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Over the last few years, literature has become cool again thanks to a reading renaissance fueled by social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BookTok quickly became one of TikTok's most popular trends, with keen readers recommending their favorite novels to countless viewers.

One book that skyrocketed in popularity was A Court of Thorns of Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Although it was originally published in 2015, BookTok introduced the novel to a brand new audience and solidified romantasy books — a mix of romance and fantasy — as one one of the most popular genres among young readers.

The book series, which is widely known as ACOTAR by readers, has sold over 13 million copies globally, and has a dedicated fanbase that live and breathe the five book collection.

Kaeli Dance, a choreographer from Utah, was one of millions to read the much-loved novels. And after reading the first ACOTAR book, she saw her relationship in a different light.

"Most of the time [with my boyfriend href="https://parade.com/968403/parade/questions-to-ask-a-guy/"] I felt really special, but there were random moments where I felt uncomfortable," the 27-year-old told Metro.co.uk. "I felt like something was off, but I couldn’t put it into words because everything on the outside was so perfect,"

Kaeli explained that, after reading about the book's central characters, Feyre and Tamlin, she began to realize that her relationship was toxic. "I started to realize that the person I was dating reminded me of the controlling relationship Feyre had with Tamlin,"

While she attempted to ignore the situation at first, it became impossible to ignore. Karli started to feel like author Maas wrote, saying that it was like the writer "saw her future."

@dancekae

Feyre taught me to fight for myself #acotar #Sarahjmaas #feyre #acotar6 #acotar7 I broke up with someone because of ACOTAR in 2023 @Call Her Daddy

♬ original sound - Kaeli Dance

One night, Kaeli had become sick, but she didn't want to wake her boyfriend up due to the fear of how he would react. "I realized that I did not trust my boyfriend to help me, in the ways that I specifically need help, when I am at my lowest," she noted.

Following this realization, she confided in her friends about her relationship, who encouraged her to break up with her now ex-boyfriend.

After sharing her breakup story on TikTok, fellow readers revealed that they had gone through a similar situation after reading the series.

"I just did the exact same, two and a half years and now I feel so free. We should never settle for less," one viewer, known by the handle @isabelmoffatt_, commented on Kaeli's video. "I spoke to him about what made me unhappy to see if he’d change and he didn’t. I slowly detached myself from it. I still love him, I’m just not in love."

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Upgrading your kitchen doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on fancy gadgets. Walmart's bestselling Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set is turning heads for delivering both value and style at a fraction of its original price. 

With over 1,300 five-star ratings and a sale price of $25, down from $96, this set includes everything from a chef's knife to a cutting board. This set is making it easier — and a lot more fun — to prepare meals at home.

Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set, From $25 (was $96) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This set truly comes with everything you need to feel confident in your cooking. Inside, you'll find a paring knife, utility knife, tomato knife, cheese knife, santoku knife, bread knife, chef's knife, kitchen shears, a cutting board, and more. Whether you're slicing bread, chopping veggies, or prepping cheese, there's a knife for every task.

One standout feature that shoppers love is the quality of the blades. Each knife is crafted from stainless steel and coated for extra durability, so they stay sharper longer and can handle daily use. The ergonomic green handles pair beautifully with the gold-tone blades, giving your kitchen a fresh, modern look that feels both fun and sophisticated.

Related: Walmart Has ‘Incredibly Comfortable’ $40 Skechers Slip-On Sneakers in 5 Colors That Feel 'Light as a Feather'

Reviewers often mentioned that the knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold. Many said the set has everything your kitchen needs, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

"This knife set is better than any set I've had in my 62 years," one shopper stated. "I almost never review anything unless it was either superb or just awful. This set is better than my Cuisinart set. They're beautiful and incredibly functional, so sharp!"

With three color options available, including green, blue, and classic black, you can pick the set that best matches your kitchen's vibe. And at just $25, it's an easy, affordable way to refresh your cooking space or surprise a friend with a useful gift.

Shop More Deals

• Thyme & Table 32-Ounce Stainless Steel Luna Tumbler, $14 (was $17) at Walmart
• Thyme & Table 5-Piece Ceramic Mixing and Measuring Bowl Set, $20 (was $23) at Walmart
• Thyme & Table Monogram Stoneware Mug 4-Pack, $20 (was $23) at Walmart

If you're looking for a stylish, reliable, and affordable knife set, the $25 Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set is a smart choice that proves you don't need to spend a lot to get quality tools that make cooking easier. Snag your set while it's 74% off!

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When the going gets tough, the tough get going because people born on these four dates handle stress well. Staying calm, cool, and collected in high-stress situations is a skill many don’t possess. It’s easy to get upset and to add more fuel to the fire when a stressful situation feels overwhelming. Luckily, people born on these four birth dates rarely break a sweat. It doesn’t matter if their workday is going up in smoke or if a last-minute issue becomes a larger-than-life problem. Individuals born on these dates approach each stressful situation without losing their cool.

Numerologists believe that the energy and frequency of these four birth dates correlate with the ability to handle stress well. While each birth date has its own unique characteristics, all four birth dates align with one of these three numbers: 1, 2, or 3. Working with the numerological energy of 1, 2, and/or 3 speaks to remaining calm even if everyone else is panicking. Read on to discover why these birth dates handle stress well and what you can potentially learn from them.

Do You Handle Stress Well, Based on Your Birth Date?

Check if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 1st - The Fearless First Responder

Stress doesn’t deter you if you’re born on the 1st. Numerology says you align with the pure energy of 1, which gives you a courageous, brave spirit. You’re naturally emboldened by your birth date. There’s nothing that deters you, since the energy of 1 encourages you to tackle everything head-on. You’re completely dauntless, no matter the situation. Stressful moments, experiences, and connections don’t resonate with you. Many other life experiences have already prepared you for this moment. Instead of shrinking, you straighten up and get to work. You tackle stress with self-assurance by throwing yourself into the fray without a second thought. If anyone has it handled, it’s you.

NEXT: The Country That Calls Your Soul, Based on Your Birth Month

Born on the 12th - The Calm in Everyone Else's Storm

Nothing can get you down when your birthday falls on the 12th. According to numerology, you embody the distinct energies of 1, 2, and 3. This means you embrace 1’s bravery, 2’s diplomacy, and 3’s optimism. The combination of these numerological energies means you embrace stress as a personal challenge. You already know you’ll stay calm and carry on regardless of what’s happening. Because you’re so at ease despite the chaos, you actually inspire others to center themselves. Luckily, you don’t need anyone else to assist with de-escalating. The energy of your birth date gives you the self-assurance, positivity, and flexibility to confidently navigate stressful moments with astonishing ease. 

