Lady Gaga may be celebrated for embracing chaos onstage, but the singer reportedly wanted nothing left to chance before embarking on one of the biggest tours of her career. Ahead of the “Born This Way Ball” in 2012, Gaga was said to have consulted astrologers after discovering that part of the global tour would coincide with Mercury retrograde. The Grammy winner reportedly followed her horoscope closely and discussed the potentially troublesome planetary transit with members of her spiritual team.

Although there is no evidence that Gaga regularly schedules every concert or career move around astrology, the reports offered a surprising look at the rituals she may have used while preparing for a massive international production. Her own public frustration with Mercury retrograde also showed that the pop superstar was at least familiar with one of astrology’s most infamous events.

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Gaga was preparing to launch the “Born This Way Ball” when reports about her interest in astrology emerged in April 2012. According to Music-News.com, the singer had reportedly turned to astrologers because she was concerned that the stars might not be favorably aligned during the tour.

“Gaga is worried as she wants the stars to be aligned when she hits the road. She follows her horoscopes closely and has been looking ahead for when she’s away,” a source claimed at the time.

The “Born This Way Ball” began in Seoul, South Korea, on April 27, 2012. It eventually traveled across Asia, Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, and North America, making it a complicated undertaking with countless moving parts.

However, Mercury was expected to turn retrograde between July 15 and August 8, placing the astrological event in the middle of Gaga’s international tour. “She’s a typical Aries, outgoing with a sense of adventure,” the source added. “But when she found out Mercury is likely to go retrograde, she wasn’t happy and has been talking it through with her spiritual team.”

The Singer Publicly Called Out Mercury Retrograde

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The story did not emerge in a vacuum. Shortly before reports about her alleged consultations with astrologers appeared, Gaga directly referenced Mercury retrograde on social media. “If mercury doesn’t get the f-ck out of retrograde I may give birth to a small menstrual alien on stage,” Gaga wrote on X, then known as Twitter, on April 4, 2012, according to PopCrush.

The characteristically dramatic post did not explain exactly what had gone wrong or whether Gaga sincerely blamed the planetary transit. It nevertheless demonstrated that Mercury retrograde was already on her mind as she prepared for the extensive world tour.

Gaga’s wording also reflected the deliberately outrageous persona she had cultivated during the “Born This Way” era. References to transformation, birth, monsters, religion, and otherworldly creatures frequently appeared throughout her music and live performances.

Her interest in astrology, whether serious or playful, fit naturally alongside the symbolism that had become central to her creative identity.

Why Mercury Retrograde Can Worry Astrology Followers

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Mercury retrograde is among the most recognizable and frequently discussed events in modern astrology. Astronomically, Mercury does not actually reverse direction. The planet only appears to move backward from Earth because of the planets’ changing positions as they orbit the sun, according to NASA.

Astrologers interpret the event differently. Mercury is traditionally associated with communication, technology, transportation, contracts, and the exchange of information. When it appears to move backward, believers frequently connect the period with scheduling problems, technological failures, miscommunication, and unexpected travel disruptions.

Those themes could be particularly unsettling for an entertainer mounting an international arena tour. A production such as the “Born This Way Ball” depended upon elaborate sets, costumes, sound systems, video components, transportation, and coordination among a large traveling team.

Even without accepting astrology as a predictor of events, it is easy to understand why symbolism involving travel and communication problems could resonate with a performer facing that level of pressure. Consulting an astrologer could provide reassurance or another way of mentally preparing for circumstances beyond the artist’s control.

Lady Gaga’s Aries Identity Matches Her Fearless Image

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Gaga, whose full name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was born on March 28, 1986, making her an Aries. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is commonly associated with independence, ambition, boldness, and a willingness to take risks. Those qualities resemble the fearlessness that has defined much of Gaga’s career, from her provocative fashion to her dramatic reinventions and theatrical performances.

Her “Born This Way” era was an especially strong example. Gaga released a record filled with themes of identity, self-acceptance, rebellion, and personal liberation before turning it into an ambitious theatrical spectacle.

Astrology May Offer Celebrities A Sense Of Control

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Gaga is hardly the only person who may look toward astrology while facing a significant professional moment. For celebrities, major tours, movie premieres, weddings, and business launches can involve enormous financial and emotional stakes.

Astrology can function as a decision-making tool for believers, but it can also operate as a calming ritual. Checking planetary transits, selecting a supposedly favorable date, or speaking with a spiritual adviser may help someone feel more prepared before stepping into a highly unpredictable situation.

Producing a faultless finale is no easy feat. It needs to deliver an emotionally rewarding and powerful payoff that honors central themes and gives major characters appropriate resolutions while still offering something in the way of a surprise. This feat is arguably even more difficult for thriller series, with the innate nature of the genre—to raise questions and steer the story in smart and unpredictable directions—having to subside as narrative threads are closed, mysteries are explained, and engrossing, enigmatic character arcs are concluded.

While it is difficult to do well, the thriller series that have perfected their finales have delivered not only rewarding conclusions to universally adored shows, but some of the greatest ever stand-alone episodes of all time as well. From mystery miniseries that perfect the balance between shocking twists and dramatic finality, to long-running titles that bring about the perfect ending to their characters’ journeys, these thriller series finales are among the greatest television has seen.

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‘Devs’ (2021)

Image via FX

Created by Alex Garland, Devs is one of the more underrated miniseries of the decade so far, with its rich marriage of slow-burn mystery suspense, icy dystopian sci-fi ideas, and simmering suspense making for an enthralling gem of small-screen thrills. Unfurling over the course of eight episodes, it follows software engineer Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno) as she begins investigating the company she works for when her boyfriend and colleague kills himself on the first day of his promotion to the “Devs” team.

