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Talk about a major ’80s flashback!

Viewers tuning into The Shards are doing a double-take over one of its leading men, Graham Campbell, whose striking look is a dead ringer for a young Christopher Atkins in The Blue Lagoon. As fans are doing a double-take over the similarities between both actors, Atkins is weighing in on the chatter—and his reaction might surprise you.

The actor shared a social media post from the AngelBoy76 Instagram page. It shared a side-by-side set of photos that showed just how similar in looksr Campbell is for Atkins.

On his official Instagram, Atkins captioned the image, "Look what someone sent me. So cool. Love it. Shards, new on FX."

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Fans of the actor couldn't believe the similarities. They shared their remarks in the post's comments section.

"Kudos to them but there’s only one Christopher Atkins," remarked one follower. A second penned, "The OG is always the best though."

A third Instagram user wrote, "I just saw a post about this! You’re the OG!!!!" A fourth fan added, "In episode 1 of The Shards, a character pulls up to a movie theater, and it’s showing Blue Lagoon in big letters on the marquee."

The Blue Lagoon made Atkins a major teen idol in 1980, launching his signature sun-kissed, heartthrob look into pop-culture history overnight. He co-starred alongside Brooke Shields in the film, which went on to become one of the top ten highest-grossing movies of 1980 and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year.

Now, more than four decades later, fans are thrilled to see that iconic ’80s aesthetic enjoying a brand-new second act on screen.

FX's The Shards is Bret Easton Ellis’s television adaptation of Ellis’s 2023 semi-autobiographical novel that drops viewers straight into the sun-drenched, paranoia-soaked luxury of 1981 Los Angeles, California.

The series centers on a fictionalized 17-year-old version of Ellis (played by Igby Rigney) as he navigates his senior year at the elite Buckley prep school. On the surface, it’s all gated wealth, high-society parties, and glittering privilege.

Yet beyond the designer clothes and exclusive parties, the show is actually a dark psychological thriller. A shadowy serial killer named "The Trawler" is hunting down high schoolers across Los Angeles, with the bloodshed slowly closing in on Bret’s tight-knit group of friends.

Cast members include Igby Rigney as Bret Ellis, Homer Gere as Robert Mallory, Kaia Gerber as Susan Reynolds, and Evan Rachel Wood and Wes Bentley as Liz and Terry Shaffer. The ensemble also features Hayes Warner as Debbie Schaffer and Graham Campbell as Thom Wright, rounding out the tight-knit circle of prep school elites at the heart of the mystery.

The Shards made its official debut on August 5, 2026, with a two-episode premiere. The nine-episode drama airs weekly on FX and is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+, leading up to its season finale on September 9.

Related: Rarely Seen ’80s Teen Icons Reunite for Beloved ‘The Pirate Movie’ Screening

Diane Keaton will be remembered for her legendary performances on film across multiple genres, from her dramatic turns in The Godfathermovies and The Family Stone to her comedic roles in Annie Hall and The First Wives Club. More than an actress, Keaton was also a style icon whose signature hats, gloves, and menswear-inspired suits became as much a statement as they were her uniform.

Keaton’s Father of the Bride co-star Kimberly Williams-Paisley is keeping the actress’ memory alive by purchasing a few of Keaton’s signature accessories at auction, including the film legend’s infamous “NO MORE WAR” hat. Williams-Paisley shared the news, along with comparison photos of herself wearing Keaton’s pieces, in hopes of keeping Keaton’s memory and message alive.

In a post shared to her own social media Friday, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played Keaton’s daughter Annie in the Father of the Bride movies, shared photos of herself wearing Keaton’s infamous hat, which carries a message near and dear to Keaton’s heart.

Williams-Paisley wrote:

“Recently I bought this hat and gloves from the Diane Keaton auction. I’m so happy to have some of her iconic style with me. While my friends and I were carefully unpacking these items and getting ready to shoot this, a gorgeous, gigantic bald eagle landed in a nearby tree, stayed for a moment and then flew off (see video). THIS IS SO RARE!! It definitely felt like Diane’s energy was around us! The hat says, “NO MORE WAR,” and she’d added a skull and crossbones. So, I’m passing along her message. 👑✌🏻❤️🕊️ (this is part one of two☺️)”

Diane Keaton’s ‘No More War’ Hat View this post on Instagram

The hat is unmistakably Diane Keaton. The actress was able to elevate fashion into a statement, whether it was a literal statement like “NO MORE WAR” or her willingness to use style to express herself.

Diane Keaton was famous for her style, often wearing dark, menswear-inspired suits, turtlenecks, gloves, and hats. Before her death in October 2025, Keaton had amassed a collection of more than 40 hats, making them one of the accessories most associated with her. From her Annie Hall style to her real-life wardrobe, hats and Diane Keaton went hand in hand.

That makes Williams-Paisley’s purchase of one of Diane Keaton’s most famous hats even more important. This wasn’t just a slice of Hollywood memorabilia; this hat was personalized by Keaton herself.

Fans Were Emotional Seeing Diane Keaton’s Hat Again

No surprise, fans were emotional seeing Williams-Paisley take on Diane Keaton’s style and message.

“This gave me chills,” wrote one emotional fan. Another added, “This touched my heart so much.”

Keaton and Williams-Paisley’s Father of the Bride co-star George Newbern also responded, writing, “I love this Kim. I have been thinking about Diane so much lately.”

Diane Keaton’s Style Was About More Than Clothes @okay.ronnie

Diane Keaton setting it straight #fyp

♬ La Lecon Particuliere - Bof La Lecon Particuliere - Francis Lai & Christian Gaubert

Long before personal style became a social media buzzword, Diane Keaton understood how powerful it could be to develop a look that belonged entirely to you.

Keaton’s menswear-inspired suits, gloves, and hats became synonymous with her, but they also made a statement with every wearing.

Diane Keaton challenged traditional gender norms and was a reminder that personal style is about being comfortable enough with yourself to dress for yourself.

Her signature style is most associated with the film Annie Hall, but Ralph Lauren, who dressed Keaton for the film, credited Keaton’s own style as the inspiration for the character’s look. That style will forever be associated with Diane Keaton, a trailblazing legend who used fashion and style to define who she was.

Fittingly, one of her most personal pieces is now being celebrated and reworn by the actress who portrayed her daughter on film and became a friend in real life.

It’s almost as though Keaton chose the hat’s next owner herself.

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August is one of the best times to bring sunflowers indoors, and you don’t need a fresh bouquet to do it. The Sonoma Goods For Life Ceramic Sunflower-Shaped Tray at Kohl’s is currently just $10, down from $15, with code TAKE20. Its warm yellow petals and dark brown center look like a sunflower in full bloom, making it an easy way to bring some late-summer color into your home as you start to transition toward fall decor.

The tray is made from ceramic and measures 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep and 0.88 inches high, so it’s small enough to tuck onto an entryway table, dresser, or coffee table. The petals are raised and shaped rather than simply printed on, which makes the whole piece look more expensive, and it can be easily wiped clean.

