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Olive Garden Announces Fun New Twist to Never-Ending Pasta Bowl

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:42am

In 2026, Olive Garden brought back its beloved Never-Ending Pasta Bowl starting at $14.99. Now the restaurant chain has a new way to help customers decide which one to try next.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Olive Garden unveiled its Never-Ending Pasta Bowl Picker, an online tool that randomly selects a pasta, sauce and protein topping for customers who’d rather leave their next bowl up to chance.

“Ready, set, spin!” Olive Garden wrote alongside a video demonstrating the new picker on Facebook. “Let our Never-Ending Pasta Bowl Picker choose your next combo. Don’t forget to share it here! 🍝.”

In Olive Garden’s demonstration, the picker landed on spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs. At least one fan immediately gave it a whirl, sharing a screenshot of a considerably more adventurous result: spaghetti with Five-Cheese Marinara and Crispy Shrimp Fritta.

Naturally, we had to spin it, too.

Parade’s combination was fettuccine with Spicy Alfredo and Crispy Shrimp Fritta, pairing both of Olive Garden’s new Never-Ending Pasta Bowl additions in a single order. Frankly, the picker may be onto something.

Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl has 120 Possible Combinations

Never-Ending Pasta Bowl returned nationwide this summer, starting at $14.99 and offering customers unlimited combinations of pasta, sauces and protein toppings, along with never-ending soup or salad and breadsticks.

This year’s promotion added two new options to the mix: Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta.

The possible combos include:

Pasta: Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Angel Hair and Rigatoni
Sauce: Marinara (V), Meat Sauce, Alfredo, Five-Cheese Marinara, Creamy Mushroom and Spicy Alfredo
Protein Topping: None, Meatballs, Italian Sausage, Crispy Chicken Fritta and Crispy Shrimp Fritta

Sme customers apparently intend to take those 120 possibilities seriously.

When Olive Garden recently posted that it was “just thinking about the 120 possible Never-Ending Pasta Bowl combinations,” one particularly ambitious fan responded with a picture of a spreadsheet documenting his progress.

“Working through the 120,” he wrote. “24 down, 96 more PASTA-bilities 🍝🍝🍝🍝.”

Other fans have been sharing their favorite combinations since the promotion’s return.

“Gotta go with Alfredo and either spaghetti or angel hair with chicken, and also love the Five-Cheese with rigatoni,” one person commented on a Sept. 1 Olive Garden post asking customers to reveal their first combinations.

Another went with “angel hair pasta, Alfredo sauce and shrimp,” while one fan recommended “half Five-Cheese Marinara and mushroom Alfredo 🔥🔥.”

Never-Ending Pasta Bowl officially runs through Nov. 22, giving customers plenty of time to work their way through the menu. The promotion returned nationwide Aug. 31, while Pasta Pass holders and Olive Garden eClub members received early access beginning Aug. 24.

Olive Garden had already seen plenty of excitement before introducing its latest pasta toy. When the chain surprised Facebook followers with an Aug. 29 post about the promotion’s return, one fan responded, “Ooo wee, let’s party at the Olive Garden, bay bay 😋.”

Now anyone paralyzed by the prospect of choosing among 120 combinations can simply give the picker a spin and let fate decide what’s for dinner.

Sean Connery's 'You Only Live Twice' Villain Tops New Ranking of the 20 'Greatest' Bond Villains

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:41am

A new ranking of the 20 greatest James Bond villains dropped Wednesday evening, Sept. 16, and Ernst Stavro Blofeld took No. 1.

The head of SPECTRE finished ahead of Hugo Drax from Moonraker at No. 2 and the title villain of Goldfinger at No. 3. Oddjob, bowler hat and all, came in fourth. The list credits Blofeld to several films. Donald Pleasence, Telly Savalas, Charles Gray and Christoph Waltz are among the actors who played him. Audiences did not get a real look at his face until Sean Connery’s You Only Live Twice in 1967.

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Two Films in Profile

SPECTRE got a name-check in Dr. No in 1962. Blofeld showed up a year later in From Russia With Love, but only in profile, and Thunderball kept him that way in 1965.

Then came You Only Live Twice, the fifth Bond film. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ernst Stavro Blofeld,” he says.

Pleasence Was Not the First Choice

Czech actor Jan Werich had the part first. He shot for about five days before director Lewis Gilbert decided he looked too harmless for a Bond villain, and producer Cubby Broccoli agreed.

Pleasence, then best known for The Great Escape, took over. Some of Connery’s reaction shots from the big reveal were really reactions to Werich.

Sam Mendes Borrowed the Look

Even the scar took some trial and error. The filmmakers tried out a hump and a limp before landing on it.

It stuck. When Sam Mendes brought Blofeld back for Spectre in 2015, he wanted Waltz’s version to have a damaged eye that pointed back to Pleasence’s.

The Rest of the Top 10

Christopher Walken’s Max Zorin from A View to a Kill is fifth. Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd from Diamonds Are Forever are sixth, and Geoffrey Holder’s Baron Samedi from Live and Let Die is seventh.

Rosa Klebb from From Russia With Love is eighth. Famke Janssen’s Xenia Onatopp from GoldenEye is ninth, and Javier Bardem’s Raoul Silva from Skyfall closes out the top 10.

Jaws, the henchman who spent two movies trying to kill Bond, did not make the cut. The list left off any villain who switched to Bond’s side, and he did.

1987 MTV Music Video, Produced by The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith, Helped Bring Iconic Michael Jackson Song to No. 1

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:24am

In 1987, Michael Jackson was at the height of his fame with the album Bad. The pop smash spawned a record five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100—and one of them was fueled by a glossy MTV music video produced by a former TV star.

The song was “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and the music video was produced by The Monkees legend Mike Nesmith and directed by Joe Pytka.

Written by Jackson, the song featured a shuffle beat and lyrics about the rush of a new romance. The accompanying video, which played on heavy rotation on MTV, featured model Tatiana Thumbtzen as the object of Jackson’s affection. Set on a dark city street, the music video was shot on Skid Row in Los Angeles, according to Stereogum. It featured dynamic dancing as Jackson pursued the gorgeous model by showing off his moves in front of her and her friends, one of whom was Jackson’s sister LaToya.

“The Way You Make Me Feel” reached No. 1 on Billboard in January 1988, thanks in no small part to the attention from the video.

Nesmith, who died in 20 once spoke about Jackson’s talent—and the loneliness of being a genius.

“Great artists live in a world in which their own excellence does not exist,” he wrote in Infinite Tuesday: An Autobiographical Riff, according to The New York Times. “They are shut out, uniquely, from their defining achievements. In the same way that an apple can’t eat an apple and a sunset can’t admire a sunset and the Matterhorn can’t ski its own slopes, Michael Jackson could never watch himself dance, at least not the way everyone else on Earth did.”

Nesmith also looked back on his involvement in the music video genre long before he worked with Jackson.

In a 1985 interview with The Morning Call, he noted that he “recognized in the video form, in the coming together of music and silent films, a real revolution in cinema, a kind of movement from Realism into Impressionism.”

“Without being locked into acts one, two and three, as in a plot, I could see the video form had everything one needed to convey a feeling … an emotion deep and rich with information that was very clear and concise,” The Monkees legend added. “That was what I thought we were coming to.”

‘Tracker’ Casts ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Alum as ‘Disarmingly Handsome’ Bad Boy With a Past Connection to Reenie

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:21am

Tracker Season 4 is bringing in a new—but familiar (to some)—face.

The CBS drama has tapped Michael Malarkey in the recurring role of Adam. Malarkey is best known for portraying the fan-favorite character Enzo on The Vampire Diaries.

Adam is said to have a “history” with Fiona Rene’s Reenie.

The description gives fans a little more insight into his character, who is said to be “disarmingly handsome, intelligent and sophisticated, but with a bit of a bad-boy undercurrent.”

“Adam works as a private investigator for high-end law firms. He runs into Reenie, an old friend he hasn’t seen in years, and their familiar banter brings questions about their history and possible future,” it continues, possibly teasing a romance between the former acquaintances.

Reenie’s romantic life hasn’t had the best track record. While she had a short-lived romance with Colter (played by Justin Hartley), the two have seemingly embraced the flirty friend zone, and her relationship with Elliot (Michael Rady) came to an end in season 3 after they were invovled in a messy and dangerous case, which gave her plenty of trauma to work through last season.

Is she finally in a place to move on with someone? And is the best choice the guy who is described as having a “bad boy undercurrent”? Reenie is smart, so I don’t think she’ll fall for just anyone, but love makes you do crazy things.

Reenie may not be the only one getting a new love interest this season, as executive producer Elwood Reid previously shared that our favorite rewardist may be getting a love life shake-up this season.

