Grey’s Anatomy might have found a way to subtly address — and shade — the viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal.

During the Thursday, March 19, episode of the hit ABC medical drama, a case was brought into Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital with a couple getting injured at a public event, which led to their affair being exposed.

There were later divided thoughts on the drama as different employees at the hospital weighed in on the married man being in a secret relationship with his boss.

Ben (Jason George) had strong thoughts on infidelity, saying, “Social media is racking her over the coals. Her company is putting her on leave. … You take the risk, you pay the consequences too.”

Related: Every Star Who‘s Left ‘Grey‘s Anatomy‘: Where Are They Now?

The night … was March 27, 2005. Television titan Shonda Rhimes knew what she had just created — but audiences still had no idea. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to […]

The sentiment wasn’t shared by Jules (Adelaide Kane), who felt the blame was only directed at the woman involved in the affair.

“I bet there isn’t a peep about the married man,” she said, to which Winston (Anthony Hill) argued that the man is “getting judged plenty” as well. “Is he getting put on leave?”

Winston, however, noted that the situation isn’t the same because the woman “is his supervisor.” The comment held a double meaning, as Grey’s Anatomy fans have been anxiously waiting for Winston to act on his feelings for Jules despite him technically being her supervisor.

While the story line could have been nothing more than a fictional idea, certain details appeared to be inspired by Kristin Cabot and Astronomer CEO’s Andy Byron being caught getting cozy at a Coldplay concert.

The August 2025 moment made headlines when Cabot, the head of HR at Tech company Astronomer, and Bryon, the CEO who was also newly separated, had a stunned reaction when they were caught on the kiss cam. Byron had his arms wrapped around Cabot until they realized the cameras were on them, prompting him to drop out of sight to hide and Cabot to turn and shield her face.

“Whoa, look at these two. All right, come on. You’re OK,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said at the time. “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. I’m not quite sure what to do. I hope we didn’t do something bad.”

When the moment got shared online, Byron and Cabot were both still legally married to other people. Andy’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, made headlines for appearing to remove “Byron” from her Facebook profile while Kristin subsequently filed for divorce from husband Andrew Cabot.

“I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss,” Cabot — who said she was newly separated at the time of the concert — told The New York Times in December 2025. “And it’s not nothing.”

Kristin reflected on how her life changed after the scandal. “I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That’s the price I chose to pay,” she said. “I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you don’t have to be threatened to be killed for them.”

Kristin clarified to The New York Times that she interviewed for a position at Astronomer in the summer of 2024. She spoke with Andy and they “clicked, stylistically.” Kristin started as Astronomer’s chief people officer in November 2024 and found herself developing a connection with Andy while going through a separation from her husband. Andy told Kristin that he related to what she was going through during a conversation they had in spring 2025.

According to Kristin, the first and only time she kissed Andy was at the infamous concert. She recalled how the immediate fallout affected her — personally and professionally.

“I was so embarrassed and so horrified,” she noted. “I’m the head of HR and he’s the CEO It’s, like, so cliché and so bad. We both just sat there with our heads in our hands, like, ‘What just happened?’”

In the wake of the scandal, Andy resigned from his position at Astronomer. (Kristin stepped down from her position as Chief People Officer as well.)

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” a spokesperson for the company told Us Weekly in a July 2025 statement. “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.”

The statement continued, “Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI. While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not. We’re continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

It should go without saying that a sci-fi show that’s perfect is the dream of every fan of genre television. But a sci-fi show that’s almost perfect—a near-masterpiece, if you will—can be every bit as delightful. There can be a variety of reasons why they don’t quite reach “masterpiece” status. Perhaps they’re a little dated, or they have a couple of narrative mistakes here and there, or they were prematurely cancelled before they could achieve greatness. But no matter what, these are still some of the greatest sci-fi shows ever made.

From classics like the British cult favorite Red Dwarf to modern hidden gems like Colony, these shows come about as close as a TV series can come to true science fiction perfection. Hugely imaginative and creative, full of interesting characters and world-building, and with some of the coolest visuals of any show from their era, these series, whether they’re underappreciated or absolutely legendary, are a must-see for all sci-fi fans.

‘The Peripheral’ (2022)

Image via Prime Video

Loosely based on the 2014 book by William Gibson, Prime Video’s The Peripheral was a tragic victim of the extended duration of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. But while this left it as one of those sad single-season sci-fi shows that was never allowed to reach their full potential (a category that unfortunately has many exponents), it’s still one of the most underrated sci-fi shows of the 2020s so far.

Starring the incredible Chloë Grace Moretz and executive-produced by Westworld‘s Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, The Peripheral feels like it was designed for people who love cyberpunk sci-fi and genre slow-burns. Its thought-provoking, deliberately-paced nature may not fully appeal to those who prefer their science fiction action-packed and adrenaline-filled, but for people who have no problem with sci-fi shows that take their time, it’s a must-see.

