Entertainment

Netflix’s ‘Arcane’ Stars Reveal How Many Times They Record the Pilot Episode [Exclusive]

Published

5 hours ago

25 April 2026

Silco holds a phial of shimmer in Arcane.

Nearly a year and a half has already passed since the dust settled on the second and final season of Netflix‘s smash-hit League of Legends series, Arcane, and since its inception, it still stands as a bit of a rarity. The series was created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, two members of the Riot Games team who originated the characters of Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) well before the possibility of a show was on the table. Despite a lack of experience in constructing television animation, they managed to produce an Emmy and Annie-winning juggernaut viewed as one of the greatest video game adaptations ever made, with jaw-dropping visuals by Studio Fortiche. As actors J.B. Blanc and Jason Spisak can attest, the lengthy process of getting there was far from typical for a project of its kind.

The voices of Vander/Warwick and Silco attended Calgary Expo this weekend for a panel moderated by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt that dug deep into all things Arcane. At one moment, they were asked about how the writing from Linke, Yee, Amanda Overton, and the team, combined with the overall high production value, pushed them to new heights in the booth. The biggest factor in the series’ favor, Spisak said, was time. The demands of streaming tend to be at odds with the painstaking nature of animation, especially in the case of a show like Arcane with its boundary-pushing work, but that simply wasn’t a worry for the production, which was given the room to perfect everything down to individual scenes with everyone involved in the process.

“Simply the amount of time that they had was a luxury. Typically in animation, it’s a bit more… it’s not a factory, but they’re pressed for time, so you don’t have the diligence to really, truly explore a scene or even revisit it at times if they thought that you did something that didn’t quite work with what this person did, and they bring it back, and they ask you to do it again. One of the biggest gifts we got on the show was just the luxury of taking our time. We got a chance to do a scene multiple times in multiple ways and really feel it out. And then Christian or Alex, or David [Dunne], would ask us, ‘What do you think about that?’”

‘Arcane’ Was the Result of Nearly a Decade of Work

Linke’s idea for Arcane stems back to 2015 and Riot’s general expansion of the League of Legends brand beyond the world-famous MOBA. For much of the time since then, Blanc and Spisak have been involved, with the former recalling getting to work on it roughly “nine years ago. Ten years ago, we first recorded.” Back then, the version of the show that Linke and Yee were making was a far cry from the final fateful conflict between sisters and cities that the show ultimately presented. The pilot alone evolved to an unprecedented degree for a typical television show. “There were 60 drafts of the pilot,” Spisak chimed in. “That’s unheard of!”

It wasn’t just drafts that got tossed in the bin, either. “They made a whole pilot, and scrapped it!” Blanc revealed. Alas, he couldn’t share many details from what that first opening looked like, though not because he’s required to keep quiet. “I wouldn’t remember because I’m old and stupid.” Spisak, for his part, wasn’t even present at the time. “No, because I wasn’t in here for the pilot. There was a pilot before the pilot I was in, so I was in the second one.”

The mere existence of another first episode, aside from what viewers see with Powder and Vi being taken in by Vander after their parents’ death and featuring material that didn’t make it to the screen at all, is a testament to how committed to perfection everyone involved in Arcane was, from the creators to Netflix, Riot Games, and Fortiche. Shows don’t typically throw away pilots and decide to make a new one that often, especially not in the case of an already wildly expensive project like this. Just so you know, this is unheard of,” Blanc asserted. “No one has that much money and time, right?” Spisak joked that it was all thanks to Riot’s oodles of cash from cosmetics and other little purchases around League. “We thank you for all your microtransactions!”

The Cast and Structure of ‘Arcane’ Were Ever-Evolving Early On

Both Spisak and Blanc are among the earliest surviving cast members to make it into the final cut of Arcane, led by Steinfeld and Purnell with Katie Leung, Mick Wingert, Kevin Alejandro, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, and more. “They changed the cast a number of times, and Jason and I seemed to keep surviving that, and we’d be quite uncomfortable, like, ‘You know that thing we did? Is that still a thing?’” Blanc recalled ‘”Nope, I haven’t heard I’m off the show, have you?”‘ his co-star added, remembering the long waits between updates. If the constant changes weren’t unusual enough, the lack of communication as the gears turned behind the scenes was especially confusing for the veteran voice actors. Blanc spoke to how long of a wait there was after doing the pilot, adding, “We recorded that, then didn’t record anything for a year and a half. So you kind of go, ‘That doesn’t feel like I have a job anymore.’”

There was an extreme level of secrecy to the whole affair, Spisak recalled. “It’s not like they were like, ‘Oh, don’t worry, you’re still in the show. You would never get that from them. No communication at all.” Unlike Blanc, his experience doesn’t even come from the very beginning of Arcane‘s inception. Before he was cast as the Zaunite crime lord Silco, the actor known for everything from Young Justice to Piranha 3D, and Fallout: New Vegas, had no idea who was originally tapped for his role, or if Silco, as we know him, even existed in his current state back then. “I don’t know the answer to that. I think there might have been another actor playing him.”

When he was brought on board, Spisak recalled the second pilot looking more familiar to what viewers eventually saw, albeit in a different order. The version he saw featured the same gorgeous animation, though it also contained a memorable speech from Silco that wouldn’t be heard until Episode 3. In fact, the entire episode would be folded back into the first batch release that viewers received back in November 2021.

“By the second round of the pilot, the opening of the entire pilot was actually the monologue at the beginning of episode three. So they made a pilot, and then chopped it into the first three episodes. So a whole pilot opened with ‘Do you ever wonder what it’s like to drown? It’s the story of opposites.’ And I mean, when they played that pilot on the screen, it was just mind-blowingly beautiful. It was the most beautiful piece of animation I’d ever seen. And then we heard nothing. We watched the pilot on-screen, then heard nothing for like a year.”

