Fitted dresses had their moment, but thankfully, the fashion world has moved on to options that are just as comfy as they are stylish. The latest dress trend is flowy, delicate and much more flattering than the form-fitting options of the past, and these 13 boutiquey ‘nightgown’ dresses nail the look. Even better, our favorites start at only $4!

Nightgown dresses are defined by their dainty, boutique-like details, lightweight fabrics and loose silhouettes, plus occasional ruffles, florals and other luxe-looking embellishments. Whether you’re searching for a chic dress for errands, baby showers, summer vacations and beyond, these comfy picks have you covered.

13 Nightgown Dresses — From $4

1. Our Favorite: Made with 100% cotton fabric, this floral midi dress is as breathable as it is chic. The ruffle neckline makes it extra special.

2. Cute and Crisp: Channel East Coast vibes in a preppy striped dress. Frilly straps add cutesy flair.

3. Bestseller Alert: Thousands of reviewers rave about this lace-embellished midi dress, specifically the fit, feel and dressy-casual versatility.

4. Miss Polished: When you want to look exceptionally put-together, this flutter-sleeve mini is an easy choice. Add sandals and go!

5. Boutique Vibes: Dreamy and luxe, this $15 tank dress looks straight out of a Hamptons boutique. The tulip print is optional, but it’s a must-have for Us!

Related: Free People Has a Secret Collection on Amazon — Chic Summer Pieces From $12

If you think getting your Free People fix requires trudging to the mall, think again. Amazon is overflowing with the brand’s boho best, including dresses, tops, pants, jeans and everything in between. Better yet, the most stylish pieces start at just $12! These chic wardrobe staples make every outfit look quietly luxe, whether you’re running […]

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6. Gingham Print: Even Kate Middleton is wearing gingham print this summer. Nail the look with this nap-ready number.

7. Like Loungewear: If you live in loungewear, you’ll adore this stretchy maxi that “feels like wearing nothing at all,” per one shopper.

8. Expensive Aesthetic: People will assume you dropped hundreds on Nordstrom’s relaxed-fitting maxi. Lace, pleats and crochet are just a few highlights.

9. Yacht Wife: This easy, laid-back mini dress radiates nautical energy, thanks to the coastal stripes and classic knee length.

10. English Countryside: Elizabeth Bennet, is that you? Decorated with lace and roses, this billowy midi dress is incredibly romantic.

11. Colors Galore: From solid colors to understated prints and bold designs, this stylish dress suits every mood and moment.

12. Detail Person: Flower-shaped buttons, pink roses, a sale tag! This scoop-neck midi should cost triple, but we’re not complaining.

13. Sexy Satin: Dress up this silky mini dress with sandals and a clutch, or down with slippers and a glass of wine. You’ll stun regardless.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

I’m on the record as being a very big fan of Solo: A Star Wars Story. While I still think Lucasfilm made a mistake by firing Lord and Miller (like, can you imagine the Spider-Verse guys directing a movie set in that galaxy far, far away?!), this is a very solid standalone film. Talented actors bring familiar characters like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to vivid life. Additionally, the film introduces a colorful assortment of new characters, including the beautiful Qi’ra and the scheming Dryden Vos. However, none of the newbies are quite as entertaining as L3-37, the droid voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The movie presents her as a kind of love interest for Lando, with dialogue hinting at a sexual relationship between them. As disturbing as it is to ponder the scoundrel having a living (non)Fleshlight, that’s not the most disturbing thing about this character. Towards the end of Solo, this plucky droid is uploaded into the Millennium Falcon’s computer, meaning she is technically part of the entire Original Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy. This retroactively ruins The Empire Strikes Back, making Lando seem like a heartless monster while forcing us to question if L3-37 nearly got our favorite heroes killed.

Bringing A Third Into The Cockpit

The revelation that L3-37 was part of the Millennium Falcon’s computer retroactively makes many events in the Original Trilogy kind of weird, in retrospect. For example, she was technically part of the Battle of Yavin. Remember when Han Solo showed up at the last minute and nearly got Darth Vader killed? If the Sith Lord had actually bitten the dust, L3-37 would have gotten the assist! She was also in the Falcon when Lando Calrissian led the attack against the second Death Star. That means that she and Wedge Antilles are basically the only living things to have fought against both Death Stars, landing them a place in the galaxy’s history books.

While all of that is pretty cool, L3-37’s presence in the Millennium Falcon’s computer arguably makes the events of The Empire Strikes Back much, much weirder. For example, we see Lando make no real effort to check in on his old flame despite knowing she is still in there (before you finish typing the comment: yes, he checks in on her in a short story, but we never see it onscreen, and 99 percent of fans will never read that book). This, combined with his gambling the ship away in the first place, makes him seem like a monster that never really cared about her in the first place. 

The Most Important Droid In The Galaxy?

