Prime Video is a great platform if you like YA shows like Sterling Point or action series like Reacher, but it’s also a great place to watch programming from all corners of the streaming landscape.

That includes PBS, which continues its decades-long tradition of airing some of the best shows, films and specials around.

Watch With Us is proud to spotlight PBS on Prime Video’s September 2026 programming, which includes the return of fan-favorite series like Magpie Murders (titled Marble Hall Murders this season) as well as fascinating docuseries like The Story of Cats.

Keep reading to find out all of what PBS on Prime Video has to offer this month.

PBS on Prime Video September Programming Highlights

‘Marble Hall Murders’ (‘Magpie Murders’ Season 3) — Now Available

Susan Ryeland is thrown back into the world of Atticus Pünd when she reluctantly begins a new novel. The great detective investigates a fiendish crime in Corfu in 1955, but Susan has her own mystery to solve in the present day with the monstrous Crace family. Hidden secrets come to light and more than one death looms as Susan and Pünd are once again faced with a terrible puzzle.

‘The Marlow Murder Club’ Season 3 (Now Available)

Now a key part of DI Tanika Malik’s crime-solving team, Judith Potts, Suzie Harris and Becks Starling are back and bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders.

‘Rosie’s Rules’ Volume 13 (September 14)

Rosie enters the cowgirl contest at the rodeo and learns what it means to be a true cowgirl. Papá and Tía have a contest to see who makes the best tamales. Rosie wants to be Mayor for the day. Rosie decides to become a statue; Rosie and Crystal host a doggy wash; Rosie and Javi try to avoid a pirate ghost and more!

‘Trespasses’ Season 1 (September 20)

Cushla is a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles. She meets and falls for Michael—an older, married Protestant barrister. Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous. As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise. Cushla is pulled between duty and desire, family and freedom.

Everything Launching on PBS Subscription Channels on Prime Video This Month

PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video:

September 4 – Everybody Lies, Season 1 (Series)

September 6 – Marble Hall Murders (Magpie Murders, Season 3) (MASTERPIECE Series)

September 6 – The Marlow Murder Club, Season 3 (MASTERPIECE Series)

September 11 – Incognito, Season 1 (Series)

September 18 – Paradise, Season 12 (Series)

September 20 – Trespasses, Season 1 (Series)

September 25 – Second Death, Season 1 (Series)

PBS KIDS on Prime Video:

September 4 – Work It Out Wombats, Volume 13 (Series)

September 14 – Rosie’s Rules, Volume 13 (Series)

September 21 – Elinor Wonders Why: The Festival of the Moon (Film)

PBS Documentaries on Prime Video:

September 14 – The Story of Cats, Season 1 (Series)

September 16 – Ages of Ice, Season 1 (Series)

September 16 – The Battle to Breathe (Film)

September 23 – Knowledge Keepers (Film)

September 25 – Sing Democracy 250 (Film)

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September 29 – Scammed (Film)

PBS Living on Prime Video:

September 15 – Motorweek, Season 46 (Series)

September 25 – Sing Democracy 250 (Film)

The cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac” is entering season 11 with something to prove, and the trailer showed fans exactly that. According to the teaser, the new batch of episodes, which begins airing on October 11 at 8 PM EST, gives fans a preview of what to expect as the Maryland-based ladies get back together for another unforgettable season. In addition to capturing Wendy Osefo‘s ongoing legal woes with her husband, Eddie Osefo, the trailer also showed Karen Huger, who was released from prison in September 2025, nearly getting into a physical altercation with “RHOP” mainstay Gizelle Bryant.

The sneak peek showcased laughter, tears, and plenty of drama. One storyline fans will get an update on is Huger’s relationship with her husband, Ray Huger. Season 10 of “RHOP” didn’t show either of them because Karen Huger was in prison.

After serving six months for her DUI conviction, Huger returned to the show with a new perspective and ready to start a new journey that might not include her longtime partner, whom she once dubbed the “Black Bill Gates.” In the trailer, Huger is seen speaking with her co-stars and telling them she plans to “live separately from Ray.”

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Karen Huger Addressed Her Prison Sentence In The Upcoming Batch Of Episodes

Elsewhere in the trailer, Huger is seen addressing her time in prison, telling her castmates she now has “street cred” from being locked behind bars. “I wouldn’t f-ck with me,” she said in a confessional before adding, “If it could happen to me, it could happen to anybody.”

Months ago, Huger appeared on an episode of Sherri Shepherd’s now-canceled talk show, “Sherri,” and spoke about what’s changed in her life since being released from prison. “This is not a reflection of what God has done for me since I healed myself,” she said before speaking about the dangers of her behavior. “No one should drink and drive. I was wrong. Okay. I was absolutely dead wrong. I’m so grateful no one was killed.”

Wendy Osefo Is Getting Real About Her Legal Woes In The Next Season Of ‘RHOP’

Also in the trailer, Osefo was seen speaking to her inner circle about her ongoing legal woes involving her husband, Eddie.

According to The Blast, police arrested the pair in October 2025 and accused them of fraud. Since then, the reality TV couple have been in and out of court, attempting to have their case dismissed.

And if that wasn’t enough, Wendy and Eddie appear to be having marital difficulties this year, as the “Real Housewives” mainstay was challenged to think about whether her husband would be in the legal mess he’s in now had he not married her.

