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Amazon's 'Small but Mighty' $16 Portable Space Heater Is Perfect for Warding Off the Fall Chill

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 3:15pm

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For anyone who struggles to stay warm, you can never have too many tools on hand to help combat the cold. Layering hoodies, sweaters, blankets, boots, and gloves can’t beat the warmth a personal heater provides when you’re in a spot that feels way colder than it should. Instead of bundling up from head to toe, spend less than you would on takeout for lunch today and order a mini space heater that can be on your doorstep by tomorrow with Amazon Prime shipping. 

The Asnug Portable Ceramic Space Heater is now just $16 at Amazon in the classic black hue. Usually priced at $18, this personal heater is at its lowest price in at least 30 days, so this is a great opportunity to snag one for your space. There are four additional colors (beige, blue, pink, purple) available for $18 if you’re craving a different look. Simply plug in this handy heater and get immediate warmth at your desk, while you cozy up on the couch, or anywhere else you feel the chill a bit too strongly this fall and winter.

Asnug Portable Ceramic Space Heater, From $16 (was $18) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Perfect for anyone wanting toasty toes under their desk, a bit of extra heat getting ready in the mornings, or on-the-go personal warmth, this mini heater heats up in seconds and stays quiet. Measuring 6.1 inches high, 5.8 inches wide, and 2.9 inches deep, it’s a small but mighty warmer with 500-watt power that gives you fast, efficient heat in targeted spots. A cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection, and simple one-touch controls with an LED on/off indicator make it foolproof to operate.

The lightweight build means this heater is extremely portable — you can toss it in your work bag for the office or take it with you when you travel to get extra warmth in hotel rooms. Powered by efficient ceramic elements, it delivers fast heating in about 2 seconds, so you never have to wait long for the warmth to hit. 

Amazon shoppers raved about how powerful this personal space heater is, sharing that it’s “small but mighty.” Compact and lightweight, reviewers said it’s “perfect for small spaces” and “great for the office,” adding that it fits easily underneath a desk or sits on top without toppling over. “I’m really impressed with this small heater,” one shopper raved.

Related: Brace Yourself for a Snowy Winter With Amazon’s $120 Cordless Electric Snow Shovel

Snag the Asnug Portable Ceramic Space Heater while it’s on sale for just $16 at Amazon. You won’t regret having a personal heater on hand the next time you’re in a spot where you need extra warmth fast. Your freezing fingers and toes are going to thank you this fall and winter!

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‘SNL’ Star Jon Lovitz Reveals the Warnings He Gave Chris Farley Before His Death

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 3:13pm

Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz is opening up about his friendship with fellow Saturday Night Live alum, the late Chris Farley.

During an October 2026 interview on Michael Rosenbaum‘s podcast, Inside of You, Lovitz said he and Farley, who died at the age of 33 in 1997, “were very close friends.” Lovitz also said he immediately knew that the Tommy Boy star, who joined SNL in 1990, needed help due to his drug use.

“I tried to help him from the moment I met him,” said Lovitz, who left SNL following season 15 in 1990, after a five-year run.

In addition, Lovitz said he reached out to Jim Belushi‘s agent, as he was concerned Farley was following the path of his brother, SNL icon John Belushi, who died in 1982 when he was 33.

“I called Jim Belushi’s agent and said, ‘Can you have Jim call this guy because he really idolizes John Belushi and he’s going down a bad road.’ That was after the first time I met him,” said Lovitz during the Inside of You episode.

Lovitz also said he voiced his worries to Farley while they were spending time at the beach together.

“We’d be at the beach, and I was very hard on him. Just blunt. Because I loved him, you know. I wouldn’t pull any punches. I’d go, ‘Dead man walking,'” recalled Lovitz.

He then said that Farley believed “he was indestructible” and enjoyed “getting high.”

“I said, ‘You got to love yourself.’ And then he goes, ‘Well, okay, but John, but if I love myself and drugs make me feel good and I deprive myself of drugs. Isn’t that depriving myself of love?’ So I started laughing. I go, ‘Shut up, you idiot,'” said the League of Their Own actor. “I go, ‘Yeah, they make you feel good, but they kill you, you know.’ He was like half joking, but it was like, ‘Would you shut up?'”

Lovitz also suggested he wasn’t surprised when he got the news that Farley had died following a drug overdose.

“When he died, I was like, you know, of course. I was very upset, but I went, ‘That idiot. God d–n it.’ We told him, we told him, we told him, we told him, we told him. But it’s like any drug. They have to do it themselves. They have to stop. You just can’t make them,” continued the 69-year-old.

Bob Odenkirk Had Similar Comments About His Friendship With Chris Farley

Actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk, who was an SNL writer for four years until 1991, shared similar comments about his friendship with Farley during a 2022 interview on The Howard Stern Show.

In the interview, he described Farley as “very special” in his ability to perform.

“Everybody who saw him perform got a little piece of his soul. I mean that was the thing about Chris that was very special and undeniable and made his potential even so much greater than anything he’d done,” said the Better Call Saul actor.

He then recalled seeing Farley, who starred on SNL until 1995, toward the end of his life at an event.

“We had a party at a bar, and somebody came in and said, ‘Farley’s out back, he wants to say, ‘Hi’ to you,'” said the actor.

Odenkirk then theorized that Farley didn’t want to go into the venue “because he was very aware of what he looked like and how people were perceiving him, and he was pretty off the rails.”

“He was way off the rails at this particular event where they were also having a Saturday Night Live reunion event. And I’m sure people had been telling him all weekend, ‘What the hell is going on with you?’ ‘Chris, go to rehab right now.’ ‘You shouldn’t be here.’ ‘Don’t go off with those people,'” said Odenkirk during the 2022 interview.

He recalled going over to Farley’s limousine where they “had a nice chat,” despite the late comedian being “out of it a bit” and “look[ing] worse than [Odenkirk had] ever seen him.”

Odenkirk also noted that the situation was particularly difficult for him as his father “was an alcoholic.” In addition, the actor said there was a “feeling of inevitability” that Farley’s life would end because of drugs.

I Tried the 15-Minute 'Dump-and-Bake' Pizza Casserole You Need for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 3:04pm

Listen, I could eat pizza every day of the week. Whether it’s a classic pepperoni pie, a meat lover’s loaded with toppings or something a little more adventurous, I’m always in the mood for a slice.

But making pizza from scratch isn’t always practical, especially with two little kids running around the house. And while ordering from my local pizza shop is certainly convenient, those delivery fees and tips can add up quickly. Plus, not to mention that even picking up a couple of pizzas for the family isn’t exactly cheap these days.

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That’s why a dump-and-bake pizza casserole option caught my attention. With just 15 minutes of prep, it seemed like an easy way to get my pizza fix without ordering takeout. I’ve made plenty of pasta dishes over the years, but somehow I’d never tried this pizza-flavored one, so I decided to put it to the test and see how it turned out.

The idea sounded almost too easy, but I wasn’t complaining. Plus, I already had most of what I needed in the kitchen, so there was no need for yet another grocery run. Here’s how my dump-and-bake pizza casserole turned out and what you should know before making it yourself.

The ‘Dump-and-Bake’ Secret: Why You Never Have to Boil the Pasta

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

If you’ve ever made a pasta casserole, you probably know the drill: Boil the pasta, drain it, mix everything together and then bake. But with this recipe, you can skip that first step entirely. The dry pasta cooks right in the baking dish, soaking up the water and pizza sauce as it heats up in the oven.

The trick is making sure there’s enough liquid to cook the noodles and keeping the dish tightly covered with foil to trap the steam. Not only does this save you an extra pot to wash, but the pasta also absorbs some of that tomatoey flavor as it cooks. Just be sure to give everything a good stir, so you don’t end up with crunchy noodles sticking out of the sauce.

Related: I Tried the Italian Way of Making Soup 10x Better

Ingredients You Need for This 4-Ingredient Pizza Casserole

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this casserole, and there’s plenty of room to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings. Here’s what you’ll need for a 9-by-13-inch baking dish:

  • 16 ounces uncooked short pasta, such as rotini or elbows
  • 24-26 ounces marinara or pizza sauce (about 3 cups)
  • 3 cups water
  • 4-5 ounces pepperoni
  • 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For my version, I used Monte’s Fine Foods Rotolini pasta, Olli Salumeria pepperoni and fennel salami. I also used a smaller 8-by-8-inch baking dish, so I adjusted the quantities accordingly.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Pizza Casserole in 5 Steps

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Here’s how this pizza casserole comes together.

1. Preheat the oven.

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. I used an 8-by-8-inch dish, lightly greased it with butter, and adjusted the ingredients to fit.

2. Mix everything together.

Add the uncooked pasta, pizza sauce, water, Italian seasoning (optional), garlic powder (optional) and your favorite toppings to the baking dish. I used Olli Salumeria pepperoni and fennel salami for extra flavor, but you can use whatever you like. Stir until everything is combined and the pasta is mostly covered in liquid.

