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Today just announced a major shake-up, as one of its Saturday co-anchors, Peter Alexander, is exiting the show after working for NBC for 22 years.

On Saturday, March 28, Alexander revealed that he is leaving Saturday Today and NBC News after more than two decades with the network.

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“I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News—from Baghdad to Banda Aceh, Burbank to Beijing, always alongside the best, the most professional, the most dedicated journalists in the business," he began. "I could not be more grateful for every one of them and for the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and given me more opportunities than I ever dreamed of.”

Alexander added, "Of course, I'm grateful to you for welcoming [me] into your homes for all these years. Almost 14 of those years from the North Lawn of the White House, or maybe from around the world. It's hard to believe that I've been a part of the NBC family for longer than I have had my own family. Studio 1A, being right here with this team, with all the folks that you don't get to see on TV. This is literally my happy place. It is so fun. I mean, what a gig."

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Related: Craig Melvin Announces Major Career Switch-Up 5 Months After Today Promotion

Additionally, Alexander explained his reason for exiting Today and NBC News: to spend more time with his wife, Alison Starling, and their daughters, Ava and Emma.

“I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 220 Friday nights—220 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” he pointed out. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me. It’s already happened quick. I'm eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives, and to challenge myself with something new. I'm excited. As I was taught, family first, the rest is details.”

To conclude the announcement, Alexander thanked viewers for "your trust and your confidence." He added, "And most of all, thank you to NBC News for what have been undoubtedly the most exciting years of my life."

In the comments of a clip of his announcement shared via Instagram, Today viewers shared their reactions to the news of his exit.

One Instagram user wrote, "You will be missed. Best wishes on your next era and enjoy time with your family!"

Another shared, "Oh, Peter. Say it isn’t so. We are going to miss you! Best wishes in your new endeavor!❤️."

Someone else lamented, "Huge loss for NBC!"

Meanwhile, yet another fan commented, "Thank you, Peter, for being a trusted source of news for over two decades. Wishing you the best in your next chapter!"

Next: Savannah Guthrie Announces Today Return Date After Mom Nancy’s Abduction

In 1974, Carl Douglas had a surprise hit with the song “Kung Fu Fighting.” The disco single by the Jamaican-British singer appeared on his debut album, Kung Fu Fighting and Other Great Love Songs.

The song hit No. 1 on the  Billboard Hot 100 on Dec. 7, 1974 and remained there for two weeks. More than 50 years later, “Kung Fu Fighting” remains one of the most memorable one-hit wonders of all time.

Set to a disco rhythm, the song celebrated kung fu moves at a time when martial arts movies and the TV series Kung Fu were extremely popular.

In a 2024 interview posted by Soave Records, Douglas, now 83, explained, "No matter where we were, we'd always rush to get home at that time on Saturday afternoon when Kung Fu was on.”

The song took a while to take off

“Kung Fu Fighting” was released in August 1974. But it wasn’t originally meant to be a single. In the book The Billboard Book of Number One Hits, author Fred Bronson noted that record producer Biddu Appaiah initially contacted Douglas to record the single, "I Want to Give You My Everything," but he needed a B-side. Douglas shared lyrics from several songs he had written, including “Kung Fu Fighting.”

“Since it was going to be a B-side, I said, 'Fine, we'll have a song called 'Kung Fu Fighting,” Biddu recalled. “So I started working out some melody for it. Nothing was taken seriously."

"I went over the top on the huhs and the hahs and the chopping sounds. It was a B-side. Who was going to listen?" Biddu once admitted, per Stereogum.

"Kung Fu Fighting" was recorded quickly, with just 10 minutes of remaining studio time. After presenting the single and its B-side to Pye Records, Biddu was told that “Kung Fu Fighting” appeared to have more hit potential than “I Want to Give You My Everything,” so it was released as the single instead.

The song, first released in Britain, did nothing at first.

In Bronson's book, Biddu recalled, "The first five weeks, we didn't get one play on radio. It didn't sell one copy. And then suddenly, it just took off from the (dance) clubs, and it went to number one. It went to number one all around the world. We sold nine million copies."

RELATED: 1976 No. 1 One-Hit Wonder Was Written in Five Minutes

In the Soave interview, Douglas shared that the arranger for the song told Biddu, “Listen you know, this thing about Kung Fu, Carl has put in so much of his heart and soul into it that I think it could be a hit. And we said, ‘You’re certain?’ He said, ‘I think so.’”

At first, the BBC rejected the song, feeling that it induced stereotypes of violence and fighting. “But when it came out, it became one of the biggest dance songs in the discotheques,” Douglas said of the song. “The BBC suddenly accepted that this song was kind of different. It went to all different genres of dancing. …  That’s when the BBC suddenly realized that no, this thing, it's going to go not just to discotheques. It's going to go to gymnasiums, going to go to dance halls, it's going to go to schools. And they realized that listen, we got to promote this thing.”

“It became an anthem,” Douglas said of the eventual hit song.

Douglas has disputed criticism that “Kung Fu Fighting” contains racist lyrics. “There's no racism in the song,” he once told The Daily Mail, per Reason.

In 1975, Douglas recorded the "Kung Fu Fighting" sequel, "Dance The Kung Fu," but the follow-up song didn't break the Top 40 on the Billboard chart.

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Dove is springing into the season with two all-new chocolate bars, and they're both no less than "amazing," according to fans.

The iconic candy brand has been a sweet pantry staple in American households since the '80s, and ever since, fans have looked forward to enjoying its classic Promises flavors, seasonal favorites (like its Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer), and the occasional release of new flavors.

Most recently, some lucky shoppers spotted not one but two new flavors of Dove's "Silky Smooth" chocolate bars in stores, and they're both something that fans everywhere are eyeing.

Dove's 2 New Chocolate Bars Are Winning Over Fans

Earlier this week, Milk Chocolate Espresso and Dark Chocolate Blood Orange-flavored Dove bars were found on shelves at a major grocery store chain and fans wasted no time sharing photos of the purchased items online.

Related: Butterfinger’s New Candy Channels a Brunch Favorite—and It’s Finally Here

One called the item "yummy," before another agreed, cheering, "Ooh yum!"

"Ooooooooo!" another let out, "I forget about Dove most of the time but these sound really nice."

"Oh I bet you those espresso ones are amazing!!!!" one more declared.

View this post on Instagram Where Will Dove's Milk Chocolate Espresso and Dark Chocolate Blood Orange Bars Be Available?

Dove's Milk Chocolate Espresso and Dark Chocolate Blood Orange bars appear to be in the early stages of rollout, and it's currently unclear whether the items will be offered as exclusives to one retailer or if there's a broader release planned.

