To play the new junior doctors, the K-drama recruited a lineup of rising stars from some of the biggest Korean productions in recent years. With episodes 1 and 2 out, it appears the series will also sprinkle in special appearances from the country's A-list actors. Below, read on to meet the all-star cast of Resident Playbook.

Go Youn-jung as Oh Yi-young

Oh Yi-young interned and started her residency at Yulje Medical Center, but she transferred to a local hospital and got into trouble. With her father recently bankrupt and a 50 million won (about $35,000) debt, Yi-young returns to Yulje to repeat her first year of residency, planning to work long enough to pay the debt and quit as soon as possible.

Go Youn-jung, 28, is an actress and model who has skyrocketed to fame since her debut in the 2019 drama He Is Psychometric. She held standout roles in Sweet Home season 1, The School Nurse Files, and Law School before starring in the fantasy drama Alchemy of Souls and the superhero epic Moving. She's next set to star alongside Kim Seon-ho in the 2025 Netflix K-drama Can This Love Be Translated?.

Han Ye-ji as Kim Sa-bi

Kim Sa-bi enters her role as a bit of a legend, as the former top student at medical school and the top scorer on her national exams. However, the genius needs to work on her bedside manner and learn to be more empathetic when dealing with patients.

Han Ye-ji is a 24-year-old actress making her career debut in Resident Playbook.

Shin Si-a as Pyo Nam-kyung

Pyo Nam-kyung went to the same high school as Yi-young. At the time, Nam-kyung always competed with Yi-young, but Yi-young says now that she doesn't remember her. Though she describes herself as easygoing, Nam-kyung is prone to panicking in stressful situations.

Shin Si-a, 26, started in short films and web series before she landed the lead role in the 2022 horror movie The Witch: Part 2. The Other One, which she landed over 1,408 other actresses. Resident Playbook is her first major K-drama role.

Kang You-seok as Um Jae-il

Um Jae-il, stage name Um Jay, is a self-described "one-hit wonder" and former K-pop idol who still has some loyal fans. Though he thinks he's more famous than he actually is, the first-year resident is also a dedicated learner...if a bit over-eager.

Kang You-seok, 30, appeared in guest and supporting roles in several K-dramas before his breakout lead role as Noh Shin-woo in the 2021 BL drama Light on Me. He made his Netflix debut in the 2023 dystopian series Black Knight before returning as underachieving brother Yang Eun-myeong in 2025's When Life Gives You Tangerines. Next, he will star alongside Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young in the tvN drama Seocho-dong.

Jung Joon-won as Ku Do-won

Ku Do-won is a talented fourth-year OB-GYN resident who's a compassionate leader supervising the junior doctors. He also has a history with Yi-young; eventually, we learn that the doctors' siblings are in a relationship.

Jung Joon-won, 37, began his career in film before starring in supporting roles in several K-dramas, including 2019's My Lawyer and Mr. Jo 2: Crime and Punishment, 2020's Hush, and 2022's A Model Family.

Lee Bong-ryun as Seo Jung-min

Seo Jung-min (above, right) is an attending physician and professor known for being harsh on students, earning the nickname "The Witch." She ends up in a contentious mentor-mentee relationship with Yi-young.

Lee Bong-ryun, 44, is a veteran stage and screen actress who has appeared in some of the most well-known Korean movies, including Okja, A Taxi Driver, Burning, Kim Ji Young: Born 1982, and I, The Executioner. On the K-drama front, she's known for her roles in While You Were Sleeping, Run On, Sweet Home, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Crash Course in Romance, and Destined With You.

Hong Na-hyun as Cha Da-hye

Second-year resident Cha Da-hye, who has a tough time supervising Jae-il, is played by Hong Na-hyun, 28. The musical actress made her K-drama debut in the 2022 romance K-drama May I Help You?, and had a supporting role in the 2023 thriller K-drama My Perfect Stranger.

Kim Hye-in as Myeong Eun-won

Reprising her role from Hospital Playlist, Kim Hye-in plays Myung Eun-won, the former resident who's now a fellow in the OB-GYN department (and an eventual antagonist for Yi-young). In addition to Hospital Playlist, the 32-year-old actress previously appeared in Entourage, She Would Never Know, and Yumi's Cells.

Lee Do-hye as Ki Eun-mi

Hospital Playlist alum Lee Do-hye also returns as Ki Eun-mi, now in her third year of residence after appearing as a first-year OB-GYN resident in season 2 of the original series. The 28-year-old actress previously appeared in several dramas, including Crash Landing on You, Dr. Romantic season 2, Snowdrop, Big Mouth, Crash Course in Romance, and Welcome to Samdal-ri.

At the start of the premiere, Dina is Ellie's best friend, a skilled fighter and treasured member of the Jackson commune, and has even won over grumpy Joel. Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that Ellie's more-than-friendly feelings toward Dina are reciprocated. As the pair slow-dance in front of the whole town (including Dina's ex-boyfriend Jesse, played by Beef's Young Mazino), they share a steamy kiss. Though only one episode has been released so far, fans of the video game on which the HBO hit is based know that Dina becomes a major character throughout the rest of the series, serving as Ellie's loving partner and guiding light as the show's plot takes a very dark turn. (Yes, seasons 2 and 3 are set to get even more devastating than season 1.)

The Last of Us may be Merced's breakout TV role, but the 23-year-old has already proven herself as one of Hollywood's most hard-working actresses. In just two months, she's set to become a full-fledged superstar with a role in one of 2025's most anticipated action movies. Read below to learn more about Isabela Merced before she becomes one of the year's biggest stars.

Isabela Merced is a Peruvian American Nickelodeon alum and former Broadway star.

Isabela Merced, born Isabela Moner, is a Peruvian American performer born in Cleveland, Ohio, in July 2001. She learned Spanish as her first language and lived with her mother's family in Huancayo, Peru for several months during her childhood, as reported by Teen Vogue. In 2008, her family's home burnt down in an electrical fire; the day after, she had her first audition for a production of The Sound of Music and landed the role.

Merced kept up with theater and, at age 10, had her Broadway debut in the revival of Evita, which starred Elena Roger and Ricky Martin. She went on to star as CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School, and she was a lead in the 2016 scripted Legends of the Hidden Temple movie. In addition to her acting roles, she started making music and released her debut album, Stopping Time, in September 2015.

She has appeared in the 'Alien' franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

After her Nickelodeon show ended in 2016, Merced crossed into film, with supporting turns in 2017's Transformers: The Last Knight, 2018's Sicario: Day of the Soldado, and 2018's Instant Family. In 2019, she starred as Dora the Explorer in the live-action film Dora and the Lost City of Gold.

She also changed her stage name that year to Isabela Merced, in honor of her maternal grandmother, Yolanda Merced Salazar, who "sacrificed a lot for her daughters to live out the American dream she had for them." She told Refinery29 at the time, "I believe some force, throughout all these years, has been giving my mom the strength and determination to guide me; a force that has been protecting us through so many journeys, trips, and experiences. I feel as though if that guardian angel would be anyone, it would be my grandma."

Merced had her biggest year yet in 2024, starring in three popular movies. First, she played Anya Corazón, a member of the girl trio (alongside Sydney Sweeney and Celeste O'Connor) in Sony/Marvel's Madame Web. Then, she starred as Aza Holmes in the film adaptation of John Green's coming-of-age novel Turtles All the Way Down. Finally, she played Kay Harrison in the horror franchise film Alien: Romulus.

She's set to play a major role in 'Superman' this summer.

Just months after her The Last of Us debut, Merced will return to the big screen in one of the biggest superhero movies this year. The multi-hyphenate is set to play Hawkgirl, real name Kendra Saunders, in the DC universe reboot of Superman, which releases this July. She'll become the first person to play a feature-film version of the character, though Hawkgirl has appeared in TV shows.

Most of the details of Merced's character and Superman's plot are still under wraps, but trailers have shown Hawkgirl flying through the city, in what is assumed to be a battle scene. Merced dropped a hint about her role in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "Every scene I'm flying, pretty much," she told the outlet. "But it's cool because I'm an adrenaline seeker. I like being dropped from really high heights. It's actually one of my favorite things."

In addition to possibly continuing playing Hawkgirl across the DC Studios slate, depending on the success of Superman, Merced also has hopes of returning to Broadway. "Not a revival. I want to do an original [show]", she says. "And then on top of that, I want to do a stoner comedy with two female leads. I love stoner comedies. However, I just don't see a lot of women leading them. And I love weed. I would be great for this. And I literally love Broad City. To me, that's a stoner show."

She says she's "looking forward" to any backlash towards Dina and Ellie's romance.

In recent years, Merced has spoken openly about several aspects of her identity and health journey, including living with PCOS and anxiety. She has also opened up about her sexuality since landing the role of Dina. In a New York Times article about Ellie and Dina's LGBTQ+ romance, Merced matter-of-factly stated, "I’ve been queer my whole life, so I never really thought about it." She also told Entertainment Weekly, "I mean, it's kind of my truth, so I don't see it as a thing even."

She continued, "The game was made so long ago. Gays have existed since the beginning of time, they were always there. I don't really see what the problem is. I don't see what we're trying to say or complain about. Not only that, it's just a beautiful story. If anything isn't successful, I promise you it’s because of the quality of the work, not because of themes. Any theme can be done properly if it's done by a good artist and executed with care and consideration. I guess everything in this story ends with tragedy. However, in my opinion, this is a successful sapphic story. It's beautiful and we win in the end. There's a lot of winning for this sapphic couple. I'm just really, really excited for people to see that."

She also told Entertainment Weekly that she's prepared to face whatever prejudiced criticism the show gets in response to the storyline. "I'm kind of looking forward to the backlash,” she added. “I don't know how to describe it. I'm not scared because the gays have existed since the beginning of time. The thing is, if you have the gays, you have the world as well. If you have their support, you are fine.

One of these standout junior doctors is Melissa "Mel" King, a second-year emergency-medicine resident played by Taylor Dearden. Throughout The Pitt's first season, the caring and cheerful doctor has become one of the series' fan-favorite characters and has been lauded as an important portrayal of neurodivergence on television. In real life, Dearden is a rising star who shares many similarities with her character. Below, read on to learn more about The Pitt star Taylor Dearden, including her hopes for Mel in The Pitt season 2.

Taylor Dearden is the daughter of acclaimed actor Bryan Cranston.

Taylor Dearden Cranston, 32, is an L.A. native and third-generation actor. She was born in February 1993 to actors Bryan Cranston and Robin Gale Dearden. She made her television debut appearance in a season 3 episode of her father's iconic crime series Breaking Bad and went on to star in short films and a web series before graduating from the University of Southern California with a theater degree.

Before The Pitt, Taylor primarily starred in cult-hit TV series, including the MTV buddy dramedy Sweet/Vicious and the Netflix mockumentary American Vandal. She also had a small role in the Apple TV+ drama For All Mankind.

Her real-life experience with ADHD helped inform her character Mel.

From the first episodes of The Pitt, fans recognized that Mel King exhibited characteristics common to neurodivergence herself, in addition to being a caretaker for her twin sister, who's on the autism spectrum. Though it hasn't been confirmed in the show, Dearden has been vocal in interviews about how she pushed for Mel to have ADHD on the show, a condition that the actress shares in real life.

"I’m neurodivergent, so I think it’s really coming from me,” Dearden said when asked about Mel's neurodivergent coding in a Decider interview. “I have severe ADHD. So we’re on the same spectrum now as autism, which was I think for all ADHD people was like, ‘Ohhhhh.’ And then all autistic people are like, ‘That’s why we got along with them.’ I’ve never really seen a character, especially with ADHD, but being on the same spectrum, it just feels, it felt right anyway.”

While speaking with Collider, Dearden explained that Mel's unspecified neurodiversity became "a bit of a superpower" during season 1's mass shooting arc, where the resident managed to stay extremely calm under pressure.

"I'm on the same ADHD/autism spectrum, and something that we're really good at is emergencies," she said of herself and her character. "Apparently, we are overly represented in every emergency department, which is fine because Langdon actually has that line of, 'Well, we all have ADHD. What else would we be doing?' There's a thing that clicks in us with an emergency—I don't know how to describe it except as a superpower—and we're able to just see every individual problem without getting overwhelmed. We're the ones who run towards the fire, often. That's another one: fire departments are heavily ADHD."

She thinks her character Mel as asexual (and therefore maybe won't end up with Langdon).

Sorry to Pittheads who've been shipping Mel with Dr. Langdon (played by Patrick Ball), but Dearden doesn't think romance is in the cards for the mentor and mentee. In fact, in an interview with USA Today, the actress hinted that Mel isn't likely to have a workplace romance arc.

"I think Mel is asexual. I don’t think that’s part of how Mel would think—especially at work. She’s a hyper professional," she told the outlet. When asked about the fan response to Mel and Langdon's friendship, she added, "I didn’t know people were thinking that. That’s really funny. The funny thing is Patrick [Ball] is always like, ‘God, you remind me of my sister.'"

Dearden also recalled her and Ball's initial reaction to the shipping in an interview with Vulture.

"That was never a thought in my mind, playing Mel. I don’t think she has time for romance or ever has had time. I don’t think that’s really in her brain at all," she said. "When someone said that, I burst out laughing, and I texted Patrick, like, 'Wait, why are they shipping us?' He’s like, 'I have no idea.' He made a really good point. He goes, 'Yes, but isn’t it fortunate that we get to show a really close friendship between a man and a woman and not be sexualized?' I went, 'Yes, you’re right.' I think having Mel around really softens him and makes him listen more and slow down. And I think Mel gets so much of a confidence boost from Langdon because he’ll take the time to say, 'Hey, look at me: That was great.' That’s all Mel’s ever wanted."

She has one big wish for Mel in 'The Pitt' season 2.

With season 2 of The Pitt set to start filming just weeks after the season 1 finale, Dearden has shared her hopes for Mel's storyline in the upcoming episodes. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actress revealed that she wants Mel to have an ally who truly understands her thinking.

"I would love to see some friendship, to have something more on the peer level, or someone who genuinely tries to understand Mel’s neurodivergence," she said. "With me, it’s so helpful to have either a partner or friends who know what your neurodivergence is so that, when I will inevitably put my foot in my mouth, they’ll be able to come in and go, 'She means this.' To not have any ally like that at work with such an intense job would be really tough—to just constantly be misunderstood, without anyone trying to understand. I’d love to see someone get it and latch on."

She’s what’s known in medical circles as a “gunner.” Overly ambitious, unnecessarily competitive, ungovernable, and conceited. Santos was the antithesis of the show’s more timid, saccharine med students. They were overwhelmed, emotional, and constantly seeking approval. She was desperate to insert a chest tube. They were fainting at the sight of blood, getting sprayed by bodily fluids, and self-soothing to a lava lamp app. She was bullying people with insulting, uninspired nicknames and threading balloons into bleeding aortas. They gave out teddy bears. She gave a flirty surgical resident an open wound courtesy of an ill-timed scalpel pass.

In other words, if TV has some kind of unlikability lab, that’s where Trinity Santos was cooked up.

It didn’t help that she was also the de-facto nemesis of the show’s resident bad boy, a blue-eyed, chiseled-jaw in black scrubs with a maverick streak who was impossible not to love. Patrick Ball’s Frank Langdon is the kind of thirst trap that can only be treated with a steady saline drip and a mandatory psych hold, and yet, Santos spent the better part of the season bickering with him over cases, questioning his authority, and investigating his misuse of patient meds. Her dogged crusade to expose his drug addiction might have been the right call, ethically speaking, but it certainly didn’t endear her to audiences already frustrated by her arrogance and lack of self-awareness. And it would’ve been easy, understandable even, for a show as ambitious as The Pitt—where each episode spans just one hour in the hellish bowels of a trauma one center—to keep a character like Santos two-dimensional. She’s the sarcastic shit stirrer meant to make us appreciate the Mel Kings and Victoria Javadis and Dennis Whitakers of the world. She’s more interested in cracking open a man’s sternum like a pistachio to see how things work than being a do-gooder healing the sick. These two things are not the same, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for the Trinity Santoses of the world in medicine…and on TV.

The Pitt’s sixth episode is when the show began to make the case for Santos as a character worthy of, if not redemption, at least respect. When the wife of a patient reveals her suspicions that her husband’s been molesting their pre-teen daughter, Santos takes it upon herself to advocate for the girl despite pushback from her advising attendings. She’s bumbling and awkward with the kid and out of her depth with the man’s wife—a woman so desperate she’s begun microdosing her husband’s coffee with progesterone to curb his libido—but she refuses to accept that simply treating his wounds is the only difference she can make in an impossible situation. While he’s prone and practically paralyzed on a gurney, Santos delivers a devastating monologue, hinting at her own past experiences with predators in positions of power before quietly threatening the man should he ever hurt his daughter again. It’s a powerful turning point for her and for us—the first time cracks begin to form in her armor of sarcasm and snark to show the kind of vulnerability and compassion that lurk underneath.

And just as The Pitt constantly forced its characters to confront their own preconceived biases when treating patients, we were asked to confront why a character like Trinity Santos so easily got under our skin. After all, she was molded from the same cowboy doctor archetype as Ball’s Langdon, the pair so similar they couldn’t help but clash, two like-charged particles repelling each other in explosive fashion. What was amusing, endearing, and impressive about Langdon—his cocksure attitude, his thwarting of the rules, and his nonconformist approach to practicing medicine—was off-putting, irresponsible, and dangerous in Santos. Assertiveness, decisiveness, independence—these are traits we inadvertently think of as masculine, so when Langdon expressed them, they felt familiar and comfortable. But when Santos co-opted them, we called her difficult, unfeeling, and an asshole.

And she couldn’t win by playing the empathy card either. While the softness and sensitivity of someone like Dr. King (Taylor Dearden) was praised by her fellow doctors and viewers as refreshing and progressive, when Santos tried to exhibit the same—in her own, admittedly clumsy way—she was accused by her superiors of overstepping and possessing a bad bedside manner. Her sincere attempt to bond with Whitaker (Gerran Howell) and Javadi (Shabana Azeez) fell flat because they didn’t come with full-fledged apologies and self-censure. (As if anyone has time amidst all the antiseptic and adrenaline to say sorry for things that happened hours earlier.)

Even now, after her kickass heroics performed during a mass casualty event and her heartwarming campaign to prove to a suicidal college kid that his life was worth living, for some, that won’t be enough. The show’s season finale dug up nuggets of Santos’s childhood trauma, tying her experiences back to patient interactions that happened in earlier episodes in an attempt to answer our “why.”

Why was she so resistant to male authority? Why did she react so strongly to claims of child sex abuse? Because she had been preyed on before.

Why was she so harsh when confronting teenagers overdosing on fentanyl? Why couldn’t she ignore Langdon’s addiction problem? Why did she fight to treat a patient’s mental illness with the same attention and care afforded to his physical trauma? Because she lost someone in a horrific way and is constantly trying to prevent the same outcome in the people she treats.

She’s not pleasant or personable even when she’s extending an olive branch to Whitaker. After discovering he’s broke and living in the hospital, she’s still hurling harsh nicknames and psychologically torturing him for giggles. She’s not likable, but she’s not unlikable either. She’s flawed and nuanced, a female character so complex she can polarize audiences and inspire entire think pieces about her many, many layers. (This one included.)

She’s interesting, unpredictable even, and she’s someone who, despite her shortcomings, feels worth rooting for. She’s not the worst character on this show, but she might just be the most watchable.

The series is set over 10 days as a money clock slowly climbs towards the full million, and whichever cast members are still in the house when the pot reaches its maximum will split the remaining money evenly. However, the contestants also randomly get chances to escape the locked house and make a run for the property's front gate a quarter-mile away. If they can make it before the rest of the cast closes the gate, they'll take whatever money's currently on the clock with them.

To make up the show's cast, Hulu recruited 10 familiar faces from the most popular reality franchises—from the Bachelor franchise to Real Housewives to The Hills—and 10 newcomers hoping for TV fame. Read on for everything to know about the cast of Got to Get Out.

Athena Suich

Instagram: @firefitwoman

Location: Marina, CA

Background: Firefighter and CrossFit athlete

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Athena Vas

Instagram: @iamathenavas

Location: Queens, NY; L.A., CA

Background: Mathematician and content creator

Reality Show Alum? The Bachelor: Greece

Clare Crawley

Instagram: @clarecrawley

Background: TV personality and former hairstylist

Reality Show Alum? The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and Bachelor Winter Games

Cynthia Bailey

Instagram: @cynthiabailey

Background: Model, actress, and TV personality

Reality Show Alum? The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip

Demi Burnett

Instagram: @demi_not_lovato

Background: Part of the Bachelor franchise's first same-sex relationship, lives on the autism spectrum and speaks out about destigmatizing neurodivergence

Reality Show Alum? The Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise

Jill Ashlock

Instagram: @jillashlock

Location: Roanoke, VA

Background: Private investigator and content creator

Reality Show Alum? Netflix's Outlast

Kim Zolciak-Biermann

Instagram: @kimzolciakbiermann

Background: TV personality, singer

Reality Show Alum? The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Don't Be Tardy..., Dancing With the Stars, and The Surreal Life

Lindsey Coffey

Instagram: @lindseymariecoffey

Location: Centerville, PA; Brooklyn, NY

Background: Model, environmental activist, and Miss Earth 2020

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Nick Metzler

Instagram: @nickmetzler1

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Background: Award-winning game designer

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Omarosa

Instagram: @omarosa

Background: TV personality, former political aide

Reality Show Alum? The Apprentice, Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Big Brother, and House of Villains

Rashad Jennings

Instagram: @rashadjennings

Background: Former pro football player

Reality Show Alum? Dancing with the Stars

Rob Roman

Instagram: @itsrobroman

Location: Jersey City, NJ

Background: Police sergeant

Reality Show Alum? Squid Game: The Challenge

Shane Dougherty

Instagram: @xshanedougherty

Location: Upland, MA

Background: Former undefeated MMA champion, celebrity DJ

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Spencer Pratt

Instagram: @spencerpratt

Background: TV personality

Reality Show Alum? The Hills, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother, Marriage Boot Camp, and House of Villians

Stein Retzlaff

Instagram: @steinretzlaff

Hometown: Olympic Valley, CA

Background: Adventure producer

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Steve Helling

Instagram: @stevehelling

Location: Orlando, FL

Background: True-crime writer, former PEOPLE reality TV reporter, and TV producer/host

Reality Show Alum? N/A

Steven Giannopoulos

Instagram: @stavrosgianno_

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Background: Firefighter, content creator

Reality Show Alum? Big Brother Canada

Susan Noles

Instagram: @thesusannoles

Background: TV personality, former hair and makeup artist, and wedding officiant

Reality Show Alum? The Golden Bachelor

Val Chmerkovskiy

Instagram: @valentin

Background: Professional dancer and two-time world champion

Reality Show Alum? Dancing with the Stars

Yahné Coleman

Instagram: @yahneofficial

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA; L.A., CA

Background: TikTok influencer with 2.9 million followers

Reality Show Alum? N/A

The first season of the must-watch series, which comes from two of the writers of ER, climaxed with a mass shooting at a fictional music festival that pushed the medical professionals to their physical and emotional limits. But it won’t be the last we see of the doctors at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center; Max quickly greenlit a second season that will begin filming this summer and will jump forward in time when it returns in 2026. Below, find out everything we know so far about The Pitt season 2.

How does 'The Pitt' season 1 end?

Spoilers for the entire first season of The Pitt ahead. One thing is for sure: The Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital employees deserve a break after the stressful events of their 15-hour shift that makes up the first season of The Pitt. Leading up to the finale, Dr. Robby’s ER and trauma center is overrun by victims of a mass shooter at PittFest, and things get personal when Dr. Robby’s adoptive son Jake (Taj Speights) arrives with his girlfriend Leah (Sloan Mannino), whom Dr. Robby is unable to save. In his grief, Jake blames Dr. Robby for her death, triggering the attending’s PTSD related to the death of his mentor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things don’t necessarily get better in the finale. Jake’s grief leads him to say hurtful things to Dr. Robby, who also has to deliver the awful news to Leah’s parents. Their loud sobs send our main character into another tailspin. He seeks refuge on the roof, and Dr. Abbott (Shawn Hatosy) finds Dr. Robby in a similar position to himself at the start of Dr. Robby’s shift—a mirror image of the two doctors' first scene together in the show’s pilot. They talk about their trauma and high expectations of themselves, and Dr. Abbott offers Dr. Robby his therapist’s number. Here’s to hoping he takes it.

With the shooting victims mostly taken care of (and almost all of them saved by the medical attention they received), the most prominent case left during the shift is the teenager with measles whose parents are refusing to consent to a spinal tap, which would help guide his treatment. The father finally gives the doctors the green light, though it becomes clear that this was a one-sided decision; the mother barges in right as Dr. King (Taylor Dearden) finishes the procedure, livid that they’d do this without her go-ahead. The series implies that this treatment will likely save his life, but a potential measles outbreak could be a plot point in the next season.

David (Jackson Kelly), the teen who allegedly wrote a hit list, also remains in the hospital under a 72-hour observation after Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif) reported him to the police as the potential PittFest shooter. Though he’s angry at the world, Dr. McKay’s impassioned speech about violence against women seems to impact him—especially when she asks him to consider how it would feel if his mother was one of the victims. Dr. McKay also evades arrest related to her ankle monitor tampering when her coworkers convince the police to allow her to deal with it in the morning.

There are still a few threads left intentionally vague for the next season: Dr. Langdon’s (Patrick Ball) future at the hospital is in jeopardy after Dr. Santos (Isa Briones) reported his drug pilfering. When he repeatedly begs for his job, Dr. Robby counters with an extensive outpatient drug addiction program, and it’s unclear if Langdon is desperate enough to agree to those terms. Nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) also hasn’t committed to quitting her job after being on the receiving end of a disgruntled patient’s fist, but she does remove the personal photos from her station, implying that she’s taking the option seriously. And if it’s her last shift in the ER, at least it ends on some good news from the police: Doug Driscoll (Drew Powell), the guy who punched her, has been arrested.

As the first season wraps up, the toll of the 15-hour shift is hitting everyone, not just Dr. Robby. Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) feels loopy during an adrenaline rush before breaking down in the bathroom as she processes her day; Dr. Santos displays some uncharacteristic bedside manner when helping a patient she suspects of a suicide attempt, and then extends this generosity to Whitaker (Gerran Howell) with an offer to be roommates when she finds out he’s been sleeping at the hospital because he doesn’t have an apartment; Javadi (Shabana Azeez) joins a group of coworkers—including Nurse Diaz (Jalen Thomas Brooks), on whom she has a crush—in the park for drinks to debrief on the day. Dr. Robby and Dr. Abbott arrive for a beer, and the latter is revealed to have an amputated leg, presumably from his days in the army.

After laughing about what a crazy first day on the job this was for Javadi, Dr. Robby peels off from the group early. “Tomorrow is another day,” he says, before finally heading home from the day from hell.

Is 'The Pitt' renewed for season 2?

The Pitt was officially announced for a season 2 renewal in February 2025, though the series was likely renewed even before the announcement, given its fast-paced production schedule. “It’s been a thrill to watch audiences embrace The Pitt as an update to procedural storytelling with a cast who authentically embody the heroics of doctors and nurses on shift in a 2025 emergency room, Max Original Programming head Sarah Aubrey told Deadline when the renewal was announced.

When will 'The Pitt' season 2 come out?

In an interview with Vulture, HBO chief Casey Bloys confirmed that new episodes of The Pitt will stream in January 2026. The short break between seasons is by design: “This model of more episodes cuts down on the gap between seasons. On the platform, we have shows like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and White Lotus, which, because of how they’re made, can take two years to make. What I love about something like The Pitt is I can get 15 episodes in a year,” Bloys said about the quick renewal and production schedule.

During Deadline’s TV Contenders event on April 5, 2025, the producers confirmed the second season is already in production. Wyle even tapped the audience for guest and background extra work, saying, “We want people who are good with props and who are used to working in a company, with an ensemble. We want creativity. We want passion. We don’t want ego coming to play. We have tremendous people showing up excited.” Variety’s April 2025 cover story on Wyle provided more color, revealing that the season 2 writer’s room is underway, with filming beginning in June 2025.

Who in the 'The Pitt' cast will return for season 2?

The Pitt features an ensemble cast including Noah Wyle as the central Dr. Robby,

Tracy Ifeachor as his former flame Dr. Heather Collins, Patrick Ball as the alleged drug addict Dr. Frank Langdon, Supriya Ganesh as the meticulous Dr. Samira Mohan, Fiona Dourif as the ankle-monitored Dr. Cassie McKay, Taylor Dearden as the compassionate Dr. Melissa King, Isa Briones as the abrasive Dr. Trinity Santos, Gerran Howell as the body fluid magnet med student Dr. Dennis Whitaker, Shabana Azeez as Dr. Victoria Javadi, the med student with everything to prove, and Katherine LaNasa as Dr. Robby’s right hand woman Nurse Dana Evans.

These faces made up the first season, which focused on the hospital’s day shift employees, and season 2 may highlight those on the night shift (including Shawn Hatosy as Dr. Robby’s counterpart Dr. Jack Abbott, Ken Kirby as senior attending Dr. John Shen, and Ayesha Harris as Dr. Parker Ellis, a night shift resident whom we saw at the tail-end of season 1). Series creator R. Scott Gemmill told TVLine that the writers “have a surprise” for Dr. Abbott next season and that new characters will cycle in as well, as “there’s always new people coming in and out of the hospital.”

Max has not announced any additional cast updates yet, but Gemmill revealed that “the biggest driver of [the season 2 time jump is] Langdon,” meaning we’re likely to see familiar faces in the sophomore season. He also confirmed that the time jump will aid Nurse Evans’s return to the ER: “If next season were to take place the next day or the next week, you wouldn’t see Dana,” he told TVLine. “When she comes back, she’s going to have a bit of an attitude adjustment, though. She’ll be even less tolerant of bullshit. She’s going to be much more protective of her flock.”

What will 'The Pitt' season 2 be about?

The second installment of the medical drama will follow a similar format, shadowing the ER doctors across another brisk 15-hour shift. This time, producers confirmed to Deadline that the shift will fall on the busy July 4th weekend, 10 months after the events of the season 1 finale. And if there’s one thing the plethora of medical shows have taught us, it’s that holiday weekends are eventful, to say the least.

In the new docuseries Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, the unregulated world of child influencers gets a harrowing spotlight courtesy of Netflix. The new true-crime series features the former collaborators of YouTube star Piper Rockelle, who rose to fame and amassed millions of views from her challenge videos featuring her "Squad" of friends. While the performers appeared to be happy-go-lucky kids on-screen, the children allege that they faced verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse from Piper's momager, Tiffany Smith, who ran her daughter's empire. In the words of one of the former members, Claire RockSmith, "Tiffany took our innocence and just destroyed it."

Since Bad Influence premiered on Netflix on April 9, 2025, viewers have wondered whether the documentary's subjects are still following their dreams of stardom. Read on to see where the former Squad members from Bad Influence are today, including how they've reacted to the Netflix docuseries' release.

Claire RockSmith

Joined The Squad: In 2020, at age 12

Current age: 16

Claire RockSmith is Piper Rockvile's cousin by marriage, as her mom, Ashley RockSmith, is married to Piper's aunt, Patience RockSmith. According to the doc, both Claire and her younger sister, Reese, were fans of Piper's content first, as they were living in Georgia during the initial years of the Squad. In 2020, the RockSmith family moved from Georgia to Las Vegas, and the sisters became official members of the Squad when they went to L.A. to visit Piper.

In the doc, Claire accuses Tiffany of sexually harassing her. She also recalls standing up to Tiffany in 2021, after which Tiffany yelled and cursed at both Claire and another Squad member, Elliana. Ashley witnessed the fight and pulled Claire out of the Squad in June 2021. After leaving, Claire faced a hate campaign from Piper's fans; Ashley alleges that Tiffany was behind some accounts. Claire and 10 other former Squad members brought a lawsuit against Tiffany and her boyfriend, Hunter, who edited and creative-directed the Squad's videos.

Today, Claire is a YouTuber and actress, who is still friends with former Squad member Sophie Fergi. On the day of Bad Influence's premiere, Claire shared an emotional TikTok in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, captioned, "I am a survivor."

"To all of those who are afraid to speak out, don’t want to break apart their family, who are justifying it because it is family, minimizing it, who don’t want to be told that they’re lying, who don’t even realize it yet, who don’t know what to do, who don’t know who to tell or where to start, who are being told to forget about it, who are being told that’s not what’s going on, who are being manipulated, and who is still actively going through it, I see you," she wrote. "I just know that you are going to be ok and you are going to heal from this. You are not alone. I am so sorry for everyone who has experienced this and I love you all."

Corinne Joy

Joined the Squad: In 2018, at age 11

Current age: 17

Corrine Joy met Piper in 2017 when she auditioned to be her backup dancer on the short-lived reality show Dance Twins (which has seemingly been scrubbed from the internet). Per Corrine and her mother Steevy Areeco, Piper and Corrine became fast friends, and Corrine was an original member of The Squad, which formed in 2018.

The then 12-year-old was eventually one of the first Squad members to leave in 2019, after she told Steevy about some of Tiffany's escalating inappropriate behavior. Corrine alleges that she was "blacklisted" from her former friends after leaving; she immediately started losing a large amount of views, which also eventually happened to other members of the Squad when they left. In 2022, Corrine was named as one of the defendants in the lawsuit against Tiffany.

Corrine currently has over a million followers on TikTok, and according to her bio, she's training to become a professional wrestler.

Jentzen Ramirez

Joined the Squad: In 2019, at age 13 or 14

Current age: 18

Jentzen Ramirez does not appear in the documentary, but his mother, Johna Ramirez, does. According to her, Tiffany would always make up reasons for the Squad's parents not to be present while they were filming. When Johna pushed back against one of Tiffany's video concepts (a traumatizing prank where a kid was "arrested" by the police), she teamed up with another mother, Jenn Bryant, to have their sons Walker and Jentzen leave the Squad.

However, per the doc, Jentzen's father spoke with Tiffany and eventually decided to have Jentzen rejoin the Squad, despite Johna's objection. Johna claims that since then, Tiffany has driven a wedge between her and Jentzen. When Johna divorced her husband and tried to get custody of Jentzen to "protect him" from the Squad, Tiffany allegedly encouraged the teen to emancipate and stay in the Squad with the support of his father.

Today, Jentzen is still active on YouTube, with 2.85 million subscribers, and on TikTok, where he's amassed 2.9 million followers. He appears to have stepped back from making content with Piper, though he still collaborates with former Squad member Elliana Walmsley, 17. It is unknown whether Jentzen and Johna have reconciled.

Reese RockSmith

Joined the Squad: In 2020, at age 8 or 9

Current age: 13

Reese RockSmith, Piper's cousin by marriage and Claire's little sister, was the youngest member of the Squad. During her brief appearances in the series, Reese accuses Tiffany of sexually harassing her and touching her inappropriately.

