lot of time with Blake, and I can’t picture at this moment filming again. I’m really happy with where things are at, and we’ll see what happens.”

Emma hinted at a possible departure on the “Untraditionally Lala” podcast, saying, “I was basically done [after] season 8 and I came back to tell my side of the story. I mean, I’m kind of … I’m tapped [out].”

Emma said she didn’t want to make an official statement. “I’ll never say never. I don’t like when people say they’re not going to join the show and then they do. I’ve heard that so many times where people are like, ‘I’m never coming back.’ And they’re back every season,” she added. “A lot of people have done and said that — I’m not naming names.”

She continued: “I’ve actually never said it but I’m at a point where I’m really happy with my life. I love my family. I’ve been trying to spend more time with them. I enjoy being home with the family and I’ve been on the East Coast a lot this year, which has been really nice for me.”

Chelsea Lazkani

While attending the 2025 National Television Awards, Chelsea Lazkani said she was “undecided” about coming back for more seasons. Us exclusively confirmed in March 2026 that, like Chrishell Stause and Nicole Young, Chelsea is not coming back for another season.

Nicole Young

Season 9 showed Nicole Young getting fired from the Oppenheim Group, which she later claimed was just for show.

“I still work at the Oppenheim Group. Getting ‘fired’ was just a dramatic story line,” she wrote via Instagram in October 2025. “I wasn’t privy to [it] until I saw the episode where the cast was told I was let go.”

Nicole then hinted she could return in season 10, telling Netflix’s Tudum, “My new priority will be Nashville, but it definitely won’t be goodbye to L.A. real estate.”

A source exclusively told Us in March 2026 that Nicole would not be returning to the reality show for the new season.

Bre Tiesi

Bre Tiesi will likely return in season 10 but hasn’t confirmed or denied anything yet.

Alanna Gold

After joining the show one season prior, Alanna Gold was largely missing from most scenes in season 9. It remains unclear whether she will come back for more episodes.

Sandra Vergara

Sofía Vergara‘s sister Sandra Vergara hinted to Us that she wanted a chance to share more of her side of the story after joining season 9 later on.

“I came in midseason. So, I just wish I was introduced before,” she told Us in October 2025. “I don’t come from that world and I am a big personality, but these people had a lot of history with one another. You have to navigate [a lot]. At first, I didn’t want to watch the show because I wanted to make my own impressions. But then I’m like, ‘F*** it. I’m going to watch the show.’”

She continued: “I watched it and I understand why certain people have anger toward certain people. To me, it’s all very unnecessary. It is little things, and how is that a reason for an ongoing feud? Don’t make a thing more than what it actually is.”

The early 1950s were a fascinating period in film history, a moment when Hollywood spectacle, international artistry, and daring storytelling intersected in new ways. In particular, the movies of 1951 capture a world in transition, reflecting postwar anxieties, romantic idealism, technological curiosity, and evolving cinematic language.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from noirish psychological thrillers and sweeping romances to groundbreaking sci-fi and dazzling musicals. The best went on to be deeply influential. Their combination of artistry and emotional power has ensured their place in movie history.

10

‘Ace in the Hole’ (1951)

Image via Paramount Pictures

“I don’t go to church. Kneeling bags my nylons.” Ace in the Hole is a satirical drama from Billy Wilder with strong hints of film noir. It features Kirk Douglas as a cynical journalist who stumbles upon a man trapped in a cave (Richard Benedict) and manipulates the situation into a media spectacle to revive his career. This setup becomes the springboard for a study of the darker sides of ambition and public fascination. These themes continue to ring true today, perhaps even more than they did in the ’50s.

Much of the movie’s success comes courtesy of Douglas’ fierce performance. Here, he’s charismatic, ruthless, and deeply flawed, making the character both fascinating and repellent. He’s handed a tight, smart script that maintains its momentum and serves up more than a few great lines. All in all, while Ace in the Hole was not popular in its own time, it remains a sharp critique of media sensationalism.

