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Retirement is a time of great change for many. Some people use this time to travel the world, seeing places and things they've always dreamed of. Meanwhile, others use this time to better themselves by learning a language or going back to school.

However, there is a not-so-small chunk of men who find themselves taking another path in retirement. Instead of growing louder and more curious, they actually retreat within a bit, opting for silence instead of adventure in their golden years. We spoke with some experts to find out why this happens and how you can help your loved ones (or even yourself) find their voice again.

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Study Shows Men Become Depressed in Retirement

A 2024 study published by the National Library of Medicine found a direct connection between depressive symptoms in men and retirement. The study found that men who were deeply attached to their careers before retirement were more likely to experience depression once they left the workforce.

According to Barbara Sparacino, MD, a triple board-certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician, as well as founder of The Aging Parent Coach, this is because these men likely viewed their job as more than just a means to earn a paycheck, and instead, she says, it served as their identity and the driver of their purpose. But when they retire, a sort of identity vacuum appears.

"Many men were socialized to derive self-worth from productivity, achievement, and providing for others," she says. "When that role suddenly disappears, silence often follows."

Related: There's a Retirement Hazard That Most Retirees Aren't Prepared For

And it doesn't mean these men have nothing to say; instead, she says they may no longer feel certain who they are outside of what they did professionally. "Research on retirement and identity loss consistently shows that retirement can disrupt a person’s sense of meaning, status, and belonging."

According to Matthew Willner, LCSW, SIFI, IFS Certified, women can also experience these feelings, but they often adjust by "reappraising and reevaluating" what they want in life.

How to Help Men Through the Retirement 'Silence'

Now that we know the why, it's important to learn what can be done about it. "Many men can benefit from an entry point with some structure, whether that be therapy, peer groups, or involvement in one's community," Willner says. "These tools aren't just about coping, but about cultivating an identity that goes beyond one's output."

The best time to start working on that is before you retire, according to Willner. That's because this is when your career-based identity is still strong, and you can most benefit from developing a "sense of self" that isn't defined by your job.

Related: A Psychological Trick to Making Your Retirement Feel Like a New Beginning Instead of an Ending

"Spending time getting curious about the aspects of yourself that have been pushed away for most of your life can open doors you may not have known were there," he continues, adding that it could include finding ways to be:

• Creative
• Silly
• Playful

"Starting therapy, investing in relationships outside of a romantic partnership, and investing activities that don't see you as a tool for productivity, but as a person with inherent value can bring internal shifts that can be transformative for a future retirement," he adds.

Another tip? Sparacino says we as a society should really start reframing how we view retirement. "I actually don’t encourage the idea of 'retirement' in the traditional sense because even the word itself implies retreating or withdrawing as you retire to a room, retire from society, retire from engagement," she says, adding that while you can stop working full-time, you shouldn't stop participating in life

"We need purpose, connection, contribution, curiosity, and community throughout the lifespan."

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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

The best kinds of clothes are those that are comfy enough to sleep in yet chic enough to wear out. Many loungewear sets manage to find that balance, and better yet, create a cohesive outfit that can make you look put-together in just seconds. If you’re looking to add one to your closet, this Ekouaer 2-Piece Matching Cotton Lounge Set at Amazon is a great option, and it’s something that you’ll likely want to wear 24/7. 

Right now, you can score this cotton lounge set on sale for up to 62% off ahead of Memorial Day. Normally retailing for $26, it’s now marked down to as low as $10! Prices slightly vary depending on size and style, but most options are on sale between $10 and $15, with select variations going up to $20. This lounge set is available in 15 styles, including solid hues, tie-dye designs, and star patterns. Sizes range from extra small to XXL, and shoppers said that it fits true to size.

Ekouaer 2-Piece Matching Cotton Lounge Set, From $10 (was $26) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Sustainable and environmentally friendly, this lounge set is made of 95% cotton, which is a natural material. Ideal for warmer weather, cotton is extremely breathable and promotes airflow. It allows cool air to pass through and absorbs sweat, ensuring that your body temperature remains comfortable. The other 5% of the material is made of spandex, which gives this set some elasticity. Designed to stretch with you, the fabric will allow you to move around with ease rather than feeling constricted. 

Basic and simple, the top features a classic round neckline and drop shoulders that give it a slouchy and laid-back look. This top also has a relaxed and oversized fit that’ll loosely drape over your body, preventing the fabric from clinging to your skin. 

The matching shorts have a wide and roomy fit through the hips and thighs. Offering ample coverage to keep you from feeling exposed, the hem ends around the mid-thigh. They’re fixed with an elastic waistband that prevents them from uncomfortably digging into your stomach. The waistband has an adjustable drawstring so you can tailor the fit to your preference. For convenience, these shorts feature a pocket on either side where you can store your essentials so you can go about your day hands-free. 

Ekouaer 2-Piece Matching Cotton Lounge Set, From $10 (was $26) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Reviewers raved about the feel of the fabric, noting that it’s soft and lightweight. Many customers said that they wear this set while lounging around at home and even as pajamas. However, this set is cute enough to wear out for casual occasions, whether you’re running errands, going on a walk, or grabbing coffee with friends.

One reviewer described this set as “very soft, cozy, and cute,” and a second shopper added that it’s “very comfortable and breathable.” A third person called it a “nice summer outfit.”

Related: Target's Rattan Lounge Chair Turns Patios Into a 'Relaxing' Oasis, and It's Now $120 Ahead of Memorial Day

As a bonus, this set is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, you can just toss it into the washing machine. Shoppers noted that it washes really well and said that it doesn’t bleed or shrink. 

Shop More Deals 

• Trendy Queen Henley Tee Lounge Set, From $20 (was $37) at Amazon
• Ekouaer Ruffled Shorts Pajama Set, From $12 (was $36) at Amazon
• Ekouaer Satin Button-Up Pajama Set, From $13 (was $24) at Amazon

The Ekouaer 2-Piece Matching Cotton Lounge Set is something you can throw on to laze on the couch and just as easily wear out the door. Don’t hesitate to check it out at Amazon while it’s still on sale for as low as $10! 

