One of the best actors of his generation, Benedict Cumberbatch, has graced several acclaimed projects and franchises. However, of all his characters, from big-budget blockbusters to the Royal Shakespeare Company, two stand tall as his most famous. Firstly, Cumberbatch updated one of literature’s best detectives by donning the deerstalker in Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat‘s Sherlock. He would then become the latest big-name actor to join the MCU as Doctor Strange.

Later this year, Cumberbatch is heavily rumored to reprise his Marvel role in the hotly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday as it debuts in theaters on December 18. The first Avengers movie since Endgame, the Russo Brothers have returned with a bang, adding everyone from their MCU phone book to the ensemble. The cast consists of huge names like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Sir Ian McKellen, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal. This only scratches the surface of the Doomsday cast, with over 30 Hollywood names already confirmed. Cumberbatch’s name did not appear in the viral chair stunt that revealed the movie’s cast, but Cumberbatch did confirm to Collider’s Aidan Kelley that he has “more than a sense” of when we’ll see Doctor Strange again, so he will reprise his fan-favorite role at some point. Whether that’s in Doomsday or the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars remains to be seen.

Ahead of Doctor Strange’s timely return, you have the chance to catch one of Cumberbatch’s best performances on a new streamer. Directed by Morten Tyldum and written by Graham Moore, The Imitation Game is a WWII biopic from 2014 that caught the eye of critics and earned plenty of acclaim. Starring Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, who famously helped the British government decrypt German intelligence messages during the war, the film was an undeniable success, receiving an impressive eight nominations at the Academy Awards, including a nod for Cumberbatch’s lead performance. The film walked away from the ceremony with just one win, taking home the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay. Beginning May 1, you’ll be able to watch The Imitation Game on free streamer Plex.

How Did ‘The Imitation Game’ Perform at the Box Office?

It might have been a hit with critics, though some have since dismissed the film for a lack of historical accuracy and the choice to embellish certain pivotal events in the war. But did The Imitation Game prove popular in theaters? Against a reported budget of just $15 million, the movie returned a huge $227 million worldwide. Split between a domestic haul of $91 million and a further $136 million from overseas markets, the movie is one of the most successful WWII biopics of all time, although it pales in comparison to the near-billion-dollar haul of Oppenheimer.

The Imitation Game will stream on Plex. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

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November 28, 2014

Runtime

113 minutes

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Writers

Graham Moore, Andrew Hodges

Producers

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Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman

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You don’t have to look very hard to find a gripping British detective show. Some of the very best exports in the genre have been born across the pond, including long-running favorites such as Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders, with the latter ready to return for its remarkable 26th season. But not resting on their laurels, the best British networks are also consistently bringing new detective dramas to life, with one of the best to debut this decade coming in the form of Grace.

Based on the series of bestselling novels by Peter James, the hit ITV crime drama launched in 2021 to a huge 7 million UK viewers, retaining a large proportion of these viewers and concluding its explosive sixth season just last week with Season 6, Episode 4, “One of Us Is Dead.” But with this finale came many questions, as certain plot points were left balancing perilously on a knife-edge. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this isn’t the end of the crime-solving antics of Life on Mars and Doctor Who alum John Simm‘s Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, with the announcement everyone was waiting for officially made by ITV this Wednesday, April 22.

According to a press statement, Grace has officially been renewed for a seventh season. “The popular, Brighton-based drama will return next year, to answer the desperate questions left hanging after series six’s unforgettable finale,” the statement read, “which culminated in the dramatic, edge-of-your-seat kidnap at the wedding of Roy Grace and Cleo Morey.” In a statement about the show’s renewal, Simm said:

“Honestly, if someone had said we’d be doing this for seven seasons when we first started this in lockdown I would never have believed it. But the reason I and many others have remained part of this series for so long is down to the team and the writing. It continues to excite and be such a joy for all and we can’t wait to see what’s coming next…”

The Future of ‘Grace’ Might Look Slightly Different

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As part of the aforementioned press statement, the confirmed four episodes of Season 7 were described as “based on characters from the best-selling Roy Grace novels.” The choice not to simply refer to the next season as based on the novels themselves seems too particular not to prove telling, as the upcoming batch of episodes looks to benefit from more creative liberty. Two of the new episodes will be titled “When You Are Dead” and “Picture You Dead,” with only the latter of these the title of a James novel. Only time will tell what lies in store for Grace and co.