Shoppers have successfully found them at select Hy-Vee locations (prices may vary), so if you happen to live near the chain, your best bet is to roam the aisles or check in with an employee there. Should you not live in the vicinity of a Hy-Vee, we wouldn't give up hope just yet—there's always the chance that, even if Dove didn't plan to expand its chocolates, enough fans demanding it could prompt the company to revisit its plans.

Until then, Dove Milk and Dark Chocolate bars are available nationwide, and those looking for a little more zest or added sweetness can opt for Dove's Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramels, its peanut butter-filled Dark Chocolate, Mint Swirl, or Molten Lava Promises. Consumers looking to satisfy cravings for chocolate-and-orange or chocolate-and-espresso flavor combinations specifically can always find similar offers from Lindt (namely its Excellence collection) at a store near them.

A spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. We will update this post with any relevant information that may be shared about the products.

Next: Lindt Is Discontinuing This Popular Line of Lindor Truffles

As Hollywood lore goes, on March 28, 1975, singer and actor Barbra Streisand dipped backstage at a concert to ask singer Elvis Presley to come on board her movie project A Star Is Born (1976). As we all know now in future times, Presley didn't take the film role as John Norman Howard, the rock star whose career is sinking with alcohol and drug use. The role went to singer Kris Kristofferson.

So the backstage story goes, as outlined in the fan-run Barbra Archives: Elvis was performing at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Streisand flew in to see the show, meet with Presley and his manager, Colonel Parker, and offer Presley the role in the movie, for which she was not only writing music and acting in but also executive producing.

Streisand writes in her memoir, My Name is Barbra, “We talked about the film, and Elvis was interested ... But obviously it didn’t work out."

According to people around Presley at the time, there were a couple reasons Presley ultimately did not take on the role. There are reports that Presley (via his manager) demanded too much money. And there were also concerns that Streisand would overshadow the King of Rock or that the film about a freefalling musician might be bad for Presley's reputation.

Related: 1976 Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 49 Years Ago Today

"Barbra had offered him the part," Elvis' ex-wife Priscilla Presley told People in a 2024 interview. "Colonel talked him out of that saying, 'Oh, it's not going to be good. She's going to be in charge, not you. Her movie, not yours.' Elvis regretted that because he felt he could have played that part."

Both Priscilla and songwriter Linda Thompson, Presley's girlfriend at the time of the film offer, publicly recalled that Presley wanted to take on more serious and meatier acting roles.

However, in her memoir, Thompson wrote, “The Colonel thought it was a bad idea for Elvis to play a character that might be viewed by some as a loser, saying that Elvis had an image to uphold.”

Photo by Steve Morley on Getty Images

At this time in his life, Presley was already in the throws of substance use, which was contributing to his deteriorating health, and aspects of his life and career were spiraling out of control.

Kris Kristofferson has shared that playing the role in A Star Is Born, particularly watching his own on-screen death scene, ultimately led to his personal decision to get sober. Kristofferson died on September 28, 2024, at age 88.

Presley died of a heart attack on August 16, 1977, at age 42.

The 1976 film A Star Is Born earned both Streisand and Kristofferson best actor Golden Globe awards and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Evergreen")

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Have you ever been to Funkytown? Chances are, if you lived through the '80s/'90s, there was a point where you couldn't escape hearing the infectious single by Lipps Inc.

Released in March 1980, "Funkytown" turned a Minneapolis studio project into a global sensation, topping charts around the world and earning its place among Billboard’s best funk songs of all time.

The famed music publication ranked the instant hit—which sat in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks straight from late May through June 1980—at No. 15 on its lineup of the greatest era-defining funk tracks, where Earth, Wind, and Fire's "Shining Star" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" also make appearances, among several others. (Zapp's "More Bounce to the Ounce" was ranked No. 1.)

Driven by its futuristic synth riff and dancefloor-ready groove, the song resonated across audiences during a time when disco was evolving into new wave and electronic pop. It also topped the dance charts and became a worldwide smash, hitting No. 1 in multiple countries and selling millions of copies globally. In the U.S. alone, the single sold over two million copies within months and quickly achieved platinum status—solidifying it as the group’s career-defining hit.

Related: 1984 Classic No. 1 Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Love Songs' of All Time Became the Artist's Best-Selling Single Ever

A One-Hit Wonder

Despite its massive success, “Funkytown” would become Lipps Inc.’s only Top 40 hit in the U.S.—earning the group “one-hit wonder” status, though their influence stretched far beyond a single chart entry. The song’s impact helped bridge disco and synth-pop, influencing the direction of dance music in the early ’80s. Its signature sound—anchored by electronic textures and a driving beat—became a blueprint for future club hits.

More than 40 years after its release, the track remains a staple in pop culture—featured in films, commercials, and playlists that celebrate the golden age of dance music. With over eight million copies sold worldwide, it stands as one of the most successful disco-funk singles ever recorded.

Lipps Inc. Career Beginnings

Lipps Inc. began as the brainchild of songwriter and producer Steven Greenberg, a former DJ who wanted to break into the disco scene. What started as a studio concept quickly took shape when vocalist Cynthia Johnson joined the project, giving the group its unmistakable voice. 

The group, formed in Minneapolis in 1979, operated with a rotating lineup of session musicians, but its identity centered on Greenberg’s production and Johnson’s vocals. Their debut album, Mouth to Mouth, introduced what would become their signature sound.

Related: Iconic '80s Boy Band Impresses With 'Amazing' Live Performance

Can you believe we're already nearing the end of the first season of Crossroad Springs. Originally, only six episodes, the fan reaction was so positive that Great American Media soon ordered an additional four episodes to be filmed and greenlit a second season of the freshman drama series. Read on to discover what to expect in the season finale of Crossroad Springs, titled "Joy."

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What happened in last week's episode of Crossroad Springs? Jonathan Stoddard

Great American Media

In the penultimate episode of Crossroad Springs Season 1, “Patience,” Willis moved boldly forward with his plans to expand the Red Oak herd, publicly clashing with Daniel and ultimately tearing up their water contract. James struggled with exhaustion and pressure as he prepared his first Easter sermon, while Maggie and Amy (Kate Drummond) united the town through food deliveries and service. Lewis (Jon McLaren) learned to accept rest during his recovery, and Janet navigates growing tension at the clinic. Willis finally struck water—though Daniel watched from afar, already plotting his next move.

