An Arizona Shake Shack employee was arrested on Wednesday (August 5) after he allegedly robbed the restaurant where he worked. Keondre Simmons, 33, was arrested in the parking lot of the Shake Shack when he returned for his shift.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Texas Customers Sue Popeyes For Over $1.5M After Allegedly Finding “Condom-Like Foreign Object” In Chicken

Shake Shack Employee Allegedly His Robs Own Restaurant

Keondre Simmons was arrested at the Shake Shack near Scottsdale and Greenway Road, according to ABC15 Arizona. The Shake Shack employee was caught when he returned for his shift two days after the armed robbery.

Simmons reportedly robbed two of his co-workers at gunpoint on Monday, August 3, by entering through the delivery door in the back. According to KTAR, he rang the delivery doorbell and pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the co-worker who answered and forced them into the walk-in cooler.

Afterward, he allegedly directed the Shake Shack manager to open the restaurant’s safe and give him the cash, which was only $2,800.

Furthermore, he locked both Shake Shake employees in the cooler and made them kneel. Afterward, he took their cellphones and a landline phone before throwing the devices into a water-filled sink.

Simmons’ Co-Worker Recognized Him

Both of Simmons’ co-workers reportedly told the police that the Shake Shack had called out sick the same day. They added that the armed robber’s voice, physical characteristics, and knowledge of the restaurant were consistent with Simmons.

Not only that, the two workers also noted that the robber knew where the gloves and cleaning wipes were kept in the store, and he also knew where the walk-in cooler latch was located.

The Shake Shack employee was arrested in the parking lot wearing his uniform when he returned to work two days after he allegedly robbed the store.

Folks React By Roasting Simmons On Social Media

After the story was shared on TikTok, folks could not help but laugh at Simmons’ misfortune as they wondered what he was thinking in the comment section.

One user wrote, “I’m crying why is he still in his shake shack shirt 😭.”

Another added, “he showed up for his shift???? again????😂😂😂😂😂😂 omg.”

“not him in the shake shack shirt lmfaooooooo,” laughed another.

One TikTok user added “He did a shake down at the shake shack 😳.”

One user joked, “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids; 🙈😂🤣🤷🏾‍♀️🫱🏾‍🫲🏾😮‍💨.”

“For 3k is wild 😂,” noted one.

One user joked, “left saying see yall in 2 days 😭.”

Another noted, “How you going to get fired on your day off?”

“Showing up for his next shift is crazy work.😳,” added another.

One replied, “Like they won’t recognize him!?”

Another joked, “Keandre that u??”

Simmons reportedly told investigators that he got rid of the clothes he wrote during the armed robbery. In addition, he allegedly told the authorities the gun was at his home. They obtained a search warrant and discovered a semi-automatic handgun and cash.

@abc15arizona

A Phoenix man is accused of robbing the Scottsdale Shake Shack he works at, and he was arrested two days later when he showed up for his next shift. Ford Hatchett has more from the court paperwork on the brazen crime.

♬ original sound – ABC15Arizona – ABC15Arizona

RELATED: Huh?! Delaware Woman Allegedly Robs Wendy’s And Is Caught After Returning For AirPod

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 10, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Jon Hamm and wife Anna Osceola are expecting their first baby together. The actress was photographed showing a growing bump during a Hamptons getaway in August 2026. The couple met while filming the Mad Men series finale in 2015 and married in summer 2023.

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• Joseph and Kendra Duggar have withdrawn their not guilty pleas in their respective child endangerment cases, a legal move that allows the pair to enter guilty or no contest pleas. The couple was charged in March with endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment.

• Colombian influencer Sofia Murillo died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro alongside her mother, Wendy Manrique, and grandmother Rocio Cubillos on August 8. The pilot, Alessandro Rocha, also died after the aircraft crashed into a wooded area and exploded during a scenic tour.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Reacher, Prime Video’s exhilarating action thriller crime jewel, is back for its fourth season, and it’s more muscular and unforgiving than ever. Based on the highly successful book series by Lee Child, the show sees the return of Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, a former U.S. Army military police major with a high intellect, hulking figure, eye for detail, and a propensity for getting involved in dangerous situations.

Season 4 of Reacher continues the show’s trend of delivering intriguing mysteries elevated by thrilling, aggressive action, showcasing Ritchson’s impressive physicality while introducing a fantastic assortment of new characters. With its fourth chapter, Reacher goes full neo-noir, embracing the genre’s fatalistic, gloomy approach while staying true to its action roots. The result is the show’s bleakest, most furious, and most demanding season so far, a mystery thriller that will have audiences on edge — and, perhaps for the first time, genuinely worried about its lead character.