‘Red Dwarf’ (1988–2020)

Image via BBC

The long-running BBC sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf has become a multimedia franchise with almost four decades’ worth of diehard fans, but only 12 seasons of the show have aired. That’s primarily due to the eventual dissolution of the creative partnership between its creators, Rob Grant and Doug Naylor. But even in spite of all the gaps and hiatuses, this is one of those underrated sci-fi shows that are far better than they look.

Red Dwarf can often be delectably campy, pulpy, and imaginative; but at its worst, it can be an atrocious disappointment. After around season six (when the Grant & Naylor split took place), Red Dwarf lost some of the polish that had made it a beloved classic for so long. But even the worst of Red Dwarf episodes are far funnier and more enjoyable than most sci-fi comedies on the air today, and that’s more than enough to still make it worth watching today.

‘The 4400’ (2004–2007)

Image via USA Network

Yet another exceptional sci-fi show that was canceled due to a WGA strike (this one in 2007), The 4400 is nevertheless one of the best TV series the genre had to offer during the 2000s. The show felt like a direct response to the general national mood in the U.S. post 9/11, at least tonally, and it kept that atmosphere throughout the entirety of its run. That may make it sound like it reads more like a product of its time nowadays, but in fact, The 4400 is still every bit as enjoyable in 2026 as it was back in 2004.

It was always surprisingly ambitious for a CW science fiction show, often feeling more like the kind of prestige genre television you’d expect to find somewhere like HBO. Sometimes the pacing isn’t great, and the drama can feel a little forced, but the vast majority of the time, The 4400 remained a show taut in its writing, memorable in its performances, and exceptionally entertaining in its creativity and originality.

‘Colony’ (2016–2018)

Image via USA Network

Colony was created by House of the Dragon creator Ryan Condal and former Lost showrunner Carlton Cuse. It starred Lost‘s Josh Holloway and The Walking Dead‘s Sarah Wayne Callies. With a pedigree like that, it’s no wonder this was such a beloved and acclaimed show throughout pretty much all of its run, a run which came to a tragic end after three seasons due to declining viewership and rising production costs.

In all honesty, sci-fi fans failed Colony. In it, they had one of the best-written, thought-provoking, and intelligent genre shows on network television, and that made its untimely conclusion all the more of a tragedy. The series was never perfect, since it sometimes felt a little too derivative of alien invasion classics like V; but it was the kind of sci-fi show that only kept getting better and more engrossing as it went along, and fans continue to be disappointed that the story wasn’t allowed to continue.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

The elephant in the room must be addressed: Yes, the main reason why Stranger Things loses its right to hold the “masterpiece” status that one may argue it held after Season 4’s conclusion is how underwhelming its final season was. But those willing to look past a disappointing ending will find themselves treated to one of the most prestigious, creative, and nostalgic sci-fi shows of the 21st century thus far.

Stranger Things is the kind of sci-fi show so nearly-perfect that it should never be remade. The casting is phenomenal, the visuals are out of this world, and the homage that the writing team constantly paid to movies, shows, and pop culture from the ’80s was always a delight. Emotionally engaging and full of compelling characters, Stranger Things deserved a better ending. Even though it didn’t get it, it’s still one of the most entertaining genre shows from recent years.

‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–2023)

Image via Disney+

Ever since Star Wars: Ewoks and Star Wars: Droids debuted together on the same fateful day in 1985, the televisual dimension of the Star Wars franchise had been exclusively limited to animation. It wasn’t until 2019, years after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and just a month before the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga with The Rise of Skywalker, that the galaxy far, far away made the jump to live-action television with The Mandalorian.

Though the series’ third (and latest) season was disappointing, it still had its moments; and the first couple of seasons were top-tier Star Wars content. It’s one of the most nearly-perfect shows on Disney+, a bounty-hunting space adventure that takes full advantage of its episodic format while still having plenty of serialized elements to keep viewers engaged. It’s exciting, full of great additions to the Star Wars lore, and packed with references and Easter eggs that fans will surely appreciate.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Highly divisive and very often criticized, Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson‘s The Boys comic book series wasn’t exactly the kind of source material that made it easy to make a masterful show. And yet, from the moment Prime Video’s show of the same name started streaming, fans knew that not only were they in for a series considerably superior to the comics it was based on, but also potentially one of the greatest superhero shows ever made.

The Boys is one of those action TV shows that are like an adrenaline rush from start to finish, full of dark humor and clever satire poking fun at the superhero genre, Hollywood, and modern American society. While its jokes don’t always land, its edginess doesn’t always feel organic, and its later seasons have gotten clunkier in certain spots, it’s still one of the most exciting and entertaining social and political satires currently on television. Whether its final season will be able to stick the landing and bring it closer to full-fledged “masterpiece” territory remains to be seen as of the time of writing this article.

‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966–1969)

Image via NBC

In 1964, long-time sci-fi fan Gene Roddenberry came up with the idea for a TV series about the crew of a large spaceship exploring the galaxy. That idea eventually transformed into Star Trek (now retroactively subtitled The Original Series), a show that, from the day it first aired in September 1966, was far ahead of its time. It’s an iconic gem whose unmistakable style, optimistic and hopeful approach to the genre, and social and political progressiveness have become so immensely influential that it feels weird adding the word “nearly” before “perfect” when talking about it.

In all fairness, however, it’s more than fair to say that almost everything that The Original Series does well has been done slightly better by some other Star Trek property that came after. But if there’s any show which proves that being an almost-masterpiece doesn’t mean it’s any less impactful or iconic, it’s this one. Star Trek: The Original Series is a cornerstone of science fiction history and a must-see for all those who love the genre, a classic full of entertaining stories and with one of the best ensemble casts in television history. Sci-fi wouldn’t be what it is today without it.

Advertisement

Star Trek: The Original Series

Release Date

Advertisement

1966 – 1969-00-00

Showrunner

Gene Roddenberry

Advertisement

Directors

Marc Daniels, Joseph Pevney, Ralph Senensky, Vincent McEveety, Herb Wallerstein, Jud Taylor, Marvin J. Chomsky, David Alexander, Gerd Oswald, Herschel Daugherty, James Goldstone, Robert Butler, Anton Leader, Gene Nelson, Harvey Hart, Herbert Kenwith, James Komack, John Erman, John Newland, Joseph Sargent, Lawrence Dobkin, Leo Penn, Michael O’Herlihy, Murray Golden

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Grey’s Anatomy’s latest episode shocked audiences with a heartbreaking — and unexpected — death.

During the Thursday, March 19, episode of the hit ABC series, Lucas (Niko Terho) and Simone (Alexis Floyd) were providing Katie (Samantha Marie Ware) with at-home hospice care after her diagnosis worsened. Lucas and Katie grew closer as they reminisced on what could have happened between them if she hadn’t gotten sick.

Simone, meanwhile, was concerned about Lucas, who was more worried about keeping Katie alive than making sure she was no longer suffering. After Simone hid canisters from Lucas, he rushed back to the hospital to get them. When he returned, Katie was already dead.

Lucas ultimately blamed Simone for preventing him from being there for Katie in her final moments. The characters originally crossed paths earlier in the season when Katie was in a car accident while undergoing treatment for gastric cancer. Katie had been given a stage II diagnosis which got worse after her treatment was pulled off the market.

Elsewhere in the episode, Winston (Anthony Hill) finally acted on his feelings for Jules (Adelaide Kane). Teddy (Kim Raver) and Owen (Kevin McKidd) also returned as they tried to navigate their new normal after hooking up — days after signing their divorce papers.

“A couple of scripts came in [recently] and I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ It gets messy and it is so Grey’s Anatomy. I just love it so much,” Raver, 56, exclusively told Us Weekly in January.

The actress learned what’s ahead with the rest of the cast.

“We’re all reading what’s happening [during a table read], and I love it,” she shared. “Some of us are in scrubs, some of us are in our street clothes. Then, when we find out the information, it’s a shock and a surprise to all of us. We are like the audience, too, and then we look at each other like, ‘This is really happening.’”

Raver, who has played Teddy since season 6, promised “really great” Grey’s Anatomy story lines — and revealed whether she has any concerns about her character’s fate.

“That’s the life of an actor,” she noted. “It’s really just about trying to be present and doing the work and following the amazing story lines that the writers are given. Especially with how now we’re always having these incredible cliffhangers. No one ever knows.”

Raver promised that the audience would be “riveted” by what’s to come, adding, “There is a cliffhanger, so I think that that’s going to be really surprising. … I love being able to go every day and be able to tell these stories from a director’s point of view. Each story line leaves us with that quintessential Grey’s Anatomy vibes where you are crying, laughing and the residents are so good. There’s a lot of shenanigans going on with them. It’s a really exciting episode.”

Raver continued: “I feel like every time I direct a new episode of Grey’s, there are more things [I learn] because there’s a different format or a different way to shoot it. But I think maybe my confidence in how I want to tell this story and where I want to put the cameras [has gotten better]. TV moves so fast, so I feel like the more I do, the more comfortable I am with the speed that you need to go through it. I am just getting more and more comfortable with the craft of it, which allows me to then really enjoy the process.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

When it comes to thrillers in film or television, people often think of frenetic, fast-paced stories of excitement where every scene excels at immersing viewers deeper into the twisting story of high stakes and suspense. It is the genre’s absorbing intensity that it is renowned for. However, the genre is also a catalyst for heavy, hard-hitting drama that uses its volatility to explore compelling, socially relevant themes with punishing rawness and ferocity.

