Entertainment
Nick Lachey Confirms In-Flight Encounter With Ex-Wife
Nick Lachey confirmed that he and ex-wife Jessica Simpson unexpectedly crossed paths on a flight. The news was reported in early April, but neither side talked about the experience until now. Lachey and Simpson were one of the biggest couples in the 2000s, even starring in their own reality show for MTV. They were married for about four years before parting ways and have never crossed paths since their divorce until last month’s plane encounter.
In early April, news outlets reported that former husband and wife Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson were together on a plane en route to Hawaii from Los Angeles at the end of March. At that time, sources said the exes did everything they could to avoid each other, as The Blast previously reported.
Lachey was recently a guest on “Watch What Happens Live,” where host Andy Cohen directly asked him whether it was true that he and Simpson saw each other on a plane. Laughing, Lachey said yes, it was true. “It was strangely okay,” he said, explaining that it had been two decades since their divorce and they had never seen each other in those years.
Lachey continued to say they “spent six and a half hours on a flight” together, making it clear that by “spent” he meant they were within proximity to each other.
The Singer Said Everyone Was Cordial
As TMZ reported in April, sources said there was no interaction between the exes, with Simpson even switching her seats to avoid her ex-husband. Lachey, however, said that the enouncter was “very, very cordial, very respectful.” He confirmed that he was with his wife, Vanessa, and their children in first class.
Simpson was also in first class with her mother, and Lachey noted that Eric Johnson, who Simpson is separated from, was in a different part of the plane with their kids. “It was honestly fine,” Lachey repeated, implying that nothing bad or awkward happened during the unexpected meeting.
Lachey seemed to confirm what one insider told PEOPLE in April. “They all had a nice conversation. Nick, Jessica, and Vanessa. It was very amicable and cordial,” the insider shared.
Nick Lachey And Jessica Simpson’s Relationship
Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson met in the late ’90s at a Christmas event in L.A. Years later, Lachey recalled that moment and said he was smitten with the singer, finding himself searching for her all night. They began dating soon after.
In 2000, the couple worked on a song together, “Where You Are,” which was included in Simpson’s album “Sweet Kisses.” Lachey and Simpson broke up in 2001, as the latter wanted to focus on her music. After 9/11, however, they got back together, with Simpson explaining that the horrific event changed her perspective. “I knew that I never, ever wanted to be away from Nick ever for the rest of my life,” she said.
The couple married in Texas in 2002 in front of about 300 guests.
The Couple Grew Apart And Separated After Three Years
Lachey and Simpson starred in the MTV reality show “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica,” which ran for three seasons from 2003 to 2005. Fans were able to get a glimpse of the couple’s dynamic behind closed doors. Sometime in 2005, there were speculations that the couple had split up. There were also rumors that Simpson had an affair with her “Dukes of Hazzard” co-star, Johnny Knoxville.
Knoxville and Simpson denied the rumors, but in her 2020 memoir, the singer revealed she had an “emotional affair” with the actor and stunt performer. Lachey and Simpson confirmed their separation in 2005, with the latter filing for divorce months later, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2006.
Nick Lachey Is Happily Married To Vanessa
Lachey began dating Vanessa sometime in 2006, and they married in an intimate ceremony in 2011. They share three children: 13-year-old son Camden, 11-year-old daughter Brooklyn, and another son, 9-year-old Phoenix.
The husband and wife also work together, sharing hosting duties for the reality dating show “Love Is Blind.” According to Lachey, it takes discipline to keep their professional and personal lives separate. “I think that’s our golden rule, is don’t bring work home, don’t bring home to work. Try and keep it as separate as you can,” he said.
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Off Campus is returning for a second season — without one of the main characters.
Creator Louisa Levy confirmed on Wednesday, May 13, that Justin (Josh Heuston) wouldn’t appear in season 2, telling TV Guide, “Not next season, but I love Josh and I would not write him off if I can find a way to bring Justin back at some point.”
She continued: “We never got a chance to meet Stella, who is the person he ends up with in the book. So maybe we’ll find a way to fold him into a future season.”
Levy noted that it wasn’t always the plan for Justin to be absent. “We don’t have him [available] next season, but never say never,” she added.
Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]
Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show, which premiered Wednesday, follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” read the official synopsis.
Season 1 is centered around the “sexy and fun ‘opposites attract’ romance between quiet songwriter, Hannah, and Briar University’s all-star hockey athlete, Garrett.” (The show introduces characters played by Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston and Stephen Kalyn as well.)
Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli have since confirmed to Us Weekly that they would return for future seasons.
“I totally understand your concern,” Cameli, 28, exclusively told Us about each season of the Prime Video show being focused on a different fictional couple. “We will be along for the ride the whole time.”
Prime Video is investing in love with a wide variety of steamy rom-coms, star-studded TV shows coming this year— and a fan event to celebrate the upcoming YA titles. The streaming service announced on Thursday, April 30, that Prime Video was branching out with Obsessed Fest, which is described as “an inaugural summer tentpole event […]
Bright, 19, confirmed the plan is for them to be “sticking” around before Cameli added, “We’re excited to see what season 2 holds for [us].”
For Bright and Cameli, the experience of introducing the Off Campus universe was made easier because of their quick offscreen friendship.
“Doing a job like this would be so miserable if you didn’t like your costar,” Cameli shared. “We are so lucky. Ella and I are really, really good friends. We get along so well and we spend a ton of time together on set.”
Bright was just as grateful to have Cameli as her onscreen partner in crime.
“Honestly, we just have so much fun. It’s so cool to be able to go on this journey with everybody who just cares so much about this show and these characters,” she gushed to Us. “Everyone is here for the same reason. It definitely loosens the pressure a lot, because you’re sharing it with all these really great and talented people.”
Cameli pointed out that he and Bright have a seamless bond. “We just told you, that our faces literally hurt right now. We just sat here unmoving and laughing all day,” he noted.
Off Campus is streaming on Prime Video.
The film industry changed forever after Steven Spielberg released Jaws into the world. Typically regarded as the very first true blockbuster in history, this creature feature gave way to the creation of big-budget films aimed at mass markets, usually designed to generate tremendous box office returns. Ever since 1975, several of the world’s greatest movies have fallen into the blockbuster category.
A good, emotionally effective climax is essential to virtually any kind of movie, but it’s particularly important for blockbusters. Unsurprisingly, it’s precisely the kinds of blockbusters that have received the most critical acclaim and have had the most financial success over the years that tend to have the most exciting climaxes. Whether they’re action-packed, suspenseful, emotionally stirring, or all of that and more at the same time, they’re a masterclass in how to execute a third act with staying power.
There are spoilers ahead!
10
‘The Avengers’ (2012)
Nowadays, the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs no introduction of any sort. The franchise sparked by Iron Man back in 2008 is today the highest-grossing film franchise in history. But it all had to start somewhere, and even though it was Tony Stark that gave origin to the series, it was arguably Joss Whedon‘s The Avengers that really proved this formula for interconnected films could really work at a mass scale.
Before Infinity War proved MCU climaxes could be heartbreaking, and before Endgame went all-out with what’s perhaps the biggest climax in blockbuster history, the best MCU team-up movie practically invented the formula for MCU climaxes back in 2012. Never before had the world seen a final battle quite like this one in a film, and even as MCU climaxes have only gotten bigger and more epic, this one has nevertheless aged the best out of the bunch.
9
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Christopher Nolan is no stranger to making films with heart-pounding climaxes, but the best of them all is arguably the one from his most acclaimed movie: The Dark Knight. Praised by most as the greatest comic book film ever made, this is far more than just a superhero blockbuster: It’s one of the greatest action thrillers of all time, a gripping crime tale that has aged like fine wine.
Another one of the reasons why The Dark Knight is so highly acclaimed is that it has one of the best climaxes of any thriller. This finale transcends typical superhero story tropes by focusing on thematic weight, psychological tension, and cathartic payoffs. First, testing Batman’s moral compass against the Joker’s sense of chaos; and then, forcing the Dark Knight to face the downfall of Harvey Dent, Nolan creates what may just be the best climax of any Batman movie ever made.
8
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
Australian cinema and low-budget action cinema were never the same again after George Miller released Mad Max in 1979. The franchise led all the way to the somewhat-underwhelming Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985, and it would take a whopping three decades for Miller to finally return to the fascinating world of Max Rockatansky’s wasteland. Thankfully, not only did Mad Max: Fury Road live up to expectations, it set a new gold standard for the genre as a whole.
Indeed, this is one of the most perfectly-made action movies ever. Miller directs the endless chase of the film’s first two acts with exhilarating imagination and over-the-top energy. The movie’s only quiet moment is a turning point for the characters, who realize that salvation lies not in escape, but rather in heading back home. The adrenaline-pumping climax that cements Fury Road as a truly perfect masterpiece is a thematic subversion of everything that’s come before, and it’s as exciting as it is unexpectedly emotional.
7
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
James Cameron is one of the greatest visionaries in the history of cinema. That said, however, not everyone is as huge of a fan of his work as most people tend to be, but if there’s one bit of praise for Cameron that’s absolutely undeniable, it’s that the man knows how to lead up to a flawless climax. Case in point: Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which has one of the best climaxes of any action movie.
Relentless action, cutting-edge special effects, thematic closure, and emotionally stirring character work are all the reasons why Terminator 2‘s thrilling final moments are as effective and timeless as they are. A story about a machine learning to be human is a fascinating enough concept on paper, but the masterful way in which Cameron executes such a concept culminates in a climax that makes it shockingly difficult not to shed at least a couple of tears.
6
‘Aliens’ (1986)
Terminator 2 has a truly irresistible climax, but Cameron arguably delivered an even stronger third act five years prior, in 1986’s Aliens. It was always going to be hard to follow up a horror sci-fi classic of a stature as legendary as that of Ridley Scott‘s Alien, but the genre switch that Cameron executed by taking the franchise in the direction of an action epic was absolutely seamless.
Aliens has one of the best climaxes of any sci-fi movie, where Ripley faces the Alien Queen in a final showdown aboard the Sulaco spacecraft to save Newt. It’s basically the Alien climax on space steroids, cementing Ripley as a mech-riding action movie icon and showing why Sigourney Weaver made it all the way to an Academy Award nomination with this performance.
5
‘Mission: Impossible — Fallout’ (2018)
Even with the tremendous acclaimex that it received upon release and is still showered with today, Mission: Impossible — Fallout somehow still doesn’t receive enough credit as one of the greatest action movies ever made. It’s the pinnacle of the Mission: Impossible franchise, setting Ethan Hunt and his team in their highest-stakes adventure yet.
Ethan’s chase of Walker on a helicopter culminates in the hero and villain engaging in a brutal fistfight at the edge of a cliff.
Fallout is one of the most exciting thrillers of the 21st century, and that’s largely thanks to how immensely exciting its climax is. Ethan’s chase of Walker on a helicopter culminates in the hero and villain engaging in a brutal fistfight at the edge of a cliff, all against the clock as a nuclear weapon is mere minutes away from blowing up. The stakes are nail-bitingly high, the practical stuntwork is as life-defying as it is delightful to watch, and Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill‘s performances are top-notch. It’s 21st-century action filmmaking at its climactic best.
4
‘Titanic’ (1997)
Who else but James Cameron? Who, if not the Canadian legend, could have turned a period romance drama set aboard a doomed ship into one of the very few films ever to make more than $2 billion dollars at the box office? Titanic is one of the biggest phenomena in the history of cinema, and quite fittingly, it has one of the best climaxes of any epic movie.
Watching the Titanic sink is one of the most emotionally rousing sequences in the history of the Seventh Art. It’s gut-wrenching, tragic, romantic, technically flawless, and full of cathartic moments. While the vast majority of blockbusters have climaxes that are action-packed and largely reliant on a feeling of excitement, Titanic‘s climax sets it apart as one of the most unique blockbusters the world has ever gotten.
3
‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
It’s anyone’s guess whether George Lucas had any semblance of a clue back in 1977 that what he was creating would soon become the biggest transmedia franchise in history. Star Wars as a whole is an icon of cinema, and fans and non-fans of the series alike tend to agree that the question of which film from the galaxy far, far away is the best of the bunch has an easy answer: The Empire Strikes Back.
It’s one of the best movie masterpieces of the last 50 years, concluding in a good old-fashioned Hero’s Journey climax atop Cloud City. Luke’s confrontation against Vader culminates in what’s perhaps the most iconic plot twist in movie history, paralleled by the Millennium Falcon’s crew daring escape from the claws of the Empire. What makes this whole climax all the more effective is the fact that, unusually for blockbusters of this nature, it’s full of loss and tragedy for our brave heroes.
2
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers isn’t often regarded as the best installment of the trilogy, but there’s one bit of praise that virtually anyone who’s ever seen this adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s work agrees on: The Two Towers has by far the best climax of the series. The Battle of Helm’s Deep is far and away the best battle of The Lord of the Rings, and even one of the best in movie history.
This entire sequence, brilliantly intercut with Frodo, Sam, and Gollum at the edge of Mordor, is cinematic excitement in its purest form. You can experience the full spectrum of human emotions by watching The Two Towers‘ climax and third act: There’s tragedy, suspense, cathartic triumph, a sprinkle of poignancy, and some of the most eye-popping action of the 2000s as the cherry on top.
1
‘Jaws’ (1975)
It was Spielberg’s Jaws that fathered the concept we now understand as a summer blockbuster, and fittingly, it has what’s still the best climax of any blockbuster in history. It’s not as big as The Two Towers‘ final battle, nor as emotion-driven as the sinking at the end of Titanic, but it’s its small scale and taut nature that makes it one of the greatest third acts in the history of cinema.
Jaws is one of the most exciting movie masterpieces ever made largely because of this climax. It’s a sequence that’s pure survival horror in its most terrifying, technically faultless, and tautly-written form. The escalation of the whole sequence is relentless, from the shark beginning to destroy the boat to Quint’s tragic death. It’s a masterclass in how to pace a climax, and it’s proof of why Steven Spielberg is the most important name in the history of blockbusters.
The late Paul Walker‘s daughter, Meadow Rain Walker, had an emotional reunion with her dad’s costar Vin Diesel at the Cannes Film Festival.
Diesel, 58, and Meadow, 27, walked the red carpet on Wednesday, May 13, before a special screening of 2001’s The Fast and the Furious, which kickstarted the multi-billion dollar movie franchise. They were joined by two more of Paul’s late Fast Saga costars, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, as well as producer Neal H. Moritz.
Before the screening, Diesel spoke about how special it was to revisit the very first Fast and Furious movie with Paul’s daughter in attendance, per People.
“The person who was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker,” he said. “I’m gonna go and shed a tear real quick.”
Donna Langley, Neal Moritz, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster and Meadow Rain Walker attend the Cannes Film Festival. Getty Images/Thibaud MORITZ / AFP
After some applause from attendees, Diesel honored the enduring legacy of the franchise as he works on the final chapter, 2028’s Fast Forever.
“The only reason why we’re making the finale for Fast for 2028… It’s because of each and every one of you that has given us your hearts and your loyalty,” Diesel said. “Each and every one of you has felt like you are a part of our family. You make us have to continue. You make us want to make you all proud.”
Meadow briefly spoke after the screening, stressing that the cast was a “source of strength” following her late father Paul’s death at age 40 in a 2013 car accident. Diesel wiped a tear from Meadow’s face while assuring her that Paul would be “so proud.”
Diesel and Meadow have often celebrated their bond over the years, including exchanging birthday greetings via social media and reuniting for Fast Saga events. Meadow even had a cameo in 2023’s Fast X as a flight attendant.
They don’t have friends, they have family. Since Paul Walker‘s 2013 death, his former Fast and Furious castmates have worked together to make sure his daughter, Meadow Walker, always has support. The California native welcomed Meadow in November 1998 with his ex-girlfriend Rebecca Soteros. Meadow was just a toddler when The Fast and the Furious […]
In October 2021, Vin stood in for Paul to walk Meadow down the aisle when she wed her husband, Louis Thornton-Allan, in the Dominican Republic. (The couple announced in December 2023 that they’d “amicably” separated.)
Us Weekly exclusively reported in June 2021 that Meadow had forged a tight bond with Vin and his family over the years. (Diesel and his partner Paloma Jiménez share three children: daughters Hania Riley Sinclair, 18, and Pauline Sinclair, 11, and son Vincent Sinclair, 16. Diesel and Jiménez chose the name Pauline for their youngest daughter in tribute to his late costar Paul.)
“[Meadow] counts Vin and his kids as family and will talk to them on days she’s struggling, and she has their backs too,” a source told Us at the time.
Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, is ready to get fast and furious with a special role in the film franchise’s next blockbuster. “A preview of my cameo in Fast X,” the model, 24, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 11. “The first Fast was released when I was 1 year old! I grew up on set watching my […]
Meanwhile, Vin has hinted that Paul’s character Brian O’Conner will somehow return in 2028’s Fast Forever. (The character has appeared in some of the recent Fast Saga movies through the use of archival footage as well as Paul’s brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, standing in as body doubles.)
“The studio said to me, ‘Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast and Furious?’” Diesel told fans at Fuel Fest in June 2025. “I said, ‘Under three conditions.’ First, [it is] to bring the franchise back to L.A. [and] the second thing was to return to the car culture, to the street racing. The third thing was reuniting Dom and Brian O’Conner.”
Fast Forever will debut March 17, 2028.
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Whether you’re packing for a beach vacation or planning your summer wardrobe, a nice cover-up is essential. But we get it, you don’t want one that looks like a cover-up. That’s where these 17 breezy finds come in. They double as chic outfits!
Our favorite mini, midi and maxi cover-ups look straight out of a resort catalog, each with billowy fabrics and boutiquey designs. They’re designed to wear straight from the water to the bar without an outfit change, so don’t be surprised if you wear them nonstop. Your suit may be cute, but these cover-ups are even cuter.
17 Chic Cover-Up Dresses — From Just $7
1. Our Favorite: Designed to skim your body without clinging, this striped tank dress feels like your favorite tee. Under $20 makes it an easy summer staple.
2. Yacht Wife: Ribbed knit, stripes, ties! This polished sleeveless dress screams ‘coastal socialite,’ giving every outing a nautical flair.
3. Wardrobe MVP: The lightweight chiffon on this solid-color beach coverup catches the breeze to make every moment a photogenic one. It layers over bikinis without showing lines underneath.
4. Seriously Luxe: Everything about this printed mini dress is classy, including the modest neckline, puff sleeves and Santorini-inspired print. It channels European rich mom vibes like no other.
5. California Cool: Imagine your favorite T-shirt, but in elevated form. This retro acid-wash midi belongs in a California boutique.
Swimsuit season is just around the corner! If it makes you both excited and stressed, the right swimsuit can fix the latter. These 13 flattering swimsuits are designed to cinch your waist, smooth your tummy and compress your middle without squeezing, making you appear slimmer from every angle. With bold prints, unique cuts and luxe-looking details, these one and two-piece swimsuits make […]
6. Fun Florals: Tight waistbands ruin vacation dinner. This loose floral dress skims past the midsection in a relaxed silhouette, so you can order a second round of tapas without regret.
7. Mediterranean Maven: Picture going from the beach club to seafood lunch with zero outfit change. This blue printed midi pulls over a one-piece, then reads like an actual dress at the table.
8. Extra Billowy: Maxi dresses that cling at the hips feel suffocating in humidity. Thankfully, this flowy sundress drapes everywhere, so coastal heat won’t wilt you by 2 p.m.
9. Travel Must-Have: Packing different outfits for the pool and tour takes up suitcase space. This floral resort dress covers midday meals and afternoon exploring, cutting your packing list in half.
10. Extra Flattering: With a sleeveless design, this halter-neck cover-up shows off your shoulders while the fit-and-flare shape balances your hips. Score!
11. Model Status: This striped midi dress cinches exactly where you want it, thanks to the tie waist. The side slit adds sass without going risqué.
12. Quite the Charmer: Date-night dresses that require shapewear defeat the purpose of vacation. This elegant striped dress flows right past the tummy, so dinner can be as long as you want it.
13. Italian Vibes: Picture an Italian piazza, red wine on the table and this flutter-sleeve dress doing all the talking. Pair it with espadrilles and you’ve got the whole Amalfi look.
14. Plus Pockets: Dresses without pockets force you to carry a clutch to dinner. This secretly functional dress tucks your phone and lip balm at the hip, so no need for an extra bag.
15. Dreamy Maxi: This breezy maxi dress has an off-the-shoulder flounce, side slit and floral print that channels maximum vacation drama. We love the tummy-hiding waistband.
16. Boutique Find: Courtesy of the halter neckline and mini length, this rich green mini dress makes you appear inches taller. The vivid color photographs beautifully against turquoise water.
17. Little White Dress: White dresses usually feel too precious for the beach, but this stretchy white sundress gives the clean look a casual edge. Sandy hands and rosé spills don’t end the day early.
If you think bikinis are off limits, think again! High-waist bottoms are a flattering cheat code over 50, compressing your tummy and creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. Our favorites are super chic, too, so you’ll feel your best from the pool to the sand. Scalloped hems, strappy tops, fun prints and vibrant colors are just a few […]
CBS News released a statement following a camera operator suffering a “medical emergency” live on air during the CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil.
“Tonight during the final segment of CBS Evening News, our cameraman on set suffered a medical emergency. Thankfully, he’s okay and recovering,” read a tweet from CBS News on Wednesday, May 13.
Earlier in the night, Tony Dokoupil interrupted a live report on the CBS Evening News when a crew member seemingly collapsed in front of him. The episode was airing live from Taiwan in advance of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, May 14.
“And finally tonight from Taiwan, as President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to meet, we will hear a lot about American decline and the rise of a powerful new China,” Dokoupil, 45, began his segment.
He then veered from his script to ask, “Is he OK?”
The CBS Evening News immediately cut away from the live shot as a commotion could be heard on the makeshift set.
After several seconds of dead air, Dokoupil announced to viewers, “We’re going to take a quick break. We have a medical emergency here.”
In the seconds before the CBS Evening News cut away, the sounds of pained sighs could be heard on air as well as more commotion on the set.
“We’re calling a doctor,” Dokoupil told someone off-camera.
“CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil in April 2026. Alex Wong/Getty Images
The CBS Evening News live feed cut to reporter Matt Gutman in CBS’s New York City studio to explain what was happening.
“I’m going to sign off for Tony Dokoupil who has been reporting in Taiwan,” Gutman, 48, announced to viewers. “We’re going to go to break. We’ll be right back!”
Many viewers shared their concern as it was initially unclear what kind of medical emergency was unfolding on the live shot from Taiwan.
“Really glad the CBS Evening News photojournalist is ok! Scary moment tonight during the last block,” one viewer tweeted on Wednesday, with another adding, “There was a medical emergency during the CBS Evening News live on the East Coast. Hoping their crew member will be ok!”
Wednesday’s scary on-air incident occurred just five months into Dokoupil’s tenure as the lead anchor on the CBS Evening News, after he previously cohosted CBS Mornings. (Dokoupil replaced previous anchors Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson, who signed off in December 2025.)
“We live in a time in which many people have lost trust in the media. Tony Dokoupil is the person to win it back. That’s because he believes in old-school journalistic values: asking the hard questions, following the facts wherever they lead and holding power to account. Americans hungry for fairness will see that on display night after night,” Bari Weiss, CBS News’ editor-in-chief, announced in December 2025.
At the time of his promotion, Dokoupil said, “After 20 years in journalism, traveling through all 50 states and talking with people in hundreds of far-flung American places, I realize why a country this big needs a show this ambitious. The strength of our nation is that we benefit from fair reporting and the open discussion of all ideas. For more than 60 years, the Evening News has been a bedrock of that process. I’m honored to join a fearless team at this important moment, and with what I can promise is a commitment to trust and the plain truth.”
The video game industry is booming. In fact, it might be at the peak of its influence, reaching more gamers than ever before and becoming a truly global enterprise. Moreover, after years of failed attempts, video games are finally starting to break through into other mediums, with movie and TV adaptations scoring with audiences and critics. Whether it’s the crowd-pleasing adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog or the acclaimed, Emmy-winning dread of The Last of Us, video game adaptations are finally thriving.
As for the efforts within the industry itself, those are also in a great place. Indeed, the 2020s have been extremely good for video games, producing many that range from solid to good to actually great. However, only a few are among the all-time best triumphs of the medium. In fact, only the five video games on this list can be called genuine masterpieces. Thanks to their visuals, gameplay, story, and influence, these five all-timers are worthy of standing next to the medium’s greatest icons, and their reputation will only keep improving with the years.
‘Hades’ (2020)
2020 kicked off a new decade of gaming on a high note, with great efforts like the Pandemic-favorite Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the long-awaited Final Fantasy VII Remake, and the wildly divisive The Last of Us Part II. However, the undeniable game of the year, and the one that’s arguably aged the best, is Hades, a creative spin on the Greek myths we all know and love. The plot centers on Zagreus, the son of the Lord of the Underworld, Hades. Aided by the Olympians, Zagreus attempts to locate his missing mother, Persephone, and reach Mount Olympus.
By every metric that counts, Hades is a unique game. Visually, the game has a distinct approach to the medium, looking more like a comic book (particularly Mike Mignola‘s iconic works) than a traditional video game. The use of color is particularly striking, making every environment look absorbing and rich in detail. The characters, too, jump to life, perfectly adapting the classical Greek aesthetic under a moder modern approach. Similarly, the story not so much updates as it reinterprets the Greek myths, resulting in a game that feels like a proper legendary quest. Hades is also the pinnacle of roguelike gameplay, which has made it a favorite of speedrunners the world over.
‘Elden Ring’ (2022)
2022 gave us such acclaimed titles as God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West. However, if there’s one video game that has pretty much broken through the ranks of the medium to become a truly recognizable brand in pop culture as a whole, it’s Elden Ring. Directed by the great Hidetaka Miyazaki with worldbuilding by the one and only George R. R. Martin, this high-fantasy epic is set in the Lands Between and follows the Tarnished, who must repair the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord.
Elden Ring is among the greatest high-fantasy projects, full stop. As a video game, it’s a fascinating and immersive experience, largely thanks to the sprawling, endlessly surprising world that Martin created. Indeed, discovery is the main selling point here, and one can easily spend hours on end traversing this realm, where there’s seemingly a new surprise in every nook. The damage-sponge nature of the enemies can be frustrating, but there’s also something undeniably rewarding about finally defeating someone you’ve been stuck on for hours. Finally, the story is intriguing and quite challenging, making for a complete gaming experience that you’ll want to play again as soon as you end it. Elden Ring will soon become a movie directed by Alex Garland, so here’s hoping it can match the game’s groundbreaking and unforgettable tone.
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)
Many video game fantasy masterpieces have come out since the medium’s inception, but only a select few rank atop a hypothetical Mount Rushmore of the genre, including Baldur’s Gate 3. Adapted from the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, the game is the third entry in the series and follows the party as they go on a quest to rid themselves of the illithid parasites infesting their brains. Unlike the source material, Baldur’s Gate 3 can be played either solo or with companions.
2023 might just be the best year for video games in the 2020s so far — the next two entries on this list are also from 2023. However, there’s something about Baldur’s Gate 3 that makes it all the more special. The setting is high-fantasy to a tee, embracing the tropes inherent to it while also finding clever ways to elevate them, if not necessarily subverting them. The side quests are also fun and worthwhile, feeling like complements rather than distractions. The strongest aspect, however, is how perfectly it emulates the nature of playing an actual D&D campaign. Creativity is key to succeed here, as is resourcefulness. Moreover, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a perfect RPG because it actually makes every choice count: make the wrong move, and you and your party are done.
‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (2023)
In 2017, Nintendo and the gaming industry as a whole found themselves in a true before-and-after moment, thanks to the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Quite possibly the franchise’s best game ever, Breath of the Wild redefined Zelda for a new generation and set the standard for what an open-world gaming experience could be. Six years later, the sequel came out, and it lived up to its predecessor. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom follows Link as he searches for Princess Zelda while attempting to stop Ganondorf from destroying Hyrule.
Tears of the Kingdom takes everything that worked in Breath of the Wild and improves it, expanding on the lore, worldbuilding, characterization, and, of course, the open world. The result is a majestic and sprawling game that feels like an endless adventure in a fantastical and mesmerizing realm. The Sky Islands are a particularly brilliant addition, not only adding to the world’s scope but also providing an interesting challenge to familiar gameplay. The new abilities are also a huge strength; by 2023, players had been controlling Link for almost forty years, so the fact that Tears of the Kingdom finds a way to keep the experience not only engaging but actually refreshing is a testament to its overall quality. It’s easy to say The Legend of Zelda is probably experiencing its best era right now, so hopefully the upcoming live-action movie can continue the momentum.
‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)
Remakes can be tricky to pull off, especially when the original game in question is widely considered a masterpiece of the medium and a highlight of its franchise. Yet, 2023’s Resident Evil 4 proved itself every bit as worthy, to the point where it might actually be the definitive version of the story. As with the 2005 original, this remake centers on Leon S. Kennedy, who must rescue the daughter of the President, Ashley Graham, from a mysterious cult in rural Spain.
Resident Evil 4 does exactly what a great remake should: it maintains the essence of the original while updating the graphics, gameplay, storyline, and characterization. In the process, it not only justifies its existence but it actually makes a strong case for the importance of remakes in gaming, considering the industry is evolving at an alarming pace. Resident Evil 4 also understands that no story can thrive without strong characterizations, and it cements Leon and Ashley as two of the revered franchise’s most compelling figures. It is also far scarier than the original, partly because of the improved designs, but also because of the haunting and pervasive atmosphere of dread that it successfully maintains throughout. The Resident Evil saga has produced several gaming gems, but Resident Evil 4 has a special place as one of its defining titles and arguably the best execution of its distinct themes and settings.
Resident Evil 4
- Released
-
January 11, 2005
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
Kevin Hart was on the receiving end of several brutal jabs in his Netflix roast special, but it turns out several Diddy jokes were scrubbed before it aired.
During the show, Katt Williams accused Hart of attending several “Diddy parties,” which the actor and comedian denied.
Meanwhile, jokes about Charlie Kirk and George Floyd have left the internet divided, with many slamming comedian Pete Davidson for taking a swipe at the late conservative activist.
For nearly three hours, viewers tuned in to watch Hart become the punchline for many of his friends, including Davidson, Chelsea Handler, and host Shane Gillis.
The show featured many hilarious jabs from different celebrities, but it appears not every joke made the cut.
According to reports, several Diddy jokes were scrubbed from the archived version, along with many others. Comedy writer Madison Sinclair, who worked on the series, told Variety that 18 of her best jokes were left on the cutting room floor.
“Kevin, you are so talented, but you are the worst cheater. With your build, I assumed you’d be better at sneaking around,” Sinclair shared as one example of a joke that did not make it in.
Katt Williams Grills Hart Over Diddy Party Claims
However, some jokes related to Diddy, among others, did land. During his set, Katt Williams accused Hart of going to Diddy parties, which have been repeatedly referenced amid the legal troubles surrounding the “Bad Boy For Life” rapper.
Williams claimed that Hart had faced “allegations” that he was part of a group of celebrities who attended parties organized by Diddy, who is currently serving a 50-month sentence after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
“But thanks to all the baby oil, the charges didn’t stick,” Williams joked during his set. “Kevin famously was at a bunch of Diddy parties, but in his defense, it was only because Diddy thought he was 10.”
Kevin Hart Fires Back At Katt Williams Over Diddy Party Jab
In his defense, Hart denied attending the parties before adding that Williams only knew of his presence because he was there as well, per PEOPLE Magazine.
After all was said and done, the “Ride Along” actor took the stage last to perform his own set and made sure to respond to Williams’ claims.
“Katt said I went to Diddy parties… I ain’t been to no f-cking Diddy parties. I went to one party — and this is the truth — I went to one f-cking party. And the only reason why that lil n-gga knew I was there is ’cause he was there!” Hart said.
Tom Brady And The Rock Also Hit Hart With NSFW Jabs
Despite the edits, the special was not short on fireworks. NFL legend Tom Brady made a surprise appearance to get “revenge” on Hart, who hosted Brady’s own roast in 2024.
Brady did not hold back, bringing up Hart’s 2017 cheating scandal in Las Vegas, a moment that left the usually talkative comedian uncharacteristically silent.
“I do have a few words for you before I return to my affairs in Las Vegas,” Brady joked. “Oh, wait, I’m talking about affairs in Las Vegas. Was that off? Not supposed to talk about affairs in Vegas? I think I broke another rule. F-ck it. I talked about it.”
His close collaborator Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also made a crude remark about Hart’s sex life, saying his wife “deserves an Academy Award for pretending she likes to f-ck you.”
Kevin Hart Roast Divides Viewers Over George Floyd Joke
Meanwhile, the Netflix special also caused a stir online after fans raised eyebrows over Tony Hinchcliffe’s remarks about George Floyd while roasting Hart.
“The Black community is so proud of you… Right now, George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe,” Hinchcliffe said.
According to TMZ, Floyd’s family and friends did not take kindly to the comedian’s comment and found it offensive that Hart appeared to condone it. They also felt he should have told Hinchcliffe to steer clear of that topic.
They reportedly described Hinchcliffe as a “racist comedian” and wondered how Hart would feel if “one of his friends” had been killed in Floyd’s place.
Season 13 of Chicago P.D. ended with a death, a trip to the hospital and Imani almost dying at the hands of her long-lost sister, Shari — but who was accused of murder?
Warning: Spoilers below from season 13, episode 21 of Chicago P.D.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan exclusively told Us Weekly that the “huge cliffhanger” of whether Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) will send Shari (Selin Cuhadaroglu) to jail for murder will hang over him and officer Eva Imani (Arienne Mandi) going into next season.
“We’ll definitely answer it next season of what they decide to do,” Sigan confirmed. “I love that nobody else really has all the information right now. It’s just these two. They’re sort of at this desolate location making this decision.”
She teased, “If they do make the decision to do this, is that even saving somebody?” pointing out that Shari is “so shattered at this point” that jail time or getting off scott-free could both have massive repercussions.
“What does this young woman’s life look like after this? How could she heal if there’s this huge secret? And this huge thing that she did that she can’t kind of repent for?” Sigan pondered. “So it’s interesting. We will answer it next season.”
During the Wednesday, May 13, finale, Imani and Voight hunted for Shari’s captor, Russ Kirby (Lucas Caleb Rooney), who abducted Shari when she was 6 years old, while Imani tried to trigger memories for Shari from their childhood.
Shari appeared to be loyal to Kirby and was unreceptive to Imani’s claim that they are sisters until Imani brought Shari to her apartment to show her trinkets she’d kept.
Chicago P.D.’s Hailey Upton has officially left the Windy City, but her future is still very much up in the air. Showrunner Gwen Sigan, however, has her own ideas of what happens next for the fan-favorite character. Warning: Spoilers below for Chicago P.D. season 11, episode 13. “I wanted this idea that the world is […]
As Imani worked to bring Shari back into the light, Voight and the rest of Intelligence were trying to find Kirby, who they believed stabbed and killed a prostitute named Laura when she and Shari allegedly stole from their Johns while under Kirby’s control.
Everything came to a head during the second half of the episode, when Shari agreed to take Imani to Kirby’s hideout — but no one else could come. Imani was ambushed by Kirby and Shari was caught in the middle.
After Kirby realized that Imani had been telling Shari she was her sister, he yelled at Shari to kill Imani “just like Laura,” revealing that Shari was the one who stabbed the woman, not him.
When Shari pointed a gun at Imani, Imani knocked it down and tried to choke Shari into submission.
Arienne Mandi. Elizabeth Sisson/NBC
Kirby briefly got away, before Voight and the rest of the team stormed the building and Voight smashed Kirby’s head with a door, killing him in front of Shari.
Shari went dead in the eyes after seeing the man who she called her adoptive father — and later her husband — die. Before they took her to the hospital for evaluation, Imani discovered that she’d slit her wrists in an attempt to kill herself.
“I was never who you thought I was. I was always his,” Shari said in the ambulance.
While Shari did survive, her life is forever changed — because of Kirby and because she is a killer. Voight, however, only told Imani that he knew the truth about Shari stabbing Laura.
If there’s one thing Dick Wolf isn’t afraid of, it’s killing off a beloved character. A fact that fans of the One Chicago universe know all too well. The franchise kicked off in 2012 with Chicago Fire. Chicago P.D. was added in 2014 and Chicago Med debuted in 2015. The cast of each show has […]
The episode ended with Imani asking Voight, “Will my sister be charged with murder?”
“We don’t know what’s happening,” Mandi, 32, exclusively told Us of Shari’s fate and how it will affect Imani’s life. “Regardless, it’s going to challenge [Imani’s] in her professional life as a cop, it’s going to challenge her as a sister.”
The actress confessed that Imani’s “moral compass is going to be completely just turned inside out, upside down” no matter what Voight decides.
“It’s so tough when you’re when your personal life gets blended in with your work,” Mandi explained, adding that Imani’s “whole purpose of being in Chicago, her whole life purpose for the last 20 years, has been finding your sister.”
Now that she’s done that, it has become “tricky” for Imani and her job.
Sigan, meanwhile, teased that there are many layers to peel back with Shari and her and Imani’s story as sisters isn’t quite over.
“There is a piece of her that is that 6 year old. Whether she remembers it or not, it lives in her, and her sister lives in her,” Sigan said of Shari. “The other part of her is this part that was raised by this man and abused by this man, and that that lives in her too. … I think those two things are warring against each other.”
The showrunner noted that next season there is “so much” to play with, including learning who Shari is “without both of those things.”
“Who is she now that he’s gone and now that her sister is a grown woman too? Who are they 1778752719?” Sigan told Us. “I think it’s a really interesting question, and something that certainly we have a lot of room to explore.”
Chicago P.D. returns for season 14 on NBC in fall 2026.
Actor, rapper, and talk show host Nick Cannon is getting vulnerable like never before.
Cannon, 45, is used to making headlines, especially when it comes to his family life.
But now, Nick Cannon is addressing the noise head-on, sharing the very intimate details about his life as a dad to 12 children in an upcoming Netflix docuseries set to air in winter 2026.
According to Netflix’s Tudum, the untitled project will air this winter and will follow Cannon’s life as a father to 12 children by six different women.
“Prepare to meet the Cannon the world has yet to see: heartfelt, complicated, and genuinely committed to showing up for the people he loves — with his trademark comedy, of course,” a synopsis for the show states.
It continues, “From million-dollar meetings to midnight diaper runs, the global entertainer navigates the complete chaos that can only come from his uniquely blended family, all while managing his booming career and headline-making drama.”
The series is produced by Velvet Hammer Media and will be executive-produced by Rebecca Quinn, Jen O’Connell, Simon Thomas, Trifari Williams, Rob Ford, and Steve Michaels, who have worked on popular productions such as “Age of Attraction” and “Love Island USA.”
Nick Cannon Shared Candid Thoughts About His 12 Children During A Previous Interview
The Blast reported about Cannon’s previous comments about his children in September 2025. While speaking with the hosts of “The Breakfast Club,” Cannon said his fathering 12 children was due to him being “careless.”
“It was more of being careless, being frivolous with my process because I could do it, because I had the money [and] because I had the access to whoever and however I wanted to move,” he said. “Then, obviously, life happens as well, so it wasn’t like ‘Oh, I’m gonna go have 12 kids.’ It was more about like, ‘Yo, I’m gonna just live life and have fun and whatever happens happens. I can handle it.’”
Cannon, who became a father to twins, Moroccan and Monroe, at age 30, said his mindset has shifted as he’s gotten older.
“Being almost 45 now, I could sit back and like, yeah, if I would have thought the process through a little bit more and took time to actually do the inner work,” he said. “Things might have been a little different in certain scenarios.”
Nick Cannon Doesn’t Agree With The Word ‘Co-Parenting’
Before that, Cannon opened up about how he raises his 12 children with their mothers during a previous episode of his podcast, “Nick Cannon @ Night.”
Responding to a listener who asked how he co-parents, Cannon said he doesn’t agree with the term “co-parenting,” adding that it should just be called “parenting.”
He went on to say that placing “labels” on things could cause more harm than good. “But also to your point, if I just step into every situation with respect and compassion and individuality. That’s the other thing I always do with anyone I’m involved with in my life,” the “Drumline” actor said.
Adding to the conversation, Cannon said that he tries to approach his relationships with the mothers of his children with an open mind.
“I don’t bunch them together. I really try my hardest not to be like, ‘Oh yeah, my baby mamas,’ you know, unless I’m telling a joke or something like that, but no one wants to be grouped into anything,” he said.
Cannon Faced Backlash After Saying He’d Prefer To Raise A Bully
During an episode of another one of his podcasts, “We Playin Spades,” Cannon sparked concern after telling his guests that he’d rather raise a “bully” than someone who can’t defend themselves.
Speaking about young boys, Cannon said that he believes it’s important for his sons to know how to “throw hands” in case they need to protect themselves.
“Knowing how to throw your hands [as a man] will help you in life,” he said.
Social media users clapped back, though, asking the actor why he wouldn’t just raise his children to be kind people rather than fighters.
“Let’s just all try to raise decent and kind humans,” someone else said.
Most recently, Cannon made headlines after clearing the air about his daughter’s comments regarding her siblings.
Toward the end of 2025, Cannon’s eldest daughter, Monroe, whom he shares with singer Mariah Carey, posted that she has “ONE brother.”
While speaking to Shannon Sharpe on his “Club Shay Shay” podcast, Cannon said that while his daughter’s comments seem sharp, they were taken out of context.
“There was like some, a couple kids online saying that they were my kids’ siblings. Like, ‘Oh that’s my sister, oh that’s my brother.’ So my daughter wanted to clear it up and be like, ‘I only have one brother, like literally in her age group. All these other guys that are saying they’re my brother are not my brother,’” he said.
Cannon explained that he spoke with his daughter about how powerful her voice can be on social media.
“I was like, ‘But let this be a lesson that you gotta be very careful what you say on social media. People will take something very small and blow it up to something that you don’t have control over anymore. So be very careful on what you share,’” he shared.
When Taylor Sheridan‘s neo-Western melodrama Yellowstone concluded at the end of 2024, it was anyone’s guess how the Duttons’ story would continue. The writer and director had told the stories of the family’s preceding generations through spin-offs like 1883 and 1923, both of which have also concluded, but the franchise itself had almost become too big to fully die, despite losing a major player in Kevin Costner‘s John Dutton. Two sequel spin-offs were eventually announced — one revolving around John’s youngest son, Kayce (Luke Grimes), in Marshals, and the other following John’s daughter, Beth (Kelly Reilly), and her husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), poised to continue the family’s legacy in the appropriately titled Dutton Ranch.
Although Marshals premiered on CBS back in March, viewer reactions to that spin-off have been mixed; it seems that what audiences are most hankering for isn’t another police procedural, even if it happens to have Yellowstone window dressing slapped on it. Fortunately, for those who were hoping that Dutton Ranch would be a strong successor to the flagship series, the Paramount+ show finally premiering this week delivers on that front and then some. Given the fact that Beth and Rip were essentially anchoring the original show as it limped toward the finish line, giving them their own series was the obvious next step, but Dutton Ranch also doubles as the perfect sequel to Yellowstone, course-correcting some of the final season’s worst storytelling decisions in favor of bringing the characters back to the best versions of themselves.
What Is ‘Dutton Ranch’ About?
In the series finale of Yellowstone, which saw Beth and Kayce agreeing to sell their family’s original Montana ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation for a symbolic fee, the closing minutes of the episode also confirmed where Beth and Rip would ultimately end up — or so we thought. After buying a smaller ranch in Dillon, husband and wife, alongside their adopted son, Carter (Finn Little), seemed to be settling in for a cozier life, but the premiere of Dutton Ranch quickly confirms that their idyll is short-lived. After a devastating fire sweeps through thousands of acres of farmland, including their property, Beth and Rip have to pick up what little remains and start over in South Texas, far from anyone who has even heard of the Dutton name.
The two soon purchase a plot of land and a small herd of cattle from a retiring rancher, quickly putting their own stamp on it, but it turns out that making a fresh start isn’t going to go as smoothly as they thought. The biggest ranch in the area, owned by the pragmatic and occasionally ruthless Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), doesn’t tolerate any form of competition, especially not from out-of-towners. Behind the scenes, Beulah’s got her hands full of a few complications, including her wildcard of a son, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), whose reckless behavior could spell trouble with the law, despite her right-hand man Joaquin’s (Juan Pablo Raba) attempts to clean up after him.
Not everyone meets Beth and Rip with a closed fist, though; local veterinarian, Everett McKinney (Ed Harris), becomes someone they can both rely on, especially when times with their new herd get tough, and the ranch’s new cowboys, Azul (J. R. Villarreal) and Zachariah (Marc Menchaca), also start to look a lot closer to family as weeks pass. Even Finn starts to explore the possibilities that come with one’s first romance after his path crosses with a free-spirited young woman named Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind), though you can bet Beth has more than a few opinions about that.
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser Are as Perfect as Ever in ‘Dutton Ranch’
Yellowstone‘s final season was plagued by several issues, most of which revolved around Costner’s sudden departure — though, if you’d been paying attention to any headlines at the time, you knew the writing was on the wall much earlier than that. It was clear even before John’s demise that two other characters were more than capable of anchoring a Duttonverse series without him. With Dutton Ranch, Reilly’s Beth and Hauser’s Rip are assuming control of the helm that was likely always going to be theirs at some point, and the spin-off created by Chad Feehan (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) makes several smart moves to help wash away the lingering bitterness of Yellowstone Season 5.
To be clear, Beth still considers the legal speed limit a suggestion, and Rip is still a quietly succinct man right up until he isn’t, but the overexaggerated characterization that previously defined them in so many of Yellowstone‘s final episodes — chief above all Beth’s violent and toxic relationship with her adopted brother, Jamie (Wes Bentley) — is nowhere to be found in this iteration. That ultimately works to the show’s benefit, allowing both Reilly and Hauser to showcase different, even softer layers of the characters that were previously flung to the wayside. The two actors have been playing each other’s most significant screen partners for almost a decade at this point, with Beth and Rip’s relationship evolving from a will-they-won’t-they to a rock-solid marriage, and Dutton Ranch also feels like a natural continuation of their characters’ dynamic. That’s not to say that they’re sharing every scene, but it does mean that the moments they do rotate back into one another’s orbit are the equivalent of television comfort food. While other shows might throw a wrench into the mix or threaten divorce as a means of pointless drama, Dutton Ranch brings the unspoken promise that Beth and Rip will stay devoted to each other come hell or high water.
‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Premiere Review: The More Things Change…
Season 5 of Yellowstone premieres November 13 on Paramount Network.
With the spin-off’s relocation to Texas also comes the intriguing positioning of Beth and Rip as outsiders. In Montana, they enjoyed the level of protection that the Dutton name afforded them, but in some ways, it felt like the stakes kept rising while Yellowstone‘s most powerful family only developed harder and stronger plot armor. Thankfully, Dutton Ranch strips most of that armor away, and if you thought that the series’ opening wildfire was the worst thing that these two would have to go through, it turns out that’s only the beginning of the hardships ahead. It’s actually almost shocking to see Beth and Rip brought so low by circumstances that are beyond their control for once, especially by the midpoint of Dutton Ranch‘s nine-episode season (four episodes were provided in advance for review), but any longtime Yellowstone fan can rest assured in the knowledge that these two will definitely not go down without a fight.
‘Dutton Ranch’s New Cast Members Are Terrific Additions to the Series
Since Beth, Rip, and Carter become outsiders when Dutton Ranch finally takes the story to Texas, that means the spin-off gets to benefit from infusing new faces into the mix, including two acting powerhouses that are always a pleasure to watch onscreen. As Beulah Jackson, owner of the 10-Petal, with a true lineage of ranching in her blood, Annette Bening juggles a balance of authority and vulnerability with razor-sharp precision. Beulah’s shared similarities with Beth also can’t be overlooked, which is one of the reasons why Bening and Reilly’s scenes together always feel dynamic and unpredictable, like you’re watching two sharks slowly circle each other in the same tank while anxiously waiting for one of them to strike. Meanwhile, Everett McKinney feels like the role that Ed Harris was born to play at this stage in his career; Everett and Beth’s paths cross early on over a grievously injured horse, but the no-nonsense animal vet gradually reveals a softer underbelly as the story continues, and his deep ties to the town provide a window into a different side of ranching life, especially with characters who are trying to make it by one day at a time.
Just like in Yellowstone, the cowboys of the Dutton Ranch eventually become intriguing characters in their own right, but gone is the brutal branding ritual that forces their allegiance. Instead, Azul comes with the ranch, a carryover from his family’s loyal service to the previous owners, and Villarreal delivers an endearingly upbeat foil to Rip’s more taciturn nature. Meanwhile, Zachariah has become a social pariah because of a tragedy in his past and struggles to find work on any farm as a result; once the truth emerges, Menchaca’s resulting monologue becomes one of the season’s most poignant scenes. Other supporting members of the ensemble display their own glimmers of promise early on — Real’s Joaquin and Lind’s Oreana more than hold their own in several scenes, while Courtney’s Rob-Will lobs the equivalent of a narrative grenade into the show and then disappears altogether, but there’s still plenty of time left for a reemergence.
The concept of a Yellowstone continuation was always inevitable, but with Dutton Ranch, the original series’ best characters get the spin-off that they — and, quite frankly, the audience — deserve. The choice to uproot Beth and Rip from Montana allows the franchise to move beyond its origins into a welcome new frontier, and a larger writers’ room taking the reins from Sheridan revitalizes the characters in fresh ways, infusing the series with drama in ways that never become too over-the-top. Reilly and Hauser haven’t missed a single beat in their performances, while Bening and Harris are two perfect additions to the Duttonverse, and it’s honestly sweet to get to watch Little grow up into an even stronger screen presence, especially since Carter’s growth allows him to impact the series’ plot in surprising ways. Dutton Ranch may not have been the first Yellowstone spin-off to make it to air, but it’s by far the best one yet.
Dutton Ranch premieres with its first two episodes May 15 on Paramount+.
- Release Date
-
May 15, 2026
- Network
-
Paramount+
- Showrunner
-
Chad Feehan
- Directors
-
Christina Alexandra Voros
- Writers
-
Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, Chad Feehan, Hayley Tibbenham, Hilary Bettis, J. Todd Scott, Jacob Forman, K.C. Scott
Pros & Cons
- Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser pick up right where they left off with Beth and Rip.
- Annette Bening and Ed Harris are perfect additions to the Duttonverse.
- Moving Beth and Rip to Texas allows the Yellowstone franchise to grow beyond the familiar landscape of Montana and implements exciting challenges.
- Jai Courtney’s Rob-Will has a big impact on the story and then kind of just… disappears.
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