Entertainment
Nicole Kidman Reveals Late Mom’s Advice About Sunday Modeling
Nicole Kidman had a heart-to-heart with mother Janelle Ann Kidman about allowing the actress’ teenage daughter Sunday Rose to pursue a modeling career ahead of the matriarch’s death.
“As a mother, I’m just, like, ‘OK.’ My mother let me do my passion that I wanted when I was 14,” Nicole, 59, told Entertainment Tonight in an interview published Friday, July 31, discussing Sunday, 18, recently slaying multiple couture catwalks and fashion campaigns. “Actually, before my mumma passed, she was there and I said, ‘Oh, should I let her? She wants to model.’”
Nicole revealed that her mom simply replied, “Well, you did it.”
“I went, ‘OK,’” the Babygirl star continued. “That was sort of my mumma’s parting gift to Sunny was [that] she encouraged me to let her be able to follow her bliss and follow her passion and what she wanted. That’s exactly what she said, ‘You, kind of, have to let her because I let you.’”
Nicole Kidman, who announced the death of her mother Janelle on Saturday, September 7, referred to her mom as “my mentor, my guide and my nurturer” in a past interview. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020, Kidman, 57, described her mother glowingly and emphasized the important role Janelle played in shaping her career […]
Nicole announced in September 2024 that her mother had died.
“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” she wrote in a statement read aloud by Babygirl director Halina Reijn during a Venice International Film Festival panel. “I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me and she made me.”
The statement concluded, “I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.”
In addition to the Oscar winner, Janelle is survived by daughter Antonia, 56, and multiple grandchildren. (Nicole shares Sunday and Faith, 15, with ex-husband Keith Urban, as well as Bella, 33, and Connor, 31, with ex-husband Tom Cruise. Antonia, for her part, is a mom of six.)
JC Olivera/WireImage Nicole Kidman is opening up about her mom’s profound final words to her before her death. The Babygirl star mourned the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September, and recalled her last words during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning on Sunday, December 15. “The final words my mama said, which […]
Nicole had traveled to Venice for the film festival but left before her movie’s panel.
“I was about to go out on stage, and I found out that my mother had passed,” Nicole recalled to Variety in April of the heartbreaking moment she learned the news. “I went right back to my room in Venice, was getting into bed, and I was completely devastated. [I thought], ‘I’m not sure how I’m going to move forward or function now.’ She was so much a part of my existence.”
According to Nicole, it was “harrowing” hastily trying to leave Italy to reunite with her family.
“I remember getting into a boat in the canal, literally at night, trying to find my way to the airport, and then turning around going, ‘I can’t even do this,’” she said at the time. “Then I went back to bed. And I was alone. [Keith] wasn’t there, my children weren’t there. I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life.”
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Entertainment
Forget ‘Dungeons & Dragons,’ Netflix’s Best High Fantasy Series Is a Perfect Weekend Binge
Crafting excellent television is akin to creating excellent meals. The genre of the show is the type of cuisine following a culture and tradition built from community connections. Its characters are the ingredients, ranging from simple to complex in flavor and combined to elevate and enhance. Both can tell a story; both can be divisive; both can be exceptional. As with the fusion of different cuisines, the combination of different genres in a television series can be hit-or-miss with audiences. But when a show hits that sweet spot, balancing the ingredients and honoring the cuisine to create something new and fresh, there’s nothing quite like it. And it’s certainly true that there’s nothing quite like Netflix’s new show, Delicious in Dungeon.
No show achieves its ambitious concept as effectively and creatively as Delicious in Dungeon. Also known as Dungeon Meshi (literally ‘dungeon meal’), the series is an adaptation of the hit manga by Ryōko Kui and was animated by Studio Trigger. Part fantasy adventure, part cooking show, the series is a daring combination of two types of entertainment so distinct that it feels like their flavors should clash. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will recognize the familiar fantasy framework, but Delicious in Dungeon elevates it with a culinary twist all its own.
And yet, not only does it fulfill all its promises of magical adventure, but Delicious in Dungeon contains a surprisingly detailed culinary element in its story that makes the show distinct from anything else on television. Containing style and substance, the series is meticulously crafted with unifying themes, endearing characters, and a truly stunning art style that is so thoroughly enjoyable that audiences are going to keep on craving another bite.
‘Delicious in Dungeon’ Keeps the Fantasy Genre Fresh
Delicious in Dungeon has the bones of a traditional fantasy adventure, chock-full of all the knights, mages, and monsters any Lord of the Rings or Dungeons & Dragons fan could ask for. But it’s where the series expands on the genre, subverting expectations and introducing fresh new ingredients to a classic story, that the series truly leaves a lasting impression. Set in a world where magic and monsters exist, dungeon exploration is a potentially lucrative profession for courageous or reckless adventurers. Though the magical underground world is dangerous and full of monsters, the promise of treasure, wealth, and even an entire kingdom is enough to beckon folks into its dark underbelly. After they are defeated by a red dragon, the human adventurer, Laios (voiced by Kentarō Kumagai), and his adventuring party delve back into the dungeon to rescue his sister, Fallin (Saori Hayami), before she’s digested by the mythical creature.
However, lacking funds and resources, the party is forced to enter the dungeon without the necessary rations to reach the deeper levels. This would be an insurmountable problem were it not for Laios’s ingenious idea to eat the monsters they slay for food. Unlike adventurers seeking fame or fortune, Laios became an explorer because of his deep love and fascination with monsters.
But Laios’ encyclopedic knowledge of monsters doesn’t exactly translate into culinary skill, which is where Senshi takes center stage. A mysterious yet unerringly friendly dwarf, Senshi (Hiroshi Naka) had been living in the dungeon for several years and developed a keen understanding of how to survive in a dangerous environment. Senshi joins the party to help rescue Fallin, becoming the resident chef who teaches Laios and his friends how to survive in the dungeon and make delicious meals from the unlikeliest ingredients.
The Characters are Brilliantly Designed and Memorable
However, two adventurers alone do not make a party, and the rest of the characters in Delicious in Dungeon are equally entertaining as the eccentric monster-eating dwarf and human. There is Marcille (Sayaka Senbongi), the brilliantly talented and studious elven mage. Chilchuck (Asuna Tomari), the half-foot picklock who expertly leads the party through the winding routes and traps of the dungeon. And Fallin, the friendly and powerful mage whose kindhearted nature motivates her party to rescue her at all costs.
