Entertainment
‘Severance’ Star’s Grindhouse Throwback Doesn’t Have Any Bite
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge feels distinctly like a made-for-TV movie that would have aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in the middle of the night in the late ’90s. It’s the kind of campy vampire horror that might’ve once faded into distant memory, bleeding into the fever-dream era of Blood Ties or Forever Knight — the kind of titles only revisited while falling down an IMDb rabbit hole of long-forgotten titles.
While that era of filmmaking may have had its fair share of questionable scripts, they never felt like they were engineered for the moment your attention drifts. Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is perhaps one of the most egregious examples of preemptively preparing for second-screen viewing. Even Netflix’s intentionally “dumbed down” scripts aren’t as hamfisted and lazy with their dialogue. Despite knowing each other for — quite literally — centuries, the aforementioned vampires of the Velvet Lounge take a moment to detail what type of blood they prefer, how long they’ve been vampires, and what their individual modus operandi is upon their first introduction on screen.
‘Vampires of the Velvet Lounge’ Rehashes Familiar Tropes
The first twenty minutes are dedicated almost entirely to establishing the film’s lore. Through a series of intertitles, writer-director Adam Sherman reworks Countess Elizabeth Báthory’s alleged crimes as the origin story for his vampire mythology. It’s a familiar hook, and one that never quite evolves beyond its surface-level appeal. The opening credits — which are shockingly long — aim to evoke the glory days of television, something akin to Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s iconic, never-skip intro. The difference is that Buffy gave you a reason to care. Vampires of the Velvet Lounge offers a parade of blood-soaked imagery without any emotional investment to anchor it.
Here, Elizabeth (Mena Suvari) and her coven have relocated to Savannah, Georgia, where they operate a back-alley absinthe bar. Alongside Joan (India Eisley), a grizzled, blood-covered enforcer (Mark Boone Junior), and a sultry accomplice (Sarah Dumont), they lure unsuspecting victims via webcam dating schemes. It’s a genuinely fun premise — one that should lean into camp and absurdity, but it somehow lands flat. Even with scene-stealing supporting players like Timothy V. Murphy, Stephen Dorff, and
Tyrese Gibson, the execution never quite matches the potential.
Naturally, a coven needs opposition. Enter Cora (Dichen Lachman), a former assassin turned gun-for-hire who’s been attempting to lure Elizabeth into a trap through an online romance. Lachman’s performance leans toward a Sin City-style stoicism, but it reads as flat more than hardened. The script does her no favors. Despite her character’s narrative importance, Cora is largely sidelined, appearing briefly to bookend a midpoint that collapses under the weight of the film’s disastrously bad mid-point. For an actor coming off the critical acclaim of Severance, it’s a frustratingly underwritten role.
‘Vampires of the Velvet Lounge’ Fails Its Cast of Characters
Sherman leans heavily into the aesthetics of the genres that inspired him, but often misses what made them work. There are flashes of visual appeal, particularly in the production design of Elizabeth’s bar and Cora’s apartment. But Sherman undercuts himself by being all Tarantino and no Rodriguez. The film’s female characters lack personalities beyond being man-eating vampires that look like demonic green fairies (a poor attempt to riff on the iconography of absinthe). Cora’s roommate (Rosa Salazar) fares even worse. She’s inexplicably staged in a constant state of undress, pacing the apartment in her underwear while discussing her dating life, lifting weights, and bending directly into the camera’s distinctly male gaze. It all feels voyeuristic for the sake of voyeurism, lacking any narrative or stylistic justification. It’s not even provocative.
Lachman brings her usual screen presence, but the script gives her little to work with beyond surface-level traits, leaving her performance feeling one-note through no fault of her own. It’s a missed opportunity, especially in a film that could have benefited from more dynamic character interplay. The potential queerness of her character — particularly where allusions to a deeper interest in her roommate and something more than just a farce with Elizabeth — are nothing more than implications, rather than anything actually character-impacting.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Reboot’s Star Breaks Her Silence on the Show’s Cancellation
The reboot was first reported in early 2025.
