Boston Blue is about to face the wrath of Blue Bloods usweekly fans after breaking up a beloved couple.

During the Friday, April 17, episode of the CBS series, Danny Reagan’s (Donnie Wahlberg) girlfriend, Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), returned to help with a case. Their dynamic, however, was off and Maria later revealed that she was struggling with her mother’s deteriorating mental health after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. She surprised Danny — and viewers — by hitting pause on their relationship.

“She’s in a crisis. She’s not sure what to do,” Wahlberg, 56, exclusively told Us Weekly at CBS Fest on Wednesday, April 15. “Danny is very stubborn [though so] he ain’t going down without a fight.”

Wahlberg, who has played Danny since 2010, urged fans not to worry too much yet, adding, “They must hold out hope for [them to] rekindle [their romance].” Wahlberg’s onscreen costar — and Danny’s partner — Sonequa Martin-Green weighed in on the twist.

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“I would love [to see them back together],” she gushed. “I love Marissa and I think that they’re lovely together.”

According to Wahlberg, there is a plan to “stretch” out the journey for Danny and Maria.

“I grew up watching General Hospital and All My Children and [I remember when] Laura disappeared,” he recalled “Laura disappeared and Luke was heartbroken and everyone’s like, ‘Oh man. Laura quit the show.’ Guess what? She came back and he ran and he hugged her. Then she left again. But that’s OK, it’s TV!”

Elsewhere in the episode, Sarah’s (Maggie Lawson) personal life was much more successful with Seth (Mike Vogel) popping the question moments before Danny and Maria’s split.

“One of the things I love most about our show is that’s life,” Lawson, 45, noted. “That’s human and that’s real. Sometimes when these beautiful celebrations happen, it’s a reminder of other painful things that people are going through and it can be a catalyst for something not so easy.”

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She continued: “I love that we showed that in the way that we did but it’s also really heartbreaking. So I would say, I’m sorry that we were the ones to bring on that really brutal conversation.”

Lawson told Us she was “always hopeful for love” when it came to Danny and Maria. Her costar Gloria Reuben, however, was “a little more jaded,” telling Us, “I always hope for a couple of days then I’m like no.”

Boston Blue airs on CBS Fridays at 10 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Paramount+.

Old Navy is a staple for year-round fashion, but if you ask Us, the retailer truly shines during the warm-weather months with breezy, vibrant pieces that demand attention. And if you want the latest and greatest in bold styles, Old Navy just collaborated with award-winning designer Christopher John Rogers to create a line filled with bright spring clothes that need to be in your cart.

Between the eye-catching colors, fun-loving patterns and body-flattering styles, we can’t choose just one piece to buy. It’s a good thing these tops, jeans, dresses and accessories are so affordable, starting at just $25. We know, it’s kind of hard to wrap our heads around that low price, too, since everything in the line looks so expensive. The only caveat? Pieces are already selling out as we type, so don’t wait long to shop these spring-ready finds.

Just-Dropped Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Collab Styles

1. Our Favorite: This one-shoulder number is going to be your new top for shopping adventures, dinner dates and beyond. We love the cool asymmetrical design with a twist detail that simply won’t roll up. And the bright red hue? Let’s just say compliments will find you constantly.

2. Going Viral: You may have noticed that drop-waist dresses are everywhere for spring 2026, and this poplin dress lets you lean into the trend. Similar to options on the runway, this pick has a flattering, elongating appearance that makes you look model-tall. Plus, the breezy appearance and fresh-looking hue beg to be worn on a European vacation.

3. Sporty-Chic: All the cool girls are replacing jeans with drawstring pull-on pants, and this high-waisted pair will make you want to do the same. They combine two trends in one — the pull-on design and the barrel leg that gives you a voluminous look in the best way.

4. Under-$30: Give your basics a major upgrade with this high-neck tank top that still lets you wear a bra — we love to see it. The top has a fitted appearance, which hugs your curves and looks great with baggy pant styles, like the pair above.

5. Everyday Essential: If your denim collection needs a little help, you can’t go wrong with baggy wide-leg jeans. Unlike your classic pair, this one has a subtle two-toned denim stripe detail on the side. It’s a small accent that levels up the ‘chicness.’

