Entertainment
Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert Swapped Shoes at Swift Wedding
Maren Morris apparently walked away with an unexpected souvenir from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded Madison Square Garden wedding.
“Miranda Lambert and I accidentally took each other’s shoes home,” Morris, 36, claimed during a recent radio interview. “We don’t wear the same shoe size, and the shoes did not look the same at all. They were both just, like, black heels.”
Morris and Lambert, 42, were among the many famous faces present when Swift and Kelce, both 36, said “I do” on July 3.
The bride and groom each wore bespoke, white creations from Christian Dior Haute Couture, while Morris and Lambert unintentionally coordinated in black. While the “Bones” singer donned a sheath dress with a midriff cutout, Lambert rocked a lacy halter gown to match their respective charcoal-colored shoes.
Upon returning home the next morning, Morris soon realized that she brought home a different pair of pumps than the ones she had arrived at MSG in.
“The next day I was, like, ‘Whose shoes are these?’” she recalled. “I had to wear them because I was, like, ‘I can’t walk out of this wedding barefoot, that’s crazy.’”
Morris further noted that Lambert, similarly, realized that she also left the NYC arena with someone else’s stilettos the following day.
“When we realized we had taken each other’s shoes home, of course I’m like dying laughing, but I’m also relieved,” Morris said. “I was like, ‘I don’t want whoever’s shoes I took to think that I stole them, but someone took mine.’ I guess [the] lesson is, don’t take your shoes off. At a wedding you need to commit to the bit.”
According to Morris, she only found out about the shoe swap with Lambert when the latter’s stylist shared that the “Little Red Wagon” songstress walked away with a pair of “size 6 shoes” that apparently didn’t fit.
“[So], I texted her,” Morris added, referring to the fellow country star. “I was like, ‘That has to be the sign of a really good time.’”
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In its century-long existence, NBC has dished out some of the most iconic shows and series of all time on American broadcast television. Across dramas, sitcoms, procedurals, live events, and more, the first and oldest major broadcast network has proudly remained a home to titles that have not only shaped American pop culture but have also become global cultural landmarks. Especially during the late ’80s and through the ’90s, primetime shows, dubbed as Must-See TV, drew large audiences. Dramas like ER and sitcoms like Cheers and Seinfeld raked in massive viewership for the network, a trend which continued with Friends.
All of these NBC productions have since remained television legends with massive followings, amassing fans from around the world and breaking records for television networks. While many of these shows, or parts of them, might not seem as culturally relevant today, at their time, they were definitive of their genre. With viewership of millions in many episodes, these shows played an undeniable part in ushering in the Second Golden Age of American television. Now, without further ado, here’s a look at some of the most-watched episodes in NBC history.
7
“Stress Relief” (Season 5, Episodes 14 and 15)
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
A cult hit turned pop culture sensation, Greg Daniels’ The Office boasts some of the greatest episodes seen in the history of American sitcoms that changed workplace comedy forever. While the workplace misadventures of the staff of The Dunder Mifflin Paper Company continued for nine years, the show’s most-watched episode came halfway through, in Season 5. The two-parter season finale features a fire drill in which Dwight (Rainn Wilson) fakes an office fire to test his coworkers’ preparedness, Stanley (Leslie David Baker) suffers a heart attack, and Michael (Steve Carell) plans ways to relieve stress in the office. The episode also stars Jack Black, Jessica Alba, and Cloris Leachman as guest stars.
“Stress Relief” arguably features the most chaotic cold open of The Office and perhaps of sitcom history, and is also the most high-energy episode of the show. Airing immediately following Super Bowl XLIII, the season finale garnered 22.5 million views and earned the highest rating of the show’s entire run. Packed with meme-worthy, self-contained gags that resonate even with first-time viewers, “Stress Relief” is often considered the peak of The Office.
6
“Goodnight, Seattle” (Season 11, Episodes 23 and 24)
‘Frasier’ (1993–2004)
Created as a spin-off of Cheers by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, Frasier grew to become much more than just an offshoot of its legendary parent show. The endeavors of psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in helping troubled people in Seattle as the host of a call-in psychiatry radio show while he struggled with his personal life were both humorous and heartfelt at the same time. The critically hit sitcom ended with its two-part, 264th episode, “Goodnight, Seattle,” where the titular therapist signs off from the radio station, quoting Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses,” bidding farewell not only to the city he helped for over a decade but also to those who watched him from across the screen.
Frasier was an important hit for NBC, arguably just as much as Cheers, garnering widespread acclaim and often surpassing the accolades of its parent. Episodes 23 and 24 of Season 11 garnered over 25 million views and became one of the most-watched series finales in television history. A very emotional goodbye for fans, “Goodnight, Seattle” overturned the typical sitcom status quo and set a new benchmark for how to successfully conclude a long-running sitcom.
5
“Hell and High Water” (Season 2, Episode 7)
‘ER’ (1994–2009)
An iconic NBC drama and one of the network’s longest-running shows, Michael Crichton’s ER reached its peak in the earlier seasons, even though the show ran for 15 years. The second season’s seventh episode, “Hell and High Water,” became a phenomenal success and a cultural milestone for the overall series. Directed by Christopher Chulack, the episode follows the fan-favorite Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney), who, following his final shift at the County General Hospital, performs a dangerous, televised rescue of a young boy trapped in a flooded storm drain.
