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Lizzo‘s fifth studio album, “B-TCH,” released early this month, received a lukewarm response, making a challenging return to music for the Grammy-winning singer. Many are speculating about the album’s underwhelming performance, with some pointing out Lizzo’s involvement in an ongoing lawsuit against her former backup dancers.
Her primary accusers are speaking out about Lizzo’s latest album and how it may have impacted her career.

Lizzo’s new album, “B-TCH,” has struggled to match the success of her previous releases, prompting some critics to describe it as a flop.
The album sold just over 2,600 copies in its first week, along with 2.7 million on-demand streams, with sales plummeting to 650 units the second week. In contrast, her 2022 album, “Special,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with 39,000 copies sold in the first week.
While many factors may have contributed to the album’s underwhelming performance, many believe it’s partly due to Lizzo’s ongoing legal battle with her former dancers, Noelle Rodriguez, Arianna Davis, and Crystal Williams.
The three spoke with CNN, saying they have mixed feelings about the trajectory of Lizzo’s career. Regardless of their emotions, they claim their intention in filing the lawsuit was not to “take down” Lizzo. “It was never an intention to take down a plus-size woman of color specifically,” Rodriguez said.

Lizzo’s former dancers say it isn’t their place to talk about the state of the singer’s career. Speaking on behalf of the group, Rodriguez said, “I don’t really think it’s our place to discuss or even have an opinion on how her career is going at this point, when that wasn’t even our reason for filing in the first place.”
In 2023, Rodriguez, Davis, and Williams filed a lawsuit against Lizzo and her production company, claiming body-shaming, sexual harassment, and workplace hostility. The legal battle is still ongoing.
Rodriguez added that the lawsuit wasn’t a “smear campaign” against Lizzo. Rather, they want to hold the singer accountable for the values she has built her public image around.
“I think if anything, in retrospect, I’ve actually had some sadness in the fact that it has impacted her career,” Rodriguez said.

In August 2023, Lizzo, dance captain Shirlene Quigley, and production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. were named in a lawsuit, in which Rodriguez, Davis, and Williams alleged they were sexually harassed, worked in a hostile environment, and were body-shamed, in addition to other allegations, such as religious and racial harassment, and false imprisonment.
Lizzo clapped back at the accusations, saying the claims were “false” and “outrageous.” In 2024, she spoke about the controversy, saying she was “deeply hurt” and completely blindsided by the lawsuit. “These were people that I liked and appreciated as dancers, respected them as dancers. So I was like, ‘What?!’” Lizzo said, adamantly denying all the claims.
“The hardest part about all this is that none of these things were true,” the singer said.

In December 2025, a judge dismissed the dancers’ fat-shaming allegations from the lawsuit, which Lizzo considered a small win. “There was no evidence I fired them because they gained weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees,” the singer noted.
However, the majority of the lawsuit will still move forward with the sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. Lizzo is adamant about fighting the case in court. In a video she posted on TikTok, the singer wrote that she does not plan to settle and “will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out.”
The case is currently before the California Court of Appeal, and both parties are awaiting a court date for oral argument.

On the “Proto Pop” podcast, the singer candidly talked about the lukewarm response to her latest album, admitting that she took it to heart. “I think that there was like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number. And I think that was soul-crushing,” she explained.
Even before the album’s release, Lizzo took to social media, saying her record label, Atlantic Records, failed to promote it properly. Moreover, Lizzo cited the changing music landscape as one of the reasons behind her album’s poor commercial performance.
Despite the challenges, Lizzo noted that she isn’t in a rush for people to connect with her music and believes “B-TCH” has some of the “best stuff” she’s ever written.
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She may own a home in Nashville, but Reese Witherspoon‘s casual summer wardrobe is everything we love about East Coast style. Her looks embody country club class, and her latest dress is no exception. The one downside for those who hope to copy it? The price tag. However, we found the dreamy, Hamptons-coded look for just $35!
In a shoot for Draper James, Witherspoon posed in a buttery yellow dress that screamed ‘Southampton garden party,’ especially since she paired it with delicate tie sandals. The dress retails for $158, which feels somewhat reasonable. . . until you spot this twin on Amazon.
Get the Auselily Sleeveless Summer Dress for $35 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Auselily Sleeveless Summer Dress is pure Witherspoon: sunny, feminine and polished without trying too hard. It channels the same breezy elegance that translates from a Nashville rooftop to a Sag Harbor porch, thanks to the flowy silhouette, sleeveless design and vibrant yet flattering yellow color.
Speaking of flattering, this chic dress features a surplice neckline that minimizes the shoulders, a faux wrap that shapes the waist and an A-line skirt that skims past the hips, landing right at the knee. It’s an appropriate length for brunches, bridal showers and everything in between.
Better yet, the spandex blend material had just enough stretch to feel like loungewear. One happy shopper wrote, “This dress is perfect, soft and [has] pockets . . . material is stretchy and comfy, the fit is flattering . . . I purchased three for my trip to Italy. I’ll wear short leggings underneath, but it’s long enough to ensure it stays, looks classy in any setting. Tennis shoes, sandals or heels.”
Summer should feel easy, cheerful and a little romantic, and luckily, this Amazon mini dress delivers all three without the $158 commitment. Throw it on with raffia sandals, grab an iced coffee and channel your inner Hamptons hostess. Witherspoon sure is!
Get the Auselily Sleeveless Summer Dress for $35 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more summer dresses and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Star Trek is full of food and drink that would challenge the most adventurous palate. This includes bloodwine, live worms, Yamok sauce, and the scariest thing of all: Riker’s scrambled eggs. However, you could say this is only fitting because many parts of Trek’s unique storytelling are also an acquired taste. My favorite examples of this are holodeck episodes. Some fans like these stories because they are typically lighthearted and show us an entirely new side of these characters. Others hate holodeck episodes because they are silly trifles that get in the way of exploring strange new worlds and telling killer sci-fi stories.
Early on in Star Trek: Voyager, the writers tried to do something a bit different with the holodeck: namely, using it to create regular locations for characters to unwind. Instead of one-off holodeck episodes like the kind in The Next Generation, this new show had crew members regularly relax in places like Chez Sandrine, a swanky French bar. Fans generally liked that place (it’s like a classier Ten Forward!), but there was one holodeck program on Voyager they hated. The program was “Janeway Lambda One,” and fans despised the captain’s submissive gothic fantasy so much that it was written out of the show altogether!

Admittedly, “Janeway Lambda One” is not the most creative title for a holodeck program. Its story wasn’t all that creative, either. In this particular fantasy, Janeway plays governess to a rich lord’s two children. The lord is a widower, and the captain is trying to help the children cope with the recent loss of their mother. Most of the time, she spent her time bonding with these children by teaching them. When she wasn’t spending time helping out the kiddos, she tried learning more about the fourth floor of her lord’s home, somewhere she is surprisingly forbidden to visit.
Originally, Janeway Lambda One was a way of giving the Voyager captain her own holonovel to explore, the same way Captain Picard liked to re-enact his favorite Dixon Hill novels. Originally, producers wanted to give Janeway a Western holonovel where she would be a pioneer woman traveling with her husband and children. However, that plan had two problems: Kate Mulgrew hated working with horses, and adding the holo-Western to an episode could have cost an extra $100,000 per day of shooting. Instead, they pivoted to a much more affordable Gothic holo-novel in the style of books preferred by executive producer Jeri Taylor.

Unfortunately, fans hated Janeway Lambda One so much that it was written out of the show, and we never got a resolution to that mystery about the fourth floor. What did audiences dislike about this holodeck program, though? According to Captains’ Logs Supplemental–The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages, Taylor said that the program was “one of those things…we were not getting the feedback from the fans that seemed to justify its continuing. A lot of people had problems with Janeway being in what would be considered a servile position.” And, of course, “A lot of people just aren’t fans…of Gothic novels and just sort of didn’t get it.”
What’s up with the “servile position” complaints? Basically, when Star Trek: Voyager came out, it was a big deal that the show had a female captain. Accordingly, she wasn’t written as an overly nurturing or emotional character; instead, she was a tough-as-nails character who could make hard calls with the same dispassionate wisdom as male leaders like Kirk and Picard. In other words, she was the ultimate feminist icon of the ‘90s. Fans who looked up to her as an independent badass leader didn’t like the idea that she spent her spare time daydreaming about being a babysitter and love interest to some rich guy who has immense power over her.

In real life, this isn’t such a crazy idea: many people who are powerful and independent in their professional lives actually enjoy submissive roleplaying as a kind of escapism (just ask your local kinksters!). But that’s an idea that 1) doesn’t really translate well to Star Trek and 2) wouldn’t work in the ‘90s, when the kinkiest thing most audiences had ever seen was Secretary. Accordingly, “Janeway Lambda One” was written out of the show, allowing Janeway to explore a sexier adventure in a later episode that began with that three-word phrase all holodeck husbands love to hear: “delete the wife!”
Dave Portnoy is pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest podcast breakups in recent memory.
In his newly released memoir, the founder of the Barstool Sports website revisits the dramatic collapse of “Call Her Daddy,” claiming the split involved secret meetings, explosive contract demands, and allegations he says could have destroyed his company.
Years after the blockbuster fallout between Alex Cooper, Sofia Franklyn, and Barstool, Portnoy is now sharing his version of events in striking detail.

According to Dave Portnoy, the partnership between Barstool Sports and “Call Her Daddy” appeared stable until Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn traveled to Los Angeles to appear on Logan Paul’s podcast in April 2019.
The social media personality claimed there had been no signs of unhappiness before that trip, writing per the Daily Mail, “There was no indication that Alex and Sofia were unhappy with their situation, until they met Logan Paul.”
He alleged that conversations with Paul about their contracts and compensation planted doubts that grew over the following months.
Portnoy wrote that the hosts gradually distanced themselves from Barstool, first by staying away from the office, and eventually by hiring a lawyer to renegotiate their contracts.
He described the meeting as a turning point, claiming their demands included $1 million annually for each host, ownership of the “Call Her Daddy” intellectual property, control over advertising sales, 90 percent of merchandise revenue, and employee reclassification.
Portnoy said the requests were so extreme that he couldn’t even finish the meeting. He also alleged that former HBO executive Peter Nelson, who was dating Franklyn at the time, played a significant role in the negotiations.
Franklyn has previously denied those claims, saying speculation surrounding Nelson’s involvement was false and that he was not heavily involved.

As negotiations intensified, Dave Portnoy alleged that the hosts stopped releasing new episodes to pressure Barstool into accepting their demands.
He said the production freeze raised the possibility of legal action for breach of contract, setting off increasingly tense negotiations between the two sides.
Portnoy recalled arranging a private meeting with the hosts on the rooftop of his apartment building, where he presented what he described as “the most generous offer in Barstool history.”
According to him, the proposal would have made both Cooper and Franklyn instant millionaires while allowing them to continue building the successful podcast.
Despite the offer, Portnoy said the dispute remained unresolved. The standoff ultimately became one of the most public contract battles in podcasting, eventually leading to the end of the original “Call Her Daddy” partnership and Franklyn’s departure from the show.

One of the biggest revelations in Portnoy’s memoir centers on a private meeting he claims took place between himself and Cooper without Franklyn present.
According to the 49-year-old, Cooper asked for another rooftop meeting after reviewing his revised offer.
He recalled the 31-year-old telling him, “I love the deal you proposed, and I want to take it. But Sofia is never going to take it.”
Portnoy said he reminded Cooper that Barstool would pursue legal action if the podcast moved elsewhere before the contract expired.
He then made his most explosive allegation, claiming Cooper revealed that she and Franklyn had discussed accusing Barstool of sexual harassment to escape their contractual obligations.
Portnoy wrote that the alleged strategy would have been used if Barstool refused to surrender ownership of the podcast.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the accusation, writing, “I realize that this is a heavy accusation I just made: how Call Her Daddy was allegedly planning to break their contract with us by lying about sexual harassment at Barstool.”

Reflecting on that alleged conversation, Dave Portnoy argued that Barstool would have faced an uphill battle if sexual harassment accusations had become public.
He noted that Barstool had long been criticized for controversial humor but said the company had never previously faced allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct.
Portnoy wrote that even if he believed the accusations were false, “Nobody would have believed my side of the story.”
He suggested public perception alone could have inflicted lasting damage on both him and the company, regardless of the outcome of any legal dispute.
The businessman described the moment as one of the most significant crises he had ever faced while running the company.
Portnoy also addressed reports that Franklyn is preparing to release her own book, acknowledging that he has no idea what her version of events will include.
While leaving open the possibility that parts of her story could be accurate, he did not hide his opinion.
“Listen, I have no idea what she’ll write in her book,” Portnoy wrote before adding, “In my book, Sofia Franklyn is a f*cking liar.”
He also argued that some readers may automatically side with Franklyn for a variety of personal reasons, but insisted his account reflects what he believes happened behind the scenes.
Portnoy concluded by criticizing those who view Franklyn as a feminist figure, writing that he believes anyone supporting her should remember his allegation that she was willing to falsely weaponize claims of sexual harassment.
Elliot Page is ready to rumble after undergoing some intense boxing training.
The Academy Award nominee, 39, revealed via Instagram on Monday, June 29, that stepping into the squared circle with boxing trainer Nolan Hanson got him into peak physical condition, complete with six-pack abs.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to train with @coachnol,” Page wrote. “He’s a brilliant teacher, not just in the way he breaks down complex movements, but also in his strategic understanding of boxing and his thoughtful approach to the psychological side of the sport.”
A video shared by the actor showed him bobbing and weaving in the ring, while throwing some impressive jabs and uppercuts at his coach.
“Training with Nolan has become an essential part of my life,” the actor went on. “If you’re in NYC and looking, I can’t recommend him highly enough. Just be warned, you may end up getting as hooked as I am.”
Per his website, Hanson started boxing at the New Bed-Stuy Boxing Center under Charles Trammell and Nate Boyd before learning Soviet-style boxing from esteemed coach Talap Mamyrkanov.
“Nolan’s educational and personal background informs his work as a coach. He sees boxing as more than just a sport,” Hanson bio read. “To him, it is a tool for building confidence, creating community, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for personal growth.”
Page is no stranger to flashing his abs, as he previously shared a shirtless photo in November 2021 to celebrate nearly one year since publicly coming out as trans.
In December 2020, the actor came out as trans and expressed “overwhelming gratitude” for those who’d supported him throughout his transition.
“I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self,” the Umbrella Academy star wrote in an open letter at the time.
He went on, “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close to fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive. To all trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”
Just over a year later, Page celebrated feeling “trans joy” when he walked the red carpet at the Oscars in March 2022 wearing a tuxedo.
“I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I feel the way that I really never thought was possible,” the Juno star told trans activists Raquel Willis and Chase Strangio. “I know the challenges I’ve gone through and I know how difficult it has been for me. The enormous amount of privilege, the enormous amount of resources I’ve had absolutely, unequivocally saved my life — from therapy to surgery and so many things between.”
Page will be on the big screen this summer in director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic The Odyssey, in which he’ll play the Greek soldier Sinon. The Odyssey — which will also star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson — opens on July 17.
Noah Kahan is making a plea to concertgoers after an unfortunate incident at one of his recent shows left fans horrified and venue staff with an unpleasant cleanup job. The singer-songwriter reacted after a viral video appeared to show feces smeared on the floor during his June 26 concert at Citizens Bank Park, prompting a characteristically humorous response from the “Stick Season” star. While Noah Kahan managed to find some comedy in the situation, he also had a message for fans: if nature calls, don’t wait.

After footage of the alleged bathroom mishap began circulating online, Kahan took to X to address the situation. “If you have to poop at a show, please dear god just go to the bathroom lmao,” the 29-year-old wrote.
The singer also spared a thought for the venue employee who was likely tasked with cleaning up the mess. “I’ve pooped my pants as much as the next 29-year-old, but you guys gotta understand there’s a venue worker out there with a 1000 yard stare after dealing with that,” he joked.

As the post gained attention, Kahan followed up with an even more unexpected revelation. “I sh-t myself onstage in Charlottesville, but that’s because I am dedicated to my craft,” he wrote.
The self-deprecating confession quickly became a hit with fans, many of whom praised the Grammy nominee’s ability to laugh at himself while addressing the bizarre situation.

The online discussion began after a concert attendee shared a video showing what appeared to be a suspicious brown substance on the floor during Kahan’s Philadelphia-area show.
In the clip, a visibly shocked fan reacted with disbelief upon spotting the mess. “What the f-ck!?” she exclaimed.
The video quickly spread across social media, generating thousands of reactions and prompting Kahan’s response.

While the viral moment may have dominated social media for a day, Kahan’s career continues to soar.
The Vermont native is best known for hits including “Stick Season” and “Hurt Somebody,” with the former becoming a cultural phenomenon and earning praise from fellow artists, including Olivia Rodrigo and Maisie Peters, who have covered the song.
Kahan has released four studio albums and earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, cementing his status as one of the industry’s fastest-rising singer-songwriters.
Beyond his music career, Kahan has been widely praised for his openness regarding mental health. The singer has frequently spoken about his experiences with anxiety, depression, addiction, and other personal struggles, often weaving those themes into both his music and public appearances.
In 2024, he expanded those efforts through The Busyhead Project, a nonprofit initiative focused on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources and crisis care for underserved communities.
“I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in my career, and it really is all for nothing if I don’t try and give back to the community that has supported me,” Kahan previously said. “If I can help anyone get through their struggles, it will be the proudest achievement of my career.”

During Mental Health Awareness Month in 2024, Kahan shared an especially personal message with fans about the realities of living with mental health challenges. “I sometimes struggle with reconciling my passion and efforts to be someone that advocates for mental health with how sh-tty I feel most of the time,” he wrote.
The singer explained that some days involve performing in sold-out arenas and discussing how therapy changed his life, while other days are spent battling feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.
“I share this because I want people to know, in this month especially, to remember it’s okay living in two places,” Kahan said. “It’s okay to be in a place of hurting, it’s okay to be depressed, anxious, bipolar, obsessive, or just plain exhausted.”
And while this week’s headlines may be focused on an unusual concert mishap, Kahan’s music and message continue to resonate with millions of fans around the world.
Olivia Wilde has revealed she came frighteningly close to death after a terrifying on-set accident involving a horse stampede.
The actress recalled getting caught in a horse stampede before a fellow Hollywood star made a split-second decision that she believes saved her life.
Olivia Wilde is revisiting the dramatic story while reflecting on the unpredictable realities of filmmaking, offering a rare glimpse into the dangerous moment that almost changed everything.

Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, Wilde revealed the frightening incident happened while filming “Cowboys & Aliens.” She admitted the cast had grown increasingly confident after weeks of riding.
Wilde explained that she, Daniel Craig, and Harrison Ford were leading a charge across the desert while dozens of horses raced behind them. According to Wilde, the sequence required them to gallop at full speed before she spotted a massive ditch ahead.
Realizing her horse was about to leap over it, she had only seconds to react before the animal suddenly bucked her off. She recalled hitting her head and back before landing behind a dirt ridge, unaware the worst was still coming.

The actress lay down on the ground and recalled hearing what sounded like thunder as the horses ran toward her. Wilde said she was prepared to meet whatever was coming at her and knew before anyone could reach her she would be crushed.
Instead, Walton Goggins spotted the danger unfolding ahead of him. Without hesitation, he turned his horse sideways across her path, allowing the stampeding animals to crash into him instead of trampling her. In her words:
“Wal Goggins had seen it ahead of him and in a split-second thought to turn his horse sideways right in front of me and let everyone kind of bash into him.”
Wilde praised the actor’s quick thinking, explaining that his riding experience allowed him to control the situation despite the impact. Looking back on the terrifying moment, Wilde said she genuinely owes him her life and described him as a real-life hero.

Surviving the terrifying accident was not the only moment the filmmaker recently reflected on. Wilde also looked back at the intense public scrutiny surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling” and admitted she now regrets how she handled it.
The director announced she was urged not to say anything due to the rumors surrounding the movie. Instead, Wilde was told to smile and not respond publicly – something she now regrets, as she was not given the opportunity to defend herself.
Looking back, the actress insisted many of the claims were untrue, including reports of on-set screaming matches and professional misconduct.
She said the experience changed how she plans to handle public controversies in the future. PEOPLE also reported that she felt the backlash robbed her of the innocence she once had while making films.

The shocking confrontation did not end when she walked off the CinemaCon stage. According to Wilde, the emotional fallout stayed with her long after the headlines faded.
She said that she had to control herself till she stepped off the stage before she collapsed as she was heading backstage. Later, the actress stepped away from the spotlight and devoted herself to healing through therapy.
She explained that removing herself from what felt like “a tornado” helped her heal, adding that extensive therapy allowed her to grow from the experience. As reported by The Blast, Wilde still considers that period one of the most traumatic moments of her career.

The filmmaker later revisited the incident during reflection and recollection of how it has impacted her. Wilde said she never got a clear idea as to how the legal papers came to her onstage.
Although her former fiancé denied orchestrating the moment, she chose to believe him for the sake of their children. Still, she maintained that the public confrontation was “f-cked up in so many ways” and painful for everyone involved.
Wilde earlier stated that the interruption was “vicious,” that it tainted her work and had a profound impact on their kids. The actress also said that there was “a reason” for her to end the relationship.
As the actress continues to introspect about her personal and professional problems, the question that remains is: will Olivia Wilde finally be able to move on from those difficult times in her life?
Known as one of the greatest animated series of our time, Avatar: The Last Airbender had an incredible run during its time on air. Fueled by incredibly written characters, an engaging plot, and astounding animation sequences. Fans quickly and intensely fell in love with Avatar Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his crew as they journeyed to stop Firelord Ozai (Mark Hamill).
The show ran for a total of three seasons, with almost every episode garnering an amazing critical response. The show and the franchise it spawned still have a plethora of fans to this day who are just as in love with it as they’ve always been. It’s known as one of the greatest television series for many very good reasons, and one of them is the great ratings of these astounding episodes.
A major motivation for the one and only Sokka’s (Jack Se Sena) character arc is the absence of his father, who had gone off to war without him—along with all the other men of his village—before the series begins. In “The Guru,” his father comes back into the picture, which does wonders for his character arc. Meanwhile, Aang meets Guru Pathik (Brian George) to receiveguidance at the Eastern Air Temple.
It’s in this episode in which Aang learns that he must abandon all Earthly possessions and wants to enhance his spiritual self. But when he sees a vision of his friends getting captured, he abandons his training. It is very much in the vein of Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and the entire episode works incredibly well on a thematic and narrative level.
Every good character arc comes with what is known as a character’s “ghost”—something that haunts them and holds them back from what they seek to or need to achieve in their arc. The best example of how to do this well is none other than “The Storm,” as the story depicts the truth behind both Aang’s and Prince Zuko’s (Dante Basco) stories.
It’s because of this that this entry in the first season is one of the most emotionally compelling episodes in the first season. This is where audiences finally get to see the full flashbacks to discover the events that haunt Aang and Zuko the most. They see what led up to Aang abandoning his people, and what happened to Zuko to “earn him” that scar on his face. It’s phenomenally well-written by the likes of Aaron Ehasz, John O’Bryan, and James Eagan, with story editing from Michael Dante DiMartino.
If there’s an absolutely ruthless antagonist (outside of the Fire Lord) in Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s none other than Zuko’s little sister, Azula (Grey DeLisle). One of the episodes that best emphasizes this is the iconic “The Chase.” When Aang realizes Azula and her gals are chasing them, they have to improvise to survive.
By this point in the series, Azula has yet to really make her mark, but it’s here that she really defines herself as a force to truly be reckoned with. The group thought Zuko was bad? Azula is worse, and she proves it here. Aside from the external conflict she provides, the gang is having internal conflict, as well, adding to the complexity of the episode.
It’s always entertaining when the heroes think they have the upper hand against the enemy, only to be proven wrong and shown that they are, in fact, one step behind their foes. This exactly happens in “The Day of the Black Sun,” and that provides a sense of dread and loss for the future of the season.
A hard choice needs to be made at the end of this episode, forcing Katara (Mae Whitman) and Sokka to leave their father behind again in order to not be captured by the Fire Nation themselves. It’s a huge low point for the series and shows how much it’s going to take to actually take down the enemy at the end of the season.
Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been known to be a more character-focused/character-driven show, and Katara herself gets an incredible episode all to herself (and Zuko) in “The Puppetmaster.” The concept of “bloodbending” in this universe is so interesting and, honestly, brutal—discovered in this entry in Season 3.
Katara’s arc really finds a full-circle moment here. Throughout the entire series, she’s been compassionate and good, but has had a bit of a temper and rage inside of her that sometimes comes out. Here, she gets to face those things in full force, finally coming face-to-face with her own inner demons—Zuko guiding her on her journey.
A minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender who has some amazing character development is none other than Jet (Crawford Wilson), who began the series as a one-note antagonistic figure in Season 1 and returns in Season 2 with a lot more character depth, having learned his lesson. However, he’s proof that learning from a character arc doesn’t have to fully complete a character and can lead to yet another one.
The story within “Lake Laogai” is not only entertaining but compelling, given the fact that Jet’s return brings about a great arc for people to watch. As per usual, Zuko finds a way to really shine in this episode, as well, as his inner demons continue to conflict.
After Aang is captured by the Fire Nation and put in some serious trouble, it’s up to the incredibly unlikely choice: Zuko to save him — actually, the Blue Spirit (Zuko in disguise). This is truly one of the most well-plotted episodes in the entire fantasy show. The pacing is immaculate, and the action is beyond thrilling.
“The Blue Spirit” is a great introduction to Zuko’s character arc to come in the rest of the series. Sure, he’s doing his actions as the Blue Spirit for his own personal gain, but saving Aang is part of what really sparks something in him. Something that acts as a starting point for his redemption.
The one and only Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy) is, without a doubt, one of the most popular characters in the entire series. Despite being added in Season 2 and not being part of the main cast from the beginning, she is written so well that she is instantly lovable, making this introductory episode a great start to her tenure in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Aang needs an Earthbending teacher, and when they arrive in a new location, they discover Toph, battling in an arena and showing off her incredibly badass skills. She’s quite easily one of the strongest characters in the show, making this first episode one for the books, as Toph’s origin story is not only filled with great action, but a compelling story, as well.
Everyone loves a good prison break, and when it comes to this series, “The Boiling Rock, Part 2” is the place to look. Aside from being a “Part 2,” this entry in the series feels like an event in and of itself, especially when the likes of Azula (Grey DeLisle), Mai (Cricket Leigh), and Ty Lee (Olivia Hack) make their way to the prison.There’s so much action, stakes, and great character moments that make the 15th episode of the final season so good. As per usual for Avatar: The Last Airbender, the animation is excellently animated by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, which allows the great fight sequences to truly shine during this prison break.
Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been a gorgeous-looking show, but when it comes to the most beautiful episodes in the series, this one takes the cake. The sequence towards the end of the episode, in which Zuko and Aang come together for the “Masters” dragon dance, which utilizes colors in an astonishing display that is unforgettable.
While it doesn’t move the plot forward very far, the worldbuilding executed here helps expand the universe greatly, and really fleshes things out before getting to the latter half of the season, where the endgame story would begin. Zuko and Aang’s arcs both get great moments in this one, too.
Ariana Grande shared some “unfortunate” news about her Eternal Sunshine Tour ahead of upcoming shows on the East Coast.
“The utmost important thing to us all is safety, first and foremost, and also making sure you all see the show how it is intended to run,” Grande, 33, wrote to fans via Instagram on Monday, June 29.
The singer posted a message to fans to explain a series of scheduling changes for Eternal Sunshine concerts coming up in July. A planned July 12 show at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center will now move to July 14, while concerts at TD Garden in Boston on July 22 and July 24 are shifting to July 23 and July 26, respectively.
In her Instagram Story, Grande and her tour partners explained that the dates were being moved “to ensure the full production can be delivered safely and as intended.”

Grande is scheduled to perform five shows in Brooklyn from July 13 through July 19. All other concerts during that run “will take place as originally scheduled,” per organizers.
“We are so sorry for these unfortunate scheduling changes,” Grande wrote to fans. “This was our best and safest option as these challenges with production have come to our attention.”
She concluded, “Thank you so much for your understanding and I cannot wait to see you.”
Fans have documented Grande facing multiple technical challenges throughout the Eternal Sunshine Tour, which kicked off in Oakland, California, on June 6.
The tour was initially shrouded in controversy last year when tickets sold out almost immediately and then popped up on resale markets at inflated prices.
“Hi my angels, I have been on set all week, but I wanted to let you know that what’s been happening with the secondary ticket resellers has been brought to my attention,” Grande wrote to fans in September 2025. “Of course, I am incredibly bothered by it. I’ve been on the phone every second of my free time, fighting for a solution.”
She added, “I hear you and, hopefully, we will be able to get more of these tickets into your hands instead of theirs. It’s not right. I just wanted you to know that my team and I see it and that I care very much. We will do, and are doing, everything we can.”
The Eternal Sunshine Tour is Grande’s return to the road after a seven-year absence — and she has already teased that these shows will be her last for the foreseeable future.
“I think the last 10 to 15 years will look very different to the ones that are coming up,” Grande revealed on the “Good Hang With Amy Poehler” podcast in November 2025. “I don’t want to say any definitive things.”
The “Hate That I Made You Love Me” singer then hinted, “I do know that I’m very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time. I’m gonna give it my all, and it’s gonna be beautiful, and I’m so grateful. I think that’s why I’m doing it because I’m like, ‘One last hurrah!’ — for now.”
The Eternal Sunshine Tour is currently scheduled to wrap up in September following 10 dates at London’s O2 Arena.
HBO has built a reputation for producing some of the greatest comedy series of all time, including Hacks, Barry, Veep, and, of course, Curb Your Enthusiasm. That winning streak isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Larry David, the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm, has returned with a brand-new series that’s already become an instant hit for the streamer.
The new series is a comedy sketch show, with half-hour episodes featuring four skits each, all centered around specific historical events. It’s essentially Curb Your Enthusiasm with historical dressing. The first episode covers the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, Alexander Graham Bell‘s first phone call gone wrong with customer service, a cowardly soldier stuck in the World War I trenches, and an unlucky passenger who sits next to Rosa Parks and somehow manages to start a dispute.
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness is a seven-part limited series now streaming on HBO Max. And according to FlixPatrol, it has become an international hit within a single day of its premiere on Friday, June 26. The series has already landed in the HBO Max Top 10 TV Shows chart in 35+ countries, including the United States, where it is currently the #2 most popular series.
The chart performance is not entirely surprising. Any new streaming show tends to generate an immediate surge in popularity, and David’s return to comedy was always going to attract attention fast. What is more telling, though, is how the reviews have landed. The series currently holds a rotten 57% critics score and an even lower 42% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, both of which sit well below what viewers tend to expect from a David-led project.
The Rosa Parks sketch has been the one consistent bright spot, unanimously praised as vintage David and exactly the kind of payoff the premise promised. Everything before it, though, has drawn muted responses. The jokes and complaints feel recycled from the Curb playbook, just with historical costumes swapped in and nothing new to offer. The good news is that upcoming episodes have more varied and potentially richer territory to mine, including the Watergate scandal, the Boston Tea Party, the Moon landing, and the Wright Brothers‘ first flight. Here’s hoping that the show manages to win over audiences with the remaining six episodes.
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness is available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes release weekly on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. ET.
June 26, 2026
HBO
Jeff Schaffer
Love Island USA‘s Zach Georgiou lied to Kayda Bosse about how his connection with Alannah Keyser ended.
During the Monday, June 29, episode of the Peacock show, Zach tried to reassure Kayda that she was always his first choice. He mentioned that his time in Casa Amor didn’t build a strong bond with Alannah because he came back solo.
“If I wanted to, I would have brought her back,” he claimed.
Viewers, however, know that Zach didn’t have the option to bring Alannah back because she was removed from the show after facing backlash for a resurfaced video that allegedly showed her using a racial slur.
The video and other posts were not shared publicly until after Alannah’s appearance on the show and thus were not accessible during the vetting process.
“Hi everyone, I’m coming on here to address some things that have been circulated online. I do want to begin by addressing the video of me singing along to a Roddy Ricch song that contains a racial slur. I’m sorry to whoever has seen that video and has been offended by it. That was never my intention,” Alannah said in a Saturday, June 27, TikTok. “The video is from six years ago and that word is just not in my vocabulary anymore.”

She continued, “I’d also like to address the screenshots that have been going around online that have been falsified. What has been shared does not reflect the truth and it has never been in my character to discriminate against anybody’s skin color. I do want to say directly that I do not support racism or discrimination of any kind and I never have.”
Earlier this season, another contestant, Vasana Montgomery, was cut from the show after resurfaced social media posts showed her using a slur. Similar issues arose during season 7 last year, with Yulissa Escobar leaving days into the experience after clips of her using racial slurs on a podcast circulated online.
Cierra Ortega also faced backlash for using a slur in her own resurfaced social media post. She was pulled from the villa and later issued an apology for her past actions.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
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