Who knew that all Apple TV needed to establish itself as a streaming giant was a fish-out-of-water soccer series featuring Jason Sudeikis as a wise, optimistic coach? Well, as the first three seasons of Ted Lasso have proven, this was a huge formula for success, with the show becoming one of the world’s most famous and earning millions of fans worldwide. Despite most thinking it had ended in 2023, the temptation to return to AFC Richmond proved too much to handle, with a hotly anticipated fourth season set to debut on August 5.

Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) will start their journey as coaches of a new women’s division at AFC Richmond, following the former’s bittersweet departure from the club at the end of Season 3, as he moved back to Kansas to spend more time with his son. The men’s team will now hunt for glory under new no-nonsense manager Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), in a fourth season that promises to be just as life-affirming as ever before. But this won’t be the first acclaimed returning project from Bill Lawrence this year, and fans are diving back into his catalog to get in the mood for more Ted Lasso.

At the time of writing, the comedy-drama Shrinking is back among the top ten on Apple TV, ranking as the ninth-most-watched show on the platform in the U.S., via all Amazon channels. Jimmy (Jason Segel), Paul (Harrison Ford), and co returned earlier this year with a hugely successful third outing, which proved a hit with both fans and critics. “Shrinking Season 3 lovingly nudges us back to the real world, ready to face whatever lies ahead,” wrote Collider’s Meredith Loftus in her review.

Will ‘Shrinking’ Return?

Unsurprisingly, Shrinking has already been renewed for a fourth season. But will this be the last? Although that has yet to be confirmed, the choice to incorporate somewhat of a thematic reset into the plot suggests Apple plans for the show to run for much longer. This reset is coming via a time-jump, with Lawrence previously saying, “People shouldn’t be surprised if there’s a time jump and it feels like we’re telling a completely different story,” when asked about what fans can expect from Season 4.

Shrinking is available on Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

January 27, 2023

Network

Apple TV

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Brooke Shields has spent decades in front of cameras, so she knows exactly what works when it comes to eye makeup. Not every mascara delivers the kind of definition that shows up on film, and even fewer can create noticeable length without clumping or smudging. That’s why we took notice when Shields revealed the tubing mascara she relies on for full-looking lashes.

The product in question? Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara, which is currently 40% off for Amazon Prime Day. During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Shields named the mascara as one of her beauty essentials, praising the formula for making her lashes appear “thicker and longer.” It’s an impressive endorsement from someone whose beauty routine has been under the spotlight for decades.

Get the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara for $17 (was $28) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Tarte mascara is designed to wrap and coat each lash, delivering a long-lasting wear that won’t flake or smudge throughout the day. The brush features 296 bristles arranged in a 360-degree comb design that separates, lifts and defines lashes for a fanned-out effect. Ingredients like shea butter and castor oil help to condition your lashes, while carnauba wax adds length and definition with ease.

Shields isn’t the only fan. The mascara has earned over 3,600 five-star ratings from shoppers, including one customer who said it creates a “‘lash extensions’ effect while still looking natural and separated.” Another reviewer called it their “holy grail mascara,” praising the formula for delivering “incredible length and volume.”

The formula is also easy to remove. Unlike traditional mascaras that require rubbing and heavy makeup removers, the tubing formula slides off with warm water, while remaining smudge-resistant throughout the day.

More than 10,000 shoppers purchased the mascara in the last month alone, and with the current 40% off discount, it’s a great time to try the formula for yourself. If a beauty icon like Shields trusts the Tarte pick for her lashes, it’s certainly worth a closer look.

Get the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara for $17 (was $28) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Love is in the air for Kim Kardashian, and her friends couldn’t be happier for her.

The reality TV star is currently enjoying a blissful romance with Lewis Hamilton. They are reportedly having such a great time together thanks to their similar ambitions.

A source recently weighed in on Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s relationship, revealing how her inner circle felt about their highly publicized romance.

According to a source, Kardashian and Hamilton are head over heels for each other. They described the duo as “such a chill couple,” noting they acted as though “they’ve been together for years.” As for how they got along so well, the source said:

“Everything feels very easy and light. The fact that they knew each other before helps, but they both align in terms of ambition, life goals, and making things easy.”

The source told PEOPLE that Kardashian and Hamilton’s feelings for each other have only grown stronger with time, noting the F1 driver always gushed about his lover. He frequently praised the TV personality’s beauty and showered her with attention.

