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Two of Lestat’s Biggest Ghosts “Haunt the Narrative” in ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Episode 3
Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for The Vampire Lestat Episode 3.
AMC’s Interview with the Vampire set a distinct tone when it premiered back in 2022, but with the show’s official transformation (and retitling) into The Vampire Lestat, there’s also the sense that a completely different perspective has taken over the story. Lestat de Lioncourt’s (Sam Reid) decision to finally sit down with journalist and newly-made vampire Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) for his own on-camera interview starts more straightforwardly than you’d expect, with Daniel attempting to wring out the truth through a series of increasingly provocative questions and Lestat deftly evading honesty at every turn.
Yet the real story, as we’ve seen, always lies somewhere between public performance and what goes completely unspoken. When it comes to the tragic culmination of Lestat’s relationship with his first love, musician Nicolas “Nicki” de Lenfent (Joseph Potter), as well as his own traumatic turning by the vampire Magnus (Damien Atkins), “Toronto” is as close to an instance of soul-baring as viewers have ever earned before — even if, as Potter reflected on in our interview ahead of the episode’s premiere, it’s delivered through a “lens of deceit.” Below, Potter and Atkins discuss Episode 3’s emotional Nicki and Magnus flashbacks, how manipulation and betrayal shape their characters’ narratives in the series, the experience of playing ghosts who literally haunt Lestat’s story, and more.
COLLIDER: Joseph, Nicki is one of the few characters who actually knows Lestat before he’s turned into a vampire. How did that unique foundational knowledge impact your and Sam [Reid]’s approach to their relationship?
JOSEPH POTTER: It’s interesting because, obviously, we meet them when they’re in Paris for the first time. There’s a level of, like, “Oh, how much did they know about each other in Auvergne?” It was such a privilege to have that little meet-cute in that scene. I think when Nicki and Lestat first meet each other, they’re very down on their luck. They are poor. They’re both these tragic souls, which, for Nicki, really unites them, which makes the difference when they get to Paris, and Lestat starts flying high. That makes the change just that much more devastating. So, that kind of shift was really fun to toy with.
‘The Vampire Lestat’s Damien Atkins Reveals Magnus’ True Motivation for Turning Lestat
“He was an alchemist. He’s looking for gold.”
Damien, we’ve known very little about Magnus until this season apart from what Lestat has divulged, per Louis’ recollection. “Your Biggest Fan” paints him as this twisted fanboy, but from your perspective, what do you think really drew Magnus to Lestat and drove him to want to turn Lestat into a vampire?
DAMIEN ATKINS: Oh, my book is upstairs, because I was just looking at it yesterday. I mean, he says, “brave little wolfkiller.” What we see in the book is that he has killed dozens or hundreds of blonde men. It’s a really strange Aryan something, like he’s looking for the perfect heir, and then he finds one that has spunk and bravery. You know what I mean? He’s looking for the perfect son. It’s twisted.
Magnus does know [Lestat] before he’s turned, as well, but from a distance, so it’s probably distorted, not real knowledge of him. But he does see that Lestat has got an effect on people. I will say, when you think about the arc of the universe of it, I think Magnus is looking for the chosen one. He’s looking for the guy to lead the revolution. Somebody who has something very special, which has to do with bravery and charisma, I think, as well as beauty — which, all of that is nasty and gross, but I do think that’s where he’s coming from. He was an alchemist. He’s looking for gold.
Joseph, it feels like Nicki’s decline in this episode, mentally and emotionally, doesn’t happen overnight. Do you feel that there was any major tipping point for him, or was it really a series of lies, omissions, things that Lestat was clearly telling him before doing the exact opposite?
POTTER: In Lestat’s recounting of events, we track it from Season 2, Episode 3, when Nicki’s turning happens with the coven and Armand. Then we get to the moment where he snaps. In our episode, when I say “a month ago,” we’re tracking back from there. Like you said, it’s this gradual building of deceit. You never know what’s real and what’s not in this show sometimes — memory’s a monster. But I feel like we see the gaslighting happen, and we’re watching that, and so Lestat is kind of honest in how he’s betrayed Nicki in that way, which is why he still carries that music box with him.
Yeah, it’s a consistent repetition of lies, is how we’ve got to where we’ve got to, but the way in which we see it, it feels like it happens quick, and that he dives into mania quite quickly. I love Nicki, and I think he was hard done by at times. [Laughs]
‘The Vampire Lestat’s Opening Scene Is Officially Setting Up Season 4 [Exclusive]
‘The Vampire Lestat’s premiere is already hinting at a complex and thrilling new direction.
Damien, I was so compelled by how this episode frames Magnus, and there are two very different lenses through which we see him. The first time he shows up, it’s the music video, the version that Lestat is publicly telling in “Your Biggest Fan,” but then later on, there’s a very different version of events, set against the voiceover of Louis reading from Claudia’s diary. Which version did you film first, and did one sequence unexpectedly inform the other?