For more updates on British television, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.

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Release Date

March 14, 2021

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  Richie Campbell

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Diving into a miniseries can be a great way to spend a weekend. Miniseries have been around for years before streaming, and now they are perfectly suited for binge-watching. They can be enjoyed as mini-cations from a favorite show that has wrapped for the season or whenever media buffs want a change in their normal viewing schedule. Feeling like a complete narrative that doesn’t extend past its creative boundaries, a miniseries offers an encapsulated, perfect amount of diversion.

When it comes to fantasy miniseries, the world-building quality is dialed up to 11. With faraway places, magic spells, and mythical creatures, the effect is enchanting, and when done well, they can become lasting examples of television excellence. From dinosaur-human paradises to much-anticipated sequels, these fantasy miniseries are some of the best ever made. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-friendly and feel-good escape or a dramatic and adrenaline-filled tale, these fantasy miniseries deserve a spot on your watchlist.

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

After waiting over three decades for more lore, fan expectations were high for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. A prequel to the 1982 film, Age of Resistance follows three brave Gelfling as they begin to unravel the lies the wicked Skeksis have been telling their people for years. More often than not, when the buildup is so intense for an oncoming project, there is sure to be some let-down. However, Age of Resistance knocked it out of the park, and both new and loyal fans were satisfied with the skillful storytelling and fantastic special effects.

Although the creators of the show had more planned and the world of Thra is rich and complex enough to support more material, the show was concluded as a miniseries rather than extended as an ongoing one. Netflix has a nasty habit of canceling good shows, and audience receptiveness seems to hold no sway in the studio’s decisions. Luckily, Age of Resistance is a perfect gem as it is. While exploring further into the story would have been rewarding, for those who love layered storytelling, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is an ideal choice.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

As Bilbo Baggins once warned Frodo in J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” The raison d’être for Over the Garden Wall is in the same vein and follows two brothers who only venture a few steps beyond their normality and find themselves swept away into an entirely new and strange world.

Over the Garden Wall is a perfect blend of folk and Gothic vibes. The mise en scène makes viewers feel unsure, but always curious and trusting that somehow, everything is going to work out in the end. Over the Garden Wall is a visually distinct animated series that feels almost like anime. It tells a weaving, enthralling story with unique visuals and solid voice acting. Over 10 years old, Over the Garden Wall remains one of the top TV shows on Letterboxd and is a traditional autumnal watch for devotees.

‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000)

Image via NBC

If you haven’t seen this cult-favorite sleeper hit, now is your chance to take in The 10th Kingdom. Finally released on streaming this year, U.S. audiences can seize the opportunity to enjoy this early ’00s masterpiece. Featuring Kimberly Williams-Paisley, John Larroquette, Ed O’Neill, Dianne Wiest, and Scott Cohen, it envisions a world within a world, with a magic mirror serving as a portal between the two.

In The 10th Kingdom, Virginia Lewis (Williams-Paisley) travels to the other world and discovers that the princesses most know, such as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella (Ann-Margret), are now reigning queens in adjacent kingdoms. However, evil queens and nefarious plots are just as real, and Virginia learns that her connection to the magical land runs far deeper than she ever would have expected. The 10th Kingdom is a fabulously fun, fractured fairy tale and is full of cameos by stars like Camryn Manheim, Rutger Hauer, and Warwick Davis. The 10th Kingdom has interesting character journeys, action, romance, and humor. It is one of the best fairy tale TV shows of all time and makes for a highly entertaining watch.

‘Merlin’ (1998)

Image via NBC

Not to be confused with the equally awesome TV show starring Colin Morgan, the 1998 miniseries has Sam Neill as the titular character, Merlin. Absolutely loaded with talent, the impressive roster for the miniseries includes Helena Bonham Carter as Morgan Le Fey, James Earl Jones as Mountain King, Isabella Rossellini as Nimue, and Lena Headey as Guinevere. This two-part triumph tells the story of King Arthur (Paul Curran) and how the wizard Merlin influenced his life. Merlin uses an ingenious choice to shift the main attention to Merlin’s side of events rather than Arthur’s, and it makes for a refreshing lens to view the story through.