Sonoma Goods For Life Ceramic Sunflower-Shaped Tray, $10 (was $15) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

Shop at Kohl's

It’s especially fitting for this point in the summer because sunflowers are still very much in season, but the color also works beautifully as fall gets closer. You could place it beside a vase of fresh flowers now, then pair it with warmer autumnal accents later in the season. And unlike decor covered in pumpkins or obvious seasonal sayings, a sunflower doesn’t have to be packed away once fall ends. The cheerful yellow can brighten up a dresser or side table even in the middle of winter.

One shopper said it’s a “handy dish for trinkets or keys,” and praised its “pretty sunflower design,” while another said they “love it,” adding that it “will add a nice touch to my fall decor.” Both reviewers also gave the tray a perfect five out of five stars.

Related: Kohl’s 'Cute' and Whimsical $13 Sunflower Bowl Set Adds a Little Sunshine to Every Snack

Another perk is its compact size. Since it’s only 6 inches across, you don’t have to rearrange an entire tabletop to make room for it. It’s also decorative enough to leave empty, so you’re not buying something that only looks nice when it’s being used for storage.

Shop More Deals

• Celebrate Together Fall Woven Sunflower Basket, $19 (was $30) at Kohl’s
• Celebrate Together Fall 2-Piece Sunflower Dip Bowl Set, $13 (was $20) at Kohl’s
• Celebrate Together Fall Beaded Sunflower Placemat, $19 (was $30) at Kohl’s

At this price, there’s no reason to wait until fall is fully underway to bring it home. Grab the Sonoma Goods For Life Ceramic Sunflower-Shaped Tray at Kohl’s while the code TAKE20 still brings the price down to just $10.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

Viva logistical challenges, or blue dot fever.

If you bet on Morrissey actually showing up for a scheduled concert this year, the house may have just won again. The former Smiths frontman has canceled his four-night residency at the Wynn Las Vegas' Encore Theater, just a week before the shows were set to begin, citing vague "unforeseen logistical challenges." Many fans had already booked flights and hotel rooms specifically to catch the run, only to learn Friday that the shows were off entirely.

Given Morrissey's recent track record, though, longtime fans might argue the real gamble was expecting the residency to happen in the first place. According to Rolling Stone, the singer has built something of a reputation over the past couple of years for scrapping shows on short notice, and the reasons have ranged from medically specific to downright bizarre. His California dates were called off due to a reaction to prescription medication. A St. Louis show was axed the same day over the flu. One gig in Spain was reportedly canceled because nearby festival noise left him "sleep deprived" to the point of a "catatonic state." All told, Morrissey pulled the plug on 22 scheduled shows in 2025 alone, with another 10 postponed.

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As for what specifically derailed the Vegas run, details remain vague. Morrissey's own website still lists the shows as scheduled, even as the Wynn has already scrubbed them from its entertainment lineup and Ticketmaster confirms the cancellation directly to ticket holders. His last live performance was just a week earlier, on August 1 in Portugal,  offering no real clues as to what went sideways in the days since.

For fans still holding out hope, Morrissey's next scheduled stop is mid-September at Chicago's Riot Fest. Whether that one actually happens, though, might be the safest bet in Vegas: don't count your chickens (or your Encore Theater seats) until showtime.

Donna Mills played Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing for nine seasons and won the Soap Opera Digest Outstanding Villainess award three times. In a recent Entertainment Tonight interview the 85-year-old looked back on the steamy bed scenes with costar Ted Shackelford and had one word for them. "Steamy." She also had a verdict on what filming them was like. "Fun. I can't deny it." And she has something to say about Playboy not putting her on the cover in 1987 because she wouldn't pose nude. "I was pissed."

@tamronhallshow

Donna Mills is proving that age is JUST a number. At 85, she’s embracing every moment and reminding us (including the haters) that anything is possible at any stage of life! #donnamills #ageisjustanumber #aginggracefully #agingiscool #agingbackwards

♬ original sound - Tamron Hall Show

When Entertainment Tonight asked how steamy the scenes with Shackelford were, she didn't hesitate. "Steamy." Then she elaborated. "I mean, look at Ted," she said. "Get into bed with that body — and he's such a sweetheart. He really is. It was fun. I can't deny it. It was fun." Shackelford played Gary Ewing, whose complicated on-screen relationship with Abby kept viewers hooked for years. Abby was the woman every other character underestimated right up until she got exactly what she wanted. Sound familiar?

Mills won Outstanding Villainess in 1986, 1988, and 1989 and Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role in 1986. She joined the show in its second season in 1980 and stayed until 1989, then returned for the series finale in 1993. At 85, she's reviewing the experience with the warmth of someone who has absolutely nothing to prove.

The same self-possession ran through every detail of her 1987 Playboy pictorial. She brought her publicist and hairdresser to the entire photo session. Their job was to make sure nothing was shown. "No boob, no butt, no everything was covered," she explained. "Sexy as hell, 'cause the legs were showing, and it was all draped and stuff like that, but nothing really was showing."

Related: 1985 'Rocky IV' Hit, Written on a Hotel Room Wurlitzer While Touring With REO Speedwagon, Was Blocked From No. 1 by an AIDS Charity Single

She and Playboy had arranged that she'd be on the cover. Then Playboy said no. The reason: she wouldn't pose nude. "If you're kind of holding a little bit back," she said, "it's much sexier." She's been proving that point since 1987. "I was pissed," Mills said. She didn't change her approach.

The October 1987 Back to Campus issue featured Brandi Brandt on the cover. Mills appeared inside in her non-nude pictorial. Two years later, she got the November 1989 Playboy cover. Same philosophy. No nudity. On her own terms. The woman who played TV's most famous control freak had controlled the situation completely.

The Woman Who Always Did It Her Way

The 1987 Playboy shoot and the OnlyFans account she launched in July 2026 are 39 years apart. The philosophy's identical. Control everything. Show what you choose. Don't apologize.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Mills has been doing it her way since the beginning. She started alongside Clint Eastwood in Play Misty for Me in 1971. She joined Knots Landing in its second season and stayed nine seasons before leaving in 1989. The show ran until 1993 across 14 seasons on CBS. More recently, she appeared in Jordan Peele's Nope in 2022 and on Doctor Odyssey. She hosts the We're Knot Done Yet podcast with Joan Van Ark and Michele Lee. And at 85, she's on OnlyFans. "Sexy as hell but nothing was showing" has been her approach for 50 years. The platform's new. The philosophy isn't.

Donna Mills played the most controlling woman on prime-time television for nine seasons. In real life, she brought her publicist and hairdresser to a Playboy shoot to make sure nothing was shown. She was "pissed" when they refused to put her on the cover. She got it two years later. On her own terms. At 85, she's calling the bed scenes with Ted Shackelford fun, and she's not taking it back.

She hasn't changed. Neither has Abby.

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Katie Holmes is hitting the red carpet with her new boyfriend, artist Jason Bard Yarmosky, and the couple is looking very happy together.