“That’s one thing that I think is unique to this season, which is we just never see Colter in a social and possibly romantic situation outside of the Billie universe,” Reid said. Billie (played by his real-life wife Sofia Pernas) is a safe choice because they “do the same thing, so they know the rules,” but challenging that relationship by introducing someone unfamiliar with Colter’s world would allow fans to see a different side of him.

“What would happen if that relationship got leveraged against him somehow or that person or somebody close to that person got into a situation that needed Colter’s help? Would that blow the relationship up? Would that deepen the relationship?” Reid wondered.

We’ll have to wait to see how it all unfolds when Tracker Season 4 premieres on CBS on Sunday, October 4, at 9 pm.

1969 Rock Song, Recorded in a Texas Cow Pasture, Became a 6-Week No. 1 Hit

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:20am

Long before Zager and Evans reached No. 1 across America, the duo recorded its strange, futuristic hit in an equally unusual location: a studio surrounded by a Texas cow pasture.

“In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)” became one of 1969’s most unexpected successes. Written by Rick Evans and performed with Denny Zager, the ominous song imagines humanity thousands of years into the future, questioning how technology might transform, and eventually threaten, human existence.

Evans had written the song several years before it became a hit.

He and Zager met as students at Nebraska Wesleyan University and performed together in a band called the Eccentrics before becoming a duo. In 1968, they traveled to Odessa, Texas, where they recorded “In the Year 2525” at Tommy Allsup’s recording studio, a facility located in the middle of a cow pasture.

The modest surroundings gave little indication of what would happen next.

“[Evans] tried the song with a few bands he was playing with at the time, but the music wasn’t right, and it wasn’t working,” Zager told Country Thang Daily. “I thought the lyrics were intriguing, so I rewrote the music, so it blended better with the lyrics. The first night we played it live, we knew it was special because the crowd looked stunned and wanted to hear it again and again.”

The song was initially released regionally on the small Truth Records label and began attracting attention in Texas. Its growing popularity eventually caught the attention of RCA Records, which signed the duo and released the existing recording nationally rather than having them remake it.

Listeners were confronted with a bleak vision of the future.

Beginning in the year 2525, each verse jumps farther ahead in time. Humans become increasingly dependent on pills, machines, and technology, while reproduction, relationships, and even basic physical functions are gradually removed from everyday life.

The unusual subject matter didn’t stop it from becoming a smash.

“In the Year 2525” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 12, 1969, just days before the Apollo 11 moon landing. It remained there for six consecutive weeks, giving its warnings about technological progress an especially striking backdrop during one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements.

The song also topped the U.K. Singles Chart and became an international success.

Even TIME Magazine famously wrote, “The Beatles would be jealous,” of the hit.

“Who would have believed two farm boys from Nebraska would have the No. 1 hit in the world and have TIME Magazine saying the Beatles would be jealous! I couldn’t have dreamed it,” Zager later reflected.

Zager and Evans, however, never came close to duplicating it. Their subsequent singles failed to reach the Hot 100, leaving the pair as one of pop music’s most famous examples of a one-hit wonder.

In 2018, Rick Evans passed away, leaving the song behind as part of his legacy.

“Like any band Rick and I had our squabbles, but there was a point in time that I felt we could have written some of the best music of the century,” Zager said in an interview. “I miss him.”

Fifty-seven years later, the future imagined in “In the Year 2525” remains centuries away. Yet its questions about technology, human connection, and how much control people might surrender to machines feel remarkably durable. A recording made in a Texas cow pasture became a six-week No. 1 and one of rock’s most enduring visions of an unsettling future.

Psychologist Says People Become Happier After 50 When They Let Go of These 5 Expectations

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:13am

In many instances, having expectations can help you better your life. For example, it can be helpful to set intentions for your career to motivate you to accomplish your goals. It’s also important to set boundaries for how others should treat you, to ensure you aren’t spending time with the wrong people.

That being said, there are a lot of expectations that can hold us back from experiencing happiness in our lives as well. This is especially prevalent as we get older, when we realize that it’s possibly too late to achieve some of the long-term goals we set for ourselves.

To learn more about how expectations impact us as we age—namely, after we turn 50—Parade consulted with Dr. Anthony P. DeMaria, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in New York and New Jersey.

According to Dr. DeMaria, there are many things that people commonly cling to as they grow past middle age, strongly believing they’ll happen. However, letting go of these five expectations often helps people over 50 lead happier lives. Keep reading to learn more.

What Typically Gets In the Way of Happiness for People Over 50?

Having unfulfilled expectations or dreams can hinder a lot of people from feeling satisfied with life in their 50s.

“At 50, on top of ordinary life stress, many people notice that some earlier hopes never became reality,” Dr. DeMaria tells Parade. “Goals that once felt open can start to look unfinished. That gap between the life they wanted and the life they have can be hard to reconcile.”

According to Dr. DeMaria, it’s important to let go of these goals that went unmet, as this can “lead to a more grounded kind of meaning: accepting the life they actually have instead of measuring it against the one they used to imagine.”

Additionally, many individuals in their 50s often find themselves playing many roles, which can lead to significant stress.

“At 50, it is not uncommon for an individual to be generative and hardworking occupationally, to be tackling the complicated job of parenthood, to be a caregiver to aging parents and to be responsible for taking care of themselves,” he shares. “If not managed well, this pull in a variety of directions can leave little room for self-care.”

People Over 50 Become Happier When They Let Go of These 5 Expectations, Psychologist Says

According to Dr. DeMaria, people 50+ can experience happier lives when they let go of these specific expectations.

1. That things need to go according to plan

“Having rigid expectations for how a life should go is a good way to be thrown for a loop by the twists and turns that come with life itself,” Dr. DeMaria explains.

“Being able to approach one’s ‘plan for life’ as more of a general guide than a rule book can allow people to roll with the punches and better cope with stressors,” he adds. “Letting go of the idea that life must unfold according to a particular plan can make it easier to adapt when circumstances change.”

Not only that, but having that flexibility can help you better “appreciate the life you actually have rather than continually comparing it to how you thought it would look.”

2. That getting older means life has to get dull

“Many adults are surprised to find that personality stays largely the same with age,” shares Dr. DeMaria. “People still want humor, lightness, novelty and excitement. At 50, that often becomes clearer: maturity does not cancel playfulness, and life can stay interesting if you keep making room for it.”

He adds that many people north of 50 find themselves “pleasantly surprised when they let go of the belief that a vital life is behind them.”

3. That you should look the same as you did in your 20s

“There is no hiding it: we grow older,” Dr. DeMaria states. “Often, when we fight this reality, we find it harder to feel comfortable in our own skin.”

That’s because many people in their 50s expect to look and feel the same way they did in their 20s—but that’s not possible. He explains that letting go of the expectation that you should look younger, and instead embracing the ways your body is changing, “gives us more freedom to embrace ourselves and appreciate what looking and feeling good means at this stage of life.”

Trevor Williams / Getty Images

4. That everyone needs to like you

“By 50, many have figured out that it is OK that not everyone will gravitate toward you,” Dr. DeMaria notes. “That does not mean it does not benefit you to be interpersonally skillful; it simply means you do not need to please everyone. Letting go of that expectation can free up a great deal of energy to invest in the relationships that actually matter.”

5. That you can feel satisfied without constantly rising professionally

“Many people become accustomed to measuring themselves by what they are accomplishing, achieving or working toward next,” says Dr. DeMaria. “However, when they let go of the expectation that they need ‘whatever comes next’ in order to feel content, many people are filled with a deeper sense of appreciation for what they already have. Satisfaction can come not only from continued progress, but also from recognizing and enjoying what one has already built.”

3 Tips for Embracing Happiness in Your 50s, According to a Psychologist 1. Prioritize meaningful joy

“One of the most important things one can do to live a satisfying life is to prioritize things that provide a deep sense of meaning as opposed to superficial joy or pleasure,” Dr. DeMaria advises.

This can look like spending time fostering your most meaningful relationships, giving back to your community or engaging in hobbies that you love. Spending your time doing these things can “help make the years after 50 feel like a life worth living.”

2. Stay physically active

“Staying physically active in a manner that works for the individual is another important way to remain happy after 50,” Dr. DeMaria explains. “Strength, flexibility, range of motion and other aspects of physical health are not just keys to longevity; they also allow us to participate in a wide range of activities and opportunities through which we can spend our time.”

Not only that, but staying physically active can “regulate and maintain mood, sleep and memory, while also helping us feel confident and capable,” he notes.

3. Continue making new connections

“As time goes on, it is common for connections to fade, people to move, contact to be lost or even for loved ones to pass away,” Dr. DeMaria notes. However, “friendships and social relationships are hugely important for quality of life,” and “staying connected while continuing to make new friends can help prevent these changes from leading to loneliness and isolation.”

Up Next:

Source:

Dr. Anthony P. DeMaria, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in relationship issues, self-esteem and mood disorders.

