If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it is that nothing is perfect, especially with video games, as more gamers and opinions flood the community, which will hate even the best titles. Legendary games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or modern classics such as God of War aren’t spared hate, criticism, or discourse, proving that there isn’t a single video game that everyone can say is perfect.

Despite that, some games can be considered to be universally beloved, and that is why this list will feature six video games since the 2000s that are universally beloved. Based on aspects such as gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these six titles are some of the few that many gamers can come together and appreciate, whether that be critically or emotionally.

6

‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

Image via Naughty Dog

The Last of Us is a great example of a beloved video game that received the exact opposite reaction when the sequel dropped, with many gamers upset with the story and how it handled some characters. At least they have the first game, which follows Joel, a veteran during the zombie apocalypse who must escort a girl across the country. When he learns that she may hold the cure to the outbreak, the mission to deliver her safely makes it more complicated, but will he be able to do it when he gets there?

The Last of Us is renowned for its narrative prestige that proved video games could bring that type of storytelling to games. The dynamics between Joel and Ellie were fantastic and a staple of the experience, making it even more painful when the sequel was released. The Last of Us is more than just a great story, however, as it also features engaging gameplay that brings out the best in the survival horror genre. Eerie, tense, and haunting, this game will have gamers on the edge of their seat, which is why almost everyone who has played it loved it. This is a video game narrative so good that there is even a TV show of it that is well received, proving the source material is just flawless.

5

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

The 2020s still have a way to go, but the decade is already home to a plethora of modern hits, like FromSoftware’s magnum opus, Elden Ring. After the death of one of her sons, Queen Marika shatters the titular ring into many pieces, leaving her demigod children to claim them. As the Tarnished, players must travel the Lands Between and defeat the demigods to collect the shards, restore the ring, and become the Elden Lord.

Even though the 2020s are young, this decade has produced one of the most universally beloved video games in Elden Ring. Nothing else this decade has as much fan love to an overwhelming amount, proving why it won Game of the Year in 2022. Yes, it may be difficult, but it is because of that difficulty that fans adore it and the feeling they get when overcoming the obstacles. More than that, Elden Ring encourages exploration, rewarding it with lore, boss battles, and worthwhile items. Elden Ring is the most universally loved video game of the 2020s, but this acclaim has seeped into history as a whole to become a landmark of the industry.

4

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar is one of the greatest game studios of all time, and while fans hope their next game will make this list in the future, for now their most beloved title is Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur Morgan is a cowboy during the dying era of the Wild West, but when he learns of his tuberculosis diagnosis, he realizes he doesn’t have much time left. Dedicated to finding redemption, he sets out on one final adventure to find peace of heart before passing away.

There is a vocal part of the community that strongly believes Red Dead Redemption 2 deserved to win Game of the Year over God of War, and whether that is true or not, the fact that there are so many fans proves how beloved it is. The gameplay is good, but the main appeal of Red Dead Redemption 2 is the experience that allows gamers to immerse themselves in the world and role. Arthur is a captivating protagonist that players get to experience the story through, and the setting is just as engaging and complex, with so much detail packed into the Western frontier. Since it is Rockstar’s best video game ever, this title went above and beyond to deliver a gaming experience unlike anything else, showcasing why so many fans adore it.

3

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005)

Image via Capcom

Being scared is usually a bad thing, but gamers can’t get enough of it, especially when it is done well. Resident Evil is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and while the new game and movie are remarkable, nothing can beat Resident Evil 4. When the daughter of the president of the United States is captured in Spain by a cult, Leon S. Kennedy is assigned to bring her back safely. However, when the cult is infected by a parasite, Leon and Ashley must fight their way through zombie-like creatures to safety.

Changing an already beloved formula isn’t usually the recipe to be adored by fans, but Resident Evil 4 pulled it off miraculously. The innovative over-the-shoulder camera changed the game, literally, making it so much easier and more fluid to play. The inventory management system as well was a fun way to manage items and make every decision important. It made Resident Evil an action franchise, which did upset some fans, but it broke out into a whole new demographic. Resident Evil 4 is a blast from start to finish, and a video game that most fans agree is absolutely outstanding.

2

‘Super Mario Galaxy’ (2007)

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo is a company that doesn’t stop making amazing games, and their biggest franchise is Mario, of course, meaning he has plenty of beloved titles, including Super Mario Galaxy. Bowser disrupts the Mushroom Kingdom’s festival to kidnap Princess Peach, taking her far away into the depths of the galaxy. However, Mario, with the help of Rosalina, sets out on a planet-hopping adventure to bring her back, no matter how many Koopas he needs to stomp on or bosses he needs to take down.

There isn’t a single bad 3D Mario video game, but the most beloved is arguably Super Mario Galaxy, which strikes the perfect amount of nostalgia and great design. The spherical gravity is a one-of-a-kind mechanic that gives new life to the franchise, making it even more fresh and imaginative. The movement is fluid, and the platforming is some of the greatest of all time, only made better by the plenty of gimmicks. Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best Nintendo games ever, only improving with age to remain a staple of the company and gaming in general.