Reese is now 13-years-old. She still has Instagram and TikTok accounts managed by her family, but she doesn't post often. On the day of Bad Influence's release, she posted a TikTok for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

"Thank you to everyone who has been there for me over these past couple of years, and thank you guys for all of the love and support," she wrote in the caption. "I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. Thank you."

Sawyer Sharbino

Joined the Squad: In 2018, at age 13

Current age: 19

Sawyer Sharbino joined YouTube when he was 8 or 9 and started making videos with Piper in 2018. In the doc, he says he handed over his channel login to Tiffany's boyfriend Hunter, who helped manage the Squad. Sawyer's mother, Angela Sharbino, claims that Sawyer was never paid for being in Piper's videos. His personal YouTube channel brought in an income of "up to $50,000 a month." In the doc, Sawyer describes filming as "work," saying, "Maybe one out of 50 videos you film you actually enjoyed and were yourself in."

In February 2021, Sawyer left the Squad and subsequently faced a hate campaign from Piper's fans. Sawyer alleges that Tiffany and Hunter used several tactics to tank the views on his account, including mass-reporting his videos and embedding them on adult websites. He also joined the 2022 lawsuit.

Today, Sawyer is a singer and influencer with over a million followers on his Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts. He released his debut EP, manipulate, in late 2023. On the day of Bad Influence's release, Sawyer posted an Instagram clip with Sophie Fergi and Walker Bryant, with text reading, "Let it all go."

Sophie Fergi

Joined the Squad: In 2018, at age 11

Current age: 17

Sophie met Piper when they were both cast members on the Brat web series Mani. The kids became best friends and YouTube collaborators, and Sophie eventually became one of The Squad's most popular original members.

Upon moving to L.A. in 2019, Sophie and her mother, Heather Nichole, moved in with Piper, Tiffany, and Hunter, even though Sophie says in the doc that she was uncomfortable living with Tiffany. According to Sophie, The Squad members worked over 12 hours a day, filming 10 to 15 videos, every day of the week. Sophie also accuses Tiffany of discussing sexual acts with the then 12-year-old, and of unlocking her room when she was asleep and touching her inappropriately.

According to Sophie and Heather, Tiffany's abusive behavior continued to escalate, but they did not leave because of their love for Piper. After an explosive argument in September 2020, Tiffany demanded that Heather give up parental rights to Sophie in order for Sophie to remain in The Squad, and that was the final straw. Once they left, Tiffany allegedly ordered all the kids, including Piper and Sophie's boyfriend Jentzen, to cut off contact. Both Sophie and Heather also allege that Tiffany would message with fans under Piper's name, influencing them to start hate campaigns on her.

Today, Sophie has 2 million followers on Instagram and over 6 million on TikTok. She also co-hosts the podcast "Girl Talk." On the day following Bad Influence's release, she posted a Reel thanking fans for supporting her during the doc's release. She wrote in the caption, "I never knew if I would ever be able to talk on the situation and I am so proud of everyone who spoke up, little Sophie would be so happy to know that her story got out."

Netflix's new true-crime docuseries Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing unveils the hidden manipulation behind one of the Internet's most successful child influencers. Piper Rockelle, a now 17-year-old social media personality, grew up on the internet, as she and her momager, Tiffany Smith, amassed millions of followers and millions of dollars through their viral content, which featured other dedicated kid collaborators known as Piper's Squad.

Despite playing the parts of happy teenagers doing challenges and falling in love in videos, behind the scenes, the Squad was allegedly exploited and harassed by the adults in charge, leading to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. Now that Bad Influence has arrived on Netflix, highlighting the kids' ordeal, many viewers wonder what Piper has been up to since the docuseries' events. Read on to learn about Piper Rockelle and Tiffany Smith and where they are now after Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.

Who is Piper Rockelle?

Piper Rockelle was born in Georgia in August 2007 to her then-26-year-old single mother, Tiffany Smith. Tiffany homeschooled Piper and began enrolling her in pageants at 3-years-old. At 8, Piper began posting social media content. She started out on Musical.ly, the short-form video app that eventually became TikTok. Within a few years, she also had successful accounts on YouTube and Instagram, with Tiffany managing her social media empire.

In 2017, Piper and Tiffany moved to L.A. as their success propelled them to more opportunities. At this time, Tiffany began working closely with Hunter Hill, a video editor and creative director. He was introduced on-camera as Piper's older brother, but, in reality, he was Tiffany's younger boyfriend. As is common with influencers, Piper began collaborating frequently with other YouTubers around her age. From 2017 to 2020, Tiffany formalized the frequent collabs into a content creation group called The Squad, which racked millions of views off their challenge and prank content.

Outside of social media, Piper pursued acting in the web series Mani and Chicken Girls, and she has released music since 2019. The influencer also appeared on the short-lived reality show Dance Twins, which appears to have been scrubbed from the internet. By 2022, Piper had 10 million YouTube subscribers and earned up to $625,000 per month from her channel, according to The Los Angeles Times.

What happened to Piper Rockelle's Squad?

From 2017 to 2020, Piper Rockelle's Squad featured nearly a dozen members. Some key members included Sophie Fergi, Hayden Haas, Symonne Harrison, Corinne Joy, Gavin Magnus, Jentzen Ramirez, Claire RockSmith, and Sawyer Sharbino.

According to Bad Influence, The Squad allegedly filmed multiple videos per day produced by Tiffany and Hunter, in which the kids participated in viral challenges, performed dances, and did over-the-top pranks. One of the content's consistent themes was dating and relationships, where the teens would be matched up in couples and staged romantic scenarios, including kissing.

In the docuseries, several former members of The Squad allege that they were manipulated and exploited by Tiffany and Hunter, including being pulled into uncomfortable sexual situations both on and off camera. Their parents also allege that they were not allowed to be around their kids during filming, and they only heard about the incidents after the fact. Eventually, several Squad families distanced themselves from Tiffany, at which point they were allegedly iced out by the rest of The Squad and retaliated against by Tiffany and Hunter.

Did Piper Rockelle's mother, Tiffany Smith, go to jail?

In January 2022, 11 former members of The Squad filed a lawsuit against Tiffany and Hunter, accusing them of "emotional, verbal, physical, and at times, sexual abuse." According to PEOPLE, the teens "also allege[d] they were unpaid for their contributions though it's unclear if they were ever promised payment." When the kids left The Squad, the complaint claims, Tiffany and Hunter allegedly "conspired to 'intentionally interfere with and sabotage' their 'individual YouTube channels' by using bots and false reporting/flagging to drive down their views 'thereby significantly diminishing' their own revenue."

The lawsuit also included several instances of "inappropriate, offensive and abusive treatment" mentioned in the documentary, including Tiffany asking the teens about their sex life, "shouting obscene and sexually graphic phrases" at them, making comments about their genitalia, and "encouraging" them to be "sexy" and "sexually aggressive" in videos. It also included the claim that Tiffany allegedly mailed "Piper's soiled training bras and panties" to a man who liked to "sniff" them.

Each former Squad member involved in the claim asked for around $2 million in damages (over $22 million total) from the defendants, including Tiffany and Hunter as individuals and Piper Rockwell Inc.

Speaking to NBC News, Ashley Anne-Rock Smith, mother of two plaintiffs, explained, "I just want peace back with my kids. I want all predators who hurt young kids to be brought to justice. I also hope we move the needle on these platforms that are allowing this."

Tiffany has steadfastly denied all allegations made by former members of The Squad since the initial lawsuit was filed. According to NBC News, she also countersued for $30 million in July 2022, claiming that the teens's mothers were trying to extort her, but she dropped her case the following October. Trial proceedings for the case began in April 2023.

In October 2024, the lawsuit was settled "without any admission of liability or the validity or lack thereof of any claims or defenses," per PEOPLE. The $1.85 million settlement was meant to be split among the 11 defendants.

Tiffany addressed the settlement in a statement to PEOPLE before the release of Bad Influence. "Obviously, we didn’t do anything that was alleged, but sadly, money is a big motivator for certain personalities in this world," she told the outlet. "We made the decision to put this behind us because honestly, prolonged litigation would be even more harmful and painful to everyone involved."

Speaking to Tudum, Bad Influence co-director Kief Davidson said of the fallout, "I think that, so far, Tiffany has gotten off the hook. She’s a very smart businesswoman in a lot of ways and knows how to work the system. I just hope at the end of the day that this documentary becomes a real conversation piece for families and their kids to at least know what to look out for. And there are ways to do this safely. [If kids and parents continue to do this,] we have to find a way to put safeguards in place."

Where is Piper Rockelle now?

Though Tiffany faced online backlash after the suit was filed, Piper's social media empire has largely gone unaffected. In February 2022, YouTube revealed that it had demonetized the Piper Rockwell channel and removed it from its Partner Program after Insider reached out to request comment on the allegations against Tiffany.

Piper is now 17-years-old and still works as a social media influencer. At the time of Bad Influence's April 2025 premiere, she has 6 million Instagram followers, 12.1 million YouTube subscribers, and 14.9 million TikTok followers. She is also involved with the subscription-style creator platform Brand Army, and she has recently received backlash for collaborating with adult creators at the influencer collective Bop House. Piper is still seemingly managed and directed by Tiffany and Hunter.

In a March 2025 statement to PEOPLE, Piper describes the legal ordeal as "extremely painful and, honestly, hard to understand. Not just because of the people making ridiculous claims about me and my family—but also how the media has been."

"It's been incredibly hard because the media and social media have been relentless and so hurtful, without understanding or even trying to understand the truth," she included. "It's become impossible to even look at my phone or do normal, day-to-day things. It's been so incredibly painful. Thank goodness for my family. And thank goodness this is finally behind us."

Before the finale, the Southern California native and In-N-Out line cook had largely flown under the radar as a friendly face to the cast. However, once she became the millionaire, Cara quickly showed off her skill by lying about a clue that could identify her and throwing the penultimate laser challenge, which led to her teammate Sydnee Falkner's elimination.

Once Cara and her close friends Corey Niles and Samantha "Sam" Hubbard were the three finalists left standing, Cara decided to influence Corey to believe she was the millionaire, so he would steal her box while she was sent out of the trophy room. When she returned, not knowing whether he'd called her bluff, Cara traded the box in front of her with Corey...and became Million Dollar Secret's first-ever winner. Below, read on to learn more about Cara Kies and what was going through her head as she played the season-long game.

Cara Kies is married to her high-school sweetheart.

Cara grew up near L.A. and is still based in Southern California today, where she spends lots of bonding time with her close-knit family, as seen on her Instagram. She has been married to her husband, Andreas Kies, for seven years, and they share a fur baby named Banks. Over the years, Cara has shared several anniversary posts with her high school sweetheart.

"10 years ago today my sweet Andreas Kies broke the ultimate friend zone and took me on our first date!" Cara wrote in her 2023 anniversary tribute. "Ever since that day he has never failed to show me just how much he loves and cares about me. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world having him as my best friend. Cheers to 6 years of marriage and a lifetime to go! I love you so dang much."

Cara is a certified "gamer" and reality TV fan.

Despite her friendly, unassuming demeanor in the first episodes of Million Dollar Secret, Cara described herself as a "gamer" who "grew up watching The Challenge, Big Brother, and Survivor," in an interview with Tudum. "I always dreamed about being on a show like this. I’ve studied these shows and always wondered, 'What would I do if I was there?'"

Some of Cara's strategy that didn't make it into early episodes included being sparse with the personal details of her life while getting to know every player on a deeper level. "You can’t be too loud, and you can’t be too quiet," she says of the show. As for her gameplay as the millionaire, Cara credited her natural instincts for getting her across the finish line.

"I’ve always had that intuition since I was a little girl. I think God blessed me with incredible discernment, and I’ve always used it to the best of my ability," she told the outlet. "I knew that was going to be my one plus in this game. I get nervous speaking to people unless I get to know you, so I knew that wasn’t going to be my strength. I stayed true to myself and trusted my intuition the whole time, every single move I made."

Cara went back to work at In-N-Out after filming 'Million Dollar Secret' and kept her prize money a secret.

After the finale hit streaming, Cara revealed what she has been up to since Million Dollar Secret was filmed in May 2024. Since she had to keep her win a secret until the show was aired, the 29-year-old went back to her service-industry job.

"I went back to flipping burgers," she told Tudum. "No one even knew I was gone. When the show came out, [my co-workers] were like, When did you go? We didn't know you even left for a month. It’s just been crazy having this huge secret that no one knows. It’s such a weird feeling. I'm so grateful. I’m just this average burger-flipping girl with this huge secret. People are like, 'So did you win?' I’m like, 'If I won, I wouldn't be able to keep it a secret.' Oh, my gosh, I’m still lying outside the house."

As for what's next now that the show is out, Cara told Today, "I plan on, foremost, just helping my family. We’ve experienced back-to-back losses on so many things and never anything good. Just helping them, my husband, and just making sure we’re all good—that’s all I could ask for."

“A lot of it is appearance-based,” she tells Marie Claire of her strategy on Netflix’s answer to The Traitors. To dupe her 11 competitors in the game of wit and cunning, to survive several elimination votes, and eventually walk away with the titular fortune, she decided to play to surface-level assumptions with her “Scottsdale bottle girl” disguise. She recalls thinking at the time, “If I dress the part a little bit, everyone won’t really look at me as a strong player, just as the token ditzy girl. That worked for about five minutes before I couldn't keep my mouth shut.”

The rest of the Million Dollar Secret cast saw right through the subterfuge. From the first attack dog challenge to the final elimination dinner, Falkner had a spotlight on her as one of the show’s most intimidating players. She also had to face the double-edged sword of being perceived as the blonde bombshell, a surface-level stereotype that can be less than relatable. That’s not to mention scathing viewer reactions, like those who labeled her as a “bully” and “mean girl” after she went head to head with Midwestern mom Lauren Jean in episode 3.

Falkner is well aware of how Netflix reality fans have labeled her—but she knows herself better than anyone. “I always like to say, 'I'm a nice person, it's just my face,” she jokes over Zoom, a week before the release of the Million Dollar Secret finale.

She hopes viewers begin to see beyond clichés, too. “I want to show other women, whoever they are, that you do not have to be put into a box,” she says. “Your life can be dualistic. You can be pretty and smart, you can be kind and dangerous. You do not have to be limited.”

With the Million Dollar Secret finale out now, Falkner chats with Marie Claire about how her oil rig experience prepared her for the show, the emotional decision she regrets, and what she wants to say to TikTok and Reddit “bullies.”

Marie Claire: What was your upbringing in Alaska like?

Sydnee Falkner: I was born in Colorado. When I was four, my parents moved us up to Alaska with no jobs, no house. My dad's an adventurer, and so they were like, 'Why don't we go try this out for a little bit?' My dad started working in the oil field at their power distribution center. Three days after I graduated high school, he goes, 'Wow, you really gotta make money for college.' I [had] been waitressing since I was 13, but I [didn't] have enough. And he [was] like, 'You're coming up to work with me.'

We would have three- five-week-[long] stints. There are no weekends; there's no time off. You're working 12 to 16-hour days every single day for 35 days straight. And he didn't get me a cushy admin job: He put me with steel-toed boots, Carhartts, and hard hats, down and dirty with the guys. I was smaller than a lot of the guys, so I was the one that was elected to squeeze into these tiny places and try to bring tools in and wrench things apart. It helped me a lot [in Million Dollar Secret] because nobody would ever assume that looking at me, but I can fix a lot of stuff around my house now.

When I worked in the oil field, the sun didn't break from mid-November to mid-January, so you worked in complete darkness. I remember it hit negative 80 with [the] windchill. I was like, 'I can't do this anymore. Send me to Arizona. I'm going to be a young snowbird and figure it out.'

MC: When preparing for Million Dollar Secret, how did you decide to play up the “Scottsdale blonde” persona?

SF: I really did work in bottle service. I lasted two months before I couldn't do it anymore. It was not the job for me. You see me freeze on the show when Sam asks me where, and it's not because I can't name the bars. I was like, Oh I don't think I can namedrop or promote anything.

People look at me and they don't go, 'You're from Alaska, you worked in the oil field, you worked construction,' anything like that. Now, I'm in medical sales, but salespeople are good at reading people, good at talking, and good at negotiating in very subtle ways. I didn't want to give that away as a background, either. I think if I had kept my mouth shut, I would've gone undetected just a little bit longer. But then you have the challenges, and I don't like to lose. So I had to show off a little.

MC: Is there anything you wish you had done differently? Did you ever consider throwing a game, like Lydia or Cara did?

SF: I knew that Cara had thrown [the laser] challenge because she was right there, and I also knew going into it that if Cara and I were teamed up and if we didn't win, I was toast because she had alliances with Sam and Corey. I don't think I would've ever wanted to throw a challenge because I am way too competitive for that, and I needed to be in the trophy rooms. But giving additional information based on the hunches I had is something I wish I would've done. Or not voting Chris off even though he was playing his own game. If I had kept Chris, I would've kept my alliances in the game, and I think it would've had a different outcome.

MC: What was it like to go through that environment where you were a strong player who was put on the chopping block early?

SF: It's not that different from how I grew up, if I'm being honest. My mom will tell you I'm a very serious, old soul type of person. Maybe because of that, I can struggle to relate to people, or people struggle to relate to me. Even though I'm usually emotional or feeling a lot inside, I've learned to not let pressure get to me because you have to be able to make split-second decisions. And this was a game for a million dollars. I have great bonds with the cast now, but at the time, I don't know you, and only one of us is going home with the money. So it was stressful, especially because it seemed like a lot of it was more personal and targeted than strategic. I was a strong player, and I'm glad that I was seen as that as well, because why are you there to play the game otherwise?

MC: It didn't help that you won all the challenges.

SF: Corey maybe got me at the end or tied up with me, but I definitely had the most wins [out of the female players].

It's funny though, my parents watched the show and they're sending it to all their friends and all my dad's friends are calling him. My dad is a subsistence hunter; he feeds our family on animals he hunts. I've gone on one hunt with him, and it [was for] the most coveted tag in Alaska, a Kodiak grizzly tag. It's a very well-regulated hunt; it's for population control, and the bear meat is donated to the Native American families in the area. This is the only thing I've ever hunted in my entire life, and I went with my dad, so all of his friends are calling him during the challenge [in episode 2], and they're going, 'You didn't teach her to shoot skeet?' To be fair, a bear is a way bigger target, and those were little pigeons flying through the air.

MC: The snake challenge in episode 3 was one of the highlights for you. How was it to face your biggest fear?

SF: They cut probably 10 minutes of hysterical crying where people were trying to coax me out from behind the tree. I don't know where I became afraid of them. We used to have a garter sneak when I was little, and it was fine. [The episode] doesn't show it, but Sam's snake was nice and calm. Mine kept trying to come out of the bowl. I had it [in my hand], and I was running like, 'Move, move, move, move, move.' And then they made me touch it again and put it back in for an after shot. I was like, 'I am going to need therapy after this.'

MC: A year later, what are your thoughts on how the show ended?

SF: If it had to be out of those three, I'm not going to lie, I'm glad it was Cara. It was something that was really meaningful to her. My plan going in was playing Cara's game: being quiet, sitting back, observing. I even voted for Lauren in the second round. I knew it was her. They just don't show you the clip of me explaining that. And I didn't vote for Harry in the first round. I voted for Sam, actually.

It would've been really cool if Cara wouldn't have thrown that [laser] challenge [in the finale]. To be fair, she said she knew I was too strong of a competitor to compete against in the final three. So that's a compliment. I will take that. To be the one player that everybody fears, that's cool too.

MC: What are your relationships like with the cast now, after playing such a devious game together?

SF: We all have a group chat. We're all being very supportive with each other through all of this. I'm probably closest with Jamie, Chris, and Kyle. The four of us really bonded, which is funny because Kyle came for me a lot during this show. I had them out this weekend, and we all got to hang out and spend some time together, which was really nice. We all haven't been together since the show filmed, so it was a weird, surreal moment for everyone.

I don't have issues with anyone. I know at the end of the day it was a game and we couldn't be ourselves. That's what you sign up for, and you can't take any of it personally.

MC: How have you been handling the fan discourse and being in the public eye?

SF: For the first five hours, it was really tough to not go on Reddit. I'm really grateful that I did this show at this time because I am so solid in who I am and what I stand for that people who are behind an anonymous account can't affect me. Reddit and TikTok can be nasty. They're bullies actually, which is a little bit ironic. They make it really, really personal instead of it being about the game. That's why I've filtered certain words because you're not coming to my page, disrupting my peace, when you're judging me based off of edited 45-minute footage.

I'm not a huge stranger to it just because I grew up in a really small town. I had the same kids [from] first grade through 12th grade. Bullying was a lot different back then. We didn't have social media to hide behind. But when you are a young, introverted, quiet girl, and you are the one who is consistently left out of everything, rumors will go around about you, again, based on appearance. I definitely didn't peak in high school because I did not look anything like I look now. One of my friends recently posted a picture of us in high school, and I was like, 'Proof I was not the hot mean girl.' It's hard because I feel like I've always been judged based on my appearance, and people don't necessarily want to get to know who I am. That's why I spilled a lot of things when I thought I was going home at the dinner [in episode 5], because I truly believe that people are so much more than their outward appearance or the perception that other people put on them. That's something that I feel very, very strongly about.

It gives me peace knowing that I could never go to someone's social media and say some of these things. I could never find it in my heart to lash out or let someone else affect me that much. So I do ignore them. I actually pray for them. A lot of people are dealing with their own inner wounds, and I hope that they can overcome them and realize it's not all about outward appearance.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

In bringing Zion to life, up-and-comer Duvernay plays a role that he's said is close to his real-life personality, from his determination to his protectiveness over loved ones. Below—as we're still reeling from his performance in the season 3 finale and wondering if he's a candidate to return in season 4—read on to learn more about the actor having his big break, including whether or not he's related to one of Hollywood's most esteemed directors.

Nicholas Duvernay is a 25-year-old actor known for roles in 'Bel-Air' and 'Purple Hearts.'

Nicholas Duvernay, 25, grew up in Long Island, New York, and moved to L.A. to pursue acting after high school. Before The White Lotus, he was best known for playing brash soldier Armando in the Netflix romance movie Purple Hearts and Drew in Bel-Air, Peacock's dramatic reboot of the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

His other credits include Tyler Perry's Assisted Living, Perfect Addiction, The Winchesters, and All American: Homecoming.

Nicholas Duvernay is not related to Ava DuVernay.

Even though they have similar last names, Duvernay isn't connected to Oscar-nominated director Ava DuVernay, 52. While Nicholas grew up in Long Island, Ava was born and raised in Southern California, in Long Beach and Lynwood. The When They See Us filmmaker does have a brother named Nicholas, but that is producer Nicholas Maye.

While speaking with Ebony about the coincidence, the White Lotus star explained, "It's almost a question I expect every time I meet somebody, just because it's not a very common last name."

"I finally met her during award season, and, she was like, 'You're Nicholas Duvernay.' And I was like, you're Ava DuVernay," he recalled. "It was so nice to connect finally. And we're like, 'We might be related. Who knows?'"

Duvernay recorded his response to landing his 'The White Lotus' role.

In a February interview with Esquire, the actor and Banana Republic model recalled being confident that he would land the role of Zion. He said, "It just felt like me. It felt seamless."

Duvernay added that after he sent his audition tape in, he received a callback that was changed into a general meeting with creator Mike White. "Mike called me. He was like, 'Yo, you want to come party with us in Thailand?' I was like, 'What?!'" he shared.

The actor explained that his mom encouraged him to record the call. "Because my mom—moms have a hunch. She was like, 'Just set your phone up during the call and record. It could be one of those big calls where you get the job, and I want to see your reaction,'" he told the outlet. "And it was the call where he told me I got the job. And it’s great that I have the video now, because it was a moment, I think, that’ll mark when I got a chance to really show what I was capable of and got my big break. I mean, we’ll see when it comes out, but that’s what I’m hoping for."

Duvernay also described his experience filming the season as "the Super Bowl of everything I've done so far, for sure."

"It’s really an actor’s dream. I started acting when I was a kid, so it’s everything that I could have expected and more, down to working in Thailand and being overseas for six months," he said. "The cast is…it’s like the ’90s Bulls. I mean, it’s unbelievable. So even just having breakfast and lunch and dinner with that caliber of actors, you learn so much about what it is to be an artist, how to navigate even the business side sometimes."

Nicholas Duvernay says his real-life relationship with his mother is similar to Belinda and Zion.

It turns out that Duvernay is just as sweet of a son offscreen as he is on. In a post-season interview with Ebony, Duvernay revealed that Zion's close relationship with his mom, Belinda, reminded him of his real-life relationship.

The actor explained of his own mother, "We both love fashion. She's put me on the fragrances, so we definitely bond over that. Growing up, my dad worked so much, so she was my go-to person. She taught me so much about myself."

He added, "As you get older, you get to know them as people. I’m kind of in that stage of my life. Zion is as well. He has such a good rapport with his mom. It wasn't too far off for me from my personal lifestyle."

Duvernay also took time to gush about Rothwell. "She's so playful, and she gives you so many different things to pull off. If I'm nervous—there's been many days where I've leaned on her. She really took me under her wing and kind of put me at ease. She's been a pivotal part in feeling at home and able to wrap my head around this whole experience," he said.

Meanwhile, the Insecure actor has nothing but good things to say about her onscreen son. In an interview with Decider, she praised her co-star and admitted that she even got flustered around him.

"I mean, Nicholas Duvernay, he is that. He’s a walking heart," she said on a panel, according to the outlet. "He’s very symmetrical, so it got a little Oedipal at times because I was just like, 'I cannot be attracted to my son!' But no, seriously, he is so giving, so talented."

Of course, as with real-life vacations, fans are already dreaming of the next getaway. The White Lotus was renewed for its fourth season in January 2025 (before season 3 even aired), so it's time to gather the clues of what's next for the Emmy-winning hit. Below, read on for everything we know about The White Lotus season 4 so far.

When will 'The White Lotus' season 4 be released?

HBO has given word of a possible release date for season 4, but we do know have clues regarding how long the wait will be. When the renewal was first announced, Variety reported that filming was being "eyed" for 2026. It all depends on the start date, but there is a chance that if production starts early enough, we could see new episodes in late 2026 or early 2027.

Where will 'The White Lotus' season 4 be set?

As of season 3's conclusion, HBO and creator Mike White have only given hints for where season 4 could be filmed, and they appear to be casting a wide net. In February, HBO exec Francesca Orsi said that The White Lotus team would start location scouting "in the next couple weeks" and added that Europe was a "likely" setting for the next installment.

She said, "I can’t really say where we’re going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe...some countries on the map that we talked about, but nothing to report on until they actually go locations scouting.”

Meanwhile, in a behind-the-scenes clip released on Max after the season 3 finale, White revealed that, after three seasons, the next batch of episodes might take viewers away from the beach to a different locale.

"For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the ‘crashing waves against rocks’ vernacular," White said. "But there’s always room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels."

In a The Hollywood Reporter cover story featuring him and the cast, the showrunner expressed some difficulty in choosing where to go next, considering the boost the series has given to tourism in its filming locations. "Where we choose to go next could be hugely impactful [to that locale]. That’s why it was so cool to shoot in Thailand. It’s hard to go backward. Like, 'Oh, we’ll do it in Paris!' That feels like a cop-out," he said. "At the same time, I’m not a cultural ambassador. I’m a random writer. I need to focus on what I’m excited about creatively and not get too far ahead of myself."

One thing we do know? The White Lotus likely isn't headed to the slopes anytime soon. "I’d bet $100,000 we don’t end up in the cold next," series producer David Bernad told THR. "Even if we flirted with the idea, Mike just wouldn’t want to be in the cold. He hates it."

Who will join the cast for 'The White Lotus' season 4?

Warning: Spoilers for the White Lotus season 3 finale ahead. With season 3 having recently ended, the biggest question for season 4's possible cast is whether any previous White Lotus cast members could return for another round. So far, three characters have appeared in multiple seasons: Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), who tragically died in season 2; her ex-husband Greg/Gary, (Jon Gries) who likely had her killed and is living large off her fortune in Thailand; and Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), who accepts $5 million in hush money from Greg in the season 3 finale. This trio's storyline comes full circle by the end of season 3, so this could be the last we see of them. However, Rothwell and Gries have both said they are up to return for season four, so who knows?

As for who else could return for season 4, all of the guests from season 3 are fair game except for the dearly departed Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Maybe even some cast members could return, à la Belinda. It's truly unpredictable.

One surprising possibility came up in the THR roundtable, as Patrick Schwarzenegger (who played Saxon) brought up the possibility of an all-star season with multiple returning cast members. White replied, "I’d love to do that."

"They could get all the douche guys in one hotel together," Schwarzenegger added. "Mike said that one day when we were on set, he was like, 'Oh my God, it’d be so good to get you, Jake Lacy, and Theo James in the same room.'"

HBO CEO Casey Bloys added, "Maybe Molly Shannon’s character and Victoria Ratliff know each other? There are so many connections between all these awful people."

We're starting a prayer circle now for that last pairing—as well as the return of Meghann Fahy's season 2 fan-favorite character, Daphne. We can't wait to check back in!

The original story, written by Katya Cengel, profiled three mothers in Bakersfield, California, who were united in their search for their missing or murdered children. The first chapter of the docuseries will premiere on Sunday, May 11 on Max.

For her Marie Claire story, Cengel interviewed Diane "Di" Byrne, whose 38-year-old son James Kulstad was shot to death in April 2018; Jane Parrent, whose daughter Baylee Despot, then 20, disappeared in March 2018; and Cheryl Holsonbake, whose son Micah Holsonbake, then 34, went missing that same month and was later found to have been murdered. Together, James, Baylee, and Micah became known as the Bakersfield 3, or BK3.

In the wake of these tragedies and their conviction that the events were somehow connected, Byrne, Holsonbake, and Parrent came together to find answers about what exactly had happened to their children. They were "stronger together," Jane told Marie Claire.

In her story, Cengel introduced readers to each woman and her child. There was quiet, maternal Di and surf-obsessed James, who became addicted to drugs after being hit by a car in 2007 and prescribed opioids. There was "organized, nurturing, and angry" Cheryl and high-achieving Micah, who enlisted to serve his country in 2003, but eventually became addicted to drugs after a surgery. There was reserved, industrious Jane and girly, animal-loving Baylee, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 20 and survived an overdose.

Baylee was also charged in absentia for the murder of Micah, along with Matthew Queen, the man she was living with at the time.

The Marie Claire investigation told the story of the women's unbreakable bond forged in unthinkable circumstances, and the work they did not only to bring justice for their families but to help fight crime throughout the county through their Bakersfield 3 charity. The moms "[advocate] for so much more than just their own families," as James' daughter Camryn put it.

Now, the Investigation Discovery documentary promises to shed further light on this complicated case—three years on from Marie Claire's report, and following Di's sad passing from ovarian cancer in April 2024. The newly released trailer contains testimonies from all three mothers and follows them on their continued search for the truth.

"When your kid is missing, it doesn't come with a handbook on what to do," Jane says in the video.

"These aren't just three grieving mothers; these are mothers that are in the middle of a full-blown investigation," says local crime reporter Olivia LaVoice, who now hosts a podcast about the case.

Part one, titled "One Mystery—or Three?," premieres at 8/7c. Part two, titled "The Boogieman of Bakersfield," premieres at 9/8c. And part three, titled "Fights Like a Mother," premieres at 10/9c.

By the end of the 10-episode season, the short-term fates of Danny, Xander, and the residents' careers have been sealed. The same cannot be said for their tangled romantic lives heading into a possible second season. (I need to know what happens next with Sophie and Camila!) Below, read on for everything we know so far about the future of Pulse.

Has 'Pulse' been renewed for a second season?

As of Pulse's release, Netflix has not revealed what will happen with the show's future. This is business as usual, as it's very rare for the streaming giant to renew a show before its debut. Fans will have to wait for a few weeks of viewership numbers before Netflix makes a decision to renew.

When would 'Pulse' season 2 come out?

If Pulse gets a second season, viewers will likely only have a short wait between seasons. Medical dramas are traditionally quick to return, so new episodes of Pulse could be back as early as spring 2026.

What would 'Pulse' season 2 be about?

Spoilers for the Pulse finale ahead. By the end of season 1, most of Danny's immediate problems are resolved. Firstly, she still has her job, though Xander's parents pressured the hospital administration to kick her out of Maguire. The resident even earns Natalie's ( Justina Machado) respect enough to be her pick for the chief resident slot. Unfortunately, due to restructuring, Natalie will no longer be in charge of the surgery and emergency medicine departments. The new chair of the ER is attending doctor Patrick Sanchez (J.R. Ramirez), who names Sam (Jessie T. Usher) chief resident instead.

With the administrative switch-up, Natalie and Xander—who's set to become ER's newest attending and doesn't get along with his new boss Patrick—will have their hands full in the new season. They may even become allies as Natalie deals with changes in the trauma center she helped build. There's also the chance that besties Sam and Danny may end up at odds again in a new season since they had both been going after the chief resident spot all season.

As for Danny and Xander, the will-they-won't-they couple end the season with their healthiest dynamic yet, even if they aren't currently together. Xander comes clean to both Danny and the hospital board about what happened at Kennedy, and he finally apologizes to Danny for ignoring their power differential when they were dating. They also both admit that they still love each other, but seeing as he's even more of her boss as attending, continuing their romance doesn't seem to be an option by the end of the season 1 finale.

Speaking to Tudum, Pulse co-showrunner Carlton Cuse highlighted the questions facing Xander and Danny by the end of the season. "We see how much they care about each other, but what’s the path forward? Danny is still going to be a resident. Xander is now her boss again in a different iteration as an attending," he said. "Our hope is that the audience really cares about these two people and about their relationship with each other."

Meanwhile, actor Colin Woodell pointed out that Danny and Xander's love is "real." He added, "They’re both two characters who want to be good partners to each other. But they also have a lot of work to do on themselves. Unfortunately, both of them need to figure some stuff out on their own first before they’re really available for the other."

The best TV series set in the workplace are relatable, examining the less-than-glamorous aspects of our jobs and dynamics between coworkers, or offer insight into jobs different from our own. And as comedies or dramas, they're always binge-able. Below, find the best workplace-set TV shows ever—some of which are even among the best series of all time.

'2 Broke Girls' (2011–2017)

2 Broke Girls was a very descriptive title. The six-season show starred Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs as servers working in a typical American diner, trying to make ends meet in hopes of starting own business. If you're not convinced yet, maybe the fact that Jennifer Coolidge is a heavily recurring character can help tip the scales for ya?

'30 Rock' (2006–2013)

Created by Tina Fey, who also stars in the show, 30 Rock sees the producers and cast of a mock Saturday Night Live-like live comedy show deal with hilarious hurdles. It also stars Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan, with star-studded cameos from Julianne Moore, Salma Hayek, Matt Damon, and David Schwimmer.

'Abbott Elementary' (2021– )

The brilliant Quinta Brunson created and stars in the charming sitcom Abbott Elementary. The show follows a cast of lovable and idiosyncratic teachers at a public elementary school in Philadelphia as they work to support their students—and one another—in whatever life throws at them.