Related: J.Crew‘s Outlet Is Having a Huge Sale on Spring Blouses, Tops and More

Giving your shirt and blouse collection a spring refresh feels that much sweeter when you get all your breezy, elevated tops on sale. And while Us bargain hunters love a good deal, we expect pieces with high-quality fabrics, comfortable silhouettes and rich mom-looking style — which is why we’re shopping J.Crew’s massive outlet sale. The […]

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6. Pop of Color: Neutral shades have no place in our spring wardrobes, not when we can don pieces in this olive-yellow hue, which dominates designer spring collections, per Vogue. This halter maxi dress is all about that attention-grabbing color, a flattering halter neckline and the slimming basque waist.

7. Pack It Up: You can practically stuff your entire life in this large canvas tote that has room enough to house your summer read, water bottle, headphones, sunnies and more. We love the chic color-block trim that gives it rich mom vibes. Plus, you can wear it as is, or cleverly push in the ‘wings’ for a more compact style. Read: It’s two bags in one.

8. Petite-Friendly: Women under 5’3″ know the struggle of finding a cute maxi dress that doesn’t drag on the floor. This halter drop-waist style is the solution. It cuts off near the shin for a midi dress style that fits just right. We also appreciate the V-neck bodice that shows the girls off.

9. Trending Find: Remember your peplum top from college? Well, this Old Navy pick is definitely not that. It’s classy and elevated, while still giving you the tummy-slimming look you love from the peplum hem.

10. Mix and Match: You’re not having déjà vu. The above top mixes and matches well with this drop-waist midi skirt. They’re both cut from the same cloth — literally — giving you the option to wear them as stand-alone pieces or as a matching set.

11. Same But Different: Get our favorite top in dress form when you select this date night-ready maxi. It has the same one-shoulder neckline and fitted bodice, but extends beyond the waist to give you a beautiful dress that will make you boo do a double-take. It’s available in solid red and striped styles.

12. Get It Fast: This multi-striped sweater is on the cusp of selling out, but we still had to include it. We love the bright hues and keyhole detail in the back. Not into stripes? It’s also available in a chic golden olive hue, which is fully in stock.

13. Year-Round Staple: While we love a denim jacket, sometimes it’s a little too warm on an 85-degree Fahrenheit day. Your next best bet is a button-down denim shirt that still gives you that street style vibe without the extra weight.

Related: I Visited West Palm Beach, Here‘s What All the Rich Moms Are Wearing

As a Florida native, you can say I thrive when wearing colorful clothing, breathable pieces and cute yet conservative finds. And that aesthetic rings true for all the rich moms living in West Palm Beach. My family recently moved from Miami to the coastal city, and upon visiting, I couldn’t help but notice the prevalent […]

Natalie Portman is entering a new chapter in her personal life. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for roles in “Black Swan” and “Star Wars,” has confirmed she is expecting her third child. The baby will be her first with partner, French music producer Tanguy Destable, and comes as Natalie Portman continues to balance motherhood with her high-profile Hollywood career.

Natalie Portman Calls Pregnancy A ‘Privilege’ As She Announces Baby No. 3

Portman didn’t hold back when opening up about how meaningful this moment is for her, especially given her upbringing. “Tanguy and I are very excited,” she shared with Harper’s Bazaar. “I’m just very grateful. I know it’s such a privilege and a miracle.”

As the daughter of a fertility doctor, she said she grew up with a deep understanding of how difficult pregnancy can be for many. “I grew up hearing about how hard it is to get pregnant,” she noted.

“I have so many people I love who’ve had such a hard time with it that I want to be respectful around that as well. It’s such a beautiful, joyous thing, and it’s also not an easy thing,” she continued. “And so I know how lucky it is. I’m very aware, and I’m very grateful. I have deep appreciation and gratitude.”

Portman Opens Up About Motherhood As Life Enters New Phase

Portman is already a mom to two children, son Aleph, 14, and daughter Amalia, 9, whom she shares with ex-husband Benjamin Millepied. Her latest pregnancy marks a new chapter in her personal life following that relationship.

She reflected on how her perspective has shifted over time, especially as a parent. “There is a gratitude that when you’re young, you don’t necessarily grasp,” she shared. “And there’s a calm and knowing myself: who I want to spend time with, what kind of energy I want around me that makes the experience so beautiful every day. And knowing it’s probably the last time, I cherish every moment.”