The series navigates enigmatic and meticulous mystery with aplomb, but arguably its greatest triumph is its finale. Balancing subversive storytelling decisions with poignant character drama and resonant thematic ideas revolving around fatalism and humanity’s relationship with technology, Devs ends on a note that is, above all else, fiercely compelling. While the think-piece miniseries has endured as an underappreciated gem, the way it repurposes techno-thriller coldness as a profound examination of grief, philosophy, and mortality is only growing more relevant with each passing year.

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‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

Image via Netflix

From its very first episode, Ozark delivers a frenetic descent into the ultra-violent and volatile world of international drug crime that ties much of its suspense to the relatable humanity and desperation of the Byrde family. The four-season Netflix original series follows financial advisor Marty (Jason Bateman) and his family as they are forced to relocate to the Missouri Ozarks to oversee a money laundering operation for a Mexican drug cartel. Despite their best efforts to remain detached, the Byrde family is gradually pulled deeper into the cartel’s structure.

By the time Season 4 begins, the Byrdes are entangled in the very fabric of the crime operation while fending off probes from American law enforcement officials. The finale executes a phenomenal balancing act of survival, compromise, corruption, and acceptance. The Byrde family remains intact, but their hopes of one day outlasting their criminal servitude are proven to be futile. Fierce betrayals, shocking deaths, and a damning final scene see Ozark’s finale land as a powerful and poignant testament to the adage that crime doesn’t pay.

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‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

Image via BBC America

While it had a noteworthy cult following at the time, Orphan Black has mysteriously faded from public consciousness in the years since its finale despite the fact that it ends in sensational fashion. The high-concept sci-fi thriller unfolds as con artist Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) assumes the identity of her doppelgänger following her suicide, only to unearth a life-altering truth that she is but one of many clones and that she and her “sisters” are being hunted down.

The series as a whole is defined by its smart writing and Maslany’s exceptional performance as several distinct and different characters. Both of these factors come to the fore in the series finale, which adopts a warmer and more gentle tone as it operates as an epilogue of sorts that depicts the fates Sarah and her fellow clones embark on. The finale beautifully anchors Orphan Black’s cerebral story in grounded ideas of nature vs. nurture, found family, and personal freedom to stand as one of the most rewarding TV conclusions of the 2010s.

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‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

Released as a spin-off from 2022’s The Batman, The Penguin strikes an engrossing marriage between the gothic superhero allure of Gotham City’s darkest corners and the moral ferocity of crime drama. Set in the aftermath of the former kingpin’s death and the flooding of the city, it follows the rise to power of Oswald Cobb (Colin Farrell), a ruthless and amoral gangster who sees an opportunity to become the head of Gotham’s criminal infrastructure.

While all eight episodes of the miniseries are astonishing, the finale makes itself distinct through its uncompromising villainy. Cobb is bereft of anti-hero sympathies as he makes vile and irredeemable decisions to further his own ambition. “A Great or Little Thing” is a procession of stark betrayals, vicious self-interest, and terrifying triumphs that sees The Penguin end on a bitter though brilliant note of pure evil that, through razor-sharp writing and Farrell’s performance, refuses to soften Cobb’s depraved nature.

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‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019)

Image via USA Network

It is difficult to think of a series of any genre that has been as bold with its final episodes as Mr. Robot. The ceaselessly brilliant high-concept techno-thriller spends four seasons following Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert and talented hacker with debilitating social anxiety, as he is recruited by fsociety, a hacktivist movement intent on attacking E Corp to encrypt all consumer debt and level the economic playing field between rich and poor.

Throughout the entire series, the unreliable nature of Elliot’s psyche is a constant source of tension, and it delivers the greatest twist of all in the two-part finale, which reconfigures the show as a whole from being a thrilling dystopian epic into a piercing meditation on trauma, dissociation, and the fragility of the mind. What could so easily have been a series-ruining twist is instead a stunning narrative shift that reorientates the stakes by pivoting the focus from society at large to Elliot himself with profound intimacy and impact.

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‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Image via HBO

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Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, Sharp Objects dazzles as an atmospherically ensnaring marriage of methodical crime mystery tension and viscerally eerie Southern Gothic allure. Amy Adams stars as Camille Preaker, a St. Louis crime reporter who returns to her hometown after a stint in a psychiatric ward to investigate the murder of two young girls. In addition to trying to solve the horrific crime, Camille must also navigate the re-emerging demons of a complex past of abuse and trauma.

All eight episodes of the miniseries prove themselves to be adept at delivering a shocking twist, but the finale elevates the unpredictable turns and psychological tension to a new level. Just when audiences think they are safe, the series delivers one of the most disturbing plot reveals in television history. Accompanied by its mastery of tone and the chilling glimpses of violence that interrupt the credits, Sharp Objects uses its finale to carve scars into viewers’ psyches without ever sacrificing its investment in issues of generational trauma and family dysfunction.

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‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Image via FX

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The 2000s mark an era of excellence for crime drama television, one that saw FX’s seven-part masterpiece The Shield fly under the radar as something of an underrated gem. Laced with an appetite for gritty, high-octane tension, it always flaunts a sense of thrilling edge as it follows the Strike Team, a corrupt police unit operating in an L.A. district plagued by gang violence. It is a series of confronting morality, raw characters, and shocking twists, and all those storytelling qualities are defining reasons why its finale is so brilliant.

Titled “Family Meeting,” The Shield’s swan song caps off what is an outstanding final season of consequences and conclusions, with every character facing a sense of poetic justice for their unethical decisions. Notions of loyalty, honor, and strength are shattered as characters resort to desperate lengths to evade punishment, be it the betrayal of their colleagues or tragic outbursts of devastating violence.

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‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

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A German-language Netflix original series that became a landmark international success, Dark is a notable highlight of ambitious, genre-blending storytelling in the medium. It opens as the German town of Winden sees a sudden series of missing children’s cases, but it soon evolves into a manic time-travel thriller that sees the story unfold in multiple different timelines while a looming apocalyptic event draws ever nearer and, by season three, has come to fruition.

