Paris Jackson is opening up like never before in a new interview, where she speaks about her relationship with her superstar father, Michael Jackson. Paris, 28, confirmed that over the years she’s stopped listening to what the public has to say regarding her bond with the “Thriller” singer and has instead focused on what she knows to be true.

Speaking with Jack Osbourne on his “Trying Not to Die” podcast, Paris said that in the past, she felt pressured into sharing intimate details about her relationship with her father after his death. (Michael died in 2009 when Paris was 11.)

“There’s definitely a certain element where I felt I had to share everything,” she said. “And that has drastically changed in the last few years, because I don’t really feel like any of us owe anyone anything.”

Paris explained that she used to post lengthy, heartfelt messages about her father on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. Today, however, the singer-songwriter said she’s in a much different space and is processing things differently.

Paris Jackson Gets Candid About Her ‘Personal Relationship’ With Her Father

“I’m now learning I can have my own personal relationship and I’m allowed to be private about it and I’m now like, my relationship is the most beautiful relationship ever,” Paris said. “I’m in a very beautiful spot with my dad and I love that and it’s no one’s business and I don’t have to share that with anybody. And there’s a lot of freedom in that, which is really cool.”

Continuing, Paris said that she doesn’t want her posts online to come across as “performative,” adding that she chooses to express her love for her father in a way that’s uniquely hers.

“I’m not going to express my love in a copycat way, copying someone that didn’t know him,” she said. “Because I did. That was my best friend.”

Paris Jackson Shoots Back At Critics Who Claim She Grew Up A ‘Spoiled Brat’ Due To Her Father’s Riches

At a later point in the conversation, Paris clapped back at critics who had claimed she was raised a “spoiled brat.” According to her, that claim couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, Paris said that her father raised her and her siblings to value hard work.

“There was a lot about my upbringing that was silver spoon-esque, but there was so much of it that had to be earned. Like there was very much a focus on developing a work ethic,” she said. “And so I did see something recently where it’s like, ‘You don’t have to work,’ and it’s like no, I do. I really do. Because I’m like a shark. If I stop moving, I’ll die. It makes me happy to move and work and be productive.”

Paris Jackson Speaks About Her Roots

In a past interview with Rolling Stone, Paris touched on her biological roots after years of speculation that she could be another man’s child.

“I consider myself black,” she said at the time, explaining that her father, Michael, would “look me in the eyes and he’d point his finger at me and he’d be like, ‘You’re black. Be proud of your roots.’”

Continuing, Paris said that she’s always believed her father’s words to be true. “Cause to my knowledge, he’s never lied to me,” she added.

Paris Criticized The MJ Biopic Recently Released

Michael Jackson’s legacy has been a topic of discussion over the last month following the release of the biopic “Michael.” According to PEOPLE, Paris criticized the film in 2025, saying she took issue with parts of the script.

“They’re gonna make whatever they’re gonna make. The big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it,” she said. “The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in a fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it.”

While “Michael” has grossed nearly $800 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo, that doesn’t change Paris’ take on Hollywood telling certain stories.

“The thing about these biopics is it’s Hollywood. It’s fantasy land — it’s not real,” she said. “But it’s sold to you as real, and a lot of sugar-coated… the narrative is being controlled. There’s a lot of inaccuracy and there’s a lot of full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me. I don’t really like dishonesty.”

It’s no secret that The Karate Kid is an iconic action franchise. Since it started in the mid-80s, it has found new life through the Cobra Kai series, pop-culture references, and a reboot, all of which have led to a new film installment in 2025. And while there isn’t any news on whether the franchise will continue any time soon, watching these iconic movies will be easier by next month.

The Karate Kid franchise began in 1984 with The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who learns Karate from Mr Miyagi (Pat Morita) after getting bullied by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). After its release, more movies were made, bringing the franchise’s worldwide box office gross to $791.6 million. And by next month, it will be easier to watch this franchise on streaming services.

The Karate Kid Collection, which consists of the first three Karate Kid movies and the 2010 reboot, will be available on Netflix with ads for the first time this June. This means that those with the ad-supported standard plan can now access these movies. The Karate Kid franchise has come and gone in Netflix’s library, but whenever it returns, it has proven to be a streaming hit. Back in March 2010, The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, landed on the streaming charts.

What To Watch If You Like ‘The Karate Kid’

If you’re waiting for The Karate Kid franchise to be available on Netflix, there are other titles out there that could fill the gaps. The one that comes to mind the most is the Cobra Kai series. All six seasons are available on the streaming giant, and they take place years after the first three films and, arguably, the 2010 reboot. The series earned a high critics’ score 94% and an audience score of 90%, and was nominated for numerous awards.

Another title worth watching is the 2011 sci-fi sports movie, Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy. This film follows Charlie (Jackman), a former boxer, who trains a robot called Atom, which has a feature that memorizes movements from its handlers or opponents and partakes in numerous robot boxing fights. The film grossed over $300 million and was well-received by audiences and critics.

Lastly, there’s the Kung Fu Panda movies, which follow Po (Jack Black), a panda who’s destined to be the Dragon Warrior, despite the disbelief of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and The Furious Five, a group of highly esteemed kung-fu warriors. Just like Daniel LaRusso, Po’s martial arts journey does not end in the first film; it continues as he faces more foes across China who threaten peace. Additionally, it’s also an iconic franchise and is highly praised by fans and critics.