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Gizelle Bryant Bumps Heads With Huger In Explosive Argument

As for Bryant, the show’s longest-running cast member, she’s forced to overcome a surprise hurdle in her relationship with her best friend, Robyn Dixon, who returned to the series as a friend-of-the-show.

“I’m not with the bulls–t,” Dixon told her co-star before another clip shows the mother of two seemingly calling Bryant out for talking “sh-t” about something on an episode of their podcast, “Reasonably Shady.”

But Dixon isn’t the only one pressing Bryant this year. Later in the trailer, the latter is seen getting into a screaming match with Huger, yelling, “Have you lost your f-cking mind?” Huger, meanwhile, told Bryant from across the room that she is “dead to me!”

There’s A New Lady Joining ‘RHOP’

Amid the chaos, a new lady, Courtney Ajinça, joined the cast of “RHOP” for season 11. According to Bravo, Ajinça is an NBA wife, minister, and prophetess.

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Although she wasn’t featured much throughout the trailer, Ashley Darby teased in a confessional that Anjiça could be the source of plenty of drama, calling her “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.”

General Hospital has some leaks and we are bringing them for you from our behind-the-scenes source. This time, it’s mostly focused on character exits, deaths, and a return. We’re going to talk about several characters rumored to be leaving, some temporarily and some for good, like 10 toes up.

And just to be perfectly clear, I classify these as rumors. The leaker has a good track record. But these are not official spoilers. These leaks come from the same source who told us quite a while ago that Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) was going to be killed off, and that just panned out. Chris McKenna has called his exit rumors clickbait. But clearly they weren’t.

This same source also leaked Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) was Sam McCall’s (Kelly Monaco) killer way before it came out and a bunch of other stuff. So, with that in mind, we’re going to talk about some more exits our source says are coming, plus a return.

Kai Exits General Hospital

And first of all, just along with Brennan‘s exit, our leaker says that hot on the heels of that, Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) is also set to exit. Late last year, Jens Austin Astrup, who plays Kai, was dropped from contract to recurring. Back then, we heard that he was on his way out. The latest rumor said that Kai’s exit was delayed, along with a lot of other stuff that shifted.

This was because of the long breaks that Finola Hughes and Steve Burton were allowed to take. And if this rumor pans out and Kai exits, obviously that’ll be a bummer for Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Because she’s really going through it right now with her dad Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) being in Pentonville.

Plus, there’s the recent bombshell that just dropped that Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) was the second driver in Curtis and Jordan Ashford‘s (Tanisha Harper) accident. Of course, we all knew. But Trina’s just now finding out.

Trina’s Stalker Bombshell on GH

And then there’s the other bombshell yet to drop that Trina has an obsessed stalker. So, this is the worst time for her to lose somebody who is her support and who’s in her corner. And soon, Trina is going to need that support more than ever. And if Kai leaves, that’s going to be a hard hit for Trina. Currently, she and Kai are doing great. So, if his character leaves, I honestly suspect we’re going to see some sort of foul play involved.

If you remember, Simon (Grady Eldridge) just told Kai not to hold Trina back. And of course, there’s a chance that record label guy Simon is Trina’s stalker. So, it could be that Simon is pressuring Kai to dump Trina and walk away. Or what I feel like is more likely, Kai is killed off by Trina’s stalker. Whether the bad guy is Simon or whether it’s Quinn (Jequan Jackson), who’s another likely candidate. But that would be a really soapy outcome.

General Hospital LEAK: Ric Killed Off

The second exit that the leaker mentioned is Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). We’ve talked about that here before because we’d heard a while back that Rick Hearst may leave. But this was another exit that was rumored to be delayed because of the long breaks and it was supposed to happen a while back.

So, one leak said that Ric had a health crisis. The rumor said it was coming in Fall and it would be near fatal or possibly actually fatal. And this was intended to be a storyline to amp things up for Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard)’s storyline.

However, this leak contradicts another leak we heard from a good source that Ric was going to be fine and was supposed to be splitting with Liz and that he may reunite with his ex, Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn). So, we’ll see if one of those manifests. That being said, I don’t want Ric to go. I love him.

General Hospital: Willow Headed to the Nuthouse

All right, next. Let’s talk about Willow Tait Corinthos (Katelyn MacMullen). Our source says she’s supposed to be making a temporary exit this fall. Her contract renewal date is October unless they’ve already inked the deal. And we’ve heard that part of the negotiations was to get Willow some sort of exit to accommodate a break for the actress who’s been on the front burner a while.

So, reportedly she wanted a long break like what Finola Hughes got. And that may be why Willow is going off the canvas for a little while. It was originally about her wanting a break. But it may tie into these contract negotiations. And with the way Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) is coming for Willow, and Jack’s gone missing, you know, plus Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson)’s got her cornered, everything is falling apart for Willow.

So, it would make sense for her to have some kind of exit to face consequences for a while. With Brennan dead, the evidence against Drew is obscured for now, maybe forever. So, it’s just a question of what and who is finally going to take down Willow because she’s way overdue for consequences.