Related: Hearties, You Need to See This—Our Exclusive ‘When Calls the Heart’ Finale Sneak Peek Teases Nathan’s Next Move

What happens in the Crossroad Springs finale? Amy Drummond, Emily Altalalo

Great American Media

In the season finale of Crossroad Springs, entitled “Joy,” the town gathers for the first Easter service at the new Cowboy Church, celebrating renewal, community, and faith. Maggie and Bea (Eve Crawford) create Easter baskets for every family, while James (Stoddard) delivers a heartfelt sermon that unites the barn in joy and worship. Janet (Alatalo) is unexpectedly freed from work by Eric (LoPresti) and arrives just in time to witness the service. But the celebration is overshadowed by Daniel’s (Hutch) revelation that the Hamiltons’ permit for expansion is now under review, hinting at new trouble ahead.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Crossroad Springs

Will there be a Season 2 of Crossroad Springs?

Yes! Crossroad Springs has been renewed for a second season. Fans will get to see James, Willis, Amy, and Janet again as well as Daniel and the rest of the townsfolk of Crossroad Springs.

When does the Crossroad Springs finale come on?

The season finale of Crossroad Springs airs on Sunday, Mar. 29 at 8 p.m. ET on Great American Family.

How to watch Crossroad Springs

Episode 10 of Crossroad Springs will be available to stream on Great American Pure Flix as early as Thursday, Mar. 26. Previous episodes are also available to stream on Pure Flix. New episodes of Crossroad Springs premiere on Sundays on Great American Family. You can also check the broadcast schedule here for re-runs of previous episodes.

What time does Crossroad Springs come on?

Episode 10 "Joy" of Crossroad Springs premieres on Sunday, March 29 at 8 p.m. ET on Great American Family. Great American Pure Flix subscribers get early access to episodes on Thursdays before they air on TV.

Not sure if your cable or satellite provider carries Great American Family? Check their Channel Finder here.

Get a sneak peek of the Crossroad Springs Season 1 finale

We sure do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from the season finale of Crossroad Springs.

PARADE Exclusive - Crossroad Springs - Season 1 Finale - Sneak Peek (0:56) Check out images from the next episode of Crossroad Springs

Take a look at some select images from the upcoming episode of Crossroad Springs in the gallery below.

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Next, ‘When Hope Calls: Brookfield’ Returns for Season 3 in April – Find Out When! Trailer Released (UPDATED)

In March 1960, one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks officially began with a single, historic moment.

On March 28, 1960, the first permanent star was laid on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most recognizable attractions in the world.

That first star honored film producer and director Stanley Kramer, a major figure in mid-century Hollywood known for both blockbuster films and socially conscious storytelling. His early work included producing classics like High Noon and The Caine Mutiny, and he later directed acclaimed films such as Judgment at Nuremberg and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

Accordindg to The History Channel, actress Joanne Woodward is often mistakenly credited as the first recipient, her star was actually part of an earlier set of prototype stars installed in 1958 to promote the project before construction officially began.

Once construction got underway in early 1960, the Walk of Fame quickly expanded. Over the next 16 months, more than 1,500 stars were installed along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, turning the area into a lasting tribute to the entertainment industry.

The Walk of Fame recognizes stars across multiple areas of entertainment, though very few have been honored in more than one category. Gene Autry remains the only person to receive stars in five fields—motion pictures, television, radio, live performance and music. Bob Hope and Tony Martin each earned four stars, while 33 entertainers have been honored in three categories, including Frank Sinatra, Danny Kaye and Jack Benny. Only two women—Dinah Shore and Gale Storm—have achieved that distinction.

Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches for more than a mile and features over 2,700 stars honoring actors, musicians, filmmakers and other influential figures. It remains one of Los Angeles’ most visited tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The stars themselves were designed to be instantly recognizable, featuring a coral-pink terrazzo surface bordered in brass and set into dark pavement. Each one includes an emblem representing the honoree’s field—from motion pictures to television, music, radio and more—turning the walkway into a visual timeline of entertainment history.

What started with a single star honoring one filmmaker has since grown into a global symbol of entertainment history — and it all began on this day in 1960.

There's a quiet emotional depth that has long defined Dianne Wiest's work, and as she turns 78, its a quality that has shaped one of the most respected careers in Hollywood.

Born in Kansas City on March 28, 1948, Wiest initially pursued ballet before shifting her focus to acting. She went on to train in theater and build a strong foundation on stage before transitioning into film and television, where her nuanced performances quickly set her apart.

Wiest earned widespread acclaim for her work in film, winning two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, first for Hannah and Her Sisters and later for Bullets Over Broadway. Her ability to balance vulnerability, intelligence and emotional complexity made her a standout in both roles.

She also found major success on television, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards over the course of her career—first for her role in Road to Avonlea and later for In Treatment. The wins highlighted her remarkable range, proving she could deliver equally powerful performances on the small screen as she did in film.

Among her many memorable roles, Wiest is perhaps especially beloved for her performance in Edward Scissorhands, where she played Peg Boggs, the kind-hearted Avon saleswoman who takes in Edward, played by Johnny Depp. Her warmth and sincerity helped ground the film's fantasy elements, making her character one of its emotional anchors.

"We had an affection for [Edward], and you sort of overlook people's handicaps, if you will," she told TODAY, reflecting on the Boggs family. "This seemed like a handicap and we still loved him so much and just opened our home to him and he gave us so much in return."

Over the years, Wiest has continued to take on a wide variety of roles in film, television and theater, consistently earning praise for her thoughtful and layered performances. In 2021, Wiest took on the role of Miriam McLusky, the matriarch at the center of Taylor Sheridan's Mayor of Kingstown, and has remained a key presence throughout the series.

"You know, in a strange way I miss that dynamic of the stage when I'm working in film, or television," Wiest told Film Speak. "To compensate, and this is probably what's wrong with my acting, the crew becomes my audience. I can tell if I've done the scene well, by the quality of their silence, or by their reaction, or somebody giggles behind the camera, I think 'I got it.' So I just, I had been kind of making up my own audience. But I really love a live audience."

At 78, Dianne Wiest's career stands as a testament to the power of subtlety in acting, proving that some of the most impactful performances are the ones that feel the most human.

Related: Iconic '90s Actor With Major Oscar Award Turns 68

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The start of a new season is the perfect time to refresh your bedding. If the lighter, longer days have you craving a fresher, softer look in your bedroom, Macy's has an array of spring-ready bedding sets discounted during its VIP Sale. French countryside-inspired designs are especially trendy for spring, bringing relaxed elegance and charm. Right now, Macy's has a gorgeous comforter set on sale that beautifully captures this romantic aesthetic.