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

If you ask the average traveler what defines a Carnival cruise, they’ll probably point to the poolside DJ, the Alchemy Bar or Guy's Burger Joint. But behind the scenes, the brand caters to a very specific, fiercely loyal demographic: active-duty military and veterans. In fact, Carnival carries more military service members than any other cruise line in the world.

That massive audience is exactly why the line just chose Carnival Legend’s recent 16-day dry dock to debut its brand-new "From Sea to Shining Sea" bow crest.

“With the debut of this new crest, we’re reinforcing what guests have long known: Carnival is proud to be America’s Cruise Line,” saidChristine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We sail coast to coast and connect with millions of guests every year, and this crest reflects the reach of our brand across the U.S.—from the communities we visit to the memories we help create at sea."

Related: Why Refurbished Ships Like the Carnival Dream are the Best Kept Secret in Cruising

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While the patriotic design is slated to roll out across the majority of Carnival's U.S.-based fleet during scheduled dry docks and new builds, a couple of ships will be skipping the makeover. Both the Texas-based Carnival Jubilee and the highly anticipated Carnival Tropicale (arriving in 2028) are exempt from the change, as they will proudly retain their signature Lone Star State pride by displaying the Texas star on their bows instead.

Rather than standard corporate branding, the new crest is an explicit nod to America250—the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. To mark the debut, the line didn't just host a standard media ribbon-cutting; they invited local veterans from the Miami VA Healthcare System onboard for the first exclusive look and presented them with commemorative challenge coins.

Related: Carnival Issues Warning Over 'Port Time' Excursion Risks.

For the millions of guests who book Carnival precisely for its high-energy, community-centric atmosphere, this fleet-wide design shift serves as the official kickoff for a summer of heavy programming. Starting June 4, the line is leaning hard into patriotic events, crafts, and high-seas meet-ups timed specifically around July 4th fireworks.

So, if you spot the new crest gleaming on the bow of your next summer sailing, it isn't just a fresh coat of paint. It’s a permanent visual tribute to the millions of service members who walk Carnival's decks and a direct nod to the deep sense of gratitude the brand carries for its military community long after the July 4th fireworks fade.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea’s Newest Ship Just Revealed a Space Unlike Any Other at Sea

31 years ago today, The Rembrandts released a song that would go on to become one of the most recognizable pop culture references of the modern day.

On May 23, 1995, the alt-rock duo released their third studio album, L.P., which featured an expansion of the Friends theme song “I’ll Be There for You”—a song they originally recorded just a snippet of (because only a snippet existed) for the iconic sitcom that premiered in 1994.

Singers Danny Wilde and Phil Solem weren't even credited on the show's theme song, which was co-written by lyricists Allee Willis, David Crane, Marta Kauffman, and the show's music director, Michael Skloff. The duo typically wrote their own music, but "liked [the track] immediately [and] thought, 'Why not? Nobody will even know it was us, anyway,'" Wilde once toldThe Independent.  

But the theme quickly skyrocketed in popularity, and there was more than enough demand for a full track to be made available, so Wilde and Solem got to work, earning writers' credits by adding a bridge and a second verse.

Willis, who died in 2019, once detailed how it all came to be in an interview with Songfacts, admitting that she wrote the lyrics to music that Skloff had already composed "very, very fast," as there were just weeks to go before the series premiered.

Related: Lisa Kudrow Gets Brutally Honest About ‘Friends’ Fame

Though "the song exploded," it was never released as a single—just pushed by DJs who ripped their own cassettes of the track. With their help, "it became the #1 airplay record of the year."

It was mere happenstance that The Rembrandts ended up recording it at all, since Warner Brothers, the studio behind Friends, required that the performer be on its own label, and they "were the only act on Warner Brothers who was available at that time."

They were essentially given no choice in the matter. According to the songwriter, The Rembrandts "never wanted it out as a single because they didn't write the song," quipping that they "kind of bit off their nose to spite their face." Despite their lack of effort behind the track, it reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart for eight weeks, and made the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100.

And, of course, today you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who can't jump right in to sing along to the heartfelt tune and lyrics. They just don't write TV music like they used to!

Related: This 1988 Classic Rock Hit Started Off as 'a Joke'—Then It Became the Band's Only No. 1 in America

In 1997, 20 years after it was first written, one emotional reunion performance transformed a cult-favorite Fleetwood Mac song into rock history.

On May 23, 1997, Fleetwood Mac recorded The Dance, the live reunion album and concert special that reunited the band’s classic lineup for the first time in years. While the project was packed with hits, one performance immediately stood apart: “Silver Springs.”

Originally written by Stevie Nicks during the Rumours era, “Silver Springs” was famously left off the band’s landmark 1977 album despite Nicks’ deep attachment to the song. Instead, it was released as the B-side to “Go Your Own Way,” Lindsey Buckingham’s breakup song widely believed to be about Nicks.

The decision became one of the most controversial behind-the-scenes moments of the Rumours era.

In a 1991 BBC Radio interview, Nicks recalled Mick Fleetwood pulling her aside in the parking lot at the Record Plant studio to tell her the song had been removed from the album.

“I knew it was really serious ’cause Mick never asks you to go out to the parking lot for anything,” Nicks said.

According to Nicks, Fleetwood explained that the song was considered too long and that the band preferred another Nicks composition, “I Don’t Want to Know.”

“Then I started to scream bloody murder and probably said every horribly mean thing that you could possibly say to another human being,” she recalled.

Nicks ultimately recorded “I Don’t Want to Know,” while “Silver Springs” was relegated to the B-side of “Go Your Own Way.”

By 1997, however, the song finally returned during Fleetwood Mac’s reunion for The Dance.

During the now-famous performance, Nicks repeatedly sang directly toward Buckingham as Christine McVie and Buckingham joined in on harmonies behind her. As the song built toward its climax, cameras captured lingering eye contact and visibly raw emotion between the former couple that immediately became legendary among fans.