The beloved actress, 47, rose to stardom as Joey Potter on the WB teen series Dawson’s Creek. She went on to roles in films like Batman Begins and Thank You For Smoking, and became prime paparazzi fodder thanks to her 2006 marriage to Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. While that relationship sold endless tabloids and made Holmes a paparazzi target, even after their 2012 divorce, the devoted mom of Suri has done her best to eschew the prying eyes of the camera. That's why it's quite notable that Holmes stepped out with Yarmosky at the 2026 Guild Hall Summer Gala in East Hampton, New York.

With their arms around each other, Holmes leaned in on Yarmosky's shoulder with a smile on her face. Elegantly dressed in a strapless white dress, the beauty looks mighty happy with her new love, whom she started seeing in July.

Sonia Moskowitz / Getty Images

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Holmes Showed What Goes Into Her Makeup Routine

While Holmes generally avoids social media like the plague, she broke her rules to share an intimate video of her makeup routine. Starting with no makeup on, Holmes described her cosmetics routine as she stood in her bathroom, in front of the mirror. With natural lines and wrinkles like the rest of the world, fans found her particularly relatable.

View this post on Instagram Fans Praised Her For Aging Gracefully

Looking bare-faced and beautiful, commenters were quick to praise Holmes for aging gracefully.

“I love how Katie is letting herself age gracefully like many of us. We get to see her being her truly beautiful self,” one person shared.

“Love her so much for not doing surgery. She looks stunning ❤️,” another person shared.

“Our 90s Queen! An icon! Beautiful then and beautiful now. So natural and aging gracefully!” someone else chimed in.

What is Katie Holmes Up to These Days?

Last summer, Holmes reunited with her Dawson’s Creek costar Joshua Jackson for Happy Hours, which she wrote, starred in, and directed. The dramedy, which is a trilogy, was described to Deadline as a “story about two people (Jackson and Holmes) navigating their relationship within the challenges of 

careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite life’s inevitable obstacles. It’s a character-driven dramedy that explores the emotional journey of young loves who reconnect as adults, with the connective thread of shared joys, loss, and hope.”

Related: Katie Holmes and Her Mom Are the Cutest Red Carpet Duo

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It's been over two decades since The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown first hit bookstores. Back then, no one could have predicted what kind of impact it would have on the literary world.

The 2003 novel has continued to be a successful book to this day, but especially so when it first came out in spring of that year. It quickly became the must-have, must-read book of the century.

Brown is known for his dramatic thrillers, but his work especially came to light upon the publishing of The Da Vinci Code. Since then, it's been translated into 44 languages and has sold more than 80 million copies worldwide, per Audible.

Despite its success, the novel has also met its fair share of criticism, due in part to what scholars say are historical inaccuracies as well as backlash to what some call a reinvention of Christian history.

In fact, it's been banned in several countries, including India, Pakistan, Lebanon and Samoa, due to its depiction of religious content and alleged inaccuracies, according to the Banned Library podcast.

Nevertheless, the mystery thriller is one of the best-selling novels of all time. Take a trip down memory lane to unpack some of its most important moments and why it remains an important staple on the bookshelf today.

Related: 27 Best Audiobooks Narrated by Celebrities, According to Librarians

The 2003 Publishing Phenomenon: What Was the Mystery Novel of the Summer?

By August 2003, The Da Vinci Code still held its place on bestseller lists across the country. And it remained there for many months later—the book spent over two years on TheNew York Times bestseller list, including 57 weeks that it sat in the #1 spot, per Audible. It's not hard to know why, given its gripping plot, controversial story and its setting at one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre.

By the end of 2003, it had sold more than 5. 7 million hardcover copies around the world, making it that year's #1 fiction bestseller, according to Publishers Weekly. In comparison, the fiction book that held that spot prior, The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller's, sold over 4.3 million copies.

The mystery novel was certainly a publishing phenomenon. Librarian Anaiah Erdtsieck says that might have to do with its exciting plot.

"The work’s fast pacing kept its readers hooked, especially those who might not normally be long-form readers," she tells Parade.

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

Is ‘The Da Vinci Code’ Based on a True Story? Unpacking the Controversy

The Da Vinci Code's plot-line follows Robert Langdon, a Harvard University professor of symbology who is put up to the task of solving the murder of a curator at the Louvre, an "historically inspired thriller that takes readers on a tour of European art," explains Erdtsieck.

"When a murdered body is found in the pose of the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci with an eerie summons for the professor, Langdon is thrust into a quest for clues alongside the deceased’s granddaughter, police cryptographer Sophie Neveu," she reveals.

As the professor seeks to uncover the message of the dead man, he trails through the continent with pursuers on his tail, "whose sole mission is to keep the secret from getting out, no matter if that leaves Langdon dead or alive," says Erdtsieck.

Whether The Da Vinci Code is a true story or firmly fiction is a controversy that has kept the story alive for years.

If you ask Erdtsieck, the book employs historical and religious concepts that are all too common to people, whether they grew up with them or learned them in school, and then begs the question: "What if?" she says.

"What if the holy grail were to be found? What if the Catholic Church is hiding centuries-old secrets? What if Jesus actually had descendants? This is the stuff of legends and the kinds of questions religious skeptics want us to be asking," she explains.

In the Associates for Biblical Research, author David Witmer debunks many religious ideas in the book, and states that "none of the concepts of The Da Vinci Code are new; Brown’s novel is a contemporary compilation of legends circulating for centuries."

Some of those concepts, he writes, include a lack of historical evidence that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, or that the books "San Greal" documents aren't actually real.

However, in a PhilStar Global interview in 2006, the book's author, Dan Brown, says that while elements like the characters themselves aren't real, the "artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist."  

Erdtsieck agrees and says that much of the novel's art pieces, locations and historical details are in fact accurate. She believes that "this is what makes the story his protagonist Robert Langdon unravels so compelling."

"That real facts and evidence are used to speculatively re-examine history in a new light, even if the ultimate findings have not been corroborated," she says.

Related: 11 Multi-Genre Books That Will Absolutely Wreck Your Productive Week

Symbology and Codes: The Formula That Kept Millions Turning Pages

There are so many reasons to love The Da Vinci Code, and to perhaps find yourself reading it over and over again. But what is it that makes it such an addictive read? While symbology isn't a real profession you can go into or study at Harvard, per Slate, it's not hard to crack this code.

Erdtsieck says the book's success is due to many elements, but one theory she has is that its success is actually quite similar to the Indiana Jonesmovies.

"To use a film metric, both are four-quadrant pieces of media—works of popular art that appeal to four major demographics in the market: under-age-25 women, under-age-25 men, over-age-25 women and over-age-25 men," she explains.

There's a huge fascination with conspiracy theories, not just among Americans, but anyone who might gravitate towards a novel like this one.

In that case, it allows readers to get a sense of something exciting to unravel and ponder deeply upon, building "upon popular knowledge," reveals Erdtsieck, while also "giving readers a taste of world travel and exploration."