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Months With Strong Boundaries

Born on the 14th - The Cool-Headed Problem Solver

You’ve never met a stressful situation you couldn’t handle thanks to being born on the 14th. Having this birth date means you embody the numerological properties of 1, 4, and 5. You can thank 1 for your bravery, 4 for your tenacity, and 5 for your changeability. Embracing this unique combination makes you a force to reckon with, even in the most high-stress situations. Most would feel stumped when they’re overwhelmed with anxiety, but not you. Your brain begins working overtime to consider all possible avenues and solutions. Stressful moments offer you a chance to flex your skills. You have the steadfastness and innovation to get through anything that comes your way.   

NEXT: Your Perfect Comfort Meal, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 23rd - The Resilient Bounce-Back

Stress won’t slow you down if you're born on the 23rd. Numerologists believe that your birth date handles stress well, because it represents the combined energies of 2, 3, and 5. The ability to regulate your feelings comes from 2, while 3 grants you a positive attitude and faith-based mindset. 5 assures that you can bounce back from anything life throws your way. These three numbers make you incredibly resilient. It doesn’t matter what’s happening or going down, because you know you can handle it. Believing in your skills and strengths gets you through highly anxious periods. Trust that you will always hold it down no matter what comes your way.

UP NEXT:

For anyone who has ever strategically "repurposed" an airline amenity kit as a tech pouch or an evening clutch, Delta is making it very difficult to leave these behind. On May 11, 2026, the airline debuted its latest collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, and the result is a high-style upgrade that feels more like a seasonal fashion drop than a standard cabin refresh.

The new Delta One kits are ditching the one-size-fits-all approach in favor of five destination-inspired colorways, including names like Seoul Sunrise (a vibrant orange) and Malta Coast (a Mediterranean aqua).

According to Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Delta’s managing director of Brand Experience, the objective was to move away from single-use items: “Our goal was to create lasting reminders of Delta that stay with customers long after their journey.”

Related: Delta Just Announced 3 Game-Changing Upgrades for Coach Passengers

Delta

While the Missoni zigzag-patterned socks and structured bags are the undeniable showstoppers, the exclusive skincare inside adds a deeper layer of luxury to the experience.

Delta is tapping into current beauty habits by introducing Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Eye Patches exclusively onboard before they even hit retail shelves in July. For the 55% of Delta One customers who ranked lip balm as their absolute must-have, the kit also features a new spearmint version alongside a vanilla and orange peel hand cream.

Related: The 7 Best Airlines for Lay-Flat Beds in 2026, According to The Points Guy

Dimbiloglu describes the update as part of a larger shift toward slow travel, stating, “Travel should restore us—not just carry us from one place to another.” For those of us who prioritize a "carry-on only" lifestyle, these kits serve as a functional, premium organizer that works long after you've landed at Sydney Coral or Cape Town Canopy. The rollout begins this month on long-haul flights departing from ATL, JFK and LAX, so you might want to leave a little extra room in your bag for the return flight.

Related: Is This the Most Stylish Amenity Kit Ever? Etihad Teams Up With LANEIGE

Former Disney Channel starlet Hilary Duffhas been making headlines of late because of her new album Luck...or Something, which was released on February 20, and her upcoming tour, The Lucky Me Tour. Now, Duff is gracing fans with a brand-new photoshoot with Sports Illustrated.

The new photos show the Lizzie McGuire star in a range of swimsuits, from a vibrant red one-piece to sporty bikinis and many more. A few shots even show off Duff's rarely-seen tattoos, including a small butterfly on her left thigh and a small black heart on her wrist.

In addition to her time on the Disney Channel during her teen years, which saw her in roles such as Cadet Kelly, Duff has appeared in various projects, from the 2004 cult classic A Cinderella Story to an ongoing role as Sophie in the How I Met Your Motherspinoff show, How I Met Your Father.

In the early 2000s, Duff's music career was also booming, with hits like "So Yesterday," "Wake Up" and "Why Not." However, Duff had a significant 10-year break from music, with her most recent album before Luck...or Something being the 2015 studio album Breathe In. Breathe Out.

In part, that gap was likely a result of Duff's focus on acting, as she had several roles during that 10-year span without a new album. However, between 2015 and 2026, Hilary also gave birth to three of her four children (with her oldest son, Luca, born in 2012).

The mom of four has therefore been quite busy over the last decade; however, millennials who grew up on her Disney Channel shows and movies as well as her early music have been expressing considerable excitement about her return, particularly with her upcoming tour, which kicks off this summer.

While fans await those shows, though, Duff's new Sports Illustrated shoot is certainly something to be excited about.

In many ways, Ruffles make for the perfect snack to enjoy for when you're lazing around your living room, sitting poolside on vacation or while seated onboard a plane on the way to your next summer vacation destination.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, Ruffles is officially giving fans further reason to celebrate with the debut of an entirely new flavor in its extensive potato chip lineup.

According to Allrecipes, Ruffles is set to roll out their new Buffalo Wings Chip flavor, providing the ultimately summertime snack for all those interested in a spicy potato chip to enjoy this coming season.

For those who might be a bit concerned about the heat level present in the new potato chips, fret not! The Buffalo Wings flavor instead focuses on the distinct flavor profile commonly featured in the popular appetizer option, prioritizing its vibrant and tangy taste over dehabilitating heat.

A great option for backyard barbecues and beach snacking alike, the new chips are also perfectly timed for the coming festivities scattered throughout the summer, including (most obviously) the imminent arrival of the Fourth of July.

As Allrecipes helpfully pointed out, this is hardly the first time Ruffles tried to heat things up with a chip flavor based on buffalo wings. A few years back, the iconic chip brand famously rolled out their Ruffles Double Crunch Hot Wings, combining upfront heat with Ruffles' extra crunchy potato chips.

In spite of the item's unwavering popularity among fans, the chip flavor was eventually discontinued in 2020, making the new Hot Wings' debut that much more meaningful among longtime fans of the brand.

As of yet, it's not clear how long exactly the Ruffles Hot Wings will be around. But if past releases are any indication, fans should think about grabbing the new chips sooner rather than later just to be safe!

Carvel just revealed it's updating one of its menu items to be "better than ever" with millions of customization options.

The 90-year-old ice cream shop chain is home to signature recipes like the classic Flying Saucer, Fudgie the Whale ice cream cakes, indulgent Sundae Dashers, and, of course, the Carvelanche, which it introduced in the '90s and is now relaunching this month with a new and improved recipe.

Among the changes are also expanded customization options, giving guests more control over how they order their Carvelanche than ever before. Carvel is also offering a special limited-time delivery promotion commemorating the update, offering free Carvelanches for one day this week—talk about a sweet deal!

Carvel Updates Its Signature Carvelanche With a New Recipe and Enhanced Customizations

The new recipe "perfectly layers Carvel’s signature real soft serve ice cream and premium toppings with an optimized blending process," according to an official press release. The company says the new recipe—which returns six refreshed fan-favorite menu items—results in a smoother texture, richer flavor and more consistent mix-ins.

