UPDATE — 4/23/26, 6:30 p.m. ET: Ancient Aliens star David Wilcock’s family is speaking out about his mental health issues and financial strain following his death at age 53 in an apparent suicide.

“David Wilcock took his own life on April 20, 2026, after a long struggle with depression and overwhelming financial debt,” his family said in a statement released to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, April 23. “His family, and chosen family, hope this loss encourages more focused attention to mental health care access.”

The Wilcock family’s message was publicly released following some skepticism among the UFO YouTuber’s fanbase about suicide as his cause of death.

The family clarified that Wilcock’s status as a New York Times bestselling author and prominent figure in the disclosure community — who argue that world governments are concealing evidence about the existence of aliens — was “only part of the story of a life that, like any other, unfolded through internal struggles, evolving beliefs, and a quest for meaning.”

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“David lived in a time shaped by the internet, and he himself shaped a segment of it. This powerful medium of communication magnifies both connection and confusion. Ideas travel quickly, expand logarithmically, and reshape thought structures,” his family continued. “In remembering David, it is important to hold more than one truth at once: that some of his work raised concerns about misinformation, and that he was also a person who was on an eternal quest for clarity.”

Their statement went on, “Beyond his public persona, he was a human navigating the same complexities and vulnerabilities that shape all our lives. His passing is a reminder of how important it is to meet one another with open minds and compassion in our hearts. The loss of a life can turn our focus to our shared humanity, whether we agree on life’s unanswered questions or not.”

The Wilcock family mentioned that, although David “considered his audience a community,” there were aspects of his personal life that fans weren’t aware of.

“While he was known as a charismatic and engaging teacher to fans, those who were closest to him knew the depth of his untreated mental health struggles intimately,” they noted. “Many who knew him from afar have speculated that there is a cover-up involving his death, but we can assure you there was no foul play.”

In addition to the family, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office offered a minute-by-minute breakdown of how its officers responded to the incident.

Per the sheriff’s office, the Boulder County Communications Center received an alarming phone call from Wilcock at 10:44 a.m. local time. Wilcock mentioned “health issues and financial concerns” during the emergency call.

Two Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deputies approached a residence at 11:01 a.m., at which time Wilcock told the emergency operator, “I’m sorry to put you through this.”

Wilcock reportedly died at 11:05 a.m.

“No other individuals were found on site,” the law enforcement agency reported at the time, adding that Wilcock was “pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Original story:

Ancient Aliens star David Wilcock died in an apparent suicide following an altercation with Boulder County, Colorado, police. He was 53.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a press release on Wednesday, April 22, that Wilcock died two days earlier following an altercation with law enforcement near the town of Nederland, Colorado.

Police were dispatched to the scene on Monday, April 20, at around 11:02 a.m. local time after a 911 dispatcher received an emergency call from someone who may have been “experiencing a mental health crisis,” per the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.

Wilcock died “within minutes of deputies’ arrival,” the sheriff’s department said in a Wednesday press release.

Officers on site later “searched the residence and surrounding property and did not locate any other individuals,” according to the sheriff’s office. No wider threat to the community was identified.

Us Weekly has reached out to Wilcock’s production company for comment.

Wilcock — a popular paranormal YouTuber and author — alarmed some fans by tweeting on Friday, April 18, that he might cancel a planned live stream due to some “intense stuff” happening in his life.

“I am not yet sure if I am doing a show tomorrow. I’ve had some very intense stuff going on this weekend. Either way, I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate you,” he wrote via X. “Always remember that the Creator is within — and we live in a loving universe. I am very grateful to you for all of your love, care and support.”

Hours later, Wilcock assured his followers that he’d “slept miraculously well last night” and planned to push forward with a livestream examining whether President Donald Trump might be “the antichrist” after posting an AI image that seemingly depicted him as Jesus Christ. (Trump later deleted the photo but refused to apologize, insisting that he thought the photo depicted him as a doctor.)