A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Seniors Who Want to Travel Lighter

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:10am

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When you’re a minimalist traveler, every item in your carry-on should have a purpose. Packing fewer, more thoughtful essentials can help save valuable suitcase space all while keeping you organized and making everything from getting through the airport to settling into your destination a little easier.

As someone who covers shopping and travel for outlets like Editorialist, Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve learned that the best travel essentials are the ones that make your trip more efficient without adding unnecessary bulk to your bag. From smart organizers to versatile everyday necessities, these minimalist carry-on essentials are designed to make traveling easier, more comfortable and a little less stressful.

6 Carry-On Essentials That Make Traveling Light Easier Toomett Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants UPF 50 Quick Dry Toomett Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants UPF 50 Quick Dry

Amazon

These lightweight cargo pants are well suited for travel, with wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying fabric and built-in UPF 50+ protection for long days outdoors. The cleverly placed zippered pockets provide a secure place for your phone, wallet and other valuables—perfect for long sightseeing days.

Get them on Amazon Magnetic Hat Clip for Travel Magnetic Hat Clip for Travel on Bag, Secure Hat Holder, Beige

Amazon

There’s no need to sacrifice your favorite sun hat—or devote precious suitcase space to a bulky hat box. This clever magnetic clip secures your hat directly to a tote, handbag or carry-on, keeping its shape intact while leaving your hands free as you navigate the airport or explore your destination.

Get it on Amazon ORICO 65W GaN Travel Power Strip ORICO 65W GaN Travel Power Strip

Amazon

Streamline your tech setup with this compact charging station, which can power up to seven devices at once and has USB-A and USB-C ports built directly into the unit. That means fewer individual charging blocks cluttering your carry-on. Just pack your compatible cords and use one streamlined hub to keep your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices powered throughout your trip.

Get it on Amazon

ALLIVE Passport Holder for Travel ALLIVE Passport Holder for Travel

Amazon

Keep your passport, cards, cash and boarding pass consolidated in one place with this genuine leather travel wallet. There’s also a dedicated AirTag holder, so you can track the wallet if it’s misplaced—an especially reassuring feature when you’re carrying one of your most important travel documents.

Get it on Amazon

Mesh Beach Bag

This affordable, foldable tote is an effortless addition to a minimalist packing list, since it takes up very little room in your luggage but gives you an extra bag once you arrive. Unfold it for beach days to carry your sunscreen, sunglasses, towel and other essentials, then simply pack it away when you’re done.

Get it on Amazon Travel Essentials 4 in 2 Multi Charging Cable

Rather than packing a tangle of separate charging cables, this versatile cord can power multiple devices while taking up minimal space in your bag. The braided, tangle-resistant design keeps things tidy and its multiple connectors accommodate everything from your tablet to a smartwatch or power bank.

Get it on Amazon

A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Seniors Who Want to Travel Lighter

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:10am

6 Carry-On Essentials That Make Traveling Light Easier Toomett Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants UPF 50 Quick Dry Toomett Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants UPF 50 Quick Dry

Amazon

Get them on Amazon Magnetic Hat Clip for Travel Magnetic Hat Clip for Travel on Bag, Secure Hat Holder, Beige

Amazon

Get it on Amazon ORICO 65W GaN Travel Power Strip ORICO 65W GaN Travel Power Strip

Amazon

Get it on Amazon

ALLIVE Passport Holder for Travel ALLIVE Passport Holder for Travel

Amazon

Get it on Amazon

Mesh Beach Bag

Get it on Amazon Travel Essentials 4 in 2 Multi Charging Cable

Get it on Amazon

1968 Soft Rock Song, Written by Michel Legrand, Ranked Among the Greatest Songs in Movie History

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:07am

Some songs accompany a great movie scene. Others take us inside a character’s mind.

“The Windmills of Your Mind” somehow does both.

Written for the 1968 romantic heist film The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, the hypnotic song was composed by French composer Michel Legrand, with English lyrics by husband-and-wife songwriting team Alan and Marilyn Bergman. English actor and singer Noel Harrison supplied the understated vocal that became forever associated with the film.

Director Norman Jewison originally used the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” as temporary music for a sequence in which McQueen’s wealthy, thrill-seeking Thomas Crown flies a glider. But the movie needed an original song, and Legrand and the Bergmans created something that did far more than fill the space. It shaped the film.

“They screened it for me with Hal Ashby the editor and the movie was about five hours,” a 77-year-old Legrand later told Today of his experience. “And Norman and Hal said to me: ‘Michel, we don’t know how to make the edits, we don’t know where to start.’ “I said to them: ‘If you don’t know how to edit the film, why don’t we let the music decide?'”

Legrand told Jewison and Ashby to take a six-week vacation while he wrote an hour and a half of music based on what he had seen in the rough cut.

“The film had given me certain impressions that I tried to convey in the music,” the composer later said in an interview for Cinescores. “Instead of small timings adapted to the action, I wrote ‘lengths’ that could become the backbone of the story.”

Jewison, Legrand and editor Hal Ashby then shaped parts of the film around the music.

Adding to the cinematic quality of the music were Alan and Marilyn Bergman’s lyrics. Jewison had specifically asked the Bergmans for a song that would convey Thomas Crown’s anxiety during the glider sequence.

“Because anxiety is circular, the flying of the glider in that sequence is circular–all circular images–which resulted in a circular kind of song,” Alan Bergman explained in a 1992 Los Angeles Times interview.

In the end it all worked brilliantly.

“The Windmills of Your Mind” moves in circles. Legrand’s melody continually seems to turn back upon itself while the Bergmans’ stream of images tumbles forward, one thought leading to another. The effect is almost dizzying, perfectly reflecting the restless mind of Thomas Crown as he soars through the sky in his glider.

Harrison’s restrained performance makes it even more effective. Rather than overpowering the images, his voice seems to float alongside them, leaving Legrand’s swirling melody and the rapid succession of the Bergmans’ words to create the tension. The song doesn’t simply tell viewers what Crown is thinking. It feels like thought itself.

“Like a carousel that’s turning, running rings around the moon

Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face

And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space

Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind”

“The Windmills of Your Mind” became the soundtrack’s crowning achievement. The song won the 1969 Academy Award for Best Original Song, while Harrison’s recording went on to become a major hit in Britain, reaching No. 8 and remaining on the U.K. chart for 14 weeks.

And it didn’t stop there.

Dusty Springfield recorded an especially celebrated version for her landmark 1969 album Dusty in Memphis, and artists ranging from Petula Clark and Johnny Mathis to José Feliciano and Barbra Streisand have taken on the song over the decades. Sting brought it full circle in 1999 when he recorded “The Windmills of Your Mind” for the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.

Its place in movie history has endured as well. In 2004, the American Film Institute ranked “The Windmills of Your Mind” No. 57 on its list of the 100 greatest songs in American movies, placing it alongside some of the most enduring marriages of music and film ever created.

There is a reason the song has traveled so far beyond that glider soaring over New England in 1968. “The Windmills of Your Mind” isn’t really about flying, or even about a bank robbery. It captures something far more familiar: the strange, circular way the human mind races through memories, questions, fears and desires, sometimes landing us right back where we started.

More than half a century later, those windmills are still turning.

Whoopi Goldberg Announces a Hiatus From The View—Here’s Why She’s Stepping Away

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:00am

Whoopi Goldberg is taking a hiatus from The View.

Goldberg, 70, rose to stardom as a comedian and went on to groundbreaking film roles in movies like Ghost, The Color Purple, and Sister Act. Now a beloved co-host of The View, the star just announced she’ll go on hiatus from the ABC chat show this year.

In a discussion with The View producer Brian Teta, Goldberg announced her upcoming absence in the latest edition of the talk show’s Behind the Table podcast.

“We’re going to lose you for a couple of days,” he said, noting that the star will film her upcoming Netflix film, Women Like Us, which is produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, Entertainment Weekly reported. The film is also starring Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa Williams.

“You’re going to be gone over the next two weeks, but you’ll be here on Mondays,” Teta added.

Theo Wargo / Getty Images

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What is Women Like Us About?

When asked to elaborate on the film that’s taking Goldberg away from The View, the star shared a bit more detail.

“It’s five really wonderful women — several of whom I’ve worked with before,” Goldberg told Teta. “It’s about change and getting older and having fun with your friends and people who get you. It’s about finding your people. I’m excited to do it. It’ll be fun.”

Who Will Fill in For Goldberg on The View?

Teta went on to announce that there will be some familiar faces stepping up to the Hot Topics desk to fill in for Goldberg during her hiatus. They include former View co-hosts Lisa Ling, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd, and Debbie Matenopoulos, the EW article continued. Show staple Joy Behar will hold down the fort and serve as moderator in Goldberg’s absence.

Goldberg Hit the Red Carpet With Her Daughter

When she’s not sitting at the Hot Topics desk moderating the lively discussions, Goldberg has plenty of other exciting things on her plate. The star hit the red carpet at the opening night of The Whoopi Monologues at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in New York City. But it was the rare red carpet sighting of her daughter, Alex, 52, that made plenty of fans smile.