“Hell and High Water” attracted a massive 48 million viewers and became critically acclaimed for transforming the popular medical drama into a high-stakes, cinematic thriller. The episode arrived at a time when the medical drama was dominating the television ratings and capitalized on that popularity. Considered a must-watch, the second-season episode of ER marked a new turning point for Dr. Ross, carving a new path for the character and thrusting Clooney to national stardom.
4
“The Last One” (Season 10, Episodes 17 and 18)
‘Friends’ (1994–2004)
After 10 years and 236 episodes, Marta Kauffman and David Crane’s decade-long television phenomenon ended with its two-part finale, “The Last One.” The final chapter of Friends closed all the long-running storylines, making it worth the wait for fans. Episodes 17 and 18 of Season 10 gave closure to Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) love story as they confess their love for each other, while Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) move to the suburbs with their adopted twins. As all of them close the door to Monica’s beloved apartment one last time and head out towards their respective futures, it not only marked the end of an era but became the most emotional moment of the show.
A culture-defining sitcom that is still popular today (well, mostly), Friends forever changed how people viewed comedy, turning its characters into beloved and instantly recognizable icons. And that is why it was no surprise when the series finale drew a whopping 52.5 million viewers. Ranking fifth among the most-watched television finales in U.S. history, “The Last One” remains a major viewership milestone for NBC.
3
“The One After the Super Bowl” (Season 2, Episodes 12 and 13)
‘Friends’ (1994–2004)
Even though the series finale of Friends remains its most popular and memorable episode, the credit for the highest-viewed episode by numbers goes to another two-parter, “The One After the Super Bowl.” The episodes follow Ross, who finds out that his former pet monkey, Marcel, has been hired for a film being shot in New York City. As he sets out to see him, Chandler has a chance encounter with an old friend with whom he had a complicated history. The season finale also became noteworthy for featuring guest stars like Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
NBC’s attempt to schedule such a prominent episode of an existing, semi-new series in the high-profile post-Super Bowl timeslot turned out to be a phenomenal success. Friends’ Season 2 finale garnered a massive viewership of 52.9 million and remains the show’s most-watched episode. It also became the highest-rated scripted episode for a post-Super Bowl broadcast and brought massive exposure to the sitcom, eventually pushing it to the top of the network charts in the following seasons.
2
“The Finale” (Season 9, Episodes 22 and 23)
‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)
Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld’s highly influential sitcom classic Seinfeld broke all conventions of comedy television with no emotional sentimentality, no personal growth, and no moral takeaways. Neither did it end with a bang. Seinfeld’s nine-year run ended with the most absurd final episodes people had seen in sitcoms at the time. In “The Finale,” Jerry (Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Kramer (Michael Richards) are accused of violating a local Good Samaritan law after mocking a carjacking victim instead of helping him, and a massive trial ensues, where various characters from their past testify to their terrible characters.
“The Finale” was massively polarizing at the time of its release, largely due to its lack of moral theme and the intentionally unsatisfying conclusion. And yet, the two-part final chapter of the NBC comedy behemoth garnered a colossal viewership of 76.3 million. Season 9’s Episodes 22 and 23 ironically abandoned its principle of being “nothing,” becoming a plot-heavy moment about everything. And that is largely what drew such a massive audience for the episode, making the Seinfeld finale the second most-watched episode in NBC’s history.
1
“One for the Road” (Season 11, Episode 26)
‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)
For 11 years, Glen Charles, Les Charles, and James Burrows’s classic sitcom served in style and went out with even more style with its 275th and final episode, “One for the Road.” While Sam Malone (Ted Danson) did not close the doors of his beloved bar to his patrons, the last episode of Cheers marked the end of an era for TV’s favorite bartender and his patrons as they drank, socialized, and escaped their daily problems at the titular Boston bar. The episode remains memorable for the bittersweet reunion of Sam and his on-off love interest, Diane (Shelley Long), who come together only to realize how different their worlds are and part ways again.
“One for the Road” makes for a fitting finale that stays true to the show’s premise and honors its core message, both literally and figuratively, and brings back all the major characters one last time. While the sitcom itself was a pop culture sensation during its 11-season run, the finale became a massive national television event. Season 26, Episode 11 amassed 93.5 million viewers when it aired, making it the second-highest-rated series finale of all time in U.S. television history, surpassed only by the finale of CBS’s M*A*S*H.
- Release Date
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1982 – 1993-00-00
- Showrunner
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James Burrows, Glen Charles, Les Charles, Ken Estin, Sam Simon, David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee, Bill Steinkellner, Cheri Steinkellner, Phoef Sutton, Tom Anderson, Dan O’Shannon
- Directors
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John Ratzenberger, George Wendt, Michael Zinberg, Andy Ackerman, James Burrows, Tim Berry, Tom Moore
- Writers
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David Lloyd, Kathy Ann Stumpe, Jonathan Stark, Tracy Newman, Andy Cowan, Janet Leahy, Sue Herring, Tom Leopold, Chris Cluess, David Pollock, Elias Davis, Elliot Shoenman, Jeff Abugov, Daniel Palladino, Katherine Green, Jeffrey Duteil, Michael J. Weithorn, Joanne Pagliaro, Eugene B. Stein, Kimberly Hill
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Billie Bird
Lillian Miller
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Kirstie Alley
Rebecca Howe
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro judge Shirley Ballas is weighing in on Rylee Arnold and AJ Pritchard’s off-the-floor drama.
In the comments of her latest Instagram post promoting the upcoming Next Pro season finale, Shirley, 65, was asked for her “opinion” after AJ’s fiancée, Zara Zoffany, openly criticized Rylee, 21, for calling out his alleged behavior during rehearsals.
