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Some of the best television shows of all time revolve around spies and their complex relationships with those around them while balancing the emotional toll and excitement of covert operations. While shows like The Americans and Slow Horses are based on fictional characters, the gripping MGM+ miniseries A Spy Among Friends feels just as thrilling as any scripted show but is based on an incredible true story that’s practically made for TV. Based on British author Ben Macintyre‘s non-fiction book of the same name, A Spy Among Friends centers on Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in British history.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends explores the close friendship between MI6 agents Kim Philby (Guy Pearce) and Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), who worked together for years. However, after 30 years of friendship, Elliot is devastated to learn that Philby is a secret Soviet double agent. The story picks up after Philby’s betrayal is revealed, with Elliott being sent to Beirut to get a confession from his friend. After 34 hours of taped conversations in 4 days, Philby defects to the USSR, and Elliott is later interrogated by MI5 agent Lily Thomas (Anna Maxwell Martin), a rare fictional character in the show who plays a crucial role.
Interwoven with the present-day fallout from Philby’s deception are flashbacks that give deeper context to their long friendship. Lewis and Pearce bring depth and intensity to their roles, perfectly capturing the subtle dynamics of their characters’ relationship as it shifts from camaraderie to suspicion, and ultimately to heartbreaking disappointment. The scene in Beirut, where the men spent hours together, is also interwoven throughout the series, with recordings of their conversations replayed for Elliott during his conversations with Lily.
There are many great moments in the scene, but when Elliot says, “The irony is, even though you’ve managed to hide your real self for all these years, I know you all the better for it now” and describes Philby as a “man on the brink,” it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the show.
What sets A Spy Among Friends apart from other espionage thrillers is that it focuses much more on the emotional and psychological aspects of espionage rather than the more action-packed covert operations. The true story is so wild and gripping that it pulls viewers in, not needing to rely on the more exciting covert scenes that would be typical in other spy shows. Instead, the focus is on the internal emotional battles and how these two wonderful actors bring that story to life. The show hinges on their relationship, with Elliott and Philby’s evolving bond at the heart of the story, and Pearce and Lewis play off each other masterfully.
Their scenes together are completely captivating, whether it’s their moments of camaraderie, like laughing over dirty limericks, or their intense scenes of interrogation and betrayal. The various timelines provide much more context for why Philby’s betrayal had such a profound impact on Elliott, and are laid out to really show the audience the depth of their friendship. One powerful moment comes during a conversation between Elliott and MI5 agent Lily, where she bluntly asks him when he’s going to accept that his best friend had used him for years. That raw realization really lands a punch and, as an audience member, it’s hard not to sympathize with Elliott in that moment.
A Spy Among Friends is the perfect combination of a slow-burning spy thriller and a period drama with a cinematic depiction of gloomy 1960s London that really sets the tone. The deep character study is what truly makes the series so compelling, using real characters and historical events to bring nuance to such a well-known and infamous figure as Kim Philby. While history buffs will appreciate this show, you don’t need to know the real story to feel the emotional weight, thanks to great performances, smart writing, and stunning set pieces, making A Spy Among Friends a must-watch.
All episodes of A Spy Among Friends are available to stream on MGM+.
2022 – 2022-00-00
Anna Maxwell Martin
Lily Thomas
Stephen Kunken
James Jesus Angelton
Mindy Kaling had all eyes on her when she stepped out for the premiere of her new Hulu comedy “Not Suitable For Work,” and fans could not stop talking about her dramatic transformation. The actress, writer, and producer looked slimmer than ever while walking the red carpet in a shimmering gold gown, sparking a fresh wave of reactions online. While some fans once questioned whether Ozempic-like medications played a role in her transformation, others were simply focused on praising Mindy Kaling’s stunning appearance.

Kaling stepped onto the red carpet Thursday, looking radiant in a gleaming gold gown that perfectly highlighted her slimmed-down figure. The former “Office” star, who created “Not Suitable For Work” and serves as the Hulu comedy’s showrunner, stunned in the sparkling ensemble, which featured rhinestone detailing across the bust and shoulder straps.
She paired the look with shimmering gold Louboutins, a matching clutch, and dangling diamond earrings for even more glam. Kaling completed the look by wearing her dark hair parted to the side.
Unsurprisingly, fans quickly flooded social media with compliments over Kaling’s appearance. “Congratulations on the weight loss. You look amazing,” one person wrote. “Mindy = classy,” another fan shared, while someone else simply added, “Mindy Kaling looks beautiful.”
The glowing reactions come after Kaling’s noticeable weight loss sparked major online conversation over the past few years, with some fans previously urging her to “admit” whether Ozempic-like medications played a role. However, the actress has never confirmed using weight-loss drugs.