Though each character is based on a fantasy archetype, they each add something new to the table, adding complexity to ideas audiences are already familiar with. Marcille feels youthful and lively, unlike the more classic interpretation of stuffy and stoic elves. Though Chilchuck looks like a spritely youth himself, he’s actually middle-aged for his species and holds plenty of secrets in his small stature. And when Chilchuck does finally share his past, it’s one of the most shocking and hilarious moments in the entire series.
Each character in Delicious in Dungeon is a masterclass in direct and effective storytelling from Ryōko Kui, with character design and interactions so meticulously crafted that there’s no wasted moment. Marcille’s hairstyle changes every episode, showing her meticulous personality, because hair is an integral component of the world’s magic. Even though Chilchuck is the smallest of the party, he still removes his extra clothes when disarming traps so that he triggers even fewer sensors. The monsters, too, are creatively designed, drawing inspiration from folklore, mythology, and even regional cryptids but with additional features unique to this series.
‘Delicious in Dungeon’s World-Building Is Detailed and Exhaustive
Even with the already impressive character design and writing, the most impressive aspect of Delicious in Dungeon is arguably its comprehensive world-building. Unlike other fantasy stories, which substitute logic for mystique and intrigue, there’s a cohesive logic that permeates the show. The monsters Laios so gleefully obsesses over are still living things with complex biologies and instinctive behaviors that can be researched and understood. The monsters are integral parts of the dungeon’s ecosystem, with a legitimate food web that can be tracked from the algae at the bottom of the pond all the way up to an enormous kraken.
This attention to detail translates to the cooking as well. Senshi breaks down the preparation of every dish into simple, digestible steps that genuinely feel like an engaging cooking show. Each episode features at least one brand-new dish that is an adventurous combination of monster ingredients and classic foods, some more startling than others. A basilisk, a monster that is part rooster and part snake, can be cooked on a spit like a roast chicken. A pumpkin with a human-like face on it can be turned into a soup. At the end of the day, a man-eating plant is still a plant, and its fruit can be turned into a delicious tart.
But like a good dish, plating is everything, and Delicious in Dungeon’s animation is so crisp and beautiful that even the most insane monster meal genuinely looks appetizing. The animation is defined by its clean line work, simple yet vibrant color blocking, and that exhaustive forethought that makes every detail an irreplaceable addition. But don’t let the simple art style lull you into a false sense of security because the series can get surprisingly vicious in a snap moment— reflective of the genuine dangers and threats in the sprawling dungeon. The action can get intense, featuring some truly stunning animation in visceral and dynamic combat sequences. Studio Trigger was cooking with gas when they animated this series, and the sizzle reel of Dungeon Meshi highlights is exceptional, even compared to the biggest shōnen anime. Even with the availability of healing and revival magic, some of the deaths and injuries in the show are startlingly brutal but remain cohesive within the reality of the show.
‘Delicious in Dungeon’ Is Funny, Heartwarming, and Action-Packed
For all the wildness and whimsy that the series has, Delicious in Dungeon is utterly unafraid to get serious when it needs to be. Underneath all the jokes and humor, the series explores some notably profound and complex ideas, as the external politics of different nations and the internal politics of party relationships are all integral to the overarching plot. The series tackles questions about greed, power, and the volatility of relationships. Though this all seems like it should be too much, the series blends them together in such a way that the contrast of different concepts only enhances the final product.
The key to this is the simple ethos that Senshi shares with the group early on: take care of oneself by eating right, sleeping well, and exercising, because that’s all it takes to become better than you were before. Few shows can truly boast about achieving something new and exciting in their genre, but Delicious in Dungeon deserves Michelin Star-level praise for its daring choice to combine even the boldest ingredients into one dish, and the series is only getting started.
Delicious in Dungeon is streaming now on Netflix in the U.S.
Lollapalooza’s opening days were hit by weather-related chaos as Lorde stopped her performance to get help for concertgoers who reportedly passed out in the intense Chicago heat. The crowd-safety scare unfolded during Thursday night’s kickoff, with the singer pausing her headlining set after noticing people struggling in the audience.
The disruption was followed by confusion surrounding Lil Uzi Vert’s Friday appearance. Festival organizers initially announced that the rapper would not perform because of weather issues, only to reverse course hours later with a surprise update.
Lorde, whose full name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, was performing before a packed crowd when multiple attendees reportedly lost consciousness because of the extreme heat, according to Rolling Stone. The 29-year-old singer paused the music and directed security toward people who appeared to need assistance. “You look hot from up here,” the outlet reported that Lorde told the crowd at one point.
The interruption allowed festival workers and security personnel to reach those affected before the performance continued. Further information about the concertgoers’ conditions was not included in the report.
Lorde later admitted that she was also feeling the effects of the temperature while performing.
Singer Admits She Felt ‘Dizzy In The Heat’
Lorde reflected on the demanding performance in an Instagram post shared with her 11 million followers Friday. The Grammy winner uploaded several photographs showing the festival grounds following her set. She was pictured standing onstage covered in colorful paint, while a distant sign instructed attendees to “Stay safe Lolla.” “Last night felt crazy, very out of body, doubting myself a bit, period due, dizzy in the heat,” Lorde began her caption.
She also revealed that she had been battling her own physical discomfort while attempting to deliver the performance. The singer also addressed the internal pressure she experiences after taking the stage. “I am brutally hard on myself sometimes and almost never feel like I did good enough,” she told her followers.
Despite those doubts, Lorde described feeling a powerful connection with the audience during the emotionally and physically demanding show.
Lorde Felt ‘Connection And Love’ From The Crowd
Although the night included alarming moments, Lorde emphasized that her overall experience remained deeply meaningful. “I felt the crowd last night as a heaving organism of connection and love,” she wrote. “I felt for the millionth time in my life that my work has taken me to the right place and I’m right where I need to be, always growing and being taught.”
Her reflection extended beyond her own performance to the workers responsible for transforming and cleaning the festival grounds after thousands of people departed. “At midnight I went back onto the stage with Jimmy, just stood there for a while and watched tomorrow’s crew ripping off our spikes and the pit crew cleaning up bottles and felt nature at work,” Lorde said.
