Parade

Rita Wilson Reveals What She Thinks Her 'Now and Then' Character Would Be Doing Now

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:39am

Rita Wilson has revealed what she believes her Now and Then character, Chrissy DeWitt, would be doing today.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, the singer and actress believes Chrissy would be over her "pink phase" and "would've gone gray by now.”

Rita played the adult version of Chrissy in the 1995 coming-of-age film, with Ashleigh Aston Moore appearing as the character as a young girl. Chrissy was the neurotic but nurturing member of the friend group who loved pink and was more cautious about life than her peers. Rita added that she believes Chrissy would likely be divorced now, in the movie, she married Morton Williams.

Now and Then still resonates with audiences and is always gaining new fans, something Rita believes is because "no one had made a movie like that, that was this female coming-of-age, a female Stand by Me.”

"I love that that still resonates, and young women still see it. Now, moms are showing it to their daughters, and that was their movie when they were young,” the Sleepless in Seattle actor added.

What the actor particularly adores about Now and Then is "that it was about that female experience, those young girls, that tight friendship and [the fact that] they still stayed friends."

Now and Then signifies an important moment in Rita's career, as it was the first time she sang in public. "So that scene that you're talking about, on Now and Then, my character Chrissy sings to The Jackson Five's, ‘I'll Be There.' I had never sung anywhere like publicly ever… and Demi encouraged me to do it," Rita said earlier this year, per PEOPLE.

This moment over three decades ago encouraged Rita to pursue her music career, for which she has found great success. She still thanks Demi Moore for encouraging her to sing in front of others.

Sam’s Club Has a Wild New Chocolate Dessert for Under $8

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:37am

There’s something special about a bao bun, no matter what it’s filled with. The soft, pillowy dough works with just about anything, and while savory versions are usually the most common, sweeter takes can be just as satisfying. Right now, Sam’s Club has a chocolate version that stands out from the usual bakery and snack lineup.

You can see the fluffy new bites up close in this May 10 TikTok from @samsclubfavorites:

@samsclubfavorites

🍫 Member’s Mark Chocolate Bao Bites by FujlSan are a WILD find at Sam’s Club! Ten soft, fluffy chocolate bao buns each filled with rich chocolate custard inside… it’s like a dumpling met a dessert and the result is absolutely incredible! 🤤 ($7.33) #samsclub #samsclubfinds #bao

♬ original sound - Sam’s Club Favorites Sam’s Club’s Chocolate Bao Bites Are Filled With Rich Chocolate Custard

The Member’s Mark Chocolate Bao Bites by FujiSan come with 10 soft bao buns filled with rich chocolate custard for $7.33. Instead of feeling overly sweet or heavy, the dessert keeps that familiar light, airy texture that bao buns are known for, while adding a creamy chocolate center that feels a little more indulgent.

It also stands out because it’s unexpected. Bao is typically associated with savory fillings like pork or chicken. Still, sweet versions have become increasingly popular in Asian bakeries and dessert shops thanks to their soft texture and versatility. This version brings that same idea into an easy grab-and-go format at Sam’s Club.

Like traditional bao buns, these are probably best enjoyed warm. A quick 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel helps soften the dough and warm the chocolate custard filling inside without drying it out. They can also be steamed for a few minutes if you want an even softer texture closer to freshly made bao.

The lighter dough keeps the bites from feeling too rich, making these easy to enjoy after dinner or serve alongside coffee, tea, or even a weekend brunch spread. And since the pack comes with 10 bites, there’s enough to share without spending much more than the price of a coffee run.

Availability may vary by club, but if you're looking for something different from the usual cookies, brownies, and packaged desserts, this is one of the more unique sweet finds currently making the rounds at Sam’s Club.

Dollar General's Vintage-Style $3 Find Creates a Charming Garden Atmosphere

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:30am

As warmer weather creeps in, we can finally ditch our winter layers and enjoy the sun on our backs. With flowers blooming, greenery coming back to life and endless outdoor activities to explore, there's something about the arrival of spring that inspires us all to get outside and make the most of the season.

That said, if you're looking for ways to bring a little springtime whimsy directly to your front or backyard, Dollar General has the perfect tools for the job. Case in point: a vintage-inspired Metal Cage Solar Hanging Light, a $3 pickup that adds loads of warmth and charm to any outdoor space. When it comes to seasonal refreshes worth spending money on, this one ranks high on the must-have list.

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

Metal Cage Solar Hanging Light, $3 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Truly a versatile pickup that works everywhere from a front or back porch to a patio, garden or lawn, Dollar General's Metal Cage Solar Hanging Light simply needs access to direct sunlight and a reliable place to hang. From there, this $3 find effortlessly illuminates your space with a touch of vintage charm, featuring a rustic metal cage construction wrapped around a classic Edison-style bulb.

Designed to create a warm, inviting ambiance without lifting a finger, all it takes is a few of these solar lights scattered throughout your space to create a beautiful, cinema-worthy setting you'll want to spend all night relaxing in. And thanks to its durable metal construction, you can rest assured it can withstand just about any weather condition, short of being swept away in a hurricane.

How It Works

Harnessing the power of the sun, Dollar General's Metal Cage Solar Hanging Light charges throughout the day and automatically turns on at dusk, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective approach to accent lighting. In addition, an integrated solar panel on top absorbs sunlight for optimal performance, resulting in a soft, warm glow that effortlessly enhances any outdoor space.

As for where it can hang, this is where you can get a little creative. Anything from tree branches and pergolas to shepherd's hooks and fences makes a suitable spot, though just about anywhere with sturdy support and direct access to sunlight will get the job done. Whether you're hosting a spring garden party, relaxing with family on the patio or simply adding a touch of warm light to an entryway walkway, this light proves itself to be both a versatile and stylish outdoor upgrade.

Don't sleep on this sleek and stylish Dollar General find, and while you're there, be sure to check out Dollar General's vibrant boho rug and beautiful embossed glass pitcher for even more home upgrade inspiration.

Nick Takes a Huge Risk With Kat on the Next ‘The Way Home’ (Exclusive)

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:25am

Ponderers, we're at the midway point of the final season of The Way Home. Are you savoring each episode? This week's episode find Nick (Kerry James) taking a dip into the pond with Kat (Chyler Leigh) as they head to the past in search of Fern (Bianca Melchior).

Let's look into this week's episode, "Don't Cry Out Loud" and get a Parade exclusive sneak peek, too!

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

What Is The Way Home About?

The family drama tells the story of three powerful women: Kat Landry (Chyler Leigh), Kat's teenage daughter, Alice (Sadie Laflamme-Snow) and Kat’s estranged mother Del (Andie MacDowell).

More than 20 years prior, life-changing events created a chasm in their family that time has yet to repair. Kat and Del still aren’t on speaking terms. Alice has never met her grandmother and is unaware of the reasons for their fractured family. When these three generations come together under one roof for the first time in more than two decades, a surprising discovery sets the trio on a path toward healing and helps them find their way back to each other.

