After a rollicking four seasons, Netflix’s most impulsive and poor decision-making teenagers from North Carolina have finally reached the end of their adventure. When Outer Banks first started back in 2020, the series was a weird combination of teen drama, class struggle, and treasure hunting. Some shows might have honed in on one of those dynamics as the seasons progressed, but, for better or worse, Outer Banks has never forgotten its roots.

From hunting for the gold of El Dorado to finding Blackbeard’s treasure, the series has led this gang of kids to all corners of the world, taking on everyone from international mercenaries to long-lost evil dads. In some ways, it’s nice that the final season of Outer Banks sticks to what it knows. It doesn’t try to blindside the audience with any big last-minute twists; it isn’t trying to change the formula now that one of its characters has died. While that makes for a less exciting finale, Season 5 of Outer Banks sticks to its guns, and there’s something admirable about that at least.

‘Outer Banks’ Season 5 Grapples With the Death of J.J.

When Season 4 wrapped up, fans of OBX were stunned to see that the show killed off one of its most beloved characters, J.J. Maybank (Rudy Pankow). Admittedly, if anyone was going to die from the Pogues, J.J. seems like the most logical candidate given that he was by far the most impulsive kid in the group and was facing major upheaval after finding out his father wasn’t Luke (Gary Weeks), the alcoholic and abusive man who raised him, but somehow a worse and more wicked man named Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane). After witnessing Groff kill J.J. over the Blue Crown, Kiara (Madison Bailey) is understandably traumatized. Much of Season 5 is spent with Kie dealing with the grief and trauma of losing one of her best friends and her boyfriend.

While there’s been a lot of speculation surrounding why Pankow left the series, it’s hard to deny that J.J.’s death did add a bit of real gravitas. After so many outrageous adventures, it always seemed a little too lucky that everyone kept getting out of every scrape happy and healthy, ready to head back to the fish camp in the OBX. That these characters continued to make the worst decisions only added to both the show’s most frustrating elements and addictive allure. Kie’s grief and her process of overcoming the heartbreak of losing J.J. is one of the best storylines of the season, and the one that makes the most sense. While her friends don’t seem to grasp why she’s so dogged about revenge, it’s understandable why she’s the only one who feels this way.

‘Outer Banks’ Season 5 Throws the Pogues Into Their Most Dire Straits

Image via Netflix

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J.J.’s ghost looms large over the group, but it’s not the only problem that the kids face. Kildare is dealing with development changes by the Kooks, who seem determined to wipe the Pogues off the map; Groff is still bounding around being dastardly with the Corsair pirates now on his tail, and while Kie grieves, her friends are also dealing with their own personal battles. Pope (Jonathan Daviss) is traumatized, living in the aftermath of killing Lightner (Rigo Sanchez), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) has been separated from the group and shipped back to Nassau. Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and John B. (Chase Stokes) are grappling with Sarah’s pregnancy and the fact that they are quite literally homeless now that they’re back in Kildare.

While the OBX used to be a safe place for the kids, things have changed since their latest trip. Kildare has turned on the Pogues, and everywhere they look, there seems to be another old enemy sprouting up to either take their treasure or their home. Rafe (Drew Starkey), who was once one of the big bads of the show, has been given a semi-decent redemption arc that puts him on the side of the Pogues this season, but lest you think he’s been brought in to replace J.J., that is far from the truth. His own journey of facing the ghosts that he’s had since Season 1 is both the most outrageous part of the finale and, oddly, one of the more cathartic moments.

But while Outer Banks tries to wrap up some of these major storylines, it often feels like the solutions come a little too easily. The series both has too much it wants to say and not enough. From launching the kids back into an international adventure mid-season to tossing in a hurricane that hits the Outer Banks, there’s a lot happening in Season 5, and it muddies the waters regarding which storylines actually matter.

‘Outer Banks’ Introduces an Overwhelming Amount of Villains in Season 5

Alongside Groff, who clearly has it in for the kids, is a slew of villains now chasing the Pogues. From the Corsairs to mercenaries to drug lords to wicked stepmothers to Kooks eager to steal their land, it feels like there is no shortage of people who hate the Pogues. This hits at one of the biggest issues of Season 5. This show has always been a teen drama with elements of class struggle and treasure hunting, but it turns out that when you have so much going on, you’re going to have a lot to wrap up. The final season moves at a frenzied pace, jumping from one conflict into another.

The Pogues aren’t helping themselves, either. Almost immediately upon their return to Kildare, John B. makes one of the most foolish mistakes he’s made in a while, throwing the kids out of the frying pan and into the fire. On the list of egregious and irresponsible things that the Pogues have done, this might just rank at the top. It is so silly that it feels obviously manufactured to throw another obstacle back in the Pogues’ faces — and worst of all, it’s unnecessary.

There’s already a lot for the group to contend with and, rather than diving deeper and becoming more introspective about the actions of the past few years, the added troubles attempt to obfuscate that none of these characters are really getting the well-rounded conclusion they deserve. This is a familiar format for Outer Banks, and old habits die hard, but it’s hard not to feel like the saccharine, fairytale series finale feels a bit hollow when looking back at the show as a whole.

