Chappell Roan is clearing the air about her alleged interaction with professional soccer star Jorginho’s 11-year-old daughter in Brazil.

“I’m just gonna tell my half of the story of what happened today with a mother and child, who were involved with a security guard who is not my personal security,” Roan, 28, said in an Instagram Stories video posted Sunday, March 22. “I didn’t even see a woman and a child, like, no one came up to me. No one bothered me. I was just sitting at breakfast in my hotel. I think these people were staying at the hotel, as well.”

According to the Grammy winner, she did not ask the security official to “go up and talk” to the family on her behalf.

“I did not, [and] they did not come up to me. They weren’t doing anything,” Roan stressed of Jorginho’s wife and child. “It’s unfair for security to just assume someone doesn’t have good intentions when they have no reason to believe because there’s no action even taken, like, that’s so not what I stand behind.”

Related: Soccer Star Says Chappell Roan Accused 11-Year-Old Daughter of Harassment

Soccer star Jorginho has publicly called out Chappell Roan for allegedly accusing his 11-year-old stepdaughter of harassment. “I went through a very upsetting situation with my family earlier today. My wife [Cat Cavelli] is in São Paulo for Lollapalooza Brasil,” Jorginho, 34, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, March 21. “This morning, my daughter woke up […]

Roan further stated that she has no issue with any of her fans.

“I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children, like, that is crazy,” she added on Sunday. “I’m sorry to that mother and child that someone was assuming something that you would do something and that if you felt uncomfortable, that makes me really sad. You did not deserve that.”

Jorginho, 34, made waves earlier on Saturday when he claimed that Roan’s security team wouldn’t allow his daughter to meet the pop star. (Jorginho, real name Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, shares son Jax with wife Cat Cavelli and is stepfather to her daughter, Ada, from a previous relationship.)

“I went through a very upsetting situation with my family earlier today. My wife is in São Paulo for Lollapalooza Brasil,” Jorginho alleged in a Saturday statement shared via social media. “This morning, my daughter woke up incredibly excited. She even made a sign because she was so happy to see an artist she really admires, or used to admire.”

Per Jorginho, Cavelli, 34, and their 11-year-old were staying in the same hotel as Roan ahead of her Lollapalooza set.

“During breakfast, the artist walked past their table. My daughter, like any child, recognized her, got excited, and just wanted to make sure it was really her,” Jorginho alleged in his statement. “And the worst part is she didn’t even approach her. She simply walked past the singer’s table, looked to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to sit with her mum. She didn’t say anything, didn’t ask for anything.”

A security guard allegedly told Cavelli and her daughter that she shouldn’t “disrespect or harass other people.”

“Honestly, I don’t know at what point simply walking past a table and looking to see if someone is there can be considered harassment,” Jorginho concluded. “I’ve lived with football, public exposure, and well-known people for many years, and I understand very well what respect and boundaries are. What happened there was not that. It was just a child admiring someone. It’s sad to see this kind of treatment coming from those who should understand the importance of fans. At the end of the day, they are the ones who build all of this. I sincerely hope this serves as a moment of reflection. No one should have to go through this, especially not a child.”

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian were spotted strolling along a street in Tokyo on Sunday, and fans on the internet are losing it.

Rumors of a romantic fling between the pair first emerged in February 2026, but despite a growing body of evidence, both have remained tight-lipped about any potential involvement.

Hamilton, in particular, is said to have been dismissive when asked whether they are in a relationship.

The Formula 1 legend was in Tokyo ahead of the 2026 Japan Grand Prix, following a strong showing in China.

Kim Kardashian’s Latest Sighting With Lewis Hamilton Leaves Fans Divided

Clips and images of Hamilton and Kardashian began circulating on social media on Sunday morning, triggering a wave of confused and divided reactions.

For many, the vague public status of their relationship remains a point of frustration.

“Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian in Tokyo together?? What is going on?” one user wrote on X.

“Is this real life or a movie promo? Tokyo glow up with LH and Kim vibes is wild,” another user added.

Others were more critical, with some comments focusing on Kardashian’s appearance and public image.

