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Miss J Alexander On Who Showed Up For Him After His Stroke

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Miss J on the red carpet

Miss J Alexander claims that Tyra Banks has yet to visit him following the stroke that left him wheelchair-bound in 2022.

The former “America’s Next Top Model” judge opened up about where he stands with his former boss in the newly-released Netflix docuseries, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”

In the emotional reveal, Miss J confirmed that former co-stars Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker did show up at his hospital bedside to support him during his recovery.

And as the runway icon continues to reflect on his healing journey, speculation is also mounting about the possible return to television of “ANTM.”

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Miss J Alexander Says He Spent Five Weeks In A Coma After Stroke

Miss J on the red carpet
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Miss J’s misfortune began on December 27, 2022, when he suffered a stroke that rendered him unable to walk.

Speaking in the new Netflix docuseries, he recalled the traumatic events. “I had a stroke,” he said. “I woke up, I didn’t know where I was, other than the hospital.”

Revealing the full gravity of the ordeal, Miss J explained that he spent more than a month in a coma.

“I spent five weeks in a coma. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk,” he recounted.

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The model also addressed his relationship with Banks, noting that although she expressed interest in visiting, she has yet to do so.

“She just sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me,” said Miss J. “But no, not yet.”

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‘Reality Check’ Reveals Which ‘ANTM’ Stars Came To See Miss J Alexander After Stroke

Jay Manuel on the red carpet
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While Miss J says Banks has yet to come check in on him, the beloved runway coach has not been without support from old “ANTM” colleagues.

Among those said to have visited him during the early days of his recovery are Manuel and Barker.

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Both “America’s Next Top Model” alumni reflected on the emotional toll of seeing their longtime friend hospitalized.

“It was just such a terrible shock, and really upsetting and horrifying and scary,” Barker said. “I don’t know whether he even wanted me to see him in that way.”

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Directors Of The Netflix Docuseries Say Miss J ‘Didn’t Want Sympathy’

Despite the severity of his condition, creators of the Netflix series say Miss J made one thing clear during production: he didn’t want to be portrayed as a figure of pity.

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Directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan recalled meeting the former “America’s Next Top Model” judge for the first time after his stroke.

In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Sivan explained that their early conversations shaped the way his story was ultimately told in the series.

“What was important is not framing Miss J as a survivor,” the director said. “He is not his health. First and foremost, he’s a diva who just shattered every single glass ceiling.”

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‘ANTM’ Rumored To Be Returning For Cycle 25

Another bombshell to emerge from “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” was Banks’s suggestion that the show may be headed back to television.

“I feel like my work is not done. You have no idea what we have planned for cycle 25,” Banks said, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The long-running modeling competition wrapped its 24th cycle in April 2018. A few years later, Banks was already expressing interest in bringing the show back to air.

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Natalie Portman took very specific momento from “Star Wars” set: 'I stole it and lost it'

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Her costar Hayden Christensen recently revealed that he took a similar prop from the films.

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Kim Kardashian’s Daughter North Stuns Fans As She Flaunts ‘Face Piercings’

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North West

It comes just weeks after the twelve-year-old sparked online backlash for sporting risky finger studs, with many slamming her famous parents for giving her such freedom at a young age.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had been at loggerheads over their daughter’s social media activities following their divorce, but recent reports suggest the “Donda” rapper now supports North.

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North West Rocks’ Face Piercings’ While Out On A Shopping Spree

North has made headlines again for her bold fashion statements after previously coming under fire for the same. This time, she was seen sporting “face piercings” while out on a weekend shopping spree.

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The preteen was photographed with what appeared to be several metallic studs across her bridge and cheek, but they’re only temporary stickers that gave the illusion of facial “piercings.”

Blue-haired North was dressed in an all-black ensemble as she rocked a diamond-crusted “skull” neck chain, and Black hand gloves with skeleton prints.

Her latest fashion statement appears to be an attempt to look the part, as she promotes her debut new single, “Piercing On My Hand,” which she recently performed with her father at his concert in Mexico last month.

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Fans Have Mixed Reactions To North West’s Body Modifications

Social media had mixed reactions to North’s piercings, as some fans had a go at her parents, calling them “irresponsible,” while others commended her style.

“Does she even go to school and do school work? This little girl is headed down a terrible path,” a critic wrote on X, while another added that they “wish she would be allowed to be a kid.”

However, a few fans resonated with North’s fashion choice and didn’t hold back from praising her.

“Is it just me, or is anyone else fw north style? I actually like that Kim lets her explore and express herself through fashion,” a fan penned.

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Another person said, “Love her and her style. The adults tryna bully her should do better.”