Related: Wendy’s Is Dropping a New Frosty Inspired by a Nostalgic Treat—Here’s When It Arrives

• Carvel Crunchies Carvelanche: The Original Soft Serve blended with iconic Carvel Crunchies for a perfectly crunchy bite every time
• Cake Mix Carvelanche: Soft serve blended with cake mix and confetti sprinkles for a nostalgic, celebratory twist
• Cookie Dough Carvelanche: Rich, doughy indulgence in every bite
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Carvelanche: The ultimate sweet-and-salty combination
• Oreo Carvelanche: Creamy cookies-and-cream perfection
• M&M’s Carvelanche: Pops of chocolate crunch throughout

Carvel's Carvelanche launches with a new and improved recipe, six fan-favorite flavors and 'millions' of customization options.

Carvel

Along with the six returning fan-favorite Carvelanche flavors, fans can now personalize the recipes with any menu item of their choosing. The new customization rules let guests choose any soft-serve flavor and any available topping ($0.99 each) to create their own Carvelanche (or further improve an existing treat), offering over 7 million possible combinations, per the brand.

The new and improved Carvelanche is available beginning today (Tuesday, May 12) in 12-ounce (starting at $6.99), 16-ounce (starting at $7.99), and 24-ounce (starting at $8.99). To celebrate, Carvel has partnered with some of the most popular delivery apps for a sweet promo. On Saturday, May 16, customers who order a $10+ delivery order with either DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats can enjoy a free small Carvelanche.

Next: Breyers and Good Humor Turn Nostalgic Ice Cream Bar Favorites Into 2 New Pint Flavors

More than 30 years since its debut, Nell, the psychological drama movie, is seeing a moderate resurgence following the renewed appreciation for older films among viewers and its availability on streaming platforms.

Released in 1994, the film not only received significant success but also became a standout movie due to its emotional intensity and unconventional premise.

On top of that, Nell also featured a groundbreaking performance by Jodie Foster, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and celebrated actresses.

Directed by the highly acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Apted, the thriller drama follows the story of a young woman named Nell Kellty, played by Foster.

Jodie Foster attends the "Nell" New York premiere and after party at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on December 6, 1994.

Eric Weiss/WWD via Getty Images

She grew up in extreme isolation after spending most of her life in a remote woodland cabin in North Carolina.

Together with her mother, Nell grew up living away from civilization and spoke a unique language of her own.

After her mother passed away, she was left completely alone in a remote mountain cabin.

It was the town doctor, Dr. Jerome Lovell, played by Liam Neeson, who first discovered the young woman’s situation, eventually becoming her primary protector, confidant and closest friend.

The duo was joined by psychologist Dr. Paula Olsen, portrayed by Natasha Richardson, who wanted to study Nell’s rare condition.

In a previous interview, Foster told film critic Roger Ebert why she accepted the role of Nell.

“I’m always drawn to characters that live lives that I couldn’t lead,” she said, adding, “People who survive and don’t allow the world to change them. Maybe this movie will give someone the idea that if Nell can be herself, maybe it’s OK for them to be brave, too, about their idiosyncratic natures and their otherness.”

Lo and behold, the movie became a career-defining moment for her, showing a departure from her usual portrayal of "strong" characters.

At the time of its release, Nell did not achieve blockbuster success but earned modest financial success.

Despite earning only $62,663 during its opening weekend, the 1994 movie grossed $73 million internationally and $106 million worldwide against a production budget of $24.5 million, according to industry analyst Box Office Mojo.

Regardless of not becoming a box office hit, Nell was a major contender at major award-giving bodies.

The movie was nominated at the 52nd Golden Globe Awards with three nods, particularly Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Original Score for a Motion Picture and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for Foster.

In addition to this, Foster made history by winning the first-ever Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in 1994.

The then-31-year-old actress beat fellow nominees Jessica Lange for her role in Blue Sky, Meg Ryan in When a Man Loves a Woman, Susan Sarandon in The Client and Meryl Streep in The River Wild.

Related: 2004 Hit Action Film, Inspired by International Crime Classic, Named Among ‘Best Movies to Stream’

The NCIScast keeps growing, with some stars popping in for single seasons and others on the series for over 20 years.

The original cast could have been much different, with A-list names like Harrison Fordand Jennifer Anistoninitially floated for the characters of Gibbs and Katie, but no one can deny the chemistry that the series created with its roster. The show's 23rd season finale airs on May 12, 2026—an amazing milestone in television!

From OG series regulars to recurring roles and current cast members, find out what your favorite NCIS stars are doing now.

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Related: 18 Famous Guest Stars You Totally Forgot Appeared on NCIS

NCIS Cast Then and NowMark Harmon

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Mark Harmonstarred in the backdoor pilot episodes of JAG that led to its spinoff, NCIS. Heled the cast of NCIS for 18 full seasons as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and became an executive producer on the series in 2008. He exited the series in Season 19, Episode 4, "Great Wide Open."

"The longest time I ever spent anywhere at any one time was five years on Chicago Hope," Harmon said after his character was written off the series. "This show is still doing what it's doing after 19 years and remains remarkable. I don't know that it will ever happen again. I'm proud of this show and I’m proud of the people here. This group, this family, this team has been through a lot and being part of this show for as long as most of us have been here, I’m proud of that and the people who jumped onboard as well."

Following Harmon's exit from the show, he worked with the series's technical advisor, an actual former NCIS agent Leon Carroll, Jr., on the book Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.

Harmon currently narrates NCIS: Origins, a prequel series centered on a younger version of Gibbs played by Austin Stowell.

Way back in 2003, Harmon appeared in Freaky Friday (he was engaged to Jamie Lee Curtis' character), and he reprised his role in the 2025 sequel, Freakier Friday, with Lindsay Lohan and Curtis also returning.

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Pauley Perrette

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Pauley Perrette was a fan favorite as the quirky, mall goth forensics specialist Abby Sciuto, and the role was a special one for her: She studied criminal science before becoming an actor.

She played Abby for the first 15 seasons of NCIS, then starred in the series Broke in 2020, which was unfortunately canceled after a single season. Following Broke, Perrette retired from acting.

David McCallum

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A veteran of the crime and action genre from his days on The Man From U.N.CL.E. series, David McCallum starred as the NCIS chief medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard since Season 1. McCallum died on Sept. 25, 2023, at age 90.

“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” NCIS executive producers Seven D. Binder and David Northsaid in a statement.

“But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”

Michael Weatherly

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Michael Weatherly starred as Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo from Season 1 to 13, then left to star in Bull from 2016 to 2022.

Weatherly was accused of sexually harassing Eliza Dushku on the set of Bull, leading CBS to pay her a $9.5 million settlement. When the allegations went public, Weatherly said in a statement, "When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized."

Bull ended in 2022. Weatherly reprised his role as DiNozzo in the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva, but the show was canceled after one season. He also co-hosts the podcast Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch with de Pablo.