“@ryleearnold1 has earned her place on DWTS through hard work,” Shirley, fellow pro Mark Ballas’ mom, replied via Instagram comment. “Dedicating her time to all styles.”
She continued, “I have a lot of respect for her. Shame others do not. 🔥🔥🔥.”
Ezra Sosa has entered the chat amid his Dancing With the Stars costar Rylee Arnold’s ongoing drama over her Next Pro cameo. Rylee, 21, appeared on the Monday, August 24, episode, in which she teamed up with contestant AJ Pritchard for a routine in the semifinals. During the episode, Rylee openly claimed to the judges […]
Rylee, who was named a pro beginning in 2023’s season 32, made a cameo on the Next Pro semifinals for a routine with competitor AJ, 31. In post-rehearsal footage with Shirley, Mark, 40, and guest judge Kym Johnson, Rylee admitted that AJ appeared overly critical without providing any positive feedback.
In response, Zara, 32, slammed Rylee via social media.
“[Rylee] — @aj11ace wouldn’t have had to critique you in the first place if everything had been right. Dancing with Bailey [McKnight] last week showed how he danced with an amateur & their dance was amazing,” Zara alleged, referring to AJ’s Next Pro dance with a newbie dancer. “This week was suppose [sic] to be dancing with a pro … very different dynamics & what people didn’t see in rehearsals was that you injured him when you hit him in the head, leaving with a slight concussion and needing to see a [doctor].”
Rylee Arnold and AJ Pritchard. Disney/Vince Valitutti
She added at the time, “He wouldn’t have needed to give it if something hadn’t been wrong. I hope you were able to take something positive and useful from his teaching and feedback.”
Neither Rylee nor AJ, who previously served as pro dancer on the U.K.’s Strictly Come Dancing, have publicly addressed the social media drama. Rylee’s best friend and fellow pro, Ezra Sosa, meanwhile, has clapped back at Zara’s apparent diss in defense of his colleague.
Rylee Arnold has reacted to the online speculation that she won’t return for Dancing With the Stars’ potential season 35. “I definitely feel pressure, [and] I think every single dance I’m [choreographing] has to be good. I feel like I have to present myself,” Arnold, 20, told Julianne Hough on the Thursday, November 20, episode […]
“I usually stay out of stuff like this, but this genuinely made me sick to my stomach,” Ezra, 25, replied via Instagram comment. “Rylee is my best friend, I love her and I will speak up for her. Rylee is more than qualified to be a pro, and one dance with a completely different partnership does not erase the years of training, talent and work that earned her that title.”
While Ezra acknowledged that “everyone gets critiqued” in the dance world, Rylee is “one of the most honest and trustworthy” people he knows.
“She reads people and their energy incredibly well, and she is a fanatic pro and [an] INCREDIBLE DANCER,” he added in his statement. “Watching a woman go out of her way to publicly question another woman’s qualifications and tear her down like this is so sad to see.”
AJ is among the finalists to become the next DWTS pro for the upcoming season 35 alongside Selena Hamilton and Adele Zaikman.
The Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro finale airs on ABC Monday, August 31 at 8 p.m. ET.
Leslie Mann is offering fans an update on her husband Judd Apatow’s journey on the controversial weight loss drug Ozempic.
“He’s on Ozempic, he likes to talk about it, and he has gained, like, 15 pounds in four years,” Mann, 54, said on the Thursday, August 27, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, speaking about her husband’s weight loss journey. “He’s on the highest dose.”
She continued, “He likes to outrun the feeling that you get that Ozempic gives you to stop eating. He likes to, like, override it or outrun it. He’s very proud of the fact that the pharmaceutical companies don’t have control over him. … It’s so weird.”
Ozempic and other similar semaglutides are commonly prescribed to adults who struggle with weight-related conditions, including diabetes, to slim down. Doctors have since warned individuals for using the medication for casual weight loss.
As for Apatow, the 58-year-old filmmaker began taking GLP-1 medications nearly two years ago.
“I am on so much Ozempic right now,” the Knocked Up director said during a 2024 stand-up show in New York City. “I’ve been on it for six months, I’ve gained four pounds. I don’t know how it’s supposed to work. It makes you nauseous, so you don’t want to eat, but I take it as a challenge to eat through the nausea.”
He added at the time, “You know, like, ‘I’m gonna f***ing prove this medicine doesn’t work.’ Sometimes I’ll eat ice cream and shoot myself with Ozempic at the same time just to see who wins the battle. It’s been a draw so far. That experiment cost me $40,000.”
Apatow has previously been candid about his experience trying to lose and maintain his weight.
“[Leslie] put me on the Goop detox diet,” he revealed on Live With Kelly and Ryan in 2017, referring to Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle company. “She has a diet up there [on her website], and I did it, and then suddenly, I looked like Ryan [Seacrest] for a while. I got skinny and handsome. … I’m trying very hard to keep it together.”
Shocking, indeed! Some celebs seek out extreme methods to shed pounds, while others transform with the aid of healthier methods. From Rosie O’Donnell’s and Jordin Sparks’ respective 50 pound weight losses to Biggest Loser winner Rachel Frederickson’s whopping 155 lighter frame, see before and after pictures of celebrities’ weight loss transformations.
At the time, Apatow noted how Mann was “cooking all this food” that he supplemented with a new exercise routine.