Despite having such an expansive story in terms of both sheer narrative scale and an abundance of characters, Dark brings its story to a stunning close with immaculate screenwriting that ties the time-travel puzzle with closure and clarity while still finding the time to deliver emotionally gratifying and philosophically intriguing resolutions. It captures the scope and gravitas of cosmic sci-fi while reveling in the poignant intimacy of tragic romance, and yet it finds hope and catharsis with striking elegance. It is a masterclass in how to conclude an elaborate, high-concept thriller as well as one of the greatest series finales of all time.

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‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

Image via FX

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Following Elisabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) as they pose as an ordinary family in 1980s Washington D.C. while carrying out assignments for the KGB, The Americans is the greatest spy thriller television has ever seen. Across its five seasons of relentless suspense, it finds a perfect balance between the innate tension of spycraft and a poignant, meditative drama as it explores the intricacies and unique nature of the Jennings’ marriage, and their struggle to raise their unsuspecting children in American society.

The final few episodes present an engulfing culmination of the Jennings’ years of espionage. As the Cold War draws to an end, the Russian agents try to find a way to return to their homeland without alerting American authorities, but their endeavor exacts a heavy toll as their double life collapses and the family discovers they each want different things. In emphasizing the emotional beats, The Americans’ finale is one of devastating, perfectly written bittersweetness that revels in a melancholic air of sacrifice and survival.

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‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via AMC

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Considered by many to be the greatest series of all time, Breaking Bad exudes perfection across every episode of its five-season run. Its ability to continuously escalate tension through Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) steep moral decline as he goes from a suburban schoolteacher to an influential figure in the drug trade is paramount to this, especially as the criminal villain justifies his wickedness by attributing all his wrongdoing to helping his family.

The finale, “Felina,” cuts through this. Transpiring months after Walter’s downfall, as he lives in squalor to evade the police while battling the return of his cancer, it sees him make a final round of goodbyes before rescuing Jesse (Aaron Paul) from captivity and sacrificing himself in the process. From his confession to Skylar (Anne Gunn) to his planning of the M60 in the trunk, and even to its unforgettable final moments bolstered by Badfinger’s “Baby Blue,” Breaking Bad’s conclusion is a masterclass in resolving a long-running series with purpose and meaning.

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Breaking Bad

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Release Date

2008 – 2013-00-00

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Network

AMC

Showrunner

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Vince Gilligan

Directors

Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren

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Donald Trump is facing intense backlash after sharing AI-generated images depicting himself alongside Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death. The images, posted to Truth Social, placed Trump and Parton together in formal settings despite the pair never having posed for photographs together. Critics accused the president of using Parton’s death to draw attention to himself and borrow from the widespread goodwill surrounding the beloved singer.

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The artificial image going viral featured Trump and Parton walking arm in arm outside the White House. The picture was presented beneath the heading “President Trump and Dolly Parton,” potentially giving viewers the impression that it depicted a genuine meeting between them.

Trump had previously issued a statement praising Parton as one of the greatest country singers and ordered flags lowered to half-staff following her death. However, his decision to subsequently publish fabricated images of himself with the singer generated a much harsher response.

The timing was particularly sensitive because Parton had died only days earlier at age 80 following a battle with cancer.

Critics on X described Trump’s posts as disrespectful and accused him of attempting to associate himself with Parton’s popularity. “It takes a special kind of sc-mbag to post fake pictures with an icon hoping some of the goodwill towards her might come his way,” one person wrote.

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Another user posted, “That AI picture Trump posted of himself with Dolly Parton just proves that even in death, he forces himself on women who told him no.”

A third critic objected to the image of Parton holding Trump’s arm. “This picture is vile. Dolly Parton never appeared in pictures with him, nor do I think she would ever agree to. To place her in a picture on his arm is like taking the most beautiful soul imaginable, and throwing a disgusting bucket full of foul trump on her.”

Others argued that the image misrepresented Parton’s relationship with the White House. “What a c-nt this man is. Dolly never visited the White House and here is posting an AI photo with her. He can’t stand anyone being in the spotlight,” another person wrote.

One social media user added, “What sort of sick, senile old man leaps on the death of a superstar for cheap attention Oh yeah.”

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Dolly Parton Deliberately Avoided Partisan Politics

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Parton was a country singer, actress, philanthropist, storyteller and businesswoman, but she repeatedly avoided becoming closely associated with either major political party. The singer once described her approach by saying, “I think of myself more as a diplomat,” she said. “That’s the kind of people who tell you to go to hell in such a way you look forward to the trip.”

Her refusal to participate in partisan fights allowed her to maintain an unusually broad audience throughout decades of increasing political division. Sarah Phillips, who teaches an Anthropology of Dolly Parton course at Indiana University, described that ability as central to the singer’s appeal. “She is the one person who straddles political divides… the so-called culture wars,” Phillips said.

Country Singer Refused To ‘Play Politics’

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Parton previously explained that she did not want her personal political beliefs to alienate the people who supported her. “I’ve got as many Republican fans as Democrats, and I don’t want to make any of them mad at me, so I don’t play politics,” she said during an interview with Fox News, per BBC.

That approach made Trump’s AI posts especially controversial among critics. The images visually associated Parton with a deeply partisan political figure despite her longstanding effort to avoid appearing aligned with one side.

Although Parton spoke about social issues and supported numerous causes, she generally resisted pressure to endorse candidates or publicly reveal how she voted.

Dolly Parton Turned Down Trump’s Medal Offers

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Parton declined offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from two presidents. She reportedly rejected the honor twice when Trump offered it during his first administration, citing scheduling and health issues.

When President Joe Biden later extended the same offer, Parton also turned it down because she believed accepting it after declining Trump could appear politically motivated.

