Wynonna Judd’s heading back out on the road this October for a 15-date tour in support of her upcoming album The Hard Truth. The Grammy-winning artist will perform in cities including Omaha, Tulsa, St. Louis, and West Palm Beach before finishing up in Gary, Indiana, on November 21.
“As we were making this record, I kept finding myself thinking about you. Every song we recorded, every story we told… I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to stand onstage and share it with you face to face,” stated Wynonna Judd. “That’s the wonderful thing about music. A song may start in a writing room or a studio, but it doesn’t really come alive until it’s shared. The Hard Truth holds some of the most honest moments I’ve ever put to music. It’s about the things that shape us, break us, heal us, and keep us moving forward. Bringing these songs to the stage feels like inviting you into that journey with me.”
Judd’s The Hard Truth will drop on October 2, 2026.
The Wynation Fan Club presale begins on August 4 at 10am local time, with the general sale following on August 7. $1 of each ticket sale goes to “The Only Love Fund” to “spread joy and love to nonprofits across the country.” Check out Wynonna Judd’s official site for ticket details and www.cfmt.org/wynonna for more on The Only Love Fund.
Wynonna Judd’s The Hard Truth Tour Dates
10.08.2026 | Bowery Ballroom | New York, NY (on sale now)
10.16.2026 | 713 Music Hall | Houston, TX
10.17.2026 | Choctaw Grand Theater | Durant, OK
10.20.2026 | Orpheum Theater | Omaha, NE
10.22.2026 | The Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa, OK
10.23.2026 | Stifel Theatre | St. Louis, MO
11.06.2026 | Oxford Performing Arts Center | Oxford, AL
11.07.2026 | North Charleston Performing Arts Center | North Charleston, SC
11.09.2026 | The Kravis Center – Dreyfoos Hall | West Palm Beach, FL
11.11.2026 | Straz Center – Morsani Hall | Tampa, FL
11.19.2026 | The Wind Creek Event Center | Bethlehem, PA
11.20.2026 | Center Stage at Northfield Park Racino | Northfield, OH
11.21.2026 | Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana | Gary, IN
The Hard Truth marks Wynonna’s first studio album for ANTI-Records. Judd co-wrote the album, which features special guests Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), The War and Treaty, and Iron & Wine.
The tracklist includes:
1. Prelude (All Downhill From Ashland)
2. All Downhill From Ashland
3. Everything (feat. Patterson Hood)
4. Am I Missing Out
5. Broken And Blessed
6. Hear Me Now (feat. Iron & Wine)
7. The Hopeful Lie (feat. The War And Treaty)
8. Kentucky Queen
9. Girl Who Could Sing
10. Drive
11. Love Ain’t Got The Best Of Me
Phia Saban and Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Theo Whiteman/HBO)
HBO’s House of the Dragon season three, episode seven, opens with Helaena (Phia Saban) standing by a horse, looking happy. The gates open wide and sunlight pours in on her face. And, of course, this moment of happiness is just a dream. She hears her name and wakes up to see Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) standing beside her bed. Rhaenyra hasn’t heard from Alicent, but her pressing question is whether Aemond asked her to ride into battle with him. Helaena confesses that when she’s with Dreamfyre, it’s “too much.”
(The following is a recap of season three, episode seven – the penultimate episode – and there are spoilers ahead.)
Rhaenyra reminds her that their father felt the same way. She believes Helaena sees things and is a dreamer, and Helaena admits that’s true. Her last vision was of a grey mare. Rhaenyra quizzes her about more important matters, but Helaena claims not to have any visions about the future of the kingdom. Rhaenyra insists that Helaena tell her if she’ll prevail. Helaena remains silent.
Over at Harrenhal, Aemond is practicing with his sword when he’s shocked to see his mother standing nearby. Alicent (Olivia Cooke) claims she escaped being captured by Rhaenyra and pulls her son in for a quick kiss and a lengthier hug, calling him her best and truest son. Alicent insists he’s all she has left, and that Aegon is probably dead.
She’s worried that she was just a child when she had him and failed him while he was growing up. Alicent pulls him in for a more sensual kiss that leads to sex. However, it turns out this is the witch Alys (Gayle Rankin) using her powers and Aemond leaps from their bed.
He sees Alicent and this time it’s truly his mother in the flesh.
Winter Wolves’ Lord Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan) holds Criston Cole’s head on a spike as they march.
