Lady Gaga and her fiancé, Michael Polansky, are seemingly embracing parenthood with ease.

Gaga, 40, was recently spotted carrying a newborn in a beige baby carrier on a walk with Polansky, 42, in photos obtained by Page Six on Friday, September 11.

Multiple outlets, including People and Page Six, reported on Friday that the Grammy winner and Polansky quietly welcomed their first baby. The couple, who have been engaged since 2024, have not publicly addressed their family plans at the time of publication. Us reached out for comment.

Gaga has previously been candid about her desire to become a mom.

Related: Everything Lady Gaga Has Said About Wanting Kids Over the Years

Does Lady Gaga want a little one? The singer has spoken about her future family plans multiple times over the years. While the Grammy winner has been in many high-profile relationships, including her engagements to Taylor Kinney and Christian Carino in 2015 and 2017, respectively, the New York native moved on with Michael Polansky in […]

“[I want to do] more music, not retiring any time soon … all kinds of different music,” she told YouTube star NikkieTutorials in a December 2019 video when asked about whether she had a 10-year plan. “I wanna do more movies, I wanna have babies and I want to continue to build the behemoth that is Haus Laboratories into the makeup company of my dreams.”

She continued, “I’m living my inspirations right now, in this moment. When I get inspired, I do things right away. There will be tons of crazy things that I do over the next decade. I just don’t know exactly what they are, which is why they’ll be extra crazy.”

That same year, Gaga began dating Polansky.

“I had never met anyone like Michael. He’s so smart and so kind. And his life and my life are very different,” Gaga told Vogue in September 2024. “He’s a very private guy and he’s not with me for any other reason than that we are right for each other.”

She added at the time, “I think what I want my fans to know is that I’m just, like, so happy. I’m healthy. I feel like the last time they heard from me — in this way — was Chromatica, and that album was about an absolutely horrible time for me with my mental health. I was in a really dark place. I struggled for, like, many years before that. But everything started to change.”

Gaga further gushed that Polansky “wasn’t afraid to truly hold my hand” and get to know her on “a very deep level.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“She’s someone who is happiest when she’s creating. It’s one of the qualities I love most about her,” Polansky told Vogue at the time. “But I see her enjoying it so much more than she did when I met her back in 2019.”

Polansky was first introduced to Gaga through her mother at a charity event.

“I didn’t know much about her and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect,” he recalled of the pop star. “I was struck immediately by her warmth and openness — she was so genuinely curious about what my life was like growing up in Minnesota.”

Rapper Lil Durk remains incarcerated after a jury found him not guilty in his murder-for-hire trial.

A federal jury acquitted Lil Durk (real name Durk Banks), 33, on Friday, September 11,  after he was accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot, per Los Angeles’ ABC affiliate.

Lil Durk was arrested in 2024 for allegedly ordering the murder of fellow rap star Quando Rondo two years prior. (Shots were fired at Rondo and his cousin in Los Angeles in 2022 by three masked gunmen. Rondo’s cousin died during the incident.)

Lil Durk pleaded not guilty to the charges, with his defense team arguing in court that the “All My Life” performer had no involvement in the alleged scheme. Lil Durk stood trial alongside two other defendants, who also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, stalking using a dangerous weapon, stalking resulting in death, and two counts involving murder-for-hire allegations.

Related: Rapper Lil Durk Arrested in Florida on Murder-for-Hire Charge: Report

Josh Brasted/FilmMagic Lil Durk has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme. Multiple outlets reported that the rapper (real name Durk Devontay Banks) was booked on Thursday, October 24, in Broward County jail in South Florida. He is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals. Durk’s attorneys told TMZ on Friday that […]

Lil Durk’s codefendants, Deandre Dontrell Wilson and David Brian Lindsey, were each convicted of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking charges and acquitted on the remaining counts. Lil Durk, for his part, was acquitted on all charges.

Despite the acquittal, Lil Durk will remain in jail while awaiting a second trial for several federal counts of racketeering murder and firearms charges, scheduled for next month. (Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges.)