The Karate Kid franchise will be available for ad-supported Netflix users on June 1. Follow Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

June 22, 1984

Runtime

Advertisement

126 minutes

Director

John G. Avildsen

Advertisement

Writers

Robert Mark Kamen

Advertisement

Producers

Jerry Weintraub

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Rachel Zegler has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars. She made a stunning debut in Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story and followed it up with major roles in big-budget franchises. Despite a brief filmography, Zegler’s star power and undeniable vocal talent have always been highlights in all her movies. She recently made a splash with her Oliver Award-winning performance as Evita in the West End musical, which will soon come to Broadway. She also has several projects lined up including the musical Octet, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In this list, we take a look at how rewatchable her movies are. From her debut film to her blockbuster film, this list does not only look at Zegler’s role in the movies, but the movies as a whole. We’ll take a look at which movies offer the most essential viewing experiences and which ones are less compelling.

6

‘Y2K’ (2024)

Image via A24

Set on New Year’s Eve in 1999, Y2K follows a group of high schoolers who attend a party on the night before the new millennium, only to find themselves fighting for their lives when the Y2K computer bug causes all technology to become sentient and attacks humanity. Rachel Zegler stars as Laura in the film alongside Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison.

Despite its genre-blending nature and fun premise, Y2K is a messy film that does not know what it wants to be. While the film has a specific, nostalgic aesthetic and features a collection of absurdist gags that some viewers may enjoy, the film struggles mix its comedy and horror genres. The film is also unsure how to mix the high school comedy story and the sci-fi aspects of it. So, it naturally ranks the lowest in rewatchability. The film also bombed at the box office and was barely noticed by the audiences. Zegler is still the main draw in this film though.

5

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Image via Disney

Snow White reimagines the classic 1937 animated film. This film follows Snow White (Rachel Zegler), whose beauty threatens and enrages her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). After being forced to flee into the forest, Snow White finds refuge with seven dwarves and must eventually face her stepmother to reclaim the kingdom.

Putting aside all the off-screen controversies surrounding the film, Snow White is objectively a lackluster Disney film. With its flat story and uncanny visuals, it lacks the magic of the animated film and fails to trigger any sense of wonder. Rachel Zegler still shines with the limited amount of material she’s given. She has a showstopper song titled “Waiting on a Wish” that utilizes her beautiful voice. The same cannot be said of her screen partner, Gal Gadot, who constantly fumbles her musical numbers. Its target audience may choose to watch better Disney live-action films or even stick to the 90-year-old original film.

4

‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023)

Shazam! Fury of the Gods follows Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his foster siblings, who transform into adult heroes, led by Batson’s Shazam (Zachary Levi). This time, they face off against the Daughters of Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea (Zegler) as they try to revive the God’s Realm and destroy the Earth in the process.

Depending on your affinity to DCEU or superhero movies in general, this Shazam sequel could be the most irritating film or one of the more entertaining offerings of the genre. Directed by David F. Sandberg, it has a certain degree of visual flair and some fun action sequences. The family aspect of the film remains the film’s biggest strength and Zegler’s character Anthea is probably the most realized one among the ensemble cast. It’s still a fun movie to watch when you don’t think about the bigger picture of the shared DC Universe and that makes it more rewatchable than a couple of Zegler’s films.

3

‘Spellbound’ (2024)

Image via Netflix 

Spellbound follows Princess Ellian of Lumbria (voiced by Rachel Zegler), who must embark on a quest to break the spell that has turned her parents into monsters and divided her kingdom into two opposing halves, the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and John Lithgow.

Featuring a timeless story and music by Alan Menken, Spellbound has all the elements to be a massive hit, but unfortunately the film was only released on Netflix. With its lukewarm reviews, the film failed to make any ripple outside the Netflix charts. The film however has a rich, colorful animation and vibrant original songs. Zegler’s role as the princess leans to her strength: her singing voice. On top of that, she’s able to convey so much through her voice, making her character so appealing. For families and children, this Netflix animated film could be immensely rewatchable, if they finally stopped rewatching KPop Demon Hunters.

2

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ (2023)

Image via Lionsgate

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes follows a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), decades before he becomes the President of Panem. In the 10th Annual Hunger Games, he is selected to mentor one of District 12’s female tribute, Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler). The film shows Snow’s descent into darkness as he strategizes to ensure Lucy Gray’s victory and his ruthless ideas that become staples in the Games.

This Hunger Games prequel is a welcome return to the dystopian world created by Suzanne Collins. The film was met with strong box office performance and a positive reception from audiences and critics. Snow’s compelling arc and Lucy Gray’s fascinating and enigmatic journey make it always entertaining to revisit. The film offers the usual Hunger Games thrills but also ends it in an unexpected, ambiguous note for one of the characters. Once again, Zegler is given a space to flex her singing talent, with several songs in this film. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes won Zegler a People’s Choice Award and is currently her highest grossing film.

1

‘West Side Story’ (2021)

Image via 20th Century Studios

West Side Story centers on the forbidden love between Tony (Ansel Elgort), a member of the Jets gang, and María (Zegler), the sister of the leader of the rival Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. Despite all the warnings from both sides of the gangs, Tony and Maria’s romance blooms until it meets its tragic end. The film is a remake of the 1961 film, and the story itself is inspired by Romeo & Juliet.

Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story is Rachel Zegler’s debut film. She is widely praised for her performance and powerful singing voice, earning her a Golden Globe. The film itself is a vibrant adaptation of the stage musical. The elaborate musical numbers are a constant draw in every viewing. It is filled with stunning visuals courtesy of Spielberg’s longtime collaborator Janusz Kaminski and the director’s masterful direction and long shots. Many audience and critics even deem it superior to the original film. Even though it bombed at the box office, it is still one of the best films released in the past few years.

Advertisement

West Side Story

Advertisement

Release Date

December 10, 2021

Runtime

Advertisement

156 minutes

Writers

Tony Kushner

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Internet users are talking about Chris Brown‘s affection for Jada Wallace following a clip showing them at Ray J‘s recent boxing match.

RELATED: The Girls Get It! 7 Facts About Jada Wallace That Have Fans Understanding Chris Brown’s Type

More On Chris Brown’s Affection For Jada Wallace Shown In Clip Of Them At Ray J’s Boxing Match

On Tuesday, May 26, The Shade Room reposted livestream footage which showed Jada Wallace and Chris Brown sitting ringside at Ray J’s recent boxing match against Supa Hot Fire. In the clip, Slim Jxmmi could be seen sitting in the same row as the pair. Furthermore, Breezy appeared in good spirits as he placed his arm around Jada Wallace, and they appeared to share a few laughs and smiles as things got underway.

Check out the full clip below.

Internet Users Are Talkin’ About Chris Brown’s Affection For Jada Wallace

Internet users began talking about Chris Brown’s affection for Jada Wallace via X, formerly known as Twitter. And in TSR’s comment section.

More On Ray J’s Boxing Match

As The Shade Room previously reported, Chris Brown and Jada Wallace recently popped out for Ray J’s boxing match against Supa Hot Fire. Ahead of the match, Brown shared his wish for Ray J — telling him not to get “whooped.”

Ultimately, Breezy’s request fell short, and Ray J found himself getting knocked out.

RELATED: Internet Is Crackin’ UP At Chris Brown Telling Ray J Not To Get “Whooped” Moments Ahead Of Him Getting Knocked Out In Boxing Match (WATCH)

General Hospital 2-Week Spoilers for May 25-June 5, 2026 indicate Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) isn’t following orders and she does something bold.

Plus, we have Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) feeling helpless and in an absolute panic. Plus, we have more on the fallout Curtis is facing for the brutal assault on Isaiah and Alexis drags Ava out of town. There’s a hunt on for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) and we have some huge exit news.

General Hospital Spoilers Monday, May 25th: Encore Episode for Memorial Day

On Monday, May 25th, it is Memorial Day. So, if you served, thank you. If you lost someone, I give you my condolences. Got a lot of veterans in my family as well. So, because of the holiday, we’re getting a GH repeat. They’re re-airing an episode that aired back in 2025. And this was when Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) was pushing Laura Collins (Genie Francis) to support him taking over Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) piers.

And Sonny was urging Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) to consider Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) a suspect in Drew Cain’s (Cameron Mathison) shooting. Also, Emma Scorpio-Drake (Brayden Bruner) was very suspicious about Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) and Hank Dalton’s (Daniel Goddard) secret work in the lab. And Portia confided in Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) her concern because she has to tell Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) he may not be the father of her baby.

Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) and Curtis were kissing after he said that he did confirm that Portia is pregnant as Jordan guessed. And Curtis promised Jordan he wants to be with her and will not reunite with Portia despite the pregnancy. We also have Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliott) finding Monica Quartermaine’s (Leslie Charleson) real will.

Andshe’s rushing to interrupt right before Ronnie Bard (Erika Slezak), Monica’s sister, sold the Quartermaine mansion to Drew because Martin Gray (Michael E. Knight) forged Monica’s will to screw over Tracy. That same day, Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) revealed that Monica really left the family home to Tracy.

Tuesday, May 26th on GH: Lulu Terrified

Then on Tuesday, May 26th, we have our first new General Hospital episode of the week, and Dante and Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) reach an agreement. They are likely going to put aside their issues and animosity for Rocco’s sake because they want their son back. And on Tuesday, Lulu says this is all her fault. And it kind of is. Rocco stole his passport to run off with Britt.

And that wouldn’t have been possible if Lulu didn’t have Ethan Lovett (Nathan Dean) get fake passports for them. Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) pleading with somebody, and it could be Lucas. So, he and Carly have a tense talk at Bobbie’s Diner.

Now that Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke) and Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) told Carly about Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and Sidwell, I expect to see Carly frantic about getting Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) out of Wyndemere.

But of course, he knows a lot more than Carly does, and she’s kind of playing catch-up, but she doesn’t realize it. So, Lucas does tell Carly that Marco Rios (Adrian Anchando) proved himself to him, and it cost him his life.

General Hospital Spoilers: Alexis Has a Plan

Alexis tells Ava Jerome (Maura West) that she has to come to New York with her. Alexis needs more info on Delilah Wilson (Lily Cardone) to help the adoption and says Ava knows the art scene and recognize that tattoo. So, Alexis thinks Ava is the best choice to go along. Also, this week, Alexis is looking tense talking with Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) and Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos), so she may tell them about her trip with Ava. And Kristina gets huge news.

And speaking of big news, this is the huge casting news. Kate Mansi wrapped filming at General Hospital after she decided to not renew her contract after her three-year run ended, and she has already reportedly taped her last scenes. Also, Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) follow a lead, and it could be about the Curtis and Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) case, or Britt and Rocco. And on Friday, Sonny tells Laura they need to get Pascal (Mark Forget) to turn on Sidwell, but the question is why would Pascal flip?