Neill is a consummate performer, well known in the industry for his ability to bring a substantial level of gravitas to his roles. Watching him as Merlin is highly rewarding as he brings an invigorating amount of depth and allure to the character. Bonham Carter is equally impressive as Morgan Le Fey and shines in Merlin, years before some of her more well-known projects. Merlin has engaging special effects and gripping writing full of intrigue. It is one of the best works done on the legendary source material and is more than deserving of a spot on this list.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

Moon Knight is a Disney+ miniseries that is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Oscar Isaac is exemplary as Steven Grant, a man whose world is turned upside down when he discovers he has multiple personalities, and one of them can communicate with the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham). To play multiple roles within a body of work requires an extra level of talent, and to have all of those roles inhabit the same being is phenomenal.

Moon Knight is a perfect blend of ancient Egyptian themes and modern-day action. It is enthralling from beginning to end, and audiences can’t help but root for or identify with one or more of the main characters’ personalities. Ethan Hawke is superb as Arthur Harrow, and May Calamawy adds dimension to the series with her stellar performance as Layla El-Faouly. Although Moon Knight is part of the Marvel Comics canon, you don’t have to be a fan of superhero movies to enjoy this thematic triumph. It is a must-see for any cerebral fantasy fan and is one of the best collaborations Marvel and Disney have done to date.

‘Arabian Nights’ (2000)

Image via Erik Heinila/©Hallmark Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection

For anyone who loves storytelling, there is no miniseries better than Arabian Nights. Based on One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African folktales, Arabian Nights stars Mili Avital as Scheherezade. When Scheherezade weds Sultan Shahryar (Dougray Scott), she must use all of her courage and cunning to not only spare her life, but those of all the women in the kingdom. Driven mad by betrayal, the Sultan distrusts everyone around him, including Scheherezade. As she tells him a story night after night, she cleverly draws out his thoughts and helps him find a path back to sanity.

Arabian Nights has it all. A great cast, fantastic sets, gorgeous costumes, and solid special effects that still look good on camera. Most importantly, Arabian Nights has fantastic storytelling. Scott and Avital are brilliant in their roles, portraying the obvious and underlying motives of their characters. The supporting cast is equally dedicated, with actors like John Leguizamo as Genie of the Lamp, Jim Carter as Ja’far, Rufus Sewell as Ali Baba, and Andy Serkis as Kasim. The chemistry and dynamic between Avital and Scott make the main plot as gripping as the side stories, and Arabian Nights is altogether a fantasy masterpiece.

‘Dinotopia’ (2002)

Image via ABC

What if dinosaurs and humans lived together in harmony? That is the unusual premise behind James Gurney‘s beloved book series. Adapting the material to the small screen, Dinotopia became a visually charming and richly rewarding miniseries in 2002. When half-brothers David (Wentworth Miller) and Karl (Tyron Leitso) survive a plane crash, they discover the mysterious land of Dinotopia. The two brothers soon learn that this is a place like no other. In Dinotopia intelligent, speaking dinosaurs live and work together with humans to create an idealistic civilization.

Blending puppetry with computer-generated special effects, Dinotopia is a fully immersive adventure tale that audiences of all ages can enjoy together. David Thewlis, Katie Carr, and Lee Evans join the cast, and each character, whether human or reptile, is charming to watch. Dinotopia is currently free to stream on Pluto TV in the U.S., and now is a perfect time to watch this family-friendly fantasy triumph.

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Dinotopia

Release Date

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2002 – 2002-00-00

Directors

Marco Brambilla

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Writers

Simon Moore

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  Erik von Detten

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  Karl Scott

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The streaming wars between rival services don’t seem to affect Netflix, which continues to dominate in subscribers, engagement, and content. The streamer may not have been able to acquire Warner Bros., but that doesn’t mean it’s failing elsewhere, especially on the heels of Stranger Things‘ massive final season. Although Netflix has slowly transitioned from hosting library content to debuting original shows and films, the service has seen a surge in the popularity of its action titles. While that’s not a surprising development, considering the shifts in the material that Netflix has access to, it may offer a glimpse of where the streamer seeks to expand in the future.