Check out the dynamic mother-daughter duo smiling together below:

Bruce Glikas / Getty Images

Walmart's 5-Drawer Dresser Comes With LED Lighting and a Built-in Charger for Under $50

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:00am

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If you’ve been searching for a quick and affordable way to declutter your bedroom, bathroom, entryway, or living space, Walmart has a smart solution that’s currently on sale for over 30% off. The Gunaito LED 5-Drawer Dresser is now available for just $49, down from $72, in three colors, and it offers ample storage space to stash clothing, toys, linens, accessories, and more.

The versatile dresser comes in walnut brown, dark black, and classic white, making it easy to match with any style of decor, from minimalist to farmhouse to mid-century modern. At 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 40 inches high, it has a tall, slim frame that’s designed to fit effortlessly in small spaces, including tight corners, narrow hallways, and more.

Gunaita LED 5-Drawer Dresser, $48 (was $72) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Made with a thickened steel frame, the sturdy dresser has five large fabric drawers ideal for storing clothes, books, towels, and other essentials. Each drawer is constructed from high-quality non-woven material that’s durable and long-lasting, with a sleek round knob that allows for effortless opening and closing. The large wooden top offers additional space to display alarm clocks, candles, and photo frames, while the top shelf has a built-in charging station with two outlets, two USB ports, and a 1.5-millimeter power cord to easily charge up your devices.

The dresser also features LED lighting with 20 colors and five adjustable speeds, allowing you to set the mood of your room through a mobile app. The lights can sync to your music to create a fun atmosphere, or you can keep them stationary and use them as a handy bedside lamp. Assembly is also simple. It comes with detailed instructions, an anti-tilting device, and adjustable feet to prevent floors from scratches or other damage.

The Gunaita dresser is a Walmart bestseller, with over 780 five-star ratings online. Multiple reviewers praised the “sleek” and “modern” design. One reviewer said it adds “stylish, functional, and easy-to-assemble storage” to any space. Others also highlighted the spacious yet narrow build, calling it “perfect for small rooms.”

With its clean, simple look, compact frame, and useful built-in features, this LED five-drawer dresser makes a versatile and practical storage solution for any home. Make sure to snag one (or two!) while it’s still on sale for under $50 at Walmart.

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USO Welcomes Chef and TV Host Carla Hall as Global Ambassador (Exclusive)

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 10:00am

If you’ve spent some time watching TV over the last decade and a half, chances are you already know Carla Hall. The Nashville-born chef first charmed the country as a fan favorite on Bravo’s Top Chef, where she introduced viewers to her now-famous mantra—always cook with love.

From there, she became a daytime television fixture, co-hosting ABC’s The Chew for seven years alongside Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon. Since then, she’s popped up everywhere from Food Network baking competitions to her own Emmy-winning travel series, Chasing Flavor, and she recently reunited with her old Chew co-stars for a new podcast called Chewed Up, available on YouTube and the All Chewed Up Channel.

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Add in a stack of cookbooks, including Carla Hall’s Soul Food, which snagged an NAACP Image Award nomination, and her brand-new baking bible, Carla Bakes, and it’s clear Hall has built a career on the idea that food is really about connection.

That same idea is now driving her newest role. The USO announced this week that Hall has officially joined the organization as its newest global ambassador. This title recognizes the years-long relationship between the chef and the military community she’s cooked for since 2014.

Carla Hall Is Now a USO Global Ambassador

Courtesy USO

The USO isn’t new to the celebrity ambassador game—the nonprofit has leaned on entertainers to boost morale for U.S. troops since 1941, long before “brand ambassador” was even a job title. But Hall’s connection to the organization has always felt a little more hands-on than a typical celebrity endorsement.

Over the past several years, she’s co-hosted the USO’s Salute to Military Chefs event, led cooking workshops for service members stationed in the U.S., Spain and Italy and taught virtual baking classes during USO Cookie Week. In other words, this new ambassadorship isn’t a case of a celebrity lending her name to a cause—it’s a promotion for someone who’s already been showing up.

“I have had the honor of supporting the USO for more than a decade, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to continue giving back to our military community,” Hall said in the announcement, adding that cooking has “a special way of bringing people together.”

USO CEO Courtney L. Billington echoed that sentiment, saying Hall’s belief in the power of connection aligns with the USO’s own mission, and that her history of spending time with service members is exactly what the organization hopes to expand through this new role.

So, what will Hall be doing as a global ambassador? Expect more of what she’s already been doing, just with a bigger platform behind it. Think culinary events, appearances and visits to USO centers around the world, all aimed at giving military members and their families a sense of comfort and community through shared meals and cooking experiences. It’s a natural extension of her career-long adage that a shared table can do a lot of emotional heavy lifting, whether that’s on a soundstage, in a cookbook or halfway across the globe at a military base.

Beyond the USO news, she’s set to appear as a mentor on Next Level Baker alongside Gordon Ramsay, and she recently wrapped a sold-out run of her solo stage show, Carla Hall: Please Underestimate Me, at Maryland’s Olney Theatre.

She’s also the brains behind The MeMenu, a self-care program that applies her food philosophy—intention, nourishment, connection—to everyday life, and she sits on the board of organizations like GENYOUth and Beyond Bedtime.

For a chef who’s always insisted food is never just about the food, becoming a USO Global Ambassador isn’t a new chapter—it’s Hall leaning further into a mission she’s championed for years.

Hallmark Just Revealed Its 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup—See the Full Schedule

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:54am

Hallmark’s holiday season is about to be underway and this year’s Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark Channel begins on Friday, Oct. 16. This season’s lineup includes 34 new movies, the third season of Mistletoe Murders, and a holiday special.

Below, we break down everything you need to know about Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas, including how to watch, what’s premiering next, and all the festive surprises coming your way.

Here’s everything to know about Hallmark’s 2026 “Countdown to Christmas.”

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What is Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas?

Countdown to Christmas is Hallmark Channel’s annual holiday programming event. The network was the first to invest in a full slate of holiday movies and once other networks realized how popular they were with viewers, they jumped on the bandwagon themselves! Scores of new holiday movies are produced each year to fulfill the insatiable hunger viewers have for light, family-friendly, holiday rom-coms.

When does Christmas start on Hallmark Channel in 2026?

Countdown to Christmas began on Friday, Oct. 16 on Hallmark Channel and its networks with Christmas movies running 24/7.

Which stars are returning to Hallmark Channel?

While you won’t see Candace Cameron Bure, Cameron Mathison, or Mario Lopez on Hallmark Channel, plenty of your favorite stars are returning, like Lacey Chabert, Kristoffer Polaha, Alison Sweeney, and more. You’ll see a sequel to previous Countdown to Christmas movies including A Grand Biltmore Christmas with Niall Matter and Holland Roland and a movie where one actor (Rachael Leigh Cook) plays twins!

How to track all the Hallmark Christmas movies in 2026

You can download the Hallmark Movie Checklist app and track not only Christmas movies but all original movies that air on the Hallmark networks throughout the year. The app is available in the App Store on Apple and on Google Play for Android users.

Alternatively, you can print out the image guide below to track this year’s movies.

How can I watch the Countdown to Christmas movies for free?

If you have a library card, you can watch this and other recent Hallmark premieres for free through Hoopla. Hoopla is a digital library app that allows you to read/view content available in public libraries. Similar to the Libby app, Hoopla allows you to borrow digital copies of books, magazine, CDs, and other media. With Hoopla, you can get a seven-day “binge pass” for Hallmark+ and view content available on the platform including all of this year’s Countdown to Christmas premieres. You can also renew your binge pass for another week once your current pass expires. All of Hallmark’s latest Countdown to Christmas movies are available the next day on Hallmark+ after they’ve premiered on the network. Hoopla is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store. Learn more about Hoopla Binge Pass here.

Check out the official promo for Countdown to Christmas

Take a look at the official promo for this year’s Countdown to Christmas below:

Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie Schedule 2026 (Countdown to Christmas)

All Countdown to Christmas movies and series premiere at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel (unless otherwise noted) and are available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.

John B. Lowe, Barbara Niven, Amanda Schull, Verity Marks, Victor Webster

Hallmark Media

‘Tis the Season for Setups

Premieres Friday, Oct. 16
Starring Stars: Amanda Schull, Victor Webster, Barbara Niven

Hyper organized single mom and party planner Lexi (Schull), her free-spirited mother June (Niven) and teen daughter Piper (Verity Marks) are set to spend Christmas at a local ski resort after Lexi is hired to organize their annual holiday party. Upon arrival she immediately butts heads with Ridge (Webster), the ski instructor and son of the lodge’s owner, Dan (John B. Lowe). Despite not getting along from the get-go, Lexi and Ridge notice a spark between June and Dan and decide to set them up. Lexi and Ridge create a multitude of festive excursions – and excuses – to bring them together, but thanks to creative machinations by June and Dan these outings keep turning into foursomes. In the days leading up to the Christmas party Lexi and Ridge’s attempt to pair up their parents brings them closer together and their merry matchmaking ends in surprising results.