“Nothing ever the one thing, all part of the constellation, felt everything that holds me as I do this work, the many many people who help me get it done, you, the land we perform on, the language and the music that have moved through me since I was a child,” the singer added before closing the emotional message by adding, “The moon was full. I love you very much.”
Lil Uzi Vert’s Performance Appeared To Be Canceled
The weather continued disrupting Lollapalooza’s schedule on Friday, when organizers announced that Lil Uzi Vert would no longer be appearing. The 31-year-old Philadelphia rapper was initially removed from the lineup “due to weather issues.”
Only hours after indicating that Lil Uzi Vert would not appear, Lollapalooza announced that the rapper would take the stage after all. Organizers did not elaborate on what changed between the initial weather-related cancellation and the later announcement that Uzi would join Major Lazer.
Festival organizers also informed attendees that Zara Larsson’s hourlong set had been moved to a different time.
Festival Warns Attendees About Continuing Rain
The extreme heat affecting Lorde’s Thursday performance gave way to intermittent rain as the weekend continued.
Lollapalooza advised attendees that organizers were monitoring the changing weather conditions and would provide additional information if necessary.
Jax Taylor is accusing his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, of allegedly attempting to “sabotage” his career amid the former couple’s contentious divorce.
“Yesterday was just another example of Brittany going out of her way to publicly embarrass and humiliate me,” Jax, 47, exclusively tells Us, referring to his now-viral fake brand partnership. “Instead of reaching out privately to address the situation, she chose to contact the brand, laugh about it on her podcast, and post false accusations on social media, turning something that could have been handled privately into a public spectacle.”
Jax adds, “Unfortunately, this has become a pattern. It’s just another example of her ongoing attempts to damage my reputation, interfere with my ability to work and earn a living, and make it as difficult as possible for me to move forward and rebuild my life.”
On Friday, July 31, Jax addressed his non-existent partnership with Smartwater, claiming he made a “simple mistake” when he posted about the fake brand deal. The former Vanderpump Rules star tells Us he was presented the brand opportunity from VideoForce.ai, a legitimate creator website, which contributed to the mistake.
The Valley alum Jax Taylor is addressing his now-viral fake brand partnership. “A few weeks ago, I accepted what I believed was a legitimate campaign opportunity through a third party influencer platform, like many creators use,” Jax, 47, wrote in a Friday, July 31, statement shared via social media. “I received the offer, emails, creative […]
“A few weeks ago, I accepted what I believed was a legitimate campaign opportunity through a third party influencer platform, like many creators use,” Jax wrote in a statement shared via social media. “I received the offer, emails, creative brief and deliverables. I trusted a platform that turned out not to be legitimate. As soon as I was notified that the campaign was unauthorized, I removed the content immediately. I have never and would never intentionally misrepresent a partnership.”
Jax’s ex, Brittany, addressed the fake brand partnership on her podcast.
Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright Getty Images
“I opened that DM [about the situation] LIVE while recording a podcast,” The Valley star, 37, alleged. “Blame people for their awful actions, not the person who is having to live with it daily. I’m done.”
When speaking to Us, Jax acknowledged that it has been “over two and a half years” since the pair separated and “nearly two years of trying to finalize” their divorce. (The pair, who got married in June 2019, share a son, Cruz, born in 2021.)
“During that time, I’ve worked incredibly hard on my sobriety, my mental health and becoming the best father I can be,” he says. “I’ve stayed silent for the past year out of respect for Cruz and because I believed taking the high road was the right thing to do. But staying silent while Brittany continues to lie about me publicly and find any opportunity to humiliate me has been incredibly difficult.”
He continues, “Last week we spent eight hours in court hoping to finally move this divorce forward, but it went nowhere because Brittany had not provided the financial disclosures that were required and came completely unprepared. She has also been subpoenaed by her own attorneys because she’s failed to provide the information they needed. My attorney has also gone on record confirming that she has never had to pay for my taxes, despite her continuing to publicly claim otherwise. This process has dragged on way longer than it should, and I just want to close this chapter and move on with my life.”
Jax also alleges that Brittany has “interfered” with various opportunities he has made to “rebuild” his career, including an alleged stint on the hit reality TV series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
There’s a new plot twist in Jax Taylor’s split from Brittany Cartwright. Taylor, 45, was served divorce papers on camera while filming season 2 of Bravo’s The Valley, a reality spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, Us Weekly has learned. The news, which was first reported by TMZ on Wednesday, August 28, came one day after Cartwright, […]
“On top of that, every time I’ve been presented with an opportunity to rebuild my career, those opportunities have been interfered with by Brittany. She has contacted networks and brand opportunities I had secured, resulting in jobs being jeopardized or lost. Her actions have directly impacted my ability to work, support myself and earn a living,” Jax claims. “I was set to film this season of Special Forces and after all the paperwork completed and taking multiple vaccines and my uniform in hand the offer was retracted days prior to me leaving. I came to find out that Brittany contacted them and once again interfered with an amazing job opportunity that would have helped me move forward.“
Us has reached out to Brittany for comment on Jax’s latest claims.
“I just want the same opportunity Brittany has had — to tell my truth, continue my recovery, focus on my son and build the next chapter of my life in peace,” Jax says. “I’m not dismissing my past actions or behavior. I know I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve worked hard in my recovery and I’m sober now for 1 year and 8 months.”
He adds, “I just wish there was space for me to grow, heal, and move forward instead of having every step I take toward rebuilding my life met with another attempt to tear me down.”
A source close to Brittany tells Us that the Brittany “is and always has been the victim” of Jax’s, adding that it’s “time people stop trying to rewrite that reality.”
“Watching someone continue to blame Brittany for the consequences of his own actions is beyond disappointing and frustrating. Brittany is not responsible for his behavior, and she never has been. The accountability lies with Jax, yet he continues to lie, deflect, and refuse to take responsibility for the damage he’s caused,” the source says. “If he’s struggling to book jobs, it’s because of his own actions — both on and off camera — not because of Brittany.”
The source adds, “We already know, and it has been stated multiple times that the divorce has been prolonged because of Jax’s multiple stays in rehab, but instead of focusing on bettering himself, he continues grasping at straws to try to continually make Brittany look bad. It isn’t working and he keeps showing everyone exactly who he is. The narrative that Brittany somehow needs him is laughable. She has been raising and providing for their son without meaningful financial help from Jax for years. Brittany has worked incredibly hard to build a stable life for her child despite everything she’s had to endure.”