While it initially gained traction as the streaming service with access to classic sitcoms like Friends and The Office, Netflix had to adjust after other services launched and claimed the library content of their respective conglomerates. Although Netflix still has a fair number of legacy shows, especially because of its licensing agreements, the streamer is best able to retain viewers by developing shows with a committed fanbase and offering them similar options. The success of a show like Stranger Things lies in the fact that those who subscribe just to watch the show may be inspired to check out other original programs.

Netflix Has Become a Go-to Streamer for Genre Shows

Netflix occupies a unique space in the streaming wars because a vast majority of its shows could be described as “tweeners.” While these programs don’t quite have the stylization or auteur slant of the more ambitious shows on HBO or FX, they contain better production value, more nuanced material, and bigger names than what’s expected on network television. The shows that Netflix churns out may seem interchangeable at first, but that’s because they tend to target the same viewership demographic.

Those who watch Black Doves might also be interested in The Night Agent, and there’s a good chance they might also watch The Recruit or Fubar. Not every show is going to hit, but there’s always the possibility of a surprising breakout like Untamed. Dramas like Ozark and The Crown are less likely to be discovered after their height of popularity once the hype has died down; ironically, two of Netflix’s biggest recent nominees for Best Drama Series are The Diplomat and 3 Body Problem, which partially succeeded by emphasizing the shows’ action elements in their marketing campaigns.

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These shows may have a shorter shelf life, but Netflix generally seems to keep its series around for no more than three or four seasons, which is enough time to flesh out their potential without a significant dip in quality that would make them feel stale. While many of these are expensive shows that require significant stunt coordination and visual effects work, they don’t have the scale of a series like Stranger Things, which took several years to release new seasons. Stranger Things is itself a rare example of a series that sustained a consistent audience throughout, but other fantasy shows like Shadow and Bone, The Sandman, Sense8, and The OA experienced significant drop-offs in later seasons, as well as The Umbrella Academy, which declined in value after many viewers found the finale disappointing.

Netflix Isn’t Slowing Its Global Domination

Netflix betting big on the action genre ultimately makes sense given that most of the streamer’s biggest movies have been event-sized, action-oriented star vehicles. Extraction, Red Notice, Carry-On, The Gray Man, and Triple Frontier might not have been critical darlings, but they were intriguing enough for viewers to invest their time in. Netflix previously positioned itself as the streaming service that offers escapism; for better or worse, that’s the type of entertainment that a vast majority of audiences for both films and television shows are looking for right now.

Netflix has a significant number of new action shows in the pipeline, as well as some returning favorites. The return of The Gentlemen and Lupin represents the type of lucrative, franchiseable content that Netflix has excelled at because those shows are loosely related to established material but still work for first-time viewers. There will be no better test for that than the upcoming Man on Fire series, which is based on one of the most acclaimed action thrillers of the 21st century. Whether Netflix can sustain this pace remains to be seen, but its upcoming action-forward slate is an indication that it plans on delivering more of what subscribers are already hungry for.

Halo, a series once written off as an expensive failure, has staged a surprising comeback not once but twice. Canceled by Paramount+ after two seasons, the ambitious sci-fi adaptation starring Pablo Schreiber has now become one of streaming’s biggest performers, years after many assumed the franchise’s TV future was over. When the show moved to Netflix in the fall, it quickly became one of the most popular shows on the platform and the show is now ranking in AppleTVs top 10 for television shows, proving that it has a lasting fan base despite being canceled years earlier.

Halo is a live-action military sci-fi television series that Paramount+ developed based on the iconic XBox video game franchise. Set in the future, the show follows humanity’s war against the Covenant, an alliance of alien species determined to wipe out the human race. The show only ran for two seasons before being canceled and while viewers liked the show, giving it an 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it wasn’t enough to justify the high production cost. It’s possible the resurgence is being at least partially fueled by a new version of the game that’s coming out in July.