“I did a little SoulCycle Hamilton ride the other day, you know how it goes,” he quipped. “I’m trying to ‘cause I hate being healthy, I don’t like it, but I saw an article about ‘dad bods.’ It’s, like, when you work out a little bit and look a little crappy, and my friend sent me an article about it and I clicked the link and there was a picture showing what it was and the picture was of me. I took that as a sign.”
Apatow and the Spa Weekend actress have been married since 1997, during which they welcomed daughters Maude, 28, and Iris, 23.
Low fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy which refers to stories that have real-world settings. What this means is that the plot is set on the same planet we call home, albeit in an alternate version of it, one where magic and monsters exist and intersect with everyday life. It differs from high fantasy, as high fantasy is about worlds that are completely invented, thus allowing more creative freedom.
Low fantasy isn’t quite as common for this reason, but it’s still been done. It’s pretty prominent in the world of television, especially since these shows offer versions of Earth that are far more interesting than the one we live in. With themes ranging from hidden pantheons of deities, magic, vampires, and an outbreak of the undead, they can be pretty varied. However, there is one thing they all have in common: there isn’t a single bad episode.
‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)
American Gods is based on a 2001 novel by Neil Gaiman, who surprisingly wasn’t as involved in this show as he could’ve been. Maybe that was the right choice though, because the show did pretty well for itself in the critical department. The story is about a recently-widowed man named Shadow (Ricky Whittle) who is offered a job by a mysterious individual named Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). Not knowing what he’s getting into, Shadow agrees, serving as a chauffeur for some of the United States’ most prominent figures. These aren’t politicians or celebrities, but literal gods. They live beneath the surface of the world, and are under the threat of what they call “New Gods.”
These New Gods are abstract concepts that humans are beginning to worship, such as Technology (Bruce Langley) and Media (Gillian Anderson), threatening the existence of the Old Gods. The Old Gods derive their power from the number of followers they have, so if they lose their following, they could cease to exist. The pantheon of gods present in the show is a little disjointed, with some coming from Norse mythology and others being ripped straight out of West African, Arabian, and Egyptian mythos. This might not make sense at first glance, but it really adds a lot to the world, especially since there is a whole unique pantheon of gods that’s basically a mishmash of other cultures. In any event, the show did not deserve its premature cancellation. It is absolutely phenomenal, with each episode only adding to the fascinating world that the author created.
‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)
The Magicians is based on the novel trilogy of the same name by Lev Grossman, which is about a young man who attends a prestigious university to study magic. What he discovers there, however, is that not only is magic real, but so is the world from his favorite childhood storybook. More still, that world is in serious jeopardy, and is more dangerous than he ever could have imagined. Naturally, it falls to him to save it.
For a low fantasy series, the show has a pretty fleshed-out magic system, which isn’t always common in the subgenre. Deviating a bit from the source material, magic is drawn from a far-off anomaly in the universe known as the Wellspring. Once magical energy is collected, a spell can be cast. This requires a mix of dexterity, mental fortitude, and intelligence. First, the magician must speak the incantation in a language that no longer exists, usually Old Slavonic or Latin. Then, they must perform an intricate and complicated hand gesture to seal the deal. This is obviously no easy feat when under pressure, which makes it even more impressive to watch. While the show did get cancelled, at least it was given an extra season to wrap things up, meaning nothing is left unanswered or up for debate. Truth be told, its cancellation was likely due to low viewership rather than quality, because every episode of this series is seriously amazing. It’s a fresh take on classic fantasy tropes and a stellar adaptation that no fantasy fan will want to miss.
‘Kingdom’ (2019–2021)
Kingdom is a criminally-underrated South Korean Netflix series based on a webtoon-turned-graphic novel. The story is set in the historic kingdom of Joseon at the turn of the 17th century, shortly after the Imjin War between the Koreans and the Japanese. The king has married a new wife from the power-hungry Haewon Cho Clan, with his wife expecting a child. This would give the Haewon Cho a claim to the throne once they have an heir. However, the adult prince from the king’s previous relationship stands in their way. This is made even worse when the king dies of smallpox, and the Haewon Cho have no heir to place on the throne. To maintain their claim, they use a mythical resurrection plant to bring the king back from the dead, accidentally unleashing a zombie horde in the process.
These zombies are not your ordinary army of undead. For one, they are only active at night. During the day, they look like regular corpses, only hunting when the sun goes down. They are also faster, stronger, and more supernatural than your typical zombies from fiction. While the show was a huge hit with critics, it never really took off. Though Netflix has yet to officially announce its cancellation, no new content since 2021 means that it’s unlikely it will ever return. Still, the two seasons and special prequel episode we got are insanely awesome. It’s got political intrigue, feuding royals, and an army of the undead. What’s not to love?
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
What We Do in the Shadows is based on a 2014 movie of the same name by Taika Waititi. The premise concerns a group of four vampire roommates living in Staten Island, New York, and how their blood-sucking lifestyles clash with the modern world. The show was created by Jermaine Clement, who also co-created the film, and is actually the second spin-off TV series based on the movie. It is, however, unquestionably the best one.
It’s got a little bit of everything for everyone. Obviously, since it’s about vampires, it has elements of horror in it, even though it isn’t a traditionally scary show. The horror elements become stronger when the vampiric roommates encounter other paranormal beings around New York. It’s also got a ton of comedy woven into it, with the show being filmed in a mockumentary style. Many of the punchlines are gallows humor more than anything, but this is a signature part of Waititi’s style, and is faithful to the original film. Of course, it also leans heavily into fantasy. The presence of magical creatures creates a secret world where people’s worst nightmares and elements of European Gothic folklore come to life. This show is full of catchphrases, dark comedy, and individuality. There’s just nothing else like it, which is probably why it lasted six seasons before coming to a close. Surprisingly, it didn’t overstay its welcome, as every single episode is a solid ten out of ten.