3. Cover and bake.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir and check the pasta. If it’s still firm, cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes, adding a little hot water if needed.

4. Add the cheese.

Once the pasta is tender, top it with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan (optional). I also saved a few pepperoni slices to arrange on top.

5. Finish baking.

Bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Related: The 7 Best French Groceries To Buy at Trader Joe’s (And 3 To Skip)

How to Customize Your Casserole (Supreme, Meat-Lovers and Veggie)

Bloomberg / Getty Images

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can make it just about any way you like. If you’re a fan of supreme pizza, try adding bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives and Italian sausage. For a meat-lover’s version, load it up with pepperoni, sausage, bacon or salami. I used a combination of pepperoni and fennel salami, which gave mine a little extra flavor without straying too far from a classic pizza.

Prefer to skip the meat? Go with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini or your favorite veggies. Just keep in mind that vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini release moisture as they cook, so you may want to sauté them first to keep the casserole from getting too watery.

You can also play around with the seasonings. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, dried oregano or basil for a more traditional pizza flavor, or a little smoked paprika for something different. And if you want to change up the cheese, try provolone, cheddar or a little extra Parmesan.

Troubleshooting: How to Keep Your Casserole From Being Watery or Crunchy

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

The biggest trick to getting this casserole right is making sure you have enough liquid to cook the pasta without turning the whole thing into soup. If your pasta is still crunchy, it probably needs more moisture or time in the oven. Try adding a splash of hot water, giving everything a good stir and covering the dish tightly with foil before baking it a little longer.

On the flip side, if your casserole looks too watery, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for a few more minutes. Giving it five to 10 minutes to rest before serving can also help the sauce thicken up. And don’t forget to check that your pasta is mostly submerged in liquid before it goes into the oven so it cooks evenly.

How to Freeze and Reheat for Meal Prep

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Have leftovers? Let the pizza casserole cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to three to four days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to three months, making it easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner whenever you’re short on time.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through to 165°F. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of water or extra pizza sauce before reheating. Just keep in mind that the pasta may be a little softer the second time around.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this dump-and-bake pizza casserole was a hit, and I’m surprised I hadn’t tried it sooner. It’s definitely a recipe I’ll be keeping in my dinner rotation. As a dad of two, I have a feeling my baking dish will be getting plenty of use.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Sausage 10x Better

Will Callen Reunite With Hanna on ‘NCIS: New York’? Chris O’Donnell Weighs In

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 3:02pm

NCIS: Los Angeles ran for 14 seasons on CBS. And no two agents had a closer bromance than G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL COOL J), who not only had each other’s backs on the job, but were also each other’s best friends.

But when the series ended, while O’Donnell moved on to another project, LL COOL J wasn’t done with his role. He first joined NCIS: Hawaii and now he’s the star of NCIS: New York, keeping Sam Hanna alive.

LL COOL J previously explained the transition to Parade saying, “We all kind of went our different ways if you really remember the [NCIS: LA] finale. So, after that Sam ended up traveling and becoming this kind of special OPS guy who would do special operations for different people around the world. He definitely does tap in with Callen from time to time. He talks about him sometimes in some of the episodes.”

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And if we’re lucky, NCIS: New York will be more than talk, but an actual onscreen reunion. TVInsider spoke to O’Donnell, who is now starring as Captain Don Hart on ABC’s 9-1-1 Nashville, about that possibility, so we could see Callen and Sam together again, not just hear about him.

“I don’t know. I’m a little busy right now with Nashville,” O’Donnell told the outlet. “But I don’t know, maybe someday.”

Never say never is a great way to deal with it, but the scheduling could be difficult to arrange because New York is on CBS and films in the Big Apple, while Nashville is on ABC and films in Music City, so it’s distance as well as the fact that the two networks have no reason to try to make it work.

Chris O’Donnell, LL COOL J

Photo Credit: CBS

That said, NCIS: New York showrunner Byron Balasco promised in a pre-series interview that there would be faces from the NCIS world starring in the new series, starting with Brian Dietzen’s Jimmy Palmer in the series premiere.

Related: LL Cool J Finally Explains Why Sam Hanna Left Callen Behind for NCIS: New York

“So much of the DNA of this show is family and we’re all in the same universe, so you can absolutely expect to see some familiar faces coming over to hang out with us for a while,” Balasco said.

NCIS: New York airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.

Next, NCIS: New York Cast and Character Guide: Meet the Newest Members of the ‘NCIS’ Universe

REI Has a 'Fun and Responsive' $3,199 E-Bike for 50% Off That's 'Fantastic' for First-Time Riders

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:57pm

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

Fall is upon us, and we’re taking every opportunity to get outside as the days get cooler. Traditional mountain biking can be intimidating or too physically demanding if you’re just getting into riding, but an e-bike can give riders of all fitness levels a way to enjoy beautiful trails and have fun without overdoing it. If you’ve been curious about e-bikes but put off by the steep prices, right now REI has an outstanding deal for 50% off a well-built electric mountain bike that’s as great for weekend adventures as it is for commuting.

The Co-op Cycles DRT e1.1 Electric Mountain Bike is currently on sale for $1,599, down from its usual $3,199 price tag. That’s a full 50% off on a capable e-bike that delivers a smooth ride without the manual effort required for riding a traditional bicycle. In addition to the discounted price, you get all the fantastic perks that come with purchasing a bike from REI, including a year of free adjustments, 20% off shop services, and free tire tubes with the purchase of a flat repair. They’ll even build your bike for you.

Co-op Cycles DRT e1.1 Electric Mountain Bike, From $1,599 (was $3,199) at REI

Courtesy of REI

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According to Liz Sheldon, a member of our shopping team who previously worked at REI and tested many traditional and electric bikes, the benefits of e-bikes make them “worth the investment.” Though you may have heard naysayers balk at how much exercise you can actually get with an e-bike, Sheldon says “you can still get a good workout in, even while using the electric assistance.” 

Think about it this way: If you’re commuting to the office and don’t want to work up a sweat, you can dial the power up to get where you’re going with a lot less effort. Out on the trail, if you reach a challenging spot, you have the option to change modes to get you through without totally overexerting yourself. Either way, you’re still moving, and that’s what matters.

Powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor that reaches speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, this e-bike has all the bells and whistles of the bikes you’ve grown up with — including an actual bell! Between the handlebars is an app-connected LED screen that shows you everything you need to see at a glance. You can check the battery level, switch between nine speeds, and keep an eye on your ride data while you cruise. The battery can be charged on or off the bike, and it powers up fairly quickly (up to 50% in under 2 hours, full charge in under 5 hours).

Shoppers praised the bike’s “fun and responsive power,” calling it “super convenient” and “great for commuting.” “The controls are easy to access while riding,” one shopper shared. They also noted that “the screen is bright and provides lots of useful information” and the Bosch system app connection is “excellent.”

Built to support riders up to 300 pounds, this aluminum-framed bike comes in five size options ranging from XS to XL, allowing you to choose which best suits your riding style and ensuring an inclusive fit for various body types and abilities.

Related: REI’s ‘Best Hip Pack Ever’ Is Up to 75% Off Right Now, and It’s ‘Excellent’ for Travel

This is a rare chance for first-time riders to get a high-quality e-bike at half price. Head to REI and check out the Co-op Cycles DRT e1.1 Electric Mountain Bike while it’s on sale for 50% off, and save a whopping $1,600 on a fun way to cruise around this fall.

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.

'Fire Country' Lands a 'Station 19' Alum in a Recurring Role — Get the Details

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:56pm

Fire Country is no stranger to turning to Station 19 for actors. After Brett Tucker recurred during the fourth season, Station 42 is about to see another member of Station 19 join in the fun. Jay Hayden has landed a recurring role.

According to TV Insider, Hayden will make his Fire Country debut during Episode 4, airing Oct. 30, 2026. He’ll play Mason, a man who comes from a prominent family in Edgewater, who was once friends with Bode (Max Thieriot) and Jake (Jordan Calloway). As a former pro baseball player, he’s been away from home for some time, but he returns to convert his family’s old paper mill into a new business, and it’s clear there’s some sort of hidden agenda.

Does he really want to reconnect with old friends, or is he around in a way that will hurt the town of Edgewater? It also looks like he may be there to get up to mischief with the town’s newest firefighter, CJ (Olivia Thirlby).

ABC

Hayden is best known for playing Travis Montgomery on Station 19 for all seven seasons. From the beginning of the series, Montgomery brought the pain of losing his firefighter husband, Michael, to the series. It took time to get all the details, but the death happened due to a bad call by Michael’s captain.

Shortly after Station 19’s cancellation, Hayden switched out the hose for a gun, as he took on the role of Agent Tyler Booth on FBI: International. He was introduced as a former partner and close friend of Jesse Lee Soffer’s Wes Mitchell, and there appeared to be a build-up to making him a permanent member of the team had the show not been canceled.