The Hollywood Reporter said the tension during the now-famous performance "alternated with the smiles and knowing glances shared by Nicks and Buckingham."

Rolling Stone later described “Silver Springs” as Fleetwood Mac’s “great lost breakup anthem,” writing that the performance made the song feel like “the key to the entire messy and enthralling saga” surrounding the band’s most famous lineup.

The magazine also highlighted the song’s devastating closing section, where Nicks sang directly toward Buckingham:

I’ll follow you down
Til the sound of my voice will haunt you
You’ll never get away
From the sound of the woman that loves you

According to Rolling Stone, Buckingham later admitted that the song is utterly captivating.

“‘Silver Springs’ always ends up in that place for me because she’s always very committed to what those words are about, and I remember what they were about then,” Buckingham told Rolling Stone in 1997. “Now it’s all irony, you know, but there is no way you can’t get drawn into the end of that song.”

Nicks said in a 1997 interview with the Arizona Republic that the live, recorded version of "Silver Springs" carried a deeper emotional intensity than earlier rehearsals.

“Only on Friday night did we let it go into something deeper,” she said. “I wanted people to stand back and really watch and understand what the relationship was.”

Over the decades, the performance has continued finding new audiences online.

In 2024, scientist and podcaster Raven Baxterwent viral on X after discovering Fleetwood Mac’s music for the first time while “two margaritas deep” in a Nebraska hotel room. After learning about the romantic history between Nicks and Buckingham, Baxter said fans encouraged her to watch the 1997 “Silver Springs” performance.

“I watched it, and it changed my life,” Baxter later told the Today Show.

The viral thread introduced millions of younger viewers to the emotional history behind Rumours and helped reignite online fascination with Fleetwood Mac’s most turbulent era.

Today, nearly three decades after The Dance, “Silver Springs” remains one of the defining moments of Fleetwood Mac’s legacy—a breakup anthem that has never stopped echoing.

Related: 1977 Hit Named ‘Greatest Two-Chord Song of All Time’ Was a No. 1 Smash

Ann-Margret has never been just another Hollywood bombshell. The Bye Bye Birdie legend is so much more than her show-stopping dance moves and famous strawberry-blonde hair—she's a woman who's spent six decades quietly serving our country in a way most people don't even realize.

On April 28, 1941, Ann-Margret Olsson was born in Stockholm, Sweden. At just five years old, she and her mother immigrated to the U.S.—where they'd join her father, who had moved there a few years earlier in search of work. Ann-Margret discovered her passion for performing at an early age. By high school, she was already singing with bands and starring in theatrical productions. But she wasn't just brilliant onstage: Ann had the brains to match and would go on to study at Northwestern University.

But after a year of college, she made a bold decision—she dropped out, packed her bags and headed to Las Vegas to chase her dreams. Just a few months later, legendary comedian George Burns discovered her singing in a lounge and added her to his Christmas show at the Sahara. The buzz from that performance led to a record deal with RCA Victor and a film contract with 20th Century Fox—all before her 21st birthday.

Just one year later, in 1962, she got an incredible opportunity to perform at the Academy Awards and her life would transform overnight. By the next morning, every casting director in Hollywood knew her name.

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What followed was one of the most iconic careers in Hollywood history. She lit up the screen alongside Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, earned her first Oscar nomination for Carnal Knowledge and brought audiences to tears in Tommy.

Off-screen, she survived a near-fatal 22-foot fall from a Lake Tahoe stage—only to return within ten weeks. She married 77 Sunset Strip actor Roger Smith in 1967 and stayed by his side for 50 incredible years—up until his death in 2017. She won an Emmy at 69, walked the red carpet on her 80th birthday and just last month, she was honored with the USO Commemorative Challenge Coin in recognition of her decades of service to our country—an honor only one other person has ever received in the organization's 85-year history: Bob Hope.

Ann-Margret and Bob Hope perform for American troops in Vietnam on Dec. 22, 1969.

Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images

But the most beautiful part of Ann-Margret's story isn't found in the awards or the accolades. From the moment she became famous, she made a promise to herself to use her platform to uplift the men and women serving our country. She toured with the USO three different times—including two trips to Vietnam during the war to sing for American troops on the front lines. And six decades later, at 85 years old, she's still showing up for our nation's heroes—just like she has for her entire career.

In a society built on chasing youth, Ann-Margret has always chosen something so much more beautiful—to embrace every age, every chapter and every season of life with grace, joy and giving back. Decade after decade, she continues to prove that the brightest light isn't found in being 25 forever or discovering some kind of skincare secret—because the purest joy and purpose is found by being your best self at every single age. And that's exactly why Ann-Margret is today's quote of the day.

Related: Quote of the Day: John Denver’s 15 Words on Surviving Life’s Lowest Moments Will Transform Your Mindset

Quote of the Day by Ann-Margret

"I want to be the very best age, whatever age I am."

In just 13 simple words, Ann-Margret gives us a gift that instantly undoes everything we've been told about aging. We've all caught ourselves looking back—wishing we were younger, thinner, more energetic—or anxiously looking ahead and worrying about what's next. But with these words, Ann-Margret reminds us that the most beautiful place to be is exactly where we are right now.

Whatever number our birthday says this year, that's the age we get to be our very best at. It's a quote that doesn't ask us to fight against time—it asks us to happily accept it—and most importantly, empowers us to shine in it.

Deeper Meaning of Ann-Margret's Quote—Embrace Who You Are Right Now

From magazine covers to skincare ads to social media, we live in a world that's constantly defining us by numbers: our age, weight, pants size. But Ann-Margret is offering a much more freeing truth—that the best version of ourselves isn't one we were at a younger age—or one will be in the future when we fit into a certain dress size. It's exactly who we are right now. The wrinkles and gray hairs and the body changes that come with time aren't signs that our best days are behind us. They're proof that we've lived, we've loved and just like fine wine, we always get better with age!

"I always think that age is a natural progression, and I'm ready for it," she's said. "I'm going to be the best 85-year-old that I can be." Choosing to love and accept yourself right now sounds intimidating, but it's truly the recipe for living your best life. It's not always going to be easy—it takes work. So whether you're 28 or 82, think of your current age as absolute the best time of your life—and before you know it, it will be.

