Jill Zarin
Blindsided By Sudden E! Firing Over SB Halftime Take

Published
February 10, 2026
4:34 PM PST

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As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots took the national spotlight last night, as did two different halftime shows. This year, Bad Bunny was the headliner behind the NFL’s annual extravaganza while elsewhere, Turning Point USA’s so-dubbed All-American Halftime Show got underway with a slew of entertainers, including Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett. We know that the big game ended with a score of 29 to 13, with the Seahawks taking the sought-after trophy back to the Pacific Northwest, but how did the numbers stack up between the dueling artists?

With a singular stage that featured a catwalk and a spread-out audience surrounding it, the Turning Point USA show saw its performers dressed in blue suits, cowboy hats and the like, while a nearly unrecognizable Kid Rock closed it out. Meanwhile, on NBC, Bad Bunny transported audiences to Puerto Rico in a performance that captured the many cultures that make up the United States. Joining him at one point in a duet was Lady Gaga, while a happy couple got married in the middle of Super Bowl halftime madness, all to get his message of love across.

With the numbers finally beginning to roll in, we can see a clear-cut case of whom the halftime show victor was. An early report revealed that the off-shoot, which ended later than its primetime network equivalent, snagged somewhere around 5 million viewers on Turning Point USA’s YouTube during its live release. In the time since, the figures have shot up to 6.1 million, with folks turning to the online platform to see what they missed during the big game. Concurrently, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was groundbreaking in more ways than one, as the Grammy recipient raked in a staggering 128, which falls just short of the previous record held by last year’s entertainer, Kendrick Lamar. Additionally, Bad Bunny’s performance has also become the most-watched halftime show in Spanish-language television history, raking in 4.8 million on Telemundo alone.

Who Else Performed at Super Bowl LX?

On top of the feuding halftime shows, audiences were treated to a handful of other musical delicacies, courtesy of some of the biggest names in the industry. Stepping out with an acoustic guitar and a well-tailored suit, multi-Grammy and Emmy-winning musician Brandi Carlile tuned up to play a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while Coco Jones channeled Whitney Houston’s iconic Super Bowl XXV look while singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Additionally, Charlie Puth took center stage to deliver his rendition of the National Anthem, and Green Day opened the event with numerous hits from over their decades-long career. While some may have been waiting for the California legends to toss in some political overtones, they wrapped up the show without a peep.

You can watch Bad Bunny’s full Super Bowl performance above.

Days of Our Lives reveals EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) inherits the family patriarch position when he slides Stefano DiMera‘s (Joseph Mascolo) Phoenix ring onto his finger. We could see a big twist where EJ goes dark and claims his very own “Queen of the Night,” who may be Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord).

EJ has not been doing well lately. He has lost Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman). And now his father, Stefano, is confirmed dead. This news might push EJ to an extremely dark place. Let’s dive in and talk about Cat and EJ’s possible future.

EJ DiMera in a Bad Place on Days of Our Lives

The transition from late 2025 into early 2026 has been difficult for EJ, largely due to his own actions and decisions. He is fresh off being kidnapped by Peter Blake (Jason Brooks), who was apparently conspiring with Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), even though Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) is taking the fall for it.

Furthermore, Johnny has rejected his father again. And Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) is feuding with EJ. Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) has been sloppy, putting the finances for the secret lab at risk with her scheme involving DVL. While EJ is eager to resurrect the “woman in the tube,” Gwen’s interference is a growing problem.

To make matters worse, EJ is still reeling from the confirmation that the bones in the crypt were indeed Stefano’s remains. Neither Belle nor Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) will give EJ a second chance. And his daughter, Sydney DiMera (Avery and Cade Seger), is far away in Italy.

EJ DiMera Inherits the Iconic Phoenix Ring and Stefano’s Dark Legacy on DOOL

We are about to see an EJ with nothing left to lose, returning to his villainous roots. He may drag Cat along with him, whether she is a willing participant or not. This shift begins this week as EJ, Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn), Theo, and Kristen head back to the crypt to inter Stefano’s ashes and put him to rest once and for all.

This is a stressful moment for the family, as it marks the first time EJ and Tony have been back to the crypt since Peter tried to kill them all with sarin gas. Each of Stefano’s offspring and grandchildren is mourning in their own way, but EJ is particularly rocked by a revelation from Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton).

Currently, the position of head of the DiMera family is up for grabs. Although EJ is not the oldest, Tony has made it clear he wants nothing to do with DiMera Enterprises. After reclaiming the company from the Kiriakises, Tony left town with his beloved Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley), leaving the business in Theo’s hands.

Johnny is currently serving as interim CEO while Theo recovers from a head injury inflicted by Peter. While EJ and Rita convinced Johnny to step in, that arrangement is ending soon. Johnny promised his wife, Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens), that he would only help until Theo recovered before returning to work at Titan.

Dr. Wilhelm Rolf Anoints EJ as the New Patriarch of the DiMera Family on Days of our Lives

EJ has also been fighting with Kristen, who blames him for the incident where Rachel Black (Alice Halsey) shot him, leading to the child being sent to Bayview. When Dr. Rolf approaches EJ after they inter Stefano’s remains, EJ is at his lowest point.

After the others leave, Rolf reveals that Stefano assigned him one last task: to personally hand the iconic Phoenix ring to EJ. This gesture confirms that Stefano has anointed EJ as his heir and the new head of the family. This message could be the sign EJ needs to fully embrace his dark side once again.

Days of Our Lives spoilers indicate that Gwen notices a shift in EJ immediately after he slides the ring onto his finger. This raises the question: where does Cat Greene fit into his new world order? Cat was previously falling for Chad. however, to maintain custody of his children, Chad had to grant Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) summer visitation rights.

To appease Thomas DiMera (Christopher Cary), Chad included a “no Cat” clause in their legal custody arrangement. After a talk with Tony, Chad decides to move Thomas and Charlotte DiMera (Olivia & Oakley Rondou) to Arizona for a while.

A New Obsession: EJ DiMera and Cat Greene’s Valentine’s Day Date on Days of our Lives

With Chad out of the picture, EJ asks Cat out to dinner just as Valentine’s Day arrives in Salem. EJ and Cat previously shared a close moment, though it occurred after she drugged him to cover up her suspicious actions.

Susan Banks (Stacy Haiduk) caught them together and made it clear she does not want Cat near her “baby boy.” Susan has serious reservations and believes Cat is up to something. Despite these warnings, EJ and Cat are set to share a kiss soon, which could signal the start of a new obsession for EJ.

EJ has a history of intense fixations. When he was fixated on Sami, he blackmailed her into his bed to save Lucas Horton’s (Bryan Dattilo) life—an event that serves as Johnny’s origin story. He even kidnapped his own daughter, Sydney, to torment Sami.

When he moved his obsession to Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker), his behavior remained manipulative. He was complicit in the secrets surrounding baby Jude, lying to Nicole about the baby’s paternity to keep her away from Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan). Much like Stefano, EJ gets fixated on one woman after another, doing terrible things to keep them in his life at any cost.

EJ & Cat the New Stefano & Marlena on DOOL?

Stefano’s longest-lasting obsession was making Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) his “Queen of the Night.” Now that EJ is stepping into his father’s shoes, will a new obsession follow? Cat might be the one EJ decides should be his own Queen of the Night. What he doesn’t know is that Cat is working for the ISA as part of a multi-agency investigation. She is acting as his assistant as part of a plot with Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering). Cat was snooping around the DiMera mansion when she drugged EJ. And she even tried to break into the secret lab by tricking her brother, Mark Greene (Jonah Robinson).

When EJ asks Cat to dinner, he has no idea she is targeting him—and she may not realize he is about to target her. With Chad leaving town, Cat may be vulnerable, leading to a spark and an upcoming kiss. While the writers previously dropped the “Queen of the Night” storyline by giving Marlena Lyme disease, this concept could see a revival with EJ.

Cat may be playing with fire. If EJ discovers her betrayal, he might feel justified in bending her to his will, much like Stefano did with Marlena. They already share a bond from when she read Wuthering Heights to him in Italy. EJ could even use that book as a mind-control tool, similar to Stefano’s use of Arabian Nights. Even if he finds out she is betraying him, it may only amplify his fixation. It will be interesting to see if Cat ends up in over her head, becoming the new Queen of the Night.

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If you know anybody who’s in a struggling band, or are in one yourself, and you get one of those offers that seems way too good to be true, you should force yourself to be the voice of reason, even if everybody in your orbit will hate you for being so cynical. Opportunities that require you to sign over your rights to your own intellectual property in a 365 deal are never what they’re cracked up to be, and you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to reclaim your art through expensive legal proceedings. Or, if you’re like the struggling punk band Suicide Disease in 2024’s Director’s Cut, you load up the van and drive out to the middle of nowhere because an eccentric videographer has offered to direct your debut music video for free.