What Is ‘Reacher’ Season 4 About?

Season 4 starts with Reacher boarding a near-empty subway in Philadelphia late one night. There, he witnesses the suicide of a distressed woman who rebuffs his attempts at helping her when he tells her he’s a cop. Reacher is escorted to the local precinct, where he meets Detective Tamara Green (Sydelle Noel) and her partner, Detective Shaun Docherty (Kevin Corrigan). Unable to let go of the case and feeling somewhat responsible for failing to help the woman, Reacher finds himself involved in a much bigger mystery involving multiple deceptive parties, a potentially corrupt politician, the CIA, and a flash drive that everyone seems to want, no matter how many lives are lost in the pursuit.

Season 4’s ensemble also includes Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette as Jacob, a small-town police officer and the brother of the deceased who joins Reacher in search of answers. Indonesian superstars Agnez Mo and Anggun play Lila and Amisha Hoth, two women who become unexpectedly involved in the case. Kevin Weisman co-stars as Russell Plum, a disgraced freelance journalist working in Washington, D.C., alongside Marc Blucas as congressman and U.S. presidential candidate John Sampson and Kathleen Robertson as Sampson’s icy wife, Elsbeth. Nick Santora returns as showrunner and writer, this time adapting 2009’s Gone Tomorrow, the thirteenth novel in Child’s series.

‘Reacher’ Season 4 Has the Show’s Most Complex Mystery So Far

Image via Jessica Kourkounis/Prime

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Narratively, Reacher Season 4 is the most intricate so far. There are many moving parts — too many, perhaps — and not all make sense. Yet, the mystery itself is so compelling that any weak spots are easy to forgive. Whereas previous seasons focused on relatively straightforward narratives with a clear baddie at the end, Season 4 opts for a less straightforward approach, featuring multiple unreliable elements connected to the opening scene in unclear ways. With Season 4, Reacher fully wades into the neo-noir genre, complete with femmes fatales, beaten cops, lying authority figures, and a morally compromised protagonist who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery.

Whereas every previous season has featured a story closely linked to Reacher’s past, this one is completely disconnected from any personal connection. Reacher just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his attempts to de-escalate the situation unwittingly lead to tragedy. Even so, Season 4 is perhaps the best encapsulation of who Reacher is as a character: unstoppable, laser-focused, and with a life-risking need to find answers. Once he’s in, there’s no way to get him out; that’s just Reacher.

Action-wise, there’s more of what we’ve come to expect from Ritchson’s juggernaut. The fight scenes are gritty and savage: you hear bones crack and see so much blood splattering that you can almost smell the iron. You can also see the weight of the years in Ritchson’s performance. For the first time, Reacher feels vulnerable; he’s still a mountain of a man who can crack someone’s skull with his bare hands, but, without entering into spoiler territory, let’s just say he gets his ass kicked — a lot. The show is also getting far more creative with its kills, flirting with the self-aware nature of slashers without quite embracing their lunacy.

Season 4 also delivers Reacher‘s best and most elaborate action set pieces. At the season’s midpoint, Reacher finds himself pursued by the entire city of Philadelphia, leading to a nearly 10-minute-long chase sequence in an episode directed by Gary Fleder that ranks among the best the show has ever pulled off. What it lacks in style, it more than makes up for in near-unbearable tension. Like the season overall, it has many moving parts that keep the anxiety high and the adrenaline pumping.

‘Reacher’ Season 4 Has One Hell of an Ensemble Cast

As with previous seasons, Reacher finds much of its strength through its ensemble. This time, Ritchson is accompanied by a collection of very well-defined supporting players, each one with something to contribute to the narrative. Noel is perfect as the driven Detective Green, with Corrigan providing perfect balance as her more disinterested partner. In Reacher‘s world, cops can make a difference, and the best operate under a strict code and answer to a higher calling. Noel’s Tamara fits this approach to a T, and it’s great to see her working right alongside the show’s lead.

Marquette’s Jacob is the perfect Reacher companion: he’s not exactly useless, but he’s certainly not useful. Yet, he’s the season’s emotional core, and his quest to avenge his sister provides a human, relatable element amid the chaos. Weisman’s Russell Plum serves as Season 4’s tech expert, selling it while also carving out a role for himself in a story that never stops long enough to catch its breath. It’s near-impossible to discuss the other characters without entering spoiler territory, but suffice to say that both Mo and Anggun are perfectly utilized and Blucas is a solid addition as the hard-to-pin-down Sampson.

