It’s 2026, and it’s getting harder than ever to pretend the “streaming revolution” didn’t just loop back to where it started. Earlier this week, Prime Video launched a $29.99/month bundle with AMC+, BritBox, MGM+, PBS Masterpiece, and Starz. The tech giant calls it a deal — and it is, technically, 39% cheaper than subscribing to all five on their own.

In this economy, saving money without sacrificing has us all salivating, but let’s look past the sale’s sheen and ask the obvious question: Who asked for this? Was there really a critical mass of viewers willing to pay one flat monthly rate to keep a bunch of services that hardly anyone subscribes to year-round?

You get AMC+ for Interview with the Vampire, Starz for Power, and PBS Masterpiece because your mom wants to watch All Creatures Great and Small. Bundling them doesn’t make the content more essential. It just makes unsubscribing more of a pain, which is exactly how cable kept people paying $200 a month for 400 channels they didn’t watch back in the day. And this, on top of the news that the ad-free versions of the major streamers like Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ already run $139 a month combined (which, adjusted for inflation, is the cable bill we all canceled in 2016), makes this new deal sound even more sinister. Has Amazon just figured out a way to replicate the cost of cable with an app instead of a box?

What’s Included in Prime Video’s New Streaming Bundle?

Look at which platforms are actually in this bundle. Prime Video is the anchor, obviously, because of Amazon. The other five are the streamers that don’t have the muscle to keep customers on their own. AMC+ has never cracked the mainstream conversation the way its parent network did with Breaking Bad and Mad Men. BritBox exists in that awkward middle ground of being niche enough that Anglophiles love it and small enough that Anglophiles are pretty much the entire customer base. MGM+ has been rebranded so many times that even loyal subscribers probably couldn’t tell you what’s on it this month. PBS Masterpiece has a devoted following that skews older than any algorithm finds attractive. And Starz has men in kilts. These are the services that Netflix, Max, Disney+, and Hulu will never bundle with because they don’t need to.

The big streamers can survive off tentpole hits and password crackdowns. The middle tier can’t. They have to link arms and hope consumers keep them all around for the shows they each have one or two of, because otherwise those consumers are dropping them the moment a season finale airs. Amazon knows this, which is why it’s not offering the bundle out of generosity. Prime Video is positioning itself as a distribution layer, the way Comcast used to bundle Bravo and IFC into your basic cable package, because those channels couldn’t survive à la carte. And things have been heading this way for a while.

Through Prime Video Channels, Amazon already sells add-ons for Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Apple TV, so plenty of people are managing their streaming through Amazon’s app. That’s the cable company’s job description. Amazon just never had to send a technician to anyone’s house to rope customers in. It also isn’t a neutral middleman here, since MGM+ has belonged to Amazon ever since the company bought MGM in 2022. So one of the five “partners” in this bundle is just Amazon selling its own channel back to Prime members.

Cord-Cutting Was a Nice Idea While It Lasted

The pitch for streaming, back in 2013 or so, was that you were free. You could subscribe to Netflix for a month, watch Orange Is the New Black, and cancel. You could pick up HBO for Game of Thrones and drop it after the finale. The math worked because each service was cheap and standalone. That math started falling apart the moment every network launched its own platform, and it broke completely when studios started shuffling licensed content between services like a shell game. You might subscribe to one streamer for a show only to find it has moved to another platform by the following season. Bundling plasters over this by giving you access to everything, all the time, so you never have to think about where anything lives. The convenience is real. It also happens to be the reason your monthly card charges keep climbing without you ever really noticing. Try to unsubscribe from a bundle sometime — not this one, but any of them. Disney’s bundle, the Apple One tier your family plan somehow acquired. Friction is the business model. Cable perfected that trick a long time ago, and the streamers have finally stopped pretending they were ever going to do it any differently.

That autopay habit is also where the viewership problem starts. When everything lives behind one login and one charge, it gets much harder for anyone, including the subscriber, to tell what’s actually being viewed. Streaming was sold to us as the way out of paying for things we didn’t watch. Ten years after a lot of people cut the cord, the monthly total is creeping back up, but the payoff isn’t as good, and the channels are getting packaged together again.

Ginny & Georgia‘s Diesel La Torraca surprised fans when he joked about several major deaths in season 4.

After La Torraca, 15, recently posted a TikTok, viewers took to the comments section asking for the insider scoop.