ATKINS: Oh, that’s such a good question. We did the music video stuff late. So, on some level, it was very considerate, a sort of organic process of trying to start with the… It’s not really a small reality, it’s quite already a pungent reality, but a kind of vulnerability, which I think is what you’re referring to. Certainly, that was my experience, of love. You’ve got to go inside, without judging [Magnus], to this sort of tremulous love, and then let it kind of explode through. There’s violence, and there’s all that stuff, too, and we did the music video quite late, so it felt like a natural blooming, a ridiculous blooming of what had been quite a small, tender thing.
Honestly, this is one of those questions where my perspective will be entirely different from everyone else’s, because for me, it’s all of a piece. That was an awful night, shooting that scene. You have to keep grounding yourself in, “I think I’m doing the right thing. I think I’m doing the loving thing,” and letting the show and letting Sam make it into what is the real story for people who are watching, and what is Lestat’s story. For me, I’ve got to insulate myself from all of that, so I did. The car, that scene, the music video, it was all a kind of expression of love — twisted love, but you know.
‘The Vampire Lestat’s Joseph Potter on Whether Lestat Is Being Honest About Nicki’s Death
“It’s telling that we get the truth through this lens of deceit.”
Before, Joseph, you brought up the “memory is a monster” tagline, and that was something I wanted to mention pertaining to Lestat’s very emotional confession to Daniel about Nicki’s death — followed by the twist that it’s a telepathic prank, and Daniel’s the only one who’s made privy to that story. How honest do you think Lestat is being about what really happened?
POTTER: This is a question for Sam, this is a question for Rolin [Jones], this is a question for Hannah [Moscovitch]. [Laughs] It is interesting, because when I read it, and upon watching it, the recounting of how Nicki dies, of Armand holding him down in the fire, it’s so open. It feels so profoundly there and present. Then, when you hear that it’s a trick, you just feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. That kind of juxtaposition is exactly what Lestat is all about, for me.
I think it’s telling that it does happen. I think there’s a level of vulnerability within Lestat that hasn’t quite fully dealt with, regarding his place or position in Nicki’s betrayal or descent. So, it’s telling that we get the truth through this lens of deceit. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get the whole truth. Maybe he chopped off his own hand. I have no idea.
What do you both remember most about the experience of getting to literally haunt the narrative, especially at the end of this episode when we see the two of you in the crowd, among all of those screaming fans, during the “Loneliness” sequence?
ATKINS: It’s so fun. It’s so tricky to talk about because it made me feel powerful. It made me feel important. So gross, right? So gross. But shooting that concert scene, everybody’s sort of rocking out around me, and I’m standing there very still, feeling fatherly. [Laughs] It’s so gross. It was wild. It was great.
POTTER: On the other side of that, that scene was the first time that I’d seen Sam in the band, so I’ve got two things running through my head: “Haunt the narrative, haunt the narrative,” and also, “Holy shit, that’s so good!” [Laughs] But it’s interesting being the muse or a ghost, and I was trying to ask Rolin wherever I could, because without spoiling anything going on, there are a couple more moments where things pop up, and Muse Nicki or Ghost Nicki is different to who he actually is. It’s that kind of provocateur, and a way of guiding Lestat’s dealing with his trauma. It’s a different beast altogether.
New episodes of The Vampire Lestat premiere Sundays on AMC.
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Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree’s body has been recovered following his death in Brazil, and returned to the United States.
“Oliver is now back in California where he can finally rest,” stated a Sunday, June 21, Instagram post shared via the late musician and artist’s Instagram account. The post was the first shared by the account since Tree was killed after traveling in one of two helicopters that collided southwest of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14. He was 32.
The post also paid tribute to Tree via a text passage and carousel of photos. “Rest in peace Oliver Tree Nickell June 29th, 1993 – June 14th, 2026. Your legacy will live on forever,” the post began. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shown love, support and has done incredible tributes for Oliver. The constant love, support and positivity is helping the family, friends and collaborators make it through these extremely difficult times.”
A foundation to honor Tree will soon be established, as confirmed via the Instagram post. “His legacy will live on through his foundation/endowment named “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses” coming soon,” the passage continued. “This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will. We will make sure his wish comes to fruition so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world, that was his final wish.”
Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree has reportedly died. He was 32. Two helicopters crashed into one another in southwest Rio de Janeiro on the morning of Sunday, June 14, according to a same-day report from CNN Brazil. According to the outlet, Tree was one of six fatalities from the reported crash. Further details about the reported collision […]
The post concluded, “Love you all so much, Oliver would be so proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver … ❤️.”
News of Tree’s death broke on June 14 with CNN Brazil reporting at the time that there were six fatalities and Tree’s name was on the list of passengers given to aviation authorities. Authorities later confirmed that all five travelers, including the pilot in one helicopter, were killed.