9

‘The River’ (1951)

Image via United Artists

“The river flows and we must follow.” Directed by French legend Jean Renoir, The River tells the story of a British family living along the Ganges in India, seen through the eyes of a young girl (Patricia Walters) coming of age amid cultural encounters, personal loss, and quiet discoveries. Rather than being a conventional narrative, the movie consists of a series of reflections on childhood, change, and the passage of time. The storytelling is gentle and observational, touching on universal experiences of growing up. As a result, despite being rooted in a very specific moment, The River feels timeless.

In addition, the movie stands out with its extraordinary sense of atmosphere and place. Renoir richly captures the rhythms of life along the river, showing festivals, daily routines, and the changing seasons. The lush Technicolor photography brings the landscape to life, making the natural environment feel almost like another character in the story.

8

‘The Lavender Hill Mob’ (1951)

Image via Universal Pictures

“I’m not a criminal. I’m an entrepreneur.” The Lavender Hill Mob is one of the defining comedies from British production company Ealing Studios. It follows a mild-mannered bank clerk (Alec Guinness) who devises an elaborate plan to steal gold bullion and smuggle it abroad by melting it into souvenir statues. But as the scheme unfolds, unforeseen complications naturally arise, leading to a series of comedic misadventures that test the conspirators’ ingenuity. A big part of the fun comes from watching the characters’ carefully laid plans unravel spectacularly.

The movie continues to hold up today because the pacing is brisk and the script is clever. The plot moves quickly from set piece to set, buoyed by a constant stream of witty dialogue. Plus, the film benefits enormously from Guinness’ performance. Instead of portraying the mastermind as a typical criminal, he plays him as timid, polite, and almost painfully ordinary. This contrast drives much of the humor.

7

‘The African Queen’ (1951)

Image via United Artists

“Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above.” The African Queen is one of the major works by director John Huston. The story pairs a rough riverboat captain (Humphrey Bogart) with a prim missionary (Katherine Hepburn) as they journey through treacherous waters during World War I. Their unlikely partnership evolves into mutual respect and affection over the course of their daring mission. While that premise might not sound like anything special, the film succeeds due to the sheer megawatt star power and the chemistry between the leads.

The characters begin as complete opposites: Charlie is scruffy, cynical, and fond of drinking, while Rose is disciplined, determined, and morally upright. Watching these two personalities clash, cooperate, and gradually grow closer is endlessly entertaining. The character development is very satisfying. Not to mention, the plot is filled to the brim with adventure, with danger dogging the protagonists at every turn.

6

‘An American in Paris’ (1951)

Image via Loew’s Inc.

“Why can’t you behave?” This is one of the great musicals, a colorful extravaganza boasting some of the decade’s most enjoyable music and dance routines. The story focuses on an expat painter (Gene Kelly) pursuing both artistic success and romantic fulfillment in postwar Paris. There, he falls in love with a young French woman, Lise (Leslie Caron). Kelly is great in the part, turning in a physical and incredibly expressive performance that’s heightened yet still feels emotionally real.

Acting aside, An American in Paris simply wows with its choreography (also handled by Kelly). The most famous sequences are the provocative chair dance and the extended ballet finale, which lasts nearly seventeen minutes. In this ambitious dream sequence, the sets and costumes are designed to resemble famous styles of French painting, including Impressionism and other artistic movements. The result is a breathtaking fusion of dance, music, and visual art.

5

‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ (1951)

Image via 20th Century Studios

“Klaatu barada nikto.” The Day the Earth Stood Still begins with the arrival of an alien visitor, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), and his imposing robot Gort, who land in Washington, D.C., bearing a warning for humanity. Klaatu seeks to communicate a message about the dangers of violence and the need for global cooperation in the atomic age, but governments react with fear and suspicion. At the time, this premise bucked sci-fi convention, presenting the extra-terrestrial not as a fearsome invader but a moral messenger.

The imagery is striking and went on to be influential, helping to define the look of sci-fi. Sure, these visual effects are very dated now, but the themes are still relevant, speaking to Cold War anxieties yet offering a broader commentary on fear, responsibility, and the possibility of change. Klaatu’s warning serves as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked militarism and paranoia, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Despite that bleakness, the movie is fundamentally hopeful.