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is based on the critically-acclaimed YA novel series by Rick Riordan. This is the second attempt at an adaptation following a disastrous movie in the early 2010s, which somehow got a sequel. The movies were far from faithful to the source material, and earned the ire of fans. The show has been much better received so far. Not only is it more faithful, but Riordan had a heavier hand in its production, meaning it is more in line with the author’s vision that the films were.
The story is about Percy (Walker Scobell), a troubled youth who discovers he is the son of a Greek god. Not only are the Greek gods real, but so are all the monsters from Greek mythology, some of whom are out hunting for him. He is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a secluded resort where Percy and other demigods learn to hone their talents and abilities, and how to survive in this hidden and dangerous world. The show includes much of the signature wit that the movies were sorely missing, and features confrontations with some of the most memorable beasts and beings from Greek myth. It’s been a massive success, and with two seasons thus far, there haven’t really been any episodes that have missed the mark. The best part is that it’s perfect for both older kids and adults, making it accessible, adventurous, and enjoyable no matter your age.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
- Release Date
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December 19, 2023
- Network
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Disney+
- Showrunner
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Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz
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Walker Scobell
Percy Jackson
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Leah Sava Jeffries
Annabeth Chase
A historic California town once called home by Dolly Parton is divided over plans to transform an old lumberyard into an Airstream resort. Solvang residents are pushing back against the proposed glamping destination, arguing that its trailers, pool, and other amenities would clash with the Danish-inspired architecture that has made the Santa Ynez Valley community a popular tourist destination. While developers have described the project as a lodging concept, at least one local critic believes it would more closely resemble a “trailer park” in the middle of downtown Solvang.
The proposed development would bring overnight accommodations to an old lumberyard that has remained unused for years. According to the Daily Mail, Solvang’s project status list says the property could be redeveloped into a glamping resort featuring Airstream trailers. The recognizable aluminum trailers would serve as accommodations for visitors.
The proposal reportedly also includes two hotel suites, a guest amenities center, a swimming pool, restrooms, showers, and a lookout tower, according to Santa Barbara County news outlet Noozhawk. However, some residents believe the project is not compatible with the town’s established appearance.
“If it looks like a trailer park and it gleams like a trailer park, in spite of the categorization of a lodging, it’s a trailer park,” Dennis Beebe, president of the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council, said. “I find it completely inappropriate for downtown Solvang.”
The resort has not received final approval. It must go through another pre-application review before beginning the formal development permit process.
Locals Say The Design Does Not Fit Solvang
Solvang is known for its Danish-style buildings, windmills, bakeries and walkable downtown area. The community’s distinctive appearance is a major part of its identity and tourism industry. The city’s Design Review Committee considered the glamping proposal during a recent meeting, where residents questioned whether the project incorporated enough of Solvang’s recognizable architectural elements.
One resident reportedly compared its appearance to “an old West military fortress.” Others were concerned about how the proposed pool could affect people living near the property.
Committee member Jennifer Johnson questioned whether neighbors would be forced to hear guests using the pool throughout the day. She said she did not want to be “listening to Marco Polo for hours on end.”
Johnson also made it clear that the resort’s Airstream accommodations did not personally appeal to her. “Even if I was going to go camping, which I did all my life growing up, I would never go in an Airstream,” she added.
Developer Plans To Revise The Proposal
Phil Stevens, who represents the client behind the Airstream project, indicated that the development team had heard the criticism. Stevens said the team would prepare a revised plan designed to “strike a better balance.” It remains unclear which elements could be changed before the proposal returns for another review.
The developer could potentially adjust the design, layout, or visual features in response to concerns about compatibility with the surrounding community. However, no specific revisions were included in the available report.
The next version will likely receive close attention from residents who believe any major development in the downtown area should preserve the town’s European-inspired atmosphere. For now, the property remains an old lumberyard rather than a construction site.
The Lumberyard Has Inspired Controversy Before
The latest dispute is not the first time a proposed redevelopment of the lumberyard has caused concern in Solvang. In 2022, plans for a Mission Hotel and Apartment Project were presented for the site. That proposal included taller buildings and an automated parking structure. Residents opposed elements of the design, arguing that the project could alter the character of their town.
Developers responded by reducing the number of parking spaces and scaling down the buildings. Despite those changes, the hotel and apartment project ultimately did not move forward.
Dolly Parton Once Called Solvang Home
The controversy has gained added attention because of Solvang’s connection to Dolly Parton. The late country music legend once lived in a small farmhouse in the area. The property later became a destination for fans interested in seeing a piece of Parton’s history.
Parton died at age 80 after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” according to her publicist, Marcel Pariseau. She was reportedly surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. Her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on Instagram.
“Dolly opened doors for singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life,” he said. “By her example, we believed anything was possible. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Britani Bateman is giving Us an exclusive update on her relationship status with notoriously on-again, off-again boyfriend Jared Osmond.
“You know, it’s always complicated,” Britani, 55, exclusively told Us on Thursday, August 27, while promoting her cabaret show titled What About Me? at 54 Below in New York City, running on Sunday, August 30, Monday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 2.
“Just literally, when I think that never, ever, ever, ever, ever again, I’m like, ‘Okay,’ and then we’ll start talking again,” she confessed. “Like, never say never. I’ve learned to never say never. In fact, he was supposed to be here today. Like, that’s how never say never.”
