Parade

Just one day after Stephen Colbert wrapped his last episode of The Late Show after 11 years on air, he was already back on television in a surprising place: public access cable television!

Related: Sheinelle Jones Shares the Heartbreaking Request That Caused Tension Before Husband’s Death

The longtime Comedy Central late-night host said his goodbyes to the network and fans of his show on May 21 after 11 seasons, and just one day later, he was spotted on Monroe Community Media's Only in Monroe, a public access program he guest hosted in 2015.

"It's been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount," he joked on the non-profit program.

Just one day after ending "The Late Show" on CBS, Stephen Colbert returned to TV — to host a public access show with rocker Jack White in Monroe, Michigan.

Appearances by Jeff Daniels, Eminem and Steve Buscemi. pic.twitter.com/hEW4R7q0gT

The hour-long episode was full of Colbert's signature dry humor, interviews with locals, and guest appearances by celebrities like musician Jack White of The White Stripes, who was the "music director" for the evening, actors Steve Buscemi and Jeff Daniels, and Detroit native rapper Eminem.

He ended the evening by bringing the house down, literally.

"[They] have informed me that since they are no longer using this set, it would actually be helpful for me to destroy it," he said. "Which is pretty great news, because right now and for no particular reason, I would very much like to break something."

Related: Ariel Winter Makes Shocking ‘Modern Family’ Confession

He, Daniels, and White then took hammers to the walls and brought all the props to a dumpster to burn them, with the permission of fire "marshal" Eminem.

Monroe Community Media teased the surprise appearance on May 22 by sharing a video of Colbert's Late Show sign off with the caption, "Hey Stephen, you’re welcome back to Monroe at any time!" He responded, "I’m available starting tonight at 11:35!"

The appearance was a sweet surprise for fans. "Stephen Colbert on public access with Jack White, Jeff Daniels, Eminem and Steve Buscemi is the most wholesome comeback ever," said one fan with a laughing emoji.

Another agreed, writing, "It is hilarious that Trump thinks he got rid of Colbert! He just made him even more famous and now he is going to be seemingly everywhere all the time. The exact definition of ubiquitous-and viral!" The comment is in reference to an AI video President Donald Trump posted one day earlier that portrays him throwing Colbert into a dumpster.

Fans will just have to wait to see what Colbert will do next!

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

As a certified makeup girlie and beauty writer, I know all too well that finding ways to keep all my products organized is definitely a challenge. While this is a great problem to have, it's definitely overwhelming at times without the best organizational solutions in place. (You should see my vanity right now.) Because of this, I've been on the hunt for new organizers for my beauty products, and this chic two-tiered tray organizer from H&M caught my eye.

H&M's Light Beige Two-Tiered Tray looks absolutely perfect for storing beauty products. From your cleansers and your toners to your foundations and lipsticks, this two-tiered tray has your back. Featuring a neutral light beige color, this organizer would work well with any interior design scheme, making it a great option. Even better, you can place it on your vanity, bathroom counter or wherever else you need a little bit of extra organization.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

H&M

The organizer has a powder-coated metal construction, making it sturdy and durable. The handle at the top makes it easy to transport if necessary, too. When it comes to dimensions, this organizer measures 12 inches in height and has a diameter of six inches.

Related: H&M's Retro Spring Glassware Looks Straight Out of a European Vintage Market

Shoppers love this two-tiered storage tray organizer, giving it an average rating of 4.9 stars on H&M's website.

"I've been on the search for a small, convenient, and not-plastic tray to keep all my skincare together. This one is so perfect and adorable. It's very sturdy, easy to wipe down, and for its size, fits a surprising amount of products. I can fit about eight or nine bottles/jars of serums and creams on the bottom tier; the top tier is perfect for taller containers like toner and perfume. Thrilled to have found this and expect it to last!" raved one fan in a five-star review on H&M's website.

"Love this— so I bought a second. It's very well made with a nice weight to it. Small but, to me, it's perfect because it doesn't take up space on the bathroom counter," said another shopper in a five-star review on H&M's website.

You can find this chic two-tiered tray on H&M's website. It is currently marked down by 20 percent, making it just $23.99. Do note, this is not sold in stores.

Related: This Hand-Painted Terracotta Bowl from H&M Looks Like a Mediterranean Boutique Find

Tony-winning actor Joe Mantegna was expected to return as co-host of the National Memorial Day Concert this year alongside longtime partner Gary Sinise, but PBS has now announced a last-minute hosting change.

Earlier this week, Capital Concerts announced that Mantegna and Sinise would once again host the annual Memorial Day event in Washington, D.C., continuing a partnership that has defined the broadcast for nearly two decades.

“This concert is a powerful reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents,” Mantegna said in a statement earlier this week. “It offers comfort, connection, and community for families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, honoring their sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude they deserve.”

Related: 1970 Patriotic Classic Hit No. 1 56 Years Ago Today

But now, Capital Concerts announced that West Wing actress Mary McCormack would instead co-host the 37th annual concert alongside Sinise, stepping in for Mantegna due to what the actor described only as “unforeseen circumstances.”

“I truly wish I could be there in person this year but due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to remain in Los Angeles,” Mantegna said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to joining the millions of Americans watching this Sunday’s concert on PBS and continuing to do everything I can to support this important event for years to come.”

McCormack, also known for The Pitt and Heels, is also the daughter of a U.S. Marine, a detail highlighted in the official announcement.

Related: This Patriotic Song Hit No. 1 60 Years Ago Today—and Became the Biggest Hit of 1966

“What makes this concert so powerful is the way it tells the larger story of service and sacrifice,” McCormack said. “It reminds us of what military service asks of individuals and families, and how much gratitude we owe them.”

“I’m honored to join as co-host of this year’s broadcast,” she added. “It’s one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever been a part of, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

Mantegna has co-hosted the National Memorial Day Concert since 2006 and recently reflected on what the event has come to mean to him over the years during an interview with Military Families Magazine.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

“Once you see this concert you will understand, this is our most important holiday because it’s the holiday that lets us have all the other holidays,” Mantegna said.