General Hospital: Drew Blindsides Willow

This week, Drew is over at her congressional office and he’s taunting his ex-wife. He may want to see Willow in Pentonville for drugging him because Drew can’t nail her for shooting him twice in the back. And that is because Willow already faced trial for that. And thanks to Alexis, she was acquitted. Not exonerated. But off the hook for those criminal charges because of double jeopardy.

But Willow and her drugging him and then Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) dumping Drew into the lake trying to drown him, those are all things he wants payback for. And if he doesn’t have to worry about that blackmail evidence, he could pursue that. So, Willow might be arrested or she has some big mental breakdown that could send her to Shady Brook or Ferncliff to facilitate her exit.

Who Moves in at the Quartermaine Gate House?

Our source also says when the actress goes on her break, the Quartermaine gate house is going to be free again and somebody else may move in. Our leaker also heard a while back, I think it was like in March, that the General Hospital writers were planning a Willow and Michael reunion with an Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon) and Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson) type vibe.

So, the temporary exit for Willow was also supposedly a proactive safety measure to protect the soap. So, in case the negotiations to renew didn’t work out and they needed time to recast the role, they could send Willow offscreen to Shady Brook or Ferncliff and then bring her back with a new face.

General Hospital: Michael & Willow 2.0

So, it’s all pretty exciting if General Hospital is going to go that route with Michael and Willow, honestly. Because it seemed like they might be on a road to reconciliation. They were sparking when Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell) drugged Willow with MDMA and she was being sweet to Michael and flirty. So, maybe Willow hitting rock bottom and having a breakdown and going to a mental health facility will ultimately bring her and Michael back together.

You know, maybe Willow can finally get a clear head if she spends time in intensive therapy and works through her messed up Shiloh Archer (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) teenage rape trauma. I feel like the Dawn of Day stuff and her dad being forced out is what made Willow vulnerable to Drew’s manipulations and all of his gaslighting.

So, if the therapist can fix Willow’s issues, maybe she and Michael could reunite and have a decent relationship. Honestly, there have been more toxic pairings on General Hospital that ended up in a reunion and worked out fine. So, we’ll see how it all plays out.

General Hospital: Tristan Connected to Britt

Our source has been really on point lately. Some more tidbits from the leaker include that Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) is supposed to be keeping an eye on Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) to see if she’s in contact with her dad Cesar Faison‘s (Anders Hove) network.

And rumor has it the reason Z (John Oliver) saved Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) and took him away was because Z wanted more info on Faison’s network from his son. Rumors point to JJE possibly having some subsidiaries also tied to Faison’s organization.

That’s why Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is involved in the WSB. Remember again, these are not official spoilers. File them under leaks and rumors and watch to see what happens on General Hospital as Port Charles heats up and we’ve got exits. We’ve got possible recast. We have a big return. Because Cassius is supposed to be back. Stay tuned for all of that.

I’ve learned the hard way that splurging on baby items before your little one arrives is probably a bad idea. For instance, who knew my kid would hate the multiple baby carriers I own, or that he prefers to sleep everywhere except his pricey crib? Even the fancy, expensive stroller I got has sat unused — it’s way too bulky and a pain to set up, which is why I’ve been (unofficially) testing travel strollers as we enter the toddler phase.

My requirements for the perfect stroller pick? It has to be lightweight, fold easily and — because I’m a fashion girl at heart — have a cute, sleek yet convenient design. That kind of combo does exist and, shockingly, it doesn’t cost thousands, especially now that this stroller is discounted during Amazon’s September Baby Sale. The Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller has completely changed my life.

Get the Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller for $190 (was $250) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Made from carbon fiber, this stroller weighs just 11.6 pounds, so even though I’m currently slacking on my fitness routine, I have no problem picking it up or toting it around. It’s also compact, folding neatly at the push of a button and fitting easily into the tote-like bag it comes with. I’ve brought this stroller on planes, where it fits in an overhead compartment, but I usually keep it in my car trunk since it takes up so little space. It’s now become my everyday go-to.

Sometimes, smaller strollers mean sacrificing storage space, but Mamazing’s design includes an under-seat basket that’s large enough to hold a backpack or diaper bag. It also has plenty of safety features like an easy-to-operate brake and a five-point harness that keeps my tiny escape artist secure. And while the material is soft and breathable, the canopy offers UV protection. Basically, this stroller checks all my boxes and then some!

I’m not the only fan of this parent must-have either. Plenty of Amazon reviewers sing its praises, saying the stroller is ideal for trips and beyond.

“Ordered this a year ago and it has been absolutely fantastic for traveling with a young child,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s easy to collapse and fits in the overhead compartment for planes. The travel bag is a plus (as we’ve stashed other items in with the stroller to get on flights), and it can be easily folded and unfolded one-handed.”

The shopper continued: “It’s held up through airport delays, Vegas, cruising, farmers’ markets and most other travel. We barely use the full-size stroller we have anymore because this one is so much more convenient to move around.”

Another shopper who calls it “the best travel stroller” wrote in a review: “This collapsible travel stroller has been one of the best purchases for our baby we’ve ever made. It is worth the money!”

They even highlight the compact, durable build and comfy design: “We’ve taken it around the country and on multiple planes and cruises. It has traveled on sandy, rocky and cobblestone streets with no problems. Our baby loves it and often falls asleep in it. With the ability to recline, it’s really easy for him to take naps, and he’s quite comfortable.”