She continued, “It’s so hard. It’s so hard because we love each other, and whether we’re actually right for each other — I don’t know. And again, people only see a little slice of the relationship – the toxic part, sadly. So they don’t see all the good. So I don’t know. Right now, no. Right now we’re not together.”
This February, Britani confirmed that she split from Jared, 55, again via an Instagram video featuring the better moments of their up-and-down romance.
The reality TV personality, who said she decided to include the video montage to “show the world our relationship,” added at the time that she was “walking away from something and someone I truly love.”
“My heart is broken,” she added in February.
Britani Bateman Getty Images
Jared responded to Britani’s public announcement in a statement sent exclusively to Us at the time, admitting he was “surprised” by the video.
“I was alarmed to see what looked like a eulogy to me today on her Instagram,” he said at the time. “I don’t truly understand her mindset. I love that girl. I’ll love her forever.”
“Right now we’re not together because I called it quits again,” Briani told Us of their relationship status on Thursday. “And yet, we might start talking again. I mean, I’ve learned to never say never. That’s what I’m saying.”
Britani went on to admit that the pair have broken up “50” times at this point, “literally,” before dishing on her family’s dynamic with her on-again, off-again love.
“They have every reason to be guarded and protective, and they love Jared,” she dished. “So you know, he’s really — really, he’s a great dad. I mean, he’s such a good dad. He’s so good to my kids. And he calls my dad ‘dad,’ so yeah, my family loves him. He’s done wonderful things for my family and for me and for my kids. So you know, it’s hard not to love the guy.” (Britani’s daughters have alleged their mom prioritizes men over her children. The reality TV star was estranged from her children for some time, though they have since reconciled.)
“I’ll be able to speak to that more and to why my daughters and I were estranged a little bit,” she continued. “You know, maybe this season but definitely, like, next year, when everything has cooled down a little bit in that department.”
Meanwhile, Britani is admittedly “dating up a storm,” focusing on her cabaret return via her beloved show What About Me? and preparing for the release of her upcoming book, due out next year, which has had a variety of name iterations.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City newcomer Britani Bateman is dating Jared Osmond, a member of the prominent family of the same name. “When an angel comes into your life that brings you happiness, peace and love, you hold on with both hands,” Osmond, 54, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, December 22, alongside a […]
“It’s called, well, it’s had lots of names,” she told Us. “What’s it called right now? Dating Fight Club, because … it’s Britani’s dating secrets … I use a spreadsheet and I do two or three dates a night to keep it efficient. And then you get bumped up if date number one goes well, like a coffee date. You get bumped up to date number two, which is dinner … I know it sounds nuts, but it really works. It’s a system that works, and then I have traits, you know, traits as the column, and a guy has to hit all the boxes.”
She continued, “And I was just on Fire Island, which was amazing … There was such beautiful energy on Fire Island, both in Cherry Grove and in the Pines, and I just felt so much love. I did my show What About Me? at the very end — the kick off the Ting Ting Ting Tour on Fire Island, and the end I did my single drop party as well [for] ‘What About Me?’ I sang it live for the first time. So, so much fun.”
All six seasons of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City are available for streaming on Peacock. RHOSLC season 7 premieres on Wednesday, September 16, at 8pm EST on Bravo and available to stream on Peacock at 6 an EST the following day.
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A new school year can be exciting, but every experienced parent knows what it really means: It’s only a matter of time before the germs start coming home. After a summer of zero classrooms and plenty of outdoor activity, the kids are all thrown together again, and it’s time for the germ cycle to reset. Households that enjoyed a symptom-free summer are going to be hit with all sorts of viruses and colds within the first few weeks of school starting, and it’s safe to say no one is looking forward to that.
While you can’t prevent these illnesses (they are, unfortunately, part of life), you can feel as prepared as possible. Stock up on medication before sickness strikes your household, not during. Adding Genexa, a clean medicine company, to the top of your school supply list is the most important step in starting the year off prepared.
Medicine rarely makes the school supply list, but it deserves a spot – you want to have pain relievers on hand when your child wakes you up at 2 A.M. complaining of a sore throat rather than being forced to make an early morning run to the drugstore. Take a thorough look at your medicine cabinet to make sure it’s age-appropriate and not out of date — chances are good that something needs to be replaced.
That’s where Genexa comes in. It’s the first clean medicine company that offers pain relief without a side of unnecessary additives. The company was founded by actual parents who wanted better options for their kids, and it shows: its pain relief formulas contain the same effective active ingredients as leading brands, but without the artificial preservatives, sweeteners and dyes that have become so commonplace.
If you’re trying to avoid artificial ingredients in your kids’ lunchboxes and after-school snacks, it only makes sense to avoid them in their medicine. Genexa is made with active ingredients that can help ease symptoms, but you won’t find dyes, common allergens (like gluten or artificial sweeteners) or high-fructose corn syrup, so you can feel good about giving it to your kids whenever they need it.
Since Genexa is designed with kids in mind, it’s made to taste good to little taste buds without all of the fake stuff. Flavors come from organic sources like agave, blueberry, cherry and acai. Plus, it boasts USDA Organic and Non-GMO certifications across its product range. In a 2025 study, pediatricians preferred Genexa’s ingredients for treating their patients’ pain and fever versus those in the leading brand’s top-selling comparable products.
Remember: Germ season is practically underway, and being prepared is half the battle. Adding Genexa’s pain and fever medication to your school supply list can help make sick days feel less overwhelming — and doesn’t require you to compromise on your wellness goals for your kids. Even better? It’s all available on Amazon!