'Ally McBeal' (1997–2002)

We're suckers for a good legal drama, and Ally McBeal went a long way towards defining the genre—incorporating enough elements of comedy to keep us hooked. The cult late '90s show starred the fabulous Calista Flockhart as the title character, as well as Greg Germann and 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski.

'The Bear' (2022– )

The Bear, starring fan favorites Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri, does an incredible job of transposing the stress of a restaurant kitchen onto our TV screens. It does this so well, in fact, that it has racked up dozens of Emmys, Critics Choice Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes...you name it.

'The Bold Type' (2017–2021)

You may have loved Meghann Fahy in The White Lotus, but her career was forged on The Bold Type. The drama was for anyone who dreamed about working at a women's magazine in the Big Apple. Instead of the vision presented by '00s rom-coms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 13 Going on 30, this series is reimagined for the late 2010s. It's a must-watch.

'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' (2013–2021)

Crime TV shows tend to be pretty serious, but Brooklyn Nine-Nine subverted the genre by turning the goings-on of an N.Y.C. police precinct into hilarious comedy. The show features hysterical, beloved performances by Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews.

'Cheers' (1982–1993)

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name...Cheers was the comfort show before Friends hit the airwaves. Starring a young Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Woody Harrelson, the sitcom centered around a welcoming bar in Boston, around which a sweet community formed—and love stories ensued.

'Corporate' (2018–2020)

Though it only ran for three seasons, Corporate is a delightfully dark yet hilarious take on corporate America. It stars Matt Ingebretson, Jake Weisman, Adam Lustick, and Aparna Nancherla, and was widely praised for taking an unforgiving look at some of the most dystopian aspects of corporate life.

'The Dropout' (2022)

We've loved a good Amanda Seyfried TV role ever since we binge-watched Veronica Mars back in the day. In The Dropout, Seyfried brilliantly embodies real-life scammer Elizabeth Holmes as she launches the biotech company Theranos and eventually loses everything. The actress's performance was so good that she won an Emmy for it.

'Grey’s Anatomy' (2005– )

Shonda Rhimes's signature medical drama is so beloved that it has run for countless seasons. Though cast members have come and gone since the show's debut in 2005, it has served as a springboard for the careers of Katherine Heigl and Sandra Oh, for example. It follows the working lives of medical staff at a Seattle hospital—and has cycled through every disease and ailment known to man.

'Industry' (2020– )

Industry is a show about the high-flying, high-pressure world of finance, following a group of young bankers in London. The series was created by a pair of former investment bankers, so you can bet it features some pretty realistic—if heavily dramatized—elements.

'The IT Crowd' (2006–2013)

The IT Crowd is a very British sitcom starring Katherine Parkinson, Richard Ayoade, and Chris O'Dowd as the geeky IT department of a corporate company. Keep watching, and you'll find appearances from comedy legends like Matt Berry and Noel Fielding.

The 'Law & Order' Franchise

Law & Order (and its spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Organized Crime) is one of the world's most successful procedurals, with each episode introducing and solving a case that'll keep you guessing. Some of the franchise's main stars include Mariska Hargitay, Angie Harmon, and Ice-T.

'Mad Men' (2007–2015)

Firstly, Mad Men featured a spotless cast, including Jon Hamm, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, and Elisabeth Moss. Secondly, the show was fiercely original, giving audiences a look into the dramatic world of N.Y.C. advertising in the 1960s. This series is a true modern classic.

'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' (1970–1977)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show, starring Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, is completely iconic even decades after it first aired—and it was one of the earliest TV shows about the workplace. It tells the story of a career-driven woman navigating the intricacies of work and her personal life, and it's definitely of its time—but still very funny.

'The Morning Show' (2019_ )

The Morning Show marked Jennifer Aniston's triumphant return to television. Co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and Greta Lee, this drama is about the cutthroat world of—you guessed it—morning TV shows. It perfectly depicts the lengths people will go to to get their way and the challenges women face in the public eye.

'Not Dead Yet' (2023–2024)

Not Dead Yet is a delightfully wacky sitcom starring Gina Rodriguez and Hannah Simone. Protagonist Nell Serrano (Rodriguez) gets a new job writing obituaries at a local paper and starts seeing the spirit of her subjects. They follow her around and give her ample unsolicited advice about her somewhat disastrous life to zany results.

'The Office' (U.K.) (2001–2003)

The Office's U.K. version ran between 2001 and 2003 before the American version premiered in 2005. It was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and starred Gervais and Martin Freeman (Black Panther, Love Actually). Full of dry humor and absurdity, this contemporary sitcom inspired many of its predecessors.

'The Office' (U.S.) (2005–2013)

When it was first pitched to studio execs, the American remake of The Office had more than its fair share of doubters, but boy, were they proven wrong. The show—starring Steve Carell and John Krasinski—is perhaps one of the most beloved of all time and has remained a comfort show that so many of us come back to again and again.

'Parks and Recreation' (2009–2015)

Parks and Recreation is one of the more wholesome sitcoms we have. The show, starring and produced by Amy Poehler, follows the daily trials and tribulations of a local government office in Indiana and stars a wildly funny ensemble including Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, and Aziz Ansari.

'Partner Track' (2022)

Partner Track may have only made it to 10 episodes, but we enjoyed every minute of this guilty-pleasure Netflix show. It starred Arden Cho as Ingrid Yun, an ambitious young lawyer in N.Y.C. who is dead set on making partner at her firm—all while navigating office politics and romantic entanglements.

'Scrubs' (2001–2010)

Scrubs ran for nine seasons, which should tell you something about its legions of devoted fans. The show that launched actor Zach Braff's career was a hilarious medical sitcom that knew how to strike serious and emotional notes like no other.

'Severance' (2022– )

After its first season, Severance became one of the buzziest shows around. Starring Adam Scott and directed by Ben Stiller, the chilling thriller tells the story of a group of office workers who underwent a bizarre procedure so their working memories are separated from their personal life memories. Mysteries abound.

'Succession' (2018–2023)

Succession may have only run for four seasons, but it became many people's favorite show and won a whopping 19 Emmys in that short amount of time. We simply adored Brian Cox, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, and Jeremy Strong as the delightfully dysfunctional leaders of a huge media empire.

'Suits' (2011–2019)

Suits is famous for launching the career of one Meghan Markle—but it's also a highly successful TV drama in its own right. The show, which ran for nine seasons, centers around a fictional law firm in N.Y.C. named Pearson Hardman. Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, and Sarah Rafferty also star.

'Superstore' (2015–2021)

Superstore (as you may have gleaned from its title) takes place at a megastore called Cloud 9 in St. Louis, Missouri. It follows the adventures of the store's ragtag and lovable employees, played by Ben Feldman, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, and America Ferrera.

'Ten Percent' (2022)

Ten Percent is the British remake of the French TV show Dix Pour Cent (known in English as Call My Agent!). It follows the Nightingale Hart talent agency in London after its founder dies unexpectedly, and the agents struggle to keep up with the fallout. Stay tuned for a cameo from superstar Helena Bonham Carter.

'Ugly Betty' (2006–2010)

Executive producer Salma Hayek had to work hard to get Ugly Betty—a remake of the popular Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea —off the ground. Still, we're pretty sure nobody involved with the hit show, set in the New York fashion world, ever regretted giving it a chance. Plus, we got to know one America Ferrera, thanks to the series. Call that a win.

'Veep' (2012–2019)

Veep tells the satirical tale of a morally reprehensible vice president, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus at her absolute best. As she rises and falls through the political machine, Selina Meyer is surrounded by a team of alternately incompetent and ruthless advisors.

'WeCrashed' (2022)

WeCrashed is a miniseries dramatization of the rise and fall of the global coworking giant WeWork. This incredibly star-studded show features Jared Leto as founder Adam Neumann and Anne Hathaway as his wife Rebekah Neumann (who, fun fact, is Gwyneth Paltrow's cousin).

'Younger' (2015–2021)

For nostalgic, Lizzie McGuire-loving millennials, any TV show with Hilary Duff is bound to be necessary viewing. In this series, Sutton Foster plays a single mom who lies about her age to help her get back into working life—and date a hunky younger man.

In the FX on Hulu show, Slate, 43, stars as Nikki, the best friend to Michelle Williams’s Molly, who has been diagnosed with terminal metastatic breast cancer. Based on Nikki Boyer’s 2020 podcast about her real-life friendship with the late Molly Kochan, the miniseries follows Molly as she leaves an unhappy marriage in pursuit of pleasure. Nikki becomes not only Molly’s caretaker but her trusted wingwoman in getting laid. But the show is about so much more than sex. Through her work, Slate quickly found herself ruminating on topics like friendship, purpose, how finite life is, and what we make do with our time.

While pondering life and death came new to Slate with this role, she hasn't shied away from crafting projects that deal with capital-F Feelings. Take, for instance, her book of essays Little Weirds, which examines loneliness and love, or her Oscar-nominated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On about the search for family. So when the team behind the series struggled to cast a Nikki, Slate felt like the perfect mix of humor and heart. A week before the dramedy’s April 4 premiere, the actress told Marie Claire how much she connected with the show's layered themes from the jump.

“The message is not just one of awakening, but it is, for me, the multiplicity that is actually in our sexual pursuits—the amount of our own story that we tell via who we are able to be sexually or allow ourselves to be or how we hold ourselves back. There's so much more in there than I think culture often wants us to believe.” She continues, “What would the world be like if, sexually, women put themselves first? If women could make decisions about their bodies, there’s terror around that power—for good reasons, because the power is immense.”

Here, Slate shares what the show made her reflect on, what it was like filming the kink party scene, and why she loved working on its women-led set.

Marie Claire: The real Nikki was a producer on the show (and has a cameo in episode 5, “My Pet”). Did you talk to her to prepare for the role?

Jenny Slate: I didn't speak with Nikki or meet her before we started filming. We had emailed; I wanted to introduce myself to her. But then I met her on set and we became close quickly. The thing that I think Nikki would say—that all of us who made this project would say—is these characters of Nikki and Molly are not impersonations of the real Nikki and Molly, but they are interpretations, and it's an interpretation of their relationship. Some of it is very similar to who they are, and some of it is different.

The real Nikki, for example, I don't think she or I are messy the way that Nikki on the show is. I did ask Nikki a lot about her experience with her ease with expressing anger. It's not something that comes naturally to me to express anger with the pure fire and force that the character of Nikki does.

MC: You’ve done a lot of stand-up about feeling intensely, and with Nikki, you’re encouraged to express everything. Was it liberating to perform like that?

JS: It certainly was. There were many ways in which I felt set free by this work and [by] the relationships that I made through the performance and the other actors, especially with Michelle. When I was playing Nikki, it's appropriate to careen, to blast, to not filter, and it's also appropriate to be completely dedicated. That combination is really, really interesting to me and not the way that my own dedication to the people I love in my life is paired. I guess I could probably use a bit more of a filter—as I get older, I feel like I'm developing one—but my devotion to people is paired differently. It's paired with a carefulness, a thoughtfulness. I would describe myself as a fairly gentle creature. I'm not afraid of confrontation, but I am really into nonviolent communication.

Nikki is not aware of what the concept of nonviolent communication is. She's going to insult people. She's going to go really hard at them and perhaps go farther than she needs to go, but she is out for justice. It felt so good to be allowed to do that and to make decisions within that. The character can often seem short-fused, but a performance like that requires a lot of decisions on the inside. I appreciated the ability to think about falling apart, to think about exploding, and how I wanted that to go.

MC: Dying for Sex tackles a lot of big questions, like who we want to spend our days with. Did the subject matter make you do any reflecting?

JS: Certainly. The assessment that I was fortunate enough to be able to do, using this show as a checkpoint, [was]: Am I where I want to be? Am I serving myself? Am I being honest about who I am? Am I actually doing what I want to do? Being able to make that comparison and understand the importance of spending our lives and the finite amount of time that we have here in the optimal way. I looked into my own life and found a lot to appreciate. Without becoming paranoid, I was able to look at the preciousness of, for example, my husband—look that in the face and be like, I really, really, really don't ever want to lose this person. This feeling in me has bloomed. It’s a feeling of gratitude, a little bit of don't be wasteful, the time you have is what you have.

MC: You’ve written about fear in many forms, and so much of Nikki’s journey is about her fear of losing Molly. Was her preemptive grief something you related to?

JS: No. I've got to say that was something that I had to create.

I was very close with all four of my grandparents, and when I was little, I knew they were old, and I knew that old people died. Those were the facts that I knew—and I would get really sad, like [feel] sorrow in my little, young self because I needed them so much and they were a source of totally unconditional love and joy and relief for me. So, I remember how bad it felt to anticipate that grief, and I was always afraid that they would die. My beloved Nana Connie—the character in Marcel the Shell is named Nana Connie—died in November, and I was still frightened as if I was a child when she died. An older person dying is still a tragedy and felt like a tragedy to me. I didn't understand why my grandmother should die, honestly. It felt like, Why can't she just stay?

But the setup of a true best friend who you have unconditional love with—like the way Nikki and Molly see each other [when] the rest of the world might be a shit show, with some bright spots and great things, but the truth of who we are is in this pairing—the idea that you could lose someone like that who is your age and you would have to continue to be alive, that was a grief and a fear that I had to perform and generate. The script supported that, and the relationship I built with Michelle and the chemistry we had allowed me to completely interpret that and expand it. But I enjoyed the edge there. I enjoyed performing that, but I also felt really protective of the real Nikki who would be on set. I wanted to make sure that she was okay with what I was playing around with.

MC: There are a lot of women behind Dying For Sex; Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock created the series, and Shannon Murphy directed most of the episodes. What do you think having so many women behind the show lent to it? Did it feel like a safe space?

JS: Our onset experience was so lovely. I'm hesitant to make it into a gender thing because I want to live in a world where a community functions at its best because we all respect each other's specificity, whatever that is. But I do feel that that is what happened on our set.

I enjoyed being able to work with a group of women who were parents. Shannon's daughter was there, and Liz and Kim, the showrunners, they are parents. Michelle and I, my daughter Ida is around the same age as her older son. It was a nice thing not to have to compartmentalize yourself and be able to talk about, ‘What's the nap schedule?’ and that doesn't make you unprofessional. Decades of women in so many workplaces have had to hide elements of their own maternity in order to be considered an equal part of the workforce, or just a relevant part of the workforce. It was nice that we shared so many concerns, ranging from, “How do I build trust with my scene partner? How do we explore our curiosity? What's the funniest way to do this?” to “Do you guys have anything planned for the weekend? We don't have childcare. What do you do with the 4-year-old?” It was lovely to be a full person and the way in which I could be my full self. That was a generally shared feeling.

MC: Did the safeness you felt on set translate to scenes like the kink party? What was filming that scene like?

JS: There were so many people there. There were so many butts and a lot of the people who were performing the art that they actually do. I was just really curious. I was looking around with my mouth open, like, “Well, how do you tie that onto that? And do you guys always work together in this sacred art of the tying of the thing?”

I also really wanted to make sure that Michelle as Molly could get what she needed out of that moment. Because it's a vibrant, wild, erotic setting, but for Molly, it's not just like, ‘I'm horny.’ For her, it's about understanding her relationship to power and starting to understand her way out of feeling disempowered and silenced and numbed. There's a real pivotal moment there, and I found myself in this out-there environment being concerned with my focus as a performer, but I think that's a great challenge to have.

MC: Dying for Sex is one of several projects in recent years about women in pursuit of pleasure, but from a very feminine perspective. Why do you think those conversations are happening now and are worth having?

JS: Generally, I want to live in a world where female pleasure is prioritized and where it signifies many different things and where the act of finding what brings one pleasure is as specific and personal and investigatory as we need it to be. I think that these stories are rising to our attention because, I mean, I hate to say it, but the discussion hasn't been had enough.

I’m 43, so maybe I’m just a geriatric millennial, but there is a part in the show where Sonya, played by Esco Jouley, is like, “Why do you think that? Because Samantha said that.” When I read that in the script, it floored me because I was watching Sex in the City when I was in college, and it wasn’t until I started reading these scripts that I turned that question on myself. I've always been open about enjoying sex and wanting to enjoy it, and I felt comfortable talking about it on stage, but all of a sudden, I realized that I hadn't had a more private conversation with myself about my feelings about pleasure and deserving it. It's almost as if maybe I tried to jump over that to not have to look at the parts of myself that are a bit more cruel, a bit more like a mean school mistress who's like, “You're either a good girl or a bad girl.”

MC: It’s no secret that there are more limited roles for women over 40, and you’ve spoken about being nervous about that in your career. But you landed maybe your best role after entering your 40s and having a baby. Does that feel encouraging?

JS: It's very, very encouraging. There's truth to the fact that there are most likely fewer roles for women as they age, but also nobody told me how good I would feel in my 40s, that it would be the best time yet. I'm really lucky that I have agents who care about me as a human being, and they encouraged me to believe that I could invest in a career where I am constantly saying, “I think this is my best opportunity yet.” I hope to say, “This is my coolest chance yet” every single time I do new work.

It also feels like it's a new version of me as the performer that I've always been, but there’s something more now. It's the combination of how I've changed because I became a parent, how I've changed because I have lost people in my life in the last few years. Just like our show, but in different ways, it is a combination. I think it's unwise and not worth a person's time to try to exist only in a distillation of positive things or a distillation of things that are just the things that we think make us look and feel good, because the things that have hurt me and held me back are the things that often are gesturing at that which will set us free.

Created by Zoe Robyn and executive produced by Carlton Cuse, Pulse takes place at Maguire Medical Center in Miami, Florida, and follows the diverse staff of its acclaimed level one trauma center. As the series begins, storms are brewing inside and outside the ER, as the surgery and emergency medicine residents face the fallout of a workplace relationship and a hurricane is heading for Miami. After the hurricane stops, neither the interpersonal drama nor the heart-wrenching emergency cases let up.

This new batch of soon-to-be-beloved TV doctors includes several familiar faces from decades of hit shows. (Yes, including some Grey's and ER alums.) Below, read on to learn everything you need to know about the cast of Pulse.

Willa Fitzgerald as Dr. Danny Simms

Danny is a talented third-year resident in emergency medicine at Maguire, who is suddenly promoted to chief resident hours before a hurricane hits Miami. The reason? The suspension of the former chief resident... who is also her ex. As Danny's relationships with all her co-workers are affected by the change-up, she has to work through her tendency to self-sabotage.

Willa Fitzgerald, 34, is likely a familiar face to Netflix fans; she previously starred as the young version of Madeline Usher in Mike Flanagan's The Fall of the House of Usher. The Nashville native and Yale alum made her TV debut in 2013 and has since appeared in shows, including MTV's Scream, BBC's Little Women, USA's Dare Me, and Prime Video's Reacher. She also starred in the cult-hit 2024 horror movie Strange Darling.

Colin Woodell as Dr. Xander Phillips

Xander Phillips is the son of a wealthy Miami medical family, but he wants to be known for his hard work more than his nepo connections. Unfortunately, he has a lot of baggage, from the fallout of his and Danny's breakup to his mysterious past at the nearby Kennedy Hospital.

Colin Woodell, 33, is a stage and screen actor who has appeared in several TV shows, including Devious Maids, The Originals, Masters of Sex, Designated Survivor, The Purge, The Flight Attendant, and The Continental. He also played Buzz Aldrin in the 2024 comedy film Fly Me to the Moon.

Jessie T. Usher as Dr. Sam Elijah

Sam Elijah is Danny's best friend and fellow third-year emergency medicine resident. Though he's less outwardly ambitious than Danny, he also has his eyes on the chief resident spot next year. Both his goal of promotion and lingering feelings for Danny mean that the Danny/Xander revelation hits hard.

Jessie T. Usher, 33, is best known for his starring roles as Cam Calloway in the basketball dramedy Survivor's Remorse and as A-Train in Prime Video's superhero satire The Boys. The former child star's other credits include Hannah Montana, Almost Christmas, Shaft, Dangerous Lies, Tales of the Walking Dead, and Gen V.

Jessy Yates as Dr. Harper Simms

Harper Simms, Danny's younger sister, is a second-year resident in emergency medicine who's also a Harvard grad and a wheelchair user. She usually has her big sister's back, but there's still some lingering family drama regarding their father.

Jessy Yates is an actor, disability advocate, and Cleveland native who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. After moving to N.Y.C. for undergrad and getting her start as a stage actor, performance artist, and burlesque dancer, Yates became the inaugural recipient of a scholarship that helped her become the first wheelchair-using student in the Yale School of Drama's history. Her credits before Pulse include ABC's Speechless, Apple TV+'s Me, and the PBS animated series Skillsville.

Justina Machado as Dr. Natalie Cruz

Natalie Cruz is the brilliant surgery and emergency medicine chair who supervises the hospital doctors with firm compassion. When her teen daughter, Vero (Sophia Torres), becomes a Maguire patient, the typically unflappable department head does everything she can to keep her child alive.

Justina Machado, 52, is a television veteran who has appeared on dozens of hit shows, including Six Feet Under, ER, Three Rivers, Private Practice, Jane the Virgin, Queen of the South, One Day at a Time, Superstore, and The Horror of Dolores Roach. She's currently starring in the Broadway musical adaptation of Real Women Have Curves.

Néstor Carbonell as Dr. Ruben Soriano

Dr. Ruben Soriano is one of the best surgeons in Miami. He supervises the surgery team and expects his residents to be as dedicated to their patients as he is to his.

He's played by Néstor Carbonell, 57. The actor has a wide-ranging career across TV (Suddenly Susan, Lost, Bates Motel, The Morning Show), film (The Laramie Project, the Dark Knight trilogy), and even animated shows (Kim Possible, Big Hero 6: The Series). Last year, he won an Emmy for his guest role as Vasco Rodrigues in Shōgun.

Jack Bannon as Dr. Tom Cole

British second-year surgery resident Tom Cole is a charming if arrogant doctor. He's known for two things: his social-climbing and getting romantically entangled with the nurses on his floor.

Jack Bannon, 34, grew up in Norwich, England, and rose to fame with roles in several British productions. His credits include the films The Imitation Game and Fury, as well as the TV shows Endeavor, Clique, The Loch, Medici, Pennyworth, and The Darkness. According to Tudum, Pulse showrunners Cuse and Robyn said of Bannon's audition, "We loved him so much that we adjusted the role to fit who he was as an actor."

Chelsea Muirhead as Dr. Sophie Chan

Sophie Chan is a surgery intern determined to learn everything she can. Unfortunately, she's under Cole, who isn't the most supportive mentor. One bright spot in Sophie's tough intern year is her building friendship with medical student Camila Perez.

Chelsea Muirhead is a Filipino-Scottish actor who grew up in Toronto. Since her TV debut in 2019, she has appeared in the shows Impulse, Slo Pitch, and Warriors, as well as the movies Adult Adoption and Sappy Holiday.

Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez

Camila Perez is a stylish and optimistic third-year medical student who wants to help as much as possible during her rotation (though it's tough when her first day is a hurricane). She's played by Daniela Nieves, a 27-year-old Venezuelan-American actress who got her start as a child actress on telenovelas. Her previous roles include Nickelodeon's Every Witch Way, WITS Academy, and Peacock's Vampire Academy.

Jessica Rothe as Cass Himmelstein

Cass Himmelstein is a senior ER nurse who knows exactly how to navigate the politics of Magiure, though she is juggling a tricky relationship with Cole. She's played by Jessica Rothe, 37, best known for starring as Tree Gelbman in the Happy Death Day movies and for playing Sarah in Virgin River's sixth season. Her other credits include the films La La Land, Valley Girl, All My Life, and Boy Kills World, as well as the MTV series Mary + Jane and Prime Video's Utopia.

Ash Santos as Nia Washington

Ash Santos, 31, plays Nia Washington, a witty Miami-Dade County EMT who gets sucked into a very complicated flirtation with Cole. The Bronx native made her Netflix debut as Daphne in the 2021 miniseries True Story. She also previously played Emily in American Horror Story: Apocalypse and Coco in the Paramount+ crime series Mayor of Kingstown.

Originally a spin-off of the 2019 Australian docuseries of the same name, Netflix's Love on the Spectrum has grown into an Emmy-winning phenomenon in its own right as neurodivergent young adults navigate their romantic lives with the help of coach Jennifer Cook. Released on April 2, 2025, season 3 brings back several of the romance series's fan favorites, longstanding couples, and two newcomers ready to find love.

Below, learn more about the returning and new stars of Love on the Spectrum, including which seasons to watch to follow their journeys.

Abbey

A/L: 26; L.A., CA

Seasons: 1-3

In a Relationship? Dating David.

Abbey has been a fan favorite since debuting in season 1, when the Disney enthusiast and animal lover was already running a popular TikTok account and a hat-making business. She found love with her boyfriend David on the show, and they've been inseparable for the past four years. Season 3 follows them as they continue their romance.

Instagram: @hatsbyabbey

Adán

A/L: 27; San Diego, CA

Seasons: 1-3

In a Relationship? Dating Dani

Adán has been a member of the Spectrum cast since he and Dani met at a speed-dating event in season 1. Though their relationship was a slow burn at first, the pair celebrates their anniversary and explores new levels of intimacy in the new season. Off-camera, Adán is an "aspiring voice actor and graphic designer," per his Instagram bio.

Instagram: @mrcorreaadan

Connor

A/L: 25; Atlanta, GA

Seasons: 2-3

Single or Relationship? Single.

Connor arrived on the show in season 2 as a first-time dater who learned how about the effort it takes to pursue a relationship. Though things didn't work out with Emily, he returns in season 3 a more confident dater, with the continued support of his mother and three siblings.

Instagram: @connortomlinson5

Dani

A/L: 29; L.A., CA

Seasons: 1-3

Single or Relationship? Dating Adán.

Dani is a talented artist who founded her own company, DaniMation Entertainment at just 11-years-old. In addition to producing animated films, she teaches classes for children on the autism spectrum. After arriving on Spectrum with very particular ideas about romance, she finds a connection that's less "rom-com" and more "real" with Adán.

Instagram: @danibowman1

David

A/L: 30; L.A., CA

Seasons: 1-3

Single or Relationship? Dating Abbey.

After two seasons on Spectrum as Abbey's boyfriend, season 3 sees the couple discuss the next stage of their relationship, including possible marriage and kids. Off-screen, David works at Beverly Hills City Hall and is the son of celebrity attorney Alan Isaacman.

Instagram: @david_loveonthespectrum

James

A/L: 36; Boston

Seasons: 1-3

Single or Relationship? Single.

James is another fan-favorite from season 1 who won viewers over with his polite and tenacious dating style. Though the proud nerd has had relationships on and off-screen since the show began, James returns in season 3 with hopes to find his dream partner.

Instagram: @jamesbjones87

Kaelynn

A/L: 27; Greenville, SC

Seasons: 1

Single or Relationship? Single.

Kaelynn, a behavioral therapist for autistic children, is still one of the series' most popular alumni, even though she only appeared in season 1. Since then, the autism advocate has maintained her popular social media presence, and she wrote a book titled Life on the Bridge.

Instagram: @kaelynnvp

Madison

A/L: 27; Santa Rosa, CA, and Sudbury, MA

Seasons: 3

Single or Relationship? Single.

Madison, a newcomer in season 3, is a Disney, American Girl, and crafting enthusiast who lives in Florida near her family during Love on the Spectrum's filming. She told Tudum in an interview that Abbey and David's love story inspired her to come on the show herself. She's looking for someone as adventurous and outgoing as she is.

Instagram: @madison_marilla

Pari

A/L: 22; Boston, MA

Seasons: 3

Single or Relationship? Single.

Pari is another newcomer in season 3 who is sexually fluid and interested in dating women during her time on the show. Her many hobbies include "railfanning (another term for trainspotting), singing, drawing, animating, playing video games, and sewing doll dresses." According to Tudum, she wants to "challenge stereotypes" and show that "age and gender do not matter."

Instagram: @purpleprincesspari

Tanner

A/L: 25; Clemson, SC

Seasons: 2, 3

Single or Relationship? Single.

After leaving season 2 single, Tanner returns to Spectrum in season 3, determined to continue living life to the fullest. He also wants to show viewers that "autistic people are not always stuck being the same way...we grow and change just like everyone else."

Instagram: @tannerwiththe_tism

Jennifer Cook

Jennifer Cook is the neurodiversity expert and dating coach for the Love on the Spectrum cast. The author, presenter, and consultant began writing books on autism after she was diagnosed in 2011. She holds degrees from Brown and Columbia Universities and has spoken around the globe, for audiences including the White House and the National Institutes of Health.

The new series has everything a reality competition fan could want, from the gorgeous locale that's my new dream vacation to its scathing host directing the gameplay and dishing out clues for the players to obsess over. In Million Dollar Secret, the man in charge is British actor, writer, comedian, and media personality Peter Serafinowicz. Those who recognize the Brit from his film roles may know he has experience playing the scathing maître d', though he's currently busy serving campy quips rather than an array of weapons for John Wick.

With Million Dollar Secret currently airing, read on to learn more about Serafinowicz's life outside of Million Dollar Secret.

Peter Serafinowicz is a BAFTA-nominated actor and comedian who has appeared in a Marvel movie.

Peter Serafinowicz, 52, grew up in Liverpool, England, before making his entertainment debut in 1993. After several years of performing in radio shows, he transitioned to TV and worked with several U.K. comedy legends, including Simon Pegg and Veep creator Armando Iannucci. His first major film role was voicing Darth Maul in 2001's Star Wars: Episode I –The Phantom Menace. In 2007, he created his own sketch-comedy program, The Peter Serafinowicz Show, which was nominated for a BAFTA.

Among his varied roles, Serafinowicz is best known for his comedic supporting roles in films and shows, including Shaun of the Dead, Couples Retreat, Parks and Recreation, Guardians of the Galaxy, John Wick: Chapter 2, Miracle Workers, The School for Good and Evil, and The Gentlemen. From 2016 to 2019, he starred as the titular superhero in Prime Video's The Tick.

Serafinowicz is also a prolific voice actor in animated shows and video games, and outside his acting work, the comedian has been lauded for his impressions and political satire videos. In recent years, he has toured the U.K., playing one of the characters from his sketch series, Brian Butterfield.

He's been married to English actress Sarah Alexander for over 20 years.

In 2002, Serafinowicz met Sarah Alexander, a fellow British actor who was best known as an actress on '90s TV shows. It is not publicly known when the pair got married, though they have publicly appeared together at events and in rare videos over the years. The couple reportedly shares two children and lives in London.

Stage and screen actress Alexander grew up in London and is best known for starring in British TV comedies, including The Armstrong & Miller Show, Smack the Pony, Coupling, The Worst Week of My Life, and Green Wing. She also appeared on the long-running crime drama Jonathan Creek from 2013 to 2016 and played Undine Thwaite in the Epix series Pennyworth. As for movies, she held an uncredited role in the beloved rom-com Bridget Jones's Diary and played the witch Empusa in 2007's Stardust.

He was diagnosed with ADHD at age 40.

In a 2023 interview with iPaper, the Million Dollar Secret host opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD late in life. "I only found out 10 years ago, and really even more recently than that—like a year or two ago—realized just how severely it’s affected my life," he told the outlet.

"Having ADHD for me, it’s like being a genius, and also being a total idiot," he continued. "Some things I can do really super well, and there are some very, very, very basic things that I find almost impossible. I think that’s true for a lot of people with ADHD. Things that most people find tedious, but not impossible. Like, just keeping track of your bills, and your rent, and your laundry, and keeping your place tidy and remembering where to be."

Recently, Serafinowicz also appeared on an episode of Dr. Mine Conkbayir and comedian Paul Whitehouse's podcast "I’m ADHD! No You’re Not."

In the 16-episode series written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok, two of Korea’s most acclaimed actresses play Oh Ae-sun, a woman born on Korea’s Jeju Island, over the decades: superstar singer-songwriter IU, 31, and internationally-renowned thespian Moon So-ri, 50. Viewers watch Ae-sun go from a neglected child to a loving wife and mother to an eventual grandmother and widow. Once Tangerines’s first four episodes premiered on March 7, the full scope of IU’s role was revealed: She plays not only Ae-sun in her younger years but also Ae-sun’s first-born daughter Geum-myeong, adding another layer of interlinked storytelling between mother and daughter.

“I distinguished them through their voices, manner of speaking, hairstyles, skin tones, and even the way they cried,” IU tells Marie Claire of her dual roles. “However, since they are mother and daughter, I refrained from making overly drastic differences. Following the director’s guidance, I portrayed them as two individuals who are alike and unique in their own way.”

While a large part of the series centers on Ae-sun’s lifelong marriage to Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon), Tangerines is most powerful when the show flashes between past and present to show how inherently similar Ae-sun and Geum-myeong truly are. Even as the modernization of South Korea led to the two women living vastly different lives, they still faced mirror struggles relatable to mothers and daughters across the globe.

Both actresses tell Marie Claire over email that they hope the show reminds viewers to focus on the joys of living, from treasured relationships to fleeting moments of beauty. “I hope that after laughing and crying alongside Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, even if it’s just in the smallest way, viewers find themselves feeling a renewed sense of hope for life,” IU says.

Now that the series’ finale aired on March 28, IU and Moon So-ri chat with Marie Claire about the ways When Life Gives You Tangerines reminded them of their own families, how they juggled storylines spanning multiple generations, and why the drama has had such a large impact on viewers from all cultures.

Marie Claire: What led you to join When Life Gives You Tangerines, a large-scale story that spans multiple generations?

Moon So-ri: In the story, Ae-sun was born in 1951, and my mother was born in 1952. Seeing Ae-sun, once a young girl filled with dreams, marry early and dedicate her entire life to raising her children reminded me so much of my mother. I remember bursting into tears as soon as I read the script. This project brought to mind not just my mom but also my [grandmothers]. It felt like a story that would deeply resonate with everyone and offer warmth.

MC: How did you two work together to shape the character of Ae-sun? How did you express the similarities between young and elderly Ae-sun?

IU: I have always thought that I bore some resemblance to [Moon So-ri] in appearance. So when I heard the casting news, I was genuinely excited. My natural voice tends to be lower, while hers is softer and warmer. I kept that in mind and intentionally used a slightly higher pitch than my usual tone. I also observed and incorporated her affectionate way of speaking and how she ends her sentences. She was incredibly considerate toward me, even putting a beauty mark on her left cheek to match mine.

MS: The script provided detailed descriptions of Ae-sun’s signature gestures and way of speaking. For instance, when she says, ‘I love this so much,’ she clasps her hands together. It even outlined her facial expressions and tone of voice in great precision, so I felt that these elements would naturally blend into my performance. While working with IU, we would swap lines and read them in each other’s tones, discussing facial expressions and movements based on the situation. Visually, we aimed to express their resemblance through eyebrow positioning and shape, and even a signature beauty mark.

MC: Both of you filmed beautiful dream sequences with actress Yeom Hye-ran, who plays Ae-sun’s mother, Gwang-rye. What significance do these scenes hold in Ae-sun’s story?