“Are we all in a big psy-op here? Are we going to make it? Is there a schism between POTUS and the Alliance? Why have they posted things implying there is?” Wilcock asked while promoting the show. “Why is he turning on top influencers like Tucker [Carlson], Alex [Jones] and Candace [Owens] and acting so strangely? I want to have an honest discussion about this and not just sugar-coat it. I want to hear your thoughts.”

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Wilcock was a consulting producer and on-air expert on the History Channel’s docuseries Ancient Aliens, which explored controversial theories that extraterrestrials were involved in lost civilizations and other related Ufology topics. Smithsonian criticized Ancient Aliens as “shiny, documentary-format rubbish” while other mainstream publications accused the series of promoting pseudoscience and conspiracy theories.

Aside from his many appearances in UFO documentaries, Wilcock was a key figure in the disclosure movement, which argues that world governments are withholding crucial intelligence proving that earth has been visited by aliens. His books Awakening in the Dream and The Ascension Mysteries were New York Times bestsellers.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

If you’ve ever felt the stress of navigating a busy airport terminal, imagine turning a corner and finding a six-foot-tall llama dressed as a pirate waiting to greet you.

That scene is a regular reality at Portland International Airport, where therapy llamas and alpacas visit about once a month as part of an animal-assisted therapy program that launched in 2023. The animals come from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas, a nonprofit based in Ridgefield, Washington, and their mission is simple: help travelers relax.

A One-of-a-Kind Welcome From Llamas at Portland International Airport

During each visit, which lasts about 1.5 hours, handlers accompany the animals through the terminal and entrance areas, giving passengers a chance to pet, hug and interact with the gentle creatures. Some visitors opt for a “carrot kiss,” feeding a carrot to one of the animals by hand or mouth. Each animal even comes with a collectible trading card.

The llamas and alpacas — collectively known as camelids — can stand up to about six feet tall and weigh up to roughly 450 pounds. They often arrive dressed in themed costumes, from pirates to cowboys, adding to the whimsy.

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Molly Prescott, an airport spokesperson, told USA TODAY that the program fits the airport’s personality.

“PDX is known for doing things differently, and the llamas and alpacas – with their gentle nature and quirky personalities – have reached icon status in the airport, beloved by all,” Prescott said.

“There’s nothing quite like the delight and surprise you’ll see on people’s faces when they encounter the llamas and alpacas for the first time.”

The Llama Therapy Program Is More Than Just Fun for Travelers

While the visits bring plenty of smiles, the program serves a deeper purpose. Lori Gregory, owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas, told USA TODAY that reducing stress and anxiety for travelers is at the heart of every visit.

“The whole purpose of the therapy is to help with anxiety and de-stress, so I’m always watchful,” Gregory said.

She noted that not everyone at the airport is traveling for happy reasons.

“We get quite a few people traveling for not-fun reasons, they’re going to visit their loved one for the last time, or they’re going to a funeral or you know, things that are hard. We always try to watch for those people to give them extra time with the animal and just express our love and care.”

How the Llama Therapy Program at All Started

Gregory’s family was first introduced to llamas through a school program, an experience that changed the course of their lives.

“We decided to join that to learn about these animals and just fell in love,” Gregory told USA TODAY.

Their first llama, Shania — named after Shania Twain — had a sweet personality that inspired the family to pursue therapy work with the animals.

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The Llama Program Is Home to a Star Named Rojo

Among the nonprofit’s animals, one stands out in particular. Rojo, a llama purchased in 2002, weighs roughly 350 to 400 pounds and has a temperament Gregory describes as gentle, “doglike” and people-friendly.

“And never grew out of that doglike personality and people-friendly personality,” Gregory said.

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Rojo has participated in parades, fairs and public events, drawing strong engagement from crowds and clearly enjoying the attention.

Llamas are one of the oldest domesticated animals, and llama shows are held across the United States, from California to Georgia. But for travelers passing through Portland, the appeal is more personal — a moment of unexpected comfort in the middle of a hectic journey.