On April 29, 2026, Ann-Margret became the second person in history to receive the USO Challenge Coin in honor of her service.

Photo by Amanda Edwards on Getty Images

More Quotes From Ann-Margret

• "It doesn't matter what age you get it. I'm happy to take the ride."
• "Age is such a natural progression you shouldn't fight it."
• "I was always taught that you don't think you are anything special, 'cause there's always someone who is more special than you. Just be the best you that you can be."
• "I've been so fortunate. People are so kind. I really am grateful for that."
• "I feel I have this joy in my heart. I just love performing. I always have, since I was four years old."

Related: Next Up:

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The arrival of camping season usually means rounding up all the little extras that make time outdoors more enjoyable — a portable chair to relax in, a cooler that keeps drinks cold all day, a solar lantern for when the sun goes down. Those pieces definitely help, but if there’s one item that can make or break the entire experience, it's your tent. That’s why investing in a reliable one matters, and right now, Walmart has a Flash deal for Memorial Day weekend that makes it easy to upgrade.

The Marnur Instant 4-Person Camp Tent is on sale for just $66, down 56% from its typical $150 price. With a pop-up design, it smooths out the part of the trip no one really looks forward to — untangling poles, figuring out which piece goes where, and wrestling the whole thing into place.

Marnur Instant 4-Person Camp Tent, $66 (was $150) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The biggest standout of this tent is how easy it is to set up. There are no extra parts to attach or align; just unzip it from the carrying case, release the strap, and it pops open in seconds. The freestanding design allows you to place it wherever you want, and the dual-door setup makes getting in and out (or catching a breeze) easy from either side. At just over 10 pounds, it’s light enough to carry, and it comes with all the essentials, including eight ground stakes, a carry bag, and an interior storage pocket to keep smaller items from getting lost in the shuffle. 

The tent is made from durable polyester with a sturdy 125-gram-per-square-meter polyethylene floor, so it’s built to handle various outdoor terrains and is easy to wipe clean after a trip. Inside, the spacious 110.2-by-78.7-inch layout with a 47.2-inch center height gives you plenty of room to stretch out, whether you’re fitting in a queen-size air mattress or a few sleeping bags side-by-side. 

The design comfortably accommodates up to four people, making it ideal for families or small groups. Mesh windows and dual vents help keep bugs out and air circulating so your tent doesn't get stuffy overnight, while a built-in lantern hook and power cord port let you run a cable inside for added convenience. 

Related: Walmart's Bestselling Pop-Up Gazebo Is Now $105, and It's Perfect for Outdoor Gatherings

Reviewers pitched this “very spacious” and “roomy” tent as an "amazing" summer must-have, with many agreeing it's a "breeze" to set up. “This tent was even better than I could have hoped for," one shopper wrote. "I’ve always hated setting up for camping, and I was able to set this tent up instantly in less than five minutes.”

Another shopper highlighted the ease of putting this tent away, saying they “folded it up in 30 seconds and stuffed it snugly back into its carrying case.”

Shop More Deals

• Cobizi 6-Person Camp Tent, from $85 (was $97) at Walmart
• Mapskey 4-Person Instant Camping Tent, $54 (was $100) at Walmart
• Hoteel 4-Person Tent, from $52 (was $100) at Walmart

It’s safe to say that the $66 Marnur Instant 4-Person Camp Tent will put you on the fast track to feeling like a happy camper. Don’t miss this Memorial Day weekend Flash deal at Walmart!

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It’s hard not to associate Billy Joel with his timeless classic “Piano Man.” The beloved song is widely recognized as the rock legend’s signature song. But it may come as a surprise that the track, which belongs on the artist’s breakthrough album of the same name, never actually became a No. 1 hit. 

Released in 1974, “Piano Man” peaked at No. 25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and rose to the No. 4 spot on the Adult Contemporary singles chart, but it never quite climbed its way to the top. Regardless, the tune has clearly resonated with audiences far and wide, giving it a lasting appeal that has stood the test of time.  

Written solely by Joel, whose real name is William Martin, “Piano Man” captures the loneliness of a night spent in a bar full of strangers and characters who resemble the blue-collar work force. Joel points out an elderly man requesting a song while nursing an alcoholic beverage as he settles into his usual night of entertaining folks from behind the keys.   

From dreamers to veterans and everyone in between, Joel paints a clear picture of an evening that brings unity to listeners, who can’t help but sing along to his relatable lyrics.

Part of the reason Joel was able to detail the workers and patrons so well was he wrote “Piano Man” from his own life experience, having served as a lounge musician in Los Angeles in his early years. Despite that, he is surprised the song went on to draw as much attention as it did. 

“I have no idea why that song became so popular. It’s like a karaoke favorite,” he shared, according to American Songwriter. "The melody is not very good and very repetitious, while the lyrics are like limericks. I was shocked and embarrassed when it became a hit. But my songs are like my kids, and I look at that song and think, ‘My kid did pretty well.’”

Pretty well, indeed. “Piano Man” went on to score an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 and two years later was hand-selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry. 

Related: 1985 Iconic Rock Theme From a Cult Classic, Originally Rejected by the Band, Became a No. 1 Hit

Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle answers will take you from the slopes to the field. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, May 23, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on May 23, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Like Rousey v. Carano.
• Green: Show-me state players.
• Blue: Prestigious head honchos.
• Purple: Sports thresholds.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: DEFEAT SOUNDLY
• Green: A MISSOURI ATHLETE
• Blue: BIG TEN FOOTBALL COACHES
• Purple: ____ LINE

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #607 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• DEFEAT SOUNDLY: CRUSH, PASTE, SHELLAC, ROUT
• A MISSOURI ATHLETE: BLUE, ROYAL, CHIEF, CARDINAL
• BIG TEN FOOTBALL COACHES: CIGNETTI, DAY, RHULE, FICKELL
• ____ LINE: CUT, FINISH, BASE, MENDOZA

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond

Hershey's is trying out a new "abomination" of a menu item this summer, available at participating Hershey's Chocolate World locations: The Reese's Satay Hot Dog.