Remember Britt called Sonny and told him Sidwell killed Dalton and Pascal helped with the body dump. Also, Sidwell runs a theory by Ava maybe about who killed Marco because Sidwell’s telling somebody on Tuesday that he’ll do whatever it takes to find Marco’s killer.

Wednesday, May 27th On General Hospital: Ric Frets over Liz

On Wednesday, May 27th, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) checks in to make sure Elizabeth is okay. After Britt wrestled Elizabeth and locked her in a closet, I’m sure Ric is concerned about her. I mean, Britt’s like half a foot taller than her. Liz is so tiny. Sonny issues a warning this week. He’s over at Lulu’s house with her and Dante, and he might be telling them about what Britt said when she called before she and Rocco ran off. Emma consoles Gio. He’s very worried about his little brother, Rocco, and feels responsible for him running off.

Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) gets bad news from Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup), and I wonder if he’s going to tell Trina about Curtis assaulting Isaiah and being arrested. This may be why Trina drops in on both of her parents individually on Wednesday. I’m sure she’s going to feel torn. Portia may explain Curtis attacked Isaiah brutally, and I’m guessing Curtis may tell Trina that Isaiah is to blame for his and Jordan’s wreck. You know, the one they caused. So, I do wonder if Trina asks what proof Curtis has, which as we know is none.

Thursday, May 28th on GH: Portia Livid with Curtis

Thursday, May 28th, Portia hits back at Curtis and is challenging him. And I’m sure it’s about Isaiah. We could see Portia going off on Curtis about attacking her boyfriend and doing such terrible damage to him. Gio Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) supports Trina as she opens up. This may be about stress about Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) going off the map or her parent drama or singing at the showcase. Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) is horrified.

I bet Nina is going to tell her that she tossed the shot, didn’t inject Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), and now he’s talking and very aware but faking. Somebody interrupts Molly and Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). And I wonder if it’s while they are getting frisky and Michael’s suspicions grow. And I wonder if he finds out Brennan had a stroke a lot like Drew’s stroke and both of them happening at Willow’s place is very dodgy.

Friday, May 29th on General Hospital: Valentin Romances Carly

Friday, May 29th, somebody gets a romantic gesture from Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart). Obviously, it’s Carly. And with Willow working to get Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) out of France and out of the mental institution there that we know Valentin doesn’t need to run off and do a high risk rescue in France. Will Carly and Valentin finally admit they are both falling hard? I’ve got fingers crossed for that.

Plus, Ethan’s on a new mission, and it may be to track down Rocco and Britt and bring Rocco home, or to work with Sonny and Ric to make a big move against Sidwell. Charlotte opens up to Carly. This is probably about Valentin, but Charlotte may also tell Carly that Rocco ran off because this week Charlotte and Danny look upset while they are staring at Charlotte’s phone, so she may have gotten a concerned text from her mother. Molly offers some advice and Michael warns Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). I’m interested to see if Michael’s going to show Brook Lynn those photos and tells her Willow and Chase are way too close.

General Hospital Spoilers Week of June 1st-5th: Anna Returns Soon

Then the week of June 1st through the 5th, we should be getting some Anna scenes pretty soon. Hopefully, she will be back in Port Charles any day now since Willow is hard at work getting those charges dropped and getting her brought back to America. Michael keeps working to push Chase and Willow together and get the goods on them. Cullum may be the one who catches up to Britt and Rocco. Obviously, we know they’re not going to make it too far.

Steve Burton is going to be filming again soon, June is almost here. Also, Curtis is still determined to get justice for Jordan. Curtis and Jordan honestly are in such deep denial because she drove into oncoming traffic with an assist from Curtis and he has no proof for these accusations against Isaiah. They are literally baseless accusations that he assaulted the man on.

So, we may also see Brook Lynn considering coming forward about the crash given what happened to Isaiah and Curtis facing charges. If she mentions it to Tracy, she will tell her, “Don’t do it. You will lose the ability to adopt Phoebe.” And I think that’s the big thing holding her back right now. But it’s the wrong thing to do, not coming forward. And Willow may not forgive Nina for not injecting Brennan, but I expect Nina to stick to her guns.

The 2020s have been an amazing decade for TV, with standout series in every genre. The last six years have seen the debuts of hilarious sitcoms like Abbott Elementary and Mythic Quest, swoonworthy romance shows like Bridgerton and Heated Rivalry, and chilling horror series like Midnight Mass and From.

This decade has also seen the premiere of a number of phenomenal drama series that have hit all the right emotional beats and shocked viewers with phenomenal twists and turns. The best of these TV dramas have stood out for their complex and nuanced characters, gut-wrenchingly devastating emotional climaxes, and some of the most creative and stunning TV drama episodes ever. These are the eight best TV dramas of the 2020s, ranked.

8

‘One Day’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

David Nicholls‘ 2009 romance novel, One Day, was adapted as a film in 2011, and then as a limited series in 2024. One Day follows the friendship and romantic connection of Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) on July 15th over the course of 14 years. Starting with Emma and Dexter’s meeting on the night of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh, the series follows the ups and downs of their intense bond in the years that follow, all building up to its gut-punch of an ending.

One Day is a beautiful and quiet drama series that focuses mostly on heightened emotional stakes rather than physical ones. There is clear love between Dexter and Emma, but still, their relationship is constantly hindered by obstacles like miscommunication, other people, and their ability to hurt each other so well when they’re fighting. One Day is a standout romantic drama that treats its characters with care and nuance, both as individuals and as a pairing.

7

‘Shōgun’ (2024–Present)

Image via FX Networks

Adapted from James Clavell‘s 1975 historical fiction novel of the same name, Shōgun takes place in Osaka, Japan, in 1600. The series picks up after the death of the Taikō (Yukijiô Hotaro) as the members of the Council of Regents fight for power and control in the wake of his death. Going up against the rest of the Council is Lord Yoshi Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), with the help of two unlikely allies: English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).

Shōgun is a complex and well-written historical fiction drama that tells a fictionalized recounting of a crucial but lesser-known time in history. It is violent and intense in the vein of Game of Thrones and The Witcher, but it is also grounded and intentional in its depiction of conflicts and acts of cruelty that were standard for the time in which it is set. Initially a miniseries, Shōgun has a powerful and brutal first season that tells a story that has a satisfying ending, but that still leaves potential for more to be told.

6

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

Image via Disney+

A standout among the many television spin-offs in the Star Wars universe is Andor, a two-part prequel series that follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) five years before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Andor details Cassian’s journey of becoming the character that fans know and love from Rogue One as he is radicalized against the Empire and becomes a fundamental member of the Rebellion.

Andor is an excellent Star Wars prequel that expands on existing lore and themes from the series, but it also stands out on its own as a phenomenal and gut-wrenching sci-fi drama. Andor does not shy away from the brutality and cruelty of the Empire, and it is unflinching in its depiction of the Rebellion’s uphill battle against corrupt leadership. While the series is very suspenseful and intense, it never lets its jam-packed plot take away from its focus on its central characters, especially Cassian.

5

‘Paradise’ (2025–Present)

Image via Hulu

Advertisement

Paradise is a phenomenal series that isn’t afraid to take big risks and constantly play around with different genres. The series starts as a simple political thriller, as Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) investigates the murder of the President of the United States, Cal Bradford (James Marsden). The twist is that this murder took place in a secure underground bunker, three years after a doomsday event destroyed the world.

In its two seasons so far, Paradise has expertly balanced a number of moving parts, while jumping back and forth in time to fill in the blanks about the end of the world and everything that’s happened since. Paradise is so fantastic because it is deliberately and carefully experimental, planting the seeds for major twists and turns well before they’re executed and never holding back in delivering game-changing reveals.

4

‘Pluribus’ (2025–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Advertisement

Another incredible post-apocalyptic drama series from the 2020s is Vince Gilligan‘s Pluribus. The series starts when an extraterrestrial virus comes to Earth and makes everyone a part of one big, happy hivemind — everyone except for 13 people, including cynical romantasy author Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn). After the virus kills her wife, Helen (Miriam Shor), Carol becomes determined to save everyone else who’s been infected by the hivemind, even though she’s the only person on the planet who sees this as a real problem.

Pluribus is a clever and darkly funny series that puts the entire fate of the world on the shoulders of one reluctant and grumpy individual. Carol doesn’t want to be a hero, but there is nothing scarier to her than the idea of losing her autonomy and being forced to join the hivemind. Thus, Carol works to try to find a cure for the virus, all while trying not to get too close to her charming hivemind-designated chaperone, Zosia (Karolina Wydra).

3

‘Half Man’ (2026–Present)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

The latest drama series from Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd is Half Man, which follows the complex and toxic relationship between two stepbrothers over the course of three decades. As a teenager, the quiet and bullied Niall Kennedy (Mitchell Robertson) is initially afraid to have Ruben Pallister (Stuart Campbell) back in his life when their moms move in together to all be a family, but the two strike up an intense and codependent bond.

All the while, as the story goes on, it is interspersed with flash-forwards to adult Niall’s (Jamie Bell) wedding in the present day. He and Ruben (Gadd) are now estranged, but Ruben crashes his wedding, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake. Half Man is a gut-wrenching, often horrifying, and utterly captivating series with one of the most compelling and unique relationship dynamics ever.

2

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Severance takes place in a dystopian future where nearly everything is controlled by a mysterious company called Lumon Industries. The show’s protagonist, Mark Scout (Adam Scott), works for Lumon, but not even he knows what he does. For his job, Mark underwent the Severance procedure, separating his brain into one self inside work and one self outside of work. On the severed floor of Lumon, Mark S. (also Scott) and his coworkers know nothing of their outside lives and are permanently trapped in their place of work.

With phenomenal writing, shocking plot twists, and some of the best concept episodes of the 2020s, Severance is a true powerhouse of a drama series. The series uses its high-concept premise and specific stakes to explore themes of autonomy, love, loss, and what makes up the self. The result is one of the most unique and beautiful drama series of all time, and that’s after only two seasons.

1

‘Interview With the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

Image via AMC

AMC+’s Interview With the Vampire is both a faithful adaptation of the series of Anne Rice novels on which it’s based, as well as something entirely its own that shocks and delights in new and clever ways. The series covers two timelines, as the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) recounts his story for journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), about 50 years after their first attempt at an interview. Louis’ tale starts with meeting and falling in love with his maker, the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), in New Orleans in 1910.