The rap star rose to fame in 2013 with the release of his Signed to the Streets mixtape series. Lil Durk was signed to Def Jam Records the following year. Under the record label’s umbrella, Lil Durk dropped two studio-length albums before leaving Def Jam in 2018.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Diddy’s Next Moves: Why There’s ‘No Doubt’ He’ll Try for a Comeback

On the morning of July 2, inside a packed lower Manhattan courtroom, Sean “Diddy” Combs was declared not guilty on the three most serious charges against him in his high-profile sex trafficking trial. Upon hearing the verdict — he was acquitted of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy and convicted […]

Lil Durk later signed with Alamo Records and went on to release two more albums. He won his first Grammy in February 2024 for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

“It feels good to be at the Grammys,” Lil Durk told Billboard after winning the trophy for his “All My Life” collaboration with J. Cole. “You come in the studio with J. Cole, you gotta come with your A-game, you know what I’m saying? … It was a task [with] a lot of bumps in the road, but I think that’s for everybody. As long as you stay focused and get it together, you’re good. Coming from the trenches to the Grammys!”

He added, “I like what they’re doing now [in the rap genre]. They aren’t putting now cap on it. They ain’t trying to do it for somebody else, they doing it for them, you know what I’m saying? So, shout out to the whole generation under us and with us.”

Nicole Kidman has been embracing a bolder style since ending her marriage to Keith Urban, and her latest appearances have now prompted speculation about whether her transformation extends beyond fashion.

As the actress promotes her upcoming movie, several of her revealing outfits have highlighted changes in her figure, leading plastic surgery experts to offer their opinions on what could be behind the changes.

While Nicole Kidman has never confirmed undergoing a procedure, the discussion comes during a period of change for the actress, who has admitted she is still figuring out what her life will look like after divorce.

5

Kidman has been turning heads with a series of revealing outfits while promoting her upcoming movie, “Practical Magic 2.”

Her recent wardrobe choices have placed more emphasis on her cleavage, with photos from the press tour drawing attention to what appears to be a fuller chest compared with images taken earlier in her career.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Tillo, who has never treated the actress, compared a recent photograph of Kidman with one taken in 2003 and noticed a difference in her appearance.

“There is quite a noticeable difference in breast volume when you compare these photographs,” he said, per OK! Magazine.

Tillo stressed that photographs alone cannot establish whether Kidman has undergone breast augmentation. However, he said the procedure was a “possible explanation” for the apparent increase in fullness.

The speculation comes after Kidman filed for divorce from Urban in September 2025. Their marriage was officially dissolved four months later, and the actress has since attracted attention with a series of more daring looks. Kidman, however, has never publicly confirmed having breast implants.

Surgeon Shares The ‘Most Striking Difference’ In The Actress’s New Appearance

5

If surgery is responsible for Kidman’s changed appearance, Tillo does not believe she opted for a dramatic transformation. Instead, he suggested that any possible enhancement was likely selected to complement her “slender frame.”

“The most striking difference for me isn’t simply the cleavage. It is the increase in overall volume,” the surgeon explained.

Tillo said the change appeared to involve greater fullness in different areas of Kidman’s chest while remaining proportionate to her frame. Because of her narrow physique, he explained, even a relatively modest implant could produce a noticeable result.

He also suggested that smaller implants would make more sense for her proportions than a much larger augmentation.

Still, his assessment remains an outside medical opinion based entirely on images rather than confirmation from Kidman or knowledge of her medical history.

Nicole Kidman Said She Had ‘A Different View’ Of What Her Life Was Going To Be

5

Beyond the attention surrounding her appearance, Kidman has been adjusting to a much bigger transformation in her personal life.

Her marriage to Keith Urban ended after almost two decades, and the actress recently acknowledged that divorce was not part of the future she had once imagined for herself.

“I had a different view of what my life was going to be, but this is what it is now,” Kidman admitted in an interview with Vogue.

Rather than pretending she has everything figured out, the actress appears to be accepting the uncertainty that comes with beginning again. “You make all these plans, and you have all these ideas of what it’s all going to be like, and then it’s…not,” she continued. “You have to adjust. You adapt.”

The Actress Admits Her Future Looks ‘Completely Unknown’ After Marriage Ends

5

During her interview with Vogue, Kidman then acknowledged just how uncertain the next stage feels.

She hinted that there is still so much for her to look forward to, stating, “The future, it’s completely unknown to me right now…Strange.”

