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Food Network has quietly canceled dozens of shows over the years, including some that developed loyal fanbases and strong ratings. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the network was built around instructional cooking, travel series and personality-driven food television. Viewers tuned in to learn cooking techniques, discover hidden restaurants and feel connected to chefs in a more relaxed format.

But as cable television evolved, Food Network shifted heavily toward competitions, reality programming and high-energy elimination formats like those seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay and Tournament of Champions.

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That transition helped bring in larger audiences and advertising dollars, but it also meant that many unique shows quietly disappeared. Some shows were too expensive to produce, others struggled to fit the network’s newer branding strategy and some were just simply ahead of their time.

Looking back, we think many of these canceled Food Network series deserved more seasons because they brought creativity, personality and genuine food storytelling to the small screen—all elements that are often missing from modern food TV.

Here, we've rounded up 12 shows Food Network canceled that we still wish we could watch today. Here's hoping they'll resurface on a streaming service or get a reboot.

12 Canceled Food Network Shows

Even though these series disappeared too soon, many longtime viewers still remember them as some of Food Network’s most creative and underrated experiments.

1. Ask Aida (2008)

Ask Aida starred chef Aida Mollenkamp, who answered viewer cooking questions while preparing approachable meals. The show had a casual and friendly tone that made viewers feel like they were cooking alongside a knowledgeable friend instead of watching a formal instructor.

Despite positive reactions, the series lasted only one season before Food Network moved toward more competition-heavy programming. Today, Mollenkamp still works in food media creating digital cooking content and focusing on travel and culinary storytelling online.

2. Melting Pot (2001)

Melting Pot was hosted by David Rosengarten. The show explored multicultural cuisine and global flavors long before food travel became mainstream television. The series mixed cooking demonstrations with culinary history and cultural context.

It disappeared after one season, likely because the network was still experimenting with its identity in the early 2000s. Rosengarten later became known for his food writing, newsletters and wine expertise.

3. Food Finds (2001)

Food Finds highlighted hidden gems, local specialties and regional restaurants across America. Hosted by Sandra Pinckney, the show felt like a road trip for food lovers and celebrated smaller businesses before social media made food tourism trendy.

While this series served more than one season, it was popular enough to deserve a spot on this list. It disappeared as the Food Network narrowed its focus toward celebrity chefs. Pinckney later continued working as a journalist and media personality.

Related: Sara Moulton Was Food Network's First True Star. What Really Happened to Her?

4. Taste (1994)

Taste was another David Rosengarten project that explored food culture with a more intellectual and documentary-style approach. The show stood out because it treated cuisine as history, science and culture all at once.

While critically respected and on-air for several seasons, it likely appealed to a niche audience compared to broader entertainment-focused cooking shows. Rosengarten remains active today in culinary publishing and food education.

5. Roker on the Road (2003)

Roker on the Road featured Al Roker traveling around the country discovering restaurants, diners and local traditions. The show blended humor, travel and comfort food in a way that would probably thrive on streaming platforms today.

However, it only lasted a single season. Roker continued his enormously successful career with NBC’s Today show while occasionally appearing in food and travel programming.

6. License to Grill (2003)

Licensed to Grill starred grilling expert Rob Rainford and focused entirely on barbecue and outdoor cooking. The show gained a dedicated audience because of Rainford’s energetic personality and practical grilling tips.

Although the series did not continue long on Food Network in the United States, Rainford became one of Canada’s best-known barbecue chefs and continued publishing cookbooks and hosting culinary events.

7. Hot Off the Grill (1999)

Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay helped establish Bobby Flay as one of Food Network’s earliest breakout stars. The show centered on grilling recipes and Southwestern-inspired flavors.

It eventually disappeared after a few seasons as Flay moved into bigger projects and multiple primetime series. Of course, Flay later became one of the network’s defining personalities through shows like Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay.

8. Outrageous Food (2010)

Outrageous Food followed chef Tom Pizzica as he traveled around America searching for massive, over-the-top dishes and food creations. The series captured the early fascination with giant burgers, oversized desserts and outrageous restaurant challenges.

Although entertaining, the trend eventually became oversaturated, and the show quietly vanished after one season. Pizzica later shifted into restaurant consulting and food media appearances.

Related: 11 Popular Food Chains From the '80s We Wish Would Come Back Now

9. Road Tasted with the Neelys (2008)

Road Tasted with the Neelys featured Pat and Gina Neely traveling across America to sample regional specialties and family-owned restaurants. Fans loved the chemistry between the hosts and the focus on authentic comfort food.

The show ended after one season as the Neelys concentrated on their more successful studio series, Down Home with the Neelys. After their eventual divorce, both continued separate culinary and media careers.

10. Food Network Star Kids (2016)

Food Network Star Kids attempted to bring the Food Network Star formula to younger chefs. Hosted by Tia Mowry and Donal Skehan, the series showcased talented children competing in culinary challenges.

While viewers enjoyed the family-friendly concept, the show only received one season. Many of the young contestants later built social media followings or continued culinary training.

11. All-Star Academy (2016)

All-Star Academy paired amateur cooks with celebrity chef mentors, including Bobby Flay, Alex Guarnaschelli and Curtis Stone. The mentor-based competition format gave the show emotional stakes and a unique structure compared to other Food Network contests.

Despite a strong cast, it lasted just two seasons before disappearing from the schedule. Most of its celebrity mentors, however, remain central figures on the network today.

12. Chefography (2008)

Chefography profiled famous chefs and Food Network personalities in a documentary format. Episodes explored the personal histories and career struggles of stars like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten and Guy Fieri. The show gave viewers a deeper look at chefs beyond cooking demonstrations and competitions.

Unfortunately, it lasted only one season before fading away. Many of the chefs featured on the show went on to become even bigger television personalities and culinary entrepreneurs.

Why Does Food Network Cancel Popular Shows?

Food Network’s biggest challenge has always been balancing education with entertainment. In its early years, the network focused on teaching viewers how to cook, but by the late 2000s, reality television and competition series consistently attracted larger audiences and stronger advertising numbers. Fast-paced contests were easier to market and easier for casual viewers to watch without following every episode closely.