Foodie influncer Markie_devo helped spread the news of the sweet and savory new offering on Instagram this week, detailing a selection of new treats available to order that also include the cutest little s'mores cake, an Americana-themed cookie and cupcake, a pair of candy-infused new frozen drinks in a new post on the social media platform.

It's unclear which locations are participating, but the beloved chocolatiers have storefronts in New York City’s Times Square, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and even in Singapore, as well as, of course, Hershey, Penn. 

The flagship store also flaunted the summer menu on its own Instagram account earlier the same day, suggesting, "MDW never tasted so good!"

While that may be true of some of the new munchies, the hot dog certainly raised eyebrows—and, for some, curbed appetites.

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Fans were largely disgusted by the meat and Reese's combo, with one questioning, "What the hell is that abomination of a 'hotdog' 😭😭?"

"The hot dog scares me," someone else commented, suggesting that the brand should have used Marge Simpson's "Dessert Dogs" recipe, which involves dogs made from deep-fried cookie dough with meringue buns, cherry ketchup and caramel mustard.

Some brave souls would have been up for the trial, though, if not for the presumed cost: "I’d honestly try the hotdog if I knew the price point wasn’t going to be $15-20."

A full description of the hot dog's ingredients is not yet available, but Satay is a popular street food in Southeast Asia, which typically features a spicy peanut sauce on top of a dish of seasoned and/or grilled and/or skewered chicken, tofu or seafood. The hot dog at Hershey's Chocolate World is presumed to have a drizzling of Reese's sauce, and is also photographed with chives and other toppings.

Is this on your to-try list this summer?

Related: Utz Lemonade Chips Are Returning for Summer—Now With a ‘Sizzlin’ New Flavor

Today's NYT Strands puzzle is made for preppers. Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #811 on Saturday, May 23.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "Staying alive"

A hint for today's Strands game: Scout's honor.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today's puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• MA
• FL
• PA
• TA
• SH
• HA
• SU (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 23

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, May 23, 2026, isSURVIVALIST.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, May 23?

• MACHETE
• FLINT
• PARACORD
• TARP
• SHOVEL
• HATCHET
• SPANGRAM: SURVIVALIST

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond

Frank Converse, one of Hollywood’s top-notch leading men in the 1970s, is marking a major milestone as he celebrates his 88th birthday.

Born on May 22, 1938, the Missouri native’s natural charm, handsome looks and undeniable talent made him one of the most respected and long-serving character actors in the industry.

With another year added, let's revisit his colorful and diverse career as well as his stable and enduring love life.

Long before his mainstream spotlight, Converse began his career on Broadway, making his debut in the 1966 play First One Asleep, Whistle.

Following a series of his theatrical shows, he had his breakout television role a year later after landing a role in Coronet Blue.

Frank Converse appearing in the ABC tv movie 'Chelsea DHO'

Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Despite the actor making a name for himself in Hollywood and earning notable acting recognition, he continued to appear on theatrical stages, which led him to meet the love of his life.

In 1980, the N.Y.P.D. star joined the cast of The Man Who Came to Dinner, a major Broadway revival of the hit 1939 comedy play.

Theater actress Maureen Anderman, who played the female lead, caught Converse’s eye and the pair soon developed a lasting romance that would span decades. 

Two years after the play, they officially got married in 1982 and reportedly had a close friend and Broadway icon Colleen Dewhurst read a poem, which became the highlight of the ceremony.

Anderman and Converse were blessed with two children and settled down in Connecticut.

Converse’s wedding to the Tony-nominated actress was his third, following his first marriage to Carol Tauser, whom he married in the late 1950s before his on-screen limelight.

His second wife was Elise Astrid Ronning, whom he married shortly after his divorce from Tauser.

Theater Power Couple

With the same career background, both the Moving On star and Anderman continued as theater actors and even starred together on stage.

The pair marked their first major stage performance as husband and wife in 1986 for the regional production of Real Estate alongside iconic actress Colleen Dewhurst and actor Peter Michael Goetz.

Over the decade, the theater power couple teamed up to perform at benefit galas, regional theater fundraisers and community theater nights in New England.

Related: Beloved 2010s One-Hit Wonder Turns 46 Years Old Today

You'll find today's NYT Connections puzzle easy to solve if you've got a good sense of personal style. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1077 onSaturday, May 23, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, May 23, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Saturday, May 23

1. Salon specialty.
2. Prior to.
3. Comic strip heroes.
4. In a galaxy far, far away...

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Saturday, May 23:

1. HAIRDOS: BEEHIVE, BOUFFANT, CHIGNON, POMPADOUR
2. MORE READILY: FIRST, PREFERABLY, RATHER, SOONER
3. MARVEL CHARACTERS: DAREDEVIL, HAWKEYE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WOLVERINE
4. WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES: EMPIRE, FORCE, LAST, PHANTOM

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond

If you're hungry, today's NYT Wordle puzzle answer might make you crave a really good roast. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1799 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There is one vowel in today's five-letter word.

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: when you throw something. Can also refer to a cut of beef.

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1799 on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, May 23, 2026, is CHUCK.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond

The world’s largest bourbon, food and music festival is going even bigger in 2026.

Bourbon & Beyond has officially unveiled the largest lineup in the festival’s history ahead of its eighth year, with more than 100 artists set to perform across five stages Sept. 24–27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

This year’s lineup blends rock, country, Americana, indie and jam-band favorites, led by major headliners including Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton and Dave Matthews Band.

The four-day festival kicks off Thursday with performances from Queens of the Stone Age and Goose alongside Foo Fighters.

Friday’s lineup features Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves and Foster the People, while

Saturday spotlights Kentucky native Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Sunday closes things out with Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish and Counting Crows.

Beyond the headliners, the lineup includes a massive mix of fan favorites and cult acts, from The Flaming Lips and Gary Clark Jr. to Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Cheap Trick and Violent Femmes.