This year’s concert will honor America’s 250th anniversary and feature appearances by Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo and Jonathan Banks, along with performances by Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Andy Grammer, Laura Osnes, Blessing Offor and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.

The 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert airs live Sunday, May 24, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET on PBS. The event will also stream on YouTube and PBS digital platforms and will remain available on demand through June 7.

Related: Gary Sinise Salutes WWII Heroes in Historic Concert and Ceremony

Brooke Hogan isn't holding back after critics came after her emotional beach tribute for her late father.

No relationship is simple, and Brooke and Hulk Hogan's relationship is no exception. But a complicated history doesn't make losing a parent any less devastating. So when the 38-year-old entrepreneur caught some flak for a recent post about missing her dad, she came back swinging.

It all started on Thursday, May 21, when Brooke shared a string of photos on Instagram that started with a partial body photo where she was lying on the beach in a neon yellow bikini. The caption read, "Needed some time with my thoughts, my daddy and the ocean he loved so much. Every wave hit my heart like a memory that felt like it was yesterday. The waves carried the bass in his voice, the salt water felt like his hugs. The smell of the ocean smelled like so many days on the boat we spent together. I remember him whisking me across the surf like King Triton holding his Little Mermaid... if I could breathe underwater, I'd spend forever under the sea if it meant being that much closer to him. The tears were endless today. 🌊"

Most of the comments were supportive and sweet, but it's no surprise that some questioned the post. One even asked, "First picture was totally necessary to remember your father, right? "

Others questioned why she would make a post after she and her father famously fell out prior to his death. One such comment said, "I thought you didn't like your dad?"

Hogan is clearly watching the comment section and wasn't going to let those questions go unanswered. Just one day later, she reposted the first image, this time altering it to make her body look different and asked, "Would my post have been more sincere if THIS girl had been at the beach mourning her dad?"

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

In the caption, she wrote, "Trust me, if I wanted to give you a thirst trap, you would have gotten one. If I were a surfer, a swim instructor, heavier, thinner... would it be less shocking? I grew up in swimsuits. I understand that not a lot of the world gets that. But this is my home. This is me. This is my one of many days I grieved my dad. Shame on anyone for demonizing it. I am a human. My father was human. And you people have the nerve to act like you're experts on ANY topic or know anything about my experience with him? Even my closest family has no clue what I know and have experienced. And you come at me with your ignorant opinions and nasty comments hiding behind your screens? Go back under your bridge, trolls."

Again, Hogan's supporters came out in droves to show their love. Even a few reality stars showed up in the comments.

Margaret Josephs from Real Housewives of New Jerseywas one of the first to weigh in. She wrote, "Such a beautiful post 🙏🥹♥️♥️."

HGTV star Ty Pennington wrote, "❤️ Proud of you!! Your dad is watching over you as you raise your own Now! Ignore the Trolls they can’t swim in the Deep water , let em get caught in the Rip Stay Salty !!!!"

"Ex's & Oh's" singer Elle King also showed support. She wrote, "Brooke I love you. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You’re amazing and hot and grieving and still being a mom of twins and postpartum never ends and the internet is NOT REAL. But you are and ur loved."

Clearly, Hogan has a lot of support after losing her father in July 2025, when he suffered a heart attack.

Ken Jennings is sharing some secrets for any hopeful Jeopardy! contestants out there.

Chatting with Fox News Digital on the red carpet for the TCM Classic Film Festival earlier this month, the game show host shared advice on how to prep for the competition as well as what subjects to study.

"I would say watching the show is the best way to prep for the show," he said. "If you watch Jeopardy! like the rhythm of the host's voice will kind of get into your pulse. You'll know the kind of stuff that comes up, the kind of material. That's how you become a good Jeopardy! player."

As for what specific facts to have at the top of your head? He advised that potential players learn the U.S. presidents and their first ladies in order as well as the world capitals.

"Those are the two things that is like the most bang for your buck if you're cramming for ‘Jeopardy!’" Jennings said.

Related: Ken Jennings Reveals The 'Cringey' Part Of 'Jeopardy!' He Worked To Change

Regardless of a contestant's intelligence or how hard they studied though, Jennings acknowledged that the vibe changes once the cameras are rolling.

"Everybodythere has passed a very hard test to be on the show. So really it comes down to who can perform under pressure because these people are not used to doing this with lights and camera and everything," he revealed, explaining that some players immediately excel and others can buckle.

"It's like they'll suddenly become their best ‘Jeopardy!’ selves," he said of players who thrive in front of the TV cameras. "And some are a little more deer in the headlights."

Jennings himself, took the helm as host full time of the iconic game show in 2023, following the 2020 death of Alex Trebek and his own winning of 74 games in a row.

As for what he learned from Trebek when it comes to hosting the show, it's that he's "not the star."

"You shouldn't be paying attention to the host to ‘Jeopardy!’" he said. "Like, if everything's going well, the game and the contestants are the star and that's absolutely how it should be."

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Eva Longoria knows how to set the red carpet on fire with a hot outfit.

The actress, producer, and businesswoman, 51, who played Gabrielle Solis on the ABC hit series Desperate Housewives from 2004 to 2012, has gone on to notable roles, ranging from Devious Maids to Only Murders in the Building. But she crushed the red carpet competition at Lights On Women's Worth during the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 22 in Cannes, France. In a plunging gold dress that shimmered in front of the cameras, the brunette beauty showed off her famous curves and captured the attention of everyone on the scene.

Photo by Michael Buckner on Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Last year, Longoria had a laugh reflecting on the hairstyle she started with on the fan-favorite series.

“I get Desperate Housewives, and they said ‘Your hair is too dense for camera,'” Longoria recalled in a TikTok interview with People, in which she was shown a throwback photo of herself right before the series began. “So they made me highlight it. This was the highlights, and I was freaking out because I had never had highlights in my life.”

#EvaLongoria and #GabrielleSolis will forever be style icons — both on #WisteriaLane AND in the real world. ✨ Read more from our #WorldsMostBeautiful interview at the link in our bio. (And head to the PEOPLE App for even more with Eva!) #DesperateHousewives #TheYoungandtheRestless @Eva Longoria

While Longoria previously starred on The Young and the Restless from 2001 to 2003, she was relatively unknown to the rest of the world when she first co-starred with Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, and Nicollette Sheridan on the fan-favorite series.