It’s not yet clear how many episodes of Fire Country Season 5 Hayden will be in. For now, we know that he’ll debut in Episode 4 and that he will still be around by Episode 6, as that’s the episode TV Insider’s images come from.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 50-Year Milestone Marked With Limited-Edition Guitars and 'Lifestyle' Collection for Fans

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:53pm

With the holiday season approaching, fans will soon be jamming out to “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

It’s hard to believe nearly 10 years have passed since Petty has died, and perhaps even harder to fathom that his outfit officially formed five decades ago this year.

That’s right: For 50 years, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have stood among America’s most influential rock ’n’ roll bands, earning acclaim for unforgettable live performances, timeless recordings and a catalog of songs that still resonate with audiences today.

On Tuesday, October 20, Gibson announced that it’s honoring Petty’s legacy with a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Tom Petty Flying V guitar inspired by the Heartbreakers logo featured on the band’s self-titled 1976 debut album. Known collectively as the “Flying Five,” the collection comprises five gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, according to Gibson’s website, with only 50 guitars produced in each color worldwide.

(Gibson)

“The Heartbreakers logo has been part of the band’s identity since the first album, so seeing Gibson reinterpret it through the Flying V 50th anniversary edition feels overdue as they have been part of the story since the beginning. The V was an essential part of the imagery onstage for my dad as well as the band rose to fame in the 1970’s,” Adria Petty said in a statement, per Gibson. “The collection honors Tom and the Heartbreakers’ history while giving musicians and fans a new way to carry that spirit forward.”

Launching alongside the guitars is the 50th Anniversary Lifestyle Collection, which draws from the band’s visual history, Petty’s personal style and the lived-in character of vintage tour merchandise, according to Gibson.

Created in collaboration with the Tom Petty Estate, the assortment spans American-made graphic tees, statement jackets, accessories and collectibles. The anniversary guitars and apparel are available worldwide now at Gibson Garage locations and at gibson.com.

'One Tree Hill' Star Bethany Joy Lenz's New Novel Takes a Dark Turn in Exclusive Excerpt

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:47pm

Bethany Joy Lenz is taking readers on a journey into Victorian London with her new novel, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford.

The actress, known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, explores a world of complicated relationships, secrets and danger in her latest book, which comes out today (Oct. 20, 2026).

In an exclusive excerpt shared with Parade, readers meet Cora as she attempts to conceal a romantic encounter with Miles from her niece, Odette. But the morning takes a disturbing turn when Cora opens the newspaper and discovers news of another brutal murder in London’s Whitechapel district.

As the city grapples with a series of violent attacks against women, Cora reflects on her own painful marriage, the lasting effects of betrayal and the difficulty of trusting someone new.

Read the exclusive excerpt from The Betrayal of Cora Wexford below.

Related: Best-Selling Novel by John Green Was Just Named the Most Universally Loved Book Released Since 2000

Trophy Lives

The newspaper hit my door with its usual thud and Dodo barked, waking us up into a scramble to get Miles out the door before Odette realized he’d spent the night, if she hadn’t already. Miles tried to hastily cram his leg into an inside-out part of his trousers but fell over, knocking into the clock, which threatened to topple but didn’t.

“Thank goodness it was already broken!” I whispered to him, both of us in muffled hysterics. Then I heard her knock on my bedroom door. We froze.

“Aunt Cora?”

“Yes, Odette! Good morning!” I called to her.

“Ready for breakfast? I think you wanted to leave soon, yes?” Her voice sounded very awake. I looked at Miles, who made a silly face by puffing air into his cheeks with wide eyes. I swatted at him, and he hid behind the door as I threw on a silk robe.

“Enjoy your workday! You’re magnificent. We’re going to have it all, Blinkje,” he whispered before I walked out to her.

“Breakfast! Yes. Yes, let’s make breakfast. Did you look in the icebox for sausages? I think I have some, let’s look.” I escorted her over to the kitchen and Miles moved along the wall toward the front door. Once Odette’s head was properly exploring the icebox, he blew me a kiss and snuck out.

Related: Colleen Hoover Reveals Why She Changed ‘Verity’ Ending at the Last Minute

“Sleep all right?” Odette asked. I couldn’t tell if she knew and was baiting me, or not.

“I’ve slept better,” I said. “The play was wonderful. Startling, to be sure. The woman beside me fainted.”

“But you didn’t?”

“No.”

“See?”

“It was upsetting. I’ve never seen anyone draw a sense of wickedness into a room so suddenly as that.” I filled the kettle and lit the stove, then called over my shoulder as I went back into my bedroom. “Getting dressed!”

I looked at myself in the full-length mirror. Tired. Eye bags. Gaining weight. I guess it was me, night snacking on Chartreuse and cheese from the icebox more than I remembered. Lush little mouse.

I dressed, then got the newspaper from the front door. While we all had been sleeping, yet another woman’s throat was slit in Whitechapel. This time, she was also disemboweled.

The headline article was about the crime, who might have done it, and the men who were investigating. The name of the victim herself wasn’t mentioned, only her label—prostitute. If that were even true. The press loved calling any poor, drunk, or homeless woman a harlot. No mention of her family or her life before she was used and displayed as a madman’s grotesque trophy. She was just another woman being regarded as worthless even in her death. It felt unbearably cruel. Being a woman in the lowest class, she would have certainly lived with a great deal of suffering and violence before that day. And here she was again—nameless but surrounded by the names of all the men looking at her.

I wondered which was worse: to have your life ended in secret one night or—like so many women experienced, including me in my marriage—to have someone convince you you’re worthless, to lose your grip on reality and be eliminated in plain sight, piece by piece, so no one knows what they’ve witnessed. Five years out from my marriage and I was still dealing with the clanging echoes of mistrust. It took so long for me to believe I deserved something good, and that it—he—had finally come my way. I knew this was why I was still being cautious with Miles.

I set the newspaper down and closed my eyes. Odette was humming in the kitchen and I was tired from dividing my time between Miles and this commission. The work had to take precedence. It was too important, and I felt the weight of that increase with every new headline.

Related: Barnes & Noble Is Celebrating the New ‘ACOTAR’ Book With 500+ Midnight Parties and Exclusive Merch

Two women had now been stabbed to death in similar ways, within weeks of each other, and in the same part of town. Though Martha Tabram was attacked in a rage, that morning’s murder—I would learn the victim’s name was Polly Nichols—was so methodical that I wondered how soon whispers of a repeat killer on the loose would begin to spread through the city.

Excerpted from The Betrayal of Cora Wexford by Bethany Joy Lenz. Copyright 2026 © by Bethany Joy Lenz. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC.

12 Types of Cabbage and How To Use Them Beyond Coleslaw

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:30pm

Cabbage deserves a lot more attention than it gets. It’s affordable, versatile and available year-round, yet many home cooks reach for the same familiar green head without considering the alternatives.

From tightly packed red cabbage to delicate Napa leaves and crinkled Savoy varieties, different types of cabbage offer surprisingly different textures and flavors. Some are ideal for roasting, others become silky when braised and several are delicious with little more than a quick stir-fry.

As an added bonus, cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K and provides dietary fiber. Its naturally peppery flavor also becomes sweeter as it cooks.

So, which cabbage should you choose? Knowing which one to use can make a delicious difference in your next meal. Here are 12 different types to consider.

What Are the Different Types of Cabbage?

Most familiar round cabbages belong to the species Brassica oleracea, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Napa cabbage and bok choy belong to the related species Brassica rapa. Although botanically distinct from traditional heading cabbage, they’re commonly grouped with cabbages in cooking and grocery stores.

Amazingly, there are over 400 different varieties of cabbage worldwide. Their differences extend beyond appearance, as leaf thickness, moisture content and head density all influence their taste and texture.

Related: The 20 Healthiest Vegetables, According to Nutritionists

12 Types of Cabbage and the Best Ways To Cook Them 1. Green Cabbage Green Cabbage

HUIZENG HU / Getty Images

The familiar round, pale-green cabbage is one of the most versatile varieties. Its tightly packed leaves are crisp and slightly peppery when raw, but soften and sweeten during cooking.

Best Uses for Green Cabbage

Green cabbage is great for roasted wedges, stuffed cabbage rolls, soups and sautéed cabbage. For an easy side dish, cut a head into thick wedges, brush with olive oil and roast until the edges brown. Green cabbage also holds its shape during longer cooking, making it excellent for hearty soups.

2. Red Cabbage Red Cabbage

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Sometimes called purple cabbage, this variety has dense leaves and a slightly earthier, more assertive flavor than green cabbage. Its striking color comes from anthocyanin pigments, which can change appearance depending on acidity.

Best Uses for Red Cabbage

This variety works well with braised cabbage, quick pickles, grain bowls and roasted vegetables. Try slowly braising shredded red cabbage with apples, vinegar and a little brown sugar. The combination balances its flavor and produces a classic sweet-and-sour side dish.

3. Savoy Cabbage Savoy Cabbage

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Savoy cabbage is recognizable by its deeply crinkled, loosely layered leaves. It’s generally more tender than standard green cabbage, with a mild flavor.