Sasha Alexander

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Sasha Alexander starred in the first two seasons of NCIS as Caitlin Todd until her character was killed off. She went on to star in TNT's Rizzoli & Isles and Shameless, and later directed an episode of Netflix thriller You. She also directed an episode of the final season of Bull, starring her former NCIS castmate Michael Weatherly.

More recently, she starred as FBI Agent Dawn Ruth in Season 4 of Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer.

Sean Murray

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Sean Murray was a recurring star as Senior Field Agent Timothy McGee in Season 1 before being bumped up to a series regular in Season 2. Murray is the stepson of NCIS co-creator and co-executive producer Donald Bellisario.

He is also known for his role as Thackery Binx in Disney's Hocus Pocus.

Cote de Pablo

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Though she's actually of Chilean descent, Cote de Pablo is best known for playing former Israeli Mossad agent Ziva David in NCIS. She was a series regular from Season 3 through Season 11, after which she said she left because she didn't think the scripts were that great anymore.

It was believed that her character died off-screen, but in Season 16, she made a surprise guest appearance, in which it was revealed that Ziva was alive and had been in hiding. She had a recurring role in the show again in Season 17.

De Pablo reprised her role as Ziva alongside former NCIS castmate Michael Weatherly (who plays Anthony DiNozzo) for one season in the canceled 2025 spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. She and Weatherly also host a podcast together called Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch.

Lauren Holly

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Lauren Holly starred as NCIS director and Gibbs' ex-girlfriend Jenny Shepard from Seasons 3 through 5. Holly previously co-starred with Harmon and Rocky Carroll in Chicago Hope.

She's worked steadily on guest roles and cameos since her character was killed off of NCIS, including starring as Mimsy in The Lake. She also appeared in Netflix's 2024 Christmas flick Hot Frosty and produced and starred in the 2025 comedy-drama Loathe Thy Neighbor.

Rocky Carroll

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Rocky Carroll began his NCIS tenure as a recurring guest star in Season 5, playing NCIS director Leon Vance. In Season 6, he was upped to a series regular, with his character taking over for Holly's Jenny Shepard.

In addition to his work on NCIS, he's also directed an episode of Magnum P.I., starred in the TV movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and lent his voice to several animated projects and video games.

Emily Wickersham

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Emily Wickersham's role of Eleanor Bishop started as an NSA agent in a Season 11 guest role. After de Pablo's exit, Wickersham was upped to a series regular, and eventually Bishop was promoted to an NCIS agent.

She left NCIS after Season 18 in 2021, returning for Season 23 in 2026, but has stayed mostly under the radar otherwise.

Duane Henry

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Duane Henry debuted on NCIS in Season 13 as a guest star, then became a series regular until Season 15. His character, Clayton Reeves, was killed off in Season 15, Episode 22, "Two Steps Back," in part because no one was sure how to develop his character after the death of NCIS co-creator and showrunner Gary Glasberg in 2016.

He's since appeared in movies for Hallmark and Lifetime, including 2018's A Gingerbread Romance with Tia Mowry.

Wilmer Valderrama

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Wilmer Valderrama debuted on NCIS as NCIS Special Agent Nicholas "Nick" Torres in Season 14 and remains on the series today. Valderrama's breakout role was as Fez on That '70s Show, a role he reprised in Netflix's That '90s Show.

He's also voiced several animated characters, including the titular Handy Manny, Gaxton in Disney's Onward, Agustín Madrigal in Encanto and Higgins in Zootopia 2.

Related: Wilmer Valderrama's Net Worth Revealed

Maria Bello

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Already an acclaimed actress before joining NCIS, Maria Bello starred as Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, an operational psychologist and agent, from Season 15 to Season 18.

Since her 2021 exit, Bello served as a producer and writer on The Woman King, a criminally underrated drama starring EGOT-winner Viola Davis, starred in Netflix's acclaimed Season 1 of Beef and appeared in the crime-drama series The Waterfront in 2025.

Brian Dietzen

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Brian Dietzen has been on NCIS since Season 1 as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, upping from a recurring role to a series regular. He's also written for the series.

Dietzen suffered a stroke in 2020 and underwent heart surgery. He's since fully recovered.

Related: Stream NCIS on FuboTV

Diona Reasonover

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Diona Reasonover stars as NCIS Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines, beginning as a recurring character in Season 15 and moving up to a series regular. Reasonover is also a writer on the show.

Related: 'NCIS' Star Diona Reasonover Reacts to That Big EDNA Twist: 'She Never Saw the Dark Side' (Exclusive)

The Brady Bunch was one of the most beloved television shows of the 1970s, but could it get a remake in the 21st century? Original series star Eve Plumb gave a cheeky answer in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. While promoting her memoir, Happiness Included. Plumb, 68, was asked if she could see a remake of The Brady Bunch in today’s day and age, and if so, who would she like to see cast.

“Well, you know, the six of us are still alive, so we better get on it,” she said.

Plumb played middle child Jan Brady on the ABCsitcom from 1969 to 1974 opposite fellow child stars Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, and  Susan Olsen.

In the new interview, Plumb noted that the show has never been off the air in over 50 years and continues to draw viewers in via cable and streaming services.

“I think it is the family dynamic, the sibling dynamic, having a house with a revolving door," she said of the show’s legacy. “It's never been off the air. So, it's comfort food. It's there. It's something you can turn on and it's familiar and nice bright colors and so it's comforting.”

RELATED: ‘Brady Bunch’ Star Reveals the No. 1 Question He Still Gets From Fans

Eve Plumb only missed one 'Brady Bunch' reunion

While The Brady Bunch has never been off the air, at least one original cast member was missing in almost every reunion since the original series wrapped.  Plumb was the first when she skipped the 1976 TV  special, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, and was replaced by “fake Jan,” Geri Reischl.

During an appearance onCBS Mornings in April 2026, Plumb noted, “The only Brady reunion I didn’t do was the variety show. But every other Brady TV movie I’ve done. I have always spoken highly of it. It’s put me where I am today.”

In the early 1980s, Plumb and all of the original stars appeared in the TV reunion movie The Brady Girls Get Married, which led to The Brady Brides spinoff. In 1988, Olsen skipped the highly rated holiday movie A Very Brady Christmas, while McCormick bowed out of the short-lived The Bradys drama series in the 1990s. By the time all six Brady Bunch siblings reunited for the HBTV series A Very Brady Renovation, their beloved TV parents (Robert Reed, Florence Henderson) had passed away, as had co-star Ann B. Davis.

RELATED: Eve Plumb Shocked Fans With First Post-Sitcom Role

A ‘Brady Bunch’ revival had reportedly been in the works

In 2024, Olsen, who played the youngest child Cindy Brady, appeared on the Walk Away Campaign podcast and claimed that a proposed Brady Bunch revival with the surviving cast members was scrapped early on due, in part, to her conservative political views.