The $100 Elodie 8-Piece Comforter Set has been slashed to just $40 in every single size. You can shop this deal in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes for a complete bedding refresh that includes everything you need to upgrade your space.

Elodie 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This eight-piece set includes one comforter, two standard shams, one bedskirt, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases. However, if you're shopping for a twin or twin XL bed, those sizes include just one sham and one pillowcase.

The comforter's reversible design lets you switch between two coordinating patterns, giving you two fresh looks in one set. One side has a Parisian motif with gold Eiffel Tower silhouettes and delicate pink roses on a white background, and the other is adorned with crisp white and light gray stripes. 

The sheets and pillowcases are all light pink, while the shams boast the same French-inspired theme as the comforter, and the bedskirt matches the striped side of the comforter. Each piece is made of 100% polyester and is machine washable, so it's easy to care for. Reviewers noted that the set holds up well when washed and dried without pilling or fading.  

Related: Macy's Is Selling a $43 Folding Rattan Table for Your Patio, and It's Space-Saving Perfection

Shoppers said this "pretty" set looks "super cute" and feels even better. One reviewer compared the luxurious feeling of curling up in this bedding to "sleeping on a cloud." Plush filling inside the comforter has a light and airy loft that shoppers say gives their bed a "fluffy and beautiful" look. 

Shop More Deals

• Catherine 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Coastal Coral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Wysteria Floral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's

Give your bedroom a cloud-like upgrade for less with the Elodie 8-Piece Comforter Set while it's on sale for just $40. The Macy’s VIP Sale ends March 29, so you’ll want to act fast to snag this bedding set while you still can!

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.

Fans keep coming back to a 1963 Brian Wilson song that many consider the peak of his early genius.

In 2025, "In My Room" was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 25 best songs Wilson wrote. It’s a song that proves Brian Wilson’s early brilliance has truly stood the test of time.

The outlet wrote that the tune is "[Wilson's] ode to the comfort and solace he can only find when he’s alone in his private world. He was inspired by memories of times he’d spent as a child singing with his brothers in the bedroom they shared, which made Dennis and Carl [Wilson's] performance on the track especially poignant."

In the 1990 Surfer Girl/Shut Down, Vol. 2 liner notes, as reprinted by American Songwriter, Wilson discussed the meaning behind "In My Room." He revealed, “I had a room, and I thought of it as my kingdom. And I wrote that song, very definitely, that you’re not afraid when you’re in your room. It’s absolutely true.”

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He continued, "When Dennis, Carl, and I lived in Hawthorne [California] as kids, we all slept in the same room. One night, I sang the song ‘Ivory Tower’ to them, and they liked it. Then, a couple of weeks later, I proceeded to teach them both how to sing the harmony parts to it."

He concluded, "It took them a little while, but they finally learned it. We then sang this song night after night. It brought peace to us. When we recorded ‘In My Room,’ there was just Dennis, Carl, and me on the first verse, and we sounded just like we did in our bedroom all those nights."

RELATED: Brian Wilson’s Least Favorite Beach Boys Song Came From the Band’s Most Acclaimed Album

The song, written with Gary Usher, was said to have been Wilson's way to describe his agoraphobia to others. Songfacts reported that the entertainer would have long periods where he would not leave his room, and the song's lyrics reflect the safety of this sanctuary.

Other Brian Wilson songs that ranked among "In My Room" as the Beach Boys' founder's best include "Surfin' Safari," "Surfin' U.S.A.," "Little Saint Nick," "Don't Worry Baby," "I Get Around," and "The Warmth of the Sun."

RELATED: The Beach Boys' Most Romantic Song Was Written in Less Than 1 Hour

Other listed are "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Help Me, Rhonda," "California Girls," "Girl Don't Tell Me," "Good Vibrations," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "God Only Knows," "Sloop John B," "Caroline, No," "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times," "Heroes and Villians," and "Darlin."

Brian Wilson died on June 11, 2025. He was 82.

MORE: 1964 No. 1 Ultimate Breakup Song Brian Wilson Wished He Wrote

While Netflix started as a DVD-by-mail service back in 1998 and was largely known as a movie provider, the platform is now the most popular streaming service in the world and has a strong roster of shows as well. With a combination of powerful exclusive acquisitions and highly-rated in-house productions, subscribers know they can always find their next favorite series on Netflix. 

The best part is that Netflix is constantly working on something behind the scenes, so new titles debut frequently on the platform. The next batch of fresh shows will release in April 2026 and include an exciting mix of brand-new Netflix originals and current series switching to be exclusively streamed on Netflix.

From an animated Stranger Things spinoff and an action-thriller book-to-TV adaptation to mockumentary and crime comedies, here are all the best shows coming to Netflix in April 2026.

Related: The 71 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now

Best New Shows Coming to Netflix in April Allison Tolman, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper, David Alan Grier, Kaliko Kauahi, Josh Lawson and Wendi McLendon-Covey.

Photo by: Danny Ventrella/NBC

5. St. Denis Medical

• Coming to Netflix: April 1, 2026

If you’re a fan of Scrubs or The Office, you’ll probably love this mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the chaotic nature of an emergency department in Oregon. Blending sharp humor with real-life issues, the show offers a comical (yet realistic) view of the strained/underfunded healthcare system in America.

The show stars Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Josh Lawson, Mekki Leeper and Kahyun Kim.

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NBC

4. Happy's Place

• Coming to Netflix: April 1, 2026

This sitcom follows Bobbie McAllister, a woman who suddenly inherits a bar in Knoxville, Tennessee, after her father's death. After learning of his secret affair, though, Bobbie discovers that she also has a half-sister who has an equal share in the business. Despite their differences, the two must learn to work together if they hope to succeed.

The series (which was recently renewed for a third season) stars Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo and Rex Linn. 

Netflix

3. Big Mistakes

• Coming to Netflix: April 9, 2026

In this upcoming crime-comedy series, two incapable siblings find themselves blackmailed into working for some very dangerous people. With nowhere to turn, their world quickly devolves into chaos as they are drawn further and further into the world of organized crime.

The show was created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott. It stars Taylor Ortega, Laurie Metcalf, Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum and Abby Quinn.

Related: The 55 Best Shows To Watch as a Family

Netflix

2. Man on Fire

• Coming to Netflix: April 30, 2026

This action-thriller is based on A.J. Quinnell’s 1980 novel and book series. It follows a special forces mercenary named John Creasy who suffers from a severe form of PTSD. After attempting a fresh start on life, though, he quickly finds himself back in the action as he battles personal demons.