Best Uses for Savoy Cabbage

This particular variety is great for cabbage rolls, stir-fries, soups and butter-braised vegetables. Its flexible leaves also make it particularly convenient for wrapping fillings. They cook relatively quickly, so Savoy is a good choice when you want tender cabbage without lengthy simmering.

4. Napa Cabbage Napa Cabbage

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Napa cabbage, sometimes called Chinese cabbage, forms an elongated head with pale, tender leaves and thick white ribs. The University of Minnesota Extension’s guide to growing Chinese cabbage and bok choy explains that this variety has thinner, more tender leaves than traditional round cabbage.

Best Uses for Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage is great for kimchi, dumpling fillings, noodle soups and quick stir-fries. Its mild flavor absorbs sauces beautifully. Add the thicker ribs first when stir-frying, then the leafy portions near the end to prevent overcooking.

5. Bok Choy Bok Choy

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Bok choy, also called ‘pak choi,’ doesn’t form a compact head. Instead, it grows in an upright cluster of broad green leaves and thick, juicy stalks.

Best Uses for Bok Choy

This variety is great for garlic stir-fries, steamed vegetables, noodle dishes and soups. The stems stay pleasantly crisp while the leaves wilt quickly. Separate the two when cooking larger bok choy, or halve small heads lengthwise and sear them in a hot skillet.

6. Pointed Cabbage Pointed Cabbage

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Also known as sweetheart cabbage, pointed cabbage has a distinctive cone-shaped head and relatively tender leaves. Its flavor is generally mild and sweet, making it especially appealing to people who find ordinary cabbage too strong.

Best Uses for Pointed Cabbage

Pointed cabbage is great for grilled wedges, sautéed cabbage and warm salads. Cut it lengthwise into quarters, brush with oil and grill until lightly charred. A squeeze of lemon brings out its sweetness.

Related: 55 Best Low-Carb and Keto Vegetable Recipes

7. Flat Dutch Cabbage

Flat Dutch cabbage varieties produce broad, somewhat flattened heads with densely packed leaves. Their sturdy texture makes them particularly suitable for recipes requiring longer cooking.

Best Uses for Flat Dutch Cabbage

This variety is great for stuffed cabbage recipes, braised dishes, soups and sauerkraut. The broad leaves work well for wrapping meat, rice or vegetable fillings. Blanching them briefly makes them easier to fold without tearing.

8. January King Cabbage January King Cabbage

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January King is a traditional winter cabbage with crinkled green leaves that often develop purple or reddish coloring. It combines some of savoy’s textured appearance with the substance of a firmer heading cabbage.

Best Uses for January King Cabbage

January king is great for winter soups, roasted wedges and slow braises. Its substantial leaves are well-suited to cold-weather meals. Try braising wedges with vegetable stock, onions and thyme until tender.

9. Taiwanese Flat Cabbage

Taiwanese flat cabbage forms a broad, flattened head with relatively thin, tender leaves. It’s prized for its sweetness and ability to cook quickly without losing all its texture.

Best Uses for Taiwanese Flat Cabbage

This variety is well-suited for high-heat stir-fries, garlic cabbage and simple sautéed sides. A quick toss in a hot wok with garlic and a little oil is often enough. But you’ll need to avoid prolonged cooking if you want to preserve its delicate crunch.

10. Danish Ballhead Cabbage

Danish Ballhead is a traditional storage cabbage known for its dense, round heads and firm leaves. It belongs to the group of cabbage varieties developed for keeping well under appropriate cold-storage conditions.

Best Uses for Danish Ballhead Cabbage

Danish ballhead is well-suited for sauerkraut, braised cabbage and hearty soups. Its tightly packed leaves make it especially useful for shredding and fermentation. Follow a tested fermentation recipe to ensure proper salt proportions and food safety.

11. Red Acre Cabbage

Red Acre is a compact red cabbage variety with tightly layered purple leaves. It offers the characteristic crunch and color of red cabbage in relatively small heads, making it practical for smaller households.

Best Uses for Red Acre Cabbage

Red acre varieties are great for roasted cabbage recipes, quick pickles and colorful vegetable bowls. Try slicing it into wedges and roasting until the edges caramelize. Its firm texture also holds up well in vinegar-based preparations.

12. Michihili Cabbage

Michihili is a type of Chinese cabbage with tall, narrow heads and tender green leaves. Like other Napa-type cabbages, it has a mild flavor and cooks more quickly than dense European heading cabbages.

Best Uses for Michihili Cabbage

Michihili is great for dumplings, kimchi, noodle soups and stir-fries. For best results, finely chop the leaves for dumpling fillings, or add them to broth shortly before serving. The tender portions need only brief cooking.

Which Type of Cabbage Is Best for Cooking?

The best cabbage depends on the cooking method. Here are some things to consider:

Cooking method

Best Choices

Roasting

Green, red, pointed

Stir-frying

Bok choy, Napa, Taiwanese flat

Stuffed cabbage

Savoy, Flat Dutch

Soups and braises

Green, January King, Danish Ballhead

Fermentation

Green, Danish Ballhead, Napa

Quick pickling

Red, Red Acre

As you can see above, dense cabbages generally tolerate longer cooking, while tender varieties are better suited to quick preparations.

Related: 30 Best Crock Pot & Slow Cooker Vegetable Recipes

How To Choose and Store Fresh Cabbage

Look for heads with fresh-looking leaves and no soft or discolored spots. Dense varieties should feel heavy for their size, while Napa cabbage naturally has looser leaves.

According to Michigan State University’s cabbage storage recommendations, whole heads should generally be used within a few weeks of refrigeration. Bok choy is best used within one week, while cut cabbage should be wrapped and used within two days.

For homemade sauerkraut or kimchi, follow a tested recipe with appropriate salt proportions. The University of Minnesota Extension’s food fermentation guide explains how acidity, temperature and proper preparation affect food safety.

The Best Cabbage To Try Next

If you’ve only cooked with green cabbage, Savoy and Napa are excellent places to start. Both offer tender leaves and work beautifully in everyday recipes.

For roasting, pointed cabbage develops appealing sweetness and browned edges. And for a quick weeknight vegetable, bok choy or Taiwanese flat cabbage can be ready in minutes.

With so many varieties available, cabbage can easily become much more than an ingredient for coleslaw. Pick up a new head on your next grocery run, and you just might discover your next favorite weeknight side.

Related: How To Make Coleslaw That Tastes Like It Came From a Diner

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

Walmart’s Stylish Sideboard Cabinet Brings Farmhouse Charm and Tons of Storage Space to Any Room

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:30pm

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There’s nothing more frustrating than tirelessly cleaning and organizing your home, only for it to still look messy. If you’re left with overflowing cabinets or bookcases and countertops lined with clutter, your cleaning habits probably aren’t the issue — your home might just be lacking storage space. A sideboard is a simple and versatile solution, offering additional storage to streamline nearly any room in your home. The best versions are those that blend functionality and style, effortlessly perking up your space and tying everything together. For those who love all things farmhouse, this Ledrem Sideboard Cabinet at Walmart is a fabulous choice.  

There’s no better time than right now to snag this sideboard because it’s currently on sale for less than $130 for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal. Normally retailing for $190, it’s now marked down to just $126 in three colors, including white and brown, caramel brown and black, and brown and black. These feature sliding doors, but you can also grab a sideboard with hinged doors in the white and brown design, which is on sale for $150, marked down from $176.

Ledrem Sideboard Cabinet, From $126 (was $190) at Walmart

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Fitted with three compartments at the bottom, this sideboard offers a generous amount of storage space while keeping products separated and organized in their own designated space. Each compartment features an adjustable shelf, allowing you to store items of various heights while maximizing space. Designed to reduce visual clutter, the bottom of this cabinet has two sliding doors to keep your items concealed. For additional storage, this sideboard boasts a wide shelf with a 7.2-inch vertical clearance above the three compartments. 

Featuring a spacious countertop measuring 39.4 inches wide and 13 inches deep, this piece can be used for a variety of purposes. You can place a coffee maker, espresso machine, and syrup dispensers on it to transform it into your dream beverage bar, set your TV on top to turn it into an entertainment center, or store bulky appliances on top to free up your kitchen countertops. 

Just as stylish as it is practical, this sideboard oozes with farmhouse charm and will instantly elevate the aesthetic of your space. It boasts barn-style sliding doors with X-shaped panels and black metal hardware. This piece has an exposed woodgrain finish for a rustic vibe with a raw, natural feel. Offering a combination of neutral hues and clean lines, this sideboard should complement your existing furniture and decor without clashing. 

Ledrem Sideboard Cabinet, From $126 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made with industrial-strength particleboard and reinforced steel, this unit is sturdy and durable. The legs are equipped with adjustable feet, so you can level the sideboard to keep it steady and stable, even if your floor is a little uneven. While stable on its own, you can install the anti-tip kit and secure the sideboard to the wall for peace of mind. 