Louis’ story spans many decades, through his tumultuous relationship with Lestat, to their adoption of their daughter, Claudia (Bailey Bass and Delainey Hayles), to eventually meeting the vampire Armand (Assad Zaman) and his coven in Paris. Interview With the Vampire is a deeply entertaining and thought-provoking series that gets better with each episode, and every single one of its episodes is a perfect and necessary addition to its central story.

Advertisement

Interview with the Vampire

Advertisement

Release Date

October 2, 2022

Network

Advertisement

AMC

Directors

Levan Akin, Alan Taylor, Craig Zisk, Emma Freeman, Keith Powell

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 

  Jacob Anderson

  Louis de Pointe du Lac

• 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Work bags have a reputation for being boring, but Katie Holmes proved that the right one can totally steal the show — even when you’re rocking purple jeans. The star’s crocodile leather tote look is equally ideal for boardrooms, airplanes and brunches, and we found the expensive style on sale for just $33.

In early May, the actress strolled through New York City wearing an outfit that turned heads in real life and on social media. Her getup was anchored by bold purple jeans, sneakers and a sleek crocodile-embossed tote bag slung over her shoulder. The pants were polarizing, but the bag sure wasn’t! Roomy, versatile and polished enough to dress up jeans (yes, even purple ones), Holmes’ bag style checks every box for commuters, frequent travelers and everyone in between.

Get the Ludbardy Crocodile Leather Tote Bag for $33 (was $35) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Ludbardy Crocodile Leather Tote Bag mirrors Holmes’ bag in every way, down to the glossy croc texture, rectangular shape, top handles and crossbody strap. It even has the same amount of structure that holds up when you toss in a notebook, makeup bag and laptop.

Related: We Found Jennifer Lopez‘s Sporty Rich-Girl Handbag Style for Thousands Less

Advertisement

When it comes to bags, Jennifer Lopez knows what she likes. We’ve often spotted her rocking the same styles on repeat, showcasing her collection of Hermés Birkins, Coach Tabbys and other high-end bags. However, her latest Dior find might be our new obsession. It looks even more luxurious and elevated than Lopez’s other designer bags, […]

Speaking of which, this spacious wonder fits a 15.6-inch laptop in a dedicated foam-padded compartment. Altogether, the purse features three main sections: a large zip pocket and two slip pockets for all of your essentials. Plus, the detachable shoulder strap turns it into a crossbody when your arms are full of grocery bags.

One happy shopper wrote, “I bought the bag in the pic in Oct 2022 and have taken it everywhere — probably 10 conferences or work trips at this point, including on a conference trip to Rome where it went touring — lots of walking, packed trains on subways etc. You can see it’s held up fabulously.”

Another five-star reviewer called it a do-it-all bag and shared, “I needed a large, durable tote bag that my laptop could fit in at work and that I could easily use as a ‘mom’ bag to take back and forth from work and home. It is so roomy with so many pockets and it matches every outfit!”

Pair it with wide-leg trousers and a blazer for the office, then swap in jeans and a vintage tee for the weekend. The crocodile texture reads expensive, no matter what you wear it with. Black is optional, but not if you want to nail the celebrity rich mom aesthetic!

Hundreds of fashionistas bought this pick last month alone, so don’t wait to score Holmes’ wear-everywhere tote bag style on sale!

Get the Ludbardy Crocodile Leather Tote Bag for $33 (was $35) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other tote bags and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Katie Holmes Wore the Casual Cardigan Dominating Rich Mom Fashion

Take one look at the Upper East Side and you’ll see polished summer cardigans at every corner. It’s no surprise Katie Holmes jumped on the trend, rocking a sleek black cardigan with retro purple jeans. We found the classy knit style on major sale! A few days ago, Holmes stepped out in an outfit that […]

To say that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced difficulties with its output on Disney+ would be putting it mildly. Although there was an admirable attempt to ensure that the shows put out on streaming were of the same quality as the films released in theaters, Disney+ ended up releasing multiple series that would have worked better as a more concise story on the big screen. The lack of enthusiasm for what Disney+ was doing has made it so the recent shows that have been most successful have been based on characters that have already been well-established, including Daredevil: Born Again and Agatha All Along. However, Echo was an impressively grounded and intimate MCU series that established itself as a proper introduction to a new side of the franchise. While it was given the responsibility of being tied to both Daredevil: Born Again and Hawkeye, Echo was unique in tone, proving to be very much its own thing.

The character of Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), known by her moniker “Echo,” had first been introduced in Hawkeye as the former leader of the vigilante task force known as the “Tracksuit Mafia.” While Maya had initially been seen as an antagonist, Echo reveals that she had suffered tragedies in her childhood, which allowed her to be exploited by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio). Returning Maya to her home in Tahoma, Oklahoma creates an exciting narrative opportunity, as Echo both explores its protagonist’s origin story and fleshes out the cultural environment in which she was raised. Echo isn’t just another spin-off designed to set up more adventures for Maya, but a thoughtful family drama that explores a completely different side of the Marvel universe.

‘Echo’ Is a Grounded, Character-Centric MCU Series

One of the issues that many of the MCU shows face is trying to create cinematic spectacle on the small screen, when in reality, a show should be able to take advantage of its medium. Echo is able to spend more time exploring the history of Choctaw culture, and not just in its modern conception. The showrunners worked alongside real Choctaw tribe leaders to recreate pivotal moments in their history and mythology, and drew a line between cultural practices and the supernatural elements of the MCU. This makes Maya a more intriguing character because it shows the responsibilities that she faced as the latest descendant in a legacy of strong leaders, who is faced with the responsibility of defending her people’s survival. It also allows the MCU to dip into reality by showing the legitimate grievances of the Choctaw nation, which makes Maya’s plight all the more emotional.

Cox was only briefly able to appear in Hawkeye, and wasn’t given much definition outside of being another near-silent, brooding assassin. Echo is able to open her up more, and the show’s willingness to cast Deaf actors, as well as show the relationship between children of Deaf adults and their families, ensured that Maya has an interesting arc as someone who got mistakenly involved with bad people. That the series is set primarily in Oklahoma ensures that it doesn’t feel like it’s overreaching in its scope, and has more time to develop a tactile environment that has evolved. Telling a non-linear story also allows the series to incorporate truly wonderful performances; while Maya’s father, William, is killed before the events of the series, he is played in flashbacks by Zahn McClarnon, whose brilliant performance explains the virtues that his daughter carries with her for the rest of her life.

‘Echo’ Bridges the Gap Between Two Eras of Marvel TV

Marvel’s attempt to start incorporating the characters from the previous era of Netflix shows into the broader MCU has been somewhat awkward, given their discrepancy in tone. Fisk’s appearance in Hawkeye was particularly strange, as one of the darkest characters in the history of comic book adaptations on television was being inserted into a series that was much more light-hearted. Echo shows a more manipulative, calculating side to Fisk that reminds viewers why he is such a dangerous individual, but it also shows how he can feign compassion in order to take a young Maya under his wing. It’s also much more interesting to see Fisk struggling to ascend to the throne of power, as his characterization became more stagnant when he was established as the Mayor of New York in Daredevil: Born Again.

Echo showed that the MCU could succeed by developing smaller-scale, less expensive shows, but the series also featured some of the best combat in the entire franchise. The brutal hand-to-hand combat wasn’t just a reminder of the stakes, but something integral to Maya as a character when considering the training that she had received while growing up. Finding a way to synthesize Maya’s fighting abilities with the mystical powers that she inherited might have been a risk, but Echo found a way to seamlessly bring together the two tones without feeling incoherent. It’s a series that is open to expansion, should Maya ever return for a future project, but also functions as a standalone for those who have not meticulously followed the MCU thus far. Marvel’s television risks running into the same issue that its films have, which is being too reliant on legacy characters to develop a new generation of heroes. With Echo, the television side of the MCU showed it could do something new.

Advertisement

Echo

Advertisement

Release Date

2024 – 2024-00-00

Network

Advertisement

Hulu, Disney+

Directors

Catriona McKenzie

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

When it comes to his kids, Ludacris keeps things completely PG!

The rapper revealed how he makes sure his kids, who are great fans of his music, get to enjoy him doing his thing, all while staying within the confines of their age and decent exposure.

Ludacris welcomed four children over the course of his relationships and eventual marriage to Eudoxie Mbouguiengue. He often shows them off on social media, with one of his kids expressing interest in music.

The rapper revealed that his girls enjoy listening to his music, but he ensures he plays just the clean version for them.

Ludacris emphasized during the 2026 American Music Awards red carpet that there are all “types of parental advisory” on his music, and he lives by those modalities.

The musician is father to Karma Christine, Cai Bella Bridges, Cadence Gaëlle, and Chance Oyali, and when asked if he would support any of his daughters exploring music, he responded in the affirmative.

“Absolutely. I want them to pursue whatever dreams that they have. They love, matter of fact, one of them loves KATSEYE, so she’s mad that she’s not here [at the AMAs] right now,” he declared to US Magazine.

Alongside being an accomplished rapper, the songwriter also carved a niche for himself as a famous actor, building a massive fanbase off the “Fast and Furious” franchise.

The ‘Baby’ Rapper Prioritizes Balance In Navigating His Family Life

Ludacris touched on another integral part of his life and how he tries to strike a balance between maintaining a thriving career while remaining the best dad to his kids.

He noted that he does not exceed 72 hours outside his home before taking the next available flight to be with his loved ones again.

According to the musician, sometimes he tries to achieve a 50/50 balance or even do 80/20, in which his family takes the larger percentage.

The rapper stated that putting in the work all these years and making all that money afforded him the opportunity to make those decisions now.

Ludacris, who presented alongside GloRilla at the Monday event where BTS won the Song of the Summer award for “Swim,” reflected on his 3-decade run in the industry.

The songwriter emphasized that he is still amazed by his longevity and the love the fans have for him, which ultimately decides whether his music stands the test of time.

Inside Ludacris’ Happy Family Of Six And Life As The Ultimate Girl Dad

For the rapper, fatherhood has always been about raising confident young women who embrace their uniqueness because each one of them is different.

As noted by PEOPLE, Ludacris explained on The Jennifer Hudson Show in 2024 that embracing the parts of themselves they find strange or out of place is extremely important in the current world.

The actor stressed that he loves every aspect of fatherhood, revealing that life raising girls is something different. Ludacris’ life shifted dramatically in 2001 when he became a father for the first time shortly after releasing his major debut album “Back for the First Time.”

He revealed that he was very ready to be a father at the time because he was doing well for himself mentally, spiritually, and financially.

What Is The Father-Of-Four’s Favorite Part About Being A Dad?

Shortly before the arrival of his fourth child, Ludacris spoke with Yahoo Life about the joys and challenges of raising kids, alongside teaching them how to set goals and manage money.

