Entertainment
Jake Reiner Weds Fiancee 8 Months After Deaths of Parents
Jake Reiner has reportedly wed his fiancée, Maria Gilfillan, eight months after the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
The private ceremony was held earlier this month, TMZ and People reported on Monday, August 31. No other details about the wedding were immediately available.
Jake, 35, previously offered a glimpse into his relationship with Gilfillan via Instagram last October when they attended another couple’s wedding in Las Vegas.
“The first ever wedding in Vegas was a success. Congrats to the Slacks,” he wrote at the time.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home on December 14, 2025, after being stabbed to death. Their son Nick Reiner was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial. A spokesperson for the family released a […]
News of the couple’s nuptials follows a week after Jake opened up in detail about the aftermath of his parents’ murders for the first time in an interview with Los Angeles’ KABC-TV.
“It’s been eight months. It feels like eight years at the same time, and it also feels like eight minutes,” Jake told KABC-TV’s Mark Cota-Robles in an interview that aired on Thursday, August 27. “Every moment that I wake up, I’m reminded of my reality.”
Rob and Michele — who shared children Jake, Nick and Romy — were found dead inside their Brentwood, California, home on December 14, 2025. Within hours of their deaths, Nick, 32, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder. (Nick has pleaded not guilty.)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman recently described Rob and Michele’s deaths as a “profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted” by the couple.
“The indictment unsealed today also adds a special circumstance allegation that the defendant committed the murders by means of lying in wait,” Hochman, 62, said on August 12. “We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case it will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice.”
In the wake of their parents’ deaths, Jake and sister Romy, 28, released a statement addressing “the unimaginable pain [they were] experiencing every moment of the day.”
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience,” the siblings told TMZ on December 17. “They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
Their statement continued, “We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”
Rob Reiner and wife Michele Reiner’s children Jake and Romy Reiner testified before the grand jury in brother Nick Reiner’s murder case. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to People on Wednesday, August 19, that Jake, 35, and Romy, 28, went before the grand jury that indicted Nick, 32, on murder charges. (Rob […]
Jake told KABC-TV earlier this month that he was still struggling to come to terms with the loss of “half” of his family.
“I mean [Nick is] in jail so, you know it’s — it’s like I physically lost my parents and then Nick was arrested and it’s like, now it’s just me and Romy,” he explained.
He later confirmed that he has not spoken to his brother, Nick, since the murders took place.
“For me, [grief] manifests into anger, it manifests into rage, into how unfair this was, how I didn’t get a say in what happened,” he acknowledged. “I didn’t get to stop it from happening. I had no choice in the matter, and I just have to accept the reality of it. And to me, that’s one of the most infuriating parts of all of this.”
Nick will be back in court on September 15 to hash out details for a preliminary hearing.
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In summer 2021, one of the year’s most acclaimed crime thrillers was released, starring an ensemble cast led by Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro. It is often considered a suitable successor to Ben Affleck’s The Town, as both films depict crime missions that begin simply but escalate into much larger and more perilous situations than the criminals anticipate. However, unlike The Town, which emphasizes emotional depth, this film focuses more on conspiracy and maintains a sense of uncertainty, keeping viewers guessing.
Directed by Oscar-winning Steven Soderbergh, No Sudden Move is a crime masterpiece that deserves more than one watch. Written by Ed Solomon, the film follows small-time criminals hired to steal what they believe is a simple document. When their plan fails badly, their quest to find out who hired them and their true goal takes them through various levels of the racially divided, fast-changing city. Set in Detroit in 1954, No Sudden Move combines a classic noir-style heist with corporate conspiracy, using the city’s evolving social and industrial setting as a key element of the story.
‘No Sudden Move’ Is One of HBO Max’s Best Crime Thrillers
Five years after its original release, No Sudden Move is enjoying a resurgence on HBO Max, consistently ranking among the Top 10 U.S. films for over a week. Currently, it holds the sixth spot, nestled between Mortal Kombat II and Tim Curry’s It. This resurgence is noteworthy, especially considering it received high praise from critics upon its premiere, particularly for Soderbergh’s direction and unique visual style, as well as the performances of its ensemble cast.
Similar to The Town, No Sudden Move holds a Certified Fresh 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting, “While it may not be on par with his best crime capers, No Sudden Move finds Soderbergh on entertainingly familiar ground and making the most of an excellent cast.” In addition to Cheadle and Del Toro, the ensemble cast includes Matt Damon, David Harbour, Jon Hamm (who also stars in The Town), Amy Seimetz, Brendan Fraser, Kieran Culkin, Noah Jupe, Craig Grant, Julia Fox, Frankie Shaw, Ray Liotta, and Bill Duke.