Hallmark Media

In "We've Got Tonight," last week's episode of The Way Home, Nick (James) made a surprise return to Port Haven. Del hosted an old-fashioned “kitchen party,” but the presence of Nick’s charming biological father, Julian (Ted Atherton), had an unexpected effect on her relationship with Sam (Rob Stewart). Meanwhile, Alice (Laflamme-Snow) travels back in time and witnessed an eventful kitchen party with Young Del (Julia Tomasone), Young Colton (Jordan Doww) and their friends first-hand, and Jacob (Spencer MacPherson) wondered if he made the right decision by moving away from his family.

What Will Happen in The Way Home Episode 5? Blair Kincaid, Erik Knudsen, Kerry James

Hallmark Media

In "Don't Cry Out Loud," this week's brand new episode of The Way Home, an enthusiastic Nick joins Kat in her search for more information about Elliot’s (Williams) mother in 1925. Once there, the two realize they may be in over their heads with the nefarious Augie boys (Blair Kincaid, Erik Knudsen). Meanwhile, Alice and Elliot do their best to help Del as she recuperates from a recent injury that is pulling her deeper and deeper into memories of the past.

When Does Episode 4 of The Way Home Season 5 Premiere?

"Don't Cry Out Loud" premieres Sunday, May 17 at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.

Where To Watch The Way Home

Want to catch up before the series finale? Seasons 1-3 of The Way Home are available to stream on Netflix. You can also watch through Frndly, Philo, or with a Hallmark+ subscription.

Exclusive Sneak Peek of The Way Home Season 4, Episode 5

Take a look at this Parade exclusive sneak peek of this week's brand new episode of The Way Home below:

PARADE Exclusive - The Way Home - Episode 4005 - Sneak Peek (0:58) Photos From The Way Home Episode 5

Take a look at some select images from the next episode of The Way Home in the gallery below.

Hallmark Media

Blair Kincaid, Erik Knudsen, Kerry James

Hallmark Media

Next, ‘Perfect Crown’: Who’s Trying to Kill the Grand Prince and Seong Huiju? Our Theories So Far

Harry Connick Jr. Shares Why His Carnegie Hall Debut Is A Tribute To His Late Mother

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:24am

Harry Connick Jr.'s upcoming Carnegie Hall performance has been essentially in the works since he was 10 years old.

In an interview on Today on Monday, the singer shared how the dream of performing at the iconic venue was so special to his mom, that he tried to make it to the stage, at age 10, before she passed away.

"My mother used to say she could die happy knowing that I played at Carnegie Hall," he recalled, and shared that upon receiving the news of her ovarian cancer diagnosis, he called the theater when he was not even a teen and asked to play — only to reach the box office.

"So I told my mom, I said, 'Look, I tried but they told me no,' so she died three years later," he said. "I kept in the back of my mind that I wanted to play there, but I didn't want to go to Carnegie Hall unless it was a special occasion, so to this day I've never been in that concert hall.

As the years went on, and Connick established himself as a prolific songwriter and performer, he scheduled his performance at the venue on what would have been his mother's 100th birthday: May 22, 2026.

"I'm not going to go in that building until about 7:30 that night," he said. "I've written essentially a symphony for her, it's this big 50-minute long composition, first movement was when she in New York, second movement was in North Africa where she met my dad, third movement was in New Orleans was when I was born."

"I've never been on that stage and then I'll perform this piece for her," he added of the special night.

Connick also announced in his morning show appearance that he's releasing a book, also dedicated to his mom, which will be out in September. He also shared that a documentary, capturing the process of his Carnegie Hall performance, directed by his daughter, will be out at the same time.

In April, the modern-day crooner took to social media announced that he’ll also be going on tour starting in July.

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

A Best-Selling Romantasy Novel Helped Spark One Woman’s Major Life Decision

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:22am

Over the last few years, literature has become cool again thanks to a reading renaissance fueled by social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BookTok quickly became one of TikTok's most popular trends, with keen readers recommending their favorite novels to countless viewers.

One book that skyrocketed in popularity was A Court of Thorns of Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Although it was originally published in 2015, BookTok introduced the novel to a brand new audience and solidified romantasy books — a mix of romance and fantasy — as one one of the most popular genres among young readers.

The book series, which is widely known as ACOTAR by readers, has sold over 13 million copies globally, and has a dedicated fanbase that live and breathe the five book collection.

Kaeli Dance, a choreographer from Utah, was one of millions to read the much-loved novels. And after reading the first ACOTAR book, she saw her relationship in a different light.

"Most of the time [with my boyfriend href="https://parade.com/968403/parade/questions-to-ask-a-guy/"] I felt really special, but there were random moments where I felt uncomfortable," the 27-year-old told Metro.co.uk. "I felt like something was off, but I couldn’t put it into words because everything on the outside was so perfect,"

Kaeli explained that, after reading about the book's central characters, Feyre and Tamlin, she began to realize that her relationship was toxic. "I started to realize that the person I was dating reminded me of the controlling relationship Feyre had with Tamlin,"

While she attempted to ignore the situation at first, it became impossible to ignore. Karli started to feel like author Maas wrote, saying that it was like the writer "saw her future."

@dancekae

Feyre taught me to fight for myself #acotar #Sarahjmaas #feyre #acotar6 #acotar7 I broke up with someone because of ACOTAR in 2023 @Call Her Daddy

♬ original sound - Kaeli Dance

One night, Kaeli had become sick, but she didn't want to wake her boyfriend up due to the fear of how he would react. "I realized that I did not trust my boyfriend to help me, in the ways that I specifically need help, when I am at my lowest," she noted.

Following this realization, she confided in her friends about her relationship, who encouraged her to break up with her now ex-boyfriend.

After sharing her breakup story on TikTok, fellow readers revealed that they had gone through a similar situation after reading the series.

"I just did the exact same, two and a half years and now I feel so free. We should never settle for less," one viewer, known by the handle @isabelmoffatt_, commented on Kaeli's video. "I spoke to him about what made me unhappy to see if he’d change and he didn’t. I slowly detached myself from it. I still love him, I’m just not in love."

Walmart's Bestselling $25 20-Piece Knife Set Is 'Beautiful,' 'So Sharp,' and Comes With a Cutting Board

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:15am

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

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on fancy gadgets. Walmart's bestselling Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set is turning heads for delivering both value and style at a fraction of its original price.

With over 1,300 five-star ratings and a sale price of $25, down from $96, this set includes everything from a chef's knife to a cutting board. This set is making it easier — and a lot more fun — to prepare meals at home.

Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set, From $25 (was $96) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This set truly comes with everything you need to feel confident in your cooking. Inside, you'll find a paring knife, utility knife, tomato knife, cheese knife, santoku knife, bread knife, chef's knife, kitchen shears, a cutting board, and more. Whether you're slicing bread, chopping veggies, or prepping cheese, there's a knife for every task.