‘Outer Banks’ Fails To Stick the Landing in Its Final Season

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks is still ridiculously addicting to watch — only soap operas can rival the twists on this show — but after so many years, the finale should have given viewers a bit more to chew on. The fact that some of the worst characters in Kildare seem happy and friendly with the Pogues by the end is just the disappointing cherry on top. With so little introspection, it doesn’t feel like these characters have fundamentally changed in any way since we first met them. They’ve lost one of their closest friends, and yet they barely hesitate to jump on another plane heading to another country halfway around the world to get themselves into another life-threatening situation.

Who’s to say another treasure hunt doesn’t come around five years down the line that will send the Pogues back on a globe-trotting journey? Considering how quickly the Pogues seem to fall into trouble, it seems more like a matter of when and not if. In many ways, the story doesn’t feel complete, or that this particular chapter of their lives is coming to a close. Perhaps that’s just how it is in the OBX, but after all of that grief and trauma, it certainly feels like the kids deserve more than what they got — and we’re not talking about the gold.

Outer Banks‘ final season is now streaming on Netflix.

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Release Date

2020 – 2026-00-00

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Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke, Josh Pate

Directors

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Jonas Pate

Writers

Josh Pate, Shannon Burke, Jonas Pate

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• 

  Chase Stokes

  John B. Routledge

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• 

  Madelyn Cline

  Sarah Cameron

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Pros & Cons

• Kiara’s story is by far the most interesting this season as she grapples with J.J.’s death.
• The show is still masterful when it comes to surprising plot twists that keep the viewer hooked.

• Season 5 has far too many villains to contend with and not enough time to actually deal with them.
• The story wraps up a bit too neatly by the end of the series, and it doesn’t feel like the Pogues have actually really changed or grown.
• The ending feels incomplete, with too much character development left unexplored.

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Tracy Tutor confirmed she’s joining the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for season 16.

“Well … the secret’s officially out. 💎,” the real estate professional, 51, wrote via Instagram alongside what appeared to be her official cast photo, confirming she’ll be featured in the upcoming series. “I’m joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and I could not be more excited for this next chapter.”

Tracy continued, “Beverly Hills is home. I’ve raised my girls here, built my career here, and now apparently I’ve decided to let you all even further into my life. 😂.”

Tracy also teased that she is “excited” and also “nervous” to join the iconic Bravo series.

Related: Million Dollar Listing’s Tracy Tutor Sues Luxury Realtor for Sexual Assault

Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles star Tracy Tutor has accused fellow luxury real estate agent Oren Alexander of sexual assault. Tutor, 50, claimed in a Thursday, March 5, lawsuit obtained by Us Weekly that Alexander, 38, allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2014. In Tutor’s filing, she claimed that she was invited to meet Alexander […]

“Excited? Very. Nervous? A little. Likely to get into some trouble? Absolutely,” she penned. “So what’s left to say but, Let’s f***king go. 🥂💎.”

Several Real Housewives stars immediately welcomed Tracy into their reality TV sisterhood.

“Welcome to the fam Tracy!!!! Adore you ❤️,” Real Housewives of New York City’s Jessel Taank gushed in the comments section while Real Housewives of Orange County’s Gina Kirschenheiter replied, “So exciting!!! Love this for you!!! 🔥.”

No additional details about RHOBH season 16 were shared.

This isn’t Tracy’s first time on reality TV — she initially starred on Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles back in 2017. When she joined the series for season 10, Tracy was the show’s first female real estate broker. She remained on the series for 15 seasons and until it wrapped up for good in September 2024.

Before embarking on her real estate career, Tracy was an actress and appeared in the films Exposé and No Vacancy, which were released in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

Three years before officially joining the RHOBH cast, Tracy teased she would be interested in joining the show one day.

“I know a lot of the women on the show, and I love them all… not equally,” she said during a 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live. “I think I could bring a little heat.”

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Related: ‘Million Dollar Listing L.A.’ Star Tracy Tutor Leaving Real Estate Agency

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Tracy Tutor has officially departed Douglas Elliman, Us Weekly can confirm. Tutor, 49, is kicking off a new chapter in her real estate career, taking her expertise to Compass. A press release announcing the news stated that Tutor has over $4.5 billion in sales throughout her 25-year career and […]

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Tracy is no stranger to Beverly Hills either, and has well-known connections to multiple RHOBH stars. Tracy is friends with Kyle Richards’ estranged husband Mauricio Umansky. Tracy and Mauricio formed a connection as they both work in real estate.

On the other hand, Tracy also has a history with Dorit Kemsley. The women ignited a feud last year. During a March 2025 appearance on Radio Andy, Tracy claimed Dorit “doesn’t pay her bills” and owes money to “several people,” including a hairstylist they once shared. Dorit subsequently slammed Tracy’s allegations.

“It’s hysterical,” Dorit said during an appearance on WWHL later that month. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard, genuinely.”

A royal expert is shedding light on how Prince William and Kate Middleton are likely reacting to the news that their estranged family members Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K.