The series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Billie Boullet, Alice Braga, Scoot McNairy, Paul Ben-Victor and Bobby Cannavale. It was written and produced by Kyle Killen.

Netflix

1. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85

• Coming to Netflix: April 23, 2026

If you are a fan of the original Stranger Things series, you’re in for a special treat! This animated spinoff from Eric Robles and The Duffer Brothers takes place between the second and third seasons of the original, and follows Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin and Max as they confront a new threat from the Upside Down.

The voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Daz, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney, Benjamin Plessala, Brett Gipson, Odessa A’zion and Jeremy Jordan. It’s set to premiere on April 23, 2026; however, limited screenings of the first two episodes will be available in theaters on April 18th.

Related: The 100 Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now (March 2026)

James Marsden is back in the visor. What he said about the man who used to stand next to him is another matter entirely.

While promoting his new Hulu film Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice this week, Marsden sat down with ComicBook.com and was asked about returning to the role of Cyclops in Avengers: Doomsday, due in theaters December 18. The conversation turned, as it inevitably does, to Hugh Jackman, and whether Wolverine would be joining his oldX-Men castmates on screen.

Marsden's answer stopped short in a way that sent the internet into overdrive.

'I love Hugh Jackman, and I love the dynamic between Wolverine and Cyclops,' the actor said. 'It was always a brotherly, healthy competition between the two of them, where they were annoyed with each other. It did feel like a brotherly relationship.'

Then came the part fans are still dissecting. 'I wouldn't say that I was excited to slide into that role without him barking in my ear. He was missed. I'm trying to… answer, without saying too much… Yeah, that's my answer.'

Two words, 'he was missed', followed by a very deliberate pump of the brakes and a pullback.

Jackman has not been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. He reprised Wolverine in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, and has since declined to give a straight answer about whether he's done with the character. Jackman told Variety's Actors on Actors that the film 'doesn't feel like the end', a comment he has never walked back.

Related: Daredevil's 'Kingpin' Actor Hung up on Stanley Kubrick

That ambiguity, combined with Marsden's careful non-answer, has sent fans into full speculation mode. 'Don’t think anyone’s buying that Jackman isn’t in the movie,' one responder said. Another fan pointed out that he also could be in it as part of the well-established Marvel multiverse, adding 'part of me thinks the X-Men as seen in Doomsday aren't from THE Fox Universe. Maybe they're from the universe 'our' Wolverine in Deadpool 3 is from.'

There was one more detail worth noting. Marsden confirmed he agreed to return as Cyclops without reading the script, and the conversation about his involvement happened before he had seen a single page. For a film of this scale, that level of trust says something about how Marvel operates, and how much the original X-Men cast wanted back in.

Marsden last played Cyclops in a significant role in 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, with a brief appearance in Days of Future Past in 2014. Avengers: Doomsday will reunite him with Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn, all reprising their Fox X-Men roles alongside Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Robert Downey Jr., and the cast ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Whether Jackman's Wolverine is lurking somewhere in that ensemble remains officially unanswered. But the circumstantial case is building. The Russo Brothers have gone conspicuously quiet on the subject every time his name comes up in interviews. And now his most famous on-screen rival is choosing his words with surgical care on a press tour. Can't wait to see what's next!

This spring marks the sixth anniversary of the official start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, COVID has long been in the rearview, except for staying up to date with the COVID vaccine. But others are still experiencing symptoms that first started after being infected with the virus. 

“Long COVID refers to a range of persistent or new symptoms that last for at least three months after an initial COVID-19 infection, which cannot be explained by another diagnosis,” explains Dr. Jennifer Chung, MD, an internist and functional medicine doctor. 

Related: Doctors Are Seeing a Bizarre New COVID Symptom Right Now

Dr. Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist, infectious disease expert and public health professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, adds to this, explaining that long COVID isn't a persistent infection but is the long-term effects of damage caused by the virus. “The most common symptoms are fatigue, brain fog and a flare-up of symptoms after physical or mental exertion,” he says.

For people 65 and older, it can be tricky to know if fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms are due to long COVID or are just a normal part of getting older. Here, doctors explain how to know for sure and what to do if long COVID symptoms are disrupting your life.

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How COVID Impacts People Over 65 

Dr. Akshaya Bhagavathula, PhD, FACE, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, says that there are a few important ways that COVID impacts people 65 and older differently than the rest of the population.

“Adults over 65 have a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications from COVID. This is because the immune system becomes less responsive with age, and many older adults also have chronic conditions that make recovery harder,” he explains.

Dr. Chung adds that COVID is more likely to take a turn for the worse more quickly in older adults, with a higher rate of developing severe or critical disease that may require ICU care, and a much higher rate of respiratory failure compared to younger people. 

Related: This 1 Common Health Habit May Accelerate Aging, According to a Longevity Doctor and RD

She says that in general, COVID symptoms tend to be worse for older adults, especially when it comes to symptoms impacting the respiratory system and the brain. Dr. Labus explains that this is also the case when it comes to long COVID. “Symptoms like brain fog and persistent fatigue are often reported by middle-aged adults. In older adults, those symptoms can blend in with existing health issues, so they may not always be recognized as long COVID,” he says. Because of this, Dr. Labus notes that long COVID often goes underdiagnosed in older adults.

Dr. Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez, PhD, a core member of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Rutgers Institute of Health and who specializes in long COVID, agrees. "While long COVID can affect people of all ages, in fact, it is more common in middle age, older adults may experience greater challenges recovering their prior level of functioning, including mobility and cognitive abilities," she says.

How To Tell the Difference Between Normal Aging and Long COVID

Some of the hallmark symptoms of long COVID are breathlessness, coughing and chest pain. If you start feeling winded after going up a set of stairs or experience chest pain when exercising, you may chalk it up to getting older, but the reality is that it could be due to long COVID. 

“Aging alone doesn’t typically cause new or worsening shortness of breath, cough or chest pain,” Dr. Chung says. She notes that if these symptoms started after being infected with COVID, especially in someone without a known underlying heart or lung condition, they are more likely to be related to long COVID rather than age. 

Related: 'I'm a Longevity Expert—These Are the Vitamins That Actually Work for Healthy Aging (And the Ones I Skip)'

Dr. Bhagavathula agrees, adding, “Aging alone usually doesn’t cause a sudden drop in exercise tolerance. For example, if someone notices new shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty with activities that used to feel easy after a COVID-19 infection, it is worth getting evaluated."

