Entertainment
The Harlan Coben Formula That Turned Netflix Into a Thriller Machine
If it’s starting to feel like everyone’s obsessed with a brand-new Harlan Coben thriller every few months, it’s because they actually are. Since teaming up with Netflix in 2018, 13 of the prolific author’s 35 bestselling books have been adapted into limited-run series, and the partnership is quickly becoming one of the platform’s biggest success stories. In just the last six months, Run Away unseated Stranger Things to top the global charts, and I Will Find You became the biggest original series debut of 2026.
Coben, who serves as executive producer on all his adaptations, has long been a force in mystery-thriller fiction; now, his name is synonymous with addictive, bingeworthy TV. The Netflix shows are easy to pick up because, like the books they’re based on, they have self-contained plots that remove lore-based barrier to entry and make them universally accessible to global audiences. What keeps viewers hooked, though, is his unique ability to deliver high-stakes twists and breakneck pacing within a narrative that’s emotionally grounded and relatable at its core – and that’s due to a storytelling formula Coben has spent years perfecting.
The Harlan Coben Thriller Formula
Each of the adapted novels is built around a “what if?” premise, a scenario or revelation so outrageous it borders on impossible. That premise is then dropped into the life of a deeply ordinary protagonist, often living in Coben’s home state of New Jersey or nearby metro areas, who has a normal job, family, and obligations – and it completely shatters their sense of reality. Because the “what if?” is so farfetched, the protagonist struggles to get others to believe what they’ve discovered, forcing them to take matters into their own hands to uncover the truth.
Coben uses this formula to build out plots that hit all the right notes for a standard-fare mystery-thriller, yet remain entrenched in something much more accessible than shadowy espionage or hard-boiled crime. By using an everyman as the central protagonist, and basing everything on what real people know, feel, and do, he’s able to root each narrative organically in the human experience. “It’s not enough for me to stir your pulse, or stir your brain,” Coben said in an interview recently, “I need to stir your heart.” His work resonates with audiences so strongly because it’s exactly what we would do if we were in that “what if?” situation, which grounds even the wildest plot twist in emotional truth.
Every Great Mystery-Thriller Plot Starts With “What If?”
The “what if?” is the most important part of the formula, and it often starts as a loose idea that crystallizes as he continues to go about his everyday life, thinking, listening, and observing. After Coben found drug paraphernalia in his daughter’s room, he began thinking about centering his next novel on a young woman who’s lost her way. While mulling it over in Central Park, he saw a musician playing John Lennon on a guitar, and he was hit with the “what if?” behind the smash-hit Run Away: what if you’re half-listening to a busker playing in a park, and you look up and realize it’s your drug-addicted daughter who’s been missing for six months?
Lived experiences and conversations become a springboard, like for Hold Tight, which came out of a dinner conversation with friends about their troubled teen, a decision to install spyware, and a debate about parental responsibilities in an uncertain world. The Stranger, on the other hand, was inspired by browsing history, in both senses of the phrase; he dug into all sorts of websites to mine real stories for inspiration, and doubled down on his personal belief that our searches aren’t private. Each of the “what ifs?” takes real life, flips it on its head, then goes back down to earth on a crash course with reality in Corben’s stories, and that’s why it’s so eminently easy to be drawn in.
‘Fool Me Once’ is a Masterclass in the Coben Formula
In 2024, Fool Me Once became one of the most-watched series in Netflix history, and it’s when people started really understanding the allure of the Coben binge. It’s a masterclass in his formula; not only does it pull on every heartstring and tick every box of the relatability checklist, it’s also one of the twistiest, shock-inducing, gasp-worthy plots of all time. There’s also one hell of a “what if?”: what if your recently murdered husband suddenly appeared on your nanny cam?
The story centers on Maya Stern (Michelle Keegan), a retired military pilot and newly single mother whose husband, Joe Burkett (Richard Armitage), was murdered during an attempted robbery, only months after her sister, Claire Walker (Natalie Anderson), was murdered in a crime that remains unsolved. Maya is attempting to deal with these dual traumas and move on with her life when she’s given a nanny cam by a friend, and discovers what looks like her dead husband playing with her two-year-old daughter. Maya confronts her nanny, who flees with the camera’s memory card, leaving her without the only evidence she had to prove she saw her husband alive.
Desperate for answers, she begins investigating her husband’s wealthy, powerful family, and discovers the gun used in the robbery was the same one that killed her sister. Convinced the murders are linked, she takes a headlong dive into the world of the Burkett family and their company, uncovering the dark secrets they’ve tried to hide. And what she finds – well, that’s a bit less about the Coben formula, and more about Coben magic, but if you’ve watched it you’ll know what I mean when I say she finds what she knew all along.
‘I Will Find You’ Brings Coben’s Formula Home
The first 12 Netflix series were produced for countries outside the US, so the adaptations not only had to be moved from page to screen, but also adjusted for cultural relevancy and impact in new cities. With I Will Find You, production moved stateside; setting the action in the novel’s original locations, Boston and New York. While significant changes were made to certain characters, the pacing, and the structure of the plot’s twists and turns, the series gives us our first glimpse at Coben’s America, and it’s almost impossible to look away.
The “what if?” is, as always, astounding: what if your son, who you were convicted of murdering, was spotted in a photograph alive and well? David Borroughs (Sam Worthington) still maintains his innocence while serving life in prison when he’s shown the photo by his ex-wife’s sister, Rachel Mills (Britt Lower). As he becomes even more adamant that he isn’t guilty of the crime, multiple attempts on David’s life take place in the prison to stop him from investigating the circumstances around his son’s death. He’s forced to break out of prison and pursue the answers as a fugitive, convincing his friends and family one at a time that he’s not a madman but a father who knows his son is still alive.
It’s a crazy set of circumstances on the face of things, but as the series progresses, you begin to realize what he’s doing is exactly what you’d do, even though it’s absolutely insane. That’s how relatable Coben’s characters are, and it’s somehow even more true when the tiny details – something as small as swapping a Yankees hat for a Red Sox one when returning to Boston from New York, to make sure you’re not standing out – make the plot on the screen feel so much more real. And while not everything is perfect about the adaptation, it’s wildly watchable from beginning to end.
The Coben formula is, at its core, a stroke of storytelling genius, one that enables a thriller to maintain both a real-life and out-of-body feel. From the “what ifs?” to the well-grounded emotional foundation he builds, every single aspect of the narrative is built in a way that’s ready-made to binge. And the good news for everyone with a Netflix account is this isn’t the end of the line for the ever-growing Coben universe – as we’ve learned by now, there are always more series on the way.
- Release Date
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2026 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Robert Hull
- Directors
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Adam Davidson, Maggie Kiley, Maja Vrvilo, Brad Anderson
- Writers
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Robert Hull, Harlan Coben
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Entertainment
Jennifer Aniston Wears Tkees Flip-Flops — Get a Pair on Amazon!
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The words ‘elegant’ and ‘comfortable’ are rarely used to describe flip-flops, but Jennifer Aniston uncovered rare sandals that deliver on all of the above. Turns out, her sleek, cushiony flip-flops are a bestseller on Amazon and are also loved by Jennifer Garner, Blake Lively and Jennifer Lopez!
Like other celebs, Aniston has rocked Tkees flip-flops for years, wearing them through the airport, around New York City, to hair appointments and everywhere in between. They read polished, not pool-deck, which is exactly why they’ve become such a fixture in her rotation. We’ve spotted her with black and brown, but we wouldn’t be surprised if she’s sitting on a few more!
Get the Tkees Liners Flip-Flops for $65 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Designed with a minimal silhouette, these 100% leather flip-flops elevate any outfit without even trying. They pair with dresses, linen pants and denim without competing for attention, so don’t be surprised if you wear them nonstop. Shoppers certainly are, especially since they describe them as “very comfortable.”
Reviewers praise the soft leather footbed that molds to your foot after a few wears and the thin straps that sit flat, preventing chafing, blisters and aching feet at once. It’s no wonder shoppers wear these comfy sandals for everything from coffee runs to vacation tours.
One five-star fan wrote, “They survived a trip to Jamaica (walking through all kinds of terrain in and out of the water) . . . I’d save yourself the hassle of buying cheap ones and buy ones that last like these have.”
If your summer wardrobe needs staple shoes you can slip on with anything and feel put-together, Aniston has been making the case for years. Sometimes a celebrity-approved pick isn’t a splurge or a status symbol, but just a really, really good pair of flip-flops.
Get the Tkees Liners Flip-Flops for $65 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Entertainment
Ashanti & Nelly Pop Out For Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Wedding
It looks like love was definitely in the air this weekend, and two familiar faces stepped out looking every bit like the power couple fans know them to be. While all eyes were on the headline-making celebration, Ashanti and Nelly had social media showing them plenty of love after clips of them arriving in coordinated looks started making the rounds online.
RELATED: Heart Eyes Only! Ashanti Has Fans Melting After Sharing Sweet Moments With Her Son (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)
Ashanti & Nelly Bring The Heat To Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Wedding
Videos making their rounds on social media show Nelly pulling up looking smooth in a cream tuxedo, which he paired with a white T-shirt and a chain, while Ashanti was serving all the goddess vibes in a stunning cream beaded gown with a matching choker. After the festivities, both celebrated the newlyweds love online, with Nelly calling the celebration “incredible” and Ashanti saying there was “so much love in the building.” Their attendance also comes with a little full-circle moment, as Nelly has previously hit the stage with Taylor Swift during her tours, while Ashanti has shared that Taylor inspired her decision to re-record her earlier albums in an effort to regain ownership of her masters. Peep the clips of Ashanti and Nelly HERE.
The Roomies Had Plenty To Say
Chile, y’all already know The Shade Room comment section wasted no time clocking Ashanti and Nelly’s appearance. While some Roomies joked that Taylor Swift’s guest list was “so random,” others couldn’t get enough of seeing Ashanti and Nelly outside together, calling them one of their favorite couples. Meanwhile, plenty of folks said Ashanti was so stunning in her cream beaded gown that she looked like the bride herself.
One Instagram user @thedededoll said, “I’ll never spin the block but I’m so glad they did❤️🥹🙌🏾”
This Instagram user @oneandonlyqueen added, “He’s really doing life with his best friend and I love that for them ❤️”
And, Instagram user @_callmelou wrote, “Nelly and Ashanti at Taylor Swift wedding sounds so random 😮”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @foreverluvbug20 commented, “Taylor invited all these random people to her wedding 😂”
While Instagram user @__sandria claimed, “😍 Ashanti so pretty,this whole look🔥🔥”
Lastly, Instagram user @loveulolo shared, “I never seen Nelly smile sooooooo much..❗️. He keeps her fancy..💙 You won’t out shine the Haynes..“
Taylor & Travis’ Wedding Guest List Was Stacked
Whew, Roomies! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce took over New York City, tying the knot in what folks are already calling one of the most star-studded celebrity weddings ever! From the A-list guest list to the reported surprise officiant, the lavish celebration has the internet piecing together every detail.
So here’s what we know: The reported ceremony went down at Madison Square Garden and was allegedly kept under wraps with guests required to sign NDAs before stepping inside. Adam Sandler reportedly officiated the wedding, while nearly 1,000 guests from Hollywood were said to be in attendance. Among the familiar faces reportedly spotted were Ed Sheeran, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz Ashanti, Nelly, and more.
RELATED: It’s The Haynes! New Video Has Social Media Saying Nelly “Hasn’t Stopped Smiling” Since Spinning The Block With Ashanti
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
10 Heaviest Episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’
Game of Thrones is about a lot of people who want to be the king, or queen, who sits on the Iron Throne, ensuring they’re the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The first season has some conflict over which family should rule, and then things explode into all-out warfare from the second season onwards. And there’s also a mysterious army of the dead approaching the continent from a wintery area north of Westeros.
All the warring, fighting, and killing make Game of Thrones a pretty heavy show, more often than not. Few people ever feel safe, and the show was never afraid to have episodes (or sometimes even seasons) end on downer notes. So, to celebrate all the misery, in effect, here are the heaviest episodes of Game of Thrones; the ones that go the extra mile, in terms of being despairing.
There are unavoidable spoilers below for all eight seasons of Game of Thrones.
10
“Hardhome” (2015)
Season 5, Episode 8
You could single out “Hardhome” as the episode with the army of the dead in it, though that could technically be a fair few episodes… so it’s probably best to say it’s the episode where said army makes the biggest impact, and feels the scariest. There were two battle-focused episodes about taking on the Night King’s undead soldiers that aired after “Hardhome,” and probably tried to top it, but neither of them were as strong (season 7’s “Beyond the Wall” and season 8’s “The Long Night”).
There are losses suffered in those episodes, too, and technically, more high-profile characters are lost, since a dragon’s killed and reanimated in “Beyond the Wall,” and then a large number of supporting characters are killed off during “The Long Night.” They’re just scarier, in “Hardhome,” making the most of a first impression, since this episode gets to really drive home, for the first time, how overwhelming the army of the dead is. And there’s an extra sense of terror and heaviness that comes from the battle for survival near the episode’s end more or less exploding out of nowhere, cementing – on a visceral level – the existential threat that’s, at this stage, not far from reaching the Wall.
9
“The Bear and the Maiden Fair” (2013)
Season 3, Episode 7
This is the most distressing episode of Game of Thrones that doesn’t involve a single person dying. Granted, there are only four episodes that fit that description, out of 73, which does really drive home how death-heavy this show was. But “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” finds another way to prove disturbing and bleak, since it’s particularly confronting with its Theon and Ramsay scenes.
There were reasons to hate Ramsay before this, and many after, but this remains up there as one of his cruelest and most despicable acts.
The latter isn’t named at this point in the series, but he has spent a good chunk of season 3 up until this point torturing and tormenting the former. It reaches a particularly sadistic peak (or low) in “The Bear and the Maiden Fair,” and even though the most graphic act of violence isn’t directly seen, it is still horrifying to know it happens, and then it’s not even the end of Theon’s torment, either. There were reasons to hate Ramsay before this, and many after, but this remains up there as one of his cruelest and most despicable acts in the entire show.
8
“The Winds of Winter” (2016)
Season 6, Episode 10
A lot happens in the season 6 finale of Game of Thrones, “The Winds of Winter,” and not all of it’s 100% depressing. Jon Snow and Daenerys get relatively triumphant moments here, even if they’re both in positions of probable danger, since both are in charge of armies that’ll play some kind of role in one of two looming wars. One war involves the approaching army of the dead, which is imminent here, given that “The Winds of Winter” sees winter finally arriving.
There’s also everything that happens in King’s Landing, with villainous and somewhat likable characters alike dying in a massive explosion that Cersei sets off. She murders so many people, and then her actions cause her son, Tommen (the king), to take his own life, and all that makes various Houses (Tyrell, Baratheon, and Lannister) pretty close to extinct, in effect, if you’re talking about the prominent members of such families. The whole episode really did feel like it kicked off the show’s endgame, so to speak.
7
“The Door” (2016)
Season 6, Episode 5
In season 6, Game of Thrones well and truly overtook A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series the television show’s based on. Certain moments that George R.R. Martin has not yet written about (and may never, though one can hope The Winds of Winter will still come out) that did appear on the show weren’t widely loved… but Hodor’s death in “The Door” was well-received.
Not well-received in the sense that people were happy Hodor died, but it was an impactful moment for the show, and the episode it appeared in, “The Door,” is one of the better ones from the show’s second half. It might’ve worked as well as it did because it was confirmed to be an idea from Martin himself, so it’s almost a book idea. Learning about Hodor’s past and then how that also relates to his death is tragic, though his going out heroically does ensure there’s some bittersweetness to it. More bitter than sweet, sure, but far from all the morally good Game of Thrones characters have had meaningful or genuinely heroic deaths.
6
“The Mountain and the Viper” (2014)
Season 4, Episode 8
See, speaking of generally good characters who didn’t get to die meaningful deaths, here’s Oberyn Martell. He’s a highlight of the fourth season of Game of Thrones, since he’s willing to ally himself with a very desperate Tyrion Lannister, the latter of whom is on trial for Joffrey’s death. Oberyn fights for Tyrion in trial by combat, against Gregor Clegane (AKA “The Mountain”), partly so he can also get vengeance upon Gregor for the deaths of several of his family members.
So, there you get the episode’s title: “The Mountain and the Viper.” Oberyn, the Viper, seems like he’s about to win, but then he gets too confident, slips up when he could’ve just finished things, and then he dies in one of the most brutal ways imaginable. It’s upsetting for several reasons, all of them obvious: it’s a confronting death, it happened to an endearing character, the murderer still lives (just), and (the also endearing) Tyrion seems absolutely screwed, so you end the episode feeling fearful for his future, too.
5
“The Bells” (2019)
Season 8, Episode 5
The way King’s Landing gets devastated in “The Winds of Winter” has nothing on what happens to it in “The Bells.” This penultimate episode of the whole show controversially has Daenerys snapping, during an assault on King’s Landing, and ultimately razing so much of the city to the ground, thanks to a completely unrestrained Drogon. It is a lot to take in, to say the least.
Now, there’s an argument to be made that “The Bells” has all this happen a little too suddenly, and that, therefore, it’s not as powerful as it could’ve been. If you’re questioning Daenerys doing what she does the whole time, you might not be able to process the emotions you’re supposed to be feeling, but this ranking’s not really about episode quality (or lack thereof). Regardless of the execution or writing, what happens here is pretty terrifying and intense, in terms of seeing so many people die and so much destruction, not to mention having to grapple with one of the show’s most well-liked characters becoming so monstrous.
4
“The Dance of Dragons” (2015)
Season 5, Episode 9
Like “The Door,” “The Dance of Dragons” is an episode that contains material not yet written about in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, though the most noteworthy scene here is one Martin plans to have happen in the books… in all likelihood. And assuming those last two books come out. It’s the death of Shireen, which is one of the hardest moments of the whole show to watch.
Stannis has lost it by this point, albeit he’s lost it a bit more convincingly – and gradually – than Daenerys did. Still, it’s a new low for him to sacrifice his own daughter for a chance at better weather so he can potentially win an upcoming battle. His daughter, Shireen, was one of the few genuinely good-hearted characters on the show, she’s only a child, and she’s killed in a particularly horrific way: being burned at the stake. To make things somehow even worse, it’s all for nothing, since Stannis and his army are entirely defeated in the final episode of the season. Nothing easy about watching it, by any means, and that one scene alone ensures that “The Dance of Dragons” deserves to be called one of the most emotionally intense episodes of the whole show.
3
“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” (2015)
Season 5, Episode 6
Before the final two seasons of Game of Thrones, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” was about as controversial as an episode had ever gotten, and it’s also a bit like “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” in the sense that it’s distressing for reasons other than deaths. Theon was tortured in that season 3 episode in a particularly nasty way, and his same torturer, Ramsay, also puts Sansa through hell in this episode, culminating with him sexually assaulting her after their wedding.
“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” spares viewers from the sight of what happens at the episode’s end, to some extent, also like what happened with Theon, but there’s no doubt about what happens, and what is shown/heard is hugely distressing. Before, it was mentioned that what Ramsay did to Theon was one of the worst things he did on the show, and what he does to Sansa here is similarly horrible. There are other dark and disturbing moments throughout the episode, but it’s the stuff with Ramsay and Sansa that pushes “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” over the edge.
2
“Baelor” (2011)
Season 1, Episode 9
It’s more accurate to say that A Song of Ice and Fire was groundbreaking as a fantasy series, and that its brazenness and subversive qualities meant that Game of Thrones, being based on it, ultimately felt groundbreaking as a show. Still, the first season of Game of Thrones kind of makes Ned Stark feel even more like the central character than the first book does, largely thanks to Sean Bean being the highest-profile member of the main cast in that first season.
Of course, Ned’s killed off in the penultimate episode of season 1, “Baelor,” and the circumstances of his death (being shamed by Joffrey, confessing to save his life, but then his death gets ordered anyway) are so monumentally depressing. He was a generally good guy, and from that point, no one felt safe. Somehow, the show managed to top the devastation here, with the heaviest episode in the show’s run being the one you probably expected to see in the #1 spot.
1
“The Rains of Castamere” (2013)
Season 3, Episode 9
Game of Thrones had already proven itself to be an incredible drama series before the penultimate episode of season 3, but in terms of pure drama, it is “The Rains of Castamere” that stands as the show’s most memorable (for better or worse) hour. The Starks had been underdogs, albeit very capable ones, ever since Ned had been executed back in season 1, but they’re effectively wiped out here.
Some of Ned and Catelyn’s children remain alive, but they’re scattered throughout Westeros and in different levels of peril, while the Stark army (including Catelyn, Robb, and Robb’s newly pregnant wife, Talisa) are massacred during what comes to be known as the Red Wedding. In hindsight, the show was building to it, and it makes sense why the Starks are betrayed by the Freys here, yet it’s still an absolute sucker-punch of an episode when you do see it for the first time. Television has seldom been heavier than this; it’s like a 21st-century “Abyssinia, Henry” (and hey, that episode of M*A*S*H also happened to come right near the end of said show’s third season).
Entertainment
Is Sullivan’s Crossing Returning for Season 5 After Cast Exits?
Sullivan’s Crossing has gone through numerous surprise cast changes so is the hit show coming back for season 5?
Based on a book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. She finds herself reconnecting with estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), newcomer Cal (Chad Michael Murray) and more members of the community.
Sullivan’s Crossing was previously renewed for a fifth season, which is expected to premiere in 2027 on CTV. After airing in Canada, the hit show will follow up with episodes on The CW and then on Netflix presumably in the summer once the show wraps up on cable.
Before the season 4 premiere, Us Weekly broke the news in March 2026 that Scott Patterson would not be reprising his role.
“Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” Roth shared with Us. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”
Patterson later hinted at what caused his surprising departure, writing via Instagram, “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”
Patterson later clarified it wasn’t always his vision to leave Sullivan’s Crossing.
“It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”
Kohan, meanwhile, opened up about how Patterson’s exit affected the show.
“It’s interesting. There are always going to be different dynamics,” she exclusively told Us. “One of the things that came out of not having Sully on the show was we did get all these wonderful new characters too.”
Kohan found it “really nice” getting to introduce new relationships on the show.
“What I really loved was getting to do the flashbacks and really seeing the younger version of Maggie,” she added to Us about the season 4 change. “Seeing her fully letting go and just going with what was happening in front of her … I’ve really loved getting to see.”
Entertainment
Tia Mowry Honors Tamera With Sweet Tribute
It’s hard to believe Tia and Tamera Mowry are turning 48 in just a few days. The beloved actresses, known for their breakout roles in the sitcom “Sister, Sister,” have been staples in the entertainment industry for years. After wrapping up their time playing lost twins separated at birth, who were reunited years later, they went on to perform in other notable works, including “The Game,” “Instant Mom,” “Double Wedding,” “Twitches,” and “The Real.” To honor their upcoming special day, Tia, the mother of children Cree and Cairo, posted a carousel of pictures of them accompanied by an emotional caption.
In the carousel, Tia gave her nearly 13 million Instagram followers a glimpse into their lifelong bond, sharing childhood photos of them smiling in matching braids alongside snapshots of them posing on red carpets over the years. She also included more recent images of themselves spending time together, seemingly during a trip to Napa Valley.
In the photo’s caption, Tia expressed her gratitude for her sister, Tamera, and recalled some of their many highlights. “Cancer season always hits a little differently when you’re a twin,” she wrote.
“We’ve shared birthdays, bedrooms, inside jokes, dreams and more memories than I could ever fit into one post,” Tia added. “Happy early birthday to us! Wouldn’t trade the memories for anything. Here’s to 48 (???) and all the adventures still ahead of us. Love you always!”
Tamera Mowry Shows Her Love To Tia After The Latter Celebrates Their Early Birthday

Tamera replied to the photos, “Happy early birthday to us, sissy. I love you. Always!”
The twins’ fans were also moved by the pictures, considering one user wrote, “Y’all really are identical. Thank you for giving us beautiful TV [during our] childhood,” and another said, “Reliving my childhood in these pics, LOL. Time Machine me — happy early birthday.”
A third user also got in on the fun, writing, “Aww happy birthday to the most epic twin queens,” while a fourth posted, “Happy birthdayyy to the only twins ever!”
Tia Mowry Posts About Tamera Months After Saying The Pair Weren’t As Close

Tia’s post comes months after she spoke candidly about the relationship with her sister on her reality show, “Tia Mowry: My Next Act.” In the episode, Tia implied that she and Tamera weren’t in a great place after saying they hadn’t been communicating as much.
“I came into this world with a twin, and right after that, I went into a 22-year relationship, so I have never been alone in my life. It has been quite a journey,” Tia said while speaking about her divorce from Cory Hardrict. “Being alone has been the most challenging part of my divorce. It’s times like this when I feel and wish that my sister and I were still close, and I could pick up the phone and call her. But that’s just not where we are right now.”
Tamera seemed to confirm the rumors weeks later when she admitted she learned of Tia’s new show with the rest of the world. She said, “Tia is living her life right now, and Tia is doing Tia.” Tamera also confirmed that she wouldn’t appear in the series either, adding, “No, she’s like, this is my story, and you know, I can only respect that.”
Tia Said The Twins Now Have A ‘Pact’
According to Tia, they didn’t have a dramatic falling out. She said their distance was due to natural life changes, such as their growing families and expansive careers. To rectify that, though, Tia said the twins made a “pact” to call each other once a week, specifically on Sundays, adding that, “… as long as we make time for each other, that’s all that really matters.”
Tia Opens Up About Her New Relationship

A previous report from The Blast details Tia’s new relationship with her boyfriend, Javone Williams—someone she described as a “teacher, artist, and reader.”
She then explained that she “manifested” her new man months after divorcing Hardrict, saying she listened to music, lit candles, and wrote down everything that she was looking for in a partner.
“I’m glad that it came around the time…because I really wouldn’t have known what I wanted three years ago. I really needed to sit in like solitude and like learn who I am first before I even figured out what it was and what it is that I want. So I did do that,” she said.
Entertainment
Danny McBride Reveals Story Details for His Grounded G.I. Joe Movie, Says Paramount Is Ready to Move Forward : Coastal House Media
It looks like Danny McBride is serious about bringing G.I. Joe back to the big screen.
During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, McBride confirmed that he has completed a screenplay for a new G.I. Joe film, and according to the actor and writer, Paramount Pictures is enthusiastic about moving the project forward.
“I’ve written one. I’m stoked about it. I’m really fired up about the script,” McBride said. “Paramount seems fired up about it, so hopefully we’re shooting it next year.”
For longtime fans of the franchise, perhaps the most exciting revelation wasn’t the production update—it was hearing how deeply McBride understands the source material.
“It was definitely the cartoons and the comics,” he explained. “G.I. Joe was my thing when I was a kid. I liked that more than Star Wars, more than anything. I still have all the characters.”
That lifelong passion helped shape the movie’s direction.
According to McBride, his original pitch wasn’t even for a traditional G.I. Joe film. Instead, he wanted to make a movie centered around the Dreadnoks, Cobra’s infamous biker gang of mercenaries. Paramount liked the idea but felt the franchise first needed a proper relaunch before branching into spinoffs.
“I had an idea for a Dreadnoks movie,” McBride recalled. “So I went to Paramount and pitched it, and they were like, ‘Well, the franchise kind of needs to be launched, so we can’t come out with a Dreadnoks movie. Would you have an angle for a G.I. Joe project?’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’ll have an angle for that.’”
Rather than simply rehash familiar stories, McBride developed a new concept alongside his The Righteous Gemstonescollaborators Jeff Bradley and John Carcieri.
The film reportedly follows Duke and a team of Joes as they investigate Springfield, the infamous town from the comics that secretly operates under Cobra’s control.
“You’re following Duke and a group of other Joes. There’s that town in the comic, Springfield, which is a town that’s secretly all Cobra, and so that is where our film takes place.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the tone.
Despite McBride’s reputation for outrageous comedies like Eastbound & Down and The Righteous Gemstones, he insists this won’t be a comedic take on the iconic toy
line.
“We cracked something that we really love,” he said. “It’s not a comedy; it’s kind of suspense and action. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
He even described the screenplay as a more grounded approach to the franchise, suggesting audiences should expect tension and espionage rather than over-the-top parody.
While McBride stopped short of revealing any casting announcements, he hinted that conversations are already taking place behind the scenes.
“We have some pretty interesting people lining up to be in it,” he teased. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it looks like it’s going to be pretty fun.”
Following the disappointing box office performance of Snake Eyes in 2021, Paramount has been searching for the right direction to revive the franchise. If McBride’s comments are any indication, the studio believes it has finally found a fresh approach—one rooted in the classic comics while delivering a grounded action-thriller centered around Duke, Cobra, and the mysterious town of Springfield.
Should production begin next year as planned, G.I. Joe fans may finally be getting the franchise reboot they’ve been waiting for.
Entertainment
Dutton Ranch’s Juan Pablo Raba Denies Responsibility for Death
Dutton Ranch‘s Juan Pablo Raba weighed in on that shocking death in the finale — and denied responsibility.
“When I first read it, I was like, ‘Oh my God, how is this going to play out?’ But as I flip through the pages, I don’t see an actual scene where Joaquin kills [Rob-Will],” Raba told TVLine about the finale, which premiered on Friday, July 3.
Raba argued that Joaquin might not be at fault.
“You see Joaquin in a car with a gun, and a lot of doubt and heartbreak. He’s not getting pumped to do something that he’s never done before,” he noted. “All we see is Joaquin in his car giving some hard thought to something. And then we see him later, in the same car with the same gun … but did he do it?”
According to Raba, there is also Joaquin’s dad to consider, saying, “If you’re Mariano, and you’re saying [demeaning things] about your son, and then you tell him to go kill his brother, wouldn’t you also send someone to make sure things have been done? I’m just saying!”
The season finale of the hit Paramount+ series, Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) took a pregnancy test and found out she was expecting a baby. She didn’t tell Carter (Finn Little) but the couple did reunite and make plans to leave Texas behind.