Although Kaling has stayed relatively private about her transformation, she recently revealed that her motivation for losing weight has shifted over the years. “When I was younger, I would want to lose weight because of vanity reasons,” she explained in an interview with Bustle. “Now I want to lose weight or have lost weight because I want to stave off things like diabetes.”
The actress said avoiding the disease became increasingly important because diabetes runs in both sides of her family. “Do I wake up every day being like, ‘I look amazing, and I’m so gorgeous?” No, unsurprisingly, but I truly feel so healthy,” she added.
Kaling also acknowledged why some fans struggle to embrace celebrity weight loss. “It’s sometimes no fun when one of your favorite actors loses weight,” she said. “You have an idea of what they were like when you grew attached to them, and it made them endear themselves to you.”

The “Office” actress first opened up about her health journey in 2023 after shedding more than 40 pounds. At the time, she told PEOPLE she had embraced weight training while mixing in cardio workouts like hiking and running to stay active.
“I’m feeling really confident in my body these days, which is not something that I’ve been able to say for my whole life, unfortunately,” she admitted. “I know people are really interested in my body and the changes in my body, and I think it’s flattering, and sometimes it’s just a little much, so I don’t try to tune it in too much. The truth is that I spend so much time and energy trying to be healthy.”
Kaling also explained that balancing fitness with motherhood meant squeezing in workouts whenever possible. “It’s hard with two kids that I wake up really early, and I fit it in, and I basically live in workout clothes so I can get it in, get an extra mile in,” she said.
Since then, Kaling welcomed her third child, daughter Anne, in February 2024.

While fans were focused on her red carpet transformation, Kaling was actually celebrating the premiere of her newest project, “Not Suitable For Work.”
According to the show’s official logline, the comedy follows “five work-obsessed twenty-somethings striving for professional success and, if they have time, personal happiness in Manhattan’s most glamorous neighborhood, Murray Hill.”
The series stars Will Angus, Avantika, Ella Hunt, Jack Martin, Nicholas Duvernay, and Jay Ellis, with Victor Garber, Ego Nwodim, and Constance Wu appearing in recurring roles.
“SLOMW” star Jen Affleck appeared to take a subtle jab at her Hulu co-stars on social media. After all the fighting that’s gone on among people like Taylor Frankie Paul, Jessi Draper, and Mikayla Matthews, Affleck made an Instagram post urging her co-workers to reel it in for their children’s sake.

A Reddit user shared a screenshot of Affleck’s latest Instagram Stories post. In it, she said she’s been MIA on social media for the last few weeks, choosing to spend more time with her children.
Her post also included a statement many believe was aimed at her “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” co-stars. “Ladies, maybe we stop fighting on the internet for minute. We’ve got kids to raise.”

Affleck’s post didn’t garner the reaction she may have been hoping for, as several Redditors slammed the reality star for being “passive-aggressive.”
“But isn’t this a passive aggressive stab at the rest of the cast… And therefore isn’t she now getting involved in the pettiness of the online fighting?” someone wrote.
Another chimed in, adding, “They are all so insufferable LMAO,” and a third said, “She’s correct, but because it’s coming from her, the pick me vibes are distracting.”
And the negative comments didn’t stop there. Someone else posted, “Yeah, [she’s right], but this just reads as patronizing. … Typical Jen and gross in my opinion.”
“Ugh this is sanctimonious af. She did always come across smug, this expression on her face doesn’t helped. As others have said, she owned herself by saying anything at all. Just has to be part of the drama,” another posted, to which someone replied, “There was really no need for that second paragraph. She ruined it with that.”

Affleck’s social media post comes weeks after Paul used her Mother’s Day post to slam her co-star, Matthews, whom she alleged was waiting for her downfall.
“I STILL have ‘friends’ kicking me while I’m already down and calling it ‘setting a boundary’ and then [BLAMING] ME for being upset and responding,” she wrote, according to PEOPLE. “What a snake friend just did to me in the public eye after everything she just witnessed…the lack of empathy and silence was loud enough.”
Prior to this, Paul had been in the center of controversy after a video of her appearing to assault her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was shared online. The backlash halted production on season 5 of “SLOMW” and also forced ABC and Disney to cancel Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette, [starring Paul], at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the statement from Disney read.

According to a previous report from The Blast, the drama between Paul and Mortensen had a massive effect on the show. Season 5 was halted for weeks, and according to a source, they will not resume as planned.
Instead, the women are filming confessionals for the five episodes already done and will head straight into season 6 instead. “Right now, they’re just filming confessionals for season 5,” the insider claimed. “They’ve decided they’re not going to film the rest of season 5, but apparently they’re still going to film season 6.”

