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The canned cocktail market has exploded in recent years and we are here for it! Whether you are watching the sunset from the beach or your living room, having a pre-mixed cocktail in a can is as refreshing—and easy—as it gets for happy hour.

Bestselling liquor companies like Absolut, Jack Daniels and Ketel One are all churning out a plethora of canned alcohol options, as well as trendy brands like Loverboy, High Noon, Cutwater and Volley. The convenience of having a craft cocktail in a can whenever you want can’t be overlooked and we're all about imbibing responsibly with ease these days, which is why we've gathered 25 of the best canned cocktails to sip this summer.

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Related: 15 Stunning Farm-To-Glass Cocktails

Best Canned Cocktails

We've down the hard yards and sampled dozens of canned alcoholic beverages to narrow down the list to these well-rounded favorites. Perfectly balanced, boldly labeled and expertly blended—it doesn't get better than flip and sip! 

And with so many unique flavors to choose from (think: Blood Orange, Passion Fruit-Lime, Ginger and Hibiscus), along with oldies but goodies like the Moscow Mule and gin and tonic, you’ll be set for any mood you might be in.

Don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging either. These canned alcohol beverages seriously can pack a punch. Alcoholic content varies by brand, so be sure to read the label to get an idea of what you're in for. 

If you're being mindful of calories or carbs, there are gluten-free, sugar-free, zero-carb and low-calorie canned cocktail options available as well. Cheers!

Sprinter Vodka Soda

Sprinter

Attn: Kylie Jenner has entered the canned cocktail chat. Inspired by one of her favorite poolside bevs—vodka sodas—the entrepreneur recently launched Sprinter in four true-to-fruit flavors: Black Cherry, Peach, Grapefruit and Lime. At 100 calories per can, they're light, refreshing and best of all, ready to drink, on a hot day

Sprinter Vodka Soda, $21.95/4pk

Talkhouse Encore Spirits-Based Seltzers

Talkhouse Encore

If you've ever been to the Stephen Talkhouse, the Hamptons' go-to haunt for good music and good times, you know it's the best place to end your night. And now they've bottled those vibes with Talkhouse Encore, their new line of fruit-forward RTD hard seltzers in five Out East-approved flavors like Blood Orange Tequila Soda and Hampton Mule—minus any added sugar or artificial flavoring.

Talkhouse Encore Spirits-Based Seltzers, $19.99/4pk

Thomas Ashbourne The After Hours Espresso Martini

Thomas Ashbourne

Espresso martinis are certainly having their moment but does anyone enjoy making them? Thanks to Neil Patrick Harris and Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits, you don't have to. This canned coffee cocktail combines aromatic arabica coffee, notes of dark chocolate and subtle hints of creamy vanilla with premium vodka for a ready-to-sip espresso martini that Sir Thomas Ashbourne would be proud of.

Thomas Ashbourne The After Hours Espresso Martini, $31/4pk

Related: ‘I Tried the New Jack and Coke in a Can and It’s the Fizzy Frontrunner of Summer’

Loverboy Vacay Vibes

Loverboy

Perhaps the most famous canned cocktails in this bunch, Loverboy made its debut on Bravo's hit show Summer House and has since expanded its canned spritz operation to include new canned cocktails, hard iced teas and non-alcoholic iced teas. Their Vacay Vibes variety pack contains four softer flavors: White Tea Peach, Hibiscus Lime, Mango Pear and Pineapple Hibiscus for all your vacay needs.

Loverboy Vacay Vibes, $17.99

White Claw Vodka + Soda Canned Cocktails

White Claw

Even though White Claw is one of the OGs of the canned vodka soda greats, everyone can use a little makeover now and then and that's exactly what they did with their 100-calorie cans made with White Claw's new Premium Vodka (the world’s first Triple Wave Filtered vodka) in flavors like Pineapple, Peach, Wild Cherry and Watermelon.

White Claw Vodka + Soda Canned Cocktails, $18.99/8pk

High Noon Tequila

High Noon

High Noon is as popular as it gets for canned vodka sodas, but their new tequila cans have just entered the chat and are already rave-worthy. Available in flavors like Strawberry, Lime, Grapefruit and Passionfruit, each is made with real fruit juice, layered with real blanco tequila (with no added sugar) and only 100 calories per can, plus gluten-free. Crack one open at a pool near you soon.

High Noon Tequila, $21.99/8pk

The Finnish Long Drink

The Finnish Long Drink

You may have seen Long Drink at your local liquor store, but chances are you don't know the backstory behind the “refreshing, citrus soda with a premium liquor kick." During the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, the government commissioned the creation of a new liquor drink that was delicious and fast to serve, to cater to visiting guests—and so the first long drinks were born. Made with real liquor and sparkling citrus, the smoothly effervescent cocktail is so well crafted, that it's no wonder actor Miles Teller became an investor. 

The Finnish Long Drink, $16.49/6pk

Cutwater Tequila Paloma

Cutwater

Cutwater has been a leading name in the canned cocktail game for a while now because their compact bevs are smooth, flavorful and well-balanced, especially their bestselling Tequila Paloma. At 7% ABV per can, it's best enjoyed with your favorite salted rim and a slice of grapefruit.

Cutwater's Tequila Paloma, $11.99/4pk

Sammy's Beach Bar Cocktails

Sammy's Beach Bar

Founded by Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer and spirits innovator Sammy Hagar, Sammy's Beach Bar sparkling rum cocktails are low-ABV, naturally flavored and sweetened with agave nectar in fun, beach-friendly flavors like Pineapple Jalapeño, Creamsicle, Island Punch and Cherry Kola.

Sammy's Beach Bar Cocktails, $12/4pk

Flying Embers Canned Cocktails

Flying Embers

Whether you're in the mood for hard seltzer, hard kombucha, canned margs or mojitos, Flying Ember's got you covered. Available in a variety of innovative flavors, and consciously crafted with whole plant botanicals, adaptogens, probiotics and superfruits, there's a bespoke blend to please all palates. 

Flying Embers Canned Cocktails, $15/6pk

Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer

Freshie

Crafted from only four organic ingredients—blanco tequila, sparkling water, lime and agave nectar—Freshie is the first USDA-certified tequila seltzer on the market, has only 99 calories and is offered in three delicious flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Guava and Blood Orange Habanero. So, basically, your new favorite tequila cocktail, canned.

Freshie Canned Cocktails, $13/4pk

Spritz Society Peach

Spritz Society

Ben Soffer of @boywithnojob, along with Claudia and Jackie Oshry of "The Morning Toast," just blessed their spritzer fans with a summer gift: Peach. This marks the brand’s first new flavor since launching and joins the existing lineup of Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Lemon and Pineapple canned cocktails. 

Spritz Society Peach, $9.99/4pk

Golden Rule Margarita Original

Golden Rule Spirits

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, Golden Rule's Margarita Original is made from 100% agave tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice has 27% ABV and comes in the cutest compact cans that are ideal for a traveling Margaritaville!

Golden Rule Margarita Original, $23.99/4pk

Miami Cocktail Co. Organic Spritzes

Miami Cocktail Co.

Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow can't get enough of Miami Cocktail Co.'s Organic Spritzes in thirst-quenching varietals like Mango & Peach Rosé Bellini Spritz, Sunrise Rosé Sangria Spritz and Grapefruit & Hibiscus Paloma Spritz. They are void of artificial ingredients (and added sugar), plus they're low in sulfites, ABV, gluten-free, vegan-friendly and only 110 calories a pop, we can see why she approves.

Miami Cocktail Co. Organic Spritzes, $10.99/4pk

CANTEEN Spirits

CANTEEN

CANTEEN is an Austin-based, ready-to-drink cocktail brand specializing in refreshing, low-calorie, spirits-based canned cocktails. There are vodka-based cocktails, tequila-based tipples and gin-based libations, but all are made with all-natural flavors, low carbs and zero sugar. A few favorites include the Cantina Grapefruit Paloma, Canteen Watermelon Vodka Soda and Cantina Ranch Water.

CANTEEN Spirits, $9.99/4pk

Onda Tequila Seltzer

Onda

Meet Onda, a line of canned tequila cocktails co-founded by Shay Mitchell. Made with blanco tequila from a woman-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, combined with real juice, the brand is inspired by the surf style of the '90s. Their Paradise Collection, which features four tropical-inspired flavors: Mango, Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Strawberry, is endless summer in a can.

Onda Tequila Seltzer

, $10.49/4pk

Hello Gorgeous Canned Cocktails

Hello Gorgeous

Dubbed "Premium French Craft Cocktails," these chic little cans are gorgeous and great on the go. Choose from artisanal flavors like Clementine/Peach (a mix of Provençal rosé, peach, French Vodka and clementine) or White Grape/Elderflower (with white grapes and elderflower swapped in).

Hello Gorgeous Canned Cocktails, $30/4pk 

Ranch Rider The Chilton

Ranch Rider

A lesser-known West Texas cocktail, The Chilton has the same simplicity of ranch water, giving it the potential to be the next big thing in RTDs. It's also made for cooling off on hot summer days—handcrafted with a delicious blend of quality vodka, sparkling water, fresh-squeezed lemon and salt. That’s it! PS: Be sure to try Jalapeño Ranch Water, The Buck and their Tequila Paloma.

Ranch Rider The Chilton, $15.49/4pk

Phreshly Canned Cocktails

Phreshly

What makes this Black-founded, majority women-led, canned cocktail brand different from other beverages on the market? Issa Rae actually inspired the canned farm-to-cocktail brand, while one of the co-founders was watching Insecure. Plant-based and 100% vegan, each cocktail is based around a distinct sense of place—inspired by flavors from Ghana and Louisiana (where the three founding members once called home). 

Phreshly Canned Cocktails, $22/4pk

Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz

Ketel One

With no carbs, no sugar, no artificial flavors or sweeteners, and only 73 calories per can, the new KetelOne Botanical Vodka Spritz takes craft cocktails to a lighter level.

Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz, $10.99/4pk

Novo Fogo Sparkling Caipirinhas

Novo Fogo

If you’ve ever attempted to craft a Caipirinha at home, you know it can be quite involved. Novo Fogo's compact cans make it super simple to enjoy this Brazilian cocktail at home, with no complicated ingredients—or skill set involved. Available in three flavors (Original Lime, Passion Fruit-Lime and Mango-Lime), they have less sugar, fewer calories and carbohydrates, and lower alcohol by volume, but only use 100% natural ingredients.

Novo Fogo Sparkling Caipirinhas, $14.99/4pk

Ginsmiths Gin Tonic

Ginsmiths

With their proprietary tonic water that contains Quinine and pure cane sugar and exotic citrus, the 2.5 to 1 ratio of tonic water and gin serves up a perfect drink each time. 

Ginsmiths Gin Tonic, $6

Absolut Raspberry Lemongrass Vodka Soda

Absolut

Absolut is known for its excellent taste so it's no surprise they offer a fruity canned cocktail that's ready to drink and has a smooth finish. Meet Absolut Raspberry Lemongrass Vodka Soda with the crisp and refreshing taste of grapefruit, accentuated by the bright notes of rosemary.

Absolut Raspberry Lemongrass Vodka Soda, $12.99/4pk

Costa Brava Canned Cocktails

Costa Brava

These canned drinks don't cram sugar or carbs into your cocktail but offer you that mixed drink in a can that's worthy of your lifestyle. Available in Vodka Cranberry and Lemon Drop.

Costa Brava Canned Cocktails, $10.99/4pk

LiveWire Heartbreaker

LiveWire

Created by LA bartender Aaron Polsky, Heartbreaker is a combination of vodka, oroblanco grapefruit, kumquat and jasmine—with a hint of bubbles. 

LiveWire Heartbreaker, $20.49/4pk

Cocktail Squad Margarita

Cocktail Squad

Whether you're feeling salty or fancy pants, these six canned cocktail flavors have a concoction for you! They are made in small batches to give you a refreshing, perfect drink.

Cocktail Squad Greyhound, $25/4pk

BOMANI Cold Buzz Hard Coffee

Bomani

100% Arabica cold brewed coffee + naturally gluten-free alcohol come together in a sleek can to give you a drink that's free of sugar and carbs and only 110 calories per can. 

BOMANI Cold Buzz Hard Coffee, $14.99/4pk

Up next: 23 Best Gifts for Bourbon Lovers

Looking back at the failure of her 2000 sitcom Bette, Bette Midler recently revealed that one thing she wished she had done differently when it came to Lindsay Lohan—then about 14 years old—when she left the show after the pilot.

Midler sat down with actor David Duchovny for his podcast Fail Better to talk about her past mistakes, taking a moment to consider what led to the end of the family sitcom Bette which ran for one season. 

She mentioned several "astonishing" and unexpected things that happened throughout the process, saying, "For instance, Lindsay Lohan was cast as my daughter in the pilot. Well, after the pilot, Lindsay Lohan decided she didn’t want to do it. Or she had other fish to fry. So, Lindsay Lohan left the building."

Midler recalled the "extremely chaotic" aftermath as she tried to figure out her best move, claiming that no one else working on the show or at the studio helped her.

Duchovny then mentioned enforcing contracts with actors like Lohan, leading the Hocus Pocus actress to boldly admit, “I didn’t know that I could have taken charge, that I could have asserted, because I think because I was so terrified of being branded a grandstander.”

"If I had known that part of my duties were to stand up and say, 'This absolutely will not do, I'm gonna sue,' then I would have done that," she noted.

Midler, a producer on Bette, didn't share any further details about Lohan's contract and whether or not she violated it when she departed the show after the pilot. It's also unclear who decided for Lohan not to continue with the sitcom, as she was just a teenager. For the child actress, the sitcom pilot came not long after the success of The Parent Trap, and a couple of years later, she starred in Get A Clue and Freaky Friday. 

Lohan has not responded to Midler's new comments, but the 78-year-old's bold statements came only days after her former co-star shared a photo on Instagram of herself and Midler on the set of Bette, writing, "Had such a blast filming with the incredible @bettemidler 💕 #tbt."

Given Midler's statements, it seems like she might not feel the same way. 

Next: Lindsay Lohan Reveals We’ve All Been Mispronouncing Her Last Name–Here’s the Correct Way to Say It

Ryan Murphy’s blockbuster American Story franchise is expanding its horizons this year. The first season of American Sports Story, a new anthology series focusing on extraordinary true stories in the world of sports, will focus on the swift rise and nightmarish fall of New England Patriots star player Aaron Hernandez.

Here's everything you need to know about the first installment of American Sports Story, including details on the true story of Hernandez, who has been cast to portray the former NFL star and his family, and how to watch the show once it premieres.

Related: Ryan Murphy's Massive Net Worth in 2024 Proves He's an American Success Story

What is American Sports Story?

In the summer of 2021, FX announced that it was ordering two new spinoff shows from the American Story franchise, which began in 2011 with American Horror Story and expanded into more prestige territory in 2016 with American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. The two new anthology series are American Love Story, the first season of which will focus on the courtship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, and American Sports Story, which will focus on the tragic story of NFL player Aaron Hernandez.

“More than a decade ago, Ryan Murphy expressed interest in expanding the American Horror Story model to be able to tell different American stories, which have long captivated so many of us. It was a brilliant idea,” Walt Disney TV entertainment chairman Dana Walden said in a statement at the time. “Adding these new installments to the franchise will enable Ryan, Brad, Nina and Brad and their talented teams to tackle riveting stories outside of the horror and crime genres. This group has done a truly amazing job of examining situations we think we know everything about, and making us realize that there was so much more there than what we had been told.”

What will American Sports Story Season 1 be about?

The first installment of the series is based on the 2018 podcast series Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc, which was a co-production of the Boston Globe and Wondery. The season will chart the rapid rise and dramatic fall of NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez, a superstar player whose off-pitch behavior became increasingly erratic, culminating in his arrest and conviction for murder during the 2013 off-season. Over the course of 10 episodes, American Sports Story will explore “the connections of the disparate strands of [Hernandez’s] identity, his family, his career, his suicide, and their legacy in sports and American culture.”

Related: 'Monster' Season 2 Will Cover The Menendez Brothers: All About the Next Chapter of the Anthology Series

What did Aaron Hernandez do?

After playing college football for the Florida Gators, Hernandez was drafted by the New England Patriots in April of 2010. Although he was a highly talented player, he wasn’t selected until the fourth round of the draft, because of his troubled history off the pitch, which included reportedly assaulting a restaurant manager in 2007. Some areas of concern were also flagged on the NFL’s personality tests—specifically, Hernandez received the lowest possible score for “emotional maturity”.

Despite these red flags, Hernandez excelled professionally during his first three seasons with the Patriots. But by 2013, his violent streak had become impossible to hide. He allegedly shot a friend, Alexander Bradley, in the face in February of 2013, leaving him blind in one eye. Bradley refused to cooperate with the police in the criminal investigation, so charges were never filed, but he did file a civil suit against Hernandez later that year.

On June 26, 2013, Hernandez was arrested and charged with the murder of his friend, Odin Lloyd, whose body had been found nine days prior in an industrial park close to the athlete’s home.

When his trial began in the spring of 2015, Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the crime. Prosecutors argued that he had become enraged at Lloyd following a disagreement at a bar in Boston, and that he had driven his friend to the secluded industrial park in the middle of the night and shot him five times.

How many years did Aaron Hernandez get?

On April 15, 2015, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder, as well as five weapons charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

After serving two years in prison, Hernandez was put on trial again for a separate 2012 double murder, but he was acquitted of this crime.

What was the cause of Aaron Hernandez's death?

Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell on April 19, 2017, less than a week after his acquittal in the double murder. He had died by suicide, hanging himself with a bedsheet that he attached to the window. Prison officials said Hernandez had not been considered a suicide risk at the time.

A posthumous examination of Hernandez’s brain showed that he had an extraordinarily severe case of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma. CTE can cause memory loss, impaired judgement and impulse control, depression and dementia. Playing football, whether professionally or not, significantly increases the risk of developing CTE.

Who plays Aaron Hernandez in American Sports Story?

IMAGO / Gartner

Josh Andrés Rivera will play the lead role of Hernandez. Rivera broke out in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story, and more recently played the prominent role of Sejanus Plinth in the Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

“He stole the part,” producer Nina Jacobson told IndieWire. “Especially having watched him on set [in Ballad], he is a grounded, likable, natural, and compelling presence, super-prepared. I was thrilled once they brought in a bunch of people, and let Josh rise to the top, which I knew he would. And we had him all tatted out. He was trained to be huge and muscular; he loved lifting weights.”

Who is cast in American Sports Story?Patrick Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger plays Tim Tebow, the NFL quarterback who played college football alongside Hernandez at the University of Florida. The two were reportedly close, and according to the New York Post, Tebow advocated for Hernandez when Gators coach Urban Meyer wanted to kick him off the team because of his marijuana use.

Jake Cannavale

Cannavale (Bobby Cannavale's son) will play Hernandez’s love interest, per Deadline. As explored in the Netflix documentary Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, Hernandez was involved with a male classmate, Dennis SanSoucie, for several years during high school.

"Yes, we were in a relationship back then, but at the time you don't look at it like that,” SanSoucie said during an interview for the documentary (as quoted by Buzzfeed News). “After doing it, it was like, ‘Did someone catch us? Did someone know?’ If we get caught, our parents are gonna disown us.”

Related: Everything to Know About 'The Watcher' Season 2

Jaylen Barron

Barron will play Hernandez's fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, with whom he had a daughter. The couple met as high school students in Connecticut, and Shayanna stood by him throughout his trial and conviction—despite the fact that her sister, Shaneah Jenkins, was in a relationship with Odin Lloyd when Hernandez killed him.

Tony Yazbeck

Yazbeck plays Urban Meyer, who was head coach of the Florida Gators during Hernandez’s time there, and whose career has since been consumed by various controversies. According to the character synopsis (per Deadline), Meyer’s desire to win football games eclipses the promises he makes to the students who come to play for him, including Hernandez.