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“I feel like nobody cares about Kim Kardashian anymore or is that just me?” one comment on Reddit read. “She just doesn’t seem to generate the same amount of buzz she did even just like five years ago.”

Inside The Love Lives Of Formula 1’s Biggest Stars

Hamilton is no stranger to dating fellow high-profile celebrities, having most notably been involved with Nicole Scherzinger in the early 2010s.

If he and Kardashian ultimately confirm they are dating, it would not only continue that trend but also further elevate the profile of partners linked to the current crop of F1 stars.

Max Verstappen, for example, has been in a long-term relationship with Kelly Piquet since 2020.

Piquet is a model by profession, but she is also the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet.

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Another Formula 1 star in a high-profile relationship is Charles Leclerc, who recently married longtime partner Alexandra Saint Mleux in a private ceremony in Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton And Kim Kardashian’s Tokyo Sighting Explained

Hamilton has been in Asia this month attempting to strengthen his chances of winning an eighth world championship, which would also be his first since 2020.

At the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix held on March 16 in Shanghai, Hamilton finished third for Ferrari. Kimi Antonelli won the race, while George Russell finished second.

Despite his extensive experience, Hamilton described the race as the finest of his career to date.

“I think it’s the best racing that I’ve ever experienced in Formula 1,” he said in his post-race press conference.

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The next round of the championship is the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place in Suzuka, roughly three hours away from Tokyo by bullet train.

Lewis Hamilton’s Mum Reportedly Unimpressed With His Rumored Romance

While Hamilton and Kardashian continue to be seen together, adding fuel to ongoing dating rumors, the British driver’s mother is said to be unimpressed with the pairing.

According to a report by In Touch, Hamilton’s mum, Carmen Larbalestier, is not believed to be supportive of a potential relationship between the two.

“From Carmen’s perspective, the Kardashian lifestyle isn’t something that really meshes with her son’s personality long-term,” a source close to the family reportedly told the magazine.

Instead, Larbalestier is said to prefer a more understated partner for her son.

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“She feels he’d be better off partnered with someone that’s much more low-key and private,” the source added.

Hamilton Shut Down Questions About His Relationship With Kim Kardashian

Hamilton and Kardashian certainly caught attention at the 2026 Super Bowl, where they were spotted sitting next to each other.

In fact, The Blast reported about a lip reader who asserted that, during the course of the game, the rumored lovebirds were talking about meeting Hamilton’s mother.

The motorsport star was reportedly asked in the written press whether he enjoyed Kardashian’s company more than the game.

“It’s my private life, I’m not going to talk about it,” Hamilton is said to have retorted.

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In July 2025, he had hinted to RTBF that he was prioritizing his career over love.

“I’ve made a different choice,” Hamilton said. “I’ve decided to maximize the time I have here because it’s shorter than you think.”

Sometimes the stories hiding behind the uniform are wilder than anything you could imagine. For Brandi Tenlen, a longtime deputy, a side hustle intended to earn extra cash ended up costing her career. What began as quiet curiosity among colleagues quickly escalated into an investigation, uncovering a tangled mix of ambition, secrecy, and controversy.

RELATED: Resource Officer Reportedly Removed From Active Duty After Allegedly Tasing 18-Year-Old Student On School Bus In Atlanta (VIDEO)

Foot Content & Uniforms Raise Red Flags

Investigators uncovered that Brandi Tenlen had been creating and selling foot-focused content on the subscription platform FeetFinder. A supervisor kicked off a preliminary inquiry, and that inquiry led to a full internal affairs investigation. Content included at least one video where she wore parts of her official uniform while referencing her law enforcement role. Over 16 months, her account reportedly generated around $6,000 and featured hundreds of images and dozens of videos, ranging from simple foot photography to sexually suggestive scenarios. Additionally, some of this activity allegedly took place during work hours and using agency equipment, raising serious concerns about professional conduct. In total, 59 videos and 431 photos were allegedly found. Some of the footage and pictures showed Tenlen’s feet only with different items including fruit and toys.