Ser Gwayne (Freddie Fox) reports to his cousin Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) that 20,000 men have crossed the Blackwater Rush. They’re just a day away from Tumbleton. Ormund isn’t concerned because he has something that will force Rhaenyra to submit.
Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) arrives at the Vale and demands to know where Rhaena is. Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) claims Rhaena flew away and that the villagers are talking about a wild girl who lives among the “nettles” (a clever nod to the character whose arc Rhaena took on) and the sheep. Jeyne wants to tell Rhaenyra that Rhaena is Sheepstealer’s rider, but Daemon begs for time. Jeyne finally reveals Rhaena has been searching for Vhagar and gives Daemon a possible location.
Addam (Clinton Liberty) begs Baela (Bethany Antonia) to speak with Rhaenyra or Daemon about giving him and his brother titles. Baela doesn’t think she can help but when he mentions one of them being interested in a highborn lady, she lets slip that she has something going on with his brother.
Ewan Mitchell and Olivia Cooke in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Theo Whiteman/HBO)
Alicent claims Ser Adrian helped her escape and that if it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t have made it to Harrenhal. Aemond’s weirded out seeing her after what just happened, and she claims that he’s all she has left. She takes him outside to greet Adrian and Aemond assures him he owes him a debt. But seconds later, Aemond kills Adrian. Aemond insists he can’t trust any strangers.
Lord Ormund and Prince Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) have dinner with Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), who was just captured and his men slaughtered. Ormund believes Corlys will be of assistance now that he’s been kidnapped and that the Driftmark men won’t fight for the queen at King’s Landing.
Daeron wonders how that will help with the impending attack by the Winter Wolves and Ormund doesn’t reply but looks offended. Ormund goes on and on about the Targaryens, and Corlys wants to return to his cell. Before he leaves, Ormund says his name and raises his knife.
Daeron and Gwayne speak privately about Ormund being a madman. Daeron wonders if he should just order the surrender of their army, but Gwayne thinks Daeron should fly away. Daeron insists he can’t desert the men, if he is ever to sit the throne. Although he doesn’t care if Rhaenyra keeps the Iron Throne.
At King’s Landing, Rhaenyra’s small council meets and Ser Torrhen Manderly (Dan Fogler) is upset that he’s being blamed for the financial difficulties. He has absolutely no way to help anyone and has just realized he’s the scapegoat.
Rhaenyra asks for news on Harrenhal, Lord Corlys, or Daemon’s whereabouts. Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) says Daemon is on an errand of his own. Alyn (Abubakar Salim) believes the Velaryon forces will be at King’s Landing tomorrow, and the Rivermen are almost at Tumbleton. Lady Sabitha Frey wants to know what happens to Harrenhal if Ser Adrian is successful and Rhaenyra’s so fed up, she gives her Harrenhal. Rhaenyra instructs Lady Frey to retrieve her men at the Twins and march there now.
Addam and Baela join the small council meeting and report that they’ve seen Sheepstealer and he has a rider. They gave chase but lost him.
After the meeting, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) fills Rhaenyra’s ears with questions about Daemon and his lie that Sheepstealer’s rider is dead. Mysaria believes he betrayed her, but Rhaenyra refuses to accept that. Mysaria suggests there’s nothing Daemon can do that Rhaenyra would give up on him.
Matthew Needham, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Jefferson Hall in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Theo Whiteman/HBO)
On the road, Larys (Matthew Needham), Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), and Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) fill their time on horseback discussing wines. Tyland’s still convinced they need to go to Casterly Rock, but Larys is certain they should head to Braavos. Men and women race by and finally the trio ask what’s happening. A woman reports House Mooton is on the march and suggests they turn back.
Tyland points out the Mootons are sworn to Rhaenyra. More people head toward them and now they can’t continue forward. They need to find a place to hide until House Mooton’s army passes.
Over at Harrenhal, Alys questions Alicent about her journey from King’s Landing, and Alicent changes the subject and asks about their relationship. Aemond admits he’s staying at Harrenhal with Alys and making this place his seat. He’ll rule from there. Alicent points out Rhaenyra has six dragons and rules, but Aemond believes she’ll fail and they’ll raise their throne in the Riverlands.
“A new dawn is coming. A new line of unsullied kings,” says Aemond. They just need to wait it out. He suggests Alicent will wait with them, but Alys thinks she should move on. Alicent wants to return to Helaena, but Aemond refuses to allow her to go.