While I use my stroller for my 15-month old, some have used it for much younger babies and older kids, too. According to brand guidelines, it’s ideal for those 6 months and up to 50 pounds, so if you see me still using it years from now, don’t be surprised!

For a limited time, this already reasonably priced stroller is on sale for $190. I got the green, but the gray, black and khaki are all so chic that I might have to purchase another one for Nonna and Grandpa, too! Trust me — it’s a worthy investment.

Get the Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller for $190 (was $250) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

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Related: 17 Amazon ‘Carpool Sets’ for Looking Put-Together in 30 Seconds

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I’m always looking for ways to make getting dressed easier, and I’m officially calling matching outfits my new ‘carpool sets.’ These throw-on-and-go combinations make you look put-together in about 30 seconds, even when the morning feels chaotic. Better yet, many of my favorite options work especially well for the tricky summer-to-fall stretch. I found 17 […]

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Lanterns Episode 4.

Superhero stories have become a staple of film and TV over the last few decades, but historically, the genre has struggled in one distinct way. Women too rarely play leading roles, and if they don’t, they’re usually sidelined. That’s not to say there are no good examples of female characters in superhero media, but there are few to choose from. While Lanterns star Poorna Jagannathan spoke about the issue in an upcoming interview for Collider Ladies Night, she also emphasized that the DCU’s latest show does something different for the superhero genre.

Lanterns primarily follows Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate suspicious events in the small town of Rushville, Nebraska. Yet, even with two male characters leading the story, the series doesn’t fall into the superhero genre’s most common trap. From Jagannathan’s Zoe to Jasmine Cephas Jones‘s Bernadette Stewart, Lanterns features complex women who play vital roles. In doing so, the DCU series proves the genre’s division between men’s and women’s stories is pointless.

The Superhero Genre Has Historically Struggled With Female Characters

The lack of women in the superhero genre has been discussed many times, but this goes beyond that. Jagannathan described the problem as “binary,” saying that “women’s stories are told in the women’s superhero [stories], and the men’s don’t.” While her explanation is simple, the truth appears throughout both DC and Marvel’s onscreen universes. Often, the women in male-led superhero content are designated as romantic interests or supporting characters. The result is a genre where women never get the narrative spotlight they deserve.

In the former DCEU, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) was set up as a fascinating character in her own film, but her next appearance in Justice League was far less remarkable, despite her being one of DC’s most iconic superheroes. Meanwhile, other women in the franchise, except Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), have limited significance to the stories they appear in. Reserving women’s stories for female-led projects significantly reduces the number of interesting characters in the genre. Worse, it creates a major divide between male-led and female-led projects.

‘Lanterns’ Takes a Different Approach to Its Female Characters

While this shortcoming is traditionally typical for the superhero genre, Lanterns takes a different path. The DCU series may primarily revolve around Hal Jordan and John Stewart, but several women carry significant narrative weight, including Bernadette Stewart, Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald), and Zoe Macon. As Jagannathan puts it, “I feel the female characters are given such weight and importance, and they are allowed to shine, which is very, very different from what I’ve seen in the past.” Although Lanterns hasn’t introduced a female superhero, these characters have a huge influence in the story, especially with Episode 4 all but confirming that Zoe is the Manhunter.

Lanterns’ portrayal of women stands out because they actively contribute to the series through their own choices rather than simply being connected to the male characters. Each of these three women has clear goals: Bernadette focuses on ensuring John’s future, Kerry is determined to protect her town, and Zoe holds on to her power by whatever means necessary. Admittedly, Bernadette’s role largely revolves around being John’s mother, yet her choices actively shape the direction of his story. The series may force viewers to question the morality of each woman’s actions, but they are allowed to be truly complex. This only increases their significance, reflecting the ambiguity the series is trying to explore. Lanterns is better because of the complex women it features, proving the superhero genre doesn’t need to separate stories by gender.

Lanterns is streaming on HBO Max with new episodes on Sundays.

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August 16, 2026

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Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, is temporarily stepping away from the spotlight. 

The singer-songwriter opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis over a year ago and has remained honest throughout her experience, keeping fans updated.  

However, it seems the vocal powerhouse needs some time to herself, amid dealing with a separation, raising her child, and navigating social media allegations. 

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The “Bang Bang” singer took to Instagram in an emotional post to reveal she would be taking a break from the public eye to focus on herself. 

“I want to start this post off by saying I am ok,” the caption began. “I am not at my best but very far from my worst,” she added, potentially making reference to her diagnosis. 

“It’s no secret that the last 2 years have been magical, successful, life-changing, and extremely busy,” Jessie J added, a few days after concluding her first tour in almost a decade. 

The 38-year-old has had a very eventful couple of years, from releasing her first album in 8 years, “Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time,” to moving back to her home country of England, and co-parenting her toddler Sky Colman with former partner Chanan Safir Colman.

However, she shared that it had taken a toll on her. “The past 2 years have taken a toll on parts of me that I haven’t had time to give space and grace to,” Jessie admitted.

“Now’s the time. Work has slowed down. So healing speeds up, please. So I’m tapping out of this [world] for a while and into my real one. To give my mind, body, and heart a well-needed hug.”