Policy Violations And Workplace Fallout

Colleagues told investigators that discussions about Tenlen’s account occasionally spilled into the workplace, with some deputies even shown content directly. The internal affairs investigation flagged multiple policy violations, including misuse of departmental resources. Additional findings noted that Tenlen allegedly misused sick leave after a denied vacation request to continue filming content with a visitor from Canada. That incident alone further complicated the case.

Resignation Marks Abrupt End To Long Career

In the end, Tenlen resigned while under investigation. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of maintaining trust, professionalism, and integrity within the community. While FeetFinder operates legally as a subscription platform for foot-focused content, the case highlights the tricky gray areas for professionals in regulated fields. For Tenlen, a decades-long career came to an abrupt and very public close, leaving colleagues and the online world buzzing.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Miami BBL Trip Turns Fatal For 26-Year-Old Police Officer & Army Reservist

Macaulay Culkin has officially weighed in on the fictional Disney Channel Mount Rushmore debate! After “That’s So Raven” star Raven-Symoné shared who she believed belonged on the monument, social media users also jumped into the conversation, sharing their thoughts. On Instagram, Culkin shared who he believed deserved a spot.

Macaulay Culkin Says His Wife, Brenda Song, Deserves A Spot On The Disney Channel Mount Rushmore

Culkin, known for his role in “Home Alone” and his marriage to “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” star Brenda Song, posted an image of the latter from her time on Disney to his Instagram.

“Not that anyone asked, but I’m throwing my hat into the debate,” Culkin wrote. “THIS is my Disney Channel Mount Rushmore.”

Song appeared in numerous Disney productions throughout the early 2000s, including “Phil of the Future,” “Stuck in the Suburbs,” “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior,” and “The Suite Life on Deck.”

Culkin Says Wife, Song, Should Be On Disney Mount Rushmore After Symoné Gave Her Opinion

Culkin’s post comes days after Symoné shared who she would place on her Mount Rushmore during an earlier interview.

According to The Blast, Symoné placed herself, Hilary Duff, Shia LaBeouf, and the late Lee Thompson Young on hers, but notably left out Miley Cyrus, who starred in “Hannah Montana.”

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“I love you, Miley, but she came after,” Symoné said, which sparked a bit of controversy online.

Culkin’s Mount Rushmore Causes More Split Reactions Around Disney Legends

Like Symoné, Culkin’s Disney Mount Rushmore has sparked online conversation about which of the network’s stars are worthy of being considered one of the greats.

“London Tipton is literally a walking legend,” a user wrote on Instagram, while another said, “I love me some Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior!”

Another user said, “H— no! LMAO, but I love how supportive he is as a husband,” while a fourth wrote, “Yeah, no. She was cool, but sit this one out.”

One netizen said, “Her role as London was iconic, but the people Raven listed walked so she could run.”

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“The Mount Rushmore is who Raven said it is PERIOD,” another posted. “We appreciate those who came after – Miley, Wendy, Ashley, Dillan, Cole, Zac, Ryan, Corbin, etc.”

They continued, “They were all great in their contributions; however, the founding Queens and Kings who built the platform from the ground up is Raven, Hilary, Lee, and Shia.”

Why Christy Carlson Romano Doesn’t Believe LaBeouf Deserves To Be Considered One Of The Disney GOATs

Even more child actors have tuned into the conversation surrounding the fictional Disney Channel monument.

According to a previous report from The Blast, Christy Carlson Romano, known for her roles in “Kim Possible” and “Even Stevens,” said her former co-star, LaBeouf, did not deserve to be considered one of the network’s most iconic performers.

“Shia doesn’t deserve to be on the Rushmore,” she wrote in a since-deleted post on X. “I’ll be writing a substack on this so you can understand why.”

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In 2021, Romano revealed that her relationship with LaBeouf was not what some believed it to be. “I just kick myself because I really do kind of wish, if I’d known anything about him, I could have been a little bit more, I don’t know, patient,” she said.

While Romano, who also starred in “Cadet Kelly” and “Kim Possible: So the Drama,” did not expand upon her declaration, it came weeks after LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans.

Reports stated that LaBeouf, also known for roles in “Transformers” and “Holes,” allegedly got into a physical altercation after being removed from a local business during the city’s Mardi Gras celebration.