Yet, for all its strengths in casting, it’s hard not to miss Maria Sten‘s Frances Neagley. Season 4 is the first installment not to feature her in any capacity, and her absence is sorely noticed, especially because there are several times throughout the story when it would have made sense for Reacher to call on his long-time ally for help. Sure, Plum acts as a substitute, tech-wise, and Neagley is getting a spin-off to showcase the character in all her badass glory. However, she’s crucial to the Reacher franchise, and this season very much proves it. Similarly, it’s hard not to wish that Robertson’s elusive, stoic Elsbeth Sampson earned more to do, considering she’s the season’s most interesting character.

‘Reacher’ Season 4 Keeps the Show Fresh and More Engaging Than Ever

Image via Prime Video

Reacher Season 4 is further proof that, four years in, the show keeps finding ways to stay fresh. Yet it’s also the most challenging installment so far because of how willing it is to get really bleak. Countless people die, many of whom are just victims of really bad luck, starting with the character whose suicide triggers the whole thing but certainly not ending there. The inescapable pull and senselessness of violence break even the strongest spirit. The villains are probably the cruelest and most despicable in Reacher so far, and their crime spree has so much carnage that catharsis seems near-impossible.

Ultimately, Reacher Season 4 stays true to itself by delivering a fistful of rageful, determined justice that will have you cheering through gritted teeth. Here’s hoping Season 5 reaches the same levels of sheer excitement and narrative complexity, because if the show keeps up this pace, Reacher is headed for all-timer territory.

Reacher Season 4 premieres August 12 on Prime Video.

The best thing about ’90s fashion? It never tried too hard. Simple silhouettes, minimalist details and shoes that somehow looked cool with absolutely everything are having a major comeback, and Amazon is quietly full of styles that capture the same effortless energy.

We’re eyeing shoe picks like glossy jelly sandals, woven mesh mules and sleek square-toe flip-flops you’ll wear on repeat. Whether your style leans more Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Kate Moss or Jennifer Aniston, these picks fit right in. The chic Amazon sandals we’re shopping make recreating the decade’s iconic style easier than ever, especially since they start at $15, .

These ’90s-Style Sandals Will Be Your New Obsession

1. Our Favorite: Equal parts nostalgic and chic, these clear jelly flats look like something straight out of a ’90s fashion campaign. They’re surprisingly versatile, pairing just as well with slip dresses and linen pants as they do with denim shorts.

2. Timeless Tortoiseshell: Classic style meets cool vibes with these glossy jelly flip-flops. The rich-looking tortoiseshell finish gives the nostalgic shoe a fashion-forward feel.

3. Double-Buckle Beauty: The best trends are the ones that come back looking even better. These double-buckle sandals pair vintage-inspired tortoiseshell with an effortlessly cool round-toe silhouette.

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Related: 17 Chic Amazon Tops That Channel Major Hamptons Energy — From $14

Some outfits just have that expensive, East Coast ease about them. Think breezy linen pants, white-wash denim, tailored shorts and effortless tops that make it look like you spend every weekend in the Hamptons — even if you’re nowhere near the coast. The good news? You don’t need a vacation home or a designer budget […]

4. Minimalist Must-Have: The best ’90s outfits we’ve seen start with simple accessories. These strappy flat sandals add that same understated polish to any warm-weather look.

5. Elevated Essential: Love the look of heels but not the pain? These platform thong sandals give you a little extra height while staying comfortable enough for all-day wear.

6. Understated Icon: No logos, no embellishments, no fuss. These sleek black flip-flops let their modern square toe do all the talking.

7. Woven Wonder: These woven mesh mules provide a fresh take on one of the prettiest shoe trends in the ’90s. The open weave makes them feel light and breathable on warm days.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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Related: The Chicest Shoes ‘It’ Girls Are Wearing Are Hiding in This Secret Sale

The fastest way to make your wardrobe feel current and fresh is by updating your shoes. Yes, we said it! This year’s biggest trends strike the perfect balance between timeless and fashion-forward style, making these shoes worth wearing well beyond one season. Fortunately, Aldo is offering all of them at prices that are hard to […]

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The pending third season of HBO‘s prestige drama, Big Little Lies, feels slightly more imminent, with a new sequel book by author Liane Moriarty releasing this summer. Hitting shelves on August 25th, Big Little Truths will be the second installment in the series, and Moriarty’s first-ever sequel. The book picks up with the Monterey Five a decade after the events of the original novel, and will serve as the source material for Season 3. Like its predecessor, Big Little Truth’s premise is anchored in fraught family dynamics. With their children now in the throes of teenagehood, the tightly bonded group of moms is facing enough drama at home, but when an inquisitive stranger begins lurking around the high school and the principal receives a severed human finger in the mail, buried secrets and long-avoided truths are bound to be exhumed.