Robert Buckley, Lyndsy Fonseca

Hallmark Media

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story

Premieres Saturday, Oct. 17
Starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Robert Buckley, Marsha Mason, Barbara Alyn Woods, Khary Payton
Featured Cameos by Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams, tight end Colston Loveland, tight end Cole Kmet, legendary Bears alumni Mike Singletary, Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Dan Hampton, Connie Payton, wife of the late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, and the team’s beloved mascot Staley Da Bear, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Marilu Henner, Jake Connelly and Dyon “Mojo” Brooks

When ambitious freelance reporter Avery Clark (Fonseca) returns to Chicago to spend Christmas with her mom (Woods) and new stepdad (Payton), she’s hoping for a little holiday downtime before her next assignment. Instead, she lands a feel-good story profiling Darlene Donnelly (Mason), a beloved Chicago Bears superfan about to celebrate an incredible milestone – attending her 500th game. There’s just one catch: Avery knows next to nothing about football or Chicago. Enter Darlene’s handsome grandson Matt (Buckley), a Chicago firefighter and die-hard Bears fan who, with a little gentle nudging from Darlene, agrees to show Avery what being part of Bears Nation is all about. As Avery follows Darlene’s remarkable story through cherished game-day traditions, festive Chicago
adventures and memories of a love story that began at a stadium, she starts to understand that football is about much more than what happens on the field. And as sparks fly between Avery and Matt, this Christmas may just convince a woman who’s always on the move that sometimes the greatest adventure is finding a place, and someone, that feels like home.

Mr. & Mrs. Christmas

Premieres Sunday, Oct. 18
Starring Brendan Penny, Pascale Hutton

Taylor Lewis (Penny) is a single dad and holiday display expert who relocates to the charming town of Pineway with his two children just weeks before Christmas. Despite the challenges of a new home, new school and a daughter who seems to be outgrowing their cherished holiday traditions he’s determined to make the season magical. As Taylor takes charge of the town’s beloved Christmas Market revival, he finds himself unexpectedly partnered with Sophie Shaw (Hutton), a practical accountant hoping to prove she’s ready for a new leadership role. Together, the unlikely duo brings fresh ideas, festive spirit and plenty of Christmas cheer to the community. But when Taylor’s well-intentioned efforts to help his teenage daughter backfire, he begins to realize that yuletide can’t be forced, it has to be discovered. As Taylor and Sophie grow closer, they learn that embracing change
may be the key to creating new traditions and new memories.

Winter Wonderlanes

Premieres Friday, Oct. 23
Starring Ashley Newbrough, Franco Lo Presti

Audrey Bell (Newbrough) is a globe-trotting pop-up restaurateur who returns home for Thanksgiving to the news that her late grandfather’s beloved bowling alley, Wonderlanes, will be sold. Audrey agrees to stay for one last festive season at Wonderlanes and decides to revive its iconic Winter Wonderlanes youth bowling tournament. To drum up publicity for the event, she reluctantly teams up with Jason Miller (Lo Presti), a local news reporter and her high school boyfriend. Working side by side the embers of their past start flickering, rekindling feelings they thought they left behind. As the tournament draws near, Audrey questions her next move that will take her away from the people and places she loves…and decide if she’s ready to walk away from Wonderlanes – or finally put downroots where her heart truly belongs.

Forgotten Holiday

Premieres Saturday, Oct. 24
Starring Janel Parrish, Daniel Lissing

Kathryn Liu (Parrish) is an antiques buyer for her father’s store and has been happily dating Rob Ashford (Lissing) for nearly a year. When he surprises her with a pre-Christmas proposal, her fear of a failed relationship sends her dashing away without giving him an answer. Heartbroken, as Rob drives to his sister’s house he has a car accident that leaves him without memories of the past year, including their relationship and his once-infectious love of Christmas. Following the unconventional orders from his doctor, Kathryn agrees to help trigger Rob’s memory by retracing their romance and reintroducing him to the holidays. But as his memories inch closer to returning, Kathryn must face the painful truth that bringing Rob back to himself may mean losing him forever, unless she can finally find the courage to fight for the love she was too afraid to claim.

Lori Loughlin, Jonathan Whittaker, Lyla Elliott, Tom Cavanaugh, Marisa McIntyre

Hallmark Media

What If Christmas

Premieres Sunday, Oct. 25
Starring Lori Loughlin, Tom Cavanagh

Erin (Loughlin) has always supported her heart surgeon husband, Adam’s (Cavanagh) career by organizing the hospitals’ Christmas charity galas. However, when he moves to a new hospital, her help is no longer needed. Feeling lost and without a purpose back in New York City, her long-suppressed regrets over giving up her dream of pursuing fashion design start bubbling up. When Erin is given a peculiar heart-shaped Christmas ornament, she wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s a world-famous fashion designer. As she “meets” and attends Christmas events with alternate universe Adam, she realizes that while her fashion dreams came true, it’s lonely at the top. While working on a way to bring more charity and heart to her fashion empire, she learns that her dream life and love were always right in front of her – if only she finds the heart and courage to ask.

Rhiannon Fish, Jake Foy

Hallmark Media

Who’s Coming for Christmas?

Premieres Friday, Oct. 30
Starring Rhiannon Fish, Jake Foy, Mila Morgan

Having recently relocated, Julie (Fish) is setting up her new town using pieces she inherited from her late grandmother, including a beautiful dining room table she plans to use on Christmas Eve when she hosts dinner for the first time. Though she doesn’t have her guest list set just yet Julie takes inspiration from her grandmother and has faith that her holiday table for eight will be filled. Julie’s warm, friendly nature leads her to quickly become part of the community and make friends, including her neighbor Mark (Foy) and his young daughter Vanessa (Morgan). Mark suggests that he and his family could join her, making Julie’s dream of dinner for eight come true. But when bad weather keeps them from making the trip it looks like it will be a silent night with just the three of them unless a small Christmas miracle – or series of miracles – fills her holiday table.

Adopting St. Nick

Premieres Saturday, Oct. 31
Starring Amy Groening, Michael Rady

Maren (Groening) is a busy single mother to her adopted daughter, Leah (Taylor Blake). As the owner of her late father’s beloved hardware store, she is often found helping repair just about anything for her fellow locals, leaving very little time for herself. When the chance to participate in the Christmas Companions program at Jolly Acres, a new-yet-thriving retirement community in town, Leah excitedly jumps at the chance as she misses having a grandfather in her life. Much to Leah’s delight, she is paired with Kris (Randy Apostle), a jolly resident who bears an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. While there, Maren crosses paths with the nomadic Reid (Rady), the center’s Director of Community Launch and Operations whose job has him traveling from facility to facility to launch new branches.
But the Christmas Companions program is soon jeopardized as the contractor for the center’s community room suddenly pulls out. Seeing how much joy the program brings Leah and Kris, the always helpful Maren offers to help finish the project. As she spends more time at the center with Reid, Maren slowly realizes it’s okay to let others in, accept help and stop shouldering the entire load. Reid starts questioning whether to accept his next assignment which will take him far away from the people and center that have begun to feel like home. With the help of some Christmas magic – and a little assist from Kris – everyone finds where they belong.

Corey Sevier, Emilie Ullerup

Hallmark Media

A Danish Christmas

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 1
Starring Emilie Ullerup, Corey Sevier

Marie (Ullerup) is a hotel tech executive living in Chicago who returns home to Copenhagen to spend the holidays with her family and puts herself to work at their inn. When Ryan Miller (Sevier) checks in a case of mistaken identity leads Marie to believe he’s a travel writer. She sets out to make sure his stay is perfect, which includes the Christmas tour Ryan’s expecting… but the Andersen Inn hasn’t offered it since her father passed so she scrambles to cobble together an itinerary meant to impress. When Marie’s mom tells her she plans to sell the inn after the New Year Marie becomes doubly determined to make Ryan’s visit a success – a positive story could boost business and convince her to keep the inn. Marie escorts Ryan on a carefully curated tour of Copenhagen and pulls out all the stops to create hygge at the inn, though both efforts end in some festive fiascos. Despite the mishaps the two forge a connection that may be more than just inn-keeper and tourist. When Ryan Miller the journalist arrives they realize their mistake, sending Marie into overdrive to ensure he experiences the perfect Danish Christmas. In the process, Marie learns that warmth, connection – and, possibly, romance – happen naturally and can’t be created.