One standout feature that shoppers love is the quality of the blades. Each knife is crafted from stainless steel and coated for extra durability, so they stay sharper longer and can handle daily use. The ergonomic green handles pair beautifully with the gold-tone blades, giving your kitchen a fresh, modern look that feels both fun and sophisticated.

Reviewers often mentioned that the knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold. Many said the set has everything your kitchen needs, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

"This knife set is better than any set I've had in my 62 years," one shopper stated. "I almost never review anything unless it was either superb or just awful. This set is better than my Cuisinart set. They're beautiful and incredibly functional, so sharp!"

With three color options available, including green, blue, and classic black, you can pick the set that best matches your kitchen's vibe. And at just $25, it's an easy, affordable way to refresh your cooking space or surprise a friend with a useful gift.

Shop More Deals

If you're looking for a stylish, reliable, and affordable knife set, the $25 Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set is a smart choice that proves you don't need to spend a lot to get quality tools that make cooking easier. Snag your set while it's 74% off!

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

These 4 Birth Dates Never Crack Under Pressure

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:12am

When the going gets tough, the tough get going because people born on these four dates handle stress well. Staying calm, cool, and collected in high-stress situations is a skill many don’t possess. It’s easy to get upset and to add more fuel to the fire when a stressful situation feels overwhelming. Luckily, people born on these four birth dates rarely break a sweat. It doesn’t matter if their workday is going up in smoke or if a last-minute issue becomes a larger-than-life problem. Individuals born on these dates approach each stressful situation without losing their cool.

Numerologists believe that the energy and frequency of these four birth dates correlate with the ability to handle stress well. While each birth date has its own unique characteristics, all four birth dates align with one of these three numbers: 1, 2, or 3. Working with the numerological energy of 1, 2, and/or 3 speaks to remaining calm even if everyone else is panicking. Read on to discover why these birth dates handle stress well and what you can potentially learn from them.

Do You Handle Stress Well, Based on Your Birth Date?

Check if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 1st - The Fearless First Responder

Stress doesn’t deter you if you’re born on the 1st. Numerology says you align with the pure energy of 1, which gives you a courageous, brave spirit. You’re naturally emboldened by your birth date. There’s nothing that deters you, since the energy of 1 encourages you to tackle everything head-on. You’re completely dauntless, no matter the situation. Stressful moments, experiences, and connections don’t resonate with you. Many other life experiences have already prepared you for this moment. Instead of shrinking, you straighten up and get to work. You tackle stress with self-assurance by throwing yourself into the fray without a second thought. If anyone has it handled, it’s you.

NEXT: The Country That Calls Your Soul, Based on Your Birth Month

Born on the 12th - The Calm in Everyone Else's Storm

Nothing can get you down when your birthday falls on the 12th. According to numerology, you embody the distinct energies of 1, 2, and 3. This means you embrace 1’s bravery, 2’s diplomacy, and 3’s optimism. The combination of these numerological energies means you embrace stress as a personal challenge. You already know you’ll stay calm and carry on regardless of what’s happening. Because you’re so at ease despite the chaos, you actually inspire others to center themselves. Luckily, you don’t need anyone else to assist with de-escalating. The energy of your birth date gives you the self-assurance, positivity, and flexibility to confidently navigate stressful moments with astonishing ease.

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Months With Strong Boundaries

Born on the 14th - The Cool-Headed Problem Solver

You’ve never met a stressful situation you couldn’t handle thanks to being born on the 14th. Having this birth date means you embody the numerological properties of 1, 4, and 5. You can thank 1 for your bravery, 4 for your tenacity, and 5 for your changeability. Embracing this unique combination makes you a force to reckon with, even in the most high-stress situations. Most would feel stumped when they’re overwhelmed with anxiety, but not you. Your brain begins working overtime to consider all possible avenues and solutions. Stressful moments offer you a chance to flex your skills. You have the steadfastness and innovation to get through anything that comes your way.

NEXT: Your Perfect Comfort Meal, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 23rd - The Resilient Bounce-Back

Stress won’t slow you down if you're born on the 23rd. Numerologists believe that your birth date handles stress well, because it represents the combined energies of 2, 3, and 5. The ability to regulate your feelings comes from 2, while 3 grants you a positive attitude and faith-based mindset. 5 assures that you can bounce back from anything life throws your way. These three numbers make you incredibly resilient. It doesn’t matter what’s happening or going down, because you know you can handle it. Believing in your skills and strengths gets you through highly anxious periods. Trust that you will always hold it down no matter what comes your way.

UP NEXT:

Delta and Missoni Just Dropped a New Designer Collection—But You Can Only Get It Onboard

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:10am

For anyone who has ever strategically "repurposed" an airline amenity kit as a tech pouch or an evening clutch, Delta is making it very difficult to leave these behind. On May 11, 2026, the airline debuted its latest collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, and the result is a high-style upgrade that feels more like a seasonal fashion drop than a standard cabin refresh.

The new Delta One kits are ditching the one-size-fits-all approach in favor of five destination-inspired colorways, including names like Seoul Sunrise (a vibrant orange) and Malta Coast (a Mediterranean aqua).

According to Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Delta’s managing director of Brand Experience, the objective was to move away from single-use items: “Our goal was to create lasting reminders of Delta that stay with customers long after their journey.”

Delta

While the Missoni zigzag-patterned socks and structured bags are the undeniable showstoppers, the exclusive skincare inside adds a deeper layer of luxury to the experience.

Delta is tapping into current beauty habits by introducing Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Eye Patches exclusively onboard before they even hit retail shelves in July. For the 55% of Delta One customers who ranked lip balm as their absolute must-have, the kit also features a new spearmint version alongside a vanilla and orange peel hand cream.

Dimbiloglu describes the update as part of a larger shift toward slow travel, stating, “Travel should restore us—not just carry us from one place to another.” For those of us who prioritize a "carry-on only" lifestyle, these kits serve as a functional, premium organizer that works long after you've landed at Sydney Coral or Cape Town Canopy. The rollout begins this month on long-haul flights departing from ATL, JFK and LAX, so you might want to leave a little extra room in your bag for the return flight.

Hilary Duff Wows in Stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Shoot

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:06am

Former Disney Channel starlet Hilary Duffhas been making headlines of late because of her new album Luck...or Something, which was released on February 20, and her upcoming tour, The Lucky Me Tour. Now, Duff is gracing fans with a brand-new photoshoot with Sports Illustrated.

The new photos show the Lizzie McGuire star in a range of swimsuits, from a vibrant red one-piece to sporty bikinis and many more. A few shots even show off Duff's rarely-seen tattoos, including a small butterfly on her left thigh and a small black heart on her wrist.

In addition to her time on the Disney Channel during her teen years, which saw her in roles such as Cadet Kelly, Duff has appeared in various projects, from the 2004 cult classic A Cinderella Story to an ongoing role as Sophie in the How I Met Your Motherspinoff show, How I Met Your Father.