Within all of this, there are flashes of something better. Most notably in India Eisley’s performance. Eisley stands out immediately, bringing a level of emotional commitment that the rest of the film struggles to match. It helps that her character is the only one with internal conflict and something resembling a fully trackable narrative arc. While the script gives her the same exposition-heavy material as everyone else, she manages to ground it, finding moments of genuine feeling in scenes that might otherwise fall flat. There’s a sense that she’s working through the limitations of the writing rather than being supported by it, and the result is a performance that feels like it belongs to a more cohesive, more intentional version of this movie.
It’s not that Eisley transforms the film (there’s only so much one performance can do), but she does provide a glimpse of what Vampires of the Velvet Lounge could have been with stronger character work and a clearer sense of direction.
‘Vampires of the Velvet Lounge’ a Future Cult Classic?
Even for vampire B-movie connoisseurs who are used to turning off their brains to enjoy a visually appealing and well-acted movie, Vampires of the Velvet Lounge may be a stretch. The plot makes no sense, and the visuals — particularly when Elizabeth and Joan (Eisley) go for a joy ride through Savannah — are grotesquely bad. The horror is also a non-starter, and largely blood and gore for the sake of blood and gore, with illogical deaths and questionable visual effects.
From a storytelling perspective, Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is so aggressively reliant on exposition that it’s almost unbearable. Characters don’t reveal themselves through action or subtext; they explain themselves, repeatedly. Motivations are spelled out, then restated, then reiterated again, as if the script is constantly checking to make sure viewers are still loosely following along. It’s not just “tell with no show,” it’s tell, then tell again for good measure.
While Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is undeniably a mess that is plagued by clunky dialogue, uneven performances, and distractingly bad visual effects, it’s also oddly watchable. In the same way that you can’t quite help but look back as you drive past a car accident. The film desperately wants to be seen as a grindhouse-inspired vampire romp that gestures towards camp and pulp, and the hazy glory days of sexy vampires lurking in neon-bathed nightclubs, but it settles into something more modern: background noise cinema. As it stands, Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is exactly what it seems to be: a messy, mildly entertaining vampire movie that works best when you’re only half watching it.
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is now playing in theaters.
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge
A wannabe grindhouse vampire horror that has been completely defanged.
- Release Date
-
March 20, 2026
- Runtime
-
105 Minutes
- Director
-
Adam Sherman
Cast
- India Eisley delivers a grounded, emotionally compelling performance throughout the film.
- Vampires of the Velvet Lounge’s campy, pulpy premise has moments of fun despite the film?s many flaws.
- Repetitive, exposition-heavy dialogue constantly explains instead of showing why audiences should care about the film’s cast of characters.
- Vampires of the Velvet Lounge features a nonsensical, poorly structured plot with little payoff or coherence.
- Male gaze-heavy framing feels gratuitous and adds nothing to the story and takes away the potential of the female cast of characters.
- Dichen Lachman is severely underutilized in a flat, underwritten role, which is a shame because she’s a brilliant actress.
Entertainment
Melissa McCarthy Looks Unrecognizable After Weight Loss
Melissa McCarthy is once again fueling conversation online after a new video of the actress sparked fresh speculation about her noticeable weight loss. The viral clip, which has been making rounds on social media, shows Melissa McCarthy posing in a shimmering bronze-toned gown while smiling for cameras, with many viewers quick to comment on her slimmer appearance.
Melissa McCarthy’s Viral Video Sparks Ozempic Speculation
As the footage spread online, some social media users immediately began speculating whether the actress may have used Ozempic, the diabetes medication that has become widely associated with celebrity weight loss in recent years.
“I think she may have done it the old-fashioned way. She doesn’t have Ozempic face and was losing weight before Ozempic got popular,” one person wrote.
Another user praised McCarthy’s appearance, adding, “Good, much better!”
“You know what, good for her. She looks healthy,” someone else commented.
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one person writing, “She’s been losing weight over the years. She looks great & looks even better if she did it sensibly.”
“She looks good,” one supporter wrote, while another added, “She’s lost a lot of weight. She looks good.”
McCarthy Once Reacted To Barbra Streisand’s Ozempic Remark