IU: To Ae-sun, [her mother] is her first love—someone she will never forget, someone she longs for even in her dreams. The fact that Gwang-rye only appears in Ae-sun’s dreams during pivotal moments—when she faces danger or when she has to leave the home she holds dear—symbolizes the profound, inseparable connection between them, one bound by a mysterious force.

MS: Because Ae-sun was always so busy living her life, [Gwang-rye] rarely appeared in her dreams, even though she missed her mother deeply. But when the time came for her to leave home, her mother finally appeared. In that moment, part of her longs to open up—to share the hardships she has endured, to vent and be vulnerable. Yet, at the same time, she doesn’t want to burden her mother. She wants to show that she is doing well, that she is strong and thriving. Navigating between these complex emotions—how much to express and how much to hold back—was a real challenge. It was a difficult scene to portray, but I believe that, for Ae-sun, simply having her mother there in that moment was the greatest source of comfort and strength.

MC: IU, how challenging was it to switch between the two time periods—Ae-sun in the 1960s and Geum-myeong in the 1980s? Which era was more difficult to portray?

IU: I found acting in the 1980s more challenging. It wasn’t just the historical setting that made it challenging; it also took me time to grasp Geum-myeong’s emotions fully. The scenes where she speaks harshly to her parents, despite her true feelings, were particularly difficult for me to perform.

MC: So-ri, you are known for your dedication to preparing for roles, such as learning Japanese for The Handmaiden. How did you prepare for When Life Gives You Tangerines

MS: To portray elderly Ae-sun, I underwent special effects makeup and spent time studying the movements, speech patterns, breathing, and mannerisms of older individuals by watching videos on YouTube. I paid close attention to how their gaze shifts when their eyesight starts to blur and the pace at which they speak. When it came time to film, the strong, piercing winds of Jeju Island made it even more challenging. I focused on maintaining my composure and delivering a performance that didn’t reveal how freezing I was.

MC: You mentioned that Ae-sun’s life was similar to your mother’s past. Was there a particular scene that made you reflect on your own childhood or past from a new perspective?

MS: There are so many scenes that have stayed with me. For example, watching Gwan-sik pick out beans and squid for Geum-myeong reminded me of my father. He used to carefully take the plumpest part of a fish and place it on top of my rice. One perspective that was [new to me] was Ae-sun’s belief that life moves through the seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Looking at my mother, who has lived her life with such passion and intensity, I realized that if you live with excitement and joy, you can return to summer. If you fill your life with things that make your heart flutter, it can be spring again. That’s the kind of life I want to grow old into as well.

MC: With When Life Gives You Tangerines ending, what message do you both hope global audiences take away from this series?

MS: There’s a line in the show: ‘Live and carry on.’ But I believe this doesn’t mean enduring everything alone. Ae-sun’s strength comes from the people around her—her mother, her grandmother, her husband Gwan-sik, her children, the female [haenyeo] divers, and the elderly landlords. It is because of these cherished relationships that she is able to experience both joy and sorrow, find resilience, and keep moving forward in life. I hope this message resonates with audiences worldwide—that we endure and live not in isolation, but through the support and shared experiences with others.

IU: Our show isn’t [solely] dark—it’s infused with a sense of humor throughout. But at the same time, every episode touches on emotions that bring tears to your eyes. If you look at Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s lives, they were certainly not the most conventionally ‘successful’ couple. However, depending on how you define happiness, you could say their life together was as fragrant as a flower field, like a precious outing the two of them took together.

Hardships are an inevitable part of life. We all face setbacks and moments of despair. But our show doesn’t say, ‘Life is full of disappointments, so it must be bad.’ Instead, it gently tells us, ‘Pause. Lean on a friend, on love, on time itself. Don’t just keep running. When flowers bloom, take a picture in the flower field. When summer comes, enjoy some fresh croaker fish and go for a bike ride. When autumn arrives, pick some persimmons and have a cup of tea. And in winter, roast tangerines over the fire, blow on them, and savor every bite. Live each day as it comes, one by one. And when you regain a little strength, take another step forward—this time, maybe you're heading toward something joyful. Who knows where life will take you next? Stay open to the surprises life has in store.’

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

So, it's no surprise that a streamer is already hard at work bringing the fantasy book to life. In October 2023, Prime Video announced that it had nabbed the rights to Yarros's entire Empyrean book series and that the streamer was developing a TV series with actor Michael B. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society. As each new book from Yarros has come out, fans have been clamoring for any news on the highly anticipated book-to-movie adaptation. Below, we're keeping track of everything we know about the Fourth Wing TV show.

When will the 'Fourth Wing' TV series be released?

As of March 2025, it's still anyone's guess when Fourth Wing could make it to television screens. Prime Video has not given many updates on the show's development—which is understandable since it takes a while to develop a show, and the Empyrean books are still being published. When the adaptation was first announced, only one book had been published out of an expected five-book series.

We did get an update from Outlier Society in July 2024. Emmy, Golden Globe, and Peabody Award winner Moira Walley-Beckett—best known for writing/producing Breaking Bad and creating the Netflix series Anne With an "E"—will serve as showrunner and executive producer for Fourth Wing. Yarros will serve as an executive producer, along with Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Liz Pelletier, and Stefano Agosto.

Who has been cast in the 'Fourth Wing' TV show?

Prime Video has not announced any cast members for the upcoming series, as the show is likely still in the writing stages of pre-production.

However, there has been plenty of discourse around casting, as passionate readers make their case for who should play 20-year-old heroine Violet Sorrengail and her love interest Xaden Riorson.

Though there aren't any names attached, Yarros has confirmed that Xaden will be played by a person of color. (The dragon rider is described in the books as having "warm tawny skin," but some fan art has depicted him as white.) Speaking to Variety in November 2023, the author said, "We’re just going to say he’s POC; we’re just going to leave it at that. I didn’t rise to the bait of a lot of those [fan] posts, which I think probably got me some flack, but I knew we were already in development for TV, and I want to make sure that role is open to as much diversity as possible. So I was never going to give the readers my vision because I know that once you give the readers your vision, that’s what they’re gonna stick to. And I wanted to make sure we left it open to as much diversity as possible."

Most recently, rumors started swirling that Australian star Josh Heuston is set to play either Xaden or Bodhi, his younger cousin. The actor (who is of Anglo-Sri Lankan descent and known for roles in The Last of Us , Dune: Prophecy, and Heartbreak High) was asked about the fan speculation on a red carpet, promoting The Last of Us season 2, and did not necessarily confirm or deny it. When Bravo Australia asked if they could call him Xaden, he bashfully responded, "You have to ask the scribes, I suppose."

As the reporter joked that she would continue calling him Xaden, Heuston, 28, responded, "Interesting, yeah, that's a great nickname."

"It really suits you," Bravo Australia added," while he said, "I hope so."

It's hard to say if Heuston is really in the running and for what role, so we'll have to wait and see. For now, start fan-casting.

What is the plot of 'Fourth Wing?'

For those of you who have yet to dive into the wonderful world of romantasy, The Empyrean series takes place in a world where dragons exist, and there's an entire college where people learn how to ride them. In the first book, new student Violet is forced by her mother, the commanding general of Basgiath War College, to train as a dragon rider, even though Violet lives with a chronic illness similar to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (which Yarros has in real life). The chance of being rejected/incinerated by a dragon (think Vermithor and the failed dragonseeds in HotD season 2) isn't the only danger; the school is so cutthroat, with not enough dragons for all aspiring riders, that one of her classmates may kill her instead.

Fourth Wing follows Violet as she enters the school and goes through the initial training for dragon riders, all while encountering more enemies than friends. As with any good YA franchise, there are hints of a world-threatening conflict looming that Violet will have to deal with in the future. There's also the requisite super-hot guy who can't help but be interested in her: a third-year rider and elite student named Xaden Riorson. There's even a Romeo and Juliet storyline going: Xaden's father was executed by Violet's mother after the same failed rebellion that killed Violet's brother.

We'll stop the summary there to avoid spoilers, but Fourth Wing is the first of a planned five-book series. Its follow-up, Iron Flame, was published in November 2023, just six months after its predecessor. The third novel, Onyx Storm, had its record-breaking release in January 2025. The fourth and fifth books do not currently have release dates.

What has Rebecca Yarros said about the 'Fourth Wing' TV show so far?

During her press tours for the January 2025 release of Onyx Storm, Yarros dropped a few more hints that the Fourth Wing TV series's progress was chugging along. In an interview with Variety, the author revealed that she has given the show's team "the five-book arc" for the entire Empyrean series.

She explained, "They have the five-book arc and the general big points of what happens in between each book, but they don’t have the specifics between Book 4 and Book 5, because I’m getting ready to go to my crazy plotting board and and plot out every single event that happens in each book, so that I make sure that I’m within my two books there. But they have general ideas. And Moira [Walley-Beckett] is great. She’s phenomenal."

Yarros also revealed that she has read "a couple versions" of the Fourth Wing pilot and praised Walley-Beckett for "[handling] the book with such respect and such zeal."

"It really is phenomenal," she said of the pilot. "I was kicking my feet the entire time I read it. Really, just no notes. I think it’s always scary to give your book baby to a person and say, 'Hey, tell me what you think is important.' But she nailed it and she gets it."

As Laurie, Coon brings a spiky sense of insecurity and a near-desperate desire to be accepted by her friends, even when she’s talking shit about them (Jaclyn seeks validation in men! Kate maybe voted for Trump!) and when she knows they’re talking shit about her.

After Jaclyn sleeps with their “health mentor,” Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius), the women stop gossiping in private, and bring their decades-long grievances to the group dinner table. In Sunday night’s episode, Jaclyn takes a jab at Laurie: “Are you life’s victim or are you doing it to yourself?”

Jaclyn’s betrayal is “the catalyst for this moment where they actually start to say things to each other's faces,” Coon says over Zoom from her home in Westchester. It’s a Tuesday afternoon and the actress, best known for her Emmy-nominated roles in Fargo and The Gilded Age, is relaxed and wearing a sweatshirt that reps the Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic—a happy coincidence considering her character, Laurie, was reading a book written by the shop’s owner (Emma Straub) in episode 6. “So many pieces of art that are asking about identity ask the central question, ‘If you let go of the illusions you have about yourself or other people, can this relationship survive?’ That's where they are right now.”

After the women explode at one another, Laurie ditches Jaclyn and Kate and heads for the Muay Thai fight, where she meets up with Valentin and his Russian buddies. After a few beers and blood spatter in the ring, Laurie finally gets laid…albeit with conman Aleksei (Julian Kostov), who, post-coital, asks her for $10,000 to help his mother. (“Paypal? Zelle? Cash app?”) She’s then forced to flee the scene, pants barely fastened, after a few knocks to the head courtesy of Aleksei’s girlfriend.

Here, Coon breaks down the penultimate episode, Laurie’s fashion choices, and how she gained “autonomy” by filming in Thailand without her family.

Marie Claire: In a lot of ways, this trio is the most relatable group of the guests. Was this a familiar dynamic to you?

Carrie Coon: I know a lot of women who have childhood friends, and they go on girls’s trips every year. That is just not the way my life has unfolded. I looked like a boy until I was 17, and then I was one of those problematic girls who didn't think I could be friends with girls. I found female friendship very late in my life, and in that way I think my female friendships have a degree of health and stability.

But the writing is excellent and we all understand that these dynamics exist between women. We are forced to compare ourselves to others. Buddhism says that the comparing mind is a source of great pain and suffering, and whether you think you are better or worse, you will have suffering, and you will cause suffering for other people. It just makes perfect sense that this trio of ladies is who Mike has chosen to put into this Buddhist country examining spiritual questions about identity and self and reckoning with your own life choices.

MC: In the first episode, viewers are led to believe that Jaclyn and Kate are the two best friends and Laurie is on the outside. She is in a lot of ways but as everything unfolds, you realize there are one million dynamics at play in this tripod. It’s not that simple. How did you talk to Leslie and Michelle about this trio’s relationship?

CC: All three of us have been doing this long enough. Your job is to show up prepared and be present in the scene. But normally in a job, there would only be one of us, there wouldn't be three of us. It was such a distinct pleasure at this particular age and at this time in our careers to get to be on the same set together. Because we know the job, we know exactly what's expected of us, and our scenes would always go quickly because you had three really professional women coming in super prepared to do the work.

At the same time, we were actually living together in the Four Seasons. While we were acting out this old friendship, we were forging our new friendship because we were literally eating our meals together, going to the gym together, going to the grocery store, washing our underwear outside. We were doing all of these really intimate things. In some ways we were living this five-month friendship, even as we're living through this old friendship unfolding, however complicated that was. But we are really healthy people in very successful times in our lives. We are the Jaclyns, in a way.

MC: What intrigued you most about Laurie as a character?

CC: In some ways, she's a lot like me. When my family saw episode 5 [when Laurie dances at the bar], they said, "Well, it's nothing we haven't seen you do at a wedding.”

But I really like her arc through the season. She has to hit this very particular bottom, and because no one has seen episode 8, you don't know if she survives, you don't know if she goes postal, kills everyone. You don't know if she learns something or she learns nothing. But it doesn't stay static. None of the characters will be in the same place where they started.

MC: How would you define her arc?

CC: Dark night of the soul, baby. It's not the one she was expecting, it's not the one she wanted. It's not what she was seeking, but it's what she's getting.

MC: It was so fun to watch her let loose in episode 5. She goes to bed dancing! Do you think that she wanted to hook up with Valentin? Why do you think she didn't go for it?

CC: Laurie means what she says early in the episodes when Jaclyn suggests that she go after Valentin. She says, "I don't think he'd be interested anyway."

Ultimately, those questions are about self-esteem. She's just come out of a divorce and she hasn't been playing the game for a while. She's waiting for him to make a move, and Jaclyn doesn't wait. Also, she's a drunk, and drunks aren't necessarily good on the follow-through. They can make mistakes and Laurie finally gets hers, but not without consequences. Not without some real deep humiliation. The thing she was afraid of turns out to be true.

MC: You’re talking about how, in episode 7, she sleeps with Aleksei, who turns out to be a conman. What do you think she is hoping to get from this experience? And do you think she gets any of it?

CC: She's not unhappy to get laid. I think if she were to walk away from a Thai vacation with a sexy young boyfriend, that would be a dream come true. A dream she didn't know she had. But perhaps she’s looking for validation from her friends. To prove to them and to herself that she is attractive.

But then she experiences this humiliation where she almost has to laugh. You have now jumped out a window and got smacked on the head by some booby Russian and you don't know where you are and you don't know how to get home, and it's humiliating.

MC: Backing up a bit, when she's having dinner with Jaclyn and Kate, instead of talking shit about one another, they're talking shit about each other to each other in a way that feels like they're being honest for the first time. Kate says that Laurie is always disappointed, and it’s like Laurie realizes someone else sees the worst qualities she sees in herself. She’s confronted with the fact that these women know her.

CC: Laurie is really good at calling out other people. She has not been good about taking responsibility for her part in it. People who love you the most can also hurt you the most. They are probably people who actually do see you. So ultimately, they do really know each other. They do see each other and they don't necessarily want to look at themselves. It's a very painful moment. It's a catalyst for whether or not we think this friend group can or should survive this vacation.

My husband [the writer and actor Tracy Letts] wrote a play, and in it there's a quote that says, "New friends are better than old friends." You have to ask yourself, at what point are these relationships being continued just out of habit as opposed to true identification with one another? How are they reactive? If they're unexamined, you will continue to be living inside reactivity.

MC: I'm curious to find out in the finale if they leave as friends.

CC: Yeah, me too. Maybe everybody dies. Everybody dies.

MC: There is a moment when she's leaving Aleksei's apartment and she sees the jewels. Do you think that she was clocking that he's the thief or is that a subtle confirmation to the audience that he was?

CC: I think because we saw that snake necklace with Chelsea in the shop, the audience will certainly make that connection. Our storyline is so siloed in a way, I don't think they know. They've heard about the robbery, but they don't know specifically what was taken. Any intelligent person is thinking, "That doesn't belong here," right? “There's something more sinister happening. And I should probably get the fuck out.”

MC: You said in a recent interview that one of the most profound parts of doing The White Lotus was the “recovery of your personal autonomy.” What did you gain from this experience?

CC: I don't know any mother who isn't suffering from burnout. Because of the way we parent now—alone in a house without community—it's very hard to be a parent. There's a different psychological demand on women when their children are young. Trying to balance a successful career, which I'm in the throes of right now, with raising young children means there's always an opportunity cost. I either have to turn down a really great job or my relationship with my children will suffer on some level.

My children are incredibly privileged and safe and well cared for. They have wonderful people in their lives who support us. However, women at all levels are struggling with this question of work-life balance that is absolutely impossible to achieve. For me, to go away [to film in Thailand] for weeks at a time, I would sleep when I wanted to sleep, somebody was cooking for me, and I didn't have to clean up. I could read books and I could exercise and take care of myself. I could meditate, and I could go swim in the ocean. Being the arbiter of how I spend my time is something that I don't know another woman who's parenting right now has. The idea that my career affords me the chance to step away from being a mother and then come back to it so that I can appreciate it on another level is a thing most women don't get.

Because I live a creative life, when I get to be away from my family, there's something really fulfilling about the process I'm engaged in, which is about building something and being fully expressed. So it's a tremendous gift to get to do it. I credit my husband with making space for me to do it.

But then the flip side is when I had free time, I had to get on a plane for 18 hours and fly home and there's no jet lag, there's no nap. I got pneumonia. I was so sick during a lot of that shoot because I had to go back and forth.

Other people were like, "Let's go to Cambodia, let's go to Tokyo." I was like, "I got to go home to New York and do laundry and make dinner and make sure my children are feeling psychologically cared for, and make sure the nannies have the right schedule and that the swimming lessons are scheduled for the summer, and that all the bills are paid for these extracurricular activities." The responsibilities were just overwhelming.

My husband had said to me at some point, "I just want you to know, we see all the things you do. We do recognize all the things you're doing that we don't even know about." I know women who are waiting 10 years in a marriage to hear that from their partner.

MC: It's probably important for your children to see you pursuing this creative endeavor in a way that shows that you have a full life as a person, as Carrie Coon, not just as Mom.

CC: Yes. It’s important even to counteract their feelings of privilege and entitlement in the life they're living. A little discomfort is good. These kids need to learn frustration tolerance, and they need to learn about their own resourcefulness and resilience.

MC: Costume designer Alex Bovaird has said Laurie is really trying to keep up with Jaclyn and live this glamorous lifestyle, and you can see that through her style. What kind of conversations did you have with the costume designer?

CC: What was important to me is that while she is in resort clothing, she maybe didn't pack as well. She certainly wasn't like Kate. She didn't go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for this trip, which you know Kate did. Her clothes feel a little bit off. They're not quite right. They don't fit as well. Her hat's a little dowdy but necessary because she's not going to get sun. It was important to me that her nail color feel a little bit weird. It's this weird violet-y blue, like she was trying something and it just didn't work. Those were the choices we made along with the fact that she's in Thailand and Laurie doesn't know what to do with her hair. It's frizzy.

MC: All the details matter so much and they really pop when they're right. I’m not the only one who clocked her reading Emma Straub’s Modern Lovers by the pool in episode 6. Did you have a say in that?

CC: Mike and I did go through some selects. That's her beach read. The joke for me and Mike that no one will ever see is that she brought A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. She’s like, “Everyone’s talking about this book. I have to read it.” But she just can't bring herself to read it. So A Little Life is actually in Laurie's suitcase.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Hair Peter Butler | Makeup Rebecca Restrepo | Stylist Alicia Lombardini

Her dressing room is mostly bare, with white walls not yet decorated. The passion for interior decor turned into a side hustle for the actress in the pandemic. “My dressing room business has taken off in such a way, I haven't even been able to focus on mine,” the actress tells Marie Claire.

Rodriguez is a week into previews of SMASH, a new Broadway musical based on the NBC TV series, opening April 10.

Created by Theresa Rebeck and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the musical drama—featuring songs by the Tony Award-winning team behind Hairspray, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman—debuted in 2012 to promising reviews and immediately earned cult status among Broadway fanatics. While the show about the making of a Broadway musical—starring Katharine McPhee as newcomer Karen from Iowa and Megan Hilty as ensemble vet Ivy vying for the role of Marilyn Monroe in the new show Bombshell—went off air in 2013, it has remained in the theater zeitgeist. (Consider Bowen Yang opening the 2025 SAG Awards quoting the show's original song "Let Me Be Your Star.”)

Rodriguez, 40, is the only actor from the series to jump from screen to stage. The actress, most recently seen as Liza Minnelli in Ryan Murphy’s Halston on Netflix, was a season 2 regular as Ana Vargas. In the stage adaptation, she’ll take on the role of Tracy, half of the song-writing team putting on Bombshell. The role was originated by Debra Messing for the NBC show (though the character’s name was Julia Houston). “The minute that we started the process, it was like, This is absolutely 100 percent a different thing,” Rodriguez says of the production, directed by Susan Stroman with a brand new plot co-written by Rick Elice and Bob Martin. Because of that, the performer says she didn’t feel the need to rewatch the source material to get into character.

But Smash fans will be glad to hear that the show’s catchy showstopping songs and original choreography by Josh Bergasse largely remains the same. The story, now a comedy, centers around established Broadway actress Ivy Lynn (Robyn Hurder) as she’s cast as Marilyn Monroe in a biographical musical about her life. But Ivy Lynn’s role of a lifetime comes in jeopardy when she gets too deep into method acting as Marilyn, popping pills and being difficult during rehearsals.

Rodriguez has worked on the SMASH musical on and off for three years through various readings and workshops. Before the show finally made it to the Great White Way, in the interim, she designed nine celebrity Broadway dressing rooms last season, including Jeremy Jordan’s, who starred in The Great Gatsby and was also in the Smash series ensemble. "Eventually, the photos will come out. I'm putting them all together," she says, casually listing one of them as Megan Hilty’s current Death Becomes Her dressing room at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It’s right across the road on 46th Street from Rodriguez at the Imperial. "We can basically see each other—Megan and I," she says with a laugh. The two have gabbed about Smash, the musical.

Before Rodriguez headed to the stage for notes with the company, Marie Claire spoke with her about the cultural phenomenon of Smash, Debra Messing’s scarves, and her character’s nod to Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail.

Marie Claire: What is it about the lore of Smash?

Krysta Rodriguez: That first pilot episode really scratched an itch in people's brains. It felt adult. It felt dangerous, but it felt kind of campy. Airing [the song] “Let Me Be Your Star” on TV for the first time felt like something opened up in the world. It was this weird convergence with social media, starting. I joined Twitter so that I could live-tweet season 2 as part of the job; that was the era of time.

MC: What were you doing during season 1?

KR: I was living in L.A., auditioning, trying to make my way in the world, and went through two pilot seasons. I had a bunch of friends on the show, and it was fun watching it. I watched every episode. I ended up having to move back to New York because my co-op found out I was subletting. Three days later, I got the audition for season 2 and was cast on the show.

MC: I know you sang Joe Iconis's “Broadway, Here I Come!” before it aired on Smash. Is that how you booked the role of Ana Vargas?

KR: We used to do concerts at the Beechman [Theatre] every month. Joe was part of my community, as far as championing new artists. Actually, when I auditioned for the part, Josh Safran, the showrunner for season 2, was in the room and said he’d seen me in a lot of things and also wrote my episode of Gossip Girl. My very first television appearance was on Gossip Girl during season 2 when [Nate and Dan] visit Yale and run into a TA—me. I had this great arch with Chace Crawford and got to make out with him. So I was like, ‘Thanks for writing that make-out scene for me.’ We had a laugh about that. I had that one audition, and a few days later, I had the part.

MC: What do you remember about filming season 2?

KR: It felt like a nice transition to something that I had never done: be a regular on a series. We put on a full musical every week. It's a lot of work. To be able to do it with talents that I already know that I possessed put me more at ease. There are huge moments [on the show] of things I'd never gotten to do before, like the silk number that I did from the ceiling and having a few days to prep that.

MC: Smash ran its course and was canceled after the second season. When did you start to hear mumblings of a Broadway musical, and where are you involved in that?

KR: They did that big Bombshell concert for the Entertainment Community Fund, which Andy [Mientus] and I couldn't be involved in because we were doing Spring Awakening in L.A., the Deaf West revival. Plus, Bombshell wasn't our show. I never really considered myself part of that side of the show. We've always felt very much like there was Hit List and Bombshell. It never, ever dawned on me that I would be involved in it at all.

I got an email offer for the part for the first reading that we did. Then it was a shock to get the—what's formerly named Julia—role. I was sitting with Josh [Safran] when I got the email, and thought, This is so crazy. He said it sounded like a great opportunity and I should definitely do it. I didn't even know if Julia would be right for me and what I would bring to it. I just went into the first reading with an open heart, and they kept asking me back. I still don't really know how I ended up here, but I'm grateful.

MC: Was it Julia then, or was it always Tracy?

KR: It was Julia. Then, it became Tracy after that first reading.

MC: [Co-book writer] Rick Elice told me it was your idea to add the scarves as a nod to Debra Messing’s portrayal on the show!

KR: You can't play anything that resembles Julia Houston without a scarf! We introduce them, then we phase them out so it doesn't get too jokey. But then, even at the end, I have one.

MC: How did that conversation come up to add the scarves?

KR: When I assembled my own clothes that I was going to be wearing when we did the workshop last year, I put the scarf on. When we were doing the [costume] fittings for this, everything looked better with the scarf. No wonder Debra [Messing] was wearing so many scarves! It's such a perfect accessory. It’s also realistic when you're in rehearsal. It's freezing in those rooms. It's hot in those rooms. It's the perfect thing to throw on. [Director Susan Stroman] wears them all the time. When you're sitting behind that [creative rehearsal] table, that's actually what you want to wear. So it's become meta upon meta, as everything on Smash has become.

MC: Did you speak to Debra Messing about the role?

KR: I did not. She did see the workshop, though, and was very supportive and thrilled that I was going to be the one doing it.

MC: Tell me about the character, Tracy.

KR: She stands on the shoulders of all the women who played Julia, who are also [the original TV show’s creator] Theresa Rebeck. She’s the sort of sole woman in the room that would like to get her point across, who's passionate about the work, who wants to make sure there is no stone left unturned, who is not going to be satisfied with putting your first idea out there. It has to be the second, third, fourth tested tried-and-true idea.

In this version, she's married to the composer, which is a bit of a mash-up of a few characters on Smash, the series. What John [Behlmann, who plays her husband Jerry] and I have had a great time doing is how quickly we can fight and make up. What does it feel like to still have to go home with each other every night and love each other? How far do you go with your passion in the work and when does it separate at home? That’s been really fun for us to play around with.

MC: What was your mood board inspiration for Tracy?

KR: It's Nancy Meyers, Nora Ephron, Upper West Side. She moved to New York when she was able to get a really cheap, but huge Upper West Side apartment with pre-war details, and she can never move. Jerry has now moved in with her. They should have been priced out, but they are still going to the shop around the corner, getting daffodils in the morning. They probably have a landline. There's a vestige of New York that doesn't exist anymore. She’s also a raging feminist. Meg Ryan was all over my board, Diane Keaton—the sort of self-sufficient women who made their way on the Upper West Side in the early ‘90s.

MC: That’s where we get the pant suits you wear in the show!

KR: Costumes are a big thing for me. They're such a jumping-off point. I have 13 costume changes alone! Every time I'm off stage, I'm changing my clothes. It also had to be something where we could make things look different and unique with four seconds to change. We did a first fitting [with costume designer Alejo Vietti], where I remember everything was fine, but I knew it could be more specific and a little more utilitarian to who she was. After the first fitting, I had told them my hyper-specific, Meg Ryan sort of fantasy. When I came back, they had put a whole mood board of late ‘90s, Upper West Side women—analog girls that weren’t on their phones all the time. That’s what I wanted.

MC: How would you describe the costumes?

KR: If anyone's ever been in a Broadway rehearsal process, after day three, it's what is on the ground of my bedroom. You're working outside of work, as well as all night long, especially if you live with your co-writer. It really was about comfortable pieces that felt elevated. And I really wanted her to feel like a woman. We’ve established that they've written some really successful pieces. I think they have a little bit of money, and I think she has quality pieces, but not that many of them. She's “quiet luxury” a little bit.

MC: To get into character, did you sit with songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman at all to learn about being on the writing team of a new musical?

KR: Frankly, a lot of the music in this show was already written. So the actual process of creating the new musical was mostly watching [book-writers] Bob [Martin] and Rick [Elice]. I'm the book writer, as well, [in the show] so I really got to look at Bob and Rick and what they're like about script changes, seeing if it works or not, and the faces that they're making. [They’re holding] a laptop and a pencil and a coffee and extra script pages.

There’s a number line on the stage when you’re in rehearsal. They rarely step out from behind their table. [Stroman] is in charge. Any time [Stroman] would be talking and she'd turn [to see] the writers migrated their way up to the front to number six say something. We have that moment in the show when things start to kind of go wrong, I slowly drift my way up to six. I know I'm not supposed to say something, but I really need [the director, Nigel, played by Brooks Ashmanskas] to know I'm here to say something.

MC: Are there any Easter Eggs in the musical as a nod to the series?

KR: Besides the scarves, which I feel like the people need, there's still #TeamKaren and #TeamIvy, but that gets twisted on its head as well. The music is still the same but in different contexts. Oh, there is a really sweet thing, actually. I don't know if this necessarily pertains to the series. We have a large rehearsal room and we have a small rehearsal room as a set. For the small rehearsal room, it's named the [Craig] Zadan [rehearsal room]. That's an homage to [the late Smash series producer] Craig and honoring him.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

To build the show's world, Netflix recruited a hilarious cast of both up-and-comers you'll need to watch and familiar faces from the world of Broadway and reality TV. With season 2 out on March 27, 2025, read on to learn more about the stunning cast of Survival of the Thickest.

Michelle Buteau as Mavis Beaumont

Mavis Beaumont is 38-year-old assistant stylist who has dedicated her career to styling people who don't fit conventional body standards. After discovering her life partner in bed with another woman, Mavis is determined to make a successful life for herself and maybe find love again.

Michelle Buteau, 47, is an actress, author, and stand-up comedian hailing from New Jersey. After two decades of doing stand-up, she rose to fame with scene-stealing appearances in Someone Great, Always Be My Maybe, and hosting The Circle. Last year, Buteau co-starred alongside Ilana Glazer in the comedy film Babes, and she became the first woman to film a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. Her special A Buteau-ful Mind is also streaming on Netflix.

Tone Bell as Khalil

Khalil is Mavis's longtime, devoted bestie. The artist and instructor is known for foregoing long-term relationships, but that changes when he falls for one of his students. Season 2 of Thickest sees Khalil adjust to a new level of success in his art career while starting a mental health journey.

Tone Bell, 41, is a Georgia-born actor and stand-up comedian who worked as an elementary school teacher and a brand manager before pivoting to entertainment. He has previously appeared in the movies Little, Sylvie's Love, Trigger Warning, and Coyote vs. Acme, as well as the shows The Flash, Disjointed, Fam, and American Soul. He also hosts the Netflix reality series Drink Masters.

Tasha Smith as Marley

Marley, the third Musketeer in Mavis's friend group, is an elite finance exec. She's proud of her success and not afraid to let that be known. Still, the low-key terrifying powerhouse begins to show a softer side of herself in her romantic life.

Tasha Smith, 54, is a veteran actress who has appeared in dozens of shows and films, including the Why Did I Get Married? movies, Fox's Empire, 2019's Dolemite Is My Name, BET's First Wives Club, and 2024's Bad Boys: Ride or Die. She has also directed for series, including Star, P-Valley, 9-1-1, Bel-Air, and Harlem. Fun fact: Her twin sister Sidra Smith is a producer and writer.

Liza Treyger as Jade

Liza Treyger, 37, plays Jade, Mavis's wacky, borderline-problematic roommate in her new Brooklyn apartment. The actress and comedian immigrated from Odessa (the Ukranian port city that was formerly part of the Soviet Union) to Chicago when she was a child and later rose through the Chicago comedy scene. She has previously appeared in the shows Horace and Pete and Harlem, as well as the 2020 film The King of Staten Island and 2022's Nope.

Taylor Selé as Jacque

After he's caught cheating on Mavis in the Survival of the Thickest series premiere, photographer Jacque—her live-in boyfriend of five years—is determined to win her back.

Taylor Selé, 41, was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and raised in Queens, New York. The former professional football player has appeared in small roles in shows, including Homeland, Luke Cage, The Deuce, When They See Us, Orange Is the New Black, Godfather or Harlem, and High Maintenance. He also recently starred in supporting roles in P-Valley, Queens, and BMF.

Anissa Felix as India

India, Khalil's student turned romantic interest in season 1, is played by Anissa Felix, 33. The stage and screen actress made her Broadway debut in Motown the Musical in 2016 and went on to originate a role in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. She has also appeared in smaller roles in shows like Pose, The Deuce, Evil, The Good Fight, and Diarra from Detroit. Survival of the Thickest is her first major TV role.

Garcelle Beauvais as Natasha Karina

Natasha Karina is a legendary '90s supermodel who wants nothing more than to keep up a youthful image. Though they make an unlikely pair, Natasha eventually becomes a loyal, if high-maintenance, client for Mavis.

Garcelle Beauvais, 58, is a Haitian-American actress and former top model whose breakout TV role was as Fancy Monroe on The Jamie Foxx Show. Some of her extensive TV and film credits include Coming to America, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, NYPD Blue, Flight, White House Down, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and The Other Black Girl. In 2020, she became the first Black cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and remained on the show for five seasons.

Anthony Michael Lopez as Bruce

Anthony Michael Lopez plays Natasha's dedicated, long-suffering assistant, Bruce. The queer, disabled actor rose to fame with small roles in shows and films including Broad City, Homeland, Mapplethorpe, and New Amsterdam, while also starring in stage roles. In 2023, he made his Broadway debut as part of the revival cast of the musical Camelot. He's currently co-starring alongside Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in the record-breaking Broadway revival of Othello.

Marouane Zotti as Luca

In season 1 of Thickest, Mavis meets Luca, a charming man visiting N.Y.C. from his native Italy. The pair quickly starts a passionate romance, which gets complicated when Jacque comes back into her life.

Marouane Zotti, 37, is a Moroccan-Italian actor who began his career with stage and screen roles in Italy. His first major Western role was as Biagio in Michaela Coel's HBO miniseries I May Destroy You. Last year, he also had supporting roles in the Netflix mystery Bodkin and the Prime Video thriller Citadel: Diana.

Peppermint as Herself

Drag Race alum Miss Peppermint plays a dramatized version of herself in Survival of the Thickest, who's friends with Mavis and performs at her favorite bar, CC Bloom. The 45-year-old actress, singer, TV personality, and trans activist rose to national fame in 2017 as the runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race's ninth season. Since then, she has appeared on projects like Pose, Fire Island, Schmigadoon!, and season 2 of The Traitors. In 2018, she became the first out trans woman to originate a lead role on Broadway in the musical Head Over Heels.

