Brooks Nader is in full protective big sister mode!

In a Wednesday, September 2, TikTok video, Brooks, 29, reacted to the news that her younger sister, Sarah Jane Nader, 24, will compete on Dancing With the Stars season 35 in a rare same-sex pairing with professional dancer Hailey Bills.

Brooks issued a tongue-in-cheek preemptive warning to DWTS’ vocal fan base as Sarah Jane prepares to battle for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. (Brooks competed on season 33 with ex-boyfriend Gleb Savchenko.)

“So, here’s the thing, guys. … You guys can say whatever you want about me. Literally. Actually, I quite enjoy it, if I’m being totally honest,” the Baywatch actress playfully said in her TikTok video.

Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Cast: Meet the Celebs and Their Pros

Dancing With the Stars is headed back to the ballroom with a star-studded cast for season 35. The complete lineup of celebrity contestants and pro dancers for the milestone season was unveiled during the Wednesday, September 2, episode of Good Morning America. The newly confirmed participants join Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez, […]

Brooks continued, “If you ever say a f***ing word about my little sister, it’s not gonna be pretty, OK?”

“I know there’s freedom of speech. I’m all about it. But just don’t f*** with her, OK?” the model said. “Say it about me. All day. Tag me in it. But don’t say a f***ing word about my sweet baby sister.”

Love Thy Nader star Sarah Jane was announced for the new season of DWTS during a cast reveal on ABC’s Good Morning America earlier on Wednesday. Sarah Jane joins stars including Summer House’s Ciara Miller, The Traitors‘ Maura Higgins and actresses Jenna Dewan and Tatyana Ali.

During a post-cast reveal event on Wednesday, Sarah Jane exclusively told Us the advice Brooks shared with her as she follows in her older sister’s footsteps.

Advertisement

Related: Jenna Dewan and More ‘DWTS’ Contestants With Prior Dance Experience

Melissa Rycroft, Jordan Fisher, Heather Morris and more Dancing With the Stars contestants have sparked significant discourse over the years for seemingly having an unfair advantage on the ABC competition. Former pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy made waves during season 8 when he told TVGuide that it was “unfair” that Rycroft, who has a background in […]

“She told me not to do anything she did, which is fine,” Sarah Jane said. (Brooks famously hooked up with her professional dance partner, Gleb, 42, during the 2024 season.)

Sarah Jane added, “She really just said to enjoy every moment and, like, soak it up and embrace the challenging [side] of it all. [She said] don’t be scared to embarrass yourself. And so I’m really just leaning in.”

While Sarah Jane will take to the dance floor, Brooks’ ex Gleb was not part of the troupe of professional dancers announced for the upcoming season during Wednesday’s reveal.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“Guys, I promise… I’m good 😂❤️,” the ballroom dancer wrote via Instagram, . “Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom. Excited for this next chapter — and wishing everyone an amazing season 🪩. No sad messages. We’re moving forward 😉.”

In a shirtless video, Gleb told his fans, “Guys, we can stop telling me you’re sorry. I’m good.”

Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ with a two-night event beginning Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes will stream the next day on Hulu.

Transitioning from the end of summer into the beginning of fall brings confusing weather. It’s cold enough in the morning that you might feel like you need a jacket or cardigan, but warm enough in the afternoon to ditch every item of clothing you can. This in-between season can be tough to dress for, but I’ve learned that when you have comfortable, stylish basics on hand, the process gets a lot easier.

My trick for dressing for transitional weather? I always keep a versatile top on hand for easy layering. It’s a piece I can put on when I’m chilly, then remove when I’m not — and my outfit looks chic either way. The items below include some of my favorite oversized button-downs, fall jackets and lightweight sweaters, and you can start shopping them now so you’re (stylishly) prepared.

13 Go-To Layering Tops for Transitional Weather

1. My Favorite: This denim button-down is my go-to for September, October and even November. It’s just heavy enough to add some warmth, but the short sleeves make it work even on sunny afternoons.

2. Runner-up: This short-sleeve cardigan has an effortlessly chic look that dresses up anything you pair it with. I love the super-soft feel and slightly oversized fit that makes it so relaxed and comfy.

3. Super Soft: Made of a soft, slightly stretchy material, this pullover sweater is lightweight enough to act as a comfy layer. It’s ideal for styling over a cute top when it gets cold, and feels especially trendy with its slightly preppy look.

4. Classic Pick: You can’t go wrong with a lightweight denim button-down. The relaxed fit makes it work as a layer over a tank top or a dress, and it looks stylish left open or buttoned up.

Related: Bye, Batwings! 17 Early-Fall Tops That Cover Upper Arms

Fall fashion is calling, but the weather seems firmly stuck in summer mode. That makes getting a little extra upper-arm coverage tricky, especially when the last thing anyone wants is another layer trapping in heat. Fortunately, the right lightweight sleeves can provide plenty of coverage — without leaving you wishing you’d stuck with a tank […]

5. Oversized Look: Chic but still so easy to throw on, this oversized button-down is more versatile than you think. Layer it over a sundress, pair it with shorts or wear it with jeans — it looks good with just about everything.

6. Feminine Details: This striped peplum top is undeniably cute, with a ruffled hem and slightly cropped fit. The elbow-length sleeves make it work when there’s a chill in the air, but it’s also very breathable.

7. Office Friendly: I love this polished short-sleeve cardigan because it’s so easy to dress up or down. It looks elegant with trousers (and is even office-friendly!), but also works when left open over a white tee with jeans.