The next time you find yourself at PDX, keep an eye out. A llama in a cowboy hat might be just the travel companion you didn’t know you needed.

When Mikayla Matthews took to social media to share a health update, it didn’t take long for fans to drop into the comments to say what’s on their minds. No one is sugar coating it and many are literally begging her to consider moving out of Utah for her own wellbeing.

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star has been vocal about her ongoing health struggles in the hopes of helping others and answering questions fans have.

Matthews hasn’t shied away from sharing her health struggles with fans on social media. She recently shared a new update that has viewers in the comment section sharing their thoughts about her moving out of Utah.

After returning to Utah after three weeks in California and five days in Costa Rica, Matthews shared a health update.

“I was just terrified of coming back to Utah. I had lived a month away and like, oh, this is what it feels like to feel a little more normal and not have these flares be on the forefront of my mind 24/7,” she said while sitting in her car. “And within two days of coming home, as you can tell, my hands flared up really bad, my neck flared up really bad. I’m truly sitting here feeling like I’m here in Utah in this environment. I am just surviving with chronic illness.”

Outside of Utah, Mikayla Matthews Said She’s ‘Living With Chronic Illness’

Matthews continued her video by explaining that when she wasn’t in Utah, her “life was still going on” and her illness wasn’t “at the forefront” of her mind.

“I’ve had to say no to doing fun events coming up,” she continued. “Hate going, doing interviews on the carpet, taking pictures, and that’s out there for everyone to see.”

She brought up the comments she sees online about her appearance, and how she does have a lot of support backing her, but “unfortunately I’m the only one who can heal myself and there’s not much people can do.”

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She also talked about the pain she deals with and how it stops her in her tracks.

‘Your House Is Making You Sick’

Matthews said that a lot of people have told her that it’s her house making her ill, and that “it’s so much easier said than done” when people say “get out of your house.”

“I wanna go to Switzerland and do a detox retreat,” she said. “I wanna go to Costa Rica and just get my skin in a better place. But so many things that are going through my head like it’s not easy to just up and sell my house and buy a new house. And what if I’m still having these issues in another home?”

The reality star said the struggle of “chronic illness and a skin condition” has “stripped” her of time with her kids that she “will never get back.”

“I’m trying to listen to my intuition the best that I can,” she continued. “And I know I’m not healing in this environment right now.”

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Viewers Share Their Thoughts On Mikayla Matthews Leaving Utah

Matthews video quickly captured tons of attention with more than 1.2 million views on TikTok in less than a day. Many fans dropped into the comment section to share their thoughts and well wishes, with a common theme of getting out of Utah.

“Your body is literally SCREAMING for you to make the move,” one person wrote. Another said, “Time to get outta Utah babe! You will do phenomenal once you leave.” Another viewer shared, “If your trauma happened in Utah, your body is letting you know that it’s not safe in that environment. I know moving isn’t easy but I recommend nervous system regulation work and somatic healing.”

A few viewers could relate to some of the issues Matthews is dealing with in Utah.

“Utah has toxic algae that is becoming airborne due to the great salt lake drying up. It has caused more issues for me to be in Utah than I have EVER had. I’ve lived in multiple places,” one person said. Another added, “Utah is a different kind of dry. We visited and the entire time I was swollen, dry and puffy. I’m from CA.” Another person shared, “My daughter had the same issues at her apartment in Utah. It’s mold.”

More Fans Shared Thoughts On Instagram

While there were many comments on TikTok telling Matthews maybe it’s time to leave Utah for good, there were also similar comments on Instagram.

“It’s your nervous system. You have to heal your nervous system and you can’t when you are surrounded by chaos,” one person wrote in the comments of Matthews’ Instagram post. Another said, “Baby get outta there! Give yourself a chance. From one autoimmune girlie to another. We can’t fully heal where we became sick.”

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One commenter shared a reminder for Matthews as she navigates this rough time, “You are doing the best you can right now mama, give yourself grace, I can’t imagine having the chronic illness to actually show up like this as a reminder, and you feeling like is your fault, please remind yourself you are doing everything in your power right now! And that is Enough!”