That quality is perfectly realized in these hit television series, with each one thriving as an engrossing spectacle of sharp, piercing storytelling, armed with thematic ideas that are as captivating as they are confronting. Ranging from gems of dystopian science fiction to politically minded historical dramas and grueling yet gripping crime mysteries, these thrilling television series are among the greatest and most thematically dense shows the small screen has ever seen.

10

‘Mr Robot’ (2015–2019)

Image via USA Network

An enthralling marriage of near-future technological caution and piercing psychological tension, Mr. Robot stands not only as an outstanding and high-concept television thriller but also as one of the defining titles of the medium in the 2010s. It follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker who is recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Robot to work with a hacktivist group known as fsociety to launch an attack on E Corp that will erase all consumer debt.

Its story of high-stakes cyber suspense is compounded by Elliot’s intense paranoia and delusions, byproducts of his crippling social anxiety, drug abuse, and dissociative identity disorder. Mr. Robot thrives at ensuring that these elements of Elliot’s character aren’t just catalysts for narrative tension, but are ideas gradually explored in great depth to give the series a sharper, more prominent thematic might. Also examining the crushing inequality of the economy, the nature of abusive relationships, and the darkest corners of society, Mr. Robot captures an air of eerie, atmospheric gravitas within its slow-burn story of cybersecurity and social upheaval.

9

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–2026)

Image via Showtime

One of the essential titles of television in the 2020s so far, Yellowjackets weaves a scintillating story of survival, trauma, and moral compromise revolving around a girls’ high school soccer team and a terrible accident that pushes them to the brink of their limits. The non-linear narrative focuses on the characters’ stories 25 years apart. In 1996, the Yellowjackets team is stranded in the Canadian wilderness for 19 months following a plane crash, with the girls forced to make violent and inhuman decisions in order to stay alive. In 2021, the survivors struggle to confront their trauma as they try to piece together their broken lives.

Both stories pack an almighty punch. The 1996 plot is viscerally disturbing, depicting acts of cannibalism, graphic injury detail, and the ever-present threat of death, confronting brutality. The 2021 storyline may not be quite as visually striking, but it carries a weighted gravitas through its exploration of the lingering effects of guilt, grief, and moral corruption, and how the grueling ordeal of surviving has impacted each woman’s life differently.

8

‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

Image via Netflix

Marking one of the major television successes of the decade so far, Squid Game immediately engulfed viewers with its high-concept story of survival and competition and its combination of childhood games and deadly consequences. However, beneath that veneer of high-stakes suspense, where every character must fight to the death to claim the financial reward, is a confronting parable about the cutthroat nature of capitalism and the brutal desperation of economic despair.

It follows the events of the Squid Game, a ferocious series of games and tests in which contestants are forced to work together to progress and stay alive, all while knowing only one winner will emerge. The idea of desperate people fighting for their lives while cultural elites watch on in amusement is certainly not a subtle thematic idea, but it is effective, especially when coupled with the heart-pounding suspense the series so efficiently conjures with its blood-soaked carnage and its litany of sympathetic characters. It remains one of Netflix’s most ambitious and daring original series.

7

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Piercing, profound, and provocative in its handling of modern workplace culture and the imbalance between people’s personal and professional lives, Severance exudes intense existential and emotional weight compounded by its bleak visual atmosphere and its dystopian themes. It follows Mark Scout (Adam Scott), an office worker at Lumon Industries who, along with his colleagues, has undergone “severance,” a process that sees his memories surgically divided between his experiences at work and his life outside. When he encounters a mysterious former colleague outside the office, Mark embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his job and the company he works for.

Perfectly marrying high-concept science fiction with simmering slow-burn suspense, Severance strikes viewers with its genre-specific eccentricities, but it delivers a truly compelling viewing experience through its contemplative exploration of workplace disassociation and the loss of individual autonomy. Its weighted examination of such themes ensures that the Apple TV series isn’t just a fascinating sci-fi tale, but a deeply resonant and relatable story of the crushing and monotonous workforce of today’s world.

6

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Image via Netflix

With its stunning cinematic visuals, grueling slow-burn approach, and its incisive focus on the psychology of serial killers, Mindhunter stands as one of Netflix’s most absorbing and haunting original series. Set in the 1970s, it follows two FBI agents and a psychology expert who make up the bureau’s Behavioral Science Unit as they travel around the U.S. interviewing detained serial killers to gain insight into their backgrounds, mindsets, and motivations. While their work proves to be invaluable in profiling suspects in active cases, it exacts a heavy emotional toll on the agents as they endure intimate conversations with some of America’s most deranged criminal minds.

The intensity of the psychological depths the show goes to is paramount in making it such a heavy and harrowing viewing experience. It combines its air of suspense and dread with heinous stories of real-life evil, making for a spectacle that is always as morbidly captivating as it is fiercely confronting. Mindhunter’s reluctance to give viewers even a semblance of comfort or closure only adds to the series’ shocking allure, making it a relentlessly disturbing plunge into the darkest depths of humanity.