In the early 2000s, Duff's music career was also booming, with hits like "So Yesterday," "Wake Up" and "Why Not." However, Duff had a significant 10-year break from music, with her most recent album before Luck...or Something being the 2015 studio album Breathe In. Breathe Out.

In part, that gap was likely a result of Duff's focus on acting, as she had several roles during that 10-year span without a new album. However, between 2015 and 2026, Hilary also gave birth to three of her four children (with her oldest son, Luca, born in 2012).

The mom of four has therefore been quite busy over the last decade; however, millennials who grew up on her Disney Channel shows and movies as well as her early music have been expressing considerable excitement about her return, particularly with her upcoming tour, which kicks off this summer.

While fans await those shows, though, Duff's new Sports Illustrated shoot is certainly something to be excited about.

Ruffles Releases New Buffalo Wings Chips Flavor – And They Sound Like Our New Go-To Snack

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:05am

In many ways, Ruffles make for the perfect snack to enjoy for when you're lazing around your living room, sitting poolside on vacation or while seated onboard a plane on the way to your next summer vacation destination.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, Ruffles is officially giving fans further reason to celebrate with the debut of an entirely new flavor in its extensive potato chip lineup.

According to Allrecipes, Ruffles is set to roll out their new Buffalo Wings Chip flavor, providing the ultimately summertime snack for all those interested in a spicy potato chip to enjoy this coming season.

For those who might be a bit concerned about the heat level present in the new potato chips, fret not! The Buffalo Wings flavor instead focuses on the distinct flavor profile commonly featured in the popular appetizer option, prioritizing its vibrant and tangy taste over dehabilitating heat.

A great option for backyard barbecues and beach snacking alike, the new chips are also perfectly timed for the coming festivities scattered throughout the summer, including (most obviously) the imminent arrival of the Fourth of July.

As Allrecipes helpfully pointed out, this is hardly the first time Ruffles tried to heat things up with a chip flavor based on buffalo wings. A few years back, the iconic chip brand famously rolled out their Ruffles Double Crunch Hot Wings, combining upfront heat with Ruffles' extra crunchy potato chips.

In spite of the item's unwavering popularity among fans, the chip flavor was eventually discontinued in 2020, making the new Hot Wings' debut that much more meaningful among longtime fans of the brand.

As of yet, it's not clear how long exactly the Ruffles Hot Wings will be around. But if past releases are any indication, fans should think about grabbing the new chips sooner rather than later just to be safe!

Carvel Blends up a New, Improved Recipe for Signature Treat

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:01am

Carvel just revealed it's updating one of its menu items to be "better than ever" with millions of customization options.

The 90-year-old ice cream shop chain is home to signature recipes like the classic Flying Saucer, Fudgie the Whale ice cream cakes, indulgent Sundae Dashers, and, of course, the Carvelanche, which it introduced in the '90s and is now relaunching this month with a new and improved recipe.

Among the changes are also expanded customization options, giving guests more control over how they order their Carvelanche than ever before. Carvel is also offering a special limited-time delivery promotion commemorating the update, offering free Carvelanches for one day this week—talk about a sweet deal!

Carvel Updates Its Signature Carvelanche With a New Recipe and Enhanced Customizations

The new recipe "perfectly layers Carvel’s signature real soft serve ice cream and premium toppings with an optimized blending process," according to an official press release. The company says the new recipe—which returns six refreshed fan-favorite menu items—results in a smoother texture, richer flavor and more consistent mix-ins.

Carvel Crunchies Carvelanche: The Original Soft Serve blended with iconic Carvel Crunchies for a perfectly crunchy bite every time
Cake Mix Carvelanche: Soft serve blended with cake mix and confetti sprinkles for a nostalgic, celebratory twist
Cookie Dough Carvelanche: Rich, doughy indulgence in every bite
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Carvelanche: The ultimate sweet-and-salty combination
Oreo Carvelanche: Creamy cookies-and-cream perfection
M&M’s Carvelanche: Pops of chocolate crunch throughout

Carvel's Carvelanche launches with a new and improved recipe, six fan-favorite flavors and 'millions' of customization options.

Carvel

Along with the six returning fan-favorite Carvelanche flavors, fans can now personalize the recipes with any menu item of their choosing. The new customization rules let guests choose any soft-serve flavor and any available topping ($0.99 each) to create their own Carvelanche (or further improve an existing treat), offering over 7 million possible combinations, per the brand.

The new and improved Carvelanche is available beginning today (Tuesday, May 12) in 12-ounce (starting at $6.99), 16-ounce (starting at $7.99), and 24-ounce (starting at $8.99). To celebrate, Carvel has partnered with some of the most popular delivery apps for a sweet promo. On Saturday, May 16, customers who order a $10+ delivery order with either DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats can enjoy a free small Carvelanche.

Next: Breyers and Good Humor Turn Nostalgic Ice Cream Bar Favorites Into 2 New Pint Flavors

1994 Hit Drama Film, Driven by ’90s Hollywood Legend, Named Among ‘Best Movies to Stream’

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:00am

More than 30 years since its debut, Nell, the psychological drama movie, is seeing a moderate resurgence following the renewed appreciation for older films among viewers and its availability on streaming platforms.

Released in 1994, the film not only received significant success but also became a standout movie due to its emotional intensity and unconventional premise.

On top of that, Nell also featured a groundbreaking performance by Jodie Foster, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and celebrated actresses.

Directed by the highly acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Apted, the thriller drama follows the story of a young woman named Nell Kellty, played by Foster.

Jodie Foster attends the "Nell" New York premiere and after party at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on December 6, 1994.

Eric Weiss/WWD via Getty Images

She grew up in extreme isolation after spending most of her life in a remote woodland cabin in North Carolina.

Together with her mother, Nell grew up living away from civilization and spoke a unique language of her own.

After her mother passed away, she was left completely alone in a remote mountain cabin.

It was the town doctor, Dr. Jerome Lovell, played by Liam Neeson, who first discovered the young woman’s situation, eventually becoming her primary protector, confidant and closest friend.

The duo was joined by psychologist Dr. Paula Olsen, portrayed by Natasha Richardson, who wanted to study Nell’s rare condition.

In a previous interview, Foster told film critic Roger Ebert why she accepted the role of Nell.

“I’m always drawn to characters that live lives that I couldn’t lead,” she said, adding, “People who survive and don’t allow the world to change them. Maybe this movie will give someone the idea that if Nell can be herself, maybe it’s OK for them to be brave, too, about their idiosyncratic natures and their otherness.”

Lo and behold, the movie became a career-defining moment for her, showing a departure from her usual portrayal of "strong" characters.

At the time of its release, Nell did not achieve blockbuster success but earned modest financial success.