“All I can think of is: here we go again,” Brothers and Wives author Christopher Andersen exclusively tells Us. “For starters, I can only imagine that William and Kate are tearing their hair out. They have so much on their plate as it is trying to shore up the monarchy and propel it into the future; they don’t really need to cope with having Harry and Megan on their proverbial doorstep.”

Andersen, 77, added, “By returning to the U.K., the Sussexes will inevitably suck up all the oxygen in the room. They will generate countless tabloid stories and take the focus away from other members of the Royal family, which is a major no-no. King Charles and Queen Camilla, in particular, don’t like to be upstaged, and the same goes for William.”

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, intend to relocate later this month to the U.K. after spending six years in Montecito, California. People reported that the Sussexes plan to stay in the U.K. for an extended period, with their son, Prince Archie, 7, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 5, expected to enroll in school there in September. (The royal will reportedly keep their home in Montecito as well as other international properties.)

“There are the obvious privacy concerns. If Archie and Lilibet are actually enrolled in school in the UK, then that is where Harry and Meghan will be based full-time, period,” Anderson told Us. “We all know how that turned out the last time. Meghan was miserable trying to cope with British sensibilities and England’s often savage tabloid press.”

The royal watcher continued, “As parents, Harry and Macon have made it clear that they don’t even want their children’s faces shown on a Christmas card. We still don’t have a clear idea of what Archie and Lili look like, which seems absurd given the fact that the faces of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have been known to us all since birth. How do Harry and Megan plan to shield their children from paparazzi crouching behind cars and lurking in the shadows? It is bound to be a nightmare.”

“The Sussexes have made it crystal clear that they love their life in California. Are they really willing to give all that up?” Andersen questioned.

Anderson suggested that the Sussexes’ move is bound to raise “security concerns,” especially considering Harry’s longstanding fight to receive public-funded security personnel for his family while in the U.K. after he walked away from his royal duties as a senior member of the monarchy.

“Unless the King has decided to provide for royal protection out of his own pocket – and there is no indication that he has — Harry will have to foot the bill for private bodyguards, and in the end that could cost millions,” Andersen pointed out. “This news of a sudden move back to the UK also begs the question — why do it in the first place if you are not going to at least try to resume royal duties? Apparently, Harry has said he won’t have a royal role, so what’s the point? “

Andersen theorized that Harry and Meghan’s decision may be rooted in a desire to return to royal life in some capacity. (The couple announced on January 8, 2020, that they were stepping down as working royals.)

“It is possible that this is Harry and Meghan’s way of forcing the royal family’s hand,” the author noted. “With Harry and Meghan right under his nose and getting constant coverage in the British press, the King may be compelled to find a way to welcome Harry back into the fold. Of course, that doesn’t mean that William is OK with his brother having any Royal role at all. There is still bitterness there. All is not forgiven.”

Us has reached out to Buckingham Palace as well as Harry and Meghan’s representatives for comment.

Harry’s decision to return to his home country is a sharp turnaround from comments the prince made during a May 2025 interview with the BBC. At the time, Harry had lost an appeal for security for his family in the U.K.

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“I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point,” Harry told the BBC at the time. “I love my country, I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done.”

Since that time, he reconciled with his father, King Charles, during a visit to the U.K. in September 2025. More recently, Harry and his whole family visited with the King and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, on July 10. (King Charles was reunited with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for the first time in four years during their visit in July.)

“The King and Prince William were apparently gobsmacked by the announcement. Oh well, here comes the drama,” Andersen said. “The Palace is scrambling to make sense of this. After all, it was not that long ago that Meghan and the children cut short their stay in the U.K. after a meeting with the King and Queen that was described as perfunctory.”

There’s a reason everyone flocks to Anthropologie this time of year. The brand’s fall styles are undeniably chic, but honestly, we’re not even tempted to shop at the retailer after discovering these enchanting boho dresses on Amazon. We genuinely can’t tell the difference, and yet, they start at only $10!

With breezy silhouettes, rich color palettes, trendy prints and endlessly romantic details, these boutique-like dresses might be even more whimsical than the real label. Whether you’re searching for a flowy fall style for errands, apple orchard dates or even fall weddings, you’ll find your dream dress below. These 17 stole our hearts!

17 Anthropologie-Style Amazon Dresses — From $10

1. Our Favorite: Equally timeless, flowy and figure-flattering, this flowy maxi dress checks every box (and more). We adore the vintage-inspired print.

2. Model Alert: This simple dress features delicate pleats, lengthening tiers and a maxi length to make you appear taller from every angle.

3. Looking Snatched: Cinch your waist without even trying in this crisp, preppy shirtdress that’s structured around your ribcage and flowy everywhere else.

4. Could Be Zimmermann: Everything about this printed dress screams ‘Zimmermann,’ including the puff sleeves and oversized floral blooms.

5. Loose and Luxe: Embroidered fabric gives this drapey maxi dress a boutique-like edge, as do the chic bell sleeves.

Related: Shoppers Are Obsessing Over Luxe-Looking Transitional Pieces on Amazon

In a style rut? We totally feel that. It’s hard to know exactly what fashion finds to wear as we transition from summer to fall but it’s not impossible! One of our favorite ways to get inspiration is by looking at what other people are shopping, and Amazon’s ‘Current Obsessions’ page makes it incredibly easy […]

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6. Cute Countryside: Nail the cottagecore aesthetic in this flutter-sleeve dress that goes from morning brunches to afternoon weddings without a change of clothes.