The renewed chatter comes after McCarthy was tied to Ozempic rumors in 2024, when legendary singer Barbra Streisand publicly asked whether the actress had taken the medication.
Under a now-deleted Instagram post featuring McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone, Streisand commented, “Give him my regards, did you take Ozempic?”
Though many fans viewed the remark as inappropriate, McCarthy brushed off the controversy and appeared amused by the interaction. “Barbara Streisand knows I exist. She reached out to me, and she thought I looked good. I win the day,” McCarthy said in a response video at the time.

Before Barbra Streisand’s viral Ozempic question, Melissa McCarthy’s changing appearance had already become a topic of conversation online.
Many fans first began to notice Melissa McCarthy’s dramatic transformation in February 2024, when she posted an Instagram photo alongside husband Ben Falcone, wearing a sparkly jumpsuit and sequined jacket. The glamorous snapshot quickly drew attention, with followers pointing out how noticeably slimmer the actress appeared.
While many praised McCarthy’s look, others immediately began speculating about how she achieved her transformation. One commenter bluntly wrote, “Ozempic has claimed another,” helping fuel the online rumors that have continued to follow the actress ever since.
McCarthy Has Long Embraced Balanced Weight Loss

McCarthy has also been open in the past about her approach to health and weight management, emphasizing balance over restriction.
Speaking in 2018 on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, the actress reflected on how her mindset shifted after becoming a mother to daughters Vivian and Georgette. “Everybody’s always kind of working on something,” she said. “And I was like, ‘If I can de-stress and just do it slower and stop constantly trying to be on something.’”
She added that the less restrictive approach ultimately proved more effective for her than extreme dieting methods. “And then it actually worked better instead of being like, ‘I’m gonna not do this and do this and only drink this.’”
Melissa McCarthy Says Her Focus Has Always Been On Health, Not Size

Melissa McCarthy has long spoken candidly about the pressures she has faced regarding her body, previously revealing that maintaining her health has always mattered more to her than meeting Hollywood’s standards.
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, McCarthy reflected on how she used to worry about her size growing up, despite living an active lifestyle. “I thought I battled weight throughout high school, but I look back at pictures of me as a cheerleader, doing sprints, lifting weights, doing gymnastics, playing tennis, and while I wasn’t reed-thin like some girls… I was a size six the entire time. So what on Earth was I freaking out about?” she said.
The actress also stressed that her overall philosophy centers around balance rather than perfection. “I could eat healthier, I could drink less,” she added. “I’m sounding like a lush, but, you know, I do what I can. I should be learning another language and working out more,” she said. “But I’m just always saying, ‘Ah, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.’”
Entertainment
Nina Dobrev’s Pretty Spring Jeans — Shop 13 Styles
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Leave it to Nina Dobrev to make a bold denim choice feel completely wearable. Embroidered and embellished denim can feel completely intimidating, but a great pair can make your outfit feel chic and more intentional. With their breezy silhouette and soft print, these types of styles bring a lighter and more feminine feel to the classic jeans-and-top formula.
The actress recently stepped out in New York City in a standout pair of stunning wide-leg jeans that strike the perfect balance between playful and polished, offering an unexpected update to everyday denim. We immediately started hunting for a similar option that delivers the same vibe without the designer price tag. Turns out, there are plenty of comparable styles that still capture the same easy, yet elevated feel. If you’re ready to swap your usual jeans for something a little more eye-catching this spring, this trend is a fun place to start.
Get the Chouyatou Floral Wide Leg Jeans for $32 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The trick to styling floral wide-leg jeans is about keeping the rest of the outfit simple and balanced so the denim doesn’t overpower the look. A fitted tank, cropped tee or lightweight button-down helps offset the volume of the silhouette, while neutral accessories keep the print or design from feeling overwhelming. Whether you lean casual with sneakers or you dress things up with sandals or heels, the result is an outfit that feels effortless, but still stands out.