Alys and Aemond step out to chop wood, and Alys warns that Alicent is there to hurt him. Aemond believes she’s just jealous of his mom. Alys is adamant Alicent is there to do evil.
While they’re talking, Alicent rushes outside and grabs the knife from Ser Adrian’s dead body. She spots nightshade nearby. (Helaena mentioned deadly nightshade growing there in episode five.)
Aegon and his party are told that the Mooton army is searching for Ser Tyland Lannister and asking about the queen’s gold. They should be in this area very soon. Larys and Tyland argue over their next move, with Larys insisting Tyland should turn himself in. Tyland thinks they should immediately head toward Casterly Rock. However, Aegon’s decided he’s not going to keep running. He’s not going to be remembered in history as bhaving been slain by his brother, and he suggests that Larys and Tyland leave. Tyland refuses, although his men leave. Larys doesn’t think he would be much good in a fight and wants to say goodbye. Tyland’s shocked, but Aegon acknowledges he’d be no help in a fight. Larys will make sure Aegon’s final hours are immortalized in song.
So, it’s just Tyland and Aegon that remain behind, heading toward the Mooton army.
Daemon and Caraxes force Rhaena and Sheepstealer to land. Rhaena demands that Daemon stay back and Sheepstealer and Caraxes are on the edge of lighting each other on fire. As they square off, with Daemon and Rhaena telling them to obey, Rhaena confirms she is after Vhagar. She can’t remain at the Vale and needs to find a way back home. If she kills Vhagar, then she has paid part of her debt to Rhaenyra. If she dies, then she’ll also have paid her debt. Daemon offers to accompany her and together they’ll take on Vhagar.
Daemon confesses he didn’t have a dragon as a child either and should have done better raising her.
Suddenly, Rhaenyra and Addam appear with their dragons and before they can identify Rhaena, Daemon tells her to run and leave Sheepstealer behind. Rhaenyra and Addam land and Rhaenyra sends Addam off to chase down whoever it is that just ran away.
Rhaenyra tells Syrax to remain vigilant as she confronts Daemon and demands to know his relationship with Sheepstealer’s rider. Daemon begs Rhaenyra to call off Syrax as Addam drags Rhaena back to them.
Daemon claims “she’s” not herself, as all four dragons appear ready to fight. Rhaenyra finally realizes Rhaena is Sheepstealer’s rider and that Daemon knew. Rhaneyra declares it’s over, as Sheepstealer prepares to attack.
Syrax shoots fire at Sheepstealer, a much larger dragon, and Sheepstealer easily gets Syrax in his mouth. Sheepstealer does damage to Syrax before Addam’s dragon, Seasmoke, enters the battle. Daemon mounts Caraxes and comes to Syrax’s aid, while Rhaena and Rhaenyra rush to Syrax and the other three dragons battle on. Addam mounts Seasmoke to help Daemon.
Rhaenyra orders Syrax to fly away. Seasmoke and Caraxes rip into Sheepstealer as Rhaena rides away with Rhaenyra. Daemon orders Addam to escort Rhaenyra as he finishes Sheepstealer. He gives Caraxes the order to kill Sheepstealer and as Sheepstealer fights for his life, Daemon’s knocked from his saddle.
Sheepstealer whines and cries as he crawls/walks away barely alive.
Back at the Red Keep, Mysaria and Sylvi stand before the Iron Throne and discuss how Rhaenyra doesn’t want to hear any more complaints right now. They believe that it won’t go over well with the smallfolk and won’t tap down the violence in the streets. Mysaria asks Sylvi to come to her with problems, and she’ll act as Rhaenyra’s proxy. She can also do that for others and help them when Rhaenyra’s in the right mood. Sylvi believes Mysaria’s changed and she’s holding herself up as someone in power when she really isn’t.
Mysaria’s insulted and sends her away, but first Sylvi warns her these people are not her own. “Within the walls of the highborn, a whore will always remain a whore.”
Syrax and Seasmoke make it back to King’s Landing, and Rhaenyra orders Rhaena taken somewhere where she can’t see her.
At Harrenhal, Alicent serves Aemond a drink of spiced wine and suggests that she will leave if that makes it better for him and Alys. Aemond takes the glass while confessing that Alys doesn’t trust her. Alicent strokes his face and asks who he trusts.
Aemond confesses he tried to kill Aegon and Alicent admits she knows.