4

‘A Place in the Sun’ (1951)

Image via Paramount Pictures

“I love you… I love you… I love you.” Montgomery Clift leads this one as George Eastman, a young man who rises from poverty and becomes entangled in a romantic triangle between a wealthy socialite (Elizabeth Taylor) and a factory worker (Shelley Winters) who becomes pregnant. He struggles with ambition and desire, and his choices eventually lead to devastating consequences that test his character. The story that follows is emotionally intense and deeply tragic.

This might have been a little overwhemingly grim were it not for the stellar performances. Clift plays George as sensitive and conflicted, a man torn between love, ambition, and desperation. Meanwhile, Taylor is typically memorable in her part, bringing elegance and idealism. Their dynamic crackles with romantic energy. Director George Stevens knows how to shoot his stars, using evocative lighting, close-ups, and carefully composed frames to heighten the emotional tension, winning the Best Director Oscar for his efforts.

3

‘Strangers on a Train’ (1951)

Image via Warner Bros.

“Crisscross.” Here, Alfred Hitchcock adapts Patricia Highsmith‘s novel into a terrific psychological thriller, built on the sturdy foundation of a screenplay co-written by Raymond Chandler. Strangers on a Train centers on two men (Farley Granger and Robert Walker) who meet by chance and discuss the idea of exchanging murders to avoid detection. When one of them takes the conversation seriously, the other becomes trapped in a psychological nightmare as he struggles to escape the consequences of a pact he never intended to honor.

Hitchcock’s directorial brilliance is on display the whole way through. Here, he uses visual storytelling, clever editing, and carefully staged sequences to build white-knuckle suspense. Scenes such as the chaotic carousel climax and the famous tennis match, where Bruno’s still gaze contrasts with the crowd’s moving heads, demonstrate his mastery of cinematic tension. While it opened to mixed reviews, Strangers on a Train is now ranked among the Master of Suspense’s very best films.

2

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1951)

Image via Warner Bros.

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Directed by Elia Kazan, A Streetcar Named Desire brings Tennessee Williams’ play to the screen, following Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) as she arrives in New Orleans to stay with her sister Stella (Kim Hunter) and Stella’s husband Stanley (Marlon Brando). Their apartment sooms becomes a pressure cooker of tension and desire, as Blanche’s fragile illusions collide with Stanley’s harsh realism.

The result is one of the great ensemble dramas, with practically everybody turning in a phenomenal performance. Indeed, Leigh, Hunter, and Karl Malden would all win Oscars for their work. That said, the most impactful performance belongs to Brando. With this role, he brought a new style of naturalistic acting to the screen, combining physical intensity with emotional unpredictability. His energy is truly explosive, making it hard to look away. It’s one of the very best performances of the 1950s.

1

‘Alice in Wonderland’ (1951)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

“We’re all mad here.” Alice in Wonderland is one of those animated classics so good that it feels less like a regular movie and more like a modern myth or shared dream. Vividly bringing Lewis Carroll‘s vision to the screen, this iconic tale follows a curious young girl (Kathryn Beaumont) who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a whimsical world filled with eccentric characters, talking animals, and surreal adventures. The most memorable figures include the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, characters now recognized the world over.

The visual design is amazing the whole way through. The animators fully embrace the surreal nature of Wonderland, filling the film with shifting perspectives, strange landscapes, and exaggerated characters. The colorful animation gives the film a dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the playful nonsense of Carroll’s writing. In this regard, Alice in Wonderland was a forerunner to the psychedelic aesthetic that would become popular a decade later.

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Alice in Wonderland

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Release Date

July 26, 1951

Runtime

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75 Minutes

Director

Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

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Writers

Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Bill Peet, Erdman Penner, Joe Rinaldi, Milt Banta, Bill Cottrell, Dick Kelsey, Joe Grant, Dick Huemer, Del Connell, Tom Oreb, John Walbridge

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