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Mo’Nique Tells Fans To Consider Dangers Of Using GLP-1s

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MO'NIQUE

Actress and comedian Mo’Nique Hicks is expressing her concern over the public using various GLP-1 drugs to lose weight.

In an emotional video, a teary-eyed Mo’Nique cautioned those using GLP-1s to achieve their dream physiques to be wary about what they’re putting in their bodies, stating she was skeptical of the potential side effects of the drug.

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Mo’Nique Is Expressing Her Genuine Concern For Those Choosing To Use GLP-1 Drugs To Shed Pounds

In a video shared online, reported by Essence, Mo’Nique questioned whether those using GLP-1s to lose weight were informed enough about the medication that they’re putting in their bodies.

“What is the long-term effects? What will it do to your body? Your mind? What will it do to us five years from now, 10 years from now?” she asked.

Mo’Nique went on to say that while those taking the drug to “look like a million bucks” may feel on top of the world now, the tables could turn at a later point.

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“You may get down to that size two or size four or that size eight or whatever that thing is. But I would ask you to research what you’re putting in your body,” she said.

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Mo’Nique Implies That Celebrities And Influencers Have People ‘Caught Up In Trends,’ Claims It’s Doing More Harm Than Good

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GLP-1s are a type of medication that helps lower blood sugar levels and trigger weight loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Megawatt celebrities, including Oprah and Serena Williams, are also part of the growing community of public figures endorsing the drug for money.

“They got us caught up in trends,” Mo’Nique said in her video, adding that ordinary people are being influenced by “big stars.”

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Continuing, Mo’Nique shared a frightening opinion: “They’re taking away our willpower.” She went on, “They’re taking away our fight. They’re taking away our ability to say, I believe in myself, I’m [going to] trust the process.”

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Mo’Nique Says People Need To ‘Love Themselves Enough’ In The Wake Of GLP-1s Becoming Easily Accessible And Wildly Popular

MO'NIQUE.
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Elsewhere in the video, Mo’Nique grew emotional and encouraged her viewers to “love yourself enough not to be tricked.”

“Because we’re so easily tricked, especially us,” she said through tears, seemingly referring to Black people.

“I’m not judging nobody’s decision because it is yours, however, I’m talking to the babies out there that is questioning things. Love you enough to trust your process,” she finished.

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Fitness Guru Jillian Michaels Said She Encouraged ‘Eight’ Family Friends To Stop Taking GLP-1s For Weight Loss

Jillian Michaels posing on the red carpet.
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Mo’Nique isn’t the only public figure to speak out against the use of GLP-1s for weight loss.

According to PEOPLE, Jillian Michaels from the fitness show “The Biggest Loser,” told the publication that she was able to convince “eight” family friends to stop taking the drug after they reportedly began experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

“They’re getting heart palpitations, they’re nauseous, they feel like sh-t. They feel so awful that it’s motivated them to reverse their type 2 diabetes,” she said.

Michaels also discussed that the rapid weight gain that can occur after individuals come off the drug, calling it the “rebound effect.”

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“So you’re not gaining anything. You get off the drug in a year and go all the way back. You’ve not learned anything. You’ve not built any physical strength or endurance. You haven’t learned how to eat healthy,” she added.

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Nevaeh Akira Shares Messages After Pregnancy Reveal

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In Bliss! Nevaeh Akira Shares A Few Messages After She & Blueface Reveal They're Expecting A Baby

Nevaeh Akira has shared a few messages after she and Blueface revealed that they’re expecting a baby.

RELATED: Baby OTW! Blueface Seemingly Confirms His Boo Nevaeh Akira Is Pregnant After Test Reveal (VIDEOS)

Nevaeh Akira Shares A Few Messages After She & Blueface Reveal They’re Expecting A Baby

Hours after Nevaeh Akira and Blueface made their announcement to the world, she took to her Instagram Story to share a photo, which appeared to show her young son sitting next to Blueface. Furthermore, Akira used an emoji to cover her son’s face — as she also used a blue heart emoji to cover Blue’s face — so it remains unclear how old her son is. Then, after that post, Akira re-shared footage of her and Blue’s pregnancy reveal. Then, she followed up with a clip of Blueface speaking on how he would like their child to look like him.

“I wasn’t overly in love with my son donor, but I’m overly in love with him so I don’t think I’ll have parts. [crying face emoji] this is my partner,” she wrote next to the clip.

Swipe to the fifth slide below to see the moment she highlighted.

After that post, Akira shared a clip of two baby boys lying side by side. Furthermore, the caption of the clip was, “POV: YOU GAVE YOUR OLDEST A SIBLING [white heart emoji]”

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“oh I can’t wait, my son is so loving and caring with other children I know he’s going to be the best big brother. [orange heart emoji] [emotional emoji],” Akira wrote under the clip.

Before hopping off, Akira added that Blueface’s restaurant, King of Crabs, is her addiction.

More On Nevaeh Akira & Blueface Expecting A Baby

As The Shade Room previously reported, Nevaeh Akira and Blueface revealed they’re expecting a baby on Sunday, February 22. At the time, the pair were reportedly on a Twitch livestream, and they showed two positive pregnancy tests to viewers.

Here’s How Karlissa Saffold Harvey Reacted To The Announcement

Afterward, Karlissa Saffold Harvey took to her Instagram Story to react to the pair’s news. Furthermore, she wrote, “Kids are a blessing if he happy I’m happy [heart hands emoji] congratulations to them both and may God bless the baby.” This, followed by another post, which read, It’s a girl and I already knew she was coming [crying face emoji]”

To note, Blueface shared two older children with Jaidyn Alexis, and a two-year-old son with Chrisean Rock. At this time, Alexis and Rock have not publicly reacted to his announcement.

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RELATED: New Addition! Karlissa Saffold Harvey Reacts To Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Apparent Pregnancy Announcement

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Claressa Shields & Papoose Club, Franchón Crews-Dezurn Loses

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Victory Night! Claressa Shields & Papoose Hit The Club After She Defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retained Heavyweight Title

Claressa Shields and Papoose hit the club after she defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn and retained her heavyweight title.

RELATED: Okay, Sis! Fans Are Sending Claressa Shields Heart Eyes After She Flexed A Fresh NEW Look Ahead Of Fight Night (VIDEOS)

More On Claressa Shields Defeating Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retaining Her Heavyweight Title

On Sunday, February 22, Claressa Shields and Papoose arrived at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, for her anticipated face-off against Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Furthermore, Shields and Pap arrived decked out in mink furs while the boxer appeared to don a gown under hers.