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Kai Cenat’s life as a streamer is always full of crazy moments, and somehow, there’s always another story to tell. Whether it’s something happening at the AMP house or an experience while traveling, Kai always has a crazy story time for chat. Being one of the biggest streamers also means Kai’s name can quickly become attached to some pretty unexpected situations online. Recently, Kai shared a wild story time that had his chat tuned in as he explained how an unexpected situation unfolded.

RELATED: Come Here Baby! Kai Cenat Pops Out With Fresh NEW Look & The Internet Can’t Get Enough (VIDEO)

Kai Cenat Explains How A Woman Pulled Up To His Home With Her Daughter

On Tuesday, Kai Cenat hopped on stream and shared footage of a wild encounter involving a woman who appeared outside his home. According to Kai, the woman traveled 15 hours with her young daughter before arriving at his gate with an unexpected paternity claim. In the video, Kai can be heard telling the woman he had never seen her before, while she responded, “So you gon’ act crazy now?” Kai responded, “On God,” while still taking a moment to tell the woman that her daughter was adorable.

The woman then claimed her daughter looked like Kai, but he quickly denied seeing any resemblance between himself and the child. Kai Cenat questioned whether she was serious about the claim, and the woman stood firm, confirming that she was “dead serious.”

Then he asked how old her daughter was, and the woman revealed that she was 2 years old. Kai quickly questioned the timeline, responding, “I was in a relationship for the last two years, what you talking about?” While talking to his chat, Kai doubled down on his belief that the timeline did not add up.

“I’ve been in a relationship the past two years! You talking about. N****, I was in a relationship. So how do I have a daughter? That doesn’t even make sense.”

While sharing the story with his chat, Kai revealed that one of the craziest moments actually happened when the cameras weren’t rolling.

“And y’all wanna know the crazy thing? I didn’t even catch it on camera. Bro, I look at the baby. I said, ‘Baby, who’s your father?’ Baby said, ‘Huh?’”

“I said, ‘Baby, who’s your dad?’ She said, ‘You.’ I say, ‘Oh, she trained the baby. Like, this baby a paid actress?’” Kai appeared shocked while he joked about the little girl’s response.

Social Media Reacts 

Many gathered under The Shade Room as they reacted to clips from Kai Cenat’s stream. While some joked about the moment with the woman and her daughter, others expressed concerns about the baby’s safety.

Instagram user @og_ceee wrote, “😭we must missed a episode of streamer university spring break gone wild or some😂”

Instagram user @_semmaj added, “Not she been at home showing the baby to pics like “This yo daddy his name Kai”😭😭”

While Instagram user @exclusivelyxnicole wrote, “Look what money make a bih doo 😂😂😂”

Instagram user @official_dtwinz07 wrote, “she must be Billy Jean”

Instagram user @kiwest777 added, “Ima do this with Drake!”

While Instagram @nxatune wrote, “Should’ve said duke would’ve been more believable”

Instagram user @ritabonnita wrote, “Ummmm. Baby is not safe with her, let’s focus”

Instagram user @miettah added, “Yo this was really a cps moment bcuz B**** whose driving 15hrs to throw a child on a stranger? I feel sorry for the baby bouz her mother is sick!”

While Instagram user @norfside.j4z wrote, “That’s not his damn baby But on the contrary it’s very possible to have a baby while in a relationship happens all the time”

Kai Cenat’s Walmart Run Takes An Unexpected Turn

Speaking of crazy moments, that same stream included a wild Walmart run with his fellow AMP member, ChrisNxtDoor. After meeting several supporters, Kai met a couple who asked for a selfie and revealed they had dated for two years.

Kai asked whether marriage was next, and the man revealed he was waiting until he had enough money for a ring. The conversation prompted Kai to offer to pay for the engagement ring, but he wanted to ensure the money was used. While figuring out the details, the woman told Kai she would DM him a picture once the proposal happened.

That’s when things took an unexpected turn after Kai discovered the woman had actually slid into his DMs years earlier. The woman appeared to panic while trying to remember what she could have messaged Kai, stressing that it happened years ago. The man appeared unbothered, making it clear the messages happened before their relationship and were now in the past.

On May 31, 2023, she messaged Kai, “Don’t u live in atl,” before following up with, “What the moves.”

Months later, on August 26, 2023, she messaged him again, writing, “KAII I LIVE 3 MILES FROM THE AMP HOUSE.”

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The woman later claimed she was simply trying to network with Kai when she sent the messages years ago. 

RELATED: Wholesome Moment! Kai Cenat & MDMotivator Surprise Beloved Streamer ‘GMma’ With $30K To Launch Puzzle Business (WATCH)

Remy Ma shared a full-circle moment with her fans on Instagram on Thursday, August 27 as she reminisced about her first job. The ‘Wake Me Up’ artist attended the 2026 US Open Tennis Championships in New York City on Wednesday, August 26, and it turns out that the event was her first job as a teenager back in 1998.

RELATED: Oop! Remy Ma Reposts Clip Of Claressa Shields While Teasing ‘Knuck If You Buck’ Sample In New Song ‘Wanna Go’ (VIDEOS)

Remy Ma Says Her First Job Was At The US Open

Reminisce Kioni Smith, otherwise known as rapper Remy Ma, shared an ID from her first job as a teenager working security at the US Open on Instagram. The year was 1998, and Smith said that she put in 12-hour shifts at the event working security.

“U.S. OPEN 🎾 2026. Visor : @dior. Leather tank & tennis skirt : @aliceandolivia. Bag : @chanelofficial. Shoes: @mui____mui. Jewelry : @pristine_jewelers,” she wrote.

“RemFunFact: my 1st job EVER as a teen was working security for the @usopen from midnight til noon; 12 hour shifts👏🏾👏🏾Babyyyy I can assure u I wasn’t securing sh*t 😂😂.”

