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Al Roker jumped to Kelly Clarkson’s defense this week amid criticism of the singer’s recent revelation that she has used weight loss medication.

Many celebrities have opened up about their use of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs in the last year amid a rise in the medications’ popularity. Clarkson, 42, has shared parts of her weight loss journey with fans, attributing her “dropped weight” to her diet and fitness strategies while speaking with People for an interview that was published earlier this year.

However, during the Monday, May 13 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the “Since U Been Gone” singer revealed that she has used medication for weight loss. The American Idol winner and her guest, Whoopi Goldberg, both shared details of their respective weight loss journeys on the NBC daytime talk show, with Goldberg explaining that the “wonderful shot” she has taken has “been really good for me.”

Clarkson told The View co-host that she “ended up having to do that too,” though in her case, the medication “is a different one than people assume.” Clarkson added that the reason she began taking the medication was because “my bloodwork got so bad.”

Related: Every Star Who's Admitted To Using Ozempic, WeGovy and Other Weight Loss Drugs (So Far)

Clarkson later said outright that the medication she took for weight loss was not Ozempic. “Everybody thinks it's Ozempic, it's not,” she said, adding that the medication is “something else” that “aids in helping break down the sugar, obviously my body doesn't do it right."

In the days since Clarkson’s mid-show admission, she has faced backlash from some who accused the “Stronger” singer of hiding her weight loss medication use while emphasizing the roles that exercise and eating habits have played in her journey.

Others, including Roker, have jumped in to defend the “Because of You” singer.

“There’s too much judgment going on,” the Today weather anchor told his co-hosts on Tuesday, May 14, while discussing the criticism aimed at Clarkson. Roker, who has been open about his own health struggles following his gastric bypass surgery in 2002, then reminded viewers that there are healthy ways to use weight loss medication when done in collaboration with medical professionals.

“You know, people—as long as they’re working with their doctors and being healthy about it, people ought to just back off and let them live their lives,” the 69-year-old said.

Roker’s calls for people to “back off” were reiterated when Goldberg brought the topic up for discussion during the Wednesday, May 15 episode of The View.

"People have all kinds of issues, and we have to let people do what they need to do to get to where they need to get to,” Goldberg explained to the show’s audience. The conversation ended with hosts urging people to "Leave Kelly Clarkson alone.”

Next: Kate Winslet Sends Pointed Message to Celebrities Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

We started The Masked Singer Season 11 with three groups of powerhouse performers. Now just one representative is left from each in this season's Semi Finals. But there's still one more hurdle to get to the finale, as our motley trio all performed songs and participated in a Battle Royale to avoid elimination.

Check out more information on tonight's "Semi Finals" episode below to find out who was unmasked.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About The Masked Singer Season 11

Who got unmasked on The Masked Singer tonight?

Clock's time has run out. She went out singing "Dancing in the Street" for her solo number, and lost the Battle Royale of "A Moment Like This."

Who is Poodle Moth on The Masked Singer?

After being eliminated, Clock was unmasked and revealed to be singer and Grammy winner Thelma Houston.

Who's left in the game of The Masked Singer season 11?GoldfishGumball

Next, here's everything you need to know about this season of Survivor.

King Charles III has made history once again. 

The monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, hosted Buckingham Palace's first-ever Sovereign's Creative Industries Garden Party on Wednesday, May 15.

Around 4,000 guests who work in the culture, art, heritage, film, TV, radio and fashion industries were invited to the prestigious event per an official statement from the palace. From the looks of the photos, they had a picture-perfect day hanging with the royals. 

For the occasion, which celebrated the United Kingdom's thriving creative industry,  Charles donned a gray suit, a pink waistcoat and a white button-up. He completed the look with a black top hat and a black-and-white polka dot tie.

Camilla looked just as regal, wearing a light pink long-sleeve sundress, which she accessorized with a taupe handbag, matching shoes and a sun hat.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Queen Camilla and King Charles III during The Sovereign's Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 15, 2024, in London, England. Representatives across art, culture, heritage, TV, fashion and film attend the garden party hosted by the DCMS. 

WPA Pool/Getty Images

The sun-soaked garden party went off without a hitch just two days after the 75-year-old monarch offered a rare glimpse into his ongoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer he was diagnosed with earlier this year.

While visiting the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, to officially hand over one of his military titles to Prince William on Monday, May 13, the king described a rather unpleasant experience he's reportedly had to overcome, which he's credited as nothing more than a side effect from treatment of the disease.

During Monday's visit, Charles explained he'd lost his sense of taste. The king declined to clarify whether or not experts have told him to expect this to be a temporary issue or a permanent by-product of medical care.

Still, he hasn't let that stop him from resuming his royal duties after taking some time off to assess his diagnosis.

Charles' first royal outing since stepping back into his position full-time took place on April 30, when he was photographed visiting cancer patients and medical staff at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London alongside his wife.

But even during his break, the king managed to make history several times this past April, starting with an unprecedented decision about Balmoral Castle, then again a few days later when he made a request that was a royal first, and once more when he announced a big change at Sandringham Estate.

Next: King Charles Confirms Big Change to Nearly 50-Year-Old Tradition Days After Returning to Royal Duties

It's the last episode before the finale on Survivor 46. And, as was talked about prominently in this week's episode, it's time to weigh up your previous alliances versus who you want to take to the end. At the center of the action was the game's tightest duo of Charlie and Maria. Challenge wins and the looming endgame complicated the previously-solid relationship, culminating in an all-too familiar blindside.

Check out more information about tonight's episode below and find out who was voted out.

Related: Everything to Know About Survivor 46

Who got voted off on Survivor 46 tonight? Quintavius "Q" Burdette

Robert Voets / CBS

Q Burdette

"Big mistake." Not only was that the most memetic catchphrase of Q Burdette during his time on Survivor 46, it's also representative of his wild 23 days in the game. The first half of the season, Q had an iron grip, between being in the middle of his struggling Yanu tribe and cobbling together the strength-based "plus one" alliance at the merge. But Q found himself, like a game of hide and seek, as public enemy number one, between turning on his closest ally Tiffany and throwing everyone for a loop when he offered to go home. Though he was spared his suggested quit, Q quickly became the pariah of the tribe, getting votes at every single Tribal Council after and constantly being talked about as the target. Luckily, he had Maria in his corner, and the two became tight allies as she brought him in on some big moves. When Q found an idol, and had convinced Maria to turn on her number one in Charlie, he was ready to already celebrate his spot in the Final Four. But his Christmas gift was, fittingly, canceled. A confident Q didn't play his idol, and he and Maria watched everyone else turn on him, his "Q-Skirt" swinging in the wind on his way out.

Were any advantages found or played on Survivor 46 tonight?

Yes! After being left out of the loved ones letters reward, Q was able to find the rehidden idol. Astoundingly, he also didn't play it, and was voted out with it in pocket (or Q-Skirt). That makes the fifth idol voted out this season, and the fourth in a row.

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 46

Who's left in the game on Survivor 46?–Ben Katzman–Charlie Davis–Kenzie Petty–Liz Wilcox–Maria Shrime Gonzalez

Next, check out our interview with Venus Vafa, who was voted out in Survivor 46 Episode 11.

WARNING! The following article contains spoilers for Survivor 46 Episode 12. Please do not scroll any further if you do not want to learn the events of this week's episode.

"39 days, 16 people, 1 Survivor." Those are the words that Jeff Probst used to welcome us to Survivor's iconic first season back in May 2000. And throughout the veteran reality series, despite the changes in cast, location, and format, one of the few consistencies was the length of the season. With a couple of exceptions, the castaways would have a little over a month to outwit, outplay, and outlast in the hopes of banking that million-dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor.

But Survivor's return after a brief hiatus in 2021 brought a "new era," and a number of changes alongside it. Perhaps the most notable: Its length. Every season since 41 has ran 26 days, removing a third of the time from Survivor's seasonal calendar. The change's origins stemmed specifically from filming during the pandemic.

"How we landed at 26 days to begin with was COVID," Probst explained on this week's episode of "On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast." "We've talked about this the requirements of starting with a 14-day quarantine and then doing two 39-day seasons back to back and not being able to ever leave the island for anything once we started. We just couldn't do it. So we had to get creative. We landed at 26 days."

Probst then went on to mention that, even consulting with producers at the time, the choice to shift to 26 days was not met with unanimity. As he put it, "There were people in my inner circle saying you're going to destroy the franchise because you won't have enough good story content." There was concern that reducing the shooting schedule by a third would leave much less time for challenges, interviews, and camp life, and fear that the result would impact the quality of the episodes. However, after taking everyone's opinions into consideration, the 26-day decision stuck.

The new day number has had no bearing on the airing of Survivor, outside of a slight shift in episode count to 13 from the 14 of most pre-pandemic seasons. Yet, the season length has still been one of the perennial sticking points of the new era. Certain fans and even past players have spoken out against the 26-day game, claiming the experience of the newer players doesn't resemble the 40 seasons that came before them. In the four years so far of the new era, Probst has heard it all.

"There's usually two points of contention when it comes to 39 days," he said. "And I'll address both of them from the producer point of view. The first one: Fans simply don't want the game to change. They want Survivor to stay the same. I totally understand their point of view. In their minds, Survivor's 39 days, 18 people. And now they're saying, 'Yeah, and we want that back as well!' So they think that we should have and still could go back to 39 days. The second part is the difficulty. '26 days simply can't be punishing enough because it's 13 fewer days. Do the math, Probst! The new era version of Survivor is clearly easier.'"

Related: Everything to Know About Survivor 46

The latter point spins off of the most recent episode of Survivor 46, which highlighted Ben Katzman struggling with his mental faculties. Twenty days into the game, the rock star has been rocked by the elements. He's been struggling to sleep during his time on the island, consistently experiencing night terrors and panic attacks. And the exhaustion has carried over strategically, as he accidentally wrote down Kenzie Petty's name at the last Tribal Council, completely blanking on what the plan was.

"I think it's pretty clear from this season," Probst said. "The new era--brace yourself, old-time players--is more difficult. Because the physical demands of surviving with very, very little or, for some players, no food is extremely punishing. And it begins to break you down mentally. You can't think; you can't sleep; you can't trust. That leads to the emotional breakdown, which can be brutal." 

So Probst has brought up the origins of the shift to 26 days, as well as how the changes in the new era have arguably made it harder than the first 40 seasons. The question is: Is 26 days here to stay? Especially with the announcement of the upcoming 50th season being the first all-returnee season in over five years, fans have been hoping the landmark would be an opportunity to bring back the 39-day format.

"Well, never say never," Probst responded to the question. "And I mean that. We're always open to where the game takes us as much as where we take the game. But for the time being, 26 days is the game. And I get it. If somebody else were sitting in this seat, they might make a very different decision. Even people on our own team, I think there's some of them that kind of wish we were at 39 days. So it's not right or wrong. It's just, this is what we're doing."