Our Favorite: These floral wide-leg jeans have a relaxed fit and high-rise waist, delivering an effortlessly flattering look. The head-turning style is great for casual wear with sneakers or sandals, but they can also be dressed up with your favorite heels or platforms. See more of our favorite pretty spring denim styles below!
Entertainment
Disney+’s New Sci-Fi Crime Series Dominates Global Streaming Charts in Just 1 Week
Forty-nine years ago, what would become one of the most influential forces in the science fiction genre was born, quickly evolving into a global pop culture phenomenon. Star Wars, created by George Lucas, is now one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time, spanning films, television series, books, video games, and more. The space opera began with the original 1977 film—later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope—which serves as the fourth chronological chapter in the Skywalker Saga.
Since then, a number of prequels and sequels have come to life across both the big and small screens, many of which have been well received, while others were ultimately cancelled. The latest of the bunch is Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, created by Dave Filoni for Disney+. The animated series premiered earlier this week on April 6, 2026, and is set after the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which ran from 2008 to 2020. The show follows former Sith Lord Maul during the reign of the Galactic Empire, with Sam Witwer reprising his role from The Clone Wars and other Star Wars projects.
Upon its release, the new Star Wars series was an instant success, ranking among the most-watched series titles on Disney+ globally, including in the US. Maul – Shadow Lord entered the US charts as the 7th most popular title on April 7, 2026, but that quickly changed the next day as it rose to the top of the charts, a rank it still holds till now. Such a strong performance may come as no surprise to fans, considering that the sci-fi hit debuted to a perfect 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus describing it as “an inspired look into the depths of an iconic character.”
Is the New Star Wars Show Worth Watching?
Centered on Maul, who plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord comprises ten episodes for Season 1, with two episodes released each week until May 4. In addition to Witwer, Gideon Adlon, Wagner Moura, and Richard Ayoade lend their voices to characters as interesting as the lead, or even more so. Speaking of which, in Collider’s review, Maggie Lovitt noted that the sci-fi adventure “does a good job of making the audience care quickly about each of the new characters, to the point that they become far more interesting than whatever is going on with Maul — and there is a lot going on with Maul.“
You can watch the latest Star Wars series on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for more information.
- Release Date
-
April 6, 2026
- Network
-
Disney+
- Directors
-
Brad Rau
- Franchise(s)
-
Star Wars
Entertainment
Mental Health Experts Defend Kanye West’s Bipolar Disorder Claim
Kanye West‘s attempt to link his controversial anti-Semitic statements to bipolar disorder has been supported by some top medical experts.
In an apology earlier in the year, the rapper expressed remorse for his behavior and claimed that his “reckless” actions were linked to a car crash 25 years ago, which he says left him with trauma and contributed to his bipolar disorder.
Kanye West’s claims have now been given some credibility by experts, who say they are consistent with the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
The Rapper’s Antisemitism Apology Was Supported By A Medical Expert

Ever since West renounced his anti-Semitic actions and attributed them to his alleged bipolar disorder in an apology post, speculation has swirled over whether he truly meant it and whether his behavior was actually caused by the illness.
His medical explanation has now been supported by a medical expert who spoke with The Daily Mail about the behavior of people living with bipolar disorder.
“People with severe bipolar disorder can act in ways completely out of character,” said Prof David Curtis of UCL Genetics Institute, per the Daily Mail.
The medical expert also claimed that individuals living with this illness may become “impulsive, reckless, or even psychotic,” and will often display unpredictable behavior if and when they suffer a manic episode.
“What Ye describes fits perfectly with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and need not reflect latent antisemitism or extremist ideology,” Curtis added.
“During a manic episode, it is possible to lose touch with reality entirely. People may do things they would never normally do. This is not an expression of belief – it is illness,” he continued.
Kanye West’s Apology Wasn’t Accepted By Top UK Officers

West’s excuse was also seemingly not well received by top officials in the UK, where he had been expected to headline that summer’s Wireless Festival before his visa was revoked.
UK Education Secretary Wes Streeting condemned it as “appalling” that West appeared to use bipolar disorder as a defense for his behavior.
The same sentiment was echoed by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who claimed that West’s past anti-Semitic actions reflected a “pattern of behavior” and had caused irreparable distress to Jewish communities across the world.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also criticized the rapper, describing his past comments as “completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting.”
“There is no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry, or antisemitism from him or from anyone else,” she added.

Following an outcry from multiple quarters, West was banned from the UK and could no longer headline the Wireless Festival, which was expected to attract 50,000 people per day.
The decision ultimately led to the cancellation of the festival, as announced in a post by the organizers earlier in the week.
It marked the first time the festival had been canceled in its 21-year history, though its staging was already on shaky ground after several sponsors pulled out.
PayPal, a payment provider known to partner with Live Nation UK Festivals, was among the major sponsors to withdraw, while companies like Diageo and Pepsi had done so earlier.
Following the cancellation of the event, ticket costs were automatically refunded to fans who had planned to attend.
The Rapper’s Past Anti-Semitic Actions

West has had a history of targeting Jews with hate speech. In October 2022, things took a serious turn when the rapper made a tweet, stating that he planned to go “death con [sic] 3 on Jewish people.”
The tweet was followed by several other controversial remarks by West, claiming Jews controlled everything. He also boldly stated that his then-business partner, Adidas, won’t drop him even if he says “anti-Semitic sh-t.”
The shoe giant swiftly dropped him shortly after, along with multiple top brands, a development that deeply affected the rapper financially.
Despite this, West still doubled down on his remarks in February 2025 with a rant in which he claimed he would never apologize for his comments about Jews.
The rapper pushed things further by selling a shirt featuring a swastika and releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” in which he branded himself a “Nazi.”
Kanye West Reportedly Asked For $15 Million To Headline UK Festival