She also revealed that she would be undergoing her second cancer reconstruction surgery, explaining that this chapter is about loving herself, recharging, and being present. Jessie described the break as a “digital cleanse” 

“I’m posting this for the people who would give af that I haven’t posted or been active for a while,” she concluded.

Jessie J And Chanan Safir Colman Broke Up Earlier This Year

The singer’s choice comes as she continues to handle living as a single mother following her breakup with ex Colman.

E! News reported that in July, the couple announced their separation in a joint post, disclosing that it was a sad and difficult situation. They added they were navigating the situation privately for a healthy and happy co-parenting environment for their son.

“We will always continue supporting each other with love, respect and care as friends and most importantly being Sky’s Mum and Dad,” the statement read.

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Jessie J Had A Broken Neck Scare While On Tour In China 

Her breakup with Colman is one of several major challenges Jessie J has recently faced, as she had a health scare in March of this year. 

While on her “No Secrets Tour” in China, the singer bumped her head while getting into a van. She subsequently had to have an MRI.

She was scared that she had broken her neck, but she injured her neck and her back, according to The Blast.

The mother of one was heard saying to her team, “I’m alright, I’ll just have to take some painkillers and march right through it. I just want to kind of run down the show.”

Jessie J Has Been Candid On Her Experience With Cancer 

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The “Price Tag” singer has remained open about her health battle. The Blast reported that while performing at the Irving Plaza in New York City, she talked to the crowd about her breast cancer. 

She spoke on how 2025 was the year of perspective, joking that it was “rude” of her breasts to give her cancer 10 days before releasing her album. 

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The Grammy-nominated singer also had an encouraging message for anyone battling breast cancer, advising them to “hold the f-ck on” 

Jessie J Pushed Back Against Pregnancy Allegations 

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Her medical diagnosis isn’t the only personal thing the British pop star has addressed.

“I just have a little belly since Sky,” she wrote in reference to allegations that she was pregnant with her second child back in February. “BUT I also decided to wear a skin-tight catsuit on the last day of my period/ovulation bloatation day.”

She concluded that women could have bellies and not be pregnant, adding that it was an insane thought, per The Blast. 

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The past several decades in the private equity landscape have witnessed subtle but monumental forms of  change. The days of leveraged buyouts and balance sheet optimization have shifted to something  different—an industry that is increasingly reliant on operational expertise as a form of creating and sustaining value.  

The adoption of lean manufacturing, in particular, has helped usher in firms that are specifically focused  on building value rather than buying value. Analyzing the decades-long career of John Stewart— Founding & Managing Partner at MiddleGround Capital and a staple in the sphere of private equity since  2007—can help those newer to lean manufacturing understand the shift. 

Private Equity Firms Historically and Lean Manufacturing 

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Historically, creating value in private equity has depended on leverage. Firms typically raise capital and purchase organizations using the debt they’ve acquired. They then aim to improve the company they’ve  purchased in myriad ways before selling for a profit several years down the road. What mattered first and foremost was financial structuring. 

But higher interest rates and a vast increase in the competition for deals have led to the downfall of this model. And it’s forced many private equity firms to shift their operations in terms of generating capital.  That’s where operational value creation via lean manufacturing techniques has thrived. 

An evolution of the Toyota Production System, lean manufacturing is an approach that focuses on  minimizing waste while maximizing production and empowering frontline workers. Lean emphasizes the  Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, a concept that focuses on continuous improvement. Lean methods are proving particularly useful in industrial sectors that haven’t been fully optimized yet, which are the exact companies that many private equity firms look to purchase and reshape.  

John Stewart’s Trajectory and the Founding of MiddleGround 

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Since delving into the world of private equity in 2007, John Stewart’s career has been one that  exemplifies this shift toward lean manufacturing. While most private equity founders come from money or a background in finance, Stewart started his career as an hourly worker on Toyota’s factory floor.  

He ascended through the ranks and would eventually lead Toyota’s largest division in Europe before  making the transition into the world of finance and investing. That background was specifically what led  him to believe in lean manufacturing principles. To Stewart, the backbone of value creation lies in supply chains, production systems, and buy-in from a company’s workforce. He shaped MiddleGround Capital around that exact philosophy. 

His company’s approach differs from many traditional equity firms in that it relies on hands-on operational improvement. Much of the team at MiddleGround Capital is made up of experts from industrial backgrounds—workers who have developed expertise in shop-floor efficiency and inventory management. And they use their expertise at every level of the organization. 

Lean Manufacturing in MiddleGround and Other Firms’ Approach  

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In terms of operational value creation, lean manufacturing principles are critical to the MiddleGround  Capital’s approach. John Stewart’s aim has specifically been to introduce advanced forms of automation 

and standardize processes. With these additions, Stewart and his team have worked tirelessly to unearth  productivity levels in under-optimized companies.  

For instance, since 2023, MiddleGround has utilized an in-house automation team that specifically  identifies automation opportunities and supports safety improvements for the organizations they work  alongside. MiddleGround’s automation roadmaps have offered a holistic path forward for combining and replicating opportunities across various sectors. The goal is to have ownership teams at companies build  their automation plans from the ground up.  

MiddleGround’s focus on lean manufacturing and automation hasn’t been all about cost-cutting, either.  Instead, the company has emphasized that the implementation of lean principles can lead to increased  work outputs and improved wages for frontline workers. This approach runs in contrast to traditional  private equity firms, which often extract value at all costs.  