The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro said in an X post following the crash, “We express our deep sorrow for the six victims resulting from the accident involving two aircraft in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro. In this moment of pain, I express my solidarity to the family members and friends of the victims of the tragedy.”
Tree’s mom, Christine Begin Nickell, addressed her son’s death via a Facebook post shared on Thursday, June 18. “Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place,” Nickell wrote. “We are so proud of you. RIP ❤️💔❤️.”
Nickell’s words were accompanied by a throwback photo of her son holding a dog.
Tree had been touring Brazil amid a world tour. He was scheduled to next take the stage on July 1 in Lisbon and the tour was to continue through October 25, when he was expected to take the stage in Beijing.
On August 5, 2026, the show that saved Apple TV is finally returning after a three-year hiatus. Everyone’s favorite therapy-turned-television Ted Lasso, starring Jason Sudeikis as the titular optimist soccer coach, makes its big return after originally concluding a planned three-season arc. However, so popular is the series that it continues to hold its place on the streaming charts, and a return felt inevitable. Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) will begin their journey as coaches of a new women’s division at AFC Richmond in the fourth season, and the men’s team will hunt for glory once again under the new managerial tutelage of Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).
Arguably the most famous fictional sports story of the 21st century, the rise of Ted Lasso has been well-documented, helping keep Apple TV afloat and establishing them as a major player in the streaming wars. But it has also helped put eyes on other, lesser-spotted sports stories, such as one starring the ever-suave George Clooney. Also starring The Office‘s John Krasinski and two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger — and boasting one of the finest scores in Randy Newman‘s career — the 2008 rom-com Leatherheads is somewhat of an undiscovered gem in the sports genre.
Only the third film in Clooney’s directorial career, the film earned mixed reviews from both critics and audiences upon arrival, illustrated in a 53% average rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. One critic scathingly called the film “a slovenly, timid, strenuously studied movie that takes forever to get nowhere, uninterestingly,” whereas another said that the film is “so successful at reviving the screwball comedy that you’re prepared to forgive it some flaws.” If you’re looking to make up your own mind about the film, you’re in luck, as Leatherheads will become officially available to stream on Netflix starting July 1.
Was ‘Leatherheads’ a Box Office Hit?
Sadly, Leatherheads was unable to counteract its mediocre reception with box office success, despite releasing at the peak of Krasinski’s Office fame and starring the ever-popular Clooney. The film couldn’t even return its reported production budget of $58 million, scoring a global haul of $41.3 million, split between $31.3 million in domestic revenue and a further $10 million from overseas markets. When the film opened in April 2008, it faced competition from the likes of Nim’s Island, the crime thriller 21, and Horton Hears a Who.
Leatherheads is streaming on Netflix this July. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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March 24, 2008
- Runtime
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114 minutes
Britney Spears is getting candid about her desire to expand her family amid her recent legal troubles.
“It’s an emotional day for me,, guitars remind me of baby aliens,, such gentle strings,,, music is said to be the speech of angels,, I bought this one in Mexico 🇲🇽 in hopes one day I can have another baby,” Spears, 44, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, June 21, Father’s Day in the United States.
Spears also shared a video featuring the pop star dancing in a yellow dress, wearing her hair down in loose waves as she held a guitar.
The “Toxic” singer became a mom in 2005, when she welcomed son Sean Preston with then-husband Kevin Federline. The pair, who tied the knot in 2004, went on to welcome son Jayden James in 2006. That same year, Spears filed for divorce from Federline.
Another baby for Britney Spears? The singer has been vocal about her desire to have children with husband Sam Asghari. The Princess of Pop shares two kids with ex-husband Kevin Federline. The former couple, who were married from 2004 to 2007, welcomed sons Sean Preston and Jayden in 2005 and 2006, respectively. After relationships with […]
One decade later, Spears met personal trainer Sam Asghari on the set of her music video for “Slumber Party.” The pair went on to date for five years, announcing their engagement in 2021 and exchanging vows in 2022.
That same year, Spears announced she and Asghari were expecting their first baby together. One month later, Spears shared that she suffered a pregnancy loss.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy,” the pair’s statement read via Instagram at the time. “This is a devastating time for any parent.”
The statement continued, “Perhaps we should have waited to announce until we were further along however we were overly excited to share the good news. Our love for each other is our strength. We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family. We are grateful for all of your support. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult moment.”
Sam Asghari has broken his silence on ex-wife Britney Spears’ recent DUI arrest— kind of. Asghari spoke to NewsNation on Thursday, March 5, discussing the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran. However, a question about Spears was slipped into the mix. Asghari attempted to dodge the inquiry, deciding to keep the conversation […]
The caption read, “We are grateful for what we have in the process of expanding our beautiful family 💝 Thank you for your support.”
One year later, Us Weekly confirmed that Asghari filed for divorce. Spears and Asghari’s divorce was settled in 2024.