8. On-Trend: Poncho-style tops are enjoying a moment right now, and this lightweight cape top plays into the trend while still feeling like a classic. You can throw this on over a tank — the sheer material makes it feel so elevated.

9. Elevated Athleisure: A little bit sporty and definitely chic, this wrap-style cardigan is both comfortable and stylish. Layer it on over a workout set or a tank and jeans when you need a little extra clothing.

10. Cropped and Cute: I wouldn’t be able to get through the end of summer or the fall without this go-to cardigan. Its slightly cropped look and slim fit make it work with just about anything.

11. Rich Mom Chic: This wrap top is sophisticated and makes you feel so put-together, whether you’re going to grab lunch or heading out for a date night. There are so many ways you can wear this one.

12. Boho Vibe: I love this sheer, lacy top because of the relaxed fit and how fun it is to wear. For a more risqué look, wear it over just a bra, or pair it with a tank for more coverage.

13. Relaxed Feel: This open-stitch sweater might be a little too breathable to wear on a cold winter day, but it’s perfect for transitional weather. The soft cotton feel is just a bonus.

Related: My Rich Mom Fall Shoe Wishlist Is Surprisingly on Sale (From $6!)

Sandals and open-toe shoes had their time, but the cooler weather is quickly swooping in. Loafers, booties and Mary Janes are ready to shine in their absence! I have my eye on several styles, and get this — they’re all on sale at Walmart, starting at a low $6. Whether you’re dressing for the office, […]

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

In the words of Usher, “U Remind Me.” On Wednesday in Las Vegas, the superstar came face-to-face with someone who looked a lot like…well, himself. 

After recent clone talks online, Usher finally met his doppelganger on Wednesday afternoon and was blown away by the resemblance. In fact, when he was asked what he thought, he immediately said, “It looks more like me than me.” 

Madame Tussauds at The Venetian unveiled the new Usher wax figure to Usher, his family and friends, and the media on Wednesday afternoon in a private space inside the Vegas museum. The Blast was part of the group that got to witness Usher’s reaction to seeing his wax figure for the first time, and it was nothing short of magical.

Usher Joins Many Great Artists At Madame Tussauds In Las Vegas

5

If only the wax figures could come to life at night like in the hit film, “Night at the Museum.” There would be a new song being sung in those halls as of Thursday when Usher’s wax figure will join the others on the museum floor.

When we say it looks exactly like him, we mean down to the little details, including his head shape, ears, outfit, and even teeth! Fun fact, Usher gave Madame Tussauds team access to his dentist to get his dental records to make sure they were as spot on as possible. The results blew him away!

“You guys got my eyes,” he randomly said as he was taking questions from the media.

5

When asked which one of his hit songs fits his wax figure perfectly, he didn’t hesitate for a second to share his thoughts. 

“If there was one song that represents this moment and something from my career that everybody could identify with,” he said. “I would say ‘Yeah!’” He asked the media what they thought and when everyone agreed “Yeah!” is the song, he joking said, “Yeah!” to seal the deal.

Las Vegas Is Usher’s ‘Home Away From Home’

5

There’s no better place for Usher’s doppelganger to live than Vegas. With his history of successful residencies and plans for future greatness in the city, wax Usher is in the right place.

“Vegas is my home away from home. I’m a resident of Vegas. For the most part, it’s welcomed me with open arms,” he told the media. “I hope that this and many other things that we’re doing in Las Vegas will continue to be historical. This is just a small indication of the appreciation for the long career that I’ve had. I want to do a lot of major things here in Las Vegas.”

Usher’s Wife Had Some Thoughts About Wax Usher

5

Usher’s wife got to see wax Usher before he did and her excitement couldn’t be held back. She was completely blown away by the detail and just how much it looks like her husband. 

When asked, “What did we get right?” she instantly said, “You got everything right.”

“The lips are definitely right. The ears,” she said as she walked around wax Usher. “Honestly, what first got me though, when I was coming around the thing, the head shape was on point. Also, the hairline. This is crazy. The eyes.”

There Will Be Lots Of Usher This Weekend In Las Vegas

5

Usher and Chris Brown are co-headlining shows in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. “The R&B Tour,” added another show in Vegas on Friday, Sept. 18. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster. 

Before or after seeing the show, fans can extend their time with Usher by visiting his doppelganger at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian. Imagine the cool photos you can take and fool your friends with, because wax Usher is THAT realistic! After visiting Usher in the museum, there are plenty of other greats to check out.

According to the wax museum’s website, “Picture this: over 75 jaw-dropping wax figures, including today’s hottest sensations like Megan Thee Stallion, Bad Bunny, Jack Harlow, and the one and only Travis Barker. Make the most of your visit and see our exclusive Speakeasy Experience and play Jumanji Cobra Quest 7D Game! Come on down and let’s make some memories with the stars – both wax and wild – at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas!”

For more information on Madame Tussauds in Vegas, visit the website.

‘Love Island USA’ Season 8 may be over, but the drama is still unfolding outside the villa. After Corbin Mims and Parmida Keshani revealed during the reunion that they were no longer together, Parmida is now opening up about what led to their split.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Star Melanie Has Message For Fans Who Want “Better” For Her As She Shares Current Relationship Status With Sincere

Corbin Mims & Parmida Keshani Confirmed They’re No Longer Together During ‘Love Island USA’ Reunion

During the Season 8 ‘Love Island USA’ reunion, fans got an update on Corbin Mims and Parmida Keshani’s relationship status.