No Sudden Move streams on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for future entertainment updates.
- Release Date
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July 1, 2021
- Runtime
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115 minutes
- Director
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Steven Soderbergh
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber’s appearance at a star-studded Santa Barbara wedding took an unexpected turn when an animated exchange between the couple caught attention.
The pair were celebrating alongside other high-profile guests when Hailey appeared to speak emphatically to Justin before the two walked away in opposite directions.
The moment prompted questions about whether tension had surfaced between the spouses, although an expert who examined their body language offered a more measured interpretation of what viewers actually saw.
Justin Bieber and his wife attended the wedding of Finneas O’Connell and Claudia Sulewski in Santa Barbara on Saturday, joining the celebrity guests gathered for the celebration.
The “Baby” singer later shared cozy snaps from the event on Instagram, but another moment between the couple presented a noticeably different picture.
During the festivities, Justin and Hailey were seen talking animatedly beneath the Southern California sun.
Hailey appeared particularly expressive, using dramatic hand gestures while speaking before walking away from her husband.
Justin also headed in another direction, leaving the pair temporarily separated after the exchange.
The scene was enough to attract attention, particularly because of the way Hailey looked back toward Justin as he walked away.
Justin And Hailey’s Body Language Gets A Closer Look
Speaking about the incident, body-language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that the moment “gives the impression of tension or drama here.”
James also examined Justin Bieber’s posture during the interaction, saying his “gently hunched posture and the way his arms hang slightly in front of his torso makes him look less motivated and less positive here.”
Despite the appearance of tension, she stopped short of suggesting that the singer and model were actually fighting.
Her analysis pointed to an important detail in Hailey’s gestures, revealing that although she was waving her arms and pointing while speaking, those movements were not directed at Justin.
“Hailey has been waving her arms and pointing, although not at him so no signal of conflict,” James told the outlet.
Justin Bieber And Hailey’s Lake Photos Spark Marriage Buzz
The animated moment between Justin and Hailey has drawn attention for the wrong reasons, but just days earlier, the couple had offered a much more affectionate glimpse of their relationship.
On August 25, Justin took to Instagram to share a series of intimate photographs from a summer lake getaway.
The carousel showed the spouses enjoying time together outdoors, including a particularly affectionate image of Hailey embracing Justin in the water.
Hailey was wearing a camouflage bikini, while her husband posed with his arms around her and a cigar in his mouth.
The post was accompanied by a single red heart emoji, keeping Justin’s caption notably simple.
Other photographs from the trip showed the duo spending time with friends while boating, fishing and golfing.
More From The Blast
Justin And Hailey Show United Front After Tension
The more recent public images of Justin Bieber and Hailey have continued to show them appearing comfortable together, giving their marriage a noticeably different public picture from the periods when reports of tension dominated coverage.
Before the lake getaway, the lovebirds were photographed together at a Los Angeles Dodgers game on August 16, where they sat in front-row seats and appeared to enjoy the afternoon together.
Justin later shared his own photographs from the outing, including a selfie showing him and Hailey kissing.
The carousel also included images from their seats behind home plate, as well as a rare glimpse of their son, Jack Blues. Justin captioned the post with three heart emojis.
The Dodgers outing followed other recent public appearances showing the couple spending time together. They were also photographed enjoying a sushi date night earlier in August, while their summer has included time together away from Los Angeles.
Justin Bieber And Hailey Celebrate Son Jack’s Second Birthday
The affectionate picture Justin shared from Dodger Stadium was followed just days later by another glimpse into the couple’s family life.
On August 22, the Grammy winner and Hailey celebrated their son Jack Blues’s second birthday, with Hailey sharing a series of family photographs that offered a more personal look at their life away from the spotlight.
The Instagram post included photographs of herself with her son, moments with Justin, and snapshots taken during their travels and time outdoors. She captioned the carousel, “Our sweet baby is 2. Happy birthday Jack Blues.”
The couple continued to protect Jack’s privacy, keeping his face obscured in the photographs.
That approach has remained consistent since his birth in August 2024, even as Justin and Hailey have increasingly shared glimpses of their life as parents.
More than a month after exiting the villa, the season 8 stars of Love Island USA sat down for a reunion full of sex confessions, relationship updates and surprising feuds.
