Niall Horan continues to honor his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.

During the Tuesday, September 22, opening night of his Dinner Party Live on Tour, Horan, 33, played recorded audio of the late Payne being interviewed. “We thought something might happen but never anything like this,” the audio began right after Horan wrapped his tribute song “End of an Era” in Birmingham, England, per X fan footage.

The audio continued, “I always try to remind myself of where I’ve come from and where I’ve managed to get to in my life. It’s amazing, really.”

Payne died in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.

As the recording played, darkened stage lighting captured Horan looking out above the audience in a moment of reflection. The musician, who released his fourth solo studio album, Dinner Party, in June, held his hands on his hips as he stood solemnly before the stage lights went out altogether.

One day after news of Payne’s death made headlines, Horan and his fellow One Direction bandmates issued a group statement. “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” the October 17, 2024, statement from Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Horan read.

The band, which formed in 2010 after meeting on Britain’s The X Factor before splitting in 2016, continued: “For now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

Advertisement

Related: Inside Liam Payne’s Friendship With One Direction Bandmate Niall Horan

Getty Images (2) Liam Payne and Niall Horan crossed paths just before the “Strip That Down” singer’s death on October 16, 2024 — proving that their friendship was strong even after One Direction split. The singers made their One Direction debut alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik when the band was formed on […]

The following day, Horan issued his own public statement that revealed he had reunited with Payne just two weeks prior to his death. “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam,” Horan’s Instagram tribute read. “It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure. All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming in mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

It continued, noting that Payne had attended Horan’s Argentina concert on October 2, 2024. “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently,” Horan shared. “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”

Related: One Direction Members Attend Liam Payne’s Funeral

Advertisement

Liam Payne‘s One Direction bandmates members reunited at the singer’s funeral on Wednesday, November 20. Photos from the somber event showed Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson all arriving at the private funeral being held in Amersham, England. One image showed Malik, 31, and Tomlinson, 32, walking together. This is the first […]

Horan’s third single from Dinner Party, “End of an Era,” was released to honor Payne, with lyrics including, “We had it, pure magic / Remembering what it was like / Time passes so fast that / I couldn’t tell you goodbye.”

He stated via Instagram on May 19: “Julian Bunetta, John Ryan and I started the original version of this song years and years ago. We rewrote it about four times without ever feeling it was quite right. As we were working on this album, we revisited it. Some songs take a minute to get to what you’re actually trying to say. This one was one of those. I hope it means as much to you as it does to me.”

Presley Gerber’s former girlfriend, Charlotte D’Alessio, is remembering the late model and the relationship they shared following his death at age 27. D’Alessio posted intimate photographs and a video from their time together, describing their connection as a “pure love” while expressing anger that Gerber did not have more time. The tribute came as authorities continued investigating Gerber’s death as a suspected overdose. However, his official cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending additional testing.

Charlotte D’Alessio Says Presley Gerber ‘Deserved More Time’

6

D’Alessio, a 28-year-old Canadian model who reportedly dated Gerber for approximately two years beginning in 2018, shared several personal memories on social media.

One photograph showed the former couple embracing on a dock, with D’Alessio wearing a bikini as she stood beside Gerber. “Shared a pure love with you & for that I thank & honor your life. You deserved more time. You deserved more life. Very angry ab this,” she wrote over the photograph.

Another black-and-white picture showed the two hugging. “Love you, Pres. always. Up there, down here. Don’t ever doubt that. We all love you so much. I hope you can feel it,” D’Alessio wrote.

Her tribute also included what appeared to be a photograph taken at a costume party, where she and Gerber posed with prop guns. In another image, Gerber was pictured relaxing on a bed with a rolled-up cigarette in his mouth as he petted a small white dog.

D’Alessio concluded her tribute with a video showing him walking toward the ocean while the dog followed closely behind. “I will always remember you this way,” she wrote over the clip.

The Former Couple Reportedly Met Through Kaia Gerber

6

D’Alessio and Gerber reportedly met through his younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, in December 2017. Their relationship became public the following year, and the two were frequently photographed together before eventually separating.

Gerber was subsequently linked to model and reality television personality Lexi Wood in 2022. He had also been romantically connected to model Cayley King in 2017. Although D’Alessio and Gerber had been apart for several years, her tribute suggested that she continued to hold considerable affection for him.

Gerber was the eldest child and only son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber.

Authorities Are Investigating A Suspected Overdose

6

Emergency personnel were called to a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California, at approximately 9:35 a.m. on Sunday, September 20. “On September 20, 2026, at approximately 9.35 am, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a report of a possible overdose in the 1000 block of Berkeley Street. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male who was deceased,” a Santa Monica Police Department spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

The spokesperson said detectives were continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Gerber’s death. “SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose,” they said. “At this time, there is no indication of foul play. The investigation remains ongoing.”

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said responding paramedics pronounced Gerber dead at 9:45 a.m. An autopsy has since been completed, but the cause and manner of death have been deferred while investigators await additional tests. The medical examiner said that process could take several months.

A representative for Crawford, Rande and Kaia asked that the family be given privacy during what was described as a “very difficult and painful time.”

Presley Gerber Had Reportedly Entered Rehab Hours Earlier

6

TMZ reported that Gerber had checked into the rehabilitation facility on Saturday night, hours before his death. According to the outlet, the model was staying with roommates in a separate residence located on the facility’s grounds.

Dispatch recordings reportedly described the emergency as involving both a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. However, cardiac arrest refers to the heart stopping and does not independently establish what caused the medical emergency.

His Family Publicly Supported His Previous Treatment

6

Earlier in 2026, Gerber revealed that he had undergone what he called a “Pre-ibogaine flood dose” at a treatment center in Mexico. Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from the iboga plant. Some treatment facilities outside the United States promote it for substance withdrawal and addiction, although it is not approved for medical use in the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies ibogaine as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has no currently accepted medical use under federal law and is considered to have a high potential for abuse.