Despite the pregnancy, Portman says she’s feeling energized and focused on staying healthy. “I have more energy than I thought I might,” she said, adding that she’s been swimming and practicing gyrotonics to “keep strong,” while also prioritizing time with her children, “which is always the best.”

While many new parents turn to the internet for guidance, Natalie Portman is taking a different approach this time around. The actress, who is preparing to welcome her third child, revealed she’s relying more on experience than outside opinions, having already gone through motherhood twice.

“I’m not really looking at social media that much,” she said. “I think maybe just having done it twice before… I read so many books the first time, and now I’m like, ‘Oh, we know what to do.’ It’s okay. You figure it out. We’re going to make lots of mistakes, no matter how hard we try. And also, we’re going to do a lot right without having to do research. I feel like if you’re just present and loving, that’s the best thing possible.”

Portman Quietly Moved Forward After Divorce From Benjamin Millepied

Before stepping into this new chapter, Portman closed the door on a long-term relationship. The actress finalized her divorce from Benjamin Millepied in February 2024 after 11 years of marriage. The split came roughly eight months after she quietly filed in 2023, following reports of an alleged extramarital affair.

At the time, a source shed light on the situation, saying, “He knows he made an enormous mistake and he is doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together.”

The insider also emphasized how Portman chose to handle the situation behind the scenes, adding, “Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.”

Natalie Portman Proudly Supports Son’s Fashion Venture

Natalie Portman is also celebrating a major milestone for her teenage son. During a January appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the actress looked back on her viral summer moment joining Role Model on stage, revealing it had a deeper meaning behind the scenes.

Her 14-year-old son Aleph has launched his own clothing line, Vanté, and Portman made sure to show her support in a big way. “My son, my 14-year-old, started a clothing line called Vanté. I’m very proud of him,” she said. “He really just did it all on his own. And so I wore one of his shirts on stage. So I just kind of felt like a banner for him. It was very exciting.”

Prime Video has no shortage of glossy thriller shows, but Scarpetta has arrived with a hook that’s a little more forensic and a little less generic than usual. Adapting Patricia Cornwell’s long-running novels was already a smart move on paper, especially with a lead as durable as Kay Scarpetta. What’s helped the show pop is that it feels like the kind of series viewers can settle into fast: crime scenes, procedural detail, strong personalities, and just enough family mess around the edges. That formula seems to be working, because Scarpetta is currently sitting at No. 3 on Prime Video’s worldwide TV chart.

Scarpetta stars Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Rosy McEwen, Jacob Lumet Cannavale, Hunter Parrish, and Ariana DeBose. The show follows a brilliant forensic pathologist using advanced investigative tools to unravel murders, with settings spanning Florida, Virginia, and Charleston. That’s a very solid spine for a crime thriller, and the names involved give it obvious weight.

Is ‘Scarpetta’ Worth a Watch?

Collider’s review stated that Scarpetta is a compelling but occasionally uneven crime procedural that succeeds largely because of its outstanding performances and ambitious storytelling structure. Aidan Kelley was of the opinion that, although the show took some odd turns out of place in a straightforward detective drama, its strong cast and engaging mystery make it a worthwhile addition to Prime Video’s growing lineup of prestige crime adaptations.

“Scarpetta is an interesting beast. Its performances are captivating, and the chemistry between all the actors is electric. That said, while its murder-mystery storyline is competently spooled out, its bizarre detours into unfamiliar territory lead to mixed results. Given the amount of time it’s taken for any streamer to successfully adapt Cornwell’s books, it’s going to be very interesting to see how discourse among hardcore fans differs from that of Prime Video subscribers looking for their next crime series fix. It’s a tough case, but Scarpetta is still worth exploring to see what secrets might lie beneath its surface.”

Scarpetta is now streaming on Prime Video.

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Release Date

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March 11, 2026

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Elizabeth Sarnoff

Directors

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David Gordon Green, Charlotte Brändström

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One Tree Hill star James Lafferty and his wife Alexandra Park have welcomed their first baby together.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, April 17, Lafferty, 40, and Park, 36, announced the arrival via a joint post.

“Love has new meaning. River Jay Lafferty – 12/4/2025,” they captioned the post, which featured a black-and-white image of the newborn’s hands grasping his parents’ hands.