News broke earlier this year that Spears was arrested in California on suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs,” per a press release from the California Highway Patrol. She was then taken into custody and sent to a hospital to test her blood alcohol content, before being booked and released the next morning.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” Spears’ rep told Us at the time. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
The message continued, “Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”
While Spears was seeking treatment, she was charged with driving under the influence. She accepted a plea deal in May and was sentenced to 12 months of probation and one daily in jail, which was credited with time served. Spears was also ordered to complete a DUI class and pay $571 in state-mandated fees and see a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month.
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If you think you’re seeing sleek sneakers on every chic celebrity over 40, that’s because you are. A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry are all wearing slim sneakers, as are gals like Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes and Mariska Hargitay. If that doesn’t indicate a trend, we don’t know what does!
The appeal makes sense. Low-profile sneakers are comfy, versatile and incredibly luxe, making any outfit appear triple the price. The best part? The best options start at just $13. Read on to shop this celeb-approved trend, including some of the exact pairs worn by the stars themselves.
13 Trendy Slim Sneakers — From $13
1. Wardrobe Staple: With a gold metallic finish, these everyday sneakers add a shimmering something extra to any outfit, similar to jewelry. Wear them with a tee and jeans, and suddenly the easy pairing looks sophisticated.
2. Low Profile: Bulky sneakers swallow shorter hems. These ultra-low Adidas kicks keep proportions clean, so straight-leg jeans actually land where they should.
3. Retro Twist: A throwback silhouette with modern proportions, these retro-inspired sneakers nod to 1976 and 2026 alike. At under $40, they’re an easy ‘yes.’
4. Luxe Leopard: Leopard print on a slim silhouette somehow acts like a neutral. These Lucky Step sneakers go with denim, trousers and even slip dresses without clashing.
5. Boutique Find: Lace details, ribbon shoelaces and a cream base give these dreamy, feminine sneakers a real boutique feel. People will assume they cost triple.
With all the barbecues, weddings and brunches on your summer agenda, there’s no such thing as too many sandals. Even if your schedule includes more errand runs than beach days, you still need chic shoes. These expensive-looking picks are the easiest upgrade, making any outfit appear mega expensive, without the high price tag. In addition […]
6. Chic Skechers: Comfort sneakers usually look like comfort sneakers, but these glamorous Skechers read polished from across the room — even though your feet are getting cushioned-insole treatment.
7. Celebrity Magnet: When Aniston and Hathaway both reach for the same shoe, pay attention. These Adidas Samba OG sneakers are worth the splurge.
8. Designer Vibes: The addition of a star gives these expensive-looking sneakers Golden Goose appeal without the price tag. After a few wears, the resemblance gets even stronger.
9. Cute and Quilted: Unlock your inner East Coast socialite in some preppy quilted sneakers. They’re the best $13 you’ll spend all summer!
10. Katie Holmes: All-black leather and suede in an understated silhouette, these classic sneakers look identical to the pair Holmes wore with jeans. The two-type texture keeps it interesting.
11. Sleek Suede: Rock these colorful suede sneakers with jeans for school pickups, then again with dresses for weekend outings. They quietly elevate everything.
12. Extra Support: Long days on your feet call for Dr. Scholl’s plush wonders. They allow you to go the extra mile (literally) while shopping, touring and beyond.
13. Royal Stamp: Veja’s minimal Campo silhouette is the exact style Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle keep wearing, so you know they’re royally good.
I spent a week in London, and if there’s one fashion tip I learned, it’s that these 13 summer shoe styles are dominating rich moms’ wardrobes. Wealthy ladies need footwear that elevates their aesthetic while supporting their feet, which is exactly why the women of the U.K. are choosing these comfy-chic sneakers, sandals, flats and […]
Travis Kelce and his crew took a pit stop at a NASCAR race in San Diego after celebrating his Bachelor party in Los Angeles.
Kelce, 36, gave a smile and thumbs-up for the camera after being spotted at the Sunday, June 21, NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado.
“So I’m looking around here — over my shoulder, on the flight deck — and I’m hearing that we have another celebrity in attendance. There he is. Your boy. Tight end for the [Kansas City] Chiefs. Three time Super Bowl champion, 11 time Pro-Bowler,” a reporter said in a clip shared via the Sports on Prime official X account. “Coronado bringing out the big guns, boys. Travis Kelce is in the house.”
The official Sports on Prime Instagram account also shared an image of Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, smiling at the race. “The Kelce brothers are ready for racing at Naval Base Coronado,” text read over photos of the group.
Travis Kelce had a boys’ night in West Hollywood while guests gathered at his fiancée Taylor Swift‘s Rhode Island home ahead of their wedding. Travis, 36, hung out with his brother, Jason Kelce, and some famous friends — including former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Ross Travis and comedian Druski — at invite-only hotspot Bird Streets Club […]
Days prior, Travis traveled to L.A. for a live edition of his and brother Jason’s “New Heights” podcast. While there, he was joined by Jason, BFF Ross Travis and comedian Druski for a night out.