After leaving the Villa together, the pair revealed during the reunion that they were no longer dating. When host Andy Cohen asked about their current status, Corbin confirmed that they were no longer together romantically but were still on good terms.

Parmida explained that after spending more time together outside of the Villa, they both realized they wanted different things. The pair ultimately decided that being in an exclusive relationship no longer made sense for them. They would instead focus on building a friendship.

Parmida Goes Live Following The Reunion & Reveals What Led To Her Split From Corbin

While the two kept the details of their breakup relatively brief during the reunion, Parmida is now giving fans a little more insight into what happened after they left the Villa. Just days after the reunion aired, Parmida took to TikTok Live to share her perspective on why she and Corbin ultimately decided to go their separate ways.

Jennifer Aniston has worn a lot of jean styles over the years, but one denim brand has managed to stick around since her Friends days. Levi’s has been part of the actress’ famously effortless wardrobe for decades, appearing in outfits that somehow still look just as good today as they did then. If you’ve ever wanted to take a page out of her denim playbook, the iconic brand is on major sale for Labor Day.

Back in the ’90s, Aniston was photographed wearing classic Levi’s jeans with a fitted white tank, sunglasses and an oversized black leather bag — an outfit we’d happily copy today. The Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans offer an easy way to get a similar denim look for less. Better yet, they’re a whopping 47% off for Amazon’s Labor Day sale, which runs through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Get the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans for $42 (was $80) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The jeans have the kind of classic silhouette that makes them especially easy to work into your fall wardrobe. They feature a super-high rise that defines the waist, along with a straight leg that creates a lengthening effect as it hits right at the ankle. Style them Aniston’s way with a tank and sneakers now, then add a sweater, jacket and boots once temperatures drop.

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Latest Take on Cargo Pants Is Her Chicest Yet

Advertisement

Jennifer Aniston has been wearing cargo pants since the ’90s, so when she finds a new way to make the longtime staple feel fresh, we pay attention. Her latest pair trades the trend’s traditionally utilitarian feel for something much sleeker, thanks to a flowy silhouette and luxe-looking satin finish. They might just be the chicest […]

Better yet, you can get pretty specific about how you like your denim to fit and feel. The jeans come in 26 washes, sizes 22 through 32 and select plus sizes 35 through 39. They’re even available in medium-stretch, low-stretch and no-stretch options depending on the wash. Made mostly from cotton, the slightly stretchy jeans have that classic denim feel without being completely rigid.

With over 500 five-star ratings, shoppers are fans of the jeans, too. One reviewer with “a mom pooch” said “they’re pretty slimming and a great length.” Another shopper called them “versatile and easy to wear,” adding that they “go with everything.”

Trends have come and gone since Aniston first stepped out in her Levi’s, but her love for the brand has clearly passed the test of time. This Ribcage pair puts a figure-flattering spin on the same classic denim look, with a high-rise waist and straight legs that can carry you straight into fall. At $42, we’d add them to our carts before the Labor Day deal disappears.

Get the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans for $42 (was $80) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Levi’s here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

Related: Jennifer Lopez’s Exact Metallic Flip-Flops Are a Year-Round Staple

Jennifer Lopez reminded Us that flip-flops don’t have to be strictly summer shoes. Her chic metallic pair has all the laid-back ease of a warm-weather staple, with a shiny gold finish that’s polished enough for post-vacation wear. In other words, these aren’t the flimsy beach sandals getting shoved to the back of the closet come […]

Advertisement

Benzino has more to say about Joseline Hernandez — but this time, he’s taking aim at the women standing behind her. The rapper and media personality recently made it clear that he’s not backing down from his concerns about Joseline’s parenting, and now he’s questioning the people who continue to defend her.

RELATED: Joseline Hernandez DRAGS Benzino After He Calls Her Out For Telling Bonnie Bella That Stevie J Doesn’t Contribute Financially (VIDEOS)

Benzino Doubles Down On His Joseline Parenting Concerns

As the back-and-forth surrounding Joseline, her daughter Bonnie Bella, and the conversations happening online continues to heat up, Benzino is making it known that he has some serious questions about what he’s seeing.

In a video obtained by Live Bitez, Benzino called out women who support Joseline and questioned why anyone would “co-sign” a mother talking to a 10-year-old about stripping and other adult topics. He also pushed back on the idea that his stance is about supporting absent fathers, saying he doesn’t “co-sign” absent fathers. At one point, Benzino described the women he was addressing as “just a bunch of loud… angry, traumatic women pissed off,” while also claiming there is a “whole generation” of children who are “lost” because of women.

The Internet Wasn’t Letting This One Slide

Meanwhile, fans took the conversation straight to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section, and the replies quickly started piling up. Some questioned Benzino’s parenting and claimed he has issues with his own children, while others defended Joseline and said she’s a great mom and that Bonnie Bella is a bright kid. Of course, some commenters agreed with Benzino’s concerns, showing that social media is still divided over the situation.

One Instagram user @braids_by_alexis said, “I agree but most moms do that anyway and vs versa. Once the child gets older they’ll figure out whose actually there for them…”

This Instagram user @koodab added, “Deadbeats never focus on their own lack of relationships with their own children.”

And, Instagram user @og_roc_dif shared, “The fact I’m agreeing with Benzino says a lot.”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @dablacka.773 joked, “Angry af wit no neck is crazy 🤣🤣🤣”

While Instagram user @juuso_fit commented, “To each his own, she seems like a very intelligent child.”