Lindsay Mendez

Mendez plays Tanya Singleton, Aaron’s beloved cousin. According to the Netflix documentary, Tanya became a maternal figure for him because his relationship with his own mother was strained. Singleton refused to testify against Hernandez during his trial, and was subsequently convicted of criminal contempt.

Tammy Blanchard

Blanchard will play Terri Hernandez, Aaron’s mother.

What is the release date for American Sports Story?

A release date hasn't yet been confirmed for American Sports Story, but the series is likely to premiere on FX sometime in late 2024. Principal photography began in April of 2023, but was suspended a couple of months later due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and didn’t resume until the end of the year. It’s not clear whether filming has concluded as of March 2024.

How many episodes are in American Sports Story?

The first season of American Sports Story will be 10 episodes long, falling in line with the typical episode counts for American Crime Story.

How to watch American Sports Story

American Sports Story will air on FX, and based on the American Crime Story release model, episodes will likely be available to stream via FX on Hulu the day after their TV premiere.

Is there a trailer for American Sports Story?

A trailer hasn’t yet been released for the series at this time. 

Next, Kim Kardashian to Star in New Legal Drama From Ryan Murphy: Everything We Know So Far

For many people, the perfect Saturday morning consists of stopping by Target, Starbucks, T.J. Maxx and the ultimate crafters playground: Hobby Lobby. Even if you aren't someone who likes arts and crafts, there are plenty of other reasons why a stop by Hobby Lobby could easily make your day that much sweeter. From amazing sales on home and holiday décor to an array of fabrics to fit your needs, you'll quickly see that Hobby Lobby is a paradise for many of your needs.

One thing that gets left out of the conversation when it comes to the store though, is its wide array of kitchen and dining items that are found in the aisles. Whether you're looking for gorgeous glazed ceramic bowls or stylish stoneware canisters, surprisingly, Hobby Lobby has it all. And the latest item to grab our attention is one that will most-likely grab yours, too.

Related: Hobby Lobby's Trendy 8-Piece Set of Mixing Bowls Is Less Than $12, and Shoppers are Stocking Their Carts Fast

Square Acacia Wood Bowls

Hobby Lobby

The 4-piece Square Acacia Wood Bowl set is the simple yet stylish item that you didn't know you needed, but will want to get before it sells out. Priced at just $8.99, the set—which is made from acacia wood—may be small, but it's impact will definitely be felt by anyone who visits your home. Adding a bit of farmhouse style to any area your place them in, these bowls will be perfect for your dips, side dishes, snacks or even just as decorative pieces to hold candy, keys, change and more.

Though these bowls are easy to clean, they should only be cleaned by hand with a damp cloth and should not be soaked as to not warp the wood. Additionally, you should dry them immediately after washing. Aside from the easy cleaning, these lightweight bowls measure in at 1.31 x 4 x 4-inches in size, making them easy to store away when not in use. 

If this happens to be something you can't wait to get your hands on, you'll want to hop online or head to your nearest Hobby Lobby as soon as you can as it's sure to sell out soon. If you do happen to miss this deal, however, don't fret; there are plenty of other items you can find while perusing the aisles on any given day. Happy shopping!

Up next: Five Below's Fun and Vibrant $4 Disco Ball Sipper Cups Have Fans Racing to Grab Every Style

Kim Kardashian is on a roll when it comes to her startling fashion choices. 

Just days after setting a "gross beauty standard" with her impossibly tiny corset on the Met Gala red carpet, the reality star is "disturbing" fans with her latest look, which also featured a wickedly cinched corset. 

"Margiela Broken Doll," she described the 'fit, referencing the same designer of her Met Gala corset, Maison Margiela.

The first of several images uploaded to Instagram on Wednesday, May 8 showed off the base of the outfit: a high-necked skin-toned bodysuit over which she wore a leather corset and a pair of distressed, thigh-high socks with rips over the knees that appeared to be shaped into flowers, but also gave the appearance of broken skin. 

The completed look added gloves with skeletal attachments over the fingers, a brown neck plate, open-toed platform heels, and a matching hat and purse covered in shredded netting of different colors. In the final slide, she showed it off in a pose reminiscent of a marionette. 

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A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

Fans certainly felt strung along, as not a single person seemed to like it.

"I’m actually disturbed," one wrote. "by the knees and everything else."

"I think I’ve never seen you in a more horrible outfit," another boldly decided, while others agreed it was "awful." 

"Why though?" someone else questioned. "Is it Halloween already?!"

Another begged for a "dislike button," calling the whole thing "horrible."

"Just kinda over it, Kim," another exhausted follower wrote. 

"it's giving... lost organs," others observed, with another commenter encouraging her to "give [her] ribs a break."

Next: Kim Kardashian Speaks Out in Defense of Her 'Disgusting Old Sweater' at the Met Gala

King Charles is set to transition one of his many titles over to his eldest son, Prince William, according to multiple reports, and some royal watchers are viewing the newest transition of power as another snub to his youngest, Prince Harry. 

The Independent is one of several publications reporting that Buckingham Palace has announced that "His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales”—a role that Charles held as the former Prince of Wales for over 30 years.  

The news came just hours after it was revealed that the monarch would not be making time to see Harry during his brief return to the UK for the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, an international sports competition for ill or wounded serving and veteran military personnel, making it the second public dig at Harry in as many days. 

While both brothers spent time as pilots in the British military, only Harry saw active combat, serving in the Army Air Corps during his second tour of Afghanistan. According to the publication, his commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tom de la Rue, praised him for "reach[ing] the pinnacle of flying excellence" during his time with the corps, calling him "a real inspiration to the many Army Air Corps officers and soldiers who have come to know him so well.”

Meanwhile, as heir to the throne, William never served in active combat, though he did fly as both a search and rescue and air ambulance pilot.

Naturally, the move is being viewed as a snub toward the Duke of Sussex, who stepped back as a senior royal in 2020. It's assumed that if he hadn't, he would have received the honor, instead. 

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

Jason and Travis Kelce are pointing something out about their dad, Ed Kelce.

On the latest episode of the brothers' award-winning sports podcast New Heights, which was released on Wednesday, May 8, the recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center and Kansas City Chiefs tight end discussed someone they often speak about on the audio show: their father.

While chatting about Patrick Mahomes talking about partying with the duo, the brothers suggested that how much they can party and drink is "in their blood."

Related: Donna Kelce Reveals Whether Jason or Travis Spend Mother's Day With Her Each Year

"I'm trying to think. Would it be dad?" Travis asked, further posing the question, "Who would we have got it from?"

"I don't think dad can drink that good, I'm not gonna lie," Jason replied, adding, "I don't think I've ever seen dad-"

"S--t faced," Travis cut in cavalierly, to which his big brother responded, "I've never seen dad chug a beer."

The NFL stars continued to go back and forth about the matter, with Jason insisting he's never seen his father drunk, and Travis doubling down that personally, he has, in fact, chugged a drink with the Cleveland, Ohio native.

"I guarantee I've chugged a beer with dad, at a football game," Travis assured the dad of three, who seemed to be in complete disbelief.

Elsewhere in the episode, the Catching Kelce alum talked about his recent experiences at this year's Kentucky Derby— where he was spotted in a fashionable outfit at Churchill Downs and reportedly won quite a bit of money—and Miami Grand Prix, where he attended the Formula 1 race event.

Next: Fans Defend Travis Kelce After Critics Call Him a 'Nepo Boyfriend'

Fans of Today With Hoda & Jenna might be a little confused when they tune in this week, as the two hosts, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, will be broadcasting from sunny Bermuda in celebration of the show's 5th anniversary. 

The show first announced the news a couple of weeks ago, with Kotb telling the audience, "We are so excited. We've got a Bermuda Bash, and we're going to soak in the sun, we're going to enjoy the nightlife, we're going to go shopping, we're going to be eating, all the things."

"We have been waiting for this trip, we have been waiting and waiting and it is finally here," Bush Hager added. The two also shared a look at their stunning accommodations at The Loren at Pink Beach.

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A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)

On Wednesday, May 8, fans might've wondered why Kotb was missing from the First Hour of Today, but Savannah Guthrie explained that she was "on assignment," hinting at the Bermuda trip. The two Today With Hoda & Jenna episodes set to take place in Bermuda will air on May 9 and May 10.

While the two have taken their talk show on trips in the past, the Bermuda trip is a little more special since they are celebrating the show's 5th anniversary. In early April, they also headed to New Orleans as part of the anniversary fun. 

Bush Hager commented on what the journey with Kotb over the past five years has meant to her, saying, "It feels like it was yesterday, and it feels so profound to get to sit next to somebody that exudes joy."

It’s Hoda and Jenna’s 5th anniversary — and they will be lighting the @EmpireStateBldg to celebrate✨

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey 🩷 pic.twitter.com/RvWf0fr6os

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) April 8, 2024

Kotb also touched on how much their experience together has changed her life, telling her co-anchor, "We're here, we're an us, which is big." She recalled starting the show as "colleagues slash friends," but explained how their relationship has grown exponentially since then: "Over the five years, there have been… there's such a deep understanding of the other's soul and purpose."

The special Today With Hoda & Jenna episodes will finish off this week's shows, with the two hosts expected to return to their normal NYC studio next week.

Next: Fans Back Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s Bold Opinion About a Popular Birthday Party Trend

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When we think about how we can upgrade our spaces for the summer season, wicker home decor immediately comes to mind. Whether it's used for small accent pieces or big furniture, the material has proven itself to be highly versatile, and able to create some seriously gorgeous pieces.

If you really want to make a splash, picking up a stunning wicker chair is definitely the way to go. You can find tons of options that vary in size, style, and price range from multiple retailers, but the best bang for your buck that we’ve found is this incredible chair from Walmart — and it’s currently on sale for a massive steal. Not only that, but it looks strikingly similar to a piece currently sold at Pottery Barn for more than 3x the price.

Nicesoul Outdoor Patio Boho Wicker Egg Lounge Chair, From $189 (was $600) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Walmart's Nicesoul Boho Wicker Chair is designed in an egg-shaped style, fully encapsulating you into an oasis of relaxation. The open and airy woven wicker-wrapped frame is supported by a sturdy four-legged metal base, which is said to support up to 440 pounds. And for the finishing touch, the chair comes with not just one or two, but five pillows so that virtually every inch of your body is met with soft cushioning. Though this chair has a light feel to it, it’s definitely sturdy, so you can chill comfortably with ease.