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“I will never understand people that shame her simply bc she has colored hair. We all wanted colorful hair growing up, and what? Some piercing? What’s wrong with that? And her clothes are so modest and appropriate for her age,” one user wrote.

Some even branded her a female version of her dad, with one writing, “She’s literally just female Kanye.”

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North West Is Building Her Own Fashion Brand

North West
Instagram | North West

North’s style has increasingly become bolder by the months, and has included a custom-made set of grillz by jeweler Johnny Dang. In recent times, she changed it to a pair of black grillz designed by influencer Sukii Baby.

The nepo baby is already carving a path for herself in the fashion world as she’s set to launch her own clothing and jewelry line, soon named “NOR11.” The brand will have a wide range of goods and services, including shoes, clothes, and accessories.

According to reports, her famous mom already submitted three trademark applications for the brand, under KimYe’s Kid Inc., which was incorporated in California in August 2023.

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Kim Kardashian Has Filed To Trademark A Wide Variety Of Items, Including Watches, For The Child Star

North West
TikTok | Kim and North

One trademark was for clothing and accessories, including dresses, footwear, hats, and stockings, while the other was for watches and jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.

The third trademark application was for a variety of bags, for example, handbags, wallets, and cosmetic cases.

The company’s name, under which the trademark was filed, seemingly alludes to both her parents being the owners; however, it appears West has nothing to do with it, as Kardashian is listed as the only officer, per California records.

Kanye West And Kim Kardashian Have Been At Odds About How To Raise Their Kids

Kim Kardashian and Kanye leaving Met Gala Post Parties in New York City
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West has previously slammed his ex-wife for the way she allows their daughter use social media as well as her fashion choices.

However, the SKIMS founder opened up about the challenges of parenting during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she admitted that balancing self-expression with age-appropriate boundaries has been difficult.

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Prince William And Kate Had Different Reactions To Prince Harry’s Royal Exit

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(L-R) Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton

While the Princess of Wales reportedly viewed his departure as inevitable, her husband was said to be deeply saddened by it.

Meanwhile, former royal aide Paul Burrell claims the divide between Prince Harry’s family and the royal family has widened, affecting even King Charles’ relationship with the duke’s children.

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How Prince William And Kate Middleton Reacted Differently To Prince Harry’s Royal Exit

(L-R) Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton
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A new book is shedding light on how the Prince and Princess of Wales privately responded to Prince Harry’s dramatic departure from royal duties in 2020, and it suggests their reactions were far from identical.

In “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” set for release on March 10, royal correspondent Russell Myers explores the emotional aftermath of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back from their senior royal roles.

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When Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America while pursuing financial independence, it sent shockwaves through the monarchy and the world at large.

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According to People Magazine, an excerpt published revealed that Kate reportedly took a more supportive view of Harry’s choice.

Myers writes that she “had less interest than her husband in trying to persuade Harry to stay in his current role.”

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She is said to have believed that the long-standing dynamic between “the heir and the spare” made Harry’s dissatisfaction almost inevitable, that his role would never feel equal or expansive enough.

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Prince William Was ‘Intensely Saddened’ By Prince Harry’s Exit

Prince Harry, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle
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By contrast, William was described as “intensely saddened at his brother’s decision to quit.”

The two had already grown apart over time, but Harry’s final break signaled a point of no return.

Myers wrote that “Fond memories of their childhood, from helping each other through the tragedy of their mother’s death, to growing up in the public eye, were now tarnished by the division at the heart of the family.”

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Following their departure, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled in California, where they are raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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The Royal Rift Deepened Years After Sandringham Summit

Prince Harry, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle
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While Harry and Meghan initially expressed a wish to support the monarchy in a modified capacity, discussions at the Sandringham summit, convened by Queen Elizabeth II, made it clear that a hybrid “half-in, half-out” arrangement would not be possible.

In the years since, tensions have remained evident between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.

Although Harry met with his father, King Charles III, as recently as September 2025, his relationship with William appears unresolved, with reports claiming that reconciliation between the siblings is highly unlikely.

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Public interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s “Spare” memoir further exposed grievances, while further worsening the fracture.

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Royal Rift Unlikely To Heal, As Expert Claims Prince William Is Keeping His Distance From Prince Harry

Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall attend a vigil, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, inside Westminster Hall, London, UK,
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Royal expert Paul Burrell, who once served Princess Diana, recently noted that the divide between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly the Waleses, may be even worse than the public realizes.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Burrell suggested that William has intentionally created more distance from his younger brother in recent years, and he doubts the two will reconcile anytime soon, if at all.

According to Burrell, William’s increasing proximity to the throne has shaped his approach. As heir, he must operate within a tightly controlled environment, safeguarding both his role and the institution.