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Remy Also Shared Footage From The US Open With Fans

In addition to sharing a snap of her US Open security open ID, the ‘Put Em On’ rapper shared an interview from the “red carpet.” The carpet was actually blue to represent the US Open’s colors, and the artist sported a cream ALICE + OLIVIA leather tank top and tennis skirt paired with a matching Dior visor and Channel bag to the event. Remy noted that she’d been to the US Open before as a teen while describing the energy in New York City.

“I worked here,” she said from the blue carpet. “I was security.”

Fan Reactions Note Remy Ma’s Special Moment

Fans reacted after Remy’s ID was shared on TSR’s Instagram page, and several Roomies noted the full-circle moment while remarking on the 46-year-old’s youthful appearance.

User @perry_africana wrote, “She is now fulfilling and living her destiny..her future🔥🔥🙌❤️.”

@vanessa.blessed, “Full circle moments are the best 👌🏾.”

User @geneseqwa replied,  “Looking the same from 1998 is a flex 🔥🔥.”

@cynthiadeeone wrote, “Remy forever young 😍😍😍.”

User @bbjwap82 noted, “Reminisce reminiscing 🔥.”

@bossbaby09z replied, “Love a full circle moment 😍because it’s from god himself.”

User @baialeni90 wrote, “From being a security to having security is a flex!! Go Rem.”

User @chelitoxo added, “Not her looking exactly the same 🔥.”

@mr_taylor_made_ added, “Black don’t crack.”

@jadaxberry laughed, “She said I wasn’t securing a damn thing‼️🤣🤷🏾‍♀️.”

User @naturall_nyii joked, “residents be having the coolest entry level jobs … meanwhile in NC we had to choose between wendy’s and bojangles.”

User @_____her__ was surprised to learn Remy’s last name is Smith. “I thought her last name was ‘Ma’ this whole time.. chile let me go back to sleep 😂😂😂😂😂.”

Smith’s fellow ‘Lean Back’ co-artist Fat Joe also weighed in on Remy’s post. “❤️❤️❤️❤️.”

Speaking of throwbacks, Remy also shared a throw-back snap with Fat Joe on Instagram to note his 56th birthday on Wednesday, August 19. The post was captioned:

“Happy birthday to the BIGGEST ! My brother @FatJoe (heavy on the MY😈)
I love you soooo much! You already! It’s always me & u Rem Fact : I was 19 in the first 2 pictures 🥰 Sidebar: Crack really one of THEE FLYEST in the game ; argue witcho mammy😎.”

RELATED: Yikes! Crime Mob Rapper Princess Reveals Why Claressa Shields Blocked Her On Instagram (PHOTO)

Things are warming up between Rosie O’Donnell and her estranged daughter, Chelsea O’Donnell.  

As Rosie works on rebuilding her relationship with her incarcerated daughter, Chelsea, she is offering fans a rare look into their ongoing road to reconciliation.

Rosie and Chelsea have had a rocky relationship over the years, and Chelsea’s latest incarceration following her probation revocation further strained their relationship until their recent reconciliation. 

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Following years of family estrangement, Rosie has opened up a window into her ongoing reconciliation with her 28-year-old daughter, Chelsea. 

The entertainer shared a recent text dialogue on Instagram, giving her 1.4 million followers a view of their routine daily interactions while Chelsea finishes an 18-month sentence at Wisconsin’s Taycheedah Correctional Institution.

Some of the texts read, “Thank you, Mom. I got my music back today. How are you? I’m trying to get a hold of the social worker to let her know the plans for when I get out, Hannah texted her for me.”

Rosie responded warmly to the update, sharing news of her recent manicure before turning the conversation to Chelsea’s current book choice, the “Legacy” dark fantasy series by Melissa K. Roehrich.

The TV personality’s post also included a photo from a June facility visit where the mother-daughter duo held each other in a warm embrace while smiling at the camera. 

The Mother-Daughter Duo Previously Had A Heartwarming In-Person Meeting

The road toward repairing their mother-daughter relationship reached a pivotal milestone during a previous visit that marked their most sustained interaction in roughly ten years.

Chelsea, who left home as a teenager and later settled in Wisconsin, reinitiated contact from behind bars, prompting Rosie to travel out for a face-to-face meeting.

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According to The Blast, the former talk show host emphasized how significant their four-hour talk felt compared to their history, saying, “[It] was the first conversation I’ve had with her in 10 years that lasted more than 25 minutes.”

Observing Chelsea in tears at the end of their meeting left a lasting impression on the comedian, who viewed the emotional farewell as a sign of personal maturity and genuine empathy. 

Rosie further expressed renewed optimism that her daughter’s path ahead would look positively different from the turmoil of the past 10 years.

Rosie O’Donnell Shared A Heartfelt Reflection Of The Emotional Facility Reunion

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Rosie also documented the raw emotional reality of her initial prison visit in a reflective piece shared across Instagram and Substack. 

Describing the surroundings of the visitation area, the comedian captured the complex feelings of watching her daughter navigate incarceration.

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Despite the institutional setting, she observed that Chelsea appeared calm, healthy, and clear-headed in her uniform.

Although a sudden local tornado warning forced guards to cut their four-hour visit short, Rosie took away a deeper understanding of maternal patience and resilience, as reported by The Blast.

She wrote that “unconditional love” is an important aspect of motherhood, adding that “even when it seems impossible,” it’s important to live, learn, and grow.

A Legal Documentation Detailed The Events Surrounding Chelsea O’Donnell’s Probation Revocation

Behind Rosie and Chelsea’s emotional reunion lies a complex legal history that led to the latter’s current 18-month incarceration. 

Official filings from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections detail the specific events that resulted in her probation being terminated in late 2025 following prior felony charges involving drug possession and child neglect.

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According to state records, an adult male passenger alleged that Chelsea made physical contact with his genitals without consent while he was in the back seat of her car. The report further noted that she subsequently drove recklessly out of frustration when he rejected the physical advance.