After nearly two years on the run, authorities in Georgia have arrested a fugitive who was found inside of an air conditioner vent.

The Grady County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement that Kayla McKenzie was arrested in Moultrie, Georgia, on Monday, April 20.

McKenzie was on the run for nearly two years after she received an outstanding felony bench warrant, according to the sheriff’s office.

A bench warrant is “an order from a judge that allows law enforcement to arrest someone who hasn’t followed a court order. This could happen if someone missed a court date, skipped paying a fine, or failed to follow probation terms,” according to Bogle Law.

Unlike an arrest warrant, a bench warrant focuses on compliance. The purpose of a bench warrant is to make sure the person adheres to the court’s rules. An example of when a bench warrant is issued when someone doesn’t show up for their court date, a judge may issue a bench warrant to ensure they come back.

Authorities were finally able to track McKenzie down after investigators received a tip that she was allegedly hiding inside a residence in Moultrie. The home where she was found is located about 35 miles away from Grady County.

Officers then reported to the location, where they found McKenzie allegedly hiding inside the vent of an air conditioner on the ground.

Police did not reveal who shared the tip or how they had the information regarding McKenzie’s whereabouts. It’s also not known what she has been up to over the past few years or why she was at the home she was located at.

McKenzie was then taken into custody without further incident and she was transported to a detention facility. The sheriff’s office confirmed that she will now face the charges associated with her outstanding felony bench warrant.

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However, it is not currently clear if she will face charges in connection with the allegations that she has been on the run from the law.

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It is also not currently clear if McKenzie has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Grady County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case or any additional charges that McKenzie may be facing.

In addition to confirming that McKenzie was found, the sheriff’s office shared photos of her in the back of a police car. The department’s Facebook page also uploaded a photo of the air conditioner vent she was hiding inside of.

Steven Soderbergh is one of the most prolific filmmakers of the modern era, known for directing a wide variety of movies, including Ocean’s Twelve, Contagion, Magic Mike, and Black Bag. Soderbergh has also brought his impressive skills to the small screen, directing Clive Owen‘s medical thriller, The Knick, and Sharon Stone‘s immersive, twisty murder-mystery HBO series, Mosaic.

One of the most unusual projects of Soderbergh’s career is the HBO miniseries Full Circle, which stars Timothy Olyphant, Claire Danes, Dennis Quaid, Zazie Beetz, and even comedian Jim Gaffigan. On its surface, it looked like just another straightforward kidnapping thriller. However, Soderbergh has always had an interest in examining processes and systems, and Full Circle is a tightly wound thriller that examines how an entire infrastructure could fail.

What Is Timothy Olyphant and Claire Danes’ HBO Miniseries About?

Co-created with Soderbergh’s frequent collaborator Ed Solomon, Full Circle is a New York-set drama about the wealthy power couple Derek (Olyphant) and Sam (Danes), whose son Jared (Ethan Stoddard) feels uncomfortable about the privilege that he’s been gifted with. Jared’s parents have worked to maintain the empire of Sam’s father, the celebrity “Chef Jeff” (Dennis Quaid), which has also made them vulnerable to threats from rivals. Jared is targeted by a kidnapping scheme organized by the enigmatic orchestrator Mrs. Mahabir (CCH Pounder), but a botched abduction leads to a complex series of revelations. The kidnapping itself is just the tip of the iceberg in Full Circle; as the characters rush to solve the problem, secrets from their past are unveiled and threaten to change the fabric of their reality.