‘The Kardashians’ Star’s Friends Are On Board With Her Relationship

The source continued that the love between Kardashian and Hamilton was so evident that even her friends could see it. They labeled the duo’s romance “very cute,” stating that after some of the reality TV star’s past relationships, her pals “think this is just what she needs.”

“She’s always at peace with him,” the source added about Kardashian’s feelings for Hamilton. As for the athlete, he made his love for the entertainer clear during a post-race press conference on June 8, marking the first time he had addressed their relationship.

Hamilton thanked Kardashian for her support, claiming it felt “amazing” to have “good people” stand by his side and credited the socialite for making him feel that way daily. Days before his touching confession, an insider revealed his relationship with Kardashian had reached new heights.

The F1 Driver Was Introduced To The TV Personality’s Children

Earlier this month, the outlet revealed that Kardashian and Hamilton had strengthened their bond with a family introduction. An insider shared that the racecar driver was allowed to spend time with the media personality’s four children.

According to the insider, Hamilton receiving permission to be around Kardashian’s kids showed how much she cared and trusted him. “Kim’s very selective when it comes to the people she allows around her kids. She’s very protective of them,” the insider explained.

They reiterated that she “doesn’t take new introductions lightly,” which proved Hamilton had given her many reasons to say yes. A separate source revealed in March that the couple had vacationed together in Tokyo along with Kardashian’s four children.

Body Language Expert Notices Possible Red Flags In The Couple’s Romance

The claims of Kardashian and Hamilton’s blossoming romance come weeks after a body language expert noticed possible signs of trouble in their relationship. The Blast covered the story, reporting that Judi James had dissected the couple’s body language at the Monaco Grand Prix.

James highlighted the duo’s post-race celebration, where Hamilton blew his lover a kiss before making his way over for a hug. The expert pointed out that their “rom-com moment” seemingly captured Kardashian pushing for a romantic energy.

Another moment that caught James’ attention was Hamilton’s champagne celebration, which she stated could be “a red card moment” for some women. “Kim’s styling, her hair, and her expensive designer dress would not have been worn to be soaked in sticky alcohol,” the expert mused.

Kim Kardashian’s Dating History Before Lewis Hamilton

Kardashian’s friends being happy for her romance with Hamilton is understandable, given her past controversial relationships. At 19, the socialite eloped with music producer Damon Thomas and claimed she was high on ecstasy during their wedding ceremony.

Their marriage ended on a sour note, with Kardashian accusing Thomas of being too controlling. She moved on with rapper Ray J, with whom she gained infamy for a leaked sex tape. Another famous relationship was the entertainer’s brief marriage to Kris Humphries.

Kardashian filed for divorce from Humphries just 72 days after their union, per Page Six. The list continues with controversial Hip-Hop star, Kanye “Ye” West. The former couple tied the knot in 2014 and welcomed four children before the reality TV star filed for divorce in 2021.

If Sarah Jessica Parker‘s chic lifestyle has taught Us anything, it’s that the little rituals matter. One bedtime essential the actress swears by is This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, a cult-favorite mist that helps create a calming atmosphere before bed.

The actress gave fans a glimpse of her bedside table on Instagram, and followers immediately spotted the pillow spray. Even better, it’s 30% off for Amazon Prime Day, making now the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray contains a blend of naturally soothing essential oils, including lavender, chamomile and vetivert. Lavender is widely known for its relaxing aroma, while chamomile helps promote a sense of calm after a long day. Vetivert adds an earthy, grounding note that makes the fragrance feel sophisticated rather than overly floral. Together, they create a spa-like scent that transforms your pillow into a more inviting place to unwind.

Get the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray for $23 (was $33) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Beyond the fragrance itself, This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray can help elevate your entire nighttime routine. Creating consistent bedtime rituals can signal to your brain that it’s time to relax, and simple habits like spritzing your pillow before bed can make the transition from a busy day to a restful evening feel more intentional.

To use, spray a few pumps onto your pillow, bedding or pajamas about 15 to 30 minutes before getting into bed. The scent gently lingers without feeling overpowering and gradually softens throughout the night.

One Amazon reviewer said it “helps tremendously” for anyone “with chronic sleep issues,” while another shopper called it an “absolute game-changer” for “achieving a restful night’s sleep.”