Despite the show’s upcoming season having only five episodes, Jessi Draper spoke with The Blast earlier this week and shot down some misconceptions viewers have about her and her co-stars.
The one thing she wants people to know is that although there’s chaos throughout the episodes, they aren’t all about the drama.
“You guys see that part of us online on the show, but we actually have so many light-hearted and fun, funny moments as friends, and I wish you saw more of that,” she said on the red carpet of the American Music Awards.
Well, season 6 may be your time to prove it, Draper!
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White, pink, yellow — the same colors come around every summer, but this year is different. Amanda Seyfried jumped on the chocolate brown trend that’s taking over 2026, and it transitions seamlessly through seasons. Her year-round bag style screams ‘expensive,’ and we found the luxe look on sale for just $20.
At a recent Tory Burch Foundation event, the actress arrived in a head-to-toe brown outfit that gave off ritzy espresso martini vibes. The crowning piece was a chocolate-colored quilted bag that looked designer from across the room. Like Seyfried’s, this brown shoulder bag reads more polished than a pastel version ever could.
Get the Tutuebobe Quilted Shoulder and Crossbody Bag for $20 (was $26) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
What makes her getup so sleek isn’t just the color, it’s also the texture. The quilted detailing adds dimension to an otherwise sleek silhouette, thanks to its elevated pillowy surface. This puffy lookalike goes the extra mile with two strap options: a chain-wrapped shoulder strap for glam and a removable crossbody strap for errands.
Better yet, the interior is roomy enough for all of your essentials. One reviewer said it fits their on-the-go items, like a phone, wallet, keys and more, making it ideal for everything from work days to date nights.
They’re also big fans of the style. “The design is classy and trendy at the same time — the quilting looks high-end, the stitching is even and the shape holds itself beautifully,” the reviewer wrote. “It has that designer-inspired vibe without the designer price tag.”
Pair the purse with cream trousers and a tank for the dinner reservation you’ve been meaning to make, or sling it over a satin sundress. You can also go full Seyfried and mix caramel, cocoa and espresso shades. Rich brown accessories dress up the basics you already own, so don’t be surprised if that white tee in your drawer suddenly becomes chic.
And although brown is the obvious move to channel Seyfried’s look, this classy silhouette comes in three other colors. At only $20, we’re grabbing two!
Get the Tutuebobe Quilted Shoulder and Crossbody Bag for $20 (was $26) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more chic bags here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Los Angeles in the seventies was a different kind of wild, and no band understood its highs and lows better than The Eagles. Although founding members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were technically not Los Angeles natives, they quickly became familiar with the city’s shadier realities, no matter how normalized they seemed at the time. People say dreams come true in Tinseltown, but making those dreams a reality usually demands compromising parts of yourself along the way.
While many accepted this lifestyle as normal, The Eagles recognized it as something far more disturbing: the seedy underbelly hidden beneath California glamour. They immortalized those contradictions in their most important album to date, Hotel California. Although the title track remains the song most listeners still revisit today, one of the album’s more overlooked tracks exposes an even darker perspective on human progress and its consequences.
Despite not being intentionally written as a protest song, “The Last Resort” is the most political track on the album, serving as a commentary on environmental gentrification in the States. “The Last Resort” begins by retelling the age-old American story of migration, tracing it back to the English settlers who arrived in Providence, Rhode Island. Like the generations before her who “came across the sea,” the song’s central figure is drawn by stories of opportunity waiting beyond the Great Divide. However, she is far from alone in chasing this dream.
Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?
As more people flock to this supposed “paradise,” the paradise itself begins to deteriorate. The song places the blame on greed and exploitation, accusing how “some rich men came and raped the land.” Yet the cycle does not end there. Once people believe they have exhausted one place, they simply move on to the next place (“sail to Lahaina”), repeating the same destructive behavior in someone else’s homeland. Through this pattern, “The Last Resort” portrays American expansion not as progress, but as a vicious cycle of taking away something that isn’t ours in the first place.
Released as the closing track on Hotel California, no song could end the album more fittingly than “The Last Resort.” While “Hotel California” explores the seductive allure of the state and the disillusionment of the state, and “Life in the Fast Lane” warns against addiction and reckless excess, “The Last Resort” speaks to something far more universal, reflecting humanity’s tendency to destroy good things simply through its presence. Not every untouched place needs to be conquered, developed, or transformed for human consumption. Not all urban progress is necessary, especially when it’s at the cost of destroying nature (“Somebody laid the mountains low / While the town got high.”).
While the first half of “The Last Resort” sings about gentrification from a capitalist and consumerist perspective, the second half gets a lot more provocative. The Eagles suggest that humanity’s urge to expand — specifically “the white man’s reign” — did not emerge out of nowhere. Instead, it is history repeating itself: “Just like the missionaries did / So many years ago.” The song points out that this expansion is often justified through the idea of Manifest Destiny, framed as something sanctioned by both fate and religion: “In the name of destiny / And in the name of God.” However, it is worth noting that “The Last Resort” is not a sole attack on religion itself. Rather, the song shows how people use something as personal and sacred as faith to justify humanity’s insatiable desire to conquer, expand, and claim ownership of people’s lands.
Paul Simon’s Most Controversial Album Became One of the Greatest Records Ever Made
The album sparked outrage among protesters at his Royal Albert Hall concert in 1987.
Numbers-wise, many listeners deeply resonated with the Hotel California — so much so that the album was certified 26-times platinum by the RIAA for selling more than 26 million copies in the United States. The album took over Stevie Wonder’s No. 1 position on the charts, surpassing his most successful album, Songs in the Key of Life, and spent a week there before being bumped off by Paul McCartney and Wings’ live album Wings over America.
Despite being a concept album, Hotel California also serves as a realistic warning to those susceptible to the trappings of decadence. As much as people love the light, humans can’t help but be attracted to darkness. The slightest dip into it could instantly pull you into a downward spiral that you can leave from, but never really escape. After all, not all that glitters is gold — sometimes it’s grievance and guilt.
Suki Waterhouse has opened up about the deep emotional challenges she faced behind the scenes after stepping into parenthood.
The multitalented artist admitted that the major lifestyle shift brought intense personal difficulties that directly impacted her domestic life and relationship with Robert Pattinson.
Despite going through a period of internal upheaval, the singer successfully translated her complex family experiences into a new musical project that has resonates with fans all over.