1

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Image via Valve

Valve may have some shortcomings, but for the most part, they are a beloved gaming studio, best known for their platform, Steam. But they used to be one of the best game makers as well, releasing multiple beloved classics, like Portal 2. Set after the first game, Chell wakes up to the same facility, but this time it is run-down and abandoned. However, one robot companion helps her navigate the facility to escape, that is, until they accidentally wake up GLaDOS, who is itching for revenge after what players did to her in the first game.

Valve has other masterpieces such as Half-Life 2, but there is a bigger audience around Portal 2 that has made it one of the most beloved video games of all time. It is a 2010s video game masterpiece that used its innovative mechanic with the portal gun and expanded on it to create a much more definitive experience. Portal 2 is a masterclass of game design that inherently teaches the player without much instruction while still making the puzzles thought-provoking and stimulating. The game also boasts witty writing and a charming style that enhances the already intriguing narrative. In the end, Portal 2 is the complete package of game design and fun, a combo that the majority of gamers have to admit they love.

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Resident Evil 4

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Released

January 11, 2005

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

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Engine

RE Engine

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Franchise

Resident Evil

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The Cosmere is a shared literary universe of fantasy literature created by acclaimed author Brandon Sanderson. The ongoing series debuted in 2005 with Elantris, Sanderson’s debut novel. The series currently consists of approximately 30 short stories, novellas, novels, and even a graphic novel. It’s super popular and is still ongoing, with the conclusion not expected for at least a few decades. Clearly, it’s quite a massive project that Sanderson has planned.

The basic premise is that each series or stand-alone takes place on its own planet, all within the same galaxy. Each planet has an intricate system of magic that has a heavy hand in the story. The magic exists due to incorporeal objects called “Shards,” leftover splinters of the dead god Adonalsium, who mysteriously shattered thousands of years ago. The series overlap with certain characters and concepts and feature a variety of settings. For example, some are steampunk, some are space-age fantasy, while others are more Medieval. One thing’s for sure: they’re all awesome. Alas, only a few can reign supreme. These are the best books in Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, ranked based on their overall strengths, legacy, and qualities.

10

‘Warbreaker’ (2009)

Image via Gollancz

Warbreaker is currently the only Cosmere work set on the planet Nalthis. The story follows Siri, a young princess of Idris who is betrothed to the God King Susebron of Hallandren, as a means of maintaining a shaky alliance between the two nations. Siri’s sister, Vivenna, travels to the capital of T’Telir to rescue her, while the god Lightsong the Bold struggles to find his place in the universe, treating his recent deification as a joke. Meanwhile, a sulky veteran is working behind the scenes, assassinating key political figures in the court of gods.

The magic system in this Medieval world is really interesting. Each person has what’s called a Breath, which looks like rainbow-hued gas. By convincing or stealing the Breath from others, people gain access to heightened abilities, such as perfect pitch and enhanced perception. However, Breath can also be used to bring fabric to life, where it can be used as a weapon, a tool, or a defence mechanism. The book is primarily a romance at heart, but it’s got a lot of political stuff in it, too. It’s a superb book and a must-read prequel if you want to read The Stormlight Archive series, which we’ll talk about later.

Image via Tor Fantasy

Mistborn is currently the longest series in the Cosmere, which consists of two short stories, one novella, and seven full-length novels. The first era of Mistborn is a trilogy (plus one novella and short story), and is a Medieval urban fantasy. The second era is four books (plus one short story) long, and is set hundreds of years later, in a more steampunk-y world. The Lost Metal is the conclusion to this second era, involving a secret plot to destroy the capital city of Elendel and start a war with the recently rediscovered Malwish people.

All of Mistborn is set on the planet Scadrial, a heavily industrialized world. There are three magic systems here: the first and most prominent is Allomancy, which involves users swallowing beads of various metals that grant temporary abilities, depending on what type of metal it is. For example, tin grants heightened senses, while pewter gives one extra strength and resilience. The book is a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful steampunk fantasy series, once again starring comedic cop duo Wax and Wayne. The stakes are lower than the original Mistborn era, but it’s still an awesome read.

8

‘The Well of Ascension’ (2007)

Image via Tor Fantasy

The Well of Ascension is the second book in the first era of Mistborn, and also arguably its best. The rest of the trilogy were some of Sanderson’s earliest published works, so the writing isn’t quite as refined. This one soars above in terms of story and excitement, however. It is set immediately following the first book, which is basically about an Ocean’s Eleven–style heist crew, only they plan on committing regicide and bringing down a tyrannical, planet-wide empire.

However, the stakes get monumentally higher in this second entry. It becomes clear that the Final Empire was just the beginning, and the very fate of Scadrial is slowly beginning to unravel. In the oppressive metropolis of Luthadel, professional thief Vin and noble heir Elend Venture must establish a new empire whilst putting a stop to the coming apocalypse. While it’s not a conclusion to the trilogy, it’s an excellent climax point, with espionage, wit, and plot twists galore.