Fans have speculated Travis is enjoying his bachelor party while on the west coast, where he was seen at Chris Lake at LA Historic Park concert by Goldenvoice and Framework. During the Friday, June 19, show, Travis was spotted in the VIP area with his friends before heading to the stage next to Chris.
“[Travis] and the whole group were really well behaved, and had a great time,” a source at the event said.
Travis’ outing comes after fans spotted activity at fiancée Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island estate, with TMZ publishing a video of four unidentified women on a rooftop balcony. In a clip, three of the women could be seen wearing black robes — while the fourth, a blonde, was wearing white. Fans think this appearance could hint at a possible bachelorette party.
In a separate video, a red-haired woman — who fans are convinced is Swift’s childhood BFF Abigail Anderson Berard — was spotted on a patio while holding a small child. Some fans are speculating that the child could be Berard’s almost 2-year-old son, Bennett. (Us reached out to Swift’s rep for comment at the time.)
Sources previously told Us Weekly that the couple would be tying the knot later this summer, one year after announcing they are engaged. Neither Travis nor Swift, 36, have publicly shared details about their ceremony.
“I think the wedding is what happens after [my Life of a Showgirl promotional tour] in the scheme of the planning, but I’m so excited about it,” Swift said on the Graham Norton Show in October 2025. “I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.”
Robert Carradine’s daughter Ever Carradine is honoring the late actor on Father’s Day after his death.
“Happy Father’s Day to the two GOATs,” Ever, 51, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, June 21. “Love you @cobybrownmusic ❤️ Miss you, Dad.”
Alongside the message, Ever shared a photo of husband Coby Brown with her dad. Ever also paid tribute to her husband with a series of photos shared via her Instagram Story on Sunday with the pair’s family.
“Happy Father’s Day @cobybrownmusic. We love you the most. Thank you for being the fun one,” she wrote, before uploading a separate image of Robert laughing while sitting on a bench with children. “Miss you, Dad.”
Robert Carradine’s eldest daughter, Ever Carradine, is getting candid about her grief after his heart-wrenching death at 71. “After one of the hardest weeks of my life, I went to see my friend @joannavargasnyc,” Ever, 51, wrote via Instagram on Friday, February 27, referring to the renowned facialist. “She does what she always does, took […]
News broke in February that Robert died at age 71 after a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder. The Lizzie McGuire alum is survived by his three children, Ever, Ian Carradine and Marcia Carradine. (Robert shared kids Ian and Marcia with ex-wife Edie Mani, whom he was married to from 1990 to 2018. He shared Ever with Susan Snyder.)
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” his family told Deadline in a statement at the time. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.”
The statement continued, “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
Days later, the Los Angeles Deputy Medical Examiner ruled Robert’s official manner of death as suicide, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly. The medical examiner noted that the cause was “sequelae of anoxic brain injury,” which occurs when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. A death certificate obtained by TMZ shared that Robert was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.
Robert Carradine’s son-in-law Coby Brown has broken his silence after the actor’s death at age 71. “Somehow the guy from my favorite movie as a kid became my father-in-law. He passed today,” Brown, 52, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, February 24. “He was 100% California, effortlessly cool, had an encyclopedic knowledge of movies, always down […]
A report from the medical examiner, which was obtained by Us earlier this month, revealed that Robert had checked himself into a psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles prior to his death. The docs revealed that an employee found him unresponsive and in cardiac arrest one day later. Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but Robert died weeks later.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
As “Love Island” season 8 continues making waves, season 6 contestant Kaylor Martin is talking about her time on the show in 2024. In a new interview, the reality star, who made headlines due to her up-and-down relationship with Aaron Evans, also spilled the tea on where she stands with her co-stars, specifically Leah Kateb, Serena Page, Rob Rausch, and Kendall Washington.
Season 6 of “Love Island” is arguably the franchise’s most popular, as it featured plenty of love and just as much drama. Their popularity was so great that Peacock launched a spin-off, “Beyond the Villa,” featuring a handful of the cast members navigating their new lives in Los Angeles.
In a new interview, Martin opened up about her status with some of her castmates, revealing that things between them are still better than ever. “I was literally just on FaceTime with Serena this morning. It’s so hard because when we all are so busy all the time,” Martin told Mirror.
Season 6 put the “Love Island” castmates on the map, providing them with numerous opportunities. Their busy schedules keep them from seeing each other as often as they’d like, said Martin, but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about each other.
“I was just with Kendall and Rob in Nashville for the CMAs. That was amazing,” she said. “Serena, JaNa, and I are planning a trip right now. And Leah just texted me to check in.”
What Would Martin Change About Her ‘Love Island’ Experience If She Could?
Aside from her relationship with Evans, Martin also made headlines during season 6 of “Love Island” due to her outgoing personality and frequent emotional outbursts. Those tears, though, are the one thing Martin said she’d change about her time on the show.