‘Halo’s Expensive Production Created Huge Expectations

When Paramount+ canceled Halo following its second season, the decision was framed as mostly being about the cost associated with it. The show was expensive, and never quite became the massive hit that Paramount had hoped for. The show had a long road to finding its home at Paramount and despite solid viewership out of the gate and a built-in fan base from the Xbox franchise, Halo struggled to convince producers there needed to be more than two seasons.

Hardcore fans of the games criticized major departures from canon, while more casual viewers often felt overwhelmed by the show’s dense mythology. Paramount+ ultimately opted not to move forward with a third season, and the series quietly exited the spotlight—at least for a while. Now, with both seasons widely available on rival platforms, Halo has found something it lacked before: distance from expectations.

Halo also continues to get new people playing the game and those people may not have been fans of it when the show initially aired. So, as more people start playing the Halo game, there is a wider audience that may want to explore the television show. And, with a new series of the game being released this summer, interest in all things Halo is likely to increase.

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Why the ‘Halo’ TV Series Is Suddenly a Streaming Hit

As Halo moved beyond the expectations of its initial release, it’s been rediscovered by a broader audience. For these viewers, the show plays less like an unsatisfying adaptation and more like a large-scale, adult-oriented sci-fi drama. It gives viewers what they want from a sci-fi show even if it’s not an exact replica of the game.

Binge-watching may also be helping the show now. When Paramount+ initially aired the show, it was released in weekly installments like traditional shows. Now, the show isn’t beholden to a weekly release schedule and Halo benefits from the momentum of binge-watching. Viewers can move straight from season one, which viewers agree is disappointing, to season two’s more focused storytelling, which many critics and fans agreed was a necessary step forward.

Later episodes leaned harder into large-scale conflict, tightened character arcs, and placed greater emphasis on the central war with the Covenant. Unlike season one, which was criticized for feeling disconnected from the franchise’s appeal, season two gave audiences the military sci-fi spectacle that drew them to the game. For new viewers watching the series in full, the improvement is obvious since they can seamlessly move from one season to the next.

Could ‘Halo’ Ever Get Another Season?

Image via Paramount+ 

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The streaming era is full of second chances, and we’ve seen a bunch of shows get another season after being canceled by one network. Shows like Lucifer, Manifest, and The Expanse all benefited from going to a new platform that gave them new audiences. Even The Mindy Project benefited from extra seasons once it moved to Hulu. But, Halo’s situation is more complicated and the odds are against the series getting more seasons. The show was really expensive to produce, and any future seasons would likely be just as costly.

That said, the show’s current popularity shows that there’s a demand for the show still, and it can bring in viewers. But, in the current era where networks are trying to save money and bank on shows that will pay off, it’s possible streaming networks will be happy with the audience they’re getting with the two current seasons. So, they may not take a risk producing future seasons if it’s costly and a less sure bet than another show. Regardless, Halo has achieved something many canceled series can’t; It found an audience years after its cancellation.

Rihanna finally gave the world an official glimpse of her 7-month-old daughter, Rocki Irish, but apparently, the superstar is feeling extra generous because she just dropped an even more intimate look at her baby girl.

Taking to social media, Rihanna posted a behind-the-scenes video of her recent “W” magazine cover shoot alongside her daughter, and to say it’s adorable is putting it mildly.

Rihanna clearly saw how much her fans loved finally seeing her daughter Rocki Irish, so she decided to give them even more of her gorgeous mini-me.

Posting to Instagram, the Fenty founder shared a behind-the-scenes video of the recent “W” magazine cover shoot that featured her and her baby girl draped in haute couture.

While a Rihanna fashion editorial is always a showstopper, the video footage reveals that baby Rocki is coming for her mother’s model crown.

Riri shared that sentiment by stating in the video, “The latest fashion killa just joined our set,” she said before jokingly adding, “She kind of outshined me. Last shoot we’ll ever do together.”

The mom of three spoke to her elsewhere in the video, saying, “Who is the high fashion baby? Who is in couture 24 hours after the runway?”

Rihanna And Rocki Made A Splash In Their Magazine Cover Debut

Covering the 2026 Pop Issue of the publication, “W” chose Rihanna and her baby girl Rocki Irish to serve mother-daughter goals and fashion inspo.

Riri and Rocki are dressed in matching Dior looks for the cover shoot, complete with a custom-made diaper and headpiece for Rihanna’s little one.