“I did have the phone call with my [TV] siblings calling me and my agent,” Olsen said on the podcast. “Everybody was saying, ‘We’re sorry, but they just won’t budge. They just will not have you in this.’ I was like, ‘Wow, I’ve been canceled.’ A role that I’ve played for over 50 years, I can’t play it now because I’m too dangerous. I was like ‘Well, okay guys, good luck, I hope you can sell it.’”

According to Olsen, the revival, which would have been a modern-day spin on The Brady Bunch complete with new family members, was “dead in the water."

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With the success of The Summer I Turned Pretty and the recent hype around Off Campus, it’s not surprising to see that Amazon is continuing its push to bring romance books to the screen. Just recently, Amazon announced plans to develop T.L. Swan’s Miles High Club series, and now there’s another four-book series that’s getting an adaptation.

Just ahead of the Amazon Upfronts on May 11, 2026, Amazon announced that it had picked up Rose Hill to series. This is a four-part book series from Elsie Silver, and it’s a series many readers have been asking to see developed.

If you feel like you already knew this, Rose Hill was originally picked up for development in June 2025. It's now been officially picked up to series and officially has a streaming home at Prime Video, after months of silence about the project. Fourth Wing was also picked up to series after months in development.

‘Rose Hill’ Is Four Books All Interconnected

While there is a lot of focus right now on developing duologies, trilogies, and other series, a lot of romance authors have taken to interconnected stories. In a lot of cases, the characters have already been introduced in other books, and it’s a chance to delve deeper into who they are and what they want.

That’s the case for the Rose Hill book series. Silver wrote Wild Love, Wild Eyes, Wild Side, and Wild Card. For now, only the first book, Wild Love, will be developed for the first season of the new Prime Video series.

Wild Love focuses on Ford Grant, who is known as the “World’s Hottest Billionaire” in the story. He has always been in love with Rosie, his best friend’s little sister. However, things take a turn when a young woman breezes into Rose Hill — the town they all live in — and claims that she is Ford’s daughter. Despite Ford’s life being turned upside down, romance could be on the cards, especially since Rosie isn’t too fond of boundaries.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Production Studio Is Behind It

Amazon is clearly looking to double down on the success of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Temple Hill, which was the production company behind Jenny Han’s adaptation, will work on the production of Silver’s books. Heidi Cole McAdams has been set as showrunner, with Marc Webbdirecting the first two episodes.

When Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios, announced the project, he noted that the “Rose Hill novels have resonated with millions of readers by blending sweeping romance with grounded, emotionally complex relationships.”

It’s not clear just how much involvement Silver has in the adaptation process, but she did share her excitement about the new projects, saying, “Working with this team on the Rose Hill adaptation has been such a treat. To see everyone’s hard work and creativity come to life on screen will be a dream come true!”

When it comes to high-thrill action films that defined the 1990s, few movies come to mind or have the lasting impact of Speed. 

And rush hour never looked the same.

Released in 1994, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, the film became a box office sensation, eventually taking the spot as one of the biggest summer hits of the year. 

And it’s cemented its place as a modern action classic, generally regarded as the best action movie ever, and one that holds up years later, including by The Guardian. 

The film follows Reeves as police officer Jack, who must stop a city bus rigged with a bomb on board by vengeful mastermind and disgruntled former cop, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), that will detonate if the speed drops below 50 miles per hour.

Passenger Annie, played by Bullock, becomes unexpectedly involved with the mission, as Jack is tasked with preventing the disaster.  Along with his partner, Harry, played by Jeff Daniels, he attempts to save the people on the bus before the bomb goes off, while trying to figure out how Payne is monitoring them.

Critics and fans alike were both impressed by the film, inspired by 1985’s Runaway Train and Japan’s The Bullet Train, as the film grossed around $350 million worldwide, earning the rank of fifth-highest-grossing film of 1994.

For Reeves, who was already known for films like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Point Break, Speed helped establish him as a major mainstream action star, paving the way for future successes like The Matrix.

As for Bullock, it was a real breakout moment, as she’d only appeared in smaller movies and shows prior to the film, which catapulted her into stardom almost overnight. Shortly after the action flick, she became Hollywood’s most-wanted actress, landing hits like While You Were Sleeping and Miss Congeniality.

The duo even did most of the stuntwork themselves, with the movie’s director, Jan de Bont, making his directorial debut following success as a cinematographer on films such as Die Hard and Basic Instinct, telling the LA Times, "I knew we had something very early on."

“The moment I saw Keanu and Sandra working as a team and doing most of the stunts themselves, which is so great. The reactions are based on real reactions because they had to respond to what they were doing. That makes it so great and so relatable. And also the fact that there’s a lot of fun lines in the movie and that it’s basically nonstop and there’s real action. There’s no CGI, nothing artificial. It’s all real,” he expressed.

All of those things drove the film’s success even further, as it went on to win two Oscars at the 67th Academy Awards, taking home the honor for Best Sound and Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing.

Unfortunately, the sequel to the film, Speed 2: Cruise Control, did not see the same success as its predecessor, largely due to Reeve’s absence. 

Decades later, Speed remains the blueprint for many modern-day action thrillers, with the ‘90s hit a non-stop thrill ride, landing on a perfect formula with nail-biting storytelling, tense pacing, humor and an unforgettable chemistry between the leads.

Whip out the margaritas! Sweet Magnolias is officially returning for a fifth season. News of the renewal—announced on World Book Day 2025—came over two months after the release of the fourth season.

Ahead of the Season 4 premiere, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson told Parade, "We hope that there are many, many seasons and many, many weddings ahead of us."

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Meanwhile, one of the stars of the show, Heather Headley, admitted that she "wouldn't doubt if" they got called back to film again. She told Parade that while Season 4 felt like it "could be" the end, "if it needed to be," it never felt that way when they were filming.

"Because I still felt like there were so many questions that needed to be answered," Headley said. "So when we got to the end of it, it felt final, but still in my heart, I was like, 'No, it's not done.'"

Before the ladies of Serenity take a bite out of the Big Apple, here is everything we know about Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend in Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias

Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

How to watch Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

Like the first four seasons of the show, Season 5 will stream on Netflix.

Related: Heather Headley 'Wouldn't Doubt' a Sweet Magnolias Season 5, Shares Big Ideas for Helen's Future Wedding (Exclusive)

What is the Sweet Magnolias Season 5 release date?

Sweet Magnolias returns June 11.

How many episodes of Sweet Magnolias will there be in Season 5?

The fifth season of Sweet Magnolias will consist of 10 episodes.

What is Sweet Magnolias based on?

The series is based on Sherryl Woods' book series of the same name.

Related: Sweet Magnolias Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson and Star Joanna Garcia Swisher Reflect on Season 4’s Shocking Death (Exclusive)

Who is in the cast of Sweet Magnolias?