Looking at the throwback photo, which featured the actress sporting a slinky black dress with voluminous hair, Longoria laughed at how done up she was.

“It’s my pageant hair! Look at that,” Longoria joked, noting the high volume of her ‘do. “This was the first photoshoot we did on Wisteria Lane. They just needed quick photos of us, literally for PR purposes, and they just pulled me off to the side and I took this. I think I even did my own makeup. Hair and makeup. Obviously, I did my own hair and makeup!”

“We did this weird pilot I didn’t think anybody would watch,” Longoria noted.

Related: The Surprising Ingredient Eva Longoria Adds to Her Guacamole

All it takes is one trip to Aldi, and somehow you're walking out with way more than what was actually on your shopping list. Between affordable grocery staples, kitchen upgrades and an endless lineup of home decor, outdoor essentials, pet finds and more, every visit seems to uncover something you never knew you needed.

That said, some of the best Aldi finds are the dupes. And if you've ever had your eye on something just outside your budget, there's a good chance Aldi has released an affordable lookalike at some point. This week, shoppers are racing to score one of Aldi's newest dupes, the Crofton Woven Serving Tray. Strikingly similar to a Williams-Sonoma style, more than six times the price, this $13 find instantly upgrades your serveware and hosting game in one easy purchase.

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

Aldi

Available in stores now with supplies selling fast, the Crofton Woven Serving Tray is your ticket to elevating your serveware collection with a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Designed to hold everything from fresh dinner rolls to home decor accents, this stylish tray looks just as good on a coffee table as it does as a dinner table centerpiece or a catchall in your entryway.

Sporting a 15.75-inch diameter and a cream-colored metal insert that fits neatly inside, this tray is about as versatile as it gets. The metal insert makes it ideal for everything from hot appetizers to condensation-covered glasses without worrying about damaging the woven exterior, while the natural texture gives it a rustic look that works in just about any room. Whether you’re serving seasonal cocktails to guests or putting the finishing touch on a newly designed space, this tray easily blends both style and function like a pro.

Related: Aldi's Stunning $20 Kitchen Staple Looks Nearly Identical to a Williams Sonoma Style Over 3x the Price

Where this tray really stands out, however, is its striking resemblance to a similar Williams-Sonoma style that retails for around $80. While its designer counterpart features a slightly larger 17.75-inch diameter and a woven rattan design of its own, it notably lacks the included metal insert that makes Aldi's version even more practical for everyday use.

Complete with integrated handles and plenty of surface space, Crofton's Woven Serving Tray easily feels like the better value. At just $12.99, you could grab a couple during your next Aldi run and instantly elevate multiple rooms at once without breaking the bank. Better yet, it's easy to maintain in the long run, requiring nothing more than a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to keep it looking brand new.

If you're on the hunt for easy home upgrades, don't let this versatile Aldi find pass you by. Only around for a limited time, once it's gone, there's no telling when, or if, we'll see it return. Snag one for yourself or grab a couple as gifts, and while you're there, don't forget to pick up a pack of Aldi's Cattlemen's Ranch Smashed Burgers for Memorial Day weekend, too.

Related: Hobby Lobby Dropped a $4 Kitchen Staple That Could Last You a Lifetime

No offense to burgers and ribs, but summer is all about the sides. It's the season of smoky grilled corn, tangy tomato salad, cooling coleslaw and maybe our all-time favorite, potato salad.

And when it comes to making potato salad, there are many different styles. There's mayo vs. vinegar, peeling vs. skin-on and the mix-in discussion can go on and on and on. Do you want pickles? Celery? Scallions? Are you team hard-boiled egg?

We like a range of potato salads. What we want at the moment often depends on our mood and what we're eating with the spud-centric dish. 

But you know what we always want? We always want to know how Chef Jacques Pépin prepares a dish. And when we recently ran across a video of him demonstrating how to make his warm (plot twist!) potato salad, we sat up and took notice.

Here's what you need to know to make potato salad like the legendary French chef.

Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Baked Salmon, According to Chef Jacques Pépin

Like so many of his recipes, Pépin's potato salad is simple, but it's the little details that make all the difference. 

• Pick your potatoes. Pépin starts by boiling his potatoes. In the video, he calls for 1 pound of potatoes, which is three medium-sized potatoes. Judging by what you can see in the video, they're fairly thin-skinned potatoes. He says to cover them with water and add some salt, then boil them until really tender.

• Rest your spuds. After the potatoes are cooked, Pépin drains them and leaves them in the pot while he works on the dressing. This gives them time to cool a bit (but not too much) and dry out a tad.

• Dress up your dressing. When it comes to potato salad, Pépin isn't a mayo guy or a vinegar guy, he's both. He likes to make what he calls "mayo-grette," basically a vinaigrette that includes mayo. To make a medium-sized batch, he puts 2 tablespoons of mayo and mustard in a bowl. To thin it, he adds water, but in the video he adds the water to the almost-empty mustard jar and shakes it around to get out every last drop. He then adds salt, pepper and 1/4 cup of good olive oil. He shakes up the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, then goes back to his potatoes.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Parade Eats newsletter. 🍳🍔

• Skip the peeler. Because Pépin cooked the potatoes with the skins on, you don't need to use a vegetable peeler. The skins will come right off with some gentle encouragement with a sharp paring knife. 

• Keep things chunky. Pépin likes his potato salad on the chunky side and reminds cooks that the pieces will break down a bit when you stir the potatoes with the dressing. To make sure you end up with big enough pieces, he likes to cut the potatoes into 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks. 

• Gussy it up. Once the potatoes are cut, you add about half of the mayo-grette, along with some chopped scallions and parsley. Pépin says that you can also use cilantro, tarragon or basil if you prefer. 

• Serve it warm. If you take only one tip away from this recipe, this is it. Pépin likes to serve his potato salad lukewarm. "It tastes much better than cold potato salad," he says. The slightly warm potatoes have a silkier texture than cold ones and none of the flavors are muted by the chill of the fridge. When we say that we learn something new every time we watch a Jacques Pépin video, we mean it. Thank you, chef!