Her comments offer a different perspective on the confident public image she has displayed recently, revealing that behind her glamorous appearances, she is still adapting to a life that turned out very differently from what she expected.

Since her divorce, she has made several high-profile public outings, sometimes with her two daughters she shares with Urban, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, showing that she isn’t letting the split affect her career.

Nicole Kidman Seems To Be Moving On Fine After Her Divorce

5

Despite that uncertainty, Kidman appears to be settling comfortably into her new chapter. She has reportedly started dating again and has been spending time with businessman Michael Reinstein, whom mutual friends introduced her to.

“It is casual, and she is having fun,” a source told Us Weekly, adding that Kidman has also gone on dates with other people.

Her relationship with Urban is also said to have become more peaceful, with an insider saying the former spouses are now “in a much better place” and continue to respect each other.

Kidman has had support from close friends while navigating the transition. According to the report, she is “doing really well now” and is happy, confident, and optimistic about what comes next.

Shakema Springfield, the mother of King Von’s son, is sharing a text message that claims jurors viewed her as the only “credible witness” during Lil Durk’s trial. The message comes after Kema testified in court about what she witnessed surrounding King Von’s death and her interactions with those close to him.

RELATED: Trial Watch! King Von’s Son’s Mother Shakema Springfield Testifies In Lil Durk’s Trial, Calls OTF Vonnie A “Liar”

Shakema Springfield Shares Text Message About Her Testimony

Following Lil Durk’s not guilty verdict on all charges in his federal murder-for-hire trial, Shakema Springfield, the mother of King Von’s son, shared a text message following the verdict. The message that she shared online on Saturday, September 12, allegedly claims jurors viewed Springfield as the only “credible witness” during the trial.

In the message, someone identified as “Rici” wrote, “Hey guys!! The jury said Kema was the only credible witness to them.” Springfield responded by expressing gratitude for being able to testify, writing, “God is Good, I’m happy I was able to speak up & help.”

In the post’s caption, Kema also claimed she was encouraged to “let it go” after people suggested her testimony wouldn’t help.

Shakema Springfield Opens Up In Court About King Von & The Events Surrounding His Death

Shakema Springfield, who shares a son with the late King Von, testified during Lil Durk’s trial on Sept. 3. According to reporting shared by Los Angeles Magazine reporter Taylor Parise, Springfield testified about her relationship with King Von and their son, as well as events surrounding King Von’s death.

During her testimony, Springfield reportedly said she was at the home where King Von’s memorial took place for three days. She testified that Durk was not present at the time and that she did not hear any conversations about revenge for King Von’s death.

Springfield also testified about statements made by Vonnie, King Von’s finances, and her interactions with those close to him.

Social Media Reacts

Following Shakema Springfield’s post, social media users shared their thoughts on her testimony and the message she received.

Instagram user @artisaveauty wrote, “I knew when they said they tried to crack her on the stand & she stayed calm & frim, no pauses in her speech & straight answers!!!

Another Instagram user @keketropicanaa_ wrote, “Cause they gonna say a US soldier lying over a convicted felon be fr”

While Instagram user @backend.beazy wrote, “She was only 1 actually makin sense 😂💯 everybody else u could tell was acting they were all ova the place with their statements”

Instagram user @neseboo23 wrote, “He gone make sure her an her son looked out for life if he wasn’t already we never know”

Another Instagram user @young_hattgo wrote, “She definitely help Smurk frfr”

While Instagram user @brown.skinn.bougie wrote, “Side message, a female is the most loyal than yo ‘homies’ 🔥❤️👏🏾”

Instagram user @darealperkioo wrote, “She the goat 🐐”

Another Instagram user @wynnbougie wrote, “Durk gone appreciate her FOREVER 💯she’s the sweetest”

While Instagram user @xo_brittanyelise_xo wrote, “Kema family frfr. Not for the internet”

RELATED: BREAKING: Lil Durk Found Not Guilty On All Charges In Murder-For-Hire Trial

Celine Dion‘s tears of triumph are the perfect bow atop her highly anticipated Paris residency!

As the iconic singer took the stage for her first full concert in six years, she appeared visibly overwhelmed with emotion, met with roaring cheers and loud applause.