Despite earning only $62,663 during its opening weekend, the 1994 movie grossed $73 million internationally and $106 million worldwide against a production budget of $24.5 million, according to industry analyst Box Office Mojo.

Regardless of not becoming a box office hit, Nell was a major contender at major award-giving bodies.

The movie was nominated at the 52nd Golden Globe Awards with three nods, particularly Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Original Score for a Motion Picture and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for Foster.

In addition to this, Foster made history by winning the first-ever Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in 1994.

The then-31-year-old actress beat fellow nominees Jessica Lange for her role in Blue Sky, Meg Ryan in When a Man Loves a Woman, Susan Sarandon in The Client and Meryl Streep in The River Wild.

The 'NCIS' Cast: Where Are They Now?

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 9:00am

The NCIScast keeps growing, with some stars popping in for single seasons and others on the series for over 20 years.

The original cast could have been much different, with A-list names like Harrison Fordand Jennifer Anistoninitially floated for the characters of Gibbs and Katie, but no one can deny the chemistry that the series created with its roster. The show's 23rd season finale airs on May 12, 2026—an amazing milestone in television!

From OG series regulars to recurring roles and current cast members, find out what your favorite NCIS stars are doing now.

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

Related: 18 Famous Guest Stars You Totally Forgot Appeared on NCIS

NCIS Cast Then and NowMark Harmon

Photo by Tony Esparza/CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Mark Harmonstarred in the backdoor pilot episodes of JAG that led to its spinoff, NCIS. Heled the cast of NCIS for 18 full seasons as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and became an executive producer on the series in 2008. He exited the series in Season 19, Episode 4, "Great Wide Open."

"The longest time I ever spent anywhere at any one time was five years on Chicago Hope," Harmon said after his character was written off the series. "This show is still doing what it's doing after 19 years and remains remarkable. I don't know that it will ever happen again. I'm proud of this show and I’m proud of the people here. This group, this family, this team has been through a lot and being part of this show for as long as most of us have been here, I’m proud of that and the people who jumped onboard as well."

Following Harmon's exit from the show, he worked with the series's technical advisor, an actual former NCIS agent Leon Carroll, Jr., on the book Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.

Harmon currently narrates NCIS: Origins, a prequel series centered on a younger version of Gibbs played by Austin Stowell.

Way back in 2003, Harmon appeared in Freaky Friday (he was engaged to Jamie Lee Curtis' character), and he reprised his role in the 2025 sequel, Freakier Friday, with Lindsay Lohan and Curtis also returning.

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

Pauley Perrette

Photo by Robert Voets/CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Pauley Perrette was a fan favorite as the quirky, mall goth forensics specialist Abby Sciuto, and the role was a special one for her: She studied criminal science before becoming an actor.

She played Abby for the first 15 seasons of NCIS, then starred in the series Broke in 2020, which was unfortunately canceled after a single season. Following Broke, Perrette retired from acting.

David McCallum

Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

A veteran of the crime and action genre from his days on The Man From U.N.CL.E. series, David McCallum starred as the NCIS chief medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard since Season 1. McCallum died on Sept. 25, 2023, at age 90.

“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” NCIS executive producers Seven D. Binder and David Northsaid in a statement.

“But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”

Michael Weatherly

Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Michael Weatherly starred as Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo from Season 1 to 13, then left to star in Bull from 2016 to 2022.

Weatherly was accused of sexually harassing Eliza Dushku on the set of Bull, leading CBS to pay her a $9.5 million settlement. When the allegations went public, Weatherly said in a statement, "When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized."

Bull ended in 2022. Weatherly reprised his role as DiNozzo in the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva, but the show was canceled after one season. He also co-hosts the podcast Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch with de Pablo.

Sasha Alexander

Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Sasha Alexander starred in the first two seasons of NCIS as Caitlin Todd until her character was killed off. She went on to star in TNT's Rizzoli & Isles and Shameless, and later directed an episode of Netflix thriller You. She also directed an episode of the final season of Bull, starring her former NCIS castmate Michael Weatherly.

More recently, she starred as FBI Agent Dawn Ruth in Season 4 of Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer.

Sean Murray

Photo by Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Sean Murray was a recurring star as Senior Field Agent Timothy McGee in Season 1 before being bumped up to a series regular in Season 2. Murray is the stepson of NCIS co-creator and co-executive producer Donald Bellisario.

He is also known for his role as Thackery Binx in Disney's Hocus Pocus.

Cote de Pablo

Photo by CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Though she's actually of Chilean descent, Cote de Pablo is best known for playing former Israeli Mossad agent Ziva David in NCIS. She was a series regular from Season 3 through Season 11, after which she said she left because she didn't think the scripts were that great anymore.

It was believed that her character died off-screen, but in Season 16, she made a surprise guest appearance, in which it was revealed that Ziva was alive and had been in hiding. She had a recurring role in the show again in Season 17.

De Pablo reprised her role as Ziva alongside former NCIS castmate Michael Weatherly (who plays Anthony DiNozzo) for one season in the canceled 2025 spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. She and Weatherly also host a podcast together called Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch.

Lauren Holly

Photo by Eric CATARINA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Lauren Holly starred as NCIS director and Gibbs' ex-girlfriend Jenny Shepard from Seasons 3 through 5. Holly previously co-starred with Harmon and Rocky Carroll in Chicago Hope.

She's worked steadily on guest roles and cameos since her character was killed off of NCIS, including starring as Mimsy in The Lake. She also appeared in Netflix's 2024 Christmas flick Hot Frosty and produced and starred in the 2025 comedy-drama Loathe Thy Neighbor.

Rocky Carroll

Photo by Art Streiber/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Rocky Carroll began his NCIS tenure as a recurring guest star in Season 5, playing NCIS director Leon Vance. In Season 6, he was upped to a series regular, with his character taking over for Holly's Jenny Shepard.

In addition to his work on NCIS, he's also directed an episode of Magnum P.I., starred in the TV movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and lent his voice to several animated projects and video games.

Emily Wickersham

Photo by Toni Anne Barson/FilmMagic

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Emily Wickersham's role of Eleanor Bishop started as an NSA agent in a Season 11 guest role. After de Pablo's exit, Wickersham was upped to a series regular, and eventually Bishop was promoted to an NCIS agent.

She left NCIS after Season 18 in 2021, returning for Season 23 in 2026, but has stayed mostly under the radar otherwise.

Duane Henry

Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Duane Henry debuted on NCIS in Season 13 as a guest star, then became a series regular until Season 15. His character, Clayton Reeves, was killed off in Season 15, Episode 22, "Two Steps Back," in part because no one was sure how to develop his character after the death of NCIS co-creator and showrunner Gary Glasberg in 2016.

He's since appeared in movies for Hallmark and Lifetime, including 2018's A Gingerbread Romance with Tia Mowry.

Wilmer Valderrama

Photo by Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Wilmer Valderrama debuted on NCIS as NCIS Special Agent Nicholas "Nick" Torres in Season 14 and remains on the series today. Valderrama's breakout role was as Fez on That '70s Show, a role he reprised in Netflix's That '90s Show.