After Gerber discussed the experience, his family publicly expressed its support. “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” Crawford wrote.

Kaia added, “That’s my brother I am so damn proud.”

Rande also praised his son’s decision to seek treatment. “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength, and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much,” he wrote.

The Model Had Spoken Openly About His Mental Health

6

Gerber had also used his social media platform to discuss his experiences with panic attacks, night terrors, and mental health treatment. In November 2025, he announced that he was stepping away from social media to “take care of my own mental health for a bit.”

Gerber later began sharing “Mental Health Mondays” videos, which gave followers a candid look at what he had been experiencing. “I feel like honesty is the best policy,” he said in one video.

He explained that his medication use had been “fluctuating up and down depending on what’s been going on in my life.” “Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently, so that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now,” Gerber shared.

The model did not publicly explain the losses he referenced, but he said his panic attacks could become “really, really bad.”

Gerber also spoke about wanting his experiences to help other people facing depression and related struggles. His death remains under investigation, with the medical examiner’s final findings expected after the additional testing is completed.

Cindy Crawford was looking toward the next chapter of her family’s life just 10 days before the devastating death of her only son, Presley Gerber. In an interview published on September 10, the supermodel reflected on adjusting to an empty nest after Presley and his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, came of age. Crawford discussed learning when to step back as a parent, redefining her marriage to Rande Gerber, and her hope of eventually becoming a grandmother. Presley died on September 20 at age 27.

Cindy Crawford Was Learning To Step Back As A Mother

5

Crawford spoke candidly about the complicated transition that occurs when children become adults and begin making decisions independently. “When they become adults, all of a sudden you’re like, okay, I’ve got to back off here. It might not be the way I would do it, but you know,” she told PORTER.

Both children had followed her into the modeling industry at young ages, but they had since developed lives and careers outside their parents’ home. For Crawford, allowing them that independence meant resisting the instinct to intervene whenever they made choices differently than she might have.

The Supermodel Was Redefining Her Marriage

5

Presley and Kaia leaving home also forced Crawford and Rande to think about what they wanted their marriage to look like without the daily responsibility of raising children. The couple married in 1998 and had been together for nearly three decades when Crawford gave the interview.

“When you get married, you talk about what kind of family you want or where we’re going to live. But no one ever talks about what this phase looks like, empty nesting, because it’s so far away you can’t even imagine it,” she explained. “But it’s an opportunity for us to redefine our relationship.”

Crawford admitted that she and Rande had not yet figured out what they wanted from that new stage. “What do we want to do? Do we want to travel, do we not want to travel?” she said. “We haven’t answered those questions yet, but we’re asking the questions, and it’s fun trying to figure that out together.”

The model appeared to view the transition with optimism. Rather than treating their empty nest solely as a loss, she saw it as an opportunity for the couple to rediscover their relationship. Ten days later, Crawford and Rande were confronted with an unimaginable family tragedy.

Cindy Crawford Hoped To Become A Grandmother

5

Crawford also looked further into the future and discussed the family milestone she hoped would come next. “One thing I really am looking forward to is being a grandmother,” she told PORTER. “I’m at the age where a lot of my friends are starting to have grandkids, and even though I don’t think either one of my kids is close, I do hope I get to experience that, because it looks really fun.”

Crawford did not suggest that Presley or Kaia had immediate plans to have children. Her comments instead reflected a mother imagining what the next stage of her family might eventually bring. That hope has taken on a painful new meaning following the loss of her son.

Presley was Crawford and Rande’s eldest child. He was born in July 1999, while Kaia arrived two years later in September 2001.

Presley Gerber Died At A Rehabilitation Facility

5

Presley died on the morning of September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. According to PEOPLE Magazine, emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 9:35 a.m. following reports of cardiac arrest and a possible overdose.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said responding paramedics pronounced Presley dead at 9:45 a.m. Santa Monica Police confirmed that detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. Authorities said there were no indications of foul play. However, an overdose has not been established as Presley’s official cause of death.

An autopsy was performed on September 21, but the cause and manner of death were deferred while the medical examiner conducts additional testing and studies. Officials warned that a final determination could take several months.

The family’s representative confirmed Presley’s death and said, “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Presley Had Been Open About His Personal Struggles

5

Presley had publicly discussed his experiences with depression, substance use, panic attacks, and treatment before his death. During a 2023 appearance on the “Studio 22” podcast, he explained that he hoped his willingness to speak openly could help someone experiencing similar difficulties.

“Having struggled with mental health, depression, and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that’s all I need to do,” Presley said.

He later started a social media series called “Mental Health Mondays,” which was designed to encourage conversations about experiences that people frequently conceal.

Presley also discussed undergoing treatment and attempting to make changes in his life. In March, he documented receiving ibogaine, a psychoactive substance that is not approved for medical use in the United States, during a treatment experience in Mexico.

Crawford publicly supported her son at the time, calling him a “warrior” and expressing pride in the work he was doing.

For more than two decades, “Survivor” has tested the castaways’ ability to outlast the competition. Since its debut in 2000, the reality show has evolved with new twists and challenges, but the million-dollar cash prize has stayed the same for most of the series. Ahead of the Season 51 premiere, host Jeff Probst unveiled a surprising prize shake-up that could affect future seasons of the long-running show.

Jeff Probst Shares Major Prize Twist For ‘Survivor 51’

“Survivor 51” is scheduled to premiere on September 23, and host and executive producer Jeff Probst revealed some interesting information about the long-standing competition series.

The new season brings together 21 new castaways competing for the title of the Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize. It follows the milestone 50th season, which featured a cast made up entirely of returning players.

Ahead of the new season, Probst teased what’s in store for the New Era of “Survivor” and revealed a twist that “blew [the players] minds in the best way.”