Another reason many shows disappeared was cost. Travel series like Food Finds and Roker on the Road required crews to film across the country, making them more expensive than studio-based competition shows. At the same time, celebrity chefs became larger brands, and the network often preferred giving established stars multiple projects instead of continuing smaller programs.

Streaming and social media also changed food television dramatically. Today, viewers can watch recipe tutorials instantly online, which reduced demand for slower-paced instructional cooking shows. Even so, many fans still miss the personality-driven programs that made Food Network feel comforting and educational rather than intensely competitive.

Looking back, these canceled Food Network shows captured a more experimental and creative era for the channel. They may not have lasted long, but many left behind loyal fans who still remember them years later.

Related: 10 Canceled Food Network Shows We Still Miss (and Why They Ended)

We all know Pink Floyd, YES, and Genesis. But the deepest prog-rock loyalists out there also know and love Gentle Giant, the often-forgotten pioneers of the conceptual subgenre of rock and roll. So, whether you’re rediscovering the group or hearing about them for the first time, you have a new reason to dive in. 

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The band’s landmark 1974 album, The Power and the Glory, per Louder, has just received a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix as part of Steven Wilson’s Definitive Digital Editions on his new immersive-audio platform, Headphone Dust. 

We hear you: What does that mean exactly? Think of it less like a standard remaster and more like hearing the music come alive around you.

Fan-favorite track “Proclamation,” along with the rest of the album, has been enhanced to create a richer, more immersive sonic experience. Instead of all the sound coming from two speakers, the band’s virtuosic rock now feels like it’s all around you — drums behind, vocals up front, guitars floating everywhere — even while wearing headphones. 

Wilson, a musician, songwriter, record producer, and audio engineer — perhaps best known as the founder and frontman of Porcupine Tree -- launched Headphone Dust out of frustration with the limitations of streaming audio and disappearing physical formats. His goal, he said, is to create a downloadable “virtual Blu-ray” experience for music fans.

This also isn’t the first surprising revival for “Proclamation” in recent years.

In 2023, Travis Scott sampled “Proclamation” in the intro to “HYAENA,” from his album Utopia, introducing Gentle Giant’s music to a legion of new fans and generations. The unexpected crossover helped propel the track onto the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 14, decades after its original release. 

In response, Gentle Giant issued this statement, per Forward: “We are honored by the inclusion of our 1974 song ‘Proclamation’ in the intro track ‘Hyaena’ to Travis Scott’s new album ‘Utopia.’ We are always amazed how Gentle Giant’s music continues to inspire and evolve across diverse genres and generations, particularly within the hip-hop community.”

It’s a fitting second life for one of progressive rock’s most enduring cult favorites — which you can now hear in yet another stunning new revival. Now do Pink Floyd!

Related: 1977 Top 10 Hit Becomes One of the Oldest Classic Rock Tracks to Pass a Major Milestone

In 1974, the band America released a soft rock classic inspired by one of the most beloved movies ever made.

"Tin Man" became one of the group's signature hits after drawing lyrical inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films in Hollywood history.

Written by band member Dewey Bunnell, the song references the iconic Tin Man character from the classic film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's novel. The connection is made clear in one of the song's most recognizable lyrics: "Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn't already have."

Rather than retelling the movie directly, Bunnell used the imagery and themes from The Wizard of Oz to explore ideas about self-worth, emotional fulfillment and searching for meaning, concepts that helped give the song a dreamy, reflective quality.

"The song is like surrealism, which was a genre of art that was always mesmerizing for me," Bunnell said in an interview. "There's the whole psychedelic thing, coming out of the Sixties, the Woodstock generation, opening your eyes, expanding your mind and looking at things differently. We really did, we were a straight culture out of the Fifties. It was all black and white."

Musically, "Tin Man" perfectly captured the laid-back soft rock sound dominating 1970s radio. Built around gentle acoustic guitars, layered harmonies and smooth melodies, the track became an immediate favorite among radio listeners.

"Knowing Dewey, it was probably reverse psychology," bandmate Dan Peek in An American Band: The America Story. "If it was, Gerry [Beckley] and I fell for it, insisting it was perfect for the album."

The song also helped reinforce America's reputation as one of the defining soft rock acts of the decade following earlier successes like "A Horse with No Name "and "Ventura Highway."

At the time, the band stood out for its blend of folk, pop and West Coast rock influences, creating songs that felt simultaneously nostalgic and timeless.

Although "Tin Man" never became the group's biggest commercial hit, it evolved into one of their most enduring songs thanks to its emotional warmth and literary inspiration.

The song's connection to The Wizard of Oz also helped distinguish it from many other soft rock hits of the era, giving listeners a subtle layer of symbolism beneath its easygoing sound.

More than 50 years later, "Tin Man" remains a staple of classic rock and soft rock playlists, a timeless anthem built from memorable harmonies, introspective songwriting and a little movie magic from Oz.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 49 Years Later

When people look back on the 1989 film Days of Thunder, a couple of key facts usually come to mind. One, the film set was where Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman met, fell in love, and married less than a year later. Second, it was made by the late Tony Scott, who was known for directing Top Gun, True Romance, and other cult-favorites throughout his career.

'Hello, Wall'

But if you ask Cary Elwes, he remembers Days of Thunder as the film where Cruise drove a racing car into a wall. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Elwes looked back on the first day on the set of Days of Thunder with a mix of amusement and abject terror.

Cruise, whether on purpose or by accident, "Put a car into the wall, actually, on his first day of driving," The Princess Bride star remembered. "And these things aren't cheap. And he was so funny. On film, his last words before crashing were, 'Hello, wall.'"

Despite driving into a wall, Cruise was a very experienced driver when he signed up to make Days of Thunder. In a 1990 interview with Rolling Stone, he talked about racing cars with Paul Newman at the Daytona International Speedway after the pair had finished filming The Color of Money.

No Hands at 120 MPH

Elwes, on the other hand, didn't have a history of racing cars in his free time. Already having a stressful day behind the wheel, he remembered trying to follow the complicated and dangerous instructions Scott had given him.