Steven Soderbergh’s HBO Miniseries ‘Full Circle’ Is a Twisty Mystery Thriller

Image via HBO Max

The brilliance of Full Circle is that Soderbergh refuses to treat any character as a clear-cut hero or villain, as there is a degree of vulnerability within them all. Full Circle asks an ethical question that is reminiscent of the classic Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, as the tension kicks off when the kidnappers accidentally capture Jared’s friend, Nicky (Lucian Zanes), whom he had met through an online chatroom. While it would seem like the most honorable thing for Derek and Sam to do would be to still pay the ransom to save another innocent life, they are more frugal about the decisions they make once they realize that their actual son isn’t in danger. This doesn’t just speak to the class divisions that protect someone like Jared, but reveals the exploitative nature of the kidnappers. Even though they realize that they have the wrong target, they are still going to threaten him because they have initiated a conversation with people who have more power than they do.

Related

This Clive Owen Drama Is Also One of the Most Accurate Medical Shows

The research makes this series’ world feel all the more immersive.

Full Circle features some highly realistic, uncomfortable moments of dysfunctional family drama, but it’s also an excellent procedural that examines the perspectives of the investigators assigned to solve the case. Perhaps the best performance in the show is from Zazie Beetz as Harmony Melody, an investigator who is on the rocks with her boss Manny Broward (Jim Gaffigan) because of her exacting and obsessive nature. Soderbergh goes to great lengths to point out the flaws in the criminal justice system, which is a main reason why Melody is such a compelling hero.

While most of the investigators see it as their job to appease the rich benefactors that support the police department, Melody wants to get to the truth as to why Jared was targeted and what secrets his family might be holding. Beetz is obviously a force of charisma, but she gets to take on a much more serious role than she was granted in Atlanta. Even though Gaffigan is one of the best stand-up comedians in the world right now, he perfectly slips into the role of a disheveled, indifferent employer who seems ignorant of the frustration he causes for Melody. Given Soderbergh’s unique eye for casting, it is also fun to see appearances by venerable characters like Happy Anderson and William Sadler, who make the most of their small roles.

‘Full Circle’ Questions Its Ambiguous Ethics Effectively

Full Circle feels like a spiritual successor to classic New York-set crime dramas like Mean Streets, Dog Day Afternoon, and King of New York, as the city itself feels like a character. Soderbergh can visually examine how diverse the experiences are in the city, with characters like Jared, Melody, and Mahabir living close to one another, yet having completely different experiences based on their privilege and background. The show is also willing to address a more complex depiction of criminality, as the kidnappers Aked (Jharrel Jerome), Louis (Gerald Jones), and Xavier (Sheyi Cole) often have no idea what they are doing. Revealing that each character is fallible introduces a new layer of irony to Full Circle, infusing it with the sort of dark comedy that Soderbergh is often best known for. The use of slight humor in intense moments allows the viewers to connect more deeply with the story. The tense show is so realistic that audiences can’t help but question what they would do in a similar situation.

As the title may suggest, Full Circle examines the futile conception of progress, as the regimented nature of today’s infrastructure means that there is little room for mobility. Even if the idea at its core is a rather cynical one, Full Circle asks compelling questions about the responsibilities that someone has to their community, their family, and their personal dignity. Olyphant and Danes are two stars best known for playing defiant heroes in Justified and Homeland, respectively, so it is interesting to see them as a flawed married couple who are forced to question the fundamentals of their relationship. Full Circle may feel like a cathartic experience for those who have faced issues similar to any of the characters, but it also offers insights into the type of eyeball-catching, inflammatory news stories that readers often don’t delve deeper into. While the series was technically released directly to “Max” as an original production, the excellent performances, clever writing, and thematic undercurrent ensure that it rises to the quality threshold necessary for an HBO show.

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Release Date

2023 – 2023-00-00

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Network

HBO, Max

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Showrunner

Ed Soloman

Directors

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Steven Soderbergh

Writers

Ed Soloman

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Wide-leg jeans can feel like a gamble, but every now and then, a celebrity proves they’re actually one of the most flattering silhouettes you can wear. The trick is finding a pair that feels relaxed without overwhelming your frame — and yes, it’s easier said than done. Luckily, Anne Hathaway just stepped out in a style that makes a very convincing case for them right now.