"This led it to a wider audience than simply those who would already pick up the latest adult thriller novel," she states.

Related: We Asked 4 Librarians, ‘What’s the Best Murakami Book?’—And They All Said the Same Thing

The 'Robert Langdon' Books in Order

Robert Langdon isn't just the protagonist in The Da Vinci Code. The Robert Langdon novel series follows him in these six novels by Dan Brown. He's portrayed as a Harvard University professor of symbology, but the fictional plot lines differ. Here are the books in order:

1. 'Angels & Demons' (2000)

Amazon

2. 'The Da Vinci Code' (2003)

Amazon

3. 'The Lost Symbol' (2009)

Amazon

4. 'Inferno' (2013)

Amazon

5. 'Origin' (2017)

Amazon

6. 'The Secret of Secrets' (2025)

Amazon

Related: Librarians Are Calling This New Novel the ‘Best Book’ to Read Before Bed

Where To Watch ‘The Da Vinci Code’ Movie Today

In 2006, the moment many fans of The Da Vinci Code had been waiting for came to fruition: the novel was finally turned into a film. And not just that; it was the first of three eventual movies in the Robert Langdon film series.

The Da Vinci Code stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, with Hanks playing the same character in all three of the franchise's films. Audrey Tautou, who plays cryptologist and Langdon's mystery-solving partner, Sophie Neveu, only appears in the first movie.

Again, this is the first film out of three, with film icon Ron Howard as the director for the whole trilogy.

With the success of The Da Vinci Code as a movie, it makes sense that they went the franchise route. They chose to adapt Brown's debut novel, Angels & Demons, the second in the trilogy of movies, produced three years later in 2009. Hanks stars alongside Ewan McGregor as Fr. Patrick McKennaor. Then again in 2016, they released the final film, Inferno, with Felicity Jones playing a doctor who helps Langdon (still Hanks) in his big escape.

Curious where you can stream the films? Down below, find where you'll conveniently be able to watch them.

'Robert Langdon' FilmWhere To Stream

'The Da Vinci Code'

Rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango

'Angels & Demons'

Rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV and Fandango
Free on Tubi until Aug. 31, 2026

'Inferno'

Rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV and Fandango

Up Next:

Related: How Rich Is Your Favorite Audiobook Narrator? Ranking the 15 Highest-Paid Readers in 2026

Source:

• Anaiah Erdtsieck is a school librarian and is on Instagram and TikTok as @lookshesbooked.

As a lifelong pizza fanatic, my love for pizza knows no bounds. And while I have my go-to New York City slice that I can turn to any day of the week, I’ve always maintained that I’m just as happy eating the average school cafeteria pizza as I am enjoying something fresh out of a brick oven from my local pizza joint.

If we’re talking strictly nostalgia, however, school cafeteria pizza still holds a very special place in my heart. Also known as sheet pan pizza, this decades-old style has remained a staple in schools across the country, offering an efficient, affordable and practical way to feed hundreds of students a day rather than stretching and baking individual round pies.

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In an attempt to recreate some of my fondest childhood pizza memories, I turned to the Quantity Recipes for School Food Service book, a USDA guide created to help schools prepare reliable large-scale meals for students. Inside, I found a recipe for Pizza with Ground Beef Topping, and I immediately knew I was on to something great. With fond memories from my own school cafeteria days freshly unlocked and an approachable recipe in hand, all that was left to do was bring it to life.

Here's what happened when I made retro school cafeteria pizza at home. Read on to see how easy it was, how to make it even better and if it still lives up to the hype.

Ingredients for Retro School Cafeteria Pizza

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Considering this recipe was originally designed to make 100 servings across five sheet pans, I went ahead and scaled it down to work for a single half-sheet pan so you’re not left with an army’s worth of food.

To get started, you’ll need one pound of pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade, along with 1 pound of ground beef, 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 yellow onion, 6 ounces of tomato paste, garlic powder, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, dried marjoram and dried thyme.

If you want to simplify things even further, which I’m always a sucker for, swap the individual dried herbs for Italian seasoning to get a similar flavor profile with fewer ingredients.

How to Make Retro School Cafeteria Pizza

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

While the recipe is pretty straightforward, a couple of prep steps are important to make the process feel smoother. Start by letting the pizza dough come to room temperature for about an hour. While you wait, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the grease before adding ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder and cooking for an additional five minutes.

From there, stir in half a diced yellow onion, 6 ounces of tomato paste, ¾ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 ½ tablespoons of Italian seasoning and 1 ⅓ cups of water, then bring the mixture to a simmer for 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 475°F.

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Once ready to assemble, grease a standard half-sheet pan or similar-sized baking sheet and stretch the dough to fit. This may take a little patience, as the dough may require some extra stretching to fully reach each corner. Personally, I opted for a slightly smaller 15.4-inch by 10.3-inch pan, which gave me a slightly thicker crust but made it easier to stretch my store-bought dough end to end.

Related: 10 Classic Betty Crocker Recipes Every Millennial Grew Up Eating

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

For the first layer, sprinkle roughly 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella over the pizza dough. Next, layer on the ground beef mixture and spread it out evenly, making sure to cover the entire surface area of the pizza. As a finishing touch, add another layer of mozzarella cheese on top, being as generous as you need to satisfy your own cheesy preferences.

Finally, toss the sheet pan in the oven, bake for 15 to 18 minutes, and wait for the crust to become lightly browned and the cheese bubbly. When ready, remove the pan from the oven and let the pizza cool for five minutes before slicing and serving.

What I Thought of Retro School Cafeteria Pizza

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

With every new recipe, I always have a certain level of nervousness going in, even when I have experience making similar dishes. But when I opened the oven for a quick check halfway through baking, I was immediately reassured by the visual display and delicious aroma seeping out into my kitchen.

Prep time and assembly are really the only challenges this recipe presents, but both processes are more than easy to master and experiment with. And while I am partial to a good pepperoni pizza, this cheesy ground beef alternative instantly brought back nostalgic school cafeteria memories, hitting the mark exactly as I thought it would.

Tips for Making Retro School Cafeteria Pizza

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

If you want to make your own at home, keep these three tips in mind.

1. Don’t rush the beef mixture.

While the dough and cheese on their own are certainly delicious, the beef mixture is what gives this pizza its wealth of flavors. Once the meat is browned, don’t just add the tomato paste, water, and seasonings and call it a day. The 15 minutes of simmer time is crucial to unlocking deeper flavors because it lets the tomato paste, herbs and seasonings fully blend into the beef.

2. Be patient with the dough.

Pizza dough can be both tricky and frustrating to handle. Whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought, giving it time to come to room temperature is key for this recipe. The proofing process helps relax the dough and makes it easier to stretch, but you might still need to work it into the corners of the pan with your fingers and palms until it holds its shape. Be patient and keep at it; you’ll only get better with time.