‘Arcane’s Unique Creative Duo Made for an Unusual Production

Vander holding Jinx and Vi in Arcane episode Welcome to the Playground.

Perhaps the most unusual part of the project was Linke and Yee themselves. It’s not entirely unheard of for a video game creator to helm its adaptation — see Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann with The Last of Us. However, the pair, despite being woven into the very fabric of who Vi and Jinx are, did not have the resumes of creators ready to make the jump into constructing an entire television show. Now the head of Riot’s animation department, Linke is a company lifer, starting as just a customer service agent in its early days before eventually being tasked with building up the music division. He and Yee are responsible for the original lyrical song for Vi in-game, as well as the music video for Jinx’s track, “Get Jinxed.”

Yet, as their career arc showed, they’ve always been capable of defying expectations, even before delivering their magnum opus. Their lack of experience in the job certainly threw Blanc, whose voice-acting career stems back to classic anime like the original Hellsing and games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, for a loop. Nonetheless, he was fascinated in a completely new way by what Linke and Yee were creating, even if they inevitably had a lot of learning to do and a few stumbles along the way.

“The truth is that you’ve got two people from the music department to write the angles, who’re starting to conceive and build an animated series, which has nothing to do with video games. It’s just a completely different beast. So, very early on, it was like, these guys really don’t know what they’re doing. We worked in animation for years, they didn’t know, but they were on to something. I didn’t know what it was, I couldn’t quantify it, I couldn’t say, ‘Oh, this is going to be brilliant,’ no. There was just something that was like a little thread that you start pulling on.”

Spisak was hit with a very similar feeling and chalked it up to the sheer determination of the duo. “You felt as though they wouldn’t give up until it was right. That was it. Even though they were fumbling around it a bit — they didn’t really have an animation pipeline; they had never made an animated series — you felt it when you were in the room with them.” They approached the process of creating an animated show unlike anything he had experienced. Perhaps the greatest example was when Spisak was in the booth as Silco, and both Linke and Yee were there to hear him give his sinister delivery up close and personal to ensure he infused it all with the exact feeling they wanted from the purveyor of Shimmer.

“When you go into a callback for a voiceover job. You’ve read at home, you’ve read the audition, whatever, you’ve listened to them. And they call you back in, you go to the studio, the creators and writers are there, and you’re typically on one side of the glass. There’s glass and the sound engineers and writers and everybody… you, as the voice actor, are inside the booth, on this side of the glass. We get ready to do the callback, and Christian and Alex, the creators of Arcane, walk up to the door of the booth, open it, and they come in and sit inside the booth with me. That is not how it is done. I don’t think I’ve ever had… because they wanted to see in my eyes, and they wanted to make sure they knew and understood. They’re like, ‘We want his voice to envelop you like smoke and convince you to do his bidding.’ That’s one of the things they said about Silco. And I’m like, ‘This is awesome.’ It’s so beautiful to have people who are creatively invested and dedicated to the point that they don’t want to be on the other side of the glass.”

Despite Its Evolution, the Vision for ‘Arcane’s Characters Remained

Silco and Vander in an alternate universe where they made up

Linke and Yee’s creative dedication to finding the right people to bring to life Piltover and Zaun’s most important figures shows how serious they were about making Arcane as perfect as it could be and how clear a vision they had for each character. For Blanc, there were very few changes to how Vander was characterized from the first time he was introduced to Vi and Powder’s adoptive father. Moreover, as a League of Legends veteran, the team was ready and willing to let him aboard right off the bat. “The character was the same from the beginning for me,” he revealed. “I don’t think I auditioned. I have this long history with League of Legends. I play a character called Braum in League of Legends, and I thought, ‘They’re making an animated series based on League of Legends, this is going to be crazy!’

What did change, however, was his expectations for what a League series could be. The Rift is full of over 170 colorful champions that range from the imposing, like Vi or Warwick, to the zany, like the eccentric Yordle scientist Heimerdinger. Having voiced the jolly Braum, Blanc came in with an energy that, initially, did not fit the dramatic, tragic, prestige storytelling that would make Arcane a critical darling. Yet, once he was in the door and on the same page with what was required of him, it all clicked. “It was immediate — and this is so rare, I can’t tell you how rare that happens — it was an immediate affinity for the character. I immediately got him, I immediately understood him, I immediately wanted to make him as fully developed as I could. And that just doesn’t happen. You’re always trying to fit around characters, and I just knew who he was.”

Again, that experience wasn’t unique to Blanc. “Yeah, same here,” Spisak added. “The first moment I had Silco in front of me, that’s fairly what you see.” His Episode 3 monologue, which he also read for his audition, helped him buy into the character immediately, and the complicated journey he would go on, from his reign over Zaun to his relationship with Powder/Jinx, which, despite his manipulation, was founded on genuine care.

“The moment I read that, that was the audition material. The audition material was the monologue from the beginning of Episode 3, which was the beginning of the pilot at the time. ‘Ever wondered what it’s like to drown?’ And the words in that monologue are so specific, and they say so much about who Silco is, and the moment I read it, I just connected with it. And that is quite rare. Sometimes you have to dig, you have to bring your intuition in some manner.”

Both actors also agreed that their respective parts were practically made for them, something Blanc insinuates Linke and Yee might’ve recognized themselves. “That’s also very clever of people to find the right role at the right time, right when you’re ready to play it. I had just been through a horrible divorce, I was fighting for custody, and all of that stuff is like, ‘Whoa, life really doesn’t take…’” Before he could finish, Spisak chimed in, adding, “Yeah, it arrived into my life at the right time as well. So, I don’t want to say we were meant to play these roles, but it’s kind of hard to argue any other way.” That said, Blanc did jokingly mention that Spisak wasn’t there for the first pilot, so perhaps there was someone else who would’ve been perfect for the part. “Yeah, that’s true. But anyone else who can say that isn’t here!”