Related: Jeff Probst Announces Returning Players for Survivor Season 50

This week of "On Fire" also touched on one big change production has made for the new era. The Immunity Challenge in this episode featured a brand-new puzzle, and so the conversation turned to the oft-discussed topic of previously-used puzzles on the show. Over the years, contestants like David Wright, Evvie Jagoda, and Carson Garrett have studied and, in some cases, even 3D-printed puzzles they've seen on the show before. And so, when they faced the same puzzles on the island, they aced them in no time.

"We were aware for years that there were players who were making 3D replicas of our puzzles and practicing them," Probst recounted. "And sometimes it would even come up during casting when we were meeting somebody. And we used to joke, 'One day, we're going to end up with a player on the show who encounters a puzzle in a challenge that they had actually already made a copy of and studied, and they're gonna win the challenge.' You have to remember that our challenges are designed by the challenge department, looked at by the art department, then approved by me. [They're] often already under construction before we even know who's going to be on the show. And then taking it a step deeper, you don't know who will still be in the game when you get to a certain challenge with a specific puzzle. So while it was possible that that might happen, it seemed highly improbable."

So when the improbable became probable, and contestants were winning challenges they duplicated and practiced at home, it initially elicited excitement more than anxiety. What had been joked about in casting calls had finally happened, something production felt was inevitable. So they were fine to continue what they were doing, as we saw more players incorporate 3D printing and makeshift puzzles into their pre-island prep.

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals the Secret Theme of 'Survivor 46'

"[Initially], we actually thought it was kind of a cool meta moment," Probst said, "and talked about the connection that we have with the audience who becomes the player. But then, like we always do, we assess and assess and assess. And we decided, 'Let's make some adjustments.' So one season, we said, 'That's enough.'"

Finally, even if a return to 39 days isn't on the horizon for Survivor, there may be one hallmark of the new era that could see a comeback. This episode featured half the cast visiting the Sanctuary and receiving letters from home. The emotional sequence has consistently been a reward in the new era, replacing the traditional loved ones visit. Season 45 winner Dee Valladares asked Probst if we would ever see an in-person loved ones visit again, the last one happening in epic fashion during Winners at War.

"We definitely discussed the idea," Probst answered. "Even recently, it's coming up a lot. But we have not made any decisions for future seasons. And part of the reason is that the letters from home, in my opinion, are a fascinating examination of what is it that we actually need to bring us comfort? Do we need the physical?" When Valladares responded that the loved ones experience is not only for the players, but the relatives themselves, getting to merge the on-island and real-life families, Probst responded that he would "put that in the creative hopper" for future consideration.

Next, check out the photos, bios, and interviews with the cast of Survivor 46.

Zach Bryan and his girlfriend, Brianna LaPaglia, recently survived a “traumatizing” crash while traveling to one of the country music star’s tour stops this week.

LaPaglia, who is also known as Brianna Chickenfry on Barstool Sports’ BFFs podcast, shared her experience of the incident in a video on TikTok.

Their utility vehicle “flipped a bunch of times” and “everything shattered,” LaPaglia, 24, said in her emotion-filled video. “Thank god we had our seatbelts on,” she added.

"There was a lot of blood,” she continued, adding that she and Bryan, 28, were “saying goodbye to each other” in the immediate aftermath, fearing the worst.

“After the ambulance came and he got all stitched up, we were like, ‘Oh my god, thank god.’ It didn’t hit an artery. It was just a huge gash—we were OK,” she recalled.

But the night’s travel drama didn’t end there. As they opened the door to their tour bus to climb inside and resume their journey to Arkansas, one of LaPaglia’s cats leaped out and darted away.

@ihatebriannachickenfry

♬ original sound - Brianna LaPaglia

“She goes through barbed wire, literally into the middle of the forest,” LaPaglia said of her cat, Mango. “Zach tries to jump on her, all of his stitches burst again, he’s bleeding—so much blood.”

The couple finally tracked down LaPaglia’s cat, after which she said they were able to get some sleep. But days later, LaPaglia said she is still finding evidence of the impact that night’s crash had on her body.

“My whole body hurts, and I keep finding more bruises and scrapes and I pulled glass out of my cheek last night,” she said, explaining that keeping up with their career obligations on top of her recovery from the crash had her feeling “just so tired” this week.

When fans online commented on LaPaglia’s TikTok to express their concern, she assured them that she and Bryan were both fine.

“We are absolutely okay!!! Just horrifying in the moment!!! Love you guys ❤️❤️❤️,” she told one fan.

Others shared their relief that the crash hadn’t been worse and urged LaPaglia to take some time off to recover.

“Girlie whattt???? i’m glad you guys are okay, yall need a nap,” one TikToker wrote.

“It is okay to take a break, y’all are going through so much lately, praying for y’all & glad y’all are safe! 🤍,” another fan said.

“Glad you guys are okay! Take a break ❤️,” another TikToker urged.

Next: Zach Bryan Gives Aspiring Young Guitarist 'Core Memory' After Inviting Him to Perform on Stage

Jamie-Lynn Sigler became the latest celebrity to enter the debate about Ozempic use during a recent episode of MeSsy, the podcast she co-hosts with Christina Applegate.

The podcast, which launched in March, brought the actresses together to explore the various “curveballs that life can throw,” including their own battles with multiple sclerosis.

On May 14, The Sopranos star and Applegate released an episode called “Body Talk” that focused on eating disorders and body image. The episode’s official description included a trigger warning to alert listeners to the sensitive nature of their conversation.

Sigler, 43, and Applegate, 52, kicked off their conversation by sharing the struggles they faced with eating disorders as young actresses. Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano on the hit HBO series for the full run of the show, said her eating disorder experience began when she was 16 before The Sopranos was picked up. Though Sigler said the people she worked with wanted her to “be healthy" and even “almost fired” her early on “because of how thin I was,” ongoing weight shaming in the media continued to impact her relationship with food for years.

Later in the episode, Sigler addressed the rise in popularity of Ozempic. She admitted she felt “a little triggered about all the Ozempic stuff,” a feeling she was “annoyed” with herself for having.

Related: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—Is There a Difference Between These Medications? Here’s What Experts Say

“It’s upsetting me,” Sigler said. “I wish I didn’t care.”

The actress revealed that she had people in her life who have had positive experiences with the drug, which is commonly used for weight loss. “I actually know a handful of people that it has made an incredible difference in their lives,” Sigler told the Dead to Me actress. “I have seen them struggle with their weight for a very, very, very long time and seen it give them a lot. And I am so happy for them.”

But those individuals aren’t the only ones Sigler knows who have used Ozempic. “I also have seen friends of mine who were beautiful and healthy and perfect abusing it,” she said. “And it’s upsetting me.”

Sigler then tried to explain her complicated feelings about Ozempic use among others as she reflected on the body positivity movement of recent years. “It felt like we were on this road to really, like, solidifying the body positivity and the every shape and size and color,” she said. But now, “everyone’s looking the same.”

Ozempic is a prescription medication that is used to treat diabetes. The drug can also be used for weight loss, and many people struggling with their weight—including some well-known celebrities—have begun using Ozempic and other similar medications in recent years as a weight-loss tool.

Next: 'I'm an Obesity Medicine Specialist, and Here's What I Want Everyone to Know About the New Oatzempic Weight Loss Drink'

Another day, another item from McDonald's international menu is going viral here in the United States–this time, it's pie flavors.

Four flavors from four different regions recently grabbed social media's attention as fans begged the burger joint to bring each of them stateside. Three of the contenders are predictably sweet yet innovative, but it was the one savory option that really caused a stir in the comments of a popular foodie influencer's post. 

A split image uploaded by Snackolater–a food blogger that has amassed more than 276,000 Instagram followers by regularly taste testing and promoting upcoming fast food releases–showcased Indonesia's Choco Marshmallow Pie (which appears to be very similar to the S'mores version the fast food chain launched over a decade ago), the Pizza Pie McDonald's released in Italy last year, as well as the Crème Brûlée Pie released in Australia in 2022 and the Banana Pie Singapore saw that same year.  

Fans didn't hesitate to respond when asked, "Which of these four international pies from McDonald's would you want to try?"

"Chocolate marshmallow..because I love all the smores things," one replied, and many more agreed, writing, "Marshmallow would be insane to have in the states" and "i need the choco marshmallow one badly."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Snackolator (@snackolator)

Several others added comments along the lines of "Pizza pie 👀," with one lucky fan who was in the country at the time of its release sharing their opinion of it, writing, "The pizza pie from Italy was actually pretty decent. Had it at the one in Rome."

"Creme brulee," another top-liked comment suggested.

Then there were those who couldn't pick just one. 

"Choco marshmallow looks amazing, like s’mores! Although, the pizza pie reminds me just like a pizza pocket, so that HAS to be good," someone else wrote.

"Creme Brulee, the Banana pie, then the S'mores," a second shared. "Maybe the pizza."

A different Instagram user simply exclaimed, "All of them!"

While more often than not fans in the U.S. are asking the fast food chain to replicate an item from elsewhere, recently an entree that is only available here made international customers heated with jealousy. Clearly, the brand is doing something right.

Next: McDonald’s Fan-Favorite Frozen Oreo Treat Is Back for the Summer

While it’s important for people of all ages to get adequate protein, it’s even more important to prioritize this crucial macronutrient as we age. Protein needs increase with age because muscle mass declines as we get older and protein is important for maintaining muscle mass.

It’s important to be mindful of how you increase your protein because while some protein sources are beneficial for heart health, others can increase the risk of heart disease when eaten in excess. Here, cardiologists share what they want everyone to know about protein and heart health, and reveal the type of protein that’s the absolute best for cardiovascular health.

Related: 'I'm a Cardiologist and This Is the Type of Fish I Eat At Least Once a Week for Heart Health'

General Guidelines to Keep In Mind When It Comes to Protein and Heart Health

“When considering heart health in your diet, it's important to think about the type of protein, portion size and how it's prepared,” says Dr. Nieca Goldberg, MD, a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Goldberg says that heart-healthy proteins include fish, beans, eggs, low-fat cheese, skinless chicken and ground turkey.

“If you choose beef, opt for lean cuts with less visible fat, and limit to three ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards, eating it only a couple of times a week to reduce intake of unhealthy fats,” Dr. Goldberg says. In terms of how to cook your protein, she says that roasting, baking, broiling and grilling are all much more heart-healthy than deep-frying them in oil.

Related: This Is the Worst Habit for Heart Health, According to Cardiologists

Dr. Andrew D. Bromley, MD, a cardiologist at UHealth - University of Miami Health System, recommends following the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu, as well as fish. “A Mediterranean diet isn’t necessarily a strict diet as much as it is a general framework for thinking about how to eat,” he says. “The most common animal form of protein comes in the form of fish and seafood, with twice weekly consumption recommended. Dairy products are consumed in moderation and red meat consumption is limited to a few times per month.”

