Every week, when Apple TV‘s hit sci-fi show Pluribus released a new episode, it answered many questions while posing even more. From Manousos’ (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) exploration of radio frequencies and how they tie into how the Others communicate to just how much of humanity’s former selves remain in the hivemind, Vince Gilligan‘s series is filled with unique and fascinating mysteries. This intrigue can be both a blessing and a curse, as viewers are eager to continue the journey with Carol (Rhea Seehorn) following the events of the Season 1 finale.

Recent comments from Gilligan, however, imply that fans will need to be extra patient as the show’s writing team constructs the future narrative. Rather than seeing this as a disappointment, fans should appreciate the writers taking their time with a project like this. Even if it conflicts with the desire to return to the traditional TV format of a season every year, it’s far better for Pluribus to be well-executed than rushed.

‘Pluribus’ Won’t Be Returning With a New Season Every Year, Says Vince Gilligan

Image via Apple TV

One of the most impressive things about Gilligan’s storytelling is a minute attention to detail. In Pluribus, on the heels of Gilligan’s two biggest shows, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, there are Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing throughout that eagle-eyed viewers delight in spotting, but this kind of detail doesn’t come easily, requiring multiple rewrites and brainstorming sessions to create.

At Apple TV’s recent press day, where Collider was in attendance, Gilligan confirmed as much, explaining that while the show’s writers are “deeper into the process at this moment” than he expected, there are still only “[a] few episodes we have figured out.” Gilligan compared the “patience” required by fans to how the show’s release schedule won’t take a page from “The Pitt coming back every year.” While some may be disappointed that Gilligan and his team won’t be bringing Pluribus back to our screens anytime soon, viewers should respect the writers’ desire to maintain their meticulous approach to the narrative, choosing to get it right rather than simply get it done.

Fans Should Trust Vince Gilligan and Be Patient About the Wait for ‘Pluribus’ Season 2

One of the recent developments in the television landscape has been the pace at which shows are released, with the streaming model becoming dominant and leading to longer wait times between seasons. More recent series, however, have seen a return to the traditional format of releasing a season every year, like The Pitt, which Gilligan emphasized as an “old school” method that parallels his own previous experience writing for The X-Files. There’s no doubt that critics will use Noah Wyle‘s hit HBO medical drama or even the soon-to-be returning Daredevil: Born Again as proof that Pluribus is taking too long to deliver a second season, which exemplifies one of streaming TV’s most frustrating trends.

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The 10 Best ‘Pluribus’ Quotes, Ranked

“Carol, please.”

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However, no two shows are the same, and a release strategy that works for one series wouldn’t necessarily fit another. The Pitt and Daredevil: Born Again have clear throughlines with more grounded worlds, which likely makes the writing process easier. In contrast, Pluribus is unique; the Others, and their mysterious origins and mechanisms of assimilation, require far more mapping out in the writers’ room to figure out what is and isn’t possible in this sci-fi world.

This is not to say that viewers should rejoice that they will have to wait longer for another season of Pluribus, as even Gilligan acknowledges that he “[wishes] it would be” possible for his creative team to release a new season every year. Instead, these comments serve as a message to fans to sit tight and have faith that progress is being made. Pluribus Season 2 may not premiere next year, but it will come, and when it does, it will be more than worth it because of the time that went into crafting its story, not despite it.

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Release Date

November 6, 2025

Network

Apple TV

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Directors

Adam Bernstein, Zetna Fuentes, Melissa Bernstein

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Writers

Ariel Levine

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Cardi B Plays Coy On Possible Bad Bunny Halftime Cameo

Chris Brown made his feelings clear about Bad Bunny’s halftime show at Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, February 8.

“I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY.. THEY NEED ME!! 😏,” Brown, 36, posted via his Instagram Story at the conclusion of Bad Bunny’s performance.

The Puerto Rican rapper’s show was an energetic celebration of his Puerto Rican roots, featuring cameos from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Karol G and more.

Bad Bunny being selected as Super Bowl halftime performer drew a broad spectrum of reactions after it was announced in September 2025. 

One of the first to criticize the choice was former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who complained about Bad Bunny performing in Spanish. 