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“He can’t let things leak out,” said Burrell. “He doesn’t want to live in a world with a leaky sieve. He doesn’t want to live in a world that can’t be controlled because, to be a monarch, you have to control the environment. You have to look after the crown.”

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Ray J’s Bloody Valentine Show Leaves Fans Confused

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Ray J at the BET Awards 2022

Just weeks after delivering alarming updates about his failing heart, Ray Jstepped onto a Valentine’s Day stage in Louisiana and left fans stunned.

The 45-year-old singer performed with what appeared to be blood streaming from his eyes and a medical monitor strapped to his chest, igniting intense speculation about his health and state of mind.

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Ray J Takes The Stage In Graphic Valentine’s Day Moment

On February 14 in Shreveport, Ray J delivered a performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

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Video compilations shared online show the singer handing roses to audience members while wearing dark sunglasses. Beneath them, red streaks were visible, trailing down from one eye.

As the show continued, he removed his orange shirt, revealing a medical monitor taped to his chest.

In another clip, he briefly lifted his sunglasses, exposing what looked like blood under both eyes. A later photo showed the performer shirtless beside a fan, with visible red stains near the chest device.

Before taking the stage, Ray J hinted at the intensity of the night. In a Facebook post shared ahead of the concert, he wrote, “I’m putting my life on the line for this show!!”

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The Valentine’s Day lineup also included Kelly Price and Bobby Valentino, adding to what was billed as a celebratory evening.

Instead, the viral footage shifted the conversation into something far more serious.

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Fans Question Whether The Moment Was Real

Ray J at the BET Awards 2022
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As the clip of Ray J’s shocking performance went viral, many fans took turns sharing their thoughts about it, with many wondering if he is really sick or just making things up.

One person said, “Ray J play [sic] so much I don’t know whether to send my condolences or prayers.”

Another tweep asked, “Does Ray J want us to witness his death live onstage or what??????”

A third fan asked, “Is this real about his situation or this fake because you know Ray J play around. He is all entertainment.”

A tweep said bluntly, “Fake,” while another added, “Trust me, if this was true, he wouldn’t be on stage.”

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The criticism kept coming with one fan stating, “He’s a stunt king,” while another added, “Ray J keep faking everything for attention, n-gga you 50.”

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Other Fans Urge Ray J To Slow Down

Ray J seen at a Labor Day weekend party singing new hit "Bestie" and slow dancing to what would be his 20th anniversary of his hit song "One Wish"
APEX / MEGA

Another person advised the musician, “N-gga go home. Nobody wanna see you that bad,” while another fan added, “He is a big hoax and a clown, doesn’t care about anyone.”

While many fans questioned the authenticity of Ray J’s bloody performance, some others were genuinely concerned for him, as one fan advised him, “Bro, slow your roll, a heart needs time to heal.”

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Health Warnings From Ray J Resurface

The dramatic imagery would have raised eyebrows under any circumstances. But coming so soon after his troubling health disclosures, it carried heavier weight.

“I want to thank everybody for praying for me. I was in a hospital. My heart’s only beating like 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right,” he said at the time.

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Later that same month, during an Instagram Live session, he made an even more chilling statement. He said, “2027 is definitely a wrap for me.”

In the livestream, he claimed doctors told him he would not live long and that his heart had turned “black” due to abusing alcohol and drugs.

Those words are now being replayed across social media alongside clips from the Louisiana performance, with fans debating whether the bloody visuals were symbolic, theatrical, or something more concerning.

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Cheer Mom Who Allegedly Killed Daughter in Murder-Suicide Had Past Custody Issues

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History of Custody Issues Preceded Apparent Murder-Suicide

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Ryan Murphy’s 88 RT% Crime Miniseries Convinced Stephen King To Adapt His Favorite Horror Story

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Mike Flanagan and Stephen King Custom Image

Stephen King is one of the most well-known and acclaimed authors of all time — so much so, in fact, that he’s been deemed the King of Horror on more than one occasion. His novels have been adapted into some of the horror genre’s most influential films, such as Carrie, The Shining, and Misery. His novels are still being adapted today, whether it be for movies or television, but there was one story in particular that he held onto for years, and that’s Lisey’s Story. But the time finally came when King felt ready to adapt the novel, and it was due in part to Ryan Murphy.

What Is ‘Lisey’s Story’ About?

Lisey’s Story was published in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the novel finally earned an adaptation — though not from a lack of interest, as King has repeatedly said that it is his personal favorite of the novels he has written, and even expressed interest in Lisey’s Story being adapted into a TV series back in 2017. The story follows Lisey Landon (Julianne Moore), the widow of a novelist, who is plagued by repressed memories that connect back to her husband’s death.