Rhaenyra is being readied for bed by her maid when Daemon walks in. Rhaenyra asks her maid to stay, and Daemon admits Rhaena begged him not to say anything. Rhaenyra glances at the skull of the man Daemon had claimed killed Jace, and Daemon apologizes, declaring that he did what he thought was best.
Rhaenyra doesn’t look at him as she sends him from their bedchamber.
Baela enters Rhaena’s room and Rhaena apologizes for Jace and for making it so that her sister will never be queen. Baela holds her sister and says, “You’ll begin anew.”
Alyn is presented with a box that contains his father’s finger, still wearing his ring.
Aemond stumbles around as he returns to his bedchamber. He says Alys’ name before passing out. Alys calls him an idiot as Alicent is seen sneaking out of Harrenhal.
Helaena has a vision of giving birth and then sitting on Dreamfyre and saying, “Dracarys!” Her vision switches to a peaceful scene outside with her children. An eclipse darkens the day and snow follows. (Winter is coming.)
Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO)
Rhaenyra throws the skull into the fire as she informs Mysaria that Rhaena was the dragonrider Daemon was protecting. Mysaria points out Daemon lied, but Rhaenyra argues that he didn’t want to betray his daughter. Rhaenyra’s figured out that Mysaria has been busy trying to turn her against Daemon. But Mysaria swears she only suggests what Viserys would if he were alive.
Rhaenyra doesn’t argue that but wonders if sticking to Viserys’ vision has been the right choice. It hasn’t led to peace or prosperity. Mysaria believes Rhaenyra shouldn’t lose faith; a great victory is coming. Mysaria smoothly comforts the queen by assuring her she’ll reign for many years. Her children will rule after her.
Rhaenyra asks if Mysaria believes she’s worthy. Mysaria holds her face gently and tells her, “In this moment I’ve never been more certain of it,” and then kisses her. Rhaenyra lies back, and they continue kissing.
Night’s fallen when House Mooton’s army approaches Tyland and Aegon sitting by a fire. Tyland rises, sword drawn as the leader of the army orders them to throw down their arms and swear fealty to Rhaenyra. Aegon has a moment of panic before he declares they won’t surrender to the false queen. The men laugh as the man in charge recognizes Tyland and demands to know where the gold is. If he gives up the location, he’ll die with his ears still attached.
Aegon steps forward and declares, “I am Aegon Targaryen! Viserys’ true heir! The sixth King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. I was anointed by the High Septon in the light of the Seven and it is in their light that I stand before you now! Strike me down and the Stranger will take retribution.”
The army starts backing away and Aegon believes it’s because of what he said. It’s actually because there’s a dragon who’s moved in right behind him. Sunfyre is alive! Aegon says, “Sunfyre, dracarys!”
Sunfyre roasts the Mooton army as Aegon laughs hysterically. Their faces fill the screen and Aegon and Sunfyre have nearly matching burn scars.
Season three, episode seven ends with Ormund secretly meeting with Ulf. Ormund admits that since they last spoke, he’s learned that Daemon struck Ulf in the street where everyone could see. Ormund calls it an intolerable insult to someone of Ulf’s stature. He thinks Ulf’s regarded as a tool to be used by Rhaenyra, while he understands who Ulf really is.
Ulf wonders if Ormund’s offer of a lordship and a castle are still on the table. Ormund suggests Ulf could become Lord of the Tides and take over Driftmark. Ulf drinks to that – and to making them burn.
Rebecca Hall joins ‘The Secret of Secrets’ adaptation (Photo Credit: Andres Arochi / Courtesy of Netflix)
The cast is filling out for Netflix’s adaptation of Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets. The upcoming series doesn’t have an official title, but it does have Rebecca Hall (The Beauty, Passing) on board to play Katherine Solomon.
Hall is joining Morgan Spector (The Gilded Age), who was just announced on July 27 to lead the series as Robert Langdon. Author Dan Brown co-created the series and is set to executive produce. Co-creator Carlton Cuse (The Strain, Jack Ryan, Bates Motel) will be the showrunner, writer, and also executive produce, along with Emma Forman and Zoe Robyn.
“In Dan Brown’s thrilling novel, symbologist Robert Langdon races against ancient forces and time to rescue a missing scientist and her groundbreaking manuscript whose discoveries have the power to forever change humanity’s understanding of the mind,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “The series adaptation (currently untitled) will blend futuristic science with mystical lore, delivering on the heart-pounding suspense and international intrigue that has made the Langdon stories a global phenomenon.”
