By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated 26 seconds ago

There’s no living director as controversial as Quentin Tarantino. The man makes undisputably great films: Pulp Fiction is the ultimate argument that style and substance can be one and the same. Kill Bill is the ultimate love letter to the boldest, bloodiest movies ever created. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, meanwhile, is a powerful deconstruction of the media machine that is so fundamental to our lives. What makes Tarantino so controversial, then? Sometimes, it’s the filthy content of his movies, with haters complaining about everything from the ultraviolence to the abundance of racially-charged language. More recently, though, Tarantino has gotten himself in trouble by dropping hot takes on various movies and actors.

For example, it wasn’t that long ago that Tarantino described beloved actor Paul Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood as “weak sauce” and the actor as “the weakest f*cking actor in SAG.” After that, the entire internet wanted the director’s blood. However, with Toy Story 5 on its way, I thought it was time to revisit one of Tarantino’s less controversial takes: that Toy Story 3 was such a perfect ending to the franchise that it made no sense for Pixar to create any more of these movies.

Hollywood’s Filthiest Director Loves A Children’s Movie

In December 2025, Quentin Tarantino appeared on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast to talk about a subject near and dear to his heart: his favorite movies of all time. He said a lot of crazy things during this appearance, including the extremely controversial comments about Paul Dano. But perhaps the most shocking thing Tarantino said in the interview was that Toy Story 3 was his second-favorite film of the century and “almost a perfect movie.” He went on to describe how “That last five minutes ripped my fuck*ing heart out” and how “if I try to even describe the end, I will start crying and get choked up. … I can’t even do it.”

It’s admittedly wild to imagine Tarantino tearing up over a Pixar movie about toys. But he’s serious, and in 2024, he told Bill Maher that Toy Story 3 was so good that it completely killed his interest in watching further films in the franchise. “You literally ended the story as perfectly as you could,” he said. “So no, I don’t care if it’s good. I’m done.” It’s a comment that raised many moviegoers’ eyebrows, especially in the wake of Toy Story 5’s success. Now that Toy Story 5 is about to come out, though, we need to admit that Tarantino was right and that Pixar should have ended things with the third movie.

The Toys Are Back In Town

Toy Story 3 basically wrapped the story up for Andy, the owner of all those fantastic toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. By the end, he is headed off to college and ends up donating all of his old toys to Bonnie, a young girl in the neighborhood. Woody says goodbye to his oldest friend, and he and the rest of the gang settle in for life with a brand new kid. Tarantino’s absolutely right about this ending, by the way: it’s guaranteed to make you cry, and it’s wonderfully meta to see Andy put away his beloved toys even as we, the audience, put away the franchise we’ve been enjoying for decades.

Perfect ending, right? Unfortunately, Disney likes money more than they like art, so we ended up getting Toy Story 4 and, now, Toy Story 5. Bonnie is now the central character, but she never becomes quite as compelling as Andy. Even if she was, though, Toy Story 4 felt like a creative rehash of things we had seen before. The idea of toys being secretly alive and going on crazy misadventures is a powerful one, but what’s the point in going back to the well for a fourth time if the movie feels derivative? Honestly, Disney should have gone all Spaceballs on us and called this sequel Toy Story 4: The Search For More Money.

Toys Vs. Electronics

Now, Toy Story 5’s big gimmick is that Bonnie is a little older and wants to play with a tablet rather than her old toys. Like, seriously, who wants to watch that? Obviously, the rise of iPad kids has been a problem in the real world, but I doubt that parents want to see an onscreen recreation of the tablet arguments they are constantly having with their children every night. For that matter, I doubt that kids are in a serious rush to watch a movie that constantly reminds them they could be accessing the sum total of all entertainment and information instead of playing with a toy that has only a few points of articulation. 

Obviously, not everybody shares Quentin Tarantino’s thoughts on this matter. Toy Story 4 was a critical and commercial smash hit, earning over a billion dollars at the box office. Movies making that kind of money are guaranteed to get a sequel. However, the very existence of sequels to Toy Story 3 underscores that everyone involved cares more about an easy payday than anything else. The third film was, as Tarantino said, “almost perfect,” effectively providing a perfect ending to the franchise and (in many ways) our collective childhood.

If nothing else, maybe Tarantino’s hatred of these sequels will spur him on to finally create his next film. With movies like Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the director has developed a penchant for rewriting history in ways that he finds more personally pleasing. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get a Tarantino film where Pixar never made another Toy Story movie after the third one. That beats the alternative: a Toy Story reboot from Tarantino where a grown-up Bonnie’s feet somehow never leave the frame. 

Sharon Osbourne has responded to critics who accused her of turning her late husband’s legacy into a commercial venture following the announcement of an upcoming AI avatar based on him.

Addressing the backlash, Sharon made it clear that financial gain was not her motivation, insisting she had no interest in critics’ money and adding that Ozzy Osbourne would have fully supported the project. Details of the initiative have been circulating for some time, alongside growing speculation that the late singer and his wife will also be the subject of an upcoming biopic.

The Osbourne family has come under heavy criticism since announcing plans to create an AI avatar of the late Ozzy Osbourne.

Many critics have dismissed the project as a “cash grab,” prompting Sharon to speak out and defend the initiative against the growing backlash.

“The thing is, it’s like when there were propellers, and then there were jet planes. [People would question] ‘Why go on a jet when there’s a propeller? It’s a cash grab,” she said on “The Osbournes Podcast,” per NME.

“Well, you know what, technology moves on,” she continued. “And I’m sorry for those people. I’m not asking you to come. I don’t want your f-cking money. I don’t need your f-cking money. I’m doing very well.”

Sharon Says Ozzy’s Legacy Drives The AI Project

Ozzy died last year at the age of 76 following a heart attack complicated by other health factors, meaning he is no longer able to weigh in on the plans himself.

However, Sharon believes the legendary Black Sabbath frontman would have fully supported having his legacy preserved in this way.

“For somebody to turn around to me and say I’m doing a cash grab? No, you don’t know my husband, OK? I know my husband,” the former “The Talk” host said.

She added, “My husband would say to me over and over, ‘After I go, how long do you think I’ll be remembered?’”

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Jack Osbourne Explains The Family’s Decision

Ozzy’s AI avatar will be created in collaboration with Hyperreal, a company known for producing ultra-realistic digital human performances.

While it remains unclear when the project will debut, Sharon hopes it will become something that can be passed down through the family and help future generations, including their grandchildren, keep the iconic singer’s memory alive.

Meanwhile, Sharon’s son, Jack Osbourne, has expressed a slightly different perspective. He believes the project needed to be undertaken by the family, arguing that if they did not move forward with the idea, someone outside the family likely would.

“Either we do it, or someone else is gonna do it,” he said on the podcast. “And for me, it’s not about pretending he’s still alive. It’s making sure he’s never forgotten.”

Ozzy Osbourne Biopic Eyes 2028 Release

A biopic centered on Ozzy is also in development, offering another way to preserve the rock icon’s legacy for future generations of fans.

While speculation about the project has circulated for years, Jack has generated fresh excitement in recent months by sharing new details about its progress.

According to Jack, a 2028 release is the tentative target, although that timeline could still change as much of the project remains in development. Earlier this year, he also hinted at the storyline, which will focus on a pivotal chapter of his father’s life and career.

“It would be kind of the tail end of Sabbath, him going solo. [Because] you gotta have the love story. And that’s kind of the main focus of the film, and all the craziness that happened in the early ’80s and Randy’s [Rhoads] tragic death. But, yeah, it’s an origin story,” he said.

Jack Teases ‘Phenomenal’ Ozzy Osbourne Actor

For now, the actor set to portray the heavy metal icon has not been publicly revealed. However, the role has already been cast, according to Jack, who suggested fans will be pleased with the choice.

“We have our decided pick, and I can’t say anything [yet], but it’s a phenomenal, phenomenal actor,” Jack revealed during a radio interview.

At the time, he also confirmed that the project already has a director attached, although he did not reveal the filmmaker’s identity.

The director is expected to have the full support of Sharon, who will serve as a producer alongside her children, Aimee and Jack.

Khloé Kardashian has always been iconic, but it’s safe to say her outfits are eating as of late. Stepping out for the qualifying session at F1’s Monaco Grand Prix, the Khloud Foods founder was serving serious style inspiration in a tiny V-neck top, cool-girl capris and heeled flip-flops. However, it was her accessories that turned the look into a full fashion moment — specifically, her hoop earrings.

While some were waiting to spot the star’s sister, Kim Kardashian, with her new beau, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, we were waiting for Khloé to drop all those outfit deets. Sadly, the brand behind her gold statement hoops remains TBD, but found a similar pair on Amazon for just $12.

Get the Exgox 5mm Wide Gold Hoop Earrings for $12 (was $14) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Exgox 5mm Wide Gold Hoop Earrings might not be the real deal, but the quality makes it hard to tell. Despite their large, 50mm size, these sterling silver babies are surprisingly lightweight, thanks to the thin, flat design. They’re also hypoallergenic and do not tarnish, meaning you can wear this pick on repeat without worry. That’s seriously good news, since they complement a variety of outfits.

These hoops are nearly identical to the bold option worn by Khloé, so you’ll have no problem styling them with an all-black ensemble, the same way the star did. The style adds a much-needed pop when paired with neutral basics or darker-colored pieces, but still complements bolder designs, like floral wedding guest dresses and sequin tops.

Amazon shoppers think the Exgox hoops are pretty spectacular, too, leaving tons of reviews hyping up the budget-friendly find.

“These hoops have become my favorite ‘go to’ earrings of all time,” one person wrote. “I purchased these last year, wear them almost every day and they have not tarnished or faded. I haven’t had any problem with the closures either. The size is just perfect to make a statement, and they look like real gold! The quality of these earrings is simply superb.”

“Looks expensive . . . very light,” another shopper titled their review. “We ladies all have lost one loop of our favorite pair . . . expensive usually . . . so I decided to try these, and they look as good as my expensive one(s).”

Khloé proved that sometimes it’s the accessories that can turn a simple outfit combo into something special, and a pair of quality gold hoops is a quick way to zhuzh up your basics. Whether you’re looking to enhance an all-black summer fit, want to liven up your everyday jeans or need classic earrings you can wear for formal and casual occasions alike, these hoops are it. Don’t delay; grab the $12 pair ASAP!

Get the Exgox 5mm Wide Gold Hoop Earrings for $12 (was $14) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more gold hoop earrings here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Kate Middleton’s $3,850 Gold Hoops Are So Classy — Copy the Look for $13

Even Kate Middleton picks favorites. The Princess of Wales has a never-ending collection of diamonds and jewels, but she can’t stop wearing a classy triple-hoop earring style. Her exact pair costs thousands, but we found a similar gold version on sale for just $13 on Amazon. Classy and luxe, these earrings make any outfit look […]

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Gwen Stacy has been one of the biggest missing pieces in Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man corner of the universe for years. That absence has only become more noticeable as the character has flourished across other Spider-Man media, from Emma Stone’s fan-favorite portrayal in The Amazing Spider-Man films to Hailee Steinfeld’s breakout performance as Spider-Gwen in Sony’s wildly successful Spider-Verse franchise. If you really want to be thorough, you can also count Bryce Dallas Howard’s brief appearance in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 — though that version of Gwen rarely enters the conversation these days. Either way, Marvel is finally bringing Gwen Stacy into the mix in 2026.

The catch is that her debut won’t be happening alongside Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker on the big screen. Instead, Gwen is set to make her first Marvel Studios appearance in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2, the animated Disney+ series returning in fall 2026. While the show is produced by Marvel Studios, it exists in its own alternate timeline rather than the MCU’s “Sacred Timeline,” meaning this won’t be the Gwen Stacy who eventually crosses paths with Holland’s Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Showrunner Jeff Trammell has already confirmed Gwen’s arrival for Season 2, but recent social media teases have revealed even more. In a post shared to Instagram, Trammell showcased early character sketches of Gwen in both her everyday civilian look and her full Spider-Gwen costume, effectively confirming that this version of the character won’t simply be another student at Midtown High. While Marvel hasn’t revealed exactly how she acquires her powers, the artwork strongly suggests Gwen will play a significant role both in and out of costume when the series returns.

How Good Is ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’?

Season 1 may have already planted the seeds for her introduction. In the premiere, Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider after it falls through a mysterious portal, leaving open the possibility that the same spider — or another altered spider — could continue its journey through Midtown. Season 2 was officially confirmed for fall 2026 during New York Comic Con, and Trammell’s earlier comments hinted that Gwen would be one of the major additions to the next chapter, alongside escalating symbiote storylines and the return of Charlie Cox‘s Daredevil. So while Marvel may not be introducing a live-action Gwen Stacy into Holland’s world just yet, it is finally bringing one of Spider-Man’s most iconic supporting characters into the Marvel Studios fold.

In his review for Collider, Mike Thomas noted that while Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man may not rank alongside the very best Spider-Man animated series, it succeeds by embracing its own identity. Originally conceived as a much more direct MCU prequel, the project eventually evolved into a looser reimagining of Peter Parker’s early years. That creative shift allows the series to remix familiar Spider-Man mythology without being constrained by established continuity, giving classic characters and storylines room to feel fresh again.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 1 is streaming now on Disney+, and is due to return with Season 2 this fall.

The latest installment in the Scary Movie franchise might have taken last weekend’s box office top spot, but the parody of modern horror movies isn’t dominating general movie discourse. The viral masterpiece Obsession and A24’s Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor-led Backrooms continue to be the talk of Tinseltown, although they’ll face some tricky new competition this weekend, with the arrival of Steven Spielberg‘s long-awaited Disclosure Day. From the allure of the big screen to the best of the small, there is also plenty worth watching on streaming. With that in mind, here’s a list of three movies you should stream this weekend on Netflix.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

1

‘Father of the Bride’ (1991)

Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 6.6/10

It’s officially wedding season, and this weekend might be the perfect time to get in the mood with an undeniable classic of the genre. If you’re a fan of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, then 1991’s Father of the Bride is a must-watch, featuring the very best of Steve Martin and Martin Short‘s undeniable comedic chemistry.

The film stars the former as George Banks, a man whose life is turned upside down when his precious daughter returns from studying abroad engaged. With the wedding planning in full swing, George struggles to come to terms with his daughter’s marriage. A remake of the 1950 film of the same name starring Spencer Tracy​​​​​​, this hilarious, heartwarming ’90s comedy gained some particular emotional poignance last year, following the passing of the great Diane Keaton.

2

‘Hot Summer Nights’ (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes: 46% | IMDb: 6.4/10

Ahead of Dune: Part Three, the final installment in Denis Villeneuve‘s adaptation of Frank Herbert‘s novels, this December, why not check out one of star Timothée Chalamet‘s most underrated movies on Netflix? The neo-noir thriller Hot Summer Nights follows Chalamet’s sheltered teenager Daniel, who comes of age during one wild, romantic, and chaotic summer.

Also starring Maika Monroe as the free-spirited McKayla, Hot Summer Nights features a Chalamet performance that, although it might not receive much recognition, is arguably one of his best. Its story might not be anything new, but it’s told with an eye for visual beauty, and makes for an indulgent coming-of-age tale that will keep you hooked this weekend.

3

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 8.1/10

One of the most famous cult classics of all time, the Coen brothers‘ The Big Lebowski is now universally beloved for good reason, and remains a movie everyone should watch at least once. The movie stars Jeff Bridges as the iconic The Dude, a man who thrives on living life in the slow lane. However, after being mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, he becomes embroiled in an unlikely world of crime.

One of Bridges’ best performances that even spawned its own mock religion, The Big Lebowski is both laugh-out-loud funny and utterly enthralling. The Coens at their quirky, twisty best, the film is best known for featuring some of the finest ensemble characters in ’90s cinema, from John Goodman‘s Walter to Julianne Moore‘s Maude.

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Release Date

March 6, 1998

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Runtime

117 minutes

Director

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Joel Coen

Writers

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

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Producers

Ethan Coen

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Taylor Swift’s rumored wedding plans have become one of the most talked-about celebrity stories of the summer, but new reports suggest fans may not have the full picture. 

Speculation recently exploded after claims surfaced that the pop superstar and former NFL champion Travis Kelce were preparing to host a massive wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden. 

However, insiders now say the widely discussed venue could be serving an entirely different purpose as the couple reportedly works behind the scenes to keep their actual ceremony private.

Rumors surrounding Taylor Swift’s wedding gained traction after reports claimed she and Travis Kelce planned to marry at Madison Square Garden on July 3.

The reported celebration was said to involve more than 1,000 guests, including family members, celebrity friends, and high-profile figures from both the music and sports worlds.

The idea immediately divided fans. Some questioned whether the singer who once wrote about longing for privacy would choose such a massive public venue for one of the most important moments of her life.

“This is beyond trashy,” one critic wrote online, adding,  “It is genuinely the most attention-seeking, fanfare-heavy, tacky situation that I couldn’t even have concocted in my own head.”

Another commenter referenced Swift’s song “The Lucky One,” noting, “Yuck, in her song ‘the lucky one’ about not loving being famous […] that was in two thousand TWELVE when she was TWENTY TWO what happened to her intelligence and common sense in the years since. Cognitive decline.”

Swift’s Reported Ceremony May Be Far Smaller Than Expected

While rumors about a Madison Square Garden wedding spread online, sources told the Daily Mail that the reports may not reflect the couple’s actual wedding plans.

According to insiders, Taylor Swift’s official ceremony is expected to be significantly smaller. “Taylor’s official wedding will not have 1,000 guests,” one source said.

The insider claimed a highly private and secured ceremony has already been planned for the couple’s closest loved ones.

The source also revealed that guests attending the larger celebrations have reportedly been encouraged to donate gifts to charity. 

While details remain tightly guarded, the source hinted that Madison Square Garden still has some involvement. According to them, “There is something [else] associated with MSG.”

Taylor Swift’s Team May Be Using A Strategic Diversion

Another source suggested that the Madison Square Garden rumors may actually be serving a purpose. According to the insider, guests have reportedly been told only one thing so far.

“QR codes are going to be sent to guests. The only instructions they have are to arrive at MSG on July 3,” the source explained.

Many attendees reportedly believe the arena could function as a staging point before guests are transported elsewhere. 

As the insider put it, “A lot of guests think this may be a security screening to [then] go elsewhere because MSG is equipped for that with their facial recognition etc. But something involving the wedding is set there.”

The theory has led many fans to believe Swift may be orchestrating a carefully planned “bait and switch” to protect her privacy.

Swift’s Rhode Island Mansion Remains A Strong Possibility

Although New York remains at the center of most speculation, another possible location continues to generate buzz.

Several insiders pointed to Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island mansion, known as High Watch, as a likely setting for an intimate ceremony. “The strong rumor is the location will be in New York,” one source explained.

After considering various destinations, the couple reportedly prioritized security above all else. “Finally, they decided the only place that will guarantee them the most security is High Watch,” the source added.

The $17 million oceanfront estate has long been one of Swift’s most treasured properties and would offer the privacy many believe she desires.

The singer’s connection to New York remains undeniable, however. From purchasing multiple Tribeca properties to writing songs inspired by the city, it continues to play a significant role in her personal story.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Are Reportedly Planning A Celebration Tour

Even if the ceremony itself remains intimate, sources suggest the festivities could stretch far beyond a single day. One insider revealed that Rhode Island, New York, and Kansas City may all become part of an extended celebration.

“Before Travis has to return to his NFL commitments, they are also looking to treat the entire [July 4] weekend and the weeks before the end of July as a continuous celebration,” they noted. 

The source described the plans as “a little bit of a wedding tour.” According to another insider, the Grammy Award winner wants every detail to feel distinctive.

According to them, “She wants it to feel truly unique and unlike anything she’s done before – a one-of-a-kind event that reflects her style and vision in a way only Taylor can do it.”

One thing attendees seem to agree on is that the celebrations will not be quiet. “Travis and Taylor enjoy having cocktails and dancing and having a good time, so everyone’s expecting a late night party into the wee hours of the morning,” a source said.

Another insider added that while rumors continue to swirl about surprise performances, “nobody knows anything” because guests have signed NDAs and are keeping details under wraps.

Helen Mirren is throwing her support behind Tom Hardy after rumors swirled that he was fired from their show MobLand.

In an interview with Variety published on Thursday, June 11, Mirren, 80, was asked whether she would continue to work with Hardy, 48, following the drama.

“Absolutely. In a f***ing heartbeat,” the Oscar-winning actress responded.

Mirren continued to rave about the Inception star, praising his acting skills and claiming that she was fine with an actor going through their own methods to achieve great results on camera.

“I love Tom, I think he’s the most amazing actor,” she told the outlet. “Different actors have different processes. I’ve learnt over the years that some people get to things faster. As long as what’s on the screen is fantastic, I’m totally chilled with however someone gets there. Tom is a very special person. I think he’s absolutely remarkable. My support of him is genuine and heartfelt.”

Last month, Hardy’s alleged behavior made headlines after multiple outlets reported the actor was fired from the Paramount+ show for its potential third season due his behavior. (MobLand season 3 has yet to be officially confirmed. Season 2 is expected to air later this year.)

According to a Puck report in May, Hardy was allegedly fired from MobLand after filming wrapped on season 2. The outlet alleged that Hardy was late to set, asked to give notes on the script and attempted to change dialogue.

A source also told The Hollywood Reporter the same month that Hardy “refused to come out of his trailer for hours at a time.”

Variety, meanwhile, reported that Hardy “was not fired.” A source close to production told the publication that “the door is not closed for season 3 and things are being worked through creatively.”

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Related: 7 Shows to Watch If You Like Tom Hardy’s MobLand

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Paramount+ has had a lot of success with shows about antiheroes on the wrong side of the law. That trend continues this month with the debut of MobLand, a new crime series starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren. Harry Da Souza (Hardy) is thrust into a mob war between two of London’s rival […]

Neither Hardy nor Paramount have addressed the allegations. Us previously reached out to representatives for Hardy, Paramount+ and MobLand producer 101 Studios for comment.

Following the reports, Mirren appeared to weigh in on the drama via an Instagram Story post shared on May 28. Alongside a photo of Hardy, she wrote, “Love you now and always, Helen.”

In MobLand, Hardy portrays Harry Da Souza, a fixer for the Harrigan crime family in London. Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Paddy Considine and Anson Boon also star as members of the Harrigan family. Filmmaker Guy Ritchie serves as the series’ executive producer and director. Hardy also serves as an executive producer.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 6 seconds ago

It’s been a pretty weird year for David Harbour. On one hand, he’s celebrated some major career milestones, like wrapping up Stranger Things and bringing his oddball MCU character back for Avengers: Doomsday. On the other hand, he’s been involved in some very notable celebrity scandals. The first was when the Daily Mail ran a story claiming that his Stranger Things costar Millie Bobby Brown had filmed a harassment and bullying campaign against him. The second was when his ex-wife, Lilly Allen, released an album all about their nasty breakup, one which included salacious details about Harbour’s love life.

For a long time, Harbour said nothing about Allen’s album or the pseudo-allegations she makes against him (which she freely admits may not all be true) in its songs. Now, he recently opened up about many of the biggest stresses of the past year, including watching his emotionally wrenching breakup turn into a highly public sex scandal. For the most part, the Stranger Things star kept it classy and only emphasized one point: that he remembers things very, very differently than his ex-wife does.

When The TV Lawman Marries A Rebel

Grab your popcorn and buckle up, because you’re going to need some context for this insane tale. It all starts with David Harbour marrying Lilly Allen. They were such an unpredictable pairing (he’s a gruff movie star and she’s a free-spirited singer) that the internet soon fell in love with this power couple. Those online fans were understandably disappointed when these celebs got divorced in February 2025. Normally, that would be the end of it, and everyone would find a new celeb pairing to obsess over. But Allen ended up releasing an album called West End Girl that seemingly spilled all kinds of tea about her topsy-turvy relationship with Harbour.

The singer never said the album was explicitly about Harbour, and in one interview, she said of the lyrics that “I don’t think I could say it’s all true.” Nonetheless, the lyrics seemed very much directed at her ex-husband: Allen sang about breaking up with a spouse who was jealous of her growing success as an actor and wasn’t ready for a long-term commitment. In the album, she claims that this husband kept an entirely separate apartment dubbed “the P*ssy Palace” where he could have affairs with other women. Since the husband was a thinly veiled stand-in for Harbour, the lyrics (which included salacious details about preferred sex toys) amounted to musical allegations against the Stranger Things star.

Everything Blows Up

For a very long time, Harbour said nothing about West End Girl; meanwhile, Allen went viral for wearing receipts from gifts Harbour allegedly bought affair partners. Recently, the Stranger Things veteran spoke about the album for the first time in an interview with Variety. “It was weird,” he said at first. He then demurred about what Allen said about him: “I do believe that it is the privilege of every artist to use their experience to create art, and so I respect her for doing that.” He explained that he didn’t want to discuss things in much detail because “In spite of the fact that a lot of people don’t allow me a private life — I value it. And I also value the lives of the people that I interact with privately. I just won’t speak about that.”

When the interviewer offered one last chance for David Harbour to push back against Lily Allen’s lyrical claims, the Stranger Things star continued to demur by noting that “stories are complex…and that’s why I say I respect her creation of art to channel her experience.” He then finished his thoughts by saying what countless jilted ex-boyfriends and ex-husbands have said about their partner’s allegedly hellish time in the relationship. “It wasn’t my experience.”

The No-Win Scenario For Celebrity Break-Ups

Fans hoping for something a little more salacious (like a comment about the aforementioned sex toy) are likely to be disappointed that Harbour didn’t spill more of the dirty deets. However, there’s almost nothing he could say here that wouldn’t damage his career. If he tries to defend himself too loudly, he would almost certainly be labeled misogynistic, abusive, uncaring, and so on. Which is, ironically enough, exactly what would happen if he took a different tack and claimed that all of Allen’s lyrics were correct. 

Harbour effectively chose the only path left to him, which was to be slightly defensive but non-committal enough to ensure one thing: that those Marvel checks just keep on coming, baby!

There are a lot of television shows that simply could not be made today. Even though they may have been super popular at the time they aired, we’ve (hopefully) evolved as a society. Many of the themes that seemed acceptable then just wouldn’t be today. Looking back on sitcoms like Three’s Company and Bosom Buddies, they now feel troubling with obvious themes of homophobia and transphobia. Some shows have characters that perpetuate tired tropes, such as the annoying, nagging wife, featured in series like Everybody Loves Raymond and Married… With Children. There’s one more example of a sitcom that could never be produced in today’s climate, and it’s pretty shocking that we once thought it had an acceptable premise.

What Is ‘My Boys’ About?

My Boys was a TBS sitcom that aired on the cable network from 2006 to 2010. The four-season show centers around PJ Franklin (Jordana Spiro), a female sportswriter for the Chicago Sun-Times, who is desperately trying to find love. The problem is that PJ is just “one of the boys,” and loves sports, playing poker, and drinking beer. She can be brutally honest and a bit blunt, qualities that turn off her potential suitors. PJ is surrounded by guys, and these lovable doofuses are like family to her. She does have one best friend who’s a woman. Stephanie Layne (Kellee Stewart) does her best to advise PJ on dating, but she can’t quite work her magic enough to help PJ find Mr. Right. Viewers seemed to enjoy watching PJ and her best buds, but TBS eventually decided to cancel the show after 49 episodes, leading to My Boys becoming a forgotten sitcom of the early 2000s.

‘My Boys’ Could Never Be Made Today

There are some episodes of classic sitcoms that feel a little cringey upon rewatching (like Monica in a fat-suit on Friends), but the entire premise of My Boys wouldn’t sit right with today’s audiences. PJ is a successful woman who’s working at her dream job. But the whole gist of the show is that she’s too boyish to find a boyfriend. The series spends way too much time focusing on PJ needing to land a man than any other aspect of her life. Instead of capitalizing on PJ’s unique personality, the series instead plays for laughs that she’s too masculine. The writing could have focused on PJ as a fully well-rounded person, but instead zeroes in on how weird she is to be surrounded by men. Even PJ’s best friend wants to change her, and is constantly giving her advice on how to act more feminine. The male characters aren’t really written any better though, since they’re portraying common stereotypes of commitment-phobic playboys and harried husbands. Basically, these characters could be dropped into any sitcom from this time period and feel right at home.

It’s not that there aren’t some redeeming qualities in the series. It does have a fantastic cast, with Jim Gaffigan, Reid Scott, and Jamie Kaler as part of PJ’s gang. Other notable actors like Nia Vardalos, Kyle Howard, Johnny Galecki, and Rachael Harris all pop up over the course of four seasons. There are plenty of silly laughs and a sweet theme of found family. It’s clear that My Boys was trying to capture the magic of a group of supportive pals, found in the uber-popular Friends. But the series would be impossible to make in the present day because of how outdated the premise is. High-quality writing in television shows today doesn’t show women changing themselves just to land a man, and most successful shows are celebrating women who are thriving in their careers. PJ would be a wonderful female protagonist in a show written in 2026, but she definitely wouldn’t be portrayed as flawed or less-than. Of course, even a sitcom today would depict the trials of dating, but PJ wouldn’t be denigrated as a mere tomboy who’s far less interesting than her male friends.

Spiro would go on to an impressive career, with roles in The Mob Doctor, Blindspot, and Ozark, and Gaffigan is a major comedy star now, so it’s not like My Boys didn’t have some importance. The sitcom is still fun to watch, mainly because we can see how far we’ve come as a society in the last 20 years. Viewing the series is like a nostalgic trip to several decades past, but it’s also easy to see that there’s no way this forgotten show would have been greenlit today.

My Boys is available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.

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My Boys

Release Date

2006 – 2010-00-00

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Network

TBS

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Directors

Barnet Kellman, Arlene Sanford, David Trainer, Arvin Brown, Fred Savage, Matthew Diamond

Writers

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Cindy Caponera

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  Eddie McClintock

  Uncredited

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  Jordana Spiro

  Bobby Newman

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