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King previously divulged that the idea for Lisey’s Story came to him after a bad case of pneumonia sent him to the hospital. While he was there, his wife, Tabitha King, decided to redecorate his office. When he came home and saw all his books and other belongings in boxes, he had a startling vision of what his office would look like upon his death.

Mike Flanagan and Stephen King Custom Image


Mike Flanagan Is Turning Another Stephen King Favorite Into a TV Series

Get the corn syrup and red dye ready.

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Stephen King Credits Ryan Murphy as the Reason ‘Lisey’s Story’ Became a TV Show

Given that Lisey’s Story is King’s personal favorite novel, that love made it difficult for him to agree to let anyone adapt it for the screen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the author revealed that he was actually inspired by the second season of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story anthology series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace:

“I saw this thing on FX that was about the fashion designer Versace and about the man who killed him. And I had not really thought about getting involved with Lisey at that point or tackling it as a TV project, but I looked at that thing, and I said to myself, my goodness, this guy, Tom Rob Smith, wrote the whole thing. He wrote all eight or nine episodes, and I thought, well, if he could do that and bring it home and do such a great job, what about Lisey? And I sat down, and I started, and I showed the scripts to Ben Stephenson at Bad Robot one by one, and he was very encouraging. So the scripts got done, and everything else followed from that.”

According to King, something else that inspired him to tackle his own small-screen adaptation of Lisey’s Story was the changes introduced by streaming TV. “You have a chance to do more,” he said. “You can be a little more graphic with language and with sexual situations and with length, just the chance to do something that has that kind of spread, texture, and a little more nuance. For guys like me, it’s been great.”

Alongside the possibility of a longer format with multiple episodes (anyone who has read the author knows how long-winded he can be, so it’s no wonder that TV held appeal), King admitted he was able to make some necessary updates to Lisey’s Story, looking at the book through different eyes after 15 years, which enabled him to streamline the plot or cut characters that were unnecessary for the screen version. A Stephen King adaptation is always exciting, but Lisey’s Story was one that fans had been especially eager to see brought to life. So, thanks, Ryan Murphy (and American Crime Story), Stephen King might not have done it without you.

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Tom Hardy’s 8-Episode Gritty Crime Thriller Is Aging Brilliantly

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Tom Hardy on the red carpet

When it comes to magnetic screen presence, it’s hard not to put Tom Hardy at the top of the list. Over the years, he’s delivered some of his most striking work in films like The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road, while also anchoring blockbuster franchises like Venom. Just as importantly, Hardy has consistently shown a willingness to commit to challenging television roles, including his scene-stealing turn on Peaky Blinders and more recently on MobLand. In 2017, he took that commitment a step further, teaming up with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to build a series very much on his own terms.

That series is Taboo, an eight-episode historical thriller co-created by Hardy, his father Edward “Chips” Hardy, and Steven Knight. Set in a grimy, unforgiving early 19th-century London, Taboo is slow, dense, and unapologetically strange. While it earned a devoted cult following, it never fully broke into the mainstream conversation. Nearly a decade later, the series plays far better on a binge, revealing a meticulously crafted drama that remains one of Hardy’s purest and most hypnotic performances.

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What Is Tom Hardy’s FX Series ‘Taboo’ About?

Set in 1814 London, Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney (Hardy), a man long presumed dead who abruptly returns from Africa after more than a decade away. His reappearance coincides with the death of his father, leaving him in possession of a small but strategically vital piece of land that places him in direct conflict with the East India Company, embodied by the chilling Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce), as well as representatives of the British Crown and American interests, including the calculating Atticus (Stephen Graham). What begins as a dispute over land quickly expands into a web of political manipulation, corporate greed, espionage, and colonial exploitation.

Tom Hardy on the red carpet


Tom Hardy’s One-Season Crime Masterpiece Is Back on Charts 9 Years Later

The show is one of Hardy’s many collaborations with ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight.

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Taboo presents every institution Delaney encounters as morally compromised, offering no clear heroes and only competing forces vying for power. As the conspiracy deepens, the series slowly unravels Delaney’s personal history, particularly his complicated bond with his half-sister Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), whose quiet suffering adds emotional weight to the show’s brutality. Supporting players like Lorna Bow (Jessie Buckley) and Brace (David Hayman) further flesh out the seedy world. While some viewers may find the plot and world-building deliberately slow, that restraint ultimately gives Hardy the space to deliver a performance that becomes the series’ driving force.

Tom Hardy’s Performance in ‘Taboo’ Is Pure, Unfiltered Commitment From Start to Finish

At the center of Taboo’s enduring power is Tom Hardy’s extraordinary performance as James Delaney. This is not a traditionally charismatic role, nor is it designed to make Delaney likable. Hardy plays him as a man perpetually coiled, speaking sparingly and observing constantly, as though every interaction is a test of dominance. His low, gravelly voice becomes a weapon in itself, conveying menace even in silence. And like many of Hardy’s performances, his physicality is just as crucial. Delaney moves through the world like an imposing specter, his stillness often more unsettling than outright violence.