3. Get creative with the toppings.

Now for the fun part. This is about as basic as a pizza recipe gets, which also makes it a fun starting point for experimentation. Give it a Tex-Mex twist with a blend of cheeses rather than just mozzarella, and add toppings like jalapeños, diced peppers, onions or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

You can also experiment with the amount of cheese you use for an extra-cheesy result, or switch up the pan size for a thicker or thinner crust.

With a new pizza recipe in your Rolodex and plenty of ideas for making it your own, you’re now ready to bring a little nostalgia to your next meal or scale things up and create your own 100-serving school cafeteria pizza masterpiece.

Related: I Tried Trisha Yearwood's Lemon Squares—and They're Everything a Summer Dessert Should Be

Kate Beckinsale is speaking out on Instagram following a wave of criticism regarding her weight loss.

The British actress, 53, is known for films like Pearl Harbor, Serendipity, and The Aviator. Typically active on social media, the star wiped her account of all posts, except for a flurry of Instagram Stories in which she shared the rampant criticism she's received about her body.

In response to one cruel post, Beckinsale shared that she's been dealing with crippling grief and health issues.

"You take a break from Instagram for several months following the death of your mother, delete all of your posts and explain in some considerable detail about why you may have lost weight including the fact that weight loss is one of the very first physical signs of bereavement…I think people might be broken," wrote Kate. 

(Instagram/Kate Beckinsale)

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What Illness Does Kate Beckinsale Have?

In addition to struggling with her grief, Beckinsale noted that she has an autoimmune disease called Master Cell Activation Syndrome, Hello! shared.

"Fairly chaotic discussion of mast cell disease and mast cell activation syndrome which more and more doctors are becoming aware of given that a lot of people with long Covid have developed it unfortunately for them- but fortunately for the community," Beckinsale explained.

What Is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

The Cleveland Clinic describes mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) as "a rare condition caused by overactive mast cells. It leads to repeated episodes of severe symptoms that can affect multiple parts of your body. These episodes may include swelling, hives, trouble breathing, diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, MCAS can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis."

Opening Up About Her Grief

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images

Last December, Beckinsale opened up in a series of now-deleted Instagram posts about her difficult year, which included a lengthy struggle with grief.

Beckinsale shared that she had “survivor’s guilt" after her mom, July Loe, died in July 2025. Her stepdad, Roy Battersby, had just died in January 2024. That tied into the death of her father in 1979. 

“At the age of 5, I watched my 31-year-old father die of a huge heart attack. Then I watched my stepfather die. Then I watched my mother degenerate and die in such an incredible amount of suffering. And I will say, it doesn’t make you feel very hungry,” Beckinsale shared, Parade previously reported.

The star noted that she had received a flurry of “nasty” comments about her weight.

“I don’t know if there’s some kind of survivor’s guilt… It’s not like anorexia where you’re starving, and it’s a kind of willpower thing. It’s like your body has closed. I think it’s shock and trauma,” she continued. “I think watching, especially alone, the people that you love the most dearly suffer and have horrific, sometimes violent, awful deaths, really makes you not hungry.”

Related: Fans Rally Around Kate Beckinsale As She Opens Up About Weight Loss Amid Grief

Joan Benoit’s 1984 Olympic marathon is one of those performances that only gets better with time. Benoit became the first woman to win an Olympic marathon gold medal and created one of the most dramatic finishes in Olympic history.

On August 5, 1984, America’s Joan Benoit stood at the starting line in Los Angeles for the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon. The then-27-year-old athlete had undergone knee surgery just months before and had to fight her way onto the U.S. Olympic team. When the race began, Benoit employed a controversial strategy: She took the lead early and quickly distanced herself from the field.

Joan Benoit Ran Alone for 21 Miles @athletichybrid

She ran alone for 21 miles with history on her shoulders 1984: First time women were allowed to compete in an Olympic marathon. Joan Benoit made a bold early move and disappeared from the pack. She crossed the line and shattered a barrier that had existed since the Olympics began. One race. One woman. History made forever JoanBenoitSamuelson 1984Olympics WomensMarathon FirstEver Trailblazer WomenInSports OlympicHistory runner MarathonLegends

♬ original sound - athletichybrid - athletichybrid

For 21 miles, Benoit ran alone, at one point building a 51-second lead. The gap between her and her biggest competition, including Norway’s stars Grete Waitz and Ingrid Kristiansen, continued to grow as both held back in the Los Angeles August heat and smog. At one point, Benoit’s lead over her rivals approached two minutes.

Benoit would later admit that even she doubted her bold strategy. Worried she might lead for much of the race only to get caught by the competition late, she questioned herself but continued to run at her own pace.

The race finished with a dramatic ending fit for a race taking place on the edges of Hollywood. After running 26 miles essentially alone, Benoit approached the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum still in the lead. The 77,000 spectators inside the Coliseum could see the American runner approaching the stadium’s entrance, but then she disappeared into the tunnel leading into the stadium.

Related: 2018 Olympic 'Moulin Rouge!' Ice Dance Routine Featured a Lift That Looked Like Pure Magic

Joan Benoit Disappeared Into the Tunnel

For a painfully long few seconds, Benoit was completely out of sight, leaving the audience in the stadium and those watching from home unsure if she would emerge from the tunnel still in the lead.

Then Benoit emerged from the tunnel, still in front.

The crowd responded with an overwhelming roar as Joan Benoit entered the stadium, bounding toward Olympic history.

Benoit’s disappearance into the tunnel was brief in duration but seemingly endless for those waiting to see their hometown hero become the first-ever woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the marathon.

Benoit crossed the finish line in 2:24:52, winning the first women’s Olympic marathon and beating Waitz by a full 1 minute, 26 seconds.

Joan Benoit’s Gold Medal Was About More Than a Race @growingbolder

Joan Benoit Samuelson may be the most inspiring female distance runner ever. In 1984 she won gold in the first Women’s Marathon ever held at the Olympics. In 2019 at the age of 61, she completed the Boston Marathon within 30 minutes of her very first time, exactly forty years ago. Joan shares with Growing Bolder what she believes it takes to stay in the race at any age.   Click the Link in Bio to watch our full story on the inspiring distance runner.     #Marathon #Run #Runner #olympian #Lifeadvice

♬ The Champion - Lux-Inspira

Benoit’s gold medal performance was about more than another Olympic victory. It was the first Olympic women’s marathon, won by an American at an Olympics hosted by America. It was also a major milestone for women’s sports.

For decades, women had been excluded from the Olympic marathon because of archaic beliefs that long-distance running was bad for women’s health. The 1984 Olympic marathon marked a major turning point for women’s sports, and Joan Benoit became the face of that change.

That’s what makes rewatching Benoit’s cinematic finish so powerful today. She wasn’t simply running toward a gold medal. Joan Benoit’s disappearance into the tunnel symbolized the race itself as she ran into a moment that had never existed before.