Merry Memories

Premieres Friday, Nov. 6
Starring Lindura, Brendan Morgan

Michaela (Lindura) is a rigid accountant who steps in to help her brother care for his young son Danny (Omi Fitzpatrick-Gonzales) while Danny’s military mom is deployed over Christmas. When Danny is assigned to create a holiday scrapbook for his mom, Michaela reluctantly accepts help from his free-spirited substitute teacher, Bryan (Morgan), whose creativity clashes with her need for preciseness and control. As they set out to capture festive moments for the scrapbook unexpected mishaps turn into meaningful traditions – and sparks begin to fly. Through Danny’s project, Michaela learns to embrace imperfection and open her heart, while Bryan rethinks his future as a traveling substitute teacher.

Holiday Unplugged

Premiers Saturday, Nov. 7
Starring Nikki DeLoach, Juan Pablo Di Pace

Sally (DeLoach), an art teacher, has spent the last 10 years honoring the memory of her late husband Jake while raising their children, Keegan (Brandon Ironside) and Boo (Remy Marthaller). Feeling like she’s finally ready for love, she joins a dating app and is matched with Damon (Di Pace), her former colleague who taught her kids’ kindergarten class. Jake had co-founded a web platform that preserved family home videos. When a server migration wipes out Sally’s treasured videos of him – and her phone containing backup copies accidentally shatters – the only hope is finding the original tapes. She doesn’t want Keegan and Boo to know about the missing videos so to buy time until they’re recovered, Sally institutes a screen-free Christmas for her family while secretly searching for the tapes. After she connects with Damon at his uncle’s antique store, he joins the hunt and the two
grow closer. Keegan and Boo soon discover the joys of unplugging and spending quality time with their grandparents, who also come around and embrace the experiment after begrudgingly agreeing. With every lead exhausted, Sally is forced to admit the videos may be gone forever. As the fate of the tapes is in flux, the family learns the importance of cherishing old memories and creating new ones.

A Season of Promises

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 8
Starring Brooke D’Orsay, Ali Liebert, James Denton

Heidi (D’Orsay) and Sophie (Liebert) are sisters who couldn’t be more different – Heidi is buttoned-up and laser focused on landing the play-by-play job for the local pro hockey team while Sophie is following her dream of making it in stand-up comedy while waitressing. Though a years-ago rift following their mother’s passing have pulled the sisters apart, what they do share is a deep love for their father Ed (Denton). When a fainting episode lands him in the hospital Heidi and Sophie rush to his side. Hating seeing their father in that state – and still alone four years after losing their mother – the sisters decide to set aside their differences and team up to play Cupid at Christmas. As Heidi and Sophie work together to prepare Ed for the dating world in the hope he’ll find someone special in
time for the holiday, they each go on their own journeys that bring them unexpected joy, love and peace for Christmas.

Luke MacFarlane, Amy Acker

Hallmark Media

My Christmas Cowboy

Premieres Friday, Nov. 13:
Starring Amy Acker, Luke Macfarlane, Sara Canning

Meg (Acker) set aside her newscaster aspirations after a disastrous audition experience in college and has been happy as a news producer in her small town of Fern, Texas. Billy Kane (Macfarlane), her former college crush and audition partner, is a well-known celebrity host in Hollywood on the brink of losing his career after an on-camera gaffe. At the advice of his publicist, Billy begrudgingly returns to Texas to lay low and spend the holidays with his sister (Canning) and her family. When Meg and Billy cross paths he’s happy to see her but her feelings are on the frostier side – she’s still upset he took advantage of her failed audition to get the gig himself. Meg finds herself seeing Billy more than she’d like since his nephew Graham (Isaiah Haegert) is in the horse therapy program her dad runs at their ranch. With their annual Reindeer Roundup holiday event coming up Meg’s dad gets sidelined after an injury. Her dad enlists Billy to serve has its host, much to Meg’s chagrin. With the Reindeer Roundup just days away, Meg teaches Billy basic riding and roping skills to get him ready
for his hosting duties. In the process, they slowly reconnect and Meg sees there’s more to him than Hollywood glitz. As their connection grows, each of them helps give the other the courage to step outside their comfort zones and find new joy – and possibly love – in unexpected ways.

Tyler Hynes, Laci J Mailey

Hallmark Media

The Nights Before Christmas

Premieres Saturday, Nov. 14
Starring Tyler Hynes, Laci J Mailey

One Christmas Eve Marty (Hynes), whose life is in a bit of a rut, finds himself wishing he had more time. Thanks to some holiday magic, he awakes the next morning to discover it’s Christmas Eve – again. Confused at first, Marty learns to embrace his new normal and begins to truly appreciate the sights, sounds and people of New York City that previously went unnoticed. With this gift of time, he expands his world by learning how to play a new instrument, picking up new languages and reading…every single book. But when Marty meets Chloe (Mailey), a newly out-of-work journalist having a tough day, he falls hard for her. The only problem is that when the morning of December 24 comes once again, she doesn’t know who he is. As the Christmas Eves continue to repeat themselves, Marty makes it his mission to win her over and, in the process, figure out what he needs to do to finally make his way to Christmas Day — hopefully with Chloe by his side.

Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kristoffer Polaha

Hallmark Media

Mistletoe and Mimosas

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 15
Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kristoffer Polaha, Jennifer Robertson

Claire Bennett (Mowry-Housley) is a successful business consultant in Manhattan who unexpectedly inherits her beloved Uncle Lou’s Christmas-themed bar, The Tipsy Reindeer, in upstate New York. When she returns, Claire discovers the bar comes with high debt – her Uncle Lou was overly generous to people in town while the booming business of Algorithm, an upscale and trendy new club, added insult to injury. She intends to turn things around before Christmas and sell to someone who will preserve her uncle’s legacy and then return to her life in the city. Claire meets Zach (Polaha), Algorithm’s part owner and manager, who tells her they want to buy The Tipsy Reindeer so they can expand. Claire bristles at the proposition and they agree to face off in a 12 Days of Christmas-inspired series of festive events to see who can bring in the most business – if Claire wins, Zach will use his contacts to find the right buyer but if Zach emerges victorious, Claire agrees to consider Algorithm’s offer. As they compete over the course of the 12 days their attraction is undeniable. Rivalry leads to romance and the two are faced with figuring out how their shifting priorities might
somehow lead them down the same road, together.

Our Holiday Playbook

Premieres Friday, Nov. 20
Starring Taylor Cole, Charles Michael Davis

When Lexi Bell (Cole) returns home for the holidays, she faces a beloved family tradition she’d rather avoid: the fiercely competitive Bell Bowl, an annual Christmas flag football showdown between her father and uncle that has fueled decades of sibling rivalry. But when an injury sidelines her brother-in-law it looks like Lexi’s family’s losing streak will remain unbroken. To give them a fighting chance, she strikes a deal with Eddie (Davis), a former local football star-turned teacher – Lexi will use her baking know-how to help Eddie best his brother in their annual bake-off if he’ll pose as her boyfriend) and meet the “eligibility requirement” to play on their team. As they navigate each other’s festive family gatherings, traditions and celebrations, what started as a transactional partnership begins to become something more as Lexi and Eddie find themselves feeling less and less like their romantic relationship is just pretend. As the two clans battle it out on the field, regardless of who takes home the trophy Lexi may have already won at love.

Andrew Walker, Erin Cahill

Hallmark Media

Christmas in Blue Dog Valley

Premieres Saturday, Nov. 21
Starring Erin Cahill, Andrew Walker

On-set veterinarian Goldie MacKenzie (Cahill) leaves the glamour of Hollywood behind to buy a family-run veterinary clinic in tight-knit Blue Dog Valley, arriving just in time for the town’s cherished Christmas season. When Dr. Gable, the clinic’s longtime owner, unexpectedly ends up out of town, Goldie is hosted by his handsome son Cohen (Walker), the black sheep of the family because he decided to forego their expectation of becoming a vet. Cohen and Goldie get off on the wrong foot, but when the folks of Blue Dog Valley cold shoulder “the newcomer,” Cohen teams up with Goldie to win over even the frostiest of community members. Goldie is also aided by the mysterious canine she dubs Blue whose spontaneous appearances always seem to guide Goldie to exactly where she needs to be. As Goldie works hard to prove herself to the townspeople when furry and Christmas crises arise, she finds herself pulled towards the very heart of her new-found home…and a certain black sheep.

Twins Abigail and Charlie spend Christmas in Wales to run a bookstore and get swept into holiday romances with two Hay-on-Wye locals, a charming barista and a dashing lord. Photo: Rachael Leigh Cook Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Robin Morgan

Hallmark Media

Double Booked for the Holidays

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 22
Starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Owain Yeoman, Stephen Hagan

There’s only one thing identical twins, quiet and bookish Abigail (Cook) and globe-trotting event planner Charlie (Cook), agree on is that this first Christmas without their mom will be difficult. When they unexpectedly get a last-minute chance to travel to Wales and spend a week running the Story Shoppe, an AirBnb/bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, they jump at the opportunity. Abigail is particularly excited, given the town’s role as the backdrop of the bestselling Winterton Chronicles, her all-time favorite Regency holiday romances. Upon arrival, Abigail dives into setting up the bookshop’s window display with help from the friendly next-door barista, Tom (Yeoman), who is also a fan of the Winterton Chronicles. Meanwhile, Charlie meets the dashing Lord Rhys (Hagan), the great-nephew of Evelyn Calon, who wrote the book series. Abigail is charmed by a series of thoughtful Christmas
ornaments she assumes are from Rhys (but are actually from Tom), while Charlie and Rhys grow closer as they help plan the Winterton Ball at Rhys’ castle. Mistaken identities lead to a series of merry mix-ups as Rhys and Tom woo the sisters, unaware they are twins. On the night of the ball, however, the sisters’ double secret is discovered. As the truth is unwrapped, the crisscrossed lovers discover that the perfect holiday happy ending isn’t always by the book.