The reunion was hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen which reunited “this season’s winners, fan-favorite couples, and this year’s bombshells for an up close and personal look back at their experience in the Villa,” according to a press release.
Bryce Alakai, Trinity Tatum, Aniya Harvey, Carl Schmidt, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou were front and center alongside Dylan Wrona, Kenzie Annis, KC Chandler, Tierra Davis, Corbin Mims and Parmida Keshani.
Elsewhere in the show, Caleb McDaniel, Jaiden Bacciocco, Amora Robinson, Sydney Eugene, Ronnie Gunter, Gal Tshnieder, Jen Terry, Chay Nehra, Gabriel Vasconcelos, Sol Dean, Beatriz Hatz and Sean Reifel discussed their time in Fiji as well.
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits since the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Love Island USA originally premiered in the U.K. in 2002 before it expanded with various spinoffs, including Love Island USA on Peacock. The series follows a different group of singles every season who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa.
The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and stand a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize.
Keep scrolling for the biggest reunion revelations:
Relationship Statuses
During the reunion, Kayda and Zach confirmed they are “dating” and consider themselves exclusive. The duo clarified, however, that they don’t refer to each other as girlfriend and boyfriend since they haven’t had the chance to spend too much time together outside of the villa.
Melanie and Sincere were on the same page about dating without labels. She admitted to Andy that she was still working on trusting Sincere.
Bryce and Trinity — and Aniya and Carl — are also still together after coupling up on the show. Later in the reunion, Kenzie said she has already told Dylan that she loves him.
Corbin and Parmida shocked their fellow Islanders when they revealed they were no longer together. Another surprising couple update was Sydney Eugene and Ronnie Gunter revealing that they explored their connection.
Sex Confessions
When online comments about how Carl “can’t handle” Aniya in the bedroom were brought up, she replied, “I fear he can.” Carl, for his part, stumbled over his words while hinting that a “gentleman” never tells.
Jen, meanwhile, told the audience she didn’t have sex with Gabe — despite the show hinting at it. Caleb and Jaiden both agreed that they had a “good” time when they had sex post-villa but it fell apart when they weren’t on the same page about what they wanted.
Surprising Love Triangle
Jaiden made a surprising claim about how she thought Jen helped Caleb break up with her. Jen and Caleb clarified they were best friends.
The Aftermath of the Villa
KC said he hasn’t been on social media due to death threats and racial slurs being sent his way due to him choosing Titi over Aniya.
There was another tense moment when Sol attempted to address her issues with her fellow Islanders. It led to multiple back and forth arguments with the others — with Sol still on the outs with some cast members.
Kenzie and Melanie’s Falling Out
After Kenzie was caught complaining about Melanie’s increased screen time, the duo addressed their issues. There was a brief argument before both Kenzie and Melanie clarified that they were still interested in reconciling.
Bryce and Zach’s Close Friendship
The pair stood by the bond they developed while in Fiji together. Zach, however, said it was difficult seeing the homophobic response from some viewers and the claims his platonic affection was one-sided.
Unseen Footage
In addition to more footage from the post-Casa recoupling, the reunion also showed more from Gabe’s elimination, Sol and Melanie’s conversation and more.
Summer is drawing to a close, and once more, the seasonal shift is occurring. Soon, the long summer days will be replaced by a colder autumn chill. Pumpkin-spiced lattes and sweaters will be back in fashion, and the summer fun will have to wait until next year. But summer’s not over yet. There’s still time to get one last hit of the season before fall comes along.
Palm Springs is the answer. The sci-fi romcom is the perfect movie to end the summer with, serving as a great transition between the two seasons. The sunny California setting and wild side quests capture the energy of summer while bringing up the topic of change. Full of time loop adventures, dangerous car chases, and a surprising emotional undertone, Palm Springs is a riotous good time. Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, Palm Springs is a chaotically enjoyable mix of time travel and romance that feels unlike anything else in its subgenre.
‘Palm Springs’ Turns Time Travel into an Existential Romcom
Sarah (Cristin Milioti) wakes up on November 9th on the day of her sister’s wedding, depressed and unfulfilled. She’s disconnected from her family, struggling with borderline alcoholism, and holding onto a terrible secret. That evening at the reception, she meets Nyles (Andy Samberg), a wedding crasher without care. The two sneak off into the desert but when Nyles is attacked by a strange hunter (J.K. Simmons), Sarah follows Nyles into a cave. When Sara wakes up the next morning, she realizes it’s still November 9th — and she is stuck in a time loop with Nyles. Nyles reveals that he’s been trapped in the time loop for a long time, and no matter what he does, there’s no way to break the cycle.