From Title IX in the early 1970s to women finally being included in the Olympic marathon in 1984, the era marked a time of momentum for women in sports, with Joan Benoit striking gold and becoming the enduring face of a movement.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing

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Reese Witherspoon is thanking fans and loved ones for their support after her father, John Draper Witherspoon, was rushed to the hospital Friday. John, 84, was found face down on the concrete by the pool of his Nashville, Tennessee, condo. And now, a difficult time in her parents' marriage has resurfaced.

Sources tell Page Six a resident spotted John from their balcony and called downstairs to alert the doorman. “The doorman and building manager rolled him over and they said, ‘Dr. Witherspoon, are you OK?’” the source noted. “He blinked his eyes, and that’s when he was rushed to the hospital.

The Oscar winner released a statement to her Instagram Stories later to give everyone an update, writing, “Earlier today, several outlets reported that my dad was taken to the hospital after a fall. I want to let everyone know that he is fine now. He is being taken care of by wonderful doctors and nurses. Thank you to everyone who reached out,” she added. “It means the world to our family.”

John has been seen publicly throughout the years in support of his daughter’s blossoming career. He cheered her on from the audience when she won her Oscar for Walk the Line at the 2006 Academy Awards. He was also in attendance at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2010.

John served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves. He specialized in ears, nose, and throat. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth (aka “Betty”) wed in 1970. She also worked in the medical field as a nurse. They raised their family together in Nashville. 

The couple began living separately in the ‘90s. Things became contentious in 2012 when Betty hit him with a bigamy lawsuit. She demanded John’s new marriage to Tricianne Taylor be annulled, arguing that John had failed to divorce her before marrying again, and that she only learned about his new “bride” through the press. She also said she still loved her husband despite his addiction struggles and infidelity, the New York Post reported.

In a separate filing, Betty obtained a restraining order against Taylor. The order preventing Taylor from using their last name Witherspoon, including obtaining lines of credit or living on property owned by John. Betty also alleged that John had a major spending problem and was a hoarder, noting that she and Reese didn't lend him money for his frivilous spending. She also revealed that despite being separated and living a part for two decades that they still talked regularly and spent time togetehr at family functions.

By 2018, they’d reconciled. She told a magazine that they’d been back together for “quite a while” and were “still married,” People reported at the time.

When it comes to bringing order to a space, there are all sorts of creative ways to keep your essentials neat and easy to access. And whether you need a complete storage overhaul or a simple extra shelf to help tie a room together, you can always rely on your local Five Below to drum up some useful, clever tools for the job.

Take this 3-Tier Metal Rolling Cart, for example. Sporting a sleek, minimalist design paired with an affordable $20 price tag, this multi-level storage cart is a lifesaver in spaces that need it most. Complete with an easy-access design and smooth-rolling mobility, it's a no-fuss way to add some much-needed storage to a room without breaking the bank.

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3-Tier Metal Rolling Cart, $20 at Five Below

Five Below

Available in stores while supplies last, Five Below's 3-Tier Metal Rolling Cart brings versatility to your organizational efforts, with a mobile design that makes it easy to transport from room to room. Featuring locking caster wheels, it offers plenty of freedom in spaces like classrooms, arts and crafts rooms, workshops, garages or salons, where keeping tools of the trade on hand and within reach are just as important as having a clean workspace. 

Even better, you can choose from Black, Pink and White colorways, each designed with mesh-floored baskets making up each tier and a retro-inspired shape forming the cart's curved frame. With clean lines, a sturdy build and plenty of room between each shelf to allow for items to be stored and accessed comfortably, this cart offers loads of flexibility to make the most of any room.

Related: Target's Sleek New $10 Organizer Is a Dorm Room Must-Have

Five Below

As for its overall footprint, this cart is ideal for small spaces, standing 29.9 inches tall, 17.9 inches wide and 12.2 inches deep. Compact enough to tuck under some desks yet spacious enough to handle plenty of creative storage needs, it even offers a max weight limit of up to 11 pounds per shelf, giving you a little more freedom to load up each tier with whatever you need.

Whether you need one in the kitchen for extra pantry storage, in the bathroom to hold toiletries and makeup, or in the office for desk supplies, this clever little cart is sure to help you realize your organizing goals. Just be sure to snatch up your favorite color quickly, as supplies will not last long depending on where you live.

While you're at it, check out Five Below's new $15 boho area rug and $10 cordless lamp for more home upgrade inspiration. 

Related: Hobby Lobby's Rustic $42 Accent Table Is So Popular, One Shopper Bought Four

We may be well into August, but it's never too late to fire up the grill. With football season and Labor Day inching closer, there's even more reason to stock up on McCormick's three new seasonal seasoning blends.

Tongue-twister? Definitely. Tongue-tingling? Even more so.

Grill masters across the U.S. will likely be eager to try the latest additions to McCormick's Grill Mates collection:

• Jalapeño Lime
• Sesame Chili Fusion
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic & Truffle

Related: Fan-Favorite Gas Station, Known for Legendary Pizza, Quietly Takes on Buc-ee’s With 400 New Stores

These new seasonings may just stop you in your tracks, convincing you to savor the last days of summer instead of rushing into PSL season.

All three flavors will be sold exclusively at Walmart, ranging from bold heat and bright citrus to rich garlic and truffle notes. Whether you grab one or all three, each offers a different way to elevate your next meal — all for just $1.97 each.

While they're obviously suited for burgers, steaks and chicken, the blends can also be sprinkled over veggies, pasta, stews and even popcorn for an easy flavor boost. That's right — you can level up your snacks too.

Don't let the Grill Mates name fool you. Flipping burgers may come to mind first, but rather than sticking with traditional smokehouse and barbecue flavors, McCormick is branching into more adventurous combinations.

Related: Fireball Launches 5 New Flavors With Less Heat Than Its Signature Cinnamon

Jalapeño Lime adds citrus and heat, Sesame Chili Fusion brings Asian-inspired notes, while Salt, Pepper, Garlic & Truffle transforms a simple pantry staple into something a little more gourmet. Air-fried french fries, anyone?

This lineup may be the secret weapon behind your Labor Day cookout, but McCormick has 10 other new flavors to add to your spice rack, too.

Season 3 of HBO Max's House of the Dragon continues to explore author George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones world through the bloody history of the feuding Targaryens. Actor Tom Glynn-Carney recently sat down at Brittany Broski’s Royal Court to talk about Aegon II's arc.

Offering his perspective on how he sees his character after being burnt (literally) by his brother Aemond's dragon to take the Iron Throne for himself.

"As much as he is a nightmare, he wants to be loved, he wants to be appreciated, and he wants to be respected, and he's realizing slower [that] you won't get any of those things if you behave the way he's been behaving. So maybe there'll be a turning point; maybe there won't be," he said of how Aegon absorbed the truths his ally Larys Strong laid on him while they fled Prince Aemon's wrath.

Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Star Fabien Frankel Breaks Silence on Ser Criston Cole’s Brutal Death (Exclusive)

He continued to agree that perhaps he's changed, but maybe not in the way you think. "I'm kind of in two minds about where I'd like that to go because I want Aegon to remain Aegon and the way that he functions being sort of controversial, and what's the phrase, a leopard won't change his spots--that's the kind of thing I'm feeling. I think he sort of will manipulate the way he behaves and the way he interacts with people for the betterment of his own sort of progress," Glynn-Carney told Broski and added that he finds the role uncomfortable in a creativity-fulfilling way because of "his vulnerability, his imposter syndrome, the way he's consistently sidelined. He occupies uncomfortable space at all times. Even in his own skin, he's uncomfortable. I just find those more layered characters... they interest me more."

This season continues to lead Aegon to a path where he might be able to find redemption and aspire to be like his father, but there's that Dragon spirit within for him to reckon with, which can go either way. When asked what he would tell his character in 3 words about where this season of House of the Dragon is going for him, the actor teased that he would tell Aegon: "Don't do it."

Ryan Murphy is an iconic writer, director, and producer who is known for working on hits like Glee, American Horror Story, Pose, Nip/Tuck, and Monster. He is now working on a new series called The Shards, which is based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel. The book, which is set in Los Angeles in 1981, is a fictionalized memoir about Ellis’ final year in high school. It follows a boy and his wealthy friends who are forced to deal with a local serial killer called The Trawler.

“I’ve done a couple of shows with high school characters, and I love doing them,” Murphy stated, as reported by US Magazine. “I think that arena is really interesting. It’s an arena of first times: First kiss. First makeout. First sexual experience. First breakup.”

Related:British Actress, and Mother of ‘The Nanny’ Star, Dead at 99

Murphy went on to reveal that this show will not contain graphic sex scenes and gave his reasoning behind the decision. “The interesting thing about The Shards is that it’s made for everybody,” he said. “Specifically, it’s made for you if you grew up in the ‘80s, and it’s made for young people who are that age. In the back of my mind, I was always like, ‘Being too graphic and too sensational is not the way to go.’”

He continued, “I would say that the older I get, the more I become an old Victorian prude. Maybe because I’m a father, I’m like, ‘We don’t need to show that.’”

Murphy also spoke about wanting to do the right thing for the cast, especially since many of them are newer actors. “A lot of this cast is new,” he said. “And I didn’t want to put anybody in any situations in any of the scenes. The thing I always lead with actors is, ‘What do you feel comfortable doing?’ I always empower actors in those situations.”

Related:Whoopi Goldberg, 70, Revealed This Iconic Movie Role Was Supposed To Go to Bette Midler

The Shards premiered on August 5. The first two episodes are currently available to watch on Hulu. New episodes air on Wednesdays on FX.

Just weeks after breaking down on the internet over her real estate career struggles, Kendra Wilkinson is taking a breather to focus on some changes she says she’s proud of. The former Playboy bunny took to social media to slam haters who are critical of her recent weight loss.

“Sexy is the last thing I want to be nowadays.  I aim for health, happiness, success and god’s light. Peace is everything to me,” Wilkinson, 41, wrote in an Instagram post on Friday, August 7. “Sometimes I feel the negativity in the world but then I remember how amazing I am and get right back to it.” 

She continued, “It’s not easy being a ‘public figure’ while figuring out life and its ups and downs but god gave me this platform for whatever reason. LOL. 😂 I see people poking at me for my body and my aging and it’s OK.”

Noting she’s “at peace” with her new figure, she adds: “None of that stuff bothers me. I am happy being me and alive and watching my kids grow. If people want to be negative, that’s their energy not mine. I’m OK not being Playboy-skinny anymore or bleached blonde 21-year-old. That was a time of my life but now I’m older and have lived a life. I forgive myself for all the things and can breathe in life a different way now. Life is good and I am so blessed and grateful!!”

Earlier this year, the mother of two revealed that she had kickstarted her weight-loss journey and has since dropped four dress sizes with the help of GLP-1 medications. Her recent update came after she shared an emotional post about her real estate struggles.

Wilkinson has been working hard to establish herself in the luxury real estate profession over the past few years, even chronicling her journey in an HBO Max reality series, Kendra Sells Hollywood. But a new career path has proven to be challenging.

In July, Wilkinson got real about how she felt after she was dropped by a client. Through tears, she told social media followers in a video, “I know that we’re living in a world of struggle right now, I know that. But it’s just … it’s so hard. It’s so hard right now,” she said, as reported by Page Six. “I feel like I’m doing everything right in my life — I’m raising my kids and putting them first,”she added, referencing her childer Hank Jr., 16, and daughter Alijah, 12, she shares with her ex-husband, Hank Baskett. “I’m doing everything good — I’m a good person. It’s just such a struggle right now.”

Wilkinson said she has been “fighting people that work with me, getting fired, people being rude and mean, admitting, “It’s taking a toll.”

Fans of Chesapeake Shores will want to tune in this weekend to catch Jesse Metcalfe in his return to Hallmark Channel in Absolutely Devoted to You opposite fan favorite Kimberley Sustad. Metcalfe played Trace Riley on Chesapeake Shores for five seasons before deciding to exit the series to pursue other goals. This is his first project back for the network after exiting in 2021.

Read on for everything to know about Absolutely Devoted to You, including the cast, premiere date and Parade's exclusive sneak peek.

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What is Absolutely Devoted to You about?

Kaitlin (Kimberley Sustad) is an ambitious TV producer who devises a brilliant plan to reunite a 90's boy band for an annual summer beach bash, but her idea is derailed when she falls for the band's reluctant lead singer, Derrick (Jesse Metcalfe).

Who's in the cast of Absolutely Devoted to You? Kimberley Sustad, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Hallmark Media

Kimberley Sustad as Kaitlin

Sustad is a Hallmark Channel fan favorite with The Nine Lives of Christmas and its long-awaited sequel, The Nine Kittens of Christmas. She has also starred opposite Paul Campbell in several movies, including the original Godwink Christmas movie, Wedding Every Weekend and Christmas by Starlight, the latter which they co-wrote. The two have also written several Hallmark movies including Three Wise Men and a Baby. Other acting credits include A Bride for Christmas, The Real West, and Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!

Jesse Metcalfe as Derrick

Jesse Metcalfe has starred in several Hallmark Channel movies including A Country Wedding with Autumn Reeser. He also starred as Trace Riley on Hallmark Channel’s popular series, Chesapeake Shores though he is exiting the show in the Season 5. Metcalfe left for the network for a stint to film other projects including Roku's Summer Sparks, Great American Family's Harmony from the Heart and Divine Influencer, and films On a Wing and. a Prayer and Queen of Manhattan.

Fun fact: Metcalfe’s middle name is Eden.

When does Absolutely Devoted to You premiere?

Absolutely Devoted to You premieres on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and can be streamed the next day on Hallmark+.

Related: Great American Family Just Confirmed Good News for Fans of Its Hit Drama

Check out an exclusive sneak peek of Absolutely Devoted to You

Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from Absolutely Devoted to You below:

PARADE Exclusive - Absolutely Devoted to You (0:57) Check out images from Absolutely Devoted to You

Take a look at some select images from Absolutely Devoted to You in the gallery below.