7. Smocked and Ready: Instead of tight straps, this billowy maxi dress stays put with a stretchy smocked bodice. It adapts to your body, not the other way around.

8. Bubble Trend: With intentional volume in the skirt, this bubble-style mini dress makes your upper half look effortlessly smaller.

9. Not Over Overalls: This fall style may look like maroon overalls, but they’re actually a lace-adorned dress. Wear a tank underneath, and you’re out the door!

10. So Polished: With elbow-length sleeves, a tie waist and structured cotton material, this solid-color maxi dress radiates sophistication.

11. Print Princess: If you love boho style, you’ll swoon over this charming, artsy maxi. It begs to be worn with brown booties.

12. Fall Colors: Black, orange, white! This subtly seasonal pick garners compliments at every pumpkin patch.

13. Go for Gingham: In case you missed it, this gingham-print dress style is dominating 2026, and it’ll continue to do so through fall.

14. Like Loungewear: Made with stretchy and soft materials, this sumptuous mini dress feels more like loungewear than an actual outfit.

15. Hopeful Romantic: This romantic wrap dress is everything you want for date night. It’s loose, flirty and slimming.

16. Designer-Inspired: People will think you dropped hundreds on this sleeveless sundress, but no — it’s only $30 on Amazon.

17. Flattering Find: When you feel bloated, opt for this lantern-sleeve maxi dress that hangs right over your tummy and arms.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Related: These 4 Old Money Sneaker Trends Are Straight From Europe — From $10

I spent ten days in Europe, and when I tell you that locals wore rich-looking sneakers everywhere, I really mean everywhere. What struck me most wasn’t the sheer volume — after all, the style is incredibly comfortable — but rather that the coolest gals wore the same four sneaker trends on repeat. Sure, the trends […]

Holly Robinson Peete is backing Gayle King after the morning show host called out Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mom, Lesley Vogel, following her statement on the actress’ death.

“She’s not wrong,” Peete, 61, wrote via X on Wednesday, August 19, alongside a link to a story about King’s remarks in which she said that Vogel’s statement regarding her daughter after her death on Sunday, August 16, at the age of 36 left her thinking, “Thanks, Mom, for nothing.”

Peete called out Vogel, 70, in her own post, writing, “We know this young lady clearly had so many issues, but if you’re not gonna take accountability for the fact that you put her in the business that eventually messed her up then nothing you say has any integrity.”

The Hallmark Channel actress added, “She didn’t even say, ‘I will miss my daughter’ or ‘I loved my daughter the best way I could.’ Has she even mentioned the word daughter?”

Related: Gayle King Calls Out Hayden Panettiere’s Mom’s Comments About Actress’ Death

Gayle King weighed in after Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, broke her silence on her daughter’s sudden death at 36. “You know, guys, you read this and all I think is, ‘Thanks, Mom, for nothing,’” King, 71, stated on the Wednesday, August 19, broadcast of CBS Mornings, discussing Vogel’s recent statement about Panettiere’s death […]

“There were so many things she could have said to show us that she was a caring mother … And now both of her children are gone,” Peete continued, referring to Vogel’s son, Jansen Panettiere, who died in February 2023 from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Peete concluded, “It is all so tragic.💔 rip Hayden🙏🏽.”

Peete’s comments come one day after Vogel — who shared both Hayden and Jansen with ex-husband Skip Panettiere — broke her silence in the wake of the Nashville alum’s sudden death.

“I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments, and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry — it is a struggle and it’s a very challenging industry and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path,” Vogel said in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday, August 18.

Vogel, who was her daughter’s manager as a child, continued, “I think it becomes very difficult to be true to yourself and I think Hayden sadly lost her way and I wish it were different.”

She explained, “I wish she had stayed true to herself because she had many incredible attributes.”

Vogel added that she took some solace in the fact that Hayden is now reunited with her sibling.

“I just feel that she’s with her brother and they’re at peace,” she told the outlet.

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Complicated Relationship With Mom Lesley Vogel Explained

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Hayden Panettiere spoke openly about her estrangement from her mother, Lesley Vogel, in the months leading up to her death in August 2026. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a relationship right now,” Panettiere exclusively told Us in May 2026. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t leave the door open for the opportunity to present itself […]

Prior to her death, Hayden exclusively told Us that her relationship with her mother was still rocky after their ups and downs.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a relationship right now,” the Remember the Titans actress said in May. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t leave the door open for the opportunity to present itself one day. It’s hard for me to say, but I’ve chosen to be brutally honest. So that’s the honest truth of it.”

Vogel clapped back at Hayden that same month, claiming to Page Six that her daughter was trying to “sell books” after writing her 2026 memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, by describing “20 years of trauma.”

She further alleged that “this condition cannot be ‘fixed’” regardless of “continual efforts to support” or “comfort.”

King, 71, explained during the Wednesday broadcast of CBS Mornings that she wasn’t moved by Vogel’s words following Hayden’s death, claiming that Vogel’s complicated relationship with her child made her statement leave a lot to be desired.