Alecsys Proctor-Turner as Nala

Alecsys Proctor-Turner, 26, plays Nala, Mavis's fashion-loving, slightly neurotic assistant in season 2 of Thickest. The Bahamian-American actress was born and raised in Miami and graduated from Columbia University with an MFA in Acting last year. Survival of the Thickest is her first television role.

Jerrie Johnson as Daphne Moore

Jerrie Johnson, 31, joins Survival of the Thickest in season 2 as Daphne Moore, an N.Y.C. city council member who starts dating Marley. The Philly-born actress, poet, and arts activist made her major acting debut with a role on the Freeform series Good Trouble. She's best known for playing Tye on Prime Video's friendship comedy Harlem.

Tika Sumpter as Simone

Tika Sumpter, 44, plays Simone, an A-list gallery owner who works with Khalil in season 2. The actress has appeared in many movies, including Sparkle, Ride Along, Get On Up, Southside With You, and Nobody's Fool, as well as in the shows Gossip Girl, The Game, The Haves and Have Nots, and Mixed-ish. Recently, she starred as Maddie in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies.

Hosted by actor Peter Serafinowicz, the new reality hit is a cutthroat game where, among 12 nonceleb contestants, one unlucky player is hiding $1,000,000. The millionaire is unlucky because every other person in the house is hunting for that money, and playing challenges with the hopes of finding out information and eliminating the millionaire via a vote, at which point the money randomly transfers to someone else. Whoever's left standing at the end of eight episodes of eliminations walks away with the entire pot.

Like The Traitors, Million Dollar Secret's competition takes place entirely on one luxury estate, where the players have nothing to do but monitor and deceive each other from sun up to sun down. Sorry to Alan Cumming, but the new show's sunny lakeside property, known as The Stag, is where I would want to spend my time if given my choice of reality competition. For anyone else who's watching the series for the scenery as much as the drama, read on to learn more about where Million Dollar Secret is filmed.

Where is 'Million Dollar Secret' filmed?

Million Dollar Secret may call its filming location The Stag, but the gorgeous lakeside estate is really called Château Okanagan. The 44-acre property is on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (about 240 miles east of Vancouver). According to its website, the estate includes almost one kilometer of "exclusive shoreline [and] five craggy beaches," and the main private villa features "interiors blend French and old-world influences with furnishings and textiles sourced from France and the Mediterranean."

As for the amenities, the property has eight rooms (including a separate two-bedroom beach house) and can host up to 16 people. The Million Dollar Secret cast has plenty to enjoy during their off-time, as the chateau includes staff like a private chef and concierge, a wine cellar, a 12-seat movie theater, private hiking trails, a library and billiard lounge, a tennis court, and a fully decked-out spa.

Seasonal packages start at around $3,500 per person for a three-night stay, or the entire estate can be rented for around $40,000 for three nights.

For anyone new to the series, Weak Hero Class 1—adapted from the ongoing webtoon Weak Hero—follows the unlikely friendship between top student Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon), skilled fighter Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook), and troubled rich kid Beom-seok (Hong Kyung) as they battle systemic bullying at their high school. The violent and heart-wrenching drama ends its first season on a cliffhanger; thankfully, Netflix is set to continue Si-eun's story in just a couple of months. Below, read on for everything we know about Weak Hero Class 2 so far.

When will 'Weak Hero Class 2' come out?

Netflix has confirmed that Weak Hero Class 2 is set to release on April 25, 2025. The new episodes will come only a month after season 1 was released on the platform and instantly became a hit among a wider audience of action fans.

Though Weak Hero Class 1 was originally produced by the Korean streamer Wavve, Netflix announced it was making the drama's second season in December 2023. According to What's on Netflix, the new season was filmed in the first half of 2024 and will feature eight episodes, the same length as season 1.

Who in the 'Weak Hero' cast will return for season 2?

Warning: Spoilers for Weak Hero Class 1 ahead. By the end of Weak Hero Class 1, Si-eun is one of the only members of the show's main cast left standing. The season ends with Su-ho in a coma, due to his near-fatal attack by MMA fighter Woo-young (Cha Woo-min) and former friend Beom-seok. A devastated Si-eun returns to Byuksan High to take vengeance on everyone involved in the attack, but at the end of a gnarly fight sequence, he can't bring himself to injure Beom-seok (who seems to regret his actions) seriously. Beom-seok's abusive politician father (Jo Han-chul) sends him to a new school in the Philippines, while the now battle-weary Si-eun transfers to Eunjang High, a notoriously violent school and the only one that will admit Si-eun.

Based on that ending, it's likely that Park Ji-hoon will be the only member of Weak Hero Class 1's main cast to appear in the second season. (Unless Su-ho wakes up and Choi Hyun-wook comes back!) Netflix hasn't confirmed any other season 1 cast members set to return.

Who are the new cast members in 'Weak Hero Class 2'?

Si-eun's new school, Eunjang High, will feature a cast of up-and-coming Korean stars. Netflix revealed that the actors playing Si-eun's new friends will include Ryeoun from Twinkling Watermelon as Park Hu-min, XO Kitty's Choi Min-young as Seo Jun-tae, and Crash Course in Romance's Lee Min-jae as Go Hyun-tak.

Meanwhile, D.P.'s Bae Na-ra and When Life Gives You Tangerines' Lee Jun-young will star as members of "the Union, a representation of the greater violence that Yeon Si-eun is up against," per Netflix. According to Time, Lee will play Geum Sung-jae (a.k.a. Wolf Keum), and Bae will play Na Baek-jin, the series' main antagonist and leader of the villainous "alliance" that's teased in the Weak Hero Class 1 mid-credits scene.

Crash Landing on You's Yu Su-bin will also reprise his brief role as Choi Hyo-man, the same student who confronts Si-eun in season 1's final scene.

What will 'Weak Hero Class 2' be about?

According to Netflix, Weak Hero Class 2 "tells the story of survival and growth of a student who transfers to a new school after standing up against school violence for a friend but failing to protect him, and faces even greater violence to never lose a friend again."

It's currently unknown how much Weak Hero Class 2 will follow the plot of the source manhwa (a.k.a. a Korean comic). For fans who have yet to dive into the Weak Hero webtoon, Weak Hero Class 1 was technically a prologue for the comic's main plot, as Si-eun's time at Byuksan High is only told through flashbacks in the source material. This allowed the first season to put its own spin on the plot; for example, in the comic, Su-ho is a model student rather than an MMA fighter. Weak Hero Class 2 is expected to follow a similar storyline as the webtoon. (Note: The English translation of Weak Hero has different character names than the series. Si-eun is called Gray, Su-ho is Stephen, Beom-seok is Bryce, and Baek-jin is Donald.)

Is there a trailer for 'Weak Hero Class 2'?

Netflix paired the release date announcement with an official teaser, hinting at Yeon Si-eun's new day-to-day at Eunjang High. Despite the rumor that he'd "killed some kid" at his old school, things seem to be looking up for Si-eun as he finds some new friends. Unfortunately, Si-eun can't seem to escape his past, based on his heartbreaking voiceover: "Su-ho, I got into another fight. I'm sorry."

Women are more drawn to true crime stories than men, according to researchers Amanda M. Vicary and R. Chris Fraley. In their 2010 study, they looked at online book reviews and learned that men were more likely to choose books about gang violence or war, while women were drawn to gruesome stories of crime—even when those books involved women being kidnapped, raped, tortured, and/or killed.

One reason for this: By reading about these crimes and investigating the psychology of a criminal, we may hope that on some level we'll get clues on how to protect ourselves. The study by Vicary and Fraley concluded, "Women, more so than men, were drawn to the book that contained tips on how to defend oneself from an attacker. It appears that the potential to learn defense tactics from these stories is one factor that draws women, more so than men, to true crime books."

So, if immersing yourself in true crime stories makes you feel a little bit braver or a little bit more prepared, then have at it. From nonfiction books about shocking robberies and serial killers to moving memoirs about survival, below, we rounded up the best true-crime books from the past decade that are worth reading.

In addition to its mind-boggling parade of A-list cameos, The Studio is led by a hilarious cast playing Hollywood execs struggling to navigate the changing industry. Below, read on to learn more about the main cast of The Studio.

Seth Rogen as Matt Remick

In the premiere of The Studio, Matt Remick is named head of Continental Studios—a dream come true that quickly becomes a nightmare. Matt absolutely loves movies, and he wants to make auteur-driven, Oscar-winning films. However, the studio's bottom line and his need to be respected keep getting in the way.

Seth Rogen, 42, is a Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker best known for his popular comedy films, including Superbad, Pineapple Express, This Is The End, and The Interview. He has also played dramatic roles in movies, including 50/50, Steve Jobs, Pam & Tommy, and The Fabelmans. He has been married to actress Lauren Miller since 2011, and he founded the cannabis lifestyle brand Houseplant in 2019.

Catherine O'Hara as Patty Leigh

Patty Leigh is Matt's mentor and the former head of Continental. She was unceremoniously fired after several of her pictures bombed. Over the course of the show, she pivots to producing and gives her mentee some sage advice from time to time.

Catherine O'Hara, 71, is best known for her comedic work in '80s and '90s movies like Beetlejuice, Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Penelope, as well as several Christopher Guest mockumentary films. In 2020, she won an Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy for her role as Moira Rose in the beloved comfort show Schitt's Creek. She's also set to appear in season 2 of The Last of Us.

Ike Barinholtz as Sal Saperstein

Matt's right-hand man Sal Saperstein is another Continental exec. He's more amenable to making lowbrow blockbusters than his new boss. Still, he struggles to relate to the younger generations—both at work and at home.

Actor and writer Ike Barinholtz, 48, rose to fame as Morgan Tookers on Mindy Kaling's sitcom The Mindy Project. He has also appeared in movies, including Neighbors (alongside co-star Rogen), Sisters, Suicide Squad, Blockers, and Late Night. Earlier this year, he co-created and executive produced Netflix's basketball comedy Running Point. He was also the winner of Celebrity Jeopardy!'s first season.

Kathryn Hahn as Maya Mason

Maya, the head of marketing at Continental, is a crass, streetwear-loving, blaccent-using media whiz. She seems absurd but can often be the voice of reason when Matt's highbrow aspirations and yes-man tendencies get in the way of making money.

Kathryn Hahn, 51, is a comedic actress who rose to fame with scene-stealing roles across TV and film, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Step Brothers, Parks and Recreation, Transparent, Bad Moms, I Love Dick, Mrs. Fletcher, WandaVision, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Last year, she starred as Agatha Harkness in the Marvel series Agatha All Along.

Chase Sui Wonders as Quinn Hackett

Quinn Hackett, Matt's former assistant, is promoted to marketing exec once her boss becomes studio head. The Gen Z protégé wants to bring more cool indie filmmakers to Continental...if she can work around her older colleagues/competitors.

Chase Sui Wonders, 28, is an actress, filmmaker, and Harvard grad who is also the niece of fashion designer Anna Sui. After beginning her career in indie films, she has starred in projects, including the Max teen drama Genera+ion; the horror film Bodies, Bodies, Bodies; and the Apple TV+ drama City on Fire. She's next set to star in the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot.

Bryan Cranston as Griffin Mill

Bryan Cranston, 69, plays Griffin Mill, the terrifying CEO of Continental Studios. The acclaimed actor is best known for his incredible performance as chemistry teacher-turned-meth kingpin Walter White on AMC's Breaking Bad (as well as his early comedic role as Hal in Malcolm in the Middle). The six-time Emmy and two-time Tony winner also recently starred in the Wes Anderson movie Asteroid City and the Showtime crime drama Your Honor.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Petra

Keyla Monterroso Mejia, 27, plays Matt's new assistant, Petra. The Southern California native became a breakout comedy star with her 2021 role as bad actor Maria Sofia Estrada on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as her starring turn in the short-lived On My Block spinoff Freeridge. Monterroso Mejia's other scene-stealing appearances include season 2 of Abbott Elementary, the 2025 comedy films One of Them Days and You're Cordially Invited, and the Netflix basketball comedy Running Point (created by her co-star Barinholtz).

Dewayne Perkins as Tyler

Tyler, another member of Matt's executive team, is played by actor, writer, and comedian Dewayne Perkins, 34. The Chicago native got his start in improv and stand-up comedy before he became a writer for shows, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Amber Ruffin Show. As an actor, he has appeared in the Saved By the Bell reboot, Netflix's The Upshaws, the 2025 comedy One of Them Days, and the 2022 horror film The Blackening, which he also developed and co-wrote.

This new reality competition gathers 12 everyday people into a gorgeous lakeside mansion, giving each an ornate box. One of them holds $1,000,000 in cash, and the lucky player will get to keep it...as long as they can hold on long enough to become the last one standing. In each episode, the millionaire gets a task to complete for an advantage, as the rest of the players undergo mental and physical challenges to win info about the millionaire's identity. Whoever's the final player after eight episodes walks away with the entire pot.

The inaugural season of Million Dollar Secret, which hit streaming on March 26, has gathered an impressive cast to transform into backstabbers and betrayers for this intricate game. Led by their cunning host, English actor Peter Serafinowicz, the 12 players from all corners of the U.S. immediately prove themselves as cutthroat as the average Traitors normies while juggling quick bonds and major feuds in their quest for a life-changing win. Below, read everything to know about the Million Dollar Secret cast—including where to follow them after the show.

Cara, 29

Instagram: @caralidia

Occupation: In-N-Out cook

Background: Former kids' birthday party clown

Biggest Strength: "Active listening skills and...her solid intuition," as described by Tudum.

Chris, 34

Instagram: @callennd

Occupation: Beverage brand CEO

Personal Secret: He presents himself as "a struggling entrepreneur instead of a successful CEO."

Life Motto: "It takes a long time to build trust but only a second to lose it forever and never get it back."

Corey, 38

Instagram: @1coreyniles

Occupation: Builder

Background: "Growing up with a single mother and three younger siblings, I learned to become the man of the house at a very young age."

Life Motto: "Let them judge you, let them misunderstand you, let them gossip about you. Their opinions are not your problems."

Harry, 59

Instagram: @harrydonenfeld

Occupation: Photographer

Background: Former personal photographer for multiple billionaires.

Biggest Strengths: His "ability to evade questions" and "unmatched people skills."

Jaimi, 42

Instagram: @jaimialexander

Occupation: Life coach

Biggest Strength: "Her ability to read people like a book and listen to her intuition above all else...[and being a] phenomenal liar."

Biggest Weakness: Being "too nice."

Kyle, 27

Instagram: @kyle_wimberley

Occupation: Construction worker

Hometown: Louisiana

Biggest Weakness: "I am liable to start laughing immediately post-lie."

Lauren, 35

Instagram: @laurenmidwest

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom

Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota

Background: Former school counselor

Game plan: "Lead with her reputation as a positive, likable, and trustworthy person."

Lydia, 64

Instagram: @lydiatexasgrandma

Occupation: Retired escrow agent

Hometown: Texas

Personal Secret: She’s been a professional poker player for 30 years.

Biggest Strength: "In our society, a woman my age is invisible. It’s easy to be overlooked and underestimated."

Phillip, 41

Instagram: @phil_roundtree

Occupation: College professor

Background: Former therapist of 15 years.

Biggest Weakness: "Overanalyzing...I tend to think through every possible scenario, and sometimes the simplest answer is the right one."

Samantha, 41

Instagram: @sammysep

Occupation: Police officer

Personal Secret: She's pretending to be a stay-at-home mom.

Biggest Weakness: "Caring and letting my heart get involved."

Se Young, 35

Instagram: @seyoung

Occupation: Systems VP

Biggest Strength: Being a "true gamer" with a "deep understanding of gameplay mechanics."

Game Plan: "Try and skate through under the radar," and "'avoid being annoying' to stay in the mansion as long as possible."

Sydnee, 32

Instagram: @sydnee.falkner

Occupation: Medical sales

Background: The Alaska native has "worked in negative 80-degree weather as a maintenance tech in pure darkness."

Biggest Strength: "Everyone dismisses me based on my outward appearance. It's happened my whole life and can serve its purpose when needed."

Personal Secret: She's playing up the "Scottsdale blonde persona" to catch others by surprise.

The film from Nick Green unfolds this heartbreaking con of familial love turned misery, with Hornigold, his loved ones, and Dionne's other victims telling their stories. With the doc landing on Netflix on March 25, here's what to know about Graham Hornigold and where the chef is following the events of Con Mum.

Who is Graham Hornigold?

Graham Hornigold, 50, is a former Michelin-starred pastry chef and renowned pastry consultant based in the U.K. After starting his food career at age fourteen, Hornigold worked his way up to becoming executive pastry chef at The Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner, at age 28, and winning UK Pastry Chef of the Year in 2007. He later served as the executive pastry chef for Hakkasan restaurant group from 2011 to 2017, supervising "120 pastry chefs working in twenty different kitchens", per his Great British Chefs bio.

Since leaving Hakkasan, Hornigold has run his own pastry consultancy, while making appearances on famed cooking shows including Masterchef: The Professionals and Junior Bake Off. He has spent the past several years developing and founding the gourmet doughnut brand Longboys, which currently has three locations in London.

We learn in Con Mum that Graham had a rough upbringing. The chef was born on a British army base in West Germany, and was "fostered at the age of two for two years," per the doc. He then moved in with his father and stepmother in the town of St. Albans, 20 miles northwest of London. Graham, who describes his father as abusive, never knew his biological mother... until he was contacted out of the blue in 2020, by an Asian woman in her 80s named Dionne. Dionne knew facts about the chef that only his biological mother would know, so after months of emails, he agreed to meet her. In Con Mum, Graham describes feeling an "instantaneous" mother-child bond upon meeting Dionne, saying, "It felt like I was somebody's baby."

What happened to Graham Hornigold in 'Con Mum'?

When she met Graham, Dionne, who is only identified by her first name in the documentary, claimed that he was taken away from her after his birth. She also told him that she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only had six months to live, which was the impetus for her to search for her son.

Dionne also claimed that she was a multilingual businesswoman with several global enterprises, including fruit farms in Indonesia and Malaysia. She added that she was also wealthy as the "illegitimate child of the former sultan of Brunei." As they spent time together, Graham saw her extravagant lifestyle as a regular patron of five-star hotels like The Dorchester, which is owned by the Brunei royal family.

Per the doc, Dionne also started buying Graham and his partner Heather Kaniuk extravagant gifts, including designer handbags and luxury clothing. At one point, she took him to a Rolls-Royce dealership to buy him a car, where the "head sales honcho" told Graham that Dionne had previously bought two Phantoms from him. She ended up buying him a £75,000 ($97K) Land Rover, and got Heather a car as well "so she didn't feel left out."

Two months after Graham first met Dionne, and immediately after Heather gave birth to their son, Dionne told Graham that she'd had a health scare. Graham, not wanting Dionne to be in a hotel alone, moved her into his and Heather's home. Two months later, Graham and Dionne traveled to Switzerland, to do the alleged paperwork necessary to have Graham inherit her wealth, according to her. Once there, the pair attended an after-hours meeting with the manager of a private bank in Zurich where clients are required to have a minimum of 20 million euros ($21.6 million) to open an account. Graham said in the doc that this meeting is what made him believe that Dionne was legit, and that he'd "won the jackpot."

Even before they went to Switzerland, Dionne had begun asking Graham to help pay some of her bills, because "she had difficulty transferring money because of COVID." Heather discovered later that Graham had set up credit cards in his own name to help pay for her lavish lifestyle. Dionne ended up extending her and Graham's four-day trip to Switzerland to ultimately be two months, with Graham covering the bills throughout and not telling Heather, who was back at home with their newborn. Dionne later followed Graham back to England, and convinced him to stay there as Heather and their son traveled to New Zealand to visit her family.

Eventually, Graham cut ties with Dionne after discovering that she was faking her terminal disease, using red food coloring as blood, and that her medicine wasn't for cancer, but for diabetes. In the aftermath, Heather did more research on Dionne and discovered that the woman, who was originally from Singapore, had a criminal record going back to the 1980s, and multiple marriage certificates citing different dates of birth and parental names. All in all, Graham was left on the hook for around £300,000 ($388,000) total, including £200,000 in car payments.

When Heather went to the police, they told her that Dionne wouldn't be held liable for the fraud. In an interview with The Guardian, Graham explained, "Essentially they call it a bad business decision, because you know where the money is going and who to."

Is Dionne really Graham Hornigold's mother?

The end of Con Mum reveals, via a DNA test, that there was a 99.9 percent certainty that Dionne was really his birth mother. Dionne—who has gone by many names, including Dionne Marie Hannah and Theresa Haton Mahmud—declined to speak to Netflix for the documentary. Though she will likely not be held liable for the fraud against Graham, as she is his biological family, Con Mum also features some of her other victims, including start-up founders Junyan and Markus and medical rep Peng, whom she left on the hook for tens of thousands of pounds. Dionne also attempted to get money from Graham's friend Juan, but he refused to give her any. As of Con Mum's release, Dionne "has never faced criminal charges for the allegations made in this documentary," per the film.

Graham cut ties with Dionne in 2021, and he has only spoken to her once since. In the doc, Graham reveals that Dionne called him out of the blue, over a year after the last time he saw her. During the call, she said she loved him and apologized, adding, "I’ve done what I’ve done, son. I cannot change, son." Despite the DNA test, Graham no longer considers Dionne his mother. As for her grandiose claims of being an entrepreneur and the daughter of former royalty, according to Graham, "We’ll never know." (According to one of Dionne's victims, Peng, Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no record of Dionne being related to the royal family.)

Speaking to The Guardian, Graham admits to being "blinded", not by Dionne's "wealth," but "by the fact that my mum had come into my life and she was going to be leaving again." He added that his need for maternal love "was my downfall. If you don’t receive it when you’re a kid, you have this wound you carry around … Can you honestly tell me the bond between you and your mother you haven’t seen in 45 years and who is dying wouldn’t be stronger than anything else?"

Today, Graham says that he sought mental health treatment after the ordeal, and that he did the documentary partly to encourage people with similar trauma to seek help. "I’ve done the head work, sorted out the inner demons," he told the outlet. He also explained of his mindset during the tumultuous year, "One minute you’ve got everything; the next you’ve got nothing, and on the spin of a knife you’re deciding whether you’re going to stay alive or not. And if you don’t seek help, you’ll keep attracting this cycle."

Are Graham Hornigold and Heather Kaniuk still together?

At the time when he first met Dionne, Hornigold was happily coupled with his then-partner Heather Kaniuk, a fellow award-winning pastry chef. According to the doc, Graham and Heather met at work and were colleagues before eventually beginning a romantic relationship. They later started a pastry consultancy together, and in 2020, they found out that they were expecting a child together.

Though Dionne and Heather initially got along, Heather eventually recognized that the manipulative scammer was trying to drive a wedge between herself and Graham. In addition to those two months that she was left alone with her and Graham's newborn, Heather says in the doc, "That sense of ‘I’ve just become a mum’ was robbed from me, because there’s Dionne." When she tried to warn Graham about Dionne before the scam was uncovered, he did not believe her, since he thought he needed to be there for his mother's final days.

Unfortunately, the saga ended with Graham and Heather going their separate ways. Heather and their son have permanently relocated to New Zealand; they have not returned to England since 2021. In the Guardian interview, Graham revealed that he stays in touch with his son through video-chatting, and that he plans to visit New Zealand as soon as he can afford to with his ongoing debt. He said, "I won’t let it affect him, in the sense that he won’t see his dad. I’m going to be a big part of his life."

Not to be confused with the young adult novels penned by Ruth Warburton (also Ware, for the record, under a different name so as not to confuse her younger fans), the British author's top titles are the perfect blend of mystery and psychological thriller, putting her readers in the mind of the culprit. "Crime and psychology are inseparable really—as readers, we have to understand why someone would do something as extreme as killing another person, something that’s totally foreign to most of us, no matter what the stakes," Ware told Crime Reads. "For the novel to work, we readers have to be persuaded that that’s plausible."

With The Woman in Suite 11, the highly anticipated sequel to her smash-hit The Woman in Cabin 10 (soon-to-be a Keira Knightley-led Netflix film), publishing on July 8, 2025, we’re ranking at Ware’s most gripping works. Below, find the best Ruth Ware books, ranked, from “readable” to “mind-blowing page-turner.”

As nearly all of Adolescence's viewers have noted, it's amazing to consider that the Netflix series is the young actor's first-ever professional role. However, the 15-year-old actor's career is set to skyrocket, as he's already filming his next role in one of 2026's most highly-anticipated films. Below, read on to learn more about Owen Cooper, including which Marvel star inspired him to pursue acting.

Owen Cooper is a 15-year-old rising star from Northern England.

Owen Cooper, 15, grew up in Warrington, a town near Liverpool in Northern England. In an interview with i-D, the young star said he dreamed of being a football player when he was younger, and that acting "wasn’t really in [his] DNA," until he joined a drama club after watching Tom Holland's 2012 film The Impossible.

Cooper explained in interview with Variety that he began taking acting lessons and signed with an agency. "It’s an agency called The Drama Mob. And the lessons were just hourly lessons on a Tuesday where we’d get a piece of script and just read it off. But I was just doing it for a hobby and didn’t expect much from it. And then when Adolescence came, I obviously took it a lot more seriously. And I just took it on the chin really, and just did it."

Episode 3 of 'Adolescence' was Cooper's first time acting professionally.

To play Jamie in Adolescence, Cooper, who was 14 at the time, had to perform in one-take episodes that were filmed from start to finish in a continuous shot. The miniseries' standout third episode was not only the first Cooper filmed for the show, but his first-ever time on a professional set.

"I didn’t know any better really!" Cooper told Variety of the one-shot filming. "When [director] Phil [Barantini] told me about the one-shot thing, I thought he was just talking about like one episode, or one quarter of an episode. But then he said all four episodes are being shot in one take. And I immediately thought I’d never, ever be able to do this. But everyone helped me through it.... So I’d definitely do one shot again."

Owen Cooper's on-screen dad Stephen Graham compared him to a young Jodie Comer.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, veteran actor Stephen Graham—who co-created, co-wrote, and plays Jaime's father Eddie in Adolescence—opened up about recognizing Cooper's talent during their chemistry read during the show's casting. Graham compared Cooper's talent to one of his past co-stars, another young actor Graham worked with before they rose to fame: Killing Eve star Jodie Comer.

"There was just a piece of magic within," Graham said of Cooper. "I don’t mean this to sound trite, but you try and catch lightning in a bottle. We were just in the moment of something, and he looked at me in a certain way…. And what I saw in Owen was the exact same thing I saw in Jodie Comer when Jodie was 17."

Graham and Comer both starred in the 2012 crime miniseries Good Cop, years before the actress went on to win an Emmy and a BAFTA for Killing Eve, as well as a Tony for her one-woman play Prima Facie.

"I saw the same kind of ability, the same kind of natural talent, and just a real presence," Graham added, comparing Cooper to Comer. "He just blew my mind."

Cooper counts Tom Holland, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro among his role models.

In addition to Tom Holland, Cooper counts some of the world's most lauded actors among his career role models.

"I would love Leonardo DiCaprio’s career," he said to British Vogue, when told that he has been compared to the Oscar winner. "And Robert De Niro’s. And Al Pacino’s. Those films like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Godfather were all before my time. But Wolf of Wall Street, Django Unchained, Inception and Shutter Island… I don’t think Leonardo DiCaprio’s in a bad film."

The 15-year-old also added that he'd "love to do stunts... to an extent. "Probably not like Tom Cruise," he added. "I’m scared enough going on roller coasters, let alone hanging off the side of a plane. But jumping off the side of a cliff into the water? I could probably do that."

Owen Cooper's first film role will be costarring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

Following Adolescence, Cooper is set to appear in both a TV rom-com and a highly-anticipated book-to-movie adaptation. First, he'll play a role in the upcoming BBC comedy series Film Club, which is co-created by and starring Aimee Lou Wood of Sex Education and The White Lotus. The show follows longtime friends Evie (Wood) and Noa (Nabhaan Rizwaan) as they're "forced to consider for the first time they might be more than just friends," per BBC, with Cooper playing "Evie’s annoying neighbour Callum."

After that, Cooper will play the young version of Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's divisive adaptation of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. With the movie filming now and set to come out in 2026, Cooper will appear alongside Jacob Elordi and Oscar nominees Margot Robbie and Hong Chau.

As the corporate dystopia drama rounds out its second season, eagle-eyed fans have taken to spotting pieces of vintage furniture featured in the show, flexing their design knowledge on TikTok and Reddit. "The Instagram brain rot girlies all screamed when we saw the DILLY DALLY," reads a comment on such a video. The Luigi Massoni vanity in particular has long been a niche obsession among the chronically online Pinterest crowd, its allure evident in the countless dupes found on Amazon and AliExpress.

For Jeremy Hindle, the Apple TV+ show’s production designer, furniture played a central role in shaping the world and mythology of the fictional workplace. “Lumon is a massive pharmaceutical company with deep pockets,” Hindle shares with Marie Claire. “They are rich in history and design. They love the best and want the best.”

From the outset, the production team wanted to find “particular, generally unknown” pieces. Led by set decorator David Schlesinger, they reached out to Margaret Schwartz of New York-based Modern Antiquarian to purchase one of her Italian-sourced Dilly Dally vanities. “It’s not unusual for set design teams to purchase or rent items from my business,” Schwartz says via email. She describes the experience of being featured in the episode, titled “Chikhai Bardo,” as “particularly rewarding” because the Dilly Dally vanity is such an “iconic design.” Its cameo in Severance has only increased demand—this blue one sold on 1st Dibs just three days after the episode aired.

At the top of Hindle’s wishlist, though, were two ‘60s Braun pieces designed by Dieter Rams: a TV and a stereo unit.

“I wanted it so bad,” Hindle says, referring to the TV. “We had it loaned to us from the [Braun] museum in Berlin. We had a props person jump on a plane to collect it.” The TV found its place in the “Christmas” room that Gemma visits, where she is forced to write thank you notes in Betty Draper cosplay attire. Like the TV, Gemma’s suffering is a form of entertainment for the sick and twisted Dr. Mauer.

The wall-mounted Braun stereo unit in Gemma’s suite is another furniture grail. It plays music in the background, winding up the scene's tension until Gemma can smack her captor with a chair and make a run for it.

Design nerds immediately clocked the piece, known for its rarity and museum-level quality (the MoMa in New York has one in their permanent collection). The stereo unit used in the show was sourced from Garrett Guanella, founder of LA-based Basa Vintage.

Guanella explains the appeal of the unit to Marie Claire: “Its rarity comes down to the fact that the full unit was never sold to the general public, only the individual parts [...] the unit was a custom piece in Rams' own office.” Over the course of his career, Guanella has only assembled and sold around five full stereo units, each selling for around $30,000 to $35,000.

Sourcing the stereo unit was one thing, but getting it assembled and functional was another. Guanella guided the set design team—who purchased one of Guanella’s stereo units in 2023— through the installation, mounting, and hertz modification over FaceTime calls.

Since season 2 has aired, Guanella has observed a spike of interest in Basa Vintage and the audio pieces they specialize in. “In the bubble that I’m in, everyone knows about it. But the show has definitely given Dieter Rams and these stereo units a lot more exposure,” he says.

In total, the production team sourced hundreds of pieces for the show—a massive logistical feat. “We are shipping pieces from all over the world. The Scarpa hanging wooden lamps in the Damona birthing retreat cabin came from Italy,” Hindle adds. Most pieces are purchased outright, but some are long-term rentals or loans from museums.

Hindle’s goal is to “create a world that’s familiar, yet not anywhere you have seen or been.” Surrounding the innies with rare collectibles that they can’t recognize while viewers can ultimately adds to the layered uncanny landscape of Severance and the corporate cruelty at play.

Sure, Lumon may be evil, but they have impeccable taste in furniture.

When traveling, chances are you need to pack a gripping vacation read. Whether you're looking for the perfect beach read to settle into in the tropics or poolside, or need reading material for when you're in transit, a good book can make a trip all the more enjoyable.

What could make a book to bring on vacation all the better? Novels about vacations gone wrong—reminding you just how much of a better time you're having than the poor fictional characters on the page.

Before everyone was dying to check into The White Lotus, vacation thrillers have captured readers for decades. So what makes a good vacation thriller? We're glad you asked. While the tropes may vary, the best novels to read on vacation feature so much hair-raising tension you might forget to reapply your sunscreen (but please don't). From campfire ghost stories to deserted island nail-biters, vacation thrillers not only tap into core fears of encountering malevolent forces while on the road, but they untangle them, too. There's nothing quite like reading about someone having the vacation from Hell while relishing in PTO!

But regardless of your preferred type of thrills, these vacation hair-raisers will make your next trip anything but boring. So, grab a spicy marg, lather on the sunscreen (seriously!), settle somewhere comfy, and pack these books, no matter your next destination.

While The Residence's cast is filled to the brim with memorable characters, the true star of the show is the White House itself. For its intricate whodunnit, the comedy series utilizes dozens of rooms found in the real-life mansion, from the bedrooms hosting POTUS's family to the massive basement where the staff runs day-to-day operations. So, how did Netflix pull off one of the biggest recreations of the White House ever filmed for TV? Read on for everything we know about the filming locations of The Residence, including how the show put its own spin on the historic building.

Where was 'The Residence' filmed?

To recreate the most famous house in America, The Residence took over a large chunk of Raleigh Studios in L.A., to build the "largest re-creation of the White House 'ever attempted,'" per Netflix's Tudum. The team, led by production designer François Audouy, "filled seven stages, used 10 miles of molding, 200 working doors, [and] 144,000 pounds of flooring," along with all of the small details that made the set match the real-life Residence. They also connected two soundstages to recreate the first floor of the White House, with the set making up 20,800 square feet, "almost the same size" as the real building.

According to Audouy, the series stays faithful to the architecture of the White House. This includes details that everyday Americans may not know about, like the secret passages and pocket staircases that connect the rooms. However, the show did take liberty with the fictional mansion's finishes, choosing a more contemporary style. "There is a lively palette with yellows and blues and greens," he said of the show's take on the third floor. "It’s going away from the muted browns and beiges of the actual White House. I was so surprised by how boring the real third floor is."

How did 'The Residence' recreate the White House's lesser-known rooms?

In addition to the White House rooms that are more well-known—at least by anyone who's received a tour—The Residence also highlights several rooms and floors that have rarely or never been recreated for television. This includes areas such as the Chief Usher's office that "haven’t been photographed for national security reasons," according to Shondaland. To design these rooms, the show brought on Haley Rivero O’Connor, former executive assistant to the chief usher from 2019 to 2022, to serve as a consultant.

Since the show's release, Rivero O’Connor has praised The Residence's accuracy compared to previous White House recreations. "We used to watch Olympus Has Fallen and Wonder Woman and all of these movies that had White House scenes, and we were like, ‘What is this? This doesn’t look at all how it looks. Where are they?" she told Shondaland. "[The Residence] was like visiting your childhood home. It was like a place you had been many, many times, but you never thought you’d go again. It was so surreal…I think anyone who’s worked [in the White House] will watch it and be shocked."