Spisak also mentioned that he didn’t know exactly what Silco would look like when he began filming, only that he had his scar and other key physical elements. It was only later — after they recorded him in the booth and sent that footage away to the animators — that he would learn what Silco’s final appearance would be: his own face. “That is the biggest compliment that could ever be made. To have your visage immortalized by the most talented artists on the planet.”

Arcane is now streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned here at Collider for more coverage from Calgary Expo throughout the rest of the weekend.

Release Date: 2021 – 2024
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Network: Netflix
Showrunner: Christian Linke
Directors: Advertisement

Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall
Writers: Amanda Overton, Nick Luddington, Mollie Bickley St. John, Ben St. John, Giovanna Sarquis, Henry G.M. Jones
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Franchise(s): League of Legends

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Fans React As She Hits Weigh-In Ahead Of Fight

Published

10 minutes ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Fans Hype Up Chrisean Rock After She Hits Weigh-In Goal Ahead Of Fight With Zenith Zion

The countdown begins as Chrisean Rock gears up for her first boxing match against Zenith Zion on Saturday, April 25. While fans wait to see her step in the ring, Rock dropped a video on social media celebrated hitting her weigh-in goal. The clip has folks online hyped to see her fight and seeing her back in her athletic bag.

RELATED: No Pain, No Gain! Fans Show Chrisean Rock Love As She Shares Emotional Update Ahead Of Upcoming Boxing Match (VIDEO)

Chrisean Rock Keeps Her Eyes On The Prize Ahead Of Fight With Zenith ZIon

Roomies, Chrisean Rock can finally have some spaghetti after hitting her weigh-in goal ahead of her boxing match with Zenith Zion. Rock dropped a video on Instagram showing her and Zenith going face to face at their weigh-in event before they step in the ring. Rock told fans in her caption that she was happy to hit her weight goal and says she’s about to enjoy a lil’ cheat meal to celebrate. “Y’all I made weight at 159 lb I can now have spaghetti thank yall for yall prayer I was able to be discipline and get through the suffering,” Rock wrote.

Social Media Hypes Up Chrisean After Weigh-In Check-In

After The Shade Room posted the clip of Chrisean and Zenith, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of folks were happy to see her looking healthy and ready, while others said they can’t wait to see her in the ring.

Instagram user @eatingwithdani_ wrote, “She look so good!! Let’s go Rock!!! ❤️”

Instagram user @es_el_cheapo wrote, “It was the throwing punches and smiling for me 🤣😩 she play too much.”

While Instagram user @xvalerierosexx wrote, “She’s looking nice and healthy I know a “ living in a prayer “ when I see one ✨✨✨💞”

Then Instagram user @muse_roebuck wrote, “She got that body back! So proud of her 🔥”

Another Instagram user @justcallmemia._ wrote, “Keep the negativity to yall selves TEAM CHRISEAN that girl looking to good.”

Instagram user @nalaaaaa___ wrote, “ohhhh she looking like the old Chrisean 😍😍😍”

Then another instagram user @darriondadon wrote, “She looks great she’s literally built to be an athlete.”

While another instagram user @kightpatrick_ wrote, “I put the 🏠 on Chrisean🤷🏾‍♂️”

Finally, Instagram user @sidenotesonly wrote, “THATS OUR CHAMP!!! BRING HOME THAT WIN, BABY!!!! 🏆🏆🏆”

Rock Previously Shared An Emotional Update Days Before Her Fight

Before celebrating her weigh-in check-in, Chrisean Rock kept it 100 and opened up to fans about the struggle of staying disciplined in an emotional video. In a Snapchat clip, she told fans she’s been “going through it” while prepping for her fight, but she was still pushing through. While trying not to cry, she told viewers she wants to remember every challenge she faced on the way to fight day. She also said she was focused on cutting weight. “I want to remember how hard it took. How hard I had to work for this.”

But even with her disciple, Rock said she was super hungry and was craving french fries, spaghetti, and basically anything she could think of — but she refused to give in because she wanted to stay locked in. “I’m a little hungry, I’m a lot of hungry.” She added. “Stay humble! You’re doing this for your son. You’re doing this for your family.”

RELATED: She’s Ready! Chrisean Rock Shares Clip Of Her Boxing Skills & Internet Users Are Hyping Her UP (WATCH)

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Houston PD Fires Officer Ashley Gonzalez After Viral Racist Rant

Published

23 minutes ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Calling Black people chimps, n-words and justifying slavery on camera has left one Houston Police Department officer jobless! The agency shared on Friday (April 24) that it fired Ashley Gonzalez following her racist remarks. Gonzalez had initially filmed and posted her rant on Instagram’s ‘Close Friends,’ but it went viral after someone apparently leaked it. She has yet to address the public about her offensive comments.

RELATED: Oop! Houston Police Department Relieves Officer Ashley Gonzalez Of Duty Amid Investigation Into Viral Racist Rant

Houston Officer Fired Over Viral Racist Rant (UPDATE)

HPD announced the update regarding Officer Ashley Gonzalez on its social platforms, including X. They named her and shunned her actions, revealing she was fired following an internal investigation.

“The Houston Police Department (HPD) has terminated the employment of Ashley Gonzalez. As of today, she is no longer an employee of the department. HPD holds every officer to the highest standards of integrity and conduct, and will not waver in upholding these expectations.”

Additionally, HPD’s statement clarified that Ashley had been relieved of her duties earlier this week after the agency first learned about the viral video. Houston Public Media reported on Wednesday that Gonzalez was relieved with pay. HPD today confirmed a speedy investigation took place as required by state civil laws. Police Chief Noe Diaz Jr. strongly condemned Ashley Gonzalez’s actions.

“The behavior exhibited by Ashley Gonzalez was abhorrent, disgusting, and entirely unacceptable,” the chief said. “It is deeply disturbing and has no place in law enforcement or in our community.”

Ashley had reportedly been with the Houston Police Department since January 2024, assigned to the South Gessner Patrol Division.