7

‘Shadows for Silence: In the Forests of Hell’ (2013)

Image via Tor Fantasy

Shadows for Silence: In the Forests of Hell is currently the only story set in the world of Threnody, which has fallen under a shadow, causing ghost-like entities called Shades to prowl the forested world during the night. The shades seem to be the magic system of this world; there is nothing else mentioned. This novella stars Silence Montane, an innkeeper and secret bounty hunter who receives the contract of a lifetime.

During the night, she steps out into the woods with her teenage daughter, William Ann. There are three simple rules of being out in the woods at night: do not kindle fire, do not spill blood, and do not run. Any of these things will attract the Shades and will likely lead to swift death. This novella first appeared in a collection focused on dangerous women in fantasy, which George R. R. Martin also participated in. However, it was later published on its own, and republished in 2016’s anthology Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection. It’s an excellent piece of dark fantasy that’s short and sweet in all the right ways.

6

‘Yumi and the Nightmare Painter’ (2023)

Image via Tor Fantasy

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Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is the third of Sanderson’s secret projects written while in quarantine, a stand-alone novel set in the UTol system, inspired by East Asia. The story follows two magic users in vastly different worlds. First, there is Yumi, a priestess known as a yoki-hijo. She lives in an incredibly hot, Medieval world, where the Sun scorches the earth to the point that everyone needs platform shoes and the plants have evolved to float above the ground. Yumi’s job is to stack rocks to summon spirits known as hijo, who will grant wishes to ailing villagers.

On the other hand, there is a young man simply known as Painter. He lives in the cyberpunk-esque city of Kilahito, enveloped by a dome of shadow, which sometimes spawns dangerous nightmares. Using a canvas and some paint, Painter must magically turn the nightmares into something harmless before they prey on innocent people. Through cosmic circumstances, Yumi and Painter’s destinies become intertwined. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is a fantastic one-off story about love, friendship, and the difficulties of fitting in, all set in two fascinating worlds.

5

‘The Bands of Mourning’ (2016)

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The Bands of Mourning is the third novel in the second era of Mistborn, and it is, in this author’s opinion, the best in the series. Once again starring cop duo Wax and Wayne, the story involves a quest to find the fabled Bands of Mourning, a relic left behind from the first era, which grants users special powers using a secondary magic system on Scadrial. Feruchemy is pretty complex, almost too complex to explain here, but know that it also involves the use of metal, much like Allomancy.

So many major revelations happen during this book, and for the first time, it takes the adventure far beyond the reaches of the Elendel Basin. By far, this one has the heaviest connection to the first era of Mistborn, as it involves temples lost to the ages, ancient history, hidden civilizations, and political gatherings. Featuring steampunk airships, new characters and cultures, and new mysteries, The Bands of Mourning is a solid ten out of ten.

4

‘The Way of Kings’ (2010)

Image via Tor Books

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The Way of Kings is the first book in The Stormlight Archive series. This series consists of novels that are always at least 1,000 pages long, so it’s quite the dedication. The setting is the planet Roshar, which is constantly plagued by hurricane-like tempests called highstorms. Plant life is almost non-existent, and any animal life has evolved to be crustaceous, so they can shelter in their shells.

Following the humans of Alethkar making contact with the indigenous race of crustaceous humanoids called the Parshendi, the Alethi king is assassinated, prompting a war between Alethkar and the Parshendi. In the midst of it all is a slave called Kaladin, a disgraced soldier who is used as arrow fodder on the battlefield. Each entry in Stormlight features flashback sequences, examining the lives of its principal characters, with this one focusing on Kaladin’s life. It’s a tragic, yet highly inspiring tale that starts slow at first, but gets highly engrossing by the end.

3

‘Tress of the Emerald Sea’ (2022)

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Tress of the Emerald Sea is the first of Sanderson’s secret projects written during quarantine. The novel was inspired by The Princess Bride and is set on the distant world of Lumar, which doesn’t actually have any Shards, so there is no magic system. It is a vast and alien world closely orbited by 12 moons, which constantly drop spores onto the planet, thus making up the oceans in lieu of water. The spores produce drastic, often destructive effects when they come into contact with the liquid and can even be sailed upon thanks to gas jets hidden on the planet’s surface, which fluidize the many-colored seas.

Tress is an ordinary girl living in the Emerald Sea, who works as a window washer for the mayor, whose son, Charlie, she is dating. Unfortunately, Charlie disappears on a voyage with his father, causing Tress to leave the backwater town of Diggen’s Point to rescue him. This quest evolves into a thrilling pirate tale and a heartwarming tale of true love. The world is thoroughly interesting, the characters are memorable, and the book is written with a great sense of humor. It is one of the greatest fantasy stories ever, and it’s a phenomenal read for fairy tale fans.