The film behaves as many time loop stories do, with a sequence of the trapped characters engaging in consequence-free adventures, only to wake up on the same day time and time again. In a fashion reminiscent of Groundhog Day, the two characters test the limits of their situation and take advantage of the endless cycle. Sarah and Nyles spend the movie breaking into empty homes, getting into wild fights at bars, and growing closer to each other. Nyles, having been alone in the time loop, is overjoyed to have someone to share it with, but Sarah quickly grows nihilistic about her situation. What’s the point of living if each day is the same? How can Sarah find purpose when she’s trapped reliving the same day over and over again? When secrets are unearthed, Sarah and Nyles realize they can’t exist in the time loop forever, even if it means risking everything to escape.
Stuck in Time? ‘Palm Springs’ Shows You Might Need to Make a Change
Stories with time loops play with the concept of time in a way that makes audiences reconsider it. What would it truly be like to relive the same day countless times, unable to break free from the cycle? Often, the characters stuck in time recount how they’ve lived their lives thus far. Phil (Bill Murray) in Groundhog Day realized he spent too much time being close-minded and unfeeling, deciding to make a new effort in his life. Russian Doll saw Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) coming to terms with her troubled childhood and her complicated relationship with her mother. Time loops allow characters to reflect on their habits and encourage them to make changes they otherwise might not have initiated.
What these time loop stories demonstrate is the importance of change. The passage of time cannot be stopped, and in many ways, that is a good thing. Palm Springs focuses on the characters’ fear of change and growth. Nyles is afraid to move on while Sarah doesn’t want to face up to her actions. They are stuck in a literal time loop but also in their harmful mindsets that holds them back from evolving. It’s only when Sarah and Nyles decide to make a change in themselves that they find hope to escape the loop.
The end of summer is a transitional period for many people. For some, autumn is welcomed, while others have a harder time letting go of the sunnier months. Change can be hard, especially when the status-quo feels comfortable and familiar. Palm Springs encapsulates the complicated feelings about change in such a smart way. At first glance, the film seems like a ‘feel good’ summer flick, but there is a deeper message waiting to be addressed. The film’s conversations on time, change, and stepping outside comfortable habits make it a fun and thought-provoking movie that fits right in with the end of summer. Paired with Cristin Milioti’s stellar performance and Andy Samberg’s comedic flair, Palm Springs will have viewers laughing and leave them pondering what change means to them.
- Release Date
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July 10, 2020
- Runtime
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90 minutes
- Director
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Max Barbakow
- Writers
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Andy Siara
Jessi Draper is firmly in her girlfriend era, seemingly confirming her relationship status with Marciano Brunette courtesy of some PDA-filled pics.
“Do these photos make me look like a girlfriend?” Jessi, 34, playfully asked via Instagram on Monday, August 31, alongside photos of the pair enjoying a recent European vacation. One pic featured Marciano, 33, andThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star laying on top of each other in what appears to be a plaza in Italy.
Jessi also shared pictures of her kissing Marciano in front of a Valentino store, the pair laughing together in an undisclosed location and the seemingly confirmed couple cuddling up at a table while enjoying a meal.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jessi Draper has Us doing a double take with her latest photo shoot. Jessi, 33, teamed up with Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano Brunette for a steamy new shoot that photographer Rachel Cook shared via Instagram on Thursday, April 9. Jessi infamously admitted to having an emotional affair with Marciano, 32, […]
In one photo, Marciano carried Jessi, while in another he was seen hugging her during what appeared to be a photo shoot.
The couple ended their upload with three professional pictures, all of which were steamy and showed off their undeniable chemistry.
Us has reached out to Hulu and Jessi’s rep for comment regarding the status of their relationship.
“I’m so blessed 🥹❤️,” Marciano wrote in the comments section of the post.
Jessi Draper and Marciano Brunette on vacation. Courtesy of Jessi Draper/Instagram
The Vanderpump Villa star later called Jessi, “The most beautiful, gorgeous, hottt [sic], sexiest girlfriend in the whole world 😍🔥.”
A few of Jessi’s Mormon Wives costars gave their stamp of approval on the duo seemingly going Instagram official in the comments section.