That discipline is entirely intentional. Hardy conceived James Delaney years before Taboo ever made it to screen, and his involvement went far beyond acting. In a 2017 Collider interview, Hardy explained that performance was “five percent” of the job for him, with the rest devoted to producing, world-building, and supporting the ensemble. He emphasized that the other characters mattered just as much as Delaney, even as he carried the responsibility of anchoring the series. That dual role helps explain why the performance feels so controlled and purposeful. Hardy isn’t just inhabiting Delaney, he’s safeguarding the integrity of the world around him.

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Tom Hardy in Mad Max: Fury Road


Tom Hardy Is Great in Everything, but These Are His 6 Undisputed Masterpieces

Tom? I Hardy know him!

Taboo was officially renewed for Season 2 in 2017, but nearly nine years later, that follow-up has yet to materialize due to Hardy and Steven Knight’s packed schedules, even as both have repeatedly confirmed their commitment to continuing the story. Revisiting Taboo now also means watching a cast whose stars have only continued to rise. Stephen Graham became a household name following his Emmy-winning work in Adolescence, Jessie Buckley earned an Academy Award nomination for Hamnet, and Oona Chaplin joined the Avatar franchise — all actors who were already formidable here but have since become even more widely recognized for their craft.

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Nearly a decade after its premiere, Taboo has only grown stronger with time. What once felt slow or demanding now reads as deliberate, anchored by Tom Hardy at his most disciplined and commanding, and shaped by his hand in crafting and producing something genuinely meaningful. No matter if we get a Season 2, the series stands as proof that this eight-part historical thriller isn’t just aging well — it’s aging brilliantly.


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Release Date
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2017 – 2017-00-00

Network

BBC One

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Showrunner

Steven Knight

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Directors

Anders Engström

Writers
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Ben Hervey

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Where Top Model Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash

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Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model docuseries revealed where Tyra Banks stands with many former contestants after they offered their unfiltered opinions of the show.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, streaming now, features interviews from alums Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Danielle Evans and Keenyah Hill.

New confessionals with executive producer Ken Mok, former judges Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander and Nigel Barker offer more insight into the behind the scenes dynamics — including rare commentary from Banks herself.

“I haven’t really said much. But now it’s time,” Banks, 52, explains to producers in one scene. “I’m going to take you to 2020. COVID hit and the world was binging TV. … They didn’t watch it back then and it went from this thing that everybody loved to overnight heat — just a whole different lens. What I think is important is to understand where that came from.”

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Tyra Banks Hosting Duties Through Years From ANTM to DWTS


Related: Tyra Banks’ Hosting Duties Through the Years

All she needs is her signature smize! Tyra Banks got her start as a model, but she is perhaps more well-known as a TV host in this day and age. The businesswoman took the world by storm when she kicked off America’s Next Top Model in May 2003. She not only served as a host and mentor […]

Banks also recalls her approach with America’s Next Top Model, which ran from 2003 to 2018, saying, “I wanted to fight against the fashion industry. One day, this idea just hit me. What if I created a show where you saw what it took to become a model. And for this show to represent not all white, not all skinny and to just show all the differences and all the different types of beauties. I had a feeling that I was gonna change the beauty world.”

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Despite positive intentions, Banks acknowledges the offscreen backlash from controversial photo shoot concepts to allegations of discrimination, sexual assault and more.

“Looking at that show through the lens of today, it’s like, ‘Why did you do that?’ I thank you for that. That is the only way you change. That is the only way you get better is by somebody calling you out on your s***,” Banks says. “It is important. I want to let you know that I want you guys to be just as open as I am now by getting called on my s*** by when somebody calls you out on yours. Because that day will come and continue to evolve. Because that’s what we’re all doing.”

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of which contestants and winners participated in the America’s Next Top Model docuseries — and where they stand with Banks:

Shannon Stewart (Cycle 1)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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The runner-up from season 1 recalled her struggles with an eating disorder before and during the show. She expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for speaking out about the conversations surrounding weight on the show — and for sending flowers when Shannon Stewart didn’t win. Stewart ultimately left modeling and committed to her faith.

Ebony Haith (Cycle 1)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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The contestant from the debut season voiced frustration with Tyra Banks after the former host brought up her sexual orientation on screen because she “forgot the danger” at the time. Ebony Haith was still happy how her personal life was portrayed — despite the obstacles she faced as a Black woman.