Years before that, LaBeouf was accused of horrifying crimes by his ex-partner, FKA Twigs, in a shocking lawsuit.

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LaBeouf Says He Does Not Have A Problem With Drinking Alcohol

LaBeouf opened up about his latest run-in with the law during an interview with Andrew Callaghan and admitted he would need to “deal” with his personal issues.

Rehab, however, is not on LaBeouf’s mind, he said.

“I’m just not into it. I don’t think my answers are there. I just don’t … I genuinely don’t. If I genuinely did, I’d go,” he shared.

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According to LaBeouf, he does not have a problem with drinking alcohol. “I think I have a different problem, and I’m gonna address it … I think I have a small man complex. I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more than my drinking.”

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 33 seconds ago

The Grim Reaper has already had a fruitful year in 2026, taking from Hollywood stars like Robert Carridine, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, James Van Der Beek, and even the invincible Chuck Norris. Now Nicholas Brendon has died. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor was 54.

According to a statement released by his family, Brendon died in his sleep from “natural causes.” If that sounds like a young age for such a cause of death, it is. The actor’s health was actually complicated by a lot of factors. He suffered from cauda equina syndrome, a spinal condition that required several surgeries. He revealed in 2023 that he had a congenital heart defect that had recently been diagnosed after a 2022 heart attack. All of this was exacerbated by mental health and substance abuse battles that he struggled with all his life, but his family reported that he was in good spirits and maintaining his health schedule before he died.

Brendon is best known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Xander was that awkward teen who was supposed to be the stand-in for the audience with his everyday reactions to his spreading awareness of what is out in his world. He was the Scooby gang’s broad generalist, ordinary and plain, while the other characters have their own skills or abilities, either as the Slayer, witch, or demon. Often overwhelmed, underprepared, and clearly misinformed, he was somehow the heart of the group, and he always managed to deliver. What kept Xander so relatable was that he was “everyone,” that very human connection.

Sarah Michelle Gellar was slated to be in the Hulu reboot of the Buffy series, and rumors abounded that other characters were going to be returning for the show. However, there were questions about Brendon’s participation because of his mental health and addiction struggles, especially as they resulted in numerous run-ins with the law. At the time of Brendon’s death, it did not seem that Xander was going to be included in the reboot, a fact the actor was not happy about.

Immediately following the success of Buffy, Brendon starred in Kitchen Confidential for 13 episodes. This half-season series was based on Anthony Bourdain’s novel “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” with the lead Bradley Cooper playing “Jack” Bourdain for Anthony himself. Brendon plays the pastry chef and friend of Jack’s, Seth Richman.

He maintained steady acting roles in his post-Buffy career, with another highlight being the film Coherence. In this 2013 psychological sci-fi thriller, he plays Mike as he and his wife Lee, played by Lorene Scafaria, host six of their friends as Miller’s Comet passes the Earth. What follows is a story where time no longer moves in a linear fashion. Out-of-sequence events culminate in the comet breaking up and a rather surprising ending.

Following this film came his return to the small screen in a major role as character Kevin Lynch in the long-running series Criminal Minds for 21episodes over the course of eight seasons. A technical analyst with prodigious technical computing ability, he is brought in to hack the computer of one of the series stars, fan favorite Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), to find out who shot her. Over the episodes, he is depicted or referenced and goes on cases to many locations with the team, even starting a relationship with Garcia. Although this character wasn’t one of his more admired roles, he nevertheless left his mark with fans.

Despite his struggles, Brendon continued acting until 2024. He even had two upcoming projects. With his untimely death, it appears that the IMDB page for his project Best Sheep is no longer available and was taken down during the research for this article. Once in a Blue Moon is written and directed by Valeria Sweet, and the role that Brendon was to play was that of Matt; little else is available about the production, so we will see what ultimately happens with the series.

Nicholas Brendon left us too soon. His wholesome on-screen persona masked serious struggles that the actor bravely faced while trying to maintain his career, constantly picking himself up whenever he fell. He may not have had the most stable off-screen life, but what he brought to fans was important enough to him that he kept fighting for it until his very last breath. Hopefully, he has found peace.