The Blast reported that while Chelsea firmly denied the allegations to authorities, the incident contributed to her probation being revoked. Under the terms of her post-release supervision, she will be required to obtain formal permission from her probation officer before pursuing new romantic relationships.

Being A Grandparent Has Given Rosie O’Donnell A New Perspective on Family

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In addition to navigating her relationship with her daughter, Rosie has found joy in the expansion of her family following the arrival of her fifth grandchild, Anthony Joel. 

Born on March 26 to her son Blake and daughter-in-law Teresa, the infant’s milestone prompted Rosie to share a bright portrait of the baby online, captioning it, “My beautiful grandson Anthony.”

According to The Blast, the 12-time Emmy winner has openly reflected on how watching her 26-year-old son transition into fatherhood has reshaped her view of parenting.

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“Watching my 26-year-old son hold his baby is the most indescribable joy that I’ve ever experienced in my life,” she stated. 

Having lost her own mother at a young age, Rosie admitted that seeing her adult children rely on her guidance has opened her eyes to the lifelong nature of parental bonds, bringing a sense of fulfillment she hadn’t anticipated.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Audiences are living firmly in the middle of the streaming inflation era. Price hikes are about a yearly occurrence for the major entertainment platforms nowadays, with 2026 alone already seeing subscription costs for all of Paramount+, Netflix, YouTube Premium, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll increase. In August alone, Peacock jumped up an extra dollar for its select plan, two dollars for premium with ads, and three for ad-free in anticipation of the NFL and NBA seasons, while ESPN is also set to raise prices next month. Yet another service is now following suit with a fairly hefty hike across the board for U.S. customers.

Effective immediately on August 28, Apple TV will see its monthly rates rise to $14.99, up from $12.99, while its yearly cost will go from $99 to $119. That hike comes almost exactly one year after a three-dollar increase last August, meaning the streaming subscription has effectively risen by 50% over the past year. New customers will have to pay this new number right away if they want to get access to series like Severance and Slow Horses, but current subscribers will be given roughly a one-month notice before the change is reflected on their bill. Those looking to take advantage of Apple One, which bundles all of the tech giant’s subscription services in one place, will also face higher costs, as the individual price has been raised from $19.95 to $21.95.

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Release Date

April 28, 2026

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Network

Apple TV

Showrunner

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Katie Dippold

Directors

Sam Donovan, Andrew DeYoung, Hiro Murai, Ti West

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Writers

Alberto Roldán, Neil Casey, Kelly Galuska, Colton Dunn, Dave Harris, Katie Dippold, Mackenzie Dohr

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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Rod Wave is spending his birthday addressing music ownership and contracts! Boosie recently called out the rapper for sampling his music. This follows Rod’s interview on Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay.’ After the clips went viral, Lyfe Jennings also chimed in with similar sentiments. Well, Rod Wave is speaking out again as the conversation about music ownership, sample clearances, and record-label contracts continues.

RELATED: The ‘Net Pulls Rod Wave Into The Mix After His Ex Dee Pops Out With NFL Player Ga’Quincy McKinstry (VIDEO)

Rod Wave Alludes To Boosie & Lyfe Jennings Not Owning Their Music 

Rod Wave has continued to speak out following his recent back-and-forth with Boosie over Rod’s use of sampled music. The conversation regained attention following Rod Wave’s interview on ‘Club Shay Shay,’ where he spoke about his past differences with Boosie after the rapper previously expressed interest in suing him over alleged sampling of his music without compensation. The interview sparked a response from Boosie. Lyfe Jennings later joined the conversation, also expressing his frustrations over his music being sampled by the Florida rapper.

Now, Rod is addressing the situation once again. While celebrating his birthday aboard a private plane, Rod took to his Instagram Story to share another message about the ongoing discussion. In a video, the rapper continued to speak on the criticism surrounding his music and seemingly pushed back on the idea that Boosie and Lyfe Jennings personally own the songs Rod Wave sampled.

Furthermore, Rod Wave said that the individuals or companies who legally own the music would be compensated, adding that the songs in question would not have been released without the proper approvals. Toward the end of his message, Rod Wave encouraged up-and-coming artists to pay close attention to their contracts and understand what they’re agreeing to before signing, so they don’t find themselves dealing with similar situations later in their careers.

Social Media Reacts

Following Rod’s latest message, social media users had plenty to say about his perspective on the situation. While some agreed with the rapper’s explanation surrounding contracts and music ownership, others felt Boosie’s frustration was still valid.

Instagram user @vonjaee wrote, “He not lying though, you’re signed to a label and don’t own your masters 🤣”

Another Instagram user @ra.millian wrote, “Rod is RIGHT! & for those that don’t know he still offered Boosie 100k just off respect 💯 and Boosie declined 🤷🏽‍♀️”

While Instagram user @yourfairy_irl wrote, “He took these people lyrics, wrd from wrd. The label didn’t come up with them lyrics! He know exactly why boosie feel the way he feel. It’s truly the label fault tho. It’s bad business.”

Instagram user @boythatsbayna wrote, “This why reading contracts are important! Take that up with your label!”

Another Instagram user @ashleymarie97_ wrote, “I have never seen him talk this much n he cute asf 😂 hold onnnn.”

While Instagram user @taeethoo wrote, “Now leave him tf alone and let him enjoy his birthday df!”

Instagram user @brattt_101_ wrote, “😂😂 at the end of the day Boosie has a reason to feel the way he do.”