“Plspls give me some spoilers,” read a reply, to which La Torraca wrote in response, “Everyone dies.”

La Torraca, who plays Austin, was also asked how old his character would look when the Netflix series finally returned. When season 3 premiered in summer 2025, social media users questioned whether La Torraca had aged too much to play Ginny’s half-brother while pointing out the lengths the Netflix show went to conceal the young actor’s growth spurt.

Creator Sarah Lampert weighed in at the time on why the show wasn’t trying to be accurate with Austin’s age.

“Anyone who works on the show will tell you I am fastidious about the details. I am just specific with so many things. Then things like Diesel growing five years [older], I’m like, ‘Whatever.’ Because you can’t control it,” she exclusively told Us in June 2025. “We can’t recast. Diesel is Austin.”

Lampert made it clear there were no plans to bring in someone younger to play Austin.

“There are a few jokes we’re planning to make. We’re aware that he’s growing up and that helps us,” she said before acknowledging that viewers will have to “suspend their disbelief” because La Torraca “grew [up] and it’s a TV show.”

“You don’t want to do a big time leap because that really misses emotional storytelling. Because of that, the flashbacks already make no sense in terms of the timeline of the flashbacks,” she added. “Time is but a construct in Wellsbury.”

Related: Ginny and Georgia Cast: See the Hit Netflix Show‘s Stars Then and Now

Ginny & Georgia fans have watched the cast change on and off screen since the series premiered on Netflix in 2021. Ginny & Georgia — which stars Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Raymond Ablack and Scott Porter — follows a young single mother who moves her family to Wellsbury, […]

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La Torraca, meanwhile, addressed the concerns while sharing the creative ways the show disguised his obvious growth spurt.

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“Well, honestly, we kind of ignore it a little bit!” he told Teen Vogue that same month. “It’s kind of just like … there’s a 14-year-old sitting at the table with Harry Potter glasses on that’s supposed to be 9. And that’s OK! In some shots, I did have to bend my knees a little bit to look a little shorter than [Antonia], or they got her an apple box a few times, but for the most part, we’ve kind of just kept the show running.”

La Torraca continued: “Playing a 9-year-old for six years when you are growing … I’ve grown with him, but I’ve also kind of departed from him because I was 8 when we started, now I’m 14. There are a lot of differences in the way that he would move and act and speak. I have to heighten my voice register, slouch a little bit [to] feel like I’m actually a shy, insecure 9-year-old.”

Ginny & Georgia is currently streaming on Netflix.

Just days after Presley Gerber’s shocking death, his family is moving forward with burial plans.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber’s son was cremated at the Rose Family Funeral Home, TMZ reported on Friday, September 25, following his death on Sunday, September 20. He was 27.

Presley’s ashes will be kept at his parents’ home in Malibu, California, according to the death certificate obtained by the outlet. (Crawford, 60, and Rande, 64, also share daughter Kaia Gerber.)

TMZ also reported that funeral arrangements are “underway,” and will likely be held within the next week in the Southern California area.

Related: Presley Gerber’s Body Released by Coroner Amid Investigation Into His Death

Presley Gerber’s body has been released after an autopsy was completed. According to online records viewed by Us, Gerber’s cause of death is still listed as “deferred,” with no timetable for when official results will be released. No foul play is suspected at this time. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner previously confirmed to Us on […]

The model’s official cause of death is still listed as “deferred” and pending investigation despite the cremation and autopsy being complete.

Us has reached out to Presley’s family for comment.

Us previously confirmed that Presley died on Sunday at a rehab facility in Santa Monica, California. (Prior to his death, Presley was vocal about his struggles with addiction and his mental health battle.)

The Santa Monica Police Department later told Us that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. local time on Sunday, where they found an unresponsive adult male at the scene.

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Related: Presley Gerber’s Ex Breaks Silence on His Death in Heartbreaking Tribute

Presley Gerber‘s ex-girlfriend Charlotte D’Alessio shared a heartbreaking message after his sudden death at age 27. “Shared a pure love with you & for that I thank & honor your life,” the 28-year-old wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 21. “You deserved more time. You deserved more life. Very angry [about] this.” D’Alessio […]

“The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has identified the individual as Presley Gerber, 27,” authorities said in a statement. “SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. At this time, there is no indication of foul play. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.”

The Crawford-Gerber family also released a statement, reading, “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

One day later, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Presley’s body was “ready for release,” but the cause of death was “deferred” for now, per records viewed by Us.

The medical examiner’s office noted in a press release that it was in the “early stages of investigating” Presley’s death and “limited information is currently available.”

“A deputy medical examiner performed an examination today and the cause and manner of death have been deferred, which means additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination,” the statement read. “Due to the ongoing death investigation, the DME cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested. Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined.”

Although Presley’s family has not further commented on his death, celebrities have been mourning the loss all week.

“I’m completely heartbroken. I still can’t believe this is real,” Paris Hilton wrote via her Instagram Stories. “You were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine. I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say.”

Related: Presley Gerber Spoke About Mental Health in Final Appearance Before Death

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber‘s son, Presley Gerber, spoke about his mental health in what would become his final public appearance before his sudden death. In June, clothing store Aviator Nation Malibu shared photos from an event in collaboration with the mental wellness moment We Are Enough, writing, “Thank you to our incredible mental health […]

Presley’s ex-girlfriend and former Summer House star Lexi Wood paid tribute to him via Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, revealing that he “fought so hard for his life” amid his struggles.

“He was brave enough to be open about that fight,” she explained. “More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did.”

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Wood, 29, concluded, “I feel so lucky to have shared so many years of friendship, so many memories and so much love with him. He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever. 🤍.”

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.

Taylor Swift is clearing up the mystery surrounding “Patient Zero,” revealing that the song was inspired by a conversation among friends rather than one specific ex-boyfriend. The 36-year-old singer released the track on Friday as part of “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” and fans immediately began searching its lyrics for clues about her famous romantic history. However, Swift explained that the song came together after discovering how many women in her friend group had received unexpected calls from an ex-boyfriend’s current partner.

Taylor Swift Reveals What Inspired ‘Patient Zero’

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Swift shared the story behind the song during an interview with the UK’s Capital FM on Friday. “The story behind me writing the song ‘Patient Zero’ is that I was hanging out with a bunch of friends, and one of my friends told us that she had been reached out to by the new girlfriend of an ex of hers, asking for guidance on if she had had the same experiences with this guy,” Swift said.

According to the Grammy winner, her friend’s experience was far more common than she initially realized. Swift said “everyone” in the group “immediately started saying, like, “Oh, I’ve been through that too,” and telling the stories of when this kind of reach-out had happened for them.”

The conversation gave Swift a new perspective on what happens when two women who dated the same difficult man compare their experiences. Rather than approaching the situation as a rivalry between an ex-girlfriend and a current partner, “Patient Zero” imagines the former girlfriend becoming a source of support and information.

The Singer Wanted To Explore One Side Of The Call

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Swift said she became fascinated by the shared experience and wanted to write the song entirely from the perspective of the woman receiving the unexpected call. “I thought to myself, ‘If this has happened to all of us, it’s such an interesting kind of angle on humanity and on relationships, and I wonder if I could write something from the perspective of getting this phone call, and really only from the perspective and the side of the phone call of the ex who’s been through it before,’” she explained.

The song follows a woman who escaped a toxic relationship and is now being contacted by her former partner’s current girlfriend. Instead of refusing to get involved, the narrator offers to help the new woman recognize the same troubling behavior she previously experienced. Swift captures that idea in the song’s central promise: “I got you, I was patient zero.”

The title compares the first girlfriend to the initial known person affected during an outbreak. By the time another woman begins experiencing the same problems, the narrator already understands the warning signs and knows what could happen next.

Swift said she was excited that she “got to explore” the complicated scenario through her songwriting.

Fans Are Still Searching For Clues About Swift’s Exes

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Although Swift described “Patient Zero” as being inspired by a friend-group conversation, fans have continued speculating about whether elements of the song connect to one of her former relationships. One popular theory involves Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas.

Swift briefly dated Jonas between July and October 2008. Years later, she supported Turner following the “Game of Thrones” star’s separation from Jonas in 2023. Turner was photographed spending time with Swift in New York City during the highly publicized split. Swift also reportedly allowed the actress and her children to stay at one of her properties temporarily. That history has led some listeners to wonder whether the support Swift offered Turner helped shape the idea behind “Patient Zero.” Neither woman has said the song is about their shared connection to Jonas.

Other fans have theorized that the ex could be Joe Alwyn, whom Swift dated for approximately six years before their relationship ended in early 2023. The pair largely kept their romance away from the public eye. Although engagement rumors followed them for years, neither Swift nor Alwyn confirmed that they planned to marry.

John Mayer has also entered the fan conversation. Swift dated Mayer from late 2009 until early 2010, while her on-and-off friend Katy Perry had a relationship with him between 2012 and 2015.

Swift has not identified the man in the song, and her explanation suggests that the premise was drawn from several women’s experiences rather than a single real-life couple.

Dakota Johnson And Colin Farrell Join The Music Video

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Swift announced “Patient Zero” as a single on Tuesday, revealing that its music video would feature two major Hollywood stars. Her longtime friend Dakota Johnson appears in the visual alongside actor Colin Farrell. Johnson previously explained that she and Swift had wanted to work together and found that their longtime friendship translated well into a professional collaboration. The full video is scheduled to debut during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 27.

Swift will also receive the ceremony’s inaugural Artist-Director honor, recognizing her contributions to music-video direction and visual storytelling. The award will make Swift the most decorated artist in VMA history, pushing her career total to 31 and breaking her previous tie with Beyoncé.

She is also nominated in nine competitive categories at this year’s ceremony, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Direction.

‘The Encore’ Was Created During A Celebration In Sweden

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“Patient Zero” arrived alongside three other new songs: “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon” and “Cleveland!” All four tracks appear on the expanded edition of Swift’s 2025 album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Swift announced the project on Instagram and thanked fans for giving the original release a historic debut. “About a year ago, you guys did a truly unfathomable thing,” she wrote. “Something that completely blew my mind… You gave ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ the biggest first week for an album in history. I took a trip to Sweden to celebrate with Max and Shellback, my two collaborators on this album.”

What began as a trip to reflect on the album’s success quickly turned into another songwriting session. “Really, we just wanted to reflect and take in how grateful we were for the moment we were in, but there was a studio there and we did what we do when we feel anything at all: We wrote more songs.”

She concluded, “I hope you love them, because they were born out of pure gratitude for your exuberance for and celebration of the album we made.”

After a surprisingly brief stint on Special Forces, Brandi Glanville is keeping her reality TV options open — but she can already see herself on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

“Maybe I’ll go on Mormon Wives,” she exclusively told Us while discussing her time on Fox’s Special Forces. “I feel like I’ve done all the shows.”

Glanville, 53, acknowledged that Mormon Wives could use some help amid Taylor Frankie Paul‘s legal issues and a cast divide.

“Maybe I’ll be like their military person on the show. ‘Get in line, girls. No more babies. Too much soda,’” she quipped. “‘Stop it!’”

While Glanville isn’t saying no to any opportunities, she was a bit more unsure about DWTS, adding, “I think that that show is so intense. I’ve had friends do it and they’re like, ‘It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.’ And these people are in shape. So maybe 15 years ago I could have done it.”

She continued: “I think it’s better and I want something where I can just talk and throw wine and just sit around and do dinners. Get paid to be myself? That’s fun.”

Glanville is best known for her time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills from 2011 to 2016, with guest appearances in 2019 and 2020. She has since appeared on other shows — including Fox’s Special Forces.

“I’m, like, so proud that I just didn’t give up and I just didn’t want to be the first one out. Obviously no one really wants to be,” she told Us. “I wanted to prove to my kids I could do it, but I had to go to the doctor. I was done. But I think that this still proves to the kids that I was kind of a badass.”

The action-packed Thursday, September 24, premiere showed the contestants being challenged to jump out of a helicopter headfirst into the ocean. They then had to swim back to the dock quickly, which proved to be an issue for several recruits.

Related: Shocking TV Exits Through the Years

All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to TV. Over the years, many television stars have suddenly left their roles — while others have been cut from a series without much notice. Anna Faris announced in September 2020 that she was leaving CBS’ Mom after starring as the lead character […]

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“I over-rotated. I know it felt like my head hit the water, and it was so hard,” Glanville shared of her experience. “It was like immediately I was dizzy and I thought my whole body was in the water. Then my body hits the water after that. It was just like being run over by a truck.”

Glanville recalled developing several health issues.

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“Everyone kept touching me. And even just touching my back, it hurt. I was spinning. I couldn’t hear out of my left ear immediately. I was about to throw up, but then the camera guy was in my face, and I’m like, ‘You’re not getting this from me,’” she explained. “So I sat down, and they’re like, ‘Stand up!’ I’m like, ‘I cannot stand up. I will pass out and hit my head.’”

Glanville continued: “Of course I’m thinking all these crazy things, but everyone seemed to go through it really easily. Like, I was the second one to do it, and I’m watching all these girls go do it, and I’m like, ‘Am I just a disaster? Why can’t I do it like everyone else?’”

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 5 airs on Fox Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Katie Holmes and her boyfriend, Jason Bard Yarmosky, stole the spotlight during Milan Fashion Week. 

Their affectionate appearance comes as reports suggest the actress feels incredibly happy in the relationship and is open to settling down with the artist.

Holmes and Yarmosky recently confirmed their romantic connection, and fans have expressed support fo the couple, often tagging them soulmates.

Katie Holmes And Jason Bard Yarmosky Stepped Out In Coordinated Fashion In Milan

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The couple turned heads in matching neutral ensembles while stepping out for Tod’s women’s spring/summer 2027 runway presentation on Friday. 

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum and her artist boyfriend showcased their close bond as they arrived hand-in-hand for the event.

Wearing complementary white and beige attire, Holmes styled a classic trench coat over a casual white tee and wide-legged trousers, finishing her look with black brogues and a dark handbag. Yarmosky, on the other hand, mirrored her neutral palette with a beige sweater, black trousers, and dark shoes.

Daily Mail reported that the artist could be seen shielding Holmes as they navigated through crowds of fans requesting photos. Throughout the event, the pair appeared completely smitten, sharing laughs and posing comfortably for photographers.

Notably, this public display follows their joint appearance at New York Fashion Week earlier this month, where they attended the Calvin Klein show in color-coordinated cream ensembles.

The Actress Recently Enjoyed A Romantic Italian Getaway With Her Partner

Adding to their romantic public outings, the two recently enjoyed an Italian getaway. Earlier this month, the actress gave followers a peek into her personal life by posting a joint Instagram carousel documenting a countryside vacation with Yarmosky. 

Captioned “Life is a friend of art,” the social media update featured pictures of the couple hiking scenic nature trails, taking in mountain views, and sharing a romantic kiss during their travels, as documented by The Blast.

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The candid pictures quickly drew affectionate responses from fans, who took to the comments to celebrate Holmes’ visible happiness and glowing appearance. 

Social media users gushed over their romantic connection, pointing out that the pair exuded clear soulmate energy and looked joyful, sweet, and deeply in love while experiencing “La Dolce Vita” together.

Katie Holmes Celebrated Her Boyfriend’s Birthday With A Heartfelt Online Tribute

Building on their affectionate social media presence, Holmes previously used Instagram to publicly celebrate Yarmosky’s birthday with a sweet tribute.

According to The Blast, she took to Instagram to honor her partner’s special day by posting an intimate two-slide carousel that captured their close bond. 

The lead image depicted the couple in a warm, loving embrace under soft orange lighting, with Holmes wrapping her arm around Yarmosky’s waist as they gazed affectionately at one another.

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A second photo focused on a birthday cake glowing with lit candles, accompanied by Holmes’ caption calling him “the best of the best” alongside a red heart emoji.

Fans quickly poured into the comment section to share their support for the couple, praising their visible happiness and expressing delight at seeing Holmes thriving in her personal life.

Katie Holmes Is Reportedly Taking A Measured Approach To Her New Romance

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Despite their visible connection during recent European fashion events, Holmes is purposefully keeping the romance grounded and low-key.

Sources close to the couple reveal that Holmes and Yarmosky are deliberately taking things slow and avoiding any hasty relationship milestones. 

Because their romance is still in its early stages, the couple has refrained from introducing each other to their broader families, meaning Holmes’ daughter, Suri Cruise, has not yet met her mother’s new partner.

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“They’re intentionally taking it slow. They haven’t been introduced to others’ families or done any of that yet,” the source revealed, per The Blast.

Insiders also share that they are content with letting their relationship evolve organically. They also revealed that the actress feels particularly comfortable around Yarmosky, whose calm and grounded demeanor creates a reassuring environment for her.

The Actress Has Reportedly Shifted Her Mindset Concerning Marriage

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This deliberate, measured approach to her romance comes as Holmes reportedly experiences a broader shift in her overall outlook on life and future possibilities.

Following her high-profile divorce from Tom Cruise over a decade ago, Holmes focused on raising Suri in New York while keeping thoughts of remarrying strictly off the table. 

However, reports suggest her perspective changed significantly after the passing of her former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star and friend James Van Der Beek earlier this year. 

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The heartbreaking loss served as a poignant reminder to embrace every day fully, prompting her to live in the moment rather than putting off experiences for the future:

“After James died, Katie started to realize she better enjoy the days she has ahead and just live life to the fullest no matter what,” a source revealed, per The Blast.

This newfound “seize the day” mentality has reportedly transformed her daily choices, from spontaneous international trips to opening her heart to a meaningful future with Yarmosky.

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If you’re looking for the perfect adventure franchise to binge with “spooky season” just around the corner, there’s no better reason to revisit The Mummy movies. Currently, all three entries in the original Brendan Fraser trilogy can be found streaming for free on Tubi through the end of the month. That’s right, these monster adventure flicks are available on the platform free-of-charge, but only through September 30. Given that we’re about a month out from Halloween, the time to revisit these cinematic delights is right now — especially if you don’t already own all three at home.

‘The Mummy’ Trilogy Is Still One of the Best Monster Adventure Sagas Ever Made

Image via Universal Pictures

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Whether you’ve rewatched The Mummy and its sequels again and again, or if you’ve always meant to give these adventure flicks a try but haven’t had the occasion, consider this your warning sign that they’re about to be hidden behind some sort of streaming paywall. Tubi, however, is a free platform with a vast catalog, one that currently (but only for a limited time) includes these Brendan Fraser adventures. Beginning with The Mummy, director Stephen Sommers re-imagined the classic Universal Monster as an action-packed period piece set during the golden age of archeology in the mid-1920s. When American mercenary Rick O’Connell (Fraser) encounters British Egyptologist and librarian Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), they find themselves on an adventure headed toward the lost city of Hamunaptra, where they uncover a tomb that was meant to be buried by the sands of time, leading to the resurrection of the evil priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), who brings the biblical 10 plagues of Egypt with him.

While The Mummy is an absolute classic that proves that action blockbusters can be as witty and intelligent as they are earnest, the story doesn’t end there. Sommers reunited the main cast for the sequel, The Mummy Returns, where Imhotep is revived once more in an effort to conquer the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) and his cursed army. Now married, Rick and Evie fight to save their young son, Alex (Freddie Boath), who has been abducted by the titular mummy as only he, with the Bracelet of Anubis, can lead Imhotep to the Scorpion King’s tomb. In many respects, the sequel recaptures the tone and feel of the original, furthering Rick and Evie’s arcs as they find themselves on a mission more personal than before. Of course, some may be satisfied with Sommers’ inspired duology of Mummy flicks and conclude the adventure there. But if you’re curious, Fraser returns for one final installment, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, in which an older Rick and Evelyn (now played by Maria Bello after Weisz was unavailable to reprise her role) find themselves in postwar China with their derelict son Alex (now Luke Ford) dealing with a new undead adversary: Jet Li‘s Qin Shi Huang. Only Fraser and John Hannah (who plays Evie’s brother Jonathan Carnahan) reprise their roles in this one, which is a mixed bag but still mostly fun.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Are Returning to ‘The Mummy’ Once More

No matter which entry you revisit, you’ll find that The Mummy movies are fast-paced, humor-laden, action-packed adventures that reinterpret a horror icon into a dark fantasy foe worth vanquishing over and over again. The period setting gives The Mummy series an Indiana Jones-like quality while adding to the mystery and suspense, leaning into the pulpy flavor of the tales that inspired it in the first place. While Tubi offers several “Mummy” movies beyond these three (most of which are low-budget horror flicks), these highly bingeable films are the only official entries in the Fraser-led collection — at least for now. Fans have been excited to learn that the original cast, including Fraser, Hannah, and, yes, Weisz — as well as Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay — are set to reprise their roles for a fourth entry, and we can only hope it recaptures the energy of first two.

We’re excited to hear the news that the upcoming (and untitled) Mummy 4 isn’t just going to be nostalgia bait, but even if it were, it would likely outshine the third entry based on its cast alone. (Okay, in all seriousness, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has its moments. It’s certainly not terrible, even if we’re still mad that Weisz was replaced.) So, with Halloween nearly upon us and another Mummy in the works, there’s no better time than right now to refamiliarize yourself with this iconic collection of monster-themed adventures. Since they’re still streaming for free through the weekend, we know how you’ll be spending your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights… And hey, if you find yourself loving Sommers’ first two Mummy re-imaginings especially, check out his other Universal Monsters homage: the Hugh Jackman-led Van Helsing, which is better than you probably remember.

The Mummy and its sequels are available for streaming on Tubi.

The Lord of the Rings has made a name for itself on the page and on screen alike, and while the trilogy is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations, it does make changes. Fans can point to many examples, and they do; however, Peter Jackson‘s film’s alterations to one of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s characters stand out. Of course, many have a lot to say about the portrayal of Faramir (David Wenham), whose temptation by the One Ring is the exact opposite of the books, but there is a more significant character whom the films drastically change.

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) is one of the primary heroes of the series, and while he plays an instrumental role in both the books and the films, the adaptation fundamentally changes his character. In many ways, this change is less about what he does and more about how he does it, because in both versions, Aragorn is a member of the Fellowship, the leader of the Armies of Men, and the rightful ruler of Gondor and Arnor. Yet, the films add a reluctance to his character that Tolkien never established and expand certain aspects of his story. The result works for the films, and Mortensen’s Aragorn is understandably a fan favorite, yet it’s important to recognize that he isn’t exactly like the character Tolkien wrote.

Aragorn Isn’t Supposed to be a Reluctant Hero in ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Image by Nimesh Niyomal

Aragorn is an important character for many reasons, but one major element of his story is his family’s position. As Isildur’s Heir, he has heavy expectations placed on his shoulders, and in the films, he is reluctant to accept that. Aragorn says as much to Arwen (Liv Tyler) in The Fellowship of the Ring. Though she points out that he is not his ancestor, Aragorn says, “The same blood runs through my veins. The same weakness.” This feeling adds an emotional journey as the character slowly accepts his role, proving his worthiness to himself more than anyone else. Plagued by self-doubt throughout the films, Aragorn becomes a brooding character, which is far from how Tolkien intended.

The reluctant hero is a much-loved character trope, but originally Aragorn is far more confident. Tolkien’s version is proud of the legacy he holds and intends to claim his position as King, though he prioritizes destroying the One Ring. This change is most obvious when the Fellowship arrives in Rohan and Aragorn, reluctant to surrender his weapon, cites his ancestry as a reason he shouldn’t need to. While this fits Aragorn’s book personality, film Aragorn would never consider sharing his family history so readily. Aragorn’s change in attitude doesn’t alter the overall plot, but it does make him a dramatically different character in the film than in the books.

‘The Lord of the Rings’ Films Added Stories for Aragorn

Jackson’s adaptation not only changes his nature, but it adds storylines for Aragorn. The most obvious is his romance with Arwen. Although the books mention their relationship, it serves as background information rather than a relevant plot. Arwen herself is barely in the story, and what Tolkien wrote about their romance is mostly in the Appendices. Even that isn’t quite as dramatic as the films make it out to be. While Elrond (Hugo Weaving) doesn’t want Arwen to give up her immortality, he doesn’t resist as much as he does in the film, agreeing to their marriage on the condition that Aragorn first claim his place as King of both Gondor and Arnor. The film series’ forbidden love story highlights both Aragorn and Arwen, and it’s an interesting way to flesh out the character even though it isn’t exactly like the book.

To emphasize the romance and Aragorn’s reluctant hero arc, the adaptation also rewrites the reforging of Narsil into Andúril. In the book, this moment happens before the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, which allows Aragorn to spend most of the story fighting with this sword. But the films take an alternate approach. Elrond reforges the broken sword and delivers it to Aragorn just in time for him to enter the Paths of the Dead. By delaying this event, the films emphasize the drama surrounding Aragorn’s reluctance to accept his destiny and his romance with Arwen. In many ways, these additional stories dive deeper into the lore surrounding Aragorn and his family, which makes sense. After all, the films cannot add appendices to explain these things as Tolkien did. Ultimately, the changes work because the adaptation is done well, but Aragorn is a dramatically different character in the films than in the books.

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Release Date

December 19, 2001

Runtime

178 Minutes

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Writers

Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, J.R.R. Tolkien

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Producers

Barrie M. Osborne, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Tim Sanders

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The Hills star Audrina Patridge is back on the market after confirming her split from country singer Michael Ray.

“I’m not rushing into anything,” Partridge, 41, told People in an interview published on Friday, September 25, when teasing her dating life, noting that she is still open to marriage one day. “I’m starting to figure that out all over again. For me, I think the best person that you’re going to meet is probably through a mutual friend or someone, like, being set up. Go out in person. I’m not a big internet person.”

At this stage in her healing journey, the reality star said she is still figuring out exactly what she’s looking for next in a partner.

“It’s just knowing that someone has a good heart and they’re coming from a good family, and they have good morals and values,” she explained from medicube’s Wellness Club X2 pop-up in Los Angeles. “And you have to agree with those things because if not, you have opposite lifestyles.”

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Audrina Patridge can’t hide her happiness when it comes to her romance with country singer Michael Ray. “I think for a long time, I wasn’t really looking for anything,” Partridge, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly while attending ChainFEST Los Angeles with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey on Saturday, October 5. “So when I met him, it […]

Us has reached out to Ray, 38, and Patridge’s rep for additional comment.

While it’s unclear what led to the breakup, some fans noticed that Patridge had recently unfollowed Ray on Instagram.

During an exclusive interview with Us in May, however, the TV personality couldn’t help but gush about the country singer.

“I’m open to it,” Patridge said about possibly getting engaged. “I think when you find someone that actually clicks and makes you happy, and we’ve both been through divorces and all of that, I think we know what not to do and what we want.”

Patridge was previously married to Corey Bohan, with whom she shares 10-year-old daughter Kirra, from 2016 to 2018. As for Ray, he tied the knot with Carly Pearce in October 2019. The singers divorced one year later.

“I feel like Michael is very private,” Partridge added of her relationship. “When we are together, we’re just so present and we usually just stay in at the house or cook dinner. When I met Michael, it was very unexpected. I was kind of in that mindset of, ‘I don’t need a guy. I’m happy being alone. It’s me and my daughter, girl power. We’re gonna travel the world.’ And then I met Michael, and we just clicked with our chemistry.”

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Although Patridge revealed she’s been single since July, the recent breakup didn’t prevent her from having a good summer.

As seen on Instagram, the California resident was able to enjoy a family trip to South Dakota.

“Back to our roots,🤍” Partridge wrote via Instagram on August 12. “Adventures from the Black Hills to the family farm, sharing our family history with her at the sweetest age… when she wants to hear allll the stories. #summertrip #southdakota #familytrip.”

Burgundy is coming for black’s spot as fall’s most wearable shoe color. The deep wine shade has the same go-with-everything appeal, but adds just enough richness to make even simple trousers and a blazer feel more expensive. Regina King just showed Us exactly why it deserves a place in the fall rotation.

On September 22, King stepped out in New York City wearing glossy burgundy pointed-toe pumps with sleek black slacks, a navy blazer with gold buttons and a black shoulder bag. The unexpected pop of oxblood gave her otherwise classic outfit a luxe fall update without overpowering it. While we couldn’t confirm the exact pair, we found a stylish lookalike for $36 on Amazon.

Get the Sumojio Closed Pointed Toe Pumps for just $36 (Was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 25, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Sumojio Stiletto Pumps capture the same glossy patent finish, pointed toe and deep burgundy shade. They have a 3-inch stiletto heel and easy slip-on design, and come in sizes 6 to 10. They also come in chocolate brown, beige and other neutral shades, but the burgundy is the one to grab if King’s outfit is your inspiration.

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Shoppers say they’re surprisingly easy to work into an everyday wardrobe, too. One reviewer called them “incredibly versatile,” adding that they “elevate almost any outfit” and “can be worn with an elegant or casual dress, dress slacks, jeans or even leggings.”

And despite the slim stiletto heel, comfort scores high marks. Another buyer called the pumps “incredibly comfortable,” noting that they are “padded very well on the inside” and offer “great cushioning.”

Take a cue from King and give your basic black pumps the night off. The glossy burgundy shade brings instant richness to black trousers, denim and fall dresses alike, while the pointed toe keeps everything sleek. Grab the $36 Sumojio pumps on Amazon to recreate King’s luxe fall shoe moment for less.

Love King’s rich burgundy shade but want a different silhouette? Keep scrolling for more stylish options.

Shop more burgundy pumps that we love:

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

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Related: We’re Copying Dakota Johnson’s Rich-Looking Plaid Blazer for $35

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There’s nothing wrong with a simple jeans-and-tank outfit, but Dakota Johnson reminded Us how much better it can look with the right fall layer. A cropped plaid blazer adds structure without covering up your entire outfit, while the classic print brings an expensive-looking touch to even your most-worn denim. Consider it an easy way to make […]