Taylor Frankie Paul replied, “These pictures show you’re happy with him❤️ the rest doesn’t matter.”
Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano Brunette and Mormon Wives’ Jessi Draper. Courtesy of Jessi Draper/Instagram
Mayci Neeley, meanwhile, teased, “It looks official 👀😘.”
Jessi and Marciano have been tip-toeing around their relationship status since they admitted to having an emotional affair while Jessi was married to Jordan Ngatikaura.
After meeting on season 2 of Vanderpump Villa in 2024, Jessi downplayed her connection with Marciano. However, the twosome later revealed that they were emotionally involved.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jessi Draper responded to a report claiming “sparks might be flying” between her and Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano Brunette. After TMZ published photos of Jessi, 33, cozying up to Marciano, also 33, on Sunday, April 19, the outlet shared the images via its Instagram account. “Looks like sparks might be […]
“Having an affair on-camera definitely shook up my life a little bit,” Jessi told Vulture in an interview published in May. “But I hope to inspire, and learn from my mistakes, and hopefully let people know that everyone does make mistakes and it’s OK.”
In the wake of the scandal, Jordan, 32, filed for divorce from Jessi in March after five years of marriage. The exes share two children: son Jagger, 6, and daughter Jovi, 3.
The following month, Jessi and Marciano sparked romance speculation after they were spotted together in Nashville and then seen kissing at Hulu’s Get Real House.
Marciano Brunette and Jessi Draper. Courtesy of Jessi Draper/Instagram
“He’s one on the roster,” Jessi told Entertainment Tonight in April, after she was photographed in Marciano’s arms. “You know, one of many.”
The pair added fuel to the fire in May when they attended the 2026 American Music Awards in Las Vegas together, posing for photos on the red carpet.
Jessi, however, denied they were an item as she spoke with reporters at the awards show.
“I’m single, going through a divorce, and dating around, having fun,” she told E! News at the time.
Marciano, for his part, revealed in early June that he was falling fast for the JZ Styles owner.
“I would say that currently we are dating, but we are not exclusive,” Marciano explained on an episode of the Hulu’s “Get Real” podcast when asked about his and Jessi’s relationship status. “Hence the point of you asking a girl to be your girlfriend. I have not done that.”
There is nothing worse than hearing your favorite television show has been cancelled. When you get attached to certain characters, or there’s a cliffhanger season finale, it can be heartbreaking to find out you won’t be getting to dive back into this world that you’ve come to love. Luckily, for the many fans of ABC’s hit series, The Rookie, a recent announcement suggests that our favorite police procedural won’t be added to that dreaded cancellation list anytime soon.
‘The Rookie’ Showrunner Has Re-Upped His Contract
Since it debuted in 2018, The Rookie has given us eight seasons of non-stop action and characters that draw us in. Throughout more than 140 episodes, Nathan Fillion has led a cast that never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats. But there are no guarantees when it comes to television, and any sign of a lack of support from the network can indicate a show is nearing its cancellation. Now, we’ve learned that ABC has no intention of letting The Rookie sign off in the near future. Creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley has just extended his overall deal with Lionsgate Television for several more years, and Lionsgate is the head studio that produces The Rookie. With this contract, Hawley will continue developing series exclusively for Lionsgate. Not only will The Rookie stay where it is, but Hawley’s new spin-off, The Rookie: North, is also part of the package. Hawley also has a drama series titled The Envoy that is in development with HBO Max, all under the Lionsgate umbrella.
The Rookie has already been renewed for Season 9, which is set to premiere in January 2027. And while Hawley’s new contract isn’t a guarantee for an endless run for the series, it does suggest that it would be unlikely for the show to be cancelled right away. This encouraging news comes after several shows in recent years have been complicated by the showrunner leaving the studio or network. For example, Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith was quickly renewed after Season 1 aired in 2024. However, when showrunner Francesca Sloane‘s deal with Amazon MGM Studios ended, the show found itself in limbo. Production has now begun with a new showrunner, Anna Ouyang Moench, but the series has already faced significant delays.
A similar story has shown up with Netflix’s cancellation after one season of The Boroughs. The series seemed to be a ratings hit for the streamer, but when the cancellation was announced, many suspected that the true reason behind its demise was The Duffer Brothers leaving Netflix to sign a contract with Paramount. With these examples, it makes even more sense why Rookie fans can breathe a little easier with Hawley’s extended contract.