“I heard we sold out… uh, huh! They be hating bad on the gwoat. But we gon’ make it all worth your time tonight,” Shields said braggadociously on the walk-in while Pap called her the “best ever.”

Instagram user @m8kupjunkie reacted to the clip in TSR’s comment section, writing,Pap is such a supportive wife!

While Instagram user @therealslsx1 added, Mama Dee must be her stylist 😂”

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Instagram user @tabether wrote, She love a prom dress”

While Instagram user @itsjust_drae added, Is it just me or do they both look crazy 😂… a MESS!”

Peep their walk-in below.

Ultimately, Shields took the win against Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Per ESPN, judges scored the fight 100-90. During her post-interview, Shields praised Crews-Dezurn’s skills and ability to keep her on her toes.

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“I felt like I had to take my time. Franchon hits hard and she’s tough and you got to be very tricky with her. She was trying to cause the upset today and got me with some shots, but Franchon is exactly who she thinks she is — ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ — and that’s one of the best fights that I’ve been in at my professional career, especially at 10 rounds. It was fun. I had to watch my ass every round,” she reportedly stated.

Social Media Reacts Alongside Her Opponent

Social media users reacted to Claressa Shields’ win against Franchón Crews-Dezurn in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @bigkunoichi wrote, She is a real professional fighter. I love how she has Good sportsmanship ❤️”

While Instagram user @rileyyywst added, Claressa is really that girl! Y’all can say what y’all want about her, but that girl is good at what she do, and she does it well 👋🏽👏🏽”

Instagram user @mzloy wrote,The sportsmanship at the end pull me in. This is the energy we need from each other.”

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While Instagram user @_aubreyj added,Papoose better stay in line.. 💀”

Instagram user @yooohypemommy wrote, When I tell yall she got them dog walkers 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 my goodness! I see why she talk major ish she can back it up!! 😍😍”

While Instagram user @ke_ceo added, That’s sad i never heard about this girl before pap and remy scheme that Todd put together and she was literally an undefeated champ before then.”

Claressa Shields even stepped in and wrote:

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“CANT STOP AND WONT STOP 🥊🔥 THE GREATEST EVER!!!!”

“She inspires me. She came in at a time where I was dominant and shook the table up. When I’m seeing her, I’m like, ‘OK, that’s a point I could get to, or that’s somebody who can keep fire under me,’ and it’s never a jealousy thing. I’m proud of her.”

Furthermore, Boosie, who walked Shields out to the ring ahead of the fight, also shared his excitement when she won.

Claressa Shields & Papoose Hit The Club After She Defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retained Her Heavyweight Title

After her victory, Claressa Shields and Papoose hit the club to celebrate. Furthermore, footage shared by Instagram user @livebitez showed Shields gloating about her win while vibing to music alongside her boo.

Click here to see the NSFW clip.

RELATED: Claressa Shields Explains Heated Weigh-In With Franchon Crews-Dezurn As The Internet Reacts To Papoose Poppin’ Off (VIDEOS)

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Social Media Explodes Saying LaMelo Ball Is ‘Terrorizing’ Charlotte Streets

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LaMelo Ball

“I might swerve, bend that corner, woah.” LaMelo Ball may have taken his brother LiAngelo Ball‘s “Tweaker” lyrics a little too literal.

Chatter about the Charlotte Hornets star’s driving skills, or lack thereof as many have stated, has taken over social media after he crashed his Hummer on the streets of uptown Charlotte a few days ago. Many Instagram and TikTok users have been sharing their own personal stories about avoiding LaMelo on the streets of Charlotte and the jokes are basically writing themselves.

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NBA Player LaMelo Ball Crashed His Hummer In Charlotte Earlier This Week

LaMelo Ball
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According to The Charlotte Observer, Hornets star LaMelo Ball was in a “minor collision” on Wednesday, Feb. 18 in uptown Charlotte on Trade and Tyron streets. People gathered at the intersection just after 4:30 p.m. shortly after the crash.

The Charlotte Observer shared that a manager at a business on the corner of the intersection said that LaMelo’s camo Hummer crashed into a silver sedan in the middle of the intersection. The manager said that he “never got out of his car or anything” before another car picked him up and he left.

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It didn’t take long for footage of the crash to be found all over the internet, and of course, social media users to chime in and start sharing their stories about seeing LaMelo driving around Charlotte.

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‘The City Of Charlotte Talking About LaMelo Like A Gotham Villain’

Social media immediately lit up with stories about how this unfortunate incident is far from a first for LaMelo.

Playmaker Hoops shared a post on Instagram captioned, “Charlotte residents are making themselves heard,” and the comments quickly filled up. On the post photo, they shared another post that reads, “LaMelo BEEN terrorizing the city of Charlotte. Almost every person in this comment section has a story about him almost running them over.”

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One person shared the same thought many have, “Sooo Gelo made that song about Melo.” Another added, “I believe it. Every time he leaves the arena he speeds off like a bat outta hell and doesn’t stop for the red light.” One other wrote, “He drive around Charlotte like he ain’t got no damn sense.”

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TikTok Users Also Had A Lot To Share

There was more talk about LaMelo’s driving on the streets of Charlotte, and the theme was the same as on Instagram.

TikToker Dominique Cooper shared a video about how “LaMelo Ball car crash made Charlotte mad.”

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“First, anybody getting in a car crash is not funny. I hope everybody that was in this car crash with LaMelo Ball is safe, no injuries, but why this woman comment said he done hit everybody, he almost hit everybody,” as he’s laughing and sharing the funniest comments he’s found online.

The comment section of the video did not disappoint.

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“Surviving LaMelo Ball coming soon on Netflix,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “Mind u Charlotte is not small so he going outa his way to terrorize everybody.” One other viewer shared, “You know how dangerous you gotta be driving for a whole city to be scared of you.” Another person wrote, “It’s true though. We see that Hummer coming and part the road like the Red Sea. He thinks it’s outta respect, we just scared.”

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The video quickly went viral with more than 2 million views and thousands of comments.

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‘LaMelo Ball Has The Entire City Of Charlotte Held Hostage’

Over on Instagram, @TheSlightlyBiasedShow shared a video talking about how “LaMelo Ball is terrorizing an entire major city like he’s the Joker.”