Another Instagram user @fvmous_tyy wrote, “The fact yall tried to ruin his birthday bc yall don’t know what yall signed up for plzzz 🍅🍅🍅”

While Instagram user @yungg_shayy wrote, “Atp everybody can’t be saying Rod wave owe them money, rappers, his fans, arenas, babymamas like come on dudeee 😂😂😂”

The Conversation Lands On Rod Wave’s 28th Birthday

The latest back and forth comes on a pretty major day for Rod Wave- his 28th birthday. Amid the ongoing back-and-forth, Rod Wave still made time to celebrate his 28th birthday and receive some love from those closest to him. His longtime girlfriend, Mini Barbie, shared a collage of the couple on her Instagram Story, along with a sweet birthday message for the rapper. She wrote, “happy birthday to my babyyyy my luverrrr my boo ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹”

RELATED: Social Media Users Are Crackin’ Up At Rod Wave Singing His Heart Out At Ye’s Concert (WATCH)

Beyond the Gates delivers Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) tying up loose ends while she is frustrated that Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) won’t get back in her bed. Her rage could soon turn dangerous, possibly even deadly for those who cross her and are on her enemies list.

So, we may see Heather’s bloodthirsty side on display, even though she got a little release from being all pent up when she took Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley) back to her hotel room for a little afternoon delight. Maybe that’ll calm her down some. Let’s get into who Joey Armstrong‘s (Jon Lindstrom) psycho sister might kill before all is said and done.

Beyond the Gates: Heather Targets Vanessa

First off, there’s Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli), who might be in danger. Ever since Heather came back to the DMV, she’s been lying to Joey’s face. We know Heather wants into his business since her red market ring went bust. But Joey does not want her in his business. Not at all. He thinks Heather is too violent and unpredictable, which is kind of scary given how violent we know that Joey can be and also unpredictable.

So, for a minute there, Heather had Vanessa conned into thinking she was just this fun-loving chick that she wanted to hang out with. But after repeated warnings from Joey, finally, Vanessa seems to see Heather more clearly. And Vanessa then confided in Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) that she’s got some concerns about Joey’s sister, who blew into town, claiming she wanted family time. But Vanessa said Joey’s warnings are serious. He wants Vanessa to keep her distance from Heather. So then Vanessa told Dani that Joey wouldn’t do that if there wasn’t something legit to be concerned about.

Vanessa Stepping Away from Heather on BTG

So, it looks like Vanessa’s backing off from Heather. And Dani is also because of the same warning. So this was very much on display when Heather called up and invited Vanessa and Dani to meet her for drinks and they both declined. And that infuriated Heather, who had just had Andre walk out on her after telling her that he loves his wife Dani and he will never be with her again. So that led Heather into a fit of rage where she was breaking things and screaming. So Vanessa could be a target for Heather if she decides to hit Joey where it hurts.

And if Vanessa keeps distancing herself from Heather, she will know that Joey is to blame. This could change the dynamics between Heather and Vanessa. And Heather might see Vanessa as a target. So, another person to be concerned about is Dani. She could definitely wind up on Heather’s murderous to-do list. Although Dani didn’t see red flags from Heather once Vanessa warned her, then Dani followed her bestie’s lead and made excuses not to get together with Heather, who was very, very ticked off about it.

Beyond the Gates: Heather’s Jealousy Takes Over

But what Dani gave as an excuse really hit a deep wound for Heather. Dani told Heather she couldn’t meet her for drinks because she had a busy schedule, including plans with her hot hubby Andre. And that infuriated Heather, who was just rejected by Andre because of Dani. So, Andre told Heather that it’s never going to happen again. No sex, no nothing.

And when she asked Andre if he ever thought about her while he was getting frisky with Dani, Andre absolutely slammed her. He told Heather he never thinks of her and then he walked out. So, she’s insanely jealous of Dani and Heather might want to explore and find out what makes Andre so hot for Dani that he’s rejecting her because Heather seems to think she’s irresistible.

And if Andre sees Heather circling Dani like a shark, this could get really messy and Dani could legit be in danger. And it could even end in death. In Heather’s warped way of thinking, if she eliminated Dani from Andre’s life, he might jump into her bed. But in the end, I don’t think Heather’s going to kill Dani. But she might kidnap her and interrogate her about Andre because, let’s face it, Heather’s bat crap crazy.

Andre’s Life at Risk on BTG

Also, Andre himself could be in danger. His love for Dani could make him a target. The wrath of Heather could come down on Andre at any time because he keeps rejecting her. So, Heather could adopt the mindset of if I can’t have you, nobody can. And she might try and end Andre’s life. So, right now, Dani’s worried something’s going on with Andre and he might finally spill the truth to his wife as to why he’s been so distracted. And that of course is because he’s running from Heather, a sociopathic blast from his European past.

And if Andre comes clean, then Dani could help him clean up this mess. Andre already paved the way by telling Dani that he’s done bad things in the past and that he hasn’t told her about it because he wants to protect her. So, no matter what Andre says, as long as he comes clean, I think Dani will hang in there with Andre and the two of them can go up against Heather as a united couple. That would be the best thing on Beyond the Gates.

Andre tells Dani, so it takes away Heather’s leverage because she’s been threatening to tell Dani about her and Andre’s past. So, if he just comes clean and tells Dani, that unites them as a couple and it might send Heather into a spiral and she might wind up hurting Andre.

Beyond the Gates: Heather May Target Smitty

Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) is another person on Heather’s radar who might be in danger because Smitty is still intent on unmasking the Impaler, which is Heather. And Smitty’s planning to talk to Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht) because he’s convinced the ex-chief of staff knows the identity of the Impaler.

And I think she might. But by the end of the week, Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) has disturbing news for Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges). And it might be that Lia died in jail. You know, maybe one of those mysterious jail house suicides or some kind of unfortunate random attack from another inmate. I’m sure Heather could set that up easily so she can make sure that Lia can never ID her.

But if she’s dead, then Smitty might make a big story out of Lia’s death and assumes that the Impaler had Lia killed. And if Smitty keeps pursuing it, then Heather may decide that he has got to go. She may try and end Smitty’s life in an accident or maybe something like a mugging gone wrong so that nobody suspects the Impaler.

Beyond the Gates: Grayson in Danger

One last person whose life may be at risk is Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) because Heather knows Grayson gave the cops info so that they could do that raid and take down Heather’s DMV red market ring. So Heather might go after Grayson for revenge. And in fact, that may be why Heather’s been up at Uptown so often. She may be there checking out Grayson with a plan to take him out in revenge because you know, snitches get stitches.