Related: How to Make the Perfect Classic Quiche, According to Legendary Chef Jacques Pépin (And His Mom)

Parade/Canva Pro

WhistlePig Whiskey has two summer exclusives heading out to commemorate America's 250th Independence Day, joining the growing list of companies to do so (which includes Buffalo Wild Wings, Coca-Cola, Disney, M&M's, Mountain Dew, and Pillsbury).

The popular distiller announced this week that it's launching one of its most beloved releases in a new, commemorative, vintage piggy-bank-style bottle and releasing a new "All-American" blend that also features nods to U.S. history in its packaging.

"Rye isn’t just part of American whiskey history – it is American whiskey history," WhistlePig CEO Alex Roberts shared in a statement, explaining, "Before bourbon, there was Rye. Rye was a common grain in early American whiskey production and it defined how this country drank. As America turns 250, we’re raising a glass to the original."

To celebrate the U.S. semiquincentennial, WhistlePig Whiskey is ready to usher in the cheers with a limited-edition Rye, White & Blue PiggyBank and its all-new Declaration Wheat Whiskey.

Related: Jim Beam Expands Bourbon Lineup With Blend Once Exclusive to Europe

Its commemorative Rye, White & Blue PiggyBank is a patriotic take on WhistlePig’s 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey, offering "bold flavor and playful design," per the brand. It's the 110-proof Rye that "put WhistlePig on the map—turned up for the occasion" and packaged in a collectible decanter designed to look like a classic silver piggy bank.

WhistlePig's new Declaration Wheat Whiskey is made and aged to offer a "lighter, more approachable counterpoint to WhistlePig’s rye-forward portfolio," according to the brand. It's crafted from an all-American blend with a high wheat mashbill, bottled at 86 proof, and double-aged in New American Oak to deliver a "smooth, balanced profile" for easy summer sipping. The limited-edition bottle is adorned with a cracked Liberty Bell topper to celebrate this year’s monumental Fourth of July holiday.

WhistlePig said its new summer whiskies are now available at select retailers (prices may vary) and online, direct from the brand for $73.99 to $249.99, but just for the summer season.

Next: Jack Daniel’s New Flavor Is So ‘Surprisingly Good’ Fans Already Gave It a Nickname

Sheila E. may have been most famous back in the '80s, but the music icon looks incredible in a Batgirl costume at 68.

The singer and musician, often referred to as the "Queen of Percussion" thanks to her incredible drumming skills, was known as a protégé of Prince in the '80s before striking out on a successful solo career. Her 1984 hit, “The Glamorous Life,” became a Billboard Top 10 hit and became her anthem that she still performs at every show. Still going strong, the star won her first Grammy in 2025. But as fans of her social media can see, Sheila E. can still dress up and rock out with the best of them. In a new video, the star sports a Batgirl costume as she walks down the hallway.

"Sometimes you just have to ! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽Happy Saturday," Sheila E. captioned the video, which saw her sporting knee-high black boots, a sky-high bun, a latex Batgirl costume, and a black mask.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

With a lively presence on social media, Sheila E. now gets to hear from fans and followers who are inspired by her groundbreaking work. Last year, she told the New York Times that people constantly reach out on social media, showing off their children's musical skills.

"I’m always in the moment. I just do what I want to do, what I get to do, what I love to do. I don’t know until someone says something like, “Do you know what you’ve done?” I can’t begin to tell you how many [people], especially women and young girls, D.M. me. Nine-year-olds, 2-year-olds, their parents are sending me videos. People from all over the world who I can mentor now through social media," she shared.

While she's been a star for decades with endless hits under her belt, Sheila E. won her first Grammy in 2025 in the Best Global Music Performance category for “Bemba Colorá,” a collaboration with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar.

Check out the video for the heart-pumping tune below!

Related: '80s Icon Sheila E., 67, Stuns in a Riot of Red as She Dazzles in Rare Red Carpet Appearance

TheX-Files was the longest-running science fiction series on network television, originally running from 1993 until 2002. Although there are almost too many iconic episodes to count, Entertainment Weekly has recently ranked the best in the entire series.

Making the top ten is “Pusher,” a 1996 episode written by Vince Gilligan, the legendary creator of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and Pluribus. This was the second episode he worked on for the series. It followed a killer who was able to “push” people to do what he wanted, so all their deaths were assumed to be suicides.

Related: X-Files Fans Have Spoken on the Best Episodes — and Two Are Tied at the Top

When speaking with Polygon about the episode, Gilligan discussed where the idea for the plot came from. He said, “I don't remember where the idea for ‘Pusher’ came from, except maybe it was just something you think about: willpower. What would life be like if you could impose your will upon other people? And how hard that is to do in real life, which is probably a good thing. What we don't need in this world are any more pushers. Although now, with the internet and social media, it's almost like we have all these pushers all over the internet, pushing, ‘Oh, buy these shoes,’ ‘Buy this particular kind of cologne,’ whatever. Thirty years later, it'd be called ‘Influencer’ instead of ‘Pusher.’"

Gilligan went on to explain how proud he was of the episode. “After the episode aired, I was so proud of it,” he said. “In the office on Monday morning, I'm pretty sure I said to Chris [Carter], ‘That's the best I can do for you. That's as good as it gets.’ And I'll never forget his reaction. He looked at me very seriously, and he said very quietly, ‘You shouldn't say stuff like that, and I very much hope that's not true, because this job, for all of us, is about getting better with every script.’”

Related:1961 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Ranked the ‘Most Disturbing’ Was Used for the Tower of Terror Ride

A new reboot of the TheX-Files is currently in the works from Ryan Coogler, who was the writer, director, and producer of Sinners. The series will be starring Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel.

In 1970, a supergroup released an iconic album that marked their lasting legacy in music.

Crosby, Stills & Nash, the folk rock band consisting of core members David Crosby from The Byrds, Stephen Stills from Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash from The Hollies, delivered not just intricate vocal harmonies but also politically charged lyrics that made them one of the most beloved groups of the era.