‘The Rookie’ Is Only Gaining in Popularity
For most network shows, there’s a significant drop in ratings as each season progresses. So far into its run, it’d be easy to assume that The Rookie has its best days behind it. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, The Rookie seems to have found a brand-new audience through TikTok, with younger viewers deciding to binge-watch past seasons and then tune into the most recent episodes.
The procedural has already landed more than 12.8 billion minutes of viewing in the US in the first half of 2026 alone. With this level of success, it’s no surprise that ABC greenlit the spin-off so quickly.
It’s reassuring that Hawley and The Rookie won’t be going anywhere. Season 8 of the series left off with a whole host of storylines that viewers will want to see explored more in future episodes. The biggest cliffhanger of the series occurs in the Season 8 finale when the beloved couple, Chenford, find themselves kidnapped by the show’s recent big, bad villain, Heath Everett (Jeffrey Vincent Parise). There have also been hints that we might get a brand-new rookie, which could create a bunch of new and exciting plot points for the series. Police procedurals often have plenty to offer throughout a long run, and with Hawley’s commitment to stay the course, it looks like we won’t have to worry about leaving the Mid-Wilshire Police Department behind for a long time to come.
Seasons 1–8 of The Rookie are available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. Season 9 is set to premiere in January 2027.
The Rookie
- Release Date
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October 16, 2018
- Showrunner
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Alexi Hawley
- Directors
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Tori Garrett, Chi-Yoon Chung, Michael Goi, Sylvain White, Lisa Demaine, Lanre Olabisi, Bill Johnson, David McWhirter, Liz Friedlander, Daniel Willis, Toa Fraser, Anne Renton, Jon Huertas, Cherie Nowlan, TK Shom, Rob Seidenglanz, Valerie Weiss, Barbara Brown, Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul, SJ Main Muñoz, Nelson McCormick, Marcus Stokes, Adam Davidson, Anna Mastro
Fewer fandoms in pop culture currently have it as hard fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As fun, charming, and enjoyable as the original series remains after decades, this particular franchise has been facing many difficulties recently as it tries to come back to a spotlight it should never have left, especially the cancellation of a revival series and the loss of one of its greatest benefactors, the incomparable Dolly Parton. Now, the only Buffy stories that were in active development have also just been cancelled: Dynamite Comics’ Buffy and Angel. While this indefinitely postpones our return to Sunnydale yet again, it isn’t all bad news, because this time, the wait is for the best and will pay off, according to Dynamite.
Dynamite’s Cancellation of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Comics Hits Hard, but It’s for a Good Reason
No one likes seeing their favorite stories being cancelled, but, sometimes, it’s for the best, especially if there is the promise of something even better in the future. That’s what happened with Buffy and its Dynamite release. Initially, the Buffy and Angel series were intended to debut in July and August, respectively, but that didn’t happen, as they ended up being postponed. Buffy #1 then got an August release date, only to get cancelled now.
This time, however, Dynamite CEO Nick Barrucci came forward to clarify what’s really going on, and, as it turns out, it’s not an actual cancellation of both series, but rather a correction in their strategy to make way for something bigger:
“Writer Kelly Thompson’s story for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel evolved and became more ambitious, so we felt we needed to take a step back and up the page count to meet the story and deliver the best possible product for fans. Buffy #1 and Angel #1 will have significant story page increases from average issues — at no additional cost to readers or retailers. It’s important to Kelly and Dynamite that this is done right and not rushed, so we decided resoliciting both titles is the best way to fully convey these updates across the board.”
Writer Kelly Thompson herself also took it to X to explain that both series are “not cancelled — just delayed — which means they had to be re-solicited (and before you re-solicit you have to cancel it all…sigh)” In comics lingo, this simply means that, yes, all pre-orders have been cancelled, but with the intention of listing that particular comic book again later on. “I hope there will be some concrete news for you guys soon. It has all been very frustrating, but please bear with us.”
Still, knowing that this means we’ll get larger and improved versions of the new Buffy and Angel stories is comforting. They’re also not the only Dynamite series to be resolicited, with its new Firefly series also getting the same treatment, showing that both the company and the artists are focused on doing right by their stories. Their X-Files series remains on track for release in February, and that just goes to show how normal a publisher resoliciting comics really is. It’s certainly a bummer, but residents of Sunnydale have been waiting for so long now, we can wait a little longer.