But think about poor Ashley. If anything happens to Grayson because she just lost Derek. She would be absolutely devastated to lose Grayson, too. He is a possible person who might die because he’s a little more disposable than some of the front burner characters. Ever since Heather got back to the DMV, things aren’t going her way. She’s gotten rejection from Joey and he already told her, “Pack your bags and go back to London.” And then Heather’s been hit by multiple rejections from Andre.

He shut her down in every way imaginable. Heather also thought she was getting somewhere with Vanessa and Dani, but Joey shut that down. Plus, Smitty still focused on her red market ring. Lia knows who she is, and Grayson’s a rat. So, in the end, Joey might have to take Heather out himself to end her reign of terror. At a minimum, I expect that Lia is going to die because of Heather, but somebody else or maybe a couple of somebody else’s may also be hurt by her.

Even though summer doesn’t technically end for another few weeks, it feels like the season is already coming to a close and movie-lovers are acting accordingly.

Thankfully, this weekend’s new streaming offerings include an autumnal thriller, a romance involving chronic illness and a botched real estate deal. In other words, the summer of Spider-Man is definitely over.

At the top of Watch With Us’ bingewatch-worthy list is Netflix‘s The Whisper Man, a spooky serial killer thriller starring Robert De Niro and Adam Scott.

Other new movies worth watching include Prime Video’s The Last Sunrise, Shudder’s gnarly horror flick Penny Lane Is Dead and Hulu’s historical epic, Desert Warrior, starring two MCU actors from Avengers: Doomsday and Wonder Man.

‘The Whisper Man’ (2026) — Netflix

Pete Willis (Robert De Niro) is a detective nearing the end of his career. His biggest achievement was capturing The Whisper Man, a serial killer who preyed on children 30 years ago. When his estranged son, Tom (Adam Scott), tells him his 8-year-old grandson, Jake (Acston Luca Porto), is missing, he initially thinks it’s the work of a random kidnapper. But as the seasoned detective starts investigating, he begins to believe it’s the work of The Whisper Man. But how is that possible when the killer is still locked away in prison?

That’s the unbeatable premise of The Whisper Man, an old-school thriller that Hollywood used to churn out in the 1990s and early 2000s. Directed by James Ashcroft, the film is set in autumnal New Jersey and gives off pleasingly cozy murder mystery vibes. But make no mistake — this is a grisly thriller involving the death of children, and it gets progressively creepier as the story progresses. Along with Scott and De Niro, the entire cast gives pitch-perfect performances, especially Hamish Linklater as a true-crime aficionado and Michael Keaton as — well, I can’t tell you. You’ll have to watch The Whisper Man to find out, but trust me, you won’t regret it.

‘The Last Sunrise’ (2026) — Prime Video

Most college students would kill for what Oriah “Ry” Pera (Maia Reficco) has: a loving mother, Isolde (Eva Longoria), a school she likes and a summer vacation at a ritzy Mallorca resort. But Ry isn’t like most students — she has a chronic illness that will most likely cut her life short just as it’s about to begin. Her spirits perk up when she meets Julián (Fernando Lindez), a hunky local fisherman who immediately falls for her. But how long can their love last when Ry’s life seemingly has a fast expiration date?

Soapy and melodramatic, The Last Sunrise is also entertaining and irresistible. The movie contains an Idiot Plot, where all of the characters’ problems would be solved with a couple of quick conversations, but why would anyone want that when there’s an escapist love story to savor? Reficco and Lindez look hot and give their characters just enough depth to make you care about them. Longoria is also effective as an overprotective mother with a secret that could doom Ry and Julián’s romance for good. The Last Sunrise is pretty basic, but it’s the perfect movie to watch for one last summer season thrill.

‘Penny Lane Is Dead’ (2026) — Shudder

If someone plays a prank in a movie, especially a horror movie, they usually wind up dead. And that’s exactly what happens in Penny Lane Is Dead, a new “Ozpolitation” terror flick that’s the cinematic equivalent of a pressure cooker. Set in 1986, three friends get together to party one last time before they split up. But their party is interrupted by frenemy Kat (Sophia Wright-Mendelsohn), her criminal ex-bf Angus (Ben O’Toole) and several of his shady friends. Soon, their peaceful get-together turns into a bloody fight for survival, and not everyone will live to see the light of day.

Equal parts brutal and wickedly funny, Penny Lane Is Dead is one of 2026’s surprising delights. The movie pays homage to home-invasion classics like Last House on the Left while still carving out its own identity as a shocking thriller that isn’t for the faint of heart.

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‘Desert Warrior’ (2025) — Hulu

In seventh-century Arabia, the ruthless Emperor Kisra (Ben Kingsley) wants one thing — Princess Hind (Aiysha Hart). Hind doesn’t want to be his concubine, so she flees with her father into the Arabian desert. Without resources or allies, they’re sure to die quickly, so they hire Hanzala (Anthony Mackie) to help them. When tragedy strikes, Hind doesn’t just want to flee — she wants to take Kisra down for good. Hanzala has no choice but to join her uprising, resulting in all-out war for the Arabian kingdom.

Desert Warrior’s production history is as intriguing as the story it’s telling. Shot in 2021 and 2022, the film remained in limbo for three years before receiving a quiet release earlier this year. With a $150 million budget, it’s the most expensive movie made in Saudi Arabia. It’s also one of the worst flops in film history, grossing only $740,000. Ouch!

The movie itself is OK. Most of the budget is on screen, and there are some striking images of the desert that recall Lawrence of Arabia. Desert Warrior could’ve benefited from a more focused script and a better cast (Mackie looks uncomfortable in most of his scenes), but what’s there is enough to keep you satisfied for most of its 126-minute runtime.