Finally, Instagram user @dreamminnie1 claimed, “Joseline has the best relationship in with her daughter and teaching her how hard it was when she was her age and in life”

So, What Exactly Caused All Of This Between?

It all started after clips from Joseline Hernandez’s new reality show began circulating online, featuring conversations between the reality star and her nine-year-old daughter, Bonnie Bella, that quickly raised eyebrows. In one clip, Bonnie says Joseline explained what a “stripper” does for work, while Joseline acknowledged that she doesn’t want her daughter learning about her past from the internet or at school. The two also discussed Bonnie’s relationship with her father, Stevie J, with the nine-year-old saying she feels he’s both a “good dad” and “not a good dad.” Joseline then added to the conversation by alleging that Stevie doesn’t give them any money, pointing to Bonnie’s expensive school and questioning why he doesn’t call to ask if they need financial help.

As the clips spread, Benzino hopped online with concerns about Joseline having those conversations with Bonnie at such a young age. He said the child shouldn’t be exposed to discussions about her mother’s past as a stripper and called the conversations inappropriate for her age. But Benzino said the bigger issue was Joseline allegedly telling Bonnie that Stevie J doesn’t provide financial support, arguing that repeatedly hearing that narrative could cause a child to resent their father as they get older. He also said Joseline should tell the “whole story” if she’s going to discuss Stevie with their daughter, adding that Stevie played a role in helping launch her career. From there, the conversation escalated, with Benzino continuing to criticize Joseline and later turning his attention toward the women defending her.

RELATED: Bonnie Bella Keeps It Real With Joseline Hernandez About Stevie J’s Parenting & What She Wishes He Would Do More Often (VIDEO)

Taylor Frankie Paul’s reality TV future looked uncertain just months ago, but ABC and Disney are reportedly opening the door again.

After her season of “The Bachelorette” was pulled amid renewed scrutiny over her past domestic violence case and fresh allegations involving ex Dakota Mortensen, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star is now reportedly confirmed for Season 6 of the Hulu hit.

The comeback arrives as Paul closes one legal chapter, continues fighting over custody of her children, and prepares to return to a cast where tensions have hardly disappeared.

3

Paul will officially return for Season 6 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” with an insider telling Page Six that ABC has maintained an open line of communication with the reality star.

“ABC’s been great. They have total faith throughout,” the source said, adding that the network has been “supportive throughout this process.”

A second source suggested Paul has been trying to move forward from the turmoil surrounding her 2023 arrest, telling Page Six that she “has been working on herself” while “dealing with personal issues.”

That backing marks a striking shift from March, when ABC canceled Paul’s already-filmed season of “The Bachelorette” days before its scheduled premiere.

The decision followed the resurfacing of footage from a 2023 altercation with Mortensen. Paul was arrested after that incident and later entered a plea connected to an aggravated assault charge.

The fallout spread beyond ABC. As The Blast previously reported, Cinnabon ended a planned collaboration connected to both “The Bachelorette” and “Mormon Wives” amid the controversy.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s New Legal Chapter Changes The Picture

Paul’s 2026 troubles were not limited to the old footage.

Earlier this year, she faced separate domestic violence allegations involving Mortensen, prompting police investigations and contributing to uncertainty surrounding “Mormon Wives” production.

However, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced in April that it would not file new criminal charges against Paul, citing insufficient evidence. Prosecutors also declined to pursue an alleged probation violation.

The decision potentially removed a major obstacle for the Hulu series, with The Blast reporting at the time that production appeared closer to resuming.

Another significant legal milestone followed on August 7. A judge ruled that Paul had successfully completed the probation stemming from her 2023 case and amended her aggravated assault felony charge to a Class A misdemeanor.

Advertisement

Paul marked the moment publicly, writing, “Three years probation complete.”

Taylor Frankie Paul Still Faces A Painful Custody Fight

3

Her television comeback does not mean the turmoil in Paul’s personal life is over.

She remains involved in custody disputes with Mortensen, with whom she shares their son Ever, and with ex-husband Tate Paul, with whom she shares their children Indy and Ocean.

In July, Page Six reported that Paul rejected separate custody proposals from the two men that would have given her roughly 40 percent parenting time. A source close to the reality personality maintained she would continue fighting for her children “as long as it takes.”

There have also been court developments in her favor.

Advertisement

During a July hearing involving Mortensen, a judge expanded Paul’s parenting time with Ever so that certain weekend periods would extend into Monday mornings.

That followed an earlier victory covered by The Blast, when Paul was granted additional time with her young son.

More From The Blast

‘Mormon Wives’ Return Comes After Taylor Frankie Paul Sought Help

Paul has also spoken candidly about needing professional support during the upheaval.

In July, she confirmed that she voluntarily sought treatment at a facility, emphasizing that the stay was not for substance abuse.

Advertisement

“Yes, I sought help at a facility,” Paul explained, saying she recognized that she needed “extra help” and wanted time to reset.

The admission followed months of public vulnerability.

Back in February, The Blast reported that Paul had acknowledged she was “struggling” while sharing a candid look at her mental health.

By July, she was also reassessing strained relationships inside MomTok. Paul acknowledged trust issues and suggested that the pressure she was experiencing had affected her reactions to her castmates.

Advertisement

Taylor Frankie Paul Returns To A ‘SLOMW’ Cast Still Under Pressure

3

The timing makes Paul’s Season 6 confirmation particularly significant.

Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” premieres September 10, and Hulu’s own description suggests Paul’s turbulent year will not disappear from the storyline.