For size reference, this sideboard measures 39.4 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 31.5 inches tall. The countertop has a 175-pound weight capacity, allowing you to safely store heavy objects. Small but mighty, the adjustable shelves have a 40-pound weight capacity, and the built-in lower shelves have a 66-pound weight capacity. 

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Related: Walmart’s Modern Fluted 9-Drawer Dresser Is a ‘Beautiful Way to Maximize Small Spaces’

Whether you want to create a coffee bar or simply need to streamline your home, be sure to snag the Ledrem Sideboard Cabinet at Walmart while it’s still on sale for $126!

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‘Southern Charm’ Star Naomie Olindo’s Wedding-Day Nail Polish Was a Sweet Nod to Her Mom

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:15pm

For Southern Charm star Naomie Olindo, choosing a wedding-day manicure was about more than finding the perfect neutral polish.

The reality star wanted a timeless look that felt true to her personal style, and the shade she ultimately chose carried a special connection to someone who has been part of her beauty routine for years — her mom.

“I wanted something timeless, clean and classic, but still really me, so OPI was the natural choice – I’ve worn OPI for as long as I can remember,” Olindo said in a statement shared with Parade. “Bubble Bath has always been a favorite because it reminds me of my mom. It’s her go-to shade, so there’s already so much meaning and nostalgia tied to it.”

After testing a range of neutral shades with her manicurist shared in an Instagram video, Olindo ultimately chose OPI’m a Bubble Bunny, a milky white polish that combines two of the brand’s beloved colors, Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny. While Bubble Bath had long been her go-to, Bubble Bunny offered a fresh take on the classic shade she and her mom have loved for years.

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“My wedding manicure felt like such an important part of bringing my whole bridal look together,” Olindo said. “I love knowing that whenever I wear this shade, it will take me right back to my wedding day and all the amazing memories from that time.”

Olindo wed Billy Haire on July 18, 2025 in the south of France at Château de Pradines in a ceremony officiated by the groom’s father. In a first look of wedding photos, Olindo called the celebration, “if Heaven were a weekend.” The couple, who were introduced through mutual friends, first began dating in early 2025 and got engaged in Charleston in December 2025.

Former Disney Star Dylan Sprouse Discovers He and Twin Brother Cole Are the Result of Incest

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:15pm

Former Disney Channel stars Dylan and Cole Sprouse have discovered a shocking surprise in their family ancestry.

Dylan shared on an episode of the Wildmen Podcast posted Tuesday, October 20, that he found out that the former child actors are “children of incest.”

“When I first took it, my actual breakdown of history was very different than it is now,” Dylan said, adding that the ancestry service uses DNA to reveal a family tree. “I’ve found a lot of family members, weirdly, who I never met, because my dad’s side of the family is pretty fractured. I started to talk to them, compare and contrast.”

The 34-year-old explained that both his parents’ sides of the family came to California in the 1800s for the Gold Rush. This was the first time the families came together through marriage.

“And then, they diverged, and then they married again [through] my mom and my dad, like, last generation,” The Suite Life of Zack and Cody actor revealed.

Dylan informed his brother, Cole, of the news.

“I called Cole, I showed him a picture, I was like, ‘Dude, I just found out some f—ing crazy s—,’” he said, adding that he “started to get suspicious” after he “found out that [our father’s] uncles were identical twins.”

“I’d only ever thought that identical twins or twins in general came from my mom’s side of the family. We had seven sets of twins in four generations,” the child actor said, explaining “Because it’s the same family!”

“It’s my dad and my mom. They had no idea. So, then I’m looking at this, and I go, ‘What the hell?’” Dyland said. “A lot of stuff started to make sense, because one of my aunts was a twin, but she was one of the twins who ate her twin in the womb, and when they cut open a cyst in her shoulder, it had teeth and hair. Long story short, Cole and I are children of incest.”

In 1988, Michael Jackson bought a 2,700-acre ranch near Santa Ynez, California and renamed it Neverland; today it belongs to billionaire Ronald Burkle, who paid $22 million for it in 2020

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:12pm

When Michael Jackson was at the height of his fame, the King of Pop retreated to his sanctuary — Neverland Ranch.

The developed ranch was located on the edge of the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara, California. From 1988 to 2005, it was home of Jackson, where he turned it into a fantasy-themed sanctuary. Originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, the estate was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch shortly after it was purchased by the property developer William Bone in 1981.

The first time Jackson visited the ranch was in 1983, when he visited Paul McCartney, who was staying there while filming the “Say Say Say” music video. The “Thriller” singer purchased the land for an undisclosed amount in 1988 and renamed it Neverland, based on the fantasy island of Peter Pan, a boy who never ages.

Jackson owned Neverland Ranch until his death in 2009. The property depreciated for several years before Ronald Burkle, American billionaire and a friend of the Jackson Family, purchased it in 2020 for $22 million.

Neverland Ranch, where Michael Jackson lived for 15 years.

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The attractions of Neverland Ranch

When Jackson owned Neverland Ranch, the 2700 acre estate operated as both his private residence and a theme-park. The main residence was a 12,598-square foot home designed by architect Robert Altevers with six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. In addition, there are multiple guest houses for staff, family and visitors.

The ranch also held an amusement park, which had multiple carnival rides — including a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and bumper cars — a train station inspired by Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom, arcades filled with games and a private movie theater.

A petting zoo was also on the grounds, holding 50 different species of exotic animals including elephants, tigers, orangutans and Jackson’s pet monkey, Bubbles. The property was filled with statues and artwork depicting characters from Peter Pan, and a grand security gate surrounded the estate. In addition, a four-acre lake with a waterfall, flower gardens, shrubbery shaped into clocks and a floral arrangement spelling “Neverland” were found in the front.

An aerial photo shows a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s vehicle in front of singer Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch November 18, 2003 outside of Santa Barbara, California.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

The singer has described Neverland Ranch as his personal refuge, and a world he built to share with children, family and friends.

“I wanted to have a place that I could create everything I never got to do when I was a kid,” Jackson said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993. “So when you come behind my gates you’ll see amusement parks, you’ll see animals. You see rides, there’s a movie theater. We have elephants and giraffes and crocodiles.”

The estate is prominently featured in the recent biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson — who plays his late uncle — with scenes shot on location at the real-life Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, California, throughout April and May 2024.

Michael Jackson and his wife Lisa Marie Presley at Neverland Ranch in preparation of the Children’s World Summit.

Steven D Starr / Getty Images

Now back to its original name, Sycamore Valley Ranch, it is privately owned by Burkle. It operates as his private residence and land-banking investment, and visitors are not allowed on the grounds.

The amusement park rides, the Ferris wheel, petting zoo and attractions were dismantled and removed years ago. Meanwhile, the 12,598-square foot Normandy-style house, the guest homes, pool and movie theater remain onsite.

Smoke hangs near the entrance to Neverland Ranch, former home of late US singer Michael Jackson, as the Lake Fire continues to burn in the Los Padres National Forest, in Los Olivos, California, on July 7, 2024.

DANIEL DREIFUSS / Getty Images

Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 at 50 years old from acute propofol intoxication combined with sedatives like lorazepam, which triggered a cardiac arrest. Throughout his decades-long career — from the Jackson 5 to his solo career — he broke multiple musical records, achieved 13 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, sold over 500 million records worldwide, won 13 Grammy Awards and was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jackson is also credited for transforming the art of music videos (which he called short films) into high-art cinematic productions, as well as popularizing dance moves such as the moonwalk and the anti-gravity lean.

After being acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005, Jackson stated that he would never return and abandoned Neverland Ranch, but still owned it. At the time of his death, he was living in a rented mansion in Holmby Hills, an exclusive neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, while he was rehearsing for his This Is It Tour.

Related: Michael Jackson’s 1979 Hit, Originally Offered to Karen Carpenter, Just Reached a Major Milestone

Related: In 1957, Elvis Presley paid $102,500 for a 13.8-acre Memphis estate called Graceland; it opened as a house museum in 1982 and now draws about 600,000 visitors a year

Target's 'Sturdy' 4-Tier Corner Shelf Creates Extra Storage Opportunities in Otherwise Unused Space

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:10pm

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If you live in a small space, you know how important it is to maximize every square inch of your home. Stylish, functional solutions are key, especially those that use otherwise unused space and turn it into new storage. Corner shelves are one such option, and Target is selling a great choice for just $35.

Brightroom’s 4-Tier Plastic Corner Shelf Unit is perfect for using those awkward, unused corners of your home, creating more storage and making the most of your space. It has four open shelves where you can store a variety of items, from extra toiletries to laundry supplies, towels, books, office essentials and so much more. From your bathroom to your laundry room, home office or even your bedroom, this little corner shelf has you covered.

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Brightroom 4-Tier Plastic Corner Shelf Unit Black, $35 at Target

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This shelf measures 55.75 inches high, 23.73 inches wide and 23.73 inches deep, with a maximum weight capacity of 70 pounds. This makes it compact and perfect for those awkward corners of your home, utilizing vertical space that would otherwise go unused. It’s super nifty for this reason.