Throughout the years of showcasing their remarkable artistry through performance and timeless tracks, the trio earned a place in the elite ranking of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

The list includes votes from over 300 individuals in the music industry who submitted their personal Top 50 favorite albums, spanning legendary and emerging artists across a wide range of genres that shaped generations of music.

For Crosby, Stills & Nash, the list included two of their albums that brought them major success.

Ron Pownall/Getty Images

The first was their debut album, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Initially ranked at No. 259 in the 2003 list, it later climbed to a higher spot in the 2020 update, landing at No. 161.

The album featured their key hits "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," "Marrakesh Express" and "Guinnevere," helping their first album reach a notable feat on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart by securing the No. 6 spot.

This also earned them their first Grammy Award when they won Best New Artist in 1970.

Before the launch of their album, Nash shared what inspired them to release Crosby, Stills & Nash.

"We were in love with each other at the time we recorded that album," he told Rolling Stone as cited by BBC Music. "We were new friends discovering new parts about each other and we had songs. And we had the ability to translate those songs into records that were astounding and we knew it. When we walked out of the studio with that two-track under our arm, we knew what it was going to do. We knew that it was going to be a hit."

Interestingly, this was the group’s only studio album released before adding fourth member Neil Young to the lineup.

Another album that made it to the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time rankings was their sophomore album, Déjà Vu, initially ranked at No. 148 in 2003 but which slipped to No. 220 in the 2020 update.

The four-member supergroup spent 800 hours completing the album.

Making this their debut album as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the second album took longer to complete because the members had to record their parts separately due to the personal issues they were dealing with at the time.

Out of all the 10 songs, only three tracks were recorded with all the band members present in one studio. These are "Woodstock," "Helpless" and "Almost Cut My Hair.”

Related: ’70s Rock Band, With No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

We love a '90s hip hop classic, but it turns out Stephen Colbert does too.

The beloved host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, 62, took to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City on Thursday for the last time. But after the cameras were off, the comedian got the festivities going with a wild afterparty that was filled with celebrity guests. But in a fun twist, one of the most news-making stories out of the big night is the hilarious videos of Colbert dancing his pants off to classic hits. One of the funniest ones is Colbert getting down to the 1992 House of Pain classic "Jump Around." With a drink in one hand and his other hand in the air, the star had the time of his life dancing it out with his friends and colleagues. In the second video, you can see him having a makeshift dance-off with none other than Bette Midlerto Outkast's "Hey Ya." In the third, he gets down with his wife, Evie.

https://youtube.com/shorts/HmfOmuRdrUY?si=sR5QLQ-ge5crxZlP

Stephen Colbert’s wrap party last night brought in fans and celebrity guests, like the legendary Bette Midler out onto the dance floor! #lateshow #finale #dancing #partying

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

The stars were out in full force for Colbert's afterparty. According to The Hollywood Reporter, famous faces spotted at the festivities included Anderson Cooper, Dick Cavett, Katie Couric, Mark Hamill, Tiffany Haddish, Drew Barrymore, Ewan McGregor, Padma Lakshmi, Bernadette Peters, Keegan-Michael Key, Patton Oswalt, Steve Buscemi, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Now that sounds like quite a celebration!

Colbert has some exciting plans on the docket. He'll be co-writing a Lord of the Rings movie with director Peter Jackson, who recently told Variety that Colbert pitched the script before The Late Show was cancelled.

"This has been years I've been thinking about it," Colbert told PEOPLE. "I've been working on it with my son since COVID actually, and then working on it with Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh for almost two years now. So that wasn't a post-show idea."

Colbert added that he has mostly been focused on ending the show on a high note. From there, he'll see where the wind takes him.

 "We’ll land this plane and we’ll check out the view from there," he added.

Related: Stephen Colbert Reveals His Sister Was the 'Deciding Factor' in Hosting ‘The Late Show’

Furniture is great for passing down through generations. In fact, one of my favorite pieces in my apartment is my late grandmother's hand-painted floral chest. Every time I see it, it reminds me of her. A heirloom piece tells a story, and it's rich with the history of those who owned it before. There's something so special about that, isn't there? Well, if you're looking for a piece you'd love to pass down in the future, or simply love a vintage look, this option from World Market fits the description. It really does look like a vintage heirloom piece.

The Craft Zian Hand-Carved Wood Floral Storage Cabinet at World Market is both beautiful and functional. Handcrafted of mango wood with a warm walnut finish, this gorgeous two-door storage cabinet features hand-carved68i8 cherry blossom artwork on the front, making the piece feel super special and unique. The charming flower-shaped knobs add a whimsical touch as well.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

World Market

Inside the cabinet, there are four compartments total, including two fixed shelves, one adjustable shelf and two pull-out drawers, giving you plenty of space for storage. This would be great to use in a hallway, bedroom, home office, living room, bathroom, kitchen or dining room. Honestly, it would look and function beautifully pretty much anywhere you choose to place it!

In terms of dimensions, this storage cabinet is pretty large. Overall, it measures 65 inches in height, 17 inches in depth and 35 inches in width.

Related: World Market's Colorful Mosaic-Top Bistro Tables Are Perfect for Small Outdoor Spaces

Customers adore this storage cabinet, earning it an average rating of 4.6 stars on WorldMarket.com.

"It was expensive, but so worth it," said one happy World Market customer in a five-star review on World Market's website. "We remodeled our bathroom, and tore out the built-in linen cupboard. Instead of building another or buying a prefab, we decided to purchase this beautiful piece. It's my favorite part of our new bathroom. It was packaged well and looks just like the pictures."

"Being used as a pantry in an apartment. Beautiful heirloom piece!" raved another fan in a five-star review on World Market's website.

You can find this stunning storage cabinet on WorldMarket.com or in select World Market stores. It retails for $1,499.99.

Related: World Market's Pretty Antique-Style Accent Lamp Is Full of Celestial Charm

If you haven’t been reading as much as you would like lately, there are plenty of riveting books that can help break you out of your reading rut. Recently, Oprah Daily has put together a list of the best books for “when you're stuck in a reading rut.” One of the books making the list is This is How You Lose the TimeWar by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

This science fiction book, which is described as “an epic love story spanning time and space,” has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon with over 19,000 reviews. It won a Hugo Award, Locus Award, and Nebula Award. It is about two rival agents who fall in love while exchanging letters.