If you’re looking for a small upgrade that can make your bedtime routine feel more luxurious, this Sarah Jessica Parker-approved pillow spray is worth a closer look. Get it before it goes back to full price!

Get the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray for $23 (was $33) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Lionel Richie’s highly anticipated summer tour got off to a frightening start after the music icon was forced to abruptly stop his opening-night performance due to an unexpected health issue. 

Fans packed into the Grand Casino Arena expecting a night of timeless hits, but instead watched the legendary singer struggle through his set before the concert was ultimately canceled. 

The unsettling moment has now sparked concern as audiences await updates on the remainder of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Lionel Richie launched his latest tour on Wednesday night at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was set to headline after Earth, Wind & Fire opened the evening.

The concert appeared to be progressing as planned until the 77-year-old unexpectedly paused the show after performing “Three Times A Lady” from behind the piano.

It initially seemed like a brief break, but quickly turned into something much more serious. Richie announced an unscheduled intermission before leaving the stage, and members of his band followed him off just minutes later.

More than 40 minutes passed before saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to address the anxious audience. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo announced per the Daily Mail, adding, “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

Richie’s team has yet to publicly explain what led to the abrupt end of the concert, leaving fans searching for answers after the disappointing opening night.

Richie Showed Signs Something Was Wrong Before The Cancellation

Although the announcement surprised many inside the arena, concertgoers later revealed there had been warning signs throughout the performance that Lionel Richie was not feeling his best.

Videos shared on social media showed the legendary performer repeatedly stopping to sit down during his performance of “Dancing On The Ceiling.” Witnesses also claimed Richie admitted he was feeling “dizzy” while still trying to finish the show.

Despite the obvious discomfort, the singer continued singing rather than relying on a guide vocal. One clip showed him carefully making his way across the stage before suddenly sitting on the edge of a large stepped platform.

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He remained seated for less than 10 seconds before standing again and attempting to continue. However, less than half a minute later, he sat down once more on the opposite side of the stage while continuing the song.

According to reports, saxophonist Soldo eventually joined Richie by taking a seat beside him during the performance, possibly hinting that something was clearly amiss.

Lionel Richie Tried To Reassure Fans While Battling Dizziness

Even as he struggled, Richie attempted to reassure the audience with humor and honesty. After sitting at the piano for what became his final song of the evening, Richie reportedly acknowledged what he was experiencing. 

One fan recalled that the Grammy award winner reminded the crowd to listen to their bodies. “He said he has been in this business long enough, if you feel dizzy you sit down! And if you don’t feel right, you sit down!” the fan explained.

Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Jon Bream quoted the music icon delivering the same message with a little more edge, telling concertgoers, “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your *ss down.”

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Richie Fans Left The Arena Worried And Disappointed

As it became increasingly clear that Lionel Richie would not return, the atmosphere inside the arena shifted dramatically.

Audience members reportedly began filing out of the venue shortly after the band exited the stage, roughly 15 minutes after Richie first announced the unexpected intermission.

Many expressed concern for the star’s health, while others admitted they were heartbroken that the concert ended so abruptly.

One disappointed attendee described the experience as “horrible.” “I’m super bummed. This was my first time [seeing Richie] and I’m old,” the concertgoer said.

Across social media, attendees echoed similar sentiments, sharing videos from the performance and hoping Richie would make a speedy recovery.

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Many pointed out that, despite appearing uncomfortable, the singer continued performing as long as he could before ultimately putting his health first.

Lionel Richie Reveals The One Rule He Lives By When Meeting Fans

Over the years, Richie’s interaction with fans has left many talking. The television personality believes genuine kindness is one of the biggest secrets to surviving decades in the spotlight. 

Speaking on the “Artist Friendly” podcast with his son-in-law Joel Madden in March, the music icon explained that fame only works if celebrities truly enjoy interacting with people. 

“I hope you like people,” Richie said per The Blast, noting that many stars spend years begging for attention before becoming famous and then suddenly wanting to be left alone. 

Richie revealed he intentionally acknowledges fans because he remembers what it felt like to be “invisible” before success. 

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Rather than ignoring someone who was nervous to approach him, he would make an effort to smile, say hello, or stop for a conversation. 

The Grammy winner also revealed that small gestures toward staff and crew members go a long way, insisting it takes only seconds to thank someone.

West Wilson broke his silence about leaving Summer House ahead of season 11.