For viewers who need more rom-coms in their lives, Colin from Accounts is the perfect relationship comedy to fill the void. The Australian series, which airs on Paramount+ in the U.S., revolves around an awkward couple, Ashley (Harriet Dyer) and Gordon (Patrick Brammall), as they figure out their relationship potential. The pair first come together through an accident involving a dog, who they later name Colin. Because of the state of Colin’s injuries, the pair quickly go from being total strangers to doggy co-parents.
Ashley and Gordon spend the bulk of Season 1 navigating their newfound relationship, trying to figure out if they actually do want to be together or if it’s just Colin keeping them connected. They’re both extremely flawed and insecure in their own ways, and each takes a turn at doubting the validity of their connection. Thanks to the characters’ amazing chemistry, sense of humor, and endearing romantic fumbles, Colin from Accounts is a total joy to watch.
What Is ‘Colin From Accounts’ About?
Ashley and Gordon’s meet-cute sets up the premise for the entire show. We first meet Ashley as she’s pining over her ex-boyfriend James (Tai Hara) and running late for work at the hospital where she’s training as a medical student. Heading to work in a bit of a hungover state, she cheekily flashes Gordon while crossing the street in front of his car. Distracted by Ashley’s move, Gordon accidentally hits a dog with his car, and they both share in the guilt of what’s happened to this poor little stray. They bring the dog to Gordon’s ex-girlfriend (Annie Maynard), who happens to be a vet named “Yvette.” Ashley and Gordon decide to co-fund the dog’s surgery rather than put it down, which means that they are stuck together to care for the dog and his new specialized needs.
As Ashley and Gordon spend more and more time together, their feelings for each other grow from dog-parenting partners to something more romantic. When their relationship changes, they have to confront the reality that Colin will keep them connected for as long as he’s alive, and therefore, they’ll have to be in each other’s lives for the long haul. Over the course of the series, Ashley and Gordon go back and forth on whether they’re really suited for each other, or if their relationship is just a result of Colin tying them together.
Even as their relationship evolves, Ashley and Gordon experience personal insecurities that come with the territory of starting a new romance. Since Ashley is still getting over her feelings for James, she is low on self-confidence and takes it personally when a hook-up with Gordon fizzles out. Meanwhile, Gordon is recovering from cancer and keeps it to himself as he spends a lot of time worrying rather than living his best life. He seems stuck in some unhealthy patterns, but with the arrival of Ashley and Colin, he begins to break out of them. One thing at the forefront of the new couple’s minds is their age gap. Since she’s a med student, Ashley worries that perhaps Gordon is too old for her. Gordon tries his best to be cool and trendy for her friends when he hosts her birthday party at the microbrewery he co-owns, but it goes so horribly wrong that he actually ends up doubting their whole relationship.
The real-life husband and wife team of Harriet Dyer (Ashley) and Patrick Brammall (Gordon) have amazing onscreen chemistry, and their authenticity as a couple shines through in their performances. They have an ease in their rapport, while their charming and witty banter holds the show together. Because Gordon and Ashley unexpectedly complement each other in personalities, insecurities, sensibilities, and humor, you can’t help but root for this couple to get together, even when they make it very difficult for themselves.
‘Colin From Accounts’ Also Has a Great Supporting Cast
It’s not just insecurities and outside friendships that get in the way of Ashley and Gordon’s romantic future. Their past relationships, work, and family also become heavily involved in the plot to further flesh out the couple’s lives and complications. Colin from Accounts‘ supporting cast plays an excellent group of characters, each endearing and witty in their own right.
Gordon’s ex-girlfriend, Yvette, the vet, offers a dry sense of humor, while his two colleagues at the microbrewery, Chiara (Genevieve Hegney) and Brett (Michael Logo), often act as his voice of reason, giving him advice and guidance. The dynamic between the three friends at work is blunt and raw, reminiscent of a group of best mates constantly teasing each other in a mutual way. Meanwhile, Ashley’s circle includes her best friend and coworker, Megan (Emma Harvie), who tells it like it is but happens to be so likable that even Gordon’s colleagues fall in love with her. Ashley’s ex-boyfriend James really comes across as a huge jerk, making the audience root for Gordon even more. One of the show’s best supporting characters is Ashley’s mother Lynelle (Helen Thomson). While their relationship is mostly played for laughs, with Lynelle being eccentric, to say the least, behind their complicated dynamic is a mother who truly cares for her daughter.
For anyone looking for a great rom-com, Colin from Accounts is a well-rounded, funny take on the genre. With an awkward couple at its core and a hilarious supporting cast to flesh out the season, it’s a charming and quirky series that has you rooting for Ashley and Gordon from the get-go — and it also doesn’t hurt that there’s an adorable dog at the center of it all. Colin from Accounts tugs at the heartstrings, tickles the funny bone, and is genuinely the best streaming romance of the moment.
Karlissa Saffold Harvey has reacted after Blueface called her out of her name during a livestreamed phone call.
RELATED: Whew! Social Media Reacts To Blueface, Nevaeh Akira & Their Days-Old Son Getting Patted Down By Cops During Recent Livestream (VIDEO)
Karlissa Saffold Harvey Reacts After Blueface Calls Her Out Of Her Name During Livestreamed Phone Call
On Friday, August 28, The Shade Room Teens shared a clip that appeared to be from a recent livestream of Blue’s. In the clip, he appeared to be on the phone, and when the person mentioned his mom, he replied, “F**k that b****h.”