Lafferty first met the Australian actress in 2015 when he was directing an episode of The Royals, which she starred in as Princess Eleanor from 2015 to 2018.

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Us confirmed in May 2022 that Lafferty and Park said “I do” in Oahu, Hawaii, surrounded by family and friends, including OTH alum Stephen Colletti and Park’s former Royals costars Tom Austen and Merritt Patterson.

After meeting on set, the couple later continued their working relationship by creating and starring in their own series, Everyone Is Doing Great. In the comedy, they play married couple Jeremy and Andrea Davis.

“James and I met working together. That’s one of the things we love about our relationship together is that we are both so passionate about what we do and we actually met on The Royals where James was directing me back in season two so yeah it’s really not that strange [to play fictional love interests],” Park told Who magazine in August 2021.

Lafferty shared a similar sentiment in June 2023, exclusively telling Us Weekly that while “it’s been tough and challenging” to juggle work and their marriage, working side-by-side has also had its benefits.

“The first year of our marriage has been crazy because we’ve been working on season two of EDG,” Lafferty told Us. “It’s been a wild ride.”

He added, “This is sort of where we thrive. This is how we get closer when we both do what we love together.”

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Related: James Lafferty and Alexandra Park’s Relationship Timeline: Photos

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Talk about a meet-cute! James Lafferty and Alexandra Park’s love story began on a TV set — and they have since played a small screen couple in 2021’s Everyone Is Doing Great. The One Tree Hill alum first crossed paths with Park when he directed a 2015 episode of The Royals (which shared a created […]

In February 2024, Park gushed over her husband to E! News and admitted she felt fortunate to have him in her life.

“We’ve been together for such a long time—we’re on our ninth year of being together now — so James took his time proposing,” Park joked to the outlet, adding of her marriage, “I don’t know if it surprised me, but it’s better. I feel like it was just the right thing for us to lock it down — because we’re best friends.”

Park continued, “I mean, every day is a surprise with James. We’re just really lucky to have each other.”

There’s nothing better than finding a good show to binge over your weekend, but it can be a complete bummer if you end up watching something disappointing. Luckily, there’s an AMC thriller, with four seasons, that is a total masterpiece. With all 28 episodes out now, you can easily get caught up on this incredible series before it comes back with a brand-new season next year.

What Is ‘Dark Winds’ About?

Dark Winds is based on a series of novels by Tony Hillerman called Leaphorn & Chee, and was brought to the screen by Graham Roland (with incredible executive producers like George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford). With the first season premiering in 2022, the Western series is centered around Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), a Navajo Tribal Police officer who works on a reservation in the 1970s.

Joe is a taciturn, stoic man who is dedicated to keeping the people who inhabit the reservation safe. He is also committed to preserving the traditions of his tribe, which becomes increasingly difficult as time wears on. He ends up also becoming a mentor to two younger officers named Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Bernadette Maneulito (Jessica Matten). But Joe is carrying his own baggage after the loss of his teenage son; he’s haunted by grief, and this makes it even more challenging to solve the mysteries that arise each season.

Related

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The Taylor Sheridan universe continues to expand.

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‘Dark Winds’ Has Released Four Seasons of Perfect Episodes

Dark Winds would be fun enough to watch if it were merely a psychological thriller, providing viewers with suspense and some cases to solve. But the series offers so much more by weaving in supernatural elements rooted in Navajo spiritual traditions. Joe isn’t just trying to take down different villains every season; he’s also forced to battle mystical forces (like a horrific monster in Season 3). By utilizing these intriguing and unique antagonists, Dark Winds rises above other standard dramas. Every single episode is gripping to watch while we see Joe grapple with his own demons — whether it’s his grief over losing his son and his troubled marriage or the consequences of his own actions as a sometimes morally grey character.

Much of Dark Winds’ success has to do with the stellar acting of its leading man, who ensures that Joe is the ideal protagonist in that you root for him even when he’s making some questionable choices. McClarnon effortlessly blends a tough exterior with a good heart, and his often subtle performance is awe-inspiring (especially when he’s doing something mundane like riding a horse or tracking a bad guy’s footprints). However, the supporting cast of Dark Winds is every bit as impressive. A true standout is Deanna Allison, whose performance ensures that Joe’s loyal, yet aggrieved wife, Emma, is a fully-fledged character with her own wants and needs. Dark Winds also showcases some fantastic guest stars, including Noah Emmerich, Jeri Ryan, Jenna Elfman, Titus Welliver, and Franka Potente (who plays Season 4’s terrifying villain). Each actor helps weave a captivating narrative that instantly draws you into the time period and the setting, and it’s truly a crime that no one has landed an Emmy nomination for their work in the show yet.