2

‘Oathbringer’ (2017)

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Oathbringer is the third entry in The Stormlight Archive and is by far the most cinematic novel of the entire Cosmere universe. The magic system of Roshar is more prominent in this book. It involves traumatized individuals developing spiritual bonds with spren, spirit-like entities. The type of spren one bonds with determines their abilities; to power their abilities, they must breathe in Stormlight, an ethereal essence gathered in gemstones from highstorms. The flashback sequences in this book focus on Dalinar Kholin, a seasoned Alethi general and highprince.

This book sees the war between humanity and the Parshendi escalate from a petty squabble over a deceased king to a huge struggle for survival, each species fighting against extinction. Multiple large-scale battles are fought, resulting in one of the most thrilling and satisfying climaxes in the entire series. It’s an awesome adventure and a crowning achievement in Sanderson’s extensive repertoire. Not one line is wasted, and not one page is boring.

1

‘Words of Radiance’ (2014)

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Words of Radiance is the second entry in The Stormlight Archive, which features flashbacks from Shallan Davar, an aspiring young artist and student. While the three main plot threads in The Way of Kings are largely separate, they all start to come together in this one. This book really does feel like the calm before the storm, in every sense of the expression. Things seem normal at first, but by the end, armageddon is looming on the horizon.

This monster of a book, like the rest of the Stormlight series, is filled with profound moral wisdom, exceptional character development, and master-class worldbuilding that no one else could have done better. It’s got a little bit of humor, a little bit of romance, loads of action, political intrigue, feuding noble families, and an enormous cinematic battle sequence at the end to top it all off. This entire series is a must-read for fantasy fans. Words of Radiance easily stands as the best book in Sanderson’s universe, especially considering that it is his highest-rated book on Goodreads.

For those hoping to see more crossover between the neo-Western genre and post-apocalyptic survival flicks, head on over to Paramount+. Not only is the streamer the best outlet for modern horse operas these days, but its connection to Showtime means that it offers some additional content that would otherwise be difficult to find on digital platforms. The Neal McDonough-led feature Homestead is one such film that was just added to the streaming outlet, where it has found streaming success, trending at the #4 spot in the Top 10 Movies just this week — and fans have seemingly noticed.

‘Homestead’ Is the Beginning of A Larger Apocalyptic Narrative

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If you haven’t heard of Homestead, the Angel Studios-made feature — directed by Ben Smallbone — is based on the popular Black Autumn series of novels by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross. However, it doesn’t take too long before the film departs from the source material. Homestead takes place largely in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear disaster; like in the short-lived CBS series Jericho, Los Angeles has been annihilated by a nuclear attack followed by a cyber assault on the U.S. power grid. With states and towns cut off from one another, and unable to unite against a common enemy, folks from all walks of life fight tooth and nail to simply survive. It’s from this vantage point that Homestead begins, with Neal McDonough’s wealthy doomsday prepper (and homestead owner) Ian Ross fighting to secure his resources from the desperate onlookers in his Rocky Mountain hometown. While Ross and his wife, Jenna (Yellowstone star Dawn Olivieri), believe that it’s their God-given duty to help those they can, where they differ is in how much they ought to support the rest of the town before running out of resources for themselves.

This is where former Green Beret Jeff Ericksson (Bailey Chase of Longmire fame) comes in. Having been hired by Ross as the compound’s security enforcer, Jeff struggles to maintain the peace with those who would forcibly take his resources. It’s here that the main drama of Homestead presents itself, with conflicting opinions about how to proceed as everyone fights to survive in a world where the supply chain has crumbled, and the government has been seemingly wiped out almost overnight.

Homestead wrestles with these issues not just from a psychological or even a practical perspective, but from both a spiritual and philosophical one as well, bookended with plenty of action to keep the viewer engaged. As Angel Studios’ first real pivot into the world of complex character dramas and mainstream survival fare, the film aims to appeal not to faith-based audiences but mainstream ones as well. Naturally, the cast alone demands one’s attention.

‘Homestead’ Continues With a Streaming Series — Though Without Neal McDonough

Of course, where things get a bit strange is the way that Homestead ends. By the finale, viewers come to realize that this drama is less of a standalone survival thriller and more of a sales pitch for a long-form streaming series, Homestead: The Series. The first two episodes of the program — which sadly doesn’t star McDononough but maintains the rest of the cast — were released simultaneously with the film back in 2024 on Angel Studios’ own streaming platform. Eventually, the rest of the eight-episode season followed, and a second season has already been confirmed. To this end, Homestead doesn’t quite feel complete. It leaves you wanting more or wishing that the conclusion wasn’t so open-ended. In truth, it may have been better for Homestead to simply be billed as an extended pilot episode of the Homestead television series, not unlike how Yellowstone‘s first episode “Daybreak” was feature-length despite being an episode of television.

What offers some interesting ideas and a complex intersection between survival and faith ultimately falls a little flat since it’s only meant to be a pilot for a larger production. Still, if you can accept that going in, you may find that you enjoy Homestead for what it is (and will likely enjoy the continuation series as well), but if you’re looking for a one-and-done thriller that marries neo-Western aesthetics with the weight of nuclear war, there are better options out there. That said, you’ve got to give McDonough props, because his presence can elevate any project to its absolute best.

Homestead is available for streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.

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Homestead

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Release Date

December 20, 2024

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Runtime

111 minutes

Director

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Ben Smallbone

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Eileen Davidson suffered a gruesome knee injury following a cold plunge accident.

“I sure won’t be making those moves anytime soon! Slipped getting out of a cold plunge and fractured my patella,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 67, wrote via Instagram on Friday, September 18. “I’m gonna be down for the count for quite a few weeks recovering from surgery. Thanks to the EMTs and the great team at @losrobleshospital.”

Davidson’s post included a silly photo of her dancing at Kyle Richards’ party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Real Housewives, before showing pictures of her injured kneecap. In a subsequent photo, Davidson’s leg appeared very swollen as she sat down. She also included a snap of her injured knee in a brace.

“How it’s going,” the Young and the Restless actress captioned the photos of her leg post-injury.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a patella fracture is a break in the kneecap, which is the bone that covers the knee joint. Some fractures require surgery to repair and the recovery process can be long.

Several of Davidson’s friends and loved ones wished her a speedy recovery including members of her Bravo and soap opera families.

“No! Get well soon ❤️,” Andy Cohen wrote in the comments section while Young and the Restless’ Lauralee Bell replied. “Oh no!! So sorry! Speedy recovery! ❤️ Heal well and in time knowing you you’ll get your groove back!”

RHOBH alum Camille Meyer also responded, “Oh no! Get well soon ❤️.”

Davidson starred on RHOBH season 5 through 7, which aired from 2014 to 2018. She later appeared as a guest star for seasons 8 and 10.

Prior to RHOBH, Davidson was best known for her starring role in The Young and the Restless. She made her debut on the soap opera in 1982 as Ashley Abbott. Davidson remained on the series until 1988. Following her exit, Davidson went on to be a series regular on Days of Our Lives, playing multiple characters on-and-off from 1993 to 2023.

Related: Former ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

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While some Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars have been a part of the Bravo hit since season 1 — looking at you, Kyle Richards — others have proved that diamonds aren’t forever. The sixth installment in the Real Housewives franchise was announced in March 2010 and aired its first season seven months later. At the […]

After a decade-long hiatus from The Young and the Restless, Davidson returned to the daytime program in 1999 as a series regular. She has remained a staple on the soap since and earned a Daytime Emmy for her role in 2018.

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Davidson ultimately left RHOBH due to her busy schedule on both soap operas.

“After a lot of careful thought, I’ve decided because of my crazy schedules at The Young and The Restless, as well as Days of Our Lives, it’s best for me and my family if I step away from being a Housewife for now,” she told E! News in July 2017. “But you never know, I might be popping in from time to time just to see what the ladies are up to! Thanks for your love and support guys!!!”

Earlier this year, Davidson returned to the Housewives universe for a guest appearance on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip season 5.

If you finished the Reacher Season 4 finale last week and thought, “Well, now what,” Amazon already had an answer loaded in the chamber. Neagley, the franchise’s first spin-off, dropped all eight episodes the same day its parent show’s finale aired, and within days, both series were #1 and #2 globally on Prime Video.

What Jack Reacher author Lee Child built on bookstore shelves, Prime Video has turned into a full-blown action empire with Alan Ritchson at the center. While most streamers are building universes out of spandex and even period-appropriate corsets, they’re betting big on blue-collar action heroes. Reacher and Neagley aren’t revolutionary or even prestige; they’re just consistent in their storytelling with a streaming home that’s smart in its release schedule. And all of that is by design.

‘Reacher’ Season 4 Pushes the Franchise Into Its Darkest Story Yet

The latest season of Prime Video’s streaming comfort food adapts Child’s Gone Tomorrow, and it’s a nastier story than what the show has done before. Ritchson’s Reacher witnesses a woman’s suicide on a Philadelphia subway and gets pulled into a conspiracy involving a missing USB drive, Indonesian black sites, and enemies embedded at the top of American politics. It’s heavier material. More paranoid. Definitely less “Reacher punches a guy through a wall” (though there’s still plenty of that).

And critics liked the shift. Season 4 pulled a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences seemed to give it a thumbs up too, with Nielsen reporting 1.2 billion minutes watched. That kind of trajectory this far into a show’s run is unusual for streaming, where most action shows peak in season one and coast to cancellation from there.

‘Reacher’s Best Supporting Player Is Leading Her Own Show

Image via Prime Video

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Of course, Frances Neagley has been the best part of Reacher for a while now. Maria Sten played her across multiple seasons as Reacher’s most capable ally from the 110th Special Investigations Unit. She was the one person Reacher actually trusted to be smarter than him, and the show kept proving her right. A solo show was, frankly, overdue.