Celine Dion has reportedly been preparing for this residency with a team of healthcare specialists, combining the treatments with physical training, therapy and dance routines.

4

A clip from the singer’s first show of the residency billed to run from September to October was shared on Variety’s X page, where she could not hold back her tears. Dion looked breathtaking in an extravagant black strapless number with an exaggerated peplum top and a straight skirt.

She paired the look with a chunky diamond necklace as she pulled her hair into a sleek bun to complement her perfectly made-up face. Dion let the waterworks have their way amid a performance, and despite her attempts to let the vocals out, the emotions overpowered her, prompting her to take more pauses while the orchestra played on.

The singer’s expression resonated deeply with her lifelong fans, who felt the moment with her and flooded the comments with soothing words, praising her hard work and resolve to sing again. 

“She deserves eternal applause,” this X subscriber declared. Another commenter stated that, with it being the singer’s “first headlining performance in six years,” her being emotional on stage was not far-fetched.

The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ Hitmaker Described Her Performance As A ‘Promise’ Kept

The tears and sonorous notes were not the only highlights of the night; Dion also gave a touching speech, as noted by Variety. The singer informed her eager audience that she had promised to keep the tears at bay, but seeing a packed venue and realizing how much she had missed them was tear-jerking.

She thanked everyone for coming out to Paris for her show, assuring first-timers in Paris that they had a high chance of falling in love with the city, just like she has. “Finally, it’s amazing we are all together. I made a promise to come back, to be back on stage. So here I am, singing for you and singing for me, singing live!” Dion continued.

Advertisement

The singer reiterated her gratitude to her fans for their support and patience over the years, noting that their love kept her going when everything went bleak. She urged her fans to take the positive energy that accompanied her comeback and extend it to the next person who may also be secretly going through a difficult time.

On her health struggles, the singer shared that she has come to terms with it after 17 years of dealing with the symptoms and has made it her reason for living.

More From The Blast

Inside The Journey Behind Celine Dion’s Newly Found Strength

4

Since sharing in March that she would return to the stage later in the year, sources close to the singer told US Weekly that she began putting in consistent hard work to make her promise a reality.

Fully understanding the nature and symptoms of her Stiff Person Syndrome, the source shared that she began rebuilding her strength and mobility through rehabilitation.

As noted by The Blast, the only agenda on that list was that the singer make her comeback a heroic story of pushing through the emotional highs and lows. According to the insider, “She is physically so strong and has done so much hard work to get here. She trains almost every day on top of physical therapy.”

Advertisement

Dion’s process was described as a labor of love, fueled by sheer determination and the confidence to deliver the standard that has defined her brand for years.

With the help of knowledgeable doctors, the award-winning vocalist reportedly prepared for one of the biggest arcs of her career with the resilience it required.

The 58-Year-Old Remains This ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Dream Ballroom Partner

4

As the singer gradually finds her spot on the stage for the long term once again, a creative stunt by a TV personality several studios away casts another light on a not-so-explored area of her career -ballroom dance performances.

As “DWTS” heads into its 35th season, judge Derek Hough spilled the tea on some of his ballroom fantasies, with Dion right at the center. As shared by The Blast, Hough had played around with an AI-generated video on Instagram that showed him and the singer posing together for an official cast photo. 

Hough joked in the caption that he would not hesitate to choose the musical icon as his perfect ballroom partner should the opportunity avail itself. He had previously named Dion as his dream guest for the show after an encounter with her, which reinforced his belief that her talent was dance-worthy.

Advertisement

The singer is, however, no stranger to the show, as she previously appeared as a guest performer on its 5th season to belt out her iconic single “My Heart Will Go On” while the dancers performed a routine to that rendition.

Celine Dion Bravely Appeared For A Performance At The 2024 Olympics

4

The philanthropist briefly took the microphone two years ago while she publicly dealt with the condition. Dion took to the stage in Paris to sing Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” during the opening ceremony.

The performance was reportedly free of charge for the singer, but it made history as fans trooped to the streets to catch a glimpse of her belting out the sonorous tunes. Dion had closed the opening ceremony with an emotional performance from the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Wearing a stunning custom sequined Dior gown with cascading fringe, she marked Dion’s second time performing at the Olympics opening ceremony. She gave an unforgettable rendition of her hit song “The Power Of The Dream” at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, USA.

Advertisement

One of the most acclaimed action movies of the year; in fact, one of the most acclaimed movies of the year, period, is about to get easier to access. Released theatrically in June, the martial arts extravaganza received near-unanimous praise from critics and audiences, and more than doubled its reported budget at the box office. It follows a man who goes on a quest to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Along the way, he is joined by an undercover operative. Together, they take down a trafficking ring in modern-day Bangkok. The movie itself hails from Hong Kong, was filmed in Bangkok, and was directed by Japanese filmmaker Kenji Tanigaki. It is headlined by Chinese actor Xie Miao and Indonesian martial arts stars Yayan Ruhian and Joe Taslim, who broke out with a role in The Raid. Taslim subsequently appeared in Fast & Furious 6, Mortal Kombat, and Star Trek Beyond.

The new movie was compared to the John Wick franchise upon release, thanks mainly to its intricately choreographed action sequences. It now holds a “Certified Fresh” 98% critics’ score and a “Verified Hot” 95% audience score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes — this is higher than any movie in the John Wick franchise. It’s also the highest-rated action movie of the year, according to Rotten Tomatoes, ahead of films such as the recently released Mayday, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, and The Rip, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

Here’s Where You Can Watch the Year’s Top-Rated Action Movie

We’re talking, of course, about The Furious. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes consensus reads, “The Furious detonates into a relentless, blood-soaked spectacle of breathtakingly inventive martial arts choreography, with director Kenji Tanigaki delivering a brutal, balletic action extravaganza.” Produced on a reported budget of $20 million, the movie grossed more than $40 million at the worldwide box office. While this isn’t as high as other Chinese blockbusters, it’s still enough to break even. Of this $40 million-plus haul, $6.5 million came from domestic theaters. The Furious will be added to the Starz library on September 26, having already enjoyed a solid run on the PVOD market. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

June 10, 2026

Runtime

Advertisement

113 minutes

Director

Kenji Tanigaki

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Lil Durk’s not guilty verdict had supporters celebrating outside the Los Angeles courthouse. But one person quickly became the center of attention amid the excitement. A video now circulating online shows Durk’s defense attorney, Brian Steel, stepping out of the federal courthouse. And you already know, fans and supporters gathered around him following the major courtroom win.

RELATED: Clip Shows Lil Durk’s Mom Saying She “Blames” Herself Amid Rapper Being Found Not Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Trial (VIDEO)

Steel: “I Be Feelin’ Like The Man When I Walk Through”

In the clip, Steel can be seen walking out in a dark suit, blue button-down shirt, and matching blue tie, while rocking silver hair and a tie that exudes, “I’m true to this, not new to this.” As he made his way through the crowd, cheers erupted around him, with supporters calling him the “G.O.A.T.” Some placed their arms around him, while others tried to get a quick photo or give him a hug. Steel appeared to soak in the moment with a smile as supporters celebrated the attorney following Durk’s acquittal on all charges. And you can tell he knows he’s really him.

Brian Steel gets swarmed by Lil Durk fans while leaving the courthouse following Durk being found NOT GUILTY on all counts in his murder-for-hire trial pic.twitter.com/sfuIA88toQ

— PROXY (@PROXY0b) September 12, 2026

Durk’s Defense Team Was Giving “Case Closed!”

And it looks like Lil Durk’s defense team had plenty to smile about after the courtroom victory! Following the rapper’s not guilty verdict, his attorneys came together for a celebratory selfie. The photo captured the team in the moments after securing the major courtroom win. Durk’s legal team included several high-profile attorneys, including Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg, Christy O’Connor, Brian Steel, and others who worked together throughout the case. The group appeared all smiles as they celebrated the verdict and the successful conclusion of the trial.

Here’s How Durk’s Legal Team Allegedly Reacted To The Verdict

Additionally, it’s reported that the courtroom was filled with emotion as Lil Durk and his legal team reacted to the not guilty verdict. According to Trap Lore Ross via X, Brian Steel, Drew Findling, and other members of Durk’s defense team appeared visibly emotional as the jury’s decision was read, marking a major moment after the lengthy legal battle. The team’s reactions reflected the weight of the moment as they celebrated the outcome alongside Durk.

X Said Brian Steel’s Aura Is UP & STUCK

As soon as the verdict came down, folks were glued to their phones to let y’all know one thing: we DO NOT PLAY about Brian Steel! Fans quickly took to X to celebrate Steel’s courtroom win, sharing their favorite moments from his legal lore and making it clear that, in their eyes, IT’S UP for the attorney!

Durk Brian Drew and Christie ALL CRIED in court as Durk was found NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES

— Trap Lore Ross (@traploreross) September 12, 2026

Brian Steele walking out the courtroom like Marlo! This man beat a state and fed case! pic.twitter.com/F2dtb7NQjr

— Floor Supervisor at Jingles 2000 (@rebirth_ofcool) September 12, 2026

Advertisement

At this point, Brian Steel is easily one of the biggest celebrities in America 😭😭 The ladies are already all over him! pic.twitter.com/6iu6f8gT1w

— YSL (@kodakszzn) September 12, 2026

Brian Steele rn: pic.twitter.com/lORuYuhL9Q

— ROYALE (@royalepains) September 12, 2026

Complete acquittal.. damn he really walked. Brian Steele like that fr https://t.co/6zxbvoBhXN

— B Hall (@BrandonRHall5) September 12, 2026

Somebody on IG said they grateful R Kelly can’t afford Brian Steele 😭😭😭😭 lmfaooo ok

— Katrina (@GiftAndCurse_2) September 12, 2026

Brian Steele do child support cases?

— P (@theogpooh) September 12, 2026

Brian Steele to lil durk after getting him cleared of all charges pic.twitter.com/nl9lJfwX3b

— John (@iam_johnw) September 12, 2026

Advertisement

Brian Steel might be top 1 white person ever

— omeo 𖤐 (@ihyomeo) September 12, 2026

RELATED: India Royale Breaks Her Silence With Heartfelt Message Following Lil Durk’s Not-Guilty Verdict (PHOTO)

Stephen King is a household name in modern literature, but not everyone is up to speed with his work just yet. With more than 50 published novels, many of which have been adapted for film and television, King has become a treasure trove for today’s horror-centric entertainment. His stories have produced some of the genre’s most memorable characters, settings, and villains, making his bibliography feel almost endless for newcomers trying to figure out where to start.

Thankfully, getting into King doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems. While some of his stories come with extensive lore, sprawling casts, or connections that stretch across multiple books, plenty of others offer a much easier entry point. From iconic horror staples to supernatural thrillers and surprisingly emotional stories, here are essential Stephen King books for beginners.

‘The Shining’ (1977)

Image via Vintage

Horror film enthusiasts might have watched Stanley Kubrick‘s take on The Shining, but the novel version is just as suspenseful. Jack Torrance is looking for a fresh start with his family when he accepts a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. But when a massive snowstorm cuts the family off from the outside world, Jack’s son, Danny, begins seeing disturbing visions of the Overlook’s past, while its ghosts slowly take notice of Jack. As the spirits push Jack further away from reality, the place that was supposed to help him rebuild his family begins turning him against them.

Apart from having a popular film adaptation ready as a cross-reference, The Shining is the perfect example of how King demonstrates the relationship between humans and spirits. Traditionally, it is spirits who cause harm and mayhem to humans, but King’s philosophy is that the supernatural has always been a two-way street. While the Overlook Hotel has always been haunted, the scares are amplified by Jack’s inner turmoil as he reels from alcoholism and resentment, which only fuels the power of the spirits. This philosophy also appears throughout other King works, such as Salem’s Lot, ultimately giving horror a human face.

‘The Green Mile’ (1996)

Image via Scribner

Death row becomes an unexpected place for compassion in The Green Mile. Paul Edgecomb works as a supervisor on the death row of Cold Mountain Penitentiary, where he is accustomed to watching condemned prisoners make their final walk. Everything changes when John Coffey arrives, a physically imposing man sentenced to death for the murder of two young girls. Despite his frightening appearance and conviction, John is gentle, deeply empathetic, and seemingly incapable of hurting anyone. Paul soon discovers that he possesses a mysterious ability to heal others through touch, forcing him to question whether John is truly guilty.