The actress was spotted in New York City on April 16 , 2026 wearing a pair that struck that perfect balance. She styled the wide-leg jeans with a cropped black jacket, pointed-toe heels, a black Birkin and cat-eye sunglasses, creating a look that feels polished yet effortless. It’s the kind of outfit that instantly makes you want to recreate it.

Get the Trendy Queen Relaxed Raw-Hem Wide-Leg Jeans for $26 (was $33) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 23, 2026, but are subject to change.

If you want in on that same vibe (without the designer price tag), the Trendy Queen Wide-Leg Relaxed Raw-Hem Jeans are a nearly identical option — and they’re currently $26 on Amazon. That accessible price point makes it easy to try the trend without overthinking it. Even better? They give off that same leg-lengthening effect.

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Hilary Duff just proved that even sweatpants can look polished with the right styling trick. The actress made a case for elevating off-duty basics with one simple accessory — a sleek beige crossbody that instantly pulled her whole look together. Even better, we found a similar option for just $23, so you can copy the […]

The design details are what really make them work. A high-rise waist helps define your shape, while the wide-leg cut skims over the hips and thighs for a smooth, balanced silhouette. The cotton-blend fabric has a hint of stretch for comfort, and the raw hem adds that slightly undone, lived-in finish.

These jeans are also incredibly versatile when it comes to styling. Pair them with a cropped jacket and heels for that elevated city look, or keep things casual with sneakers and a simple tee for errands. You can get the pants in multiple washes and sizes ranging — from 4 through 18. Read: It’s so easy to work them into your wardrobe.

Shoppers are just as impressed. The jeans have racked up over 300 five-star ratings, with one reviewer calling them “stretchy and very soft,” while another said they’re the “most flattering pair” they own. At $26, consider this your sign to try the flattering denim trend Hathaway makes look so effortless.

Love the silhouette but want a different wash? These flattering Amazon styles have you covered.

Shop more wide-leg denim jeans that we love:

Not your style? Explore more wide-leg jeans here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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By Robert Scucci
| Published 24 seconds ago

Some of the best thrillers thrive on their ability to withhold key elements of a story to keep the mystery burning well into the third act. 2022’s I Came By takes a different approach, laying all of its cards on the table early in the first act so the viewer pretty much knows what’s going on right away, while the characters still need to catch up. The thrill comes from knowing what the protagonists don’t, and wanting to yell at your TV because nobody’s communicating clearly, making everything worse for themselves.

I Came By tells a simple abduction story, but complicates itself through these interactions. We almost immediately know who the bad guy is, and we know that our heroes suspect him of foul play. The problem is that the villain is so deeply connected that he can get away with his crimes, and he does. We just need to wait it out so he can finally get caught and locked up for good. That’s the real mystery here: will he get away with it?

From Graffiti Tagging To Body Bagging 

I Came By is unique in the sense that it keeps changing its protagonist. First, we follow Toby Nealey (George MacKay), a 23-year-old activist who operates anonymously through silent protests. He breaks into wealthy households and tags “I CAME BY” in huge block letters as a way to let the upper class know they’re being watched, and whatever bad behavior they engage in behind closed doors has been clocked. Toby works alone now that his best friend Jay (Percelle Ascott) finds out he’s going to be a father with his girlfriend, Naz (Varada Sethu).

When Toby decides to raid the house of former Judge Sir Hector Blake (Hugh Bonneville), he informs Jay, but Jay wants nothing to do with it. He has priors and needs to stay on the straight and narrow so he can be a present father. At home, Toby’s relationship with his mother Lizzie (Kelly Macdonald) is volatile. She knows he’s getting himself into trouble and doesn’t approve of his late-night activities, which eventually leads to her kicking him out.

Toby is dead set on violating Hector’s privacy because he’s convinced that somebody so outwardly progressive must have skeletons in his closet. He learns the hard way that he’s right when he finds a hidden room in Hector’s basement where an emaciated young man is locked up. Given how worse for wear the prisoner is, it’s safe to say he’s been there for a very long time while Hector goes about his life as if nothing’s wrong.