The key cast of Sweet Magnolias is composed of:

Courtesy of Netflix

JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Brooke Elliott as Dana Sue Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Heather Headley as Helen Decatur

Courtesy of Netflix

Logan Allen as Kyle Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Anneliese Judge as Annie Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Carson Rowland as Tyler Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Dion Johnstone as Erik Whitley

Courtesy of Netflix

Brandon Quinn as Ronnie Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Jamie Lynn Spears as Noreen Fitzgibbons

Courtesy of Netflix

Chris Medlin as Isaac Downey

Courtesy of Netflix

Justin Bruening as Cal MaddoxHow did Season 4 of Sweet Magnolias end?

The fourth season of Sweet Magnolias ended with an engagement for Helen and Erik. As for Maddie, she told Helen and Dana Sue that she'd be "stupid not to" accept that counter offer from the publishing house in New York City. And with Ronnie potentially having a meeting set up with an investor for his e-bike idea after the holidays, Dana Sue remarked that they may "actually find a way for everyone's dreams to come true."

Sweet Magnolias returns for its fifth season on June 11

Courtesy of Netflix © 2025.

What will happen in Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

From Serenity to the Big Apple! “We are thrilled to let the Magnolias take Manhattan,” Anderson told Tudum. “Not only is this adventure huge fun, it’s also an opportunity to explore the facets of their relationships in a new context. While it’s crucial to have true friends in day-to-day life, it’s priceless to have them supporting you when you leap out of your comfort zone.”

Headley has previously shared what she would like to see for her character, Helen. The actress revealed to Parade that she's already told the show that Helen's wedding "better be the wedding of all weddings for Serenity."

Related: How to Read the Sweet Magnolias Books in Order

She pointed out, "It's been years in the making. And so I think it would be a beautiful celebration."

Meanwhile, Swisher is excited about Maddie's job offer in New York. Speaking to Parade, she said, “You get job opportunities that take you outside of your bubble and reinvent relationships, and that’s what life is all about: how you do it together. So I think it’s a new level to explore, a great thing for Maddie to feel that sense of self again and reconnect in that way."

Swisher thinks it could also "lend itself to some fun storytelling and an opportunity for the girls to get out of Serenity a little bit, and maybe have a little fun together."

"Life takes you in a million different directions, but their relationships certainly aren’t a function of the fact that they all live in this small town together," Swisher added. "They are definitely in it for life, and wherever that life may take them.”

A description for Season 5 reads: "Maddie isn't the only one grappling with the demands of a new job in Season 5. Multiple citizens of Serenity seek balance and happiness while chasing dreams, navigating old and new relationships, and redefining what they want from themselves and each other. From Serenity to New York and beyond, the Magnolias meet challenges with passion, humor, love — and margaritas."

Is there a trailer for Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

The official trailer arrived exactly one month before the Season 5 premiere, giving fans a look at Helen in a wedding dress! "With wedding bells on the horizon, the Magnolias chase a shared dream, explore the world beyond Serenity, and lift each other up amid a summer of change," Netflix wrote in the description for the trailer. Watch it below:

Related: Netflix’s 'Virgin River' Finally Gets a Season 7 Release Date and Everything We Know

It’s not easy being a real boyfriend when there are so many book boyfriends showing them how it really should be done. Whether it’s a smutty romance, a dystopian drama, or even a quaint rom-com, book boyfriends constantly step up in ways to support the main female characters. In recent years, there has been more focus on developing smutty and dark romance couples, but YA still has a place to show how a man should act.

When it comes to Goodreads users, the YA book boyfriends are the favorites. Veronica Roth immediately stood out with the development of her debut YA series, Divergent. The first book ranks in the No. 5 spot on the list of “Best Book Boyfriends” of all time, proving that protection and support are exactly what’s needed.

The Development of Four in the ‘Divergent’ Series

Tobias Easton, better known as Four, was originally a member of Abnegation. Like Tris, he made a switch to Dauntless, and we would later learn that he was also Divergent. However, there was a lot hidden underneath the “brooding” walls that he built around himself to protect.

Tris had heard of stories about Four and his father, Marcus. She had heard that Four had grown up in an abusive household, and everyone believed that he had left Abnegation to escape that abuse. In fact, we would later learn in Four that he did actually get Abnegation in his aptitude test, but he followed the motto “Faction before blood,” and left for Dauntless.

Where did the name Four come from? Due to his minimal number of fears. He is only scared of four things, with one of them being his dad. It was remarkably low and something that needed to become part of his personality.

‘Divergent’ Was Originally Written From Four’s POV

Since the success of Divergent and the other two books in the series, we got a side novel titled Four to delve into the character. It turns out that the series was originally told from Four’s perspective, with what Roth called a “proto-draft,” which was a few pages with Four telling the story. His voice didn’t work as well for it, so Tris ended up being the initial narrator.

However, there was still that story of how Four left Abnegation, and Roth has explained in past interviews that, “I knew I wanted to write about his decision to join Dauntless, which I've been interested in since Divergent, when he reveals that it was pretty much to get away from his father. I thought that that was a very interesting choice for him to make, kind of a big "screw you" to Marcus.”

It wasn’t easy to create Four’s reasons for leaving his home, though. While it sounded easy, Roth explained to Goodreads that, “The exciting part was working through his decisions as he makes them because they sound so easy in the trilogy, when he talks about them, but they came to him with difficulty (refusing a leadership position, for instance—not something he just decided on the spot). I think my favorite part to write was the "surprise! Evelyn is still alive!" scene; there are so many complicated emotions there, and I was never sure what she would say.”

In the end, Four found himself drawn into Tris’ ability to face her fears. She acts despite them, and one thing that makes him such a great book boyfriend is that he learns from that instead of feeling threatened by it. There’s no doubt he’s a book boyfriend to keep, and fans agree.

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Are your countertops and drawers currently lined with odds and ends, crafting supplies, or other items that don’t have a designated space? If so, and you’re tired of the clutter, storage containers are a simple solution. They’ll help streamline your living space and give all these random objects a home. This Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set at Amazon is a fantastic option that’ll get your home organized in a jiffy.

The best part? This 24-piece set is currently on sale for less than $20! Normally retailing for $25, it’s now marked down to just $17. That’s around 67 cents per container! This storage container set comes in an assortment of sizes, designed to accommodate a variety of items. 

Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set, $17 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This set includes eight small containers, eight small-medium containers, four medium-large containers, and four large containers. For reference, the small boxes measure 2.2 inches wide, 1.6 inches deep, and 0.8 inches tall, while the large containers measure 7.1 inches wide, 4.3 inches deep, and 1.2 inches tall. 

The versatility of these storage containers is unmatched. You can use the smaller containers to organize all your bits and bobbles, crafting supplies like beads or threads, tools for any hobbies, and even jewelry if you tend to always misplace them. The larger containers are ideal for decluttering your living space from small and loose objects that are always sprawled out all over the place. You can use them to store your makeup and skincare products lining your vanity, pens and pencils on your desk, and other miscellaneous items messily lying around your home. 