5

‘Sharp Objects’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, Sharp Objects is something of an underrated gem of crime thriller television. The eight-part miniseries progresses at a methodical, meandering pace that allows its depths of character-centric drama and murder mystery depravity to take root in the viewer’s mind. It follows Camille Preaker (Amy Adams), a crime reporter who returns to her hometown after a stint in a psychiatric hospital to investigate the case of two murdered girls. As she delves into the brutal nature of the crime, Camille is also confronted by demons from her past pertaining to lingering and unresolved family trauma.

Every aspect of the miniseries is emotionally draining. The central case illustrates humanity at its most savage and unsalvageable. The dynamic of the Preaker family is coarse and imposing. Even the flashbacks to Camille’s youth and her past in St. Louis are psychologically taxing with their exploration of deep-rooted trauma, generational abuse, self-harm, and addiction. Also loaded with soul-shattering twists and a persistent air of damnation and dread, Sharp Objects is a masterclass in crime television at its bleakest and most brutal.

4

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

Overwhelming purely due to its narrative complexity, Dark soars as an elaborate and enigmatic convergence of mystery suspense, time-travel sci-fi, and existential stakes that, in addition to its ambitious storytelling, also flaunts an atmosphere of weighted dread and pressing themes of trauma, free will, and the burden of secrecy and guilt. Beginning in the small German town of Winden in 2019, it starts with a grim mystery surrounding missing children and four families who have lived in the town for generations but unfurls to be an epic tale of time travel, apocalyptic suspense, and parallel worlds.

The series is incredibly dense, with every scene being of paramount importance to the ever-expanding story. What makes Dark such an impressive feat isn’t just how it conveys its complex story with such fluidity and grace, but how it still manages to incorporate heavy societal and psychological themes with aplomb. The series isn’t afraid to meditate on notions of trauma, grief, and individualism, while even addressing such issues as suicide and deep philosophical questions with the gravitas they deserve. Coming to an end with its third season, Dark stands as one of Netflix’s most audacious series, from both a narrative and thematic standpoint.

3

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

Image via Netflix

A cultural pillar of television drama through the 2010s and towards the modern day, Black Mirror has become a landmark triumph of the small screen, serving as a collection of isolated sci-fi stories that explore the dangers of near-future technology, the increasing presence of social media in our lives, and the disturbing shifts in human morality in the modern age of technological advancements. The anthology series has developed a well-earned reputation for not only producing absorbing and richly entertaining episodes, but for challenging viewers to consider the trajectory of the modern world and our species’ complex relationship with technology.

While episodes range from being fun, vibrant, and bubbly to being touching tales of romance, Black Mirror is most at home in the wheelhouse of an imminent and plausible dystopia. Its flourishes of absurdity often illuminate real-world anxieties tied to A.I., the corrosive use of technology for individual gains, and a simmering sense of social suspicion. It is compelling in this regard, but it is usually confronting and distressing also, making Black Mirror a modern masterpiece of sci-fi thrills that tends to linger on the mind.

2

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–2025)

Image via Hulu

An adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel that depicts one of the most frightful and morally jolting dystopian worlds in mainstream literature, The Handmaid’s Tale excels as a relentlessly grim immersion into a thought-provoking realm of misogyny, oppression, and fascism. It takes place in a world where women’s fertility rates have decreased drastically, leading to the emergence of a totalitarian regime that forces fertile women into sexual servitude. June (Elisabeth Moss) is one such woman, living as a concubine to a Gilead officer and his wife under the fundamentalist dictatorship while dreaming of one day being reunited with her own family.

Amplifying real-world anxieties about sexism, bodily autonomy, and authoritarianism with unflinching thematic conviction and complete dedication to its horrific world view, The Handmaid’s Tale is a grueling and exhausting viewing experience. Bereft of joy or hope, it immerses audiences in a nightmarish world of callous inhumanity and imposing societal control, where disturbing scenarios pertaining to women’s rights and political power are explored in every single episode.

1

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

A miniseries of uncommon excellence, Chernobyl may not present itself as being a traditional thriller, but its intricate exploration of a real-world catastrophe and its many ramifications certainly holds a tension that is ceaselessly heart-pounding and quite horrific. It is a dramatization of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster from 1986, covering the sacrificial heroics of all involved in containing the fallout while also illuminating the political corruption that saw Soviet Union leaders try to conceal the full breadth of the calamity from the world.

Its outstanding ability to capture the physical, emotional, and political aftermath of the reactor meltdown works in tandem with its thematically rich and facts-based examination of scientific negligence, human error, systemic corruption, and individual bravery to produce a historical story that is as compelling as it is confronting. Chernobyl masterfully showcases the unknowable human cost of the disaster and the crushing weight of a government’s lies being exposed. As both a visceral recreation of the events surrounding the Chernobyl incident and a piercing thematic journey of corruption, power, and authoritarian repression, Chernobyl is a crowning glory of television suspense that is as heavy and harrowing as it is extraordinary.

Advertisement

Chernobyl

Advertisement

Release Date

2019 – 2019

Advertisement

Network

HBO

Advertisement

Showrunner

Craig Mazin

Directors

Advertisement

Johan Renck

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Cam Newton is facing heat online after a “weird” exchange with podcast guest Fredo Bang went viral. During the episode, Newton fixated on Bang’s lyrics about his father’s sexuality, posing a string of questions that critics argue carried a judgmental undertone.

Cam Newton Asks Guest Fredo Bang About Growing Up With A Gay Father

The conversation began with Newton asking Fredo Bang about his lyric in the 2021 song “Don’t Stop Believing.” In the track, he says the kids in his neighborhood used to pick on him when they learned that his father was gay.

During the podcast, Newton asked Fredo Bang whether that was true, to which he replied, “Yes.”

Newton went on to ask the rapper several questions, ranging from how he discovered the news to whether the revelation had a negative impact on him.

Bang insisted that it did not, and further revealed that he never looked at his father differently after that.

Advertisement

“When you have unconditional love for somebody, especially like that, it’s almost like nothing you can tell me to make me look at you different,” Fredo Bang said.

Cam Newton Continues Prying Into Fredo Bang’s Life As A Child After Learning His Father Was Gay

Bang went on to say that he truly never thought about his father’s sexuality after that, prompting Newton to interrupt with an objection of his own.

“At 12 you may not have thought about it, but as you look at life through your lens at 29, do you look at him different today?” Newton asked.

Bang’s answer remained the same, reiterating the fact that he loves his father despite their differences.

“It’s just like if my mama had a situation and a woman came told me [the same thing], am I gonna start looking at my mama different? That’s my mama.”

Advertisement

Cam Newton Blasted Over ‘Weird’ Line Of Questioning

The clip of Newton’s interview with Bang was shared online and sparked many heated responses from frustrated users.

“It’s almost as if Cam wanted to hear him say something negative or traumatic,” one netizen wrote. “He said he loves his dad unconditionally, and it never altered his perception of his dad. Move on.”

“Trying to force him to look at his dad differently is crazy work,” another said.

A third user said the former NFL player is “not smart at all,” while a fourth said his line of questioning “got weird after there were honest answers.”

“I’m tripping or is it like he was digging for him to say something negative?” someone else wrote.

Advertisement

Newton Opened Up About His Stance On Relationships In 2026

Newton previously made headlines after his appearance on the “TalkLesShow” in February 2026. During the episode, the former Carolina Panthers player got candid about relationships and shared his unconventional viewpoint on marriage.

“I want to be around who want to be around me,” he said. “So, if that’s five, if it’s six, if it’s one.”

Newton explained that he prefers to be around “volunteers,” not “hostages.”

Advertisement

“I just want you to be happy, and if I’m the person that’s bringing you happiness, you can have marriage with no commitment, and you don’t have to have marriage to have a commitment,” he continued.

According to Newton, he would be OK if he did not get married. “I don’t think it to be anything. I want people around me who want to be around me, and I want them around me,” he said before saying he saw marriage as a “gift-giving contest.”

“Are we doing life together or is this a competition? So you’re basically saying if I don’t give you a ring, you’re not going to love me as much?” Newton wondered.

Newton Said Womens’ Valuel Gets Lowered After Having Multiple Children With Multiple Men

Advertisement

Newton raised eyebrows during another podcast appearance in February when he said a woman’s value decreases after having children with multiple men.

“I just think that the reality of that answer is that women’s value gets lowered the more children that they have,” he said. “I was having this conversation with one of the mothers of my children and she’s still fine. Like, I was telling her, ‘The guy that you’re dating or will date, if he ain’t willing to love on these five children that you have, he ain’t the guy for you.’”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated weddings of the year, and it’s all happening sooner than fans may have expected. According to insiders, the superstar couple is planning to tie the knot this summer, just before Kelce returns to the field for the 2026 NFL season. And while excitement is building, details surrounding Swift’s big day are being kept tightly under wraps.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Keep Wedding Details Secret

Sources say the couple is going to great lengths to ensure their wedding remains as private as possible, even for those closest to them. “Everybody [loved ones, close friends] has been told to put the summer on hold, and they will find out the details right before the wedding,” one insider told the Daily Mail.

With the guest list reportedly left in the dark about key details, the couple appears determined to avoid leaks ahead of their big day.

Swift And Kelce Racing To Tie The Knot Before The NFL Season Begins

Another source confirmed that the wedding will take place before the start of football season, ensuring Kelce can fully commit to his training schedule. The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to begin practice on July 22, giving the couple a limited window to celebrate before Kelce shifts focus back to the field.

Despite recent speculation that the wedding might be delayed, especially after Kelce signed a reported $12 million deal to return, insiders say plans are very much moving forward.

Taylor Swift Source Makes It Clear She Doesn’t Want A Wedding Like Selena Gomez’s

While rumors have circulated about a potential Rhode Island venue, sources say Swift has specific ideas about how she wants her wedding to look, and privacy is a top priority.

“It will take place someplace indoors,” the first insider shared. “Taylor doesn’t want it to be like Selena’s wedding,” the insider continued, referring to the recent nuptials of the pop star’s best friend, Selena Gomez, who wed Benny Blanco in Santa Barbara, California, last October.

Concerns over maintaining privacy are said to be driving the decision, as the couple aims to keep the event as controlled and discreet as possible.

A ‘Huge’ Reception Is Expected

Even with the emphasis on privacy, the celebration itself is expected to be anything but small. According to insiders, the reception will be “big,” aligning with Swift’s own comments from a previous interview.

She previously described her ideal wedding as “huge,” explaining that smaller guest lists can create unnecessary stress. “I’m not gonna do that,” she added, before joking, “Anyone I’ve ever talked to [is getting an invitation].”

The entire event is also expected to be recorded, giving the couple the option to look back on the day and potentially share select moments with fans.

Blake Lively May Be Left Off Taylor Swift’s Wedding Guest List Amid Drama

The wedding is expected to draw a star-studded guest list, including close friends and family from both sides. Among those rumored to attend are Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, along with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.

However, one name that may be missing is Blake Lively. Sources say Swift and Lively are no longer as close as they once were following recent drama tied to Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni. “They are not invited. Period,” one insider said of Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. “Taylor wants a drama-free day, and she no longer trusts Blake or Ryan.”

The reported decision to leave Lively off the guest list comes shortly after private text messages between the two were made public, sparking tension behind the scenes. “Taylor felt exposed and violated,” said an insider. “That crossed a line for her.”

Taylor Swift Feels ‘Violated’ As Blake Lively Fallout Intensifies

The situation reportedly strained relationships behind the scenes, with Kelce even making a pointed move by unfollowing Reynolds on Instagram, a move that insiders claim was intentional. “There’s been an emotional gap for a long time,” the source said. “Rebuilding trust doesn’t feel possible right now.”

Another source spoke to PEOPLE Magazine, emphasizing that “Taylor felt like her privacy was impacted” and that “She was just being a friend to Blake. It’s turned into something bigger than she ever expected. She never thought private messages would become public.”

As anticipation builds, fans will have to wait and see how much of Swift and Kelce’s big day is ultimately revealed.

What was supposed to be a major return for “The Bachelorette” has taken a sudden and dramatic turn. ABC has officially scrapped the upcoming season featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, pulling the show just days before its highly anticipated debut, as new allegations and resurfaced footage make headlines.

ABC Makes Swift Decision To Cancel ‘Bachelorette’ After Video Of Taylor Frankie Paul Goes Viral

The decision, first reported by TMZ, comes after a previously unseen video began circulating, prompting swift action from the network.

A Disney Entertainment spokesperson told the outlet, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”

The response signals a major behind-the-scenes shift, with ABC choosing to halt the project entirely rather than move forward under the circumstances. Her season of “The Bachelorette” was supposed to premiere Sunday on ABC.

Fans Back ABC’s Decision To Pull ‘Bachelorette’ As Backlash Over Casting Grows

The abrupt cancellation has left viewers shocked, especially given how close “The Bachelorette” season was to airing. Despite the surprise, many fans feel the decision was the right call. “This is the only responsible move ABC could have made,” one X user wrote.

Another echoed, “Pulling the show after such serious allegations makes sense. Domestic violence is not something that should be overlooked, and the focus on supporting the family is important.”

Others feel ABC should have never cast Paul, especially since the allegations were already made public. “They knew about this for three years,” one user said as another wrote, “ABC knew she was charged with DV in 2023 and still chose to make her the ‘Bachelorette’…”

Timing Raises Eyebrows As ‘The Bachelorette’ Was Set To Premiere

The decision came on Thursday, just hours after TMZ published footage from a 2023 altercation involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Sources tell the outlet that no one at ABC had seen the footage before it was released.

In the newly surfaced footage, Paul appears to strike Mortensen, kick him, tug at his hair, and try to swat his phone away. At one point, she is also seen throwing two chairs in his direction.

Paul and Dakota have been ordered to undergo psych exams amid a fresh batch of spousal abuse claims, and the Utah Division of Children and Family Services is investigating ongoing allegations of violence between them. Paul originally pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after the 2023 dispute.

The claim suggests the footage surfaced at the worst possible time, after production of “The Bachelorette” had already been completed and promotional efforts were underway.

‘Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Season 5 Paused As Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy Deepens

The latest situation has also raised concerns about other projects tied to Paul, including “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

A source shared that production on season 5 has been put on hold, explaining, “Taylor [Frankie Paul] has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”

Paul Speaks Out On ‘Heavy’ Timing Amid Mounting Controversy

As the headlines continue to build, Paul has also addressed the difficult timing of everything unfolding in real time. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal,” she said, adding that the news has also impacted the rollout of that show, which is “extremely hard.”

“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she continued. “I’m struggling for sure, but also at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard.”

Dakota Mortensen Breaks Silence, Shifts Focus To Protecting His Child

Dakota Mortensen has also begun to address the situation, speaking out through a representative, who says his primary concern remains protecting his and Paul’s child, Ever.

The rep explained that while Mortensen anticipated details of their alleged dispute could eventually become public, he had hoped to keep as much of the situation private as possible.

A Draper City Police Department spokesperson confirmed there is an active “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen.

For the past few months, streamer Kai Cenat has been stepping into a new chapter, focusing on his mental and finding the courage to chase new dreams. As he took a step back from streaming to pursue his fashion goals, Kai recently gave fans a look at his “hate wall,” filled with negative comments he’s turned into motivation. While the criticism seems to be fueling him, Soulja Boy has now entered the chat with some thoughts of his own. 

RELATED: Unfazed! Kai Cenat Reveals “Hate Wall” That Keeps Him Motivated While Building His Clothing Brand (VIDEO)

Soulja Boy Tells Kai Cenat To Get Back To Streaming 

Soulja Boy went off in a heated rant while reacting to a viral clip of Kai Cenat’s recent “hate wall” moment.As he watched the clip, he mocked and criticized Kai while the streamer spoke about his current struggles.

“Acting like he’s light-skinned, man. Kai Cenat. You is not light-skinned. Yo, Kai, you is pissing me off. Straight up n****, stop talking like that. Shut the f*** up n**** before I get on your a**. I’ll make you struggle with some sh**. On the internet crying and sh**! This n**** got a hate wall, that’s crazy. You look at my wall, I got billion stream plaques and Atlanta Hawks jerseys with my name on it. What did y’all do to this n****?”

While talking about the world, he mentioned that everyone is too sensitive.The rapper also questioned why Kai stepped back after reaching major success, hitting one million subscribers on Twitch.He went on to tell Kai Cenat to get back to streaming and entertaining his supporters. “You ain’t streamed in six months, create the content, weirdo. What do you mean you quit? Now I feel like you finessed me, I was subscribed too. I want my money back because now this n**** finessed the whole world.”

Social Media Reacts 

Viewers flooded The Shade Room Teens comment section after Soulja Boy’s viral clip began circulating online. Some agreed with his take, saying Kai should return to creating content consistently. Meanwhile, many of Kai’s supporters quickly stepped in to defend him in the comments. A few even joked that Soulja Boy’s clip belongs on Kai’s “hate wall.” Others said the backlash feels unnecessary, especially since fans don’t know what he may be going through. Still, many shared they miss his content but will support whatever path the streamer chooses next.

Instagram user @jeanclaudevanscam wrote, “Ng| I’m w Draco man kai content is needed right now”

Instagram user @wyannahhh wrote, “this video finna be up there 😂😩”

While Instagram user @redpillceo_ wrote, “He saying what others thinking fr 😂 bro need to stop crying nd whining nd just get back to doing what he do best…..make content.”

Instagram user @Official.princesss wrote, “he just mad because he wasn’t “the first to ever do it” 🙄 “

Instagram user @itsonly.q wrote, “clout chasing at its finest once again….”

While Instagram user @courtzthegemini_ wrote, “Nah he right Kai trippin”

Instagram user @asiiiawasiiia wrote, “I honestly don’t like all the hate and backlash Kai is getting😭😭We don’t know WHAT he’s truly going through”

Instagram user @mzband0 wrote, “But when all these artist sing about shouting their haters out yall motivate them it’s nothing but vibes but when Kai embracing the hate it’s a problem 💀 Soujia mind everyone else business but his own.”

While Instagram user @_kxngka wrote, “I miss Kai, I need him to comeback to making content but I’II patiently wait til he’s ready I’ll support bro no matter what he chooses to do”

Soulja Boy Takes To X With Words Of Motivation

Over on X, Soulja Boy came through with some words of encouragement for his followers. On Wednesday, he wrote, “You don’t need a perfect plan, just a decision to not quit,”. He added, “The small things done daily create big changes.” The following day, he continued to keep the energy going. The rapper told his  supporters to stay locked in with two other messages: “Keep pushing.” “No excuses.”

You don’t need a perfect plan, just a decision to not quit.

— Soulja Boy (Draco) (@souljaboy) March 18, 2026

Advertisement

Related: Crank That Or Crack Up? Soulja Boy & Druski Have The Internet Crying Laughing With Y2K Dance Lesson (WATCH)