Absolutely Devoted to YouHallmark Channel Graham Verchere, Barry Levy Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Kimberley Sustad Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Kimberley Sustad, Elijah Westgate, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Kimberley Sustad, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Hallmark Media

Tetiana Ostapowych, Barry Levy Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Barry Levy, Tetiana Ostapowych Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Romar Dungo, Graham Verchere, Connor Wong Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Kimberley Sustad Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Next, Hallmark’s Latest Football Romance Just Got a Major Casting Update

Lulu was just 15 when her version of The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” became a Top 10 hit in the U.K. The 1964 recording launched the Scottish singer’s career, even though it wasn’t the song she had hoped to record.

Before she was known as Lulu, she went by Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, a young performer who'd been singing since childhood. At 14, her manager, Marion Massey, gave her the nickname "Lulu," reportedly after calling her "a real lulu of a kid."

By 1964, Lulu had signed with Decca Records and was singing with her backing group, The Luvvers. Although she was still only 15, she was given the opportunity to record a version of The Isley Brothers’ 1959 rock ’n’ roll hit “Shout.” 

Released under the name Lulu & the Luvvers, the song became her breakthrough single, climbing to No. 7 on the U.K. Singles Chart.

Funny enough, "Shout" wasn't the song Lulu originally planned on doing in the studio. She told The Telegraph she'd already been performing it live for more than a year beforehand.

“It has a life of its own, that song,” she said. “I was 14. I’d found it the year before. I knew I was going to do a recording, but I had no idea about [which song].”

She admitted she'd actually wanted to do a Beatles song instead, but "Shout" ended up being the perfect way to introduce her voice to the world. British pop at the time was leaning hard into American R&B, and Lulu even sang the song with an American accent to match.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Lulu picked up a cosign courtesy of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. While appearing on the television program Ready Steady Go!, the two were asked what music they were listening to and mentioned Lulu’s “Shout.”

“John said, ‘Oh, yeah, that Lulu. ‘Shout.’’ And Paul said, ‘Oh, yeah, we love ‘Shout’ by that little girl Lulu.’ Can you imagine?” she later recalled to Attitude. “I’d never liked British music until The Beatles; I’d only liked American music.”

Lulu believes that moment made all the difference. “I think that’s what made my record a hit, if I’m being honest.”

From there, Lulu kept the momentum going with hits like "Leave a Little Love," which cracked the U.K. Top 10 in 1965. Soon after, she left the Luvvers and pursued a solo career.

Her big U.S. breakthrough came in 1967, when she starred alongside Sidney Poitier in To Sir, with Love and sang the film's title track. That song blew up, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ending up as the best-selling single of 1967 in the U.S.

She went on to score more hits with songs including “The Boat That I Row” and “Boom Bang-a-Bang,” while also building a career in television and film.

Related: 1964 Folk Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Launched a 19-Year-Old Singer’s Solo Career

Fans of television’s biggest variety competition can now experience the thrill of a live finale while sailing the open ocean. Royal Caribbean has officially debuted America’s Got Talent LIVE on Stage aboard its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, marking the global franchise’s first-ever headline show at sea.

Staged inside the ship's massive Royal Theater, the production emulates the high-stakes energy of a live television finale. Rather than a static cast, the production features a rotating roster of standout acts from across the global Got Talent universe—bringing together top-tier magicians, beatboxers, acrobats, and danger performers under one roof.

Related: A First Look at Legend of the Seas, the New Icon-Class Contender for Vacation of a Lifetime

America's Got Talent

Vacationers stepping into the Royal Theater can expect to see fan-favorite alumni who have dominated stages around the world, including:

• Aaron Crow (Belgium): An America's Got Talent Season 13 semi-finalist known for his heart-pounding danger act that fuses suspense, magic, and empowering illusion.
• Berywam (France): A world-renowned beatbox crew that appeared on France’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent, and AGT: All Stars. Vocalists Beatness, Rythmind, Wawad, and Beasty push the boundaries of vocal music through technical mastery and high-energy stage presence.
• Duo EmYo (France): The winning husband-and-wife aerialist duo from France’s Got Talent 2025, who combine high-flying acrobatic arts with emotional storytelling.
• Solange Kardinaly (Portugal): An America’s Got Talent Season 19 finalist celebrated for her mind-bending quick-change magic and vocal talent.

Related: The World's Newest 'Ultimate Family Vacation' Just Hit the Open Ocean

The groundbreaking production anchors an already stacked entertainment lineup aboard Legend of the Seas. Cruisers can also take in a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, marvel at high divers, aerialists, and dancing robots in Shockwave at the open-air AquaTheater, or watch Fusion, a new ice-skating spectacle performed inside Absolute Zero—the largest ice arena at sea.

Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, Legend of the Seas will make its U.S. debut in November 2026 out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will sail six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, with every departure featuring a call at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Related: Every Incredible New Surprise Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Latest Megaship, Legend of the Seas

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When people say the kitchen is the heart of the home, I can confirm they are talking about my house. I spend an almost suspicious amount of time in there, and not all of it involves actually cooking. There are dishes to wash, countertops to wipe, to-do lists to scribble out and, of course, the never-ending chorus of "What snacks do we have?" coming from my kids. At this point, I'm basically part chef, part short-order cook and part kitchen receptionist.

The only problem? While I genuinely love the look of my kitchen floors, they are not exactly what I'd call foot-friendly. Standing on them for hours can leave my feet feeling like they've put in a full workday of their own. That's where a good comfort mat comes in. It gives your feet a much-needed cushion while adding a little softness underfoot to a space that tends to see more traffic than just about anywhere else in the house. And if that comfort mat happens to be pretty enough that you don't mind seeing it every day, that's even better.

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Draper James Field Flowers Scallop Edge Comfort Kitchen Mat, $31.19 (originally $64.99) at Kohl's

Kohl's

Shop It!

Normally I pick up a comfort mat at Aldi, because they have such cute ones at really affordable prices. But once I laid eyes on this Draper James Field Flowers Scallop Edge mat at Kohl's, I knew I had to have it. Plus it's currently more than half off, and I can't resist a good deal.

Related: IKEA Is Selling a Sleek New Cart That Fits Into the Narrowest of Spaces for Extra Storage

This is the kind of kitchen mat that makes a practical purchase feel a little more fun. The cheerful scalloped edge is so trendy but also timeless, while that 12 millimeters of foam cushioning adds some much-needed support. Plus, the anti-skid backing helps keep it in place, so you don't have to worry about it creeping across the floor every time you step on it.

I love that it's water-, stain- and oil-resistant, because that's particularly handy in a room where spills are basically part of the decor. At 20-by-39 inches, it has a streamlined profile that won't feel bulky underfoot. And when life inevitably gets a little messy, you can simply wipe it clean.

The mat also comes in a happy pink colorway with similar florals, but I prefer the navy in terms of hiding any dirt, even if it is super easy to clean.

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