Related: Aldi’s Stand Mixer Is Giving Major KitchenAid Vibes for Less

What the Reviews Say

Shoppers love this corner shelf, giving it an average rating of 4.2 stars on Target.com, with 70 percent saying they would recommend it to others.

“It was so simple to put together and quite sturdy, perfect for what I needed,” wrote one happy Target shopper in a five-star review on Target.com, who use the storage unit as a corner bookshelf.

“Exactly what was needed in a storage room at work for supplies more at eye level and accessible. Super easy to assemble and all parts were included. Fits perfect in corner to give ample walking space around. Made of plastic resin which is super easy to clean and dust. Lightweight yet holds a lot of cleaning supplies and just about anything else. Price is on point. Love the black color of it, very modern,” said another satisfied Target customer in a five-star review on Target.com.

You can find this corner shelf on Target.com or in select stores for $35.

Related: Target’s ‘Fresh and Modern’ 8-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Rivals Pyrex

'Mayor of Kingstown' Ending With Season 5: What We Know About Jeremy Renner's Final Season

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:07pm

It seems that five seasons is the sweet spot for Paramount. Most of their series run for five seasons before calling it quits. I guess they’d rather end on a high note than dragging it on past its prime and I can respect that even I wish for another five seasons of almost every show they have! Alas, all good things must come to an end and so it is with Mayor of Kingstown. Paramount announced that the show was renewed for a fifth and final season. The shortened eight-episode Season 5 will see the return of Jeremy Renner in the lead role of Mike McLusky along with series regulars Taylor Handley, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, and last season’s cast additions Edie Falco and Laura Benanti.

Here’s everything we know so far about Season 5 of Mayor of Kingstown.

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What is Mayor of Kingstown about?

The show takes place in the fictional city of Kingstown, Mich. Kingstown’s main industry is its many prisons—if you’re not incarcerated in one, you’re probably working in one. In this scenario, the “Mayor” (Renner) isn’t an elected official but the man who actually keeps things running.

Who created Mayor of Kingstown?

Mayor of Kingstown was co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, who also stars in the series and serves as an executive producer.

Related: Get the Scoop on Taylor Sheridan’s Series, Lioness Starring Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana

What is Mayor of Kingstown rated?

Mayor of Kingstown is rated TV-MA due to its graphic violence, language and sexual situations.

What happened in Mayor of Kingstown Season 1?

There is definitely no shortage of death or violence in the fictional city of Kingstown. In the show’s premiere, prodigal eldest son and “mayor” Mitch McLusky (Kyle Chandler) is gunned down and robbed. Upon his death, middle son, Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner) reluctantly takes the helm as Mayor of Kingstown. Having been incarcerated himself, Mike doesn’t rule with the same diplomacy as his brother. When he learns his brother had a working relationship with Milo Sunter (Aiden Gillen), a gangland boss still running his business even though he’s been in prison for almost a decade, Mike refuses to take his brother’s place. After they beat up and threaten the life of Iris (Emma Laird), an escort the Russian Mafia uses to get people like Mike to comply, Mike agrees to a meeting with Milo.

Believing Milo wants him to run the same “errand” as he asked of Mitch, Mike heads to the woods to retrieve a package Milo has given him the coordinates for. Upon digging up said package, he instead finds a buried school bus with the remains of over two dozen victims of a serial killer.

Later, after Mike has rescued Iris, they spend time at his cabin in the woods for some emotional and psychological healing, both unaware of a riot going on at the prisons where Mike’s brother, Kyle (Taylor Handley) is trapped. Many lives are lost on both sides of the law. During the chaos, Milo manages to steal a guard uniform and escapes the prison undetected.

What happened in Mayor of Kingstown Season 2?

Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the riots. Mike is left with a colossal mess to deal with as he tries to maintain some semblance of order in the prison system and surrounding communities. The prisons were so badly damaged in the riots that the prisoners must live temporarily in a makeshift campsite. Most, if not all of the old gang leaders are dead or missing so new contenders vie for control.

What happened in Season 3 of Mayor of Kingstown?

In Season 3, a series of explosions rocked Kingstown and its citizens, as a new face of the Russian mob sets up shop in the city, and a drug war raged inside and outside the prison walls. The pressure was on Mike McLusky to end the war but things got complicated when a familiar face from his incarcerated past threatened to undermine the mayor’s attempt to keep the peace among all factions.

What happened in Season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown?

In season four, Mike’s control over Kingstown is threatened as new players compete to fill the power vacuum left in the Russians’ wake, compelling him to confront the resulting gang war and stop them from swallowing the town. Meanwhile, with those he loves in more danger than ever before, Mike must contend with a headstrong new Warden to protect his own while grappling with demons from his past.

Was Mayor of Kingstown renewed for Season 5?

Yes! Paramount announced on January 5, 2026 that it renewed Mayor of Kingstown for a fifth and final season.

What will happen in Season 5 of Mayor of Kingstown?

In the wake of Tracy’s (Nishi Munshi) murder and the vengeance visited upon Callahan (Richard Brake) by Mike (Renner) and Kyle (Handley), FBI agent Russell Hardy (David Morse) arrives in Kingstown searching for the “fugitive” Callahan. A true lawman, Agent Hardy threatens to unearth all of Mike’s sins and secrets, and disrupt Kingstown’s tenuous balance of power.

Who’s in the Mayor of Kingstown cast? Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky Jeremy Renner (Mike McLusky)

Mike is the right hand man for his older brother, Mitch. He takes over as “mayor” of Kingstown after his brother is killed in the series premiere.

Renner, who was badly injured in a snow plow accident only a few weeks prior to the Season 2 premiere, made a surprisingly speedy recovery and was ready to return for Season 3.

Related: Jeremy Renner’s Net Worth In 2024

Edie Falco as Nina Hobbs Edie Falco (Nina Hobbs) 

Nina Hobbs is Anchor Bay’s new prison warden. By the end of Season 4, she has aligned herself with Mike, but that will likely come with consequences for the warden. Falco is best known for her roles on The Sopranos and Nurse Jackie. Some of her earliest television roles were on Homicide: Life on the Streets and Law and Order.

Hugh Dillon as Ian Hugh Dillon (Ian Ferguson)

Ian is a seasoned detective for the Kingstown PD and loyal to the McLusky family. He appears to have won big in a lottery scratcher at the end of Season 4. Will he cash out and move to Montana as he dreams or will he remain in Kingstown?

Dillon co-created the series with Taylor Sheridan. You may also recognize Dillon from his recurring role as Sheriff Donnie Haskell on Yellowstone.

Taylor Handley as Kyle McLusky Taylor Handley (Kyle McLusky)

Kyle, the youngest McLusky brother, works as a detective for the Kingstown Police Department in Season 1. Due to the trauma he suffers from the riots as well as trying to distance himself from the corruption all around him, Kyle transfers to the Michigan State Police. At the beginning of Season 2, he is a Michigan State trooper and about to become a first-time father. After his partner dies in a shooting, the additional trauma starts to affect his personal relationships too. In Season 3, Kyle shot and killed a corrupt police officer and took a plea deal with a short prison sentence to spare Kingstown and his brother that an impending trial would bring them. With the death of his wife and the revenge on Callahan, the mental stress may finally take its toll on Kyle.

Handley previously was a series regular on the 2012 series Vegas, as Dixon, the son of Dennis Quaid‘s character, Sheriff Ralph Lamb.

Tobi Bamtefa

Courtesy of Paramount+

Tobi Bamtefa (Deverin “Bunny” Washington)

Bunny is the leader of the Crips in Kingstown and openly sells drugs out of a cooler on his porch. He has a good relationship with Mike, so far.

Bamtefa has also appeared on Tin Star and The Witcher.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Taylor Sheridan Series, Tulsa King

Necar Zadegan as Evelyn Foley in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’

Courtesy of Paramount+

Necar Zadegan (Evelyn Foley)

Evelyn Foley is the assistant district attorney for Kingstown and is secretly having an affair with Mike. Zadegan’s credits include 24, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, and NCIS: New Orleans.

Laura Benanti as Cindy Stephens Laura Benanti (Cindy Stephens)

Broadway star Laura Benanti joins the cast as Cindy Stephens, a new correctional officer recruited in Kingstown. Benanti is best known for her stage roles in Gypsy, Into the Woods, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

Lennie James as Frank Moses Lennie James (Frank Moses)

Frank was arrested by Mike who was trying to free his brother Kyle. This led to Frank’s imprisonment which then led to his murder by Bunny’s allies after Frank has set Bunny up. The British Lennie James is best known for his roles on The Walking Dead and Jericho. On Mayor of Kingstown he’ll play Frank Moses, a legendary gangster respected in the city of Detroit and well beyond.