WATCH THE NSFW, UNFILTERED VIDEO HERE.

pic.twitter.com/2rv4uvZ7Gt
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) April 24, 2026

Mayor Speaks Out After Ashley Gonzalez Is Fired

Earlier this week, several relevant organizations, from the Houston Police Officers’ Union to the local NAACP, had slammed Ashley Gonzalez’s racist rant. On Friday, Mayor John Whitmire reacted to the update in the Gonzalez investigation, per ABC13.

“The comments in the video recorded by former Houston Police Officer Ashley Gonzalez are outrageous and reprehensible. I was shocked and deeply disappointed to hear a Houston police officer use such foul and offensive language. Her actions do not reflect the values of our city or the Houston Police Department, nor the standards we expect from those sworn to serve and protect our community. Let me be clear: this behavior is unacceptable. I applaud HPD Chief Diaz for suspending Gonzalez when the department became aware of the video and firing her as soon as the state civil service process allowed. Let this incident serve as a warning to all City of Houston employees. There is zero tolerance for racism in my administration, and if you see it, report it immediately. I ask all Houstonians to rededicate ourselves to human rights and respect for others,” Mayor Whitmire said.

Social Media Reacts To HPD’s Swift Response To Racist Incident

The HPD update was viewed over 1.8 million times on X within a four-hour window. It also collected more than 8,500 likes and generated 400-plus comments. While some people seemed satisfied with the outcome, others questioned why HPD continued to pay her after relieving her from her duties earlier this week. Also, some X users are demanding HPD reopen cases involving Black people that Ashley was a part of. Houston PD has not said whether their investigation called for that step.

Meanwhile, others are hoping Ashley Gonzalez won’t be allowed to hold another position in law enforcement following her firing. Some also predicted what Ashley’s next steps will be.

Good. Now reopen all the cases she was apart of that lead to convictions. If we gone do it, let’s do it right.
— We #JustOutcheaTalking (@lawdog1911) April 24, 2026

everyone acting like this is a win is ignoring the fact that she’ll probably just be hired by a different county next month. the system is designed to let them keep their badges even after a termination like this
— Rose 🫶 (@heyitsrosexx) April 24, 2026

Go ahead and review her arrests too. Thanks.
— Stephie (@itzStephieLynne) April 24, 2026
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Now investigate her arrests too. She was way too racist and probably wrongfully arrested a lot of people. Also make sure she can’t be hired in law enforcement anywhere ever!
— Hell1s (@Hell1s) April 24, 2026

Good. So, she leaves Houston PD and is hired by the next city/county? Or is hired as a resource officer at a local high school? We all know her being fired doesn’t mean she won’t be seen in a PO uniform again.
Yall love to recycle the bad apples into different departments…
— cosmic gem 💎 (@k_beezy08) April 24, 2026

you know how racist you have to be for a POLICE DEPARTMENT in TEXAS to fire you? mother of god https://t.co/JlhAUNhmv4
— crawf (@crawf34) April 24, 2026
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Ok. What are the next steps? Her behavior was not only “exhibited” in those videos, but a reflection of her morality, beliefs, practices, and interpersonal interactions. Therefore, her entire file and every police duty she ever performed at HPD needs to be thoroughly investigated https://t.co/u2YldVE9PO
— opiNIAnated hottie, MPH (@AngieAfricana) April 24, 2026

May she never find employment again. https://t.co/Jv3z7qNk5o
— 🌙 (@analchanteuse) April 24, 2026

She will set up a gofundme and or Onlyfans and will make more money than the Houston Police Department paid her 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/b5vFdBWcz8
— The Chief ⚓️ (@C2thaL2thaIGG) April 24, 2026

I wish her the very worst! https://t.co/bxtEgzyqfi
— Vegeta’s Pink Shirt (@TheMissingReese) April 24, 2026
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RELATED: Louisiana Officials Release Gun Photo & Arrest Man Linked To Weapon Shamar Elkins Used To Kill 8 Children (UPDATE)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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Marissa Bode accuses airline of denying her access over her wheelchair: 'You should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves'

Published

37 minutes ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

“It is very rare that I’m flying and there isn’t a problem with my chair or I’m not talked down to,” Bode said in a recent TikTok video.

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Alan Cumming Gushes Over Friendship With Lisa Kudrow

Published

50 minutes ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Alan Cumming is opening up about his years-long friendship with Lisa Kudrow.

Cumming, 61, gushed about Kudrow, 62, while speaking to Us Weekly exclusively at the Time100 Gala on Thursday, April 23. The Traitors host shared his reaction to Kudrow’s tribute in Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026.

“I didn’t know it was going to be her. … They don’t tell you. And so it was just such a lovely surprise,” he told Us. “And you know, everything that she said about me, I completely feel about her.”

In her tribute, Kudrow wrote that Cumming is “just as spectacular in person as he is on your television screen.”

“I mean, are you kidding? He steps into the room, and you just can’t help but think, ‘Yes. Glorious,’” the Friends alum continued. “Everything about him is thrilling. And yet, there’s something about him that makes you feel like you can take a deep, calming breath whenever he’s near. He’s so fully himself — so free, so authentic — that simply being around him feels like a celebration. It’s really no wonder everyone is so drawn to him.”

Kudrow added that watching Cumming host The Traitors is “so much fun, not only because he always looks fantastic, but because he plays such a great villain.”

“The Alan I know off-screen is sweet, bubbly, and friendly,” she concluded. “He chooses joy, he chooses glee, and he sees the wonderful in everything. He’s a phenomenal person and also, luckily for us, a brilliant performer. Alan can do anything and everything, and that’s really all there is to it.”

While speaking to Us, Cumming recalled the “great connection” he made with Kudrow while they worked together on the 1997 comedy film Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.

“And we see each other sporadically, and work together sporadically. But I just always think of her as a really good friend,” he noted.

Cumming also recalled Kudrow hosting a panel for The Traitors in 2025, adding that he was “really moved” by her appearance at the event.

“It’s a lovely thing about knowing someone for a really long time, and having it be a genuine friendship,” he concluded.

Kudrow previously gushed about working with Cumming on Romy and Michele during an interview with Vanity Fair earlier this month.

“Alan Cumming, come on. He’s such a force,” she told the outlet. “I was so thrilled that he was going to be in Romy and Michele. He was so good. And then getting to meet him — and he’s so fun and light, so down to earth, but still like a little bit of that — oh, what is it? I don’t know — joie de vivre.”

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14 Years Later, This Forgotten Drama Series on Hulu Is an Ideal ‘Gilmore Girls’ Replacement

Published

1 hour ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Rory and Lorelai smiling next to each other in Gilmore Girls.

Even after more than 25 years, Gilmore Girls remains one of the best comfort TV shows, with its hilarious cast, memorable mother-daughter relationship, and idealized small town. As easy as the show is to rewatch, sometimes fans need something new, and the best answer to that question is the too-often forgotten Bunheads. Premiering in 2012, the Amy Sherman-Palladino series played to the writer’s strengths, yet it didn’t catch on like Gilmore Girls. ABC Family cancelled Bunheads after a single season, yet even with limited time, the series remains a compelling story.

Bunheads follows a struggling Las Vegas showgirl who impulsively marries and moves to a small town to teach at a ballet school with her new mother-in-law, whom she’s never met. With these two women at the center, the show is reminiscent of Gilmore Girls, though it offers an entirely new, equally complex family dynamic. And the similarities don’t stop there. While it’s not Gilmore Girls exactly, Bunheads has all the ingredients that made fans fall in love with the iconic series, featuring small-town charm, fast-paced witty dialogue, and an undeniable matriarch played by Kelly Bishop. Ultimately, the similarities that come from a shared creator and the drama-filled story make the short-lived series a must-watch for anyone who wishes for more of Gilmore Girls.

Netflix’s 3-Part Series Is Quietly Becoming the Perfect ‘Gilmore Girls’ Replacement

The Netflix series takes a more dramatic turn from the beloved classic TV series.

What Is ‘Bunheads’ About?

Bunheads thrives by taking an unlikely situation and making it a hilarious basis for the story. Michelle (Sutton Foster), a Vegas showgirl growing tired of the chorus, agrees to marry her persistent fan, Hubble (Alan Ruck). This decision turns her life upside down with a move to the small town of Paradise, California, where Hubble’s mother, Fanny (Bishop), disapproves of her. It’s a volatile situation, and it’s made more so when Hubble is almost immediately involved in a lethal car crash. Now the owner of everything, from the house to Fanny’s dance studio, Michelle, somewhat reluctantly, settles in the town, finding a new place for herself as a teacher at her mother-in-law’s dance school, though it isn’t without conflict. Not only does Fanny distrust her, but small-town life is overwhelming, especially when everyone has opinions about her life choices. While Hubble’s ex, Truly (Stacey Oristano), and the rest of the town judge her, Michelle must figure out what she wants in life and what to do with the unforeseen fallout of her impulsive choice.

10 Movies To Watch if You Love ‘Gilmore Girls’

We got us a Pippi virgin!

Michelle may be the lead, but there is much more going on in Paradise, especially with the dance school. While Fanny and Michelle clash, the students become prominent characters. Some of the most dedicated students, Boo (Kaitlyn Jenkins), Sasha (Julia Goldani Telles), Ginny (Bailey De Young), and Mel (Emma Dumont), quickly come to see Michelle as a mentor even as they face their own problems. As high schoolers, these four have plenty to figure out. The self-doubting Boo struggles with her body image, especially as it clashes with her dreams of being a dancer; meanwhile, the over-confident Sasha rebels to get her parents’ attention. Ginny and Mel’s stories both revolve around them finding themselves and exploring other interests, and all of this is combined with the drama stemming from young love. Between these leading characters, Bunheads is an eventful series more than capable of holding the audience’s attention.

‘Bunheads’ Plays to All of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Strengths

Much like Gilmore Girls itself, Bunheads displays everything Sherman-Palladino is known for, with strong female leads and fast-paced, witty dialogue. Michelle herself is a flawed but hardworking character trying to make her own way in life, appealing to fans who love Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and, of course, Fanny, being played by Bishop, instantly draws comparisons to Emily Gilmore, though not quite so classy. Once the students are thrown in, Bunheads also follows three different generations of women, but this time, they are connected by a love of dance rather than blood.

While Amy Sherman-Palladino has created several popular shows, most notably The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Bunheads is the most like Gilmore Girls, because it includes one key ingredient: a small town. Like Stars Hollow, Paradise exudes charm and drives the story as Michelle adjusts to a life where everyone knows her and gossip spreads fast. Although it is tragically short-lived, Bunheads is a series that every Gilmore Girls fan should watch, especially while it is easily accessible on Hulu.

Bunheads is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.

Release Date: 2012 – 2013-00-00
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Why Experts Say Viral Frozen Egg TikTok Trend Is Dangerous

Published

1 hour ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

A viral egg trend on TikTok shows users freezing whole eggs in their shells, slicing them in half and frying them into tiny “mini eggs.” The method has gained millions of views across multiple waves on the platform, resurfacing again and again as new users discover the hack and try it for themselves. It looks satisfying — the miniature eggs make for eye-catching content — but the FDA and USDA are now warning that the trick can be dangerous and should not be attempted at home, citing food safety risks including potential salmonella exposure.

Here’s what food safety agencies want you to know before you try it.

Why Freezing Eggs in Their Shells Creates a Food Safety Problem

The FDA and USDA caution against freezing eggs in their shells, and the reason comes down to basic physics. Liquids expand when frozen. That expansion can cause eggshells to crack.

The cracks are the core of the problem. They don’t need to be visible to cause harm. According to agency guidance, even when cracks can’t be seen with the naked eye, they can compromise the egg’s protective barrier and allow bacteria to enter. An eggshell that appears fully intact on the outside may already be compromised in ways you can’t detect just by looking at it.

The agencies also note that freezing does not kill bacteria already present on or inside the egg. As a result, contaminated eggs may lead to foodborne illness, including salmonella. If bacteria were present before the egg went into the freezer, they survive the freezing process intact and remain a threat when the egg is later thawed, sliced and cooked.

What Salmonella Actually Does to Your Body

“Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis,” per the FDA. While some individuals may not develop symptoms, others can become seriously ill.

The risk is higher for vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Because of this, officials warn that the TikTok “mini fried egg” trend is especially unsafe for kids.

What the Viral TikTok Videos Actually Show

Look closely at the viral TikTok videos promoting this trend and the food safety concerns become visible right on screen. Some of the clips show eggs coming out of freezers visibly cracked before being sliced and cooked. The shells have already fractured from the liquid expanding inside them — the exact issue that food safety agencies are warning about.

Commenters on the platform have raised concerns about the method as well. Some have referenced past versions of the trend and warned about earlier reports of food poisoning linked to similar behavior. The trend has resurfaced on TikTok after gaining millions of views in earlier waves, but the underlying food safety risks remain the same regardless of how many times the videos go viral or how many new users give the method a try.

How to Freeze Eggs Safely

Eggs can be frozen safely — but not in their shells. The FDA recommends cracking eggs first and freezing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen either as scrambled whole eggs or as separated whites.

Here are the key guidelines from federal food safety agencies for anyone who wants to store eggs in the freezer the right way:

Frozen eggs should be used within one year.
To prepare frozen eggs for cooking, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and cook immediately afterward.
Thawing at room temperature is not recommended.

How Eggs Should Be Cooked to Reduce Salmonella Risk

Beyond proper storage, how you cook eggs also matters for food safety. USDA guidance states that eggs should be cooked until both yolks and whites are firm to reduce the risk of salmonella. The runny yolk that many people prefer does carry more risk than a fully cooked one.

Vulnerable groups — young children, pregnant people, elderly individuals and immunocompromised people — are advised to avoid runny or undercooked eggs altogether.

The frozen egg trend makes for eye-catching content on TikTok, but the food safety risks behind it are real and backed by warnings from both the FDA and USDA. If you want to freeze eggs for later use, skip the viral method. Crack the eggs out of their shells first, store them properly in a freezer-safe container and cook them thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.

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Nia Long Melts Hearts With Rare Photo Alongside Her Two Sons

Published

2 hours ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Roomies, Nia Long has fans dropping heart eyes after she shared a rare photo with her two sons, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II and Kez Sunday Udoka. The flick has sparked tons of reactions online, with fans loving o see her in mommy mode while others can’t get over how she keeps aging like fine wine.

RELATED: She Gets It From Her Mama! Nia Long Shares Rare Photo & Video Alongside Her Mom Talita

Nia Long Shares Rare Family Flick With Her Sons

On Friday, April 24, Nia Long dropped a sweet photo with her two boys, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II and Kez Sunday Udoka. The pic shows Dez on her left and Massai on her right. Nia looked stunning next to her sons in a silver sparkling sequin dress, while Kez and Massai looked sharp in suits as they posed by her side. She shared the photo on X (formerly Twitter) and made it clear their bond is solid, and she loves her babies down!

“This bond is unbreakable. My sons. My loves. My teachers. My protectors. Mama love dem babies. “ the actress wrote.

More About Nia’s Sons Massai & Dez

Nia Long has always held it down as a proud boy mom. PEOPLE reports that she welcomed her first son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, with her ex-fiancé Massai Z. Dorsey in November 2000. Then in November 2011, she and her former fiancé Ime Udoka welcomed her youngest son, Kez Sunday Udoka. During a 2009 interview with Spotlight to Nightlight,’ Nia opened up about life as a single mom and dropped advice for women in the same role. She said she always keeps patience and reminded moms to ask for help when they need it. “Patience is super important as a single mother. You do have to be a little more patient because all of the responsibility is on you […] ask for help!”

Fans Can’t Get Enough Of Nia’s Sweet Family Photo

After The Shade Room shared the photo of Nia Long with her boys, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of fans loved seeing her in mommy mode, while others said she might be a muva, but she’s a forever baddie immediately after!

Instagram user @pannylala wrote, “Just beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Instagram user @dany_unforgettable__ wrote, “Lovely family! U go Nia❤️”

While Instagram user @_simplyydesiree wrote, “She’s absolutely stunning.”

Then Instagram user @kimmymar wrote, “Nia is badddd foreverrr! And her Sons are handsome ❤️”

Another Instagram user @morena_haze wrote, “Damn i want to be Nia’s daughter in law.”

Instagram user @hoodclasic wrote, “And they momma one of the baddest baddies 😍”

Then another Instagram user @call_me_ms.darling_ wrote, “She looking like the big sister 😍”

While another Instagram user @annanichole___ wrote, “Beautiful Queen with her boys!! Boy Mom💙”

Finally, Instagram user @bigback_cheesylover wrote, “So classy beautiful a black queen 👸🏿”

RELATED: Come Thru, Then! Nia Poses For Playboy & Opens Up About Where She’s At With Dating (PHOTO)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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Stefon Diggs’ Accuser Says Bad Rep Due To Cardi B Breakup

Published

2 hours ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Stefon Diggs at Jean Paul Gaultier Haute couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024

Stefon Diggs has been in the middle of a host of legal issues throughout the past year, the most serious of which involves a man who has accused the NFL star of sexual assault.

In response to Diggs’ defamation lawsuit against him, Christopher Blake Griffith is firing back with claims that Diggs’ tarnished reputation is due to his personal life and constant bad press.