The streamer says Paul returns from “The Bachelorette” with “unfinished business,” while fame, secrets, backlash, and questions about loyalty threaten to fracture MomTok.

Page Six also reports there is still “a lot of hurt” within the cast, with Paul feeling that some of the women did not support her throughout the recent turmoil.

ABC and Disney may now be backing her return, but Paul is hardly walking into an uncomplicated redemption story.

Advertisement

Fall is officially less than three weeks away, which means the return of network television is close at hand. All the major networks have unveiled their full schedules for the coming 2026-27 season, and the dates are set for the annual mix of new and returning shows that will grace the airwaves as the leaves turn brown. For CBS, it will largely be business as usual. 14 shows are continuing with new seasons starting on Sunday, October 4, with two of the eye’s biggest draws — Marshals and Tracker — followed by favorites like the NCIS, FBI, and Fire Country franchises, Elsbeth, Boston Blue, and more. However, things have been shaken up somewhat from where last season left off.

CBS will debut three new shows this fall, all of which come from some of the network’s most reliable creators. Elsbeth and The Good Wife duo Robert and Michelle King have a reunion with Evil star Mike Colter in store for Thursday nights in the form of the Silicon Valley legal drama, Cupertino, taking the place of Matlock, which returns for Season 3 during the midseason. Also being saved for the winter is Ghosts, giving way for Joe Port and Joe Wiseman‘s new vampire-centric comedy, Eternally Yours, starring Allegra Edwards and Ed Weeks. Most exciting for NCIS fans, meanwhile, is the introduction of NCIS: New York, bringing LL COOL J back to the franchise as Sam Hanna to lead a new team in his hometown with a new partner in Scott Caan. With all the changes and excitement surrounding the return of CBS’ original programming, the curtain will soon be pulled for an early peek at all the stories coming next month.

On Thursday, September 10, the Paramount-owned network will debut a half-hour CBS Fall First Look special at 9 p.m. ET/PT, going over the entire fall slate. It’ll consist of a treasure trove of exclusive sneak peeks from the coming premiere, as well as behind-the-scenes looks into how these programs, from the procedurals to the comedies, come together every year. No further details of the special were shared, but this may give viewers their best impression yet of the three new series that will look to establish themselves as CBS staples.

CBS Has One More New Series Planned to Arrive in 2027

In addition to its three new shows airing this fall, CBS has also ordered a fourth, Einstein, that’ll have a midseason premiere. Criminal Minds alum Matthew Gray Gubler is set to lead as the titular Lewis Einstein, the great-grandson of renowned physicist Albert Einstein who is as brilliant as he is directionless and unambitious. Content to continue with his cushy job as a tenured professor, his antics finally catch up with him and land him in legal hot water, where he’s pressed to help a local homicide detective (Melissa Fumero) unravel Boston’s most confusing cases and, maybe, reform the institution from the ground up. The lightly comedic crime procedural hails from executive producers Randy Fisk and Monk creator Andy Breckman.

The CBS Fall First Look special will air on Thursday, September 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, less than a month before CBS’ premiere week starting October 4. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the network’s shows until then.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

September 23, 2003

Showrunner

Advertisement

Donald P. Bellisario

Directors

Dennis Smith, Terrence O’Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. Wright, Michael Zinberg, Arvin Brown, Rocky Carroll, Diana Valentine, Leslie Libman, Tawnia McKiernan, Colin Bucksey, William Webb, Bethany Rooney, Alrick Riley, Jeff Woolnough, Alan J. Levi, Lionel Coleman, Martha Mitchell, Peter Ellis, Michael Weatherly, Edward Ornelas, Stephen Cragg, Tom Wright

Advertisement

Writers

George Schenck, Frank Cardea, Jesse Stern, John C. Kelley, Jennifer Corbett, Christopher Silber, Reed Steiner, Nicole Mirante-Matthews, Jack Bernstein, Scott J. Jarrett, Matthew R. Jarrett, Kimberly-Rose Wolter, Don McGill, Gil Grant, Frank Military, Nell Scovell, Steven Kriozere, Brian Dietzen, Kate Torgovnick May, Jeff Vlaming, Sydney Mitchel, Katie White, Richard C. Arthur, Laurence Walsh

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 

  Sean Murray

  Timothy McGee

• 

  david mccallum

  Advertisement

  Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard

Advertisement

Advertisement

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for Furious Season 1.The show that took the world by storm this summer is Furious. The Hulu series from Liz Meriwether follows FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum) in a brutal hunt for Catherine Grace (Lola Petticrew), a vigilante serial killer, who targets the individuals who abused her during her youth. As the cat-and-mouse game tightens, the lines of morality begin to blur.

Renewed before the season even ended, Furious concluded in sensational fashion. With a body in a body bag, justice not necessarily served, and a revelation that will alter many individuals’ futures, Season 2 is destined to be as explosive as the first. As we eagerly await the next batch of episodes, it’s time to explore the burning questions we’re left with. These major mysteries have set up the potential action for Season 2.

What Will Alice Do With the List of Names on the Flash Drive?

Image via Hulu

The biggest cliffhanger centered on Alice, a computer, and a list of names. It’s revealed that not only was Alice’s abuse filmed, but the file was also on Jay Easton’s (Peter McRobbie) laptop. After being encouraged to look at the USB, Alice wasn’t looking at a video, but at the names of those who had. With this newfound information, Alice is sitting on a lot of power. Will she bring those individuals to justice, or will she go on a vigilante crusade to avenge her past? The magnitude of the list wasn’t necessarily about who was on it, but about how many—over 50,000 individuals — downloaded her video. If her chilling smile before the credits is any indication, Alice has tasted blood, and she may want more.