According to the actor, his daughter, who made a cameo in the Jif’s Lil Jif Project campaign in 2021, has been getting lessons on how to navigate the industry she was slowly settling into.

He stressed that parenting does not take a one-size-fits-all approach, and he regularly has to mix the new technique with the old ones to make any headway. However, his favorite things yet are being a father to his girls and how he almost never says no to their requests.

Referencing his background as an only child, Ludacris noted that becoming the pushover parent while watching his wife take on the strict role was not something he ever imagined would happen. He continued that he also never thought he would have this many children in his brood.

“You never know how much love is possible. The amount of love that’s in my household is something that I never fathomed. I wouldn’t say it never felt impossible; I just never dreamt it because I didn’t know that this much could be given and received every single day,” he concluded.

Ludacris Nearly Missed The Arrival Of His Fourth Princess

In 2021, TODAY shared that the rapper nearly missed one of the biggest moments of his life when his youngest child, Chances Oyali Bridges, made it into the world.

He revealed on TODAY that he was filming a movie in New Mexico with Queen Latifah, which was billed to be released in 2022 when he got the call.

He recalled his wife telling him to rush down to Atlanta as soon as he could to welcome the baby, as she was in active labor.

The stumbling block was that the rapper could not get a commercial flight on time, and he had to make an important decision to use his private plane.

Ludacris, in the most humble manner possible, revealed that he has had his plane for a while, and his uncle, who was his pilot, brought the plane down from Atlanta to New Mexico to get him home.

Thankfully, the race against time worked, and the rapper made it to Atlanta, with two hours to spare, for his daughter’s arrival.

Is that parenting A+ for Ludacris?

By Robert Scucci
| Published 30 seconds ago

I’ve grown super cynical about modern murder mysteries. I think it’s because franchises like Law & Order and NCIS are cozy watches, but also catnip for boomers. I’ve gotten to the point where I can size up the week’s mystery seconds after the suspects are introduced, then spend the rest of the episode waiting to be proven right, which isn’t exactly a satisfying experience. But every so often, I stumble upon a movie like End Play, an Australian thriller that starts with a murder and then gets so weird you have no idea who you’re supposed to be rooting for.

Seriously, this movie is baffling in the best kind of way, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I watched it over the weekend. It’s about two brothers: one who seems dead to rights after killing a young female hitchhiker, and his wheelchair-bound brother, who’s also an archery expert living in solitude. They both have the hots for their half-cousin, and their relationship is adversarial to say the least. Both act like they know something the other doesn’t, and then the police get involved, acting like they know something the brothers don’t.

If there’s one takeaway I have after watching End Play, it’s that it’s a beyond-solid whodunit that will make you feel incredibly stupid by the time it concludes.

It’s Gotta Be Mark, Right? … Right?! 

End Play kicks off with Mark Gifford (John Waters, but not THAT one) picking up an attractive hitchhiker named Janine Talbot (Delvene Delaney) on the way to visit his wheelchair-bound brother Robert (George Mallaby). The next time we see Janine, she’s dead, sitting on Robert’s couch while Robert is out for the day, and Mark is scrambling to cover it up. He accidentally spills her perfume on the floor, leaving behind an obvious cleaning mark and lingering odor, and does such a sloppy job that anybody would assume he’s the killer, including Robert.

Using one of Robert’s spare wheelchairs, Mark sits Janine upright and wheels her across town to a movie theater, propping her head up with a neck brace. He’s also wearing a ridiculous wig so nobody notices it’s him wheeling around a corpse. He leaves her body at the theater and heads back home, ready to move on with his life.

Robert is immediately suspicious, and we quickly learn how the two brothers operate. There’s some sort of deep-seated animosity they’ve been carrying around for years, and things only get worse when Superintendent Cheadle (Ken Goodlet) and Sergeant Robinson (Robert Hewett) begin to suspect foul play. The language Robert and Mark use with each other carries the assumption of the other brother’s guilt, and both tiptoe around the fact that Janine was alive just hours earlier before turning up dead in Robert’s house. Nobody talks straight to each other, but rather in code, as if it were some form of psychological warfare. 

They go about their lives as normal, playing cards and drinking with their half-cousin Margaret (Belinda Giblin), whom they’re both romantically fixated on. The officers find it suspicious that a string of disappearances coincides with Mark’s visits to Robert, but they don’t really have any hard evidence to go on. What they do know, however, is that Janine was last seen at a movie theater with somebody using a wheelchair, and Robert happens to own two of them.

You’ll Be Surprised Whodunit 

End Play does an excellent job messing with your perception because we get such a fractured view of events. We see Mark pick up a hitchhiker and then clean up the scene before disposing of her body. We see Mark, in so many words, confess guilt to Robert, whose stone-faced expression never stops sizing him up. We see Robert remain tight-lipped about Mark’s whereabouts to the police, as if he knows something nobody else does. And we have the police, who seem completely certain they know the culprit, but are simply waiting for one of the brothers to confess because they’re only working with circumstantial evidence.

But we only see what Mark sees when he sees it, and the same could be said for everybody else. It’s up to you to figure out what really happened to Janine and the alleged victims who came before her, all of whom disappeared around the same time Mark and Robert reunited. Nothing makes sense until it suddenly does, and even then, the motives are never 100 percent clear. You’ll be thinking about this one for a while. At least, I know I will be.

As of this writing, you can stream End Play for free on Tubi.