The A24 horror film, released in theaters in March, follows budding journalist Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri) as she’s invited, alongside a group of other media professionals, to the estate of Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich), a legendary pop star who disappeared from the public eye 30 years ago. They are led under the guise that they’ll be listening to Moretti’s comeback album, Caesar’s Revenge, but the group quickly learns not everything is as it seems on the remote Utah commune where he’s been hiding.

The directorial debut from Green, a.k.a. MAG, explores the cult of celebrity. The fictional Moretti, therefore, needed to rival musical icons like David Bowie and Elton John in style and charisma but have a compound that fell somewhere between Waco and Prince’s Paisley Park. MAG tapped stylist/costume designer Shirley Kurata (Everything Everywhere All At Once) to help craft the looks for the singer and his followers, known as the Levelists,, while production designer Robert Pyzocha (Joker, The Whale) was tasked with building out Moretti’s mysterious community.

Pyzocha sought out La Mesita Ranch Estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico as the primary filming location, seeing how it resembled the sites he researched and how it housed different buildings that would meet a group’s “belief rituals, meditation practice, and isolation needs.”

Kurata, meanwhile, looked for inspiration in both real cults as well as celebrities and their fandoms. Above all, though, she was thrilled to collaborate with MAG, who worked in fashion as a GQ editor for 13 years before transitioning to film. “I love it when I get a script where I can play with fashion,” Kurata tells Marie Claire over Zoom.

Here, Kurata and Pyzocha explain how they tackled fame, artistry, and a messiah complex in the highly stylized film.

Marie Claire: It seemed you were inspired by icons like David Bowie, Elton John, and Prince, but what elements from their style were you looking at to craft the wardrobe?

Costume Designer Shirley Kurata: They all love something ostentatious, a little bit garish, or very showy. So I knew I had to add some element in his wardrobe, but I didn't want it to reflect too much of any specific musician. In an ideal world, we would've custom-made all of [Moretti’s] outfits, but I didn't have the time or the money. I did for a good amount, but I had to take shortcuts, so some of my shortcuts were buying existing suits and then adding panels, fabrics, and appliques, or tweaking the collar. I thought that was a cool way to create this new silhouette, but then add these elements that showed that he was a peacock.

When you study [someone like] Michael Jackson in the earlier days to his later years, their style evolves, and so that evolution was important to show. But there is always that element of something that looks custom-made. I know sometimes Elton John works with designers, but I think a lot of them—Prince, Michael Jackson—had a personal tailor, but they weren't famous clothing designers. I thought that was something that Moretti would do too. At this point, there’s probably someone on the compound making the clothes for him.

MC: Almost all of his suits have silver applique and matching gloves. Why were those the throughlines you landed on?

SK: [The applique is] influenced by Liberace. He always had these amazing costumes with appliques, so I thought that was a cool touch to his wardrobe. The gloves served a couple of purposes. It was really cold when we were shooting, so it was helpful for John to stay warm. But also, it gives the outfit much more of an element of wealth. Usually, people who wear gloves are not doing physical labor, so it sets his status as the leader. I thought it was a cool touch to his style because then he would wear the rings on top of his gloves.

MC: What specifically was on your mood board? Were there any memorable looks you were referencing?

SK: I really loved Brian Eno's costume during his glam rock phase when he was performing with Bowie. He had some amazing costumes. Bowie, hands down had some of the most amazing costumes—the Ziggy Stardust looks, anything that was a little bit futuristic, the ones that were the crazy shapes that he wore. Brian Eno wore this one that had this crazy collar and it had feathers coming out, which I loved.

In the first few fittings with John, we experimented because there were some costumes that we felt didn't reflect the present Moretti. They reflected the younger Moretti. So we were like, Okay, let's use these instead for flashbacks, and we had to figure out what the present Moretti would be like in terms of silhouette and what he would wear.

MC: Was John Malkovich always game to wear the platform heels?

SK: We always wanted to put him in platform boots and John was totally down to do that. I had asked him, ‘Are you sure you can do this? Can you walk in it?’ And he said that, back in the day, he would wear platform boots as a kid, so he was fine with it. I found those crazy Rick Owens platform boots and he's wearing them in one of the dinner scenes when he’s on the floor talking to everyone. We also had him in a classic black platform boot.

One of the things that John personally suggested was experimenting with pants. He mentioned, ‘Well, what if I'm wearing a sarong?’ to MAG. I thought that was a great idea to add that element to his blazers with all the embellishments on it, so for a couple of scenes, I had some custom-made sarongs. They're a combination of trousers with a skirt panel over. I thought that was a great idea: a little bit culty, but also very fashionable and had that spiritual aspect of a cult leader.

MC: Why did the estate in New Mexico feel like the right aesthetic for the place where Moretti would have set up and lived with his cult?

Production Designer Robert Pyzocha: La Mesita Ranch Estate is located in the Pojoaque Pueblo, about 40 minutes north of Santa Fe. The property is owned and operated by the Pojoaque Pueblo. MAG and I toured the 144-acre estate and immediately felt that it had the right level of grandeur and decadence to embody Moretti’s vision of an earthly paradise for his devoted followers. The architecture on the site is a fusion of Southwestern Spanish colonial architecture mixed with a Pueblo revival style. The austere simplicity of the Pueblo adobe interiors worked beautifully for the cult’s ascetic life of making art and practicing the tenets of Level.

MC: Did you research cults and their compounds while designing the Levelist’s community?

RP: I researched a range of radical organizations and quasi-religious sects that exhibited extreme cultish behavior. One of the groups that I found fascinating and endlessly intriguing is the Aum Shinrikyo cult from Saitama, Japan. I found many similarities between Moretti and the founder, Shoko Asahara. Shoko was an accomplished musician who often wore lilac-colored tunics along with his devoted followers during meditations at communal concerts. There are many pictures of him magically levitating above the stage during shows. He was the ultimate doomsday showman with the liner notes to back it up.

Shoko was also very similar to Charles Manson, another stealthily gifted guitarist with raw talent and a festering messiah complex. He, like Moretti, also had an entourage of radical groupies willing to execute orders upon command. These three men came out of a period during the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s when the boundaries between counterculture, madness, and violence became dangerously blurred.

I was highly inspired by Shoko’s use of the color lilac, and I really wanted to paint all of the Moretti compound buildings a lilac color. MAG loved the idea of the compound having a distinct identity, but this particular color had too many associations with Paisley Park, Prince’s home and studio. Turns out that Elton John also had a thing for the lilac color, as did the cult members of Warren Jeff’s the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. MAG was highly conscious of Moretti living in his own reality and did not want to make any direct allusions to other well-known celebrity musicians.

I also studied the Rajneesh Movement at Big Muddy Ranch in Oregon; this cult also aimed to create a utopia in the desert. It was here that the aesthetic of hand-dying everyday work garments orange, red, maroon, and pink clothes became a distinct uniform for the faithful followers of the Bagwan.

MC: How did you decide what the Levelists should be wearing?

SK: That was an initial conversation with MAG because he had it scripted that they were all in robes, but he told me, ‘That's just a marker. They don't have to be in literal robes or all matching. We can do what we think is right, but I think it would probably be best to have it all be one color, but they're in their own outfits.’ I thought that was a better way to approach it too because you could also see the different characters within the world.

MC: How much dye did you use?

SK: We hired an ager/dyer, [Colleen Fox], and I don't know how many bottles of dye she went through, but there was a lot. It is multiple dips, multiple washings, so it was weeks of over-dying. We tried to find some things that were already in blue, but a lot had to get over-dyed. It’s interesting because when you deal with indigo, there are so many different shades. You have to match the right shade of a shirt with pants, but sometimes they don't work together, and you have to play around with the shades.

Indigo was originally in the script and I think that color is great because it reflected the dedication that the Levelists had to the craft. Indigo dye is the same thing. It's a craft. It felt like that was a great element in what the Levelists wore and their tenets of being connected to the arts, but also dedication and commitment.

RP: The production design utilized the same indigo consistently. Upon arrival to Moretti’s compound, all the guests are given blue ceramic ceremonial vases to mark their welcome to the compound, which ultimately become symbolic death vessels. We created a functioning ceramic studio with indigo blue aprons for the young Levelists ceramic workshops. The marionette puppet stage is also painted an indigo blue color with gold oyster shells along the proscenium arch. This design feature is also maintained in the listening room where the speaker stacks are indigo blue to match the intricate indigo blue calligraphy itineraries on baby lamb skins. I asked my long-time collaborator Chisato Uno to create special itineraries with floating oyster pearls adorning the baby lamb skins. In Moretti’s world, there is no limit to creative potential, however destructive they might become.

MC: Did you do any research into what cult members wear?

SK: Yes, I did. I watched documentaries, and, for the most part, aside from a few fringe ones, they wore their own clothes. In Wild Wild Country, [the documentary about the Rajneeshes], it was more color-coded and I thought that was a good reference. You still could identify them as a cult, but they're all wearing their own clothes.

It felt like if you put them in some sort of robe, it removed you from the whole story to take it into more of a sci-fi thing. It seemed more human to have them dressed in regular clothes.

MC: How were you thinking about the aesthetics of celebrity homes or famous estates like Graceland and the Neverland Ranch, or how we often perceive them?

RP: This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be next to Moretti to hear and witness his 13th studio album Caesar’s Request. It had to feel real. From a production design standpoint, I could have amped up the interiors with excessive decorative appointments to scream ‘celebrity,’ but, I didn’t want it to feel like Mariah Carey’s dressing room.

I decided on an adobe modern minimalist aesthetic for each of the guest rooms. All the guest rooms were painted Moretti orange, except for Ariel’s, which is light blue. She has been selected to write the history of the Level faith, so I used the color blue to align her with the Indigo blue of the Levelists wardrobe colorway. It’s a subtle hint that goes unnoticed, but it’s a strategic color choice to allude to what’s coming.

I removed all the existing furniture from the premises and we purchased low modern couches for all the guest rooms. Animal skins were on the beds, floor, and furniture. In the film, we later find out that there is a black slaughter shed on site where the animal skins were processed, along with Moretti’s invited guest, Bill Lotto [played by Mark Sivertsen]. So it gets a bit creepy if you start to make all the animal skin connections.

MC: What was it like toeing between designing a wardrobe for a pop icon and a cult leader, or did you find that those things weren’t all that different?

SK: In theory, it is really not that different because they're both usually people who like to be center stage, who like all the attention and the adoration. So, it makes sense that that's the path that would be created for him or that he would create. But, in terms of costume design, it was pretty challenging to figure out that balance of, What is realistic and what seems natural and not too forced.

For his performance, I wanted him to wear something a little bit more modern and not like, Okay, this looks like a costume that he wore in 1988. So I thought it would be cool to have something [with] a little bit of sci-fi influence. Prior to this, I was a big fan of the fashion designers threeASFOUR and reached out to them to see if they would be interested in collaborating, and they were totally down. They're the ones that made the custom silver look for him.

MC: How was the space for the listening party conceived? Was it at all intended to look like a music video?

JP: Moretti’s listening session was conceived as a circular space. However, we later chose to do it in the riding stable at La Mesita. I designed a 60’ by 60’ stage for the center of the stable and painted it bright orange. In each of the four corners, I had indigo speaker stacks as if it were a massive EDM sound system installation. John requested pivoting chairs for his choreographed vignettes with the guests, so I sourced some modern high-back lounge chairs from the local community college. It was always conceived to be staged in a circular arrangement and shot in a circular format. However, the height and size of the riding stable made the volume of the playing space feel like it was floating in a much larger arena.

MC: There are a lot of eerie yet fun details, like the blue lobster in the dinner party scene, the oysters the Levelists shuck, Moretti’s wax figure at his museum. Did you have a favorite?

RP: My favorite set was the orange yurt where the levelists pined for pearls in the deserted landscape. We cast about 450 plaster oyster shells in rubber molds. That wasn’t nearly enough, so my art director Jurasama Arunchai, my production assistant, and I went out in the snow and brought hundreds of rocks into the yurt to fill in the purple garbage cans, so it appeared that were thousands of shells.

My second favorite set was the puppet show. We created a rat-pack media scrum with marionettes inside the children’s activity room. MAG and I had some downtime while we waited for a production waiver to fall into place during the actors strike, so I banged out some quick rat sketches. MAG said, ‘Cool, do it,’ so I just went for it. I made a rat head out of clay and then used tracing paper dipped in aqua resin for each of the puppets. For the facial warts on the rat heads, I used black pepper. My friend Misha Sturtevant runs a Broadway costume shop in Manhattan and volunteered to fabricate the puppet outfits. Then, the rat parts were shipped out to Albuquerque where they were fuzzed up and strung for performance. The puppet show happened somehow, but the whole time, I think the producers had it on the chopping block due primarily to the tight shooting schedule. So at least one positive thing came out of the actors's strike: We were graced with a bit of time to make rats.

MC: Moretti’s childhood home has been turned into a museum, The Rhinestone Chalet, on the compound and it’s a stark contrast from the main building in many ways. What did you hope to convey about who he is in that scene?

RP: The Rhinestone Chalet was shot in downtown Albuquerque. Visual effects 3D-scanned the entire house and digitally inserted the Rhinestone chalet into the Moretti Compound at La Mesita Ranch. We selected this two-story Victorian home in Albuquerque to construct a narrative of Moretti being from the Midwest and growing up in a conservative, middle-income neighborhood. He kept his house as his own reliquary of artifacts from his childhood and the wild touring years on the road.

I painted the exterior of the Rhinestone Chalet some really awful, putrid color combinations, thinking it would feel awful and old. Much to my surprise, the actual homeowners loved the color combinations and kept it! I created an exterior plaque to identify the house and found a painted wood reindeer at a thrift store for just $7 that I couldn’t pass, so the deer guarded the entrance to the Rhinestone Chalet. I added a climbable steel trellis on the side of the house to the attic for the stunt fight in the attic where Ariel is hiding in the bathroom. But the bathroom was built as a stage set in a maintenance shed at La Mesita Ranch north of Santa Fe.

MC: What was it like as a costume designer working on a project helmed by someone so connected to the fashion world?

SK: It was really helpful because having such a short prep time, once we got casting, I would be like, ‘Okay, so how do you see this character dress?’ Most directors would be like, ‘Okay, I see him in a leather jacket,’ but MAG would be like, ‘I see him in a Belstaff leather jacket.’ He knew his brands and it was so helpful being able to understand his vision of the character.

Also, he had a lot of connections. We were shooting in New Mexico, and there are hardly any higher-end boutiques there. We had to reach out to designers to see if they would loan or lend some pieces, and he was good friends with John Elliott and Todd Snyder, so they were able to give us some pieces. Then my styling background, I reached out to many different brands. [Because of] my connection with Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, I was able to reach out to them to have them loan a dress for Juliette Lewis. And then Prada, of course, who dressed Ayo [Edebiri]. Later on, when Ayo is getting interviewed as a writer, Phillip Lim loaned some looks, The Frankie Shop, she’s also wearing Coach. It was really helpful to have these connections and reach out to them because my budget was really limited and it really allowed for the movie to look the way I wanted it to.

MC: Ayo Edebiri has become a fashion It Girl. What was it like working with her?

SK: Amazing. She has a great sense of style, but she also knows how to build a character with what she's wearing. Initially, we wanted to go with more of a Black Ivy style. So she's wearing a Bode sweater vest, and we see her at her house in a Spelman College sweatshirt—a little bit preppy, bookish. That way it would be a big contrast to the makeover: There she iis elegant and in Prada. Then, in the final scene, she's definitely still put together, but it's much more expensive and polished. It was a great way to tell the story, like the three parts: right before the compound, during, and then after.

Actress Ashley Sutton has been one of the few who’s known that for months.

This season she joined the cast as Hannah, a scientist researching the mating patterns of a frog species native to the Canadian woods. We first see her in episode 6, “Thanksgiving,” as she, her research partner Edwin (Nelson Franklin), and their guide Kodiak (Joel McHale) come across the Yellowjackets as they feast on the body of Coach Ben (Steven Krueger). But in episode 7 we finally get clarity around how their campsites crossed paths—and the chaos that ensues as the Yellowjackets hunt them down in hopes that they could be their way home.

But years before Hannah came her way, the 37-year-old auditioned for a different role in the Yellowjackets pilot and even went to the producers to land it. (She wouldn’t reveal which part.) Despite not getting the role at the time, she became a devout fan of the show’s thrills and dark sense of humor. She calls coming back to audition for Hannah and her eventual casting a “full circle” moment. (The show’s co-creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson recently confirmed that Hannah and the rest of her crew were always a part of the show’s arc.)

A week before the episode hit streaming, Sutton spoke with Marie Claire on her filming experience, how Hannah might be connected to the present-day timeline, and what she envisioned about her character’s life before she encountered the Yellowjackets.

Marie Claire: Your role comes with spoilers about what happens in the wilderness. How much did you know going into the audition process?

Ashley Sutton: I made assumptions based on the sides [ed. note: sides are script excerpts for auditions] that were given from casting. I knew she was a scientist. I knew we were researching frogs, so I obviously knew there was a wilderness component in that aspect, but I didn't know anything else. I just focused on that. We get the scripts one by one, and I read this episode and was shocked. I'm so impressed with how they introduced all of these new characters. It was like a pinch-me moment to read this script and be like, Oh my gosh, the show is changing in such a cool way and people are going to freak out.

MC: Hannah, Edwin, and Kodiak are shocked when they come across the Yellowjackets. What was your reaction when you first walked onto the set?

AS: That was our first day. It was actually them doing all of the screaming around the fire at nighttime. It was quite terrifying. I love spooky stuff, that is so up my alley, but it was really scary. Nelson Franklin, who plays Edwin, was like, ‘Oh no, what have we gotten ourselves into?’

MC: What was it like shooting the moment when Lottie kills Nelson Franklin’s character with an axe? How many takes did they have to shoot of that?

AS: It was a lot of prep to get the prosthetics on to make the action happen. I don't think it was done in too many takes—maybe two or three. It's not what we expected at all to walk into, and it happens and there's a lot of blood and he falls. There's no processing of what's happening at that moment. It's all happening so quickly.

That was very creepy to see in person, but Courtney [Eaton]’s so talented, so it was fun to watch her work through all of that. [Out of character], she’s a joy—truly the kindest and sweetest person. So, it's fun to watch her as Lottie and see the switch and see what Lottie does because Lottie just does what Lottie does.

MC: And then you run and hide and find shelter under the log. How long were you lying in there?

AS: My first day in the wilderness was the log scene, which is one of my favorite moments from that episode. It was a torrential downpour—like ankle-deep in mud—so I felt like I was really getting initiated into Vancouver and the wilderness. The crew is amazing and so kind, so everyone was trying to have the best time possible, even though the situation was a little bit dramatic.

I didn't lay there very long. Actually, in the log, I was very protected. That was made by the art department, so it was really nice being underneath and covered [from the rain]. It looked so real like it was an actual tree.

MC: Yellowjackets explores the lengths women go to find their strengths. In that log scene, Hannah finds the strength to record a tape for her daughter Alex. How would you characterize her in that moment?

AS: So much has happened—the Edwin incident, what she's assuming has happened to Kodiak, and she's assuming her demise is next. There's no way that she's going to be able to save herself, which is why she leaves that message for Alex—to get it off her chest, to say it out loud, and be able to make peace with that within her own heart. Whether or not someone finds the tape, she needs to release these feelings because everything is happening so fast, and she's in fight or flight.

When the Yellowjackets walk in and she sees her mistake and that they're onto her, there's this moment of like, ‘Okay, well, I can either show myself and face what's going to happen or stay here and hide.’ And she just chooses to face it.

She's so complex and there's so much going on specifically in this episode, and I feel like that moment where she faces the Yellowjackets is one of the first moments where she does stand up for herself and starts to fight for herself. Even if it's just, ‘I'm not going to go laying down. I'm going to try my best to be like, Hey, I'm not going to harm you for her.’ I feel like it's a moment in her life where it's the first time she's really done that.

MC: Was that a note from the writers or director or was that your interpretation?

AS: That's my interpretation. [Director] Jennifer Morrison was so lovely to work with, specifically on this episode and really building Hannah fully. After we did the tape recording to Alex, Jennifer and I were talking about her children and my imaginary child, and we were both getting emotional about kids and the love that you have for your child, and what that would feel like to say goodbye to your child and not think that you're ever going to go back and see them again. Jennifer was like, ‘This right here, what you're feeling, these emotions, this is who Hannah is all the way through. She loves her daughter so much, and she's willing to put herself in any situation to fight as much fight as she can muster up.’ I feel like Jennifer gave me this ownership over Hannah in that moment. That really helped me throughout the rest of the process.

MC: As you said, Hannah does step forward and we can only imagine what’s going to happen, considering you have at least a four-episode arc. How do you think you, Ashley, would feel if you were in the situation that Hannah ends up in?

AS: My favorite part about Hannah is she is almost the perspective of all the viewers watching the show. Reading that script, I was like, ‘This is so cool. It's like all of us fans are walking into the camp, into the wilderness with the Yellowjackets, through these three people's eyes,’ which is so rare. So, I do feel like a lot of the moments that Hannah has of my reaction and fan reactions, too, it's kind of how we would all react because the situation is so extreme.

MC: We don’t know much about Hannah besides what we learn in the wilderness. Did you do any prep work envisioning her life before this moment?

AS: I wrote a lot of journals. I journal myself. I wanted to bring that to her where each day that they were on this research trip—before they meet up with the Yellowjackets—she's journaling about her experience and what's happening scientifically for the project, but also with Kodiak and Edwin, and what's happening in their dynamic. I did that actively throughout, too.

And I did a research paper that would be the thing that she would've submitted to get the research project off the ground because I felt like I needed to understand the scientist part of it. Because, spoiler alert: I am not even close to a scientist. But I needed to know how much she wanted this and how important this job was for her, and working with her and Edwin's relationship, how long they had been together, how they met, and how they had formulated this plan to do this research project.

Then I worked on Alex too. It was always important to work on her story before—being a teenage mom and overcoming all of that to then become someone who is successful in their field of study and excelling. I wanted to make sure that I knew who she was then and how she got to this place because, once I knew all of that, I knew where she was going from that point.

MC: Was the research paper about frogs?

AS: Yeah, I did know they were frogs. I knew we were looking for frogs, but I didn't know what we were necessarily looking for frogs for. I made up some random frog we were trying to find in the woods to get video footage of that no one had ever [gotten].

MC: Hannah’s tape has become a mystery in the present timeline, and now we understand that means someone brought it back from the wilderness. Do you think fans will be surprised by who that is?

AS: It was so shocking for me to read. You're just like, ‘What?’ over and over again. I am so excited for everybody else to see, because, yeah, it's good.

MC: Hillary Swank has been announced in a guest role and fans predict her character is tied to yours. Did you know during the casting process that your role might be connected to hers?

AS: I had no idea there would be any connection to the present or anything, because, again, I just got the sides about the scientists. That's all I knew. I went in with very little information until I got the first script, and then I was like, ‘Okay, puzzle pieces are starting to come together.’

MC: What was it like working with fellow newcomers, Nelson Franklin and Joel McHale?

AS: They're funny and both very, very tall, so I'm very little compared to them, which is funny when we're all talking and standing next to each other. But we had such a great time doing all of the tent stuff. We did that first, so we got to spend a lot of time just the three of us before we were introduced to anybody else. They were always making us laugh—like everybody. I really love them. I still hang out with them and get dinner with them.

MC: Were you interacting with real frogs?

AS: Oh, my gosh, we were! When the one is in the jar, he’s a real frog. We named him Kermit. He was the star of the show. He hung out with us a lot. He was very cute.

There's a moment in the opening of the episode where we're watching the frog in the pond, and Nelson and I are with the headphones listening to the sounds. And—they didn't end up using this—there was one take where the little frog just grabbed my finger and Nelson and I were like, ‘What is happening? This is the cutest thing ever.’ I think there were two or three of them that switched out, but they hung out with us for a while.

MC: Fans and everyone involved with the show seem to have opinions about whether Yellowjackets has a supernatural element or if it’s based in reality. Both as a fan and having been a part of the series, do you have theories?

AS: I was lucky enough to audition for the pilot, and so I've been deeply obsessed with the writing and the storytelling. I don't know the answer to the supernatural question, but I think it is interesting what the human mind can create—what we can create that's maybe not real—which is fun to see on screen. I think when we're in really traumatic situations, our minds can create things that don't exist. I like that it's up in the air right now for people to debate about because it helps people ask some really interesting questions of, When you're going through hard times, what is real? What is going to live with you for the next five years or live with you for the next 20-plus years? What are you going to forget and let go of? I think viewers ask those questions within themselves, which is what good art does.

While the show is creepy and fun, I do think it deals a lot with the human psyche and the human condition. I love shows that do that because I think it makes us a better person. We are learning things through art that we don't even know we're learning.

MC: What was it like returning to the show and landing a role after auditioning for the pilot?

AS: This [role] came out and my team got me in front of casting, which was exciting and I was really grateful for. After working on it and diving into Hannah and her scientist life, what she does, how intelligent and smart she is, and how she fights for what she wants—which is why they're going on this research trip because she really wants to do this thing for herself—showing up on set and getting to meet everybody and experience the wilderness, it just felt like it was right. This role felt like it was right.

It's all about timing and what's really meant to be as actors. We bring parts of ourselves. It's part of our energy and temperament, and there's a lot of Hannah—maybe her innocence and her sweetness—that I carry myself. It was so easy for me to create her life and fall into her at every moment because I felt like it was in alignment. Her and I made sense.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

It’s clear that The Residence is inspired by detective stories that came before it, both old and new: The characterization of the investigative duo at the heart of the story is very Sherlock and Watson, and there are homages built into the episode titles (like “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Dial M for Murder,” and “Knives Out” that are directly lifted from Edgar Allen Poe, Alfred Hitchcock, and the popular Rian Johnson film).

The central murder occurs during a dinner hosted at the White House, so Cupp has 132 rooms to investigate and 157 suspects (and characters) on her list. Below are the people you should keep an eye on while watching The Residence.

Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp

Cordelia Cupp is a consultant for the Metropolitan Police Department and a famed investigator. She’s a bit quirky in the vein of Knives Out’s Benoit Blanc (who is name-checked in the pilot), and Netflix’s Tudum describes her as “wry, funny, relentless, intensely focused, supremely confident, an astute observer of human behavior, and a legendary birder.”

Uzo Aduba, 44, is best known for playing Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on Orange is the New Black, a role for which she won two Emmy Awards and two SAG Awards. She also received recognition for playing Shirley Chisholm in Hulu’s 2020 miniseries Mrs. America. Aduba has also appeared on the stage, most notably in Clyde’s on Broadway, which earned her a Tony nomination in 2022, as well as in films like 2016’s American Pastoral and 2022’s Lightyear.

Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter

A.B. Wynter is the White House Chief Usher who’s found dead, prompting Cupp’s investigation. Wynter appears in flashbacks throughout the series. (The role was originally meant to be played by Andre Braugher before he died in 2023, which is why the series features a tribute to him.)

Giancarlo Esposito, 66, broke out as Gus Fring on the crime drama Breaking Bad, which earned him three Emmy nominations. He reprised the role in its spin-off Better Call Saul. A television fixture, he’s also appeared on Homicide: Life on the Street, Once Upon a Time, Dear White People, The Boys, The Mandalorian, and more. Esposito has also appeared in several Spike Lee films like Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, Mo’ Better Blues, and School Daze, as well as other major motion pictures like Ali, Okja, and Captain America: Brave New World.

Randall Park as Edwin Park

Randall Park plays Edwin Park, a Special Agent in the FBI assigned to work with Detective Cupp during the investigation at the White House. In a nod to Sherlock Holmes, Tudum dubbed him “our Watson.”

Park, 50, is best known for playing the patriarch of the central family on the sitcom Fresh Off the Boat. He has also appeared in comedies like The Office, Veep, and Blockbuster, and films and series in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Ant-Man and the Wasp and WandaVision) and the DC Extended Universe (Aquaman, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom).

Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney

Susan Kelechi Watson’s Haney is the White House Assistant Usher who is upset that Wynter didn’t step down from his role to make way for her ascent. However, given the circumstances of his death, she keeps her resentment a secret.

Kelechi Watson, 43, is best known as Beth Pearson on the beloved comfort series This Is Us, which ran for six seasons on NBC. She has also appeared in shows like Louie and The Blacklist, and films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan

Jason Lee plays Tripp Morgan, the President’s brother and “a bit of a screwup,” according to Tudum.

Lee, 54, is most recognizable for playing the lead on My Name is Earl. He has also appeared in films like Mall Rats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Chasing Amy, and Almost Famous. Outside of acting, Lee is also a former professional skateboarder and co-owner of Stereo Skateboards.

Edwina Findley as Sheila Cannon

Edwina Findley plays Sheila Cannon (above, left), one of the Butlers in the White House who accidentally drank too much while on the job.

Findley, 44, was a recurring face on HBO with stints on both The Wire and Treme. She has also appeared on If Loving You Is Wrong and Chicago Med, and films like Get Hard, Insidious: Chapter 2, and Rogue Agent.

Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher

Molly Griggs plays Lilly Schumacher, the President’s Social Secretary who helped plan the party during which Wynter’s murder occurred.

Griggs, 31, was a regular on the crime drama anthology Dr. Death and M. Night Shyamalan’s series Servant. She has also appeared in minor roles on Succession, Prodigal Son, and New Amsterdam.

Dan Perrault as Colin Trask

Dan Perrault’s Colin Trask (above, right) is the Head of the Presidential Detail for the Secret Service.

Perrault is best known as the co-creator of the satirical true-crime series American Vandal and the mockumentary Players. He appeared as an actor in both series and was featured on Dave and Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Al Mitchell as Rollie Bridgewater

Al Mitchell is Rollie Bridgewater, the White House’s head Butler and maître d’.

Mitchell is a working actor that you may recognize from small roles in shows across the spectrum, including Stranger Things, Ozark, Survivor’s Remorse, Halt & Catch Fire, and The Righteous Gemstones. His film career is also expansive, appearing in Just Mercy, Till, and The Hate U Give.

Bronson Pinchot as Didier Gotthard

Bronson Pinchot plays Didier Gotthard (above, left), a surly pastry chef who quickly becomes a person of interest in the investigation.

Pinchot, 65, starred in the sitcom Perfect Strangers as Balki Bartokomous from 1986 to 1993. He has appeared in many ‘80s and ‘90s films including Risky Business, True Romance, The First Wives Club, and the Beverly Hills Cop franchise.

Mary Wiseman as Marvella

Mary Wiseman plays Marvella (above, center back), the hot-headed executive chef in the White House kitchen.

Wiseman, 39, is best known for starring as Sylvia Tilly in Star Trek: Discovery. She’s also been seen in recurring roles on Longmire and Baskets.

Julieth Restrepo as Elsyie Chayle

Julieth Restrepo plays Elsyie, a housekeeper at the White House and a devoted single mom. She is beloved by each and every person in the residence.

Restrepo, 38, is a model, actress, and producer who recently crossed over to U.S. productions after becoming a star in her native Colombia. She's best known stateside for playing Marta Ochoa in Netflix's Griselda.

Mel Rodriguez as Bruce Geller

Mel Rodriguez's Bruce Geller is the White House engineer, whose job became more difficult after the Morgans moved in.

Rodriguez, 51, is a character actor who has appeared in dozens of shows, including Community, Getting On, Better Call Saul, The Last Man on Earth, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, and CSI: Vegas.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes

Isiah Whitlock Jr. plays Larry Dokes, the Chief of Police at the Metropolitan Police Department.

Whitlock Jr., 70, appeared in Goodfellas and played a corrupt senator on the HBO series The Wire. He also frequently stars in Spike Lee joints including Da 5 Bloods, BlacKkKlansman, 25th Hour, and Chi-Raq.

Spencer Garrett as Wally Glick

Spencer Garrett is Wally Glick (above, center), the director of the FBI on The Residence.

Garrett, 61, is best known for his film roles including Air Force One, 21, and Public Enemies.

Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger

Ken Marino plays Harry Hollinger (above, center), one of the President’s close confidantes and best friends.

Marino, 56, is a comedian known for starring in cult classic shows like Party Down and the film Wet Hot American Summer. He was a regular on The Other Two, Children’s Hospital, and Marry Me and appeared in recurring roles on Veronica Mars, Fresh Off the Boat, Black Monday, and Eastbound & Down.

Brett Tucker as David Rylance

Brett Tucker plays David Rylance, the Australian Foreign Minister and one of the first suspects in the case.

Tucker, 52, is an Australian actor whose career first broke out on the series Neighbours. Stateside, you might recognize him from roles on Station 19, Dynasty, The Big Leap, and Mistresses.

Paul Fitzgerald as Perry Morgan

Paul Fitzgerald plays the President of the United States (above, far left) on The Residence.

Fitzgerald, 54, wrote, directed, and starred in the film Forgiven, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006. He has appeared in films like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as TV shows like Veep, Treme, and Younger.

Barrett Foa as Elliot Morgan

Barrett Foa plays Elliot Morgan, the First Gentleman of the United States who often appears nervous while questioned by Detective Cupp.

Foa, 47, is a Broadway fixture, previously starring in hit shows like Mamma Mia! and Avenue Q. On TV, he was a regular on NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009 to 2021 and had supporting roles on shows like Entourage, Will & Grace, and Numbers.

Jane Curtin as Nan Cox

Jane Curtin plays Nan Cox, the mother of Elliot Morgan who really does not like her son-in-law, the President of the United States. Nan lives on the third floor of the White House and is the person who finds Wynter's body.

Curtin, 77, was a legendary member of Saturday Night Live's inaugural cast. She went on to win two Emmys for the sitcom Kate & Allie, and she also starred in the comedy movies Coneheads; I Love You, Man; and Can You Ever Forgive Me?.

Taran Killam as St. Pierre

Saturday Night Live alum Taran Killam plays St. Pierre, an eccentric energy healer who, per Tudum, is "Lilly’s consultant for all things event planning."

Killam, 42, served as a cast member on SNL from 2010 to 2016, and has also appeared in shows and movies including How I Met Your Mother, Single Parents, Impeachment: American Crime Story, High Potential, and 12 Years a Slave. He also played pop singer Jordan Cahill in the 2004 Disney Channel Original Movie Stuck in the Suburbs.

Eliza Coupe as Senator Margery Bay Bix

Eliza Coupe appears as the junior senator of Colorado (above, left), an antagonist force in the courtroom opposite Franken.

Coupe, 43, was one of the leads of the ensemble comedy Happy Endings. Primarily a comedic actor, she has also starred on shows like Scrubs, Pivoting, Benched, and Quantico.

Al Franken as Aaron Filkins

Al Franken doesn’t stray too far from reality in his role as Aaron Filkins, the senior senator from Washington State leading the courtroom hearing that frames the series.