While opening up about Waterhouse’s new studio album, “Loveland,” the singer dished on her postpartum period and the evolution of her romantic partnership.
In an interview with Variety, the artist confessed that entering motherhood felt as though her very identity had been completely “cut open,” especially since she placed an immense amount of pressure and high expectations on herself throughout the process.
“Internally, there’s been quite a bit of turmoil, and just wondering if I’m doing the right thing,” she said.
The transition caused the performer to constantly second-guess her choices while managing the incredibly intense hormonal shifts that immediately follow childbirth.
However, the creative process ultimately allowed her to regain absolute belief in herself while navigating a completely transformed domestic dynamic. While she clarified that she was absolutely never out of love with her fiancé, she explained that welcoming a child essentially wipes out an old relationship.
“Your old relationship has been wiped out, and so it’s building that new one and kind of celebrating the beauty in that, like, we’ve survived this,” she added.

The intense emotional process of surviving these postpartum changes has been further complicated by the unique challenges of raising a child under constant media scrutiny. In the candid discussion, the performer further revealed that shielding her family from the spotlight has not been an easy task.
Notably, the couple has made a conscious decision to completely hide their daughter’s name and facial features from the public, even as photographers continuously hound them to capture a photo.
The singer firmly believes it is entirely possible to maintain a balance and keep a personal life private while pursuing a career. She emphasized that protecting her child’s identity is a serious safety concern, noting that she never wants strangers to recognize her daughter on the street.
Additionally, she wants her daughter to grow up entirely free from the intense pressure of the entertainment industry.

So far, the musician has successfully tried to protect her daughter’s personality from the public eye.
However, she was no match for the eagle-eyed paparazzi that photographed her family enjoying a serene family stroll through the streets of Los Angeles immediately after the birth of her first child in 2024.
According to The Blast, the “Twilight” actor was seen tenderly pushing a light pink stroller while the stylish singer walked right by his side, accompanied by her mother, Elizabeth.
The tranquil outing served as the official confirmation of their new family status, arriving shortly after the couple had been seen together in late February when the actress was still heavily pregnant.

Before capturing the world’s attention with their stroll in Los Angeles, the famous couple solidified their commitment behind the scenes. In late 2023, the duo officially took their connection to the next level by getting engaged, proving their real-life love story is incredibly strong.
According to The Blast, a source confirmed the news, revealing that both individuals were eager to tie the knot because marriage holds immense value for them in their relationship.
Insiders noted that the actor was absolutely thrilled about entering fatherhood and could not wait to become a dad, feeling incredibly lucky to share such a deep bond with his partner.

While securing their private family life behind the scenes remains a top priority, the performer has still found ways to connect deeply with her audience by sharing the more chaotic realities of her career.
The Blast reported that in July 2025, she revealed that she had been hospitalized due to a severe wardrobe mishap during a concert.
She first shared a picture capturing her performing on stage in tight green leather trousers. The second photo was a hospital bed selfie showcasing her with tangled, wired earbuds and a vape resting on her chest.
In her caption, she jokingly asked her followers if they had ever considered that she wore pants so tight half a year ago that it literally triggered a painful hernia.
It took a village and a bunch of sleepless nights to bring “Sex and the City” to life, according to Sarah Jessica Parker!
The actress looked back on the style experiments and risks on set that birthed the iconic run of her character Carrie Bradshaw on the show, gaining her a cult following and critical acclaim.
Sarah Jessica Parker first played her character, a columnist and fashion enthusiast, in “Sex and the City” in 1998, airing for six seasons through 2004. She reprised the character in two movie continuations, which launched on television in 2008 and 2010.