In Diggs’ defamation lawsuit against Christopher Blake Griffith, the wide receiver claims that the social media influencer damaged his reputation and his income due to his allegations of sexual assault.

Now, via court documents obtained by The U.S. Sun, Griffith says that the state of Diggs’ reputation is due to his recent breakup with Cardi B and his messy personal life that is often the subject of tabloid fodder.

“There is a significant unresolved question as to whether Mr. Diggs’s claimed emotional distress was caused by sources other than Mr. Griffith’s posts on Instagram,” the court filing read. “During the period in question, Mr. Diggs very publicly started and ended a relationship with the musical artist Cardi B, with Mr. Diggs painted as a villain in the tabloid press.”

The court filing also pointed to reports from 2025 after Diggs was photographed on a yacht with multiple women and allegedly using drugs.

“Mr. Diggs was captured on video distributing an unidentified crystalline substance to women partying with him on a yacht, again widely disseminated by the tabloid press, and his performance as an NFL wide receiver declined materially,” the document read. “Any of these could independently account for reputational harm, emotional distress, or lost business relationships.”

The NFL Star Denied His Accuser’s Assault Claims With November 2025 Lawsuit

Stefon Diggs at Colts vs Texans — © Trask Smith/Cal Sport Media) Newscom/MEGA

According to TMZ, Diggs’ lawsuit states that Griffith fabricated a story about an alleged sexual interaction between him and the athlete at Diggs’ home.

In the lawsuit, Diggs claimed he, Griffith, and other internet personalities spent the night at a club in May 2023 after attending a charity basketball game in Washington, D.C. Diggs then explained that after going to the club, he invited everyone back to his home in Rockville, Maryland.

The lawsuit continued, noting that Diggs claimed that while at his home, he went into his bedroom before having his assistant escort Griffith from the residence.

Griffith claimed that during their interaction, Diggs drugged and sexually assaulted him, and in the aftermath Diggs conspired to have him killed.

“He attempted to have me unalived because of him making a sexual pass at me,” Griffith alleged during a podcast interview. “It wasn’t the sexual pass that frustrated me the most.”

“What made me most frustrated was the fact that he tried to unalive me after it, when in reality, even though I was drugged, even though I was violated, I never thought that the next step would be my life being threatened because you got turned down,” Griffith said.

Christopher Blake Griffith Demanding Stefon Diggs’ Financial Records

Per legal documents obtained by TMZ, influencer Griffith along with his legal team, recently filed a motion asking a judge to force Diggs to show evidence, via his financial records, that Griffith’s sexual assault allegations have damaged him financially.

Griffith and his legal team have accused Diggs of “resisting the discovery process” and one of the attorneys said that the football star “does not get to sue and hide,” which is in reference to Diggs’ November 2025 defamation lawsuit.

Additionally, Griffith also alleges that Diggs is attempting to “obstruct any discovery that would test his claims” and that Diggs “can’t have it both ways.”

Stefon Diggs at The Pierre Hotel — ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Accompanied by his legal team, including attorney Mitchell Schuster, Diggs entered a not guilty plea to the December 2025 charges.

“We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated,” Schuster told the media waiting outside the court.

Diggs was formally charged on December 30 with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges, after the chef said he strangled her over a payment dispute.

Cardi B And Stefon Diggs Broke Up During Super Bowl Weekend, But He Recently Attended Her Tour

Cardi B at 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party — C Flanigan/imageSPACE / MEGA

Months after their year-long relationship ended, Diggs attended a stop on Cardi B’s recently wrapped “Little Miss Drama” tour, sparking reconciliation rumors. Although nothing has been confirmed regarding them getting back together.

However, before recent events, the two publicly split during Super Bowl weekend.

The day after the Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks, PEOPLE confirmed that Diggs and Cardi unfollowed each other on Instagram. The rapper then confirmed the split when she addressed it for the first time on February 15, while on tour.

On February 25, an inside source gave US Weekly insight into what led to the breakup between the two.

“They are always so up and down. This isn’t the first time they have broken up,” the source said.

“Cardi is single and putting herself out there again,” they continued. “She feels free. He betrayed her so many times. Her friends have been trying to show her that he is not right for her and that she deserved better.”

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’Euphoria’ Ratings Soar As Criticism Grows

Published

2 hours ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

’Euphoria’ Ratings Soar As Criticism Grows

“Euphoria” came back from hiatus after four years, and despite the ongoing harsh criticism for its third season, viewers are still tuning in every Sunday in record numbers.

The ratings for the Emmy-winning HBO series indicate that more people are watching the show than ever, as the third episode is around the corner.

According to Variety, episode two of the current third season of “Euphoria,” which aired April 19, amassed 8.5 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max in its first three days. Those numbers match the viewership of the April 12 season premiere.

Additionally, the global total for “Euphoria” season three has surpassed 20 million viewers to date, which is a 68% increase in global viewership from the second season premiere in the same timeframe.

‘Euphoria’ At The Center Of Backlash Over Highly Sexualized Sydney Sweeney Scenes

Sydney Sweeney at 'Reality' New York Screening — MEGA

“Euphoria” fans were excited when the show finally returned to catch up with the cast of characters as they venture into adulthood via a five-year time jump. However, many fans couldn’t get past the scenes of Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard.

This season Cassie has embarked on a career on OnlyFans, resulting in her taking very suggestive and highly sexualized photos that many have deemed degrading.

Some critics have gone even further, accusing “Euphoria” and creator Sam Levinson of leaning into “disturbing” and “misogynistic” storylines more than ever in comparison to previous seasons.

In her very first scene in season three, Sweeney is dressed as a dog, as she pants, eats out of a bowl and is led on a leash.

Additionally, the following episode sees her dressed as an adult baby with her legs spread while sucking a pacifier, and also being topless with ice cream dripping down her nipples.

Other scenes feature Sweeney wearing a soaking wet American flag T-shirt without a bra and also dressed as a baseball catcher in only a nude thong.