Franken, 73, began his career as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live in the’ 70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. He appeared in films like Coneheads and the cult TV series The Larry Sanders Show and later pivoted to politics, serving as a Minnesota Senator from 2009 to 2018.

Kylie Minogue as herself

Kylie Minogue plays herself in The Residence, where she is at the scene of the crime because she was performing at the White House dinner party.

While Minogue, 56, is probably best known as an international pop star, her career began on the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Over the years, she has continued to act in small roles, appearing in Moulin Rouge!, Doctor Who, and Galavant.

The story of Hulu’s new limited series, Good American Family, might sound like the beginning of a horror movie: a family adopts a girl from Ukraine, only to find out she’s actually an adult posing as a child. However, while the stranger-than-fiction series may resemble the plot of 2009’s Orphan, the Ellen Pompeo vehicle is based on the true story of Michael and Kristine Barnett, who adopted a Ukrainian orphan named Natalia Grace in 2010 and later claimed that she was lying about her age.

In reality, Natalia Grace has maintained her innocence, even after the Barnetts convinced the courts to legally change her birth year. She told her story in a two-part true-crime docuseries titled The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, now streaming on Max. Meanwhile, Hulu’s Good American Story, claims it was inspired by “multiple stories, perspectives, threats, interpretations, and accusations.”

So what really happened between the Barnetts and Natalia Grace, and where are they now? Here’s what you need to know about the true story behind Good American Family.

Michael and Kristine Barnetts claimed their adopted daughter Natalia Grace was an adult.

Natalia Grace was born in 2003 and raised in a Ukrainian orphanage until she was adopted by an American family in New Hampshire, Dyan and Gary Ciccone, in 2008. According to PEOPLE, the Ciccones eventually relinquished parental rights due to alleged “disruptive behavior,” putting her back up for adoption.

She was then adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett—already parents to three sons and living in Indiana—who believed she was a 6-year-old child with dwarfism. But the family alleged they began noticing things about her that didn’t support this claim: According to the Barnetts, Natalia Grace was menstruating and had pubic hair, and they concluded she was lying about her age. They also deemed Natalia Grace a danger to the family, accusing her of making violent threats and even poisoning Kristine. The Barnetts claim they even consulted a doctor who confirmed their suspicions that their adopted daughter was actually an adult and used this evidence in 2012 to petition the courts to officially change Natalia Grace’s birth year from 2003 to 1989.

The Barnett family abandoned Natalia Grace two years after adopting her.

Following the court’s declaration that Natalia Grace was 22-years-old, the Barnetts moved their adopted child into a rented apartment in Westfield and later Lafayette, Indiana before fleeing to Canada in July 2013. The adoptive family, including their three biological kids, cut off all contact with Natalia Grace, and she was forced to fend for herself.

Did the Barnetts face charges or go to jail?

The story was back in the spotlight in 2019 when the state of Indiana charged Kristine and Michael Barnett, now divorced, with neglect of a dependent. The former couple’s defense relied upon their argument that Natalia Grace was not a child and therefore they could not be guilty.

However, prosecutors tracked down Natalia Grace’s birth records in Ukraine, which supported the claim that she was born in 2003 and was in fact a child. Still, Michael’s charges were dropped in 2022 and Kristine’s in 2023 and they never faced jailtime.

Natalia Grace was later adopted by the Mans family, who were also allegedly abusive.

Shortly after the Barnetts left her in Lafayette, Natalia Grace met the Mans family—Cynthia and Antwon Mans and their 10 children—who took her into their home in Indiana and later Tennessee. (The family couldn’t legally adopt her until June 2023 because the court documents previously stated she was a legal adult in her 20s.) However, according to PEOPLE, the young orphan ran away from the Mans's home six months later and accused them of “controlling her and forbidding her from contacting outsiders.”

This portion of Natalia Grace’s life likely won’t be featured in Good American Family, but was the subject of the ID docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter. In the docuseries, witnesses attest to having seen the Manses “whip Natalia with a belt, slap her in the face, lock her in a room, and assault her,” though neither the Manses nor Natalia Grace herself have corroborated those claims.

Where is Natalia Grace now?

With the help of her boyfriend Neil, whom she met on Facebook, Natalia Grace escaped to Nicole and Vince DePaul’s home in New York, where she lives now. The DePauls, who are also little people, previously tried to adopt her in 2009 but were turned down at the time. After months of planning, Nicole and her daughter Mackenzie drove to Nashville where they picked Natalia Grace up in the middle of the night. She’s been living with the DePauls since then.

The now-21-year-old has also since been diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, a rare but serious condition characterized as “unexplained withdrawal, fear, sadness or irritability” and “behavior problems,” among other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reactive attachment disorder is common among children who have spent time in orphanages, as it develops when young children don’t form healthy attachments to caregivers.

Still, Natalia Grace is optimistic about her future: She is studying for her GED, hopes to be a school teacher, and is planning to get surgeries required for her disabilities. She told PEOPLE, "It's a blessing to be alive today because looking back at my 7-year-old self, I should have been dead."

Where are Michael and Kristine Barnett now?

According to Journal & Courier, Michael filed for divorce in February 2014—not long after he and Kristine left Natalia Grace alone in Indiana. The family no longer lives in Canada, as Kristine’s address was updated to Bradenton, Florida and Michael’s reverted to Indianapolis. In 2014, Kristine also published a book centered on her son’s autism, titled The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing, Genius, and Autism.

While the former couple has primarily lived their lives in private, Michael appeared on the first season of Natalia Grace’s ID docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks in which he called Kristine a “monster” and did not deny Natalia Grace’s allegations that Kristine pepper sprayed her and hit her with a belt. Kristine responded via a now-deleted Facebook post saying the accusations were “just plain false” and doubling down on her claims that Natalia Grace is “a sociopath.”

By Temptation Island's season finale, it's clear that 28-year-old accountant Ashley Moore would not ultimately choose to return to her then-boyfriend, 28-year-old business owner Grant Larsen. However, she did have other connections to explore, including with 23-year-old solar sales worker Danny Spongberg. With all 10 episodes out on Netflix now, read on to learn more about Ashley and Danny's time on Temptation Island, including any clues of whether they're still together.

What happened between Ashley and Danny on 'Temptation Island?'

Florida-based couple Ashley and Grant arrived on Temptation Island after dating on and off for a year and a half. However, the relationship had challenges from the start: Grant cheated on Ashley within a month of being exclusive. At the time, the single father got her back by chasing her to Greece, but she still held a lot of "mistrust and resentment." Inevitably, they decided to get over it by testing whether Grant would cheat again on none other than the world's biggest streaming platform.

After a few days apart, Ashley reveals more about the couple's dynamic. She says that Grant only "gets his ass in gear and puts in effort...when he's losing [her]," and that he "over-promises and under-delivers all the time." Meanwhile, Grant tells the female tempters that he isn't entirely sure whether Ashley has the "motherly, nurturing...patient qualities" that his daughter needs, and whether they're meant to be together. Besides this, the soul-searching is pretty limited on Grant's end, before he's distracted by 23-year-old model Natalie.

Grant and Natalie have quick chemistry, as is evident by how he spends the evening after the first bonfire—ceremonies when the coupled cast members see recorded clips of what their significant others have been up to in the other villas—cuddling with her and nearly kissing. (In the other villa, Ashley cries after seeing the clip where Grant says he isn't sure whether they should be together.) They go on an acrobatic yoga date in episode 3, and by the end of it, Grant alludes that he's pretty much done with Ashley after what she said at the bonfire about not being able to trust him. He also kisses her, making him the first contestant to kiss a tempter. By the end of episode 4, he showers with Natalie and possibly goes even further, as alluded to by the Titanic foggy-glass handprint.

The kiss and shower session are shown to Ashley at the next bonfire. Instead of crying, Ashley says that she feels "relief" at seeing the "proof" of who Grant is, adding, "He had a beautiful fiancée that is the mother of his child. He didn't deserve her, and he definitely doesn't deserve me." When she returns to the villa, where she's greeted with flowers, Ashley decides that "things are over" between her and Grant. From then on, Ashley focuses on making the most out of the experience (and the tempters).

Besides a brief flirtation with candy maker Erik before he's eliminated, Ashley spends most of Temptation Island with two of the male tempters: 23-year-olds Danny and Logan. They're the two youngest men, they both work in solar sales, and they're both Ashley's "sugar babies," as Danny deems them in a confessional. Ashley refers to them as "her [two] boyfriends" throughout the show (and even after), and thanks them both for helping her get through the stressful experience.

Still, Ashley starts to gravitate more towards Danny. After their first date in episode 3, she says it was the first time she truly took her mind off Grant during the show. Danny is the one who gives her flowers after the shower-sex bonfire. After they have a sensual embodiment class, Ashley tells Danny that he makes her feel safe for the first time in a long time, and Danny says that he enjoys being around her and her "presence, humor, [and] sarcasm."

Ashley and Danny also get closer physically. They go into the temptation hut twice, once just to set off the alarm at the boyfriends' villa, and then for some privacy. (By coincidence, Grant and Natalie go into their villa's hut right after Ashley and Danny.) They also have a sleepover in the villa, which is a rarity among the girlfriends (and not among the boyfriends *cough* Tyler and Kay *cough*). It's no surprise that Ashley eventually chooses Danny for the final overnight date, which Logan takes well. Danny is clear about how he wants to be with Ashley, but she explains that she's still figuring out her post-Island life, and they'll see how it goes.

Did Ashley and Danny leave 'Temptation Island' together?

Ashley and Grant officially break up during their final bonfire, where she seems rightfully angry from minute one. Grant says that he "hates that [he's] the one that has hurt her so much," but that he now understands how "disrespected and belittled" he's felt throughout their relationship. He also repeats the same line about forgiveness that he said in his video message in episode 7. (Ashley didn't send him one.)

In response, Ashley points out he's a "super cheater" who fell to temptation within three days. "I have truly don't know what goes through your head," she says. "I cannot believe I held on to someone like you for that long."

They both agree that their relationship ended in spirit when they went to the separate villas on day one, and their fight eventually breaks down to tears as Grant says he wants Ashley to be happy. In a nice twist of self-awareness, Grant decides to leave the island alone, recognizing that he needs to "figure out how to be alone for a bit."

Ashley chooses to leave the island with the new connection she made, a.k.a. Danny! When he arrives at the bonfire, she tells him, "I don't know what the feasibility of our relationship looks like outside of this, but I wasn't ready to say bye, so I chose to leave with you." Danny responds that he'd "love to leave with [her]," and says he feels a lot of excitement before they kiss.

Are Ashley and Danny still together after 'Temptation Island?'

Despite some fans hoping that the couple could make it work, Ashley and Danny have revealed that their romance ended pretty soon after Temptation Island stopped filming. "We talked for a little bit, but it just fizzled out," Ashley told Netflix's Tudum. "We live very different lifestyles, and we kind of knew that going in. I was more just trying to stay away from Grant."

Danny added, "We ended up gaining a pretty cool story and connection, and we’re still really good friends."

Anyone who's team Two Boyfriends will be glad to know that Ashley is still on good terms with Logan. She shared that she’s seen more of his "sweet" and "innocent" nature since filming. "I still talk to Logan. I don’t know that anything will come of that, but I do think he’s a little cutie, so I still flirt with him," she said.

Unfortunately, the past 10 months since Temptation Island haven't entirely been smooth sailing for Ashley. She also revealed that, after not speaking to Grant for months after the show, he "popped back up in her life [out of nowhere]," and the pair ended up dating again for two months. She said of the brief reconciliation, "I will give him credit. He did everything he could to try to fix it. But there just really wasn’t any coming back from everything that happened. I just couldn’t let it go, and I was never going to believe or trust that he really was going to change."

Speaking of not changing, Grant had spent the months immediately after the show exclusively dating Natalie...until he cheated on Natalie with Ashley. Grant told Tudum that he's now single and "working on [himself]," and that he doesn't regret anything he did on the show "besides Ashley having to watch."

One of the men, 27-year-old model Tyler Breshears, arrived on the island with his then-girlfriend of over two years, 30-year-old personal trainer Tayler Byrd. However, once they were separated, it became clear that the couple would eventually part ways, as Tyler fell head over heels for 26-year-old fitness influencer Kay Carlson. Now that all 10 episodes are available to stream on Netflix, read on to learn more about Tyler and Kay's time on Temptation Island, including any clues of whether they're still together today.

What happened between Tyler and Kay on 'Temptation Island?'

Before arriving on Temptation Island, Nashville-based couple Tyler and Tayler had been dating for two-and-a-half years. The pair met when Tyler was still married to his ex-wife and began dating four months after his separation. They tell host Mark L. Walberg in the premiere thatTemptation Island is a chance for Tyler to date around and learn more about himself, since he has been in serious relationships since he was 18. However, the pair was also facing some serious problems: Tyler had been unfaithful a month into their relationship, and Tayler also wanted more financial security after Tyler left a career in medical device sales to pursue modeling.

Meanwhile, Kay and Tyler grab each other's attention when they first meet, as the singles are paraded in front of the couples in the premiere. When Tayler asks Tyler which of the women is his "favorite," he chooses Kay, who Tayler dubs "Little Bo-Peep" because of her red gingham bikini. Kay then gives her first-impression bracelet to Tyler. In her brief intro, Kay says, "I'm a really good girlfriend. I'm a super happy and positive person. Super loyal. I've never cheated before. Exactly what you're looking for, right here. There's no need to look anywhere else."

Though Tyler chooses Courtney for the first group date—seemingly to prove Tayler wrong—he picks Kay for his first solo date (and then for every other date throughout the show). Tyler says that he appreciates Kay's positive vibes and their banter, after feeling undervalued by Tayler. Later that night, Kay grinds on Tyler—keep in mind that he tells her, "You're trouble"—and gets a G-rated tour of his room.

As for Tayler and Tyler, their relationship quickly devolves after the first bonfire, the dramatic events where each coupled cast member watches recorded clips of what their significant others have been up to in the other villas. Tyler gets a clip of Tayler complaining that she has financially supported him since he left his job, in which she says, "Maybe the level of relationship that I am wanting, he's not necessarily able to give." He reacts by saying he's "done" with her using the "tiny stuff" as "ammunition" against him. Then, after she sees the grinding clip, Tayler reveals, "You're trouble," is the same thing Tyler said to her the first time they kissed. When Tayler heads back to the house after the bonfire, she tells one of the male tempters that Tyler has "bitch tendencies."

Kay and Tyler continue bonding throughout the show, having deep pre-bedtime conversations and going on a fun, "blissful" date. In episode 4, they have a PG sleepover; the morning after, Tyler says in a confessional, "There was a moment this morning where I realized I was getting very comfortable with Kay, and I was like, 'Oh shit. My relationship is over. And I'm okay with that.'" This clip about "cuddling with Kay" is the one that Tayler sees at the next bonfire, and Tayler, who has abandonment issues, treats this as the end of their relationship. It takes a couple more episodes for Tyler to admit that he and Tayler want different things, but when Tyler returns to his villa, it seems pretty much over as he enters the camera-less Temptation Haven tent with Kay, where they have their first kiss.

Kay and Tyler spend the rest of the season attached at the hip. Tyler seems to recognize that he and Kay are on closer stages of life than him and Tayler. He says that Kay inspires him to "take even more risks and steps in pursuing the life that [he] wants," a.k.a. his modeling career. Meanwhile, Kay says Tyler makes her feel secure and she's never questioned where she stands with him. Kay also reveals in an emotional confessional that she took things slow with Tyler because she "had the rug pulled out from under [her]" in her past relationship. By their final date, Kay and Tyler seem ready to ride off into the sunset...once he actually breaks up with his girlfriend.

Did Tyler and Kay leave 'Temptation Island' together?

When they reunite in the Temptation Island finale, Tayler immediately sets a boundary with Tyler, refusing to hug him. She tells her ex that he hurt her with his "nonchalant, jokey attitude" throughout the show and that he's helped her realize what she really wants and deserves. He responds that he felt "clowned" when she used his "vulnerability over the years" to push her own "agenda" during the bonfires, and that he's found someone who "sees [his] value." He also points out that he didn't have sex with Kay (which seems like a moot point), and brings up the "bitch tendencies" phrase again, which just ensures that he'll be best known as "bitch tendencies guy" for the near future. After a good amount of defensive sniping, they both genuinely express the crux of their feelings, that Tayler makes Tyler feel "worthless" and Tyler makes Tayler feel "hopeless." (To the show's credit, it's one of those genuine moments of growth that makes you wonder if they'd reach that point without going on an emotionally brutal reality show.)

When asked the big question by Walberg, Tayler decides to leave Temptation Island alone, having found a new confidence. Tyler goes second, telling her, "Tay, I'd like to leave here with Kay." So Tyler decides to go from a five-year marriage to a two-plus year relationship to riding off into the sunset with Kay, just like Tayler said. (She really does know him.) Tyler says of his choice, "Maybe it's just island fever and a honeymoon situation, but it's just how I feel." When Kay is summoned, Tyler asks her to leave the island with him, and she says yes.

Are Tyler and Kay still together after 'Temptation Island?'

Despite their happy ending, Tudum revealed a week after Temptation Island hit streaming in March 2025 that Kay and Tyler did not continue dating after leaving the show together. In fact, the pair realized that "their lives didn’t align" during their final overnight date. According to the update, Kay "wanted Tyler to experience single life instead of jumping right into another relationship," so they went their separate ways. However, Tyler entered a serious relationship with a friend-of-a-friend he met "soon after" returning home. He and the woman, named Lauren, are still together today.

As for Kay, it turns out that the influencer's cryptic TikToks about leaving a relationship earlier this year may have been referring to her ex, as she told Tudum that she gave him "another shot" after filming the show. Though she and Tyler hit it off during filming, Kay said they likely only would've been friends if they'd met in the real world. "We were put in such a romantic setting. That’s why it became romantic," she explained. "We both still look back at it as a great experience. I think he’s such a good guy, but I don’t think he’s my guy."

This story includes minor spoilers about the ending of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. The Zambian Bemba funeral rites depicted in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl are both full of noise and painfully silent. But it's what's left unsaid between the women carrying out these acts in Zambian-British filmmaker Rungano Nyoni's film that speaks volumes about female abuse.

Nyoni’s sophomore feature, released into theaters by A24 on March 7, depicts a family as they lay to rest a man who has done irreparable harm to his young female relatives—the same women expected to perform the duties of his lamentation. The funeral slips more and more into a nightmare as the scope of his abuse is unfurled, and it becomes clear how many people allowed him to continue causing pain. The story is enraging yet familiar, happening time and time again, in communities all over the world, but Rungano’s film is the most effective in recent memory at showing the devastation that a culture of silence around female abuse can cause.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl picks up when Shula (Susan Chardy), recently returned home to Zambia from living in Europe, comes across the dead body of her uncle in the road. One moment, Shula—coming home from a party, dressed like Missy Elliot in the “The Rain” music video— stands over the corpse; the next, we see her as a child, looking down with a stoic, emotionless expression. This surreal scene is the first time that the trauma of what Uncle Fred did to her reemerges. And though it continues to resurface, it’s never clear what exactly happened to her or the other survivors who are revealed throughout the film.

The drama is all the more compelling to leave Uncle Fred’s abuse off-screen—and it was important to Nyoni to depict it that way. “I did include a more explicit version when I wrote the script, but it always felt false to my experience and my version of what I wanted to express,” Nyoni tells Marie Claire via email. “How do you talk about something without talking about something? It is a bit of a challenge and sometimes can deflate expectations because everyone wants that cathartic moment of saying or expressing the truth, but in this setting, it's not truthful.”

With the abuse left unspoken and unseen, the viewer is left only with Shula's POV to set the narrative tone. Shots are frequently claustrophobic close-ups of her face as she sits silently among the mourners in her mother’s empty living room. Shula refuses to join the performative grief for the horrible man—the biggest stand she can take. Still, the confinement never lets up. Even when she’s the only one awake in the house, ordered to cook first thing in the morning, the camera shows Shula framed by a doorway as she stares into the fires under the boiling pots, an effective symbol of the rage she can’t express.

“It was really interesting for me to play Shula and just inhabit this space of internalizing everything, taking thoughts in but not allowing them really to come out. It's kind of turmoil inside,” Chardy tells Marie Claire over Zoom. The 42-year-old Zambian-British actress, who makes her feature-film debut in Guinea Fowl, understands her character’s place as a young woman who has been raised to respect and defer to her elders. “In some of the scenes, Shula is so focused on, How am I going to get this out of me? What am I dealing with inside, and how does this come out? There's silence around [me], but how am I going to be the one to speak up or to get this out?”

Accountability is a lofty ideal in this story. A few minutes into the film, we meet Nsansa (Elizabeth Chisela), Shula’s unruly cousin who will be some form of inebriated throughout the runtime. At first, she seems like a form of comic relief, until she ultimately presents her own story of abuse, demonstrating the tragedy beneath her tone. Then there’s Bupe (Esther Singini), another cousin who spends most of her time onscreen in the hospital. Bupe is the closest we get to a sober confession of Fred’s deeds, having recorded a video detailing what he did. Though it cuts off before the audience learns the full scope, Shula sees it all. But Bupe’s mother tells her, “Don’t think about it or talk about it. Just keep quiet.”

Silence is a prison for all three of the cousins. They often only find camaraderie in each other, save for one emotional scene where their aunties come together and direct their communal singing towards the young women. The moment of unity is the closest Shula, Nsansa, and Bupe will get to a reckoning, and it’s a moment where men are decidedly absent. But it isn’t the end of the story.

The final survivor is Fred’s young widow, Chichi (Norah Mwansa), who Shula deduces her uncle married when she was only 11 or 12. Even now, she’s still only in her teens, but the mother of a 7-year-old. Throughout the funeral days, Chichi is treated worse and worse by Shula’s aunts who claim that she drove her husband to death by being a neglectful wife. If Shula and her cousins’ turmoil show the inadvertent harm a family can cause within itself, Chichi shows the blatant, abominable harm the unit can turn towards outsiders. While Shula shows how a culture of silence can affect loved ones, Guinea Fowl’s true mastery is expounding upon that to show how none of the young women are truly protected until they all are.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl brings its title to life in the film’s final moments, when Shula, her cousins, and Chichi’s children—the next generation hurt by their traditional ways—approach the family home where they've been gathering and Shula and Chichi’s families are now fighting over the assets Fred left behind. The cacophonous crowd is the initial focus before the shot focuses on Shula and her cousins’ disapproving glares; they’re looking into the chaotic living room but also into the camera, seemingly at the audience. Shula opens her mouth, and we hear an animalistic cry. It rivals what we learn earlier in the film that the guinea fowl’s cry is meant to warn the species when danger is approaching. Shula has become the title.

Rungano became obsessed with guinea fowls while writing the film. “In African culture, they signify healing and courage and protection of loved ones. In sub-Saharan Africa they also signify resilience,” she says. “They are just badass creatures so had to be part of the final shot somehow.” Rungano also composed the final image to be the opposite of the film’s opening, as Shula goes from being “trapped” in the dark to standing tall in an “open, bright, and sort of fantastical” frame.

I left my first viewing of Guinea Fowl entranced and supremely frustrated. The film left me marveling at the cultural tics of Shula’s aunties that I recognized within my own African-American family, the passive-aggressive admonishment of Shula’s behavior. It’s a specific yet universal story about the harm groups can inflict on each other, both unintentional and intentional, all stemming from not treating abuse with the gravity it deserves.

Chardy also recognizes the universal importance of the film. “It can be about anything that resonates with you personally in your life that you've been silent about, whether it's within your job, how you're treated, the color of your skin. Or someone else's experience that you've seen but have not been vocal about,” she says. “I just think, the more silent you are, things fester, and nothing good comes out of festering. We've got to all learn to get things out…The baseline of it is therapy, but on a bigger scale, it's revolutionary. It's movement. It's togetherness.”

“There's no defeat in the film,” the actress adds. “Obviously, there's no justice necessarily, but I feel like it leaves a sense of hope for future generations. So I'm hoping that it encourages more people in the climate that we're in to speak up.”

After showing how this culture of silence can devastate entire generations, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl holds a mirror up to the audience and asks, “What happens if we scream?”

One of Temptation Island's couples, 29-year-old pilates instructor Shanté Glover and 26-year-old medical salesman Brion Whitley, have quickly become the most controversial couple of the season. After facing infidelity issues and differing sexual libidos, the pair made a jaw-dropping decision at the final bonfire, sparking a debate on how much men can get away with. Now that all 10 episodes are available to stream, read on to learn more about Shanté and Brion's time on Temptation Island, including any clues of whether they're still together today.

What happened between Shanté and Brion on 'Temptation Island?'

Atlanta-based couple Shanté and Brion dated for over a year when they arrived on Temptation Island. When describing their meet-cute in the premiere, Brion says they were introduced when Shanté asked for financial advice at their church...and they had sex together that night. That TMI reveal indicates the extent to which sex and infidelity are the pair's biggest issues (which they chose to handle by going on a show called Temptation Island).

Brion's an admitted "flirty boy." He also reveals that he left Shanté for another woman early in their relationship before realizing "the grass isn't greener on the other side" and getting back together with Shanté. However, he now wants to take their relationship seriously...but he also wants Shanté to work on being more sexually forward with him.

On Shanté's side, she wants to see if he can have platonic friendships with women. She also sheds some tears when Brion discusses possibly moving in together after the island. She describes "putting that test forward" as "a little scary," but adds, "I'm hopeful for what's to come."

As you can expect, Shanté and Brion handle the parade of beautiful bodies in front of them very differently. Shanté does try to put herself out there, but still, the only incriminating clip she has at the first bonfire—when the couples can watch back footage of what each other is up to in their separate villas—is dancing with Princeton grad Hashim. In response to seeing her be more outgoing, Brion talks about how he wants her to have her own life separate from him.

Meanwhile, Shanté sees shots of Brion having chocolate syrup licked off his neck, and of him discussing how he loves a good threesome but can't have that with Shanté. When Mia asks Brion in the clip whether he thinks he can have the best of both worlds, the emotional and the sexual, with another woman, it mirrors doubts that Brion expresses to host Mark L. Walberg at the bonfire. In response to Brion's playback footage, Shanté says he's the one who "brought her" to the island, and he's not "starting off with a great job" of proving he can stay platonic with women for her sake.

Though Brion doesn't hit it off with any of the singles on a romantic level, like some of the other boyfriends (*cough* Tyler and Kay *cough*), he is eventually tempted. In episode 4, there's a tricky moment where he and Alex briefly go into his bathroom together and close the door; they don't seem to do anything, but it gets close. (Shanté appears to be literally reading the Bible while this is happening.) But then, in episode 5, he finally gets that threesome he won't shut up about. He, Alex, and Courtney end up in his shower, and even if he didn't admit it the next day, the "[rhythmic wet slapping]," as described in the subtitles, explains it all.

The morning after, Brion says in a confessional, "I didn’t...wake up with any regret. I’m still respecting Shanté at the end of the day. I think women respect honesty and being true to yourself, and I think a lot of women would rather, you know, have someone just be real and talk to them, and if they're gonna step out or whatever, let 'em know." He then adds, "Now I’m like, 'How do we get Angel and Amiah in the shower?'"

Back in the girlfriends' villa, Shanté had a rougher night, thanks to the addition of the Temptation Haven. In a bit of psychological torture that would be impressive if not horrifying, each villa was given a tent that, if entered, would set off an unmissable alarm on the other side of the island. Brion wasn't the one to set it off (it was Tyler and Kay, then later Grant and Natalie), but Shanté still seemingly spent all night sobbing at the fear that it was Brion. That may be part of the reason why she was eventually able to stay dry-eyed at the bonfire where she saw the threesome footage (yes, including the slapping). Shanté points out that the lack of regret is "sad, hurtful, [and] disrespectful," but it's telling when she says, "I genuinely don't think that in the real world he would've ever did this to me."

Before the episode 6 bonfire, Brion had a revealing conversation while discussing the threesome with Courtney. When asked whether Shanté would forgive him, Brion responded with a solid, "Yeah," and claimed it would "better their relationship at the end of the day." His clip at the bonfire shows Shanté crying on tent night (which also happened to be the night of the threesome). Brion owns up to the threesome, and argues that it needed to happen and that now he "don't gotta hold that over Shanté's head." He continues, "So it's gonna suck, and she's gonna go through it, but I feel like this pain that she's feeling now, it's only for a moment, and I feel as though I can give her a lifetime of happiness...I feel like I can go up to her and apologize, and she's probably still gonna stay. That's a great woman right there."

It seems nothing will top the threesome—however, there are still three more episodes before the final bonfire. In episode 7, each couple gets to send 30-second video messages to each other. Brion says in his note that "the boundary that [he] crossed is not what [he] needed" in life, and he's ready to treat Shanté better. (Notice how there's no concrete apology in there!) In her video, Shanté cries a bit and explains that both his actions and lack of regret "genuinely crushed" her, while wondering whether he was "really considering how [she] was gonna feel at the end of it." After watching her message, Brion says he feels "humbled" and starts crying for the first time on the island.

After Shanté's message finally seems to shake Brion a bit, influencer Amiah briefly knocks him on his ass. Until now, Amiah has had the most friend-like vibe with him, and he had asked her on the next date. However, in episode 7, they'd had an argument, where Amiah felt uncomfortable about Brion wanting to talk to her about his love of rough sex, and he called her "fucking weird" for asserting a boundary. Right after he looks at Shanté's message, Amiah calls him out for "picking and choosing when he wants to be single" and turns down the date.

The producers make Brion have a sad shave-ice date alone. At a subsequent bonfire, he sees a clip of Shanté looking utterly done with him, and that seems to be when he decides to act like he is in a committed relationship.

We also learn a bit more about Brion's background at the episode 8 bonfire, as it's revealed that he dealt with abuse in the foster system. Walberg points out that he had "no model" to show him how to respect or support someone growing up. It's a big moment to have the mirror held up to you, and the idea that Brion could have a therapy journey after the island is a step forward—but I can't help remembering how all this happened at Shanté's expense on the biggest streaming platform in the world. Still, to give him the benefit of the doubt, he asks Amiah on the final date, which is solely friendship vibes. Also, on the morning of the final bonfire, Brion finally says he regrets hurting Shanté for his own self-growth. (Good!) Meanwhile, Shanté says she hasn't made a final decision.

Did Shanté and Brion leave 'Temptation Island' together?

Shanté and Brion are the first couple to reunite at the final bonfire, and they immediately hug as Brion sheds a quick tear. Both of them get the chance to speak uninterrupted at first. Shanté reiterates that he was disrespectful and none of his actions reflected the man she deserves. Brion responds by apologizing and crying, saying he had been a surface-level boyfriend and isn't worthy of her but he can be. Shanté asks if he's crossed any other boundaries beyond the threesome, and he says no (which is only technically the truth). He promises to start dealing with his emotional issues. Shanté admits that she always puts others before herself, and claims she's starting to put herself first.

Then the big question comes. Brion wants to leave the island with Shanté, but when it's her turn to answer, she asks for a second and walks into the shadows to cry. She tells a producer, "I want him to grow, I do, but I don't know what to do anymore." Upon coming back, Shanté initially says she wants to know the better him "down the road," but "right now, [she] has to choose [herself]." However, the conversation doesn't end then. Shanté points out that Brion has reached the emotional place she wanted, and when asked again, she agrees to leave the island with him.

"I am giving him grace in this," Shanté says in a confessional. "It's not gonna be an easy road for him. That's for sure. But I believe in our love. I believe that we can make this something special, and I am happy with my decision."

Are Shanté and Brion still together after 'Temptation Island'?

Shanté and Brion have confirmed they are still seeing each other after leaving the island together. On March 19—a week after Temptation Island's release—the pair revealed to Netflix's Tudum that they've become stronger as a couple after the threesome helped Brion realize what he really wants in life. "I could tell it was more physical and not an emotional thing," Shanté told the outlet.

In addition to the interview, Brion shared an emotional message about his relationship with Shant on Instagram. "Yes, we’re still together," he wrote, alongside a recap video of their dates. "These past two years have been full of love, laughter, and growth—and they haven’t been perfect. I’ve made mistakes I’m truly sorry for. I take full accountability for my actions, and I know I hurt someone who didn’t deserve it."

He added, "Real love isn’t shown when everything is easy; it’s shown when it’s hard, when the world is judging, and you still choose each other. And when life gets tough, all the people in our DMs won’t be there—but we will be, standing for each other."

To celebrate the movie's streaming release, Ashley and Fiennes Tiffin sat down with Marie Claire to test their friendship with a round of How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?. The pair showed off their natural chemistry while breezing through questions about their early jobs, go-to karaoke jams, and hidden talents. Fiennes Tiffin also took the opportunity to praise Ashley, who also served as executive producer on the flick, for creating a "fun, relaxed" atmosphere on set.

Watch the challenge above to get the scoop on the unexpected hidden talent they both want to learn, the gift Ashley gave the entire cast, and insight into Fiennes Tiffin's Justin Bieber-inspired early red-carpet looks. Then, head to Prime Video to catch Picture This.

The standout third episode of the must-watch series is a two-hander between Jamie and his court-ordered psychologist (Erin Doherty), and their conversation is both biting and nurturing at the same time. During their one-on-one, Jamie reveals that the victim had cyberbullied him by referring to him as an incel, and then accidentally admits to the crime—a sentence he tries to take back immediately.

So where does the finale leave Jamie and his family? Below, we break down the emotional ending of Adolescence.

Did Jamie actually kill his classmate in 'Adolescence?'

The first episode of the series concludes with CCTV footage of a boy that the police identified as Jamie (Owen Cooper) stabbing a girl repeatedly. The video shocks Jamie’s father Eddie (Stephen Graham), who had steadfastly believed Jamie’s assertion that he did not commit the crime. Even after the footage is shown, Jamie claims repeatedly that he didn’t do it.

The fourth and final episode follows Jamie’s family on Eddie’s 50th birthday 13 months later. Jamie calls his father to tell him that he plans to plead guilty during his trial. Audiences don’t see exactly what led to that decision, though it cements that we’ve known the answer about his lack of innocence the entire time.

Why did Jamie commit the crime in 'Adolescence?'

The reasons behind Jamie’s actions are left murky, though the series references right-wing men’s rights activist Andrew Tate and the fragility of masculinity online. Graham, who also co-created the series with Jack Thorne (Toxic Town, His Dark Materials), told Los Angeles Times that he didn’t want to go down the obvious route of blaming the parents. Instead, he wanted to explore other factors that could contribute to wayward behavior, including the rise of incel culture online.

What will happen to Jamie in 'Adolescence?'

Adolescence doesn’t show us Jamie’s trial or reveal his sentencing, but the choice to plead guilty suggests that Jamie will serve a life sentence. According to an official U.K. government site, even those with life sentences could be released on parole but will “spend the rest of their life ‘on license’ in the community,” meaning they’ll still have to abide by certain rules and regulations or be sent back to jail.

How does Jamie’s family cope after the incident in 'Adolescence?'