“You hear stuff like that and you realize it was still very much in progress,” she told viewers, referring to the mother-daughter relationship. “It makes me so sad that, of the opportunity that you have after your daughter’s death, that’s what you choose to leave us with.”

Fellow CBS anchor Vladimir Duthiers was in complete agreement during the broadcast, adding, “I mean, Hayden Panettiere spent years publicly acknowledging her own failures, her own struggles.”

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Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Says Narcotics Investigator Joined Death Investigation

Hayden Panettiere‘s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, gave an update on the investigation into her daughter’s sudden death. Vogel, 70, told NBC News on Wednesday, August 19, that she was informed that law enforcement is investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. She claimed that a narcotics investigator has joined the case. Vogel said she is unsure […]

Duthiers, 56, noted, “She cannot respond now, and for her mother to use these days after Hayden’s death to just remind the world just how much trauma she caused, it’s unseemly.”

Us confirmed that Hayden died on Sunday in South Carolina where she was reportedly in town to watch a friend perform.

According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by People, there was a mention of an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time of her death.

The coroner later told Us in a statement that paramedics responded to a call about a “reported cardiac arrest.”

“EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM,” the medical examiner’s statement read.

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Hayden is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 19, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Hayden Panettiere once dated her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson’s brother, Zach Hickerson, in 2019. The revelation came days after Panettiere died in South Carolina on August 16 at the age of 36. Both Brian and his brother were reportedly at the scene when authorities arrived.

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• Former Penn State cheerleader Paris Shanabrough revealed she has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy. Her twin sister, Brooke, launched a GoFundMe that had raised over $19,000 to help cover medical costs at the time of publication.

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly relocating to the U.K. with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet six years after stepping back as senior royals and moving to California. The family will keep their Montecito home while establishing a non-royal residence in Britain.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Saying that Agatha Christie is one of the greatest, most groundbreaking, and most important writers in the history of English-language literature would be quite an understatement. She’s the best-selling fiction writer of all time (outsold only by William Shakespeare and the Bible), the most widely translated author in history, and one of the most influential mystery writers of all time. Needless to say, Christie’s impact cannot be overstated.

Pretty much her entire bibliography, composed of 66 remarkable novels and 14 phenomenal short story collections, is worth checking out. There are ten books of hers in particular, however, that stand out way above the rest. From detective novels like A Murder Is Announced to her autobiography, these are the greatest Agatha Christie masterpieces, works that everyone even remotely interested in her ought to check out.

10

‘The Man in the Brown Suit’ (1924)

Image via  William Morrow Paperbacks

Colonel Race is one of Christie’s most iconic and memorable characters, a British Secret Service agent and Army officer who allied with Hercule Poirot—undoubtedly Christie’s best-known hero—in two novels. It was The Man in the Brown Suit that introduced him to the world, however; in that book, it’s only he who appears as a major supporting character.

Though many readers expecting a new Poirot novel were disappointed by The Man in the Brown Suit back in 1924, it has aged as one of Christie’s most underappreciated masterpieces 102 years after its publication. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and delightfully pulpy globe-trotting adventure that reads much differently than any of Christie’s better-known detective stories.

9

‘A Murder Is Announced’ (1950)

Image via HarperCollins

​​​​​​​If there’s any one character deserving of being considered Christie’s most iconic after Hercule Poirot, it’s Miss Marple. Female sleuths had existed in mystery literature before her creation, but Miss Marple was an entirely new archetype, an investigative genius who weaponized her image as a “spinster” to get suspects to drop their guard around her. She appeared in 12 novels, one of the best being A Murder Is Announced.

It’s one of the best classic detective books of all time, promoted at the time as Christie’s fiftieth book. For such a landmark figure, the author came up with a psychologically sharp, ingeniously plotted gem of a book that has aged wonderfully as one of her best. The novel is full of surprises that take full advantage of the highly theatrical premise, resulting in a murder mystery that’s as entertaining as it is admirably well-written.

8

‘The A.B.C. Murders’ (1936)

Image via William Morrow Paperbacks

One of Christie’s best-plotted and most creative novels, The A.B.C. Murders marked the 13th novel appearance of the beloved Hercule Poirot. Here, Christie perfected an inventive narrative resource that she had previously employed in The Man in the Brown Suit: a mixture of third-person and first-person narratives that allows the book to still read as one of her most distinct.

But far from just being structurally inventive, The A.B.C. Murders is also brilliantly subversive, shattering the classic whodunnit structure of a detective investigating a single isolated incident. Instead, it follows Poirot as he investigates a sequence of thematically unified murders. This novel approach makes it one of the most important and essential precursors of the traditional serial killer thriller genre.

7

‘Death on the Nile’ (1937)

Image via HarperCollins

Unrelated to Christie’s 1933 short story of the same name, Death on the Nile is yet another Poirot masterpiece. The thing that makes Christie’s best books—Death on the Nile most definitely included—undisputed masterpieces is that she was an absolute master of structure, pacing, misdirection, and characterization. There aren’t very many places where that mastery is clearer than here.