“Any time a Hornets’ game ends, the entire city of Charlotte shuts down like it’s the purge,” he said. “Everyone has to wait until LaMelo gets off the roadways because it’s terrorizing. The citizens of Charlotte, North Carolina are literally living their lives in fear.”

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After reading some comments he found, he added, “If you watch the local news in Charlotte, they literally track the Hornets’ schedule like it’s the weather. The moment they’re on a four-game road trip, it’s like the purge lifts and everybody can go outside and enjoy the city without having the fear of being ran down by LaMelo Ball.”

“I saw a blur going past me walking downtown, and I looked back and obviously I saw the car and knew it was him,” one viewer wrote. Another said, “I think the wildest part is his crib is .2 miles (literally) from Spectrum Center. All this happens within 4 square blocks.” Another person shared, “Watched him eat a curb in his G wagon when we had the snowstorm.”

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LaMelo Ball’s Response When Asked About The Accident In Postgame Presser

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14 Lightweight Floral Blouses to Take You From Spring to Summer

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With flowers (soon to be) in full bloom everywhere, we’re letting nature set the tone for our wardrobe this spring. In just a few weeks, moody winter fashion will long be gone, and in its place will be vibrant, verdant hues that are flourishing across gorgeous floral-print blouses. Yes, we’re talking about the options below.

To carry Us in full botanical style from spring to summer, we’re on the hunt for loose, lightweight floral blouses that look like they were plucked from the garden. No matter your preference — English garden, Dutch florals or bold tropical blooms — there’s a floral top ready to brighten your wardrobe at retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom and Macy’s. You’ll also love that a few big brands are on the list, too — including picks from Free People, Vince Camuto and more. Shop our 14 favorite floral options below.

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14 Breezy Floral Blouses Perfect for Spring‑to‑Summer Dressing

1. Our Favorite: There’s a romantic, almost Regency feel to this lace‑adorned puff‑sleeve blouse. In addition to its lovely appearance, the clever top also has an adjustable tie‑back to tailor the fit exactly how you’d like it.

2. Florals on Repeat: We might not frequent garden parties, but we’re due for an invite now that we have this ruffle‑sleeve floral blouse in our cart. The fit is perfect and fashion forward — the only dilemma is picking just one print, since they’re all so gorgeous.

3. Designer Lookalike: Amazon customers opt for this oversized floral top when they want an Anthropologie or Free People style for less. You’ll stand out in the crowd with its punchy print and oversized collar.

4. All Seasons: If prints aren’t your style, opt for this luxe floral‑embroidered top that keeps the blooms confined to the sleeves. It’s a versatile pick that stands out in March . . . just as much as it does in May.

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5. Casual to Cocktails: Should your tastes lean toward breezy tees, this floral‑embroidery blouse is just what you’re looking for. It’s a relaxed, summer-ready style with just enough detail to make it look boutique.

6. Romantic Appeal: Far from ordinary, this Free People floral top uses embroidered stitching to create a garden‑wall design that looks like it was plucked straight from a romantic storybook.

7. Vacation Ready: Bold blue, emerald green and rose pink are a few floral color palettes available in this loose fringed‑sleeve top. It’s not just you, it does radiate ‘vacation mode.’

8. Baroque Blooms: Bright pastels and pinks can be overplayed. This dark floral blouse brings a moodier, more sophisticated take on spring and summer fashion, and we’re obsessed.

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9. Unmatched Style: There’s a touch of elegant Eastern influence in this tie-front floral blouse that has a punchy print, which feels inspired by the likes of Oscar de la Renta. We might even go full matchy-matchy and invest in the coordinating pants.

10. Muffin Top-Friendly: You’ll have no issue hiding extra midsection weight in this puff‑sleeve peplum top from CeCe. We’re already imagining the endless outfit options, including outfits featuring cut‑off shorts and tailored trousers.

11. Bargain Buy: We were almost certain this ruffle‑trim floral top was a Hill House Home style that found its way into Old Navy’s lineup. The romantic pattern brings a cottagecore charm that works any time of year.

12. Designer Collab: Last year, Old Navy dropped an in‑demand Anna Sui collab, and almost everything sold out in a flash. Miraculously, this breezy button‑down blouse is still hanging around, but not for long!

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13. Versatility Achieved: Tile prints are still trending, which is why we can’t resist this rose‑print camp shirt that’s just as gorgeous with distressed denim as it is with your favorite wide‑leg pants.

14. Boho Style: Embrace throwback fashion with a modern twist in this boho‑bloom blouse that looks lifted straight from the flower‑power era.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Geraldine Boublil wears a bun, black rectangular sunglasses, earrings, a black leather nailed / studded clutch bag, a beige knit sweater, a black textured jacket, a black leather midi skirt, black sheer tights, black pointed-toe flat shoes with a large bow toe cap, outside Altuzarra, during New York Fashion Week, on February 14, 2026 in New York City (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)


Related: Walmart‘s Spring Sweaters Are Flying Under-the-Radar — Starting at $10

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I had to do a serious double-take while scrolling through Walmart’s new arrivals — because since when are affordable sweaters this good? While everyone is busy hunting for spring dresses, there’s a whole lineup of lightweight knits quietly sitting in stock, and prices start at just $10. The vibe is easy, layerable and shockingly chic, […]

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Kevin Costner’s 8-Part Civil War Spy Thriller Debuts New Sneak Peek [Exclusive]

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Swinging in to cure your winter blues, Prime Video’s upcoming series, The Gray House, blends a pulse-pounding espionage plot with the darkest and most dismal days of the Civil War to bring historical drama fans something completely new. Welcoming Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Mary-Louise Parker (The West Wing, Weeds), back to the episodic fold, the captivating tale of Union spies doing their best to undermine the South’s advances sets the stage for a binge-worthy arrival with all eight episodes hitting the platform on February 26. Today, as part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview event, where we’re showing off the most hotly anticipated titles to make their return in the approaching weeks, we’ve got a sneak peek of the project backed by producers Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

Daisy Head (The Syndicate) is on a top-secret mission in our exclusive first look at The Gray House. Under the cover of night and a costume that conceals her true identity (complete with a fake mustache), her character slips into a party unnoticed and makes her way to the second floor. Upon her arrival upstairs, she finds the woman she’d been looking for but not the answers she was hoping for.