In a recent interview, Probst said they had been playing with old ideas and adding new spins to deliver something fresh for the fans and contestants. One of these was the coin flip introduced in Season 50, which was conceptualised by YouTube sensation Mr. Beast.

The ‘Survivor’ Coin Flip Returns With A Game-Changing Element

In Season 50, celebrity fans, including Billy Eilish, Jimmy Fallon, Zac Brown, and Mr. Beast added special twists to the game.

Mr. Beast’s involved doubling the prize money, but it came with a risk. One player had to flip a coin to decide whether they would be eliminated or double the prize.

The million-dollar coin flip is back, but an added element could affect future seasons of “Survivor.”

“So in Survivor 51, at some point, a player’s going to flip a coin for a million dollars. If they land it, the prize pool will be $2 million for 51. If they don’t land it, that million dollars will go into ‘Survivor 52’ and somebody will flip a $2 million coin making the prize money $3 million,” Probst told The Hollywood Reporter.

Simply put, the prize money would continue increasing by $1 million each season until a player successfully wins the coin flip.

The High-Stakes ‘Survivor 50’ Coin Flip Paid Out

The Season 50 coin flip happened when 10 players remained in the game. After the mechanics were revealed, Rick Devens, who felt he was at the bottom of the tribe and would be voted off, immediately volunteered to toss the coin.

He had a 50/50 shot at an extra $1 million, but losing meant elimination. Devens called heads and the risk paid off. He secured immunity and doubled the prize, leaving the other castaways in disbelief and awe.

The ‘Survivor’ Prize Money Has Only Been Doubled Twice

There’s a good chance you’ve seen something Max Winkler has worked on. His television directing resume is long, including everything from Ryan Murphy shows like American Horror Story, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, and Monster to comedies like New Girl, Fresh Off the Boat, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. His list of film credits is smaller but just as impressive, including the underrated, irreverent dramedy Flower, which was nominated for Best U.S. Narrative Feature at Tribeca in 2017, and sports drama Jungleland.

Winkler once again reunited with Murphy and Ian Brennan to direct Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, which follows a young woman (Ella Beatty) who was accused (and later acquitted) of killing her parents with an axe in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. Those who have watched the previous installments of Monster might be surprised to know that this season takes on a more overly comedic tone, though that humor is, admittedly, extremely dark. The show has a unique visual language to match its zany dialogue, making for a fun and stylish watch.

Collider got the chance to speak to Winkler about crafting the series’ look and feel. During the conversation, he discussed the references he drew inspiration from, filming that wild vomiting scene, why he views the show as a love story at its core, and more.

‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’s Director Breaks Down the Show’s Unique Visuals

“The rules were kind of like, ‘Let’s be on acid.’”

COLLIDER: First of all, I just want to say I love Flower. It’s one of my favorite movies.

MAX WINKLER: They’re kind of companion pieces.

They really kind of are, in a way! I am so obsessed with the aesthetic of the show and some of the shots: with the soup, the flash pan where she hits her in the face. How did you develop the visual language for this, and what were some of the inspirations for it?

WINKLER: I love these directors, Powell and Pressburger. They did The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, and their stuff is very theatrical. It’s lit in a very specific English way with very hot lights. Michael Bauman is the cinematographer. He’s a genius. He was nominated for an Oscar this year, and we did Ed Gein together, and we just wanted it to be kind of berserk and crazy. We had rules, but the rules were kind of like, “Let’s be on acid.” That was why we had the iris thing and why the camera moves so crazy.

I was in film school at USC, and Joe Wright brought Pride & Prejudice to our class. I was really inspired by it because he’s dyslexic, and I’ve always been very, very dyslexic. I loved watching a period piece where you could actually feel the makeup peeling off. I loved that you could feel the sweat, the hair wasn’t perfect, and the furniture was falling apart. And then he did Atonement after that, and the camera moved super deliberately. I thought about Atonement a lot, Age of Innocence, South Park. And then something that was important to me was Noises Off, which is a play and a movie where people are constantly walking in and out of rooms, slamming doors, coming back, and I loved the rhythm of it all.

I feel like that really shines through. Is there a certain shot that you are proudest of?

WINKLER: No, I don’t care about the shots. I try really hard to make them great, and I love the opening, but I’m proudest of the actors. I think the ensemble is so, so good. I love Nancy O’Neill smoking a cigarette, pissing in a chamber pot, and putting in her fake teeth. I love everything Rebecca Hall does. I love Vicky cleaning the couch. I love Ella standing with the tea like a freak. I love Charlie smoking his cigar and getting his feet rubbed. There are so many things I love in it. I wanted the actors to feel really free, and I wanted to protect them so they could do weird stuff and we could just experiment because the scripts are so good. I wanted it to have energy, excitement, and immediacy.

‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’s Director Says the Show Is a Love Story

“When you have an actor who is doing that and surprising you, you want to shoot it.”

I’m so glad you mentioned the couch scene because I love the sort of sexy moments you find in things that are not traditionally sexy. We have that and the cherry bath, which is a little bit bizarre. I’m curious if you can talk about finding the sensuality in these really interesting moments.

WINKLER: I think of the show as a love story between Bridget and Lizzie. That was very much my North Star when we were making it with Ryan and Ian and what we talked about. I could feel their chemistry so strongly. And Vicky is like Greta Garbo. She can just make anything interesting. I didn’t even know that those were the socks that Vicky was gonna wear. Vicky chose those socks and stirrups without telling anybody. That was just her idea, so I’m seeing that for the first time, and then, when you have an actor who is doing that and surprising you, you want to shoot it. That’s what makes it sexy — when she lifts it up and you see that sock. I always knew that I wanted the couch cleaning to have dissolves and to be this very romantic, sexual moment, because we’re in such a repressed time where nobody says what they’re feeling. I wanted Vicky to be the inciting incident — to be the crack in the paint that kind of unlocks the whole thing.

‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’s Director Talks Shooting That Vomit Scene Practically

“It was like preparing for Omaha Beach in Saving Private Ryan.”

Image via Netflix

I also have to ask about the projectile vomiting.

WINKLER: People are very into that.

I’m just curious how you approach that logistically.

WINKLER: That was difficult. Our best people were on it. It took so long. It was so hard. I was so scared. It was all practical. The editing of it was a beast. Jack Price, our editor, is a genius. Greg Pawlik, our AD, was a genius. Louise Shore, our producer, figured out how we could do as many tests as possible. Ante, our special effects guy, did tests. Rebecca’s terrified of things in her mouth, having to vomit, and being around people who vomit, so that was horrible. Charlie actually ate one of those oysters for me. The diarrhea I’m very proud of because we do a crash zoom on Charlie’s pants in that moment. Ian wrote, “It’s the cardamom,” so when you have an amazing line like that, it all totally makes sense. But it was like preparing for Omaha Beach in Saving Private Ryan. It was so hard, and it was about getting the consistency right — doing it without the vomit, then doing it with the vomit. How far can the vomit go before we lose them? Ryan and I talked about, very early on, that we wanted it to feel like when you go to the Bellagio, and you hear the Andrea Bocelli song and that it was like a symphony, so I hope we did it.

Oh, you absolutely did. Very memorable. This is obviously not the first time you’ve worked on the Monster anthology. Is there a story that you think is ripe for getting the Monster treatment?

WINKLER: I don’t know. I’m always blown away at what Ryan and Ian come up with. I think they’re geniuses and so sensitive and curious that my favorite part of the process is being surprised by them. They were originally going to write about something else, and they were hitting some roadblocks in their creative process. They couldn’t figure out what the way through was. Getting that phone call, I was editing Ed Gein and a day away from starting Love Story. Charlie and Ryan called me, and he said, “What do you know about Lizzie Borden?” I said, “Very little except that I made a movie with Charlie and Jess Barden in Fall River, Massachusetts.” And he said, “Will you read some of these pages for me?” And I said, “I thought you were making a show about so and so.” He said, “Just read it and tell me what you think.” The tone and the deliciousness of it were there. It was perfect in the way that Ian writes and the dramaturgy that comes from Ryan’s brain. That is my favorite part — them saying, “Will you read this?” and getting to be shocked and surprised.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is streaming on Netflix.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

2026 – 2026-00-00

Network

Advertisement

Netflix

Directors

Max Winkler, Sarah Adina Smith

Advertisement

Writers

Ian Brennan

Advertisement

Advertisement

Cast

• 

  Vicky Krieps

  Bridget Sullivan

  Advertisement
• 

  Ella Beatty

  Lizzie Borden

Advertisement

Advertisement

Blair Underwood is officially back on Doc but his character will go through a surprise change — and there’s a reason for that shift.

During the season 3 premiere, which aired on Tuesday, September 22, Ben (Underwood) returned to Westside Hospital with a different look after opting for a more fresh-faced look on his first day. Underwood, however, exclusively told Us that shaving his facial hair wasn’t actually a reflection of the story.

“I didn’t want to show a different side of [him through his appearance],” Underwood, 63, clarified. “I am actually doing a different project that I can’t speak to right now. But it was mandatory that I had to be clean shaven for that.”

Underwood thanked production for leaning into the change for Ben, adding, “Doc was so open to it. Their production company, all of them and the producers said, ‘You know what? We love that you’re doing that so we’ll work around it.’”

Ben was originally introduced at the end of season 2 as someone from Amy’s (Molly Parker) past. While Amy didn’t have much of a recollection of their time together, the viewers got a glimpse at a moment that confirmed Ben and Amy’s past romance.

“I would say Ben and Amy’s relationship in the early days in the past was very hot and very spicy,” Underwood teased. “She’s in the clear, which is important to know. It’s after her divorce and it is before she has a connection with Jake.”

He continued: “I can say that they would spend weekends together sometimes, and it was sporadic, but it was something they both enjoyed and were both drawn to keep repeating their time together.”

Underwood also noted that Ben “was there first” before Amy found love with Jake. After joining the show, Underwood recalled being clued in to the fact that he would be part of a new love triangle.

Advertisement

Related: Fall TV Preview 2026: All the Must-Watch New and Returning Shows

The fall TV schedule is overflowing with highly anticipated premieres and returns including Tracker, Dancing With the Stars, Line of Fire and more. Scroll on for more new and returning shows this fall: ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ (MGM+) Kit Harington and François Civil star in a four-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic about the […]

“I just really don’t think much about it, to be honest with you,” he told Us about his approach. “Coming into an established show, I trust the writers and the producers. They know what they’re doing. So I just kind of play my part, hit my mark, say my lines and bring what I bring to it. But in terms of everything else, that’s so far out of my hands.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Underwood, who hasn’t even filmed half of the episodes from season 3 yet, is excited for what comes next.

“I got the majority of the secrets. We talked about the overall general arc of the character,” he recalled. “And the specifics in terms of all the secrets … I don’t know. There’s a long way to go.”

Doc airs Tuesdays on Fox at 9 p.m. ET.

The Real Housewives of New York City newbie Hailey Glassman opened up about the downsides to life in the spotlight while reflecting on her relationship with Jon Gosselin.

During the Tuesday, September 22, episode of the Bravo series, Hailey, 39, recalled the origins of her “unconventional marriage” to husband Rubin. (Hailey noted she goes out with other women, but she insisted the couple aren’t polyamorous.)

“When we got married, there was a lot going on. I was in the tabloids,” she explained, reflecting on her history with Jon, 49. “I just wanted to be safe.”

According to Hailey, Jon “was best friends with my mom before Jon & Kate Plus 8 ever existed.” (The Gosselins’ show originally aired from 2007 to 2009 on TLC before returning as Kate Plus 8.)

Related: Which of Jon Gosselin‘s Exes Just Joined ‘RHONY‘ Season 16?

The Real Housewives of New York City’s season 16 newbie Hailey Glassman had an outrageous connection to reality TV long before she joined the Bravoverse. PR pro Hailey is one of three new fulltime cast members joining RHONY in another pseudo-reboot of the Bravo series, following the departures from Brynn Whitfield, Ubah Hassan, Racquel Chevremont […]

“[Kate] had six kids at once and wanted a tummy tuck,” Hailey told costar Jessel Taank. “So my dad did the tummy tuck and my mom recovered her at the house and stuff, and from there, they became family friends.”

Hailey claimed that Jon asked her parents if he could stay with them for a while because he and Kate, 51, were “separated” but “couldn’t tell the public.”

“I come home from college, [it’s] 2009,” she continued. “I was 22, and at that point, they were already separated and not together. But the public didn’t know. So a friendship turned into more.”

Hailey recalled being photographed with Jon while on her dad’s boat. “And then it was on TMZ and they were like, ‘Jon with mystery woman.’ … So it became, like, this whole, ‘Homewrecking Hailey, she ruined a family of eight,’ and that was never the story,” she said about the headlines, calling out the “salacious lies” that were allegedly spread about the pair’s relationship.

Hailey and Jon were together for less than six months in 2009. “We broke up because when you’re in the media and you’re in tabloids, it’s awful. And I was just so beaten down,” she admitted.

The new Bravo star shed more light on her past in a confessional, claiming that she felt destroyed by the public’s perception of her connection with Jon.

“At 22, you don’t know who you are,” she said. “It’s almost like, if you could rewind your life in time and pinpoint that one moment where a piece of you died, but there was no funeral for you. That whole ordeal ruined my life.”

Despite the challenges she faced, Hailey pointed out that the ups and downs led her to finding her husband. She reconnected with the businessman, who she had known “since he was 12,” following her fling with Jon.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“The whole Jon Gosselin situation, if that never happened, my life would be completely different today. … I would have never married Rubin. I would have never chosen a life based on safety and survival,” she told the cameras. “I didn’t choose a life that I wanted for myself, I chose a life to be safe. I needed to protect myself and my soul.”

Jon was married to Kate, with whom he shares eight children, from 1999 to 2009. He exchanged vows with wife Stephanie in 2025.

The Real Housewives of New York City airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Few friendships in Hollywood are more enviable than that of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The two sons of Texas started in comedy before branching out into dramatic roles, and have been close friends since the 1990s. They first appeared together in the forgettable 1999 Truman Show imitator EDtv, but their most triumphant moment came with the first season of True Detective, playing an odd pairing of lawmen in one of the finest single seasons of television ever made. The similarities between the two have been widely discussed, with even the actors themselves suggesting they may be brothers. Their new Apple TV comedy asks: What if that were really the case?

What Is Apple TV’s ‘Brothers’ About?

The premise for Brothers, as the opening title acknowledges, is based on “a true rumor,” in which Harrelson revealed that McConaughey’s mother claimed to have known his father intimately, leading to speculation that they might actually be half-brothers. The Apple TV sitcom centers its story around a fictionalized version of the two stars’ lives in which “Ma Mac” (Holland Taylor) drunkenly tells Harrelson the same story before dismissing it the following day. After fleeing to McConaughey’s house, Harrelson imposes himself on his friend’s life, causing one catastrophe after another as the Oscar winner attempts to run for political office.

Determined to find out the truth about his origins, Harrelson investigates his father’s past while surreptitiously attempting to collect McConaughey’s DNA. Along the way, the pair fall out, get into adventures, and realize that regardless of any blood ties, their bond still runs deep. McConaughey and Harrelson are credited as creators on Brothers alongside David West Reed (Schitt’s Creek) and Lee Eisenberg (Jury Duty), who also serves as showrunner. Natalie Martinez and Brittany Ishibashi play the two stars’ long-suffering wives, while Lisa Gilroy appears as McConaughey’s emotionally detached, ruthless campaign manager.

‘Brothers’ Borrows the Blueprint of Older Sitcoms

IMAGE: Apple TV

From the start, it’s very clear that Brothers is anchored by the charm of its two leads, with everyone else’s job to make a show out of it. For the most part, it works, but considering that the last time these two shared the screen resulted in television history, this easy, breezy comedy can’t help but feel a little thin by comparison. Brothers borrows the blueprint of almost every sitcom that came before it — one character invades the life of another, turning his ordered world upside down with hijinks and hilarity. Whether it’s hunting trips, a new dog, or one drink that turns into a disaster, Harrelson is the catalyst for chaos, with McConaughey having to clear up the mess.

The series’ humor works, coming off like a mix of My Name is Earl and Two and a Half Men, but it never really stretches for something new, instead relying on familiar sitcom tropes and low-hanging fruit for easy laughs. At eight episodes of about half an hour each, Brothers works as a light antidote to more serious streaming fare, although the supporting characters are never really developed enough to result in memorable B-plots. Instead, we’re simply waiting for the next interaction between the titular brothers, enjoying our time with them while the show’s overarching mystery is slowly explored.

Holland Taylor Is the Biggest Surprise of ‘Brothers’

Image via Apple TV

Taylor is the exception when it comes to Brothers‘ supporting cast, delivering a performance that is one of the show’s secret weapons — hard-drinking, foul-mouthed, gun-toting, and absolutely delightful in every moment. She may be best known to sitcom fans for a similarly pitched role as the mother of the brothers in Two and a Half Men, but Ma Mac is entirely Taylor’s own creation. Sporting a frightful suntan, she cradles a drink in every scene while issuing withering put-downs. She and Harrelson make a great duo, with the latter’s befuddled nature repeatedly playing the fall guy to her scheming. She’s the closest thing Brothers has to an antagonist, but like everything in the series, her plotting shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

Brothers‘ remaining ensemble mainly exists to reflect the show’s leads. Harrelson’s children balk at the discipline that the McConaughey brood are subjected to but also lash out to earn the attention of a father who prefers a hands-off approach to parenting. It’s a shame there isn’t more time devoted to defining these characters, as they mostly blend into one during the course of the season. Gilroy is fun to watch as the campaign manager who seems to have little respect for McConaughey, with some wickedly caustic lines about his achievements. The show wisely doesn’t try to satirize show business too much, but her character injects a welcome dose of Hollywood cynicism.