Anchored by an enrapturing atmosphere set in a strikingly described Egypt, Death on the Nile is undoubtedly one of the best crime books of all time. Whereas many whodunnits can end up feeling coldly mechanical, Death on the Nile is a tale about love and obsession, so Christie had to craft secondary characters and character dynamics that felt emotionally engaging. At that, she absolutely succeeded, and that’s what makes the book so unforgettable.

6

‘Crooked House’ (1948)

Image via HarperCollins

Though a solid portion of Christie’s oeuvre is composed of either Poirot or Miss Marple novels, she also wrote plenty of masterful standalone novels throughout her career, Crooked House being one of the best and most noteworthy. Suspenseful in its pacing and airtight in its plotting, it’s a fantastic way for those who want their introduction to Christie to be one of her less-mainstream books.

But even though Crooked House may not be Christie’s best-known novel, it sure is one of her very best. Full of brilliant red herrings and permeated with an air of darkness and cynicism not often seen in the author’s work, the book feels less like a lighthearted and mysterious puzzle, and more like an unsettling story about an irreparably dysfunctional family. It’s a genius subversion of the locked-house mystery that Christie specialized in.

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‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1934)

Image via HarperCollins

The most often-adapted Hercule Poirot mystery is Murder on the Orient Express, which is not only one of the best mystery books of all time, but also one of the most iconic. Originally titled Murder in the Calais Coach in the United States, this gem is probably Christie’s most iconic book, and that’s for good reason. After all, based on one of the most perfectly intriguing premises in the history of mystery literature.

It’s a brilliant subversion of the locked-room mystery setup in all sorts of delightful ways, culminating in one of the most fascinatingly unique resolutions in the history of murder mystery novels. Murder on the Orient Express is far more than just its rule-breaking plot twist; it’s a thoroughly exceptional psychological puzzle that only keeps getting better with age, regardless of whether you know the twist going in or not.

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‘The Murder at the Vicarage’ (1930)

Image via William Morrow Paperbacks

The Murder at the Vicarage was the first novel to feature Miss Marple, and it just so happens that it’s also arguably the best book featuring the character. One of the smartest and best-written murder mysteries ever to grace the printed page, it’s a classic example of the “cozy mystery” subgenre that Miss Marple helped revolutionize and redefine.

It’s not as big, loud, or spectacular (at least in terms of scope) a murder mystery as Christie’s better-known books. However, it’s so deliciously twisty in its character-driven plot and so perfect in how it cleverly uses the character of Miss Marple that it ends up being one of the author’s most uniquely human novels. Psychologically layered and making unexpectedly perfect use of Christie’s sharp (and often underappreciated) sense of humor, it’s one of the author’s biggest must-reads.

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‘Agatha Christie: An Autobiography’ (1977)

Image via William Morrow Paperbacks

It’s probably not the best place to start for those who have never read an Agatha Christie book, but for those who have read a couple and are at all interested in the person behind those literary masterpieces, Agatha Christie: An Autobiography is essential reading. It’s one of those non-fiction books that are still a must-read in 2026, an absolutely gripping retelling of the author’s fascinating life.

Proving that, even when not writing fiction, Christie was an author who adored nothing more than entertaining her reader, she doesn’t take the traditionally dry chronological approach to writing her autobiography. Rather, she approaches the book with such a natural flair and such a charming ability to turn even her most ordinary anecdotes into riveting stories that this should be considered a masterclass in how to write a compelling autobiography.

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‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ (1926)

Image via William Collins, Sons

It may not be the most iconic Hercule Poirot story, but The Murder of Roger Ackroyd sure is the best of the bunch. It’s one of those classic detective books that are perfect from the first page to the last, and since it was only the third novel ever to feature the Belgian detective, it was early proof that readers were witnessing the rise of one of fiction’s most iconic heroes. As the years have passed, bookworms have only grown fonder and fonder of Roger Ackroyd.

The book’s twist ending completely recontextualizes everything that came before and makes a reread pretty much instantly tempting, and even though it was a somewhat controversial conclusion back in 1926, history has been kind to it. Endings and the revelations they carry often make or break a mystery novel, and in the case of this one, it takes a book that was already perfectly written and turns it into an all-timer that’s endlessly fun to revisit.

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‘And Then There Were None’ (1939)

Image via William Morrow

There’s really no question about it: And Then There Were None, the Agatha Christie book that has been adapted for the screen the largest number of times, is the author’s very best. It’s probably no coincidence that it’s a standalone novel, making it a perfect entry point for those who have never read anything by the best-selling fiction author of all time. One of the most intense books ever written, this masterpiece is the best-selling mystery novel ever written and one of the best-selling books of all time in general.

Where can one even begin singing this absolutely perfect novel’s praises? It’s one of the most flawlessly plotted books ever written, regardless of genre. It’s fast-paced, immensely challenging to solve before Christie starts dropping answers, and at times even genuinely chilling. Ten strangers, no detective trying to rescue them, and no true voice of reason to make even the reader feel safe. It’s the pinnacle of not just Christie’s career, but the whole mystery book genre.

Kendra Wilkinson is opening up about the pressure of living her life in the public eye while building a new career and raising her children. 