If you needed any other reasons to watch Dark Winds, perhaps a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score would entice you even more? This score is just additional evidence that there are no bad episodes to be found in the entire masterful series. The fourth season just wrapped up a few weeks ago, which means you can complete the entirety of the show released to date. Season 5 won’t be released until sometime in 2027, which gives you plenty of time to catch up. Queue up a binge of Dark Winds this weekend, and there’s no way you’ll be disappointed.

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Release Date

June 12, 2022

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Network

AMC

Directors

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Michael Nankin

Writers

John Wirth, Steven Judd, Max Hurwitz, Rhiana Yazzie, Thomas Brady, DezBaa’

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Jennifer Aniston never seems to age, and the secret is hiding in her a.m. cup of joe. Aniston adds a scoop of this Vital Proteins collagen to her morning coffee, as do thousands of five-star fans. It’s the easiest way to get Aniston’s ageless glow — especially since it’s only $30 at CVS.

In an Instagram post, Jennifer Aniston walked Us through her everyday coffee. All it takes is a dash of patience, cinnamon and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. With potential benefits for hair, skin, muscles and joints, her collagen powder is the closest thing to the fountain of youth.

Get the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for $30 at CVS!

Collagen declines naturally over time, but thankfully, this single-ingredient powder delivers 20 grams of collagen peptides in every scoop. Research suggests that collagen improves skin elasticity and hydration, reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. It can also promote stronger hair from the follicle.

Related: It’s Time to Replace Your Collagen Supplement With One That Actually Works

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Let’s be honest, collagen has become the wellness equivalent of owning a Stanley tumbler. Everyone wants in on the trend, but no one can quite figure out the exact payoff. If your daily scoop hasn’t resulted in clearer skin, stronger hair or faster recovery, it’s not just your imagination. A lot of collagen products simply […]

Beyond looks, you might feel younger. These collagen peptides are said to support the bones, joints, muscles and beyond, fueling your day wherever it takes you. Whether you’re running errands, logging trail miles or keeping up with a busy lifestyle like Aniston, a scoop a day has you covered.

Thousands of reviewers give this collagen supplement five stars. One happy shopper wrote, “This is magical fairy dust. I have two cups of coffee each morning, with a scoop of these collagen peptides. My hair, skin, and joints have never been better . . . Wish I had started this regimen twenty years ago!”

The tasteless powder goes undetected in whatever you mix it in, whether it be smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or coffee, making staying consistent feel effortless. With this collagen powder, you’re well on your way to looking (and feeling) like Jennifer Aniston.

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Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Go-To Moisturizer Takes ‘Years Off’ the Face, Per Shoppers

If you spend half of your day wondering how Jennifer Aniston never seems to age, same. Luckily, we don’t have to speculate. Aniston revealed the exact moisturizer that gives her a smooth, dewy complexion, and shoppers say it takes ‘years off’ the face. Aniston found the One Skin Face OS-01 Moisturizer while scrolling on Instagram, […]

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[Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Beef Season 2]

Netflix’s hit series Beef, from creator Lee Sung Jin, returned to the streamer for Season 2, taking viewers to an all-new country club location. With all eight episodes now available to binge, Collider’s Steve Weintraub spoke with director Jake Schreier about his thoughts on the finale, Season 2’s themes and message, and the show’s final shots.

This season, Beef is back with an all-new ensemble cast. At a luxurious country club, a young, newly engaged Gen-Z couple, Ashley (Cailee Spaeny) and Austin (Charles Melton), accidentally witness a concerning fight between their Millennial boss, Joshua (Oscar Isaac), and his wife, Lindsay (Carey Mulligan). The young couple becomes ensnared in their boss’s unraveling marriage and coercion, as the four of them vie for the approval of their billionaire owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). This season also stars Mikaela Hoover (Superman), William Fichtner (Talamasca: The Secret Order), Seoyeon Jang (Butterfly), and Song Kang-ho (Parasite).