One of HBO’s most star-studded series, Big Little Lies has been inching toward its third season in piecemeal fashion for over five years, with rare in-development updates keeping fans hypervigilant, but largely in the dark about the who, what, and when of the project. At least part of the reason for the stalled progress can be attributed to HBO waiting for Moriarty to complete the second novel before moving forward in earnest. Moriarty previously wrote an unpublished novella to lay the groundwork for Season 2 of Big Little Lies, which affirms the key role the author continues to play in ideating where the series goes next.

‘Big Little Lies’ is a Perfect Example of Book-to-Screen Cross-Pollination

Image via Penguin Random House

Big Little Lies has developed a rather rare and amicable relationship with its source material in two seasons. Season 1 was, on the whole, well-received as a faithful screen adaptation. There are some discrepancies, to be sure. For instance, the book is set in a fictional coastal town in Australia, while the show is memorably set in Monterey, California. The show also adds in affair plots that were not in Moriarty’s story. In the book, Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) never has a workplace tryst with the community theater director, Joseph Bachman (Santiago Cabrera). Certainly, all the marriages depicted in the show are tottering or dicey, turning up the dial on domestic turmoil.

For Season 2, Liane Moriarty moved into an executive producer role for Big Little Lies, which brought her closer to the creative mapping of the drama series that was then operating largely off-book. The author’s unpublished novella work launched the captivating character Mary Louise Wright (Meryl Streep), mother of Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgård). Mary Louise was unabashedly written with Streep in mind, handing HBO a new female lead crafted around an actor who would further elevate the series’ already first-rate casting. The pivotal introduction of the formidable mother-in-law undeniably shaped the trajectory of Season 2, which focused on the aftermath of Perry’s death and Celeste’s fight to keep custody of her two boys.

Since 2019, the Big Little Lies creative exchange has, too, begun moving in the opposite direction. Most notably, Laura Dern‘s Emmy-winning portrayal of Renata Klein inspired Moriarty to give the character a larger role in Big Little Truths. Dern made Renata such a remarkable force and fan-favorite on screen that the book sequel had to match her energy moving forward. Big Little Truths, therefore, is not simply returning to the same character contours the author left off with in 2014. Moriarty is now writing within a terrain that has been positively shaped by the choices HBO made with her characters. In other words, the TV adaptation is now influencing the author’s creative process, not just vice versa.

Replacing Director Jean-Marc Vallée May Be Season 3’s Biggest Challenge

With the publication of Big Little Truths, the biggest outstanding issue now facing the successful continuation of the TV show is not a matter of source material, but the fact that creative control is up for grabs. The death of Season 1 director Jean-Marc Vallée in 2021 was a significant loss for HBO. Vallée, who also directed HBO’s masterful limited series, Sharp Objects, had an unparalleled eye for infusing a character’s memories and traumas into intricately layered visual storytelling. Zoë Kravitz praised Vallée as the visionary behind the show back in 2022, echoing the heartbreaking challenge of moving forward into a third season without him.

Even though Season 2 of Big Little Lies brought in a different director, Andrea Arnold, to direct all seven episodes, Vallée’s influence on the finished product was of paramount importance, so much so that some behind-the-scenes controversy ensued. Arnold spoke out in 2019 about losing creative control in post-production as Vallée stepped in to substantially re-edit her footage. Seemingly, this was always the plan by showrunner, David E. Kelley, who didn’t want to change the visual tone and identity established by Vallée in Season 1. Unfortunately, the creative team got their wires crossed, with Arnold being widely misled about the extent to which she could exact her own vision for the show.

Clearly, the legacy of Jean-Marc Vallée looms large over Season 3 of Big Little Lies. Whoever takes up the directorial reins will have to strike a delicate balance. Simply imitating the first-season aesthetic is no longer an option, nor is a huge tonal shift that makes the new season feel too divergent from the series that audiences originally connected with. That is to say, Big Little Lies’ reinvention crossroads after a substantial hiatus must avoid the Euphoria trajectory, in which a third-season stylistic pivot loses touch with the show’s original spark.