Who will not return for Season 5 of Mayor of Kingstown? Lane Garrison

Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+

Lane Garrison (Carney)

One of Mike’s allies, Carney was shot and killed by a member of the Colombian drug cartel. Garrison is probably best known to viewers from his role as Tweener on Prison Break. His other credits include Yellowstone, NCIS, and Better Call Saul.

Nishi Munshi as Tracy in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’

Courtesy of Paramount+

Nishi Munshi (Tracy)

Munshi played Tracy, Kyle McLusky’s wife. Even after Mike moved her in hopes of keeping her safe, Callaghan’s men still found her and executed her.

Munshi’s credits include Lethal Weapon, Home Invasion, and The Magicians.

Denny Love as Kevin Jackson in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’

Courtesy of Paramount+

Denny Love (Kevin Jackson)

Kevin is a rookie prison guard who was killed during the prison riots. Love has appeared on Chicago P.D., Lucifer, and Empire.

Matthew Del Negro as CO Breen in Mayor of Kingstown episode 7, season 4, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Credit: Jeremy Parsons/Paramount+ Matthew Del Negro (CO Breen)

Breen was shot and killed by Cindy (Benanti) during the prison riots after he was provoked by the inmates. Overwhelmed by the chaos around him, Breen grabbed a shotgun and began executing prisoners in their cells, As he reached Kyle’s cell, Cindy shot him and killed him, effectively choosing sides.

Del Negro’s credits include Wind River, City on a Hill, Madam Secretary, and Chicago Fire.

Richard Brake as Merle Callahan in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’

Courtesy of Paramount+

Richard Brake (Merle Callahan)

Merle is one of the Aryan shot callers in Anchor Bay who was serving a life sentence. He ordered the hit on Kyle’s wife, Tracy. Believing he can game the system by surrendering, Ian instead delivers him to the McLusky brothers. Kyle shoots him multiple times in revenge.

Brake’s previous credits include The Royals, Grimm, and Game of Thrones, where he played the Night King.

Who is joining the cast of Mayor of Kingstown for season 5?

David Morse joins the cast as FBI agent Russell Hardy.

How to watch Mayor of Kingstown

Mayor of Kingstown is available to stream with a subscription on Paramount+. Alternatively, you can purchase/rent episodes on Vudu and iTunes.

How many episodes are there of Mayor of Kingstown?

There are currently 40 episodes of Mayor of Kingstown. Each season contains 10 episodes. Season 5 will have eight episodes for a total of 48 episodes.

When is the release date of Mayor of Kingstown Season 5?

The fifth and final season fo Mayor of Kingstown will premiere on Friday, Jan. 15, 2027 on Paramount+.

What time do new episodes of Mayor of Kingstown come out?

For all you night owls out there, new episodes of Mayor of Kingstown typically drop right at 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT on Paramount+.

Where did Mayor of Kingstown film?

Season 5 of Mayor of Kingstown filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.

Is there a trailer for Mayor of Kingstown?

There is no trailer for Season 5 yet, but check out the official trailers for Season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown below.

Check out images from Mayor of Kingstown

Take a look at these first-look images from the new season of Mayor of Kingstown.

Mayor of KingstownParamount+

L-R: Hugh Dillon as Ian and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

L-R:Laura Benanti as Cindy Stephens and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

L-R: Hugh Dillon as Ian and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

Paramount+

L-R: Tobi Bamtefa as Deverin “Bunny” Washington and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

L-R: Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky and Edie Falco as Nina Hobbs

L-R: Derek Webster as Stevie, Hugh Dillon as Ian and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

L-R: David Morse as Russell Hardy and Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky

Taylor Handley as Kyle McLusky

Edie Falco as Nina Hobbs

Lennie James as Frank Moses

L-R: Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky and Necar Zadegan as Evelyn

Laura Benanti as Cindy Stephens

Hugh Dillon as Ian

1967 Rock Classic, Co-Written by a 22-Year-Old Jim Morrison, Is Named Among the Most 'Truly Terrifying' Songs

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:06pm

While some songs elicit feelings of joy and mirth, others can provide listeners with a sense of dread and disgust. Several tracks of the latter kind were spotlighted on Rolling Stone‘s list of “25 Songs That Are Truly Terrifying.”

According to Rolling Stone magazine, The Doors‘ 1967 tune “The End,” which has a runtime of 11 minutes and 43 seconds, is a “truly terrifying” track. The publication noted that the psychedelic rock song, with the lyrics penned by a 22-year-old Jim Morrison, talks of “insane” children, paints a picture of a snake, and repeatedly mentions Oedipus’ murder of his father, making it an intriguing and upsetting listen.

Other songs featured on Rolling Stone‘s list include Pink Floyd‘s “Careful With That Axe, Eugene,” released in 1968, 1974’s Neil Young‘s “Revolution Blues,” and “‘Day of the Lords” by Joy Division from 1979.

The Doors’ John Densmore and Ray Manzarek Shared How the Final Version of ‘The End’ Came to Be

In separate interviews about “The End” for Classic Albums, The Doors’ John Densmore and Ray Manzarek shared some insight into how the song, off the band’s self-titled first album, came to be.

According to Densmore, Morrison, who died in 1971 at the age of 27, initially wrote the tune to depict the end of a romance. Densmore also suggested that he and his bandmates were disturbed by its lyrics when Morrison first performed the song.

“‘The End’ actually started out as a love song, well, a goodbye love song. ‘This is the end, beautiful friend.’ And Jim sang it to us a Capella, and we kind of went, ‘Whoa, okay. That’s dark,'” said the drummer, now 81.

He also noted that the track’s “long, 10-minute section of poetry kind of evolved playing live.”

Manzarek, who died in 2013 at the age of 74, explained that the song’s lyrics about Oedipus were made up on the spot while the band was on the stage of West Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go.

“At the Whisky a Go Go, Jim came up with this great part. We never heard it before. It was the first time he had ever did this. Live on stage,” recalled Manzarek during the Classic Albums interview.

Chris Hemsworth’s Award-Winning Australian Whisky Brand Is Finally Coming to the U.S.

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:02pm

Chris Hemsworth is bringing a taste of Australia to American whisky drinkers with three bottles from his award-winning distillery brand set to hit U.S. shelves this week.

Archie Rose Distilling Co., the Australian whisky brand Hemsworth joined as co-owner earlier this year, will make its U.S. debut on Friday, October 23, with three expressions crafted at its Sydney distillery using Australian-grown grains.

“Archie Rose embodies the very best of Australia, from raw local ingredients to the incredible passion of the team behind the stills,” Hemsworth said in a statement shared with Parade. “I’ve been a fan of Archie Rose for years because, quite simply, they make brilliant whisky.”

The lineup includes Straight Rye Malt Whisky, Single Malt Australian Whisky, and Australian Original Whisky, with prices starting at $39.99.

Straight Rye Malt Whisky, retails for $49.99 and is made with Australian-grown rye. Matured in charred virgin American oak, the spirit features notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger and has been named the World’s Best Rye Whisky twice.

Single Malt Australian Whisky, priced at $59.99 and named Australia’s Best Single Malt Whisky five times, is crafted from six Australian barley malts and matured in Australian fortified wine, European oak, and American oak casks. Its flavor profile includes slow-roasted pecans, tropical fruit, toffee, and sticky date pudding.

The most affordable option is Australian Original Whisky, which costs $39.99 and combines the brand’s rye malt and single malt whiskies. The all-malt blend offers notes of vanilla, caramel, tropical fruit and citrus, and can be enjoyed neat, over ice or in cocktails.

“The awards speak for themselves, but it’s the flavor and character of each expression that truly set them apart,” Hemsworth said. “Unveiling these three whiskies with a look that reflects the richness of our landscape isn’t just an exciting evolution, it’s Australian distilling at its absolute peak.”

The launch marks a new chapter for the independent distillery, which was founded in 2014 and has earned more than 450 awards worldwide. Hemsworth, who has been a longtime fan of the brand, has helped reshape its identity as it prepares to introduce Australian whisky to a wider international audience.

'DWTS' Champion Emmitt Smith Calls Out Fan Voting: 'At Some Point, Popularity Will Outweigh Skill' (Exclusive)

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 2:02pm

It was a happy surprise to see the return of Season 3 Dancing with the Stars Champion Emmitt Smith to the ballroom last week for “Super Bowl Night.” It had been 20 years since Emmitt and his professional partner Cheryl Burke took home the Mirrorball Trophy, and Emmitt proved he still has the moves when he took to the dance floor for a couple of group numbers.

Tonight, he’s back again for a more serious theme. He’s partnered with AT&T, the DWTS official voting partner, for “Dedication Night” to celebrate the show’s lasting connection with fans and the people who make it special.

“What speaks to me about ‘Dedication Night’ and AT&T is that AT&T connects us to the moments that move us, and so ‘Dedication Night’ is a reminder of the moments and the people that help us get to where we are,” Emmitt told Parade in an exclusive interview. “There’s always someone that has inspired somebody to get to a certain level, or to do certain things in life, and ‘Dedication Night’ represents that. It’s a reminder of the people, or the village of people, that that we’ve encountered throughout our lives that have helped shape us into the person or the people that we have become.”