Festival organizers are also emphasizing the event’s signature bourbon and culinary experiences. The returning Fork & Flask curated by Kroger experience will feature Louisville restaurants, bars and spirit tastings, while the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar will again host bluegrass performances and line dancing throughout the weekend.

One of the festival’s biggest perks is returning for 2026 as well: attendees will receive free access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom, which became part of the festival footprint last year.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, Bourbon & Beyond has rapidly grown into one of the country’s premier destination festivals, attracting fans from across the United States and beyond. The event was recently named Pollstar’s Global 2025 Festival of the Year.

Passes, camping packages and hotel options are on sale now through Bourbon & Beyond. 

RELATED: Four Legendary Country Stars Shared the Screen in This 1986 Western Remake

Jake Worthington is shifting his focus. 

On Friday, May 22, the country music singer/songwriter, 30, took to social media to announce his plans to take a temporary hiatus from music and the road. Worthington reasoned that he needed to spend more of his time prioritizing his personal life, which includes his wife, Sophie, and the couple’s daughter, Whitley Anne.  

“I live a life as my heroes did, but that life has gotten a hold of me,” Worthington shared in a statement on Instagram, directing his message to his family, friends, and fan base. 

View this post on Instagram

“I love my family, my friends, and my fans too much to let it take over me,” he wrote. “I need to take some time to work on myself for my wife and daughter.”

At this point, it’s unclear which scheduled shows will be affected. And, although Worthington shared that he will be stepping away from the spotlight for some time, he promised he doesn’t plan on quitting music altogether. Instead, he hopes a break will prepare him for a strong return.  

“I promise I will come back even better,” he captioned, closing out his message with: “God bless Country Music. JW.” 

Fellow Country Artists Are Sharing Their Support

After sharing his vulnerable message online, Worthington quickly drew support from fans and friends, including other artists. 

“La you bro!” Dierks Bentley wrote in the comments section of the post, while Jake Owen added, “I’m here for ya, buddy. You are stronger than most.” 

Caroline Munsick, the wife of country singer/songwriter Ian Munsick, added, “We love ya,” while Hannah Dasher wrote, “Love yew buddy.”

Who Is Jake Worthington?

Worthington first rose to fame on season 6 of NBC’s The Voice, after auditioning for season 5. His second time around, he competed on Team Blake, where he became the runner-up, losing out to the winner, Josh Kaufman. Since coming off the reality competition series, Worthington has made his Grand Ole Opry debut, toured with major artists like Jon Pardi and Lainey Wilson, and released songs like “It Ain’t the Whiskey,” “Honky Tonk Talkin,” and others.

Related: Country Star Announces Decision to Cancel Remainder of 2026 Tour Dates, Details Personal Reasons: ‘I Need to Be Honest’

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There’s no hard-and-fast rule in the fashion world that limits you to wearing only one tone of jewelry, which is why mixed-metal jewelry is becoming increasingly popular. A piece that combines gold and silver gives you the ability to effortlessly throw on whatever you want rather than painstakingly deciding between the two tones. This Delicate Mixed Stone Necklace at Anthropologie is a fantastic example, and you can currently score it on sale for less than $20! 

Normally retailing for $48, this two-toned necklace is now marked down to just $18 in five styles. This piece will only be available at this buzzworthy price from now until May 25 during Anthropologie’s Memorial Day Event, which offers shoppers an additional 40% off all sale items. 

Delicate Mixed Stone Necklace, $18 (was $48) at Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Shop at Anthropologie

You can truly bring some playfulness to your aesthetic with this necklace. Boasting gold on one side and silver on the other, this necklace combines the two tones for a chic and stylish look. The separate gold and silver chains are connected by two dazzling teardrop-shaped crystals, adding a touch of glam and luxury. The crystals are also two-toned, fully leaning into the multicolor aspect and making this necklace feel extra fun. 

Each necklace features one clear crystal. For the second crystal, you can choose from five hues, including topaz yellow, emerald green, sapphire blue, silky cream, and clear. These crystals are prong-set, ensuring that they stay in place. They’re made of cubic zirconia, which mimics the look of real gemstones, sharing the same vibrant hues, brilliance, and clarity as the real deal, but at a more affordable price point.

Dainty and delicate, this necklace features a classic cable chain that stands out but doesn’t look overwhelming. The chain is made of brass and plated with 14-karat gold, giving it a shiny and polished finish. You can style it with dressy attire like officewear and sundresses, and just as easily throw it on with casual outfits like streetwear and athleisure. Whatever you wear this necklace with, it’ll effortlessly elevate your look with its playful elegance. “It’s a cute everyday necklace,” one reviewer raved. “It’s dainty and simple, but the mixed metals make it unique.”

Delicate Mixed Stone Necklace, $18 (was $48) at Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Shop at Anthropologie

Measuring 15 inches long, this necklace will sit right about your collarbone and highlight your décolletage. The chain is fixed with an extender so you can lengthen it if you prefer the necklace to sit a little lower. Because of its short length and dainty aesthetic, you can pair this necklace with other pieces in your jewelry collection if you want to create a trendy layered look. 

Related: Anthropologie’s 'Adorable' Summer Doormats Are 25% Off During the Memorial Day Event

This necklace sets the standard when accessorizing for the day. With the combination of gold and silver, its versatility is unmatched, allowing you to style it with any kind of jewelry. You can wear it with gold hoops and silver statement rings, or silver studs and gold cuffs for a mismatched look that's somehow simultaneously cohesive. 

Shop More Deals 

• Contrast Curved Teardrop Post Earrings, $8 (was $44) at Anthropologie
• Drippy Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings, $9 (was $44) at Anthropologie
• Delicate Crystal Necklace, $21 (was $58) at Anthropologie

Limiting yourself to just one tone for your ensemble can be boring. If you want to experiment a little and mix things up, don’t hesitate to snag the Delicate Mixed Stone Necklace at Anthropologie while it’s on sale for just $18. Be sure to hurry because this amazing deal will only last until May 25! 

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.

One of Southern rock's most recognizable voices is celebrating a major milestone.