The Secret of Secrets is the sixth book in Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series. It was preceded by Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, and Origin.
Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Apple TV)
We’ve reached season two’s penultimate episode of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed sci-fi detective series Sugar and John’s still determined to find out what ex-Senator Pavich knows while also exposing dirty cops. Season two, episode seven begins with John Sugar (Colin Farrell) confessing that despite how hard he’s tried to find another way, violence is the only thing some people understand. As he thinks this, we see items scattered over the road near an overturned vehicle.
(The following is a recap of season two, episode seven – “What Else Can You Do?” – and there are spoilers.)
Flashback to two days earlier and Tom (Shea Whigham) is against John speaking with Sergey. Instead, Tom believes John has enough evidence now to take this to the cops. John doesn’t think the cops will do anything. He knows that Danny’s life is on the line and he can’t make the wrong decision.
John can’t wait and decides Sergey’s his best hope. Tom agrees to contact him but reminds John that the sheriffs handle Sergey’s territory and are always listening.
John calls Vega (Tony Dalton) and demands to see Danny in jail, and Vega sets it up. Danny looks good and says he’s doing fine. He’s glad that John is there and shocked to learn that Vega knows Ji’s alive. Danny’s pulled away from the visit without John confirming he won’t hand over Ji to get him out of jail.
As he’s leaving, John gets a call from Stanley the professor who sounds devastated. They meet, and Stanley’s upset over the death of his parrot. (John met the parrot while breaking into Stanley’s house, but Stanley doesn’t know that.) John finally comes clean and explains who he really is and that he’s investigating Senator Pavich. Stanley thinks John was lying about liking plants and his parrot, but John insists that was all legit. He truly likes Stanley but needs his help.
John asks what the four circles mean and confesses that Pavich betrayed many people he loves. He wants to find out why, and somehow it seems to involve the four circles. Stanley considers the question and finally reveals the circles are “tropospheric nodes.” Supposedly, they’ll be used to help the Earth’s climate in various ways.
“John, this can change the world, literally,” says Stanley.
He’s just one of the engineers working on the project and describes the technology as “beyond another level.” Stanley doesn’t consider it a weapon, but John believes Stanley’s either scared or conflicted. Stanley confesses the power is so huge that it’s like playing god.
Next, John checks in on Val (Sasha Calle) and learns Ji’s still detoxing. John’s relieved she’s watching over Ji and needs her to keep it up.
John greets Sergey’s son, Diego, and gets a quick pat-down for weapons before meeting face-to-face with Sergey. Sergey Ojeda is the head of the Los Universales cartel and John once did a job for him years ago, but only half-finished it. They catch up and Sergey reveals he likes John because he’s always honest with him.
They finally discuss what John’s there to talk about: Sheriff Ray Vega, an enforcer of Sergey’s in his Fire Sale business. John describes the Fire Sale as a nasty business built on the backs of the homeless and addicted. Sergey starts an argument and John asks him to stop; they’ve been down this road before.
John asks Sergey to order Vega to stop squeezing him and to let Danny out of jail. In exchange, John promises Sergey he’ll finish the job.
Jin Ha in ‘Sugar’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Apple TV)
Vega calls John and reveals he knows John went to Sergey. John orders him to release Danny that night.
Charlotte (Laura Donnelly) invites John to dinner via room service. Dinner turns out to be sex and a session of getting to know each other. They’re comfortable with each other and John talks lovingly about his sister. He avoids details but does say that she died. John lightens the mood by suggesting they go out for ice cream.
They spend the night together, but Tom spoils the quiet evening by calling with news that Sergey is dead. John and Tom meet in the hotel lobby and Tom reveals Sergey’s plane went down near Lake Charles. It could have been an accident but it’s too soon to know.
When Tom confirms Diego wasn’t on the plane, it dawns on John that the Fire Sale is Diego’s, not Sergey’s. John’s close to panicking when he realizes Danny’s not getting out and Vega wants an answer about the swap in the next eight hours. He thinks he needs to move to Plan B: killing Vega.
Ji (Raymond Lee) and Val are still up at the rehab facility, playing a video game while Ji moans about his life and what could have been. Val’s tired of listening to all his excuses and reminds him that John’s about to make a sacrifice to take care of him. Ji and Val toss insults at each other but keep playing the game.