In addition to Parker and Head, Prime Video’s newest period drama also features the talents of a call sheet that includes Amethyst Davis (Happily Ever After), Ben Vereen (Jesus Christ Superstar), Keith David (The Thing), Paul Anderson (Peaky Blinders), Colin Morgan (Merlin), Ian Duff (We Own This City), Hannah James (Mercy Street), Christopher McDonald (Thelma & Louise), Robert Knepper (Prison Break), Catherine Garton (The War Between the Land and the Sea), Sam Trammell (True Blood) and more.

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Meet the Creatives Behind ‘The Gray House’

Freeman will produce The Gray House under his Revelations Entertainment banner with his business partner, Lori McCreary, while Costner operates under his Territory Pictures. The title also hails from Paramount’s Republic Pictures and Leslie Greif’s Big Dreams Entertainment. Greif, who previously collaborated with Costner on Hatfields & McCoys, co-penned the Civil War-centered project alongside Darrell Fetty and John Sayles, with Roland Joffe (The Killing Fields) directing. Additionally, the soundtrack features an all-star lineup of musicians like Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Killer Mike, Yolanda Adams, and more, adding their voices to the project, while Jon Bon Jovi holds co-writing credits for one of the title’s songs.

Check out our new look at The Gray House above and stay tuned for more to come from Collider’s Exclusive Preview event. Tune into Prime Video on February 26 to stream all eight episodes of the wartime drama.


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Release Date

February 26, 2026

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Prime Video

Directors

Roland Joffé

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    Daisy Head

    Elizabeth Van Lew

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    Paul Anderson

    Stokely Reeves

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    Amethyst Davis

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    Mary Jane Richards

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Ryan Coogler’s Historic BAFTA Win Fuels Oscar Buzz

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Ryan Coogler at the Golden Globes

Ryan Coogler enjoyed another triumphant awards night as he scooped up the Best Original Screenplay BAFTA for “Sinners.”

The “Black Panther” director’s vampire horror flick has enjoyed both massive commercial success and widespread critical acclaim since its release in April 2025.

That winning momentum carried over to the 79thBritish Academy Film Awards, where “Sinners” walked away with a total of three trophies.

Coogler’s personal triumph proved especially significant, marking a history-making moment for a black filmmaker at the BAFTAs.

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Almost immediately, industry watchers began predicting similar success at the upcoming Academy Awards.

“Sinners” heads into the Oscars with an impressive 16 nominations, with the ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.

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Ryan Coogler Becomes First Black BAFTA Winner For Original Screenplay

Ryan Coogler at the Golden Globes
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Coogler’s victory for the Best Original Screenplay at the 2026 BAFTAs was the first ever by a Black filmmaker.

Woody Allen holds the record for the most wins (four) in the category, recognized for scripts including “Broadway Danny Rose” and “Husbands and Wives.”

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Other notable past winners include Nora Ephron for “When Harry Met Sally,” Quentin Tarantino for “Pulp Fiction,” and Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza.”

As he received his trophy, Coogler admitted that he hadn’t expected the win, while also paying tribute to his fellow nominees.

“I’m nominated with some incredible writers,” he said. “I’ll share this with y’all… Y’all already won by being here.”

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‘Sinners’ Triumphs As Wunmi Mosaku Takes Best Supporting Actress

As well as Coogler’s Best Original Screenplay, another big win for “Sinners” on BAFTAs night saw Wunmi Mosaku crowned as Best Supporting Actress.

In the film, Mosaku portrays Annie, a hoodoo practitioner who is also the estranged wife of Smoke, one of Michael B. Jordan’s twin characters.

During her acceptance speech, the Nigerian-born actress reflected on the deeply personal connection she felt to Annie, comparing the character’s journey to her own experience as an immigrant in Britain.

“I found a part of myself in Annie,” she said. “A part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection. Parts of myself I thought I’d lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.”

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Fans Quickly Turn To Oscar Predictions For ‘Sinners’

"Sinners" cast and crew
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“Sinners” also secured the BAFTA for Best Original Score, with Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson taking home the accolade.

With those three major wins in the bag, speculation quickly shifted towards the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, where the film heads in with an impressive 16 nominations.

Coogler, Mosaku, and Göransson are all nominated at the Oscars in the same categories as those they conquered at the BAFTAs.

Writing on X, one user confidently predicted a similar outcome for the director: “Ryan has that screenplay Oscar in the bag.”

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Coogler is also nominated for Best Director, while the film itself will compete for the night’s top honor – Best Picture.

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Ryan Coogler Honors Black Filmmakers Who Inspired Him

As Coogler makes history with his BAFTA win for “Sinners,” the director has also taken time to acknowledge the Black filmmakers who shaped his journey.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Coogler mentioned the names of other directors who have influenced his storytelling voice.

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“I look up to them and their work, specifically Spike [Lee], Ava DuVernay, Nia DaCosta, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele,” he said. “These are all filmmakers that I get inspired by, and I feel like it’s beautiful that I get to make things in the time that they are making them.”

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‘Vanished’s Kaley Cuoco Explains Why Alice and Tom “Can’t Come Back” From That Surprising Final Reveal

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Kaley Cuoco as Alice looking serious in a tan coat in the MGM+ series Vanished

[Editor’s note: The following contains major spoilers for Vanished.]

Summary

  • In the 4-part MGM+ series ‘Vanished,’ Alice relentlessly hunts her boyfriend Tom after his train disappearance, exposing secrets and lies.
  • Alice and Hélène form a fierce, intimate friendship that becomes the show’s emotional core.
  • Tom shatters trust, leaving Alice to decide whether she can overcome and forgive his betrayal.

In the MGM+ original series Vanished, Alice (Kaley Cuoco) is determined to uncover what happened to her boyfriend Tom (Sam Claflin), after he disappeared aboard a train to the south of France. The couple’s trip to spend some much-needed time together in Paris turns dark when the doctor involved in humanitarian work seemingly vanishes, leaving behind his very confused archaeologist girlfriend. Uncovering shocking secrets that put her in danger don’t stop Alice from wanting to know the truth, as she realizes the man she thought she loved, she never really knew at all.

Collider recently got the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Cuoco about how her love of true crime helped draw her to this series, what she found most interesting about Alice, the dynamic between Alice and Tom, the nightmare of having someone you love just disappear, the special bond that Alice forms with Hélène (Karin Viard), the frustration in realizing that you sometimes you really just don’t know a person no matter how well you think you do, the moment Alice has decided that she’s had enough, Cuoco’s own input into the “Dear Tom” note, and whether there could be another season. She also discussed her upcoming HBO comedy series Kansas City Star and revealed why she’s so excited about it.