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Back in Season 3, “Dedication Night” was not a theme night that had been introduced, so he has no memory to share, but Emmitt says if he was taking part in it this year, his dedication would be to his youngest daughter Skylar, who just turned 23, so he would dance in honor of her birthday.

Then he added, “AT&T keeps us connected to the moments that move us, connecting us with family and friends, business, whatever you want to call it, all of this is coming together as one because life is supposed to be connected. We are supposed to be connected. We’re better together than we are apart is the way I see it. So, the connection part of everything that AT&T is all about is huge because that connection helps ease the mind some way, shape, or form, knowing that you’re talking to your loved one on the other end.”

The one memory that Emmitt does have from the show is the winning moment when his name was announced and the confetti rained down. Despite owning three Super Bowl rings from his time with the Dallas Cowboys, the Hall of Famer, whose final dance on DWTS was a freestyle to “U Can’t Touch This,” says that he holds his Mirrorball Trophy in high esteem because of what it stands for.

Cheryl Burke, Emmitt Smith

Photo by Adam Larkey/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

“It’s a reflection of hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and the spirit of partnership if you will,” he tells Parade. “Being able to transform oneself from a football player into a ballroom competitor and being able to learn things, it shows that you can really get outside of yourself. You don’t have to stay in the box even though people want to say, ‘you are this.’ You are so much more, and being so much more is up to you if you really choose to go and put in that work. So, it’s about continuing to move forward and moving in a positive direction to expand your talent, so you’re not limited to just this, and I’m not limited to that. I look at things from a much broader perspective and Dancing with the Stars help me do that as well.”

Also, during our chat with Emmitt, we discussed his feelings on contestants with some dance background vs those with none, why athletes seem to do so well in the competition, and why he won’t predict this season’s winner.

Related: Julia Stiles to Honor Late Co-Star Heath Ledger in Heartwrenching Dancing with the Stars Dedication Night

You came to the show with no dance experience. What do you think about these contestants now that come and they’ve been backup dancers for pop stars or have other dance background?
Yes, I do. I think they’re coming to the table already skillful, already familiar with dance, and they have so much of an advantage over someone else who does not have that skill set. I had to deal with the same thing with Joey Lawrence and Mario Lopez on my show. I never took jazz nor tap when I was a kid. I never did any of those things. Some of the women may have taken jazz or tap when they were kids, some were already doing theater and everything else. I never did any of that.  My world was strictly football, weights, basketball and sports. Nothing that would give me some level of grace, if you will. Nothing. I had to learn grace on the football field. I had to learn power. I had to learn all these things, but that’s what makes the show different. That’s what makes the show special because you can go from Ground Zero and work your way to Level 10.

Have you been watching this season? Can you handicap who you think would be, if maybe not the winner, maybe the top three?
I can’t handicap it, because the fan base out there is extremely powerful and sometimes underrated. So it’s going to probably be a competition that someone who has a pretty large following.

So, you’re saying that you think that popularity might outweigh skill?
I think at some point popularity will outweigh the skill. But I think the voting public will say skill does matter. And when that happens, the most popular guy or the guy that’s getting a lot of votes but that’s really not performing, they’re going to have to perform.

Having experienced Dancing with the Stars, what do you think the public doesn’t understand about what really happens behind the scenes? Is there something that the audience gets wrong?
I’m not sure they get anything wrong because I think they see just about everything that happens behind the scenes. What they may not see is the anxiety that people go through. The anxiety itself is real, especially on dance nights, and if you’re not used to dealing with that type of anxiety or those butterflies from the excitement of going on the dance floor, it can actually have you tighten up and dance is not something where you want to tighten up. You want to be loose, you want to have fluidity, you want to have grace and style and charisma. You want all of that to come out on the dance floor.

Athletes seem to do well, and I’m wondering if that’s because they’re used to performing live. Football games are live; a basketball game is live. But some of these actors and actresses who have a little bit of dance background, they’re just used to being on film. Do you think that’s an advantage for athletes? Why do you think athletes do so well?
I think it’s a combination of all the things that you just mentioned.  Number one, athletes are used to being taught. They’re used to training. They’re used to performing in front of a crowd. As a matter of fact, some athletes — I was one of those kinds — the bigger the crowd, the more I wanted to perform. So, they’re used to all the work that’s required. They’re used to blocking things out, and that’s why I think athletes are able to process things a little bit differently than others, but don’t think that we don’t get nervous about looking like a fool on the dance floor. Trust me, the one thing we don’t want to do is look bad on the dance floor, and so I think athletes take pride in how they present.

Dancing with the Stars is simulcast on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Streams the next day on Hulu.

Next, Dancing with the Stars Themes for Season 35 Revealed

Jennifer Grey Is Returning for the ‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel — Here’s What We Know So Far

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 1:58pm

Jennifer Grey is returning as Baby Houseman in the upcoming Dirty Dancing sequel.

Grey, 66, lit up the room in the role of Frances “Baby” Houseman in 1987’s Dirty Dancing. In her first big role in 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, she played the bratty little sister of Matthew Broderick’s cool older bro, Ferris Bueller. But as Baby, Grey won the hearts of movie-goers. Her character in the film, which takes place in 1963, goes on vacation to the Catskills with her Jewish family. There, she falls in love with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle, played by the iconic Patrick Swayze. From the dance scenes to the soundtrack, Dirty Dancing went down in history as a classic, and now it’s coming back.

In a new discussion at IndieWire‘s Future of Filmmaking 2026 Summit presented by AT&T, producer Nina Jacobson opened up about Grey’s involvement in the upcoming film.

“Grey has incredible insights into why she thinks [‘Dirty Dancing’] has lasted so much or what it is about her character that spoke so much to people and still does,” Jacobson said. “We were talking about this with adaptations: a movie can’t be just like the book, or a show can’t be just like the book that you are adapting. But it should make you feel the way the book did, and it should feel the way the book felt. [We are] trying to chase the feeling of that original movie. … Being able to tell a young love story that could take some of those risks but also inspire those feelings felt like an incredible chance for us.”

How Will They Include Patrick Swayze Into the Dirty Dancing Sequel?

Jacobson also discussed how they’ll deal with the absence of Swayze, who died in 2009 at age 57 from pancreatic cancer. Jacobson made it clear that no AI will be used to represent Swayze.

“That’s one of the things that you really have to focus on: how to let people mourn him in a movie,” Jacobson said, adding, “And don’t worry, we won’t be bringing him back with AI.”

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Dirty Dancing‘s Scenes Are Still Classic

While there’s still plenty of time before the sequel comes out, you can still catch up on the iconic film. Dirty Dancing won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for its love theme, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. Check out the memorable scene below.

Related: Jennifer Grey Says Losing Her Home Changed Everything—and She’s Done With ‘Toxic Positivity’

'Eerily Prophetic' 2011 Movie Starring Matt Damon Soars to the Top of HBO Max's Most-Watched List

Tue, 10/20/2026 - 1:57pm

Some movies are far more prophetic than others, and Contagion is at the top of the list. The 2011 medical thriller didn’t just predict a pandemic, but it also predicted the way that people would react.

According to FlixPatrol, the Matt Damon and Kate Winslet movie is now the No. 1 most-watched movie on HBO Max for Oct. 20, 2026. It has slowly moved its way up the list over the last couple of days, making it clear that people are looking for thrillers as Halloween draws near.

This one hits close to home for many, though. After gaining the initial praise when it was first released in September 2011, it gained renewed attention during the 2020 pandemic. Viewers were shocked to see how much it predicted, with many film critics and journalists calling it “eerily prophetic.”

Contagion starts off as a movie about a new virus spreading. It follows the story of the fictional MEV-1 virus spreading, with multiple questions at first about how Patient Zero contracted it. Soon enough, the initial concerns became minor as a pandemic spread across the world, causing fear and outrage. While the characters never seemed to learn how the virus started, audiences did at the very end, making it clear just how easy it can happen.

Just like with the COVID-19 pandemic, there were those touting fake cures. Jude Law’s character, Alan Krumwiede, was an unscrupulous blogger, willing to promote a fake herbal cure for personal gain. As people watched in 2020, they witnessed the same things happening, with people claiming various cures were working or spreading other misinformation online.

In fact, the cast, including Damon, Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, and Jennifer Ehle partnered with Columbia University to film PSAs about social distancing, handwashing, and trusting the experts. After all, the movie wasn’t just a thriller; it involved research and made sure scientific advisors and medical experts were involved in the development of the story to make sure the spread and reactions looked as realistic as possible.

The movie is Certified Fresh with an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score. As Halloween rolls around, it’s not surprising that more people are turning to medical thrillers to get their scares. However, monster movies are just behind it, with Evil Dead Burn sitting on second place and Speak No Evil coming in at fifth. There’s plenty of time to see them rise to the top.

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