Toby contacts the authorities, who investigate the house, but Hector is one step ahead. When Toby shows up again to free the prisoner, he’s apprehended by Hector, and it goes about as well as you’d expect. Lizzie, distraught over her son going missing and knowing he was targeting Hector, contacts Jay to see if he knows anything. Jay, not wanting to get involved, remains tight lipped but leaves clues for her to follow, which proves without a doubt that Hector was likely the last person to see Toby.

Not A Mystery, But A Solid, Straight-Up Thriller

My favorite aspect of I Came By is that there is no real mystery. As a viewer, you get a clear sense of what’s happening behind closed doors at Hector’s place. While he’s out playing cricket with his high-society peers, he feels comfortable making appearances because he knows the prison hidden in his basement is concealed well enough. His status as a former judge means he’s deeply connected and believes he’s above the law, so he operates without fear of suspicion. Toby knows this, Lizzie figures it out and goes missing, and Jay wants nothing to do with it until he realizes he has no choice but to step back in and try to find his friend and Lizzie, hoping they’re still alive.

It’s not Hector’s evil behavior or Toby’s predicament that drives the tension in I Came By, but how poorly everybody communicates. The police know something’s going on thanks to Toby reaching out before he disappeared, but they have no proof. Lizzie knows Jay is holding back, but Jay is trying to lay low with Naz so he can start a new life. Nobody speaks plainly, and it complicates everything, all while unthinkable horrors are happening in a hidden basement room behind a shelving unit.

When you fire up I Came By on Netflix, don’t expect a whodunit. You’ll be made aware of what Hector is up to before things really get going. But you’ll still find yourself on the edge of your seat as everyone who knows the truth tries to expose him, and that’s where the film thrives.

Despite being one of its most original shows, this Star Wars entry was cancelled too soon before viewers could see its ambitious take on the sci-fi universe reach its full potential. Many may argue that the mystery thriller is not particularly unique compared to the likes of Andor, widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars productions of all time, which concluded its two-season run last year. However, it distinguishes itself by exploring an untapped franchise era, focusing on dark-side perspectives largely removed from the shadow of the Galactic Empire.

Due to reported low viewership and its high production costs, Star Wars: The Acolyte was cancelled in August 2024, just one month after its finale. The series was created by Leslye Headland for Disney+, and is set at the end of the High Republic era, long before the events of the Skywalker Saga. It arrived two years after Andor and a year after Ahsoka, the latter of which is set to return for a second season. The Acolyte follows a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, only to uncover a far more sinister conspiracy tied to the rise of the dark side.

Having premiered with its first two episodes on June 4, 2024, The Acolyte concluded just over a month later on July 16. Disney reported that the sci-fi adventure drew 4.8 million views on its first day and 11.1 million within its first five days, making it Disney+’s biggest series premiere of 2024 at the time. However, that five-day total still trailed behind Ahsoka, which reached 14 million views in the same window. Now two years after its cancellation, The Acolyte has found renewed interest in the U.S., resurfacing on Disney+ charts overnight as one of the platform’s most-watched shows. At the same time, the most recent franchise entry, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (which debuted with a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes), has also been performing strongly, topping global charts.

Who Stars in ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’?

In The Acolyte, Hunger Games star Amandla Stenberg leads an ensemble cast as twin sisters Osha and Mae Aniseya. The girls were separated by a tragedy when they were young. Osha is the former Padawan learner of Sol, who left the Jedi Order, while Mae, initially presumed dead, is a dangerous warrior using the dark side of the Force. Other stars included Squid Game icon Lee Jung-jae as respected Jedi Master Sol and Manny Jacinto as the Stranger, Mae’s Sith master, alongside Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The Acolyte is available to stream on Disney+.

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Release Date

2024 – 2024-00-00

Showrunner

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Leslye Headland

Directors

Leslye Headland, Alex Garcia Lopez

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Writers

Leslye Headland, Charmaine De Grate, Kor Adana

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Franchise(s)

Star Wars

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