“I wanted to tell it on my own but that [exit rumor] is true,” West, 31, revealed during The Broadcast Boys’ Wednesday, June 24, Instagram breakdown of the Summer House scandal. “In [Bravo’s] defense, I don’t think it would have been a fun summer.”

Us Weekly exclusively reported on June 15 that West will not return to Summer House after he faced a hostile interrogation from castmates at the recent season 10 reunion over his relationship with costar Amanda Batula. (West previously dated Amanda’s best friend Ciara Miller while Amanda announced her separation from estranged husband Kyle Cooke in January.)

“West isn’t coming back,” a source told Us at the time. “He could still make an appearance on Summer House or [Amanda’s spinoff show] In the City in the future, especially if things with Amanda progress, but he’s not a cast member this season.”

An insider later revealed exclusively to Us that West’s departure from Summer House was a mutual decision between him and the network.

“[West was] already feeling like his time on the show was coming to an end,” the source added. “It became even clearer that there wasn’t a long-term fit anymore. He is at peace with the decision and is focusing on his podcast and other business ventures.”

West and Amanda announced that they were dating in March, despite both previously publicly denying that there were any romantic feelings between them.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” they said in a March 31 joint statement. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

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Related: West Wilson Breaks Silence About Backlash Over Amanda Batula Romance

West Wilson is speaking out about his controversial relationship with Summer House costar Amanda Batula after receiving backlash from fans and costars. “There was no overlap. I know there’s a thousand different theories on the internet right now but that is one thing that for sure did not happen,” West, 31, said on the Monday, […]

The couple added, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

“As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling,” they concluded. “We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless. We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.”

During his interview with ‘The Broadcast Boys’ podcast, West shared details about how his and Amanda’s controversial March announcement led to the couple being intimate for the first time.

“We f***ed after the statement but we’d been like making out and having sleepovers for a long time. … I was still doing the wrong thing but I was like … I’m not committing a crime,” he said.

West also addressed speculation that he and Amanda released their public statement in March because of the existence of an apparent video of them “canoodling.”

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Related: Summer House’s West and Amanda’s Romance Is Getting More ‘Serious’ Amid Drama

Summer House stars West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s relationship is still going strong — even with the public backlash. “West and Amanda are still dating,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, revealing that “the cast doesn’t think they’re going to last.” Despite their costars’ doubts about the romance, West, 31, and Amanda, 34, are moving […]

“I haven’t seen [the video] but I’ve heard from credible sources it does [exist],” he told ‘The Broadcast Boys’ hosts Lucas Brody and Nelson Vergara. “It’s very illegal, I’d like to note.”

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He clarified, “From what I’ve been told it was Amanda and I canoodling in my apartment from one of my neighbors across the street. That’s what kinda kicked off everything into panic, rush mode.”

“I guess I’ve always thought in New York there’s an unspoken rule that we can all see each other across our f***ing windows and balconies, like, don’t film each other,” he later argued.

Summer House airs on Bravo. Old episodes can be streamed on Peacock.

Jennifer Lopez has been speaking candidly lately about embracing her single life, and even claims that none of her past partners have been “capable” of loving her.

During a recent interview, she also seemingly took a swipe at her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, stating that she should have stopped chasing relationships “sooner.”

Now, sources claim that people close to Jennifer Lopez aren’t “buying” her talks about being over the actor, claiming that the singer even wants to remain close with Ben Affleck.

Lopez has made it a point in some of her post-divorce interviews to emphasize how much better she feels now that she’s no longer in a relationship.

The popular actress has made comments, which have sometimes been considered to be a swipe at her past partners, particularly her recent ex-husband, Affleck.

However, according to a new report, no one close to Lopez believes that she’s truly over the Oscar winner.

“To be clear, nobody in J.Lo’s world is buying this talk that she’s happy to be single and totally over Ben,” an insider told Globe Magazine.

“She’s been on this mission to show him what he’s missing and still has this delusional belief that he’ll come crawling back at some point for another shot,” the source continued, adding, “The fact she’s still griping about Ben and the impact of the divorce while he stays totally silent and just tries to move on with his life kind of says it all.”

The insider further insisted that a reunion is “so not happening” between the former lovers, and Lopez has to “get her head around that.”

The Singer Said None Of Her Former Partners Were ‘Capable’ Of Truly Loving Her

Lopez has not shied away from speaking about her love life after her divorce. In fact, she has made bold comments that have taken aim at her past romances.