What’s smart about Neagley is that it doesn’t try to clone Reacher. Where Reacher wanders into town with nothing but a toothbrush and his fists, Neagley is settled. She’s a Chicago-based private investigator with actual resources, a phone she knows how to use, and people who pick up when she calls. The show opens with an old friend dying under suspicious circumstances, and the conspiracy Neagley uncovers from there is entirely original, not pulled from any Child novel. Nick Santora and Nicholas Wootton, who co-created the series and run it together, built the story specifically for Sten’s version of the character.

The supporting cast helps. Greyston Holt plays Detective Hudson Riley, Damon Herriman shows up as Lawrence Cole, Adeline Rudolph is Renee Birdwhistle, and Ritchson himself pops in as Reacher for a guest turn. All eight episodes dropped at once, which was a deliberate contrast to Reacher’s weekly rollout. Amazon wanted people to binge it in a weekend, and based on the chart performance, a lot of them did.

Image via Prime Video

Most streamers are careful about cannibalizing their own audiences. Disney+ spaces out its Marvel and Star Wars spin-offs so they don’t compete with each other. Netflix rarely has two shows from the same franchise charting at the same time. Amazon looked at that conventional wisdom and, well, ignored it, dropping the Reacher Season 4 finale and Neagley‘s first season on the same day — and betting that the audience finishing one would roll right into the other. It’s an old network television trick, where a hit procedural leads directly into its spin-off on the same night, except Amazon did it globally with a binge drop. Within hours, both shows were sitting at the top of Prime Video’s worldwide charts.

Neagley proves the world around Reacher is deep enough to support more than one show at a time without splitting the fanbase. If it earns a second season, and it should, Prime Video has something most streamers have been trying and failing to build: a franchise that can run multiple series simultaneously and have both of them chart. Child’s backlist has more than enough material to keep it all going. Amazon just has to keep doing exactly what it’s been doing, deploying the rare streaming strategy that sounds boring but works anyway.

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Release Date

September 16, 2026

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Prime Video

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  Greyston Holt

  Detective Hudson Riley

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  Maria Sten

  Frances Neagley

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The buddy-action movie has survived countless variations because there are few formulas more dependable than putting two completely incompatible people in mortal danger together. It is an evergreen formula and, with the right cast, one can become memorable or even iconic. It’s even more of a treat when you see it set against the backdrop of something unexpected, like the Cold War. What could be charming about that? Well, lots.

Since premiering globally on September 4, Mayday has quickly become one of Apple TV’s biggest current movies, topping the platform’s streaming charts around the world. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) put a Cold War spin on the odd-couple concept with Mayday, pairing Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) with Kenneth Branagh (A Haunting in Venice).

Set during the Cold War, the movie follows hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Troy “Assassin” Kelly after a top-secret mission over Russian territory goes disastrously wrong. Trapped behind enemy lines, Troy encounters eccentric former KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov, forcing the unlikely pair to work together if the American pilot has any hope of making it home alive.

The cast is led by Reynolds as Troy Kelly and Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov, alongside Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) as Anna Ustinov, Marcin Dorociński (The Queen’s Gambit) as Alexander Volkov, David Morse (The Green Mile) as Harold Kelly, Louis Cancelmi (Killers of the Flower Moon), Wendy Crewson (Air Force One), and Jesse Buck (The Boys).

What Can We Expect From ‘Mayday’?

Bakalova, who’s now starting to become quite the prolific star, previously told MovieWeb how much she enjoyed working on the film. Speaking to her experience on set, she said, “I’ve been lucky with the people that I got a chance to work with, not only because they’re proven to be incredibly talented, gifted, and honestly great professionals, but they’re really kind human beings.” She went on to praise her co-stars, saying, “[Ryan] has been very supportive, open, and very funny. It’s been like a gift to be on set. I played with him and Kenneth Branagh, who is like a British treasure. The fact that I got a chance to collaborate with both of them, it’s been incredible. It’s also an adventure action movie, and it’s only my second one after Dirty Angels.”

The actress also admitted the film changed how she sees the genre. She explained that she was falling in love with action, despite not knowing much about it before. Bakalova added that, given her heritage and focusing on Danish films in particular, her upbringing had focused on heavy, dramatic fare, which was why these big films were such a joy to her.

Mayday is streaming exclusively on Apple TV.

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Release Date

September 4, 2026

Runtime

110 minutes

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Producers

Ashley Fox, Dana Goldberg, David Ellison, Don Granger, John G. Scotti, Johnny Pariseau, Jonathan Goldstein, Patrick Gooing

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Dancing With the Stars isn’t a competition for the faint of heart — as dance pro Emma Slater can attest to!

Posting a video via her Instagram on Thursday, September 17, Slater, 37, revealed she had suffered a gruelling injury during rehearsal for the show.

Slater warned in text overlaid on the video: “Don’t watch if you squirm easy!” She then showed her followers her detached toenail.

“There’s a lot of people that want to do Dancing With the Stars, and they want to experience it, but there’s something you should know,” Slater said in the clip. “If you do Dancing With the Stars, this could happen.”