“The haute couture diaper is definitely a first for Dior,” admitted Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson. “When Rihanna asks for something, she is already ahead of what is happening. She is thinking outside the box. When she has an idea, I’m always trusting in the process. I trust her implicitly on anything she feels that is right to do.”

Taking to Instagram to share the cover, Rihanna gushed about her daughter already being a natural model.

“Cover girrrrrlz!!!” she captioned the post. “Baby Rocki served sumn serious on her first cover! came on set and shut her mama dowwwnn!!!! 

Rihanna’s Music Peers Showered Her With Praise

As part of the “W” magazine cover story, several of Rihanna’s musical peers spoke very highly of her, including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Pharrell Williams.

Williams summarized her in one simple sentence: “She’s a force,” he said. 

While Blige shared her take on Rihanna being an innovator.  “Rihanna completely raised the bar and elevated the game. She is a fashion icon. She was dropping smashes back-to-back and bringing more awareness to dancehall mixed with R&B,” she told the outlet.

Fellow superstar, Carey recalled first meeting Rihanna when she was just a teenager.

“I was introduced to Rihanna when she was about 17 years old, by our mutual friend Jay-Z,” she said. “She was just getting started, and I had a feeling she was going to be a major star. She’s a real girl’s girl. She brings such great energy!”

The Superstar Recently Shut Down Pregnancy Claims After Previously Hinting At Baby Number Four

Although she may add another baby to the mix in the future, Rihanna recently shut down speculation that she is currently pregnant. 

The singer replied to an online report that she was expecting her fourth baby, writing, “Is the baby in the womb with us?”

However, the speculation initially started from Rihanna herself. Per Us Weekly, back in January, Rihanna gave a strong hint that she is not done adding to her family. 

The singer-turned-mogul responded to a post by “Love Island” star Montana Rose that read: “Deciding whether to get hot and sexy or get pregnant in 2026.” Rihanna replied underneath the post, writing, “Wait! So I’m not crazy then? Bet!”

While many fans were happy at the possibility of Riri becoming a mom again for the fourth time, there were others who expressed their disappointment because another pregnancy means a new album is once again put on hold. Rihanna’s last album, the record-breaking “Anti,” celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Rihanna Left Los Angeles Following A Scary Targeted Shooting, Suspect Pled Not Guilty

A day after the shooting at her home, Rihanna was photographed traveling in a line of black SUVs to the private aviation terminal at Van Nuys Airport on March 10, per the Daily Mail.

According to PEOPLE, on March 25, during an appearance at Los Angeles Superior Court, Ivanna Ortiz pled not guilty to a host of charges connected to her allegedly shooting at Rihanna’s home on March 8 while the superstar and her three children were inside.

Among the charges against her, the most serious is attempted murder, as Ortiz is accused of brandishing an AR-15 rifle and firing off 10 rounds at Rihanna’s home.

In addition to attempted murder, Ortiz is facing 13 other felony counts, including 10 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper.

After initially being held on $10 million bail, that amount was reduced to the current sum of $1.875 million. If convicted, Ortiz could receive a sentence of life in prison.

It cannot be understated just how large an impact Ted Lasso has had on the streaming industry. Not only did it help establish Apple TV as a titan in the space, proving the platform could produce distinctive, high-quality content, but it also introduced a new template for dramedies to be some of the funniest and most emotionally complex shows on television. Fans loved Ted Lasso‘s tone, which mixed wholesome ideas of family and self-improvement with nuanced explorations of mental health and human flaws many can relate to, and Stick followed in Ted Lasso‘s footsteps brilliantly. Stick‘s journey of a down-and-out, ragtag team going from a dysfunctional family to potential champions in the golf scene takes the best aspects from Ted Lasso and adds its own spin on them, with a dynamic cast that will have you easily falling in love with Stick and finishing the show in one weekend.

What Is ‘Stick’ About?

Apple TV’s 10-part series primarily follows Owen Wilson‘s Pryce, a former pro golfer who left the game in shame after a breakdown on the course. Wilson brings his typical casual charisma to the role, and his soft-spoken nature helps to convey how his character is trying to bury his past regrets and inner demons, such as his gambling addiction. One day, a washed-up Pryce seeks to redeem his lost potential after meeting Santi (Peter Dager), a young golfer with huge potential and an absent father, and taking him on the pro tour as his coach.