John meets Vega at Frank’s Coffee Shop, hands him an envelope, and confirms he’s not giving up Ji’s location. The envelope contains Panamanian passports for Vega and his daughter, as well as one for his ex-wife. There’s also a deed to a villa in Playa Coronado and a bank account.
Vega calls it a bribe, while John says it’s a real offer for him to turn his life around. Vega refuses to accept it and John begs him to take it and walk away. Instead, Vega promises that he’s going to let Danny get attacked in jail if John doesn’t turn over Ji. John won’t give up Ji and advises Vega that when Ji testifies, he’ll go to a prison without sheriffs as guards.
John and Val exchange looks when she sits at the counter, and Vega follows John’s gaze. He calls Val John’s friend and wonders what she wants. Vega thinks Val looks worried, so he gets up to leave. John advises him that this is his last chance, but Vega doesn’t believe him.
Val slides into John’s table and Vega watches through the window as they seem to be in a heated argument. Vega left a device at the table and listens as they talk about Ji escaping his hiding place. John says they should return to anywhere Ji used to frequent.
Sasha Calle in ‘Sugar’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Apple TV)
Vega’s still listening at the station when Ji calls asking for a FaceTime conversation. Ji stands outside his trainer’s cabin in the middle of nowhere and indicates he’s done with being under Sugar’s control. Ji makes a complete circle while he’s FaceTiming, obviously showing off where he’s located. He wants to trade himself for Danny and gives Vega his location.
Vega drives there with Danny secured in the backseat. When Vega mentions this is Ji’s dying wish, Danny headbutts him as best he can – considering he can’t move. Vega pulls over and punches Danny in the face and then secures a bag over his head so he can’t see.
Vega parks out front of the cabin and calls out to Ji. Ji doesn’t respond and Vega enters, gun drawn. He steps out the back door and there’s still no sign of Ji. Vega gets back in his car and is driving away when John takes off the head cover! He swapped places with Danny and attacks Vega from the rear seat. They struggle and the vehicle overturns, leading us back to the scene at the beginning of the episode. Vega and John fit inside the car and continue struggling as they make their way out. They attempt to strangle each other, and that’s a battle John eventually wins.
John makes his way completely out of the vehicle and looks up at the sky. He just killed a man, which is against his code, but it was worth it to watch Danny and Ji reunite.
Back at the hotel, John takes apart the listening device that Tom had advised him would be there. Of course he was setting up Vega, and of course Ji and Val were in on it. Tom had said the sheriffs would always be listening in, and John used that knowledge to arrange Vega’s murder.
A flashback shows how it was set up and that John and Val were just off-camera while Ji made the call to Vega. It also shows John taking Danny’s place in the vehicle.
While John’s in his hotel room, thinking about the day’s events and watching an old movie, Charlotte looks through the pocket of one of his suits and finds his drawing of four circles. She slips it back and doesn’t say anything.
John imagines Peg, face burned, sitting next to him. She reminds him he broke another of their rules. Charlotte interrupts his daydream with a hug from behind.
Alicia Silverstone returns for a ‘Clueless’ series (Photo: Kristin Burns / Courtesy of Paramount+)
Alicia Silverstone’s stepping back into Cher Horowitz’s Mary Janes for Paramount+’s Clueless event series. Silverstone will play Cher and executive produce the series, which will film in LA next year.
“Clueless is coming home,” stated Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+. “Thirty-one years ago, Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz captivated audiences with her signature chic style, sharp wit, and relentless optimism, helping make Clueless a box office hit and instant pop culture classic. We’re especially proud to be filming this much-anticipated series in Los Angeles, honoring its starring role in the original film while investing in the city’s exceptional talent and crews.”
Original writer/director Amy Heckerling and original producer Robert Lawrence are on board as executive producers. Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and Jordan Weiss write and executive produce the series, which CBS Studios produces.
“Picking up 30 years after the original film, beloved Beverly Hills icon Cher Horowitz has figured out a lot: She’s successful in business and has mastered motherhood—that is, until her daughter’s high school years, and Cher finds that parenting a teenager makes her feel ‘clueless’ all over again,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
The original film, made for $12 million, hit theaters in July 1995 and grossed over $85 million during its theatrical run. Paramount+ hasn’t announced a target premiere date for the series.
The trailer for the Netflix documentary series Conversations with a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes opens by describing Manson as a chameleon. The cult leader who convinced his followers to slaughter innocent people could be whoever they wanted him to be. And the three-part documentary series set to stream on August 12, 2026, examines that aspect of his life.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory) directs and executive produces. Additional executive producers include Rachael Profiloski, Jen Isaacson, Jon Kamen, and Tom O’Brien.