Because they’re small in size, these containers are also great for organizing drawers and cabinets if they’re currently filled with random objects that you’ve collected. You can also fill them with necessities and tuck them into your go-to bag so you can always be prepared whenever you’re out and about. Multiple shoppers mentioned that they even use these containers to keep their car organized. They said that they’re great for storing bandages, gum, and floss! 

One reviewer said that these containers are “very handy to keep organized.” They also added that they have them in almost all their drawers, their toolbox, and even use them while traveling. 

Related: Amazon Has 'Super Comfortable' Clarks Wedges With 'Amazing' Arch Support for Over 50% Off

Durable and lightweight, these no-frills containers are made of PP plastic. They’re clear, so you can easily see what you have stored inside, and have a hinged lid so you can open them all the way without misplacing the top. To ensure your belongings remain safe and secure, these containers feature a simple latch that snaps into place. 

“They’re great for organizing and decluttering,” another shopper raved. “The clear containers, plus the different sizes, provided an opportunity to declutter my medicine cabinet, drawers, and jewelry.”

Ready to organize your drawers, cabinets, and countertops and start living in a clutter-free home? If so, head to Amazon and snag the Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set while it’s still on sale for just $17! 

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The summer season is officially on the horizon, with millions of people across the globe piecing together their plans for the warmer days ahead.

As we each map our tentative vacation plans for the summer, Ben & Jerry's is helping fans cool off with the arrival of two new flavors at their signature Scoop Shops throughout the country.

According to a new post shared by the company on Instagram, Ben & Jerry's has rolled out their new Key Lime Pie Non-Dairy and Black Raspberry Fudge Chunk in their nationwide Scoop Shops.

As the name might suggest, the Key Lime Pie Non-Dairy features a delicious balance between tart lime, crunchy graham cracker chunks and a creamy consistency reminiscent of an actual key lime pie.

The Black Raspberry Fudge Chunk, on the other hand, combines rich chocolate fudge with bittersweet black raspberry, ensuring the ultimate treat for fruit lovers and cocoa fans alike.

As delicious as the new treats are sure to sound, it's worth noting that, unfortunately, the desserts are exclusively found at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, with no current plans to bring the ice cream flavors to the convenient pint-sized packaging the iconic brand remains known for.

As one might expect, the new flavors have earned an altogether positive response from fans across social media. On Ben & Jerry's comments section for their recent post, many consumers chimed in with their enthusiastic reaction to the introduction of the new flavors.

"Had both multiple times at the shops up in Boston," one fan wrote. "HEAVENNN."

"Confirmed - both are delicious!" added another user.

"New flavors always keep things interesting," agreed another account. "Especially when there are options that work for different dietary needs."

As of yet, it's not clear whether the new flavors are permanent additions to Ben & Jerry's menu or mere seasonal items. With that being said, you might want to try the new flavors sooner rather than later just to be safe!

The Alaska cruise market has long been dominated by traditional North American lines, but as of May 11, the landscape has officially shifted. MSC Cruises celebrated the arrival of MSC Poesia in Seattle today, marking the brand’s first-ever homeport in the Pacific Northwest and the start of an inaugural season that aims to blend rugged wilderness with a distinctly Mediterranean flair.

Fresh off a series of enhancements, the ship is introducing the MSC Yacht Club to the region. This "ship-within-a-ship" concept acts as a private sanctuary with 24-hour butler service and exclusive lounges, offering a high-end alternative for those who want to witness the calving of glaciers but return to the intimacy of a boutique hotel.

Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, noted the significance of this debut, stating, “The arrival of MSC Poesia in Seattle marks an exciting milestone for MSC Cruises as we bring our distinctive blend of European style and American comfort to the Pacific Northwest for the first time.”

Related: MSC Cruises Is Coming to Alaska With Better Rates for Your Bucket List

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The culinary pivot is equally deliberate, moving away from standard buffet fare toward a program heavily inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Guests can expect expanded seafood selections and Alaska-themed dining that includes everything from hearty regional cuisine to Alaska-inspired cocktails designed for the chilly deck-side views of Endicott Arm.

This localized approach is part of a broader strategy to integrate the ship into its new homeport. As Torrent explained, “Launching in Seattle reflects our continued commitment to expanding our presence across North America and offering guests new ways to experience some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.”

Related: Princess' 2026 Alaska Season Will Be Its Biggest Ever

Beyond the dining room, the entertainment lineup breaks from the typical Alaska mold. The ship is debuting “Dirty Dancing: In Concert,” a live-to-film production that pairs the iconic movie with singers and a live band. For those looking for a deeper connection to the environment, MSC has partnered with the marine conservation organization ORCA.

During peak whale season, a dedicated observer will be on board to support research and guest education. The focus, according to Torrent, remains on collaboration: “We are thankful for the strong collaboration and warm welcome from the Port of Seattle, elected officials and community leaders as we establish our presence in this incredible region.”

The seven-night itineraries—which include stops in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C.—are now officially open for the 2026 season. It's a move that signals the world's third-largest cruise line is ready to prove that a European soul fits perfectly within the vast, wild landscape of the Last Frontier.

Related: The Most Popular Alaska Cruise for Families Is This 2008 Classic

With graduation season in full swing and June just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be planning summer parties, family barbecues and beach days, and this brand-new zero-proof "margarita" mini party pack can make the perfect hosting MVP.

Launching on May 12, Recess's Zero Proof “Margarita” Mini Party Pack comes in four flavors: Lime, spicy, watermelon and strawberry. Each mini can is 7.5oz, and all four flavors contain 0% ABV.

Made to be versatile for parties, the Zero Proof “Margarita” Mini Party Pack, which is the brand's first-ever mini can collection, can be used as mixers for cocktails or mocktails, depending on what someone wants to add in (or what the event calls for) or be served as refreshing zero-proof drinks on their own.

All four flavors also contain guayusa for a light caffeine buzz, adaptogens and a touch of agave for sweetness. The calorie counts for each can range from 20 to 25 calories depending on the flavor, with strawberry and watermelon coming in at 25 and spicy and lime flavors containing 20, and each can has four grams of sugar or less.

The 12-pack of Recess "margarita" mini cans can be purchased on Amazon or on the Recess website, and the cost for a single 12-pack is $28.44. However, from May 12 to May 25, Recess is offering 20% off the new mini party pack.

In addition to the new Zero Proof “Margarita” Mini Party Pack, Recess offers a range of drink selections, from full-size zero-proof cans in flavors like Classic "Cosmo," Island "Spritz" and Grapefruit "Paloma" to the Recess mood drinks comprising sparkling water infused with magnesium and adaptogens in flavors like strawberry rose, raspberry lemon and orange vanilla.

Recess also sells a range of powders that can be mixed into drinks, all of which contain magnesium, adaptogens and electrolytes.

One year after a deadly coffee shop bombing that nearly took the life of Kayla Vance (Naomi Grace), a new explosion proves the attack wasn’t the work of a lone wolf as was determined by the FBI, but now the new case has been assigned to NCIS and it forces the team to confront legacy and loyalty, on the NCIS 23rd season cliffhanger finale.