While the exact amount Kanye West initially requested to headline the festival had remained unclear, a source recently revealed that the rapper both asked for and received a $15 million fee.
“He (West) asked for and got $15 million (£11 million) to play those three nights at Wireless,” the insider told the Daily Mail.
With the festival now canceled following Kanye West’s ban, it remains unclear whether the organizers will receive a refund, though the same source believes the rapper may return the fee due to a clause in his contract.
“‘Live Nation should be able to get all $15million back as their contracts say that it is the responsibility of the artist to get a visa,” added the insider.
“Because the decision was made by the Home Secretary, they believe that they can get their money back… good luck getting Kanye to pay you back,” they continued.
In the meantime, West has yet to address his visa ban, which was put in place by the UK Home Office.
Entertainment
Zendaya’s Quick Exit Fuels Sydney Sweeney Rift Rumors
Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are facing renewed attention as “Euphoria” season three finally rolls out after years of delays, casting changes, and ongoing behind-the-scenes speculation.
What should have been a celebratory return quickly turned into a talking point after fans noticed subtle but telling moments at the Los Angeles premiere.
From Zendaya’s brief red carpet appearance to Sweeney’s separate interactions with castmates, the event only fueled rumors that tensions may be lingering as the show makes its long-awaited comeback.
Zendaya Sparks Buzz After Quick Exit At ‘Euphoria’ Premiere

Zendaya’s appearance at the Los Angeles premiere immediately caught attention, but not for the usual reasons.
The actress, who has been balancing multiple major projects, arrived in a striking gown and posed briefly for photos.
However, her time on the carpet was noticeably short. She greeted a few familiar faces, including Hunter Schafer and creator Sam Levinson, before being quickly escorted away by her team.
She also chose not to speak with reporters, which didn’t go unnoticed by fans watching the event unfold.
For many, her swift exit felt telling. Zendaya has been involved in other high-profile projects, including “Dune: Part Three” and “The Drama,” and some fans interpreted her limited engagement as a sign she may be distancing herself from the HBO series.
The lack of visible interaction with Sweeney on the carpet only added fuel to speculation that tensions between the co-stars have not cooled.
Zendaya Reportedly Caught In Tension With Sydney Sweeney

Zendaya’s rumored distance has become even more noticeable as talk of friction between her and Sweeney continues to grow.
According to a production insider who spoke to the Daily Mail, differences on set may have contributed to the situation.
The source claimed, “Zendaya was definitely making more money than Sydney. Zendaya was the name coming on to the project and that wasn’t easy for Sydney, especially since she’s now a bigger name than she once was.”
The same insider described contrasting experiences working with both actresses. They described Zendaya as “very well liked” and “a pleasure to have around set,” adding, “She’s a total professional and very down to Earth, very kind and appreciative.”
On the other hand, Sweeney reportedly developed a reputation that divided opinion. While the source noted that many crew members enjoyed working with the actress, they also admitted, “When Sydney is on set, she definitely has a lot of demands as far as what she wants and needs to work, so that can be difficult for some.”
Zendaya Linked To Wider Cast Divide Involving Alexa Demie

Zendaya is not the only one being pulled into rumors of division among the cast. Another insider claimed that Sweeney and Alexa Demie have had their own issues behind the scenes.
“If there were any issues with anyone, Alexa Demie and Sydney would avoid each other. And people could tell there was no love lost between them; they definitely don’t like each other,” the source said.
Despite those claims, the two actresses appeared friendly during the premiere, even sharing a brief hug on the red carpet. However, fans online quickly labeled the interaction as “awkward” and “fake” after clips circulated.
Later at an after-party, Demie spoke warmly about her bond with several cast members, but noticeably did not include Sweeney.
“I’m always giggly when I get together with Hunter, Maude, and Z,” she told Vogue, referring to Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, and Maude Apatow.
“When any of us get together, it’s so special and fun. We know each other for so long now. We’re family and it’s pure fun to be with them,” she continued.
The omission only added to speculation that relationships within the group may have shifted.
Zendaya Navigates Past Dynamics With Jacob Elordi On Set