He's also voiced several animated characters, including the titular Handy Manny, Gaxton in Disney's Onward, Agustín Madrigal in Encanto and Higgins in Zootopia 2.

Maria Bello

Photo by Patrick Wymore/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Already an acclaimed actress before joining NCIS, Maria Bello starred as Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, an operational psychologist and agent, from Season 15 to Season 18.

Since her 2021 exit, Bello served as a producer and writer on The Woman King, a criminally underrated drama starring EGOT-winner Viola Davis, starred in Netflix's acclaimed Season 1 of Beef and appeared in the crime-drama series The Waterfront in 2025.

Brian Dietzen

Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Brian Dietzen has been on NCIS since Season 1 as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, upping from a recurring role to a series regular. He's also written for the series.

Dietzen suffered a stroke in 2020 and underwent heart surgery. He's since fully recovered.

Related: Stream NCIS on FuboTV

Diona Reasonover

Photo by Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Diona Reasonover stars as NCIS Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines, beginning as a recurring character in Season 15 and moving up to a series regular. Reasonover is also a writer on the show.

‘Brady Bunch’ Star Says a Remake Could Happen Because ‘The Six of Us Are Still Alive’

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:59am

The Brady Bunch was one of the most beloved television shows of the 1970s, but could it get a remake in the 21st century? Original series star Eve Plumb gave a cheeky answer in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. While promoting her memoir, Happiness Included. Plumb, 68, was asked if she could see a remake of The Brady Bunch in today’s day and age, and if so, who would she like to see cast.

“Well, you know, the six of us are still alive, so we better get on it,” she said.

Plumb played middle child Jan Brady on the ABC sitcom from 1969 to 1974 opposite fellow child stars Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, and Susan Olsen.

In the new interview, Plumb noted that the show has never been off the air in over 50 years and continues to draw viewers in via cable and streaming services.

“I think it is the family dynamic, the sibling dynamic, having a house with a revolving door," she said of the show’s legacy. “It's never been off the air. So, it's comfort food. It's there. It's something you can turn on and it's familiar and nice bright colors and so it's comforting.”

Eve Plumb only missed one 'Brady Bunch' reunion

While The Brady Bunch has never been off the air, at least one original cast member was missing in almost every reunion since the original series wrapped. Plumb was the first when she skipped the 1976 TV special, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, and was replaced by “fake Jan,” Geri Reischl.

During an appearance onCBS Mornings in April 2026, Plumb noted, “The only Brady reunion I didn’t do was the variety show. But every other Brady TV movie I’ve done. I have always spoken highly of it. It’s put me where I am today.”

In the early 1980s, Plumb and all of the original stars appeared in the TV reunion movie The Brady Girls Get Married, which led to The Brady Brides spinoff. In 1988, Olsen skipped the highly rated holiday movie A Very Brady Christmas, while McCormick bowed out of the short-lived The Bradys drama series in the 1990s. By the time all six Brady Bunch siblings reunited for the HBTV series A Very Brady Renovation, their beloved TV parents (Robert Reed, Florence Henderson) had passed away, as had co-star Ann B. Davis.

A ‘Brady Bunch’ revival had reportedly been in the works

In 2024, Olsen, who played the youngest child Cindy Brady, appeared on the Walk Away Campaign podcast and claimed that a proposed Brady Bunch revival with the surviving cast members was scrapped early on due, in part, to her conservative political views.

“I did have the phone call with my [TV] siblings calling me and my agent,” Olsen said on the podcast. “Everybody was saying, ‘We’re sorry, but they just won’t budge. They just will not have you in this.’ I was like, ‘Wow, I’ve been canceled.’ A role that I’ve played for over 50 years, I can’t play it now because I’m too dangerous. I was like ‘Well, okay guys, good luck, I hope you can sell it.’”

According to Olsen, the revival, which would have been a modern-day spin on The Brady Bunch complete with new family members, was “dead in the water."

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

Amazon Continues Its Romance Push With NYT Bestelling Four-Book Small-Town Series

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:59am

With the success of The Summer I Turned Pretty and the recent hype around Off Campus, it’s not surprising to see that Amazon is continuing its push to bring romance books to the screen. Just recently, Amazon announced plans to develop T.L. Swan’s Miles High Club series, and now there’s another four-book series that’s getting an adaptation.

Just ahead of the Amazon Upfronts on May 11, 2026, Amazon announced that it had picked up Rose Hill to series. This is a four-part book series from Elsie Silver, and it’s a series many readers have been asking to see developed.

If you feel like you already knew this, Rose Hill was originally picked up for development in June 2025. It's now been officially picked up to series and officially has a streaming home at Prime Video, after months of silence about the project. Fourth Wing was also picked up to series after months in development.

‘Rose Hill’ Is Four Books All Interconnected

While there is a lot of focus right now on developing duologies, trilogies, and other series, a lot of romance authors have taken to interconnected stories. In a lot of cases, the characters have already been introduced in other books, and it’s a chance to delve deeper into who they are and what they want.

That’s the case for the Rose Hill book series. Silver wrote Wild Love, Wild Eyes, Wild Side, and Wild Card. For now, only the first book, Wild Love, will be developed for the first season of the new Prime Video series.

Wild Love focuses on Ford Grant, who is known as the “World’s Hottest Billionaire” in the story. He has always been in love with Rosie, his best friend’s little sister. However, things take a turn when a young woman breezes into Rose Hill — the town they all live in — and claims that she is Ford’s daughter. Despite Ford’s life being turned upside down, romance could be on the cards, especially since Rosie isn’t too fond of boundaries.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Production Studio Is Behind It

Amazon is clearly looking to double down on the success of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Temple Hill, which was the production company behind Jenny Han’s adaptation, will work on the production of Silver’s books. Heidi Cole McAdams has been set as showrunner, with Marc Webbdirecting the first two episodes.

When Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios, announced the project, he noted that the “Rose Hill novels have resonated with millions of readers by blending sweeping romance with grounded, emotionally complex relationships.”

It’s not clear just how much involvement Silver has in the adaptation process, but she did share her excitement about the new projects, saying, “Working with this team on the Rose Hill adaptation has been such a treat. To see everyone’s hard work and creativity come to life on screen will be a dream come true!”

Academy Award-Winning 1994 Hit Featured Two Leads Doing Their Own Stunts—and Became One of the Greatest Action Movies Ever

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:45am

When it comes to high-thrill action films that defined the 1990s, few movies come to mind or have the lasting impact of Speed.

And rush hour never looked the same.

Released in 1994, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, the film became a box office sensation, eventually taking the spot as one of the biggest summer hits of the year.

And it’s cemented its place as a modern action classic, generally regarded as the best action movie ever, and one that holds up years later, including by The Guardian.