Altogether, the release of Big Little Truths is a key milestone on the (long) road to Season 3 that will, at the very least, allow fans a much-needed sneak peek into the potential plot arcs, new characters, and creative possibilities surrounding the Monterey Five. The 10-year time jump gives Season 3 plenty of room to evolve, but also raises the stakes for whoever takes the director’s chair. The pitfalls of television time jumps are many, including pacing issues, recasting, and exposition dumping, but Big Little Lies does have a unique advantage for continuity: Liane Moriarty has already done much of the heavy lifting in terms of character development through Big Little Truths. Accordingly,this​​​​​long-awaited sequel may finally kickstart Season 3’s production in the latter half of this year, while still reminding us, above all, that good things take time.

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2017 – 2026-00-00

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HBO

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Directors

Jean-Marc Vallee, Andrea Arnold

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T. Rafael Cimino

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Dr. Umar Johnson has gone live with his thoughts, saying Ben Crump and Reverend Al Sharpton‘s approach to the investigation into the death of Nolan Wells has been “too soft.”

RELATED: Warren Hudson’s Dad Releases Audio Of Apparent Threats Received By His Family Amid Investigation Into Death of Nolan Wells

Dr. Umar Says Ben Crump & Rev. Al Sharpton’s Approach To Investigation Into Death Of Nolan Wells Has Been “Too Soft”

On Saturday, August 8, the ‘Art of Dialogue’ released an almost one-and-a-half-hour sit-down with Dr. Umar Johnson via YouTube. The sitdown was aimed to highlight Dr. Umar’s thoughts on the disappearance and death of Nolan Wells. About an hour into the interview, Dr. Umar shared his thoughts on Ben Crump and Reverend Al Sharpton’s handling of the case.

Furthermore, he explained that he believes the figures should have called for the investigation to be led by the FBI rather than the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, Dr. Umar explained that he feels Crump and Sharpton have been “too humble… too docile… too meek… too soft.”

“You are dealing with Mississippi, and you have not activated any street protests,” he added. “Sister Christine and Brother Nolan are not going to get justice… if Benjamin Crump doesn’t activate a street protest.”

Ultimately, he asserted, “It is time for Ben Crump and Al Sharpton to activate a street activism campaign.”

Dr. Umar Shares His Thoughts On Another Case In Mississippi & Why Ben Crump & Rev. Al Sharpton “Need To Turn Up The Heat”

As he continued sharing his thoughts, Dr. Umar Johnson highlighted the recent discovery of the body of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune. This, in Jackson, Mississippi. As The Shade Room previously reported, Fortune was found hanging from a tree in the backyard of a vacant property. Furthermore, the discovery was made on Monday, August 3. According to ABC7 Los Angeles, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on Fortune’s body. However, her family does not believe she unalived herself.

During his interview, Dr. Umar claimed that Fortune’s body was hanging for four days. Additionally, he claimed that the Mississippi State Medical Examiner already ruled Fortune’s death a homicide. His claim appears unfounded. However, he stated that this ties into the Nolan Wells investigation.

“Every time a Black person is found hanging in Mississippi, she wants to rule it a suicide. You know why? If you rule it a suicide, you don’t have to investigate,” Dr. Umar alleged. “…So Ben Crump and Al Sharpton need to turn up the heat under Sheriff Ledbetter’s office… because they are dragging their feet. They are not taking this investigation seriously. It is too quiet [and] we don’t know anything.”

He Also Shares Why Verdict In Death Of Nolan Wells Shouldn’t Be Determined By Grand Jury

Before the interview concluded, Dr. Umar Johnson referenced District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stating that Nolan Wells’ state autopsy and toxicology reports will remain sealed until they’re reviewed by a grand jury. Per the District Attorney, the procedure is standard for non-natural deaths. Per Dr. Umar, that’s a “big problem.”

“That’s what happened with Karmelo Anthony,” he said. “… A grand jury proceeding is a relatively secret process. You don’t even know who’s on the grand jury… we won’t even know who they are, and we won’t even know how they came to their decision… What is Ben Crump ready to do? What is Al Sharpton ready to do if the grand jury returns no indictments on anybody at all for the death of Nolan Wells?”