The former “Girls Next Door” star said she has faced criticism over her appearance and other aspects of her life as she moves away from her former image. 

Wilkinson rose to fame as a Playboy star. However, she has evolved through the years and is now navigating a career as a realtor, one that seems to have come with its own challenges,

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Wilkinson believes sharing her life publicly takes courage, especially as she works through major changes in both her personal life and career.

In a series of Instagram Story posts, the TV star addressed the criticism she has received while trying to establish herself as a realtor and provide for her children. She described the experience of being watched so closely as difficult, particularly because she is also raising two children on her own while “a lot of people want to see me fail.” 

“I’ve come to realize that a lot of people assume weird s— and [are] jealous of me while I’m trying to make a living for me and my kids,” she added, according to People Magazine.

Wilkinson also pushed back against the idea that her former public image fully represented who she was and acknowledged that although some people want to see her fail, others are also rooting for her. 

Kendra Wilkinson Pushes Back Against Body Critics

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That determination to accept herself has also been evident in Wilkinson’s response to comments about her changing appearance. In a previous post, the former model addressed people who had criticized her body and the changes that have come with age.

Wilkinson shared a selfie taken while sitting in front of an open laptop, wearing a white polo shirt with her hair pulled back. 

“Sexy is the last thing I want to be nowadays,” she wrote in the photo’s caption. She also made it clear that she is now focusing on “finding peace, happiness and success,” as reported by The Blast. 

The reality star acknowledged that criticism can still affect her at times, but she does not allow those comments to determine her self-worth.

Wilkinson specifically addressed people commenting on her body and the fact that she is getting older, saying she has reached a place where she feels comfortable with those changes.

Kendra Wilkinson Recently Opened Up About Facing A Career Setback

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Still in the spirit of being transparent about life, Wilkinson recently opened up about her work as a real estate agent, where she has had to deal with disappointments. 

In late July, she revealed that one of her clients had decided to end their professional relationship after she had already devoted considerable time to the deal.

The setback clearly affected Wilkinson, who shared an emotional photo of herself with tears on her face while explaining what had happened. She later posted another video in which she became emotional while discussing how difficult the situation had been for her and noting that she was “struggling.”

According to The Blast, Wilkinson further acknowledged that difficult moments are part of life, but admitted that the experience hit her particularly hard.

Kendra Wilkinson Celebrates Her Weight Loss Progress

That difficult experience with a real estate client was followed by a more positive moment for Wilkinson, who turned her focus to a personal milestone. 

Three months into her GLP-1 journey, she shared an Instagram video showing off the progress that left her feeling happier and more confident.

The Blast reported that Wilkinson appeared in a bikini as she celebrated the changes, telling her followers that she felt better than ever and was pleased to finally see the results of her efforts. 

She also encouraged people who had been considering GLP-1 treatments to explore Effecty, saying she felt ready for summer and more comfortable in her body.

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Kendra Wilkinson Previously Opened Up About More Career Struggles

Before Wilkinson celebrated her weight loss wins, she got honest about how she has continued to face greater difficulties in her professional life, particularly as she tries to find her place in an industry where she has often felt out of place. 

According to The Blast, she described the emotional toll of navigating the challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated environment.

Wilkinson said there are moments when she feels pressured to appear fine even when she is struggling internally. She further explained that real estate involves dealing with people as much as it does property, which only added to her distress. 

The Shards is described as a fictionalized memoir about Bret Easton Ellis‘ high school years — so what is real and what is fake?

According to the official synopsis, The Shards is set in Los Angeles in 1981 and follows “a 17-year-old version of Ellis during his final year at the elite Buckley prep school.” His world is upended by the arrival of a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory, whose “unsettling presence coincides with the activities of a serial killer known as The Trawler.”

Igby Rigney portrays Ellis, now 62, in an adaptation based on Ellis’ book of the same name. The 2023 release was Ellis’ first in 13 years and has a disclaimer stating that all the major players in The Shards are fictional — apart from the narrator.

After publishing The Shards, Ellis recalled hearing from a former classmate after they saw themselves in a character. Ellis told Vanity Fair in 2023 that he received a Facebook message, which read, “Of all the names you could have chosen, the name I hate the most is Debbie.”

Ellis also reflected on the larger inspiration behind The Shards.

“I’m not motivated to write a novel without feeling it, and that might be why a lot of my novels have that pervasive sense of dread,” he continued. “I think it just stems from where the books come from, and it’s a reflection of that. Conversely, if I’d been a happier guy would I have been writing books? Would I be using the novel as a way to express this or communicate it? I don’t know. But that could have something to do with why I’ve been attracted to horror and used elements of it in my work.”

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of fact vs. fiction when it comes to The Shards:

The Trawler

Some who have read Ellis’ book have assumed that the serial killer The Trawler is loosely based on The West Side Rapist. Outside of those theories, The Trawler, who attacked high school students in The Shards, is entirely fictional.

The Setting

Mark this under accurate because the real Bret graduated from Buckley School in Sherman Oaks. The Los Angeles private school is meant to mirror the environment portrayed in The Shards, which follows Bret’s final year in high school.