“Oh fun,” Patrick, 42, wrote via X. “No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year … not just for sports.”

Patrick doubled down on her criticism days later during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. 

“The Super Bowl is the most highly-watched show that we have on television in the whole year,” Patrick said. “127 million people are estimated to watch it. It’s the crown jewel on television and in sports, in particular. It’s where we come together as a country. We enjoy it, we have parties, we love watching the halftime performance. We know we love to sing along to the halftime performance and it’s usually one of those that’s very versatile across so many different age ranges.”

She continued, “I don’t have any problem with someone performing at halftime that is not from the United States, although Bad Bunny is technically a citizen because he was born in Puerto Rico,” she continued. “He wasn’t necessarily born in America. I don’t care where you’re actually born. What I care about is that I can sing along to the music. His music is almost nothing in English. I don’t think it will be as much fun. I don’t think it will be as uniting. What I would hate to see is that it would divide us again, in yet another way.”

Pro football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson bashed the selection of Bad Bunny, though he admitted he was unfamiliar with the rapper.

“I don’t even know who the hell the guy is. I’ve never heard of him,” Dickerson, 65, told TMZ in October 2025.  “I’m not that big into music. What’s his name? What the hell does Bad Bunny sing? I don’t know one of [his] songs.”

Dickerson added, “Keep his ass in Puerto Rico.”

Despite some major pushback, Bad Bunny had plenty of A-list supporters in his corner, including Jennifer Lopez. 

“I think he’s about to blow everybody’s mind,” Lopez, 56, said during an October appearance on the Today show. “It’s an introduction to some people.”

When asked about the backlash, Lopez added, “I don’t understand that. He’s one of the top artists in the world right now, probably the top.”

Roommates, our hearts go out to Wendy Williams and her family during this incredibly difficult time. The media personality is grieving the passing of her father, Thomas Williams Sr., and fans have been sending love and prayers to the Williams family. Wendy’s niece and goddaughter, Alex Finnie, shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute, giving followers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Thomas Sr.

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Wendy Williams’ Dad Remembered In Touching Family Tribute

In her post, Alex Finnie shared a touching montage of photos and videos, writing, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share — after 94 years of extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom, my grandfather Thomas D. Williams has passed.” She went on to celebrate her grandfather’s life as an author, educator, and devoted family man, noting how he poured into both his family and the community. Alex’s post closed with a tender message: “I miss him tremendously. I’m a little lost for words right now, but I love you endlessly Papa. Give Nana a kiss for me.”

Support Pours In For Wendy Williams Online

Once the news hit, fans ran straight to The Shade Room’s Instagram comments to send Wendy Williams love and support. Many remembered how heartbroken she was when her mom passed and hoped she has the strength to get through this loss as well. Others flooded the comments with prayers and condolences. Meanwhile, a few couldn’t help but point out how Wendy is literally her father’s twin.

One Instagram user @chantestory said, “94 is a long life I can only wish 🥹🙏🏽 prayers to the family“

This Instagram user @mstriniqueen2000 shared, “Awwww. Wendy LOVESSSSS her daddy so much…R.I.P 😢”

And, Instagram user @mrslove305 added, “My condolences. Wendy went off the deep end when her Mom passed. I hope that she is surrounded by love during this difficult time.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @44.pr1nc3ssa commented, “Awee he lived a Long Healthy life Rest in Peace Heavenly Angel ❤️”

While Instagram user @yourkidsfavoritestepmama wrote, “He made sure his baby girl was ok before he left this crazy world 🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Finally, Instagram user @allie.cherie commented, “her twin omg“

Wendy Shares Sweet Moment With Brother Tony Recently

It looks like Wendy Williams is leaning on family these days. In a new Instagram post, Wendy’s brother Thomas Williams shared a sweet family moment with her and another possible relative. Captioning the photo simply ‘FAMILY,’ along with a red heart emoji. Tommy showed love as Wendy smiled into the camera while embracing her brother, their matching grins lighting up the frame. Wendy rocked her signature blonde hair and red lipstick, pairing a black leather jacket with a blue-and-white flannel underneath and a black handbag, keeping her iconic style even in these intimate family snaps.

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Bad Bunny invited some friends to join him on stage during his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performance — but Lady Gaga made the biggest splash.

Gaga, 39, sang a new version of “Die With a Smile” (her collaboration with Bruno Mars) while taking the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots competed in the big game. After her surprise performance, Gaga stuck around for a quick dance routine with Bad Bunny, 31.

Gaga’s appearance comes after she and Bad Bunny had a sweet moment at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1.

“She said, ‘I love you!’ And that’s it,” Bad Bunny told Access Hollywood about crossing paths with Gaga at the awards show. “And I was like, ‘I love you too!’”

But that wasn’t the only trick he had up his sleeve. The Puerto Rico native included Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Alix Earle, Cardi B, Jessica Alba and Ricky Martin in his performance as well.

News broke in September 2025 that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said in a statement at the time. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown … this is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Before taking the reins himself, Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. At the time, he and Shakira, 49, performed his hit “I Like It” before singing a mash-up of her song “Chantaje” and his track “Callaítia.”

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Related: Every Celebrity Who Has Commented on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Backlash

From seemingly the moment the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, the hot takes have come pouring in about the league’s selection. Critics have said that viewers won’t be able to connect with someone who performs primarily in Spanish, while his supporters have pointed to the three-time Grammy […]

Lopez, 56, and Shakira both showed their support for Bad Bunny after he was announced as the 2026 halftime show headliner.

“I think he’s about to blow everybody’s mind,” Lopez raved on the Today show in October 2025. “It’s an introduction to some people.”

Lopez went on to say that she didn’t “understand” the backlash to Bad Bunny’s involvement in the halftime show, noting, “He’s one of the top artists in the world right now, probably the top.”

“It could be a lot of different people. That’s the thing,” she explained. “I’m super excited for people to see him. I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised because his music transcends language. It’s amazing what he’s done. He’s done something that a lot of people have never done in their life.”

Lopez also reflected on her own Super Bowl performance with Bad Bunny and Shakira.

“Me, Shakira, Bad Bunny, J Balvin — and we had an amazing time,” she recalled. “It was a really cultural moment.”

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Over the years, viewers have witnessed Super Bowl moments during the halftime show that have been memorable for various reasons. In 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake delivered a controversial performance that has continued to be a topic of conversation. At the time, Jackson joined Timberlake as a surprise guest, and a wardrobe malfunction ended […]

Later that month, Shakira shared her enthusiasm over Bad Bunny helming the halftime show.

“It’s about time!” she told Variety. “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move. … Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started. I hope and like to think that all the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced helped forge the path to where we are now.”

As for Bad Bunny’s performance, Shakira felt the timing was right for him to bring his talents to the Super Bowl.

“I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world,” she continued. “It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it.”

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Todd Haynes remains an acclaimed figure within the arthouse film community for his powerful romantic and sociological dramedies. Between the intimate romance of his period drama Carol to the scandalous melodrama of his dark comedy May December, Haynes has succeeded in crafting highly personal character studies that feel like slices of life. He’s also set to finally begin work on De Noche, a film that suffered setbacks when Joaquin Phoenix left shortly before filming and has since added Pedro Pascal in his wake. Haynes is inarguably one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, but he’s not necessarily someone who is associated with genre thrillers. However, Haynes showed a completely different side of his storytelling skills with the psychological thriller Dark Waters.

Drawing from a recent real-life event of a public health crisis, Haynes crafted a powerful and timely thriller that speaks to the horrors of corporate greed. The specificity in crafting period pieces that he perfected within his romantic dramas ended up giving him the experience needed to make an eerie parallel to recent events. Dark Waters is a film about a lurking danger that has been covered up by the powers that be. While it is by no means an easy film to watch, Dark Waters is a powerful true crime thriller with excellent performances by Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway.

What Is ‘Dark Waters’ About?

Set in 1998, Dark Waters examines the revelation of the DuPont scandal, which revealed that one of the nation’s most powerful chemical manufacturing corporations was responsible for polluting the environment. Rather than beginning with the crisis’ origins, the film is told from the perspective of the corporate defense lawyer Robert Bilott (Ruffalo), whose expertise is in business malpractice and legal minutiae. While he knows very little about criminal law and would not normally take on a case involving environmental damage, Bilott agrees to look into a series of unexplained animal deaths in Parkersburg, West Virginia, at the behest of farmer Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp). A series of investigations leads him to discover that the chemicals being dumped in the area are unregulated by the EPA, which would point to a larger conspiracy linked to a corporation capable of covering up its crimes.

While the evidence that Bilott uncovers is horrifying, Haynes treats the dissemination of information like a procedural thriller. It becomes compelling based on how new information changes Bilott’s mind. Initially, he disregards the complaints that the locals have, believing their animosity to be nothing but a half-hearted way of justifying their misfortune. However, the steady revelation of evidence leads Bilott to slowly become more invested in the case. It becomes evident that the generations of pollution committed by DuPont go beyond corporate indifference, as there appears to be a malicious intention behind their targeting of rural communities. Haynes does a great job of showing why the farmers of Parkersburg are particularly vulnerable to these issues. Without a champion like Bilott on their side, the community would not have the resources to raise awareness about what is happening.

‘Dark Waters’ Is an Inventive Psychological Thriller

Image via Focus Features

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Much of Dark Waters takes place in boardrooms and corporate offices as Bilott conducts research and analyzes years of testimonies, video evidence, and contracts. While this level of specificity on the legal front could have made for a dull narrative, Haynes incorporates an aspect of psychological dread based on Bilott’s race against time. As he begins to understand that pollution has a devastating impact on the human body, Bilott realizes that the lives of the people he has been representing hang in the balance. This shifts the stakes of the film from economic to personal, with Bilott transforming into a more selfless character based on the years he has spent dedicated to the case. It’s implied that by fighting on their behalf, Bilott has been accepted by the community of Parkersburg.

As inspiring as Bilott’s journey is, Dark Waters is both infuriating and timely in its deconstruction of DuPont’s practices. Haynes brilliantly shows how antiquated legal policies have led DuPont to shift the blame for the pollution to different parties, leading to an endless chase to find the real culprit. Revelations about the extent of the cover-up made by Bilott inspire powerful moments of righteous anger. On a narrative level, this works in making Ruffalo’s excellent performance even more compelling. Additionally, it may inspire viewers to take a deeper look at the real case that the film is based on.

Todd Haynes Made ‘Dark Waters’ At the Right Time

The DuPont scandal underscores broader issues regarding corporate accountability, regulatory oversight, and the prioritization of profit over public health and environmental protection. It’s a cautionary tale that reflects systemic failures and highlights the challenges in addressing environmental injustices, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Todd Haynes recognized that the relevance of environmental issues in society fueled the creation of Dark Waters. In an interview with Collider, Haynes opened up about the timeliness of his project:

“Sometimes there’s a sort of a zeitgeist that almost beckons projects to come to the fore at the time they do. There’s something in the air that makes them necessary to happen when they happen. And I do feel like just the environmental issues our country is confronting…and the ways that our regulatory system has so catered to the needs of industry; how much money and big business have dominated our economy. These are all things that make this an incredibly relevant story to tell.”

The success of Dark Waters serves as a compelling testament to Haynes’ timeliness on the project. However, it also underscores the persistent lackluster response from society towards environmental concerns. The film ultimately turns a critical eye on corporate malfeasance, but packages it in the form of a star-studded thriller.

Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway Elevate ‘Dark Waters’

Image via Focus Features 

In one of his most underrated performances, Ruffalo combines the professionalism and passion that make Bilott a compelling character. While he does not initially characterize Bilott as haughty or arrogant, he suggests that the character is rather indifferent about the clients he represents, as they really only serve to benefit him economically. However, Ruffalo does a great job of showing how draining the case is for Bilott on a personal level. He’s been taught to be obsessive about discovering evidence, which becomes unhealthy when he applies it to all aspects of his life. The dignity and earnestness that Ruffalo brings to the role is the perfect tribute to a real-life hero.

While it’s not a hugely substantial role, Hathaway gives an impactful performance that transcends the typical “wife” part. Bilott’s wife Sarah is not only critical in reminding the viewer of their humble origins, but essential in caring for him when he puts himself in physical danger. As the case reaches its inflection point, Bilott collapses from overworking himself, forcing Sarah to come to his aid. Hathaway’s heartbroken explanation of her husband’s efforts in a hospital room is among the film’s most heartbreaking moments.

A real story as critical as the DuPont scandal deserves attention, but Dark Waters is more than a standard “issues” movie. It’s a fully fleshed-out psychological thriller that speaks to the horrors of powers being unmonitored. Thanks to the prestigious direction by Haynes and emotionally authentic performances, Dark Waters is a powerful indictment of corruption that highlights a critical ongoing subject.

What Happened to DuPont After the Events of ‘Dark Waters’?

Image via Focus Features

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Dark Waters ends with Bilott winning three successive cases against DuPont, leading the manufacturing company to settle an additional 3,500 cases for $671 million. However, DuPont continued to face economic setbacks during the release of Dark Waters. After an all-stock merger with the Dow Chemical Company in 2015, DuPont spun off into its own company in 2015. The company’s stock continued to plummet in the aftermath of Bilott’s revelations about the use of “forever chemicals” and in 2022, the state of California sued the company for its role in manufacturing airborne pollutants after multi-year investigations were conducted.

DuPont executives may have objected to their characterization in Dark Waters, but the real Bilott continues to be at the forefront of environmental activism. In addition to taking part in promotional events for the film alongside Ruffalo, Billott received a degree as an Honorary Doctor of Science from The Ohio State University’s Environmental Science Graduate Program for his continued efforts to raise awareness about corporate pollution.

What Did Todd Haynes Add to ‘Dark Waters’?

Image via Focus Features

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Todd Haynes was an interesting choice to direct Dark Waters, as it seems somewhat surprising that the director behind elaborate melodrama like Carol and Velvet Goldmine would be interested in a straightforward biographical drama about a criminal and corporate investigation. Although it easily could have felt like a “hired hand” job in which Haynes was simply hired to work on a studio project that he had little passion for, Dark Waters benefits from the meticulous direction of a filmmaker well-aware of the place and era he is capturing.

One of the most compelling aspects of Haynes’ style is his ability to capture the mood of a certain period. In the same way that he encapsulated the buzzy holiday vibes of Christmas in the 1950s with Carol, Haynes examined the pressing tension of corporate America at the tail end of the 20th century. The attention-to-detail needed to examine the recent past is immense, as many viewers watching the film may have remembered the events as they occurred. Thankfully, Haynes was able to recreate key events in a manner that felt legitimate.

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Dark Waters is a very personal story about the interiority of a family, as Bilott’s character is an interesting one. A lesser filmmaker would have painted Bilott as an uncompromising hero with no faults, but Haynes did not go out of his way to lionize him; it is made evident that Bilott is rather indifferent to the situation with DuPont at the beginning of the film, and only gradually becomes more motivated in making a difference once he begins to learn about the devastating environmental impact that the corruption has caused. There is always a risk that a film like Dark Waters could feel more like a work of activism than a legitimate story, but Haynes is able to thread the needle between making the story both entertaining and informative. Even though it does give a tremendous amount of insight on a situation that many viewers may not have been aware of, the film still functions as a tightly paced thriller with a good deal of urgency.

Haynes captures a sense of righteous anger within Dark Waters as he examines the larger scope of the scandal, and why it is still relevant to the events of today. Although the actions that DuPont took to avoid taking responsibility for its role in the crisis are both shocking and despicable, Dark Waters examines that this is a result of the larger culture of indifference within American capitalism. Major corporations don’t treat their employees and clients as human beings, and are even willing to risk human life to make minimal financial gains. The DuPont incident is simply one example of what can go awry when there is no oversight; although it was a case that claimed countless lives and irrevocably damaged the environment, it is sadly not an anomaly as the climate crisis grows more extreme with each passing year. Dark Waters is not a horror film, but that does not mean that it isn’t terrifying.

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Dark Waters

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Release Date

November 22, 2019

Runtime

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126 minutes

Writers

Matthew Michael Carnahan, Mario Correa, Nathaniel Rich

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