Doug Gray, founding member and longtime frontman of The Marshall Tucker Band, has turned 78.

Gray helped launch The Marshall Tucker Band in the early 1970s, becoming one of the defining figures of the Southern rock movement alongside bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band.

Formed in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the group became known for blending rock, country, blues and jazz influences into a distinct sound that separated them from many of their contemporaries. With Gray's soulful vocals at the center, the band scored enduring hits including "Can’t You See," "Heard It in a Love Song," and "Fire on the Mountain."

After returning from Vietnam in the late 1960s, Gray teamed up with Toy Caldwell a songwriter with whom he'd go on to co-found the band.

"In 1970 we decided 'let's practice every night,'" Gray told Classic Bands. "We did. We made sure to do it. Had this little warehouse and sure enough, we went down there and recorded about four songs, one of 'em being 'Can't See You' and one being 'Take The Highway.' We recorded those in one place in Muscle Shoals and we were asked to come to Capricorn in Macon, Georgia and we did that. Then we went out on tour. We were gone the first four or five years for three hundred dates a year."

“Can't You See” in particular evolved into one of classic rock radio's most beloved Southern rock anthems, helping cement the band's legacy far beyond its original era.

The Marshall Tucker Band stood out during the 1970s because of its musicianship and willingness to blend genres. The group frequently incorporated flute, saxophone and extended improvisation into its music, creating a more fluid and melodic sound than many heavier Southern rock acts of the period.

Over the decades, Gray remained the band's most consistent member and public face, continuing to tour and perform long after many of the group's original members had departed or passed away. Even as musical trends changed, the band maintained a devoted fan base thanks to its timeless songs and reputation as a powerful live act.

"Every record of ours is a reference is to moving," Gray told Billboard. "'Fire On The Mountain' has references to staying on the move and accomplishing things. People still get married, they still break-up. And that's why people still come to the shows. They have their memories — and they bring their grandkids now."

For many fans, Doug Gray's voice remains inseparable from the spirit of 1970s Southern rock itself: warm, gritty and unmistakably authentic.

Now at 78, Gray continues to be celebrated not just for helping found The Marshall Tucker Band, but for helping shape one of the most enduring sounds in Southern rock history.

Related: 1972 Rock Classic, Famously Resurging 41 Years Later, Became an Iconic Television Anthem

In the Season 1 finale of Boston Blue, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) went on patrol with his son Sean (Mika Amonsen), while Lena (Sonequa Martin-Green) got shot while conducting a door knock for an investigation. Luckily, she survived and was home for Shabbat dinner by the end of the episode. But the cliffhanger came in the last 60 seconds when Lena’s boyfriend, Detective Brian Rodgers (Ryan Broussard), was getting back in his vehicle after buying flowers on the way to dinner when his car was T-boned and pushed into the bay, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger as to whether or not he survived, and who was driving the offending truck.

“There will be a time jump when we come back, but we will pick up that story, so we will work through what happened that night,” executive producer Brandon Sonnier told Parade. “We will work through where they are in the case moving forward, but in order to get Danny and Lena back up on the street, on her feet, we’re going past the leave of absence that Lena had to take in order to physically heal before she gets back on the job.”

And executive producer Brandon Margolis added, “We will not leave audiences hanging for very long as to what happened to Rodgers, what the BPD’s interest is in the driver of that truck and that will have a lot of momentum coming into this season.”

Here’s everything we know about Boston Blue Season 2.

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When will Boston Blue Season 2 be released?

Boston Blue will return with all new episodes for its second season this fall. CBS has not yet revealed premiere dates.

When does Boston Blue come?

Boston Blue will continue to air on Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT timeslot.

Who is in the Boston Blue cast?Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan Donnie Wahlberg

Photo: Brendan Adam-Zwelling/CBS

Danny Reagan made the move from NYPD to Boston PD so he could oversee his son Sean’s career.

Sonequa Martin-Green as Lena Silver Sonequa Martin-Green

Photo: Brendan Adam-Zwelling/CBS

Lena Peters is the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family, who was partnered with Danny Reagan when he made the move from the NYPD to the Boston PD.

Maggie Lawson as Sarah Silver Maggie Lawson

Photo: John Medland/CBS

Sarah Silver is the Superintendent in the Boston Police Department who is Lena’s stepsister.

Marcus Scribner as Jonas Silver Marcus Scribner

Photo: Ian Watson/CBS

Jonah is the youngest member of the Silver family and Sean Reagan’s partner on the Boston PD.

Mika Amonsen as Sean Reagan Mika Amonsen

Photo: Brendan Adam-Zwelling/CBS

Sean decided to pursue his family’s legacy but wanted to do so in a police department outside of New York.

Gloria Reuben as Mae Silver Gloria Reuben

Photo: John Medland/CBS

Mae Silver, the widow of a judge who was murdered on the courthouse steps, is Boston’s District Attorney and the matriarch of a blended family of law enforcement professionals.

Ernie Hudson as Reverend Edwin Peters Ernie Hudson

Photo: Brendan Adam-Zwelling/CBS

Reverend Peters is a renowned pastor of an historic Baptist church in Boston.

Will we get any Blue Bloods cameos in Boston Blue Season 2? Sonequa Martin-Green as Lena Silver, Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan Boyle, and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan

Photo: John Medland/CBS

As they did in Season 1, members of the Reagan clan will make timely visits to Boston in Season 2 of the cop drama, but Wahlberg will continue as the only Blue Blood series regular.

“We are huge Blue Bloodsfans, and so every opportunity that we get to check in with those characters to remind our audience that that universe is where we live, that those stories are still ongoing in another city, we just aren't seeing them all the time we sort of [love] that,” Sonnier said. “So, we love when we have the legacy cast pop in just to check in on where they are and also to further their relationship with Danny and Sean and to weigh in on Danny's growth as a Boston police officer.”

What is the plot of Boston Blue Season 2?