Ebony didn’t feel “protected” and felt “full disappointment” of how she was represented. She claimed Banks barely spoke to her on the show outside of comments that felt targeted, which is when she realized the host wouldn’t help her.

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The aspiring actress ultimately said Banks “very much disappointed” her.

Giselle Samson (Cycle 1)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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For Giselle Samson, it was shocking when America’s Next Top Model wasn’t what she thought it was going to be. She said she felt pushed by production to start drama and her self esteem suffered after watching Tyra Banks and others discuss her weight on the show.

Samson was a real estate agent after leaving modeling behind — and she has since joined a theater group.

Shandi Sullivan (Cycle 2)

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
Netflix

Before joining America’s Next Top Model in 2004, Shandi Sullivan worked at her local Walgreens in Missouri. She nearly made it to the end of her season until she was sexually assaulted during a group trip to Italy. The assault was then used as a cheating story line.

She expressed frustration with Tyra Banks and producers before confirming she left modeling. Sullivan currently works with animals.

Bre Scullark (Cycle 5)

Bre Scullark, who now works with violent offenders to help their rehabilitation, pointed out how the show lacked in supporting Black women, contestants struggling with eating disorders and more.

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Danielle Evans (Cycle 6)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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Danielle Evans notably stayed longer during her season because she agreed to get rid of a gap in her teeth despite voicing issues with the medical procedure. She won her season but never found success as a model because of the stigma that came with appearing on America’s Next Top Model.

Danielle claimed she had a conversation with Tyra Banks, who admitted she knew the contestant wouldn’t succeed in the industry. The former model, who is no longer in the industry, said Tyra’s ‘ intentions in the beginning were good’ but ‘that s*** got lost.’

Joanie Dodds (Cycle 6)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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In the doc, Joanie Dodds recalled having to get her teeth ripped out for a challenge. She consented to the procedure but claimed she didn’t realize the extent of the aftermath, which included “many orthodontic issues” that “never got fixed.”

Dodds admitted she would love to do America’s Next Top Model but not the same way. She has since found success on home improvement shows and that led to her owning her own business related to carpentry.

Dionne Walters (Cycle 8)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
Instagram

During her season, Dionne Walters had to do a photoshoot challenge where she posed as a victim of gun violence. Producers knew that Dionne’s mother was shot and paralyzed in real life, which she didn’t think was coincidental.

Dionne tried to make it in the modeling industry multiple times but it wasn’t successful. She also revealed she “wasn’t contacted” after being eliminated. Dionne is now a small business owner and a realtor.

Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10)

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
Netflix

Whitney Thompson was the first plus-size winner of the show but that came with feeling self conscious. She recalled being given clothes that didn’t fit that she had to make work. While Whitney acknowledged that the show “didn’t age well,” it was “also a reflection of the time.” The ice cream shop owner expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for opening the door for her to be on the show.

Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4)

Where 'Top Model' Alums Stand With Tyra Banks After Offscreen Backlash
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Keenyah Hill recalled how her entire narrative on the show surrounded her weight. She said it made her feel dirty to see the damaging edits of her eating and the conversations surrounding her appearance. Hill also pointed to a challenge where a male model was ‘aggressively hitting” on her and touching her – but her attempt to get protection turned into her being shamed.

Tyra Banks defended the reaction by saying she offered the best advice she could at the time. Banks admitted Hill deserved more. In her confessional, Hill revealed she is a pose coach helping aspiring models.

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Maya Hawke’s 6-Part Netflix Horror Miniseries Is a Perfect Weekend Binge

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An owl in Nightmares of Nature

Nature documentaries are often marketed as comfort viewing. You put one on, learn a few facts, admire the visuals, and maybe fall asleep halfway through. Nightmares of Nature is very much not that kind of show. While Netflix‘s documentary series Nightmares of Nature is about the natural world, it portrays it as a sinister place, like a scary movie. And for the most part, it is. Predators are lurking in the dark, waiting to catch their next meal. Safety can be short-lived, and luck is usually the decider of who survives.

Told via two speedy seasons and narrated by Maya Hawke, Nightmares of Nature makes animals’ lives seem anxiety-filled, often violent, and highly binge-watching-worthy. This isn’t a series that you just turn on to have in the background; it captures your attention and does a great job of holding it.

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‘Nightmares of Nature’ is a Horror Lens on the Natural World

An owl in Nightmares of Nature
An owl in Nightmares of Nature
Image via Netflix

Produced by Blumhouse Television alongside Plimsoll Productions, Nightmares of Nature is built around a simple yet effective idea: to tell real animal survival stories in the language of horror cinema. Each season consists of three episodes set in a single environment, following several animals as their paths overlap. In Season One: Cabin in the Woods, the subjects are trapped in a decaying rural cabin that appears safe until it becomes highly dangerous; in Season Two: Lost in the Jungle, the setting shifts to a dense Costa Rican jungle, with an abandoned research facility as the series’ focal point. The intent is to use horror iconography as the basis of the series because it works.