“I look at myself on TV and I say, ‘Baby, stand up! Like, speak up for yourself!’” she said. Martin went on to say that she was “very timid” in the “Love Island” villa, adding that her experience forced her to gain a new level of confidence.
“If I was timid like I was on Love Island and saw a hate comment, I’d still be in bed crying today,” she said.
Martin Wants The Season 8 Cast To Be Authentic In Front Of The Cameras
Season 8 is currently three weeks in, and while the cast won’t see Martin’s message, she offered them advice on how to navigate life in front of the cameras.
“One, just stay true to you. Be the same girl you always have been. I think, if you’re not yourself on Love Island, it will read through,” she said. “If you’re trying to have famous Love Island one-liners, people will clock it. Just be you.”
Kateb shared a similar message during her exclusive chat with The Blast. “Just have fun,” she said. “Be yourself, and don’t take things too seriously. Just enjoy your time.”
‘Love Island’ Season 8 Began With A Bang
According to a previous report from The Blast, the latest season of “Love Island” kicked off with a bang.
Before the first episode even aired, a Pennsylvania mayor blasted cast member Sean Reifel, accusing him of leaving his job as a police officer to film the series. The department’s police chief also commented, saying she was “disappointed” in the father of one for allegedly leaving the city high and dry.
Reifel didn’t take the comments sitting down, though. He fired back on an episode of “Love Island’s” aftershow, “Aftersun,” stating that he had a candid conversation with the department about his decision to take unpaid leave to be on the show.
“It does bother me because they – just before I left – gave me awards for like, with my partners, taking a lady out of a building on fire and talking someone off a roof that was mentally ill. So, to give me those, and then do something like this? I just don’t understand,” he told host Ciara Miller.
Sadness In The Villa
The Blast also covered the heartbreaking news about “Love Island” producer, James Barker, who died suddenly while working on the show in Fiji.
The details surrounding Barker’s death have been kept private; however, the production company said that the TV executive suffered a “medical emergency.”
A new episode of “Love Island” airs tonight, June 21, at 9 PM ET.
It’s not an easy accomplishment for any kind of show to even approach perfection. But if there’s any one medium of television that allows creatives to come up with all sorts of fresh, ambitious, boundary-pushing ways to deliver a truly flawless show, it’s animation. It’s a medium that’s virtually limitless—at least visually—, and as such, it should be no surprise that several of the most perfect new shows are animated.
“New” meaning any show from the last five years here, this leaves us with ten particularly amazing animated series which demonstrate how praise-worthy animation is. This is a category of television that’s looked down on by many fans of the medium, but these ten exceptional new series show why in this fresh golden era of small-screen animation, things are starting to change.
10
‘Common Side Effects’ (2024–Present)
Adult Swim has been producing some of the greatest adult animated series in history since the early 2000s, and if it continues heading in the direction that it’s currently heading in, Common Side Effects has the potential to join that elite club. It’s one of the most delectably odd, trippy, and surreal animated shows of the last five years, perfect for those who prefer animation at its most mind-bending.
Masterfully balancing a hilarious sense of deadpan stoner humor with elements worthy of the most gripping, high-stakes thriller imaginable, it’s one of those animated shows whose every episode is a masterpiece. Brilliantly genre-bending and thematically multi-layered, it’s one of the best animated satires that the 2020s have thus far gifted us with.
9
‘Pantheon’ (2022–2023)
Based on a series of short stories by Ken Liu, the cyberpunk conspiracy thriller Pantheon is one of the most near-perfect hard sci-fi shows on Netflix. Bolstered by its excellent voice cast, its copious amounts of philosophical and thematic depth, and its fascinating portrayal of the singularity (a hypothetical in which technological growth accelerates beyond human control), it quickly became one of the most acclaimed animated sci-fi shows of the last decade.
Mind-bending and emotionally weighty, Pantheon approaches themes of transhumanism and artificial intelligence in ways that feel far more chillingly timely and relevant today than they did back in 2022. It’s perfectly paced and thoroughly engaging, proof of just how intelligent and compelling sci-fi stories can be in the limitless field of animation.
8
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–Present)
Based on the manga series written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is already one of the highest-rated shows of the 2020s thus far on IMDb. It has a well-deserved perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, all reviews coming from critics who were inevitably charmed by its cozy, refreshingly calm atmosphere.
Subverting the traditional fantasy formula of the epic quest to defeat a powerful enemy, Beyond Journey’s End kicks things off after the Hero’s Journey has concluded, focusing on the poignant aftermath and passage of time. This is more than enough to make it one of the best fantasy anime of all time, a deeply moving comfort watch imbued with bittersweet nostalgia.
7
‘Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord’ (2026–Present)
The iconic television side of the Star Wars franchise has been making plenty of ventures into the live-action format since 2019, but animation is where the galaxy far, far away lived on the small screen for several decades; and animation is still the medium that’s producing some of the best Star Wars content out there. Case in point: the incredible Maul — Shadow Lord.