Jury Duty: Company Retreat hinges on actors pretending to be real people working at a hot sauce company — but where do you know the cast from?

The comedy premiered on Prime Video in 2023 and followed a group of prospective jurors going through the selection process and civil trial. Most of the cast are actually actors except for one participant, who is unaware that everything is fictionalized.

Ronald Gladden was a contractor who answered a vague Craigslist ad to participate in a documentary about jury duty.

“I was just under the impression that this was going to be a behind-the-scenes look … or what it was like for jury duty,” he recalled to Access Hollywood in April 2023. “So, I signed up for what I thought was a documentary. I didn’t really know what was going on until the end.”

Related: Where Are They From? A Guide to the ‘Jury Duty’ Cast: James Marsden, More

Amazon Studios/YouTube There’s no crazier jury duty experience than Amazon Freevee’s Jury Duty series and its comedic cast of actors reacting to unsuspecting Ronald Gladden. The comedy, which premiered on Amazon Freevee earlier this month, follows a group of prospective jurors go through the voir dire selection process and a civil trial. While early episodes appear like Jury […]

In addition to Gladden, James Marsden, Mekki Leeper, Edy Modica, Ishmel Sahid, David Brown, Cassandra Blair, Maria Russell and Kirk Fox made up the cast. Susan Berger, Ross Kimball, Pramode Kumar, Ron Song and Brandon Loeser also appeared.

Season 2, which premiered in March 2026, follows Anthony Norman, who is hired at Rockin’ Grandma’s Hot Sauce as a temp while unaware that the company is fake.

Keep scrolling to meet the season 2 cast:

Blair Beeken

Blair Beeken is Marjorie Lee a.k.a the owner of the retreat. She has also appeared in Pluribus, Black Monday, Dead to Me, Superstore and Throwback.

Alex Bonifer

Alex Bonifer plays Dougie Womack Jr., who is Doug’s son and future CEO of Rockin’ Grandma’s Hot Sauce. Off screen, Bonifer has been in Kevin Can F**k Himself.

LaNisa Renee Frederick

LaNisa Renee Frederick brings Jackie Griffin to life after starring in Shifting Gears, NCIS, Brooklyn 99 and A Black Lady Sketch Show.

Jerry Hauck

The role of Doug Womack — retiring CEO of Rockin’ Grandma’s Hot Sauce — is played by Jerry Hauck from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Superstore, Speechless and more.

Erica Hernandez

Erica Hernandez is Kate Martinez after previously appearing in True Lies, Bridge and Tunnel and Three Women.

Rachel Kaly

The role of Claire Coleman is played by Rachel Kaly from Worried and Hospital.

Related: Which TV Shows Are Renewed in 2026-2027?

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2026 is a big year for TV — but which shows do we definitely know are coming back for more seasons? Paramount+ surprised viewers by renewing Landman for a third season before season 2 came to an end. Inspired by the “Boomtown” podcast series, Landman is focused on the West Texas oil industry with a […]

Stephanie Hodge

Stephanie Hodge is Helen Schaffer after previously appearing in Evolution, Nurses and Unhappily Ever After.

Rob Lathan

Rob Lathan is Other Anthony after starring in Inside Amy Schumer and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Emily Pendergast

Emily Pendergast brings Amy Patterson to life after Leanne, White House Plumbers and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Marc-Sully Saint-Fleur

Marc-Sully Saint-Fleur is PJ Green after starring in Home Economics, The Good Place and Space Force.

Jim Woods

Jim Woods plays Jimmy Weber after being in The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Superstore and Reno 911!

Ryan Perez

Ryan Perez is Kevin Gomez after being in John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A., The Break With Michelle Wolf and The Lords of Synth.

It’s always a vibe when Tina Knowles steps out, but this time the energy around her had folks raising eyebrows. Tina’s gumbo stand has the internet split once again, with some people calling for respect while others are questioning what really went down. Either way, Ms. Tina had time this weekend—and it shows.