“The chapters alternate between Red and Blue," Oprah Daily editor, Justine Anthony, explains. "They fall in love through a series of letters exchanged across time and space. The letters are written in the most intricate ways, such as bee stings, tea leaves, and burning lava.”

When asked how the book came together, Gladstone told Eliot Peper, “We knew we wanted to write a book together long before we knew we wanted to write this book. I came off a book tour one summer feeling a powerful need for solitude, and at the same time for deep connection, as one does after a week or two of the constant light chat that characterizes that sort of thing.”

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel, With a Big Twist, Named Best Short Book You Can Finish in One Sitting

El-Mohtar echoed the sentiment when speaking about the book with Civilian Reader. “We were inspired, first and foremost, by how much we liked each other and our respective writing!" she said. "First we read each other’s work, then we became friends, then we started writing each other letters, then we became better friends, then we said we should really collaborate on something together, and decided that a novella was roughly the right length for us to experiment with pairing our different voices and attempting to blend them into weird harmonies.”

When asked to describe the book, she said, “Think Griffin and Sabine meets Killing Eve by way of Steven Universe. Alternately, imagine if Florence + the Machine’s Lungs was a novella in which all the songs are sung to women in letter-form.”

Other books that made the list of best stories to break you out of a reading rut were Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Playworld by Adam Ross, and Bombshell by Sarah MacLean.

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 right planter can completely change how a space comes together. It can turn a basic plant setup into something that feels out of a home and garden magazine. Whether you’re lining a windowsill with herbs, adding a pop of green to your deck, or filling an empty shelf, the pot you choose makes all the difference. 

If you’ve been looking for options that check both the practical and pretty boxes, Walmart has a set that’s worth a closer look. The Buymax Iridescent Glaze Ceramic Plant Pot Set is currently on sale for just $22, down 39% from its original $36. The timing couldn’t be better if you're starting on summer produce or adding in new florals as peak planting season arrives.

Courtesy of Walmart

This set includes three ceramic plant pots in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch sizes, giving you a range of options for styling different types of plants, from petite succulents and cacti to slightly larger leafy greens. The varied sizing makes it easy to create a cohesive, layered display when grouped together, but they also work just as well spread throughout your space — on a windowsill, shelf, or tabletop. 

Each pot is finished with a modern rainbow pearl glaze that reflects light with a soft iridescent effect, subtly shifting depending on the angle. The blue looks cool and calming, the orange adds a warm, energizing pop, and the white is clean and minimal while still offering a hint of pearly, light-catching dimension.

Each pot includes a drainage hole with a monochromatic drip tray at the base to help prevent overwatering, allowing excess moisture to escape and reducing the risk of root rot. The interiors are intentionally left unglazed, which promotes better airflow and water penetration through the soil, creating a more balanced environment for roots to thrive. 

Crafted from high-quality ceramic that’s kiln-fired at high temperatures, these pots are durable, sturdy, and designed to hold up over time. They’re also carefully packaged with protective foam to help ensure they arrive intact. 

Related: Amazon's 'Gorgeous' $19 Beaded Ceramic Planter Set Is the Prettiest Way to Show Off Your Plants

Green thumbs and home decor enthusiasts alike have praised this “absolutely beautiful” trio as both “exquisite” and “eye-catching” in the reviews section. Shoppers highlighted the quality and craftsmanship, with one reviewer noting that each piece is “sturdy and well-constructed.”

• Yffsrjdj Indoor Rainbow Glaze Plant Pot Set, $26 (was $31) at Walmart
• Buymax Modern Style Ceramic Plant Pot Set, from $22 (was $36) at Walmart
• Lyzhbfj Speckled Ceramic Plant Pots, from $15 (was $17) at Walmart 

If your garden could use a little upgrade, the $22 Buymax Iridescent Glaze Ceramic Plant Pot Set is an easy (and stunning) place to start. Grab it now for 39% off at Walmart.

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.

Unlike meals, snacks are rarely thought out—which is why it’s so easy to munch on foods like chips, cheese puffs and packaged cookies. While you may not think that snack foods impact health all that much, scientific research says otherwise. 

According to a 2023 analysis published in Advances in Nutrition, regularly eating ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cognitive decline. It can also raise your blood pressure. According to a 2021 study published in Public Health Nutrition, the more ultraprocessed foods you eat, the greater your risk of developing hypertension.

“The worst snacks for blood pressure are high in sodium, added sugar or saturated fat—which describes most of the packaged options,” Dr. Kainat Khalid, MD, a cardiologist and the director of Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension Center in Richmond Hill, New York, tells Parade. “Salted chips and crackers can contain enormous amounts of sodium in a single sitting, and most people eat more than one serving. These foods are also engineered to be hard to stop eating, which makes the problem worse."

Dr. Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC, the chairman of cardiology at MedStar Health and Vascular Institute, agrees. “Many ultra-processed snack foods are high in salt and preservatives, so they should be widely avoided. Currently, over 50% of calories in the U.S. are coming from ultra-processed foods, which is leading to all our problems with obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes,” he says.

Want a healthier snack option that has the same savory and crunchy satisfaction of chips? Both cardiologists recommend pistachios. Keep reading to find out why this underrated nut is so beneficial for heart health, including blood pressure.

Related: The One Habit That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Overnight, According to a Cardiologist

Penpak S./Getty Images

“Pistachios are a terrific choice,” Dr. Taylor says about this smart snack. He explains that one reason why eating pistachios supports blood pressure is that they’re high in unsaturated fats. According to a 2025 meta-analysis published in Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids (which pistachios are high in) cause blood vessels to relax and widen, allowing for better blood flow. They also contribute to better endothelial function, which means the lining of blood cells works more efficiently. 

“There is solid clinical evidence that regular pistachio consumption can lead to meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Pistachios appear to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of blood vessels, allowing them to dilate more easily and reducing the pressure the heart works against,” Dr. Khalid tells Parade.