“As we bring Conversations with a Killer to a close, I wanted our final season to focus on the figure who, more than anyone else, ushered in the modern era of America’s fascination with true crime. While Charles Manson isn’t a traditional serial killer like Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, or the Son of Sam, his crimes fundamentally changed the way the media covered violence and the way the public consumed it,” explained Berlinger.
Berlinger added, “Rather than adding to the mythology surrounding Manson, our goal was to examine the systems of manipulation and control he created, while centering the voices of those who lived through it and continue to grapple with its aftermath. Their firsthand accounts—along with remarkable archival material, including never-before-heard prison phone recordings of Manson himself—offer a fresh perspective on one of the defining criminal cases of the twentieth century. It felt like the right story with which to conclude one of Netflix’s longest-running true crime documentary series.”
RadicalMedia, in association with Third Eye Motion Picture Company and Naked, produced the docuseries.
Netflix offers this synopsis: “Drawing on previously unreleased prison recordings, firsthand accounts, and archival footage, this documentary series traces Charles Manson’s rise as a cult leader, the 1969 murders that followed, and the media spectacle of his trial. The series features interviews with former Manson Family members and law enforcement alongside recorded phone calls with Manson himself.”
Poster for ‘Conversations with a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
ABC’s officially renewed American Idol for season 25, as if there were ever any doubt. The competition series continues to be a popular launching pad for singers, with season 24 earning the biggest premiere ratings in four years. And the season 24 finale ranked as the top primetime reality series episode this year.
ABC hasn’t confirmed whether Ryan Seacrest is returning as host or released the names of season 25’s judges. What ABC has confirmed is that the “Idol Across America” audition tour will kick off virtually on August 25, 2026.
During “Idol Across America,” potential contestants will have the opportunity to audition virtually in front of an American Idol producer. Those who are selected may then advance to the judges’ auditions. Aspiring singers must be at least 15 years old by February 15, 2027 to audition.
Season 25’s audition dates:
• VIP Day (Aug. 25): Only the first 250 singers who register will secure a spot for their chance to become the next Idol! Once all spots are claimed, registration for this date closes.
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug. 26)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug. 27)
• The South Open Call (Aug. 31)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 1)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 2)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Sept. 8)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 9)
• Nationwide Open Call (Sept. 11)
• East Coast Open Call (Sept. 14)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 16)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont (Sept. 18)
• West and Midwest Open Call (Sept. 21)
• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Sept. 23)
• Delaware; Maryland; Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Rhode Island; Massachusetts (Sept. 25)
• Nationwide Open Call (Sept. 28)
Michael B. Jordan can do anything and with the latest adaptation of screenwriter Alan R. Trustman’s The Thomas Crown Affair, Jordan pulls triple duty. The Oscar-winner serves as director and producer and stars in the titular role. The teaser introduces Jordan’s version of the character, a suave art thief who falls for a sultry insurance investigator, played by Adria Arjona.
The reimagining of the original 1968 film also stars Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, and Pilou Asbæk.
Steve McQueen portrayed the elusive thief in Norman Jewison’s ’68 classic, and Pierce Brosnan starred in director John McTiernan’s 1999 remake. This 2027 iteration features an updated screenplay by Drew Pearce and Jason Hall, with Trustman and Hall also serving as executive producers.
The new The Thomas Crown Affair will open in theaters on March 5, 2027.
Amazon MGM Studios’ synopsis describes Jordan’s version as a “visually breathtaking, sensual, and unexpectedly moving heist thriller, where the most dangerous man in the room is the one nobody’s watching.”
Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Marc Toberoff, Patrick McCormick, and Charles Roven are the producers.
Poster for ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ (Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
Netflix has set a September 25, 2026 premiere date for Unabomber, starring Critics Choice Awards winner Jacob Tremblay (Room) in the titular role. The film’s based on true events, and Tremblay told Netflix’s Tudum he was surprised to learn that Ted Kaczynski went to Harvard. “[…] He was a mathematical genius when he was 16. It’s quite fascinating, actually.”
The drama also stars Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, Annabelle Wallis, Alexander Ludwig, Steven Ogg, and Marc Menchaca.