The Green Mile is King’s slice-of-life approach to the brutal world of prison. Prison and death row have long been associated with darkness and grit, but King brings out the humanity in his prisoners despite the central mystery of whether John is actually guilty. It’s tremendously moving as King allows readers to understand who these prisoners were before they entered their cells, showing that, just like us, they were human too, regardless of their convictions. Even the prisoners who committed terrible crimes are given personalities, histories, and relationships, making it harder to see them simply as criminals waiting for execution.

‘The Dead Zone’ (1979)

Image via Hodder & Stoughton

Johnny Smith gets a second chance at life in The Dead Zone, but it comes at a cost. A car accident puts the high school teacher into a coma for five years, and when he finally wakes up, he realizes his dormant psychic abilities have become significantly stronger. Johnny can now learn things about people simply by touching them, including glimpses of their past and possible futures. He initially tries to use this ability to help others, but when he accidentally sees a vision of a potential apocalypse, Johnny’s powers become much more important than he realizes.

The Dead Zone does the most with what King does best: making ordinary people confront forces they cannot understand or control, then forcing them to decide whether fighting those forces will make things better or worse. Johnny’s psychic ability is straightforward, but King uses it to explore a much bigger question about whether knowing the future gives someone the right to change it. It’s a relatable moral dilemma that newcomers to King’s books can easily connect with. The book keeps pushing Johnny to either accept fate or make decisions that are completely out of his league, only for him to realize that the consequences may not be what he expected them to be.

‘Misery’ (1987)

Image via Viking

Advertisement

Parasocial relationships take a psychotic turn in Misery. A snowstorm leaves bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon stranded in the worst possible place: the home of his biggest fan. After crashing his car in Colorado, Paul wakes up badly injured and in the care of Annie Wilkes, a woman who claims to be his “number one fan.” Annie’s no guardian angel, though. Paul is forced to bring his beloved Misery series back to life according to Annie’s increasingly disturbing demands. As she controls his medication and threatens him with violence, Paul must find a way to survive long enough to escape the remote cabin.

Misery is perfect for readers who don’t want to keep track of multiple characters, complicated lore, or several subplots. Nearly the entire novel takes place inside Annie’s home, and with Paul being immobile, he’s literally trapped in a bedroom that doubles as his prison. It’s an incredibly simple setup, but it’s also where King proves his mastery at making ordinary things feel sinister. It’s also a great choice for readers who aren’t interested in supernatural horror and want to explore King’s psychological thriller-influenced work instead, as Misery digs into the depravity of human nature and shows just how dangerous obsession can become when admiration turns into control.

‘Carrie’ (1974)

Image via Cemetery Dance

Advertisement

Hell waits for high school bullies in Carrie. Serving as King’s first published horror novel, Carrie was the author’s first impression on the world, and he made sure to leave a lasting one. The novel follows a painfully shy teenager whose sheltered life has left her completely unequipped to deal with the outside world. Carrie White is raised by a fanatically religious mother who controls nearly every aspect of her life, leaving school as her only real glimpse of a normal teenage life. Unfortunately, her classmates make sure she never feels welcome. As if that’s not enough for a socially isolated teenager to bear, Carrie discovers she can move objects with her mind.

Despite its supernatural theatrics, Carrie remains one of King’s most grounded works because it taps into a theme almost every reader can understand. It’s impossible to relate to having telekinesis, but most people know the horrible feeling of being treated like an outcast simply because they’re different. That pain can sting even more during high school, where peer pressure and mob mentality can make cruelty feel inescapable. This makes Carrie a great choice for anyone looking to get acquainted with King’s penchant for horror while still getting the emotional core that makes his work so effective. Readers may not relate to Carrie herself, but King makes it difficult not to feel something toward her, whether that’s sympathy, discomfort, or even disgust.

Advertisement

Carrie

Advertisement

Release Date

2026 – 2026-00-00

Advertisement

Network

Prime Video

Advertisement

• 

  Summer H. Howell

  Carrie White

  Advertisement
• 

  Matthew Lillard

  Principal Grayle

  Advertisement
• 
• 

  Samantha Sloyan

  Margaret White

Advertisement

Advertisement