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson Are the Heart and Soul of ‘Brothers’

Of course, no one’s really here for groundbreaking comedy or the second coming of True Detective. Brothers is sold on the charisma of the two real-life besties, and in that sense it delivers. There is something genuinely lovely about seeing Harrelson and McConaughey together again, with a chemistry that can’t be faked and the kind of tempestuous relationship that makes you really believe they may be related.

The most fun comes from the scenes where the actors lean into their public perception. The fictionalized Harrelson is a hippie who lives in a van with a mural that includes Greta Thunberg, kicks up a fuss when the Uber driver uses air conditioning, and is never far away from a joint. Meanwhile, McConaughey is presented as living his folksy lifestyle 24/7, quoting commercials to his son and acting, in Harrelson’s words, “like a belt buckle come to life.” The self-awareness with which the two approach their performances is everything fans want, and as close as most of us will get to hanging out with two of Hollywood’s most unique personalities. One suspects their off-screen adventures are much wilder, and perhaps there’ll be some version of them in a potential Season 2.

To borrow the Dallas Buyers Club star’s own phrase, Brothers is content to “just keep on livin’.” It’s far from the television event of the year, but it’s an easygoing binge that flies by, leaving you with the sense that the two actors are exactly who you hoped they would be. Any continuation would need more thoughtful plotting, but taken on its own merits, the show is alright, alright, alright.

Brothers premieres September 23 on Apple TV.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

September 23, 2026

Network

Apple TV

Advertisement

Directors

Trent O’Donnell, Jason Winer

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Pros & Cons

• McConaughey and Harrelson are a joy to watch together.
• Holland Taylor is great fun as Ma Mac.
• The show’s episodes make for a quick, easygoing binge.

• Brothers relies pretty heavily on classic sitcom tropes.
• The supporting characters are thinly written.

Advertisement

Hilary Duff is officially having a Reebok moment. The singer, actress and longtime Reebok fan was recently named the brand’s newest ambassador, making her debut in the “Unfiltered & Unstoppable” campaign. And if her go-to sneakers are any indication, the appeal is all about shoes that can handle a workout without looking like they belong exclusively at the gym.

Duff has singled out the Reebok Club C 85 Vintage as her “all-time favorite,” shared with Us via e-mail. The mother of four also wears performance-focused styles like the Nano X5 and FloatZig 2. Her campaign and recent style picks make a strong case for sneakers that can pull double duty — whether you’re heading to a workout, running errands or putting together an off-duty outfit.

13 Reebok Sneakers That Go Beyond the Gym

1. Our Favorite: This is the pair to reach for when you want one stylish sneaker to cover workouts, errands and everything in between. Its sporty construction keeps it practical for active days, while the streamlined shape makes it easy to wear with jeans, leggings or casual dresses.

2. Runner-up: For shoppers who want workout-ready support without sacrificing everyday style, this pair strikes an easy balance. The versatile silhouette can transition from the gym to coffee runs without requiring a full outfit change.

3. Celeb-Approved: Take a cue from Duff with this classic Reebok pick that works well beyond your fitness routine. It has the kind of timeless sneaker shape that looks just as natural with relaxed denim as it does with activewear.

4. Designer-Looking: This pair brings a more polished feel to the classic sneaker, making it an easy choice when basic athletic shoes feel too sporty. Wear it with trousers, straight-leg jeans or a casual skirt for a dressed-up take on everyday sneakers.

5. Everyday Essential: If you’re constantly looking for a comfortable shoe to throw on before leaving the house, this is the practical pick. Its easygoing design works with the casual pieces you already own, from leggings and joggers to denim and oversized tees.

Related: Run! Hilary Duff’s Exact Free People Sports Bra Is Still in Stock

Workout clothes have officially become everyday clothes, and Hillary Duff just gave Us another reason to embrace the crossover. The actress stepped out in the Free People Go To Striped Sports Bra, a sporty $48 top that’s cute enough for the gym, running errands or even when your workout plans never quite materialize. Suddenly, our […]

Advertisement

6. Retro Pick: Lean into Reebok’s throwback side with a retro-inspired sneaker that adds instant personality to simple outfits. It’s an especially easy way to make leggings and a sweatshirt look more intentional.

7. Walking-Friendly: For days when your step count starts climbing, this pair offers a more movement-focused option without looking overly technical. It’s the kind of sneaker you can wear for a long day out and still keep in rotation afterward.

8. Low-Key Classic: Minimalists will appreciate this understated silhouette, which can blend seamlessly into an everyday wardrobe. Pair it with neutral basics when you want your sneakers to complement an outfit rather than dominate it.

9. Workout Pick: Trust the Ladder ambassador for a workout shoe that won’t look out of place once the workout ends. Its athletic design makes sense for active days while remaining easy to style with casual clothes.

10. Street-Style Favorite: Give your off-duty wardrobe a sporty update with this streetwear-friendly silhouette. It can add a cool contrast to feminine pieces or make a simple jeans-and-tee outfit feel more current.

11. Comfort First: When comfort is nonnegotiable, this pair is an easy addition to your sneaker rotation. It’s suited to shoppers who want something practical enough for everyday movement but polished enough to wear outside the gym.