You can order this chair in four different colors that have corresponding pillows to match. It’s available in black, light gray and brown, but if you’re going for the true boho look our pick would be the classic beige option.

Related: Walmart Is Selling a 'Beautiful' $24 Wicker Basket So Similar to a Pottery Barn Style That's Over 6x the Price

This wicker lounger is labeled as a bestseller, and that's backed up by the dozens of glowing reviews from shoppers. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, it's also "comfortable" and one of the "best quality chairs available in the market," according to one reviewer. It's also reportedly "super easy to assemble" which is always a massive plus when shopping for home furniture.

"The assembly was super easy," wrote one shopper. "Only took me about 20 minutes. It is absolutely stunning."

Pottery Barn Woven Cave Chair, $639 (was $699) at Pottery Barn

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Seeing how popular this specific style is, we wanted to compare it to some other bestsellers from different retailers. One that stood out was this chair from Pottery Barn, which has a tighter woven pattern but overall similar vibe. There are three main differences that we see when comparing the two. The first is the dimensions of the chair, then the amount of pillows that come with the piece, and then, naturally, there's the price point. As far as we're concerned, the Walmart chair definitely wins out.

If you’re a fan of the boho aesthetic, this Nicesoul chair should definitely be on your radar. You can place it pretty much anywhere, from your backyard patio to your cozy reading nook. We love that pieces like this work both outdoors and indoors, giving you tons of creative freedom when redecorating. It's easy to say it'd look good just about anywhere.

When Taylor Swift premiered her newest music video for her song "Fortnight," many were shocked to see actors Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles from the film Dead Poets Society make a surprise appearance.

Now, Charles is talking about his experience filming the music video, praising Swift as his "favorite kind of director." The actor sat down with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to answer all his questions about the project and Swift, including, "How is Taylor Swift as a director?"

"I will tell you this," he began. "She's an incredible director, my favorite kind of director, because she knows what she wants, and when she's got it...we move on." 

Charles went even further in his praise for her, adding, "I was already a fan of her music, but if any of you ever get to meet her, like, your fandom for her will just go up through the roof. She's just such a genuine, cool, approachable person." 

Both Charles and Hawke played the role of doctors in a Frankenstein-esque situation in the "Fortnight" music video, running tests on Swift. The two's appearance is a reference to the album title, The Tortured Poets Department, and its similarity to the 1989 film Dead Poets Society. 

This also isn't Swift's first time behind the camera, with her journey as director starting when she co-directed her music video "Mine" with Roman White in 2010. She then co-directed the music videos for "Me!", "Lover," and "You Need to Calm Down," before taking the lead for the first time on "The Man."

Swift went on to direct the music videos for "Cardigan" and "Willow" before making a big leap as she helmed All Too Well: The Short Film, starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien. Swift is reportedly planning to make her directorial film debut soon, although there haven't been any updates of late. 

Next, Josh Charles on Keeping Taylor Swift Music Video Cameo a Secret: "I Didn't Even Tell My Kids"

The days of weekend barbecues are almost here, and what's a cookout without a nice, creamy potato salad? It will be a favorite among your guests, so make sure you have enough for them to pile high on their plates. Use our guidelines below to determine how much potato salad per person you'll need to go around at your barbecue.

How Much Potato Salad to Make Per Person for Your BBQ

If you are making homemade potato salad from scratch, you can figure that each person will eat 1/2 cup of potato salad. Here's how much you will need to make, based on these guidelines:

4 people –  2 cups
6 people – 3 cups
12 people – 6 cups
20 people – 10 cups

Related: 30 Memorial Day Picnic Salads To Make For Your Family

How Many Pounds of Potato Salad to Buy Per Person for Your BBQ

If you are buying potato salad ready-made, the measurements won't be so exact, and you'll probably end up with a little extra. A good rule of thumb to know is that a quart of potato salad will typically feed 6 to 8 people. 

A standard serving size person is about /2 cup of potato salad. With all that being said, here's how many pounds of potato salad you'll need to purchase to feed your:

4 people –  1 pound
6 people – 2 pounds
12 people – 3 pounds
20 people – 5 pounds

Happy grilling!

More Potato Salad Recipes:

• Best No-Mayo Potato Salad Recipes
• Slow Cooker Deviled Egg Potato Salad
• Fall Potato Salad
• Grilled Sweet Potato Salad
• Martha Stewart's Potato Salad
• Kimchi Potato Salad
• Red Potato Salad

Up next: I Tried Patti LaBelle's Famous Fried Chicken Recipe

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

This Mother’s Day, there are plenty of exciting deals not only on flowers and fashion—but on personal care items that Mom will actually use (and love) as well. One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give this year? A sleek, ultra-powerful electric toothbrush that’s sure to make a difference in her daily routine.

Many dentists are fans of electronic brushes because they get rid of plaque up to 11-21% more effectively than a manual toothbrush. However, because some options on the market are either affordable, but lack power or a lasting charge, or have plenty of power but are pricey (Sonicare has models reaching up to $330, for example), it’s understandable that consumers are left wondering if there is an affordable, high-quality alternative. That’s where Laifen comes in.

Courtesy Laifen

Laifen launched in 2019, creating products with innovative technology. The company started with its first fast-dry hairdryer (with an improved design in its line of Laifen High-Speed Hair Dryers) and continues to make accessories to help people’s everyday lives, including the Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush, which offers a 60° oscillation range and a high-frequency mode capable of producing 66,000 vibrations per minute for higher cleaning efficiency, starting at a reasonable $69.99 price point.

And consumers are singing its praises. One Amazon shopper wrote that Laifen’s Wave Toothbrush is an “upgrade from [Sonicare],” referring to the Philips Sonicare line of brushes.

“I finally replaced my Sonicare [sic] toothbrush,” they wrote. “I like the size of this better and the brush works really well. It comes with three different brush heads that focus on different tasks and the brush has three different modes. I think it’s a real upgrade and a good price!”

The Wave comes with three different modes and the Laifen app allows users to adjust their brushing modes across 3 settings and 10 intensities for a personalized brushing experience.

Courtesy Laifen

Another bonus? Its seamless build has no gaps for dirt and toothpaste to accumulate in and is key to its IPX7 waterproof rating.

The Wave features a magnetic charging method that can fully charge the device in only 2.5 hours for up to 30 days of use. This charging method is also seamless, meaning there are no holes or gaps for debris to get stuck in.

Another buyer wrote that this single-piece design toothbrush with antibacterial brush heads is a major upgrade from regular toothbrushes.

“I've been using this for a week now, and every time, it feels like I've just come back from the dentist,” they said.

Courtesy Laifen

The Laifen Wave Toothbrush starts at $69.99 for its ABS plastic model, $79.99 for its aluminum alloy option and $99.99 for the stainless steel Wave.

Shop the Laifen Wave

• Available on Laifen’s site
• Available on Amazon

Apart from the Laifen Wave, Laifen high-speed hair dryers are also truly unique and practical gifts to take mum’s self-care up a notch. Laifen hair dryers combine strong airflow with Smart Temperature Control and ionic technology in a lightweight design, which dries hair at least 5x faster than traditional dryers while protecting hair and scalp and adding shine.

Shop Laifen Hair Dryers

• Available on Laifen’s site
• Available on Amazon

Courtesy Laifen

Courtesy Laifen

Interested? Great timing—there is a Mother’s Day sale going on from now through May 14 on Laifen’s Wave Toothbrush and high-speed hair dryers (also available on Amazon), so you can get 15% off on these useful, yet luxe everyday essentials. 

Travis Kelce is continuing his foray into Hollywood, as promised, diving in head first with a guest spot on Ryan Murphy's Grotesquerie.

We don't know much about the series yet, beyond its classification as a horror drama, but we do know that Kelce's time on set seems to have already come and gone, with costar Niecy Nash uploading several clips with him to her Instagram Stories after the news of his involvement broke on May 7. 

In one clip, which she captioned "That's a wrap!" he expressed his relief over making it through, telling her, "I'm just glad I didn't hurt nobody!"

In another, he warned fans to "buckle up," but not everybody was sold on the casting choice.  

“This guy” 😂😂@tkelce @NiecyNash pic.twitter.com/kDQsnvm8gU

— Travis Kelce Fan Page (@traviskelce_fan) May 8, 2024

Critics responded to Variety's announcement of the casting, with several calling him a "nepotism boyfriend" or similar variation, seemingly forgetting that, despite Swifties' senses of humor, Taylor Swift did not, in fact, put the Chiefs legend "on the map." 

Kelce and his managers, whom he's known since college, have a long-standing and "carefully manicured" business plan that has always been pointing him toward the entertainment industry, with the crew ultimately accepting the offer for his dating series Catching Kelce with the ideation that it could open other doors. 

Reality TV was no end game, and he spent several years campaigning for a slot on Saturday Night Live, eventually coming face-to-face with Lorne Michaels. Just after beating his brother Jason in the 2023 Super Bowl, he fulfilled his childhood dream of hosting and came back for a brief cameo with his girlfriend later that year. 

One fan pointed this out to those accusing him of using her to land new gigs, writing, "He signed on to do a lot of this stuff before Taylor though especially the game show. He did a great job on SNL. What is the issue?"

"Was booked and busy before he even shot his shot with Taylor," someone else clapped back. "Extra spot light didn’t hurt, but he was already making serious moves."

"Of cause he's booked and busy," wrote another. "He has the face, the charisma, the personality, AND the talent. Trav is going to crush it."

Next: Why Travis Kelce's Managers Worry He's Getting Too Famous Amid Taylor Swift Romance

A fudgy brownie is one of life's simple pleasures, but making the platonic ideal of the perfect brownie isn't. I should know, I've whisked my through many recipes all claiming to be the "best fudgy brownie" but most of them let me down.