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As a Big True-Crime Fan, Kaley Cuoco Understands Her ‘Vanished’ Character’s Drive for Answers

“I would want to know what happened.”

Kaley Cuoco as Alice looking serious in a tan coat in the MGM+ series Vanished
Kaley Cuoco as Alice looking serious in a tan coat in the MGM+ series Vanished
Image via MGM+

Collider: The characters that I’ve talked to you about previously, in The Flight Attendant, Role Play, and Based on a True Story, have all had other things going on with them than what it seems on the surface. And with Vanished, things are happening to Alice more than they’re happening because of her. As an EP on this, were there things that you wanted this character to be and qualities you wanted her to have that you thought would make her interesting to explore?

KALEY CUOCO: Yeah. I keep thinking, actually, because some people are saying, “Well, if you love The Flight Attendant, I think you’ll love this,” with Cassie in The Flight Attendant, so much was happening to her because of her. She was an unreliable narrator. She was an absolute disaster. A disaster with a heart of gold. Things happened a lot because of her behavior. And I feel like with Alice, she’s actually a pretty grounded person. She has her life together. She’s very organized. She loves her career. Her boyfriend and her have a really specific lifestyle. They meet in these different places, they travel the world, they have no kids, they just have this really cool lifestyle. She has a great career. She’s organized as hell. And so, I think that made it even more terrifying that she was so duped by this man, even though, possibly, you can look at it like he was doing this for technically the greater good.

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She’s a step ahead of everybody. Cassie was always a step behind, and Alice is a step ahead. I think that’s even more terrifying when you’ve got your shit together, and you still have this big moment of betrayal. How do you move forward? How do you trust again? Is your curiosity so intense that you have to figure out what happened? I asked myself this through the whole process. I kept thinking, “God, if this happened to me, would I crumble and just get a flight home? Would I just run home?” But I’m so obsessed with true crime and answers that I think I would probably stay. I wouldn’t almost get myself killed, but I would want to know what happened. God forbid, what if something really did happen to him? How would you forgive yourself? There was a lot of push and pull that I thought was an interesting self-reflection on what I would do if I was in this situation.

To jump right into spoilers, Tom feels like a tricky character because this is a guy who’s been with Alice for years and she’s never suspected anything. So, what made Sam Claflin the right actor for Tom?

CUOCO: Well, two parts [to that]. Because of their lifestyle, they were really never together for long periods of time. They’ve been together for years and years. We know that they both have very global jobs, or careers. They meet up in these amazing countries. They have these two-week whirlwinds, and they separate again. It was believable that maybe he could be doing something totally different than what he’s telling her. What’s so lovely about Sam is that he’s so charming and endearing and authentic and just lovely. And then, he can play the, “Wait a minute, is there something else going on here?”

I like, with the flashbacks, that they start out with such rose-colored glasses and, as time goes on, they start to shift for her where she’s like, “Wait a minute, maybe I’m not remembering this the way that [it happened].” We’ve all done that. We’ve all romanticized so many different things and realized, “Oh, God, maybe that’s not exactly what it was.” So, he was perfect for this because he’s so lovable, and you believe that he wants to be with this woman, and he’s in this relationship. But there’s an edge there, and maybe he is lying. And how is he getting away with this? You see why maybe she never suspected anything, because he’s really innocent on the surface, and he’s doing all this good, saving children and [being] this global ambassador. You want to believe that that’s this wonderful trait that this man has.

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Kaley Cuoco looks at something off screen in an image for 'Vanished'


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I thought it was really interesting to have him disappear on a train while he’s taking a phone call while they’re in between stations. It makes a situation that already seems unbelievable that much more difficult to understand and explain. Do you feel like that really helped add to the feeling of desperation and panic since she’s essentially trapped on this train? She can’t even go out and look for him.

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CUOCO: It’s literally my worst nightmare. This is my favorite part of the show, to literally wake up from a nap on the train, you look over, and your boyfriend’s gone. Okay, maybe he’s in the bathroom. Okay, maybe he’s walking around. You’re on a train, [which is] a moving vehicle. Where did this man go? It’s terrifying. Unless he magically disappeared, how the hell did he get off this train? It’s a terrifying thought. She’s in a country she doesn’t know, and he’s literally gone. That’s horrifying. She innocently goes to the police, and then they start to look at her weirdly. Who can she trust? Now she’s thinking, “Oh, my God, what if they blame me for something?” They know, deep down, she’s not a part of this, but is she getting framed? She has no one there to protect her. It’s terrifying.

And I think with this much true crime as I watch, and with as many podcasts and documentaries as I’ve seen of people making absolutely insane decisions, that’s why this intrigued me. I was like, “Hell, yeah, this could happen. This could happen.” Would you stay? Would you try and figure it out? Would you go back? When I was reading the end, for a moment, I was like, “Oh, my God, are they really writing this, that she’s going to get back with him?” And then, obviously, she doesn’t. It was like, “I don’t think I could ever trust this man again.” There’s no way, even if he’s like, “I had to do this.” It’s like, “You couldn’t have told me anything? Maybe something small? Come on!”

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Kaley Cuoco Sees the Friendship Between Alice and Hélène As the Real Love Story of ‘Vanished’

“That friendship was very special.”

Kaley Cuoco as Alice moving quickly through a crowded street in the MGM+ series Vanished
Kaley Cuoco as Alice moving quickly through a crowded street in the MGM+ series Vanished
Image via MGM+

In the first episode, Alice meets Hélène, who offers to help her. By episode two, we learn somehow she knows more than she’s let on. They’re also a lot more alike than either one of them realized. What was it like to figure that relationship out? What did you most enjoy about exploring that dynamic? I thought it was such an interesting pairing that we don’t really get to see.

CUOCO: Yeah, it was. I actually think that was the love story of this story, this friendship. When she’s on the train and Hélène actually starts interpreting for her, Alice grasps onto her because she’s the only person that’s helping. She’s the only person that’s getting in the middle. Then, she sees her again, and it’s like, “Okay, it’s familiar. This woman’s trying to help me.” But now, you’re thinking, “Is she overstepping? This is now feeling weird.” And then, she runs into her again, and it’s a little suspect, but she has no one else to turn to and this woman seems to have information. She’s also extremely chaotic, so she’s like, “How do I trust her?” But I actually love their friendship. And obviously, as time goes on, Alice doesn’t have anyone else but this woman, and she has to put her trust in her. She has to be like, “Okay, this is the only person I have here. I’m totally screwed.” And they end up forming this really interesting, really sweet relationship where they truly help each other out. I love how they become friends in the end. I truly think that was actually the love story that we really wanted to happen. That friendship was very special.