Speaking to Collider, Rossum spoke of the concrete facts behind her discovery. “Clicking over to know that there are 50,000 people that have watched this. It’s just a huge number. It’s probably larger than the number she anticipated,” Rossum revealed. “It’s not an easy hit list. But as Nora says, you have to have your eyes wide open. So I think there’s power in knowing that that really happened, and that there’s that level of exposure.” Upon being pressed on the term “hit list,” Rossum revealed, “All I can say is I’ve talked to Liz about what she wants to do, and I think it’s really exciting. But Liz loves to pivot and keep the process really fluid as she imagines her way into it. So, there have been a lot of text message pitches and a lot of thumbs-up, and then a lot of no responses. I can take a hint, you know what I mean?” Though she may not know where her character will go next, this list will be on Alice’s mind as she embarks on future cases.

Will Catherine Play a Part in Alice’s Dark Turn?

Image via Hulu

Season 1 was all about the chase. On the surface, Alice was the law, and Catherine was the criminal, but both women were fascinatingly complicated and complex. By the time the two women came face to face, they discovered that they were quite similar despite their posturing. Alice’s morality often dictated many of the decisions surrounding Catherine’s late-season actions, but, as we’ve learned, it was to help her find closure in the end. One of the big bombshells was that Catherine was the one who killed her friend Isabel (Larissa Campos), but before Alice could help her get to that revelation, Catherine explained the thrill that came with killing someone. Alice had never had that sensation — until she did. Jay Easton didn’t die of respiratory failure; she stepped on his tube and suffocated him.

Whether Alice needed the push from Catherine or Jay’s admission that he recognized her from the video, Alice’s dark side had been unleashed. At the conclusion of the season, Catherine knew Alice was harboring that secret and likely enjoyed the rush. Should Alice embark on her own vigilante tour, the only person she might be able to confide in is Catherine. With Catherine behind bars, will she aid in fueling the already burning fire? The hunt for Catherine corrupted Alice’s mind, and there’s no coming back from that. While Catherine may not be a physical part of the story moving forward, her vendetta is likely to live on. Rossum told Decider, “I think Alice and Catherine are people who have been underestimated and are both feeling somewhat powerless, even though they’re on these missions for justice and vengeance. And when Catherine later on says that killing someone is power, it’s taking power back, I think that that changes something in the way that Alice thinks about what Catherine is doing.”

Will Nora Take Down Ed George?

Image via Hulu

If there’s nothing we learned from Season 1, it’s that even with the proof present, that doesn’t mean those who deserve to be punished will be punished. Case in point: Ed George (Danny McCarthy). The corrupt Assistant Special Agent in Charge was a major cog in the criminal and trafficking activities of the powerful Easton clan. As the fixer, he cleaned up and manipulated to help the Eastons avoid justice. Because he was directly tied to the investigation of the Season 1 murders, he spent his time suppressing the path to justice, much to the ire of Nora Washington (Quincy Tyler Bernstine). That is, until the evidence made its way to a teeny-tiny USB.

Nora loses her high-strung anxiety the moment she captures Ed in the elevator, as she knows she has the power to expose his evidence and take him down. Nora is a brilliant woman and no longer wants to be demeaned by him, so if she’s going to be his demise, she knows she only has one shot. Speaking to Collider, Bernstine has an idea of what might come next. “One of my objectives is to get Ed, because ‘the bane of her existence’ is like an understatement. But he needs to go. And so I was so delighted that she finally gets that flash drive, and I feel like that’s the key,” she revealed. “I do believe that she is going to get him. We end with that scene, and I’m like, ‘Okay.’ Because she has all the cards now. There’s a desperation that we see coming from him. I really believe that we’re going to get him finally.” With Meriweather also signing off on “getting Ed,” it’s now how enthralling the downfall will be!

Can Alice and Danny’s Romance Survive?

Perhaps the true light in the darkness of Furious was the relationship between Alice and Danny Kelly (Scoot McNairy). It would be unfair to say that Danny was like a lost puppy following Alice around, but if there was ever a potentially green-flag romantic partner, it’s him. Before the action of Season 1, Danny was very much a part of Alice’s life while she was dealing with an abusive relationship with a co-worker at the NYPD. He is incredibly protective of her and willing to stand up to anyone who tries to impede her, both professionally and personally. But as their professional relationship rekindled, it sparked a mutual adoration and love. But nothing comes that easily. Upon Danny seeing the video of Alice, he simply cannot look at her the same way. It’s a heartbreaking moment, but time is all it takes.

As the investigation dwindles, Alice visits Danny at the Jersey Shore as Danny is ready for a slower life away from the department, retiring from the badge. It’s there that they finally move beyond the difficult past to embark on an intimate, supportive romantic relationship. Oh, and about that flash drive. By handing it over to Alice, Danny puts the power in her hands, but he also has no idea that it could have unleashed the dark side within Alice and hurt their romance. Danny wants a quiet life, and now Alice is more deeply involved than she had been before. Noting the complications of her abusive past and his marriage, Rossum noted to Collider that they are at “very different points in their lives” when hinting at where the duo might head next. “When they finally do get together on that beach, I think she’s still wondering if he could love her, knowing all of the totality of what’s happened to her, now having seen part of this video himself. And I think that’s so human, wondering if somebody could love you with all of the damage and all the knowledge of people that have hurt you.”