Related: I Tried Katharine Hepburn's Brownies Recipe

With a kitchen hazy with cocoa powder, I nearly accepted defeat and settled for a life of second-rate (read: cakey) brownies when I ran across one more thing to try. Thanks to food writer and cookbook author Sohla El-Waylly's recipe I learned about the one ingredient that makes the fudgiest brownie in all the land, and it just so happens to be one of my favorite Asian pantry ingredients—sweet rice flour. 

View the original article to see embedded media.

What is Sweet Rice Flour?

Also known as glutinous rice flour, sweet rice flour is a flour made by finely grinding sticky or glutinous rice. Despite its name, sweet rice flour doesn't contain any gluten. The neutral-flavored flour has a high starch content and the benefits of the ingredient are similar to using corn starch or potato starch— it thickens soups and sauces instantly—and in baking, it creates a chewy texture beyond compare. You can buy boxes or bags of sweet rice flour at most Asian grocery stores. 

To give you a sense of the chewy potential of the ingredient, mochi and tang yuan are a couple of traditional Asian sweets that are made with sweet rice flour.

Related: 15 Gluten-Free Flour Substitutes and What You Need to Know About Them

How Sweet Rice Flour Makes Super Fudgy Brownies

Rather than making the brownies overly chewy and almost taffy-like, the sweet rice flour in El-Waylly's recipe (which completely replaces all-purpose flour) combined with hot milk creates a texture that's firm and a bit less starchy than typical sweet rice treats. The brownies are fudgy and rich but simultaneously super bouncy and light. Even a cosmic brownie can't have this much fun!

Related: 27 Sumptuously Sweet Asian Treats

How to Make Brownies with Sweet Rice Flour

You can't really substitute sweet rice flour for regular all-purpose flour in most standard brownie recipes. The best way to make fudgy brownies with sweet rice flour would be to follow Sohla's recipe for Future brownies from her cookbook, Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook or another brownie recipe specifically developed with sweet rice flour. 

But for a quick sugar fix that doesn't skimp on the ultra-fudginess, try adding some sweet rice flour to boxed brownie mix. According to a baker on reddit, you can "start w(ith) a couple tablespoons probably and increase the liquid." On the flip side,"Trader Joe's has a butter mochi mix that you could add cocoa powder to as another potential option," suggested another baker.

No matter what, it's clear better fudgy brownies rely on a little (or a lot of) sweet rice flour. 

Up next: An Iconic Chinese Snack May Be Coming to Trader Joe’s Soon, and Fans Are Already Planning to Stock Their Carts Fast

While I'm still wishing Sanditon had gone on for a few more seasons, I am happy to see Miss Scarlet will be back for a fifth season and that Masterpiece's summer hit, Hotel Portofino, returns for a third season. Parade has the exclusive details about the season 3 premiere, including some first look images for the upcoming season! Take a look!

What is Hotel Portofino about?

Hotel Portofino takes place in the mid-1920s and follows the Ainsworth family after they relocate from England to the Italian coastal city of Portofino to open an upscale hotel. This period drama takes place after World War I when the world is in a global post-war upheaval. The charming Italian seaside town with its warm climate and enchanting culture and townspeople provides the perfect respite for the elite British traveler.

Fun fact: Almost all of the wardrobe in Hotel Portofino is authentic period garb, down to the shoes and jewelry. In some cases, they had to find extras that would fit the costumes instead of fitting the costumes to the actor.

When does Hotel Portofino Season 3 premiere?

Hotel Portofino Season 3 premieres Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS with episodes dropping weekly on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET through Sept. 1.

Where did the first season of Hotel Portofino leave off?

*Spoiler warning* If you haven't watched Season 1, stop reading and head to the PBS app to catch up. By the Season 1 finale of Hotel Portofino, Lucian (Oliver Dench) had proposed to Rose (Claude Scott-Mitchell), Constance's (Louisa Binder) secret was exposed and Bella (Natascha McElhone) had refused to accept Cecil's (Mark Umbers) gesture of supposed goodwill.

What happened in Season 2 of Hotel Portofino?

*Spoiler warning* If you haven't watched Season 2, stop reading and head to the PBS app to catch up.

Created and written by Matt Baker and directed by Adam Wimpenny, Season 2 of Hotel Portofino begins in the summer of 1927. Bella is still devoting her energy to Hotel Portofino, which has overcome early troubles and is starting to flourish. Aside from her hotel duties, Bella is concerned for her children—Lucian, whose marriage to Rose might be facing trouble, and Alice (Olivia Morris), who needs a break from her responsibilities at the hotel. Bella’s husband, Cecil, had not been seen since returning to England at the end of the previous summer. With Cecil’s unannounced return to Portofino, the messy private lives of her children and a visit from a travel guide that could make or break the hotel’s future, Bella does her utmost to keep all the plates spinning.

What can we expect in season 3 of Hotel Portofino?

Bella is preparing for her father and sister’s arrival but is thrown off when Cecil appears requesting a divorce. Over the weeks, Bella must decide her future as well as avoid fascist leader Danioni (Pasquale Esposito). But with the Wall Street stock market crash, things get worse and Bella and Cecil lose everything. Dark secrets are exposed during another adventure on this sun-soaked 1920s Italian drama.

Meet the Hotel Portofino cast Natascha McElhone (Bella Ainsworth)

Bella Ainsworth is co-owner of Hotel Portofino with her husband, Cecil, and the spirit behind the family’s Italian adventure. Bella has persuaded her father to lend Cecil and her the money to buy and renovate the hotel, believing the fresh start it represents will help her family recover from the traumas of World War I and give her a chance to save her marriage. She is determined to succeed and subsequently finds liberation for herself and others in the novelty of Italy’s climate, cuisine and culture.

McElhone is probably best recognized for her roles on The Truman Show, Californication and Designated Survivor. She currently stars as Dr. Halsey in HALO, the TV series based on the popular video game, on Paramount+.

Fun fact: McElhone was a judge in 2021 for The Booker Prize and had to read literally hundreds of books in a span of months for consideration of the top prize.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Paramount+ series, HALO.

Mark Umbers (Cecil Ainsworth)

Cecil Ainsworth, co-owner of Hotel Portofino and Bella's husband, has been excused from active duty in WWI (though he fought in the Boer War) and has gradually lost patience and sympathy with the scars the conflict has left on his children. As the youngest son of an upper-class family, Cecil’s overriding concern is money, and he is constantly initiating ill-advised schemes to fund his dilettante lifestyle.

Umbers previously appeared on shows such as Mistresses, Collateral and Home Fires.

Oliver Dench (Lucian Ainsworth)

Lucian Ainsworth, Bella and Cecil’s son, enlisted at 18 in the last months of the war but was immediately injured and removed from the front line. Physically and mentally scarred by his experiences, Lucian is slowly recovering under the benign influence of Italy. A talented artist, last season saw Lucian organizing painting lessons and artistic excursions for the guests. Though he would have loved to stay in Italy, pressure from his father forced Lucian to get engaged to someone he doesn't love and return to England to take up a proper career. This season, Lucian finds his way back to Italy and to the woman who truly holds his heart.

Fun fact: If you're wondering if he's related to another actor named Dench, then wonder no more: Dame Judi Dench is his great-aunt.

Related: Everything We Need to Know About Sanditon Season 3

Olivia Morris (Alice Mays-Smith)

Alice Mays-Smith is Bella and Cecil’s daughter and the widowed mother of a 6-year-old girl, Lottie, whose father was killed during the war. Alice knows her chances of marrying again are slim, given the lack of available men of the right age and standing. She is unable to live independently on the small income her husband has left her. Religious and class-conscious, she is frustrated with her lot and has mixed feelings about Italy but is gradually seduced by the charms of Italian culture. Count Albani (Daniele Pecci) admires her and is most certainly in love with her. Will she accept his invitations?

Lily Frazer (Claudine Pascal)

Claudine Pascal epitomizes modern womanhood and is liberated by the social changes the war has unleashed and thus takes charge of her destiny.

Fun fact: Frazer is actually British and is a country music fan.

Louisa Binder (Constance March)

Constance March is a young woman from a humble background who arrives to take up a role as Lottie’s nanny and general help around the hotel. She is determined to liberate herself from her unpromising beginnings through an open mind and relentless self-improvement, escaping personal misfortune and seeking adventure and a fresh start in Italy. She and Lucian share an attraction almost from the very beginning.

Fun fact: This is Binder's first regular series role.

Pasquale Esposito (Signor Danioni)

Signor Danioni is Deputy Chairman of the Communal Council. He makes it his business to know the business of everybody connected to the hotel while trying to profit from it.

How many episodes of Hotel Portofino are there?

There are six episodes each in the first two seasons of Hotel Portofino. Season 3 will also contain six episodes for a total of 18 episodes.

How many seasons of Hotel Portofino are there?

There are currently two seasons of Hotel Portofino, with the third season set to premiere in July.

Where did Hotel Portofino film?

Hotel Portofino filmed mainly in Croatia.

Where can I watch Hotel Portofino?

You can watch Hotel Portofino on PBS or through the PBS app with a Passport subscription. The second season of Hotel Portofino will have a linear broadcast on PBS and will also be available to stream on Passport and PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel on Amazon.

Is there a trailer for season 3 of Hotel Portofino?

Not yet, but keep an eye out for updates!

Will there be a season 4 of Hotel Portofino?

No official announcement has been made by PBS regarding a fourth season of Hotel Portofino.

Take a look at images from season 3 of Hotel Portofino

Check out these select images from season 3 of Hotel Portofino.

View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article

Next, PBS Reimagines Classic Tom Jones in New Limited Series! Get All the Details!

Chicago Fire has a very Kelly Severide-centric (Taylor Kinney) episode airing tonight when the Firehouse 51 lieutenant is kidnapped and taken for a ride on Truck 81 by some bad dudes with a nefarious purpose in mind.

The idea sprung to the mind of the Chicago Fire writing team because first responders can go anywhere, which gives them entre to all kinds of occasions and situations.

“That the first responder rigs can go anywhere has been used in real life as ways to try and get access,” Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman tells Parade. “This happened in Denver and Detroit, bad guys taking these rigs so that they could gain access to public events that they otherwise would be screened for. They don’t screen the trucks, they just let them right in.”