There’s that moment when Alice finally catches up with Tom, and he’s just so cold to her and says, “Sorry, but we’re over.” At that point, why do you think she didn’t just completely lay into him? Did you have conversations about what that reaction would be?

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CUOCO: Yes, we did. There were parts of me that [were], just like you said, “How do you not completely lose your absolute mind in that moment? How are you not attacking him and screaming at him?” Remember, she knows that there are people watching her and there are police that are actually still following her. They’ve had their eyes on her, whether they’re framing her or not. If she starts to lose her mind in this public place, it’s going to be done for. She has to be very careful. I also think a betrayal of that deep, you go one of two ways. You go crazy and absolutely lose your mind, or you’re literally speechless and you’re caught off guard so poorly that you can’t even cry. It’s such a shock. You almost seem like you’re in a dream and it’s not real.

So, it was, “Okay, she’s not going to lose her mind in front of all these people.” There are police there. They’re eyeing her. She already was running through the whole city, which is not a big place, by the way. She’s starting to already get known in this place. She had to keep her cool for a second because, even later, she kept thinking, “That’s not him. Something is going on. Something isn’t right.” And her gut was correct. It wasn’t just someone cheating on her or someone who’s left. It’s like, “This isn’t the person that I knew. This is a totally different person. What happened?”

Sam Claflin and Kaley Cuoco in Vanished Episode 4


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We learn that he isn’t the villain that we’re thinking he could be and that he’s actually Interpol, even though he has done some things that he probably shouldn’t have done. Do you think that at least helps Alice feel like her internal judge of character wasn’t as broken as she thought it was?

CUOCO: Yes, I think that would comfort anyone to know, “Oh, my God, he didn’t just leave me,” and there was a reason. At the same time, it’s too big. You can’t come back from this. I just don’t think you can come back from this at all. It’s too large. It’s too intense. Also, he didn’t just leave her on vacation. She almost dies multiple times. She’s getting kidnaped. She’s getting beat up. She’s fighting people. She doesn’t even know what she’s doing, and she’s totally left to fend for herself. If he was as high up as he said, couldn’t he have sent someone? Couldn’t he do anything to make sure she was okay? He really left her. And to me, there’s no going back from there.

That’s why it’s so interesting to me that there is that moment of the two of them being together. They have sex again one last time before she leaves. Do you think she went into that knowing she was going to leave, or do you think she made that decision after that moment?

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CUOCO: I went back and forth with what I thought about that. There are parts of me that like thinking she planned it all along, and she was like, “I’m going to totally mess with him, and I’m leaving him and that’s it.” Another part of me understands the emotional turmoil. Maybe there was a part of her that thought, “Oh, my God, he does love me. I can get past this.” And then, they have this moment together, and she’s like, “No, I can’t get past this,” and it was more of a decision later.

I understand both. The amount of true crime I’ve watched and watched the decisions people have made in these dire situations going, “I don’t know why they did that.” Stress and this horrible circumstance make you do some wild stuff, so I can believe either way. I think she loved him tremendously, and she was holding onto this hope that maybe she could get past this, but she realized very quickly that she couldn’t.

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Kaley Cuoco Left Her Own Mark on the “Dear Tom” Letter Alice Writes in the Finale of ‘Vanished’

“He could have made any better decision that would have made this easier on her, and he didn’t.

I love the little dig of her leaving behind this note for him that says, “Dear Tom, at least I had the good manners to leave you a fucking note.” That was really a particularly perfect touch. Was that something that was always there? Was it always in the script? Was it always part of the character? Was that something that got added later?

CUOCO: The note was always there. I added the “fucking.” I added that part in because it’s so simple. It’s like, “You could have done that for me. You could have done anything to make me know, ‘Okay, there’s a reason for this,’ instead of leaving me, literally, ready to die.” He could have done anything. He could have made any better decision that would have made this easier on her, and he didn’t. To me, that’s not true love.

Clearly, he only needed one sentence. That one sentence conveyed everything.

CUOCO: That’s it! He could have written it. I know! There are so many things he could have done that he didn’t. I liked that little stamp on the end, and her going home and being like, “Okay, I can leave now knowing I did everything I could and this is it.”

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Would you like to play this character again? Do you think it would be challenging to figure out where to take her story next, or do you think there’s a way you could have her team up with Hélène and stop bad guys all over the world? Because I would watch that.

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CUOCO: Anything can happen. I think this is definitely, probably tied up in a bow. It was always meant to just be this. But TV is weird, man. Different things get picked up later. Who knows? I loved the experience, I loved the character, and I loved the people I worked with. So, you just really never know what can happen.

Even though Alice leaves Tom behind, do you think that or do you at least hope that she stayed in touch with Hélène?

CUOCO: Yes. If I could see their future, they are lifers. They are lifelong friends. I think they laugh. I think they talk all the time. I think they’ve become really, really close. I like where their story ended up.

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Kaley Cuoco Is Excited To Start Shooting Her Upcoming HBO Comedy Series, ‘Kansas City Star’

“We’re hoping to start shooting that by the end of this year, if not the beginning of ’27.”

Kaley Cuoco as assassin and mother Emma Brackett in Role Play
Kaley Cuoco as assassin and mother Emma Brackett in Role Play
Image via Prime Video

It seems like you’re having so much fun with the characters that you’re playing and the stories that you’re telling. You’re getting to do so much. They’re all mixed genre. Do you know what you’re going to be shooting next? You already have something lined up? Are you thinking about what you could create for yourself next?

CUOCO: Definitely next, and I’m really looking forward to it, I have a show with the Hacks team, called Kansas City Star, with HBO, and we’re hoping to start shooting that hopefully by the end of this year, if not the beginning of ‘27. It definitely takes me back to my roots of just pure, ridiculous, make-fun-of-myself comedy with an amazing comedic team, with Paul [W. Downs], Lucia [Aniello], and Jen [Statsky], the trifecta of brilliance behind Hacks. The storyline for Kansas City Star happened from something that happened to me, which was a jumping off point. Eventually, I’ll get to talk about it. That’s going to bring me back to all the stuff that I love, just pure, simple, don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously comedy.