During a candid conversation with Howard Stern on his show, the 56-year-old singer appeared to take a jab at her ex-husband Ben Affleck, along with virtually every man she has ever dated or married.

When asked if she had ever felt “truly loved,” Lopez responded bluntly, “No.”

The singer then clarified: “What I learned, it’s not that I’m not lovable — it’s that they’re not capable…They don’t have it in them! And they gave me what they had, right?”

“They gave me all of it, every time – all the rings, all the things I could ever want, right? Tried to give me the houses, the rings, the marriage – all of it,” she added, hinting that they made efforts, but never really loved her properly.

Jennifer Lopez Said Spliting From Ben Affleck Was The ‘Best Thing’

Reflecting on the end of her two-year marriage to Affleck, Lopez claimed that it was “the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She explained that the split forced her into a period of intense self-reflection and personal healing, which greatly helped her find herself again.

“It really made me go on a journey,” she told Stern. “I had a religious coach, a therapist, a couples therapist, an individual therapist, and even a coach to understand addiction. I had everything.”

Lopez added, “I told myself, ‘I’m gonna figure this out if it kills me.” According to the singer, the intensive inner work led to a profound breakthrough for her as she learned that the “core of it all is you. It’s nobody else.”

The Singer Says She Is Now More ‘Self-Aware’

Looking forward, Lopez explained that she has evolved to become deeply appreciative of her own identity, leaving her feeling far more confident in her own skin.

She explained to Stern that she can now reflect on her life with much more confidence and clarity. This includes processing everything from her childhood relationship with her parents to her personal struggles with love and feelings of neglect, ultimately allowing her to truly understand and appreciate who she has become.

According to the singer, she is now more “self-assured” and “self-aware,” noting that this growth has brought her a sense of peace.

Lopez said, “[I] feel really comfortable and good in being myself, all the good parts and all the kind of complicated things.”

Ben Affleck Gifted Jennifer Lopez His Share Of Their Marital Property

While Lopez has made multiple comments about her divorce from Affleck, the actor has barely talked about the separation and once branded it as “embarrassing” to talk about.

“For one thing, you start going, ‘Okay, clearly this person has got these issues. Clearly, they have these issues.’ And the reason I don’t want to share that is just sort of embarrassing. It feels vulnerable,” he told GQ Magazine.

Despite settling their divorce amicably, Affleck and Lopez were still linked due to their marital home in Beverly Hills, for which they were unable to find a buyer after months on the market.

In what insiders are calling an attempt to completely cut ties with his ex-wife, the actor gifted Lopez his share of the property, making her the sole owner.

Speaking to Star Magazine, a source noted that the shocking move made Lopez reconsider their divorce as she “can’t help but see it as proof he’s the good guy she fell in love with, and she’s back to hoping that somehow, they might be able to work it out.”

Second lady Usha Vance poked fun at how her budget-friendly pregnancy fashion has garnered national attention.

“Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can’t wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks!” Vance, 40, wrote via X on Wednesday, June 24. “In the meantime, enjoy my pregnancy fashion (or lack thereof) and a good story with your kids on Storytime with the Second Lady.”

Usha also included a link to a video of herself sitting next to her husband, Vice President JD Vance, while wearing the asymmetrical off the shoulder dress in question.

In a subsequent tweet, Usha shared the screenshot of the purchase, which she got on sale.

Related: JD Vance’s Wife Usha Opens Up About Pregnancy in Rare Interview

Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, is opening up about the couple’s decision to expand their family. “People have asked me if we’re going to have a fourth baby, and I’ve never closed the door on that,” Usha, 40, said in an interview with NBC News airing on Monday, March 30. “I grew up […]

“And here’s the receipt!” she captioned the image.

Usha’s quip was directed at a recent article in the New York Times that highlighted the pregnancies of multiple women affiliated with President Donald Trump’s administration. (In addition to Usha, both Karoline Leavitt and Katie Miller are expecting babies with their respective husbands.)

The article highlighted how all three women have showcased their baby bumps during their various public appearances with their eye-catching fashion choices.

“Forget the maternity muumuu. Forget body-con. This is baby-con. In case you missed it, the hand serves to focus the eye,” journalist Vanessa Friedman wrote in the piece.