12. Throwback: A vintage-inspired sneaker can make even the simplest outfit feel styled, and this one brings that nostalgic Reebok look into your current wardrobe. Try it with relaxed denim, leggings or other casual fall staples.

13. Versatile Pick: For anyone who hates having separate shoes for every part of the day, this is the multitasker to consider. The combination of an athletic feel and everyday-friendly design makes it an easy candidate for everything from morning workouts to afternoon errands.

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

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

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —> 

Advertisement

Related: This Chic Activewear Is Made for Workouts and Beyond

Fall is the perfect time to refresh your activewear drawer, especially if your current leggings and sports bras aren’t quite cutting it for workouts, travel and everyday plans. LDMA’s Contour Collection is designed to solve that wardrobe dilemma with elevated activewear that combines supportive fits, sculpting silhouettes and technical details without looking overly sporty. The […]

Post-apocalyptic films, despite the global scale of their premise, work best as introspective reflections on humanity, exploring all the strengths and flaws that come with the mortal experience. While many sci-fi stories explore the adventurous aspects of surviving the end of the world — rugged survivalism, mutated creatures, and abandoned cityscapes, the most compelling stories in this genre are centered around the question of what it truly means to continue living in a world that is desolate, unforgiving, and lonely. This is a critical distinction that separates apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic movies, separating the Roland Emmerich-style disaster movies from the slower burn of other films.

Z for Zachariah is one such example of a character-driven drama set in the end-of-days. The film delves headfirst into this question of human survival and coexistence as it explores the lives of three unlikely survivors of a nuclear apocalypse, forced to navigate life within the confines of a miraculous safe haven. Based on a novel from 1974, the underrated sci-fi picture is one of the most personal post-apocalyptic stories out there, featuring a starkly minimal cast of just three actors — but when that cast includes Margot Robbie, Chris Pine, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, there’s still an overabundance of talent and depth present throughout the film.

Directed by Craig Zobel, the indie sci-fi thriller still has plenty of post-apocalyptic intrigue, but in a dead world, the most compelling stories are about the scarce few that remain. Despite the star power in the film, Z for Zachariah only received a limited release and minimal media attention. However, a retrsopective look back at the picture proves that it’s an underrated and important addition to each of these actor’s respective filmographies.

‘Z for Zachariah’ Takes a Personal Approach to the Post-Apocalyptic Genre

Image by Lionsgate

Z for Zachariah is set in a dying world rendered uninhabitable by a nuclear apocalypse. However, within an isolated valley in the Southern United States, a young woman named Ann Burden (Robbie) lives a miraculous life shielded from the radiation outside her humble homestead. Surviving thanks to the miraculous microclimate in the valley, Ann and her dog Faro keep a simple and steady life as they plant and harvest in preparation for the impending winter, motivated by the ever-dimming hope that her family will return from their expedition outside. But Ann’s loneliness is poised to come to an end when John Loomis (Ejiofor), an engineer and researcher, finds his way into the valley. Upon discovering that the valley was spared from excessive radiation, Loomis rushes to bathe in a seemingly crystal-clear lake. However, Ann discovers him and warns him that the water is irradiated because it comes from outside the valley. Without second thought, Ann swiftly takes the stranger into her home and nurses him back to health.

Once Loomis regains his strength, he and Ann continuously grow closer to one another as they steadily build a life in the valley, supplementing each other’s survival despite the secrets that keep a degree of distance between the pair. John’s engineering background proves to be an immeasurable asset as he begins undertaking projects around the farm, improving the scarce living conditions with practical and hands-on solutions that make survival significantly more comfortable. But just as a shade of normalcy begins to form for the pair, a stranger arrives in the valley and shakes up the already tenuous balance. Caleb (Pine), a miner who survived the apocalyptic fallout by remaining underground for months, arrives with rumors of a town of survivors further south. Similar to her earliest interactions with Loomis, Ann proves to be trusting and earnest upon meeting another living person, eager to give help to a fellow survivor. In contrast, Loomis feels suspicious and skeptical of Caleb, initially planning to ask him to leave before being dissuaded by Ann. The initial meeting and following days after Caleb’s arrival are marked by a cold tone, one that dances between Loomis’ suspicion and the group’s dependence on each other for continued survival, adding significant tension to the film with the sole addition of one new character.

That focus on character interactions and tension is what makes this movie stand out from others in the genre. Despite being a sci-fi film, Z for Zachariah takes a far more grounded approach than others in the genre. Most of the science in the film is relatively small-scale and realistic, focused on realistic survival strategies such as fixing a water wheel to generate power, even with the dramatic background of nuclear fallout just outside the valley. And despite the differing professional backgrounds of each character, it’s quickly affirmed that each of them brings a set of skills that are essential for their survival. Loomis uses his engineering background to manually pull fuel from an abandoned gas station, Ann’s farming knowledge keeps them fed, and Caleb’s hands-on mechanical experience proves a welcome addition. While the fiction part of science-fiction in the film is mostly in the background, the destruction of the nuclear apocalypse still serves as the overarching catalyst for the central conflict: the tension between the survivors.

The Survivors Navigate Love, Trust, and Jealousy During the End of Days

The small-scale perspective of this post-apocalyptic film means that John, Caleb, and Ann won’t be solving the problem of saving the entire world — in fact, because of the safe haven of their miraculous valley, their immediate survival isn’t a pressing concern as it would be for other characters in the same genre. The valley is one of the most hospitable settings of a film set after nuclear fallout, which allows the central narrative to truly sit with the characters and their interpersonal relationships. Even though there are fewer than a handful of characters, it’s Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Ann that serves as the central foundation for the entire film. It’s her stalwart care of the farm before Caleb and John arrive that provides such a safe haven for them to arrive at, and it’s her earnestly friendly personality that enables coexistence in such a tense environment. Ann is a kindhearted and steady Southern belle, faithful and optimistic even after suffering immeasurable loss. While Robbie’s Southern accent wavers at times, her performance is nonetheless endearing and heartfelt, maintaining an irrefutable charm despite the melancholic tone of the story. One of the keys to Robbie’s performance is her measured restraint. Despite her character’s innocence and naïveté, she’s not an easily manipulated farm girl but a young woman driven by her staunch hope and values.