All four doctors recommend being evaluated by a healthcare provider if you are experiencing persistent respiratory problems. No matter what the cause is, these symptoms need to be treated because they can limit quality of life. All four doctors say that talking to your doctor is the first step in figuring out what is causing these symptoms and coming up with a treatment plan.

Long COVID can also impact cognitive function. According to a 2024 study published in Brain, 48% of people with long COVID experienced memory problems from time to time, and 27% experienced problems with attention span, processing speed and speech problems. 

“Brain fog is one of the most commonly reported neurologic symptoms [for long COVID]. People describe trouble concentrating, slower thinking or difficulty finding words,” Dr. Bhagavathula explains.

To figure out if these symptoms are due to long COVID or aging, he says it’s important to consider when you started experiencing them, sharing, “The timing usually provides an important clue. Age-related cognitive changes tend to happen gradually over many years. With long COVID, people often notice a fairly clear shift in their thinking after the infection and the symptoms can fluctuate from day to day."

Dr. Guzmán-Vélez emphasizes that while some cognitive slowing can occur with aging, it should not interfere with daily functioning. "Symptoms such as repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost or difficulty managing daily tasks are not typical of normal aging and should be evaluated," she says.

Other Long COVID Symptoms That Could Be Brushed off as Aging Signs

Besides symptoms affecting the respiratory system and cognition, the doctors say that other common symptoms of long COVID that can often be brushed off as healthy aging are fatigue, dizziness, headaches and changes in taste and smell. They emphasize that all of these symptoms can impact quality of life, so it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider. That way, your doctor can help find solutions to treat these symptoms as best as they can, whether the root cause is due to COVID or if it’s because of something else.

“Long COVID can sound scary, but most people show gradual improvement over the first six to 12 months, with the most dramatic recovery occurring in the first six months,” Dr. Chung says. But she adds that, sometimes, recovery is incomplete with symptoms periodically coming back. In these cases, she notes that it’s important to work with a trusted specialist or a team of specialists for monitoring and early intervention.

“It's been difficult to understand long COVID because a diagnostic test doesn't exist and [the virus] can produce over 200 different symptoms. This shouldn't keep you from talking to your doctor because the problems you are experiencing could be caused by a number of different things,” Dr. Labus says.

Instead of being resigned to living with your symptoms, see your doctor and come up with a plan for managing them together. Regardless of the root cause, there are likely more ways to manage them than you think.

Up Next:

Related: Here's Why Healthy Aging Experts Swear by This One Longevity Lunch

Sources 

• Wesley Ely, E., Brown, L.M., Fineberg, H.V., et al. (2024). Long COVID Defined. The New England Journal of Medicine. 391:1746-1753
• Dr. Jennifer Chung, MD, internist and functional medicine doctor
• Dr. Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, epidemiologist, infectious disease expert and public health professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Dr. Akshaya Bhagavathula, PhD, FACE, associate professor of epidemiology at the Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University
• Dr. Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez, PhD, neuroscientist, neuropsychologist and core member of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Rutgers Institute of Health 
• Daines, L., Zheng, B., Pfeffer, P., et al. (2023). A clinical review of long COVID with a focus on the respiratory system. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 28(3):174-179
• Serrano Del Pueblo, V. M., Serrano-Heras, G., Romero Sánchez, G., et al. (2024). Brain and cognitive changes in patients with long COVID compared with infection-recovered control subjects. Brain. 147(10):3611-3623

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Creative hobbies are having a moment. More people are leaning into hands-on projects that feel personal, flexible and imperfect. Scrapbooking has evolved, vision boards are getting messier, and the idea of curated chaos is quickly becoming the aesthetic of choice for anyone looking to unplug and make something meaningful without strict rules.

That’s exactly where Target’s new Studio Artifact Junk Journal Starter Kit fits in. This $14.99 all-in-one set is designed to make junk journaling approachable, whether you’re a beginner or someone who already loves mixed media projects. The journal is compact enough to take on the go, while still offering plenty of space to layer, sketch and experiment.

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Studio Artifact Junk Journal Starter Kit, $14.99 at Target Studio Artifact's junk journal kit from Target.

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One of its standout features is the clear zipper pocket cover. Instead of storing your scraps separately, you can keep everything in one place, from ticket stubs to magazine clippings to random bits of paper you want to repurpose later. The transparent design also lets you see your materials at a glance, which adds to the creative experience and keeps inspiration within reach.

Inside, the pages are completely blank, giving you total freedom to design without constraints. There’s no structure to follow, which is part of the appeal. Junk journaling is less about perfection and more about expression, combining textures, colors and found objects into something that feels uniquely yours. To help you get started, the kit includes a mix of collage papers and stickers so you’re not staring at an empty page wondering where to begin.

Related: Target's Unique New $30 Inflatable Pool Is Inspired by Vintage Americana Style

Part of what makes junk journaling so popular right now is how accessible it is. While this kit provides a curated starting point, the hobby itself often relies on everyday materials like old envelopes, packaging, maps or notes. It’s a creative outlet that encourages you to reuse what you already have, making it both budget-friendly and eco-conscious.

There’s also a calming element to the process. Many people turn to junk journaling as a way to slow down, reduce stress and document small moments in a tactile way.

At $15, this kit from Target eliminates the need to gather supplies from multiple places and offers a cohesive starting point that still leaves plenty of room for personalization. For anyone curious about trying a new creative hobby or looking for a low-pressure way to unwind, this Target find is an easy add to your cart that might just turn into a favorite hobby.

Related: This Glass Tumbler From Target Is Perfect for Iced Coffee, According to Shoppers

The "silver sea" around England is about to feel a lot more accessible. By this summer, the King Charles III England Coast Path will officially fully open, creating a 2,700-mile loop that earns the title of the longest managed coastal path on the planet. For anyone who has ever looked at the rugged cliffs of Cornwall or the sandy dunes of Norfolk and wished they could just keep walking, this is the ultimate "pinch me" moment.

What makes this path so special is the sheer diversity of the terrain. We aren't just talking about one long beach walk; this is a journey through 185 million years of history. You can start your morning on the Jurassic Coast, hunting for fossils from the Triassic and Cretaceous periods, and by the afternoon, find yourself winding past the iconic White Cliffs of Dover or the red-and-white "candy cliffs" of Hunstanton.

Because the path is managed, it’s designed to be navigated safely, even when the route occasionally veers inland to protect the local salt marshes or to give hikers the best possible vantage point of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Related: King Charles Spends $172,000 a Day on Hedges — How to Copy the Royal Gardens for $400

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For families and nature lovers, the wildlife spotting alone is worth the flight. Thanks to the nutrients churned up by the Gulf Stream, the waters along the path are a playground for grey seals, otters and even basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins.

You might find yourself birdwatching in the tidal marshes of Lincolnshire one day and exploring Roman ruins like Senhouse or the medieval castles of the Northeast the next. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure style of travel: you can tackle a wild, remote stretch near the Scottish border or opt for a "cream tea" pace through the tiny fishing villages of the South West.

Related: The UK’s First Live-Action Historical Theme Park Is Arriving Summer 2026

The real beauty of the project is that it connects the dots between England’s famous seaside resorts and its hidden, "locals-only" gems. Whether you’re walking the longest pleasure pier in the world at Southend-on-Sea or trekking through the wildflower meadows of Durham, the path serves as a literal thread tying the country’s maritime identity together. It’s a massive achievement in conservation and accessibility, proving that sometimes the best way to see a country isn't by rail or road, but by simply following the shoreline.

Related: This Laid-Back Beach Town on Florida's 'Forgotten Coast' Ranks No. 1 Spring Break Destination

Damar Hamlin is a sixth-round pick, a two-time NFLPA Community MVP, and a cardiac arrest survivor. Three years after a routine tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins stopped his heart on a Monday Night Football field in Cincinnati, the Buffalo Bills safety says he's approaching the year with a different mindset.

"I told myself, in 2026, I'm giving myself the love that I give the world first," Hamlin, 28, told The New York Post. "You can't fill others' cups until you fill yours."

The tackle happened on January 2, 2023. Hamlin stood up, then collapsed. He'd suffered commotio cordis, a rare condition where a blow to the chest disrupts the heart's rhythm. Medical staff administered CPR and used a defibrillator on the field before he spent two days sedated in critical condition. Nine days later, he was discharged from the hospital.

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His 2024 season was his best as a pro. Hamlin started 14 games, led all Bills safeties with a career-high 874 defensive snaps while recording 89 tackles, two interceptions, and five pass breakups. He re-signed with Buffalo in March 2025 on a one-year, $2 million deal. "This is home, this is all I know as a pro," he told NBC Sports. "This is the place I want to be, where I want to spend my whole career if I can."

The 2025 season was cut short by a pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve in October after five games. He was designated for return in January but didn't suit up in the playoffs.

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Hamlin has spent most of the last three years pouring into everyone else. Through his Chasing M's Foundation, he has pushed for CPR training and AED access across the country and internationally, including advocacy work in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Tokyo, and India. 

On his 28th birthday, he expanded his Heroes Scholarship — named after the 10 medical professionals who saved his life — to his alma mater, Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, committing $15,000 annually. "Someone saw something in me before the world did, and now I'm in the position to do the same," he said in a statement to Yardbarker. 

The NFL star also appeared in two Hallmark Channel movies in 2024 as an Abbott HeartMates ambassador, and is working with supplement brand Qunol on its Champions at Heart initiative, which connects him with everyday community heroes. "Going through what I went through changed my perspective," Hamlin said. "For me, it's not just about football or performance, it's about purpose."

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He told The Post he's added nervous system training to his regimen this year and has been prioritizing what he calls "microdecisions," small daily choices that add up. One technique: bouncing his shoulders for a minute or two to release tension. "We carry so much with us throughout the day," he explained.

On March 27, the Bills announced they’d re-signed Hamlin to another one-year deal, bringing him back for a sixth season in Buffalo. It’s the second straight offseason he’s bet on himself with a one-year contract. But football is just one part of the picture. “I see myself being an astronaut, too," he revealed. "Why not?”

Related: Read Next

In 2020, one book stood out as the hottest release of the year. Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library captured hearts and minds, bringing a “what if” type story. After all, we all wonder what it would be like to take a different path in life, getting that Sliding Doors moment.

Of course, with the success of this, there were questions about whether there would be a followup. Couldn’t other people access the library and see what their life could be? Haig has finally answered the question with a followup novel, and it’s out this spring.

‘The Midnight Train’ by Matt Haig Is Coming Soon

While some people are captured by the words on a page, other people need to see the events play out in front of them. A method of travel is more important than opening a book, so it makes sense that the way for some people to live life differently is achieved via different ways for people. The Midnight Train is the follow-up to The Midnight Library, bringing a new method of time travel, but it's not quite a sequel.

Wilbur Budd knows that the best days of his life were with his bride, Maggie. That was untl he threw it all away. What if he could go back to his Venice honeymoon and change it all? That’s what the Midnight Train offers him the chance to do, and so, he makes the decision to take the risk and see if things will change for the better.

This isn’t just about changing destiny, though. There’s a more poignant question when it comes to riding the Midnight Train through your life’s memories. Are there many that are worth reliving, or is it best just to race past them all?

Penguin Random House

‘The Midnight Train’ Release Date

There isn’t much longer left to wait. Haig’s new release is sure to be one of the biggest ones of May 2026, and it comes out on May 26, 2026.

It already has a four-star average rating on Goodreads thanks to ARC reviewers. They’ve delved into the story to see if it’s worth the sequel, and with currently 44% saying four-star and 36% saying five-star, the resounding answer is yes.

It doesn’t follow the same characters from The Midnight Library. It’s set in the same universe, and Haig has a way of making you ask deep and reflective questions of yourself as you read. There’s no doubt that he’ll do the same as you take The Midnight Train.

James Toklan, best known for his roles in films like Back to the Future and Top Gun, died at 94 on Thursday. Now, his Back to the Future co-star, Christopher Lloyd, is honoring him in a very touching moment.

Lloyd, 87, a beloved actor known for portraying Emmett "Doc" Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy, took to Instagram on Friday to honor Tolkan just one day after his death. Pulling from one of the film's most iconic quotes, Lloyd honored his friend with a touching memorial.

"James, where you’re going…you don’t need roads. Miss you, friend," the actor captioned the photo, which showed the duo mugging for the camera during a recent moment. In the photo, Tolkan waved his finger at Lloyd, perhaps a callback to his role as the strict authoritarian Mr. Strickland, the bowtie-wearing boss of Hill Valley High School in the original Back to the Future film, who constantly threatened George McFly, Marty's father, for being a "slacker."

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When Did James Tolkan Die?

Tolkan died Thursday in Saranac Lake, New York, a family spokesperson told TheHollywood Reporter. His obituary shared a touching legacy of a man who fought tirelessly to build an acting career.

"After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he attended Coe College and the University of Iowa, came to New York with $75 in his pocket, and studied with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio, where (Warren) Beatty was a classmate in 1956," the piece read.