Related: Exactly How Many Steps a Day Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

Besides being high in omega-3 fatty acids, Dr. Khalid explains that the potassium and magnesium in pistachios also help improve blood pressure regulation. This is because they relax blood vessels and balance key electrolytes. 

According to a 2022 analysis published in Nutrition Reviews that looked at 17 studies and took into account 940 adults, snacking on pistachios significantly lowered blood pressure. But both cardiologists say that there is one important factor when it comes to eating pistachios to reduce blood pressure: it’s important to choose unsalted pistachios. 

“For anyone managing hypertension, regularly snacking on salted pistachios could meaningfully work against them. Switching to unsalted is a simple swap that makes a real difference,” Dr. Khalid says.

She explains that while salted pistachios still have the same benefits as unsalted pistachios, the added sodium can directly counteract the blood pressure benefits—especially for people who are sodium-sensitive, which is more common than most people realize. 

🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊

Lowering blood pressure isn’t the only way that consuming pistachios supports cardiovascular health. Dr. Khalid explains that the nut can help lower cholesterol too. She explains that this is largely due to their high unsaturated fat content. “These fats help lower LDL cholesterol without reducing HDL cholesterol,” she says, adding that unsaturated fats also help lower inflammation.

Dr. Khalid points out that pistachios are also high in protein (which provides the body with energy) and fiber (linked to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease). She adds that the combination of protein, fiber and unsaturated fats all packaged together in one nut makes pistachios a satisfying snack. Still, it’s important to be mindful of your snack portion and avoid overeating, which can lead to consuming excess calories and increase the risk of obesity.

Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do Immediately After Waking Up if You Have High Blood Pressure

“Heart-healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Pistachios are a great example of a food that is genuinely good for you and satisfying to eat,” Dr. Khalid says. “A small handful daily is the sweet spot for most people. Finding swaps that feel sustainable is the key to consistency, and the cardiovascular benefits will follow over time."

Unlike the chips in your pantry, this is one crunchy snack your heart health will benefit from. 

Up Next:

Related: What Your Blood Pressure Risk Looks Like by Decade—and How To Keep Yours in Check

• Vitale, M., Costabile, G., Testa, R., et al. (2023). Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.Advances in Nutrition. 15(1):100121.
• De Oliveira da Silva Scaranni, P., de Oliveira Cardoso, L., Chor, D., et al. (2021). Ulta-processed foods, changes in blood pressure and incidence of hypertension: the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adults Health (ELSA-Brasil).Public Health Nutrition. 24(11):3352-3360. 
• Dr. Kainat Khalid, MD, cardiologist and the director of Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension Center in Richmond Hill, New York.
• Dr. Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC, chairman of cardiology at MedStar Health and Vascular Institute.
• Zang, T., Hassan, W., Javaid, F., et al. (2025). Impact of fatty diets on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 34(4):542-550.
• Baghery, F., Mohammadifard, N. and Khanamani Falahati-Pour, S. (2022). The effect of pistachio supplementation on metabolic syndrome and its components in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutrition Reviews. 80(10):2051-2063.

The Twilight Zone has dozens of creepy episodes that can keep viewers up at night. If you're searching for one that will leave you feeling unsettled, Looper recently ranked the most disturbing episodes. “It’s a Good Life” came in at number one.

This 1961 episode took place during season three and followed a young boy with psychic powers. The six-year-old, who could make things happen simply by thinking about them, ruled the town. He could read other people’s minds and could wish anyone who upset him away “to the cornfield.” Everyone around him lived in terror of him.

This disturbing episode, which was based on a short story by Jerome Bixby, was written by the showrunner, Rod Serling. It went on to become one of the most popular episodes in the series and helped inspire Twilight Zone: The Movie.

Since the episode starred an underage actor, played by Bill Mumy, there were rules about how long he could be on set each day. The director, James Sheldon, admitted that he could have gotten MGM in big trouble when he wanted one more shot of the child after the cutoff time had passed.

Related: 1963 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Ranked as Having the ‘Best Acting’ Starred a ‘Star Trek’ Legend

In Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone: A Backstage Tribute to Television's Groundbreaking Series, Sheldon admitted, "Illegally, I went to his mother, who was a lovely lady, and I said, 'Could I just get one more shot?' I did, and it worked fine. But the next day the producers and the studio executive and everybody were on my back because if anybody had found out about that, I would have been in trouble. so I never did that again."

He continued, “I can remember I was always like, 'Oh, who cares?' I don't mean overwork the poor kid,  but if you've got a shot to get and you need an extra ten minutes, it's not the end of the world."

Of course, “It’s a Good Life” is iconic for another reason. The introduction that was used at the beginning of this episode was digitally edited for the preshow of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a classic attraction at the Disney parks. In the attraction, a voice actor named Mark Silverman provides Serling’s voice while real footage of him plays.

Related: 1960 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Ranked Among ‘Best Endings Ever Written’ Was the Hardest To Film

In an interview with SYFY Wire, Silverman spoke about portraying the iconic star. He said, "There's no voice like his. I've never heard anybody pronounce words like that. Why does he say ‘ro-bit’ instead of 'ro-bot'? His distinct way of phrasing things and pronouncing words isn't like anything I've ever heard anybody else do."

He continued, "To become a voice of a Disney ride, a ride based on my favorite TV show, it was like a weird fantasy. It actually was like a Twilight Zone [episode]. It was just so crazy, it didn't make sense."

For tri-state families planning their holiday weekend itineraries, a legendary piece of regional amusement park history is officially back on line.

Following an extended closure that kept the attraction dark through the previous season, the iconic Dragon Coaster at Playland Park in Rye, New York, is welcoming riders back onto its tracks starting May 23. The historic wooden ride, which initially debuted back in May 1929, had been sitting idle since 2024 due to widespread structural safety assessments and management transitions at the park, as reported by people.com.

When Westchester County reclaimed operational oversight of the historic waterfront park, reviving the signature 85-foot-tall centerpiece became a top priority. Overcoming years of deferred maintenance required a meticulous, multi-million dollar structural overhaul. According to data shared by people.com, the targeted restoration of the coaster commanded a $1.4 million investment, which sits within a much broader $150 million capital improvement initiative dedicated to updating the entire park infrastructure to modern safety codes.