In this case, you don’t really have to worry about copyright issues when all is said and done, because all signs suggest you won’t make it through the weekend alive anyway. As much as you’d like to get a cut-rate deal on an otherwise expensive endeavor, you have to think about what the offering party stands to gain from the exchange. You may not want to hear this, but sometimes a contract or written agreement is necessary if you want to protect your livelihood, and sometimes even your life.

A Punk Band With Nothing To Lose

Director’s Cut opens with a struggle that any somewhat serious musician will encounter at some point in their hobby or career. The band Suicide Disease has found their passion project in a state of flux, mostly due to lead vocalist Jay’s (Tyler Ivey) rotten attitude. Jay looks like the kind of guy who writes poems about pain in his Moleskine, but doesn’t have the vocabulary to sound like anything other than an angsty eighth grader. He also looks like he’s spent way more money on tattoos than vocal lessons.

When the rest of the band, John (Greg Poppa), Menace (Brandy Ochoa), and Juan (Louis Rocky Bacigalupo), confront him about the fate of the project, they immediately clash over how they should move forward. Jay wants to write more songs, while the band wants to play more shows. They can’t get better gigs until they have a larger catalog, but they’re too broke to take the current show on the road. That leaves them stuck in local band purgatory for the foreseeable future.

In a desperate move to keep the band together, Jay reveals that he’s received an offer to shoot a music video for free. The man making the offer, known only as Mister Director (Louis Lombardi), has a sizable social media following and a body of past work that suggests he might actually be legit. In a last-ditch effort to keep the band alive, they unanimously decide to haul their gear out to rural Pennsylvania, where Mister Director claims to have access to an abandoned mansion.

Honestly, There Are Way Worse Venues Out There

If you’ve ever spent any time inside a punk venue, you know you risk your life every time you step into the bathroom, and that the stage meant for five people and all of their equipment usually has the same footprint as a twin-sized bed. With that in mind, crashing at an empty mansion doesn’t seem like a bad gig, especially if somebody’s helping you out for free. This assumption is what pushes Director’s Cut into fully unhinged territory.

Almost immediately, Jay feels like something is off and has second thoughts about the whole project, which understandably irritates everyone else in the band since this was his idea in the first place. After exchanging pleasantries with Mister Director and his bruiser of an enforcer, Babs (Lucy Hart), the band commits to the shoot because they truly have nothing left to lose. At least that’s what they think.

Things take a hard left when Mister Director explains that he plans to film each band member individually before editing everything together in post-production. While each member waits their turn, nobody else is allowed on set. By the time the drums and guitars are supposedly finished, it becomes painfully clear that Suicide Disease is going to need some lineup changes if anyone is still breathing by the end of the weekend.

Pushing itself firmly into slasher territory, Director’s Cut gets violent fast, and once it does, there’s no turning back. Mister Director technically has a strong aesthetic vision for the video. Unfortunately for the band, that vision involves everyone staying at the mansion getting murdered in increasingly brutal fashion. Babs is a constant threat whether she’s on screen or lurking just outside the frame. Mister Director is wheelchair bound, so she handles most of the physical work, but the menacing bulge in her pants is what will probably unsettle you the most if I’m being honest.

Be Wary Of The Deals You Make

While Director’s Cut’s storyline is intentionally ridiculous and completely over the top, writer-director Don Capria based the concept on his own experience working as an artist manager for years. He wanted to address the risks young, naive artists take early in their careers when they’re presented with one-sided, exploitative deals. By pushing that idea to its most extreme conclusion, Capria turns Director’s Cut into a cautionary tale about the music industry and how easily it can chew you up if you’re careless about who you trust.

While it’s highly unlikely that you or any local band you know will be lured into a mansion and murdered by a psychotic director, it’s always in your best interest to question any deal that feels off. But if you’re able to hold your own and defend yourself, what happens in Director’s Cut, currently streaming for free on Tubi, isn’t nearly as bad as sitting through a local band showcase on a Tuesday night.

I know people think anime is a niche form of entertainment, but the truth is that the medium is now more popular than ever. Sure, it started as an art form for fans of manga who wanted to see their favorite stories play out on the screen. Streaming has opened anime up to a whole new world of viewers, though. Now, you don’t need to be familiar with the manga to enjoy these stories with intricate world-building, strong characters, and compelling plots.

The animation is enough of a visual feast that no other form of TV and film can ever replicate. If you’re ready to experience the magic for the first time or just want to revisit some all-time favorites, here are the anime series on Prime Video that have absolutely no bad seasons.

1

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Pony Canyon

Attack on Titan is an anime that just can’t be missed, even if you’re not a fan of the genre. The Japanese adaptation of the iconic manga by Hajime Isayama is a masterclass in storytelling and is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction and confined to walled cities to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The anime follows protagonist Eren Yeager (Yuki Kaji), who witnesses the horrific death of his mother at the hands of a Titan and develops a burning desire for vengeance. He is joined by his friends Mikasa Ackerman (Yui Ishikawa) and Armin Arlert (Marina Inoue), both of whom have their own arcs that we uncover along the way. As the story progresses through its four seasons, Attack on Titan only gets better, with each chapter revealing new lore about the Titans, the origin of humanity, and the dark secrets hidden within the walls.

The series really shines in its worldbuilding and doesn’t try to portray any of its characters as purely good or completely evil. This nuanced approach makes the story feel all the more powerful and pulls you deeper into this complex web of allegiances, betrayals, and shocking twists. The animation and sound design remain consistently good throughout the series, with some of the most fluid fight sequences you will ever see. Attack on Titan is one of the very few anime that never loses momentum and challenges its audience to question everything until the very end. The series concludes with a power-packed finale in 2023, but its legacy will continue to live on.

2

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)

Image via Wit Studio

Vinland Saga was an anime that truly defied all expectations. No one could have imagined that the medium would lend itself so beautifully to a historical drama, but the result remains unmatched to this day. The series, based on the manga by Makoto Yukimura, brings the Viking era to life like never before. The anime first premiered in 2019, produced by Wit Studio, and later continued with MAPPA for its second season in 2023. Despite the shift, though, it never lost its visual or narrative consistency. The story follows Thorfinn (Yūto Uemura), a young warrior who sets out to avenge his father after he is murdered by the ruthless mercenary Askeladd (Naoya Uchida).

This isn’t a typical revenge story, though, because the series focuses heavily on Thorfinn’s character development and shows the harsh consequences of a life driven by vengeance. His eventual transformation into a man searching for meaning makes Vinland Saga one of the most emotionally complex and thought-provoking anime of all time. At the same time, the series addresses the violence of Viking culture and the brutalities of war. This balanced mix of the characters’ personal struggles against a larger historical backdrop is a testament to Vinland Saga‘s genius.

3

‘Dororo’ (2019)

Image via MAPPA

Dororo is one of the best samurai-themed anime the world has seen in decades. The series is based on Osamu Tezuka‘s manga and transports the viewers to a war-torn Japan during the Sengoku period, where demons, political tensions, and a supernatural curse threaten to destroy the fabric of humanity. The anime follows Hyakkimaru (Hiroki Suzuki), a boy born without body parts as a result of a pact his father, Daigo Kagemitsu (Naoya Uchida), made with demons in exchange for power. Hyakkimaru then embarks on a difficult journey to reclaim his stolen body parts. Every demon he defeats returns a piece of his humanity. Along the way, he meets Dororo (Rio Suzuki), a young orphan with a tragic past, and the two form a bond as they face the horrors of war together.

The series definitely stands out for its high-stakes supernatural action, but it’s so much more than just that. Hyakkimaru’s journey is about finding meaning and wrestling with his identity. On the other hand, Dororo’s personal growth adds another emotional layer, and his dynamic with the protagonist quickly becomes the heart of the show. Dororo is rich in symbolism and is the kind of anime that demands to be watched over and over again, with its complex stacking of visual and narrative information. The show’s use of modern and traditional animation techniques reflects the intricacy of ancient Japanese art against an animation style that feels contemporary. Dororo‘s soundtrack deserves a special mention for adding to the story’s emotional depth and elevating practically every scene. Despite spanning only 26 episodes, Dororo is a masterpiece that truly makes you believe in the power of anime.

4

‘After the Rain’ (2018)

Image via Wit Studio

After the Rain might initially seem like yet another romance anime, but the story is much deeper than just that. The slow-burning story follows Akira Tachibana (Sayumi Watabe), a high school student and former track star whose life takes a turn after a leg injury. When Akira begins working part-time at a family diner, she finds herself captivated by her middle-aged manager, Masami Kondo (Hiroaki Hirata), a man who once dreamed of becoming a novelist. Despite their age gap, Akira begins to fall for him, and the two develop an unexpected bond.

The relationship between the characters comes off as unconventional at first, but this isn’t just a story about this teenage girl having a crush on an older man. The show. As Akira deals with the loss of her athletic future, she begins to see Kondo as a reminder of the possibilities that still exist. On the other hand, Kondo finds a new passion for life after interacting with Akira and her youthful energy. The two characters help each other find their way, and their connection never feels forced. The pacing of the series is deliberate, but the payoff is rewarding for viewers who are truly interested in the characters’ personal journeys.

5

‘Speed Racer’ (1967–1968)

Image via Fuji TV

Speed Racer is a classic that has stood the test of time. The Japanese series, also known as Mach GoGoGo, has developed a cult-following over the years and was one of the most ambitious shows of its time. Speed Racer follows the adventures of Gō Mifune, also known as Speed Racer (Tatsuo Yoshida), a passionate and determined race car driver who competes in high-stakes races around the world. The story follows his journey as he faces both human and mechanical obstacles in each race. However, what Speed Racer truly stands out for is its revolutionary animation techniques, dynamic action sequences, and vibrant use of color that no other anime had utilized so effectively at the time.

At a time when animated shows typically targeted kids, Speed Racer, with its complex storylines, made it enjoyable for older audiences too. Mifine’s high-tech car, the Mach 5, instantly became iconic along with his other gadgets, including the famous dive suit. These elements turned Speed Racer into an unpredictable adventure, and the show’s experimental storytelling was complemented by its fast-paced editing, playful tone, and highly stylized animation. Beyond just that, the anime centered on themes of loyalty, family, and determination, which made it all the more personal and meaningful to watch.

6

‘Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku’ (2018–2021)

Image via A-1 Pictures

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku is the perfect slice-of-life anime that offers a refreshing and relatable take on romance by focusing on adult otaku characters instead of the usual high school setting that defines the genre. The series is based on the manga by Fujita, Wotakoi, and explores the heartwarming romance between Narumi Momose (Emi Namba), a passionate yaoi fangirl, and her childhood friend Hirotaka Nifuji (Mutsumi Tamura), a gaming otaku. The story begins with Narumi being heartbroken after her precious relationships. She is happy to be reunited with Hirotaka when she starts working at the office, but their relationship is complicated by their shared otaku interests and the societal pressures they operate within.

The anime tackles themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and personal growth while also offering a healthy dose of humor and swoon-worthy romance. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku always remains grounded in its approach to relationships, which is what makes it so enjoyable for a more mature audience. The chemistry between the two leads drives the story. Their interactions are awkward yet sincere, which is what makes their eventual bond feel so sincere. The anime doesn’t go all-out in its exploration of romance. Instead, it focuses on the quiet, tender moments that make relationships special.

7

‘Ghost Stories’ (2000–2001)

Image via Fuji TV

Ghost Stories, originally titled Gakkō no Kaidan, stands out as a truly unique and cult classic in the anime world. Originally, the series wasn’t a major hit in Japan, but it blew up thanks to its infamous English dub. This supernatural horror-comedy is about a group of school children who battle ghosts and spirits haunting their new school and the surrounding neighborhood. The show follows a traditional horror formula, with each episode focusing on a different spirit or ghost that needs to be exorcised.

Ghost Stories is a rare anime where the dub dominates the sub, because the humor in its English dub is sharp, self-aware, and full of cultural references that everyone will enjoy. What’s interesting is that characters who felt one-dimensional in the Japanese version come to life with the English dub, which goes to show the power of dialogue. The show might not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of its plot, but it’s the definition of a comfort anime, even for audiences who are unfamiliar with the medium.

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Ghost Stories

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Release Date

2000 – 2001

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Network

Fuji TV

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Directors

Johei Matsuura

Writers

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Akatsuki Yamatoya, Ryota Yamaguchi, Masashi Sogo

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  Tomoko Kawakami

  Satsuki Miyanoshita

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  Kotono Mitsuishi

  Kayako Miyanoshita

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  Kumi Sakuma

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  Momoko Koigakubo

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  Kurumi Mamiya

  Keiichirou Miyanoshita

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