Newman credits writer Matt Whitney for ripping the story from the headlines but giving it the appropriate Chicago Fire twist.

She adds, “We really did want to do a Severide-centric action, 250th episode, so it’s so great to have him back in peak form. He’s such a great action star, Taylor. He does stunts, he is always doing fire training work. He’s so ready for this kind of thing, and as a character, Severide is so ready for this because he’s been desk-bound for a couple episodes, so he definitely is ready to throw himself into the action. So yeah, we embraced all that for that episode.”

Related: Eamonn Walker Exits Chicago Fire as a Series Regular, Marking the End of an Era for the Show

Severide’s mysterious disappearance has ramifications that go beyond Truck 81 being stolen. The title of the episode is “Inside Man,” and suspicion falls on the shady new guy Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) because it isn’t easy to start a firetruck. They don’t have keys.

“It’s so funny because we become consumed with the littlest details and that’s probably the one we’ve talked about in the room the most,” Newman explains. “That is crazy, but it makes so much sense. You can’t lose the keys, what if you lose the keys? It just can’t happen. But it’s a very intricate button switch situation to get it started, I think it’s called a Kaiser switch, but it’s complicated and certainly no layman would know how to do it. But somebody scheming could figure it out.”

Daniel Kyri

Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC

So, Damon, who has a secret reason for being at Firehouse 51, is put under scrutiny by the Chicago P.D. when Ritter (Daniel Kyri) reveals to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) the phone call he overheard. Even so, his mysterious reason for being there isn’t revealed.

My speculation is that he may be someone’s son. Someone who doesn’t know that he exists.

“You’re the first person to ask that,” Newman says. “Yeah, he’s young so I could see where that comes from. That’s a fun theory, I like that. We’ll see some twists and turns with him where we find out some things he isn’t, and then we find out more things about who he is at the very end.”

Related: Is Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide Character Back for Good on Chicago Fire?

One of the cops who interrogates Damon happens to be Ritter’s new boyfriend, Dwayne Morris (Samuel B. Jackson). It’s a relationship that Ritter -- who is out, so it’s not that -- is keeping on the DL and he says it’s just because of the rivalry between cops and firemen.

“It is the reason,” Newman confirms. “There’s a general hilarious rivalry between cops and firefighters that can get actually very tense, but in a couple episodes leading up when he first started dating him, there were episodes where that tension was particularly fraught.”

Miranda Rae Mayo, Taylor Kinney

Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC

Those episodes include the one in which Severide was battling the cops over the young girl who had hidden the money in her grandmother’s house, and the cops weren’t trusting him and he was really going at it with them. And then there was another episode where Severide and the cops were at odds over a recording studio fire and who they thought was the suspect.

“So, for right now, Ritter wanted to keep it private. You know, you want to keep things private until you know they’re for real. You don’t necessarily want to be talking about something and jinxing it either.”

And then the episode ends with a reaffirmation of the Severide-Kidd relationship, which we won’t spoil.

“They really are genuinely hot together,” Newman agrees. “It’s just a fact, can’t be denied.”

Chicago Fire airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Next, Chicago P.D. Fans Hope Jesse Lee Soffer’s Photos Mean He’s Returning for Tracy Spiridakos’ Final Episode

Who's having a better year than Travis Kelce? Fresh off a Super Bowl win, a new hosting gig, a lucrative two-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, and a couples' trip with girlfriend Taylor Swift and famous pals Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, the NFL superstar has been cast to star in Ryan Murphy's new FX series Grotesquerie. 

Details about Kelce's role (and the show itself) are being kept tightly under wraps, but we do know a few concrete details about the series, including other key cast members and a timeframe for release. 

Keep reading for the scoop. 

Related: Travis Kelce Signs New Contract With the Kansas City Chiefs: Find Out His Net Worth in 2024 and Why It's Likely to Climb

What is Grotesquerie about?

As with most new Ryan Murphy shows, Grotesquerie is shrouded in mystery and will likely remain that way until closer to its release. So far, we know that it's a horror drama and that, given Murphy's track record, it'll probably be a little weird. 

The prolific TV creator released an audio-only teaser for the show in February. 

Related: Ryan Murphy's Massive Net Worth in 2024 Proves He's an American Success Story

“I don’t know when it started, I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s different now,” Nash-Betts says in character. “There’s been a shift, it's like something’s opening up in the world—a kind of hole to the center of nothingness."

"...You say, ‘Well, hon, evil has always existed,' cite some statistic about how the world is getting better, less murder, more help, less global horror, 'never been a better time to be alive, hon,'" she continues. "But then they come back. It’s not getting better! Something’s happening around us, and nobody sees but me.”

Creepy! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Murphy Productions (@ryanmurphyproductions)

Who is cast in Grotesquerie?

So far, the following cast members have been confirmed.

Niecy Nash-Betts

She won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in Murphy’s Dahmer-–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. 

Courtney B. Vance 

He played Johnnie Cochran in the Murphy-produced The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

Lesley Manville

She's fresh off playing Princess Margaret in the final two seasons of The Crown. 

Travis Kelce

He's the tight-end who's dating Taylor Swift. Heard of him? 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niecy Nash (@niecynash1)

Absent from the cast, at least so far, is the star of Murphy's Delicate and Swift en-aimee Kim Kardashian. 

What is the release date for Grotesquerie?

FX has not set an exact premiere date, but the show is now in production and expecting a fall release. 

Is there a trailer for Grotesquerie?

Not yet, but you can listen to the aforementioned audio clip again if you want (just don't listen too much—or backwards), and watch this space for updates! 

Next, Travis Kelce to Host New Game Show, 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?'

For myself, my husband and my boys, breakfast foods are some of our favorites, but here is our secret: We don't want them early in the morning. If we are chowing down on eggs, bacon, pancakes, omelets and breakfast casseroles, I guarantee it's at the brunch hour, or for breakfast for dinner.

So no, I'm not the mom making her kids a big hearty breakfast before school. They will be fed, but it's going to be a bowl of cereal or some mini muffins. However, once a week, I make a simple supper out of all our favorite breakfast foods. One thing I never think to make though is breakfast pizza, but that all changes now. These 24 best breakfast pizza recipes are piled high with flavor, creativity and will be a perfect addition to our rotation!

Related: 30 Easy Crock Pot Breakfast Recipes

What Is Breakfast Pizza?

The answer to that really depends on what you want it to be! The basic idea is you take breakfast favorites like eggs, bacon, cheese, etc. and put them on top of a crust of some sort. Using that template, the only limit is your imagination. Use English muffins to make a mini version. Crescent roll dough can be rolled out to feed a crowd off a sheet pan. The eggs can be cooked however your family enjoys them from scrambled to extra "dippy" with a perfect runny yolk. The sky's the limit when you create these easy breakfast pizzas.

Related: 75 Family-Friendly Breakfast Recipes

Best Breakfast Pizza Recipes

When you launch the gallery you will find something for everyone. If you want to keep it simple, try Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pizza or 2-Meat Breakfast Pizza. Watching your carbs? I found low-carb and keto breakfast pizzas too. Want to try something different for the crust? How about a breakfast pizza with a bacon or hash brown base? If you want to take it to the next level, try Burrata Breakfast Pizza, Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza or Applewood Bacon and Eggs Flatbread.

Related: The Best Vegan Breakfast Recipes

I even managed to find slow cooker breakfast pizzas for those extra busy mornings, and a mini version on English muffins kids will love to help make.

Related: 17 Fun and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Breakfast pizza has come a long way since whoever thought "hey let's put some scrambled eggs and cheese on crust and see what happens!" There is no one way to make it, the possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings and it is truly one of those foods that can be enjoyed any time of day!

Breakfast Flatbread

Parade

This breakfast pizza hinges on herbaceous notes from pesto and juicy bursts from cherry tomatoes. 

Get the recipe: Breakfast Flatbread

Breakfast Pizza With Bacon Crust

We Are Not Martha

The only thing you have to do morning of with this make-ahead breakfast pizza is crack the egg and bake off the pie. 

Get the recipe: Breakfast Pizza with Bacon Crust

Mini Flatbread Breakfast Pizzas

American Egg Board

Pizza can and should be the answer to a delicious, healthy breakfast! Try this recipe to get your mornings off to a scrumptious start.

Get the recipe: Mini Flatbread Breakfast Pizzas

Applewood Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Flatbread

McCormick Gourmet

 This upscale breakfast pizza features a naan flatbread crust, candied bacon, spinach, Gruyere cheese and sunny-side up eggs.

Get the recipe: Applewood Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Flatbread

Pizza with Eggs Roasted Peppers and Olives

Misha Gravenor

Breakfast heads down to the Mediterranean with this zesty morning pizza.

Get the recipe: Pizza with Eggs Roasted Peppers and Olives

Burrata Breakfast Pizza

Cappello's

We're slightly obsessed with this Burrata Breakfast Pizza recipe, but the best thing about it is it's keto and thanks to Cappello's grain-free, gluten-free, yeast-free keto pizza crust made from turnips and almond flour.

Get the recipe: Burrata Breakfast Pizza

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Pizza

Sheri Giblin

Sausage breakfast sandwiches walked sothis  sausage breakfast pizza can run. You might swear by it once you try it one!

Get the recipe: Sausage and Egg Breakfast Pizza

Tia Mowry's Breafkast Pizza

Mark Boughton

We adapted this show-stopping breakfast pizza recipe from Tia Mowry's cookbook, The Quick Fix Kitchen. Her technique calls for parbaking the crust, which makes it easy to load the pie up with lots of indulgent toppings.

Get the recipe: Tia Mowry's Breafkast Pizza

Easy Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza

Mark Boughton

This morning pie is loaded with eggs, sausage and bell peppers, or try bacon and your favorite veggies.

Get the recipe: Easy Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza

Mini Breakfast Pizzas

Parade

These mini zas make a great, kid-friendly alternative to traditional scrambled eggs.

Get the recipe: Mini Breakfast Pizzas

2 Meat Breakfast Pizza

Julie's Eats and Treats

Quick and easy 2 meat breakfast pizza is the perfect lazy morning breakfast or delicious on a school morning or even perfect for dinner to mix pizza night up!