Ultimately, Dr. Umar concluded by asking if Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton will be “ready to march” then. Additionally, he stated that he believes Nolan Wells was unalived on the boat with his friends, and then dumped into the water, “to make it look like a drowning.” Additionally, he said his next theory is that Wells was killed, his body was held overnight, and then dumped the next day or on another island near Horn Island.

Watch the full interview below.

RELATED: Teens Who Traveled With Nolan Wells Reportedly Launch Search Of Horn Island As Ben Crump Reacts To Them Hiring Trump Attorney

Last week, one of the most important shows on Apple TV finally returned after three years away. The acclaimed sports series, Ted Lasso, returned in all its inspirational glory, with Ted (Jason Sudeikis) now enjoying life back in Kansas as a part-time grocery store assistant and full-time father. However, he is wanted back across the pond by Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift), and Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham‘s Rebecca Welton, who fly to Kansas to try and encourage Ted to sign up as the coach of AFC Richmond’s new women’s team.

With the likes of Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Faye Marsay (Andor), and Abbie Hern (My Lady Jane) added to an already stacked cast, a soft reboot-esque change of direction into women’s football, and the return of many fan favorite faces, Ted Lasso Season 4 is off to a great start, one reflected by its early score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The show has also, unsurprisingly, returned to impressive success on streaming, rising to the top spot on the Apple TV charts in America and many other countries globally.

But Sudeikis’ heartwarming soccer coach isn’t the only Apple TV return this month worth celebrating. We are now just 17 days from the second season of one of the streamer’s most impressive sci-fi shows. On August 28, Dark Matter, the unmissable thriller starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, debuts on Apple TV. Episode 1, titled “A Quiet Life,” is directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton and is written by Blake Crouch and Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry. Recently, Collider debuted an exclusive sneak peek of Season 2, which you can check out right now.

What Else Do We Know About ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2?

Based on the award-winning book of the same name by Blake Crouch, who is a producer and writer on the series, Dark Matter was a huge hit for Apple TV when it first aired, regularly ranking among the very best in the streaming charts. Season 2 sees Edgerton and Connelly return, alongside the likes of Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, Oakes Fegley, and Amanda Brugel. There will be ten episodes in the sophomore season of this sci-fi gem, with each released weekly every Friday through October 30, 2026.

You can check out the first season of Dark Matter on Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

May 7, 2024

Network

Apple TV+

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Directors

Jakob Verbruggen, Alik Sakharov, Roxann Dawson, Logan George

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Blake Crouch

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When House of the Dragon first debuted in 2022, it became an instant hit, carrying forward the legacy of its behemoth ancestor. The second series in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire franchise, the fantasy drama is a prequel that chronicles the rise and fall of House Targaryen, beginning 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen and exploring the events that cause the devastating Dance of the Dragons. House of the Dragon has been widely acclaimed and quite popular, often superseding the success of Game of Thrones.

That runaway success has also often overshadowed other brilliant works of fantasy television that could easily compete with House of the Dragon’s grandeur and complexity. From other shows inspired by Game of Thrones to adaptations of prominent fantasy literature and network original animation that swept prestigious awards, there are some truly fantastic fantasies out there that deserve your love and attention. With that in mind, here’s our selection of the best fantasy shows you could stream right now instead of House of the Dragon.

1

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

Image via Prime Video

Developed by Rafe Judkins and adapted from Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s novel series of the same name, The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine Damodred, a member of a powerful all-female magical organization called the Aes Sedai. Moiraine leads five young people on a perilous journey through the world on a quest to discover the Dragon Reborn, prophesied to either save the world from evil or destroy it entirely. Rosamund Pike leads the cast as Moiraine, with Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Sophie Okonedo, and more in significant roles.

At the time of its premiere, The Wheel of Time, just like House of the Dragon, was a breakout success, amassing popularity from genre fans across shows and books. An epic tale of love, war, and destiny that unfolds through magic and wonders, the show comes to life with striking visuals and dramatic action pieces that are sure to thrill any fantasy fan. Despite running alongside strong high-fantasy contenders, The Wheel of Time earned critical acclaim for its fantastic world-building and engaging plots. The only real negative is its untimely cancellation after just three seasons.

2

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

Image via Netflix

Created by Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich and based on the book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher revolves around three characters — Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter; Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress; and Princess Ciri of Cintra. Set in a fantastical land inhabited by humans, monsters, and beasts, their lives converge as they navigate shifting timelines, political corruption, magical threats, and their shared destiny. Henry Cavill (and later Liam Hemsworth) stars as Geralt, with Anya Chalotra, Greya Allen, Joey Batey, and Anna Shaffer as main characters in all seasons.