‘Buffy’ Has Been Hit With Successive Cancellations Recently
By now, news of the cancellation of any Buffy project is something that fans have learned to endure. The most recent and painful case was Hulu abruptly cancelling Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, the long-awaited revival of the original series. It took everybody by surprise, considering the names attached to the project. Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s return was already expected, but the new series also had Oscar winner Chloé Zhao as a producer and directing the pilot, as well as younger talents like Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Chase Sui Wonders lined up.
Of course, Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a franchise isn’t in any danger; all it takes is one talented and willing storyteller with a good idea for things to start moving, as with any IP. But the cycle of having projects picked up only to be subsequently cancelled is certainly frustrating. Compared to Hulu’s cancellation of New Sunnydale, then, Dynamite’s decision to resolicit their Buffy and Angel series to make it bigger and better doesn’t sound all that bad.
As to what to expect from both the upcoming Buffy and Angel comics, they will be the first stories in the so-called Buffyverse released by Dynamite after two decades at Dark Horse Comics and its tenure at Boom! Studios until 2025. Kelly Thompson being the writer is a great sign, though — she’s a three-time Eisner Award winner, and her latest work with the ongoing Absolute Wonder Woman series at DC is some of the best the character has been in recent years. She’s not only a fan, but also an experienced writer in the industry, so if she is up to writing more complex and interconnected stories for Buffy and Angel, we’re all for it. Just, please, don’t make us wait too long.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available to stream on Disney+.
Former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been convicted of the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in Paradise, Nevada.
A jury in Las Vegas deliberated for only three hours on Monday, August 31, before finding Davis, 63, guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, reports The Associated Press. He could now face life in prison.
Following the verdict, Davis said aloud that he “would like to appeal this matter.” He was told by Judge Carli Kierney that he could file an appeal once sentencing was announced. (Davis pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.)
Members of Shakur’s family, including his sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, were present in the courtroom as the verdict was announced.
The late Tupac Shakur’s stepbrother, Mopreme Shakur, explained why his family is now looking into Sean “Diddy” Combs’ possible involvement in Tupac’s murder. “The family is pursuing an investigation into my brother’s death — wherever the investigation leads, that’s where it leads,” Mopreme, 57, said during a Friday, October 11, appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. […]
Monday’s verdict brought to a close a weeklong trial, which took place just shy of 30 years after Shakur was killed at age 25 in a drive-by shooting in Paradise, Nevada, on September 7, 1996.
On that night, Shakur, Death Row Records label boss Marion “Suge” Knight Jr. and several associates attended a boxing match between Mike Tyson and Bruce Seldon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Security footage from the hotel captured the moment Shakur got into an altercation with Orlando Anderson, an associate of the South Side Compton Crips gang, over accusations that Anderson had previously robbed Death Row-affiliated gang members.
After the altercation, Shakur left the hotel with Knight in a 1996 BMW 750iL. A white Cadillac allegedly pulled up beside Shakur’s vehicle at a stoplight moments later and opened fire.
Tupac was shot four times: once in the arm, once in the thigh, and twice in the chest, with one of those bullets getting lodged in his right lung.
He was rushed to nearby University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead from internal bleeding less than a week later on September 13, 1996.
Tupac Shakur Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection
No arrests were made at the time and it was long considered a cold case until Davis, Anderson’s uncle and a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips gang, was charged with first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in September 2023. Prosecutors accused Davis of ordering the shooting and supplying an undetermined gunman with a weapon, though he denied those accusations. (Anderson died on May 29, 1998, at age 23.)
During the trial, prosecutors introduced excerpts from Davis’ 2019 book, Compton Street Legends, in which he and his co-writer Yusuf Jah accused Shakur and his associates of “crossing the line” when they scuffled with Anderson at the MGM Grand on the night of the shooting.
“Them jumping on my nephew gave us the ultimate green light to do something to their asses,” a passage in the book read.
Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ bizarre it was “handled” reply to Eminem‘s claim that he put out a hit on Tupac Shakur has resurfaced — and sparked yet more controversy for the embattled music mogul. Diddy’s response to the rapper’s 2018 diss track “Killshot,” which tied him to the murder of the late rap icon, has resurfaced […]
The defense argued that the book was entirely fictional, noting that Davis was incorrectly called “Keithy D” in Compton Street Legends.
“You have no evidence that Davis ever ordered a hit on anyone,” defense attorney Michael Sanft told the jury in his closing statements.
Prosecutor Binu Palal told jurors that Davis secured a gun and “went hunting” for Shakur, later telling “anybody who would listen” that he was responsible for the rapper’s murder.