The series uses close-ups, point-of-view shots, ominous sound cues, and slow pacing to prolong unsafe moments for as long as possible. There is an upfront disclaimer stating that some scenes are staged for clarity and safety, but the behavior itself is real. When an animal is caught, it is caught completely; there is no use of computer-generated imagery to smudge the edges.

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Maya Hawke Sets the Tone

Hawke’s narration contributes significantly to the series’ success. The voice is slow and careful, with enough acting to convey the horror context without making the animals appear as cartoon villains or heroes.

Hawke has become a popular name after playing Robin Buckley in Stranger Things and has become one of Netflix’s more recognizable voices, so here she emphasizes the atmosphere over the exposition. She doesn’t rush with the explanations and keeps the stakes high — she usually does not tell the audience that things are okay, since in many cases they are not.

There are times when the narration almost oversteps and tells the audience how they should feel. More often than not, the narration gives added significance to moments that would otherwise have faded into one another in a standard wildlife documentary.

Sam Neill in Untamed


Netflix’s Most Underrated Show of 2025 Is This Gritty Mystery That’s ‘Yellowstone’ Meets ‘True Detective’

Sam Neill gives a scene-stealing performance in this twisty thriller.

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‘Nightmares of Nature’ Was Designed for Short, Intense Viewing

Scene from Nightmares of Nature on Netflix
Scene from Nightmares of Nature on Netflix
Image via Netflix
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One of Nightmares of Nature’s smartest choices is its length. The series has only six episodes, so it does not feel drawn out. Each season tells a story with a defined arc and escalating tension, rather than disconnected vignettes. The series is visually appealing, with macro photography that gives viewers an extreme close-up of the creatures’ claws, fangs, and swift movements. The slow-motion shots allow the viewer to absorb critical moments of life or death and create an impression of gore without exceeding the bounds of a TV-PG rating. The series depicts the violence of the animal kingdom in a realistic manner.

The horror framing may not appeal to all viewers; some may find the dramatization overdone, and purists may prefer a more documentary style. However, this creates friction that interests the viewer. It’s trying to attract an audience that might not otherwise watch this kind of show.

Nightmares of Nature isn’t the scariest thing Netflix has ever released, but it is one of the more inventive. By borrowing horror’s structure and rhythm, it gives familiar animal stories new urgency and emotional stakes. It’s the kind of show that works best in short bursts — an episode or two at a time — before you realize you’ve finished an entire season. For viewers looking for something different from the usual true crime or slasher rotation, this is an easy recommendation.

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Young and Restless 2-Week Spoilers Feb 16-27: Nikki Unleashes Her Fury & Phyllis Becomes the Target

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Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) - Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford)

Young and the Restless 2-week spoilers for February 16 -27, 2026 expose that Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) is raging and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) finds herself targeted on multiple fronts.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Mariah’s Home & Making Waves

On Monday, February 16th, Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes), Christine Williams (Lauralee Bell), and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) are discussing the fact that Mariah made bail. However, there is an ankle monitor on her, and Mariah can’t leave Genoa City. Other than that, she can free-range wander, which I don’t know how cool that is considering her crime.

Christine Williams plans an NGRI defense—not guilty by reason of insanity. That’s the legal terminology for the claim. Mariah, however, wants to plead guilty because she was aware of what she was doing. She said she planned it and knew it was wrong—kind of the things that someone with mental health issues doesn’t necessarily understand or is aware of.

Mariah Copeland’s Mental Health Crisis and Legal Defense on Y&R

Mariah also confesses to Sharon and Christine about the old man she nearly murdered. Furthermore, Mariah comes clean about hallucinating Ian Ward (Ray Wise). Sharon tells Mariah this is PTSD. They’re going to get her the help that she needs, not like what she had at the Boston clinic.

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Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks) goes to check on Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway), Dominic Chancellor (Ethan Ray Clark), and Devon Hamilton Winters (Bryton James). She tells them that Mariah looked ashamed in court. Tessa says that Ian was a horrible influence on Mariah and is to blame, much like when Ian framed Sharon for Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom) murder to get to Mariah.

Abby is outraged and wants to know why the Boston clinic even let Mariah go. Devon is hoping that Mariah can get better, but Abby thinks Mariah is a lost cause. Abby is also wondering if Mariah is a threat to Aria Porter-Copeland (Millie Ingle). Abby’s attitude is that she will never forgive Mariah, especially if Dominic suffers after-effects from the kidnapping.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Tessa Porter’s Reality Check and Daniel Romalotti’s Growing Feelings

Tessa heads to the coffee shop to talk to Mariah. Of course, Mariah thinks Tessa hates her. Tessa says she hates what Mariah did, but she doesn’t hate her. However, Tessa also gives Mariah a reality check, saying, “You haven’t needed me. You haven’t turned to me, and you kept cutting me out.”