The source alleges that Jax’s claims are simply “more of the same behavior we’ve all seen for years.”
“Brittany is done allowing him to rewrite history and perform as though he’s ‘changed,’” she source adds, “while his actions continue to tell a completely different story. Enough is enough.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded Madison Square Garden wedding continues to generate new details nearly one month after the couple exchanged vows. Jan Ravnik, the “Dancing with the Stars” professional who previously performed as a backup dancer on Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, was among the approximately 1,000 guests invited to the lavish July 3 ceremony in New York City. Ravnik has now addressed his experience attending the highly private celebration, which featured celebrity guests, emotional vows and performances from music legends.
Although Ravnik is remaining protective of the newlyweds’ privacy, he confirmed that the star-studded celebration lived up to its enormous expectations. “I can’t share a lot,” the professional dancer admitted before adding, “It was a great night, yes.”
Ravnik discussed the wedding while speaking with PEOPLE on the DWTS Con red carpet in Palm Springs, California, on July 31. The 31-year-old developed a close professional relationship with Swift after joining the Eras Tour as a backup dancer in March 2023. He remained part of the production until the global tour concluded in December 2024.
Ravnik has also appeared in Swift’s music videos for “The Fate of Ophelia,” “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart” and “Karma.” His inclusion on the wedding guest list proved to fans that their connection extended beyond the stage, but Ravnik refused to disclose any intimate details about the ceremony or reception. His restraint is consistent with the approach reportedly taken by most of the approximately 1,000 guests, as legitimate photographs and videos from inside the celebration have largely remained private.
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Transformed Madison Square Garden
Swift and Kelce exchanged vows inside Madison Square Garden after becoming engaged 11 months earlier. Although the iconic venue is best known for concerts and sporting events, it was reportedly transformed into an intimate woodland setting for the ceremony.
One source said the arena was decorated with trees and ferns, while its seats were covered in white. “It looked like a forest,” the insider shared.
After the couple officially tied the knot, the jumbotrons outside the arena reportedly displayed the announcement, “JUST&T MARRIED!”
Ravnik was among the many famous guests invited to witness the moment. The A-list crowd also reportedly included Selena Gomez, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Zoë Kravitz, Jason Sudeikis, Ethan Hawke and Jimmy Fallon.
Couple Read Lengthy Vows From Gold Books
Swift and Kelce reportedly exchanged handwritten vows during an emotional portion of the ceremony. According to a source, the couple read their words from gold books, and their “vows were about 20 minutes each.”
Guests were provided with embroidered handkerchiefs to use during particularly emotional moments. The reception began after Swift’s mother directed everyone into a separate room containing a stage. “After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom invited everyone into the reception room where a stage was set up,” the source explained.
Paul McCartney reportedly performed The Beatles’ classic “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” while Stevie Nicks also took the stage during the celebration.
Attendees were served Italian food and sushi from stations positioned throughout the reception area. “There were bars everywhere,” an insider said.
Despite the massive size of Madison Square Garden, the number of guests created a surprisingly packed atmosphere. “It was very crowded!” the source added.
Jason Kelce Says The Wedding Was ‘More Than 10 Out Of 10’
Ravnik was not the only wedding guest to praise the celebration. Jason Kelce, who served as his brother’s best man, described the ceremony as “incredible” and “more than 10 out of 10” during an appearance on Philadelphia radio station 94WIP.
The retired NFL star admitted that watching Travis and Swift exchange vows left him more emotional than expected. “I am a crier. I did cry … Probably cried more at this wedding than I cried at my own wedding, which probably is not acceptable,” Jason joked, before acknowledging that his wife, Kylie Kelce, was “probably not happy about that.”
Jason also confirmed that Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony and praised the comedian for balancing humor with the emotional weight of the occasion. “Obviously, he’s hilarious and he knows how to make it entertaining and funny, but there’s a sweetness to Adam in everything he does, all of his movies, that really resonated throughout,” Jason explained. “I think that Taylor and Travis were fantastic in the ceremony.”
Brad Pitt Was Among Jason Kelce’s Memorable Encounters
Rather than holding a conventional reception, Swift and Kelce reportedly turned the evening into an enormous party attended by people from dramatically different stages of their lives. “My favorite moments were just the different people that are at this wedding, right?” Kelce said.
He added, “Like, in one moment, I’m going (from) seeing Brad Pitt pop out of a corner and talking to him, and then in the next moment, I’m seeing Mrs. Clark who ran the attendance at Cleveland Heights High School.”
Jason also expressed amazement that so little footage from inside the celebration has become public despite the enormous guest list. “I haven’t seen any legitimate photos really from the wedding. It’s remarkable that there was a thousand people inside Madison Square Garden … and there’s really not a lot out there,” he said.
He suggested that the lack of leaks come from the amount of planning Swift and Kelce devoted to making the ceremony feel private.
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Not to be dramatic, but Scarlett Johansson found the most timeless wardrobe staple. Instead of a tight tank, she wore flowy knit version, and it screamed ‘old money.’ We uncovered Johansson’s classy look on Amazon . . . and it also happens to be on sale for $15.
In an Instagram Reel for The Outset, Johansson had a .02-second blip showcasing one of the brand’s beauty products. That was all we needed to see her chic tank style, and honestly, it might be even more luxurious than the serum. This capsule twin is selling out for good reason, so run!
Get the Anrabess Wool-Blend Sleeveless Top for $15 (was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Minimal, sophisticated and effortlessly sexy, the Anrabess Wool-Blend Sleeveless Top hits every elevated-basic note. The stretchy knit material skims your frame without squeezing, offering a tailored shape and lounge-like comfort. Better yet, the wool-blend fabric gives it an incredibly luxe appearance, one that usually costs triple the price.
This tank top makes you rethink every so-called ‘versatile’ piece in your closet. Tuck it into wide-leg trousers for the office, or layer it under an open cardigan with jeans for brunch. You can even pair it with a silk midi skirt and gold hoops for date night with your boo.
One happy reviewer wrote, “It’s such a perfect staple for my wardrobe, looks great tucked in or out, and goes with everything — pants, jeans, skirts, shorts.”
Another shopper wrote, “It has that effortless Ivy League, upper-class energy that looks right at home in tailored settings and polished wardrobes . . . [it’s] not casual, not trendy, but timeless and chic in the best way.”
This tank slips into your existing wardrobe, quietly upgrading everything with little to no effort. From summer to fall to winter, you’ll be glad to have this capsule top that elevates every pant style in your closet — yes, even sweats.
Get the Anrabess Wool-Blend Sleeveless Top for $15 (was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more chic tops, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Roomies, the back-and-forth between Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton is heating up! Kandi recently sat down for an interview and kept it 100 about how she REALLY feels about Tamar and why their history has been so complicated. She also cleared the air on all of the speculation surrounding their interaction during Essence Fest weekend in July. Buckle up, y’all, because the recaps, the receipts, and the tea are HOT!
RELATED: Tea Time? Kandi Burruss Seemingly Fires Back At Tamar Braxton Amid Rumored Feud As Fans Get Messy (VIDEOS)
Kandi Burruss Speaks On Longstanding Tension With Tamar Braxton
Okay, so BOOM! Kandi Burruss stood on every word while opening up about her relationship with Tamar Braxton on her ‘Speak On It’ podcast. Kandi said it with her whole chest and admitted she doesn’t rock with Tamar at all! She even called Tamar fake and said she’s never going to put on a fake face for someone who constantly talks “crazy” about her on the internet.“I’m just going to be straight up. I do not like that b***h,” Kandi said. “She is a fake a** b***h to me.”
Kandi Addresses Viral Interaction With Tamar At Essence Black Women In Music Event
While chatting on her podcast, Kandi also cleared the air about why her interaction with Tamar seemed awkward during the Essence Black Women in Music Awards. Kandi admitted Tamar caught her off guard because she didn’t understand why Tamar joined her and the other women onstage when she wasn’t being honored. She also questioned why Tamar tried to acknowledge her in front of everyone after continuously throwing shade at her. Kandi also shut down claims that she intentionally left Tamar out of her Instagram post. Burruss said she simply shared photos with the women who were being honored that night.
From there, Kandi said their run-ins have only gotten more awkward. A few weeks after the Essence event, she crossed paths with Tamar again at a party. As Tamar walked past her, she claims she mumbled, “b***h.” Kandi said she kept giving Tamar the cold shoulder for the rest of the night so that she wouldn’t be able to say anything about her in new interviews. “She didn’t go around saying nothing this time, because I paid her dust. So she wasn’t able to gaslight me like she was trying to at this party.”
Kandi went on to admit that she actually tried to squash the beef with Tamar years ago, but now she’s completely over it. The ‘RHOA’ star said she has her own motion going and doesn’t have time for the negative energy. She also added that Tamar only seems to get attention when she’s talking about her and somebody else.
“‘Cause just remember this b***h […] I’m the one that got something going on,” Kandi said. “You the one that sings so beautifully, but yet don’t nobody give a f**k about it, because the only reason you ever get air time lately is when you talking about me or you talking about somebody else.”
Where Does Tamar Stand In All Of This?
Shortly after Essence’s Black Women in Music event, Tamar stopped by ‘The Morning Hustle Show’ and shared her side of the interaction. She said she had no bad intentions when she greeted Kandi onstage and simply wanted to show respect and gratitude. From there, Tamar made it clear that she just wants peace and doesn’t want any beef in her life. “I don’t care.” Tamar added, “I said congratulations, and I went on about my business. I do not regret saying congratulations. I am not that kind of person. I do not want beef in my life. I really do enjoy my peace.” However, she did share that the only person she will always want smoke with is “the devil.”
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What Do You Think Roomies?
Marvel Studios once again dominated Hall H at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, unveiling a slate of announcements that included Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider and David Jonsson taking up the mantle of Black Panther for Black Panther 3. What fans might have missed was the fact that Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed that VisionQuest, which centers on Paul Bettany‘s Vision, is slated for release on October 14. It’s also the final release before Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters, meaning that it’s the final chance for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to address one of its long-standing mysteries.
VisionQuest has been billed as the final part of a “trilogy” that encompasses the first MCU television series, WandaVision, and its sequel, Agatha All Along. WandaVision focused on the love story between Vision and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), aka the Scarlet Witch; the downside was that Wanda was using her powers to enslave the town of Westview and resurrect the Vision after his death in Avengers: Infinity War. Eventually, a new version of the Vision was formed, eventually regaining the original’s memories but lacking his emotions, and Wanda would eventually perish at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It’s this death that VisionQuest needs to address, especially considering the story it’s telling with Vision.
‘VisionQuest’ Should Address Vision’s Reaction to Wanda’s Death
One of the elements that drew fans to WandaVision, other than its clever concept of placing superheroes in sitcoms, is the idea of Wanda and Vision striving to have a married life. That includes living in a house together and having children in the form of twins Tommy and Billy. Even though Wanda constructed a false world to live in, the memories she shared with the real Vision are still intact. It’s this attempt to rediscover his emotions that fuels VisionQuest, according to Bettany’s comments during a panel at last year’s New York Comic Con.
“What’s different about Vision right now is that Red Vision gave [White] Vision all of his memories, including the memories from within the Hex, but White Vision is having real difficulty sort of connecting to them. So he has the memories, but he doesn’t have the emotion and the feelings. White Vision’s journey during the show is about his attempt to connect to those memories of who he was — but with lasers.”
Those emotional bonds are set to be tested throughout VisionQuest, as Vision is set to encounter his “father,” Ultron (James Spader), and a grown-up version of Tommy (Ruaridh Mollica), who was resurrected by Billy following the events of Agatha All Along. The series should go the full mile and showcase how Vision reacts to Wanda’s death, since his love for her was a major factor in his developing emotions. Since the WandaVision trilogy is no stranger to emotionally devastating viewers, and showrunner Terry Matalas has proven that he can deliver some compelling genre fare thanks to his work on Star Trek: Picard, VisionQuest has a chance to deliver some of the most compelling moments in the MCU if it plays its cards right.
‘VisionQuest’ Could Potentially Address an ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Fan Theory
Prior to the VisionQuest news at Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel, the Scarlet Witch was the focus of discussion for entirely different reasons. At Marvel’s booth on the SDCC con floor, there was a series of costumes from Avengers: Doomsday, including the “Latverian Witches,” who seemingly aid Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr) in his goals. Each of the Latverian Witches had a different colored robe, making fans think that one of them would have a red robe and therefore leading to Wanda Maximoff making her surprise return. It’s not a stretch to imagine that VisionQuest could touch on this in some way; perhaps the end of the series will reunite Wanda and Vision. After all, it’s hardly the first time a character who seemingly died in the MCU came back to life.
VisionQuest is also making its debut at a strange time, as Marvel Television’s slate is winding down with the surprise cancellation of Wonder Man. In many ways, it isn’t just ending an unofficial trilogy of series, but a whole era at Marvel Television, and it needs to address Wanda’s death before the curtain falls.
VisionQuest premieres on Disney+ on October 14, 2026.
- Network
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Disney+
- Directors
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Christopher J. Byrne, Gandja Monteiro
- Franchise(s)
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Marvel Cinematic Universe
Entertainment
Forget ‘Dutton Ranch,’ Taylor Sheridan’s Most Thrilling Action Series Is Finally Returning This Week
While Taylor Sheridan is best known for Yellowstone, the political action thriller Lioness is arguably his grittiest work to date. Sheridan may have built his television career chronicling the Dutton family’s sprawling Montana ranch across multiple generations, but Lioness is an entirely different beast. Instead of protecting a family legacy, it follows those who are tasked with saving the nation from potential foreign threats.
Returning to his Sicario roots, Sheridan trades cowboys for covert spies, with Zoe Saldaña taking the reins as the show’s lead and executive producer. From infiltrating a terrorism-funding billionaire family to protecting the border from drug-smuggling cartels, Joe leads highly classified operations so secretive that, officially, they don’t even exist.
What Is ‘Lioness’ About?
Inspired by the real-life CIA Lioness Program, Lioness follows senior CIA case officer Joe McNamara (Saldaña), who recruits and trains female operatives to go deep undercover, infiltrating terrorist organizations by getting close to their families and inner circles. In the Lioness program, there is absolutely no margin for error; because the program operates off the books, there are no standardized guidelines, forcing operatives to improvise in the field. If they are compromised, there is no guarantee the CIA will come to their rescue, as doing so would expose the entire operation. This danger is established in the very first episode, when an asset is exposed because of a tattoo, forcing Joe to authorize a drone strike that kills both the terrorists and her own asset.
For Joe, choosing the right assets is a challenge in itself. In Season 1, Force Recon Marine Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira) is handpicked to infiltrate the family of Aaliyah Amrohi (Stephanie Nur), the daughter of an oil tycoon secretly funding terrorist groups. Season 2 follows Captain Josie Carrillo (Genesis Rodriguez), a skilled military helicopter pilot tasked with infiltrating the family of cartel leader Alvaro Carrillo (Marcus DeAnda). In both seasons, the two assets undergo brutal training to prepare for the worst-case scenarios, only to realize they’ll be left with scars far more painful than any bullet wound.
The Mission Always Comes First in ‘Lioness’
One of Lioness‘ central themes is how much someone is willing to sacrifice for their country, which often means putting emotions aside. However, Lioness doesn’t romanticize this strict notion of patriotism, instead revealing its emotional cost. By the middle of Season 1, Cruz finds herself sympathizing with Aaliyah, who is herself a victim of her father, but Aaliyah’s feelings are none of the CIA’s concern. Meanwhile, Season 2 sees Josie’s family ties making her the perfect asset — and potentially the mission’s greatest liability. In Lioness, the moment that personal feelings outweigh the mission, lives are put at risk.
Joe isn’t exempt from this. Unlike Cruz or Josie, she has a husband and two daughters waiting at home. Her work at the CIA takes up most of her personal time, and Joe is well aware of the strain it puts on her home life. Her husband Neal (Dave Annable) occasionally lashes out in frustration over Joe’s insistence on always being at the CIA’s beck and call, while her eldest daughter Kate (Hannah Love Lanier) despises her for never being around. Although Joe convinces herself that it has always been her duty to keep the country safe, being a “hero” isn’t idealized at home. The mission always comes first in Lioness, much to her family’s disappointment.
‘Lioness’ Is Inspired by Global Politics
Lioness wouldn’t be a political thriller without global implications. Both Joe and her CIA superiors agree that eliminating foreign threats has always been the mission of the Lioness program. However, while Joe and CIA leadership prioritize protecting innocent lives, the U.S. government is often more concerned with optics. It’s not surprising that Joe and her colleagues, Kaitlyn Meade (Nicole Kidman) and Byron Westfield (Michael Kelly), frequently butt heads with the White House Oversight Committee and the Department of State. The CIA is willing to use every resource available to capture threats, but the White House’s only priority is making sure any CIA activity doesn’t make the administration look bad.
Just because the Lioness program manages to take out a few bad guys doesn’t mean evil suddenly disappears. If anything, it simply shifts the political landscape, creating new threats from America’s rivals, like China or Russia. Joe may have joined to protect the country, but Lioness makes it clear that she and her team are often treated as pawns in advancing government agendas. That’s why Joe is constantly forced to make impossible choices about whom to save and whom to sacrifice, depending on what serves those agendas. As Season 3 approaches, that moral conflict will only intensify, testing Joe’s loyalty to the Lioness program, the CIA, and even the United States.
Lioness
- Release Date
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July 23, 2023
- Network
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Paramount+
- Directors
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John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan
-
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Laysla De Oliveira
Cruz Manuelos
In just 1 day, Taylor Sheridan‘s intense war thriller returns to Paramount+ for its long-awaited third season after nearly two years off the air. Filming wrapped in March, and the new season is expected to raise the stakes with even more high-risk missions. Although Season 3 has yet to premiere, there’s already news about the show’s future, with growing speculation over a potential Season 4, even though Paramount+ has yet to renew the hit drama.
Premiering on August 2, 2026, Lioness Season 3 will consist of eight episodes, with a new installment debuting every Sunday through the season finale on September 20. Episodes are expected to run between 40 and 55 minutes. Furthermore, Zoe Saldaña returns as CIA senior case officer Joe McNamara, alongside Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade, the senior CIA official overseeing the Lioness program. Morgan Freeman also reprises his role as U.S. Secretary of State Edwin Mullins, while Michael Kelly returns as CIA Deputy Director Byron Westfield.
Now speaking about Lioness’ future, returning stars Laysla De Oliveira and Jill Wagner expressed confidence during a ScreenRant interview that the spy thriller isn’t finished yet. De Oliveira reprises her role as Cruz Manuelos, a member of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF), while Wagner returns as Bobby, the QRF team leader.
“We’re going to get Lioness Season 4,” Wagner said confidently, agreeing with De Oliveira that fans will be eager for another season once they see what Sheridan has planned for the finale. De Oliveira echoed that sentiment, saying viewers “won’t want” the series to end after Season 3 and revealing that the season concludes with a cliffhanger that leaves the door wide open for another chapter. Keep in mind that Season 3 is expected to be Saldaña’s final outing as Joe after the actress originally signed a three-season agreement to star in and executive produce the series.
What Happened in ‘Lioness’ Season 2?
Season 2 saw the CIA’s war on terror move closer to home as Joe led a dangerous operation involving a Mexican drug cartel. The mission nearly cost her life, leaving her questioning whether to step down from leading the Lioness program. Instead, Lioness Season 3 finds Joe back in command as she leads her team on another high-stakes mission. At the same time, she must confront the growing strain her career has placed on her family while continuing to do whatever it takes to eliminate the threats standing in her way.
Lioness Season 3 premieres on August 2 on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for further updates.
- Release Date
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July 23, 2023
- Network
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Paramount+
- Directors
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John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan
-
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Laysla De Oliveira
Cruz Manuelos
The 2026 TV calendar has proven fruitful. Between new programs and returning shows, the non-stop binge has been filled with extraordinary content. From networks to premium cable and streamers in between, the boundaries have been pushed to bring viewers to their screens. And when it comes to science fiction, the shows are delivering. We’re here to celebrate the best sci-fi TV of the year so far. If you love science fiction, your appetite has been satisfied.
This year, we’ve seen many returning shows prove they are nowhere near a sophomore slump. There have been first-season spin-offs of long-running hits that have been as good, if not better, than the flagship show. And then there were daring new concepts with all-star casts willing to play in the sandbox of fantastical stories. The ranking reflects the entire season; thus, Silo is not going to be included. We’ll likely put that series in at the end of 2026. It’s already been a great year, so it’s truly splitting hairs in a few of these spots. Which is your favorite so far?
7
‘The Beauty’ (Season 1)
Ryan Murphy is always going to be represented on screen. Whether with returning series or new shows, the Murphy vision is alive and well. At the end of 2025, Murphy gave the world a campy hot mess. In 2026, he dropped the camp for a high-concept sci-fi body horror that actually worked, and that may be due to the blueprint he had to work from. The Beauty, based on the graphic novel by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, centers on a sexually transmitted virus that magically transforms ordinary people into physically perfect beings, but carries a terrifying, lethal cost. The lab-engineered miracle drug dubbed “The Beauty” spreads as an STD, granting overnight physical perfection. Created by Byron Forst (Ashton Kutcher), a shadowy tech billionaire, the drug acts as the ultimate shortcut to extreme beauty, youth, and confidence. However, eventually, those affected suffer from extreme internal burning, physical deterioration, and uncontrollable rage, leading to an investigation by FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall).
Though dark in premise, The Beauty is presented in a way that is anything but. It serves as a satirical commentary on modern societal beauty standards, celebrity culture, and extreme interventions in the era of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. It depicts the dark lengths to which people will go to achieve an unattainable ideal of physical perfection. The Beauty is an addictive, campy dark thriller that is provocative and viscerally daring. The show thrives on unapologetic, grotesque gore to hammer home its thesis. A big part of why the show is addictive is the cavalcade of stars who are willing to go ham, including Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Isabella Rossellini, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Jon Jon Briones, Ben Platt, Meghan Trainor, Billy Eichner, and more. If you don’t mind watching your favorites explode before your eyes, The Beauty is high-octane entertainment.
6
‘For All Mankind’ (Season 5)
In this era of streaming, lasting five seasons is a feat and a triumph, especially when it lacks high-profile superstars. Fortunately, For All Mankind stands proudly on its own two feet as an underrated gem in the sci-fi realm. Widely praised for its thrilling “what if” premise, grounded character development, and meticulous world-building, the series moves into the 2010s, focusing on the escalating tensions between a massive, bustling Happy Valley colony on Mars and a controlling Earth. Years after the Goldilocks asteroid heist, Earth’s nations demand strict law and order on Mars. This sparks a rebellion in which Miles Dale (Toby Kebbell) blows up the Helios base’s command crew, and the Mars governor, Leonid “Lenya” Polivanov (Costa Ronin), turns against Earth. A tense, localized war breaks out in Happy Valley before a ceasefire is finally called, and Miles is sworn in as the new governor of Mars.
Season 5 continues to do what it does best: storytelling and production. The series continues its trend of stellar visual effects, showcasing a bustling Mars with schools, gift shops, and space elevators while pushing expeditions further out to Titan. Season 5 is a bridge season of sorts as decades of history and emotional weight come to a head. New characters arrive, including children of beloved long-running characters like Alex Baldwin (Sean Kaufman), as others depart. While the series sadly says goodbye to beloved characters, including Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman), who has died from cancer, and Kelly Baldwin (Cynthia Wu), who sacrifices herself to get her crew back to Earth after discovering alien life, Season 5 does a great job establishing a new adventure in the 2020s for Season 6.
5
‘Star City’ (Season 1)
Fans of the flagship series may be disappointed that Star City ranks above For All Mankind, but a new, refreshing show that is more than just a companion series deserves a bit more praise. Star City explores an alternate-history space program from the perspective of the Soviet Union. Created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi, the space race thriller takes place in the same universe as For All Mankind, where the Soviets were the first to land on the moon, but focuses on the claustrophobic, paranoid, and highly secretive reality behind the Iron Curtain. Instead of focusing purely on triumphant space exploration, Star City examines how human nature, engineering, and personal ambition are stifled by a totalitarian regime.
For the first season, the narrative centers on cosmonauts, engineers like “Chief Designer,” aka Sergei Korolev (Rhys Ifans), and KGB intelligence officers like Lyudmilla Raskova (Anna Maxwell Martin), who are constantly monitoring one another. It acts as an intense spy thriller where the psychological tension and danger on the ground are just as deadly as the risks taken in space. Season 1 is a slow-burning story that swiftly escalates into a thrilling cinematic tale. Although it exists in the For All Mankind universe, the series is entirely self-contained. You do not need to watch the original show to enjoy this gritty, historical-alternate thriller. It just might make it juicier.
4
‘Fallout’ (Season 2)
Season 1 of Prime Video’s Fallout certainly wet our whistle, but Season 2 was a highly entertaining and bloodier continuation that expands the universe with the iconic New Vegas setting. Based on the iconic video game series, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two centuries after a nuclear holocaust destroyed society. The season picks up right where Season 1 left off, following Lucy (Ella Purnell) and The Ghoul (Walton Goggins) on a quest to hunt down her father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan). The season also balances the Vault storylines alongside Maximus’ (Aaron Moten) struggles within the Brotherhood of Steel. All this to set up a potentially epic third season. Filled with campy humor and violent atmosphere, Season 2 proves that with a brilliant blueprint to build a series around, Fallout isn’t solely for gamers; the series stands alone as a brilliant entity that unites old and new fans alike.
Just like Season 1, Fallout continues the effortless blend of cartoonish, post-apocalyptic violence with genuinely emotional character moments and dark, retro-futuristic comedy. Season 2 strengthens and hardens many of our favorite relationships. Lucy began as a gleeful delight, only to emerge as a young woman not only willing to accept the truth but turn on her blood for the betterment of the water. The season did a remarkable job of bringing some fan-favorite elements from the game while introducing series-only weaponry. The primary ensemble was better than ever, with breakout performances coming from Annabel O’Hagan as Steph and Moises Arias as Norm MacLean. Perhaps the best part of the season came from the cameos of Kumail Nanjiani and Macaulay Culkin. Watching the series explore New Vegas to its fullest extent became the best decision of Season 2. Season 3 will no doubt do it again.
3
‘The Testaments’ (Season 1)
For six seasons, viewers were taken on a wild ride through Margaret Atwood’s dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale. Gilead was a terrifying world, and yet Atwood had more in store. Based on the 2019 novel, The Testaments became the companion sequel series to The Handmaid’s Tale, extending the story through a new perspective. The coming-of-age drama follows a new generation of young women growing up inside the regime — including June Osborne’s (Elisabeth Moss) biological daughter, Agnes MacKenzie (Chase Infiniti), and a Canadian outsider, Daisy (Lucy Halliday). The story focuses on privileged daughters of Commanders attending an elite “Wife School,” governed by a regime intent on molding them into submissive spouses. Rather than just surviving in a constant state of torment, the younger characters actively deprogram Gilead’s brainwashing and plot to free themselves. Through an exploration of political control of women’s bodies, religious hypocrisy, the power of testimony in preserving truth, and the complex moral choices required to resist systemic injustice, it offers a newfound perspective on recurring themes.
The Testaments is a gripping drama that revitalizes the dystopian world of Gilead by shifting the focus to a new generation. It features suspenseful spy-thriller pacing and a fresh, compelling look at young women slowly unraveling into a new sense of identity. The Testaments may be a part of the overall story but can be enjoyed proudly on its own. One of the best connective tissues is the return of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, this time operating outwardly as a high-ranking enforcer but secretly working to subvert the regime. The season also explores flashbacks revealing how she survived the initial revolution and the choices that led to her rise. It may not be her story, but she continues to dominate the screen. Infiniti, who was robbed of an Oscar nomination this year, rightly earned an Emmy nom. Her breathtaking portrayal of Agnes was like watching Moss during her first season of the main show — a star shining brightly. If you miss Moss as June, it’s a good idea to watch. There are a few familiar faces that pop in when you least expect them.
2
‘The Boroughs’ (Season 1)
Pour one out for The Boroughs. Gone too soon. Though Season 1 ended in a manner that allowed it to be a limited series, it was such a brilliantly addictive binge-watch, and we all wanted more of this wild story and star-studded ensemble. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews and executive produced by The Duffer Brothers, the series tells the tale of a lovable group of retirees living in a seemingly idyllic desert retirement community in New Mexico who discover a dark, supernatural conspiracy lurking beneath their perfect surface and must band together to stop a monster from stealing their time. Flipping the “kids on bikes” sci-fi trope in exchange for seniors with a mission, The Boroughs balances a monster mystery with heartfelt explorations of grief and aging led by an all-star ensemble.
Despite earning great acclaim, The Boroughs was one-and-done, which is unfortunate. The show was filled with nostalgia, firing on all cylinders. It’s what made it so fresh. The isolated, secluded, corporate-run retirement community in the New Mexico desert made for an unlikely horror-mystery, especially as authority figures and facility staff often try to dismiss the retirees’ claims of otherworldly monsters as mere dementia. It operates on a comical level while also highlighting what happens to those individuals of a certain age. The story is charming and thrilling but also serves as a poignant memento mori. The Boroughs boasts a cast with undeniable chemistry, including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman. The Boroughs may be gone but never forgotten, which is fitting, as that’s the heart of the story.
1
‘Paradise’ (Season 2)
It doesn’t get much better than Paradise. After a solid first season last year, it returned even better for Season 2. Created by Dan Fogelman, the hit series follows a Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) as he investigates the assassination of a former president (James Marsden). The investigation exposes a massive conspiracy: the seemingly idyllic town is an underground bunker housing the elite survivors of a catastrophic, world-ending event. The second season exploded the lore as Collins left the bunker to search for his wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma), who survived the global apocalypse. Meanwhile, the utopian shelter faces social collapse and reveals shocking origins, while time glitches and quantum AI named “Alex” begin to actively bend reality. As the season pivoted from mystery to a science-fiction thriller, Paradise Season 2 showcased what happens when an idyllic haven implodes within due to mistrust and betrayal.
Paradise works better than most sci-fi thrillers because it never gets bigger than its ambition. The intense, emotional twists are earned and warranted. The mystery box unfolds masterfully and in a gripping way. Paradise is a highly bingeable series because the cliffhangers and twists don’t linger too long. You get your answers, whether you like them or not, when they need to be revealed. Paradise features some of the best acting of the year, especially from Julianne Nicholson and Shailene Woodley. Both actresses bring raw emotion that will have you bawling by the end. The sprawling world-building got bigger in Season 2, only for it to come crashing down by its solid finale. Season 3 has us all eager because it’s truly a new frontier.
Paradise
- Release Date
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January 26, 2025
- Network
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Hulu
- Showrunner
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Dan Fogelman
- Directors
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Gandja Monteiro
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