Earlier this year, Usha and JD, 41, announced they were expanding their family. (The couple are also parents to Ewan, 9, and Vivek, 6, and daughter Mirabel, 4.) .

“We’re very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy,” read a statement shared via Usha’s Instagram in January. “Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July.”

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Related: JD Vance and Wife Usha’s Most Revealing Quotes About Marriage and Family

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, have offered a candid window into their 11-year marriage, their growing family and the unconventional path that has shaped their relationship before and throughout his political career. JD and Usha met in 2010 while they were students at Yale University’s School of Law, ultimately […]

The statement continued, “During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children.”

Since revealing her pregnancy, Usha shared that she was giving her maternity wardrobe an upgrade this time around.

“I have to dress up a lot more. I enjoyed my last pregnancy — there were a lot of sweatpants,” she said in a March interview with NBC News. “I was working from home and sometimes put a blazer on over what was under.”

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 38 seconds ago

Raise your hand if you forgot that your Netflix subscription includes access to a gaming library. A lot of hands went up. It’s easy to overlook the game library that includes such mobile gaming standouts as Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game, Sex Education, and Stranger Things 3. That’s why it’s a big deal that the streamer is finally getting serious about gaming with their latest release, Unhinged, a first-person horror game starring Zoe Kravitz, Sadie Sink, and of course, video game voice actor extraordinaire, Troy Baker. What makes it unique is that you don’t play the game on your phone, you play the game with your phone as the controller.

Unhinged Is A New Level Of Netflix Gaming

Unhinged puts you in the shoes of Ava (Kravitz) during a massive hurricane that’s trapped her inside the building. Claire (Sink) is across the street, but your only contact with her is through the phone as you explore the apartment and try to find a way out. It takes on a new sense of urgency once Ava realizes that she’s not alone. It’s a large step up for the company’s gaming division from offering Exploding Kittens (a very fun card game actually, but world’s apart.)

The first thing you’ll notice watching the trailer for Unhinged is it looks like a modern game, or well, a PlayStation 4 game, but considering it runs out of the Netflix app itself, that’s an impressive achievement. Syncing your phone to the game itself, if it works as advertised, will also be incredibly impressive. When Claire calls, your phone will ring and you’ll talk to her through your own phone. Moving your phone moves Ava, guiding her flashlight with your hand movement, which yes, is the same as using a Wii remote, but credit Netflix for trying something to make the game as accessible as possible. 

Unhinged was developed by Night School Studios, the same team behind the adventure game Oxenfree. This is the first original game they’ve developed since being acquired by Netflix. Adding gaming to their streaming library has been a goal of the company for years now, and while there’s some outstanding selections, including streamlined versions of Dead Cells and Red Dead Redemption, it also includes the award-winning strategy game Into the Breach.

Netflix Has Been Getting Into Gaming For Years

Unfortunately, Netflix’s largest foray into gaming, the interactive Black Mirror film, Bandersnatch has been wiped from existence. In 2025, Netflix removed everything they developed using the Branch Manager System to focus more on gaming, and while we see the fruits of that labor today, it’s frustrating that digital entertainment has a lifespan. With no DVD release, and no option to download a copy, Bandersnatch has ceased to exist. 

That could, in fact, likely will happen, to Unhinged at some point. Until then though, you’ll be able to experience the Zoe Kravitz horror game starting on June 30th with nothing more than a Netflix subscription and a phone with lots, and lots, of battery. 

Long ago, the worlds of animation lived in harmony. Then, everything changed when the live-action remakes attacked. They’re all the rage these days, with no Disney classic safe from a live-action reimagining, so much so that other companies are getting in on the action. DreamWorks found tremendous success with the How to Train Your Dragon remake, a live-action take on FernGully is in development, and Netflix, after completely striking out with adaptations like Death Note and Cowboy Bebop, hit an absolute home run with One Piece. Of all the live-action adaptations in history, none may be more despised than M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Last Airbender, which adapted one of Nickelodeon’s most acclaimed shows ever, Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Despite that absolute misfire, the Last Airbender franchise is still going strong to this very day. The Avatar saga expanded with The Legend of Korra, is set to continue in the upcoming Seven Havens, and will even check in with Team Avatar as adults in the new movie The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender later this year. Stuck in the middle of all of that is the second crack at a live-action take on the IP, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, the first season of which largely fell into the “good, not great” consensus. While leagues better than Shyamalan’s movie, the series’ condensed episode format and changes to the source material caused some division. That didn’t stop the show from getting a two-season renewal, and thankfully, Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is a colossal improvement overall.