It’s not just John Stewart who has adopted this method, either. Private equity firms across the United  States and globally have implemented lean manufacturing principles to varying degrees of success. Just look at the philosophies and success of Core Industrial Partners and American Industrial Partners. Across  the board, lean is altering the way companies view value. There are firms that still place a high priority on  deal-making prowess—and there are firms that want to stimulate value through ethical execution and high  levels of expertise.  

How the Shift Impacts the Present and Future of Private Equity 

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So, how does this shift impact both the present and future of private equity operational value creation?  Firms that prioritize operational value tend to adopt longer-term perspectives and take more proactive measures with companies that require overhauling. They’re also prepared for economic fluctuations, as  their ROI is less dependent on beneficial financing conditions. This approach can especially be effective  in the industrial manufacturing sector, where issues tend to be structural. 

It must be noted that the lean manufacturing model is not without its challenges. It’s difficult to scale. It’s resource-intensive. And, more than anything, adopting a complete operational overhaul is incredibly complex. It requires an open mind, specific industrial know-how, and long-term investing acumen.  

Still, the rise of lean manufacturing principles in the private equity sector comes as a welcome and  encouraging shift. Firms like Alpine, Core Industrial Partners, American Industrial Partners, and John  Stewart’s MiddleGround Capital have seen exceptional results over the years and helped usher the  principles into the mainstream. And as financial engineering continues to develop and broaden its views,  the ability to improve how organizations operate from a lean perspective might lead to incredible value  creation in the future of private equity.

The “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom is already buzzing with controversy before the new season has even begun.

The ringer debate centers on whether contestants with serious dance backgrounds have an unfair head start. Since its debut in 2005, the competition has brought celebrities from wildly different backgrounds into the ballroom, each learning to navigate the demands of a style they may have never tried before.

The “Dancing with the Stars” ringer debate may be heated now, but questions about who has an advantage have followed the show for years.

Bobby Bones says he has noticed a pattern on “Dancing with the Stars” that continues to surprise him. In his post, he said he has seen contestants with years of dance training come onto the show and then describe ballroom as extremely difficult simply because they have never performed that particular style.

Bones made clear that he does not have a problem with trained dancers competing. His issue is with contestants acting as though having no ballroom experience means they have no dance advantage, despite already possessing skills such as rhythm, balance, flexibility, posture, body control, and spatial awareness.

He compared it to putting a professional baseball player into a slow-pitch softball game. The game may be different, but the athlete still knows how to track a ball, swing a bat, maintain balance, and generate power. For Bones, pretending that years of dance training offer no advantage is what he finds “a little insulting,” because it is “an obvious advantage.”

Fans Side With Bobby Bones Saying The ‘DWTS’ Advantage Is Impossible To Ignore

According to Bones’ Instagram post, the reaction from viewers echoed his argument, with one commenter writing, “Same for athletes from gymnastics and figure skating. Just admit the advantage and keep going.”

Another added, “I agree! They know how to dance! They will just get better and better with no struggle like the ones with no dance experience, but like you said it happens every season.”

A third commenter pushed the argument even further, writing, “You winning Dancing with the Stars was what the show was originally all about… someone coming on with no dance experience and learning ballroom dancing and winning.”

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The comments underline the tension at the heart of the debate. For some viewers, the appeal of “Dancing with the Stars” comes from watching people with little or no dance background learn ballroom from the ground up, making the presence of contestants with years of training a very different kind of competition.

Jenna Dewan Says ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Is A Different Kind Of Challenge 

The debate over dance experience has already put Jenna Dewan under a microscope, particularly because she spent years dancing professionally before becoming an actress. While Bobby Bones argues that contestants should acknowledge the advantage that training gives them, Dewan sees the issue differently.

The Blast reported that Dewan has insisted her previous dance background does not mean ballroom will come easily. “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she said, while acknowledging that her training helps with choreography and performance but also means she has to “unlearn” certain habits.

That defense gives the ringer debate another side. While some viewers see years of dance training as an obvious head start, Dewan believes switching into ballroom requires a completely different technique, keeping the argument over what truly counts as an unfair advantage very much alive.

The Casting Controversy Goes Beyond Dance Experience

The questions surrounding Season 35 are not limited to who has spent years dancing. The Blast reported that some contestants are also paying attention to the relationships certain cast members already have within the “Dancing with the Stars family,” adding another layer to the fairness debate.

One connection reportedly drawing attention is Jenna Dewan’s friendship with judge Derek Hough. The two previously worked together on “World of Dance” and “ABC’s Step Into…The Movies”, with an insider describing them as “more or less besties.”

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Tatyana Ali has also reportedly raised questions because of her longtime friendship with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, who played her brother on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

One source claimed that familiarity could give Ali an advantage through their existing bond, meaning the conversation around Season 35 is no longer just about dance training, but also about who may already have an inside connection to the show.

Jenna Johnson Said More Than Dance Could Decide ‘Dancing With The Stars’

With dance experience and personal connections already fueling questions about Season 35, Jenna Johnson believes the ballroom race cannot be reduced to either one. Different contestants can arrive with strengths that have little to do with professional dance training.