Mariah mentions that her mom told her Tessa filed for divorce. Mariah says Tessa deserves better than her and wants to know if Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) was watching out for her like she asked. Tessa says vaguely that he’s been a good friend. Then she says Mariah doesn’t have to push her away again because she’s leaving. Tessa walks out on her wife.

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Across town, Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) and Daniel are talking about Mariah’s arrest. Daniel worries Tessa may reconcile with Mariah because she wants to help her, and Danny is worried that Daniel will fall apart if that happens. Daniel just wants Danny to drop it.

When Christine arrives and says that Mariah got bail, Daniel takes off to find Tessa. Danny tells Christine that Daniel has fallen for Tessa. Meanwhile, Daniel takes Tessa in his arms as she cries. Daniel promises to be there for her while she deals with this Mariah ordeal.

Y&R Nick Newman’s Dangerous Addiction and Victor Newman’s Secret Plot

On Tuesday, February 17th, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) makes a dangerous move. It looks like he takes Matt Clark’s (Roger Howarth) fentanyl because he’s out of prescription medication and is in pain. Sharon nearly catches Nick when he’s toying with the baggie of pills, but she does see that Nick is up to something. Sharon demands to know what Nick is hiding from her, but he will likely lie to her.

Meanwhile, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) hits back at Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn). So far, Cane still doesn’t know that Victor was bluffing about the kidnapping. Cane didn’t believe Phyllis, and Victor may tell Cane he tricked him and he fell for it. Victor also knows that Phyllis took everything out from under Cane.

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On Wednesday, February 18th, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) explains her plan to Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic). We could see Victoria trying to weaponize Phyllis and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) kids against them. She promised to hit them where it hurts. Nikki is also looking for revenge and targeting an enemy—it could be Phyllis, Cane, Billy, or all of them.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: The Newman Family Revenge Against Billy Abbott and Phyllis Summers

Billy’s plans are derailed by Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) on Wednesday. I wonder if Jack is going to reach out to Jill Abbott (Jess Walton) and tell her that Billy is out of control, conspiring with Phyllis, and stole Chancellor. Billy rants at Jack, accusing him of not caring about his brother and saying he’s just upset that Billy beat the Great Victor Newman when Jack wasn’t the one who did it.

On Thursday, February 19th, Billy gets a dose of reality from Victoria. If she’s going a legal route rather than a criminal one, it may involve custody court. Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) wants a deal. She’ll tell Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) a secret if he tells her the whole truth about him and Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver). What secret is Claire sitting on that would intrigue Holden on Young and Restless?

She’s kind of an open book, and people know what she did. He is crazy if he tells her the truth about him and Audra, but we do know the truth comes out. Cane wants revenge and approaches Daniel about working with him to take down Phyllis. Daniel hates what his mom did. He’s not a fan of Cane’s, but he may agree to it.

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Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) - Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) - Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford)
Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Newman – Phyllis Summers

Lily Winters Goes Missing as Y&R February Sweeps Conclude

On Friday, February 20th, Devon and Nate are worried and suspicious about Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) sudden radio silence. I wonder if Victor told her to stay off the grid until she heard from him, or if things have taken a turn and Lily is a real captive.

Nikki is worried Victor will do something drastic to get Newman Enterprises back. There’s literally no telling what he might do or what lines he might cross. The week of February 23rd through the 27th is the last week of February sweeps, which ends on Wednesday. Mariah struggles with the consequences of her actions.

She will have a day in court soon. We may not see an actual court hearing; we might just hear the ruling, similar to her arraignment. It kills Mariah to see how much she’s hurt Tessa and what she put Abby and Devon through. However, Mariah would probably be happy right now if she were in Mexico with Dominic.

The Downfall of Billy Abbott and Phyllis Summers

Concerns about Lily intensify, and Nikki fears the worst. She thinks Victor is going to do something unforgivable, and I bet Nikki is right. Cane is bent on revenge and wants to destroy Phyllis in particular, but probably Billy on the side. Victor does too. That’s at least two enemies coming after Phyllis—possibly three with Nikki.

Billy stands to lose everything, and Claire keeps going after Audra. Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) considers her next move, and Christine fights to get Mariah the help she needs to keep her out of prison. Phyllis may pay dearly for her newfound success, and Billy is also set for a comeuppance. Get ready for more Matt Clark chaos coming after February sweeps wraps up and we head into March.

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