Donnie Wahlberg reprises his role as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan in the Blue Bloods’ spinoff Boston Blue. In this new series, Reagan takes a position with the Boston Police Department and is paired with Detective Lena Silver, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. The Silver family is comprised of Boston District Attorney Mae Silver, Boston PD Detective Lena Silver, Police Superintendent Sarah Silver, rookie cop Jonah Silver and renowned Baptist pastor Reverend Edwin Peters. As Reagan settles into his new job on the Boston PD, he also reconnects with his youngest son, Sean, who is beginning his own career in Boston.

What happened in the Boston Blue Season 1 finale?

In order for Danny to complete his transfer from NYPD to Boston PD, he was required to spend some time on patrol, so in what she saw as a “fun” move, Sarah assigned Danny and Sean to patrol duty together while Jonah was working with Mae on testimony for an upcoming trial.

Rodgers requested help from Major Crimes for a case that involved smuggling drugs, phones, and other sundries into prison, and since Sarah knew Danny was on patrol, she assigned Lena to help him. Sean and Danny joined them, and when Lena and Danny went to do a door knock, Lena was shot through the door, and it went through her vest.

In the hospital, Lena, who had planned to visit her biological father that night, received a visit from him in the hospital. She also met her half-sister.

Marisa Ramirez

Photo: John Medland/CBS

Maria showed up in Boston to give Danny support with his new partner in the hospital, and they had a serious talk about their relationship. Danny told her that he never stopped fighting for them, and he’s thinking of moving into a command position so he can get a bigger place, and Maria, her daughter, and mother can move in with him. The first step is to take the sergeant's test.

“In our minds, that is a serious promise,” Sonnier said. “When he says they’ve taken it slow enough for too long, he means it. They know that this is a relationship they want to be in and they're going to do everything they can to make it work.”

“But that does require steps,” Margolis added. “You can't wave the magic wand and suddenly it's happy home, so there will be a continuation of that story in an evolution of their relationship going on in Season 2. The takeaway is that we did not want to end this season on a down note with them because we love Danny and Baez so much.”

Judge Elijah Robinson (Harry Lennix) and Mae did a press conference to take their relationship public to stay off any conflict of interest claims that might come up in her bid for re-election now that she’s being challenged by Thad Longfellow (Ward Horton).

“We loved introducing Thad at the end of our season as a great foil for Mae, and we can't wait for the two of them to get down and dirty in an election,” Margolis said. “The judge will come back. Harry Lennix is a gentleman and we love having him on the show and we’d love to keep writing for him, so we look forward to exploring that relationship and seeing what kind of pressure dirty politics can put on that relationship.”

Shabbat dinner was a big event with Joe Hill (Will Hochman) coming down from NYC to talk to Lena about what it was like for him when he discovered as an adult that the Reagans were his family.

“It was such a great parallel,” Sonnier said of bringing Joe into the mix. “I don't know that we always knew, but when it became available, when the story came up, when the idea was floated, we jumped at the chance because what a great sounding board for Lena to have a conversation with someone who found themselves in this situation of learning they had this whole other family as an adult. The way Joe was integrated into the Reagans is a really beautiful thing that they did on the previous show that we would like to embrace. There should be more stories of this family growing, there should be more stories of Lena getting to know this part of herself and her family that she never knew before.”

Also attending the Shabbat dinner were Judge Robinson and Lena’s bio father Chris Williams (Erik King) and half-sister Christina (Alisha Wainwright).

“Just because they have one dinner together does not mean their relationship is healed,” Sonnier said. “As Lena says in the episode, ‘That's a start.’”

The only person missing from Shabbat dinner was Rodgers, who was on his way after stopping at the florist for flowers, when his vehicle was T-boned and pushed into the bay.

Are there spoilers for Boston Blue Season 2?

“There's going to be a deeper test of the strength of this found family of Danny and Lena, the Silvers and the Reagans, as not just the ripple effect of this attack on Rodgers, but the election, the pressure of Sarah and Seth’s (Mike Vogel) wedding colliding essentially at that time, and the growth of Jonah and Sean as no longer rookie patrolman, but year two cops,” Margolis said.“That's the year where you kind of declare what kind of police officer you're going to be, and exploring the growth of those two potentially outside the looming shadow of their families, and what kinds of decisions and mistakes they'll make when there’s a little more rope, when they're a little bit a little more on their own, so there's lots of stress for the family to try to combat against.”

As for how getting shot will affect Lena, Sonnier said, “We have spoken to many police officers about this. We actually have one on our writing staff and we've spoken extensively about once you experience this sort of trauma on the job, it does change you. Now, it can change you for better or for worse, and sometimes there's a decision that needs to be made to point yourself in one direction or the other. We're very interested in telling those stories.

"We understand that the audience knows that Lena will be a good cop -- that is the premise of the show. We're not going to upend that. We're not going to change that, but is there a difference in the way she approaches the job? Is there a difference in her physicality and her mentality and in the way she and Danny relate to each other? Those are things that we get to explore when we come back for Season 2. Often these sorts of traumas, these sorts of events, can drive you to being an even stronger, even better cop -- an even stronger, even better whatever it is that you happen to be.  That's really the world that we want to put Lena into.”

As for Jonah and Sean, Sonnier said, “We left Jonah at the end of Season 1 questioning how much good they were truly doing in the community. They know they're chasing bad guys, but am I doing enough for the people who need help?  It's not always about chasing bad guys. So, there's this idea of am I going to be a hard-charging cop who just runs after the biggest status crimes all the time, or am I going to be a community police officer who gets cats out of trees and helps little old ladies across the street? Somewhere in the middle is where we want all of our cops to be. We want them to be there to lend a hand, and we also want them to be there to take out bad guys. Sort of that push and pull, that struggle of where am I going to put my energy, where do I lean is where we find Sean and Jonah in Season 2.”

Is there a trailer for Boston Blue Season 2?

It’s too soon. Scripts have yet to be written for the second season.

How can I watch Boston Blue?

Boston Blue will be available on CBS and stream next day on Paramount+. All episodes of Season 1 are streaming now on Paramount+.

Next,CBS Reveals Its 2026-2027 Fall Schedule, Including a New NCIS Series