Scientific studies back up the connection between the Mediterranean diet and heart health showing that people who follow it have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Bromley points to another scientific study showing that people who followed the Mediterranean diet were less likely to suffer from major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

Related: What Is the Mediterranean Diet and What Can You Eat On It?

The Type of Protein Cardiologists Love the Most

Taking all this scientific evidence into account, there’s one type of protein that Dr. Bromley recommends the most: plant-based protein. “When choosing your protein sources, try to get as much of your protein from non-animal-based sources. Legumes, which include beans, lentils, chickpeas and peas, are a huge protein source. Additionally, nuts and seeds are a key component of the Mediterranean diet and a fantastic protein source,” Dr. Bromley says.

He adds that whole grains are another great plant-based protein source that many people don’t often think of. “Unprocessed whole grains such as quinoa, buckwheat, oats, barley, bulgur and farro can be quite rich in protein. These plant-based proteins are low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, which can have a favorable effect on one’s lipid profile by helping to reduce LDL-cholesterol,” he says.

When it comes to Dr. Bromley’s own diet, he says that he tries to get as much of his daily protein needs from plant-based sources as possible and then supplement that with animal-based proteins, as needed. “Beans, nuts, and oats are a regular staple in my pantry at home and appear in my meals throughout the week,” he says, adding that he also eats fish about twice a week. “One of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh fish is to bake it with lots of delicious herbs, such as parsley and tarragon, and lots of extra-virgin olive oil,” he continues.

Dr. Goldberg agrees that plant-based protein sources and fish are both excellent heart-healthy choices. She advocates eating a wide range of protein sources for maximum health benefits. “Proteins from fish and beans are excellent for heart health. Eggs, another good protein source, can also be made healthier by not pairing with bacon and sausages. Otherwise, other sources of proteins can be made more heart-healthy by being mindful of preparation methods, portion sizes and trimming excess fat,” she says.

If you’re used to red meat being your primary protein source, Dr. Bromley says to make small, gradual changes to eating more Mediterranean diet-style meals. “I am always encouraged when patients initially commit to dramatic dietary overhauls, but I often try to temper them. Life is a marathon. I try to encourage my patients to take on dietary habits that aren’t overly burdensome, still allow them to enjoy the act of eating and are habits that they could envision committing their future years and decades to,” he says.

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of plant-based proteins to choose from. Experiment with different ones and integrating them into your meals in new, creative ways. Not only will your meals be more interesting, you’ll be supporting your heart in the process.

Next up, check out this list of 110 foods you can eat while following the Mediterranean diet.

Sources

• Dr. Nieca Goldberg, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
• Dr. Andrew D. Bromley, MD, Cardiologist at UHealth - University of Miami Health System

Whether you worked from home long before the pandemic, never returned to the office, or are now living the hybrid life, you know that the right digs can make all the difference. It's no wonder many of us are on the hunt for genius home office ideas.

"As more people work from home, having a designated home office space is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity," says Kelly Simcox, the head of global Design at Interface/FLOR. "It is equally important that a home office space embraces the comfort of home while also providing a space that encourages concentration and productivity."

Figuring out that delicate balance can feel like—dare we say it—work. To help you get your creative juices flowing, interior design experts and other pros and professional organizers rolled up their sleeves and curated their best home office design ideas to inspire you. From modern decor to tricks for getting the most out of a small space, these office ideas for home will have you feeling comfortable and productive at the same time.

Related: The 50 Best Remote, Work-At-Home Jobs You Can Get Right Now

80 Home Office Ideas for an Organized and Creative Workspace1. Embrace what you've got

Sasha Bikoff Interior Design

A gray chair and a long, transparent desk are juxtaposed perfectly with printed wallpaper. "This is a home office that is both functional and stylish," says Sasha Bikoff of Sasha Bikoff Interior Design. "Being that it's in a home, it was important that it worked with the rest of the house."

2. Dual-function design

LD&D

Home offices may require multi-functional space, such as a bedroom-office hybrid. Enter Murphy beds. 

"These transformable beds enable homeowners to effortlessly convert a home office into a guest room in just a few minutes, without the hassle of rearranging the entire space," says Dominique Bonet, the lead designer at LD&D who dreamt up this home office for a client living in a four-bedroom apartment within the Armani Residence tower in Florida. "The real genius of Murphy beds lies in their dual functionality. By day, these spaces serve as offices, featuring clean, orderly layouts that are conducive to productivity. By night, they transform into comfortable bedrooms, ideal for rest and relaxation."

3. Cover-up

Photographer Mary Pat Collins, Designer Erica Peale Design

Houzz predicts that offices designed to hide cords and equipment will be one of the top home design trends of 2024. Anne Colby, a Houzz home design expert, notes that sleek built-in units, as exemplified in this project by Erica Peale Design, conceal these unsightly features, creating a sleek, functional and homey space.

Related: Breathe Easier With These 34 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants for Your Home or Office

4. Asymmetrical artistry

Photographer Natalia Robert

While balance can be a focal point, all things need not be equal.

"This modern, asymmetrical built-in floated desk visually creates a more spacious feel," says Megan Siason of M Studio Interior Design.

5. Unexpected upgrades

ASAP Restoration

Brandon Walker, the superintendent of ASAP Restoration, recently helped a client—a social worker with a large caseload and a small space with little privacy—transform a laundry room into a home office. Yes, seriously. He took down a small wall and added a door so she had privacy to video conference into courts when needed. 

6. High-end hideaway

Photographer Dror Baldinger

Some say the ability to work from home is a luxury. This space certainly supports that idea.

"The comfortable design of a high-end Italian lounge chair, the luxurious texture of a wool rug and custom cabinetry and bookshelves come together to make this home office a peaceful sanctuary within the busy household," says Laura Britt, the principal of Britt Design Group.

7. Muted muse

Photographer Ryann Ford

Sometimes, staying muted is best (just like on Zoom calls). 

"A natural, luxe, calming color palette combined with the custom bespoke furnishings and art brings elegance and rustic...together in this home office," Britt says. 

Related: The 35 Best Raised Garden Bed Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

8. Lofty ideas

Photographer Clay Grier

This small loft home office, designed by Michele Lorenz, the principal of Ashby Collective, remains organized with tons of storage, such as shelves built into the desk. The tall, trim unit with drawers and shelves leaves ample room for paperwork, books and decor. 

9. Island time

Concept 2 Design

Ah, the beauty of working from home and designing your own space. You can combine work with play by creating an aesthetic that draws on tropical motifs, like plants, small trinkets and photos from the last time you took PTO. This space, designed by Erika C. Soza-Mejia, the principal interior designer and owner of Concept 2 Design, accomplishes just that.

10. Get clarity

mDesign

The last thing you want is to rummage through necessary paperwork during a big meeting.

"Clear bins and drawers easily sort all of your necessary paperwork and work supplies, keeping them within reach but not in the way," says Danielle Dorn, mDesign’s vice president of design and creative. "Accessorize your desk with lighting, a laptop riser, and a dry-erase calendar to look as organized as possible, even when life gets a little disorganized. With each of these adorable products that easily slot into your space, you’ll be looking forward to sitting down at your desk every morning."

11. A world away

Photographer Become Legendary (House of One Owns All Rights)

Brittany Farinas, the CEO and creative director of House of One in Miami, and her team designed this Spanish Mediterranean-inspired-meets-contemporary home office. The approach? To create a space that exuded refined masculinity. Every detail was carefully curated to balance functionality with elegance.

"Natural light cascades through three large arched windows, illuminating the room and accentuating the textures and finishes," Farinas says. "A spacious desk, crafted from solid oak, provides an expansive workspace for our client." 

Bookshelves flank both sides of the room, adding richness to the space and serving as a spot to display curated accessories that Farinas says showcase "a harmonious blend of old and new."

12. Green and serene

Become Legendary (House of One Owns All Rights)

Work can be stressful, but your space can set the mood.

"With a deep understanding of our client's desire for tranquility within their home office, we embarked on designing a modern contemporary space that would serve as a sanctuary," Farinas says. "Drawing inspiration from the principles of nature and mindfulness, we introduced a striking green advent wall as the centerpiece of the design."

Related: These 75 Different Types of Succulents Are Not Only Gorgeous—but Also Hard To Kill

13. Bold boundaries

Masonite

One of the pitfalls of working from home is the blurred lines between "work" and "life." Creating (literal) boundaries can help you ensure you close the book on the workday when you close your laptop.

"Consider transforming a closet into a cloffice for a compact home office," suggests Jennifer Renaud, the senior vice president and CMO of Masonite. "To maximize space, maintain privacy and conceal office clutter, consider adding a sliding barn door to separate work from home."

Renaud says handy types can install these doors in a DIY project. Their styles range from contemporary to rustic, so they can blend with your home's aesthetic.

14. Office for two

Leslie Williams Interior Design

Leslie Williams of Leslie Williams Interior Design designed this home office for a professional and assistant.

"This working office for two includes a storage desk with drawers for the principal and a see-through glass desk for the assistant," Williams says. "This extra workstation adds the workspace for another person without making the room feel heavy or cluttered due to the transparent nature of the desk. There is even an extra third chair for a guest or client to visit."

15. Against conventional wisdom

Resource Furniture

Challie Stillman, the vice president of creative at Resource Furniture, says stationary furniture can make a room feel smaller. He suggests adding a sofa wall bed if you have a studio apartment. Converting it can serve as a physical and mental mindset shift when work begins and ends.

16. Set an intention

Resource Furniture

Multi-functional spaces need not be split down the middle. Think intentionally.

"It's about allocating your space according to how you'll use it," Stillman says.

If you only work from home once per week but constantly need a spare bedroom, a small desk in a corner with vertical storage can keep a room from feeling too busy.

17. Pops of personality

Photographer Eric Piasecki

Even a tiny space can be transformed into a home office that's big on you.

"This office is a small space that used to be a closet," says Gideon Mendelson, the founder and creative director of Mendelson Group. To strike a balance, Mendelson added graphic wallpaper and balanced that with a monochromatic scheme.

18. Electric looks

Heat & Glo

Mike Swanson, a fireplace design expert with Heat & Glo, says wall-mount electric fireplaces blend an art-like element with a warm, cozy ambiance for a home office.

19. Shine on

Gale Sitomer Designs

"We think it’s really important to make sure a home office has great lighting, with natural light being preferential," says Cara Velten, a partner of Gale Sitomer Designs based in NYC. "More and more, it’s also important to think about what is visible during a Zoom call. A lot of our clients like artwork that can be used as a conversation starter as well."

20. Musical chairs

Gale Sitomer Designs

Even if you're the only person who steps foot in your home office, be sure to have a couple of seating options.

"Other than the obvious desk and shelving, we always incorporate more comfortable seating, whether that’s a sofa or a lounge chair," Velten says. "It’s nice to have an alternative to your desk to sit and take a call."