Zendaya’s history with co-star Jacob Elordi has also resurfaced as part of the broader conversation about on-set dynamics.
The two were previously linked romantically, sparking headlines after being spotted together in 2019 and early 2020.
While their relationship didn’t last, insiders say they managed to keep things professional when working together.
“Jacob and Zendaya were always professional with each other,” a source told the Daily Mail. They added that while the pair may not be close, they remain respectful, with interactions staying polite but limited.
The source also noted, “Jacob had great chemistry with everyone on set. He was well-liked and didn’t cause much of a problem,” suggesting that any past relationship did not create major disruptions during filming.
Zendaya’s current relationship with Tom Holland also reportedly caused no issues on set, with Holland occasionally visiting during production without any tension.
Zendaya Rumored Rift With Creator Sam Levinson Adds To Drama

Zendaya’s name has also been tied to ongoing speculation about tension with “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson.
Reports previously suggested that their relationship became strained during the long delay between seasons, particularly as Levinson focused on another project.
An insider described his working style as intense, explaining, “Sam rubs people the wrong way. He is very intense and meticulous. Not everyone runs that way on set, but Sam wants what he wants.”
They added, “He is on his own time, his own wavelength and wants his story to be told by him and not take any notes or ideas from others.”
Meanwhile, Zendaya’s reduced behind-the-scenes involvement has also raised questions. After serving as an executive producer on earlier seasons, she is reportedly not credited in the same role for season three.
Recently, she hinted that the show may be nearing its end, saying, “I think so” when asked if the current season would be the last.
Levinson, however, appeared less certain, telling Entertainment Tonight at the premiere, “I’ve written every season of Euphoria like it’s the last season,” and adding, “If this is our last season, I’m happy.”
Entertainment
Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki’s New Roles After Supernatural

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki in ‘Supernatural’ The CW
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles won Us over when they played brothers on Supernatural — and they have remained booked and busy since The CW show came to an end.
Padalecki and Ackles played the monster-hunting duo from 2005 to 2020. After appearing in over 300 episodes of the hit series, Padalecki exclusively told Us Weekly that he felt he would “never really say goodbye” to his character.
“We really have become a family,” he said at the time about the journey. “Over 15 years, we’ve cut the fat. We didn’t fire anybody but if they didn’t like being there, they move on. So the people that are there want to be there.”
Ackles felt the same way, which inspired him to expand the Supernatural universe. (The Winchesters series ran from 2022 to 2023 and focused on Dean (Ackles) and Sam’s (Padalecki) parents in the ’70s.)
“It’s a long journey,” Ackles teased during a TV Critics’ Association press tour panel that same year. “I don’t think it’s ever going to be over. It’s just going to go away for a while. I don’t know how long.”
Outside of Supernatural, Padalecki and Ackles have scored a plethora of opportunities — some of which even allowed them to cross paths again with each other or their former costars. Keep scrolling for an extensive breakdown of their ongoing list of TV projects:
‘Walker’ Universe

Jared Padalecki, Ashley Reyes and Coby Bell in ‘Walker’ The CW
Padalecki initially remained at The CW after wrapping up Supernatural. He was cast as the lead on the Walker, Texas Ranger reboot from 2020 to 2024, where he also served as executive producer. After Walker inspired the Walker: Independence prequel, Padalecki had an unnamed cameo in one episode.
Ackles, meanwhile, joined Walker as a director, but also scored a cameo in the role of Miles Vyas.
‘Fire Country’ Franchise

Jared Padalecki in ‘Fire Country’ Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
Season 3 of CBS’ hit series Fire Country introduced Padalecki as Camden Casey in a three-episode arc meant to set up a potential spinoff. Fire Country: Surfside would follow Padalecki as a California firefighter dealing with the aftermath of his brother’s death in the field.
‘The Boys’

Jensen Ackles in ‘The Boys’ Prime Video
Ackles’ role as Soldier Boy on The Boys was a shocking departure for those of Us who loved him as Dean on Supernatural. The shakeup, however, paved the way for Ackles to score his own prequel series titled Vought Rising — and a guest spot on the Gen V spinoff.
Padalecki joined in on the fun with a role in the fifth and final season alongside Misha Collins. The opportunity reunites Padalecki with Ackles and creator Eric Kripke, who was part of Supernatural before coming onboard The Boys.
Unnamed Medical Drama

After working with showrunner Anna Fricke on Walker, Padalecki reunited with her on an untitled series for CBS about a headstrong country doctor practicing a unique style of improvisational medicine. The show is in development as part of Padalecki’s ongoing first-look deal and CBS officially opened a writers’ room to further develop the show in late 2025.
‘Big Sky’

Jensen Ackles in ‘Big Sky’ ABC
A guest role in season 2 led to Ackles joining the main cast of Big Sky as Beau Arlen alongside Reba McEntire.
‘The Winchesters’

Drake Rodger, Meg Donnelly, Nida Khurshid and JoJo Fleites in ‘The Winchesters’ Eliot Brasseaux/The CW
Ackles found a way to return to his roots with The Winchesters, a Supernatural spinoff set in an alternate continuity. The actor narrated the show as his character Dean and served as an executive producer alongside wife Danneel Ackles.
‘Tracker’

Jensen Ackles in ‘Tracker’ Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
Proving once again that Ackles knows what his fans want, he signed on to play Justin Harley‘s onscreen brother on Tracker. In addition to the Smallville reunion, the introduction to Ackles as Russell paved the way for some fun Easter eggs.
‘Countdown’

The Prime Video series stars Ackles as Mark, a LAPD officer who is recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement to investigate a suspicious murder that takes place in broad daylight.
Entertainment
Patrick J. Adams Receives ‘Suits’ Costar Meghan Markle’s Jam
Patrick J. Adams finally has his hands on some of Meghan Markle’s famous jam.
Posting via Instagram on Thursday, April 9, Adams shared that his former Suits costar, 44, sent him her famous As Ever collection after he admitted he missed out the first time she sent out the jam.
Adams, 44, shared a closeup photo of five As Ever branded jams, including orange marmalade, raspberry spread and strawberry spread.
“Worth the wait! Thank you @meghan for the deliciousness,” Adams captioned the post.
The actor also thanked Amanda Hirsch’s podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat” for “helping raise awareness about my jamlessness.”
During his appearance on the podcast on March 31, Adams admitted he “did not get a jam” after Meghan launched the product despite playing her love interest on Suits for seven seasons.
“I didn’t get anything,” he joked. “I don’t have enough followers, I don’t think.”
Podcast host Hirsch, 37, disclosed she had received jam from the Duchess of Sussex and was treating it as treasure that could not be taken out of its original packaging.
“You’re treating it like a champagne?” Adams asked. “It’s gonna go bad,” he added. “How long do preserves last? It’s going to go bad.”
Two days after the podcast episode was released Meghan reacted to Adams’ remarks about his lack of jam via the comments section on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast’s Instagram page.