Wes Brown, Autumn Reeser

Hallmark Media

Christmas Delivered

Premieres Thursday, Nov. 26
Starring Autumn Reeser, Wes Brown

Determined to unwind from the stresses and loneliness of her everyday life, Kimberly Carr ( Reeser) travels to Canada to spend Christmas with her grandmother, JoJo (Linda Darlow), at her beautiful, cozy farmhouse. Kimberly’s plans for a restorative holiday are turned upside down when she crosses paths with Ben Chambers (Brown), owner of a local tree farm and new Christmas tree delivery app called TreeBen. Ben’s a dreamer who never looks before he leaps while Kimberly is methodical and lives her life based on practicality – the two couldn’t be more different. But when Ben’s app is plagued by an onslaught of issues, Kimberly uses her tech expertise to help him out and ensure that no one in town is deprived of a Christmas tree…even though she isn’t convinced of the need for the app in such a small town. As they team up to deliver trees in his red truck, Kimberly and Ben discover they may have more in common than they realized. In the process, Kimberly begins to question if she’s truly happy with her life or if she’s ready for a change and – just maybe – ready for romance.

Kevin McGarry, Toni Ellwand, Daniella Monet The Christmas Eve Feast

Premieres Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. ET
Stars: Daniella Monet, Kevin McGarry
Executive Produced by Giada DeLaurentiis

Silvana “Silvy” Gianetti (Monet) is disillusioned with her job as the Executive Chef at a swanky restaurant in New York. Growing up in a large and loving Italian-American family, Silvy is drawn to the food and comfort of her home. When her beloved Nonna suffers a minor wrist injury, Silvy is called back home to Boston’s Italian North End to prepare the family’s beloved “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Christmas Eve dinner. As she preps for the big feast, her family is joined by Ethan (McGarry), a photographer who is documenting different family traditions around town and who’s become close to her Nonna. After a rocky start with Ethan, things begin to heat up as Silvy grows to appreciate the heart and soul he puts into capturing the magic of the little moments and a romance could be simmering. Every day leading up to Christmas Eve, Silvy gathers in the kitchen with her Nonna, mom
and aunt to prepare the pasta, struffoli and other Italian classics near and dear to Silvy’s heart. This special family time reminds her of the kind of cooking that truly brings her joy and leads Silvy to rethink where she belongs and gets a clear picture of who should be by her side.

Return to Santa

Premieres Friday, Nov. 27
Starring Paul Campbell, Rachel Boston

Hopeful and dreamy eight-year-old Jake (Campbell) writes a letter to Santa with all his most fantastical wishes. But when the letter gets lost in the North Pole, young Jake wakes up disappointed, and no longer a believer. Decades later Santa discovers the misplaced letter and immediately sets out to make things right. Now an adult, Jake’s life is about to get turned upside down when the appearance of his childhood wishes clash with his practical life. All while his childhood best friend Julie (Boston) rather unexpectedly moved back to town. As Santa continues to check off Jake’s list, Jake and Julie combine forces to anticipate each new wishes’ chaotic consequences, all while growing closer to each other – and possibly leading Jake closer to his most important childhood dream.

Peter Porte, Tammin Sursok The Most Wonderful Secret

Premieres Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m ET
Starring Tammin Sursok, Peter Porte

Every Christmas, a small town honors the memory of a beloved teacher who once spread joy through her “Secret Norma” gifts each holiday by creating a whimsical and heartfelt scavenger hunt for one worthy recipient. When burned-out art teacher Vanessa (Sursok) visits her widowed brother and niece Esther for the holidays, she is surprised to be chosen as the next “Secret Norma” recipient. Hoping to bring Esther some Christmas magic, Vanessa decides to help revive the town’s holiday block party. Her handsome electrician neighbor Spencer (Porte) offers help with the preparations if Vanessa will help him sell his mother Norma’s house. As Vanessa solves the riddles of “Secret Norma” and plans the block party, her passion for teaching art begins to spark along with her feelings for the charming electrician next door.

Bryce Durfee, Asher Alexander, Travis Van Winkle, Lacey Chabert, Taegen Burns, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano

Hallmark Media

Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True

Premieres Saturday, Nov. 28
Starring Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns

Lindsey (Chabert) and her extended family head to the Walt Disney World Resort® to spend a magical Christmas together. But the dream of a jolly holiday gets quickly dashed when Lindsey discovers her room is next door to Philip (Van Winkle), a disastrous first date she recently had, who’s also there on a family trip. As Lindsey and Philip’s paths cross throughout their stay, the frost starts to thaw as they learn they’re not so different from each other after all. Thanks to some Walt Disney World magic, the holiday wish Lindsey made in Cinderella Fountain just might turn their rivalry into romance.

Dan Jeannotte, Hunter King

Hallmark Media

Eight Nights for Love

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 29: at 6 p.m. ET
Starring Hunter King, Dan Jeannotte

Hannah (King), who works for a large auction house in New York City, is excited for her best friend Ethan (Jeannotte) to return home for a visit during Hannukah and is looking forward to some much-needed time off from work That plan is short lived when Ethan shares the news that he’s convinced the daughter of his wealthy boss to use Hannah’s auction house to sell their family’s collection of Judaica with the condition that Hannah handles the sale. Complicating her holiday further, she meets the mysterious Pearl (Felicia Shulman), who gifts her with an antique menorah that is anything but ordinary as it takes her back to a different times of her life each night of Hanukkah, with Pearl as her guide. This front row seat past moments – including some that involve Ethan – leads Hannah to reflect, break out of her comfort zone and overcome her fear of failure. Thanks to her trips through the past, and as she and Ethan spend time together in the present Hannah realizes she has feelings
for him she never acknowledged. Through this journey, Hannah makes some bold decisions about her life – and love – that are sure to make this Hanukkah one to remember.

Miles to Christmas

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 29
Starring Ashley Williams, Steve Lund, Alison Sweeney

When an early snowstorm sweeps through the Midwest, punctual, straight-laced “suit” Cassidy Fields (Williams) is forced to hitch a ride with free spirited, music loving Johanna “Jo” Woods (Sweeney) in her brother Chase’s (Lund) 18-wheeler to the nearest airport to catch another flight. However, when Jo’s flight successfully takes off and Cassidy’s is cancelled again at the last minute she joins Chase on the road back to Tennessee from Chicago to make it home in time to spend Christmas with her father. Quickly, Cassidy and Chase’s connection begins to spark. Through losing the car keys, stopping to partake in a Mrs. Claus parade and a surprise run-in with Jo, whose plane got grounded mid-flight due to weather, Cassidy builds bonds with both siblings as they all challenge one another’s life philosophies. As the trio pushes past every obstacle, they work to embrace their differences and find that the fastest way home is when they lean on one another for help.

The Snowflake Effect

Premieres Friday, Dec. 4
Starring Heather Hemmens, Mark Ghanimé

When driven corporate attorney Tanya (Hemmens) rushes into a charming gift shop searching for a last-minute White Elephant gift, she crosses paths with Jason (Ghanimé), a handsome, laid-back clerk. Their brief encounter leads Tanya to purchase a beautiful antique glass snowflake which, unbeknownst to her or Jason, is a good luck charm that carries a generations-old Christmas tradition. However, since the ornament is entered into a holiday gift exchange rather than gifted with proper intention, Tanya suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of everyone else’s misfortune. After Jason’s Aunt Coco (Jayne Eastwood) explains the snowflake’s magical lore, Tanya reluctantly teams up with Jason to track down the snowflake as it makes its way from one recipient to the next across Chicago before Christmas Day or she’ll be stuck with bad luck until next Christmas. Along the way,
the pair is swept into festive holiday adventures, unexpected encounters and a journey that
challenges Tanya’s carefully structured life. As they race against the clock to undo the snowflake’s magic, Tanya and Jason’s relationship turns into something more and they may find that their biggest stroke of luck was meeting each other.