Additionally, L3-37 being in the Falcon retroactively makes our heroes’ hyperspace issues in the second Star Wars movie problematic. There are some cute moments, of course: when C-3PO gripes about the computer having an “appalling dialect,” we now know that Lando’s old droid was basically cussing him out. That’s funny, but it also implies that L3-37 was effectively hindering repairs to the ship that were necessary to help Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca escape the Empire. Everyone loves a droid with some attitude (just ask Star Wars fans who love Chopper!), but it’s hard to root for L3-37 when she’s clapping back so hard that it nearly gets our heroes killed.

At any rate, this snarky droid gets multiple chances to redeem herself. In addition to helping with the attack on the second Death Star, she was part of the attack on Exegol that freed the galaxy, once and for all, from Emperor Palpatine. In this sense, it’s fair to say that she helped save countless lives throughout the entire galaxy far, far away. Forget all the pilots, Jedi, smugglers, and soldiers that we see onscreen. At the end of the day, the greatest hero in Star Wars just happens to be Lando Calrissian’s former sex toy!

Adam Sandler may have been legally prepared to marry Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, but their wedding guests initially believed his appearance at the altar was part of a comedy routine.

Jonathan Thomas, CEO of American Century Investments, attended the couple’s July 3 ceremony at Madison Square Garden and revealed that approximately 1,000 guests burst out laughing when Sandler made his entrance.

The laughter quickly disappeared as the comedian delivered a surprisingly emotional ceremony that reportedly included jokes, songs, marriage advice, and nearly an hour of personal vows from the bride and groom.

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Thomas recalled the unexpected moment during an appearance on “The Compound and Friends” podcast. “Adam Sandler officiated it,” Thomas told hosts Sean Russo and Downtown Josh Brown. “He came down, everybody laughed and thought it was a joke at first.”

Sandler had reportedly become legally ordained so he could marry Swift and Kelce, whom he befriended while working with the NFL star on “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Once guests realized he was serious, Sandler spoke for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. “He actually spoke for 20 or 30 minutes, vacillated between funny, very sincere, [and] sang a few things,” Thomas explained.

The “50 First Dates” actor also modified a traditional line from the wedding vows to acknowledge the couple’s enormous financial success. “In your typical vows, the officiator says, ‘For rich or for poor,’ and he said, ‘You’re not going to have to worry about that,’” Thomas recalled.

Swift’s net worth has been estimated at approximately $2 billion, while Kelce has accumulated millions through his NFL career, endorsements, media projects, and business investments.

Sandler Offered The Couple Simple Marriage Advice

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Beneath the jokes, Sandler reportedly delivered a straightforward message about maintaining affection throughout the marriage. “Kiss each other every day, in the morning, at night, after dinner, just kiss often,” Thomas recalled the actor telling Swift and Kelce. The advice reflected the balance Sandler brought to the ceremony: enough humor to keep the massive crowd entertained, but enough sincerity to match the significance of the moment.

Sandler has long spoken warmly about both newlyweds. He previously described Kelce as “gentle,” “nice,” and “funny as hell” after casting the Kansas City Chiefs star in “Happy Gilmore 2.” The comedian has also admitted that Swift’s music holds special meaning for his family. His daughters, Sadie and Sunny, are longtime fans, and he once revealed that the singer’s song “The Best Day” made his wife and children emotional.

Travis Kelce’s Vows Left NFL Stars Crying

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Although Sandler’s entrance produced laughter, Kelce’s handwritten vows reportedly had a very different effect on the room. “Travis went first with his vows,” Thomas said. “He probably spoke for 30 minutes, and I don’t want to violate his privacy, but I was crying, which I was trying to hold back.”

Thomas said Kelce made himself “unbelievably vulnerable” as he addressed Swift.

The financial executive initially attempted to hide his emotions before realizing that many of the football players around him were also crying. “I look around, and there’s all these 300-pound men from the football business crying as well, so I felt really comfortable to let go,” he recalled. “It was very, very powerful.”

Swift followed with vows Thomas described as “poetic.” “She also wrote her own vows,” he said. “She probably spoke for 30 minutes, and it was poetic. It was really well done.”

Thomas characterized the overall ceremony as “very solemn, very sincere, very emotional,” despite the laughter caused by Sandler’s arrival.

Madison Square Garden Was Transformed For The Reception

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Following the ceremony, guests entered an elaborate reception space that Thomas said looked nothing like the famous Manhattan arena. “You would never guess you’re in Madison Square Garden the way they did it,” he explained.

Guests reportedly walked through a massive castle structure before reaching an area containing games, expensive giveaways, and a performance stage.

Swift initially sang with Paul McCartney before performing alongside Stevie Nicks. Other musicians reportedly joined the stage as the night continued. “Everyone in the entertainment industry, they just popped up onstage and sang songs,” Thomas recalled.

The dance floor was equally star-studded, with Thomas and his wife finding themselves near McCartney, Brad Pitt, Cindy Crawford, and numerous other high-profile guests.