“Jam’s en route for you @patrickjadams & @sleepinthegardn,” Meghan wrote, tagging the actor and his wife, Troian Bellisario, while promising to send the product to him.
Meghan also mentioned other members of her former costar’s family in the comment.
“Hugs to those beautiful babies. Send my love to your mom ❤️,” Meghan wrote, referencing Adam and Bellisario’s three daughters, Aurora, 7, Elliot, 4, and Imogen, 2 months, as well as the actor’s mother.
Prior to marrying Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan starred on Suits where she played Rachel Zane, who was the main love interest of Adams’ character Mike Ross. Both actors departed the legal drama in season 7, which aired in 2018.
Meghan’s jam was the first product the company teased back when it was named American Riviera Orchard in early 2024.
Meghan sent out personalized jars of jam to 50 of her famous friends, including Abigail Spencer, Chrissy Teigen, Kris Jenner and Mindy Kaling.
In an episode of Meghan’s Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, Kaling said receiving the jam was “one of the most glamorous moments of my life.”
Kaling also pointed out that the jam jars had numbers on them, prompting her to wonder whether there was a ranking system when it came to who received them and in which order.
“As a very hierarchical person, I was like, who are these people?” Kaling, who received jar number 19 of 50, said on the show. “Does having a lower number make me more special?”
Entertainment
Epic 13-Part Horror Series Drops First Look at New Fantasy Sequel
As one of the most powerful figures in modern TV, Ryan Murphy has created a slate of genre-defining shows that consistently dominate both ratings and the cultural conversation. This year alone has already seen the release of the sci-fi body horror The Beauty and the biographical romance anthology Love Story, both of which have earned generally favorable responses from critics and audiences alike. That’s not all from Murphy in 2026, however, as his biggest fantasy series is set to return this fall after a lengthy wait, much to the excitement of longtime fans.
Having last aired in 2024, American Horror Story is back in production in New York City with some fan-favorites confirmed to return for the show’s 13th run. While primarily described as a horror anthology, the series has long incorporated elements of fantasy and the supernatural, including witchcraft, demons, vampires, and ghosts. The new season was originally expected to premiere on Halloween, October 31, 2026; however, as Murphy recently teased on Instagram, American Horror Story Season 13 may arrive sooner than anticipated.
The 13th installment of the iconic horror series turns its gaze back to Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. About 24 hours ago, Murphy made the announcement, revealing the show’s return window and confirming Sarah Paulson‘s return as Cordelia Goode. “AHS 13,” the iconic director wrote. “The Return of @mssarahcatharinepaulson as Cordelia Goode. The Supreme Rises. And yes, we have rebuilt the entire Robichaux Academy. Coming this September.”
Who Stars in ‘American Horror Story’ Season 13?
Last Halloween, Murphy revealed the cast list for the highly anticipated Season 13 on Instagram, and, as American Horror Story fans know, it is similar to that of the Coven and Apocalypse seasons. The cast list includes Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, new addition Ariana Grande, and, surprisingly, Jessica Lange. Lange, in a February 2025 interview, claimed she would not return to the series; however, on April 6, 2026, Murphy posted first-look photos of the actress dolled up like Constance Langdon, standing in front of the window of her beloved Murder House. The Instagram post’s caption read: “American Horror Story, Season 13. Day One. The return of Jessica Lange!”
American Horror Story returns this year with Season 13. You can see the first look image of Paulson above and the other posts with Roberts and Lange on Ryan Murphy’s official Instagram page. Stick with Collider for the latest entertainment updates.
- Release Date
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October 5, 2011
- Directors
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Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Jennifer Lynch, Michael Uppendahl, Loni Peristere, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Ryan Murphy, David Semel, Howard Deutch, Michael Lehmann, Angela Bassett, Jeremy Podeswa, Max Winkler, Michael Rymer, Paris Barclay, Axelle Carolyn, Anthony Hemingway, Craig Zisk, Elodie Keene, Jennifer Arnold, Jessica Yu, John Scott, Laura Belsey, Liz Friedlander, Maggie Kiley
- Writers
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Halley Feiffer, Ned Martel, Crystal Liu, Charlie Carver, Kristen Reidel, Adam Penn, Douglas Petrie, Todd Kubrak, Reilly Smith, Jay Beattie, Dan Dworkin, Joshua A. Green, Akela Cooper, Asha Michelle Wilson
Entertainment
The 12 best sci-fi shows on HBO Max
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The streamer features shows with versions of the future filled with space tourism, cannibalism, and cultural collapse.
Entertainment
Netflix Loses One of Its Best WWII Thrillers This Month
Of all the characters that deserve the chance of a second adaptation in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, Sirius Black is high on many people’s lists. It will be at least two years until we first see how the series chooses to reinvent one of the most intricate characters in the novels, with the movies unable to dedicate enough time to his brief, three-book run. Of course, Black was played in the movies by the great Gary Oldman, and remains one of his more memorable cinematic performances.
However, the peak of Oldman’s career came after his time in the Wizarding World, when he finally took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill in director Joe Wright‘s Darkest Hour. One of six nominations the film earned at the 90th Academy Awards, Darkest Hour also picked up a second prize for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, awarded to Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, and Lucy Sibbick. Set in the early days of World War II, the film follows Oldman’s newly appointed prime minister as he faces the tough decision to either negotiate with the opposition or forge a legacy for himself that will be remembered forever.
At the box office, Darkest Hour was a huge success, no doubt thanks to the positive discourse around Oldman’s lead performance. Against a reported budget of $30 million, the movie grossed a huge $150 million worldwide, split between a $56 million domestic haul and $94 million from overseas markets. Almost a decade since the film’s theatrical debut, anyone looking to watch this WWII biopic will have to hurry, as Darkest Hour is officially leaving Netflix on May 1, 2026.
How Did Critics React to ‘Darkest Hour’?
The years since its Academy Awards success haven’t been kind to Darkest Hour, due mainly to many thinking it was chosen to win Oscars in the place of more deserving nominees. However, at the time it was released, Darkest Hour was nothing short of a critical darling. Scoring a “certified fresh” rating of 84% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the consensus from critics on the site reads, “Darkest Hour is held together by Gary Oldman’s electrifying performance, which brings Winston Churchill to life even when the movie’s narrative falters.”
Darkest Hour is set to leave Netflix on May 1, 2026. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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November 22, 2017
- Runtime
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125minutes
- Director
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Joe Wright
- Writers
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Anthony McCarten
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