Maul is a character that has been greatly expanded on and enriched over the history of animated televisual Star Wars, but Shadow Lord is, unsurprisingly, the most fascinating that the villain has ever been. With some of the most stunning animation, memorable music, and exceptional voice performances of any animated show from the last five years, Shadow Lord can already be counted among not just the best Star Wars shows, but also the best new sci-fi shows currently on television.
6
‘X-Men ’97’ (2024–Present)
Back in 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series completely revolutionized superhero television, kicking off the Golden Age of animated superhero television alongside Batman: The Animated Series. Its cancellation in 1997 due to financial issues was a deep tragedy, but in 2024, Disney’s Marvel revived the show with X-Men ’97, which has managed to live up to the stratospherically-high bar set by its predecessor.
There’s definitely a wonderful sense of nostalgia here, but even those who didn’t grow up with the 1992 original are bound to be delighted by X-Men ’97‘s crisp animation, top-tier voice acting, and exceptional writing. All of that and more makes this one of the best animated shows of the last five years. With its clear reverence for the source material being strongly balanced with a sharp, modern feel, X-Men ’97 is already finishing what its predecessor started back in the ’90s.
5
‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)
Created by Robert Kirkman and based on the Image Comics series of the same name that he co-created with Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, Invincible has proven just how capable adult-oriented superhero media is of ingraining itself into pop culture in precisely the same way that the more family-friendly MCU and DCU have done.
It’s the sort of Prime Video show that keeps you hooked throughout, and though some may point to its occasionally subpar animation as an argument against its perfection, that ends up feeling like nothing more than a nitpick when the writing and voice acting are so legendarily flawless. With its deep, emotionally grounded character development and its eye-popping bloody action, Invincible has already cemented its place in the pantheon of history’s best adult animated shows.
4
‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)
The long history of both animation and science fiction often being looked down on, even by the studios that produce such shows, claimed a new victim in 2024: Scavengers Reign. It’s one of those new sci-fi shows that are perfect from start to finish, and though it was originally devised and pitched as a self-contained miniseries (which means that those worried about cliffhanger endings needn’t worry about getting into Scavengers Reign), it had tremendous potential to develop into a full-fledged series.
Even still, this should forever be remembered as one of the best sci-fi shows and best animated shows of the 2020s, as well as one of the best animated sci-fi shows of the first quarter of the 21st century as a whole. Full of wonderfully imaginative world-building, tremendous psychological depth, and absolutely breathtaking animation, Scavengers Reign is the sort of masterpiece that the small screen only gets once in a lifetime.
3
‘Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022–Present)
There’s a good reason why Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War is the highest-rated anime series of the 2020s so far on IMDb: It really is that good. Based on Tite Kubo‘s manga series Bleach (one of the most underrated manga of the 21st century) and a direct sequel to the 2004 anime show of the same name, it’s a huge, massive-budget return to form for the franchise.
Whereas the original Bleach show ended on a pretty polarizing note, The Thousand-Year Blood War has thus far earned nothing but universal praise from fans and critics all across the board. The animation is nothing short of god-tier, delectably colorful and full of fluid choreography. Pair that with a thrilling, practically filler-free sense of pacing and a legendary soundtrack, and you get an anime series with the potential to be remembered as one of the best of all time if it sticks the landing in the end.
2
‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023–Present)
For people who love gritty revenge stories like Kill Bill and Lady Snowblood, Blue Eye Samurai is a must-see. With its second season in production, this is still one of those short TV shows you can finish in one night—and such a fast-paced binge session will surely be awfully tempting, seeing as this is one of the most enthralling adult animated series in Netflix’s catalog.
With its stunning animation and its emotionally resonant narrative, this character-driven gem subverts the traditional gender and racial tropes of stories set in Edo-era Japan. Its antihero protagonist is an absolutely fascinating lead character, its animation is wonderfully cinematic, and its thematic depth never feels forced or overly dense. In other words, it’s one of the greatest samurai masterpieces that the small screen has ever seen.
1
‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)
Arcane is far more than just one of the best Netflix shows of the last five years. For one, it may very well be the most visually impressive animated show in history, 18 episodes’ worth of pure eye candy full of vibrant colors, emotional expressiveness, and wonderful world-building. But visuals are definitely not the only thing that it has going for it, either.
Instead, this adaptation of League of Legends seemed to come out of nowhere and shock Netflix subscribers with its intricate plotting, emotionally stirring character work, and thematically profound narrative. It’s the most high-quality example of what animation has had to offer on the small screen over the course of the last five years, a breathtaking work of art that has no right being as entertaining and well-made as it is.
Arcane
- Release Date
-
2021 – 2024
- Network
-
Netflix
- Showrunner
-
Christian Linke
- Directors
-
Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall
Viewers waiting for Love Island USA‘s Casa Amor just found out when to expect the episodes — which they can also watch in theaters.