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Release Date

February 1, 2026

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Network

Prime Video

Directors
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Barnaby Thompson

Writers

David Hilton, Preston Thompson

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Vanished is available to stream on MGM+.

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Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman’s Wife Expecting Baby No. 4

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, are expecting their fourth child via surrogate.

The baseballer, 36, and Chelsea, 34, shared a joint Instagram post on Sunday, February 22, that confirmed the exciting news. “Worth the wait. Baby #4 is on the way and our hearts are already so full,” the post read. “We are incredibly grateful for the amazing woman helping bring our baby into our lives, and we’re choosing to honor her privacy as we walk this chapter.”

The couple, who share three sons, Charlie, born in 2016, Brandon, born in 2020, and Maximus, born in 2021, then playfully asked their social media fans, “What do you think… brother or sister?” The caption accompanied a family photo that saw one of their sons holding up a black-and-white sonogram image.

The news comes after Chelsea spoke to Us Weekly last year about the frightening health emergency that rocked the couple’s family. After Maximus was rushed to hospital in July 2024 as a result of being unable to sit, stand or walk, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder: Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

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Freddie Freeman Gushes Over Wife Chelsea in Fight for Glory Series


Related: Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman and Wife Chelsea’s Romance Timeline

Gilbert Flores/Golden Globes 2024/Getty Images Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and wife Chelsea Freeman’s relationship has been a well-documented home run. Freddie and Chelsea got married in November 2014 and have since welcomed three sons: Charlie, Brandon and Maximus.  The whole family made the move to California when Freddie signed a six-year, $162 million […]

Chelsea, who described the situation as the most “terrifying thing” she had been through, told Us in March 2025, “He’s been so resilient. It’s been amazing to see. He’s still in [physical therapy] two times a week. It will be a full one-year recovery before he’s back to complete normal.”

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She added that the family have looked for a silver lining amid the health scare. “It obviously taught us that health is everything. It was awful. He was fully paralyzed on a ventilator. Seeing him able to play outside, it’s really a miracle for how sick he was,” she explained at the time.

The couple’s fourth child is not the first carried via surrogacy. In 2021, ESPN reported that the Freemans “explored fertility options” after trying to fall pregnant following the birth of their eldest son. After a surrogate was arranged to carry their second child, Chelsea also became pregnant “nearly simultaneously,” per the outlet.

The athlete told the outlet at the time that the pair hoped their story would provide motivation for other hopeful parents. “Every pregnancy and fertility journey is a little bit different for everyone … I think it’s an inspirational story that we have,” he said. “We tried for a couple of years, and it didn’t happen. We were talking with doctors, and they suggested surrogacy. We jumped at that, because we wanted to be blessed with more kids.”

Chelsea added that she had hoped for a large family soon after meeting Freddie. “As long as I’ve known him, he said that since he was a little boy, he always knew he wanted to be a dad,” she told the outlet. “As important as being a baseball player to him is, I think being a dad is even more important.”

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Freddie Freeman had one of his biggest fans cheering him on during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest game. “Good to have you back, Max! 💙,” the team’s official Instagram page captioned a sweet snap of Freeman’s wife, Chelsea, and their sons — Charlie, 7, Brandon, and Maximus, 3 — on Sunday, September 8. The Dodgers’ […]

Of her own motherhood aspirations, she said, “It was always my dream to have three kids by the time I was 30. When my 29th birthday came around and I still wasn’t pregnant, I never thought it would be possible. I think our story is definitely a story that God always has a bigger plan. Whether a family is looking towards fostering, adoption or surrogacy, children … no matter which way they come, [children] are truly a blessing for any family.”

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Broadway cancels Sunday shows due to New York City blizzard

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The original cast of “Operation Mincemeat” was due to take the stage for their final performance.

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35 Movies Like ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ For Even More Steamy Drama

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Sada with a knife between her teeth in In the Realm of the Senses

The Fifty Shades series, beginning with Fifty Shades of Grey, was one of the most widely mocked of the 2010s, consisting of three films released between 2015 and 2018, based on three books all published in 2011 and 2012. The novels were considered guilty pleasures by some readers and bafflingly awful by others, though it could well have been the case of there being no such thing as bad publicity, given the notoriety got people talking.

As such, a trashy trilogy of erotic novels became a cultural phenomenon, and then the movie adaptations proved similarly successful (at least when it comes to the box office; neither the book nor the film series did well critically). Whether they’d like to admit it or not, some people are undeniably interested in finding other movies like Fifty Shades of Grey. Movies like the Fifty Shades trilogy are likely to provide more silly romantic drama and thrills, though there are also quality movies based around erotic/sexual themes that more or less show the right way for such things to be handled in film. For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, or anyone wanting comparable films (because of similar themes, smuttiness, or to scratch a so-bad-it’s-good itch), the following movies may well be worth cautiously recommending.

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35

‘In the Realm of the Senses’ (1976)

Sada with a knife between her teeth in In the Realm of the Senses
Sada with a knife between her teeth in In the Realm of the Senses
Image via Argos Films

You know you’re doing something right as a provocative/challenging filmmaker if you direct something in 1976 and, nearly 50 years later, it’s still quite shocking, not to mention worthy of an NC-17 rating. This is the case for In the Realm of the Senses, which could be called an erotic drama in the sense that sex plays a big part in the narrative, but as for whether it’s titillating… well…

In the Realm of the Senses is probably more disturbing than anything else, but one’s mileage may vary. It explores a sexual relationship that begins intensely and only grows more so as the film progresses, with things gradually getting more and more violent, not to mention psychologically harrowing. It’s a lot to take in and then sit with, once the film’s over, but you do have to admire the confidence and commitment found in something like this.

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34

‘Summer with Monika’ (1953)

A woman standing under the sun in Summer With Monika Image via Criterion

Causing a stir in 1953, but being relatively tame by today’s standards, Summer with Monika is still worth mentioning as a significant film within the category of movies that can be described as “erotic.” It was an early Ingmar Bergman film, and far from one of his best, but nonetheless contains compelling qualities, telling the story of a young man and woman pressured into living together after the latter becomes pregnant.

What was initially just a “Summer” begins to look like a lifetime, which naturally causes drama and emotional turmoil for the two main characters. Summer with Monika was daring for its time and still feels pretty effective as a drama about societal pressures and the fragility of love, especially as the latter relates to young people who might still be trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.

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33

‘Room in Rome’ (2010)

Room in Rome - 2010 Image via Paramount Spain

If it had been made more recently, Room in Rome probably would’ve caused more of a stir and been more controversial. As it stands, it came out in 2010, and wasn’t seen by very many people either… so, hey, maybe it would’ve come and gone had it been made in 2025, too. As for the plot? There really isn’t any plot. It’s kind of like Before Sunrise, but with gratuitous nudity.

The two lead characters are attractive women who meet in a hotel room and spend a lot of time naked and/or having sex. It’s directed by a man, and that – if not criticized in 2010 – would’ve made Room in Rome open to lots of criticism if made in more recent times. Defenders might call it a purely sensual film, while others might say it’s too close to being a feature-length excuse to show lots of sex and nudity. Does the truth lie somewhere in between? Does anyone care?

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32

‘Crash’ (1996)

James Spader with cuts in his face looking out a broken windshield in Crash
James Spader looking through a smashed window in Crash (1996)
Image via Alliance Communications

David Cronenberg has made his fair share of movies appropriate for sickos, with Crash feeling overall like one of his most twisted and provocative. It follows the lives of various people who have what most would consider to be an unusual fetish: that of car accidents; people who seem to become sexually aroused by either the idea of cars crashing, or actually being involved in accidents.

It’s empathetic on top of being disturbing, and there’s an unusual atmosphere present throughout Crash that’s easy to appreciate when you’re watching it, but harder to properly put into words once it’s over. It’s certainly not a film for the faint of heart, by any means, but anyone after a character-focused drama that’s unafraid to explore a darker side of sexuality might well find Crash intriguing.

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31

‘Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!’ (1989)

Antonio Banderas in Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989) Image via Lauren Films

Antonio Banderas has collaborated with Robert Rodriguez many times, sure, but he’s also been a favorite actor of Pedro Almodóvar. Almodóvar caused a stir with the release of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, which was one of his first films to find some degree of international success, and it also provided a fairly early role for Banderas, who plays a disturbed young man named Ricky.

Essentially, the plot revolves around Ricky kidnapping an actress he once had sex with, and this premise somehow leads to some degree of comedy alongside being more intense/dramatic. Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! is pretty bizarre and hard to recommend to everyone, though it commits to its premise in an uncompromising and therefore somewhat admirable way, and overall feels like the kind of movie that doesn’t really care what you think. So, good for Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!

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30

‘Zandalee’ (1991)

Zandalee - 1991 (4) Image via Electric Pictures

If you’ve ever wanted to see Nicolas Cage take part in a movie with a similar premise to The Room (and execution that’s honestly not much better), then Zandalee is the movie for you. Cage plays a man whom one woman decides to have an affair with, as she’s gotten bored with her usual partner, which naturally leads to emotional turmoil, melodrama, and chaos.

It’s one of the best bad Nicolas Cage movies, giving the actor ample opportunities to overact while also being ridiculous across the board; not simply because of Nicolas Cage being in it. Zandalee is a mess and a largely forgotten one, at that, but those after a very specific type of overwrought 1990s cheese will likely find a great deal to appreciate here, even if such appreciation is ultimately ironic.

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29

‘Cat People’ (1982)

Irena standing behind bars at a zoo in Cat People
Irena standing behind bars at a zoo in Cat People
Image via Universal Pictures

A remake/reimagining of a classic gothic horror movie released exactly 40 years earlier, 1982’s Cat People is very much a different sort of beast, being sleazier, more explicitly violent, and decidedly more in your face. One’s mileage will vary on whether this was the right approach to take when updating an understated and quietly effective horror movie, but at the very least, both Cat People movies stand apart.

Narratively, this Paul Schrader-directed version centers on a woman with a dark past/secret involving large predatory cats, with such an unusual “condition” dramatically affecting her romantic life. Cat People is pretty wild stuff, and the eroticism can be laughably much, but it has a distinct style/feel it’s going for and achieves it all the way, making for a strange but somewhat engrossing viewing experience.

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28

‘Killing Me Softly’ (2002)

A couple about to kiss in Killing Me Softly - 2002 Image via Noelle Entertainment Limited

Definitely not to be mixed up with 2012’s Killing Them Softly, 2002’s Killing Me Softly is quite the infamous title, starring Heather Graham and Joseph Fiennes at a time when they were relatively well-known… though perhaps this film didn’t help their careers going forward. It’s a 21st-century take on the erotic thriller genre, following a woman as she tries to deal with growing suspicions about her husband’s past.

He’s had a complex history with previous partners, leading to paranoia and general distrust, all of which is supposed to grow more intense and passionate… but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Killing Me Softly is certainly one of the lesser-known erotic thrillers of its time, and has generally been forgotten to time, except by those who’ve survived watching it and have lived to tell the tale.

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27

‘The Boy Next Door’ (2015)

The Boy Next Door - 2015 Image via Universal Pictures

The Boy Next Door has a rather generic title, and there’s also little about the premise that inspires a great deal of excitement or anticipation of something unique. Essentially, the main plot focuses on a woman who’s going through problems with her marriage, and what happens when she begins to take an interest in a younger man who’s recently become her next-door neighbor.

Surprising absolutely no one, this man isn’t who he initially appears to be, and that’s before taking into account the fact that having the affair in the first place leads to consequences with the initial marriage. Watching The Boy Next Door, one feels a little bad for Jennifer Lopez being stuck in a leading role like this, because very few people would’ve been able to turn in a good performance with what she (and the other cast members) of the film were given.

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26

‘American Gigolo’ (1980)

Richard Gere as Julian holds the chin of Lauren Hutton as Michelle tenderly in American Gigolo.
Richard Gere as Julian holds the chin of Lauren Hutton as Michelle tenderly in American Gigolo.
Image via Paramount Pictures

A couple of years before Cat People, Paul Schrader also directed the rather erotically charged and intense American Gigolo, a film that happened to get a 2022 TV adaptation that sort of came and went. This 1980 film was noteworthy for being one of Richard Gere’s first starring roles, and also for featuring the Blondie song “Call Me,” which nowadays might actually be more well-known than the film itself.

Narratively, American Gigolo concerns an escort whose clients are generally older women, and what happens when he finds himself the suspect in a murder he swears he had nothing to do with. Perhaps it’s somewhat of an erotic thriller, but American Gigolo also emerges as something of a crime/mystery movie as a result of this plot development; not a great one, sure, but it’s got style, and the bold early 1980s aesthetics certainly pack a punch, too.

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