What Will Happen to Marshall?

Image via Hulu

If there’s an unlikable character to be played, fret not, Jake Lacy has it on lock. In Furious, he plays NYPD detective and Alice’s abusive ex-boyfriend Marshall Connelly. Marshall is an example of the good ol’ boys’ club in the male-dominated field, as, despite the allegations against him, he still has support from his colleagues — to an extent, that is. With the premise of needing Alice to withdraw her allegations so he could further his career, it’s his very manipulative, ill mother (Constance Shulman) effectively threatening her, triggering Alice to seek revenge on him by seducing him and ignoring his vices. As a man who will not go down without a fight, when Alice has Catherine cornered at the women’s shelter, Marshall attacks Alice, resulting in Catherine shooting him.

In another cruel twist of fate, Marshall survives. Though he does suffer long-term physical impairment or paralysis, as he’s seen in a wheelchair, to make matters worse, Marshall is awarded an official medal for bravery rather than facing accountability for his abusive actions. Watching the same institution that ignored Alice recognize Marshall should make you furious. Surely that won’t be the end of his story, with Alice perhaps going down a dark path in Season 2. Further, Marshall is likely to blame his condition on Alice. He’s proven he’s eager for retribution, so Alice’s safety should be on high alert.

Will Emma Easton Face the Same Fate as Her Father?

Image via Hulu

Though the inspiration for Furious is the 1987 film Black Widow, the premise is quite striking when held up against today’s headlines. Though the dark story focused squarely on the men who sexually assaulted the young girls and covered it up, there was one female enabler who is equally guilty: Emma Easton (Hope Davis). The daughter of a wealthy patriarch, Emma is weakly complicit and codependent. She serves as the physical cleaner of the evidence, aiding her father’s trafficking and abuse of young women. She rationalizes her father’s crimes, even minimizing his actions by claiming the victims were teenagers rather than little children. And even still, he dismissed her and couldn’t care how she could be implicated in his crimes. The major revelation in the finale was that it was Emma’s DNA underneath Isabel’s fingernails. She claimed to have been seeking out help for the young girl, but she ultimately left her to die, with Catherine administering the fatal dose.

Emma claims she’s a victim too, even encouraging Catherine to shoot her father instead, but as the fickle finger of fate would have it, Emma survives. Now, what happens to her next is crucial. She’s seen in isolation in her greenhouse, physically struggling. Does she believe it’s only time before justice comes back to haunt her? “I didn’t think Emma should be killed, but I don’t think living is any sort of reward for Emma, and it seems right that she’ll live in a hell of her own making,” Davis shared with Gold Derby. In the real world, we’ve seen the accomplice find themselves behind bars, so if justice is to be served, expect Emma to receive the same fate. Though her ties to the uppers, who have also helped cover things up, could be her saving grace.

What Happens to Alden Next?

Image via Hulu

Perhaps the most intriguing and important supporting character is Alden Drummings (Steve Way). At first, he seemed to just be some comic relief in Catherine’s orbit, but his brilliant thinking has literally set the action in motion for Season 2. Had he not made a copy of Jay Easton’s computer on the flash drive, the path toward justice and revenge wouldn’t have existed. Alden is cared for by Catherine in the guise of “Vanessa,” who uses him for a quiet hideout and to access prescription fentanyl. They do form an unlikely bond that leads him to propose to her with his late mother’s ring; by the season finale, Catherine reveals that she is married, and all signs point to Alden. But with his love behind bars, he’s also without his caregiver. That said, their emotional bond may have softened her enough to seek a way out to be with and assist Alden sooner.

Despite learning of Catherine’s ruthless crusade of blood, Alden actively chooses to give her the benefit of the doubt and help abet her crimes. His time in the police interrogation by Danny and FBI agent Frank Choi (Rob Yang) is one of the few moments of levity in the heavy series. The truth is, he held onto a key piece of leverage. Seeing integrity in Danny, he passes off the flash drive that created our current domino. Part of why he handed off the information was a sense of trust. Speaking to Collider after his big episode, Way shared, “All he has is this woman, who he loves, and who loves him. So, it’s kind of like his last stand. It’s all or nothing. And he was already going to do that once he trusted Danny. He doesn’t really trust anyone else, I don’t think.” When did that trust come in? “I honestly think it’s when he says that he has a disabled son, because right away, that tells Alden that he gets it. He knows what it’s like to be a parent of a disabled child. He understands what it’s like to fight the system,” Way shared. But is Aiden gone for good? If Catherine is behind bars, the only person who can protect him is Danny.

Advertisement

Furious

Advertisement

Release Date

July 27, 2026

Network

Advertisement

Hulu

Directors

Brian Kirk

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Action movies have always been cinema’s staple. The movies in this genre have the power to entertain audiences from all around the world. The most memorable ones are those with spectacular set pieces that involve intricate action choreography, gun fights and explosions. In the mid to late 2000s, there were several influential action movies, such as Batman Begins, Casino Royale and The Bourne Ultimatum, which changed the landscape forever.

Nevertheless, the innovation does not stop there. Since 2010, the genre has produced some remarkably polished films that combine thrilling action with great characters, sharp storytelling, inventive choreography, and confident direction. Here, we take a look at the action movies that we can call perfect, where every element works in harmony, creating a thoroughly exceptional actioner.

6

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (2012)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), a former legendary assassin who has vowed not to kill anymore and now wanders the country as a swordsman determined to protect people. He arrives in Tokyo, and he meets Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei), owner of a struggling swordsmanship school. When a ruthless businessman tries to take over the city through an opium operation and an army of fighters, Kenshin’s promise is repeatedly tested.