"I had to learn how to drive NASCAR," he explained. "And it was a challenge, because we had three cameras on the car."

"I had to drive among other stuntmen at Daytona. And I had to get up to 120 mph, something crazy like that," he continued. "He said, 'Okay, here's what you need to do. When you get up to speed, I want you to take the wheel with your knees, and then I want you to flip on each of the cameras, grab the wheel again, and then, when they're switched on, take the wheel with your knees again, and then clap each camera.'"

"And I said, 'You're joking, right?' Elwes said. "And he says, 'No, no, no, that's what we're going to do.'"

Sarah Drew opens up about the life-changing advice from her father, a pastor, she needed during a difficult time.

The actress, known for her roles on Grey's Anatomy and Everwood, recently spoke to Fox News Digital about her decision to become a mom. Calling it “one of the biggest, scariest risks that I leaped into.”

"I took the risk, and I was pregnant. I was probably about six months pregnant, and I had been having panic attacks," she said.

Drew was terrified of what having children would look like.

"I’d been so caught up with anxiety about all of it," she shared. "I was worried I was going to screw up. I was worried for my kids that I wasn’t going to have the necessary selflessness that’s required. I was worried that I was too self-absorbed to do this well.

She knew she needed to reach out to her father.

"I remember writing to my dad and just saying, ‘Do you have any advice or any wisdom or any Scripture that you can point me toward that could help combat this fear? Because it’s really overwhelming,’" she said.

He responded to his daughter with what she called “some really lovely Bible verses” alongside some life-altering wisdom.

"But the biggest thing that stuck with me was that the best way to combat fear is with aggressive gratitude," said Drew. “He calls it ‘aggressive’ because it’s not always easy when you first start practicing gratitude because sometimes you’re just in a mind spiral, and all you can see is the scary and the dark."

This advice has stayed with the actress.

"You’re looking for the good things because you’re thanking God or the universe or whoever for the good things, and you’re in the practice of doing it. And honestly, I started practicing that, and it has been the greatest combatant of fear in my life for me,” she said.

Drew is now a mother to two children, Micah Emmanuel (born in 2012) and Hannah Mali Rose (born in 2014).

Released in 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s "Dreams" emerged from one of the messiest periods in the band’s history.

While recording the blockbuster album Rumours, multiple relationships within the group were unraveling at once: Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham had recently split, Christine and John McVie were separating, and drummer Mick Fleetwood was navigating the collapse of his marriage. Amid the emotional fallout, Nicks wrote what would become the band’s most successful song.

"I sat down on the bed with my keyboard in front of me, found a drum pattern, switched my little cassette player on, and wrote 'Dreams' in about 10 minutes," Nicks explained to Blender, per Rolling Stone. "Right away I liked the fact that I was doing something with a dance beat, because that made it a little unusual for me."

In 2009, more than 30 years after the song's release, Nicks told Daily Mail about the first time she presented the future-hit to Buckingham.

"I walked in and handed a cassette of the song to Lindsey," she said in 2009. "It was a rough take, just me singing solo and playing piano. Even though he was mad with me at the time, Lindsey played it, and then looked up at me and smiled. What was going on between us was sad – we were couples who couldn’t make it through. But, as musicians, we still respected each other."

Despite being born out of heartbreak and tension, "Dreams" went on to become Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, the second single from Rumours has landed at No. 9 on Rolling Stone's Best Songs of All Time list.

Brendan Wayne looked to his late grandfatherJohn Wayne’s storied career for guidance while acting in The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Brendan—who serves as the physical embodiment of the film’s titular character, while Pedro Pascal voices The Mandalorian and portrays him without a helmet and Lateef Crowder does his stunts—opened up about John’s impact on his performance in the Star Wars franchise.

“I had to really learn stillness, and it’s really been one of the greatest things I’ve learned as an actor,” Brendan, 54, told Entertainment Weekly in an interview published on Saturday, May 23. “For me, that journey, I always fought that because my grandfather was exceptional at being present and radiating whatever [was happening around him]. [Director] John Ford loved to say to him, ‘The less I give you, Duke, the better the movie is going to be.’ It sounds like a slight, but it was more about if you just be there, it’s as powerful as anything.”

While starring on three seasons of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian from 2019 to 2023, Brendan discovered, “The more still I became, the more I became like my grandfather.”

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During his stint as the character’s body double, Brendan perfected a routine to get in the right headspace.

“I would get to set two and a half, three hours early, I’d do my workout and then I’d go spend an hour at least walking the set because I never wanted Mando to fall down in front of the crew,” he explained. “I wanted him to be as smooth as my grandfather, Clint Eastwood or Yul Brynner in Westworld. I wanted him as smooth as could be so that every movement did matter.”

While John is best known for his roles in western films, the late Oscar winner actually voiced Galactic Empire spy Garindan ezz Zavor in the 1977 movie Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, which Brendan was unaware of before he landed the part of The Mandalorian. According to Brendan, stock audio from his grandfather’s True Grit performance was edited for use in the film.

“Riding the coattails of my grandfather is awesome,” he told People in a Friday, May 22, interview. “I had hoped I might have been able to be the first in this, but no, sadly, I was still second.”

Brendan reflected on his grandfather’s influence amid the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on Friday. The movie also stars Pascal, 51, Crowder, 48, Jeremy Allen White (Rotta the Hut), Jonny Coyne (Janu Coin) and Sigourney Weaver (Ward).

John was a father of seven, with Brendan’s late mom being John’s eldest daughter, Toni, whom he shared with ex-wife Josephine Sáenz. In addition to Toni, he and Sáenz were parents of sons Michael and Patrick and daughter Melinda. He also shared daughter Aissa, son Ethan and daughter Marisa with wife Pilar Pallete.

John died of stomach cancer in June 1979 at age 72.

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If summertime means more hosting at your house, there’s always a chance the guest count will outnumber the beds. Luckily, Walmart has a bestselling fix on sale right now, and it’s especially handy for small spaces. The Bybyme Folding Sofa Bed is currently marked down as low as $89, down from $160. It comes in two styles, square and L-shaped, and a choice of seven colors. The best price is on the square shape in beige, green, and orange, though it also comes in black, gray, navy, and pink.

The square version is 33.5 inches wide, 33.5 inches deep, and 15.7 inches high when folded into a floor sofa. When it’s opened into a mattress, it’s 33.5 inches wide, 74.8 inches long, and 8 inches thick. It’s made with high-density foam and soft corduroy fabric, and it comes with a headrest and lumbar pillow, which is helpful if you’re using it for gaming, watching TV, or as an extra sleeping space.

Bybyme Folding Sofa Bed, From $89 (was $160) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This folding sofa bed is great if you need extra seating or a backup bed, but don’t want a full sofa or air mattress taking up space. It can stay folded as a floor chair during the day, open into a lounge chair for movie nights, or unfold into a mattress when guests stay over. Its versatility makes it super convenient for apartments, dorm rooms, and kids’ or teens’ rooms.

Shoppers have found plenty of ways to use the sofa bed in their homes. One reviewer called it a “great little cushion for stretching out and relaxing on,” while another said it was “super comfy.” Other shoppers said it’s the “perfect size,” noting it’s “great” for kids’ sleepovers.

Related: Walmart's 'Comfortable' $70 Corduroy Folding Sofa Is a Hosting Game-Changer, and It Comes in 4 Colors

The beige color is a great pick if your room already has wood furniture or lighter-colored rugs, while the green or orange would be fun in a kids’ room, dorm, or playroom. The black, gray, and navy are more versatile choices for shared spaces, and you could even add a throw blanket or a floor lamp nearby to make it feel more inviting.

Shop More Deals

• Behost Convertible Sofa Bed, $106 (was $170) at Walmart
• Jonpony Folding Sofa Bed, $85 (was $145) at Walmart
• Neche Corduroy Convertible Sleeper Sofa, From $70 (was $160) at Walmart

If your home could use one more place to sit, lounge, or sleep, now is the perfect time to grab the Bybyme Folding Sofa Bed while it’s marked down at Walmart. Since it comes in two shapes and seven colors, you have plenty of options to choose from to suit your space. Be sure to snag it while it’s still under $100.

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Professional bridal makeup artist Shelby Ann Bell has seen wedding makeup trends come and go. She recently spoke to People about her advice to perfect that “timeless look.”

According to Bell, in recent years, minimalist makeup has been popular.

"Since the pandemic, I feel like everything has gotten a lot softer and a lot more clean," she said. Adding that the "clean girl makeup" look has “definitely trickled into bridal makeup."

In Bell’s career, a lot has changed. She reflected on what the trends looked like when she first started.

"2016 was really colorful and bold, and we were really all learning about how to use makeup, but also like really expressing ourselves with our makeup more," she shared.

"Now it's definitely changed to more neutral tones, pinky tones, softer and more elegant, and more feminine, instead of bold and bright colors and a really stark contoured face," she said. "Everything's very seamless now, which I love. I think it's really beautiful."

Bell has been a makeup artist for 10 years and shares her advice on social media. She has over 2 million followers on TikTok and 228 thousand followers on Instagram.

She knows that pictures and videos have changed bridal makeup. 

"I feel like makeup photography also plays a big part in makeup application and in choosing your makeup look, but it's definitely something that's gonna age well and look nice in 10 years, not like when we look back at 2016 and think, 'Hmm, that was an interesting choice,'" she said.

The 28-year-old wants brides to be comfortable and confident on their big day.

"If that's a red lipstick or a really bold glam, then I feel like going for it and doing it. It's your wedding day, you should," Bell said.

She also shared her very important "cardinal rule." Bell says brides can’t opt out of "setting your makeup.”

The makeup artist and influencer expressed gratitude for her job. 

"I love it so much, and I love being a part of someone's special day. Everyone's in a really good mood and happy, and it's really beautiful."

Donald Trump Jr.and Bettina Anderson tied the knot…again. Reportedly, the couple did indeed have a second ceremony in the Bahamas on Saturday, May 23, in front of family and close friends — making this wedding number two for the couple.

When Did Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson Get Married?

Like many couples who have a destination wedding, Don Jr. and his bride had a civil ceremony to legally wed before jetting off to an exotic locale. TMZbroke the story on Friday, reporting that the pair married in front of real estate attorney Brad McPherson. 

Following the news of their reported Memorial Day weekend wedding getaway, the groom’s father, President Donald Trump, seemingly confirmed the location and (on two occasions) explained why he would not attend. Trump told reporters at the White House last Thursday, “He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small little private affair, and I’m going to try and make it. I’m in the midst…I said, ‘You know this is not good timing for me.’ I have a thing called Iran and other things.”

The president later posted on Truth Social, “While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon-to-be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so.”

Did Donald Trump Jr. Really Get Married in the Bahamas?

Per People, the president’s son and his bride wed in an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas on May 23. People reported that a source confirmed, “Bettina and Don Jr. got married on a glorious day in a place where they visit often.” According to the source, Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump (along with their spouses) attended the wedding. 

Early Saturday evening, Anderson posted a black-and-white photo of her hand under Don Jr.’s, both wearing wedding rings, on her Instagram Stories. The bride included the caption, “Forever yours. Forever mine @donaltrumpjr.” She also posted a simple handwritten message: “The whole point is to marry your best friend.”

Bettina isn’t the only member of the Trump family to post on Instagram today. Late this afternoon, Tiffany shared a pic of herself in a gorgeous, patterned gown on her Instagram Stories, prompting speculation that she had just revealed her sister-of-the-groom wedding look. 

In the summer of 1965, the Indiana-based band the McCoys released their debut single. While many bands often face some disappointment at the beginning of their careers, the McCoys burst out of the gate with the catchy tune "Hang On Sloopy," and by Oct. 2, it had reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the McCoys never earned any Grammy awards during their career, they received an even bigger reward in 1985, when "Hang On Sloopy" was immortalized as Ohio's state rock song.

How does a song, whose band members hailed from Indiana, end up as Ohio's rock anthem? While bass player Randy Jo Hobbs and keyboard player Ronnie Brandon were from Indiana, the McCoy's lead singer and drummer were originally from Fort Recovery, Ohio. Rick Derringer (originally Zehringer) and Randy Zehringer's family moved to Union City, Indiana, just before Derringer entered ninth grade. Being right on the border, it was easy for both states to claim the McCoys as their own.

'We Want Sloopy!': The Stadium Phenomenon

The same year American audiences fell in love with it, Ohio State Buckeyes' football fans did too. It just took a little bit of convincing to get the Ohio State University Marching Band to play it. But after John Tatgenhorst, a drummer in the marching band, talked the band's director, Charles Spohn, into playing it, it became one of the most requested songs at games.

“There were some games where we played it five or six times,” Paul Droste, who became the marching band's director in 1970, told the Ohio Magazine. “It would get quiet in the stadium and you’d hear someone start yelling, ‘We want Sloopy!’ … I cut back a little on it in 1970, and I think that might have saved it.”

Making It Ohio Law

Fifteen years later, Joe Dirck, a journalist for The Columbus Citizen-Journal, found out that Washington was attempting to make "Louie Louie," The Kingmen's 1963 hit, its state rock song. After gaining public support through his column, Representative Mike Stinziano introduced it to the Ohio House. The House approved the resolution, and the Ohio Senate followed.

The McCoys had other popular songs during their time together, such as "Fever" and "Come On, Let's Go," But none came close to becoming the cultural phenomenon of "Hang On Sloopy."

The remaining members of Soundgarden are still working to finish what could become the band’s final album, featuring unreleased recordings from late frontman Chris Cornell.

In a new interview with “Joann Butler In Studio With...,” guitarist Kim Thayil shared an emotional update on the long-awaited project, explaining that the material has actually existed for years—but bringing it to life has been a much more tedious and personal process than a traditional studio album.

“This material has been in existence for over 10 years in some cases, 14, 15 years,” Thayil, 65, explained. “So what we need to do is finish that process.”

According to Thayil, much of the songwriting had already been completed before Cornell’s death in 2017, with the remaining work centered around refining demos and finishing recordings alongside drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd.

“We had these various demos,” Thayil said. “And then we start doing it, and it's, like, ‘This sounds different.’ It's almost like you can pinpoint before and after. It's, like, ‘Now it's Soundgarden.”

And finishing the album has become about far more than simply releasing new music.“It's very, very important to all of us,” Thayil said. “It's important for the legacy of Soundgarden. It's important for the legacy of Chris Cornell. It is doing right by our collective work. It is doing right by our partner and friend.”

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Cameron also admitted the experience has been emotional at times, especially while revisiting Cornell’s vocals and hearing songs that hinted at a new era for the band. “There's very familiar elements in some of this new music,” he explained, “but, yeah, there was a couple songs that felt like it was kind of a new chapter…It’s bittersweet, of course.”

The update comes just months after Soundgarden was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 class. During the ceremony, the band reunited onstage for performances honoring Cornell, with guest vocalists including Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile stepping in to celebrate the late singer’s legacy.

Cornell died on May 18, 2017, at age 52, after Soundgarden performed a concert in Detroit during the band’s reunion tour. The singer was found dead in his hotel room following the show, and his death was later ruled a suicide.

You walk into your home after a long, hard day in which you might as well have been handed the "Worst Employee Ever" award. Your dog still gives you a hero's welcome, complete with a full body wiggle of a happy dance and a slobbery kiss. When you cut your daily game of fetch a minute short, they're cool to cuddle with you instead.

There's a reason dogs are considered "(hu)man's best friend": They give us conditional love and companionship. One psychologist says there are even psychological benefits of having a dog, and it's a good idea for current and prospective pet parents to have this information.

"Understanding how pets affect mental health is important because it helps people to make informed choices about pets, companionship, emotional well-being and daily life," says Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.

Dr. Goldman shares that it can also help you choose the right pet and type of relationship. For instance, you might do better with going in and out of fostering pets rather than having a forever dog if you benefit mentally from the freedom to travel and socialize spontaneously.

On that note, a dog's impact on your mental health is only one consideration. You'll want to keep their needs for food, training, safety and consistent care in mind—all of which take time and money for their whole lives (and most breeds live 10+ years). Still, if you have the time, money and desire to have a furry friend, Dr. Goldman says you can reap these seven psychological benefits of having a dog.

Related: Psychologist Reveals People Who Always Say Goodbye to Pets Before Leaving the House Have These 7 Traits

Do Dogs Help Improve Mental Health?

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"Many people benefit from having dogs, but this is not universal," Dr. Goldman tells Parade.

Even though it's not true for everyone, as she says, indeed, dogs generally can improve mental health. Some research finds that interacting with dogs has psychological benefits.

"It is believed that having a dog or spending time with a dog can reduce stress, result in mood changes and improve overall health and well-being," the psychologist states. "Dogs can also shift someone’s lifestyle, changing social connections, relationship with movement vs stagnation and even the way people think." 

We don't mean to be killjoys, but other research suggests dogs have no effect—or even a negative one—on some people's mental health. Dr. Goldman also feels that not everyone will feel all warm and fuzzy about a furry friend.

"It is important that a person consider their personality and current life circumstances," she explains. "Be mindful of finances and time, as dogs are expensive and require love and attention."

She suggests considering whether:

• You have the time and consistent energy to care for a dog.
• Finances are or will be a stressor if you get a dog.
• You have support to care for a dog if you're stressed or need more intensive mental health care.
• You thrive when you can regularly socialize, travel for long periods and agree to last-minute plans (who will walk and feed your pup?).

Also, keep in mind that not all pets are emotional support animals, which undergo specialized training to assist people with conditions like PTSD and anxiety.

"It might be best to consider what you’re looking for and/or need from the dog before proceeding," Dr. Goldman suggests.

Related: These 7 ‘Bad’ Habits Actually Signal High Emotional Intelligence, Psychologist Says

7 Psychological Benefits of Having a Dog, According to a Psychologist 1. Dogs might reduce stress and anxiety

Dr. Goldman shares that spending time with or interacting with dogs is regularly linked to lower anxiety and cortisol levels.

"Cortisol is most commonly referred to as the stress hormone," she says. "Playing and petting dogs can also be linked to oxytocin, which is linked with attachment and bonding. [Dog owners] are naturally less stressed and anxious, just by the hormones present in the body." 

Related: If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist

2. They can increase positive emotions

Dr. Goldman shares that dogs can trigger positive emotions. Tune into your mind and body when you walk through the door and witness their happy reaction, or when they give you a kiss and paw. It's happy, isn't it? If you have a playful pet, you may also feel a surge of good feelings when they engage you in a game.

"Many dog owners report feeling more day-to-day enjoyment, smiling and laughing more because their dog is doing something entertaining or because they feel a sense of love and affection for their dog," she says.

3. They offer consistency during difficult periods

Life is a rollercoaster, no matter how great you are at intentional planning or box breathing. Dr. Goldman shares that job losses, deaths of loved ones and breakups (including in friendships) can come for any of us. Your dog can provide a consistent, sturdy presence.

"Dogs can be a constant during these times of transition or intense emotions," she notes. "The dog might not be trained to provide support, although they might do so naturally. And when we have a constant during periods of change, that tends to feel regulating for most people."

4. They provide a concrete structure and routine implemented

"Dogs love a schedule," Dr. Goldman states.

She shares that routines can actually help dogs' mental health because they thrive with predictability.

"If their human strays from the schedule, the dog will normally prompt their human to get back on track," she explains.

Indeed, as this writer types, her beagle is letting her know that it's "definitely time to eat."

Variety may provide the "spice of life," but routines make for an ideal foundation.

"Routines for both humans and dogs keep the body on a schedule—when to eat, when to sleep, when to go to the bathroom," the psychologist adds. "Since dogs crave routines, humans with dogs are bound to a schedule. That routine can be exceptionally helpful for a human’s mental health, because it regulates the sleep cycle and appetite. It also creates accountability for the day."

Related: Psychologist Says People Who Celebrate the Birthdays of Their Cats and Dogs Likely Have These 9 Traits

5. Dogs make great fit family members

The mind-body connection is real, and Dr. Goldman shares that movement offers psychological benefits. Dogs need walks and other forms of exercise to ensure they "use the facilities" and get the Zoomies out, so these outings are a perfect way to get some movement and steps in for you, too.

"Physical movement, even just going for a walk daily, can have a tremendous impact on a person’s mental health," she says. "It can help with weight management, aid with sleep, boost immune health and keep the body more toned with healthier bones. These are all related to overall well-being and health, which impacts mental health." 

6. Dogs improve our emotional regulation

Dr. Goldman shares that some people experience "heightened levels of emotions."

"Having a dog during these times can be very grounding and regulating," she explains. "Dogs who are present during emotionally difficult times can provide comfort and companionship, especially during panic, times of grief, stress and depression."

She states that people who tend to dissociate can benefit from having a dog to keep them grounded by barking or demanding to be pet (in addition to therapy, support groups and/or potentially medication, of course).

Related: 8 Psychological Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting, According to a Psychologist

7. Social connection

Dr. Goldman isn't just referring to the very real bond you share with your dog here. Your dog can also be the ultimate "wingman."

"Dogs are very social creatures," she says. "They want to say hi to other humans or dogs, and they require walking and getting outside, which also increases the likelihood of seeing or speaking with other people."

She shares that this practice can boost social connection and improve self-confidence and esteem, providing a mental health boost.

Related: 7 Psychological Benefits of Doing Puzzles, According to a Psychologist

How Dogs Help With Specific Conditions

Dr. Goldman shares that some dogs can undergo specific training to help with various conditions, including:

• Epilepsy/seizure disorders. Some service dogs can alert the human before a seizure, such as by getting medication before losing consciousness. Others may alert others that their human is having a seizure by barking.
• PTSD/anxiety. Dr. Goldman says trained service dogs can interrupt panic attacks, provide deep pressure therapy, retrieve medication and ground humans who are dealing with flashbacks.

• Diabetes. Alert dogs can be trained to detect changes in blood glucose levels. They let their human know before significant changes or when someone’s levels are becoming too high or too low, so the human can intervene, Dr. Goldman reports.
• Hearing or vision loss. Dr. Goldman points out that dogs can alert people with hearing loss to alarms, doorbells and smoke detectors. Other dogs can guide people with vision loss, such as crossing the street.
• Conditions that impact mobility. Dr. Goldman notes that dogs can help people by opening doors, turning off lights, providing balance support and retrieving medications for people with different medical conditions that affect mobility, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries.

Benefits of Having a Dog for Older Adults

Dr. Goldman shares that dogs can offer numerous benefits to people as they get older, including support for social and physical health. Here are a few benefits of having a dog for older adults.

• Dogs give older adults a sense of purpose. Dr. Goldman shares that seniors can struggle to feel purpose in their lives, especially after their retirement. "The daily routine of taking care of a dog, feedings, walking and playing can be a wonderful sense of structure," she says. "A dog can also be the reason someone gets out of bed in the morning—that accountability to another being can instill that sense of purpose." 
• Dogs reduce loneliness. Dogs can lower loneliness for people of any age. But Dr. Goldman shares that older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness, especially after the death of a friend or loved one. "Dogs offer companionship and loving support for people who are more isolated, including seniors who live alone," she says.
• Dogs provide a health boost. Dr. Goldman notes that dogs require a certain level of cognition. You need executive functioning skills to measure their food and even talk to them, so it's possible a senior's brain aging process can slow a bit, thanks to the "very good boy/girl" in the house.
• Dogs help with mobility and balance. With age comes wisdom—and increased fall risk. "Older adults who walk their dogs tend to have better balance and fewer falls," Dr. Goldman reports. "When we continue to keep the joints moving, it reduces stiffness and can also reduce pain in the body, which helps mobility." 

Benefits of Having a Dog for Children

Again, people of all ages can benefit from having a dog, and that includes children, even if their name doesn't appear as the pet parent on veterinary and licensing documents.

Related: Child Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Start Using This One Confidence-Boosting Phrase

Dr. Goldman shares her top three benefits of having a dog for children.

• Dogs teach responsibility and life skills. Even young children can help pour kibble in a dish or carry a water bowl. Older children can help with walking and grooming. "It teaches basic skills that can impact the child’s accountability to self and others," Dr. Goldman says. "Children who have dogs might also be more independent and productive."
• Pups help with emotional development. "Children and their dogs can form a very special bond, which comes from them growing and playing together," Dr. Goldman states. Indeed, dogs can serve as a child's source of comfort, reason for empathy and emotional regulation helper.
• Dogs can assist with social development. The secure bond a child has with a dog can increase a child's self-esteem and confidence, according to Dr. Goldman. "Dogs also demand attention and love socialization," she notes. "This can mean that a child becomes more comfortable in social situations because of their social dog." 

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says if You Give ‘People Names’ to Your Pets, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Sources:

• Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.
• Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students' Mood and Anxiety. Animals (Basel).
• Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
• Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study. Frontiers in Psychology.
• The Influence of Interactions With Pet Dogs on Psychological Distress. Emotion.

Gunshots rang out outside the White House, sending one reporter ducking for cover.

Reporter Selina Wang was recording a social segment from the North Lawn of the White House on Saturday, May 23, when apparent gunshots rang out in the distance.

I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq

— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026

"Many gunshots were heard when we were at the White House. We were told to run into the press briefing room," the ABC News reporter shared via X after the terrifying incident.

Shortly after the incident, ABC News reported that the Secret Service had cleared the White House North Lawn.

According to reporter Steve Lookner, "Scanner traffic (from Broadcastify) reported a shooting at 17th St and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, which is on the corner near the White House."

As news of the incident began to spread, FBI Director Kash Patel took to X to share an update.

"FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we’re able," he wrote.

New footage of the shooting near the White House pic.twitter.com/aTDtFD2onU

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) May 23, 2026

According to Fox News, at least one bystander was injured when Secret Service exchanged gunshots with a suspected gunman, Acyn tweeted.

Fox reporting that an innocent bystander was hit when a gunman and Secret Service exchanged gunfire near the White House. Condition unknown. pic.twitter.com/mFKad4aZWg

— Acyn (@Acyn) May 23, 2026

From inside the briefing room, CNN clarified that the gunshots "appeared outside of the grounds, closer to the EEOB building, which is on the west side of the White House."

This story is breaking. More to come...

Kick off summer the right way with a free drink from the Capital One Café. The deal is available for everyone, regardless of whether you bank with them.

Starting May 25, the Café will be giving out complimentary beverages every Monday until September 7. Visitors can receive their choice of handcrafted drink for no cost. That adds up to 16 free drinks if you visit every week. 

Guests can choose from an array of drinks, such as a drip coffee, cappuccino, matcha latte, and chai tea. The promotion does not mention any limitations on size. They offer drinks in 8 oz, 12 oz, and 16 oz cups.

The Cafés have free Wi-Fi and tables for those looking for somewhere to enjoy their free beverage.

The bank runs this deal during the Major League Baseball season, as they are the official bank and credit card partner of the MLB.

How to earn you free drink:

In order to claim your complimentary drink, you must fill out the “free drink coupon.”

It asks for your phone number and if you would like to add the coupon to your Apple or Google Wallet. From there, you will receive a text that includes the coupon and a QR code. The coupon can be reused every Monday.

Other Capital One Café deals:

Cardholders receive a special bonus all year round. Those with a Capital One debit or credit card will receive half off all beverages at the café.

Back to the Futuremay not have become the iconic '80s film it did had Michael J. Fox not stepped in to replace the lead actor.

Actor Eric Stoltz — known for his roles in Pulp Fiction, Little Women, and The Butterfly Effect — was originally cast to play teenager Marty McFly in the 1985 Robert Zemeckis film.

"Eric had such an intensity. He saw drama in things. He wasn’t really a comedian, and they needed a comedian," co-star Lea Thompson recalled in the book We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy. "He’s super-funny in real life, but he didn’t approach his work like that, and they really needed somebody who had those chops."

Christopher Lloyd agreed, saying, "I felt for Eric. He was a really good actor. Although he was doing the part well, he was not bringing that element of comedy to the screen."

That's when Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale stepped in, going to bat for their film against Universal Pictures studio head Sid Sheinberg.

"Eric is a brilliant actor. I simply miscast him, and I learned a very serious lesson," Zemeckis said during an interview with CBC. "It’s not worth it. It’s too painful for everybody. What you have to do is cast the movie the right way and feel really right about it."

After reshooting Stoltz's scenes with Fox, Back to the Future premiered in July 1985 and was a massive success. The film earned four Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), and for Academy Award nominations.

The film spawned two sequels, an amusement park ride at Universal Studios and numerous video games and merch.

Four decades after the film's release, Fox and Stoltz united for the first time.

"[Stoltz entered] with a smile, and we quickly acknowledged that neither of us had an issue with the other," Fox wrote in his memoir, Future Boy. "What transpired on Back to the Future had not made us enemies or fated rivals; we were just two dedicated actors who had poured equal amounts of energy into the same role. The rest had nothing to do with us. As it turned out, we had much more in common than our spin as Marty."

Few Hollywood stars can claim a career as long, or as glamorous, as Joan Collins.

The actress, author and pop culture icon is celebrating her 93rd birthday on May 23 after spending more than seven decades in the entertainment industry.

Born in London in 1933, Collins began acting as a teenager and quickly rose to fame during the 1950s, becoming known for her beauty, screen presence and dramatic performances. Early in her career, she appeared in films including The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing and Land of the Pharaohs, helping establish herself as one of the era's rising stars.

"I still feel like that 20-year old girl leaving her family and friends 7,000 miles away to go chase her dreams in Hollywood," Collins told Vogue in 2022. "I'd never been before, and didn't know a single soul except for a makeup artist on one of my first films, Land of the Pharaohs. I was not aware at that time of how brave that really was."

It was in the 1980s that all that bravery culminated in Collins achieving her most iconic role.

Her portrayal of the glamorous and ruthless Alexis Carrington on Dynasty transformed her into one of television's defining stars of the decade. Alexis became famous for her sharp one-liners, elaborate fashion and explosive rivalries, helping turn Dynasty into one of the biggest primetime soap operas in television history.

The role also earned Collins major critical recognition, including a Golden Globe Awards win for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama in 1983. She also received multiple Emmy nominations during the height of the show's success.

Beyond acting, Collins built a remarkably successful second career as an author.

Over the years, she published numerous novels, memoirs and lifestyle books, becoming a bestselling writer known for glamorous Hollywood-inspired fiction and candid autobiographical works. Her books frequently explored fame, relationships and the entertainment industry, helping expand her celebrity far beyond television audiences.

Among her best-known books are memoirs like Past Imperfect and The World According to Joan, which offered readers an inside look at both old Hollywood and her own extraordinary life.

Collins has also remained active in film, television and theater well into her later years, continuing to make public appearances and embrace her status as a pop culture legend.

Her longevity in entertainment is especially remarkable given how dramatically Hollywood has changed throughout her career, from the studio system era to modern streaming television.

Now at 93, Joan Collins remains one of the last living stars whose career truly connects multiple generations of Hollywood history. And, she has no plans to retire. "The thing is, actors can go on for ever, because there are always roles for them," she told The Guardian.

From classic films to Dynasty fame to bestselling books, Collins' legacy continues to stand as one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring success stories.

Related: '70s Rock Legend and Founding Member of Southern Rock Band Turns 78

Stewart McLean was found dead in the Lions Bay area of British Columbia on May 22. The 45-year-old Virgin River actor had been missing since May 18. His friend made a statement about his work ethic.

Stewart McLean's Friend Jeff Seymour Says He Was a Loner

McLean played Barfly in a season 7 episode of the Netflix show. His friend, Jeff Seymour, revealed his reaction to the actor missing work to The Canadian Press. The actors have been friends since they attended coaching sessions eight years ago. Seymour played Jeff Stevens in Jeff Ltd.

Related: NASCAR Legend Kyle Busch Dead at 41

"He was meticulous about everything and there would be no chance he blew it off or slept too late," he said. "As soon as I heard he didn't make it on Saturday morning, I knew there was big trouble."

Homicide investigators have taken over the case with the BC Coroners Service from the missing persons unit. Seymour said, "I don't know how anybody could get the drop on Stew" and talking about the actor's personal life.

"Everybody loved this guy, it wasn't like he was in nefarious activities or, you know, kind of ran with another crowd," he said. "I mean, he was a bit of a loner. He spent a lot of time reading and being at his home out there in Squamish."

McLean's talent agency, Lucas Talent Inc. shared kind words about him on Facebook on Friday. "He was always such a pleasure to deal with - dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny!" read part of the message. "Many casting directors have reached out to share their condolences with Stew’s family and with our agency, and every message says the same thing: what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed."

Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca as investigators continue pursuing leads.

Related: ‘30 Rock’ Actor Dead at 52

It’s been 40 years since Mary Beth Evans became one of the most iconic characters on Days of Our Lives. Before the soap opera, the actress was prepared to give up on acting altogether.

In a recent interview with TV Insider, she reflected on a time when financial struggles were mounting, and she was willing to work anywhere to get by. Then she landed the role of KaylaBrady, and it changed her life.

“At the time, my husband was a resident, so he didn’t make very much money. We bought a house, and I hadn’t been getting jobs for, like, six months,” Evans said.

The actress applied to work in a restaurant before she auditioned for Days of Our Lives. She held out hope that she would be cast in the show. 

 “I said to my husband, ‘I’m just gonna try to stall picking up that uniform until I hear about this Days of Our Lives job.’ And obviously, it changed our lives,” Evans recalled.

Although grateful to be a working actress again, she was a bit hesitant about the contract demands.

“It was a three-year contract, which they don’t do anymore, but it just seemed like, ‘Oh, my God, that is such a long time,’” she said. “‘And then you end up doing 40 years, and you don’t even know how that happened.”

Days of Our Lives is now one of the longest-running scripted television shows. It has aired almost every weekday since it all began on November 8, 1965.

It’s been 40 years since Evans’ character Kayla Brady first appeared in the fictional town of Salem, Illinois. The actress is honored by the loyal fans who have been with her since the beginning.

“I appreciate that they’ve gone on this journey with us,” she said. “It’s been a long time, but I hope that we inspire people to have healthy, good, heartfelt, and honest relationships. That’s what I’m always striving for here.”

The fifth single off of the Michael Jacksonalbum Thriller has made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart again, 43 years after its 1983 release. "Human Nature," a moody, brooding ballad, has found renewed interest as Michael, the 2026 biopic centering the pop legend, has become the number one movie in the United States.

"Human Nature" was written and composed by Steve Porcaro, a founding member of the rock band Toto. The song was inspired by a moment when his daughter came home upset that a boy at school had hit her. Porcaro wanted a reason to explain the boy's behavior and chalked it up to one of three reasons: the boy liked her, people can be weird, or "it's human nature." Toto ultimately passed on the track, preferring a more stadium-rock sound.

While producer Quincy Jones was working on the track, Michael Jackson was with him in the studio, sleeping on a couch. As Jones was getting ready to call it a day, Jackson woke up and asked to record the vocals. He did so in a single take with zero edits or need for punch ins.

"Human Nature" was added to the Thriller track list and was released as the fifth single from the album in July of 1983. The single reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 list and became the fifth Top 10 hit for the singer from Thriller. "Human Nature" was released to critical acclaim with Slant writing the song was "probably the best musical composition on the album and surely one of the only A/C ballads of its era worth remembering."

Michael the movie was released in 2026 and follows the early life of Jackson through the 1960s up until the early 1980s. The soundtrack for the film contains 13 of Jackson's hits including "Human Nature," "Beat It," "Thriller," and "Billie Jean."

Despite passing on the song originally, the band Toto has performed "Human Nature" on occasion as part of a tribute to Jackson after his death.

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Related: 4 Michael Jackson Classics Are Suddenly Climbing the Charts Decades Later