The Couple Wanted Every Guest Entertained

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Thomas said the newlyweds appeared to design the second half of the celebration around their guests rather than treating the reception as a performance solely focused on themselves. “They went over the top to make sure everybody had a great time,” he said.

The wedding reportedly cost tens of millions of dollars and included luxury gifts for attendees, although the final price has not been publicly confirmed.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, are launching a new business, and they have no fears. In a new interview, the 19-year-old entrepreneurs explained why now was the perfect time to launch their new fashion line and why they were unafraid of their father’s legal woes weighing them down.

While speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the twin girls, whom Diddy had with the late Kim Porter, said they weren’t concerned that their dad’s ongoing legal woes would harm their business ventures. “Not at all,” they said confidently.

But why are D’Lila and Jessie so confident that their new fashion line will succeed despite their father being behind bars after being found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution?

“Because people fail to realize that just because he’s our dad doesn’t mean—like his press is his own press,” D’Lila said. “Our press is our own press. Like people fail to understand that we are also individuals. Like it’s separate. So, I don’t have any fear.”

Diddy’s Daughters Said They Weren’t Letting Any Of The Negative Headlines Stop Them From Pursuing Their Dreams

In October 2025, Diddy’s federal trial concluded with a judge sentencing him to 50 months in federal prison.

His trial took place in the Federal District Court in Manhattan, and while the jury acquitted him of major racketeering and sex trafficking charges, they found him guilty on the lesser counts of transporting people for prostitution.

Although hearing that their dad would be imprisoned for a little over four years was hard, Jessie said that the news surrounding him wasn’t going to stop them from reaching for the stars.

“I just feel like we’ve never like allowed any of that to stop us,” she said. “Like we have to keep going. And it’s honestly just made us push and work harder because you know we we’re not going to stop.”

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Where Do Jessie And D’Lila Stand With Diddy Today Despite His Imprisonment?

And even though Diddy has been tucked away at FCI Fort Dix since last fall, the twins shared that they continue to have a wonderful relationship with him.

“We definitely are very close and he gives the best advice,” Jessie said. “He’s always going to be there and he’s always going to tell us the right answers. He’s literally like never wrong. Like everything that like he has told us about this, it’s been so helpful.”

Jessie also shed a little light on how their dad has been behind bars, stating that he’s been “very focused” on being a good person and being there for his family.

The Rapper’s Children Spoke To The Court

Diddy’s children shared a similar message during a 2025 court hearing, per The Blast. Justin Combs called the “Finna Get Loose” rapper his “superhero” while pleading with the judge to give him a “second chance.”

“I can truly sincerely say he’s changed for the better,” Justin continued. “Your honor, I believe my dad still has so much more to give the world, but even more importantly, so much more to give his children.”

Diddy’s other son, Quincy Combs, echoed his brother’s statement, telling the judge that his dad had learned “a major lesson” throughout his legal woes. He went on to say that the 56-year-old had been “transformed” and would do better moving forward.

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Why Are The Twins Starting Their Fashion Line Now?

According to a previous report from The Blast, Jessie and D’Lila’s streetwear line, 12TWINTY1, is officially available for purchase. The line, which features both men’s and women’s clothing, includes hoodies, tanks, oversized tees, and more.

In their latest interview, the teenagers revealed why now was the right time for them to launch their products after dreaming of this day for “many, many years.”

“Now is the time because we’re becoming adults. So now, yes, actually, now is the time because we’re 19-years-old. We’re not in high school anymore. We’re becoming young women. We’re becoming our own individuals,” D’Lila shared.

Like the relentless Deadites that have been there from its start in 1981, the Evil Dead franchise simply won’t die. The latest installment, Evil Dead Burn, has again revived interest in the franchise, reminding moviegoers to be careful about the books they take out of the library. But despite its “Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes score, the film, like 2013’s Evil Dead and Evil Dead Rise before it, is missing the franchise’s arrogant, quip-heavy, bumbling heart: Bruce Campbell‘s chainsaw-wielding Ash Williams. At least in any sort of meaningful way: a brief after-credits cameo in Evil Dead, a voice-only cameo that may be him in Evil Dead Rise, and appearances in photos that, again, may be him in Evil Dead Burn don’t really cut it. Which is why the TV series that centers around Ash Williams, Ash vs Evil Dead, stands as one of the best entries in the Evil Dead franchise as a whole.

What Is ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ About?

Ash vs Evil Dead picks up thirty years after Ash took out a Deadite with his boomstick at a Michigan S-Mart (“shop smart, shop S-Mart”) in the final scene of Army of Darkness. During that time, he moved from town to town, picking up work at local Value Stops and living out of a mobile home trailer, with only his pet lizard, Eli, there to keep him company, all in an effort to stay ahead of the Deadites. But after reading from the Necronomicon while high, in a vain attempt at seducing a young prostitute, the evil is reawakened yet again. Things come to a head at his latest stop in Jackson, Michigan, when sinister events happening around town jar Ash’s memory about his recent misstep (remember, kids: no reading the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis while on drugs).