21. Overhead

Photographer Natalia Robert

Another (gentle) reminder to ensure lighting is good in the era of video calls.

"Sure, a desk lamp could offer some illumination," says Siason. "However, overhead lighting in the form of upper cabinet puck lights or decorative lights above could allow for a proper, well-lit home office. This home office design incorporated both—puck lights beneath a floating shelf with picture lights anchored above on the cabinet soffit."

22. Coastal cool

Photographer Natalia Robert

"A combination of cabinetry and open shelving with a pop of color can provide a wonderful visual dynamic to a home office space," Siason says. "A lighter palette of white cabinets are accentuated by a lighted, wood-framed open shelf accented with glass tile reminiscent of sea glass, appropriate for the coastal location."

23. Transitions

Photographer Jacob Hand Photography

This space used the expertise of Interior Design Partnership, LLC and Melichar Architects. It leaned into a cozy-meets-masculine aesthetic. Because it doubled as a primary suite sitting room, it also needed to be transitional—can you feel how comfy those chairs are from your screen? Mission accomplished. 

24. Hard knock life

DesignWell Interiors/FLOOR360

DesignWell Interiors and FLOOR360 partnered for this project.

"Hardwood flooring is a great option for home office spaces, especially if that same flooring carries throughout the rest of the house," says Autumn Stankovsky, a FLOOR360 interior designer. "In the past, homeowners would design home offices that diverge from the rest of the home’s style, but that’s not often the case anymore. The flooring, custom desk and cabinetry, as well as accessories selected by the design company, DesignWell Interiors, helped achieve home design consistency between the home office and other areas of the home."

25. Pick your pocket

Photographer Bjorg Magnea

This small kitchen "cloffice" ensures snacks are never far from reach.

“For this Upper West Side kitchen, we designed a closet office just off of the kitchen," says Philip Consalvo, AIA, the principal of PJCArchitecture. 

Two pocket doors slide completely into the walls, concealing the space when it's not in use.

Related: 25 Genius, Low-Cost Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms

26. Sliding scale

Photographer Bjorg Magnea

Consalvo designed this space for a doctor who works from home full-time.

"The custom-designed desktop space includes plenty of storage and display space against a backdrop of the beautiful city skyline," Consalvo says. "Metal and glass sliding doors can provide privacy or connectivity to the rest of the home, as desired.” 

27. Cloffice space

ShopGoodwill.com

"Transforming a closet into a custom-built office niche offers a clever solution, blending functionality with space-saving elegance," says Heather Knight-Willcock, interior designer and expert for ShopGoodwill.com. "With smart organization tools like floating shelves, fold-out desks and built-in lighting, you can create a workspace tailored to your needs"

28. Detail-oriented

Avery Nicole Photography

A client came to Shelby Van Daley, the principal designer of Daley Home, looking for a feminine workspace.

"The white desk from Noir has a ton of character and detail, and it’s also large to provide ample works space," Van Daley says. "Adding grasscloth wallpaper provided a great color palette while also adding texture."

29. Modern-day 'Mad Men'

Madeline Harper Photography

Van Daley designed this space in a man's home office so he could sit and sip a cocktail at the end of a workday (Don Draper would approve). The large artwork provides a beautiful backdrop for Zoom calls.

30. Business meets casual

Photographer Madeline Harper Photography

"Offices come in all shapes and sizes," Van Daley says. "This family didn’t need a full-size office, so we designed a small nook off of their family lounge. This is their informal living room, where they unwind at night, and can also serve as a workspace when needed."

31. Feather in your cap

Molly Culver Photography

Van Daley wanted to ensure this space packed a punch because it could be seen from the living space. "We added feather wallpaper over the desk and alabaster sconces to create a beautiful space to knock out those last-minute tasks or take care of some bills," she says.

32. Fun and games

Molly Culver Photography

Van Daley had a blast designing this room for a client who wanted a functional—but not formal—home office.

"This room was right off the dining and living [room areas], so we opted for a dining table in the room that allowed for a great workspace, as well as a great space to catch up with guests or play a round of cards," she says.

33. Workflow

Molly Culver Photography

This office is set right near the primary bedroom. The aesthetic needed to "flow and build upon the retreat-like feel" Van Daley and her team created in the bedroom.

"It boasts a sofa to relax and read a book, as well as a desk to sit down and take care of any work," she says. "The motorized drapes allow for optimum lighting control if you need to take a video call."

34. Movin' on up

Design Insider

Reclaim an attic space.

"Attic spaces are often underutilized, so why not make them into a quiet, cozy office?" says Amanda Wyatt, the founder of Design Insider. "Even with just a few small windows, attic spaces can also have some of the best light in a house."

35. Finishing touch

Photographer The English Den

No Murphy bed? No problem.

"Tucking a desk in a guest room is a great way to add a home office without sacrificing the space of an entire room," says Julia Lauve, an interior designer and the co-founder of WORKSHOP | studio. "When using a variety of furniture pieces in a room like this, we suggest sticking with a few finishes and repeating those textures to create visual continuity."

36. Peekaboo

Photographer Bonnie Burke

Desks do not need to be made of wood.

"A peekaboo console of glass or acrylic adds a home office workspace without adding a lot of visual weight," Lauve says.

37. Banquette hall

Photographer The English Den

"Tucking a banquette at the end of a corridor adds a home office to an otherwise unused area," Lauve says. "Adding a fun wallpaper, like this colorful feather print, offers an interesting and fun background for video calls."

38. Just delicious

Photographer The English Den

Sticking with the banquette theme, Lauve used it again for a home office situated in a kitchen.

"A clever dining banquette with task lighting provides a perfect work-from-home nook in this eat-in kitchen and living area," she says.

39. Raise the bar

Photographer The English Den

You can have a little fun with your space when working from home.

"Comfortable barstools at a bar or counter are a great place to work from home," Lauve says. "We like to use upholstered stools with a back for a little more support. A bar-height counter can also provide a perfect standing desk and a change of scenery for working from home."

40. Simply simplistic

Photographer Bonnie Burke

You don't need to reinvent the wheel when creating a space for your home office.

"A quiet corner can double as a home office with the right furniture and accessories," Lauve says. "This clear acrylic console and cane back task chair are both pretty to look at when not in use."

41. Small, smart and sleek

Photographer Bonnie Burke

Small spaces require some creative thinking to optimize an area.

"A wall-mounted desk with overhead shelving adds clever storage and a work surface to this small-scale living space," Lauve says. "Sleek design details allow this space to double as both a living area and a very usable home office."

Related: 35 Pergola Ideas to Completely Transform Your Outdoor Space

42. Built better

MasterBrand Cabinets

Freestanding desks are common but can feel cluttered in a WFH environment. 

"For a more organized environment, consider adding a built-in desk and cabinetry to your home office instead," says Stephanie Pierce, the director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. "The additional storage can make it easier to quickly tuck away clutter for a cleaner and more productive workspace."

43. On the surface

Formica

"People often overlook their work surfaces, but they present a great opportunity to maximize functionality in home offices," says Meghan Howell, the North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation. 

Think writable surfaces, which can transform a wall or desktop into a dry-erase board designed for brainstorming and brain dumps.

44. Sage advice

Courtesy of Valspar

"For workers who thrive in tranquil and focused environments, rich sage hues that draw on the healing power of nature...can create a comfortable and serene setting to focus in when applied to accent walls or nearby accent furniture," says Sue Kim, the director of color marketing at Valspar.

Kim gravitates loves warm greens like thyme.

45. Double-check

Jana Donohoe Office, Milton & King Wallpaper

Interior designer Jana Donohoe used buffalo check wallpaper from Milton & King in her personal home office.

“Stepping into my revitalized spaces, I’m now greeted with an atmosphere that fosters productivity and creativity," Donohue says, adding that the "vibrant" greens add to a sense of purpose and style when she enters her workspace.

46. Long game

Douglas Hill Photography

Emily LaMarque, the founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio, had a mission: design a space in a two-bedroom condo that could function as a place for guests to sleep and an office.
"Rather than placing nightstands on either side of the bed, we opted for a single nightstand and built a custom desk against the wall that provides drawers and concealed storage," LaMarque says. "The long desk creates ample workspace, and when guests come, the clutter can easily be stored away."

47. Be bold

Douglas Hill Photography

While some may prefer muted, tranquil hues, LaMarque says you aren't limited to these colors—be playful if you wish.

"A home office is the perfect place to get bold and play with colors and patterns that might feel like too much for the rest of the house," LaMarque says.

48. Small concepts

Douglas Hill Photography

For this project, LaMarque and her client set up a (small) shop in an underused spot in the primary bedroom, "complete with a cozy window seat with storage drawers underneath. 

"The floating shelves provide opportunity for display while the cabinet doors cover up less sightly tools like printers, shredders and paperwork," LaMarque says.

49. Corner office

Douglas Hill Photography

Regardless of where you sit on the org chart, your home office can be a corner one.

"This home office features a small built-in corner desk with both upper and lower storage to maximize the small space," LaMarque says. "Open shelves soften the space by providing opportunities to showcase fun accessories. A sleeper sofa opposite the desk offers a cozy spot to read while also easily transforming to accommodate overnight guests."

50. Elevate your credenza

Douglas Hill Photography

Promote your credenza from the entryway.

"By adding a pair of matching credenzas and a freestanding writing desk to a blank room, we created a home office that’s both playful and efficient," LaMarque says. 

And well lit.

51. Bright ideas

Douglas Hill Photography

"Bright colors in the artwork, rug and accessories break up boring office monotony, and graphic patterned drapes add a luxurious feel and soften the floor-to-ceiling windows," LaMarque says.

52. In sync 

Douglas Hill Photography

There's multi-functional, and then there's this challenge faced by LaMarque: She was tasked with designing a home office that doubled as a recording studio. 

"Versatility was key," she says. "We created a separate sound space closed off by the door, but for the main office area, we laid out many different functional zones. A long multi-purpose desk serves for both computer tasks and music equipment, a cafe spot allow for coffee and collaboration, a small cabinet conceals both fridge and pantry for refreshments and a TV and gaming lounge is a communal hang spot."

53. Family-friendly 

Diana Koenigsberg Photography

A kitchen office space offers convenience for work-from-home caregivers.

"Having a desk in the kitchen can be an easy and accessible spot to create a workspace at home," LaMarque says. "Whether freestanding or built-in, a worktop and a few drawers can provide a central family hub for tasks from homework to paying bills."

54. Break time

Charlotte Lea Photography

Your home office should totally have a break room—or at least a spot to chill for a second after back-to-back meetings that could've been emails.

"For a work break or a quick rest, consider adding a cozy chair to your office," LaMarque says. "A lounge-y, occasional chair is a great office spot to close your eyes for a few moments, take a phone call or get a change of pace in your workday."

55. Think pink

Interior Design & Photo Styling: O’Hara Interiors, Remodel, Knight Construction, Photography: Spacecrafting Photography

Perks of WFH: You get to pick your favorite color to work with. In this case, it was pink.

"[Pink] complements the softness and calmness of the workspace," says Kate O’Hara of O’Hara Interiors. "The furniture, artwork, and cool-toned grey built-ins are all strategically placed to enhance the overall aesthetic."

56. Make room for collaboration 

Interior Design & Photo Styling: O’Hara Interiors, Builder: Tomlinson Schultz, Architect: Craftwell Architecture, Photography: Spacecrafting Photography

Who says you can't collaborate or be productive from home?

"This home office space was created to allow for individual and collaborative work," O'Hara says. "Whether seated at the desk or in the comfortable lounge area, productivity is the main focus. Furthermore, the homeowner required ample storage and display options for their beloved book collection."

57. With a view

Interior Design & Photo Styling: O’Hara Interiors, Remodel: MDS Remodeling, Photography: Spacecrafting Photography

"This beautiful office space boasts a stunning view of a private wooded area," O'Hara says. "With tall windows along three walls, the area is peaceful and ideal for work. The central desk and several comfortable chairs, along with a storage console, all contribute to the productivity within this office design."

58. Plant-based

Decorilla

Bring the outdoors in by adding some plants to your home office.

"Plants are like little bursts of energy and life in your workspace," says Devin Shaffer, an interior designer with Decorilla. "They not only look great but also help clean the air and create a more relaxed vibe. Pick out a few low-maintenance plants that you love, and watch your space come alive."

Related: 45 Most Common Houseplants to Grow in Your Space

59. Integrity in design

Donna Dotan Photography

A good quality in a colleague and a home is integrity. 

"In this traditional Tudor home, we respected the integrity of the architecture by designing custom built-ins to reflect the style of the home with a subtle, Tudor-arch detail," says Claire Paquin, the founder of Clean Design. "The open shelving allows for the display of the client's favorite objects, and the closed cabinets below allow for ample storage for office supplies and files."

60. Architectural details

Donna Dotan Photography

Taking a step back from No. 59 reveals a stunning entry to the home office. Paquin and her team designed custom French doors with stained glass windows in varying shades of blue "to enclose the room and give the homeowner privacy as she worked."

61. Reach for the stars

Photographer Regan Wood

Paquin suggests sunsetting the idea that an office is an "all work, no play" environment.

"Sometimes you need a place to take a break and reflect," Paquin says. "In this space, we added a comfortable lounge chair and ottoman where the homeowner can pause during a busy work day. In addition, the client loves astronomy, so we included a telescope for stargazing."

62. Work of art

Photographer Regan Wood

"The home office should be inspiring, so it is important to include artwork that inspires you and makes you happy," Paquin says.

63. Get funky

Photographer Regan Wood

Paquin loves the idea of adding unexpected hardware, like a multi-color animal statue.

"Adding great hardware is like accessorizing with amazing jewelry," she says.

64. Minimalist chic 

Donna Dotan Photography

Sometimes, straightforward—with a touch of spunk—is best.

"In this home office, we used a beautiful blue on the walls and minimal design in the space," Paquin says. "The client wanted a clean space with minimal clutter."

65. Au natural

Photographer Kyle J. Caldwell

Elana T. Cline, the founder of Carta Creatives, loves the idea of an office with natural surroundings and light, so she designed her own at-home workspace to reflect that.

"In my home office, I love that the room is open and airy with high ceilings and tons of natural light," Cline says. "I played with scale by including an organic and gorgeous overhead light."

66. Modern minimalist

Just Value Doors Ltd.

Another vote for minimalism. This whitewashed space offers a different riff on the aesthetic than the one in No. 64.

"This office is characterized by its clean lines and absence of clutter, which helps in maintaining a clear mind," says Chris Langley, the visionary director of Just Value Doors Ltd. and an interior designer. "The furniture is sleek and functional, with a white desk and subtly elegant accessories. High-contrast elements, such as a bold black lamp or monochrome artwork, add visual interest without overwhelming the space."

67. Dog-friendly workplace

Photographer Angela O'Brien

As a professional organizer, Enneagram coach and podcast host, Angela O'Brien says she spends most of her working hours at her desk. She has a very special co-host: A four-year-old German Pinscher named Coco. Coco isn't pictured (sadly), but peep her bed. 

"She works hard by sleeping through my recordings and alerting me when the doorbell rings," says O'Brien, the founder of Your Space Reclaimed. "She deserves a comfortable space, too, and therefore has a designated spot for her dog bed just close enough for an occasional pat on the head."

68. Secretly sentimental

Photographer Angela O'Brien

Working from home gives you space to be authentic and curate a space that matches. O'Brien added personal elements to her husband's office when designing it.

"To appease my husband's secretly sentimental side, we added a beautiful piece from Pottery Barn that displays all of his most cherished items from his past," O'Brien says.

69. Make a statement

Interface/FLOR

The color scheme may be neutral in this office, but the patterns stand out.

"We see circles and dots taking off in office spaces, making a bold statement," Simcox says. "Add circle or dot-shaped rugs or accents to your home office to foster creativity." 

70. Mad for plaid

Interface/FLOR

Plaid isn't just for school uniforms—it's a trend Simcox has noticed.

"Update your office with a modern twist on the traditional by incorporating plaid or large square shapes," she says. "It creates a timeless feel while being fresh and new."

71. Hybrid

Photographer Lisa Romerin

So...your workspace is in your bedroom, even though conventional wisdom advises keeping them separate. 

"We added various throw blankets and pillows to make the area more inviting and feel connected to the comfort of the overall space," says Joshua Smith, the principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc., who emphasizes prioritizing calm and comfort in a home office.

 72. Happier hours

Photographer Paige Rumore

Brad Ramsey, the principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors, says that the study was one of his favorite spaces for a specific client project.

"It features custom wood paneling and an attached bar," Ramsey says. "While there is a functioning desk space and a built-in cabinet with filing and storage, the room serves more as a den with a generous seating area. The client’s guitars occupy the corner, designating this as a space to work hard, but also to unwind and indulge in hobbies."

Related: 73 Inspiring Bedroom Ideas and Expert Tips to Transform Your Home, According to Interior Designers

73. On-brand

Photographer Life Created

"Not only is this office part of my home, but it is also the headquarters of the Living with Lolo team," says Lauren Lerner, the CEO and founder of Living with Lolo. "The modern, contemporary design beautifully blends my personal home aesthetic with the firm's statement aesthetic. Ample space allows the team to spread out during brainstorming, with a connected room divided by a glass door with beautiful detailing for those moments that require solo focus."

74. So moody

Photographer Jenifer McNeil Baker

Eddie Maestri, the principal architect and owner of Maestri Studio, loves that this office is moody but not too dark.

"The differing textures at play on the desk, the light fixture, the rug and the sideboard keep the room from feeling too one-dimensional despite its monochromatic scheme," Maestri says. "The sliding library ladder adds old-world sophistication."

75. Shared spaces

Paige Rumore Photography

Sometimes, homeowners must strike a balance between masculine and feminine energy. Such was the case when Ramsey worked with a couple.

"She wanted this office to be a pretty space that could be somewhat masculine, but not overly," Ramsey says. "She also wanted all of the 'officey' things hidden away. He wanted it to be functional and have easy access to everything he needed."

The power of compromise, right? 

"We were able to provide him with lots of filing as well as pull-outs for a printer and a shredder hidden in the base cabinets," Ramsey says. "In the upper cabinets, we installed custom decorative brass wire mesh to hide all of the books that he wanted to house that were not necessarily attractive. We balanced that with some open shelves for decorative items."

76. Hidden hacks

Photographer Zeke Ruelas

Must-haves like printers and tech gear are a necessary evil, but can crowd a space.

"The extra-long Vanguard Furniture sideboard has a hidden filing system as well as pull-out trays for printers, shredders and unattractive electronics to be neatly tucked away," Ramsey says. "This allows clients to have all that they need at their fingertips without it crowding the space when they want to grab a book and just relax.".

77. Black at it

Photographer Life Created

Lerner says this space was all about productivity and chicness. Be sure to look up.

"We painted the ceiling black for a bold statement and paired it with marble mosaic tile flooring," Lerner says. "The brass light fixture is the jewelry of the space. The bookshelves are functional for organizing office supplies and can act as a fun, styled background for Zoom calls."

78. Welcome to the jungle

Photographer Jenifer McNeil Baker

This custom desk was built right beside a funky wall covering, and Maestri said it was important to curate accents that went with the space's "playful energy."

Yet, function was important too. "The sconce allows efficient task lighting without capitalizing valuable desk space in this small nook," Maestri says.

79. Support team

Photographer Life Created

The decor is great, but be sure to prioritize comfort and function (without sacrificing style).

"An ergonomic chair to support good posture and sufficient task lighting are next on the list of musts," Lerner says. "Although it’s optional, we added a mirror to this space to help reflect light and brighten the corner, as well as provide an easy way for that quick-check before hopping into video calls." 

80. Executive functioning

Photographer Life Created

"This home office was designed for our male client," Lerner says. "He wanted an executive-feeling office with lots of room for book storage. Adding the ladder instantly makes the office feel elevated and allows the top bookshelves to be accessible easily."

Next: Decluttering This One Unexpected Area Makes the Biggest Difference in Your Home

Expert Sources

• Kelly Simcox, the head of global Design at Interface/FLOR
• Sasha Bikoff of Sasha Bikoff Interior Design
• Dominique Bonet, the lead designer at LD&D
• Erica Peale Design/Anne Colby, Houzz home design expert
• Brandon Walker, the superintendent of ASAP Restoration

• Laura Britt, the principal of Britt Design Group

• Michele Lorenz, the principal of Ashby Collective

• Erika C. Soza-Mejia, the principal interior designer and owner of Concept 2 Design

• Danielle Dorn, mDesign’s vice president of design and creative

• Brittany Farinas, the CEO and creative director of House of One in Miami

• Jennifer Renaud, the senior vice president and CMO of Masonite

• Gideon Mendelson, the founder and creative director of Mendelson Group

• Mike Swanson, a fireplace design expert with Heat & Glo

• Cara Velten, a partner of Gale Sitomer Designs based in NYC

• Megan Siason of M Studio Interior Design

• Interior Design Partnership, LLC

•  Melichar Architects

• Autumn Stankovsky, a FLOOR360 interior designer

• Philip Consalvo, AIA, principal, PJCArchitecture

• Shelby Van Daley of Daley Home

• Amanda Wyatt, the founder of Design Insider

• Julia Lauve, an interior designer and the co-founder of WORKSHOP | studio

• Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinet

• Meghan Howell, the North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation

• Interior designer Jana Donohoe

• Emily LaMarque, the founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio

• Kate O’Hara of O’Hara Interiors

• Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar
  

• Claire Paquin, the founder of Clean Design

• Elana T. Cline, the founder of Carta Creatives

• Angela O'Brien, a professional organizer and founder of Your Space Reclaimed

• Joshua Smith, the principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc.

• Brad Ramsey, the principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors

• Eddie Maestri, the principal architect and owner of Maestri Studio

• Heather Knight-Willcock, interior designer and expert for ShopGoodwill.com

Fennel doesn't get enough love if you ask us. Although its uses are vast and its taste is one of a kind, it often gets left behind in the produce aisle, passed over for trendier veggies like cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts. So, consider this our PSA to recruit more fennel fans.

Chefs and farmers can’t get enough of fennel. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are fennel fans too—thanks to its vibrant yellow flowers—but it’s high time the rest of the US sees what we see.

Here’s everything you need to know about the versatile vegetable, including what it is, how to cut and clean fennel, what to do with fennel fronds and seeds, plus the best fennel recipes to try any time of year.

Related: 21 Best Fennel Recipes for Spring

What is Fennel?

The flowering plant known as fennel is a legendary ancient vegetable from the Mediterranean, according to Siri Erickson-Brown, owner of Local Roots Farm in Duvall, WA and member of The Female Farmer Project. 

"When Prometheus stole fire from the Olympian gods, he wrapped the glowing coal in a fennel stalk," she explains. "More to the point, fennel is a vegetable that's in the same family as celery, carrots and dill."

Identifiable by its hardy white bulb, green stalks and long feathery fronds, fennel is a perennial herb that thrives in gardens and fields. It's also packed full of fiber, along with vitamins C and A.

Gorgeous green fennel thriving in the field

Courtesy of Audra Mulkern

When is Fennel in Season?

"In its Mediterranean homeland, it was originally a fall and early winter crop, but now it's cultivated year-round in California and southern Italy," says Erickson-Brown. "On my farm in Washington, we typically harvest fennel from mid-July through first frost in mid to late October."

What Does Fennel Taste Like? 

Even though its whitish-green bulb may look similar to an onion, the similarities end there. Siri notes it tastes nothing like an onion and more like licorice. 

"Fennel has a mild to strong licorice flavor, but the intensity really depends on the variety and certain growing conditions," she explains. "Well-irrigated fennel tastes like celery and Good & Plenty candy had a love child."

Chef Drew Terp, the Culinary Director of the internationally acclaimed Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos, also likens fennel's light anise flavor to that of an Italian pizzelle cookie. "The bulb has a sweeter, crisp flavor, while the stalks and fronds are more intense," he says.

The Best Ways to Eat Fennel 

Because of its anise flavor, Terp prefers raw fennel shaved thinly in salads, like Milos' famed lobster salad with fennel and radicchio. "Fennel should be treated delicately when used," he tells Parade. "Thin shaved and eaten raw is one of the best ways to enjoy it."

He also says the bulb and stalks work well as a substitute for celery in bone broths and soups and the fronds can be used in salads or as a garnish on rice or with beans.

Estiatorio Milos' famed lobster salad with fennel and radicchio

Courtesy of Estiatorio Milos

Erickson-Brown loves fennel thinly shaved in salads, too, dressed with good olive oil,  crunchy salt, and maybe a little lemon juice. To make it fancier, she adds some citrus (orange or grapefruit are great with fennel) and Castelvetrano olives. 

When it comes to cooking fennel, she recommends sautéed fennel and carrots in browned butter. "This smells like waffle cones, although braised or gratin-ed fennel is also fabulous."

As for fennel soups, the options are limitless. Puree the bulb, stalks and fronds for a velvety green option, or chop fennel into one-inch chunks and simmer with other vegetables like carrots, onions and celery in a soup. Pasta and white beans in broth also pair nicely with fennel, as does romesco sauce over charred fennel bulbs.

Want to keep it really simple? Slice the bulb in 1-inch thick wedges, toss with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast at 400° until the veggie is browned and super soft. 

How to Clean Fennel

Because fennel grows neatly above the ground, and its bulb is tightly wrapped, dirt doesn't make its way inside the way it can with leeks and celery. "A quick rinse is usually sufficient, and it’s best to remove the outer layer if it is withered or dingy," says Erickson-Brown.

Can You Eat the Whole Fennel Bulb?

Yes! Even if you're used to working with fennel and only eating part of the bulb, stop right now. Although it's common to slice off the harder end, Erickson-Brown says you can—and should—eat the whole fennel bulb. 

"Sometimes you’ll find there is an inner core, similar to cabbage," she explains, adding that it's still edible and tasty, but can be a little fibrous. Her advice? Slice the inner core thinner, especially if using it raw for salads.

As for the fronds—those verdant sprigs resembling dill on top of the fennel bulb—they're the leaves of the plant and make a great garnish. "They tend to be fairly strong in flavor though, so a little goes a long way," says Erickson-Brown. 

iStock

What To Do With Fennel Seeds

Once you start to develop a taste for fennel and lean into all of its glorious anise-accented flavor, it's worth exploring other forms of the plant, like its seeds. 

"Fennel seeds are delicious and have a strong sweet licorice flavor," says Erickson-Brown. "They are one of the primary flavoring elements for Italian sausage, and sometimes you see them as an after-dinner palate refresher at Indian restaurants." She also loves toasted whole fennel seeds as a nice addition to braised meats and pickling liquid.

Fun fact: Fennel is a natural breath freshener, so if you have a pet who could use help in that department, a small smattering of seeds over their food could help improve bad breath and help with indigestion.

Related: What Are Leeks and How to Cook Them, According to Chefs

How to Store Fennel

Just like carrots, fennel can get soft and lose its luster if you leave it sitting on a counter or in a dry veggie basket for too long. Instead, it should be stored in a cold, humid environment, so a sealed container in the fridge is best. "This vessel does an excellent job of retaining fennel's crisp texture while protecting it from desiccation, similar to cabbage," says Erickson-Brown. 

Another reason to keep fennel stocked in your fridge is that a) it's a budget-friendly ingredient that can be found for a few bucks at the grocery store or farmer's market and b) it can store well for up to a month. So you can toss it into salads and soups—even green juice—whenever you get the urge, without worrying about it spoiling.

If you need to keep it longer than that (why tho?) dishes and soups prepared with fennel can be frozen, but Siri doesn’t recommend freezing raw fennel because that can affect its texture.

Fennel Recipes We Love

Now that you're well-versed in this multilayered veggie, grab some bulbs and get busy with these fantastic fennel recipes. 

There are roasted meats and grilled fish dishes with simply sauteed fennel, flavor-packed dips and chili with fennel seeds for a sweet, earthy taste and raw fennel salads with citrus that are begging to be made this spring and summer.

• Ina Garten’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup 
• Vegetarian Chili
• Grilled Branzino with Shaved Fennel
• Grilled Chicken Burgers
• Rack of Lamb with Fennel 
• Bagna Cauda Dip with Fennel
• The Juciest Pork Loin
• Salted Citrus Salad with Fennel, Radish, and Olive
• Scallop Salad with Apple and Fennel

Up next: 28 Sensational Spring Dinner Ideas Featuring the Best-of-the-Season Produce

In the South, sweet tea is more than just a drink option, it’s a lifestyle. The beloved sugary sweet drink is a long-standing staple in Southern kitchens, on restaurant menus and in convenience stores. But did you know that your favorite bottle of sweet tea can be used for more than just quenching your thirst?

As it turns out, sweet tea makes an excellent brine for chicken. It tenderizes the meat, gets the skin nice and crispy and helps to create the beautifully golden-brown color that comes from baking it in the oven. Whether you’re making a fresh batch of tea at home or picking up your favorite brand from the grocery store, we’ve got the perfect recipe to whip up using some of that sweet nectar of the South.

Related: My Husband Cracked the Code to the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Chicken Breast

How to Make Sweet Tea Brined Chicken

There are many recipes out there for sweet tea-brined chicken, but the most recent one to catch our eye was created by chef Millie Peartree for the New York Times. We came across her recipe for what looked to be the most tender, juicy, golden brown chicken we had ever seen and immediately bookmarked the dish. It was clear that the world-renowned chef had a trick up her sleeve, and that trick was none other than a delicious batch of sweet tea.

To make her mouth-watering sweet tea brine, all you need is 2 quarts of sweet tea, 1 lemon, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper and some chicken. Add the sweet tea, lemon juice and Cajun seasoning to a large pot or bowl and whisk until the seasoning dissolves. Submerge the chicken in the brine, then cover and refrigerate for anywhere between 6 to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels and bake at 425° until the chicken is golden and registers 165° on an instant-read thermometer.

Peartree uses three pounds of leg quarters or a mix of legs and thighs, but you can use what you have. Some recipes use this technique for a whole roasted chicken or as a brine for fried chicken, two ideas we're filing away as well. 

Using sweet tea as a brine for chicken is one of those ideas that you wish you had heard of sooner and it got us thinking about other tea-brined possibilities. We suspect pork chops or even a whole turkey would be delicious prepared this way. Pair that with a glass of sweet tea to wash it down and now you're cooking with sugar. 

Up next: Dolly Parton’s Secret Ingredient for the Best-Ever Coleslaw

Leave it to Jason Kelce to stir up chaos while filming his and brother Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast. 

In a clip shared to Instagram from a previous episode of New Heights, the former Eagles center was up to no good as he and Travis were about to take a question from a fan online. 

But Jason, 36, couldn't get past the person's X handle, @MandyAsberry, after mispronouncing their last name as if it were spelled "a--berry." 

That immediately got Jason thinking about "dingleberries," which, as Merriam-Webster defines them, are small pieces of waste stuck to the hair around a person or animal's bum—pleasant, right?  

The word can also used as a derogatory way to describe someone as foolish, and it's even an actual berry—though we can't speak to how appetizing they are considering the term's other meanings. 

"It's kind of like a dingleberry," Jason quipped, making his younger brother burst into laughter. 

"People with hairy a—holes know about dingleberries." he further joked.

And he even kept the conversation going when his wife, Kylie Kelce, walked into the room. He casually turned to her and said, "What's up, Ky? We're talking about dingleberries."

This, of course, made Travis, 34, roar with laughter, while Kylie, who wasn't in the frame, didn't seem surprised at all by her husband's antics. 

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"Are you talking about your a—hole hair on the podcast right now?" she wondered, while Travis chimed in to say, "Ky, we got to get Jason some wet wipes." 

"Who knows what we’ll talk about next on this podcast 😭" the New Heights account captioned the throwback clip, which was used to promote the new episode that dropped on Wednesday, May 15. 

The chaotic video only seemed to prove what fans already knew—that Jason is "increasingly unhinged." 

"I can only imagine what things are edited out of this podcast," one fan wrote in the comments, while someone else added, "Jason is the real troublemaker, let’s be honest 😈." 

"Kylie is concerned but not surprised 😂😂😂," someone else pointed out—and how could she be surprised? After six years of marriage, the mom of three has to be used to her husband's antics by now. 

But Jason's out-of-pocket conversation also caught the attention of the brand Good Wipes, which makes flushable wipes for all sorts of dingleberry-like situations.  

"No need to fear, help is on the way 🍑," the brand replied, leading fans to joke that a "sponsorship" was also on the way. 

Next: Travis and Jason Kelce Share ‘Amazing’ Animation Depicting Their Respective Pre-School Expulsions

Wheel of Fortune is paying special tribute to Pat Sajak as its longtime host prepares to leave the show after more than 40 years.

In one highlight reel shared on Instagram earlier this week, the show spotlighted some of the 77-year-old’s witty moments on air as he interacted with contestants over the years.

“Pat's got jokes — always has 😂,” the Instagram video’s caption said.

The highlight reel began with an old clip of Sajak asking, “So, how long you been waiting to be a contestant on Wheel?” The video panned over to show that Sajak had posed the question to a skeleton wearing a Wheel of Fortune hat, a reveal that had the audience laughing.

Another clip showed Sajak standing beside a mother-daughter contestant duo. The clip didn’t include much context, instead cutting to Sajak explaining to the daughter, “The only reason I’m laughing is because your mother is patting my rear end!”

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Subsequent clips showed Sajak teasing a clown-mortician contestant and a dog owner whose French bulldog attempted to get “involved in the skateboarding community.” He also joked with two contestants claiming to be in their DINK—dual income, no kids—era, explaining that he was instead in his LING—“large income, nearly gone”—time in life.

“You are so funny,” fellow Wheel host Vanna White told Sajak after the montage of throwback clips came to an end.

“Actually you’re the best audience, because I can get you giggling pretty quickly,” Sajak told her. He then explained to their audience that the show would resurface additional "amusing moments” in the weeks leading up to his final episode.

Sajak announced last year that he would be leaving Wheel of Fortune at the end of Season 41. That final episode, which has already been taped, is scheduled to air on Friday, June 7.

TV presenter and former American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is expected to step into Sajak’s role starting with Season 42. 

Next: Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest Spotted Filming ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in Hawaii

"Critic-proof" is a term that's seemingly thrown around a lot when discussing popular movies. With a worldwide box-office of well over $3 billion (that's not even counting a $250 million deal with Netflix) against one of the lowest-ever actor averages on Rotten Tomatoes, the term has certainly come up in discussion of the films of iconic Brooklyn native Adam Sandler. 

From a celebrated (if cut short) run on SNL (and a triumphant return many years later), to a critically adored dramatic turn in Uncut Gems, Sandler's raw performing talent has never been up for debate. And it's not exactly breaking news to say his movies have seen ups and downs. In light Netflix confirming Sandler's Happy Gilmore sequel, we've rounded up and ranked the comedy legend's very best movie roles. Ranked from pleasantly diverting to unforgettable, these are the best Adam Sandler movies of all time. 

Best Adam Sandler Movies of All Time, Ranked 16. Just Go With It (2011) Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in 'Just Go With It' 

Sony

There's a sea of low-brow but watchable Sandler comedies out there that are critically unloved, commercially successful, and not easy to recommend in any official capacity. One that is perhaps a little more amusing than most is Just Go With It, pairing Sandler with Jennifer Aniston for the first time (along with frequent directing collaborator Denis Dugan). Sandler plays a shallow, successful plastic surgeon who convinces his longtime assistant to pretend to be his ex-wife as he courts a stunning 23-year-old (Brooklyn Decker) in Hawaii. 

Featherweight Just Go With It is mostly proof that Sandler and his coworkers had a nice time at a Hawaiian Waldorf Astoria, but there are two crucial reasons the movie actually gets a fair amount of laughs: Nicole Kidman as Aniston's hyper-competitive, aggro former sorority sister, and Dave Matthews as her husband who claims to have invented the iPod. You read all that right. 

15. Spaceman (2024) Adam Sandler in 'Spaceman' 

Netflix

Coming off the best-reviewed film of his career with You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah in 2023, not to mention a prestigious, much-deserved Mark Twain Award in the same year, many were hoping this Netflix drama about an isolated Czech astronaut would continue a winning streak for the beloved star. Though Sandler's performance is sturdy and believable, Spaceman is an uneven and half-baked mashup of ideas from other familiar sci-fi stories.

Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan plays the Czech spaceman's lonely, troubled wife on Earth. As always, her presence is reason enough to tune in. When Mulligan is on screen, Spaceman is a riskier yet more grounded, much better movie. 

Related: Best Sci-Fi Movies of All Time, Ranked  

14. Billy Madison (1995)  Missi Pyle and Adam Sandler in 'Billy Madison' 

Universal

There's simply no comparing box-office hit Billy Madison to the best of what Jim Carrey was doing right around the same time (The Mask and Dumb and Dumber are looking close to timeless these days), but Sandler's farce about a spoiled adult forced to redo his schooling at a breakneck pace has considerable lowbrow laughs, thanks in no small part to a supporting cast including Missi Pyle, Darren McGavin and Bradley Whitford. 

13. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)  'Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation' 

DreamWorks

The best in Sandler's series of highly popular, charming and lightly spooky animation introduces a little romance into the mix. In Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Sandler's Count Dracula unexpectedly catches feelings for Ericka Van Helsing, granddaughter of...yeah, that Van Helsing. Luckily for us, Ericka is played by the ever-dynamic, enchanting Kathryn Hahn. This was Sony's highest-grossing animated film until 2023's Across the Spider-Verse. 

Related: Best Animated Movies of All Time, Ranked 

12. Murder Mystery (2019)  Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in 'Murder Mystery'

Netflix

Netflix venture Murder Mystery had the biggest opening weekend in Netflix's history in its time, surpassing Bird Box. Reunited Aniston and Sandler have an appealing shorthand in a comedy whodunit about a New York couple who become entangled in a European murder plot. It's an easy viewing good time, but the script should have been better given the star power front and center. A sequel followed in 2023. 

Related: Best Jennifer Aniston Movies, Ranked 

11.  The Waterboy (1998) Henry Winkler and Adam Sandler in "The Waterboy"

Touchstone Pictures

An essential Sandler hit centers on Bobby Boucher, a stuttering, timid waterboy whose aggressive outbursts take him to football glory. Sandler's charming and all, but The Waterboy remains a fan favorite most of all because of the supporting characters—especially a riotously funny Kathy Bates as bayou-dwelling Mama Boucher. She steals every scene she's in, and she's quite frankly the chief reason fans remember the film so warmly. 

10. Funny People (2009) Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in 'Funny People' 

Sandler has appeared in numerous dramatic or at least dramedic films; Judd Apatow's follow-up to home runs The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up was better in theory than in practice. Sandler gives an inspired, semi-self-reflective turn as a film superstar facing midlife crisis, but Funny People suffers from a a shaggy, aimless script that could have been something truly special with more polish. 

A great cast that also includes Leslie Mann, Seth Rogen and multiple comedy legends as themselves is at odds with scene after scene of navel gazing. 

9. 50 First Dates (2004)  Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in '50 First Dates' 

Columbia Pictures

Drew Barrymore's lovability as a film star is perhaps without peer. From E.T. and beyond, audiences fall for her beguiling good nature again and again (it's why the opening of Scream was so cruelly effective). She's a perfect match on screen with Adam Sandler; they bring out an effortlessness in each other, million-watt star quality that's often best in the quieter moments. In 50 First Dates, Sandler plays a Hawaiian vet who falls for Barrymore's Lucy, his dream girl who happens to have short-term memory loss.

The funny and sweet, even tender rom-com was an enormous hit, more than doubling its budget at the box office. Barrymore and Sandler reunited a decade later for the forgettable but hardly charmless Blended; Sandler reunited with director Peter Segal one year later for The Longest Yard.

8. Reign Over Me (2007)  Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler in 'Reign Over Me' 

Sony

The aughts through the early 2010s understandably saw a fair amount of American dramas about 9/11 and the devastating aftermath. The best of these films by a margin is Paul Greengrass's United 93, an emotionally wrecking story of heroism that's also one of the best constructed thrillers ever made. Oliver Stone's World Trade Center was a glossier but respectable multiplex drama. Cloying, inexplicably Oscar-nominated Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is best forgotten. 

Reign Over Me certainly falls on the more positive side of things. A film full of real, affecting emotions and regrettable missteps in structure and tone, the picture benefits greatly from Sandler and Don Cheadle's performances as former college roommates who reunite and bond as one grieves his wife and children. 

7. Happy Gilmore (1996)  Bob Barker and Adam Sandler in 'Happy Gilmore' 

Universal Pictures

The Waterboy told the story of a sports prodigy with anger issues serviceably enough, but Happy Gilmore did it first and better. Many of Sandler's fans say the golf comedy is one of Sandler's all-time best. It's certainly his most quotable film ("The price is wrong, Bob!"). The title of course inspired one half of Sandler's famous production company, Happy Madison. 

6. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) Idina Menzel, Adam Sandler, Sunny Sandler and Sadie Sandler in 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah'

Netflix

This charming YA adaptation about two feuding besties quickly became a relatively rare thing: a critically acclaimed Sandler comedy. Boasting a remarkable 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, coming-of-age You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah soars on the lead performance of star Sunny Sandler, a natural talent with screen presence and timing to rival her famous father's.

5. The Wedding Singer (1998) Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in 'The Wedding Singer' 

New Line Cinema

The first pairing of Sandler and Barrymore remains the best, and a highlight of both remarkable careers. In the romance directed by Frank Coraci (who directed The Waterboy the same year) Sandler plays a broke entertainer who swoons for a beautiful banquet server (Barrymore) who's unfortunately engaged to an unkind yuppie (Matthew Glave). 

The Wedding Singer has some tonally awkward, uninspired crass moments aiming at low-hanging fruit where it sells itself short, but the core of it is a thoroughly winning, utterly lovable romantic comedy that holds up a quarter-century later. The stars are luminous. 

4. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)  (2017) Adam Sandler in THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED)

Netflix

This comedy-drama was written by Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach (Barbie, Frances Ha) and stars Sandler, Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. The film is about an estranged family gathering in New York for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father. It was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with positive reviews.

Sandler was briefly hyped for an Oscar nomination here, though Netflix's awards push ultimately wasn't successful.

3. Hustle (2022)  Juancho Hernangomez and Adam Sandler in 'Hustle' 

Netflix

In Hustle, Sandler plays a struggling NBA scout who bets everything on a Spanish street player (Juancho Hernangómez). Hustle takes what audiences love about this kind of movie and delivers it with the kind of humor and heart that can't be made in a lab, or mandated by a filmmaking committee. The performances, including an understated turn by Queen Latifah, are all valuable to an enterprise that's impossible to resist and really quite moving. We're not crying; you're crying.

2. Punch-Drunk Love (2002) Emily Watson and Adam Sandler in 'Punch-Drunk Love'

New Line Cinema

The most fascinating piece of Sandler as a performer has always been rage; in The Waterboy this was explored on a surface level at best, a little better in Happy Gilmore. Though it's more dramatic than any role he'd played prior, it's worth noting Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love is definitely still a comedy, making it Adam Sandler's best comedy film by a country mile. 

Sandler plays Barry Egan, a broke and directionless businessman who falls for his sister's co-worker (Emily Watson) pretty much instantly. Their romantic bliss is threatened by an unsophisticated but rather brutal team of cons (led by a note-perfect Philip Seymour Hoffman), giving Egan's anger problems plenty of fuel. Darkly absurdist Punch-Drunk Love has negative schmaltz and still manages be romantic in a way that completely sweeps you off your feet. 

1. Uncut Gems (2019) Adam Sandler in 'Uncut Gems' 

A24

If anyone could possibly be seen as the modern successors to Martin Scorsese as masters of the crime picture, it's Ben and Josh Safdie. Sandler silenced any remaining doubters of his dramatic chops, if any remained, as towering presence Howard Ratner, in the Safdies' riveting crime caper about a compulsive gambler who puts everything on the bet of a lifetime. Idina Menzel plays Howard's long-suffering wife.

Ultimately. Uncut Gems is a merciless and unsparing portrait of an addicted soul in free fall. With suspense that's close to unbearable by design, this is nothing short of a masterpiece, and one of the finest movies on record about the decidedly non-cinematic topic of addiction. Sandler gave the best performance in any 2019 film, and the Oscars snub still stings.

Next, Best Psychological Thrillers of All Time 

If there's anyone who knows how to "Think Pink," it's Elizabeth Hurley. 

The English actress was among the attendees at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Hot Pink Party, an annual event that raises funds for breast cancer awareness. 

All of the star-studded guests showed up in various stunning shades of pink to the event, held at Glasshouse in New York City on Tuesday, May 14. 

Hurley, 58, pulled out all the stops for her hot pink look, hitting the pink carpet in a body-hugging gown that perfectly accentuated her curves. 

The long-sleeve garment featured a plunging ruched neckline pulled together with sparkling silver rhinestones in the center. The glitzy detailing could also be found at the ends of Hurley's sleeves, while she added even more glamour with a pair of dangling silver earrings. 

Elizabeth Hurley attends the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party at The Glasshouse on May 14, 2024, in New York City.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Hurley, who serves as the Global Ambassador for the Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign, also took the stage at one point in the evening to give a speech to the crowd. 

She shared some snippets of the evening to Instagram after Tuesday night's fundraiser, revealing that the event raised $11 million for breast cancer research. 

"Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer," the Gossip Girl alum captioned one of her posts on Wednesday, adding, "Only scientific research will bring an end to this deadly disease that kills more women than any other cancer."

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The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) left a comment on Hurley's post, writing, "Thank you so much for continually supporting lifesaving breast cancer research with us!"

"Together, we will #BeTheEnd 👏💞," the foundation added. 

Next: Elizabeth Hurley Sizzles in Sparkling Teal Dress With Daring Front Cutout

The View hosts are not having the criticism people are throwing at Kelly Clarkson after her personal admission to using weight loss medication, as the women told everyone to "leave Kelly Clarkson alone."

On a new episode of the talk show, co-host Whoopi Goldberg brought up her recent visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show, when Goldberg and Clarkson opened up about weight loss and health struggles.

Goldberg went on to note that people were mad at Clarkson for using medication because she previously mentioned walking while talking about losing weight in a past interview.

"A lot of people are taking the shot because they need it. Some people need bodies jump-started, some have diabetes, there's lots of reasons," Goldberg began. "[Clarkson] has been walking. But this has helped."

While the show's conversation discussed different angles like how physical health can connect to your mental health, The View hosts all agreed on one thing, "Leave Kelly Clarkson alone," ending the segment by repeating the phrase.

KELLY CLARKSON FACES BACKLASH OVER WEIGHT LOSS DRUG USE: After our Whoopi Goldberg joined the superstar on her talk show and both were candid about their weight loss, #TheView co-hosts discuss. https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/3Kdu0M933o

— The View (@TheView) May 15, 2024

The common thread in the women's conversation on the new episode was respecting people's personal decisions regarding how to manage their health, with Goldberg saying, "People have all kinds of issues, and we have to let people do what they need to do to get to where they need to get to."

"Stop being mad that they're not doing it your way!" she concluded, as the audience clapped in response. 

Clarkson said in the recent conversation with Goldberg that she was taking medicine to help with weight loss "'cause my bloodwork got so bad," noting that her doctor was urging her to try the medication for a while. 

Before this, Clarkson didn't talk about her health that much, but she briefly commented on it in an interview in January.

While she mentioned walking in New York City as a way to work out, Clarkson directly stated, "I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor," which matches her latest admission. 

Next: Kelly Clarkson Sheds Light on the Health Diagnosis That Kickstarted Her Weight Loss

Ryan Reynolds is offering his unabashed opinion on Taylor Swift's latest tour.

While appearing on Today With Hoda & Jenna to promote his new film IF alongside co-stars John Krasinski and Cailey Fleming, Reynolds revealed what he really thinks about the international pop superstar's ongoing Eras tour and if he has any plans to attend future shows overseas. 

The conversation came about as Fleming recalled her experience attending an Eras tour show and walked hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager through her collection of friendship bracelets–a craft Swifties have made part of the experience as many prepare bracelets in advance to trade them at upcoming shows. 

“This one’s from her concert, but it says Bea on it. Our opener’s name was Bea,” the 17-year-old actress said. “I think I blacked out,” she quipped. 

“I’m getting to see her again in October and I’m so excited,” she added, to which Reynolds replied: "Best concert on planet Earth."

Krasinski then chimed in, joking, “My daughters were like, 'Your movie’s good but when are we going to Taylor?'" 

Ryan Reynolds @VancityReynolds, John Krasinski @johnkrasinski and Cailey Fleming talk to Hoda and Jenna about their #TaylorSwift concerts. pic.twitter.com/OMfpsOE43h

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) May 14, 2024

And they aren't the only ones patiently waiting to make it to one of Swift's concerts as Reynolds interjected, "I’m about to go to the Madrid show."

“Very excited, my wife and kids have been to five of them, five or six now," the 47-year-old Deadpool actor noted. 

Speaking of his wife, Blake Lively (who also happens to be BFFS with the 34-year-old "Fortnight" songstress), and their four kids' experience at past concerts, he said: "They love it, they’re obsessed."

The international pop superstar only kicked off the European leg of her incredibly popular Eras tour last week, but fear not, Swifties are already keeping track of all the changes she's made to shows since her brief hiatus from touring and, of course, tallying the sightings of her NFL star beau, Travis Kelce.

Next: Ryan Reynolds Makes Bold Request of Taylor Swift

Aldi has issued a recall for four specific kinds of cream cheese that were sold in more than two dozen U.S. states.

The recall notice was issued on May 9 in cooperation with Schreiber Foods, Inc. The recall, which Aldi said was issued “out of an abundance of caution,” was prompted by a concern that the four specific cream cheese products could have a “potential salmonella” risk.

The four cream cheese products impacted by the recall include the Happy Farms Whipped Cream Cheese Spread, Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread, Cream Cheese Spread and the Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread. The recall affects cream cheese products sold in 8-ounce packaging with varying sell by dates in August and September of this year. The specific sell by dates and UPC codes of the impacted products are included on Aldi’s official recall notice and on the list below.

Whipped Cream Cheese Spread

• Sell By Dates: Aug. 30, 2024; Aug. 31, 2024; Sept. 1, 2024; Sept. 3, 2024; Sept. 4, 2024
• UPC Code: 4099100101881

Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread

• Sell By Dates: Sept. 13, 2024; Sept. 22, 2024
• UPC Code: 4099100101751

Cream Cheese Spread

• Sell By Dates: Sept. 1, 2024; Sept. 8, 2024; Sept. 15, 2024
• UPC Code: 4099100101737

Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread

• Sell By Dates: Sept. 8, 2024; Sept. 15, 2024
• UPC Code: 4099100101744

Related: Over 20,000 Cases of Apple Juice Recalled Due to Contamination Concerns

According to Aldi’s recall notice, the impacted cream cheese products were sold in stores across the country. In addition to Washington, D.C., the following 28 states have Aldi stores that sold the products impacted by the recall: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Aldi customers who discover that they have any of the recalled cream cheese products in their possession have been advised to either throw the products out or return them to Aldi, where the supermarket chain said they can receive “a full refund.” Customers seeking additional information about the recall have been urged to contact Schreiber Foods, Inc.

People exposed to salmonella can experience a variety of symptoms including stomach upset, fevers and headaches. While many people who contract a salmonella infection typically recover on their own in four to seven days, the infection can cause dehydration and, in some cases, may require medical attention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Next: 48 Keto-Approved Cream Cheese Recipes That Let You Enjoy Cheese Without Guilt

Popeyes is a certified Taylor Swift fan–and yes, we're talking about the fried chicken chain. 

On Wednesday, May 15, the brand took a page from the pop superstar's handbook and revealed its latest deal offer in a style the "Fortnight" songstress would certainly approve of. 

In honor of National Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, May 17, the quick service restaurant is giving back to its loyal fans by offering a free Golden BBQ Sandwich (in the form of 600 bonus points) with any purchase valued at $10 or more. 

Clearly, it's not the freebie that's making us think Popeyes has bad blood with one of its competitors, it's the way the company went about promoting it.  

Alongside a black-and-white photo featuring a fried chicken sandwich resting on a pillow–an obvious nod to the artwork associated with Swift's latest studio album, The Tortured Poets Department–the nationwide fast food chain also included a message with a riddle (or an Easter egg as Swifties would say). 

The promotional text read: "pOPEyes says thaNks! rewardS members: yoU caN enjoy a golDen bbq sAndwich on us when You Spend $10." 

At a passing glance, you may miss the hidden message spelled out in capital letters: "OPEN SUNDAYS," an apparent yet very subtle dig at Chick-fil-A, Popeyes' competitor that's notoriously closed on Sundays. 

Popeyes promotional offer: "pOPEyes says thaNks! rewardS members: yoU caN enjoy a golDen bbq sAndwich on us when You Spend $10."

Popeyes

Professional digs and Swiftie status aside, Popeyes' Golden BBQ Sandwich is brand-new to menus, so even if you're a fan of both chicken chains (and not Miss Americana), this is a pretty opportune time to try out the menu item–or whatever else you want to redeem those free 600 bonus points for. 

Popeyes rewards members can score the limited-time offer now through Sunday, June 30, but only at participating restaurants. The official offer terms also clarify the deal is not available through third-party delivery apps, so you're best off ordering directly from Popeyes. 

Next: Popeyes Rolling Out Sweet and Zesty New Wing Flavor