During an interview with PEOPLE at a Primark event in New York, Parker revealed that she willingly tried on some of the most unconventional pieces imaginable during late-night costume fittings with costume designer Molly Rogers. She noted that these fittings often occurred in the early hours of the morning after tedious hours on set.
In her words, “It would be 2 or 3 or 4 a.m., and we had just finished shooting, and I was in a fitting, and they would have some of the most insane stuff.” The actress added that there was pictorial evidence buttressing her point about going the mile and trying out these outfits.
Parker described the experience as a mix of chaos and incredible fun because life looked very different for the cast at that time, and Rogers’ dedication to sourcing unique pieces further elevated things for her. The actress raved about the stylist’s vast connections, which offered her access to coveted wardrobes and collections for the cast.

In 2023, The Blast stated that SJP and her co-stars from “Sex and the City” turned back the clock to show up for a reunion in New York, in celebration of the show’s enduring legacy, which defined a whole generation.
The much-anticipated gathering was attended by Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and Nicole Ari Parker, as well as Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell. The event was a fitting tribute to the popular franchise, featuring interactive exhibits and some of the most iconic moments of the franchise.
In a showbiz grandstand pose, the “Sex and the City” star perched on the steps of a recreation of Carrie’s iconic apartment at 66 Perry Street.
However, Kim Cattrall’s absence at the event sparked concerns as fans really fell in love with her Samantha Jones character and began speculating about her future involvement in the franchise.
In 2017, Cattrall made comments criticizing the franchise and some aspects of her relationship with her co-stars. Allegations at the time also linked the cancellation of a proposed third “Sex and the City” film to disagreements involving the actress.

The actress appeared fearless and audacious on the television screen, but right there on set, something that may seem so small really made her nervous during filming. Parker revealed that having her husband, Matthew Broderick, on set left an uncomfortable itch in her ear.
The actress confessed that with Broderick on set, shooting intimate scenes became hellish, and she would internally murmur with hopes that her husband was not looking at her to take down those scenes.
Interestingly, Parker’s husband never made an appearance on the hit HBO show despite repeated approaches by the creators to get him on board. Broderick himself revealed that he declined opportunities to take roles in the production.
The actress and his beau tied the knot in a Manhattan wedding in 1997 after meeting through a theater company.

Appearing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast last year, The Blast shared that Parker admitted that the comments she read about her appearance on the show between 1998 and 2004 were very hard to endure.
The actress noted that the most difficult part about dealing with the comments was the fact that features she had no plans to alter were also attacked.
“I didn’t feel like I could sit in a room and someone would say to me, ‘You’re really unattractive. And then I could say, ‘Why do you feel it’s necessary to comment?’” the actress continued.
Although the actress did not let the negativity affect her, she admitted that one particular piece of content in a magazine pushed her over the edge, and it became hard to ignore.
She recalled breaking down in a pool of tears surrounded by her close friends, and that outburst was a result of years of buried hurt over the criticism directed at her looks. Eventually, the actress moved on from it and chose to define life on her own terms.