Get the recipe: 2 Meat Breakfast Pizza

Back-to-School Breakfast Pizza

Southern Bite

This Breakfast Pizza is great for a quick and easy weekday breakfast before heading off to school or work, but it’s great for the weekend too. The best part is how simple it is.

Get the recipe: Back-to-School Breakfast Pizza

Best Breakfast Pizza

This bacon, egg and cheese breakfast pizza is sure to become one of your new favorite breakfast recipes!

Get the recipe: Best Breakfast Pizza

Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Pizza

Lil' Luna

Your favorite breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos share ingredients with your next breakfast love affair: this cheesy bacon breakfast pizza. 

Get the recipe: Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Pizza

Cracked Out Breakfast Pizza

Plain Chicken

Here, refrigerated pizza dough is topped with ranch dressing, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese. We love this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Get the recipe: Cracked Out Breakfast Pizza

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pizza

A protein-packed pizza for breakfast? Yes, please!

Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pizza

Easy Breakfast Pizza

As the name suggests, all you need to make this simple breakfast pizza is crescent rolls, hash browns, sausage, eggs, milk, and cheese.

Get the recipe: Easy Breakfast Pizza

Keto Breakfast Pizza

How To This and That

This Meat Lover's Style pizza is a gift for anyone who's doing a low-carb diet. 

Get the recipe: Keto Breakfast Pizza

Loaded Breakfast Pizza

Small Town Woman

This scrumptious breakfast pizza is topped with crispy bacon, browned pork sausage, sweet red bell pepper, scallions, scrambled eggs, and oodles of cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheese for the ultimate breakfast flavors in a crispy pizza crust.

Get the recipe: Loaded Breakfast Pizza

Low-Carb Breakfast Pizza

This low carb breakfast pizza is perfect for lazy Saturday mornings.

Get the recipe: Low-Carb Breakfast Pizza

Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza

The Cookie Rookie

From the crescent roll crust to the eggs and cheese and everything in between, this pizza is filling and so tasty. Plus this pizza is made in a sheet pan, so it’s super easy to make!

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza

slow-cooker-breakfast-pizza-jpg

Slow Cooking Perfected

This tasty slow cooker breakfast pizza is the perfect way to start the day. You can prepare it the night before and get it cooking as soon as you wake up.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Breakfast Pizza

Cheesy Breakfast Pizza

Spend With Pennies

This pizza is piled high with our favorite breakfast toppings including sausage, bacon, green onions, eggs and of course heaps of cheese. Consider the best grab-and-go breakfast that will bring everyone to the table!

Get the recipe: Cheesy Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast Pizza with Hashbrown Crust

This delicious recipe for breakfast pizza with a hash brown crust topped with bacon, ham, and cheese can be made for breakfast or as an easy dinner. 

Get the recipe: Breakfast Pizza with Hashbrown Crust

Related: 37 Homemade Egg Noodle Recipes That Go Beyond Tuna Casserole and Stroganoff

You already know that drinking alcohol can wreak havoc on your liver. (And if you don't, well, here are more details on those dangers.) Now, a new study links a drink popular specifically for its health benefits to potential liver damage.

According to the study, more than 200 cases of acute liver injury have been linked to an ingredient common in what's generally regarded as a super healthy beverage—but it may not be as dire as it sounds.

The study, reported in late 2022 but only just now gaining traction, correlates green tea extract to liver damage.

Related: One Common Habit That Could Be Damaging Your Liver

Is Green Tea Bad for Your Liver?

Green tea in and of itself likely isn't going to jeopardize your liver health. The study itself notes that actual green tea rarely causes any problems for otherwise healthy individuals, but that concentrated green tea extract—often found in unregulated herbal supplements and diet pills—can put you at risk of serious medical issues, with some even requiring a liver transplant.

"Standard preparations of green tea are less likely to cause liver toxicity," Dr. David Kim, MD, hepatologist and gastroenterologist at GI Alliance in Arlington Heights, Illinois, tells Parade. "Liver damage has been more commonly associated with taking green tea extract (GTE), which contains higher doses of EGCG."

Another important factor to consider: The main patient in the study got an IV of green tea extract, which is, well, pretty extreme.

"The patient in the article received green tea extract intravenously. This is a concentrated form of the biologically active compounds in green tea," Dr. David D. Clarke, MD, board-certified internist and gastroenterologist and president of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, points out. "A large majority of reports of liver damage are associated with GTE taken orally in capsule form. Both the capsule and the intravenous form of GTE result in much larger amounts of potentially toxic compounds reaching the liver than would be the case for ordinary green tea. There have been a few people who have suffered liver toxicity from drinking green tea, but they appear to have taken large amounts."

Related: 12 Foods That Are Good For Your Liver

What Are Symptoms of Liver Damage From Green Tea?

If you have liver damage from too much green tea or green tea catechins or green tea extract, there will be signs, some of which are vague enough to easily be mistaken for other medical issues—so be sure to see a doctor if you're concerned. These symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, often considered a tell-tale sign of liver problems)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Dr. Clarke notes that mild liver damage usually starts with loss of appetite and fatigue, while more acute or severe liver damage has other symptoms. If you ever notice that you have jaundice, see a physician immediately.

Related: How to Keep Your Liver Healthy

How Much Green Tea Is Too Much Green Tea?

Generally, if you're healthy, you'd have to drink a lot of green tea for this to be a problem.

"A review of the literature by the European Food Safety Authority found that doses greater than 800 mg of EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, one of the catechins in green tea) were more likely to cause hepatotoxicity," Dr. Kim notes. "For comparison, a cup of brewed green tea typically contains 100 to 300 mg EGCG."

"The data does not allow a definitive answer, and there also appears to be significant variation among people in their susceptibility to liver damage from green tea," Dr. Clarke points out. But available reports suggest much larger than usual amounts (the usual would be one to four cups) need to be ingested before there is any risk of liver toxicity."

So if you're otherwise healthy and not predisposed to liver issues, unless you're drinking a gallon of green tea a day (in which case we have other concerns, like your caffeine intake), you're probably safe.

Related: Health Benefits of Tea

Is Liver Damage From Green Tea Curable?

The good news, aside from the fact that, again, most liver damage reported was from green tea extract and not from drinking regular green tea, is that it's usually reversible, especially if you get prompt medical attention.

"The liver has remarkable regenerative properties so usually patients recover fully," Dr. Clarke says. "But in a few severe cases, the damage requires an emergency liver transplant to save the patient's life."

Dr. Kim concurs, adding, "Most cases of hepatotoxicity resolve spontaneously or with the administration of acetylcysteine."

Related: Different Types of Tea: Everything You Need to Know

Should I Avoid Green Tea Entirely?

If you're that worried about your liver and it'll give you peace of mind, knock yourself out. That said, according to Dr. Kim, most people don't have to worry about this.

"Taken traditionally as brewed tea has only rarely been linked with liver injury," he advises. "The more common association with liver toxicity has been seen when GTE has been taken in a pill or powder form as a way to lose weight."

How rarely? Very rarely, according to Dr. Clarke: "Hundreds of millions of people consume green tea daily with only five to eight cases of toxicity reported annually—and most of those were caused by GTE."

Next, The Surprising Habit That Gives You a Healthy Liver

Sources

• "Green tea extract–associated acute liver injury: Case report and review"
• David D. Clarke, MD
• David Kim, MD

Warning! The interview below contains spoilers for all of Netflix's The Circle Season 6, which aired in April and May. Please do not continue if you do not wish to be spoiled on who was blocked in those episodes.

It's appropriate that Myles Reed was voted the "most human" by his fellow players early on in The Circle. Though he gives off a self-proclaimed "[expletive] boy" persona, he has the intelligence of an AI engineer. He built a great social interface early on, forming a flirtation with Quori-Tyler "QT" Bullock that later turned into a tight "Tres Fuegos" alliance alongside Kyle Fuller. On top of that, Myles was, fittingly, given the task to identify the AI player. Unfortunately, this would end up being the height of his power in The Circle. Myles incorrectly blocked Steffi Hill as the AI. And he followed it up by developing a conflict with Cassie Saylor, after he jokingly calling her a "snake in the grass." Little did Myles know, though, that the biggest snake was to come.

Jordan Staff accepted Myles as his first DM, and Myles gave him all the info he knew. Reading Myles as a power player, Jordan then made it his solitary mission to get him out. The new player would spread rumors about Myles and try to convince QT to take him, while Myles was none the wiser. Eventually, word got out that Jordan felt Myles was in line to win The Circle, prompting a fiery fit of rage from "Papi Fuego." Unfortunately for Myles, despite having QT and Kyle on his side, Jordan's public callout had worked. "Olivia" (AKA Brandon Baker) had the sole power to block as the superinfluencer. And, despite how the two had worked together previously as "Ride or Dies," Brandon felt Myles was too much of a locked-in QT vote to keep for the finals.

Read on to hear Myles's thoughts on his time in the game. And check out Parade.com throughout The Circle Season 6 with the various players and catfishes alike.

Related: The Circle Season 6: Everything You Need to Know

What's your history with The Circle? How did you end up getting on the show?
I'll be honest, it was not on the bingo board for 2023. When we did the filming, I just moved. So I worked in self-driving cars; I was doing remote. Moved for a job in LA. I'm not sure if I should disclose the company name. But it's a big tech firm you probably know; maybe do a few searches on. But I got an AI engineer. And so I just moved out to LA. First thing I do as a single man: Download the dating apps. And I think on my second day, I start getting a bunch of comments on my post, "Check your IG Threads messages." 

They found me off Bumble. I thought it was a great effort. And everybody watched The Circle during COVID when it first premiered because it was like, "Oh, it's the only reality show that can work at this time." So I watched the first two seasons at first. But traveling so much every day, it was hard to get a stable Netflix connection. I guess beyond the dating apps, there's a different purpose for it than just finding love!