What Is ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Season 2 About?

Season 2 of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender largely adapts the second season of the animated series, titled Book II: Earth. Picking up two years after Team Avatar’s victory over the Fire Nation at the North Pole, Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio), and Sokka (Ian Ousley) are on the search for a new Earthbending teacher for Aang, and it takes them in the unlikely direction of a young blind woman named Toph (Miyako). Meanwhile, Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) and his uncle, Iroh (Paul Sun Hyung Lee), are living in exile following their obsessive search for Avatar Aang. Eventually, their paths cross again, but not before Zuko’s sociopathic sister, Azula (Elizabeth Yu), arrives to wreak chaos and havoc throughout the Earth Kingdom, particularly in the elusive megacity of Ba Sing Se.

One of the bigger issues of Season 1 was its overly expository dialogue that insisted on explaining every single inch of this world, even the parts that aren’t vital to the story being told. Not only is this redundant and frustrating for existing fans of the IP, but it’s also a big turn-off for newcomers who want to dive into this world for the very first time. Thankfully, this is one of the many places where Season 2 improves upon Season 1. Not only do the dialogue and storytelling feel much more natural, but the actors have a lot more chemistry with one another.

Each of the characters also has a general arc in Season 2, with everyone earning at least one big moment to shine. Sokka is coping with the trauma of losing Yue (Amber Midthunder), Katara is looking for closure now that Aang’s waterbending training is complete, and Zuko and Iroh are both forced to grapple with whether redemption for their past misdeeds is even possible. It’s all great stuff and leagues more interesting than Season 1’s abridged retelling of events. Many viewers have pointed out how much the cast members have aged in the two-year gap between seasons, but that may have been a blessing in disguise, as these characters really do feel like they’ve grown and evolved.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Season 2 Nails One of the Original Show’s Most Beloved Characters

Image via Netflix

Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s veteran characters are improved upon exponentially, which is great, but the big question on every fan’s mind has to be how the series will handle one of the original show’s most beloved characters, Toph. Those who were concerned need not worry, as the “Blind Bandit” is easily one of Season 2’s biggest highlights. Miyako nails Toph’s blunt comedic timing and unique perspective on the world, making her a more-than-faithful adaptation of a beloved character.

Speaking of beloved characters, the delightfully vile Azula gets a lot more to do this time around after perhaps being introduced a bit too early in Season 1. Yu is clearly having a lot of fun playing the character, though, compared to the source material, the series could’ve delved deeper into the franchise’s most psychologically complex antagonist. Azula’s cohorts, Mai (Thalia Tran) and Ty Lee (Momona Tamada), feel more like two-bit henchpeople instead of the complex figures they are in the animated series.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Is a Step Forward Narratively, but Stumbles on Visuals

Giving the characters more time to breathe and grow (especially in one episode that’s an almost direct adaptation of the legendary “Tales of Ba Sing Se”) is easily where Avatar: The Last Airbender improves the most. Unfortunately, that forward momentum is sorely lacking on the visual side. The series has some well-shot and choreographed action set pieces and some truly impressive CGI creations, but they’re often marred by a disappointing, drab, and gray color palette. It’s not an exaggeration to say a good 90% of the series takes place on a cloudy, overcast day, and it makes for some very unappealing visuals, especially compared to a show as vibrant and colorful as the original Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Azula’s so-so role and the series’ disappointing visual choices are a shame, but the pros significantly outweigh the cons this time around. It’s an adaptation that is not only much more faithful to the original series but also one that’s willing to make some worthwhile changes to streamline the story. Sure, there are some elements that hardcore fans may take issue with, but on the whole, Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is a worthwhile return to the Four Nations as the ambitious live-action remake gears up for its final chapter.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is streaming now on Netflix.

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Release Date

February 22, 2024

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Network

Netflix

Showrunner

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Albert Kim

Directors

Jet Wilkinson

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Writers

Joshua Hale Fialkov, Christine Boylan

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Pros & Cons

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• The series thankfully dials back the exposition.
• Every main character has a compelling arc this time around.
• Miyako’s Toph is a clear highlight.
• The action feels visceral and reminiscent of the original series.

• A desaturated color palette sucks a lot of the life out of the scenes.
• Azula and her companions don’t feel as developed as they could’ve been.