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This leads to a road-trip style narrative with Santi’s single mother, Elena (Mariana Treviño), tagging along to look out for her son, along with Pryce’s best friend and prickly confidant, Mitts (Marc Maron), and the politically conscious Zero (Lilli Kay), who acts as a new source of motivation for Santi while being a thorn in the more conservatively minded Mitts. With Santi struggling to take Pryce seriously unless Zero tells him to, and the constant bickering between Elena and Mitts, Stick showcases a family that often struggles to function, yet grows with each episode. Thanks to Stick’s linear structure, with Pryce coaching Santi through each tournament until they reach the big showcase event in hopes of earning a spot on the pro tour, the series is easy to watch and uses its simplicity as a way to explore its characters in considerable depth.

‘Stick’ Makes the Interpersonal Dynamics Between Characters the Highlight of the Show

With each episode, a new tournament also poses new obstacles for this family to overcome, from Pryce being too hard on Santi due to his struggles to be taken seriously, to Mitts and Elena’s arguments reaching a boiling point, to Santi and Zero having their growing bond tested. While the idea of winning and losing still holds stakes in Stick, it is seeing how these characters grow together that really holds the narrative together, and leads to touching scenes that reveal depths to the characters you might not at first see. Whether it is Santi opening up about how his father used to treat him, Mitts and his deceased wife, Pryce’s tragic past surrounding his ex-wife and son, or Zero’s struggle to find a long-term home, Stick manages to keep its tone light while including numerous touching and emotive explorations.

Pryce is the manifestation of this approach to storytelling. While Wilson is impossible not to like in almost any role, and this means the audience immediately feels sympathy for Pryce and his past, he is far from perfect. He regularly gambles more than he can afford and manipulates Santi into playing better. He does these things believing that winning the bet will help his destroyed self-worth or make Santi a better player, but it doesn’t distract from the fact that Pryce does have many inner flaws, making him a fascinating protagonist to watch, adding layers to an otherwise basic story.

With Season 2 of Stick in the works, and Judy Greer and Timothy Olyphant returning, there is no better time than right now to binge all 10 episodes on Apple TV. While the idea of a down-and-out golf player taking a disadvantaged young man on the pro tour might sound like an overly simple tale, Stick is anything but bland. Its characters are what will have you keeping on pressing the next episode button, as watching this chaotic family bond is one of the most rewarding and emotional watches you will have this year.

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Release Date

June 4, 2025

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Network

Apple TV+

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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives usweekly is expanding with its first spinoff.

Hulu announced on Wednesday, April 22, that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County is coming later this year.

“A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion: they are their identity,” read the official synopsis. “While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo.”

The description continued, “Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok. This is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County.”

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County will star Aspyn Ovard, Bobbi Althoff, Avery Woods, Salomé Andrea, McCall DaPron, Chandler Higginson, Ashleigh Pease and Madison Bontempo.

Viewers were introduced to the Mormon Wives franchise after the OG show premiered on Hulu in 2024. The cast was made up of Jen Affleck and husband Zac Affleck, Demi Engemann and husband Bret Engemann, Whitney Leavitt and husband Conner Leavitt, Mikayla Matthews and husband Jace Terry, Mayci Neeley and husband Jacob Neeley, Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura, Taylor Frankie Paul and then-partner Dakota Mortensen and Layla Taylor.

Miranda McWhorter, meanwhile, joined the show in season 2 after her split from Chase McWhorter.

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Related: ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Family Guide: Meet the Stars’ 24 Kids

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives centers around Utah’s most famous #MomTok crew — but just how many kids do they all have? When the Hulu series premiered in September 2024, it starred soft swinger Taylor Frankie Paul and her TikTok mom frenemies Demi Engemann, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Jessi Ngatikaura […]

After airing four seasons — and hosting several crossovers with Vanderpump Villa — production was halted on the show in March after an alleged domestic violence incident between Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33, in February. Dakota and Taylor subsequently filed temporary restraining orders against each other, with Dakota earning temporary custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever. Taylor was granted supervised visits until their next court hearing.