Ash prepares to leave town on the down-low, but is stopped by two Value Stop co-workers: Pablo Simon Bolivar (Ray Santiago) and Kelly Maxwell (Dana DeLorenzo), who have figured out that Ash is to blame for the evil being unleashed in the town. They’re reluctant to believe Ash’s account, at first, until a possessed neighbor attacks the three in Ash’s trailer. Ash, in a moment that calls back to Army of Darkness, takes control of his iconic chainsaw once again, stopping the attack and resuming the fight. This time he won’t be alone, as Pablo decides that he’ll fight alongside Ash as his sidekick, referring to Ash as “El Jefe” (“The Boss”).

Kelly, however, is reluctant, but the sudden return of her mother (Mimi Rogers), feared dead after a car accident months prior, raises Ash’s suspicions. Sure enough, despite her mother appearing normal, Ash provokes her into revealing herself as a Deadite, who kills her father (Phil Peleton) with a fork. Still, Kelly’s mother tries to convince her she’s just fine, but a final reveal of her Deadite true-self forces Kelly to accept that she is now, truly, an orphan. After Ash dispatches her, Kelly, now filled with an insatiable rage against the Deadites, joins forces with Pablo and Ash to form the “Ghost Beaters.”

They are soon joined by Ruby Knowby (Lucy Lawless), a mysterious woman who, secretly, is a demon — not just any demon, mind you, but one of the ancient Dark Ones and the author of, yes, the Necronomicon. She reveals herself in the Season 1 finale, breaking bad until the following season, when she must reluctantly join Team Ghost Beaters after losing control of her demon spawn. Revelations, deaths, rebirths, time travel, flashbacks, a fight between Ash and his possessed 1973 Delta 88, and lots and lots of blood — and laughs — permeate Ash vs Evil Dead from the start to its end after three glorious seasons.

Bruce Campbell Shines in ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’

Ash vs Evil Dead brings everything we love about the franchise while expanding on its mythology. The Necronomicon, in particular, is given a deep, troubling history that befits its status within Evil Dead. The aftermath of Evil Dead II is revealed, with the people of Elk Grove, Michigan, refusing to believe Ash’s account of Deadites being responsible for the deaths that occurred in it, accusing him of the murders and giving him the moniker “Ashy Slashy.” There’s the blood, the dark humor, the slapstick, and the practical effects (and some admittedly dodgy CGI, but not enough to derail the thrill of watching it). The supporting cast, too, is perfection: Santiago nails the progression of Pablo from kindhearted and naive sidekick to “Brujo Especial” (a powerful shaman); DeLorenzo brings swagger and sarcasm to her hard-as-nails Kelly; and Ruby might just be the most layered TV demon ever, with Lawless excelling at bringing depth, just as she did with Xena: Warrior Princess.

But make no mistake: Ash vs Evil Dead belongs to Bruce Campbell, full stop. He’s given unprecedented freedom to inhabit the iconic hero, and he makes the best of it, owning the series in a way that only the truly charismatic actors can. His story is fleshed out, giving us a far more in-depth understanding of Ash: his tragic past, the relationship with his estranged father (Lee Majors), and Brandy (Arielle Carver-O’Neill), the long-lost daughter he didn’t know he had. In Army of Darkness especially, Ash is a caricature, an anti-hero with a foul mouth and arrogance in spades. In Ash vs Evil Dead, he’s still a caricature, yes, but one with depth, a careful balancing act that Campbell has perfected with his intimate knowledge of the character.

Ash vs Evil Dead is Bruce Campbell’s last hurrah as Ash Williams, and it sends him out at the top, ready to face the Deadites again in an uncertain future. There is one certainty, however: you, dear reader, sitting your arse down and watching the entire series on Pluto TV for free.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 50 seconds ago

The 70s was an odd time for sci-fi movies. On the one hand, the genre had broken free of the generic 50s mad scientist/monster movies and a new wave of filmmakers was experimenting with stories that pushed the envelope. On the other hand, those wild experiments sometimes got a little weird. Case in point 1975’sA Boy and His Dog, which follows Vic and his telepathic dog Blood wandering a post-apocalyptic wasteland as they search for food, and more importantly, women. Streaming for free on Tubi and Amazon Prime, it’s an unlikely inspiration for both Fallout and Mad Max, while a time capsule of what sci-fi was like before Star Wars changed everything.

A Boy And His Dog And His Libido

A Boy and His Dog stars Don Johnson as Vic, and Tim McIntire as the voice of Blood. The two constantly bicker as any two male best friends do. Blood’s ability to sniff out women is of incredible importance to the horny and lonely Vic, who after saving one girl, Quilla June (Susanne Benton)  from mutants and finally getting laid again, decides to follow her to Downunder, a secret society beneath the surface that’s a near utopia compared to the nuclear blasted wasteland.

Unfortunately, Blood remains on the surface and none of the human characters can match his dry wit. It’s there, in the subterranean version of Topeka, that Vic learns he’ll achieve his dream of copulation thanks to a high “stud rating,” except he’ll be “sent to the farm” after impregnating 35 women. Worse, it’s all done through electrodes, and that more than anything is what spurs Vic to escape Topeka. 

A Faithful Adaptation Of A Sci-Fi Legend

It’s a weird plot, but it’s also a rather faithful adaptation of the novella, A Boy and His Dog by the sci-fi icon Harlan Ellison. The biggest change was a few lines of dialogue that make the film more, according to Ellison, misogynistic than his novel ever was. It wasn’t enough to stop the film from becoming an immediate cult classic. It would never, ever be made today. Johnson’s performance, which makes it pretty clear that Vic can be outsmarted by everyone he comes across, goes so far as to start flipping the script. 

The influence A Boy and His Dog had on Fallout is immediately clear. Vic calls Blood “Dogmeat,” Downunder is essentially a Vault-Tec experiment, and the complete breakdown of society’s old order explains why something as mundane as bottle caps became currency in the games. Who knew a black sci-fi comedy about a horny survivor would influence one of the best post-apocalyptic series of all time?

A Boy and His Dog bombed in theaters, but once it became a cult classic, work started on a  sequel. Instead of Vic, it would follow a female survivor named Spike and of course, Blood, the real hero of the series. Nine years after he brought Vic to life, Don Johnson starred in Miami Vice and changed television forever. If you ever wanted to see Sonny Crockett as a horny scavenger, A Boy and His Dog is your chance. 

A Boy and His Dog is streaming for free on Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, Plex, and YouTube.

Aww, Roomies! Congratulations are in order for actress Paige Hurd and Charlotte Horns basketball player Royce O’Neale as the couple said “I do” during a beautiful wedding ceremony. Folks online loved seeing the couple exchange their vows, but one moment that really melted hearts came when Paige honored her godfather DMX with a special tribute on her big day.

RELATED: Congrats! Actress Paige Hurd & Phoenix Suns Basketball Player Royce O’Neale Are Engaged (PHOTOS) 

Paige Hurd Celebrates Her Wedding Day While Remembering DMX

Fans are grabbing tissues for two reasons — first, because Paige Hurd and Royce O’Neale officially tied the knot, and second, because Paige made sure to honor her godfather DMX on her special day. Videos that DMX’s ex-wife Tashera Simmons shared on social media gave fans a glimpse into the couple’s lavish ceremony, including sweet moments after they said “I do,” Royce’s fire entrance, and Paige walking down the aisle to an instrumental version of DMX’s ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya.’ Tashera shared the moment Paige made her entrance on her Instagram Story and captioned it, “Beautiful way to incorporate her godfather.” 

Fans Get Emotional Over Paige Hurd’s Heartfelt DMX Tribute

Once The Shade Room reposted the videos from Paige and Royce’s wedding, fans agreed that Tashera was right — Paige honored DMX in the perfect way! Meanwhile, other folks couldn’t get enough of Paige’s wedding footage in the comment section, with many reminiscing about Paige’s roles in ‘Beauty Shop,’ ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ and ‘Power Book II: Ghost.’

Instagram user @kitareignllc wrote, “Going down the aisle to DMX… Just perfect.” 

Instagram user @heidibabyy_ wrote, “DMX would’ve definitely walked her down 🥹🫶🏼 blessing.” 

While Instagram user @jaee.cole wrote, “Literally grew up on our screen. She was just on Beauty Shop. We done got old y’all 😩💕” 

Then Instagram user @kyng_slym wrote, “The DMX TRIBUTE ON THE STRINGS 😢 IM NOT CRYING 😩” 

Another Instagram user @cashmase wrote, “Locking it in with the love of your life is the real championship ring. I love this for them. 🙌🏾” 

Instagram user @xoxo__luvtee wrote, “This was beautifully done and DMX’s song incorporated ❤️❤️❤️” 

Then another Instagram user @ginadenell wrote, “😍😍 the dress, the decor, the floral.. everything!!” 

While another Instagram user @cherelle_xoxox wrote, “Playing DMX w/strings while walking down the isle was *chef’s kiss*” 

Finally, Instagram user @magicalandmelanated wrote, “Awww, Dmx would be so proud and happy for her. She looks amazing 😍” 

From Couple To Newlyweds: More About Paige & Royce’s Love Story

Paige and Royce announced their engagement in March 2025 after Royce popped the big question during a romantic Cabo getaway in February of that year. As PEOPLE previously reported, the couple first crossed paths in 2024 before surprising social media in January 2025 when they posted up together in holiday photos. While chatting with PEOPLE, Royce revealed that he always had a crush on Paige and grew up watching her in TV shows and movies.

“She was my lifelong crush. Couple years ago me and my friends were talking, I mentioned to them one day I will meet her, date her and marry her. Of course they thought I was joking, but I was serious — it was just the fact we had to meet each other in person,” Royce said.

RELATED: Oop! Paige Hurd Calls Out Michael Rainey Jr. And Gianni Paolo For Unfollowing Her (VIDEOS) 

Most people around the globe agree that Sherlock Holmes is the greatest fictional detective of all time, with a legacy that has endured for over a century across literature, cinema, games, and countless other forms of art and entertainment. Among the many film and television projects made about Sherlock Holmes over the years, the BBC’s Sherlock is unarguably one of the most beloved. A modern reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s darling detective, the show remains a television landmark of the 21st century. However, the world of detective fiction is exhaustive and forever expanding, with endless new stories that deserve your attention, including some that arguably overshadow this popular icon.

These shows are not necessarily bigger in scale, but they bring a new narrative style to the genre, explore conventions from a new perspective, or feature more complex, mind-bending mysteries that can leave fans in shock, awe, and, in some cases, inspired. With every detective an intriguing character, each of these shows is a must-watch for genre fans. So, without further ado, here’s our selection of detective shows that make Sherlock look small.

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‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

Image via BBC

A psychological crime thriller written and created by Neil Cross, Luther revolves around the titular detective, John Luther, who is famed for taking down notorious criminals but also infamous for getting consumed by his cases, often resulting in violent and obsessive behavior. The series follows his relentless mission to thwart crime while navigating his personal demons, but mostly his arch-nemesis, Alice Morgan. Idris Elba stars as Luther and Ruth Wilson as Alice, with Steven Mackintosh, Saskia Reeves, Warren Brown, and Dermot Crowley in other notable roles.

A highly acclaimed and popular police procedural of its time, Luther brings a darker, graver tone to the genre, with more emphasis on the psychological narrative of its characters. Idris Elba is widely acclaimed for his powerhouse performance as the troubled detective, as is Ruth Wilson for her impeccable turn as Alice. During its original five-season run, Luther earned sweeping accolades and was widely acclaimed for reviving the form of hard-boiled detective noir with morally grey themes and a contemporary setting.

2

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Image via Netflix

Created by Joe Penhall, Netflix’s Mindhunter is based on the non-fiction book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by FBI agent John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. Dramatizing the founding of the agency’s Behavioral Science Unit in the 1970s, the series follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, as well as psychologist Wendy Carr, as they interview imprisoned serial killers and profile them, hoping to use the data to solve ongoing cases. Jonathan Groff, Anna Torv, Holt McCallany, Cotter Smith, and Hannah Gross star in key roles.

Mindhunter puts a deep analytical spin on detective fiction with strong elements of the psychological horror, crime thriller, and murder mystery genres. Through fictional interviews with some of the most notorious killers in American history, like Charles Manson, Jerry Brudos, and Son of Sam, it provides chilling psychological background to their infamous crimes. With its near-perfect storytelling inspired by major real-life crimes and compelling performances that leave a lasting impression, Mindhunter has been widely praised as one of the best true crime shows on Netflix.

3

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

Image via CBS

Created by Robert Doherty, Elementary is a contemporary reimagination of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, but with very different stories and characterizations, transporting the British detective from London to New York City as a recovering addict. Starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Watson, the ABC drama follows the duo as they help the NYPD with complex cases, using Sherlock’s genius deduction methods and Watson’s profiling skills. Aidan Quinn, Natalie Dormer, Rhys Ifans, Jon Michael Hill, and John Noble round out the main cast.

Elementary never feels like a pastiche of a literary icon; rather, it simply takes the classic characters and themes and invents new stories, modern crimes, and character backstories in a high-energy, modern procedural. Even the case-of-the-week stories are not adapted from Doyle’s originals, making this ABC hit series intriguingly original. Sherlock fans are sure to appreciate the reinvented Watson, Mycroft, and Moriarty, but most importantly Lee Miller’s Sherlock, which is considered one of the best portrayals of Holmes on television.

4

‘True Detective’ (2014–Present)

Image via HBO

An anthology crime thriller series created by Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective explores various stories of uncanny crimes and the local police’s attempts to seek truth and deliver justice, while also navigating their personal demons. Each season follows a new homicide case revolving around a disparate set of characters, with the settings spanning Alaska, Arkansas, California, and Louisiana. The show’s revolving ensemble cast features Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Jodie Foster, and more across seasons.

True Detective is diverse in its storytelling, with styles spanning neo-noir to Southern Gothic, true-crime, and Nordic noir, making every season feel like an expansive new show. But all seasons are bound by the underlying philosophical themes, unsettling local legends, and deeply flawed detectives, which makes True Detective way darker, more complex, and layered than Sherlock. Since its premiere over a decade ago, True Detective has remained highly respected and has won major accolades, including several Emmys and a BAFTA.

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‘Poker Face’ (2023–2025)

Image via Peacock

Rian Johnson’s first major TV show as a creator, Poker Face is a crime comedy series that uses a case-of-the-week format, centering on Charlie Cale, a casino employee in Nevada who happens to be a bona fide human lie detector. After getting on the wrong side of her mobster boss, Charlie goes on the run, traveling across the country and solving murders using her unique ability and remarkable social skills. Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie, with Benjamin Bratt, Ron Perlman, Rhea Perlman, Simon Helberg, Patti Harrison, and Steve Buscemi in recurring roles, and several famous guest stars appearing in individual episodes, including Giancarlo Esposito, Katie Holmes, and more.

Unlike most contemporary detective shows or case-of-the-week procedurals, Poker Face is a “howcatchem” that takes inspiration from classic detective series like Columbo and Magnum, P.I. Johnson brings his signature brand of mystery storytelling to this colorful ride with a quirky nomad who entirely changes the perspective of the genre. Driven largely by Natasha Lyonne’s live-wire performance, often compared to Peter Falk’s, Poker Face is a fantastic detective show with mature themes beneath its fun exterior.

6

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

A British sci-fi mystery thriller created by Paul Tomalin, Bodies is a Netflix adaptation of Si Spencer’s DC Vertigo comic book series. The show follows a murder mystery that spans generations, time, and space. The plot follows four different detectives who try to solve the same mystery of a dead body found in a London back alley in four different timelines. The series stars Stephen Graham, Amaka Okafor, Kyle Soller, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Shira Haas, and Greta Scacchi in key roles.

A unique, genre-blending, and mind-bending sci-fi show, Bodies is detective noir, high-concept sci-fi, and period drama, all rolled into one. Highly suspenseful, with unexpected outcomes in every episode, Bodies keeps the audience constantly on the edge, confounded by the story’s movement and engrossed in the convincing performances. Though the show quickly went off the radar after its release, the Netflix original has been critically praised for its elevated narrative and incredible cinematography, and is a must-watch for mystery fans.

7

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

Image via USA Network

A multi-Emmy Award-winning mystery comedy drama series created by Andy Breckman, Monk follows the pursuits of former San Francisco police detective Adrian Monk, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and various phobias, which worsen after his wife’s mysterious death. Gifted (and cursed) with sharp observation skills and odd crime-solving methods, Monk solves various crimes as a consultant for the SFPD while navigating his afflictions, which often become exhausting for everyone around him, especially his assistant. Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Bitty Schram, Jason Gray-Stanford, and Traylor Howard star in the main roles.

Powered by Shalhoub’s phenomenal performance as the so-called “defective detective,” Monk is an inverted Sherlock. Adrian Monk is everything Holmes is, and not at the same time, which makes this detective series one of a kind. Charming and heartwarming, with its odd-ball detective, ample humor, and character-driven stories, the comedy procedural is exceptionally addictive. Often hailed as one of the best crime shows of the 21st century, Monk puts a more accessible, comedic twist on the traditional detective persona.

8

‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ (1989–2013)

Image via ITV

Created by Clive Exton and Brian Eastman, Agatha Christie’s Poirot is a serialized TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s popular crime fiction series featuring the titular detective, Hercule Poirot. Starring David Suchet as the famous Belgian detective, the series follows his meticulous investigations as he travels around the world solving the most complicated crimes, with his friend, Captain Arthur Hastings, and Inspector James Japp of Scotland Yard by his side. Hugh Fraser, Phillip Jackson, Pauline Moran, and Zoë Wanamaker play recurring roles across the show’s 13 seasons, alongside a rotating ensemble guest cast.

A British television landmark, the ITV show successfully and faithfully adapts almost every Poirot novel and short story penned by Christie. Suchet brings life to the persnickety detective with his near-perfect depiction, which is often considered the definitive screen version of the mystery icon. Spanning 13 seasons and 25 years, Agatha Christie’s Poirot is an exhaustive detective show that does every bit of justice to the setting, storytelling, and character design of the Poirot universe as created by Christie.

Procedurals are a staple of broadcast television and have claimed their place in the culture as some of the most-watched shows ever. Every year brings more, and while they might not make much award noise, they remain popular in America and around the world. Recent breakout hits like Tracker and Marshals are proof of this. And while CBS might be the current undisputed king of broadcast television, other networks have not been left behind, especially NBC.

The network has had some of the most popular procedurals ever, including The Rockford Files, Miami Vice, and Law & Order. In fact, the latter is still going on and has become one of the longest-running shows ever, with its spin-off Law & Order: SVU closing in on 30 seasons. Another popular NBC franchise is the Dick Wolf-produced One Chicago, which boasts three shows with over ten seasons each. Comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, this franchise takes viewers on an incredible ride every Wednesday by showcasing the Windy City’s first responders.

One Chicago, like all shows nowadays, is available to stream on NBC’s sister streamer, Peacock, with new episodes added. Additionally, past seasons are licensed to other streaming services, including Netflix and Prime Video. International viewers have been able to watch the shows on these services, with Chicago P.D. being available on Prime Video. A new report reveals that, for the first time ever, Chicago P.D. is coming to Netflix on August 1, but only for international viewers. It has not been revealed which seasons will be added, but if the past is any indicator, Netflix will add early seasons in batches. Consequently, viewers will be able to witness the evolution of the Intelligence Unit from its start in 2014.