Rurouni Kenshin is, almost without a doubt, the best live-action anime adaptation to date. It is also a criminally underseen action masterpiece. The film translates the over-the-top swordplay of its source material into spectacular action choreography that still feels grounded and physical. Kenshin’s movement is outrageously fast but with practical effects and wirework, they never feel weightless. Kenshin’s reversed-blade sword also adds to the thrills. Its period setting and dynamic camera work are additional points in this exceptional film. The success of this film spawned four sequels, and they all keep getting better with each film.

5

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Image via Paramount Pictures

In Top Gun: Maverick, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is curiously still a test pilot after decades of a legendary career. He is brought back to Top Gun to train an elite group of young pilots for a seemingly impossible mission. Among the pilots is Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late wingman, whom Maverick feels protective about.

The 2010s and 2020s have been inundated with so many legacy sequels, yet only a few actually justified their existence. One of them is this sequel to Tony Scott‘s Top Gun. The mixture of practical effects and CGI in the aerial sequences is widely praised. However, the real hero of the story is its plot and characters. The film spends considerable time establishing relationships and giving the mission emotional stakes before unleashing its action. The film do so with so much care that you know the characters even though you may not have seen the first movie. The film’s third act is a massive payoff for all the plotlines that came before. The action is thrilling and immersive, especially when seen in IMAX. The film became one of the few post-pandemic success stories, with its box office reaching the $1 billion mark.

4

‘The Raid 2’ (2014)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Set just minutes after the first film, The Raid 2 follows Rama (Iko Uwais), who is given a new assignment to infiltrate the criminal underworld and get close to Uco (Arifin Putra), the ambitious son of a crime boss. After deliberately getting himself sent to prison, he enters the sprawling underworld of Jakarta and fights his way to finish his mission.

The Raid is an iconic action film, but The Raid 2 is a bigger and richer film. The plot of this film is more ambitious, with a boatload of characters surrounding Uwais’ Rama. Gareth Evans smartly levels up after the success of the first film. It’s a riskier film, but it still has all the elements of the first film. The fight sequences are extraordinary. With a clean presentation and minimal cuts, every fight becomes so memorable. The prison-yard sequence, the elaborate car chase, and the climactic confrontation all have completely different rhythms and visual identities. It’s a highly satisfying sequel, and it’s mind-boggling that we do not have a third film after this achievement.

3

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

In Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his trusted team attempt to recover lost plutonium used by a radical group called the Apostles. Now operating under the watchful CIA operative August Walker (Henry Cavill), the team has to work with shadowy figures like The White Widow (Vanessa Kirby) and their previous adversary Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) to stop The Apostles’ attack in major cities.

Often dubbed as the best entry in the eight-film Mission: Impossible franchise, the film fires on all cylinders in every aspects from production to its insane stunt design. At this point, if the film’s stunts do not endanger Tom Cruise’s life, it’s not a Mission: Impossible film. Thankfully, there are plenty of death-defying, practical stunts in this film, from the HALO jump, the Paris motorcycle chase, to the helicopter sequence in the climax. The ensemble cast that includes Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames, all play pivotal parts in this film. Add all that with the film’s efficient pacing and surprises, Fallout is one of the best action blockbusters ever made.

2

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

Image via Lionsgate

John Wick: Chapter 4 sees John Wick’s (Keanu Reeves) attempt to escape the High Table reach its final stage. Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) is given authority to eliminate the Baba Yaga once and for all. His journey takes him from New York to Osaka, Berlin, and eventually Paris, where he must survive waves of assassins, including his friend-turned-foe Caine (Donnie Yen), before earning his chance at a fateful duel.

The first John Wick film changed the action genre when it was released in 2014. After two sequels that keep upping the ante, John Wick Chapter 4 ends the titular character’s journey with a bang. The action sequences in this film are different from one another, and that makes for an exciting action film. The Osaka Continental fight emphasizes martial arts and gunplay, the Berlin sequence is a neverending nightclub chaos, the Paris Arc de Triomphe set piece turns the iconic landmark into a dynamic battlefield, and the overhead action sequence brings a video-game-like sequence to life. At nearly three hours, the movie never feels like it is wasting time and that’s why it’s arguably the best action film of the 2020s.

1

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

In Mad Max: Fury Road, drifter Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is captured by warlord Immortan Joe’s (Hugh Keays-Byrne) fanatical minions and is kept alive as a blood bag. At the same time, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) rebels against Immortan by escaping with his five wives to find the fabled Green Place. Max becomes an unwilling participant in this conflict and eventually fights alongside Furiosa against the tyrants of the wasteland.

Director George Miller returns to the world he created in 1979, and it feels like he left. The film’s deceptively simple premise packs an advanced level of filmmaking and control. The geography of each sequence is exceptionally clear, so even during the most chaotic moments, we understand what’s happening. The seamless mix of practical effects and CGI gives the film a tactile quality that modern blockbusters often struggle to replicate, and its effective editing enhances its pacing. More importantly, the action is inseparable from the characters, especially with Furiosa, who immediately becomes an icon. The film’s greatness is evidenced by its massive haul at the Oscars, winning seven trophies in the ceremony.

Advertisement

Mad Max: Fury Road

Release Date

Advertisement

May 15, 2015

Runtime

121 minutes

Advertisement

Director

George Miller

Writers

Advertisement

Brendan McCarthy, George Miller, Nico Lathouris

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement