Sydney Sweeney may be putting on a confident front publicly, but behind the scenes, the intense criticism surrounding her latest advertising campaign is reportedly getting to her.

The actress recently partnered with a sports betting platform, Novig, for a provocative campaign that quickly became the subject of online debate.

Female athletes were among those who objected to the imagery, while Sydney Sweeney also saw her social media following take a huge hit because of the nude ad.

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Sweeney stirred controversy after unveiling her partnership with Novig on September 9. The campaign featured the actress posing without clothes while strategically using different pieces of sporting equipment to cover herself.

Although Sweeney appeared unfazed publicly, a source claimed the reaction has affected her more than she has shown.

“Behind closed doors there have been plenty of tears,” the insider told NE, adding that the actress “can’t understand why she’s always a target.”

Sweeney appeared to respond to the criticism by sharing images of popular athletes who had previously posed nude. However, the source claimed her response should not be mistaken for how she is actually feeling, describing it as her attempt to put on “a brave face.”

The insider maintained that Sweeney never intended to disrespect female athletes with the campaign.

With the actress allegedly already dealing with a lot privately, the source added, “This is the last thing she needs.”

Thousands Of Followers Went Down The Drain As A Result Of The Nude Campaign: ‘A Disaster From A Business Perspective’

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Beyond the emotional impact, the controversy may also be affecting Sweeney’s online presence. The source claimed, “She’s lost tens of thousands of social media followers over this.”

“Her ad was not putting women down,” the insider added, arguing that Sweeney did not anticipate the level of criticism the campaign would attract.

According to the source, the actress has been surprised by how quickly the situation escalated.

The decline in followers could be particularly concerning because Sweeney’s involvement with Novig extends beyond appearing in its advertising.

She also joined the sports betting platform as a strategic partner and equity holder. The insider described the loss of followers as “a disaster from a business perspective.”

Female Athletes Didn’t Find Sydney Sweeney’s Campaign Appealing Either

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Much of the strongest criticism came from women in sports who felt the campaign placed greater emphasis on sexual imagery than athletic accomplishment.

British sprinter Amy Hunt addressed the controversy after finishing fourth in the 200-meter final at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

“Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like,” Hunt told BBC Sport. She went on to highlight the “muscles,” “hard work, blood, sweat, tears” behind athletic success.

As reported by The Blast, American gymnast Gracie Kramer also joined the conversation by sharing footage of herself training. In the caption of the video, she said: “I don’t know what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women in sport look like.”

Four-time Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus was similarly critical, questioning why “monetizing a woman’s body” and “sexualising women’s sport is still a thing.”

Meanwhile, Olympic cyclist Sophie Capewell argued that the issue was not about denying Sweeney personal choice, but about the limited way women are often presented when it comes to sports and advertising.

Elon Musk’s Mother Jumps To The Actress’s Defense

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Not everyone believes Sweeney deserves the criticism. Billionaire Elon Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, came to the actress’ defense, arguing that women should be able to embrace their appearance without being accused of undermining other women.

Speaking on “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless,” Maye pointed to Sweeney’s work as both an actress and model. “She’s a model,” she said. “Well, she’s an actress, but she’s a model and modeling, you can look sexy and acting, you can look sexy and have fun.”

Maye, who has modeling experience herself and appeared on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at 74, had more praise for Sweeney.

“I think she’s fabulous,” she noted, describing the actress as “beautiful” and someone who appears to have a “good sense of humor.”

Her comments offered a different perspective amid the backlash. Rather than viewing the campaign as damaging to women, Maye defended Sweeney’s freedom to use her image as part of her work.

Sydney Sweeney’s Lingerie Brand Is Also Experiencing Downtime

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The Novig controversy comes as Sweeney is allegedly facing another business challenge with SYRN, the lingerie company she launched in January 2026. The brand entered the market with considerable attention but is now said to be struggling to meet initial sales expectations.

A source claimed the company has been holding meetings to develop ways to improve sales. “It’s been a disaster,” the insider said. “They thought it would be a sellout based on Sydney’s brand, but clearly her saleability is waning rapidly.”

SYRN was designed around inclusive sizing, offering bras and underwear across 44 sizes. At launch, Sweeney explained her goal to Elle, saying, “I wanted to build a lingerie brand that feels like it understands women instead of talking at them.”

However, some criticism has focused on how prominently Sweeney herself features in the company’s image.

The Robin Report argued that SYRN’s advertising focuses so heavily on its famous founder while neglecting its target audience. With questions now surrounding both her lingerie business and the controversial Novig partnership, Sweeney appears to be dealing with a whole lot of internal pressure.

Singer Ed Sheeran directly addressed the Macklemore backlash while speaking to the crowd gathered to support the “Shape of You” singer during his tour stop in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 19. Although protesters gathered outside the venue, Sheeran emphasized that what is happening in Gaza is both “catastrophic” and “unjustifiable.”  

On Saturday, Ed Sheeran continued his Loop Tour without Macklemore and performed at Lincoln Financial Stadium. While there, he addressed the criticism and backlash that he has received online and apologized for “making mistakes” in how the situation was handled.

“This is not usually how I would open the show, but before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week. I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky,” he said in remarks recorded by The Hollywood Reporter.

“A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised,” he continued. “But this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry.”

‘My Concerts Have Always Been A Safe Space For Everyone’

The “Sapphire” singer continued, “I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet. My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me. Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour.”

He went on to say that he was “deeply worried about the idea that venues pre-approve content for performance,” noting that, “This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.”

The “Thinking Out Loud” singer then went on to “address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine.”

‘What Is Happening In Gaza Is Catastrophic And Unjustifiable’

“I am trying in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division. About humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,” he told the audience. “What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain.”

“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate,” he continued. “Our hearts can be broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives, and the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

“I am already speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times, and listening and learning because I do not know enough,” he added.

While performing at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, Macklemore made comments in support of Palestine during the two shows. After criticism, Sheeran’s tour promoter said venues threatened to pull out if the rapper was allowed to continue performing.

Following Macklemore’s removal, Sheeran’s supporting acts, including Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Luke Graham, announced that they were dropping out of the tour in solidarity. Sheeran’s backing band, Beoga, also bowed out as well.

Sheeran performed on Saturday without an opening act, and ticket holders were notified that the concert start time had been adjusted from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.

Ed Sheeran ‘Didn’t Know’ If He Would Perform

After taking the stage at 8 PM, Ed Sheeran told the crowd, “I didn’t know whether I’d be here or not,” adding, “I hope you enjoyed my support performers this evening. I hope you’re great. This is the Loop Tour. The Loop Tour is this thing at my feet, which is called a loop station. It’s this loop station. Everything you hear tonight is completely live. It’s made on the spot, controlled by my feet. There’s no backing track whatsoever.”

Although the concert start time was postponed, protests began around 4:30 PM local time.

Ahead of the concert, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department told THR in a statement that “as with all large events at the stadium complex, the Philadelphia Police Department is working closely with venue and event organizers to help ensure the safety of concertgoers, employees and neighborhood residents.”

The Sweet Magnolias cast are pouring it out after the Netflix hit was unexpectedly canceled after five seasons.

“All grand adventures must eventually end, and here, dear friends, is where ours does,” a Friday, September 18, statement shared via the show’s official Instagram page read. “Sweet Magnolias is now complete with five seasons streaming on Netflix.”

Sweet Magnolias, based on author Sherryl Woods’ bestselling book series of the same name, followed the lives of three best friends (Joanna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott and Heather Headley) in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina.

“Serenity is for you,” the statement continued, addressing the show’s fans directly. “Every moment of laughter, of heartbreak, or anger, of joy was for you. While this journey may be complete, the Sweet Magnolias will always be there for you when you need them most. Serenity will always be happy to see you. Keep pouring it out!”

Keep scrolling to read the Sweet Magnolias cast’s reflections on the show conclusion:

Chris Medlin

“The people, the people, the people! That’s what will always make Sweet Magnolias so special,” Medlin, who played Isaac on the hit dramedy, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 19. “Thank you to this team of creators, our showrunner, writers, and producers over at Netflix for trusting me with this adventure.”

He continued, “When I booked Sweet Magnolias in 2019, I was an offstage understudy and swing for the original cast of Mean Girls on Broadway, and I never could’ve imagined the gift that I was about to be given. Isaac isn’t even from the original book series, but still he found home in Serenity. The past seven years and five seasons of this show are something I will treasure forever. This Serenity family has been with me through innumerable chapters and you have truly changed my life.”

For Medlin, he stressed that he has “nothin but love” for his onscreen persona.

“It was an honor to exist and play and learn through your journey. Your kindness. Your earnestness. Your gentleness,” he added. “I hope that I did you justice for the other Isaacs out there. I will carry you with me for the rest of my life.”

Dion Johnstone

Johnstone portrayed Eric, the love interest to Headley’s Helen.

“To the ones who watched it twice. Three times. Who put it on with their mother and their daughter in the same room,” he began a Friday tribute via Instagram. “Sweet Magnolias is complete, and before anything else, I want to talk to you. You stopped me in airports and grocery stores and parks to tell me what this town meant to you. … That was the whole job. Bringing some joy and some tears into your homes. To have served you in that way has been a privilege I do not take lightly.”

He concluded, “Sad to see this world end. Grateful beyond measure to have lived in it. Serenity is still there whenever you need it.”

Carson Rowland

Rowland portrayed Ty, the eldest son of Maddie (Garcia Swisher) and late ex-husband Bill (Chris Klein), who didn’t appear in the final season.

“End of an era,” he wrote via his Instagram Stories.

Logan Allen

“Sweet Magnolias has truly changed my life. Not only has this show grown me as an actor, but also as a young man,” Allen, who played Ty’s younger brother Kyle, wrote via his Instagram. “The friendships I’ve made will last forever. Truly love this family.”

He added, “Kyle opened me up to so many different things I don’t even know where to begin. I truly grew up beside him, and man what a journey it was. … To the cast, mannnn you guys truly blow me away. Not only is this the most talented group of people I’ve ever been surrounded with, but the nicest, humblest, and most loving. This isn’t the end, we’ll all have a little reunion soon.”

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Artemis

“The past five years have been an honor,” Artemis, who brought Lily to life, wrote via her Instagram Stories. “Words can’t express my gratitude for getting to be a part of this beautiful show.”

Joanna Garcia Swisher

Garcia Swisher will next team up with Sweet Magnolias showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson for a new show, Ladies of the House, at Netflix.

“From the moment I read Lauren Edmondson’s Ladies of the House, I fell completely in love with Daisy, Cricket and Wallis: their relationships, their messiness, their strength, and most of all, their heart,” Garcia Swisher said in a statement. “I am beyond excited to continue to tell meaningful, female-driven stories alongside the incredible Sheryl Anderson. … Netflix has been my creative home for the past seven years, and I couldn’t imagine a better place, or a better team, to tell this story.”

Since the 1950s, American television has had no shortage of fantasy shows, with the genre evolving from simple, easy-on-the-eyes sitcoms and quirky anthologies into massive universes with complex storytelling. Over the years, some of these shows have left a deeper mark on the audience and changed the very direction of the genre.

Since the ’90s, fantasy TV has received a huge upgrade in narrative style and tone, shifting toward modern, relatable settings mixed with the supernatural and teen-oriented narratives. Later on, we got massive, multi-generational franchises that revitalized familiar tropes with modern-day themes, paving the way for the present landscape of fantasy television. The impact of these shows is undeniable, going beyond the screen and into our daily lives. With that in mind, here’s our ranked selection of the most influential fantasy shows of all time.

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‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Image via Max

Created and produced by Alan Ball and based on Charlaine Harris’ novel series, The Southern Vampire Mysteries, True Blood is set in a universe where the invention of a synthetic blood product has allowed vampires to “come out of the coffin” and live among humans. Set in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, the story centers on Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a 174-year-old vampire named Bill Compton, which turns her world upside down. Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Carrie Preston, Sam Trammell, and Alexander Skarsgård play the main characters.

Among all the vampire-themed shows of its time, True Blood stands out as a masterpiece with its adult-driven themes. Exploring the struggles of vampires for equal rights and acceptance within human society, the show’s themes serve as a direct metaphor for real-world issues like civil rights, sexuality, and the treatment of marginalized communities. Witty, bizarre, and often sensual, True Blood smartly blends mystery, comedy, fantasy, and Southern Gothic romance into a decadent, blood-soaked story that left a distinct mark on fantasy television.

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‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Image via The CW

A series adaptation of L.J. Smith’s novels developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, The Vampire Diaries revolves around Elena Gilbert, an orphaned teenager who falls in love with a 162-year-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore. Their relationship becomes increasingly complicated after Stefan’s mysterious brother, Damon, returns to town alongside Elena’s doppelgänger, Katherine Pierce. Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder play the lead trio, with Kat Graham, Candice King, and Zach Roerig as other main characters.

The CW’s biggest debut in its day, The Vampire Diaries redefined and cemented the network’s identity at the peak of its broadcast era and became an early trailblazer of social media fandom culture. Though not an instant hit, The Vampire Diaries grew in popularity over the later seasons, eventually becoming an essential vampire show that defined the 2010s. It reshaped the supernatural teen drama genre and triggered the massive rise of vampire-themed shows across streaming and television at the time.

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‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)

Image via Cartoon Network

A multi-award-winning animated fantasy series created by Pendleton Ward, based on his viral hit 2007 short film of the same name, Adventure Time follows the story of a young boy named Finn and his best friend and adoptive brother, a dog named Jake, in a post-apocalyptic land. Twelve-year-old Finn battles evils in the land of Ooo and roams around with his shapeshifting, magical dog, interacting with eccentric and fantastical characters like Princess Bubblegum, Ice King, Marceline the Vampire Queen, and a video game console named BMO. Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Tom Kenny, Olivia Olson, and Niki Yang voice the key characters.

During its run, Adventure Time was a huge hit for Cartoon Network, winning eight Emmys, a Peabody, and three Annie Awards. The animated series was incredibly popular for its unique style, which blends silly comedy and whimsical fantasy with deep, mature storytelling and a rich post-apocalyptic world. Adventure Time has since redefined modern animated fantasy with its originality and worldbuilding, and by evolving alongside its audience to become a true generational masterpiece.

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‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

Image via The WB

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The first primetime series to feature a coven of witches, Charmed was created by Constance M. Burge and centers on sisters Prue, Piper, and Phoebe (and later Paige), all of whom are gifted with magical powers to protect good from evil. The series chronicles their challenges and achievements as they harness their special abilities while maintaining a normal urban life in ’90s San Francisco, navigating romance, friendships, and regular life. The iconic sisters are played by Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan.

During its run, Charmed was the longest-running hour-long series with an all-female lead cast, and the network’s second-longest drama show. The fantasy drama was not only immensely popular at the time — it became a pop culture icon. With its themes of adult sisterhood and female empowerment, and the uniquely refreshing depiction of witchcraft, Charmed redefined supernatural fantasy TV and left a lasting impact on the genre that still reflects in modern shows.

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‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Image via Netflix

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Created and written by Warren Ellis, Castlevania is an action-horror fantasy adult animated series adapted from the Japanese video game series of the same name. The Netflix original follows Trevor Belmont, the last surviving soul of his disgraced clan, who, along with Alucard and Sypha Belnades, sets out to defend the nation of Wallachia from Vlad Dracula and his legion of vampires. Richard Armitage, James Callis, Alejandra Reynoso, Graham McTavish, Emily Swallow, and Theo James voice the main characters.

One of the first major adult-animated shows on Netflix, Castlevania was an instant hit when it premiered, carving a new path for Western animation with its unique visual style and character designs. Featuring rich animation inspired by anime aesthetics and the original game’s art, Castlevania ranks among the finest video game adaptations on screen. The series has been noted for heavily influencing the rise of serious, narrative-driven adult animation and expanding Netflix’s animation profile, paving the way for similar high-concept shows like Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai.

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‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

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The longest-running live-action fantasy series in American television history, Supernatural is a thrilling dark fantasy show created by Eric Kripke that follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who travel across the United States hunting supernatural creatures. In the later story arcs, they also fight angels, demons, and other cosmic threats, and attempt to save the world from multiple apocalypses. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki star as the Winchester brothers, with Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard, Mark Pellegrino, and more as other main characters.

Supernatural is a fun, exciting, and surprisingly soulful fantasy show that explores Judeo-Christian lore, found family, brotherhood, and nostalgic Americana, ranking among the best American fantasy series of all time. Its enduring legacy lies in its deeper themes, the epic evolution of its scale, and the unique meta-narrative, which completely changed how fantasy shows interact with their audience. A show that ran through every decade of this century, Supernatural and its cast have since transformed into massive pop-culture phenomena, amassing a loyal global fandom and spawning several would-be successors.

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‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

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A TV and pop culture landmark of the ’90s and 2000s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer centers on the titular teenage protagonist, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar in a performance that thrust her into global stardom. The supernatural horror drama follows Buffy, the latest successor in a long lineage of vampire slayers, as she balances modern teenage life and high school drama with fighting evil forces and dealing with dangerous prophecies. Other popular characters from the show are played by Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, and Michelle Trachtenberg.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an essential Y2K show that defined fantasy television of the era with its perfect balance of late-’90s grunge and early-2000s futurism. The series was an instant critical and cultural success that revisited everyday teenage angst through powerful fantasy horror metaphors. The show established a blueprint for the tone and style of teen fantasies, particularly supernatural horror, shaping pop culture, TV tropes, and the aesthetic of the turn of the millennium.

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‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

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David Benioff and D. B. Weiss’s fantasy drama adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones ushered in a new dimension to fantasy television. The multi-generational saga explores complex politics, shaky morality, and ruthless pursuits of power between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, all vying for the Iron Throne, while the rise of a mysterious supernatural force just outside their borders threatens to end all life. The show features a massive international cast, with Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau starring in notable roles.

With its epic scale, grand visuals, and out-of-this-world character designs and stories, Game of Thrones wasn’t just popular — it became a cornerstone of international pop culture of the 2010s. Noted for its darker narrative and expansive world-building that became a television universe of its own, the eight-season series redefined how people looked at fantasy shows. With record-breaking success and phenomenal production, Game of Thrones is an HBO landmark that ranks high among the most groundbreaking fantasy shows of all time.

Naomi Watts turned heads at New York Fashion Week, and it wasn’t a sky-high stiletto or a barely-there sandal that had everyone talking. It was a pair of Mary Jane block heels. Yes, the same shoe style your grandmother probably wore to church. Watts styled hers with the effortless polish, proving that the schoolgirl-adjacent silhouette has grown up beautifully for fall 2026.

The Mary Jane block heel is feminine without being fussy, dressy without being uncomfortable, and just quirky enough to make an outfit feel considered. Pair them with wide-leg trousers, a midi skirt or even cropped denim, and suddenly you look like you tried without looking like you tried. Best part? You don’t need a NYFW invite (or Watts’ stylist) to get in on the trend when this Amazon version exists!

Get the LifeStride Mary Jane Block Heel for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The LifeStride Mary Jane Block Heel is the accessible version of the look Watts wore. It has the signature rounded toe, an adjustable strap across the top of the foot and a sturdy block heel that keeps you upright on cobblestones, subway grates and everything in between.

One five-star Amazon reviewer who hadn’t worn heels in over a decade raved, “Hands down, the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn!! I haven’t worn heels in 15 years because of an ankle injury but I needed a really dressy pair for an event.” She added that she slipped them on “like Cinderella, without having to unbuckle the straps.”

Fall calendars fill up fast: gallery openings, cocktail hours, that dinner reservation you finally scored. A pair of Mary Jane block heels handles all of it without making your feet stage a revolt by dessert. Watts clearly gets it, and now you can, too!

Get the LifeStride Mary Jane Block Heel for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Those looking through their options on Pluto TV will notice an iconic action quartet available to watch completely for free — the full John Wick saga. While the first film grabbed audiences with a simple set-up, the sequels would broaden the canvas, making Keanu Reeves’ hero a rogue element in a complex network that punishes rule-breaking. Fast, frenetic, and unforgettable, now is the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, the world of Mr. Wick.

‘John Wick’ is a Roaring Rampage of Revenge

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In 2014, Reeves starred as the title character in John Wick. He played a man twisted with grief at the loss of his wife from illness, slowly finding hope again because of a puppy she gifted to him posthumously to help him move on. This healing is short-lived, however, when a chance encounter tears his world apart. He encounters criminal Iosef (Alfie Allen), who demands he sell his classic car to him. When Wick refuses, the criminal invades his house later that night, killing the puppy and stealing the car. What Iosef doesn’t realize, however, is that John Wick is no ordinary widower – he is a former assassin, so deadly that he has become almost mythical among the criminal elite. Enraged by the offense, Wick comes out of retirement to wreak havoc, killing everyone who stands between him and revenge.

The movie was a surprise hit, considering that the production had struggled to gain distributors due to Reeves’ recent run of box office disappointments. However, it opened up a new avenue for the revenge thriller genre that mixed action with intricate fight choreography and a deceptively simple story. As the man said himself, John Wick was never just about a dog, it was about opening a vast and fascinating world few action franchises have matched.

The Sequels Open Up a Complex World of Assassins

Image by Jefferson Chacon

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The success of the first movie led to three John Wick sequels – 2017’s John Wick: Chapter 2, 2019’s Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and the fourth and final (for now), Chapter 4 in 2023. It’s the second film in which audiences are truly immersed in the world of assassins, here portrayed as a dense network of disciplined agents working to strict rules overseen by shadowy organizations. The High Table, an anonymous group of crime lords who govern global criminal enterprise, keep a strict code of ethics, with their own currency, vows systems, and sanctuary. The latter comes in the form of The Continental Hotel chain, where assassins may stay and discuss “business,” provided no blood is shed on hotel grounds.

Suddenly, the world of John Wick becomes much larger than a man avenging his dog. It’s about Wick fighting to not be drawn back into the system that he fought so hard to escape, and that system punishing him for breaking their rules. Chapter 2 sees him refusing a job from a crime lord who helped him before his retirement, while Chapter 3 sees him become “excommunicado” in the criminal underworld, making him a target for anyone carrying a gun. We also meet The Soup Kitchen, a global underworld of spies posing as homeless people and tailors, who provide assassins with the clothes and firepower for their missions.

Like the world of James Bond, half the fun of John Wick is exploring these locations and the people within them, learning the rules, and watching with glee as Wick burns them to the ground. Whereas most action franchises are simply happy to replicate what came before, John Wick widens the aperture a little more each time, drawing you further into the story.

Keanu Reeves Remains the Unstoppable Heartbeat of the Action

In the ‘90s, Reeves was the fearless cop who tried to save innocent bus passengers from a bomb in Speed. In the 2000s, he became the savior of humanity in the landmark sci-fi franchise The Matrix. Those two characters alone may have been enough to cement him as an icon of the action genre, but in John Wick, he found a role that fit him like a well-tailored suit. Reeves’ softly spoken, minimalist screen presence perfectly suited someone described in the first film as a “man of focus, commitment, and sheer will.” He took the “One Man Army” trope of action movies and gave it discipline, showing the single-minded nature of a man with nothing to lose, with elaborate fight sequences turning brutality into an art form.

John Wick’s fate appeared to be sealed in the fourth chapter, although he returned briefly in 2025 spin-off Ballerina (set before the fourth film) and a fifth installment is reported to be in the works. Whatever the future, the character will be remembered for generations for his execution, resilience, and style.

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Release Date

October 24, 2014

Runtime

101 minutes

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Writers

Derek Kolstad

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In his first sit-down interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy’s controversial mistrial, Patrick Clancy addressed claims he should have done more before his ex-wife strangled their kids to death.

“I think I did the best I could with what I had at the time, and I live with the outcome,” Patrick, 38, told CBS 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Douthat in a Frida, September 18, clip of the upcoming, highly-anticipated Sunday, September 20, interview.

“I live with it every day, but I think I did the best I could,” the father continued.

Lindsay was on trial for the murder of her three young children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. The mother has never denied she strangled her children to death before jumping out a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Instead, her defense team argued she is not criminally liable for her children’s deaths due to her well-documented mental health issues leading up to and at the time of the killings, including postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder.

Related: Lindsay Clancy’s Attorney Addresses Conspiracies About Her Ex After Mistrial

Lindsay Clancy’s attorney is addressing online conspiracy theories about her ex-husband Patrick Clancy after a Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in her triple-murder case for the death of their three children. “I think Patrick, you heard the 911 call, I think you can judge his credibility by that 911 call,” Kevin Reddington told reporters on […]

The prosecution argued that despite her documented mental health issues, Lindsay knew the difference between right or wrong leading up to, during and after the killings, claiming the act was premeditated.

Patrick took the stand in defense of his ex-wife, testifying to her mental health struggles and cries for help prior to the killings. Patrick went out to run errands at the time the crimes took place, returning home to find Lindsay hurt and the children laying lifeless in the basement.

During the weeks-long trial, which ended in a 11-1 deadlocked jury and subsequent mistrial, Patrick became the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, with some arguing he could have done more to help Lindsay and protect his children amid her mental health struggles. Others claimed he framed his ex-wife for their children’s deaths.

“Over the past months, Patrick Clancy and his family have been subjected to a relentless, escalating and destructive defamation campaign,” Patrick’s lawyer, Howard Cooper, said in a statement on September 8, addressing the conspiracy theories directly in the wake of the trial. “This campaign of misinformation has been launched and promoted by minor celebrities, so-called influencers and outright conspiracy theorists who appear intent on boosting their own social media profiles and potential profit by publishing what they know to be outright falsehoods that Patrick was somehow involved in the death of his young children and other vile claims.”

Lindsay’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, also addressed the pervasive online rumors and allegations while speaking of the press in the wake of the trial.

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Related: Lindsay Clancy’s Ex-Husband Patrick Breaks Silence After Mistrial

Patrick Clancy and his legal team are reacting to a judge’s decision to declare a mistrial in his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy’s murder case. “Patrick Clancy is grateful to the Court and to the jurors for their hard work, their commitment and their perseverance,” Patrick’s attorney David Meier said in a statement to CBS News on […]

“I think Patrick, you heard the 911 call, I think you can judge his credibility by that 911 call,” Reddington told reporters on September 4. “I don’t know what is in Patrick’s mind. He testified, and the jury was able to evaluate it.”

When a reporter pointed out that many online conspiracy theorists have called Patrick a murderer, the lawyer responded, “Not by me.”

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In a Thursday, September 17, clip of the upcoming interview, Patrick revealed that he talks to his deceased children regularly.

“I talk to them,” he said, adding that he asks his sons and daughter for help “all the time.”

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Frankie Muniz and his estranged wife, Paige Price, are putting on a united front for the sake of their 5-year-old son, Mauz.

“Post soccer shenanigans with the fam,” Muniz, 40, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 19, alongside a car selfie with Price, 33, and Mauz. “Our little dude got a medal for excellence in sportsmanship!”

Muniz, who announced his separation from Price in July, opened up about a series of apparent personal struggles several hours earlier.

“The last six weeks of my life have been a nightmare I’m praying to wake up from,” he wrote via Instagram on Friday, September 18. “Everything felt heavy, unclear and like it was falling apart at the same time. I wouldn’t wish this season on anyone.”

Related: Frankie Muniz Says He Is Living a ‘Nightmare’ Amid Personal Struggles

Frankie Muniz got candid about currently struggling with a difficult point in his life. “The last 6 weeks of my life have been a nightmare I’m praying to wake up from,” Muniz, 40, wrote via Instagram on Friday, September 18. “Everything felt heavy, unclear, and like it was falling apart at the same time. I […]

He continued, “The unexpected gift in the middle of it is that I’ve had nowhere to hide. I’ve had time to sit with myself, do real self-reflection, and finally see the areas of my life that need work if I want to become a better version of me. Not the polished version I show the world … the actual one.”

The Malcolm in the Middle actor further acknowledged that “hitting rock bottom” can sometimes enact certain “changes.”

“It forces the changes you needed to make all along so you can live the best life possible. That idea has been sitting with me,” he continued at the time. “In five years I believe I’ll look back at this exact low point and feel grateful for it, because the high I’ll be standing on then only exists because I went through this. This isn’t the end of the story. It’s the part where I start doing the work … the uncomfortable, unglamorous, necessary work. I’m choosing to treat this season as the foundation, not the finish line.”

Related: Frankie Muniz’s Ex Shares Cryptic Message After His ‘Hitting Rock Bottom’ Post

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Frankie Muniz’s estranged wife, Paige Price Muniz, shared a cryptic message about “perspective” hours after the actor opened up about “hitting rock bottom.” “Life is all about perspective,” Paige, 33, wrote via her Instagram Story on Friday, September 18. “If you ask the grass, the zebra is the monster and the lion is the protector.” […]

Muniz further offered a message of support to his followers, noting, “If you’re in a low place right now too, you’re not broken. You’re being rebuilt. Let’s keep going!”

Within hours, Price shared a cryptic message about “perspective.”

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“Life is all about perspective,” she wrote via her Instagram Stories on Friday. “If you ask the grass, the zebra is the monster and the lion is the protector.”

In addition to her reflection caption, Price shared a video of herself pouring black wax on a white surface and adding a seal on top. She did not address the meaning of her upload or any potential connection to Muniz’ post.

Muniz and Price were married from 2019 until their split this summer.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle might have Sherlock Holmes, but Agatha Christie has Hercule Poirot. Detective Poirot is just one of the few characters who make recurring appearances in Christie’s novels, so much so that she featured him in 33 novels and 51 short stories. Best known for his crisp sense of fashion and, not to mention, his famous eccentric mustache, Poirot calls himself the greatest detective in the world.

One might try to argue with that, but his cockiness is well justified by his impeccable sleuthing techniques. Having been the face of popular Christie book-to-television adaptations, Poirot’s novels are essential reading for mystery fans. From a love triangle gone wrong on the Nile to a train murder in the middle of a snowstorm, here are the greatest Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot books, ranked.

10

‘After the Funeral’ (1953)

Image via William Morrow

Following Richard Abernethie’s funeral, his family gathers for the reading of his will, only for his sister Cora to casually suggest that he was murdered. The next day, Cora is brutally killed in her sleep. With the family’s inheritance suddenly under suspicion, Poirot is called in to investigate Richard’s death.

Dysfunctional families make the best recipe for murder. After the Funeral is no exception. Instead, there’s a cruel irony in knowing that another death happens after the literal death of someone else. Because everyone has their own set of personal baggage, it’s hard to decide who the suspect is with all the layers to each character.

9

‘Five Little Pigs’ (1942)

Image via HarperCollins

Cold cases are a tough nut to crack. In Five Little Pigs, Poirot revisits the sixteen-year-old murder of painter Amyas Crale after his daughter, Carla, brings him a letter from her imprisoned mother. Convicted of the crime, Caroline maintains in the letter that she was innocent, prompting Poirot to uncover the truth.

Cold cases rarely leave enough physical evidence behind to crack the mystery. Fortunately, Poirot has something arguably more useful: five surviving witnesses with their own versions of what happened. It’s a Rashomon effect at its finest, as every account offers a slightly different perspective. Poirot must nitpick through their contradictions, memories, and missing details to see which version is the most accurate.

8

‘Cards on the Table’ (1936)

Image via HarperCollins

It’s a party to die for in Cards on the Table. Flamboyant collector Mr. Shaitana invites Poirot and three other crime experts to dinner, along with four guests he suspects of getting away with murder. After the evening ends with Shaitana dead from a stab wound, everyone becomes a suspect.

The reason why the book is called Cards on the Table becomes clear when someone is murdered during a game of bridge. It’s an uncanny murder situation, but even more high-stakes, since Poirot isn’t the only one investigating. With a police officer, a secret agent, and a crime writer on the case, there’s plenty of work to be done.

7

‘The Murder on the Links’ (1923)

Image via Vintage

Poirot and Captain Hastings arrive in France to help millionaire Paul Renauld, only to find him stabbed and buried beside a golf course. His wife claims masked men abducted him, but suspicious neighbors, a hidden past, and a mysterious woman complicate the investigation. When Renauld’s son is accused, Poirot is on the case.

The Murder on the Links features one of Christie’s finest rivalries between Poirot and Inspector Giraud of the Paris Sûreté. Their investigation becomes a generational clash, pitting Poirot’s old-fashioned talent for getting inside a killer’s mind against Giraud’s fixation on physical evidence. It’s a battle between little grey cells and hard facts.

6

‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas’ (1938)

Image via William Morrow

If there’s one thing detectives and killers have in common, it’s that they don’t catch a break during the holidays. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas begins with bitter multimillionaire Simeon Lee inviting his family to his mansion for Christmas. With pent-up resentment boiling over a will, the celebrations are cut short when Lee is found murdered in his locked bedroom.

For a long time, Christie was known for popularizing the cozy country mysteries, which rarely lacked bloodshed beyond the murder itself. The genius of Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is how she uses the snowy white setting to contrast with her increasingly descriptive blood and gore, showing just how willing Christie was to spice things up.

5

‘The A.B.C. Murders’ (1936)

Image via William Morrow

Nothing irks Poirot more than being underestimated, especially by an anonymous killer. The A.B.C. Murders begins in almost Sherlockian fashion, with Poirot receiving a taunting letter signed “A.B.C.” that names a specific date and location. Sure enough, on the appointed day, an elderly shopkeeper is found murdered inside her tobacco shop, with an ABC Railway Guide placed beside her body.

Long before Squid Game turned childhood games and familiar systems into deadly challenges, Christie was already transforming something as innocent as the alphabet into a sinister form of psychological torment. With no obvious suspects to interrogate, Poirot has little more than his intellect to rely on, carefully examining seemingly insignificant details.

4

‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ (1926)

Image via William Collins, Sons

In the peaceful village of King’s Abbot, Dr. James Sheppard becomes involved in the investigation after wealthy widower Roger Ackroyd is discovered murdered in his study. Ackroyd had recently disclosed that he knew the identity of someone blackmailing him. As suspicion falls on his stepson, Ralph Paton, the retired Poirot steps in.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd changed the course of crime thrillers. Christie lays the clues out on a platter but is relentless enough to pull the rug out from under her readers. While her creative decisions were considered atrocious at the time, Christie’s unconventional approach to storytelling created one of the most shocking plot twists in literary history.

3

‘Peril at End House’ (1932)

Image via William Morrow

Peril at End House begins with one of Poirot’s rare attempts to take a holiday, this time accompanied by Captain Hastings. Their getaway takes a dangerous turn after meeting Magdala “Nick” Buckley, the young owner of the cliff side End House. Nick soon becomes the target of a series of increasingly bizarre, near-fatal accidents.

Although not the strongest Christie mystery, Peril at End House is one of the writer’s attempts to amp up a little insanity in the circumstances. It seems like a twisted sense of serendipity that one person is nearly killed a little too many times, and whether readers believe it or not, the uncanniness of the events is just as entertaining as the mystery itself.

2

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1934)

Image via William Morrow

Poirot’s ride back to London is abruptly halted when the Orient Express becomes stranded in the snow. With the train unable to move and American passenger Samuel Ratchett found murdered in his compartment, Poirot has no shortage of suspects to question. With a carriage full of strangers, and twelve stab wounds on Ratchett, Poirot has his work cut out.

Inside this claustrophobic carriage, Murder on the Orient Express is also a lesson in the social hierarchies of the 1930s. A compartment full of international passengers also means prejudices about one another. It’s Poirot’s job to look past these biased assumptions to find out who the murderer is.

1

‘Death on the Nile’ (1937)

Image via William Morrow

Death on the Nile is essentially the Christie version of The White Lotus. A love triangle gets out of hand between Linnet Ridgeway, Simon Doyle, and Jacqueline de Bellefort. Married couple Linnet and Simon are cruising on the Nile for their honeymoon, but Jacqueline—who isn’t pleased with their marital bliss—decides to tag along.

The tension between the three is pure, juicy melodrama, almost like watching a reality TV show unfold on a luxury vacation. Yet beneath the romantic drama lies a darker, more calculated murder. Christie makes the Nile more than just a backdrop, using its ancient surroundings to emphasize how greed, jealousy, and wounded pride have long existed since ancient times.

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Death on the Nile

Release Date

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February 9, 2022

Runtime

127 minutes

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Writers

Michael Green

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Ed Sheeran’s Saturday, September 19,  Loop Tour concert in Philadelphia will feature a major change as the singer continues to face backlash.

The show will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. ET, per Ticketmaster, three hours after it was initially scheduled to begin. The concert was previously scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. to account for multiple opening acts’ respective sets. (Sheeran took the stage at 8 p.m. on the dot during his most recent New Jersey concerts following three openers’ performances that kicked off at 5:30 p.m.)

Sheeran’s support acts, Macklemore, Finneas and Lukas Graham, are no longer on the Loop Tour bill, likely prompting the change as there are no opening acts on the lineup.

Macklemore, 43, and Graham, 37, both previously opened for Sheeran, 35, during his two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. During the rapper’s performance of protest track “Hind’s Hall,” he chanted “Free Palestine” in front of the crowd while denouncing genocide and human rights violations in all forms.

Related: Ed Sheeran and Macklemore’s ‘Loop Tour’ Drama Explained: What to Know

Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour has become the center of a major music-industry controversy after Macklemore was dropped from the lineup following a pro-Palestine chant during his opening set. Fallout from the situation has since sparked chatter from the likes of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Pink and a string of other artists. Scroll down […]

After alleged pressure from stadiums hosting future Loop Tour concerts this fall, Sheeran’s tour promoter dismissed Macklemore from the lineup ahead of his remaining eight scheduled gigs.

“Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from the Loop Tour. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” Macklemore wrote in a Monday, September 14, social media statement. “We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.”

Calling Sheeran a friend that he’s known for 13 years, Macklemore revealed the pair had “difficult conversations” about the tour’s future before the announcement.

“He told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with,” Mackelmore alleged. “I hope this isn’t the end of my relationship with Ed. Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement. I hope we both continue listening, studying what is happening in Palestine and wrestling with what neutrality means in a moment like this. My door will always be open to continuing that conversation.”

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Related: Ed Sheeran Speaks Out After Macklemore Is Dropped From His Tour

Ed Sheeran is setting the record straight on Macklemore’s controversial exit from his Loop Tour after voicing his support for Palestine on stage. “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” Sheeran, 35, claimed via Instagram on […]

Sheeran, for his part, denied that he was personally responsible for removing Macklemore from his upcoming shows.

“I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said,” Sheeran wrote in a Tuesday, September 15, statement about conversations with venue owners. “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. … I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”

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Following the controversy, Graham and Finneas, 29, voluntarily backed out of their own Loop Tour sets in solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian people. Sheeran will now play the Philadelphia show solo.

Despite the controversy, Macklemore has remained committed to sharing his message in support of the people in Gaza. On Wednesday, September 16, the “Thrift Shop” rapper pledged to donate his $1 million Loop Tour salary to Palestinian organizations, challenging Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft to do the same.

Kraft, 85, later revealed that he and Sheeran each planned to donate $2 million to provide humanitarian aid.