‘Chicago P.D.’ Is the Darkest Police Procedural on NBC

The drama is considered the darkest procedural for several reasons. Chief among them is its morally ambiguous main character, Sergeant Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe). The character was first introduced in Chicago Fire as an antagonist who was intimidating Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). When the show was ordered to series, a special unit was created with Voight as its boss. His moral ambiguity has slowly become part of the team. The show is also set in one of the most violent cities in America and constantly deals with crimes against the innocent, such as children, while tackling gang violence head-on. Many of its characters have been through so much trauma; it’s a miracle they are still functioning. The darkness continues in Season 14, coming to NBC this fall.

Stream Chicago P.D. on Peacock in the U.S. or on Netflix internationally when it arrives on August 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

January 8, 2014

Showrunner

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Derek Haas

Directors

Nick Gomez, Eriq La Salle, Carl Seaton, Fred Berner, Vincent Misiano, Bethany Rooney, Rohn Schmidt, Sanford Bookstaver, John Hyams, Nicole Rubio, Terry Miller, Takashi Doscher, Brenna Malloy, Lisa Robinson, Marc Roskin, Charles S. Carroll, David Rodriguez, Holly Dale, John Polson, Lin Oeding, Mykelti Williamson, Paul McCrane, Alik Sakharov, Charlotte Brändström

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Writers

Craig Gore, Tim Walsh, Timothy J. Sexton, Mike Weiss, Mo Masi, Tiller Russell, Eduardo Javier Canto, Jamie Pachino, Mike Batistick, Cole Maliska, John Dove, Tiffany Bratcher, David Hoselton, Maisha Closson, Kim Rome, Katherine Visconti, Daniel Arkin, Todd Robinson, David Rambo, Denitria Harris-Lawrence, Mick Betancourt, Bryan Gracia

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  Marina Squerciati

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 14 seconds ago

One of the most fascinating things about insanely talented writers is that they are typically overly critical of their greatest works. Sometimes, this is because they lack confidence in themselves and worry that everything (no matter how successful) could always be better. Other times, it’s simply because they were writing under a tight deadline and became convinced they could have done better if they only had more time. This actually happened to some of the greatest writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation when they were working on one of the show’s best episodes: “Yesterday’s Enterprise.”

These days, fans look back on this episode as a defining episode of the series, one that demonstrated how much potential TNG really had. At the time, though, the writers (including future Deep Space Nine showrunner Ira Steven Behr and future Battlestar Galactica showrunner Ronald D. Moore) feared that the episode would be a disaster because they had to work over Thanksgiving and turn a completed script in by the end of the weekend. However, the sheer quality of the episode proved one thing once and for all: if there’s anything these guys can do, it’s work well under pressure!

Star Trek Into Darkness (Literally)

Why did the writers for “Yesterday’s Enterprise” have to work on the episode over Thanksgiving? This had everything to do with the episode’s special guest stars, Denise Crosby and Whoopi Goldberg. Crosby’s character had been killed off back in Season 1, so she was busy with other projects during filming for Season 3. Meanwhile, Goldberg was a big-deal movie star who only appeared on Star Trek because she loved the franchise so much. The episode was originally going to be written after Christmas, but to accommodate both actors’ schedules, the writers had to suddenly have a completed script by the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

According to the reference book The Making of Yesterday’s Enterprise, Ira Steven Behr said that the writers (which included himself, Ronald D. Moore, Hans Beimler, and Richard Manning) were understandably grumpy about having to work over a holiday weekend. In order to get the episode done under the deadline, each writer was given a different portion of the script to handle. For example, Moore was the main guy handling the romance between Tasha Yar and the time-displaced Richard Castillo.

Dropping Everything For Some Very Special Guest Stars 

Despite having a game plan, they feared the episode would suck; according to Star Trek: The Next Generation–The Continuing Mission, Eric Stillwell (who developed the story) claimed, “Most of the writers were not very happy with the script. They thought it was going to be horrible, because they don’t like having to write [something] and make it work in three days.” However, these writers embraced a silver lining: they finally got to write the kind of dark, tension-filled episode that various Trek bigwigs (notably, Gene Roddenberry himself) always rejected. Fortunately, their hard work paid off, and “Yesterday’s Enterprise” became the third highest-watched episode of the entire series.

It’s hard to understate the influence of “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” which became a favorite episode of Denise Crosby, Rick Berman, and episode director David Carson. It won an Emmy and was voted the best episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation on six different occasions. And, for better or for worse, Roberto Orci later said this episode was the primary influence of Star Trek (2009), which kickstarted the Kelvinverse. Ironically enough, though, this insanely successful and influential TNG episode was written by four annoyed writers over three days, all of whom thought it would be completely awful and just wanted to eat some leftover turkey!