In January, sources shared that Parker was in a state of panic about former crew members finally speaking out about her alleged behavior behind the scenes.
According to sources cited by Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop, the “Sex and the City” star expressed worries that her former colleagues may spill several stories about her treatment of staff on set.
Several insiders claimed crew members had stomached the truth for years to avoid jeopardizing their careers. Sources equally accused Parker of constantly losing his temper over minor issues, including wardrobe mishaps and styling concerns.
One insider claimed crew members were sometimes left in tears after run-ins with the actress. Another source alleged that while Parker is polite in public, her behavior on set could be far different, and now she fears becoming the next major celebrity accused of mistreating staff.
However, these damning allegations remain unverified, and Parker has not publicly responded to the claims.
Safe to say “Sex and the City” is forever etched in Sarah Jessica Parker’s memory!
Some movies should employ a bit of subtlety in order to work properly. On the other hand, some films should stay as far away from subtlety as humanly possible, and this franchise is the exact kind of series that needs the deft hand of a sledgehammer. If you like watching action stars blow stuff up, exchange quips, and shoot big-ass guns, this is the one for you. Just one problem: The clock is ticking.
Netflix is losing all four Expendables movies on June 20, meaning subscribers don’t have much longer to stream the billion-dollar action saga. The series began in 2010 with Sylvester Stallone putting together a cavalcade of past and present action stars as a team of elite mercenaries taking on dangerous missions around the world. Over the next three sequels, the cast kept growing, pulling in more legends, more villains, and increasingly nonsensical assignments. And that’s exactly why we love it.
The Expendables movies star Stallone (First Blood) as Barney Ross, the leader of the mercenary team; Jason Statham (The Beekeeper) as Lee Christmas, Barney’s knife-wielding right-hand man; Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV) as Gunner Jensen, the team’s unstable heavy hitter; Randy Couture (Setup) as Toll Road, the crew’s demolitions expert; Terry Crews (White Chicks) as Hale Caesar, the team’s weapons specialist; Jet Li (Hero) as Yin Yang, one of the original team members; Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) as Trench, Barney’s rival and ally; Bruce Willis (Die Hard) as Mr. Church, a CIA figure; Jean-Claude Van Damme (Timecop) as Jean Vilain, a ruthless enemy.
The series started out like a house on fire, with the first one grossing $268 million worldwide against an $82 million budget, while The Expendables 2 did even better with about $312 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Then things started slipping with the third outing, which grossed $209 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Not a nightmare by any means, but there’s a clear drop in interest, especially domestically, where it only took in about $39 million. Then Expend4bles pretty much died on arrival. This was a full-blown box office bomb, as it cost around $100 million and grossed only about $51 million worldwide.
The Expendables, The Expendables 2, The Expendables 3, and Expend4bles leave Netflix on June 20.
August 13, 2010
103 minutes
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While it may feel like your options for a lightweight spring jacket are endless, none is as tried-and-true as a simple trench coat. Even statement lovers like Blake Lively are fans of the classic piece. In fact, the actress just wore the timeless layer for her latest night out — and it’s a style that you can add to your closet for just $35.
While attending Fendi’s Baguette handbag relaunch party in New York City, Lively dressed down in a black tank top and high-waisted jeans. Her casual look was instantly dressed up, however, with a versatile beige trench coat that she nonchalantly draped over her shoulders. The collared outerwear featured a double-breasted silhouette with glossy black buttons and adjustable buckled cuffs, a look also seen in a similar budget-friendly style from Walmart.
Get the Canis Long-Sleeve Trench Coat for $35 at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The crisp, clean silhouette of the sharp jacket style is known for its versatility and ease. Light, thin textures and subtle accents allow the piece to be worn with virtually any outfit, no matter how formal or casual. Plus, a smooth finish makes the piece windproof — a practical detail that will keep you protected on gusty spring and summer days.
Trench coats’ layering potential also makes the classic outerwear style perfect for color-blocking or framing your outfits. Lively used her piece as a lighter contrast to darker staples, which she spices up with black patent leather pumps, colorful rings, sparkling earrings, a gleaming gold watch and a diamond collar necklace. Of course, the Gossip Girl star also carried a black version of Fendi’s iconic Baguette shoulder bag, which was covered in small, rounded mirrors for a high-shine finish.
As Lively proved, there’s no outfit too casual to pair with a streamlined trench coat. Like the actress, you can easily wear the piece with basics or a denim silhouette. Still, the style looks especially chic when paired with a knee-length or mini dress, and while pumps will certainly match the sophisticated feel, classic penny loafers or low-heeled boots provide an elegant complement. Low-top sneakers are also perfect for adding a cool, carefree finish to more casual trench ensembles.
Aside from its fashionable elements, a crisp trench coat is a practical piece you’ll reach for constantly. As seen on Lively, the style’s sharp details and classic silhouette make it an elevated addition to any look. Truly, there’s no limit to the layering abilities a trench coat can bring to your wardrobe this season.
Get the Canis Long-Sleeve Trench Coat for $35 at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Bringing Up Bates alum Warden Bates and Kaybrie Patterson have tied the knot.
In a joint point shared via Instagram on Thursday, May 28, the couple announced they have officially married just two months after debuting their romance on social media in March.
The couple announced they were engaged on May 2, while their wedding took place just days later on May 5.
Patterson, 19, explained in Thursday’s post that she and Bates, 22, were compelled to bring forward their wedding, which was originally slated for September, so that her late father could attend the nuptials before he died of Stage IV colon cancer.
“I am learning that even in the midst of sorrow, there can be joy. I don’t think I ever truly understood that until recently,” she wrote.
Patterson shared that her dad had been diagnosed with the disease three years ago and fought to survive until treatment “was no longer an option.”
“And yet, right in the middle of all that heartbreak, one of the happiest moments of my life happened. I got engaged to the love of my life, and we began planning our big wedding celebration for this September,” she wrote.