In terms of its production values, scope, world-building, and conceptual design, The Witcher comes very close to House of the Dragon. While the show started as Netflix’s response to fill the void left by Game of Thrones’ ending, it grew into a distinctive fantasy show with heavy themes, praiseworthy visual design, and practical-heavy effects. Critics have widely praised the art design and sweeping tales of monsters and mages, though, to be fair, they have also criticized the later seasons for the very prominent cast changes and deviations from the original material.

3

‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Developed by Chris Prynoski and Critical Role Productions, The Legend of Vox Machina is based on the first campaign of the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role. The Prime Video series follows a team of rowdy misfits who try to save the realm of Exandria from magical forces, dragons, and personal demons, evolving from rogue mercenaries to powerful heroes. Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham reprise their voice roles from the original campaign.

The Legend of Vox Machina might have begun as an adaptation of a legacy game, but has since grown into a distinctive animated series that fans can easily enjoy without prior knowledge of D&D. The adult fantasy animated series has become noteworthy for its rich world-building and intelligent narrative, which balances heart, humor, and fast-paced action, often compared to animation giants like Castlevania and Arcane. Though critically acclaimed for its animation, character design, and voice acting, The Legend of Vox Machina is still a pretty underrated gem of the genre.

4

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Image via Netflix

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One of Netflix’s earliest major adult animation productions, Castlevania is a dark fantasy series adaptation of the Japanese video game series by Konami, created and written by Warren Ellis. The action-horror series follows Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of his disgraced clan, as he joins Speaker magician Sypha Belnades and the half-vampire Alucard to protect the land of Wallachia from Vlad Dracula Tepes and his vampire legions. The show’s ensemble voice cast includes Richard Armitage, Alejandra Reynoso, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Emily Swallow, Theo James, and more.

Castlevania carved the path for similar high-profile, original mature animation for Netflix, taking the streamer’s animated library to great heights. Heavily influenced by Japanese animation styles and the game’s artwork by Ayami Kojima, Castlevania is a stellar game-to-show adaptation that excels in its visual and narrative styles and scope. The show’s highly acclaimed visuals, action pieces, character designs, and dark themes make Castlevania a great competitor for House of the Dragon.

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‘Blood of Zeus’ (2020–2025)

Image via Netflix

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A Netflix adult animated series created and written by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, Blood of Zeus adapts ancient Greek mythology into a high-stakes fantasy action story, independent of the traditional canon of Greek myths. The series revolves around Zeus’s demigod son, Heron, who is tasked with saving Olympus and Earth from the wrath of a goddess. Derek Phillips, Jessica Henwick, Mamie Gummer, Jason O’Mara, and Claudia Christian voice the main characters.

Blood of Zeus is a high-stakes fantasy adventure that’s sure to sweep any fantasy animation fan off their feet. The series remarkably reimagines gods, titans, giants, demons, automata, and various mythical creatures from Greek legend in a fresh new tale of power and divine politics, depicted through stunning animation. Despite the critical acclaim and prestigious accolades for its visuals, epic battle sequences, and voice acting, Blood of Zeus has remained a criminally overlooked series in Netflix’s animation library.

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‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

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Developed by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay and inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an epic fantasy series adapted from the appendices and associated materials of The Lord of the Rings. Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, beginning in a time of relative peace, the show explores the forging of the titular rings and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. The show’s ensemble international cast stars Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Daniel Weyman, and more as key characters.

The first screen adaptation of Middle-earth’s Second Age, The Rings of Power succeeds in alluring fans with its luxurious art and panoramic world-building. Boasting exquisite production values, it is the most expensive television series ever made and is unarguably more opulent than House of the Dragon and just as complex as the HBO hit. While the series still pales in comparison to Peter Jackson’s interpretation of The Lord of the Rings, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power manages to grasp the thematic spirit of the 20th-century literary classic and expand its mythos in new directions.

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‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

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Created by George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prequel to Game of Thrones and a sequel to House of the Dragon, adapted from Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novella series. Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a naïve hedge knight, and his bald, young squire, Egg, who is secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen. The show illustrates their lives and journeys before they become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and King Aegon, respectively. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star as the titular central characters.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a delightful rendition of Martin’s original novellas and a great contrast to its predecessor shows. The series stands out in the franchise with its lighter narrative, swapping high-end political warfare for a more intimate, character-driven story. Hailed by many as one of the best HBO shows of 2026, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has earned critical acclaim for its style, tone, and cast performances, as well as some criticism for its skewed gender representation and for missing out on female characters.