Related: The World's First Theme Park Opens for a Landmark 80th Season Today

The architectural project relied heavily on specialized craftsmen who utilized premium marine-grade lumber to reinforce the aging framework, alongside replacing corroded metal fasteners throughout the 3,400 feet of track. The visual signature of the ride received an equally intensive upgrade: designers hand-painted 250 individual scales onto a completely new, 13,000-pound fiberglass dragon head that serves as the ride's tunnel entrance.

For generations of New Yorkers, the preservation of the Art Deco-era landmark carries a massive amount of nostalgia. While destination travelers often focus on massive corporate theme parks, local officials emphasize that Playland has long served as the quintessential accessible staycation spot for neighborhood families.

Related: Tripadvisor Names an Unlikely New No. 1 Amusement Park for 2026

Kenneth Jenkins, a Westchester County executive, told the NY Times many local residents associate the park and its Dragon Coaster with coming of age and staycations. “They weren't going to Six Flags,” he said. “They may not even been going out to Coney Island. They definitely weren't going to Disney World. Their trip was to Playland.” 

The attraction also holds a permanent spot in pop culture history, notably serving as a filming location for classic movies like Tom Hanks' Big and the backdrop for Mariah Carey's iconic 1995 "Fantasy" music video.

As the park transitions into its 98th summer season, accessing the grounds remains completely free for visitors who just want to soak in the vintage boardwalk atmosphere, with separate wristbands available online for those looking to experience the restored lineup of historic rides.

Related: This 100-Year-Old Ride Is Still One of the Most Popular Attractions at One Top-Ranked U.S. Theme Park

If you’re a fan of cozy murder mysteries then It Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson needs to be on your list.

You’ll recognize Lawson’s name if you read young adult murder mysteries, with the likes of The Lucky Ones and Murder Between Friends, but now she’s making her adult novel debut!

It Happened One Murder is one of those stories that will resonate with almost everyone. Those who have been through their 20s will know what it’s like to think that you’re an adult now. You should know what you’re doing with your life.

That’s not the case, though, and it’s something Lawson touched on when we discussed the initial inspiration for the plot.

It Happened One Murder follows Harriet Baker, who left Logan Island for good. At least, that’s what she thought. When she ends up being let go from her job, she has to return home, and now she’s not even sure what to do with her life. All she knows is that there’s a murder she needs to solve.

“In my early 20s, I did a volunteer program and I moved in with my boyfriend the year after. I thought I was set in life, and then we broke up, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” LAwson got candid about her own experiences, “I moved back in with my parents. I was having a severe quarter-life crisis, and it’s something people talk about now than they did then. I thought my life was over, and I’ve always wanted to explore that time in a character.”

Sure enough, more and more people are talking about it now. As Lawson went on to explain, “Your 20s are so hard. You leave the structure of school, you leave the life you knew and are basically on your own for the first time.”

Now, people are documenting all of this on social media, and it’s giving likeminded adults a safe place to be. Sure, there are people who judge, but many 20-something don’t feel like they have their lives together. They’re more like Rachel Greene in Friends, running away from their own wedding and just trying to choose what they want to do with their life.

“There’s something very unique about that age, the 22 to 28 range,” Lawson shared, “You’re exploring and figuring out who you are and how to be in the world. I thought it was really interesting.”

That wasn’t the only reason she decided to switch from young adult to adult, though. There was also the fact that she was starting to get a little burned out writing young adult. She’s written four books now, but while writing two of them, she admits that she had been “dabbling” with this one.

“It took me a while to land on exactly what I was doing,” she admitted, while also sharing that writing characters a little closer to her age gave her a little more freedom.

One of the downsides any adult writing YA understands is trying to fit activities in around school. Suddenly, you have to work out how someone can get from point A to B without having a car or the freedom that an adult would. Then there’s the fact that weekends aren’t school days, and that’s a problem Lawson ran into more than once!

On top of that, she had more freedom when it came to who she was writing for, “When you’re writing kids, you’re shaping it for that audience, and you’re keeping in mind librarians and the structure of the industry and genre. With adults, you’re just adult readers, and they're the only people you need to keep in mind.”

Sure, it means a slightly different mindset, but it’s an enjoyable mindset to be in. So is the mystery genre, especially mashed with some romance.

“I think the mystery part came first,” Lawson told me, when I asked about the genre combination, “But I really also love the idea of mashing genres and putting a romance in almost because it's as important to the plot as the mystery.

“I love fun, cozy mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club, where it’s a mystery but there’s almost something else to it. There’s a relationship or a friendship, and I thought it would be really fun to try out.”

I wanted to know a little more about the decision to opt for cozy mystery rather than psychological thriller. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good psychological thriller, but there’s something relaxing about a cozy mystery, and Lawson touched on that, “They’re like a hug. Instead of feeling anxious when you’re reading, you’re having fun trying to figure out who did it. That’s also fun to write.”

It’s not surprising to hear that Lawson grew up reading Agatha Christie books, especially considering she co-wrote two books in The Agathas series, but that’s not the only reason she loves this specific genre.

It’s to do with the style of writing, as she went on to share, “I’m a very voice-driven writer. The character comes to me first, and I love fun banter on the page. That’s difficult to do in a psychological thriller.”

Since she brought up The Agathas, which made it to the New York Times Bestsellers list, I had to ask about more in the series. She and Kathleen Glasgow have two books so far, and for a long time, it looked like there wouldn’t be a third. For now, that is the case, but things could change, as there is a plan for a third, “We had a mystery running through it that we had planned on exploring in the third, so it’s set up.”

The two have since become close friends, and it’s not like they didn’t have fun writing the books! It’s all about the market, at this point.

For now, Lawson is looking ahead at another adult book, which will be a “companion novel” to It Happened One Murder. Lawson explained, “Two of the characters from the first one are the main characters, and it takes place in Italy during a wedding, and then there’s a murder.”

The focus for now is on It Happened One Murder, which will be released on May 26, 2026. This is perfect for fans of cozy murder mysteries mixed with romantic comedy.