The film follows Reeves as police officer Jack, who must stop a city bus rigged with a bomb on board by vengeful mastermind and disgruntled former cop, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), that will detonate if the speed drops below 50 miles per hour.

Passenger Annie, played by Bullock, becomes unexpectedly involved with the mission, as Jack is tasked with preventing the disaster. Along with his partner, Harry, played by Jeff Daniels, he attempts to save the people on the bus before the bomb goes off, while trying to figure out how Payne is monitoring them.

Critics and fans alike were both impressed by the film, inspired by 1985’s Runaway Train and Japan’s The Bullet Train, as the film grossed around $350 million worldwide, earning the rank of fifth-highest-grossing film of 1994.

For Reeves, who was already known for films like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Point Break, Speed helped establish him as a major mainstream action star, paving the way for future successes like The Matrix.

As for Bullock, it was a real breakout moment, as she’d only appeared in smaller movies and shows prior to the film, which catapulted her into stardom almost overnight. Shortly after the action flick, she became Hollywood’s most-wanted actress, landing hits like While You Were Sleeping and Miss Congeniality.

The duo even did most of the stuntwork themselves, with the movie’s director, Jan de Bont, making his directorial debut following success as a cinematographer on films such as Die Hard and Basic Instinct, telling the LA Times, "I knew we had something very early on."

“The moment I saw Keanu and Sandra working as a team and doing most of the stunts themselves, which is so great. The reactions are based on real reactions because they had to respond to what they were doing. That makes it so great and so relatable. And also the fact that there’s a lot of fun lines in the movie and that it’s basically nonstop and there’s real action. There’s no CGI, nothing artificial. It’s all real,” he expressed.

All of those things drove the film’s success even further, as it went on to win two Oscars at the 67th Academy Awards, taking home the honor for Best Sound and Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing.

Unfortunately, the sequel to the film, Speed 2: Cruise Control, did not see the same success as its predecessor, largely due to Reeve’s absence.

Decades later, Speed remains the blueprint for many modern-day action thrillers, with the ‘90s hit a non-stop thrill ride, landing on a perfect formula with nail-biting storytelling, tense pacing, humor and an unforgettable chemistry between the leads.

'Sweet Magnolias' Season 5 Finally Has a Release Date — And Fans Won’t Wait Much Longer!

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:41am

Whip out the margaritas! Sweet Magnolias is officially returning for a fifth season. News of the renewal—announced on World Book Day 2025—came over two months after the release of the fourth season.

Ahead of the Season 4 premiere, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson told Parade, "We hope that there are many, many seasons and many, many weddings ahead of us."

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

Meanwhile, one of the stars of the show, Heather Headley, admitted that she "wouldn't doubt if" they got called back to film again. She told Parade that while Season 4 felt like it "could be" the end, "if it needed to be," it never felt that way when they were filming.

"Because I still felt like there were so many questions that needed to be answered," Headley said. "So when we got to the end of it, it felt final, but still in my heart, I was like, 'No, it's not done.'"

Before the ladies of Serenity take a bite out of the Big Apple, here is everything we know about Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend in Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias

How to watch Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

Like the first four seasons of the show, Season 5 will stream on Netflix.

What is the Sweet Magnolias Season 5 release date?

Sweet Magnolias returns June 11.

How many episodes of Sweet Magnolias will there be in Season 5?

The fifth season of Sweet Magnolias will consist of 10 episodes.

What is Sweet Magnolias based on?

The series is based on Sherryl Woods' book series of the same name.

Who is in the cast of Sweet Magnolias?

The key cast of Sweet Magnolias is composed of:

Courtesy of Netflix

JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Brooke Elliott as Dana Sue Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Heather Headley as Helen Decatur

Courtesy of Netflix

Logan Allen as Kyle Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Anneliese Judge as Annie Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Carson Rowland as Tyler Townsend

Courtesy of Netflix

Dion Johnstone as Erik Whitley

Courtesy of Netflix

Brandon Quinn as Ronnie Sullivan

Courtesy of Netflix

Jamie Lynn Spears as Noreen Fitzgibbons

Courtesy of Netflix

Chris Medlin as Isaac Downey

Courtesy of Netflix

Justin Bruening as Cal MaddoxHow did Season 4 of Sweet Magnolias end?

The fourth season of Sweet Magnolias ended with an engagement for Helen and Erik. As for Maddie, she told Helen and Dana Sue that she'd be "stupid not to" accept that counter offer from the publishing house in New York City. And with Ronnie potentially having a meeting set up with an investor for his e-bike idea after the holidays, Dana Sue remarked that they may "actually find a way for everyone's dreams to come true."

Sweet Magnolias returns for its fifth season on June 11

What will happen in Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

From Serenity to the Big Apple! “We are thrilled to let the Magnolias take Manhattan,” Anderson told Tudum. “Not only is this adventure huge fun, it’s also an opportunity to explore the facets of their relationships in a new context. While it’s crucial to have true friends in day-to-day life, it’s priceless to have them supporting you when you leap out of your comfort zone.”

Headley has previously shared what she would like to see for her character, Helen. The actress revealed to Parade that she's already told the show that Helen's wedding "better be the wedding of all weddings for Serenity."

She pointed out, "It's been years in the making. And so I think it would be a beautiful celebration."

Meanwhile, Swisher is excited about Maddie's job offer in New York. Speaking to Parade, she said, “You get job opportunities that take you outside of your bubble and reinvent relationships, and that’s what life is all about: how you do it together. So I think it’s a new level to explore, a great thing for Maddie to feel that sense of self again and reconnect in that way."

Swisher thinks it could also "lend itself to some fun storytelling and an opportunity for the girls to get out of Serenity a little bit, and maybe have a little fun together."

"Life takes you in a million different directions, but their relationships certainly aren’t a function of the fact that they all live in this small town together," Swisher added. "They are definitely in it for life, and wherever that life may take them.”

A description for Season 5 reads: "Maddie isn't the only one grappling with the demands of a new job in Season 5. Multiple citizens of Serenity seek balance and happiness while chasing dreams, navigating old and new relationships, and redefining what they want from themselves and each other. From Serenity to New York and beyond, the Magnolias meet challenges with passion, humor, love — and margaritas."

Is there a trailer for Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

The official trailer arrived exactly one month before the Season 5 premiere, giving fans a look at Helen in a wedding dress! "With wedding bells on the horizon, the Magnolias chase a shared dream, explore the world beyond Serenity, and lift each other up amid a summer of change," Netflix wrote in the description for the trailer. Watch it below:

Bestselling Author Created One of the ‘Best Book Boyfriends of All Time’ in Her YA Dystopian Debut

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:32am

It’s not easy being a real boyfriend when there are so many book boyfriends showing them how it really should be done. Whether it’s a smutty romance, a dystopian drama, or even a quaint rom-com, book boyfriends constantly step up in ways to support the main female characters. In recent years, there has been more focus on developing smutty and dark romance couples, but YA still has a place to show how a man should act.