Kaybrie Patterson and her dad. (Photo courtesy of Kaybrie Patterson/Instagram)
Patterson continued, “As my dad continued to decline and we were faced with the reality of hospice care, I came face to face with something I had never allowed myself to imagine. I could not picture a life where my dad was not the one to walk me down the aisle. So we decided to gather our immediate families and share a small, private ceremony together while we still could.”
Patterson shared her gratitude that she was able to include her father in her special day before his death, creating a “beautiful” memory that will last a lifetime.
“On May 5th, my dad walked me down the aisle. It was simple, emotional and beautiful in a way I will spend the rest of my life trying to find words for,” she wrote. “The next day he became unresponsive, and three days later he went home to be with the Lord.”
Patterson added that she and Bates plan to still hold a bigger wedding celebration in September, knowing that her dad will be looking down on them.
Bates and Patterson announced their engagement on May 2 by sharing joint proposal photos via Instagram. The post was captioned, “The easiest yes 🤍💍.”
Patterson shared more photos from the romantic moment via her Instagram Stories, writing, “I cannot wait to be your wife. I love you more than words.”
Warden is one of the 19 children of Bringing Up Bates couple Gil and Kelly Jo Bates.
Following their son’s engagement, the proud parents wrote via Instagram, “We’re beyond thrilled to see the smiles they’ve brought each other, & we’ve already all fallen in love with Kaybrie’s sweet, fun, enthusiastic personality! Couldn’t feel more blessed!”
The fantasy genre has long been a fan-favorite, providing escapism for those who want a momentary reprieve from the mundane and predictable. For fantasy fans ready to step beyond the ordinary into places where magic hangs in the air, Netflix might be the gateway, especially as it is packed with more than a handful of series that spark the adventurer, dreamer, and curious seeker in all of us.
These shows, whether they are ethereal animation works or Gothic mysteries, offer a dazzling escape into worlds both familiar and strange. So, whether you crave something majestic and poetic or perhaps darker and more intense, these binge-worthy Netflix shows are guaranteed to cast you under their spell. Join us as we unlock the doors to eight of the most binge-worthy fantasy series streaming now.
While only two seasons long, The Sandman is arguably one of the most exciting and visually stunning fantasy shows currently streaming. This dark fantasy epic, based on Neil Gaiman‘s comic series, follows the enigmatic Lord of Dreams — portrayed by Tom Sturridge, the personification of dreams and nightmares and ruler of the dreaming — as he breaks free from capture that lasts 106 years and embarks on a quest to restore order to his kingdom.
Far from just your regular fantasy show, The Sandman is an evocative experience that delves into existential themes such as faith, desire, death, and identity, compelling character dynamics, and enchanting production design. From the richly imaginative realm of the dreaming to the blending of historical and supernatural elements, this visual feast is guaranteed to keep audiences of all ages stunned throughout. In addition to its breathtaking cinematography, what arguably distinguishes it from other shows of the genre is its almost poetic storytelling and philosophical approach.
Locke & Key is what you get when you imagine moving to an ancient ancestral mansion that holds magical keys, each with a unique power, and discover that you’re suddenly part of a centuries-old battle between light and darkness. Equal parts family drama, dark mystery, and thrilling treasure hunt, this Netflix series keeps audiences hooked from the beginning. At its center is the Locke family: mother Nina (Darby Stanchfield) and her three children, Tyler (Connor Jessup), Kinsey (Emilia Jones), and Bode (Jackson Robert Scott). After the murder of patriarch Randall, the family relocates to their colonial-era home in Massachusetts, where Bode soon stumbles upon a hidden magical world inside the house.
Locke & Key draws the excitement and creativity of children’s fantasy classics but also explores mature themes such as healing, family dynamics, and loss, which help elevate it from a mere supernatural romp to something with heart and capable of touching audiences. For viewers who are into beautifully shot Gothic shows, this dark fantasy might be the right pick (though arguably not the eeriest of the genre). While there has been some criticism regarding its pacing, it’s safe to say that Locke & Key has generally earned praise for its creative concept, engaging storytelling, and even character chemistry, making it a bingeable, heartfelt journey.
Sweet Tooth is the pick-me-up for viewers who want to watch a fantasy show that feels like a warm embrace, even amid all the chaos. Based on Jeff Lemire‘s comic, Sweet Tooth whisks audiences into a post-apocalyptic America where hybrid children, part human and part animal, struggle to survive in a fractured world. Specifically, the story follows Guz, played by Nixon Bingley, a sweet and curious boy with fierce antlers who lives in a hidden sanctuary with his protective father before tragedy forces him into the wider, dangerous world.
Sweet Tooth shines in its ability to blend childlike wonder and the grimness of reality, featuring a heartwarming central relationship between Guz and Tommy (Nonso Anozie), a good-hearted loner who becomes both protector and surrogate father figure. The kind of show that will make you laugh one minute, cry the other, and cheer for hope all in one episode, Sweet Tooth does not shy away from exploring weighty issues such as environmental collapse, fear of the unknown, and the question of what it means to be human — yet, it approaches them with a delicate and gentle touch, remaining optmistic without ever feeling naive.
Based on Leigh Bardugo‘s fan-favorite Grishaverse novels, this Netflix adaptation puts everything on the table: epic battles, forbidden magic, and electric love triangles, encapsulating all these elements into a narrative that’s as sprawling as it is intimate. At its center is Alina Starkov, played by Jessie Mei Li, an orphan and mapmaker thrust into the brutal world of the Grisha, powerful magical warriors, after discovering a rare light power that could be the key to saving her war-torn country. Alongside her, of course, are an ensemble of unforgettable characters, including the brooding and dangerously charming Darkling, brought to life by Ben Barnes.