Related: Emma Slater Taken to Hospital With Injured Ankle After ‘DWTS’ Rehearsal

Disney/Andrew Eccles Emma Slater is recuperating after suffering an injury to her ankle while rehearsing for Dancing With the Stars. “So this happened today,” Slater, 35, began in an Instagram Story video posted on Monday, October 15, before flipping the camera around to show her foot, taped and propped up on a pillow. “That’s my […]

Slater continued, “Do you know what this is? This is my toenail. It’s not a fake toenail. This is my actual toenail, and I had to peel that off just now because it was flip-flopping like a cat door.”

The dance pro then joked, “You can imagine what my toe looks like without this being on it. It’s not cute.”

Slater confirmed the injury was as gnarly as it looked, captioning the post, “Yup! This one was painful 😣”

Followers flocked to the comments section to share their sympathies, including one who wrote, “Emma, I felt that pain through the screen 😭😂.”

Meanwhile, Alyson Hannigan, who competed on Dancing With the Stars’ Season 32 in 2023, shared that she had suffered a similar ordeal in the past. She wrote, “It happened to me! 😣”

Slater, who is paired with Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson for this year’s Season 35, previously told Us that they are going all in for the competition.

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“It sounds really cliché, but I feel like we both feel the same in that we feel like we are going to be the people that we are going to focus on the most. Meaning like, we are our own biggest competition,” Slater exclusively told Us on September 2. “It just so happens that I feel like we both have the same mentality. We’re not really looking at anybody else.”

Although she’s keeping her eye on the prize and trying not to get distracted by the other teams, Slater said there were a few celebrities that could give them a run for their money in the ballroom.

“I mean, Jenna Dewan. I think Harry Shum Jr. is going to be amazing. I think Tatyana [Ali] is going to be amazing. I cannot wait,” Slater told Us. “I’m excited to see Hailey [Bills] and Sarah Jane [Nader] dance together. That’s going to be really cool, too. [There] could be a lot of people. Taylor Hanson. It’s going to be good.”

Nordstrom is one of our favorite places to shop when we want designer styles that look elegant, chic and put together (but won’t cost our entire paycheck). We admittedly visit the retailer often, which is why we were shocked to discover that there’s an under-the-radar sale happening on select brands. After perusing Nordstrom’s entire sale hub, we landed on these top-tier fashion deals that are practically made for your fall wardrobe for up to 40% off.

The secret Savings Event is happening now until Wednesday, September 23, and is marking down everything from popular picks to designer buys that are almost never on sale. We’re talking about deals on cozy sweaters, classic jeans, sleek heeled sandals, work-ready tops and versatile shoulder bags galore. Oh, and the brands? They’re pretty impressive, too. Save on Lucky Brand, Free People, Madewell, Longchamp and Adidas, just to name a few.

15 Nordstrom Savings Event Fashion Deals

1. Take up to 33% off Lucky Brand

Our Pick: Finding a blouse that can be worn for late-summer outings and fall events can be a struggle, but we found this free-flowing top that gets it right. The paisley print, loose silhouette and warm color scheme make it ideal for the transitional season.

Check out all Lucky Brand deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

2. Take up to 40% off Steve Madden

Our Pick: If a mules and heels had a baby, we think it would look something like this Steven Madden shoe. We love the low, wide heel and suede material that feels just right for autumn.

Check out all Steve Madden deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

3. Take up to 33% off Vince Camuto

Our Pick: Button-down shirts can lean more masculine, however, strategic designs can change the game. Take this Dolman shirt style for example; it has flattering pleats and a cinched waist that gives it a feminine feel.

Check out all Vince Camuto deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

4. Take up to 25% off Treasure & Bond

Our Pick: Go full bohemian with this newly dropped dress from Treasure & Bond. The dark colors, floral print and charming accents will make you wear this pick on repeat this season. Psst, style it with a belt around the waist for extra fall vibes.

Check out all Treasure & Bond deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

5. Take up to 25% off Tory Burch

Our Pick: One of our favorite purse brands happens to be on sale right now. Yes, we’re talking about Tory Burch — and yes, this leather shoulder bag is on major deal. It comes with a leather strap and a gold chain, so you can totally customize your OOTD.

Check out all Tory Burch deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

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Related: 11 Early Deals on Celeb-Loved Shoes Before October Prime Day

Shopping for shoes like a celebrity is something we aspire to do, however, our budget loves to send a quick reminder that we’re not there yet. Until we star in a big film or win the lottery, it looks like we’ll be balling on a budget . . . and as it turns out, that […]

6. Take up to 25% off Madewell

Our Pick: Madewell is known for delivering comfortable, high-quality jeans, and this slim-fit pair is no exception. The straight-leg style feels very classic, effortlessly pairing with tees, blouses and sweaters.

Check out all Madewell deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

7. Take up to 33% off Naturalizer

Our Pick: Naturalizer may have been an orthopedic-style shoe brand, but its fall collection says otherwise. One style that stands out is the Sadie Pump, which features a mini heel, square toe and a instep strap that’s functional yet dainty.