Tolkan went on to star in legendary films including Top Gun, The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Serpico, and Dick Tracy. He also had several memorable TV roles, including True Blood and A&E’s A Nero Wolfe Mystery, as well as theatrical roles, including the original Broadway production of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross.

James Tolkan's Best Moments in Back to the Future

We would be remiss if we didn't close out the story with a great moment honoring Tolkan onscreen when he comes face-to-face with Marty McFly!

Related: 'Back to the Future' Star Dead at 94

In 1975, 10cc released a song that would become one of the most distinctive soft rock hits of the decade.

Their single, "I'm Not in Love" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a major breakthrough for the English rock band. Most recently, the track has been ranked one of the top soft rock songs of all time by Ultimate Classic Rock.

Written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, the song stood out for both its concept and its sound. Rather than delivering a straightforward love song, "I'm Not in Love" plays with emotional contradiction, with lyrics that deny romantic feelings even as they reveal something deeper.

"When we recorded, we used to turn the lights out in the control room, lie on the floor and play the stuff back to ourselves, so we knew that song was great," Gouldman told The Guardian in 2025. "We didn’t know what its commercial potential was, but we never thought in those terms."

What truly set the unlikely breakup anthem apart, however, was its innovative production. Instead of using traditional instruments, the band created its lush, atmospheric backing vocals by layering hundreds of recorded voices onto tape loops, a painstaking process that resulted in the song's signature dreamy sound.

The recording technique was groundbreaking at the time and helped redefine what pop production could achieve, turning the track into both a commercial success and a technical milestone.

"We were so diverse in our taste and influences, and that all came out in the music," Gouldman told Louder. "The other thing was that we always did what was best for the song. It was a brilliant democracy – whoever wrote the song, we still adopted it as our song. For the main part, we were very much all for one and one for all."

"I'm Not in Love" went on to become 10cc's biggest hit and remains their most recognizable song, often cited as one of the defining tracks of the soft rock era.

Decades later, its unique sound and understated emotion continue to resonate, securing its place as a timeless classic that helped shape the sound of modern pop and rock music.

Related: 1972 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 54 Years Ago Today

Queen Latifah was born in Newark, New Jersey to parents Rita—an art teacher—and Lancelot, a tactical police officer. "My mom raised me to be a queen and taught me that all women should be treated as such," she toldParade in 2022. "My father would build me up and say, 'You will learn how to do this.'"

She got the nickname "Latifah" (Arabic for "pleasant") when she was eight years old, and by high school she was already making a name for herself in New York and New Jersey's music scene. (Shout-out to The Rink in Bergenfield!) The Chicago star was 17 years old and working at Burger King when she signed her first deal with Tommy Boy Records.

At 19, Latifah released All Hail the Queen and by 23, she won her first Grammy for "U.N.I.T.Y.," an empowering anthem against misogyny that still resonates decades later. While all of these accomplishments are incredible, when you look back on them, they almost feel like a prequel: The trailblazing artist and entertainer was just getting warmed up.

While on tour with Will Smith in 1989, she learned he got his own TV show (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). "I thought, 'Oh, if Will can do a show, we can do a show!'" she recalls. "I helped connect the dots behind the scenes." The result was Living Single—a groundbreaking Foxsitcom that ran from 1993 to 1998 and became one of the first shows on network television to center a group of Black women living, working and thriving on their own terms. It was a cultural milestone, and it happened because Latifah refused to wait for permission. She saw what was possible and made it happen.

An Academy Award nomination for Chicago unlocked the opportunity to start producing her own movies—box office smashes and fan favorites like Bringing Down the House and Last Holiday. She stole scenes in Hairspray and Girls Trip and led CBS's The Equalizer for five seasons. She's the first hip-hop artist to ever receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But with all of her career wins, she's also endured profound personal loss—including the death of her brother Lancelot Jr. in a 1992 motorcycle accident and her beloved mother Rita in 2018. She's openly battled depression and spoken vulnerably and powerfully about her struggles.

Through every high and every heartbreak, her message has never wavered: Love yourself, own who you are and walk boldly. And that's why Queen Latifah is today's quote of the day.

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Quote of the Day by Queen Latifah

"The reality is, I like imperfection. You take away from the world when you're not yourself. Whatever is unique and special about you was designed by God. And when you try to be someone else, we don't get you."

Latifah isn't just telling you to "be yourself"—she's saying that the world actually loses something when you don't. That's a profound shift. It takes the pressure off trying to earn your worth and puts it where it belongs: You were already designed with purpose. If you ever feel like you need to shrink, change or perform to be enough, do the exact opposite of that. Embrace the unique characteristics that you were born with and your world will grow bigger and brighter.

Queen Latifah has admired Dolly Parton since childhood. "I loved [her] because of the way she carried herself in her body," she told Parade. "That was important to me because I was always trying to figure out my body back then."

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Deeper Meaning of Queen Latifah's Quote: Embrace Who You Are

Latifah has been open about her own journey to self-acceptance. "When I was around 18, I looked in the mirror and said, 'You're either going to love yourself or hate yourself.' And I decided to love myself. That changed a lot of things," she wrote in her 2010 memoir, Put on Your Crown.

By extending that personal lesson outward, Latifah reframes self-doubt as something that doesn't just hurt you—it robs the universe of what you were meant to contribute. She doesn't just talk about self-worth in the abstract; she connects it to action. "Be bold, be brave enough to be your true self," she's said.

"There's more to all of us than we realize," she famously once said. "Life is so much bigger, grander, higher, and wider than we allow ourselves to think. We're capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to believe."

That point illustrates the Queen's deeper message here: Loving yourself isn't the finish line—it's the starting point. When you stop hiding everything that makes you unique and actually start embracing it, you'll get to start living your best life, exactly as God designed it.

Related: She’s Sold 75 Million Records—Now She’s Celebrating 71

More Inspiring Quotes from Queen Latifah

• "From the time I really accepted myself, everything got brighter. People were attracted to me for me."
• "Those curveballs are always coming—eventually, you learn to hit some of them."
• "My job at this point is to keep moving in the way I’m supposed to and stay open and creative. I want to help the next generation trying to get their leg up and get them to a special place. That is what’s always given me joy."
• "There are times you can't really see or even feel how sweet life can be. Hopefully its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep. I know things that are broken can be fixed. Take the punch if you have to, hit the canvas and then get up again. Life is worth it."
• "Life's not about sitting at home in front of the TV waiting for your life to begin. Get out there and take some chances."

Next, Alison Sweeney on Why Success Isn’t a Straight Line