We haven’t seen Kayla Vance since the death of her father Leon (Rocky Carroll). But this episode deals with how the young NCIS agent is dealing with her very personal loss – and shows her back in DC after previously transferring to San Diego.

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“These guys, they move around all the time, so I would chalk it off to that,” showrunner Steven D. Binder exclusively tells Parade. “You can be assigned some place for six months and then you’re sent back, especially if you don’t have a family. When we introduced her, and then we made the move to San Diego, we didn’t want to invest time in that character, and it seemed like she also needed to go off into the world a little bit and not just be here under her dad, and she did. DC’s where the NCIS HQ is, and I think she just came home. It hasn’t been established, but she could have been all over in this time period. She could have been in Rota, Spain for all we know.”

Patrick Keleher as Mateo Garcia and Sean Murray as Timothy McGee

Photo: Robert Voets/CBS

In dealing with legacy, the “Brothers and Sisters” episode explores the idea of whether our fathers overshadow us or if, in following in their footsteps, we are preserving family legacy. It does so in two ways: through Kayla and the decisions she has to make following her father’s death, and also through Mateo Garcia (Patrick Keleher), Special Agent Timothy McGee’s (Sean Murray) recently revealed adult son.

Related: NCIS’ Shocker: Showrunner Steven D. Binder on McGee’s Secret Son! (Exclusive)

When McGee first met Mateo, Mateo told him he didn’t need a father. He had been without one all of his life, but now, in the finale, it seems, he’s done a 180 and wants to establish a relationship. Maybe he’s taken into consideration the fact that McGee never knew he existed as Mateo’s mother never informed him she was pregnant.

“You have to have all sorts of feelings about your father that’s not there for the first 20 years of your life, and I think even in the best case circumstance, you don’t know what you didn’t have, and so you’d say, ‘I did fine, I don’t need a father,’”  Binder explains. “Or if you’re a little angry about it, you’re like, ‘I don’t need a father!’ I think those are the feelings that are going to be natural to anyone. But once the person’s there and you see it’s a special relationship, even if you’ve just met them, it’s still something special. I don’t know necessarily that it’s whether he needs a father, but he’s got one now and I think he’s starting to appreciate it.”

As for Kayla, “Brothers and Sisters” gives her the opportunity to investigate what it is she really wants from life. Does she want to follow in her dad’s footsteps and aim to be a future director of NCIS? Or is there perhaps another direction in life she wants to explore?

Related: NCIS’ 500th Episode Bombshell: Rocky Carroll Breaks Down That Shocking Death (Exclusive)

“I think she’s very much her father’s daughter but also doesn’t want to be defined as her father’s daughter,” Binder says. “She wants to be her own person, and I think she’s still figuring out exactly what she wants to do. I don’t know that we can say that at her age Vance was like, ‘I want to be the director of NCIS.’ He was just an agent going about the world, but I’d say she probably has a stronger sense for justice, at least at this point in her life.

“Her father was a political animal, he certainly would bend the rules and look the other way and tell the team, ‘That file on my desk that you tried to get, I’m not letting you have it. You should never have done that and gone around my back. Now I’m leaving it on my desk because I have to go to the bathroom.’ He would do that, but he bristled at it. I don’t know that Kayla would bristle right now at any of that at all, I think she’d be like, ‘Oh, you want that file? Take the file, let’s look at it together.’  That could just be age.”

In the Season 23 finale, both Kayla and Mateo get caught up in events bigger than they ever realized. But we won’t spoil it other than to say, it leaves us with a cliffhanger must-see moment.

NCIS airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.

Next,CBS Reveals Scripted Finale Teases For the 2025-2026 Broadcast Season

Wilmer Valderrama's net worth is completely self-made, and his wealth may come as somewhat of a surprise to some.

With a career that runs the gamut from playing Fez to starring in NCIS to hosting Yo Momma and voicing a role in 2025's Zootopia 2, Valderrama has made a mint off of his eclecticism. Dipping his hands in podcasting, producing and branding has also paid off for the star. 

In 2023, he reprised his Fez role in three episodes of That '90s Show and he released a memoir, An American Story: Everyone's Invited in September 2024. His star—and his bank account balance—are positioned to rise even higher.

Related: Wilmer Valderrama's Dating History, Including Lindsay Lohan, Demi Lovato and Amanda Pacheco

How did Wilmer Valderrama become famous?

Valderrama began his acting career in theater with roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Rumors, followed by commercials. He then appeared in the miniseries Four Corners and the Disney Channel wildlife program Omba Mokomba. He shot to fame thanks to his role as Fez on That '70s Show in 1998. He was a senior in high school when he filmed the pilot for the series.

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What is Wilmer Valderrama's net worth in 2026?

Wilmer Valderrama's net worth is estimated at about $20 million. This is from his work not only as an actor, but also as a producer and podcaster, as well as his years of branding.

Related: Mila Kunis' Net Worth Revealed

How much is Fez from That '70s Show worth?

Valderrama, who starred as Fez, is worth an estimated $20 million.

Related: That '70s Show: Then and Now

Where is Wilmer Valderrama today?

Valderrama stars on NCIS as Special Agent Nicholas Torres. His other recent credits include voice acting in Encanto and Zootopia 2, as well as That '90s Show.

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How much does Wilmer Valderrama make on NCIS? Wilmer Valderrama as Nicholas Torres in "NCIS"

Photo: Bill Inoshita/CBS

Valderrama reportedly makes $100,000 per episode of NCIS. At 140 episodes and counting, he's likely pocketed around $14 million from the series if he made $100,000 throughout his tenure. Realistically, his per-episode salary likely started lower and climbed to $100,000 over time.

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How much does Wilmer Valderrama make per episode?

Valderrama makes $100,000 per episode of NCIS.

His per-episode salary for That '70s Show isn't publicly known, though Entertainment Weekly reported that his co-stars Topher Grace and Ashton Kutchermade about $250,000 to $300,000 in the show's heyday. Valderrama's role of Fez typically was smaller than that of Kutcher's Kelso and Grace's Eric, so he likely didn't earn as much as they did—but probably still did quite well financially, especially with residuals factored in.

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What was Wilmer Valderrama's salary for That '70s Show? Wilmer Valderrama as Fez on "That '70s Show"

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Valderrama's That '70s Show salary isn't publicly known, but given the figures presented for his co-stars, we can assume he made in the high tens of thousands to low six figures per episode of the series in its prime.

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How much did Wilmer Valderrama make for Encanto?

For voicing Agustin Madrigal in Encanto, some reports place Valderrama's pay at $125,000. For comparison, Tom Hanksreportedly made $50,000 to voice Woody in the first Toy Story, so this figure tracks pretty credibly in line with inflation and the fact that Valderrama's role was part of a larger ensemble.

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