Sentencing will take place on October 13.
Sarah McLachlan and Olivia Rodrigo made sure to pay homage to “goddess” Dolly Parton while hitting the stage at the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Festival days after the country icon’s death.
“I wanna slow things down and make everyone cry a little bit, hopefully,” McLachlan, 58, said as she joined festival organizer and headliner Rodrigo, 23, for a Saturday, August 29, duet of her hit song “Angel.”
McLachlan went on to explain, “I wanna dedicate this song tonight to the OG, matriarch, beautiful goddess of country music. The biggest philanthropist in the history of country music, Dolly Parton.”
McLachlan then broke into the powerful and touching song, playing piano and singing alongside Rodrigo as a black-and-white photo of Parton appeared on the screen behind them.
“We will always love you, Dolly,” the screen read as the song came concluded.
Sarah McLachlan and Olivia Rodrigo perform on the Dandelion Stage during the Daisy Chain Fields Festival. Monica Schipper/Getty Images
McLachlan, who joined Rodrigo on stage for a few duets during the Irvine, California, show, was one of many musicians and celebrities who have shared tributes to Parton since her death on Tuesday, August 25 at the age of 80.
Parton’s nephew and bodyguard confirmed her death on Tuesday, revealing, “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”
Dolly Parton made a surprise appearance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony two months before her death at age 80. The “Jolene” singer made the rare public outing at the opening of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, a travel center inspired by her decades as a touring musician, in Cornersville, Tennessee, in June. “I wanted to welcome all […]
The “I Will Always Love You” singer’s rep confirmed the news as well, saying in a statement, “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. … Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Dolly Parton. Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NBC
Us later confirmed that the Grammy winner had died following a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Parton was laid to rest at Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum alongside her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, on Friday, August 28. (Dean died in 2025 at the age of 82.)
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Taylor Swift told Us in a statement at the time. “But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”
Parton’s 9 to 5 costar Jane Fonda shared her own tribute via Instagram, writing, “I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this — more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”
Country singer Kacey Musgraves added via X, “Dolly. This really really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her [late husband] Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
One contestant on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro is heading to the ballroom for season 35.
Warning: Spoilers for Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro below
When the dust settled after the Monday, August 31, final performances, judges Mark Ballas, Shirley Ballas and guest judge Derek Hough crowned Adele Zaikman as the first-ever champion of DWTS: The Next Pro.
“I just feel like this is a celebration. All the sacrifices that I have done, it’s just a big, ‘I made it’ moment,” Adele said.
The Dancing With the Stars ballroom is filling up fast for season 35. While simultaneously confirming the reality competition’s renewal, Hulu shared during the Get Real House event in April that Summer House’s Ciara Miller and Love Island star Maura Higgins would be lacing up their dancing shoes. The following month, Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson […]
Adele’s partner on season 35 of DWTS will be announced on the Wednesday, September 2, episode of Good Morning America alongside the full cast of pros and celebrities.
During Monday’s episode, Adele danced both a samba and a paso doble freestyle with former DWTS contestant Nev Schulman in front of a live audience.
“Adele, so dynamic. Striking performances every dance that you have done on this stage. It’s been an honor to watch and to judge you,” Mark said after both of her performances.
Adele beat runner-up AJ Pritchard, who performed with Charli D’Amelio.
“Having the opportunity to dance in the finale, especially with Charli, every single moment was just so enriching and something I will never forget for the rest of my life. At the same time, obviously absolutely devastated from every being in my body,” AJ said of placing second.
Selena Hamilton, meanwhile, placed third after taking the stage with Adam Rippon.
Robert Irwin is proving — again — that music and dance both have the power to heal. In Us’ exclusive sneak peek of the Monday, July 20, episode of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, Robert, 22, sits down with contestant Allen Genkin before an emotional challenge. “I wanted to visit Allen today because […]
“I didn’t think I would make it past week one. So being in the top three has given me so much and just amazing friends. Yeah, this is not the end,” Selena shared of coming in third.
Ahead of her final performance, Adele became emotional while opening up about her health journey.
“It’s crazy because dance has always been my therapy. When I was 13, I got scoliosis in my back and I had to wear a brace for 2.5 years for 20 hours every single day,” she said. “The doctors said if I wouldn’t do it, I would not be able to dance. So these four hours that I was not wearing it, I was dancing. They were the happiest hours of my life. It saved me and I don’t know what I would do if I wouldn’t have dance.”
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a double premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
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