[Laughs.] That seems to be the case! To talk more about your work, you chose to be upfront about being an AI engineer in your bio. And you talked about having these "[expletive] boy" vibes, probably partially due to the fact you were recruited via dating app. Did you debate obscuring your real job to play down your intelligence?
The way I look, people were gonna assume something from me. Let's just keep it with all the curveballs. I mean, you can lie at any time, but the truth always comes out. And honestly, I didn't think it would be that much of an advantage. Also people get caught in their lies all the time, unless there's a huge overlap. Like, I think Kyle going as a basketball trainer versus a basketball player is such a small difference, it works. But what was I gonna go in as? It just doesn't relate to me. If I'm trying to be authentic. I'm not going to filter my convos. I think you see that in how I speak, even in my texting. Some people might say it's illiterate to some degree. [Laughs.] But it is what it is. It's just where I grew up, how I go, my friend group. I just wanted to be myself. If I'm gonna be there in isolation, to also be living a lie, I don't know how that would do mentally.

Let's fast-forward to the end of your game. Quite a few people were shocked to find out that you were blocked. But how surprised were you by your own elimination, considering how hard Jordan was going after you?
To be quite honest, I think there's a point where, when Jordan comes for me and QT,  I realize there's probably a good shot neither of us are going to win. It's in everybody's back of their mind. And I think what I was hoping for was just the connections we formed at least to carry us. But I kind of understand Brandon--Olivia. [Laughs.] It's very weird to switch the names. We drunk SnapChat each other all the time. We're all doing shots. We're all friends and family. Even Steffi! I know that everyone's thinking we've got beef. But me and Steffi just got off the phone. We're good friends. I like to think, even if you think I'm an asshole, I grow on you.

So I do understand. I talked to Brandon about this. I understand his point. There was another alliance of Jordan, Lauren, and Liv. But he says, "Honestly, you're giving QT the number one. Kyle's is going to kind of ride for you. It's not good for my gameplay." And, you know, I think I come out here my strategy is a lot different than everybody's. So I understand it fully. I think there's a point where everybody's like, "I have to learn to trust Liv. But, in the back of my mind, can I?" Clearly not, but there's no there's no hate there. I think it's good gameplay. You can't be mad. Definitely, with prize money, though I'm gonna need a few drinks out here. [Laughs.]

Talk to me about you saying, "My strategy is a lot different than everybody's." If you had made it to the finals, were you always going to rate "Tres Fuegos" at the top?
Yeah. The thing is, I was loyal to the team. You'll see that in all my ratings. If I said I had your back. I had your back.  I think that's the one thing I can say: I've been loyal. I think people would think with the "[expletive] boy," I'd be the most disloyal person there is. But I try to keep it real. These are people who I've built friendships with. They're all family. And to this day, I still ride "Tres Fuegos." You'll see me in Miami with Kyle. Kyle's brother is sleeping over my house. I went to Kyle's brother's birthday. Our squads have interacted. QT, you know that's my boo! [Laughs.] I'm joking but I do have a little date with QT tonight. But "Tres Fuegos," at the end of the day, that's my squad. I'm just the coach. I get to see my players through.

Well let's talk about some of the opposition to your team. I want to start with the AI twist. As an AI engineer, what was your reaction to the twist?
First of all, the AI twist. I was like, "Damn, I've really got to do work on my PTO!" Because I had to use PTO for this. [Laughs.] I'm like, "[expletive], dawg. You really have me doing this AI stuff?" But nobody gets that, even though I'm an AI engineer, my background was more robotics. I did space robots for grad school, trying to find water with planetary rovers. I work with self-driving cars, warehouse robots. I didn't work with chatbots. Now that I have a little bit, maybe it'd be a little different.

I don't think they show it in the edits. But the photo of Max--even though I know Max is a real person now popping up on TikTok; I'm actually gonna grab drinks with him this week--and him leaving the group chat that I kind of start to go, "Oh, really saying nothing out here. It's always just in the middle." And him leaving the group chat, nobody who's human would do that. And I think I go in my mind, "There's like a 30 to 40% chance that it's Max." But nobody's throwing out Max really in this publicly. If I go for Max and I get it wrong, everyone is like, "Yo, why is it taking out Max?" I got the target on the back.

How much were you going back and forth between people before finally choosing to block Steffi?
I think for me what happens is it really comes down to Paul or Steffi. I didn't really think Kyle. I just thought it was a bad photo. And seeing why he had to choose that photo now...[Laughs.] I mean, it's so basic. I would have thought his photo was also a little sus, because it's kind of like the Steffi photo, where there's nothing really there. It's just sitting on a dune buggy. But it looks like he's in Dubai or some [expletive]. But I get why he had to go for it; it was a last-minute pivot. But realistically, it was Paul or Steffi, and if I really thought I had the "cajones" to go Max and if I was going to take that gamble. But I think it came down to that Paul's coming for me. Can I trust him? Am I going to be loyal when we said we had each other's back?

With Steffi, you might not know this about the dating scene in LA. But when I first moved here, right when I got scouted, I was still going on some Bumble dates, some Hinge dates, all that. And the first question you get is the horoscope question. I had so much PTSD from it. I was like, "Yo, if I have to do another horoscope conversation, I might just walk off the show right now. I'm not gonna lie." So I think that was also a factor. But it was Steffi who switched from coming at Paul to Kyle. I was like, "What is this going on here?" So a lot of variation there. But Kyle was never in play for me.

What about the Cassie side of things? You're not happy when she mocks in the Circle chat that the AI engineer couldn't find the AI. You respond by painting her as a "snake in the grass," which makes her upset. In the moment, she seemed to blame you for her low rating and blocking, and called out that you had an alliance that you broke in her goodbye message. What's your side of how all that transpired?
I was laughing through all this. I thought this was a roast game. I thought like, "Y'all, we've gone through some tough times. Let's have some fun with it." I was laughing. I'm still mad at Netflix here. I want that portrait of me puking the hearts. I said, "Put that in my bedroom!" I thought all of them were. I thought maybe the one of Lauren was a little mean, because I couldn't tell if it was two-faced or bad make-up. But I took it all good jest. But, with Cassie, in my mind, I'm like, "You literally told me to come for Steffi. And then you call me out for getting Steffi wrong. The whole squad was about it. Now you're trying to paint a target on my back."

And I could have easily blamed it on somebody else. I think nobody would have been suspect of it. But that didn't sit right with my character. I'm not gonna throw anybody under the bus who did anything wrong there. So I had to own up to it. And she said, "Oh, we can forget about it." I even offered to apologize to the group chat for her. So when she brings it up in the other group chat, I was just like, "[expletive] it, we ain't with her anymore." And I don't think I had time to focus on my game plan. Because of the "Ride or Die," we were focused on saving me and Liv. And mainly saving QT was my whole strategy. But I didn't have time to really talk to him about the Cassie situation. But I felt like she came from my neck out of the woodwork. If we did have a kind of alliance, it wasn't that deep of one. But we were working together. And just to throw me under the bus, you can't even think anybody's gonna think wrong of it. It is funny; the AI engineer didn't get the AI. But you have to know that's going to put something in everybody's mind.

Let's move from something that made you laugh to the exact opposite. You're the first chat Jordan has in the game, and little do you know it makes him immediately turn on you and make it his mission to get you out. When you do find out about him targeting you and spreading lies, you clearly are upset, to the point of throwing a chair in frustration. Give me your take on everything that was happening with Jordan.
The thing is he told me, "I only trust you and QT." So it's just lies 24/7. I also find out directly he twisted the truth to Lauren. I told him that she got called two-faced and she lost her two friends. There's a difference. I never called her two-faced; I said she's been nothing but sweet to me. But that's what she's been called. And to say I was calling her that, spreading bad names, of course I'm mad. Because this is somebody I will actively look to protect in this. To be honest, I think Jordan might have done better in his final rating if he didn't do that. Because I think I would vote for him, and I think he was building up a friendship with everybody. Everybody kind of felt bad with the way he was like a new dog. I don't know if he would have won, but he would have gotten something.

But I was infuriated that somebody I was trusting and riding for just lied about me. It's war. At the end of the day, we're good friends now. I bought the kid bottle service when he came, He's crashing at my house. I took him to the club. I hooked him up. It's all jokes now. But you understand it's a game and he plays the villain role real well, at the end of day. I didn't really know that there was a villain role, but I think he does. And it's good TV. But I'm not gonna lie in the moment. You're living by yourself. These are your connections. It [expletive] with you differently. I viewed him as a friend. So to have a friend you find out is talking [expletive] on your name, it ain't cool. But stuff has changed. And of course I know the chair flip is in there. But there was some stuff that was out of pocket. I don't take it back. [Laughs.] But it be what it do. You come from me, I'm gonna pop off.

Well let's go from your rival to your Circle crush. Talk to me about developing your dynamic with QT. And I know you had agreed to go on a date after you were blocked. What's been happening with you two since you left The Circle?
So me and QT have definitely gone out. We've gone out to the club; gone out to dinner. I think within three days, we went out to dinner at this restaurant in a beautiful spot. I just had to point out all the stops for my girl. We've gone on several dates. I think, though, it's definitely different. There's an element of "trauma bonding" when you go through these reality shows, they call it. I didn't know that was a thing. But it's like, we were isolated in an apartment. And we go through this experience, and nobody else will really understand these conversations, the links between them. You're staring at a chat for 10 minutes sometimes before the next response comes. So, at first, we went on these dates. And all we wanted to talk about was our experiences coming back. I was overreading group messages like, "Yo, you flaking, or what's up?" And I'm like, "What do you mean by that?" [Laughs.] It takes you a while to adjust back, which is totally fine. Totally normal.

So me and QT, we went on these dates. And it was a true bond, a real friendship underlying over there. But there's definitely a little romance there, I'm not gonna lie. We've definitely gone on a few more romantic dates. I've had to travel a bit, and she's had to travel a bit for some other stuff. And we were watching, and we were just talking. There's always in the back of your mind, because we didn't know the edits, "Was it like fully romance? Or was there also just some strategy in play?" I think kind of seeing us, how we were talking, how we felt, was actually what we're interpreting. I think it definitely put a few butterflies back. I think there's a reason we're meeting up today again. We're doing a little watch party that her mom's organized. So I would say maybe keep tuned on that. But that's my boo thing still to the end of day!

Next, check our interview with The Circle Season 6 fifth-place finisher Lauren LaChant.