As for future projects, Schreier also shares details on Marvel’s upcoming untitled X-Men movie, which he’s serving as director of after successfully helming last year’s Thunderbolts*. The filmmaker will once again reunite with Beef collaborators Lee and Joanna Calo, and discuss the “less-trodden” path their team is aiming for with the movie. Check out the full conversation in the video above or the transcript below.

‘Beef’ Season 2 Is Built Around Cycles, Repetition, and Samsara

Schreier says “there is no great victory” in the Season 2 finale.

Image via Netflix

Coming into Beef Season 2, I’ve seen the whole show, and this is a jokey thing, but is the message of Season 2 don’t drink anything unless you’ve opened it yourself?

SCHREIER: [Laughs] That would certainly be wise, I think. Yeah.

The other thing: Is the message of Season 2 that the rich are always going to win?

SCHREIER: I think what Sunny’s going for in the ending and that I thought was so interesting was I don’t know that we see it quite as a win, that if you really think about that very last shot, if we’re talking about spoilers and the samsara, that was something that he and Grace Yun, our wonderful production designer, talked about so much in the season. It’s this idea that we’re all sort of trapped in this cycle, and the Chairwoman Park is trapped in it, as well, and that there’s a tinge of sadness to that ending.

So, it isn’t necessarily a victory, even if, in normal terms, who lives, who dies, you might look at it as the upper hand, but when you kind of step back from it and look at it on the level of this wheel and this idea of being trapped, there is no great victory in that, and that some sort of acceptance of that cycle is important for all of our characters.

In Episode 1, there is a shot of Oscar [Isaac] and Carey [Mulligan] walking out of the club, and there’s a symmetrical shot in Episode 8 of Charles [Melton] and Cailee [Spaeny] walking out, sort of the same thing. Talk a little bit about that composition of how you’re setting it up in Episode 1, and you’re ending it in Episode 8.

SCHREIER: From the beginning, Sunny was really interested in cycles, and this idea of the past repeating itself. There are lots of really interesting, great hidden writing gems where Cailee starts to appropriate language that we’ve heard Oscar [Isaac] say or that we’ve heard Carey [Mulligan] say from before. But I think knowing a sense of where it was going to go, we actually didn’t film those on the same day, but we knew in designing the shots for the opening sequence of [Episode] 1 that there was going to be this kind of echo and repetition of that happening in [Episode] 8, with the slight exception that when they get in the car in Episode 1, that moment is sort of balanced towards Carey, because it’s about her frustration and anger that’s going to explode over the course of the cold open.

In [Episode] 8, we’re leaving it on the two of them, so it’s a more balanced shot of the two of them in the car. But that’s something that Sunny and I spend a ton of time talking about, is the minute shot structure of how to enforce those kinds of ideas of whose scene it is and how are we showing the repetition of this, and how are we visually dramatizing those ideas of the cycles that they’re going through? Obviously, the opening shot that starts on ants and then reveals them, that’s a mirror of itself, as well.

I wanted to bring that up. In the script, is it exactly that we are watching a close-up of ants crawling? How does that get figured out?

SCHREIER: We filmed a version of it on the day, and then we ended up on another day doing our macro close-ups of those ants. Again, obviously, throughout the script, there is this idea of bugs in a lot of different places, and this idea, obviously, if the show is about that kind of battle between the individual and the collective, and forming a partnership with someone and how much you hold on to yourself within it, starting it with an image of bugs that have a hive mind, I think, was really fascinating to him. So, it was fun to kind of dramatize that and then watch that get smushed as we move into our long opening take.

Jake Schreier Reveals the Secrets to ‘Beef’s Success

“These are all such incredible craftspeople and artists in their own right.”

One of the things about this show is that it’s just something where every department, from cinematography to actors, is just firing on all cylinders. What is it like in the month or two leading up to filming? Because everything is so good, and if it were easy to do this, everyone would do it, but it’s impossible. So, what is the secret sauce going on behind the scenes that is able to make this happen?