“Give a f**k about that b***h either, dead homies,” he added.
Karlissa Saffold Harvey appeared to catch his words and responded with a few posts shared via her Instagram account.
See it all below.
Social Media Weighs In
Social media users reacted to Blueface calling Karlissa Saffold Harvey out of her name in the TSR Teens’ comment section.
Instagram user @neecymonroe wrote, “When a man talks about their mom this way , women should stay farrrrrr away from them . Ain’t no way !!!!”
While Instagram user @suchad0n.nu added, “😂😂😂😂😂😂😂girlll she dk if she wanna beef wit him or be on his side 😂😂”
Instagram user @feelicious_guity wrote, “They say watch how he treats his mother/their relationship… he’ll treat you the same.”
While Instagram user @layfareal added, “you made him this way. i need an Iyana episode from them soooo bad!”
Instagram user @queenarieldashane wrote, “People are always using Bible scriptures or the Bible to fit their own narrative, but what about the things you say & do? Did you look those up in the Bible too? Gossiping is a sin, & no sin is better than another. & no, I’m not approving of his behavior. I’m simply saying the same standards you’re using for him should be applied to yourself too.”
While Instagram user @misskay_kayk added, “A man that don’t have respect for his mom will never have respect for women”
Instagram user @ms.curvyyyworld wrote, “She raised him and how he treats women is her fault so we just gone mind our business on this one😂🤣 Parents always forget in the Bible that parents aren’t supposed provoke, or discourage their child.. that is a sin a lot of parents skip over”
Before Blueface Called Karlissa Saffold Harvey Out Of Her Name During Livestreamed Phone Call, Jaidyn Alexis Spoke Out
As The Shade Room previously reported, Blueface welcomed his fourth child, a son with Nevaeh Akira, earlier this month. Subsequently, he went online, saying his older children, whom he shares with Jaidyn Alexis, could be replaced. This prompted a reaction from Alexis.
More recently, Alexis doubled down on her apparent discontent with Blue, sharing that her kids wouldn’t be meeting his newest addition until paternity is established.
RELATED: Social Media Reacts After Jaidyn Alexis Says Her Kids Won’t Meet Blueface’s New Baby Until Paternity Is Confirmed
What Do You Think Roomies?
Ricky Schroder is standing by his criticism of Dolly Parton’s COVID-19 vaccine advocacy following her death at 80. The actor has now claimed he personally warned the country icon against supporting vaccination efforts and that she should have listened.
Among the celebrities who slammed him for his original post, the band Garbage point-blank told him to “f-ck off.”
Ricky Schroder has doubled down on his criticism of Dolly Parton’s vaccine advocacy just days after the country music legend’s death.
The “NYPD Blue” actor shared a clip on his Instagram Story in which Parton discusses her Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. Parton famously donated $1 million toward early coronavirus vaccine research.
“I warned Dolly to not support the Experiment,” Schroder wrote over the clip, according to Entertainment Weekly. He added that he “wished she listened,” alongside a frowning emoji.
Schroder previously played Parton’s father in the TV movies “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.”
Schroder Comes Under Fire For Political Dolly Parton Tribute
Schroder found himself embroiled in a heated internet backlash after using a memorial post for country music legend Dolly Parton to highlight his personal political grievances.
Following Parton’s passing at age 80, the “NYPD Blue” star took to social media to share a throwback photo of himself alongside the late icon.
However, it was the caption accompanying the image that quickly sparked heavy backlash.
“I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy,” Schroder shared on Threads.
Dolly Parton Personally Chose Ricky Schroder To Play Her Father
Schroder famously portrayed Parton’s father, Robert Lee Parton, in the 2015 NBC television film “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” and its 2016 sequel, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.”
He previously explained that the late “Jolene” singer herself had personally selected him for the role, noting at the time that he reminded her of her actual father.
“It started with Dolly, who was very hands-on in choosing the cast for her family,” Schroder said. “Then I heard from Dolly that I reminded her of her father Lee Parton.”
Fans And Celebrities Turn On Ricky Schroder Over Dolly Tribute
Regardless of the cordial professional relationship he had with Parton, fans and public figures were quick to call Schroder out for airing his ideological differences during a moment of global mourning.
Rock band Garbage gave a blunt and fiery two-word rebuttal, telling him to “f-ck off,” while Brandon Frankel, partner to Gabourey Sidibe, commented, “Way to ruin your tribute -sshole.”
Comedian Murray Hill wrote, “Guess you didn’t listen to her thoughts on not judging people and allowing people to be who they are. How lame to be divisive and hate-fueled in the same breath as someone who has done so much and is filled with love and empathy. No love like Christian hate.”
A Reddit user wrote, “Using someone’s death as an excuse to advocate for something they would have hated is pretty low, yeah.”
A second user fired, “If your ‘tribute’ includes telling the world how a person was wrong, then it isn’t a tribute, it’s a last dig.”
Dolly Parton Passed After A Private Battle With Cancer
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the global icon from all quarters, including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, Miley Cyrus, and a host of other Hollywood celebrities.
She has been celebrated not just for her hit songs, but also for her extensive philanthropy, including a famous $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that helped with COVID-19 research.
A rep for the singer told PEOPLE that she passed after a “brief battle with cancer,” although its exact nature remains unclear. Days before the shocking news, TMZ reported that she was hospitalized with “kidney and autoimmune issues.”
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the reps told the news outlet.
They added, “Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones.”
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