When it comes to Goodreads users, the YA book boyfriends are the favorites. Veronica Roth immediately stood out with the development of her debut YA series, Divergent. The first book ranks in the No. 5 spot on the list of “Best Book Boyfriends” of all time, proving that protection and support are exactly what’s needed.

The Development of Four in the ‘Divergent’ Series

Tobias Easton, better known as Four, was originally a member of Abnegation. Like Tris, he made a switch to Dauntless, and we would later learn that he was also Divergent. However, there was a lot hidden underneath the “brooding” walls that he built around himself to protect.

Tris had heard of stories about Four and his father, Marcus. She had heard that Four had grown up in an abusive household, and everyone believed that he had left Abnegation to escape that abuse. In fact, we would later learn in Four that he did actually get Abnegation in his aptitude test, but he followed the motto “Faction before blood,” and left for Dauntless.

Where did the name Four come from? Due to his minimal number of fears. He is only scared of four things, with one of them being his dad. It was remarkably low and something that needed to become part of his personality.

‘Divergent’ Was Originally Written From Four’s POV

Since the success of Divergent and the other two books in the series, we got a side novel titled Four to delve into the character. It turns out that the series was originally told from Four’s perspective, with what Roth called a “proto-draft,” which was a few pages with Four telling the story. His voice didn’t work as well for it, so Tris ended up being the initial narrator.

However, there was still that story of how Four left Abnegation, and Roth has explained in past interviews that, “I knew I wanted to write about his decision to join Dauntless, which I've been interested in since Divergent, when he reveals that it was pretty much to get away from his father. I thought that that was a very interesting choice for him to make, kind of a big "screw you" to Marcus.”

It wasn’t easy to create Four’s reasons for leaving his home, though. While it sounded easy, Roth explained to Goodreads that, “The exciting part was working through his decisions as he makes them because they sound so easy in the trilogy, when he talks about them, but they came to him with difficulty (refusing a leadership position, for instance—not something he just decided on the spot). I think my favorite part to write was the "surprise! Evelyn is still alive!" scene; there are so many complicated emotions there, and I was never sure what she would say.”

In the end, Four found himself drawn into Tris’ ability to face her fears. She acts despite them, and one thing that makes him such a great book boyfriend is that he learns from that instead of feeling threatened by it. There’s no doubt he’s a book boyfriend to keep, and fans agree.

Amazon’s $17 24-Piece Storage Containers Set Is 'Very Handy' for Keeping Cars, Drawers, Desks, and Bags Organized

Tue, 05/12/2026 - 8:30am

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

Are your countertops and drawers currently lined with odds and ends, crafting supplies, or other items that don’t have a designated space? If so, and you’re tired of the clutter, storage containers are a simple solution. They’ll help streamline your living space and give all these random objects a home. This Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set at Amazon is a fantastic option that’ll get your home organized in a jiffy.

The best part? This 24-piece set is currently on sale for less than $20! Normally retailing for $25, it’s now marked down to just $17. That’s around 67 cents per container! This storage container set comes in an assortment of sizes, designed to accommodate a variety of items.

Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set, $17 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This set includes eight small containers, eight small-medium containers, four medium-large containers, and four large containers. For reference, the small boxes measure 2.2 inches wide, 1.6 inches deep, and 0.8 inches tall, while the large containers measure 7.1 inches wide, 4.3 inches deep, and 1.2 inches tall.

The versatility of these storage containers is unmatched. You can use the smaller containers to organize all your bits and bobbles, crafting supplies like beads or threads, tools for any hobbies, and even jewelry if you tend to always misplace them. The larger containers are ideal for decluttering your living space from small and loose objects that are always sprawled out all over the place. You can use them to store your makeup and skincare products lining your vanity, pens and pencils on your desk, and other miscellaneous items messily lying around your home.

Because they’re small in size, these containers are also great for organizing drawers and cabinets if they’re currently filled with random objects that you’ve collected. You can also fill them with necessities and tuck them into your go-to bag so you can always be prepared whenever you’re out and about. Multiple shoppers mentioned that they even use these containers to keep their car organized. They said that they’re great for storing bandages, gum, and floss!

One reviewer said that these containers are “very handy to keep organized.” They also added that they have them in almost all their drawers, their toolbox, and even use them while traveling.

Durable and lightweight, these no-frills containers are made of PP plastic. They’re clear, so you can easily see what you have stored inside, and have a hinged lid so you can open them all the way without misplacing the top. To ensure your belongings remain safe and secure, these containers feature a simple latch that snaps into place.

“They’re great for organizing and decluttering,” another shopper raved. “The clear containers, plus the different sizes, provided an opportunity to declutter my medicine cabinet, drawers, and jewelry.”

Ready to organize your drawers, cabinets, and countertops and start living in a clutter-free home? If so, head to Amazon and snag the Goodma 24-Piece Storage Containers Set while it’s still on sale for just $17!

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

Parade

Rita Wilson Reveals What She Thinks Her 'Now and Then' Character Would Be Doing Now

Sam’s Club Has a Wild New Chocolate Dessert for Under $8

Dollar General's Vintage-Style $3 Find Creates a Charming Garden Atmosphere

Nick Takes a Huge Risk With Kat on the Next ‘The Way Home’ (Exclusive)

Harry Connick Jr. Shares Why His Carnegie Hall Debut Is A Tribute To His Late Mother

A Best-Selling Romantasy Novel Helped Spark One Woman’s Major Life Decision

Walmart's Bestselling $25 20-Piece Knife Set Is 'Beautiful,' 'So Sharp,' and Comes With a Cutting Board

These 4 Birth Dates Never Crack Under Pressure

Delta and Missoni Just Dropped a New Designer Collection—But You Can Only Get It Onboard

Hilary Duff Wows in Stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Shoot

Ruffles Releases New Buffalo Wings Chips Flavor – And They Sound Like Our New Go-To Snack

Carvel Blends up a New, Improved Recipe for Signature Treat

1994 Hit Drama Film, Driven by ’90s Hollywood Legend, Named Among ‘Best Movies to Stream’

The 'NCIS' Cast: Where Are They Now?

‘Brady Bunch’ Star Says a Remake Could Happen Because ‘The Six of Us Are Still Alive’

Amazon Continues Its Romance Push With NYT Bestelling Four-Book Small-Town Series

Academy Award-Winning 1994 Hit Featured Two Leads Doing Their Own Stunts—and Became One of the Greatest Action Movies Ever

'Sweet Magnolias' Season 5 Finally Has a Release Date — And Fans Won’t Wait Much Longer!

Bestselling Author Created One of the ‘Best Book Boyfriends of All Time’ in Her YA Dystopian Debut

Amazon’s $17 24-Piece Storage Containers Set Is 'Very Handy' for Keeping Cars, Drawers, Desks, and Bags Organized

Pages

Accessing the New Haven E-Edition

New Haven Independent News

Site Links