SCHREIER: I think it’s sort of what you said, and I think it was one of the great lessons of Season 1 of Beef and something that we tried to take onto Thunderbolts*, which is that if you are lucky enough to work with collaborators that are that strong, and you’re on a set with people where everyone is pushing each other to be better and better, and there’s just such an amazing group of people that make this show, then even if it is a month before and you’re running around it — I mean, I was in post on Thunderbolts*, so it’s like stepping out of the mix to go to set — when you have collaborators that good, that’s what elevates it. If everyone is really bringing their best and they’re the best at what they do, and we just have so many department heads, if you go through it, like James Laxton and Grace Yun, who I’ve talked about, or Finneas [O’Connell’ coming in the season. These are all such incredible craftspeople and artists in their own right that when you pair that with Sunny, who cares so deeply and is writing something so personal to him, but that can also work on a broader level, if we’ve been successful, then that’s what does it.

I’m so curious, what are your thoughts on the way the season ended in terms of what all happened?

SCHREIER: I think it’s fascinating. It was something that we talked about from the start. Sunny had this loose idea of where he wanted things to go, and then as he gets into the details of writing it, more and more of those details get revealed. The very last shot we didn’t actually add until later, because it felt like we needed something even bigger to encapsulate what he was going for.

But I think that that concept, again, that there are these ups and downs and these cycles in life, and you can see the patterns repeated in all of these couples. And again, this idea of the samsara and that the only way to escape it is to accept it, and going for this idea of acceptance, which might not be the most traditional way. And the season, like you said, you might think that, “Oh, the rich won,” and again, I don’t think that he sees it that way or that we see it that way.

One of the things for me about Beef is Sunny and I have been friends for years, and friends before we made this show. To get to see your friend make work that is so personal, but is also obviously on this large platform, and go for these ideas that don’t feel as obvious or as expected, and get to help them try to bring that to life like that feels like a really special opportunity.

By the way, I’m totally joking about the rich thing. I just want to be clear I’m messing around.

‘Beef’ Season 2 Hits Different at Every Age

“I hope those conversations are really fun.”

Image via Netflix

Season 1 sparked a lot of conversation about anger, identity, and modern life. What conversations do you hope Season 2 sparks?

SCHREIER: I think what’s going to be really fascinating about this season is to see the way in which different generations watch it. A couple weeks ago I was sick and I did a full Mad Men rewatch, and it plays so differently now that I’m older than the first time I watched it when it came out. We’ve seen even a little bit of how everyone who watches the show maybe gravitates towards a different character that they kind of choose to view the narrative through, and I think that could be a really interesting conversation.

Then also, obviously, this season is about relationships, and nothing could be more relatable to people who watch. Everyone’s been through a version or many versions of those. So, I think seeing yourself or seeing aspects of your life reflected in all of the different parts, and finding times where you might look down on a certain character and then come around to looking at the narrative through their eyes, I hope those conversations are really fun.

I’ve had this conversation with so many people. When you watch Casablanca when you’re 20, it means nothing. You watch Casablanca when you’re 30, completely different movie.

SCHREIER: Yeah. Yeah.

I’m just about out of time, but you know I’m fascinated by the editing process. How was editing Season 1 compared to Season 2? I didn’t speak to you for Season 1. Did either season go through big changes in the edit, or is the script so tight that it’s really just little bits here and there?

SCHREIER: The scripts are tight. There’s clarifying a few moments here or there, or maybe a pickup here or there, but predominantly you’re watching, more or less, what Sunny and our wonderful writers’ room wrote.

The particulars of the way it’s edited, there’s a kind of almost house style that we developed. I had this idea about unbalanced coverage where, in a dialogue scene, it’s never just evenly weighted, the shot and reverse shot. It’ll be closer to one character and further from another, and then sometimes even transfer within scenes. In Season 1, that was a little easier to do just because any scene that Amy or Danny was in was their scene, versus anyone else that was in it, it would become balanced when the two of them are together.

Here, we have four perspective characters, and sometimes even sex. So, just really trying to be cognizant on set and really huddle with Sunny and talk about whose seen this was, and should it transfer at any point, and then going in with the editors and really holding on to that structure, and enforcing that, and getting a sense of, like, where is that working and where do we need to make it stronger, and how is that playing if we’ve made some of those decisions in production of how we want to weight it in post as far as who’s perspective we’re viewing each of these moments through? Those conversations got a lot more complex in Season 2 just because of that larger cast of perspective characters.