Check out all Naturalizer deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

8. Take up to 25% off Free People

Our Pick: The Nordstrom sale has several Free People staples marked down, but we’re leaning towards this roll-neck sweater the most. It has that trendy neckline design and all the boho vibes synonymous with the brand.

Check out all Free People deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

9. Take up to 40% off Nordstrom

Our Pick: The retailer is also participating in the same by dropping discounts on its own fashion line. We’ll admit that Us Weekly shopping editors have (and love) these long-sleeved knit pajamas, which look so classy with that notched collar and white piping.

Check out all Nordstrom deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

10. Take up to 33% off Longchamp

Our Pick: If you’ve ever tried to buy Longchamp on sale, you know it’s almost impossible. It’s a good thing we found this leather crossbody bag for $170 off. Now, you can channel Kate Middleton who high-key loves the brand.

Check out all Longchamp deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

11. Take up to 25% off Petal & Pup

Our Pick: Gingham prints aren’t going anywhere for fall, and this Petal & Pup mini dress lets you channel the trend. We adore the one-and-done style that has a flattering V-neckline, balloon quarter sleeves and a tiered skirt that comes in handy on warm fall days.

Check out all Petal & Pup deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

12. Take up to 40% off Dr. Scholl’s

Our Pick: Give your summer Mary Janes a cozy twist with these Dr. Scholl’s flats that come in rich colors like dark brown and burgundy. The suede material adds to the autumnal aesthetic.

Check out all Dr. Scholl’s deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

13. Take up to 33% off Anne Klein

Our Pick: You don’t need an office job to wear this incredibly chic blazer. The pleated design, striped details and structured collar featured here will give even a T-shirt and jeans extra polish.

Check out all Anne Klein deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

14. Take up to 30% off Good American

Our Pick: Want to give denim a break? Opt for this brown wide-leg palazzo pants, which lean into the color of the season.

Check out all Good American deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

15. Take up to 33% off Adidas

Our Pick: All of our favorite celebs wear Adidas, and now you can channel them with these on-sale Spezial sneakers. They have a suede exterior for a pretty, seasonal touch.

Check out all Adidas deals included in the Nordstrom Savings Event sale here!

If there’s one beauty pain point among those with mature skin, it’s concealer settling into those teeny tiny fine lines underneath the eyes. Thankfully, Lisa Kudrow has proven you don’t have to give in to under-eye creases in the name of coverage. The Friends star took to the red carpet at the Emmys to show off her flawless under-eyes, courtesy of the Laura Geller Ideal Fix Eye Concealer.

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman used the concealer on Kudrow, as it’s formulated specifically for those with mature skin and makes it possible to achieve a seamless look without worry of creasing. But the concealer is designed to do more than just cover up dark circles.

Get the Laura Geller Ideal Fix Eye Concealer for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

It has a super lightweight liquid formula that offers buildable medium-to-full coverage, so you can use a small amount to brighten the under-eyes or layer it over age spots, redness and blemishes that need a little more TLC. Despite the coverage, it has a natural-looking finish that helps keep skin from looking heavy or overly made up, which is an especially important detail when you’re working with skin that has fine lines and texture.

Related: Naomi Watts Uses the Concealer Shoppers Say ‘Covers All My Dark Spots’

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When Naomi Watts shares the beauty products behind her radiant complexion, it’s worth taking note. One staple in her makeup routine is the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer, a creamy formula that delivers full coverage while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish. The actress’ Met Gala makeup look relied on the concealer, as it brightened and […]

And it has the ingredients to back it up. In it, you’ll find paracress, an ingredient the brand says helps smooth the appearance of lines, along with vitamin E to condition the skin. That combination of coverage and skincare benefits is particularly useful around the eyes, where a dry or overly matte concealer can make fine lines look more noticeable.

The best part is that because it’s buildable, you don’t have to reserve it for your under-eyes. Dab it around the nose to neutralize redness, tap it over discoloration or use it to spot conceal blemishes before applying the rest of your makeup. For the under-eye area, try applying just a few small dots and gently tapping them into the skin rather than swiping on a thick layer for more control over the coverage

A 40+ Amazon shopper raved about it: “It’s rich and creamy and covers like a dream for my 40+ year old circles and doesn’t crease!”

If you’ve been searching for a concealer that offers substantial coverage without automatically translating to a thick, cakey finish, this one is worth adding to your makeup routine. Shop the Kudrow-approved pick on Amazon now!

Get the Laura Geller Ideal Fix Eye Concealer for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

Related: Emily Blunt’s Flawless Undereye Is Thanks to a $36 Concealer

When Emily Blunt stepped onto the NYC premiere carpet for The Devil Wears Prada 2, her undereye looked impossibly smooth, bright and wide-awake — and there’s a reason for it. Celebrity makeup artist Jenn Streicher prepped the look using the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, a complexion staple designed to perfect without looking heavy. […]

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