Beyond its well-written characters, what catapults Shadow and Bone above many fantasy adaptations is, of course, its ambitious Russia-inspired universe. Central to its charm, too, is the incredible chemistry between the characters and its approach to interweaving multiple storylines (something that doesn’t happen in the book), dueling the novels into a cohesive narrative and balancing action sequences with character-driven drama that persuades audiences to care for its characters. Despite its cancellation, it’s fantasy done right: large in vision, rich in characters, and brimming with magic.
You’ve probably heard of Eiichiro Oda‘s legendary, generation-defining manga and anime, and the Netflix live-action take has propelled it into even greater recognition. At its center is Monkey D. Luffy, played by Iñaki Godoy, a boy blessed with the powers of the Gomu Gomu fruit, which renders his body rubbery and practically indestructible. Luffy’s dream? Why, of course, to find the elusive One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King, a title that promises ultimate freedom. Alongside him is a vibrant crew of friends, each with tangled pasts and hopes. Their journey is an entertaining blend of drama, humor, and intense battles in a fantastical ocean.
Keeping the spirit alive while carving a fresh course for newcomers and devoted fans alike, One Piece‘s live-action brilliance lies in how it manages to capture the fantastical whimsy and emotional heft of Oda’s sprawling universe without losing its soul to excess. It is visually striking, with amazing practical stunt work and chemistry. And despite walking a delicate line by adapting decades of beloved anime lore, One Piece has impressed critics and fans alike for its faithfulness to the source material, strong performances, and overall joyous spirit. It’s no wonder, then, that it makes for a fun, binge-worthy show.
If swords, sorcery, and swagger are your fantasy essentials, chances are you’re familiar with this Netflix original, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s beloved book series and popular games. The Witcher plunges viewers into a world both brutal and beautiful, where choices are grim and consequences are deadly. At the center is Geralt of Rivia, played by Henry Cavill (a role that was passed down to Liam Hemsworth in the upcoming season), a monster hunter genetically enhanced to slay terrifying beasts. Along the way, Geralt finds his path intertwined with the destinies of Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress with a tragic past, played by Anya Chalotra, and Ciri, a princess with a mysterious destiny that could change the fate of the world, brought to life by Freya Allen.
The Witcher fascinates by boasting lush cinematography with dark forests, medieval castles, and brutal battlefields that feel lived-in and palpable. Anchored by Cavill’s beloved portrayal of Geralt — equal parts stoic and subtly humorous, with vulnerability hiding behind his tough exterior — the series also thrives on a multi-timeline narrative that weaves present and past seamlessly, gradually revealing character backstories and motivations. Add in incredible chemistry between the three lead characters, and it’s no wonder that the series has earned tremendous praise for strong performances, action sequences, and sprawling worldbuilding. Still, Cavill’s departure has cast uncertainty over the series’ future.
When it comes to recent fantasy must-sees, Wednesday takes the crown. This Gothic Tim Burton-directed series invites audiences to step into the shadowy corridors of Nevermore Academy — a school that welcomes outcasts, monsters, and misfits — providing a strikingly fresh take on a classic character who’s been stealing scenes and hearts for generations. With Jenna Ortega‘s incredible performance at its center, Wednesday is an immersive dive into mystery, wit, and supernatural high school drama, all laced with the unique depth and charm of the iconic Addams Family character. In the show, Wednesday not only hones her psychic abilities but also tackles a slew of mysteries, from local murders to her own family’s enigmatic past.
What makes Wednesday binge-worthy is its amazing blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments. It is also a visual feast: stunning architecture, shadowy forests, and quirky supernatural elements are wrapped in cinematic and stylish cinematography. It’s no wonder, then, that Wednesday, with its witty writing that dances effortlessly between creepy trills and sharp comedy, has become a fan and critic favorite. In true Tim Burton-esque fashion, it not only perfectly captures the spirit of an iconic character but also makes her fresh, funny, and utterly fascinating for a whole new generation.
If Wednesday takes home the award for the most binge-worthy Gothic fantasy series in recent memory, Arcane is the animation king of streaming. Inspired by the popular video game League of Legends, it rises beyond just a cartoon show: it’s an epic visual symphony that redefines what fantasy animation can be, plunging viewers into the divided world of Piltover and Zaun, where cities are locked in a delicate yet dangerous dance between technical marvel and gritty survival. At its heart are sisters Vi and Jinx, whose complicated relationship sets the emotional core of the series.
Arcane provides audiences with breathtaking artistry and storytelling sophistication, marrying hand-painted textures with 3D modeling in a way that feels almost painterly and undeniably alive. It isn’t just eye candy, though — narrative-wise, it’s a tour de force that explores memorable characters, moral ambiguity, and even social tension. Plus, it delves into hardship, loyalty, and revolution, resonating with mature audiences while maintaining accessibility for newcomers. For those who appreciate animated TV as an art form, the groundbreaking show is a dazzling and heart-pounding journey.
2021 – 2024
Netflix
Christian Linke
Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall
Amanda Overton, Nick Luddington, Mollie Bickley St. John, Ben St. John, Giovanna Sarquis, Henry G.M. Jones
League of Legends
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