Speaking to the general consensus of her scenes, one social media user asked, “How is Sydney even agreeing to do this season of Euphoria?” while another said, “Why would Sydney agree to doing allat… weird.”

Another described the scenes as a “humiliation ritual,” and added “Please god i cant keep seeing Cassie degrade herself in the most embarrassing ways imaginable.”

Show Creator Sam Levinson Discussed Controversial Scene Of Sweeney’s Character Dressed As a Dog

Sam Levinson and Sydney Sweeney — Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Levinson discussed the trajectory of Cassie’s character in season three.

“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it,” Levinson said.

“What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we’re able to tie into it so that we’re not too inside of her fantasy or illusion — the gag is to jump out, to break the wall,” he told the outlet. “We wanted to capture what she’s trying to show the audience and be inside of it, but then also pull back wider and see how depressing it is.”

OnlyFans Model Criticizes Sweeney’s ‘Euphoria’ Portrayal

Sydney Sweeney at 'Echo Valley' New York Special Screening — ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

OnlyFans model Sophie Rain spoke with Complex about Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie’s foray onto the platform and expressed her displeasure.

“I just watched the recent episode and while I do love Sydney Sweeney, I believe the depiction the director created labeling OnlyFans as this easy money gateway is damaging for girls,” Rain said. “Only a few hundred women on the platform have made worthwhile money, and many women only make a few hundred dollars a month.”

She also voiced her opinion on the costumes Sweeney has worn so far this season.

“I also think some of the outfits Sweeney wore, especially the baby costume, just horribly paints OnlyFans girls,” Rain told the outlet. “I am very conservative on my OnlyFans account, and depicting us as catering to certain audiences that like us to dress up as toddlers is damaging to our community.”

‘Euphoria’ Composer Labrinth Called Out The Show And Confirmed Exit Ahead Of Season 3

Labrinth on the red carpet — ROS/Capital Pictures / MEGA

In a post on his Instagram Stories weeks before the show’s season three premiere, Emmy-winning composer Labrinth spoke out about “Euphoria” and his absence.

“I’m done with this industry. F-ck Columbia. Double f-ck ‘Euphoria.’ I’m out. Thank you and good night x.”

He followed that message up with another on April 19 before the airing of episode two. “People will comfortably lie in this industry and still call themselves honest people. So no cap, I decided to remove whatever music I had in it,” he wrote.

Labrinth continued, adding “I spoke to HBO, as far as I know, we are cool. I left because, last truth, when I work for someone, their vision is paramount to me, but I don’t let people treat me like sh-t.”

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Budget Bride Passes Away During Childbirth

Published

2 hours ago

25 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Online tributes are pouring in for Kiara Janae Brokenbrough as heartbreaking reports resurface, drawing renewed attention to the life she once shared publicly with the world. The 32-year-old, who went viral for documenting her ultra-budget wedding with husband Joel Brokenbrough is now the focus of an emotional wave of tributes following a reported devastating loss tied to the arrival of her newborn son.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! 20-Year-Old Florida Woman Reportedly Indicted After Allegedly Giving Birth In Toilet & Letting Her Newborn Baby Drown

Kiara Brokenbrough Dies In Childbirth, Baby Fights

According to an online obituary and a GoFundMe campaign organized by Joel’s mother, Kiara passed away on March 30 as she welcomed her baby boy, Jonah. A family friend also claimed she died during childbirth, though official confirmation of the cause has not been publicly released. In the midst of the tragedy, baby Jonah is reportedly in neonatal intensive care unit, where loved ones say he is showing signs of progress. “Jonah, like his parents, is a fighter,” her obituary shared, noting that he continues to inspire both family and hospital staff as he improves day by day.

The GoFundMe page, which has nearly reached its $100,000 goal, describes the emotional toll the loss has taken on Joel, who is now navigating life as a new father under unimaginable circumstances. It also highlights the support he will need moving forward—physically, emotionally, and financially—as he adjusts to raising his son while grieving his wife. In a public tribute, Joel referred to Kiara as his “beautiful, God-fearing, worshipping wife,” sharing that he is still processing the sudden and painful loss.

Kiara & Joel’s Viral Love Story Resurfaces Amid Tragedy

Kiara and Joel first captured public attention in 2022 after their wedding went viral for its unusually low cost—reportedly just $500. At the time, Kiara proudly shared how the couple kept things simple and intentional. They chose a free outdoor venue to help cut traditional expenses to focus on what mattered most to them. Their story resonated with many for its authenticity, with the couple later continuing to share life updates, including their pregnancy journey and excitement for their growing family.

Since news of her passing surfaced, social media users have filled timelines with tributes. Plenty of fans reflected on Kiara’s viral past and the fragility of how her story ended. Alongside the grief, many have also sparked broader conversations about maternal health and loss.

Folks React In Shock, Send Heartfelt Prayers

Fans flooded The Shade Room’s IG comments in disbelief, expressing shock and heartbreak over Kiara Janae Brokenbrough’s passing. Some pointed to how much women’s bodies endure during childbirth. While others called attention to Black maternal health disparities. Amid it all, prayers and condolences poured in for her family and newborn son.

One Instagram user @kaylaaa.brynn said, “Fly high beautiful friend 😢🕊️❤️‍🩹 until we meet again 🫂”

This Instagram user @breahnazhane commented, “One day this country will take black maternal care more seriously.“

And, Instagram user @tomie_brownsugar wrote, “what do u bring to the table ? My life …Rip 💔”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @itscynderella added, “Women need more respect. Our bodies go through ALOT. 😢”

While Instagram user @tinkerbell_011 said, “Child birth is underrated , you literally between life and death.“

Lastly, Instagram user @eldixonn claimed, “She had a Master degree, married to the love of her life and birthed her first baby when she passed….that’s a better headline 👏🏾 May she rest in peace 🙏🏾”