The other characters then play important juxtapositions to Ann’s character. In contrast to Ann’s steady faithfulness, Ejiofor’s Loomis is a stoic and troubled figure. Despite his reliable nature and incredibly useful expertise, Loomis carries a haunted past on his shoulders, a burden and distance expertly portrayed by Ejiofor’s performance. While Ann holds onto hope due to her religious upbringing, Loomis continues to push forward because of his own resilient dependence on science. But though he doesn’t hold the same religious faith as Ann, Loomis does remain respectful of the source of her unwavering conviction. Loomis relies on his scientific background as the foundation for his continued perseverance, but intellectual knowledge alone soon proves lacking for sufficient survival. Despite being the most tangibly useful member of the group, Loomis also harbors the most insecurity and guilt about his past — shortcomings that prevent him from truly connecting with Ann and Caleb. Though his presence proves vital for improving the physical conditions of their home, his detachment keeps their living situation cold and the tensions hot throughout the film.

While John and Ann serve as the foundational relationship in the story, Caleb is the wildcard that disrupts whatever shade of stability they are forming. A religious person like Ann, Caleb retains his southern charm and manners that make him easy for the young woman to connect to. Even with her trusting nature, Ann’s trust in Caleb is formed through their shared beliefs and backgrounds, which serve as nostalgic remembrances of life before the apocalypse. However, Caleb isn’t introduced as a straightforward charming gentleman, but as someone who carries an air of danger around him. For once, Pine’s striking eyes aren’t painted as the charming baby blues of a romantic lead, but like the ice-cold stare of a wolf, indicating a strong defiance and confidence. Just as John and Ann’s relationship begins to deteriorate over concerns about issues of trust and affection, Caleb and John enter a Cold War over their third companion’s attention. It’s a cold and passive-aggressive war, one that cannot be fought outright, but remains a nagging tension throughout all their interactions. Each moment between the two is thrilling, as the audience is unsure what they are going to say, or even worse, what they are going to do.

At first, the quietly brewing love triangle between Ann, Caleb, and John may feel out of place, considering the more pressing concern about survival in such an inhospitable environment. However, its inclusion in the film instead makes these characters feel all the more human; it makes their unexpected coexistence in the valley feel like the random shuffle of existence, rather than an intentionally written narrative. There is something viscerally human about John’s jealousy over Caleb. Despite his mechanical expertise and knowledge, his inner emotional turmoil ultimately supersedes his own rational thinking. Caleb, on the other hand, is painted in a more intentionally antagonistic lens, lording arrogantly over the other man at any given opportunity. However, even with this initial framing, both characters are multidimensional and can be seen from the other lens. John is still fallible and deserving of criticism and Caleb, despite his air of mystery, likewise deserves a chance to prove himself trustworthy. Ultimately, the two men are forced to remain cordial, forced to work with one another, and forced to believe that everything will be okay.

At the center of it all is Ann, whose guarded optimism about the world serves as the guiding beacon of hope in Z for Zachariah. Though her companions often underestimate her because of her youth, Ann is equally as complex a character as her male counterparts. While she remains optimistic and hopeful, she demonstrates an acute understanding of the reality of the situation. Although her hope for the future is often misinterpreted, she is not naive — though she is still flawed. Similarly to the other two characters, Ann’s approach to processing complex emotions suffered from her time in isolation, making her susceptible to emotionally charged and unsteady decisions. While audiences might get frustrated at moments when the characters act irrationally, it’s these moments that make them feel more human and relatable. So even when they’re all trying their best, the small contingent of survivors still have to contend with their internal turmoil, just as much as they have to deal with the harsh external world.

The Film Is Slow and Contemplative With its Characters

Image via Lionsgate

Advertisement

Audiences shouldn’t watch Z for Zachariah with expectations of an adrenaline-pumping sci-fi thriller, despite the genre it falls under. The film is slow, contemplative, and brutally realistic about the interpersonal struggle between flawed people; John’s jealousy, Ann’s uncertainty, and Caleb’s arrogance all seep into every minute action that they have. Their actions and words are layered with subtext and complex motivations which leave audiences in a constant state of uncertainty. That ever-present discomfort feels right at home in a post-apocalyptic setting, where each moment isn’t guaranteed. While it’s not the central focus of the movie, questions about race, science, and religion all permeate throughout the narrative. There’s no denying that John’s identity as a black man contrasts with both Ann and Caleb, who are not only both white, but were raised in similar communities. Even after society has collapsed, the characters are unable to completely separate from the world they once knew, forcing them to contend with the remnants of their old lives as they endeavor to build a new one.

Where other post-apocalyptic movies like Mad Max focus on emotions like rage in their exploration of humanity, Z for Zachariah carries an overarching tone of sadness and melancholy that permeates throughout the entire film. Even with a runtime of just over an hour and a half, the movie feels like it lasts much longer because of the deliberate pace of each passing day. For every minor victory that the characters earn, there is still the void of society and community that dwarfs whatever happiness is attained. Robbie, Ejiofor, and Pine all deliver some of the most subtle yet emotional performances of their career, embodying characters that are not typical in their resumes with notable depth and contemplation. If you’re a fan of any of these actors, Z for Zachariah is certainly worth viewing. In this brief glimpse of a potential haven, it truly feels like these characters are the last survivors of the end of the world — there’s no hope of rescue, and maybe no reason at all to even continue living. Even within the safe haven they were seemingly blessed with, the characters in Z for Zachariah live with uncertainty in every breath, questioning what it means to live, alone, in a dead world.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 21, 2015

Writers

Nissar Modi

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement