While Furious is officially returning, is every cast member coming back in season 2?

Pulling inspiration from the 1987 film Black Widow, creator Elizabeth Meriwether explores dark themes of abuse and human trafficking in Furious through the eyes of several complex — and many times imperfect — characters.

At the center of Furious is FBI agent Alice (Emmy Rossum) as she hunts for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer played by Lola Petticrew, who targets men who prey on girls.

“Often on television, we see women who are victims as perfect victims. They’re presented with halos. I really wanted the show to dig into what it actually feels like to be a victim of violence and how it can manifest in really strange ways,” Meriwether teased to Us in July. “It can end up making you make strange and tough choices.”

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From The Summer I Turned Pretty to The Morning Show, TV fans have been very lucky recently when it comes to their favorite shows getting early — and surprise — renewals. Netflix surprised viewers who are still awaiting Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) romance with Sophie (Yerin Ha), which will play out in Bridgerton season 4, by […]

The crime drama, which also stars Scoot McNairy, Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Jake Lacy, relies on twists and turns that even the characters don’t see coming. While Furious centers on difficult subject matter, it makes an effort not to show graphic scenes of abuse.

“This is a show made mostly by women,” Rossum shared with Us. “You can feel that in the treatment of the women and the victims in the show.”

Rossum noted that “nothing is gratuitous” in the eight-part Hulu show, which has since been picked up for more episodes.

“There are no flashbacks that are showing the violence against them,” she continued. “But we feel that in every aspect of them. We can see the specific ways that it shows up in their life.”

Rossum elaborated: “That is more meaningful to see the way that the history of that affects you now than needing to see it.”

Keep scrolling to see who is and isn’t coming back in season 2:

Emmy Rossum

There would be no Furious without Rossum at the center of the show as Alice.

Lola Petticrew

Meriwether has hinted that she isn’t sure whether they will be able to get Petticrew back as Catherine in season 2.

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Quincy Tyler Bernstine

Season 2 will continue to show Alice working with Nora as part of the FBI’s sex crimes unit.

Scoot McNairy

While McNairy is presumably coming back as Danny, his future with Alice will likely face its challenges.

Jake Lacy

It remains unclear whether Lacy would return as Marshall after playing Alice’s ex-boyfriend in season 1.

Cher has accused daughter-in-law Marieangela King of “inserting herself” into the ongoing legal battle for the conservatorship of son Elijah Allman for financial gain.

According to court documents obtained by Us on Tuesday, September 1, the legendary singer’s legal team filed a response to King’s recent legal request for the court to appoint her in charge of Elijah’s conservatorship.

“The family remain adamantly opposed to Mrs. King-Allman serving given her estrangement from Elijah as evidenced by the previously pending divorce, her refusal and failure to assist Elijah and [family friend] Kayti Pease while he was struggling before he was arrested in New Hampshire, and/or because the family believes that she is inserting herself back into the picture on a quest for money and/or a bit of fame,” the filing read. “Furthermore, [Cher] is informed and believes that Elijah himself, while incarcerated in the [New Hampshire State Hospital], has denied Mrs. King-Allman from visiting him three times already.”

Cher, 80, has allegedly been “informed and believes that there is no longer a dispute in New Hampshire as to whether Elijah needs a guardianship,” per the docs. Instead the dispute is focused on who will take on the role of guardian for Elijah.

Related: Elijah Blue Allman’s Wife Reveals Why She Dismissed Divorce for 2nd Time

Marieangela King is opening up about her decision to remain married to husband Elijah Blue Allman after previously filing for divorce a second time — noting his ongoing conservatorship battle has played a role in her divorce dismissal. “Elijah and I have experienced challenges within our marriage, many of which were related to his struggles […]

The Grammy winner also claimed that King, 39, is “unfit to serve” as Allman’s conservator. Cher argued that King “was in the process of divorcing” Elijah, 50, “for many months” before the conservatorship process was initiated. She alleged that King “never lifted a finger to help” with providing care for Elijah.

“Now that a conservatorship is pending, Mrs. King-Allman clearly sees a financial opportunity to control his income, and she has attempted to seize the opportunity created by his incarceration to try to reinsert herself back into his life,” the docs read. “[Cher] is informed and believes that Mr. Allman has refused to meet with Mrs. King-Allman all three times she tried while in New Hampshire. Whether Mr. Allman ultimately chooses to be in a relationship with Mrs. King-Allman is a choice he will hopefully be able to make independently, but given her behavior and indifference to his health and living situation over the prior year, she, in no way, should ever be considered as a viable candidate to serve as a court-appointed fiduciary.”

Us has reached out to King’s legal representation for comment on Cher’s recent filing.

Earlier this month, King filed paperwork to be appointed as Elijah’s conservatorship.

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Related: What to Know About Cher’s Conservatorship Request Over Son Elijah Blue

Cher filed a second conservatorship petition for her son Elijah Blue Allman in April 2026 following a series of arrests and escalating legal troubles. News broke on April 17, 2026, that Cher filed for guardianship in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier that week. The singer requested that fiduciary Jason Rubin take charge of her son’s […]

King previously claimed in court docs obtained by Us that Cher has been estranged from her son for years and her involvement with Elijah’s affairs is against his wishes.

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Cher first filed for a conservatorship of Elijah’s estate in 2023 due to her son’s mental health and substance abuse struggles.

The first petition was denied in January 2024 after a judge found that Elijah “has managed his finances,” “has an apartment” and “has remained drug-free” after submitting “several drug tests.”

Cher refiled the request for a second time earlier this year. However, the petition was dismissed without prejudice in April. However, Cher was allowed to file again at a later date.

Chris Evans has officially closed the door on his longtime Los Angeles home, but the sale required a major price reduction. The “Captain America” star sold his secluded Hollywood Hills property for $5.38 million after more than a year on and off the market. The final deal came in $1.61 million below the $6.99 million Evans originally sought.

Although the actor did not secure his desired price, the sale was still considerably higher than the approximately $3.52 million he reportedly paid for the home in 2013. The deal marks the end of Evans’ decade-long chapter in California as he prepares to spend more time on the East Coast with his wife, Alba Baptista, and their daughter, Alma.

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Evans initially listed the property for $6.99 million in May 2025. After failing to find a buyer, the Hollywood star removed the home from the market in November. It was listed again in June with new photographs and a reduced asking price of $6.39 million.

The eventual $5.38 million sale means Evans accepted approximately $1.01 million less than the home’s revised price. However, the difference between the sale price and the approximately $3.52 million he paid in 2013 is roughly $1.86 million before commissions, taxes, renovations, and other transaction costs are considered.

Actor Is Returning To His East Coast Roots

Evans previously explained that his decision to sell was connected to his desire to spend more time near his East Coast roots. The 45-year-old actor was born and raised in Sudbury, Massachusetts. After spending more than a decade in Los Angeles, he decided that the time had come for another change.

“The West Coast is beautiful, and I’ve spent more than a decade in this home enjoying Los Angeles,” Evans told Realtor.com. “But I’ve decided to spend more time on the East Coast. It feels like the right moment to pass this beautiful property to the next owner.”

The move also allows Evans to remain closer to his family while raising Alma with Baptista. Evans and the Portuguese actress married in 2023. The couple largely keeps their relationship and family life outside the public spotlight.

‘Captain America’ Star Revealed His Favorite Feature

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Evans’ former home sits behind gates on a private cul-de-sac in the Hollywood Hills. The 1940s-era property provides sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline while remaining secluded from the city below.

Scott Moore of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California represented the listing. The area is considered one of the Hollywood Hills’ more exclusive residential pockets, allowing homeowners to enjoy privacy while remaining close to central Los Angeles.

The neighborhood also features notable architecture, including a nearby residence designed by modernist architect Richard Neutra. When asked what he loved most about the home, Evans did not hesitate. “Hands down, the views,” he said. “From inside and outside the views from this home are stunning and inspiring.”

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The property’s hillside location and extensive landscaping were designed to take advantage of those views.

Inside Chris Evans’ Secluded Los Angeles Property

The outdoor portion of the estate includes mature coral trees, stone pathways, vine-covered terraces, and multiple private sitting areas. A resort-style swimming pool and spa serve as the centerpiece of the backyard. Another seating area features its own water element, adding to the property’s secluded atmosphere.

Inside, the home features contemporary finishes with warmer architectural details. The primary living space features vaulted, open-beam ceilings, oversized picture windows, and a dramatic fireplace. The room opens into a large dining area equipped with a wet bar.

The chef’s kitchen includes a 60-inch Wolf range positioned underneath a custom 10-foot hood. Other features include Sub-Zero refrigeration, two Thermador dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a built-in Miele coffee maker.

A detached guest house provides additional privacy and includes a bedroom, kitchen, and office. The property also contains a private gym. The space was reportedly used by Evans while he prepared for his physically demanding appearances as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Chris Evans Is Returning As Steve Rogers

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Evans’ real estate move comes as he prepares for another busy period in his acting career. The actor has joined Jessica Chastain, Chris Pine, Charles Melton and Don Cheadle in the upcoming crime thriller “My Darling California.” The project is expected to begin filming in late summer.

Evans is also returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Doomsday” after repeatedly indicating that he had no plans to play Steve Rogers again. He recently explained that the new story persuaded him to reconsider.

“I feel very at home with the role. I feel very not just comfortable, but precious,” he said. “I care about the arc of all these characters, and we wouldn’t be doing it unless there was going to be a really interesting situation to put him in.”

Movies are expensive and really hard to make — but despite the odds, a lot of them still do get made. Unfortunately, even after big names have signed on, there’s never a guarantee that the project will ever see the light of day or have a single frame of footage shot. In some cases, these hypothetical movies become famous “What If” stories, like Quentin Tarantino‘s Star Trek, or Tim Burton‘s Superman movie, written by Kevin Smith and starring Nicolas Cage. Projects like these are often doomed to lay dormant in “Development Hell,” which also seems to be the case with a film called Wraiths of the Broken Land, which both director Ridley Scott and Project Hail Mary screenwriter Drew Goddard had plans to make back in 2016.

Several months after their collaborative success with The Martian, Variety announced that the filmmaking duo would once again team up, this time to work on a gritty Western adapted from the horrific and well-written novel of the same name by S. Craig Zahler, who you may know as the writer/director of such underseen classics as Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99. (Hopefully, sometime in the near future we’ll also get to see the release of Zahler’s The Bookie and the Bruiser, if someone can locate a One Wish Willow and not be selfish with what they ask for.)

What’s ‘Wraiths of the Broken Land’ About?

Image via RLJ Entertainment 

It’s not exactly surprising that Wraiths of the Broken Land has had problems moving forward, considering one of Zahler’s hallmarks (besides cool-sounding titles) is the sheer unapologetic brutality of his stories. If you don’t know anything about the book, the story takes place in the early 1900s, at the tail end of the Old West, and follows a gang consisting of two brothers, their father and a few of his old outlaw acquaintances, as well as a translator hired for the job. They’re on a mission to rescue their two sisters, who’ve been abducted and forced to work in a brothel in Mexico.

Just based on that description, it’s clear that this is a bleak narrative, and if you’re at all familiar with Zahler’s style, you know that he’s not afraid to get dirty. Wraiths of the Broken Land is part of his unofficial trilogy of Westerns, which include Bone Tomahawk and the novel A Congregation of Jackals. All of them are excellently written and executed, but also the types of things that’ll make you want to take a searingly hot shower after finishing, or, at the very least, watch some cartoons.

They’re not horror stories, but they play to the brutality of the Old West and are unflinching with their portrayal of violence. He’s been compared to Tarantino for his style, but Zahler’s approach to violence is never amplified or played for yucks. Instead, it’s genuinely disturbing, and may be considered too much for some audiences—it’s wild that the vivisection scene in Bone Tomahawk even exists—which is why it’s a bold move for any major studio to try to adapt his work. It’s an especially surprising choice for Scott and Goddard, which is also why it would’ve been an interesting challenge for the both of them.

The Adaptation Would Have Pushed Scott and Goddard in New Directions

Photo by Kimberley French / 20th Century Fox

To date, Ridley Scott has never made a full-on Western, shy of a few neo-Western moments in films like Thelma & Louise, and, most recently, The Dog Stars, so it would’ve been neat to see him take on new territory. He also doesn’t shy away from brutality and disturbing subject matter, with movies like The Last Duel and Brad Pitt’s death scene in The Counselor supplying ample evidence that he’s not afraid to disturb an audience. The more interesting leap would’ve been to watch writer Drew Goddard work with the material.

While Goddard’s scripts often dabble with dark subject matter, for the most part, his characters are generally written to be likable and relatable, which is why his interpretations of endearing characters like Mark Watney (Matt Damon) in The Martian and Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) in Project Hail Mary played to his strong suits. There aren’t any characters like that in Wraiths of the Broken Land. At best, there are morally gray characters with a noble goal that you can get behind, but no one gets out of the story completely clean, and one member of the party in particular is arguably as cruel and vicious as the villains; he just happens to be on the side of the protagonists. Seeing Goddard tackle characters like that would’ve been an impressive test of his skills as a writer, since that’s a steep dive from what audiences expect from him.

While adapting Wraiths of the Broken Land is still an intriguing prospect, it doesn’t look like it’s happening anytime soon. Scott is reportedly about to start production on an adaptation of Treasure Island starring Hugh Jackman, as well as working to get another Alien prequel with Michael Fassbender off the ground. Meanwhile, when Goddard isn’t too busy counting his Project Hail Mary money like Gus Van Sant in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, he’s also currently developing a new Matrix movie, though details on that are scarce. So, while anything is possible, when it comes to a film adaptation of Wraiths of the Broken Land, we may have to place it comfortably in the pile of what could’ve been.

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Bone Tomahawk

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Release Date

October 23, 2015

Runtime

132 minutes

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Director

S. Craig Zahler

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Writers

S. Craig Zahler

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Candace Owens has finally met the man she has repeatedly called her “cousin.” Owens has been a vocal defender of Justin Baldoni throughout his legal battle with Blake Lively, despite the two having never met in person. Now, after more than a year of publicly standing behind Baldoni, the political commentator and the director have finally come face-to-face in a chance encounter.

On September 1, political commentator Candace Owens shared a photo with Justin Baldoni on her social media accounts, marking their first in-person meeting after more than a year of voicing her support for the director amid his legal battle with Blake Lively. The two were all smiles as they posed for the camera.

“We asked Claude. There was an approximate 1 in 100 million chance that I ran into Justin Baldoni at an airport in Iceland on a Friday afternoon. Just incredible,” Owens captioned the post on X. She posted the same photo on Instagram, adding the hashtag #Cousins.

As the podcaster noted, the unexpected encounter happened on August 28 in Iceland while they were both waiting for their flight back to the U.S. Baldoni had been vacationing with his family in Sweden and Iceland, as he noted on Instagram.

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The Podcaster Firmly Backed Justin Baldoni Through The ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama

Owens was one of Baldoni’s most vocal supporters during his legal battle with Lively, covering updates about the case on her self-titled podcast despite never having met the director before.

In February 2025, just a few months after The New York Times investigative article about Baldoni was published, Owens did a deep dive on the allegations and criticized Lively. She slammed the actress’ approach to marketing “It Ends With Us” and raised questions about her allegations.

In later episodes, Owens went over pieces of evidence presented by both camps and stood firm in her opinion that Baldoni was being unfairly villainized.

Candace Owens Was Subpoenaed In Connection With The Case

😂 LIVELY PR FAIL?😂

Did Lively leak her subpoena for Candace Owens to TMZ as an attempted hit piece at Baldoni with this whole ‘smear campaign’ BS that NO ONE is buying?
🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

BREAKDOWN:
*TMZ asked Candace for comment on being subpoenaed in the Lively case

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*She responds… pic.twitter.com/O3QBrIwFFB

— dontfckwjustice (@dontfckwjustice) July 1, 2025

Owens was among those who were sent a subpoena in connection with the “It Ends With Us” lawsuit. According to the commentator, Lively’s legal team wanted to investigate the alleged smear campaign and requested her to disclose communications, information, and pertinent data that linked her to Baldoni.

Owens rejected the idea that she was part of any type of smear campaign and repeatedly denied ties to Baldoni. She clapped back at the actress, saying, “I have not the slightest idea what I am being subpoenaed for as I knew none of these parties when their respective lawsuits were filed,” she said on her podcast, as reported by The Blast.

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Amid her coverage of the case, Owens repeatedly referred to Baldoni as her “cousin,” joking that they were basically family after she fiercely defended him.

In April, a judge tossed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni ahead of the trial date, which the director’s supporters saw as a big win. The claims that remained were breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation, per The Blast.

The dismissal effectively removed Baldoni as an individual defendant, and the focus of the case shifted to his production company, Wayfarer Studios.

Owens rejoiced following the news, writing on X: “Everybody please congratulate me on Blake Lively’s psycho claims about Justin Baldoni being dismissed. We worked really hard on that one. In the end, truth wins.”

Justin Baldoni Will Share His Side Of The Drama In Time

Baldoni has remained largely silent throughout the ordeal, opting to release statements via his attorneys. Near the scheduled trial date, the two camps settled, bringing the lengthy and messy legal battle to an end.

In July, Baldoni and his wife, Emily, broke their silence and expressed their sincere gratitude to those who stood by them during the difficult time. While they did not share details about the case, Emily said the “facts have spoken for themselves” and that the time will come when they will be able to share their side of the story.

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Brandi Glanville is getting real about what she thinks about LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian today.

“I do definitely think you can develop a friendship. I like LeAnn more than I like Eddie,” Glanville, 53, shared on the Thursday, August 27, episode of the “Brandi Glanville Unfiltered” podcast. “Eddie just annoys the f*** out of me. All I remember is all the s*** he did to me.”

Glanville and Cibrian, 53, were married from 2001 to 2010 and share sons Mason, 23, and Jake, 19. After his public divorce, Cibrian went on to marry Rimes, 44, in 2011.

While the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has thrown her fair share of shade at Rimes over the years, things appear to be in a cordial spot for all parties.

“She annoys me too — don’t get me wrong — but we actually like each other,” Glanville said in her latest podcast episode. “I feel like we both like each other more than we like Eddie. I don’t know. It took 10 years.”

The topic of Cibrian and his wife came up when Glanville was discussing the news that Buying Beverly Hills star Farrah Aldjufrie is pregnant and expecting her first baby with Zach Goldsmith. (A source exclusively told Us in August that “they are ecstatic about a baby boy coming soon.”)

When Aldjufrie, 37, announced the news, Goldsmith’s estranged wife, Jennifer Hamilton-Goldsmith, wrote a positive message on social media wishing the mom-to-be well.

“I don’t know anything about this. I love Farrah. I love [her mom] Kyle [Richards]. You can genuinely become friends,” Glanville argued. “I don’t know the logistics of Farrah’s romantic situation. I do know she’s a good girl and she comes from a good family and she’d definitely try to be friends with an ex. She’s not one to cause drama. You don’t hear anything about Farrah ever. Leave Farrah alone!”

While Glanville remains single, Rimes recently celebrated 15 years with Cibrian this past spring.

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In a social media post, the 9-1-1: Nashville star expressed gratitude for the life she’s been able to build with Cibrian.

“We’ve been through so much in our 15 years as husband and wife,” she shared via Instagram in April. “We know how to ride the waves, hold each other in times of need, mend what needs mending. I’m so proud of what we have created together. 15 years is just the beginning.”

Cibrian also shared his own collage of memories with the caption, “Still burning after 15 years 🔥.”

Chase Stokes became a household name after playing John B. on Outer Banks — but he’ll never get used to the outrageous rumors about his appearance.

Stokes, 33, revealed during the Tuesday, September 1, episode of “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast that he considers speculation about whether he’s had plastic surgery to be the “most ridiculous assumption” about him online.

“I see these doctors who are like, ‘He’s got an upper [blepharoplasty]’ and, ‘He’s got his lips done.’ Like legitimate doctors,” Stokes explained, noting none of the online speculation is accurate.

The actor insisted, “On the record, I will say it, I’ve never had any work done on my face.”

Stokes said that it blows his mind how adamant actual physicians have been about what he’s allegedly had done — without knowing him at all.

“It’s so funny to me to see them go into the details of it all,” he shared. “I’m like, ‘Oh man, you should probably have your license revoked there.’”

Stokes ultimately laughed off the rumors, telling listeners that he tries not to get into the weeds and social media comments no matter how outlandish they may be.

“I used to be a little more online with that stuff, but I’ve realized to just shut up,” he said. “It’s so tough, but then you realize when you comment, you give them more exposure.”

While the Maryland native hasn’t done plastic surgery, he recently shared that following the end of Outer Banks, he realized his health had fallen to the wayside.

“I had so much s*** wrong,” Stokes told The Hollywood Reporter on August 21. “I left that show [and] my liver was failing, my kidney was failing. I had so many health issues that I had to figure out, and my brain was all out of whack.”

Related: Chase Stokes Explains the Meaning Behind His ‘Dear Me’ Tattoo

Outer Banks star Chase Stokes revealed the meaning behind one of his newest tattoos. “I recently got ‘Dear me’ tattooed on my hand as a reminder that whenever I’m being mean to myself to simmer down,” Stokes, 31, exclusively tells Us Weekly‘s 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me. “Nobody should be s—ty to themselves.” […]

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He recalled undergoing biweekly blood tests and participating in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to get “back to baseline” and recenter himself before taking on more work. (Stokes has not publicly disclosed a specific diagnosis.)

Now, Stokes is feeling better than ever, noting that he has shifted his fitness routine, marking the end of his John B. era once and for all.

“When I was doing Outer Banks, I was intermittent fasting almost until two o’clock every day,” he explained to Men’s Health on Wednesday, August 26. “Just so I could keep the weight off with [my character] John B., and I was drinking upwards of a gallon of water [at] that time to keep myself full.”

Once the show ended — the fifth and final season premiered last month on Netflix — Stokes switched it up and is now working on fueling his body.

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“Now, I wake up at 7 a.m., fast until 10 or 11, and have a hearty breakfast,” he said. “Then, I go to the gym, and when I come back, I have a protein shake. Later, I have another oomph of protein.”

As he prepares to play pit crew member Ronnie Whitlock on AMC’s Thunder Road, Stokes has found himself training as if he’s a professional athlete and not focusing on staying lean and looking like he was 20 in his 30s.

“We get to start fresh, and we get to build something that is really cool and entirely different,” Stokes said of his new normal. “And you don’t have to worry about the aesthetics. You can just focus on the work and the art and making sure that you’re showing up well for the job.”

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on September 1, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Michael Weatherly is back as Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo in the NCIS season 24 premiere, marking his first official return to the CBS series since his 2016 exit. In Us’ exclusive first look at the trailer, Tony sports a “visitor” badge as a “Very Special Non-Agent” helping to investigate season 23’s security breach. The premiere airs Tuesday, October 6, at 8 p.m. ET.

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• Erin Andrews exclusively told Us she and husband Jarret Stoll are “still trying” for a second baby, more than a year after their surrogate suffered a May 2025 miscarriage. “For some reason, I don’t take ‘no’ or bad visits very well. I said to my doctor the other day, ‘I’m not done,’” the NFL broadcaster exclusively told Us. The couple welcomed son Mack via surrogate in July 2023.

• Jonathan Bailey has bowed out of the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim‘s Sunday in the Park With George after costar Ariana Grande‘s exit. In an Instagram Story shared September 1, Bailey wrote that “my support for her is unwavering” and cited his longtime collaboration with director Marianne Elliott. The production is still scheduled to open at the Barbican in summer 2027 with new casting.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

One of America’s most overlooked and influential historical figures finally got his time to shine with Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and thank goodness it wasn’t a Yellowstone spin-off. To be completely fair, Taylor Sheridan‘s Western universe has become something to behold. Starting with the flagship monster hit series that began in 2018, Paramount and Sheridan have crafted an unstoppable television empire complete with Hollywood stars including Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Annette Bening, with the strife of the Dutton family at its center.

Despite his commitment to building and expanding the Yellowstone universe, Sheridan also has his hands in many other projects, such as Tulsa King, Lioness, and more. In September 2021, MTV and ViacomCBS announced that Taylor Sheridan would be developing a limited series about historical Western icon Bass Reeves, with Selma star David Oyelowo in the lead role. It was an exciting prospect given that Reeves is a figure whose story is gripping from start to finish. However, in May 2022, MTV Entertainment announced that the series would be tweaked to be a spin-off/continuation of Yellowstone‘s 1883 prequel, which felt more than a little unnecessary. Thankfully, Paramount and Sheridan made the wise decision to untether Reeves’ story from the Yellowstone universe. It proved a much better route to take, as the influential historical figure didn’t need his story undercut by the fictional escapades of the Dutton family.

Who Is Bass Reeves?

So first off, who exactly is Bass Reeves? Why was it so important for his story to be disconnected from the fictional family strife of the Yellowstone universe? Well, to show how important Reeves is as a historical figure, do us a favor and think about your favorite hero from your favorite Western story — The Lone Ranger, Shane, Arthur Morgan. We’d be willing to bet that the real-life adventures of Bass Reeves at least indirectly inspired all these characters and more.

Born in 1838, Bass Reeves was one of the millions of Black individuals born as a slave before the Civil War. Once the war began, Bass also became one of the many slaves who were forced to serve the Confederacy in the bloodiest conflict in American history. Not keen on joining that historic body count, Reeves found the opportunity to escape into the Native American territory of Oklahoma. For years, that is where Bass spent his life, learning the ways of the Native population before the war ended and the 13th Amendment was passed.

The end of the Civil War meant the aggressive expansion of the Wild West, where crime and lawlessness were abundant, particularly in the part of the country where Reeves fled during the war. Due to Reeves’ familiarity with the area, experience in combat, and understanding of Native American traditions, U.S. Marshal James Fagan deputized Reeves, thus making him the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.

Bass Reeves Had a Long, Successful Career as a U.S. Marshal

Image via Paramount+

The rest of Bass Reeves’ story sounds like it could have come straight from a John Ford Western film. Over his 30-plus-year career, Reeves incarcerated more than 3,000 people — the highest arrest record of any U.S. Marshal in history. One of those people was one of his own 11 children, Bennie Reeves, who Bass decided to personally bring in after Bennie was accused of murdering his wife. That’s only scratching the surface of Bass Reeves’ escapades, which also included disguising himself to track down wanted criminals.

Unfortunately, despite Bass Reeves’ unparalleled service to his country, his story does end in an unfortunate way. Institutionalized racism was still alive and well in the now-tamed Wild West, and Reeves was no longer allowed to serve as a U.S. Marshal following Oklahoma’s induction as a state, purely because of his skin color. That still didn’t stop Reeves’ illustrious career from being chronicled and told, even after his eventual death in 1910.

Bass Reeves Is Interesting Enough Without ‘Yellowstone’ Ties

As the man widely credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger, there is already more than enough to cover with the tale of Bass Reeves. A Black man escaping slavery, learning the ways of the Native American population, and then becoming the most prolific law enforcement Marshal in U.S. history is a story that deserved proper telling, which is exactly why, in hindsight, a connection to Yellowstone would have been more of a detriment than a benefit.

Firstly, there would’ve been a bit of irony in a prominent Black historical figure being tied to a fictional white family. It’s not a great look to take a legendary real-life individual like Bass Reeves and use his legacy and influence in a story largely consisting of fictional characters. That’s not to say including historical figures in fictional stories is impossible. That was proven in various allusions to Reeves himself in HBO’s Watchmen series, where the Marshal is appropriately used as a nod to how he was an early progenitor of the superhero archetype.

Secondly, and most importantly, as Reeves’ own life demonstrates, his story is significantly interesting without the need for any fictional elements. Yes, some characters have been added to the series for more dimension, and some events have been changed to fit different storytelling needs, but those changes are few and minor. 30 years is a long span to cover, and with its only season, Lawmen: Bass Reeves proved there’s more than enough to explore that doesn’t involve the lineage of Costner’s John Dutton.

Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are looking back at the television romance that made them household names.

Their “Modern Family” characters, Cameron Tucker and Mitchell Pritchett, became one of television’s most recognizable gay couples. However, that attention also brought scrutiny.

Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson featured in “Modern Family,” which ran from 2009 to 2020. The hit sitcom got 85 Emmy nominations and 22 wins during its run.

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Stonestreet and Ferguson first met when producers tested potential actors for Cam alongside Ferguson, who had already been cast as Mitchell. Ferguson said the process was like speed dating with everyone waiting for the right chemistry. “I was certainly drawn to Eric as a person, he said. 

Stonestreet had already auditioned three times and felt confident about his interpretation of Cam. During the network test, he suddenly felt the room go cold when a joke failed to land.

He panicked and performed a “gay Z snap,” leaving the audition convinced he had ruined his chances. Ferguson described his costar as kind, sweet, and excited to be there. The Kansas-born actor also recalled that the LGBTQ+ advocate reassured him after the audition.

Their contrasting personalities eventually became part of what made Cam and Mitch work. Ferguson explained that Mitchell found comfort in Cam’s free spirit. The Guardian reported that both actors still see their characters as a relationship built on opposites attracting.

Ferguson and Stonestreet also remain close friends despite living in different cities. Their real-life friendship has continued long after “Modern Family” ended its 11-season run in 2020.

The PDA Debate Put Stonestreet And Ferguson Under A Microscope

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The Broadway veteran, Ferguson, said the PDA discussion was especially interesting because other couples on the show were not constantly scrutinized for their affection. In his words, “When you looked at all the couples on the show, there’s not a ton of PDA between Jay and Gloria either, but because we were the gay couple, we took the heat.”

Stonestreet also remembered feeling hurt by one particular assumption. Some viewers believed he avoided kissing Ferguson because Stonestreet is straight. He rejected that idea and pointed out that he had previously appeared in the gay cult film “Girls Will Be Girls,” where he made out with a drag queen.

The actors explained that the limited PDA was ultimately connected to Mitchell’s personality. The writers developed Mitchell as someone uncomfortable with public displays of affection. That storyline eventually became central to the episode “The Kiss.”

The 2010 episode handled the issue by showing Mitch sharing an affectionate moment with his father. In the background, Cam and Mitch finally shared the kiss viewers had been waiting for. Stonestreet described the speculation about his reluctance to kiss Ferguson as hurtful.

“The Kiss” became an important moment in the show’s approach to LGBTQ+ representation. “Modern Family” ultimately earned 85 Emmy nominations and 22 wins during its run, including two wins for Stonestreet.

The ‘Greatest Moment Ever’ Happened Off Camera

During a conversation on Ferguson’s “Dinner’s On Me” podcast, the actors remembered an unforgettable accident involving the show’s casting director. Stonestreet immediately called it “the greatest moment ever.” The incident happened inside the show’s craft-service area. 

Ferguson explained that the space was essentially a transparent glass box sitting in the middle of the stage, complete with a kitchen, coffee machine, and seating area. The cast was eating breakfast when casting director Jeff Greenberg walked directly toward the glass. 

The Kansas-born actor admitted that everyone actually watched the accident coming from far away without doing anything. Greenberg’s face print remained on the glass, and the production taped around it so the mark stayed there for months. The Blast revealed that Ferguson could barely contain his laughter when Stonestreet brought it up.

The ‘Modern Family’ Reunion 

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Two years after the “Modern Family” finale, Ferguson and Stonestreet reunited in New York City. The former costars shared photos and videos from their meeting on their respective Instagram accounts. The Emmy Award winner captioned his post and tagged Ferguson, “A meet-cute two years in the making. Missed this guy a lot. Love you.”

Their reunion began with an emotional hug between the longtime friends. Ferguson exclaimed, “Oh My God, Hi!” before embracing Stonestreet, who cried out, “It’s been two years.” The pair also posed together on a New York City street before sharing a particularly affectionate moment.

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In one photo, Ferguson leaned over and gave Stonestreet a peck on the cheek. Ferguson captioned his own Instagram post “Huzzzbin,” while also sharing their reunion hug on his Instagram Story. The Blast reported that fans immediately flooded the comments with affection for the former on-screen husbands.

Eric Stonestreet Had A Secret Wedding

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Stonestreet married Lindsay Schweitzer on September 8, 2025. It was an intimate ceremony at their Kansas City home after keeping the wedding secret. The couple had been together for years before quietly exchanging vows.

The secrecy was so extensive that even Schweitzer’s twin sons did not know about the wedding until they returned from school that day. The 54-year-old talked about the wedding with Ferguson during his appearance on the “Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson” podcast released on January 13

After they married, the Emmy Award winner sent out a prepared text containing photographs to everyone else. The September 8 date also carried personal meaning because it fell between their birthdays.

PEOPLE reported that several “Modern Family” castmates were surprised by the secret wedding but responded with congratulations and support.

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