Oreana’s dad, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), found her packing her bags, which led to a sentimental father-daughter moment. It didn’t last long, however, because Rob-Will went down to open the door — and was shot by brother Joaquin.

“There was no climax, no discussion,” Raba shared. “This guy literally just opened the door and somebody shot [Rob-Will]. That’s a stone-cold killer if you ask me. Now, is Joaquin capable of doing that? Maybe the heartbreak [of losing the 10-Petal] was too much for him to handle, but I have no idea.”
He continued: “You can always have the killer revealed, maybe in a flashback, if you need to in the future, but it was much better to leave the possibilities open for a storyline in the second season.”
Yellowstone initially introduced viewers to the Dutton family in 2018. The Paramount Network show came to an end in 2024, expanding its universe with Luke Grimes‘ CBS show Marshals and Dutton Ranch, which premiered in May.
Dutton Ranch has introduced some new characters played by Annette Bening and Ed Harris. Other newcomers include Courtney, Lind, J. R. Villarreal — and Raba’s Joaquin.
“I love this about Taylor Sheridan and the universes that he creates where it’s really hard to say that somebody’s good or bad. We have our heroes, of course but if you go back — in retrospective —some of the things they’ve done I would not consider to be very good,” Raba told Us Weekly. “But they’re still our heroes and you understand them. I hope I can do same with Joaquin — no matter what direction he takes.”
Raba had high hopes for his journey, adding, “I hope that I get the chance to really expose what can happen to someone who has been stripped of everything — even hope.”
Dutton Ranch is streaming on Paramount+.
Entertainment
Why Social Fitness Is Changing What a Night Out Looks Like
Most nights out default to the same script. Dinner, drinks, maybe a movie. But a quieter shift is reshaping how friends and couples spend an evening, and researchers say what you do together may matter more than where you eat. The best nights out, it turns out, might not involve a menu at all.
Open mics, improv classes, trivia, karaoke and craft workshops are drawing crowds looking for something more memorable than another round at the bar. And the science of friendship suggests they’re onto something.
Why Social Fitness Matters
Socializing in America has narrowed. Most adult get-togethers revolve around eating or drinking, and that sameness leaves little room for the kind of shared novelty psychologists say strengthens relationships.
“Socialization culture, particularly for adults outside of school, has become really centered around eating and drinking. I think we’ve been successful because we’ve provided another option for people to do something with their friends outside their house,” Tayler Carraway, cofounder of New York City art café Happy Medium, told Vogue.
The stakes are higher than a slow Friday night. People with close friendships report greater life satisfaction and are less likely to suffer from depression, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry. They are also less likely to die from heart problems and other chronic diseases, PLOS Medicine research found.
“Not exercising your social fitness is hazardous to your health,” Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Outside.
“When you lose emotional and social fitness, you lose everything,” Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of Coa, a gym for mental health, told Outside. “Everything in life is going to feel better if you feel connected to other people to get through the tough things and enjoy the good things.”
What the Research Says About Doing Something New Together
Novelty is the ingredient most nights out are missing. A 2000 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples who took part in “novel” and “arousing” activities together reported stronger relationships and increased passion. Participants ranged from partnerships lasting two months to 15 years, and researchers noted the boost appeared after a shared task as short as seven minutes.
An earlier study of more than 50 married couples in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reached similar conclusions after 10 weeks of weekly activities described as exciting or pleasant.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, told the American Psychological Association that platonic connection deserves the same active promotion as physical health.
“After having to reduce social contact during the pandemic, we’ve realized how it impacts basically every sector of society. That suggests that each of these sectors can potentially play a role in solutions,” Holt-Lunstad said.
She added, “What we know is that if we don’t interact regularly, things go really bad remarkably fast. But what is the magic in these interactions that’s keeping us healthy and sane? More and more researchers are saying there’s this huge part of human behavior we know very little about. Let’s change that.”
Improve Your Social Fitness: The Nights Out Worth Trying
Appetite for alternatives is showing up in the data. A 2025 Eventbrite report found craft workshop events surged in 2024, with crochet events up 44 percent and jewelry-making up 34 percent. Interest in collage, crafting and pottery is climbing too.
Options worth checking in your city include these:
- Open mic nights. Low-pressure, unpredictable and hosted at bars, coffee shops and community spaces almost everywhere.
- Improv shows or classes. Watching is reliably funny. Taking a class forces the kind of vulnerability that fast-tracks connection.
- Stand-up comedy. Local shows tend to be cheaper and more intimate than big touring acts, and shared laughter bonds fast.
- Trivia night. Competitive, collaborative and a good excuse to argue about random facts. Most pubs run weekly rounds.
- Karaoke. Commitment-free silliness. Private rooms are widely available for groups who want a more contained experience.
- Jewelry-making classes. Some workshops run over several sessions. Others wrap in as little as three hours, letting you leave with a finished silver ring or similar piece.
- Pottery classes. Whether throwing clay together or painting pre-made pieces, the appeal is hands-on.
- Art cafés. Spaces built around programming for crafts and skills you might not have touched since grade school.
- Paint-and-sip classes. Popular with friend groups and equally fun as a date. Check local listings.
The common thread is simple. Something new, done together, tends to stick.
Entertainment
The Sci-Fi Masterpiece That Outsmarted the Genre Is Streaming Free
Writer-director Alex Garland has started production on the most expensive A24 movie to date, Elden Ring. The video game adaptation is the latest attempt by the indie studio to establish itself as a major player in Hollywood, following Garland’s own Civil War, the Oscar contender Marty Supreme, and the more recent Backrooms. All three movies grossed more than $100 million worldwide, with Marty Supreme nearly passing the $200 million mark and Backrooms sitting at nearly $350 million worldwide. Considering this progression, Elden Ring is expected to gross around half a billion dollars globally, or at least more than the $430 million haul of its fellow fantasy video game adaptation Warcraft. Garland and A24 go back a long way; he has directed films that represent every stage of the company’s growth. Easily the most acclaimed film made by Garland for A24 is now streaming for free.
In fact, the movie marked the start of their long-running creative partnership. It was released in 2015, grossing more than $35 million worldwide against a reported budget of $15 million. The movie followed a computer programmer who is invited by a technocrat to test out a humanoid robot at his mysterious facility. It stars Domhnall Gleeson as the programmer, Oscar Isaac as the tech mogul, and Alicia Vikander as the robot. You’ve probably guessed that the movie we’re talking about is Ex Machina.
Here’s Where You Can Watch ‘Ex Machina’ for Free
The film now holds a “Certified Fresh” 92% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Ex Machina leans heavier on ideas than effects, but it’s still a visually polished piece of work — and an uncommonly engaging sci-fi feature.” Despite being significantly less expensive to make than some of the other visual effects-driven films of that year, Ex Machina won the Best Visual Effects Oscar. It beat out behemoths such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Martian, and The Revenant, all of which cost a combined total of more than $1 billion to produce. You can watch Ex Machina for free on Tubi and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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April 24, 2015
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
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Alex Garland
- Writers
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Alex Garland
- Producers
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Allon Reich, Andrew Macdonald
Entertainment
14 Walmart Clothes and Accessories With Lobster Details
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Coastal chic is an obvious aesthetic for the summer, and we’re not afraid to lean into it heavily. So, when we pictured what a Nantucket rich mom would wear on the daily, we couldn’t help but think she’d take pride in adorable lobster details that make outfits more fun. Walmart is all about the cute crustacean this season, and we certainly took notice.
You may have seen the short-sleeve lobster sweater that’s been making the rounds on social media, but that’s not the only pop of red to add to your wardrobe. From flowy dresses and tops to totes and bag charms, consider the lobster the mascot of the season. But don’t worry, it’s done in a really chic kind of way.
14 Lobster Clothing and Accessories at Walmart
1. Our Favorite: The short sleeves and roll neck make this navy lobster sweater everything we could want for summer. It also comes in other coastal-approved prints that’ll come in handy on cooler days.
2. Beaded Beauties: Walmart is making footwear fun again with these lobster beaded sandals. The blue and white stripes are a nice base to make the red creature really pop.
3. Must-Have Maxi: This tiered gingham dress has a neutral base to make the embroidered lobsters the stars of the show. The maxi length is easy to wear day or night, no matter the forecast.
4. Trusty Tote: On first glance, this looks like a simple straw tote bag, but the cute crocheted lobster makes an adorable charm. You can use this bag for beach trips and everyday life.
5. Tighter Tee: One thing to love about the coastal vibe is the plethora of seafood, and that’s what this $10 baby tee is giving a nod to. Does anyone else suddenly want a lobster roll?
6. Sweet Straw: Another social media favorite, this straw beach bag features a lobster front and center. But our favorite part might be the bandana-wrapped handles.
7. Dress It Up: Turn any bag into a crustacean paradise with this affordable bag charm. It features a lobster pendant and bandana-printed straps.
8. Nice Knit: Available with red and blue lobsters, this short-sleeve knit top brings the Nantucket energy front and center. We love the bold seams for a little more interest, too.
9. Straw Sun Protection: Don’t forget about sun protection this summer, and we know you won’t when you have this lobster-featured straw hat. It’s an easy way to make your T-shirt and shorts look a little more fun.
10. One of a Kind: This handbag is a literal lobster — enough said. So, only wear this novelty option if you really want to make a statement at the next seafood boil.
11. Serious Stripes: As if the blue and white stripes weren’t coastal enough, the lobster accents turn this spaghetti-strap maxi dress into the ultimate pick. It’s available in sizes small to 5XL, so almost everyone can rock it.
12. Cutest Claw: The only way we’re clipping up our hair this summer is with a lobster claw clip. For $6, you can be comfortable with an accessory that everyone will ask about.
13. Sipping Sweater: What happens when two lobsters are enjoying martinis? They’re put on a $12 long-sleeve sweatshirt. You’ll be happy to have the top when you’re greeted with a chilly summer evening.
14. Charming Charm: Dress up your bag with a rhinestone-covered lobster charm. It’s one of those items that we didn’t know we needed, adding a summery touch to all our outfits.
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