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The Bachelorette also canceled Taylor’s season of the ABC reality dating series days before its premiere. Authorities have since confirmed that Taylor would not be charged with any crime for the February incident with Dakota.

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” District Attorney Sim Gill’s office said in a statement to Us earlier this month.

Us has since confirmed that production will pick back up. Taylor has hinted at a return but it remains unclear whether she will reunite with her costars on screen.

Stanley Tucci isn’t exactly denying Anne Hathaway’s playful accusation. After the actress jokingly labeled him the “biggest diva” on the set of “Devil Wears Prada 2,” Tucci leaned right into the bit, brushing it off with a self-deprecating quip that he’s “just terrible.”

The exchange came during a lighthearted sit-down featuring Tucci, Hathaway, and their returning co-star Emily Blunt, where the trio traded jokes about their on-set dynamic. At one point, Blunt even revealed why Tucci once branded her “shameless.”

During a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Hathaway didn’t hold back when asked about her “Devil Wears Prada 2” co-star, joking that Tucci was the “biggest diva” on set because he’s “so fussy about his clothes.”

When Tucci stepped out for the film’s New York City premiere, the comment quickly followed him onto the red carpet. Asked to respond, the actor leaned into the joke rather than push back, brushing it off with a dry, self-aware quip.

“I’m awful,” he joked, per PEOPLE Magazine. “Just terrible.”

Host Taylen Biggs then reassured him that being called a “diva” is a good thing because it means one is very confident.

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Tucci agreed.

Tucci Praised Hathaway For Her Magazine Cover Feature

Tucci also took a moment on the red carpet to hype up his castmate following her latest milestone.

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Reacting to Hathaway’s “World’s Most Beautiful” cover feature for PEOPLE, the actor kept things characteristically understated, offering a tongue-in-cheek compliment.

“It’s not so bad. She’s pretty good looking,” Tucci said, playfully downplaying what was widely seen as a major career moment.

Hathaway, however, didn’t hide her excitement. Reflecting on the shoot, the Oscar winner described the experience as surreal.

“It was such a fun day,” she shared, admitting the honor “was not something I ever, ever, ever expected.”

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Anne Hathaway Shares More Playful Beef With Stanley Tucci

Hathaway didn’t stop at calling Tucci a “diva.” She kept the jokes coming with another tongue-in-cheek complaint about her co-star.

During her appearance on “The Late Show,” the “Les Mis” star pointed out that despite Tucci’s reputation as a skilled cook, he has yet to make her a meal.

“That b-tch has not made me a morsel,” she quipped, per E! News, before revealing she’s been dropping hints for a while.

“I have dropped so many hints that I would love to know,” she added. “I was like, ‘Oh, so you went to Italy, and you learned this dish, what’s it like?’ And he’ll tell me, but I have not yet received a crumb. What am I doing wrong?”

‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ Takes A New Direction

The original “The Devil Wears Prada” followed Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a high-pressure job working for Miranda Priestly, the notoriously demanding editor-in-chief played by Meryl Streep.

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As Andy struggled to survive the cutthroat fashion world, she was forced to weigh career ambition against her personal life, integrity, and values.

Now, the sequel is set to flip that perspective. According to Variety, the upcoming installment will center on Miranda Priestly as she navigates the decline of traditional magazine publishing while trying to maintain her influence in a rapidly shifting industry.

The highly anticipated sequel is currently slated to hit theaters on May 1, 2026.

Why Stanley Tucci Called Emily Blunt ‘Shameless’

Emily Blunt also shared her own funny run-in with Tucci during filming, revealing that he repeatedly called her “shameless” between takes. Speaking at the premiere, Blunt explained that the New York-born actor didn’t hold back when it came to teasing her on set.

“Whenever they would cut, Stan would be like, ‘You’re shameless. Shameless,’” Emily told E! News.

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Tucci is married to Emily’s sister, Felicity Blunt. That connection traces back to the original 2006 film, where the two actors first worked together before she later introduced him to her sibling.

Blunt added that the two didn’t share as many scenes as she would have liked, which only made the playful critiques stand out even more during the time they did spend together on set.