The Blast reported that Johnson has pointed to athletic stamina, acting ability, musicality, and even fan support as factors that can shape a contestant’s run. In other words, knowing how to dance may help, but it is only one piece of a much bigger competition.

That could be the most important distinction in the entire ringer debate. Everyone may enter with some kind of advantage, but the Mirrorball Trophy still requires contestants to handle live performances, learn quickly, and connect with viewers.

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With so many different factors now in play, could “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 finally prove that the biggest advantage is not always the most obvious one?

“First Take” host Stephen A. Smith is furious with his former ESPN colleagues, Jemelle Hill and Cari Champion. According to Smith, he was asked to appear on Champion and Hill’s podcast, “Flagrant and Funny,” and said he agreed only because he was promised the entire interview would be released unedited. According to him, that did not happen. So, on his “Straight Shooter” segment, the ESPN mainstay laid into them both, calling them out for allegedly going against their agreed-upon terms.

A simple thank you would have sufficed. pic.twitter.com/nnt7kP6Yey

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 6, 2026

“Something that happened alarmed me and it’s going to alter the way I decided to do business moving forward with you two,” Smith said during the segment, which has been shared online. “Before the interview took place, I specifically requested that the entire interview from start to finish be unedited and was promised that that would occur.”

According to Smith, an “amateur can look at the show … and can see clearly it’s been edited.” Smith said he found the encounter disheartening because “somebody on their team assured somebody on my team that it would be unedited because I didn’t want any edits. I wanted everybody to see every word that was uttered, I wanted them to see every facial expression … that didn’t happen.”

Smith Says His Alleged Encounter With Ex-ESPN Staffers Has Changed The Way He’ll Do Business Moving Forward

In addition to the YouTube interview with Smith, Hill, and Champion, which included some edits, the “First Take” host said he was disappointed that the comments on the video had been disabled.

“The comments were turned off. Why is that? I didn’t expect that,” he said. “You see, if you’re going to come at me, especially after I gave you three hours of my life, could you at least have honored my request. I have nothing to hide. As I assured y’all, I said some things Cari flat out denied. I cant speak to her memory. I can only speak to my facts.”

Smith went on to say that he would not be “doing any more interviews on YouTube without folks agreeing” to terms, including posting the unedited interview, leaving the comment section open, and providing him with a copy of the video.

Why Stephen A. Smith Thinks Hill And Champion Should Thank Him For Appearing On His Podcast

According to Smith, he is bothered by how his appearance on Hill and Champion’s podcast played out, noting that his presence gave them more attention than ever.

The 58-year-old noted that before he agreed to appear on “Flagrant and Funny,” the show had 9,000 subscribers on YouTube. Following his episode, it had 30,000.

“They’ve had over 1 million views [and] 500,000 over YouTube, but Cari Champion is saying she doesn’t know if [if their conversation] did them any good,” he said. “A simple thank you would have sufficed. That would have been nice.”

He continued, “I did take time out of my busy schedule. How many people do you know that sit down with somebody for three hours? But that’s what I did, because of my respect for two former colleagues. and in the case of one, which is that of Cari Champion, reciprocation seems to be a hard thing to come by. Fine.”

Hill Responds To Smith

I hate to even address this because it’s feeding a false narrative. The FULL interview is out on iHeart, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and has been that way from the beginning. An editing mistake occurred involving the video — and no, Cari and I don’t have… https://t.co/v01RQ96GaH

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 7, 2026

Smith’s fiery response to Hill and Champion caught the attention of many, including NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, who shared the ESPN staple’s comments on his social media page.

Hill responded following Shaq’s post and dismissed Smith’s “false narrative.” She explained that the “FULL interview” has been shared on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, or “where you get your podcasts and has been that way from the beginning.”

Hill confirmed that a portion of the video had been edited due to a production mistake. “This mistake was shared with Stephen A’s team, and they were also provided a full transcript as well as told exactly how it happened. Nothing nefarious occurred. Trust me, there is no smoking gun in the unseen video footage and you can go to the audio and listen for yourselves. The 20 minutes that is alleged to be missing is ALL there in the audio version,” she finished.

Champion Issues What Appears To Be A Sarcastic Response

Few shows have managed to take television by storm the way Breaking Bad did. Vince Gilligan’s neo-Western crime drama gave the world one of the most iconic antiheroes of all time and constantly raised the bar with each season. For all its strengths, though, Breaking Bad is also a very specific kind of show. It often leans into the spectacle of violence, carefully engineered payoffs, and a central character arc that takes over the narrative most of the time.

There’s no denying that the show is as gripping as it gets, but it’s not the only way to tell a great crime story. Here is a list of six crime shows that take a less spectacle-esque approach to the genre, with writing that feels much more layered than Breaking Bad.

1

‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)

Image via Prime Video

Crime dramas love to promise realism, but very few of them actually deliver it. Bosch is definitely the latter, and in doing so, it set a standard that very few series in the genre have managed to reach. The show, based on Michael Connelly’s iconic novels, follows homicide detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) as he takes on impossible cases. Each episode follows a simple crime-of-the-week formula, but underneath that, the narrative is constantly building up to something bigger. Bosch is a masterclass in storytelling and builds a world that genuinely feels lived-in and real.