Netflix’s synopsis reads, “Inspired by true events, Unabomber follows Ted Kaczynski’s (Tremblay) transformation from 16-year-old Harvard prodigy into the infamous Unabomber. Subjected to controversial psychological experiments by Professor Henry Murray (Crowe), Kaczynski’s troubled past resurfaces decades later when his manhunt, led by FBI agent Joanne Miller (Woodley), brings to light the chilling consequences of ambition and isolation.”
Janus Metz (All the Old Knives, Andor) directs from a screenplay by Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves. Commenting on the appeal of the project, Metz said, “I was fascinated by the fact that the hunt for the Unabomber was the FBI’s longest and most expensive operation to date.” Metz added, “But what really drew me in was the story about Ted Kaczynski’s years at Harvard when he was a young math student. This was a side to the story I didn’t know about; it helps uncover a very dark chapter in American history.”
Executive producers include Donald J. Lee, Sam Chalsen, and Nelson Greaves in association with MRC.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day gives us an isolated Peter Parker who, despite being kept busy saving New York City, feels empty. That disconnection from everyone he loved fuels the most emotional entry of Tom Holland’s Spidey era.
Of course, there’s no shortage of massive action set pieces – it’s a rare 15-minute stretch that doesn’t include at least one major epic fight. But Peter’s packing a plethora of pensiveness, pining for his past. (Sorry for breaking out in alliteration; couldn’t resist.)
Picking up five years after Spider-Man: No Way Home, no one knows Peter Parker’s secret, and he’s keeping it that way to make sure MJ (Zendaya, The Drama) and Ned (Jacob Batalon, Reginald the Vampire) stay safe. However, that doesn’t stop him from stalking their socials, despite the pain it causes to see them living their best lives without him.
A super quick recap bridges the end of No Way Home with current events, which find the webslinger working closely with NYPD’s Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear). The cops have come to depend on his superpowers to take down villains, including Scorpion (Michael Mando, Better Call Saul), while Peter’s constant monitoring of the police scanner serves as a way to keep busy as much as to help clean up the streets.
Peter’s continued emotional attachment to MJ, the love of his life (both on and off screen), wreaks havoc on his system and triggers a major meltdown in his hybrid human-spider DNA. He gets angry, his eyes darken, and what comes next isn’t pretty. Fortunately, it’s that emotional upheaval that helps him stave off the film’s big baddie. No spoilers here, but Spider-Man’s big foe in Brand New Day is one of the franchise’s most engaging.
And “engaging” is really the key to Brand New Day. We love Tom Holland’s Peter, and in this outing, he breaks our hearts while breaking bones. He’s surrounded by a stellar roster of Marvel Universe favorites, and it’s fantastic to see Mark Ruffalo hulking around. He’s like the wise old man to Peter’s upstart young’un – or, more aptly, a grizzled tutor to an aspiring student. Hulk smashes, battles Spidey, and generally causes chaos. And fans will love it.
Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are MJ and Ned. Period. They give the film its heart and ground the story. Florence Pugh’s the comic relief, popping in while not wearing much as Yelena Belova and talking about Peter’s small-potatoes problems compared to what the Avengers deal with. And Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) is absolutely fantastic, solidifying her place as one of the most interesting actors of her generation. But Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle/The Punisher is half of a Spider-Man pairing we didn’t know we needed but definitely deserve. They fight, they make up, they hang out – it’s like an old married couple, if both spouses spend their days saving the world.
As for Tom Holland, he’s truly grown into the role. Holland channels Peter’s loneliness, his self-imposed isolation, and his commitment to remaining a decent human being despite the intrusive spider DNA coursing through his system. Asking if Holland’s the “best” Spider-Man isn’t fair, as the quality of the films (the screenwriting, direction, production design, and effects) is vastly different, and those elements impact our embrace of the actors who don the iconic Spider-Man costume. Holland has always been consistently solid, but Brand New Day sees him deliver his most textured, complex Spider-Man performance yet.
The effects deserve whatever praise is thrown their way, and the fights look genuinely brutal. What ultimately makes Spider-Man: Brand New Day such an entertaining addition to the franchise, however, is the lack of multiple multiverses and the need to keep track of which version of each character is involved in the action, when they are from, and how they know each other. This is a much more straightforward, easy-to-follow comic book film – and as someone who only knows these characters from their onscreen incarnations, I for one welcome this “brand” of storytelling.
GRADE: B+
Rating: PG-13 for some language, sequences of action, and violence
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Directed By: Destin Daniel Cretton