The fourth and final episode of Adolescence is centered entirely on the Miller family as they try to navigate life after Jamie is charged with murder. His parents Eddie and Manda (Christine Tremarco) discuss leaving town and starting over somewhere else, but Eddie is against the idea, reasoning that moving away won’t change anything. By the episode’s end, their daughter Lisa (Amelie Pease) also agrees that moving would be worse than staying, especially if new neighbors discover their past.

Centered on Eddie’s birthday, the last installment of the series expertly balances the family’s struggles in the face of Jamie’s actions while also allowing them small moments of joy. Manda gets up early to cook her husband an elaborate breakfast and he suggests they have sex right there in the kitchen. However, their jubilant moods are derailed when they find someone has spray painted “nonce” (which is British slang for a sex offender) on his work van. Unfortunately, their reaction reveals that this is a recurring occurrence in their neighborhood and not the first time Eddie has had to scrub obscenities from his truck.

After Jamie calls to let them know he has committed to pleading guilty, Eddie and Manda have a heartbreaking discussion about their parenting, whether they did enough, and where they went wrong. Manda mentions Jamie’s temper and says that they should’ve monitored his computer usage more, while Eddie is still horrified by the footage he saw and wishes Jamie had requested his mom as his “appropriate adult” (a.k.a. his guardian during legal proceedings).

The series leaves us with an absolutely crushing image: Eddie enters Jamie’s room for the first time—a space that has not been touched since shortly after the events of the first episode—and sobs into his son’s pillow. “I’m sorry son, I should’ve done better,” he says, kissing the teddy bear as a stand-in for Jamie. This sorrow is something that the Millers will live with for the rest of their lives.

What unfolds is a mindblowing theatrical experience that updates Dorian for the 21st century, while making Oscar Wilde’s classic story feel more relevant than ever. It is, after all, about self-obsession, and we live in a self-obsessed age.

"I think for audience members, whether they identify as female or male or nonbinary, there is a sense in which everybody can see themselves within Dorian and the kind of moral compromise that Dorian finds themselves tangled up within becomes this universal compromise that we are all capable of finding ourselves within," director Kip Williams tells Marie Claire.

So how does Snook do it? In part by sheer acting talent, of course. (Snook won an Olivier in London for her performance; prior to that the show played in Australia and New Zealand with other leads.) The 37-year-old, who is the third actress to appear in the production, modulates her voice depending on whether she's playing the initially bright-eyed Dorian or his tragic love interest, Sibyl Vane. She changes her body language to match whatever persona she’s inhabiting. But to fully transform, she also relies on 19 costume changes, a host of wigs, six LED screens, and 15 total crew members, some of whom are wielding cameras on stage to capture her at different angles.

Take, for instance, a bravura dinner party sequence. We watch as stagehands, dressed in nondescript black clothing, turn her from Dorian into the haughty Lord Henry, deftly applying a mustache and a brown wig. Then Snook is seated at a table with five other people whom she also plays: the elderly Lady Agatha dressed in pearls; a duchess holding a pug; and a "rotund" member of parliament. The characters who are not Lord Henry have been pre-recorded. But still the conversation between a live Snook/Lord Henry and her digital counterparts flows almost unnervingly freely. In other moments of the play, Snook is on stage while the screens show every facet of her face in tight close up, a metaphor for the fracturing of self.

The task of figuring out how Dorian would evolve from innocent naif into soulless party boy—as well as everyone else—fell to scenic and costume designer Marg Horwell. With the show now in previews in New York, Horwell, whose award-winning work also includes a production of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, walked us through her complicated process.

Marie Claire: How did you think about gender when creating Dorian's look?

Marg Howell: We spent a long time [with Sarah and each performer that has played Dorian] trying to find how they looked best as a man, but without denying something inherent about themselves. So it didn't kind of turn into something that was overly costumey.

There's fun kind of camp things that are happening as well. But to find a version of Dorian that is so obsessed with aesthetics and also doesn't deny [the actors'] inherent femininity or their inherent kind of physical mannerisms is the great thing. And the weird thing is you find that they feel more masculine wearing heels than they did flats. Actually we've cinched waists in quite a bit…that very feminine shape that was in fashion at the time. Then mixing it with contemporary versions of gender-fluid fashion. So it really does feel like something that spanned a century.

MC: How did you figure out Dorian's hair?

MH: So the first Dorian is quite cherubic with curls and is more innocent, but he also has that kind of classic, romantic heartthrob look with sideburns as well. But then as he becomes more invested in aesthetics or as he kind of becomes more enamored with his own image, it becomes more styled and more fashion-y. I got obsessed with the model Lucky Blue Smith. So lots of people say, "Oh, it's very Elvis." But actually, all of it is that Lucky Blue kind of tall, dirty, greasy blonde, great style.

MC: There is a floral motif running through the show. Why was that important to you?

MH: In the book, he goes into the garden and describes flowers just in great detail for a long time. And [there is] the mythology around Oscar Wilde that he carried a carnation. But the great thing I think about flowers on stage is that they're not real. So there's something about artifice or the kind of saccharine falseness of them that I think is really important. We started with something that felt a bit more real or felt a little more honest. And then throughout the show it evolves. Then it becomes a very sickly motif by the end.

MC: How did you think about how the costumes and sets were going to be captured by the videographers?

MH: Theater wigs are so different to film wigs in terms of how closely you can interrogate them and how quickly they can go on. Because we're doing wig changes live for her, which are two seconds or something, it's like a dance. You have to be really careful about what you can see or how that's styled to be able to make sure that we don't expose too much. It's going to be a 360-degree set because a lot of stuff is seen from the back. You are aware of how exposed everything is. There's a joy in that as well because all of our fabrics are kind of gorgeous, textured slightly, quite subtle. Sometimes [on camera] you can see the texture between silk and wool really close up and see Sarah's face so close up. It's about delighting in the detail of it rather than making sure that we're not found out.

[For wigs] you throw it off and then have to get it on matching an on-screen image, which is prerecorded. So we've had to design it in a way that is forgiving or precise so that it doesn't look so disheveled live. And because we had to shoot it before, obviously, we got into the theater, you have to make sure that we can make the costume changes in time because often they're over text. So she'll be speaking whilst people are changing her shoes, whilst people are changing things, and there's a camera circling her. And then the word will happen, wig, sideburns. So it has to kind of finish on a line.

And so to make sure that we go, "Well, can we do it in 20 seconds total or can we do it in 12 seconds total?" We've got to make sure that it can happen before we put it on film. Otherwise, we don't know that we can replicate exactly what we've done. So the early days, [it was] just terrifying. Because when we first put something on film, [we were] so scared of everything just to make sure it's possible to make sure that we're not committing to something that we can't fulfill live.

MC: What is the training process for the crew in terms of doing these costume changes?

MH: It's something that I think is a really specific skill that we've found it difficult to find the right people. It's so in front of everybody. It is like choreography, but it also has to be about a relationship with a performer where they trust you completely that you can be holding their shoe open and while they're talking, they know that you're going to be there when they put their foot down. And there's some changes that you don't see on stage because she's speaking to us and you can't see parts of her body that people are changing while she's speaking. So our wig person, [Nick Eynaud], who we're lucky to have in New York, who's done Australia and has done London has a great rapport with Sarah. There's a code, kind of like, "If I'm not ready..." She has to know that she's ready and then he's ready and go, “we're good.”

MC: Beyond Dorian, was there another character that was particularly difficult to crack aesthetically?

MH: There's a couple of characters who age. Lord Henry, we see him young and old, and we see the duchess a couple of times young and old. But they were pretty exciting to make because, again, by the time we're in that artificial, sickly country house, everybody's getting Botox and feels like they're denying their age. Sybil is a tricky character because I think that she can be two-dimensional and facile. But in the end, I leaned into the artifice of her as well, because we get to see her performing Juliet. I leaned into her looking like a Victorian doll with perfect ringlets and too much hair and all smiles. And then we see her backstage where she starts to take off her wig, and she's more of a real person. She was tricky to know how to pitch, and I guess that's a bit of a disappointing thing to have to admit that the women are harder.

But [as Sibyl] we've got her in a costume that's like a cupcake, and it's all tulle. It's her Juliet costume, so she's got a stab wound in her stomach that's all beaded red beads. And she's got red gloves that's all red beads like it's the beads of her blood when she's killed herself. It's actually one of my favorite costumes now because it's tiny, you only catch it for a little moment, but I think it's a silly kind of theatrical gesture that is making light or making ornament out of her death. It's so bedazzled. She looks so fabulous.

MC: How are social media filters used in the show?

MH: One of the scenes that a lot of people have asked if it's pre-recorded is actually live manipulation. It’s when Sarah takes a photo live. And then while she is talking to us in a monologue, augments her face. I think one of the filters is called "baby." It's one of those things where you just look so perfect. [Also] in the opium den, she plays many people in a kind of hedonistic, loud environment. There [are multiple] people with iPhones, and if she's looking at this one, she looks like someone else.

MC: Were there any other key reference points for you in terms of designing and the aesthetic?

MH: The earlier [Dorian] looks I got really inspired by Ann Demeulemeester and the way that she made tops that had kind of lacings and things that were left undone or that trailed behind. Then I got quite obsessed with seeing suspender clips that you could see sticking out or underneath her jacket. It felt like there were layers or the underwear was kind of peeking out. There was some great Maison Margiela stuff that really felt like it was about cutting things up and putting them back together or that you would see the underlayer of things.

Actually, I was so inspired by the most recent collection where it was those shorts over those sheer skirts, but obviously, we made the show before that. But it felt exciting. It was looking at corsetry over the top of suiting.

MC: What did you find thematically relevant about designing for someone who was a woman playing a canonically male character?

MH: What we've done with Sarah, especially, is embrace her more traditionally feminine shape. And I don't know whether it's about bravado or if it's about posture—but physically, she's incredibly nuanced in terms of how she'll shift from one to the other. We have really changed how we approach those characters. In a photograph, I think she looks more feminine than masculine if you got rid of the context, but on stage it is very convincing as a very kind of masculine thing.

I think something that I learned is that all of those elements are very unexpected as to what denotes feminine, masculine or what can kind of tread that middle line. But I think there's something amazing about a character who is investigating excess or looking at how they are perceived in the world, if that is actually not who they inherently are. So it isn't actually about finding your true self, it is about finding something that you have manufactured or finding something that is other than yourself. There's something inherently great about that premise, I think.

Adolescence is co-created by Stephen Graham, who also stars as Jamie’s father, as a response to the rise of knife crime in the U.K. The must-watch series will break your heart as it aims to interrogate masculinity and what causes this type of violence, without leaning on tropes we’ve seen before. “The dad is not violent, the mom is not an alcoholic, he’s not been abused or molested. How can we look at what’s happening to young boys today in our society if we take away the things we would normally construct a drama around?” Graham told the Los Angeles Times.

The four-part Netflix crime drama features both familiar faces and new ones to play the various investigators and people in Jamie’s life. Read on to familiarize yourself with the cast of Adolescence.

Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller

Owen Cooper, 15, plays Jamie, the 13-year-old at the story's center. In the opening moments of the limited series, Jamie is ripped from his bed and charged with murder.

This is Cooper’s first acting credit, period. The newcomer landed his debut gig through a self-tape, shot the series when he was 14, and immediately made an impact. His co-star Erin Doherty, who he shares the screen with for almost the entirety of the third episode, told The Guardian that Cooper was “hands down one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with.” Meanwhile, creator and co-star Stephen Graham likened him to Edward Norton. Next, he’ll appear alongside Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Hong Chau in Emerald Fennell’s book-to-movie adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller

Stephen Graham, 51, plays Jamie’s father, Eddie. While in custody, Jamie elects him to be his “appropriate adult,” sitting alongside his son as the police present their evidence against him. The fourth episode centers on Eddie grappling with the truth and feeling he’s failed as a parent.

Graham doesn’t just act in the series but co-created it alongside Jack Thorne (who also wrote/produced Netflix’s Toxic Town and The Eddy, HBO’s His Dark Materials, and other series). The BAFTA-nominated British acting icon’s previous credits include the films Snatch, Gangs of New York, and The Irishman, as well as TV roles on Boardwalk Empire, This is England, and Peaky Blinders. Before Adolescence, he also co-created the 2023 BBC One miniseries Boiling Point, a four-part continuation sequel series to the 2021 film of the same name he starred in.

Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe

Ashley Walters, 42, is DI Bascombe, the leading detective on Jamie’s case. He has a strained relationship with his son, and the case subtly encourages him to be more present in his son’s life.

Walters is best known for his role as drug dealer Dushane in the hit British crime drama Top Boy. He led the series during its original two-season run from 2011 to 2013 and returned for its revival for three more seasons from 2019 to 2023. Walters has also appeared in popular British shows like Bulletproof, Doctor Who, and Cuffs, and is a rapper and member of the U.K. garage group So Solid Crew.

Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller

Christine Tremarco, 48, plays Manda Miller, Jamie’s mom. As Jamie requests his father be his “appropriate adult,” Manda appears sparingly throughout the series until the finale, where she and Eddie deal with the aftermath of their son’s actions.

Tremarco is a British actress from Liverpool, England who began her career on the ‘90s BBC 'miniseries The Leaving of Liverpool before appearing in Waterloo Road, Casualty, Wolfe, and Emmerdale.

Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston

Erin Doherty, 32, appears as Briony Ariston in the third episode of the series, a child psychologist hired to evaluate Jamie’s state of mind and understanding of the crime he’s being accused of.

Doherty played Princess Anne on The Crown for two seasons before appearing opposite Adolescence creator Graham in the Hulu drama A Thousand Blows. Before transitioning to film/TV, Doherty was primarily a theater actress in the U.K., appearing in stage productions in London and studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where she won the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award in 2015.

Amelie Pease as Lisa Miller

Amelie Pease plays Lisa, Jamie’s older sister who tries to help maintain a semblance of normalcy in the Miller home.

Just like her onscreen brother, this is Pease’s first acting credit. The newcomer has yet to announce any additional upcoming projects.

Faye Marsay as DS Misha Frank

Faye Marsay, 38, plays Bascome’s right-hand woman DS Misha Frank. The duo is tasked with questioning Jamie and students at school about the circumstances behind the incident.

Like Doherty, Marsay is an alum of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she won the Spotlight Prize in 2012. She has appeared in recurring roles on TV series like Andor, Game of Thrones, and The White Queen, as well as films like Darkest Hour, A Private War, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

You may have missed this show when it first aired. Initially an offshoot of the Marvel universe, it developed its own identity as an adventure story. One of the most compelling parts was FitzSimmons (a.k.a. Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz), two scientists who started as BFFs and ended up married.

'Bridgerton'

Like many shows on this list, there are several great relationships to choose from on Bridgerton. But the granddaddy of them all is Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page). I will always be a fan of the "fake relationship turns into a real relationship when two people realize they have the hots for each other" storyline.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

If you were a religious Buffy watcher, you had your favorite couple. There was Buffy-Spike and Willow-Tara. But it's difficult to top the angst and yearning that Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), vampire slayer, and Angel (David Boreanaz), vampire, had for each other. Their initial pairing (and the twist that comes afterward) is some of the best '90s TV.

'Dawson's Creek'

Considering that Dawson is literally in the show's title, it shocked many Dawson's Creek fans that Joey (Katie Holmes) and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) were the couple to root for. When you go from BFFs to something more, it's a beautiful story.

'ER'

ER was melodramatic, and it spawned a bunch of messy on-screen romances. Doug and Carol (George Clooney and Julianna Margulies) were probably the messiest and the most romantic of the bunch. Just about every ER fan wanted to see them together in the end—myself included.

'Friday Night Lights'

There's a ton of romantic angst in the hit '00s series Friday Night Lights. But through it all, we have the bedrock of Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and Tami (Connie Britton). They're good parents and a strong couple, but it's also clear they still have the hots for each other. Marriage goals forever!

'Friends'

The obvious Friends choice here is Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston); the show hinges on their relationship drama, after all! However, I would argue that the low-key relationship between Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) that develops naturally and later on is the real romance of the show. It's their lack of drama that makes them perfect.

'Gilmore Girls'

Gilmore Girls centered around Rory (Alexis Bledel) and her various loves. But the slow burn of Luke (Scott Patterson) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham) was deep and just as meaningful. They could not be more oppositional, but their (fast-paced) banter and subtle sexual tension led to a gratifying couple.

'Grey's Anatomy'

You could probably make an entire book of the various relationships in Grey's Anatomy. But it's tough to beat the original: Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey). A one-night stand turns into an awkward coworker situation, but it was lovely to watch the two slowly realizing they were meant to be together.

'How I Met Your Mother'

Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) were the best relationship in How I Met Your Mother. There, I said it! "Lilypad" and "Marshmallow" were essentially the show's backbone. While their friends were busy with romantic shenanigans, they were quietly funny and sweet.

'I Love Lucy'

Even though Lucy and Ricky aren't the most romantic couple on this list, they're still one of the most iconic couples of all time. Based on the real-life relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, their "friendly bickering" belies a real affection for each other.

'The Jeffersons'

The show All in the Family was momentous because it was an early classic TV show that featured depictions of Black love. One of the strongest elements was the relationship between George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise Jefferson (Isabel Sanford), who were so popular they got their own show, the iconic Black series The Jeffersons. They're opposites balancing each other out, which is a joy to watch.

'The L Word'

You could take your pick of relationships on the hit LGBTQ+ series The L Word. While many of them were ill-advised, there were some truly inspired couplings as well. I'm torn between Alice (Leisha Hailey) and Dana (Erin Daniels), who were friends to lovers, and Alice and Tasha (Rose Rollins), who were opposites to lovers.

'The Mindy Project'

If there's one couple on this list that defines "frenemies," it's this one. Mindy (Mindy Kaling) and Danny (Chris Messina) from The Mindy Project begin not liking each other...but it turns out that's just the start of their story. There are a lot of ups and downs, but every second they're together is great.

'Moonlighting'

One of the most iconic "will they-won't they" couples on this list, Moonlighting is now famous for the show's "curse" (where the ratings dip after the on-screen couple gets together). But if you've never watched, the back and forth between David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) is truly world-class—even after they consummate their romance.

'New Girl'

When you watch the pilot of New Girl, you'd never expect sunny Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and grouchy Nick (Jake Johnson) to be soulmates. That's the show's brilliance: make the two of them roommates, and let them realize their feelings over time.

'Normal People'

Unsurprisingly, Normal People put Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal on the map. Marianne and Connell start as classmates secretly sleeping together, evolving into much more. Their chemistry is some of the strongest on this list—which says something.

'The Office'

This is probably the best example of a "best friends to lovers" TV arc. Pam (Jenna Fischer) is engaged to someone else when she meets Jim (John Krasinski), and the two become BFFs. But then both of them develop feelings for each other. Drama, then happiness, ensues.

'One Tree Hill'

This show featured many dramatic pairings. But at the center of it all was Haley and Nathan, also known as Naley, (played by James Lafferty and Bethany Joy Lenz). Their relationship was grounded and mature—still considered one of the strongest in teen TV history.

'Orange Is the New Black'

Orange Is the New Black had an important central relationship: Alex (Laura Prepon) and Piper (Taylor Schilling). But it was the side characters' relationships that we ultimately fell in love with, including "Pousoso" (Poussey and Soso, played by Kimiko Glenn and Samira Wiley), the odd couple who bonded over shared experiences.

'Outlander'

This adaptation of the bestselling romance book series had high stakes. Could the TV version faithfully depict the story of a 20th-century nurse time-traveling and falling in love with an 18th-century Highlander? The answer was a resounding yes. The love story between Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) transcends time and place.

'Parks and Recreation'

"I love you and I like you." Of all the relationships in Parks & Recreation, Ben (Adam Scott) and Leslie (Amy Poehler) will always be my favorite. They're enemies, they're coworkers, they're secretly hooking up, they're in a legitimate relationship, and as happy as ever. I love every stage!

'Pose'

If you haven't watched Pose, binge it, and prepare for one of the cutest romances ever. Angel (Indya Moore) and Lil Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel) are friends at frist and then—in one extremely romantic moment—realize that they're supposed to be together. And things go up from there.

'Scandal'

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and Fitz Grant (Tony Goldwyn) weren't the healthiest couples. They start as coworkers as she tries to help him win a presidential election, then have a torrid affair. But despite the emotional rollercoaster they go through, their attraction is undeniable.

'Schitt's Creek'

Schitt's Creek was always incredibly loving and accepting towards its characters. But it was never more loving than when it brought together David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid). The former is a chaotic pansexual with a good heart, and the latter is a quiet, newly-out gay man who brings a lot of stability.

'Shameless'

There are a couple of cute relationships in Shameless. My favorite is Ian (Cameron Monaghan) and Mickey (Noel Fisher). (Fans called them "Gallavich," as a portmanteau of their last names.) Theirs is a real "enemies to lovers" arc, but—without spoiling anything—it goes to some very sweet places.

'This Is Us'

This Is Us gave us many couples to root for. If you're a superfan of the show, you probably have your faves; for my money, though, Randall and Beth (Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson) had the sweetest, most realistic pairing. And they were parent goals!

'The Vampire Diaries'

If you're unfamiliar, The Vampire Diaries featured a love triangle for the ages: a woman torn between two vampire brothers. Fans still debate the "right" couple to this day, but Elena and Damon, aka Team "Delena," were a great combination of chemistry and connection. Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, who played them, also dated in real life!

'Veronica Mars'

Veronica (Kristen Bell) and Logan (Jason William Dohring), known among fans as "LoVe," are the definition of opposites attract. Veronica's a budding investigator who loves to solve crimes, and Logan is her school's "obligatory psychotic jackass." But, plot twist: The two actually have incredible chemistry.

'The Walking Dead'

Among the couples on The Walking Dead, Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) are the most obvious for this list. But I was actually a fan of Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), best known as "Richonne." It is the definition of a slow burn, with the two slowly learning to trust each other. The build-off has an amazing payoff!

'The X-Files'

Back in the day, many fans of The X Files wanted to see professional partners Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) get together. What I loved about the show was that it was constantly teasing us. Even when the two do start a romance, it's extremely subtle.

'You're the Worst'

As the title implies, Gretchen and Jimmy (Aya Cash and Chris Geere) aren't the best people or even the best partners to each other in You're the Worst. But you'll be impressed by their arc together; I won't spoil it if you haven't watched, but the two exhibit a lot of growth.

Over several weeks, each of these couples on the brink of separation split up into villas, populated by a dozen ultra-hot members of the opposite sex. During their time temporarily apart, each couple has to decide whether they'll come back together stronger than ever, or break up for good. The only knowledge they'll get of each other's activities will come from emotional bonfires, where the cast members see clips of what their significant others have been up to with the singles.

Netflix fans will find this series' drama (and low-key psychological torture) similar to that of The Ultimatum, though the welcome addition of Walberg offers a sympathetic ear and advice. Is Temptation Island the streaming giant's next reality TV guilty pleasure? Will any of these couples reach "Montoya, por favor" levels of social media infamy? Below, read on to meet the vulnerable couples and sexy tempters populating Netflix's Temptation Island cast.

The Couples

Ashley and Grant

Ashley's Instagram: @_ashhmoore

Grant's Instagram: @grant_larsen_

Accountant Ashley, 28, and business owner and dad Grant, 28, have been on-again-off-again for a year and a half before coming on Temptation Island. After Grant cheated a month into their relationship, Ashley built up major trust issues that she's trying to overcome. As the series starts, Grant is determined to prove that he can now resist temptation, but his biggest fear is that Ashley will "speak of him poorly while on the island."

Alexa and Lino

Alexa's Instagram: @alexarsantamaria

Lino's Instagram: @linomtroisi

Labor and delivery travel nurse Alexa, 28, and personal trainer Lino, 28, have been inseparable since their mutual gym crush turned into a relationship over three years ago. Though Alexa's ready to get engaged, Lino has reservations, including how Alexa is his first-ever serious relationship and he has uprooted his life several times for her. After a "rocky" start to their relationship, where Alexa dated other people when Lino thought they were exclusive, he also has to believe he isn't "second choice."

Shanté and Brion

Shanté's Instagram: @shantegloverr

Brion's Instagram: @briongwhitley

Pilates instructor Shanté, 29, and medical salesman Brion, 26, had instant chemistry when they met at church a year ago. However self-described "flirt" Brion briefly dumped Shanté for another woman, before "realizing the grass isn't greener on the other side." Shanté wants to see if the sexually adventurous Brion will take their relationship seriously in the face of temptation.

Tayler and Tyler

Tayler's Instagram: @christinatayler

Tyler's Instagram: @tylerbreshears

Personal trainer Tayler, 30, and model Tyler, 27, began dating four months after Tyler separated from his now ex-wife. Over two years later, Tayler is looking for economic and emotional security from her boyfriend, who has "fallen into temptation" in the past. Meanwhile, Tyler plans to "work on understanding [himself] better," having been in committed relationships back-to-back since he was 18.

The Tempters (Men)

Case

Age: 30

Occupation: Entrepreneur, former professional basketball player

Instagram: @basecruton

Chris

Age: 29

Occupation: Model, supplement store sales

Instagram: @ckotselidis

Cody

Age: 31

Occupation: Residential construction project manager

Instagram: @codywright3

Dan

Age: 36

Occupation: Director of tech sales

Previously On: NBC's The Courtship

Instagram: @dan.hunter

Danny

Age: 23

Occupation: Solar sales

Instagram: @danny_spongberg

Daries

Age: 35

Occupation: Actor, model, teacher

Instagram: @darieslindsay

Erik

Age: 28

Occupation: Candy company owner

Previously On: Prime Video's 60-Day Hustle

Instagram: @ethornally

Giovanni

Age: 29

Occupation: Digital marketing

Instagram: @giova__t

Hashim

Age: 30

Occupation: Director of sales

Background: A dual-sport Princeton grad and part-time model

Instagram: @hashimmoore_

Ladimor (right)

Age: 26

Occupation: Construction worker, tattoo artist

Instagram: @herveyboy8

Logan

Age: 23

Occupation: Solar sales

Instagram: @logan.paulsen

Max

Age: 30

Occupation: Project manager

Instagram: @maxcollier11

Quentin

Age: 36

Occupation: Fitness trainer

Instagram: N/A

Yamen

Age: 30

Occupation: Entrepreneur and investor

Previously On: Love Island USA season 1

Instagram: @yamensanders

The Tempters (Women)

Alex

Age: 26

Occupation: Model and influencer

Tagline: "When it comes to temptation…you could say I’m a professional."

Instagram: @iamalexzamora

Amiah

Age: 24

Occupation: Influencer, content creator, jeweler

Instagram: @amiahkailee

Angel

Age: 25

Occupation: PA school student, Airbnb host

Instagram: @theangelvic

Courtney

Age: 27

Occupation: Model, TV personality, actress, entrepreneur

Previously On: Too Hot to Handle season 5

Instagram: @courtneykrandolph

Daria

Age: 25

Occupation: Wellness specialist

Instagram: @dariahadipour

Kay

Age: 26

Occupation: Fitness influencer

Instagram: @kaygcarlson

Melissa

Age: 26

Occupation: Nightlife hospitality

Instagram: @melflorezz

Mia

Age: 27

Occupation: Dental assistant

Previously On: Max's FBoy Island season 2

Instagram: @_miaemani

Natalie

Age: 23

Occupation: Sales, model

Instagram: @natcruzzz

Nikki

Age: 26

Occupation: Aesthetic dermatology

Instagram: @nikkih2298

Olivia Rae

Age: 30

Occupation: Personal assistant

Tagline: "I didn’t come to find love—I came to steal yours."

Instagram: @imoliviarae

Olivia S.

Age: 24

Occupation: Director of brands and special events

Instagram: @oliviaasloann

Reba

Age: 23

Occupation: Digital marketing

Instagram: @rebacorn

Reilly

Age: 23

Occupation: Nanny, model

Instagram: @brae_heizer

Though Zauner had been an indie pop star in music since debuting under the moniker Japanese Breakfast in 2016, it wasn’t until 2022 that she accomplished several other ambitions she’d long dreamed of: in just one year, she released Crying in H Mart, a memoir about her mother’s death, to critical and award-winning acclaim. Zauner’s third album, Jubilee, earned her a mainstream fan base, plus two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album, and yet she felt lost and unfulfilled.

She began grappling with her success. At the time, she was reading Frankenstein and was struck by how deeply she resonated with the titular mad scientist. “It was hard to not interpret it through the lens of what I was feeling, which was: I’m being consumed by my passions,” Zauner says over a Zoom from her home in Brooklyn on a mid-January afternoon.

Sitting with those feelings of sadness and desire, the 35-year-old crafted her new album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), out March 21. The project, she says, was in part inspired by the European romanticism she saw in museums on tour and in a sweeping range of classic literature she’d read during her downtime, from Wuthering Heights to The Magic Mountain. (The LP’s “tongue in cheek” title is from a John Cheever short story.) The “incel canon”—books like Infinite Jest—spoke to her, too, thinking of young men with “troubling ideologies” as being “the gothic novel of our times.” Mostly, though, she thought of what one can do with their melancholy and what can come from it, like great art.

Now, Zauner feels more grounded. Though she’s chipping away at her next book about her experience studying Korean, and wrote the screenplay for the Crying in H Mart film adaptation for which she’ll also pen original music, it’s as if she’s no longer consumed by her passions—but letting them be her guide.

Marie Claire: Your new album comes after experiencing mainstream success and becoming a name in the publishing world. Did you feel pressure when you shifted your focus back to music, or did it feel like coming home in a way?

Michelle Zauner: Whenever I feel pressure, I try to respond by following whatever feels most exciting and natural to me and focus on returning to that.

I felt a lot of pressure even after [my first album] Psychopomp, which at the time felt like such a huge mainstream moment for me. It felt like I had a lot of pressure on [2017’s] Soft Sounds from Another Planet, and the way I responded to that was to pursue what I was interested in.

When I think about a fourth album, it feels very much like an artist record, and that’s really what I wanted. After touring Jubilee for three years, there were a lot of things that I wanted to return to. One in particular was getting to play the guitar again. A lot of times, I was being a frontwoman and singing, and that was a difficult role for me because I’ve never really been excited by that title. I’ve never really identified as a singer. In some ways, it feels like this tone of music is more my natural state right now.

MC: Jubilee was about joy, and on For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), you’re singing about sadness and desire. Why did the pendulum swing?

MZ: I was living in a paradox for the past three years. I felt like I won the lottery twice over with my last two projects and got everything I wanted. But I was so frightened and miserable—and am hesitant to talk about it too much because it’s a pretty unrelatable narrative. Oh, all my dreams came true and it was so hard.

I recognized what a huge privilege and opportunity I had and suddenly I was very afraid of bungling it. I had really terrible stage fright and a lot of health problems. I was very work-obsessed and it was joyful but also a difficult time in my life. In some ways, this sad pensiveness feels like my neutral state and what I wanted to sing about.

MC: Was the album always going to focus on these melancholic feelings?

MZ: Originally, I wanted to make a creepy album. Then I wrote “Honey Water” and “Mega Circuit,” and it was difficult for me to conjure any more creepy songs. Based on what I was reading and the art I was consuming, it became like a series of moral tales about people who lose the balance of their lives and are lured by temptation, be it an affair or success or the promise of the incel ideology, because they’ve gone too far in one direction. That was something I was grappling with. If I keep being this work-obsessed and keep chasing this all the way to its end, I’m going to fall into the water.

MC: You’ve written a lot about grief and sadness throughout your career. How do you feel about mining sadness for your art nowadays?

MZ: I was really lucky I had it as this anchor to cling to after my mom died. Since I was 16, writing songs about my friend hanging out with other people [who] weren’t me, I was always using it as a way to work out my feelings. I don’t know if I would feel a purpose in this world without having that for myself.

I don’t know if I subscribe to the idea that you have to have tragedy or sadness or turbulence in order to write music or make good art, but I have no qualms with using that. It comes from a very honest and pure place; it’s just a way to work them out, really. And people find themselves in that space because often the personal is quite universal.

MC: If you could share one piece of advice for “the melancholy brunettes and sad women” looking for solace, what would it be?

MZ: I was reading somewhere that back in the day, [melancholy] was looked at as either a vice or condition, before we were calling it what it was. I also read that artists interpreted it as the feeling right before inspiration strikes. When I think about the melancholy brunettes and sad women, I think of the Brontës and Mary Shelley and Virginia Woolf and all of the great women writers who had some condition they suffered with, largely because of their times and limitations. I’ve always identified with that. My advice would be to create out of that.

MC: Do you use a different part of your brain to write music versus a book versus a screenplay, or to create visual art, like the music videos you direct?

MZ: Yes and no. All of it comes down to your personal taste and learning how to listen to what you think is good and, if you’re honest with yourself, is not so good, and what you think will be timeless and what feels hokey. That internal barometer is always the same.

One super-big difference is when I’m trying to do something in prose or when I was working on the screenplay, I read a lot of screenplays and a lot of books that were trying to accomplish exactly what I was trying to do. I would never do that with music. If I was like, I want to make an interesting indie rock record, I would never go listen to a bunch of interesting indie rock records and try to figure out how they were doing it and how to apply it to what I was doing, for fear of ripping people off or not making something that felt true to me. There's more of an intuitive expression that comes with writing music than accompanies prose, which I think takes a lot longer, has more revision process, and looks more to references. My music needs to come from this place that only exists internally and is not influenced by anything but the things I've naturally mixed up in my life.

With writing prose or in a screenplay, it’s more surgical. I’m literally looking, like, How does Richard Ford write about the weather? How does Marilynne Robinson write about her sister taking something from her that she doesn’t want her to take? How does Joan Didion write about grief?

MC: In writing about personal topics or complex emotions, do you ever think about your mother’s advice that you wrote about in Crying in H Mart to always save 10 percent of yourself?

MZ: There are definitely things that I save for myself. It might not seem like it, but I do. My husband gave me really great advice when I was writing Crying in H Mart. There were a few passages that gave me pause, [and he said] to write it and decide later on if that's something that you feel comfortable with sharing. More often than not, the things that give you pause or feel borderline taboo are often the things that connect with people the most.

MC: Is there a craft you’ve yet to master and want to try?

MZ: I would like to write fiction for screen—something a little less based on my life, either for TV or a movie. All of my directing experience has robbed me of the one thing
I feel really confident in, which is my writing. There’s no dialogue, obviously, in music videos. So I think the next territory I’m flirting with exploring is doing something narrative for the screen and directing it.

MC: You’re a big sci-fi fan. Would you ever write and direct a sci-fi project?

MZ: Yes, actually. I don't have anything on the books and there are no offers or anything, but that's something in my next 10 years I think I will pursue.

MC: How do you feel about your work now, after wrestling with it for so long but having so many projects lined up?

MZ: I would feel so untethered if I didn’t have a project or some sense of purpose in this life. I always feel like, This is the last one. And then I have some idea that completely consumes me and I feel like there’s so little time on this Earth to complete it. It’s so infuriating and exciting and inspiring that I don’t know if that feeling is ever going to go away.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.