Marvel Wants ‘X-Men’ to Feel “New and Different”

Jake Schreier and the team are turning to the comics to take a “less-trodden” path.

Image via Marvel Comics

COLLIDER: I heard rumors that you are also directing things for Marvel. I think you might have done a movie for them, and you might have something coming up.

JAKE SCHREIER: I might be making something for Marvel, yes. A movie called X-Men, I think.

Exactly. I thought Thunderbolts* was awesome, and you worked so well in what I call the Marvel machine. I’m just curious, what did you learn from making Thunderbolts* and working in that environment that you’re absolutely taking with you to X-Men?

SCHREIER: I guess mainly that it’s not a machine. What we think of as “the machine” is a group of people who are really lovely people who care deeply about what they make. We talked a lot about, in Thunderbolts* press, how Kevin was always like, “Do something different with this. Make it different. What can we bring to it?” There’s no house thing that you have to do. And I think that having the familiarity with them and getting to go back in and think about what to do next, it’s just exciting to think about how that could be applied on an even bigger scale.

One of the things I’m so curious about is that I believe you’re coming out in 2028, and you’re going to be coming out after Secret Wars. How are you planning on keeping the secrets, or the casting, or whatever it may be, under wraps when you’re going to be filming before Secret Wars is out? Have you guys already thought about, like, how do we keep the mystery, or is it like, well, we just have to accept that things are going to get out, and it is what it is?

SCHREIER: It’ll all be filmed in a black box, and we’re all just going to live in it and not emerge until we’re done with the movie. No, I mean, certainly the studio has a lot of experience with these things and how to try to hold on to what’s really most important. I can say that we’ve talked about it and we’ve thought about it, but I probably shouldn’t say any more than that.

I totally get it. For fans, where are you in the process?

SCHREIER: We’re still developing. One of the exciting things that’s tying into Beef is that Sunny, or Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo both worked on this season — obviously, this is Sunny’s show — and Joanna worked on this season, as well, and we worked together on Season 1 of Beef and also on Thunderbolts*, have come in and are working on a draft right now, which is really, really exciting to be able to put that group of people together again.

I also think just having the time to sit back, I’ve just been digging into so many of the old comics and the entire [Chris] Claremont run, and just going through stuff and really trying to think about, like, “What can we do well that feels new and feels different, and that hasn’t been done well before,” obviously, because there’s such an incredible cinematic tradition of these comics, but what can we do and how can we put our own stamp on what that is?

This is obviously not going to be a one-and-done situation, so how much when you guys are working on the script, are you thinking about a track of where this is all going to go? Because it is going to eventually go somewhere.

SCHREIER: Obviously, first things first, we have to make one great movie, but we always have an eye as we’re talking about it to what are the different places that this can go? What are the places that it’s been in the comics? What hasn’t been explored as much, and how can that be incorporated? And what are some of the different avenues that we could take that feel like a less-trodden path that we could go down? But those ideas are always out there as we have the discussions.

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He’s about to make a name for himself.

One of the things that I’m so curious about is getting a more accurate Wolverine in the movie, which means a short king. How much have you guys discussed that, and is it something that you think will happen?

SCHREIER: [Laughs] I think when it comes to any specifics, I’m gonna plead the fifth on that, if that’s okay.

What is Sunny bringing to the table? Because he’s such a fucking amazing writer, and I would imagine that he’s adding a lot, if you could touch on that.

SCHREIER: One of the things that I love so much about Sunny’s writing in Beef, and that he and Joanna are both so great about — she co-created The Bear, one of the most interesting shows on television right now — is that ability to take these very small interpersonal dynamics and explode them onto this much larger canvas.

In Season 1 of Beef, and people will see in Season 2, it always starts from the personal, and when you go back, and you read all of X-Men, and you see how much of it was also, obviously, the ideology is a huge part of what drives the narrative, but also the interpersonal. There’s a soap opera quality to it, when you go back and read those original comics, that I think having writers who understand both of those things and how to drive that ideology from more personal rifts, if we can get all of those things right, then in a way, that’s the thing that will feel most honest to what X-Men can be.

Beef Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix now.

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Release Date

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April 6, 2023

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Lee Sung Jin

Directors

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Hikari, Jake Schreier, Kitao Sakurai, Lee Sung Jin

Writers

Alice Ju

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