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‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Image via HBO Max

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David Benioff and D.B. Weiss’s epic fantasy drama that first brought life to George R.R. Martin’s literary saga, Game of Thrones is a cultural phenomenon and an undeniable television landmark. A generation-spanning tale of power, politics, and moral ambiguity, the series follows a raging civil war that tears apart the seven kingdoms, with multiple contenders vying for the coveted Iron Throne, while elsewhere the rise of a princess from a disgraced dynasty and an ominous supernatural enemy threaten them all. The massive ensemble cast includes Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and many more.

The show that paved the way for House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones completely redefined fantasy television, setting new standards and bringing new dimensions to the genre. From its sweeping production to record-breaking results, the fantasy drama boasts grandeur in every aspect, even if it didn’t exactly sign off on a high note. While House of the Dragon opened to a bigger success than its predecessor, Game of Thrones undoubtedly rivals the prequel in production, casting, and expansive world-building.

Big Brother legend Janelle Pierzina clapped back at a fan who claimed that she was a supporter of President Donald Trump and the Republican party’s so-called “MAGA” movement.

The online exchange began on Monday, August 10, when a Big Brother fan compared current houseguest Haley Thogmartin to Janelle.

“Haley isn’t wrong calling herself Janelle cause if season six of BB aired TODAY yall would HATE Janelle who is also MAGA…. #BB28,” the user wrote via X.

Hours later, Janelle saw the post and responded to the fan’s assumption.

Related: ‘Big Brother’ Legend Janelle Addresses Rumors She’s Joining Season 28

Janelle Pierzina seemingly has other obligations this summer instead of returning to the Big Brother house for season 28. “No, I’m not doing #BB28,” the four-time player, 46, wrote via X on Thursday, June 25. “Between selling houses, running Airbnbs, raising three kids, and pretending I know what day it is, I don’t have time […]

“Stop labeling everyone MAGA just to create hate. Since you like spreading lies about people let me clear some things up,” the four-time player wrote via X. “I’m politically independent. Socially very liberal, fiscally conservative, and anti-big-government. Pro-choice. Pro-LGBTQ rights. Pro-individual freedom. Lower taxes, less government waste, controlled immigration, and no foreign wars. I don’t need every one of my beliefs to fit neatly into a political party.”

Janelle further argued that compared to when she first played Big Brother in 2005, everyone would be considered conservative in today’s political landscape.

“By today’s standards everyone from BB6 would be labeled MAGA by Twitter,” she continued. “There are several people from BB6 that would have been kicked out for saying the N word, none of them were from my alliance. So basically go f*** yourself and stop spreading lies. 🖕”

Janelle made her Big Brother debut in season 6, going on to become an instant fan favorite. She was a member of the underdog Sovereign Six alliance alongside Kaysar Ridha, Howie Gordon, Rachel Plencner, James Rhine and Sarah Hrejsa, whose goal was to unite against the remaining members of the house.

The realtor proved herself to be a challenge beast after winning multiple competitions to ensure her continuation in the competition. Janelle ultimately came in third place behind runner up Ivette Corredero and winner Maggie Ausburn.

The following season, Janelle returned to the Big Brother house to compete in its inaugural all-star season. During Big Brother 7, Janelle set the record for most individual competitions won in a single season with a total of nine wins. Despite her challenge prowess, Janelle came in third place for a second time, but she did take home the title of America’s Favorite Player.

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Related: Taylor and Janelle Discuss ‘Big Brother’ Tactic People Are ‘Fearful’ to Use

Big Brother legends Taylor Hale and Janelle Pierzina are weighing in on a strategy they think houseguests should use more often. While discussing how the fear of being attacked online has changed the game, Hale, 28, exclusively gave Us Weekly her advice for players who want to be villainous without getting lambasted on social media. […]

Janelle came back to the Big Brother house in season 14 as a coach alongside Mike “Boogie” Malin, Dan Gheesling and Britney Haynes. A twist later led the coaches to become players in the game. She finished in 12th place.

In 2020, Janelle came back for the second all-stars season alongside season 6 pal Kaysar. The duo were targeted early and Janelle was evicted during the third week of the competition.

Janelle has not played Big Brother since. However, she has been an active viewer and has shared her thoughts on the season and players via her social media channels.