Peacock confirmed that Casa Amor will start airing on Monday, June 22. In addition to being available on the streaming service, Casa Amor will be screened in select cities across the country. With a runtime of 90 minutes, the special will be available in 28 theaters.
According to previously released info, the episodes will last five days — and will feature a shakeup with The Heartbeat Challenge format.
The hit show follows a group of singles who have to pair off in order to stay in a luxury villa in Fiji. The contestants — who are referred to as Islanders — live in isolation and are under constant video surveillance.
Hosted by Ariana Madix, Love Island USA requires the group to be coupled up in order to have a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize. While the Islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes — and even get to cast votes that affect couples and the fate of the contestants who are facing temptation as sexy new singles make their debut.
Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Kenzie Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum and Zach Georgiou.
While the Islanders paired off during Day 1, it didn’t take long for those bonds to shift. There was also the arrival of bombshells Gabriel Vasconcelos and Kayda Bosse, who allured several Islanders to reconsider their connections.
Casa Amor will divide the couples into two different villas — one for the men and one for the women. During their separation, the Islanders are tempted to see whether their connections are solid with the arrival of brand-new bombshells.
The villa test will end with everyone deciding whether they want to recouple with a bombshell — or remain in their existing couple.
The experiment usually lasts three to four days and has been known to create more chaos … and a potential Movie Night where everyone sees what happened in the other villa.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
Keith Urban may have moved on from his marriage to Nicole Kidman, but that didn’t stop him from publicly celebrating his ex-wife’s birthday. The country music star shared a heartfelt message for Kidman as she turned 59, offering a rare glimpse into the friendly dynamic the former couple has maintained since their divorce earlier this year.
The country music star took to Instagram Stories on June 20 to mark the occasion, sharing a simple but enthusiastic tribute to his former spouse. “Happy birthday, Nicole Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!” Urban wrote against a colorful purple-and-teal background.
While Kidman did not publicly respond to the message, she spent the day reflecting on the milestone herself. The Oscar-winning actress shared a photo from a nature hike and thanked fans for their well wishes. “Another trip around the sun,” Kidman wrote. “Thank you for all the birthday love xx. #SummerSolsticeBaby.”
Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban’s Marriage Ended After Two Decades
Urban’s birthday tribute comes less than a year after the former couple ended their marriage. The pair separated in 2025 after nearly 20 years together before finalizing their divorce earlier this year.
According to reports, the pair reached an out-of-court settlement that allowed them to divide their shared assets without a lengthy legal battle. Their Marital Dissolution Agreement reportedly included no spousal support, with neither star required to pay alimony following the split.
The former couple also worked out a custody arrangement for their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Kidman was granted primary residential custody in Nashville, while Urban retained joint responsibility for major parenting decisions and shares regular visitation, including alternating weekends with the girls. However, reports have continued to suggest lingering tensions between the girls and Keith Urban, with one daughter even unfollowing the country music star on social media.
Nicole Kidman Focuses On Family Following Divorce
Following the split, Kidman largely kept details of the breakup private, though she briefly addressed how she was coping during an interview shortly after the separation became public. “I’m hanging in there,” Kidman told Interview in October 2025.
Months later, the actress emphasized that despite the end of her marriage, maintaining a strong family unit remained her top priority.
“I’m always going to be moving toward what’s good. What I’m grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward,” she told Variety. “That’s that. Everything else I don’t discuss out of respect. I’m staying in a place of, ‘We are a family,’ and that’s what we’ll continue to be. My beautiful girls, my darlings, who are suddenly women.”
Kidman Has No Plans To Leave Nashville
Despite the major life change, Kidman has made it clear she isn’t leaving behind the life she built during her marriage to Urban. “We have our life here,” the actress said of Nashville. “I’m part of the city and community for 20 years. It’s my home.”
The actress also noted that while she frequently travels, especially to visit family in Australia, Tennessee remains where she feels rooted. “We go away. I’m very close to my sister in Sydney, and all my nieces and nephews,” she said. “My sister and I are a bit like the aunts in ‘Practical Magic.’”
Keith Urban Has Reportedly Found Comfort In Music
Meanwhile, Urban appears to have thrown himself into his career following the divorce. A source previously told Us Weekly that the separation was a “long time coming” and that both stars had quietly grown apart over the years.
“Keith has moved on and has been open with Nicole about where he stands,” the insider said, adding that “The two had grown apart quietly over time, and by the end, the decision to separate was more about acceptance than surprise.”
Friends of the singer have also suggested he’s remained focused on his music in the months since the split. “Keith Urban is my guy,” fellow country star Russell Dickerson told Page Six earlier this year. “He’s doing great” and “seemed in good spirits.”
“He’s always been focused on music, and so I think he’s just kind of doubling down on that, and it’s just beautiful. I can’t wait to hear what comes out of it.”
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