The show never rushes toward twists and does a great job of weaving Bosch’s personal arcs with the cases that he is juggling. The protagonist isn’t written as the perfect hero either. However, he is presented as someone who is unwilling to compromise on justice, even if he has to challenge the very system he is trying to protect. Bosch is a show that trusts its writing and rewards the audience for their patience. It’s not really trying to reinvent the genre, but instead, it attempts to refine it to a point where nothing feels unintentional.

2

‘Happy Valley (2014–2023)

Image via BBC

Happy Valley is easily one of the most underrated crime thrillers of modern times. The show is set in a small English town and wastes no time in establishing its extremely high stakes. The series follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she grieves her daughter’s suicide, raises her grandson, and is ultimately forced to confront the man responsible for destroying her family. Things begin with a kidnapping case that quickly spirals into something personal, with every investigation pulling Catherine deeper into the chaos.

The show doesn’t treat crime as some puzzle to be solved but as a vehicle that exposes the emotional fallout beneath it all. Catherine and Tommy Lee Royce’s (James Norton) tense dynamic is the fuel of the story, and this central conflict only gets more intense with time. Happy Valley isn’t an easy show to watch, and the characters are pushed to their limits in ways that feel uncomfortably real. However, that is what gives the show its integrity. This is a crime drama that refuses to rely on constant escalation and lets the character arcs take center stage.

3

‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)

Image via Patrick Redmond / © ITV/BBC America / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Broadchurch begins with a fairly simple premise when the body of 11-year-old Danny Latimer is found on the beach in a small coastal town. However, that kicks off an intense investigation led by Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). From there, the show evolves from a simple murder mystery to a haunting exploration of grief and how crimes like these can poison an entire community. Broadchurch stays closely tied to Danny’s family, especially his mother Beth, played by the brilliant Jodie Whittaker.

Every episode builds on the central mystery, and the viewers slowly uncover long-buried secrets beneath the town’s perfect exterior. The narrative expands beyond just finding the killer as friends and family members turn on each other, people’s private lives become fodder for the media, and even the detectives find themselves entangled in all the drama. The storytelling feels layered and immersive, even when the show moves beyond Danny’s case. Broadchurch understands that the mystery is only part of the story, and what truly stays with the audience is the aftermath.

4

‘Gomorrah’ (2014–2021)

Image via Fandango

Gomorrah is an Italian crime drama that drops the viewers right into the Neapolitan underworld. The series follows Ciro Di Marzio (Marco D’Amore), a loyal member of the Savastano crime clan led by Pietro Savastano (Fortunato Cerlino). At first, it’s clear that Pietro’s son, Gennaro (Salvatore Esposito), is being groomed to take over. However, that power structure collapses when Pietro is arrested, and Ciro and Gennaro find themselves on opposite sides of a full-blown civil war. Gomorrah feels brutally authentic in its portrayal of this kind of violence. No character in the show is black-and-white, and the audience has to sit with that discomfort.

The show lets every little beat unfold with extreme precision as relationships fracture and reform over time instead of relying on quick and constant action. Even secondary characters are given enough depth that their rise or fall feels important to the overall story. At the same time, though, none of them come with any kind of plot armor, which adds to the show’s constant sense of unpredictability. The series is one of the most grounded takes on the genre. It’s unpredictable and honest about the consequences of power, which is why it resonates in a way most crime dramas don’t even attempt.

5

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Image via Anthony Neste; HBO, Everett Collection

Everyone can agree that The Sopranos changed crime television forever. The HBO series pushed boundaries and laid the groundwork for the kind of character-driven storytelling that shows like Breaking Bad would take inspiration from. The show follows New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), as he balances the demands of his criminal empire with his responsibilities as a husband and father. Now, that premise is immediately complicated because the story begins with Tony seeking therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) to deal with his panic attacks and the constant pressure he is under. That allows the story to move between Tony’s mob operations and his internal conflicts.

As the show progresses, the narrative expands beyond just that and explores power shifts within the crime family, tensions between crews, and the protagonist’s increasingly blurred professional and personal lives. The Sopranos doesn’t just follow all this — it also examines the cost of the life Tony has chosen to live. The writing isn’t always easy to understand, but the audience has to pay attention to the subtext and gray areas. The Sopranos never aims to shock its audience or stay ten steps ahead of them. The show takes a restrained, thoughtful approach to storytelling that remains unmatched to this day.

6

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Image via HBO Max

The Wire is yet another genre-defining crime drama and one of the most realistic stories ever told on television. The show is set in Baltimore and begins with Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) leading a police investigation into the city’s drug trade. However, The Wire is way more than the typical cop-versus-dealers story where the good guys take the bad guys down. Instead, the narrative paints a larger picture of how the city’s drug trade isn’t an isolated problem because of how different political systems and institutions shape and sustain this cycle.

Each season expands this ecosystem and shifts focus to a new part of the city while still tying everything back to the same idea: systemic failure is the catalyst for just about everything. The approach is effective because of how deliberately the writing leans into bureaucratic constraints that the detectives have to work against. The police work is constantly slowed down by paperwork, personal grudges derail investigations, and people are forced to compromise just to survive. The show layers these small details over time until the larger problem becomes impossible to ignore. This kind of nuance is exactly what has helped The Wire stand the test of time.

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The Wire

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Release Date

2002 – 2008-00-00

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Network

HBO

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Directors

Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright

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