RELATED: Hot Take? Erica Banks Keeps It Real About Tina Knowles’ Cooking Skills After Trying Her Viral Gumbo (VIDEO)

Tina Knowles Confronts Customer For Filming At Her Gumbo Stand

Footage circulating online shows Tina Knowles at her gumbo stand during the Houston Rodeo, where she appeared to get into a back-and-forth with a man who was recording nearby. According to the person filming, the man in red was live-streaming the stand, though it’s unclear what prompted him to start. Tina can be heard addressing him, while he defends himself by saying “ain’t nobody on camera,” seemingly referring to footage captured by his drone. He also added that “everybody got their phone [out]” as the tense exchange continued, leaving social media divided over the situation.

Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, was spotted arguing with a man at her gumbo spot. 👀
(@ooonaniii) pic.twitter.com/ziiC8NZFga

— BlackMedia__ (@BlackMedia___) March 15, 2026

Social Media Is Split Over Gumbo Moment

Folks immediately ran over to X, and whew—the opinions were flying. Some users defended Tina, saying people need to stop harassing her and respect her space. Others argued that if she wasn’t Beyoncé’s mom, the backlash against her wouldn’t be this harsh. Meanwhile, another group chimed in saying recording in public is fair game, keeping the debate going strong online.

Yall are so annoying let this damn lady live just cus she’s beyonce mother doesn’t mean u can harass her

— . (@foaeel) March 15, 2026

In public expecting privacy is crazy. If people liked that shrimp in flood water concoction she would be glad for the cameras.

— Shonny (@itsShonny) March 15, 2026

Tina can argue with anyone she wants. She is running a business not a vlog. People are just sick in the mind and such opportunistic for content just to go viral. Small minds.

— SA Bathsheba (@TracieMae) March 15, 2026

Ok now leave this lady alone JAHSHAGADS

— 𓅓 KHI 𓅓 (@THEKHINGPIN) March 15, 2026

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Here comes a bunch of bots and Black people looking to hate on another black person. Typically The Culture.

— Been Betty Black (@TribeCalledBlaq) March 15, 2026

Erica Banks Co-Signs Tina Knowles’ Viral Gumbo

Whew, Tina Knowles’ gumbo has really been the talk of the town lately. From viral moments to real-life taste tests, folks can’t seem to stop discussing what she’s cooking up down at the Houston Rodeo. And now, another review is adding even more spice to the conversation. On Friday, Erica Banks pulled up to Tina’s booth and gave her official verdict via Instagram, sharing a clip titled “Ms. Tina’s Gumbo Review.” She told followers, “Now I did feel like I took 3 Don Julio shots after about 20 mins BUT — I give the gumbo a 9/10!” Erica didn’t hold back, calling it “good as f*ck.”

The buzz hasn’t just been online either. Despite a brief hiccup at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—where her booth was temporarily shut down following a complaint—Tina quickly passed inspection and got back to serving. Since reopening, lines have stayed packed, with supporters and familiar faces like LeToya Luckett and Bun B pulling up to show love. Tina has even shared clips of happy customers enjoying her gumbo, proving that no matter the chatter, people are still outside and ready for a bowl.

RELATED: Tina Knowles’ Gumbo Booth Reopens Following Temporary Health Department Shutdown At Houston Rodeo (VIDEOS)

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 51 seconds ago

Recently, the controversial Star Trek show Starfleet Academy finished its first season, and the online discourse about the show has been endless. Defenders of the series have constantly pointed out that because it took shows like The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine time to achieve greatness, everyone should give Starfleet Academy some grace during its initial shakedown cruise. To this, critics always have a simple response: that because modern seasons are less than half as long as they used to be, Star Trek shows can no longer afford to waste time getting good.

Whether Starfleet Academy gets renewed for Season 3 (Season 2 has already been filmed) may come down to various factors, including streaming numbers and decisions from upper Paramount leadership. Recently, however, it occurred to me that it would be easy for an upcoming series to finally make the divided fandom happy. All Paramount needs to do is give Tawny Newsome’s upcoming Star Trek spinoff a tighter per-episode budget and more episodes per season.

The Office In Space?

If you don’t know, Lower Decks legend and Starfleet Academy writer Tawny Newsome is currently working on a Star Trek show that is supposed to function as a workplace comedy. This unnamed series is set on a vacation planet (not Risa, though). Beyond this and the fact that she wants to set it in the 25th century (so, the Picard era), all we know about the show is that it involves helping the planet join the Federation. Oh, and the original pitch for the show involved some unspecified shenanigans that would somehow broadcast everything our Federation workers are doing to the entire quadrant. 

The series has not yet gotten the green light from Paramount, and it has reportedly evolved (albeit in unknown ways) since the original pitch. Personally, I always thought the “broadcast to the whole quadrant” thing meant they were doing a Star Trek version of The Office. At any rate, Newsome’s workplace comedy show provides the perfect opportunity for NuTrek to boldly go where it has never gone before: 20+ episode seasons, with a more modest budget for each episode.

The Numbers Game

Back in the Golden Age of Star Trek, shows like Voyager had 26-episode seasons, and this offered a number of advantages to the writers. On the most basic level, they had an extended runway: with this many episodes per season, you could flesh out your main characters and even give your side characters extended screentime. Most importantly, having so many episodes each season meant that Paramount could afford to have a few stinkers; the awful quality of early TNG episodes like “Code of Honor,” for example, would ultimately get outweighed by better episodes like “Conspiracy.”

However, the network could only do this because of the cost factor. Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes cost about $1.3 million to produce, which was admittedly a pretty penny back in the day. Now, though, Star Trek: Discovery previously cost about $8 million per episode, and there are persistent rumors that each Starfleet Academy episode costs Paramount $10 million. If that’s true, then it costs almost the same amount to produce one season of Starfleet Academy as it did to produce three seasons of The Next Generation.

That’s bad enough, but three seasons of The Next Generation add up to 78 episodes; meanwhile, one season of Starfleet Academy is only 10 episodes. That’s not enough time to develop every character, which is likely why Genesis never got her own episode like everyone else. Furthermore, short seasons lead to killer ratios: if, say, four of your episodes are stinkers (a very generous estimate for SFA), then 40 percent of your entire season sucks. That’s enough to make fans tune out and possibly seal a show’s fate long before it finally gets good.

NuTrek Goes Old School

What does this bleak numbers game have to do with Tawny Newsome’s Star Trek show? Simple: one of the big reasons that shows like Starfleet Academy are so expensive is because of all the top-notch special effects needed for stories where the entire galaxy is in danger. The crew is always visiting new places (exploring strange new worlds and all that), meeting exotic aliens (seeking out new life), and generally having ambitious adventures that are very expensive to bring to life.

However, if Newsome’s workplace comedy show really is like Star Trek meets The Office, it could potentially be far cheaper to create. Characters could stay in a fixed location, effectively turning almost every episode into a bottle episode. Residents of the vacation planet don’t need to have elaborate makeup; in fact, the show could return to the grand Trek tradition of having aliens who are just humans with something funny on their foreheads. Finally, the show doesn’t have to have legacy characters or other big names; instead, the cast can be comprised of almost entirely unknown actors.

Put it all together, and you have a new Star Trek show that is infinitely cheaper to make than Starfleet Academy. But I’m not suggesting Paramount lower its overall budget; instead, the amount of money they would normally allocate to a NuTrek show should go to creating seasons with at least 20 episodes. This would allow for greater character development and more rewatchability. Best of all, there would be a built-in grace period: even if the show’s first five episodes are awful, fans would forgive that if the next 15 are solid Star Trek.

The Best Of Both Worlds

Realistically, I know this isn’t likely to happen for many reasons, including Alex Kurtzman’s inability to try anything new. But Paramount is currently exploring whether or not to keep Kurtzman around, and new leadership seems eager to shake things up with the franchise. A smaller-budget Star Trek spinoff could be a return to the Golden Age, where classic episodes were created with killer writing and not a small mountain of VFX.

Done right, Tawny Newsome’s show (assuming it gets the green light) could be the best of both worlds: it would give NuTrek fans more show than they can handle while finally making old-school fans happy. Plus, it would give its biggest fans more episodes per season to stream, giving this series the coziness of shows like Voyager. But the only way this can happen is for Paramount to embrace some very unconventional wisdom regarding the budget for each episode: make it low, Number One!