Bret’s Home Life

While The Shards depicts Bret as a single child, the real Bret has several sisters. He previously mentioned on his podcast that he changed the detail after his siblings asked they not be depicted in his work.

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The Shards is Ryan Murphy‘s newest highly anticipated series, but how is the spooky — and star-studded — teen slasher related to Bret Easton Ellis‘ hit American Psycho? According to the official synopsis, The Shards is set in Los Angeles in 1981 and follows “a 17-year-old version of Ellis during his final year at the […]

Bret’s Inner Circle

The Shards introduces Kaia Gerber as Susan Reynolds, Hayes Warner as Debbie Schaffer and Graham Campbell as Thom Wright, who all make up Bret’s best friends. While some details about the group are presumably fictionalized for TV, Bret did pull inspiration from his own senior year and the experiences he shared with his friend group at the time.

Debbie, for example, is likely meant to mirror Julie Foreman — the daughter of Hollywood producer John Foreman — whom Bret dated in the past.

The Existence of Robert Mallory

Homer Gere’s Robert Mallory is the new kid in town who Bret suspects of being a serial killer. The line between fact and fiction hinges on the show (and book’s ending) which Us won’t spoil. It is safe to assume, however, that there was no specific individual in Bret’s life named Robert Mallory.

As the season draws to a close and I place my summer shoes in storage, I can’t say I’m sad. This year’s fall footwear trends have me so excited for the cooler temps, and I can’t wait to strut into every function with the hottest shoe selects. 

The autumnal shoe trends I’m seeing offer versatility and longevity — these aren’t styles that will collect dust at the back of your closet after a single season. For example, penny loafers are a time-tested style that have been popular for hundreds of years. The fall designs modernize the shoe and make it feel fresh. The same can be said for the other textures, colors and silhouettes we’re seeing on fashionable women everywhere. One thing’s for sure: If you upgrade your fall footwear collection with the below picks, you’ll be set with a capsule shoe collection that will keep you stylin’ for years to come. 

16 Trendy Fall Shoes Stylish People Wear

Penny Loafers

1. Our Favorite: Yes, timeless penny loafers can still make a statement when you opt for an eye-catching color, like this gorgeous red style. It also comes in 18 other options, so you can match your personality. 

2. Patent Dreams: Even if you opt for a neutral black penny loafer style, a shiny patent finish will certainly draw tons of attention. 

3. New Heights: What’s a couple of inches? The platform on these lug-sole penny loafers makes them easy to walk in, and amplifies their trend factor. 

4. Mooooove Over: These cow-print penny loafers are an unexpected way to incorporate texture into your outfit. Oh, and they’re surprisingly versatile, thanks to the muted color. 

Related: Nordstrom Dropped 2,000+ Early Fall Arrivals — Shop My Top 14 Picks

As one season ends and a new one begins, it’s time to think about what clothes you might need to add to your closet. Whether it’s versatile dresses, easy tops or comfortable footwear, fresh pieces like these are fashion must-haves that will fill the gaps in your summer-to-fall wardrobe. And Nordstrom is making sure you […]

Suede Sneakers

5. Trendiest of all: Adidas continuously ranks high among Us editors for its comfort and style. These maroon suede kicks will take you anywhere from local jaunts to worldwide adventures. 

6. Go Retro: Brown suede sneakers were all the rage back in the ‘80s. In fact, my dad never shuts up about it. He was thrilled to see me rocking this brown pair that’s surprisingly breathable. 

7. Upgraded Classic: Keds stepped up their style game with these platform suede sneaks that give you a subtle 1.5-inch boost. 

8. Crossover: Ballet slippers with a sporty upgrade? Look no further than these suede sneakers. The streamlined silhouette resembles the delicate shoe style with a full-coverage design. 

Leather Booties

9. Old Reliable: Chelsea boots are a time-tested style for the fall, and this pair is waterproof and comfy. No doubt it will become the finishing touch to countless outfits. 

10. Keep It Sleek: Tiny details like the V-cut side, pointed toe and stacked heel instantly elevate these brown leather booties and make them ideal for nights out. 

11. Unexpected: At first look, you might think these block-heeled booties are black, but they’re ever-so-slightly tinted burgundy. The hue adds dimension to every look. 

12. Strut it Out: Look sharp (figuratively and literally) with these slim-heeled black booties that have a chic pointy toe. 

Animal Print

13. Walk on the Wild Side: Animal prints are still considered neutrals! That fact makes these leopard-print ballet flats easy to style for the office and beyond. 

14. Easy Pattern: Spice up your footwear collection with these faux snakeskin loafers. You’ll be surprised by just how often you wear them.

15. Sling It Back: All of Hollywood’s most outspoken characters wear animal-print kitten heels. This mesh leopard design feels modern and flirty, and the style is surprisingly easy to walk in. 

16. The Coolest: For an unexpected print, opt for these pointy zebra-print slides. The adjustable strap ensures the perfect fit. 

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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A great cardigan does so much more than keep you cozy. The right one creates a polished, pulled-together silhouette while giving you a little extra coverage through the midsection — without awkward tugging, clinging or strategic posing. The key is in the details: structured shoulders, flattering necklines, strategic buttons and gently draped fabrics that turn […]