Niall Matter, Holland Roden

Hallmark Media

A Grand Biltmore Christmas

Premieres Saturday, Dec. 5
Starring Holland Roden, Niall Matter, Andie MacDowell, James Trevena, Jonathan Frakes, Rachel Boston, Wes Brown

As Biltmore House opens for the first time on Christmas Eve 1895, 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family are holiday guests. When she notices Michael, a fellow teen caught trespassing by the staff, Elizabeth comes to his rescue by claiming to know him, much to his relief. The two share an instant connection and set out to explore Biltmore but Michael inexplicably vanishes. Twenty years later, Elizabeth (Roden) is spending Christmas at Biltmore and this time is accompanied by James (Trevena), a suitor her Aunt Maysilee (MacDowell), is keen for her to wed. When a stranger asks Elizabeth to dance at the Christmas gala she’s shocked to discover it’s Michael (Matter). Thrilled to reunite with her friend, she throws herself into his arms. But the world around her changes in an instant when Elizabeth is transported into the modern world with Michael, a tourist from the present day who had traveled to the past 20 years prior with the help of a magical hourglass in Biltmore’s library. Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation. As Elizabeth experiences life and Christmas in the 21st century, she and Michael become close. When the time comes for her to return to 1915, Elizabeth must decide whether she’ll resume the life that’s been chosen for her or if her heart will lead her down a new path in the present.

An Angel in My Stocking

Premieres Sunday, Dec. 6
Starring Fiona Gubelmann, Marco Grazzini, Nancy Robertson

Amanda (Gubelmann) and Jack (Grazzini) had a whirlwind romance and got married after knowing each other for only three months. Their first – and only – Christmas together was calamitous and was the beginning of the end to their brief marriage. Three years post-divorce and still harboring an aversion for the holiday, Amanda is heading to Vermont with her sister Lucy (Siobhan Williams) to enjoy an un-Christmasy getaway…and finds that Jack is on their flight. En route, Amanda meets Margaret (Robertson), a quirky traveler who disappears without a trace and without being seen by anyone else, leaving Amanda mystified. Bad weather diverts the plane to the remote town of Pinecone Lake, leaving Amanda with the last person she wants to be stranded with – Jack. Shortly after arriving, Margaret inexplicably reappears and convinces a confused Amanda that she is in fact her guardian angel and has been her entire life. As the days leading to Christmas pass by, Amanda slowly begins to feel connected to the community and, with Margaret’s guidance, sees beyond past circumstances and follows her heart to where – and with whom – she truly belongs.

Will Kemp, Jessy Schram

Hallmark Media

Christmas in Canterbury

Premieres Friday, Dec. 11
Starring Jessy Schram, Will Kemp

Rose (Schram) arrives in Canterbury, England eager to spend the holidays with her childhood friend Asha (Sohm Kapila) as she leaves behind her hometown of Vienna, OH following the passing of her beloved Grandma Bud. Having first met in a children’s choir they went on to pursue careers as choir masters. As Rose arrives Asha is put on bed rest in the final days of her pregnancy. Rose steps in when the headmistress offers her the job…not realizing there was confusion over which Vienna children’s choir she worked with. Rose’s “glass half full” attitude is tested when she crosses paths with Harrison (Kemp), the traditionalist boys’ choir master who has an unwavering allegiance to history and precedents. The boys’ choir always performs at the annual Christmas Eve concert in
Canterbury Cathedral but Rose questions why the girls don’t have the opportunity. When the school’s headmistress decides the two choirs should compete against each other for the honor, they get to work to prepare their students. Along the way, their rivalry sparks a romance and these two seemingly opposites from opposite sides of the pond discover they may not be so different after all.

Snow Globe Town

Premieres Saturday, December 12
Starring Kimberley Sustad, Scott Michael Foster

Inspired by Brad Paisley’s song “Snow Globe Town,” this heartfelt holiday romance follows Emily Church (Sustad), who joins her sister Zoe and Zoe’s longtime boyfriend on a Christmas getaway to Pine Grove, the town famously known as the Christmas Proposal Capital of America. Expecting to help capture a photos of Zoe’s perfect engagement moment as is their family’s tradition, Emily instead finds herself unexpectedly sidelined by the town’s couples-only traditions and paired with Bert Baxter (Foster), a skeptical journalist researching the celebrated romantic legacy inspired by his grandfather. As Emily quietly works behind the scenes to help Zoe’s proposal plans come together, she and Bert are drawn into the town’s festive traditions, holiday competitions and Christmas celebrations. Along the way they discover a shared outlook on love and life that challenges both of their expectations. As old assumptions are tested and new possibilities emerge, Pine Grove reminds them that love, family and the spirit of Christmas often arrive in the most unexpected ways.

Noelle Nomads

Premieres Sunday, Dec. 13
Starring Benjamin Ayres, Torrey DeVitto

Before they can embark on their luxurious Hawaiian holiday, uptight sports medicine physician Joseph (Ayres) and his daughter Annie (Kaelyn Yoon-MacRae) must first begrudgingly make a pit stop at a remote campground and deliver a package from his late father to a mysterious person named Birdie. Their plans are derailed when Joseph accidentally crashes into free-spirited Nora’s (DeVitto) RV at a rest stop. Things go from bad to worse when they not only fail to find the elusive Birdie, but their ancient Winnebago breaks down as well. Forced to spend the next few days at the campground while they wait for replacement parts, Nora introduces Joseph and Annie to the eccentric campers who lovingly dub themselves the Nomads. The embers of romance begin to glow as Nora shows
Joseph how to embrace the freedom of camp life. When the mystery of who Birdie is becomes clearer and the much-awaited parts arrive allowing Joseph and Annie to finally make their Hawaiian getaway, Joseph must decide if leaving the campground and person who makes it feel more like home is in the plans.

Hearts All Aglow

Premieres Friday, Dec. 18
Starring Mishael Morgan, B.J. Britt, Holly Robinson Peete

Mari (Morgan) is a fiercely intelligent music historian who manages to get an invite to the annual Christmas gala for the local music museum and has one goal: secure an interview with Tasha (Robinson Peete) the legendary Grammy award-winning singer, record producer, and museum’s founder. Mari has to summon the courage to ask the mogul who rarely does interviews these days for this favor, which proves more difficult than anticipated. Also crashing the gala is Julian (Britt), a polished and perpetually busy New York attorney on a mission of his own – his late mother received the autograph of Nat King Cole on a piece of sheet music when she was a young girl and he regrettably donated this treasured piece of family history to the DuPree Museum while emotionally numb in the
aftermath of his mother’s death. Now his sister tells him she wants to give the framed sheet music to her daughter/his niece, who inherited her grandmother’s musical talent, for Christmas and Julian is determined to bring it back home. When Mari and Julian cross paths at the gala, they ultimately team up as they look for their chance to talk to the elusive host while participating in increasingly chaotic Christmas contests whose winners will get a tour of the museum that night by Tasha herself. What neither of them expects is how their partnership deepens over the course of this unforgettable evening and leads them to discover that what they were searching for isn’t necessarily what they actually need.

Barking All the Way

Premieres Saturday, Dec. 19
Starring Ian Harding, Tori Anderson

Billie (Anderson) is a workaholic realtor who heads home for Christmas but her journey is derailed after loveable, but chaotic canine named Yappy almost causes her car to crash. After talking to Yappy’s owner, the mysterious, yet oddly familiar Mrs. C, Billie agrees to watch Yappy while she visits her grandchildren for the holidays. Yappy ends up playing the role of matchmaker and new best friend, pulling Billie towards her traveling contractor ex-boyfriend from high school, Hutch (Harding). Eager to move on she’s determined to leave Hutch in the past, but when her mother hires him to work on their shed, she finds herself spending more time with him than she ever expected. As the holidays draw closer, Billie begins to question whether chasing her dream of becoming her firm’s number one seller is truly what she wants. When the mysterious Mrs. C leaves her cabin for Billie and Hutch to
breathe new life into, her answer may come sooner than expected.

Sydney Sabiston, Eric Gustafsson, Italia Ricci, Jonathan Bennett, Graham Parkhurst

Hallmark Media

Save the Date for Christmas

Premieres Sunday, Dec. 20
Starring Jonathan Bennett, Italia Ricci

Susie (Ricci) has checked out on dating while Alec (Bennett) is a hopeless romantic – these longtime friends have both struck out in the love department after failing to meet the right man. After being each other’s plus one to what feels like the twentieth wedding this year, they vow to take a break from attending weddings and looking for their respective prince charming. That break doesn’t last long as next day Susie’s sister announces a last-minute Christmas wedding…and Susie convinces Alec to tag along. The objective for the week? Survive as the two lone, single people and avoid family matchmaking. Over time, the Christmas wedding duties and time with family during the holidays force these two best friends to forge a new appreciation for love and marriage. Susie finds herself turning over a new leaf in pursuing romance while Alec discovers love can walk into your life whenyou least expect it.

2026 ORIGINAL SERIES AND SPECIAL PREMIERES Peter Mooney, Sarah Drew

Hallmark Media

Mistletoe Murders (Season 3)

Premieres Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ET
Starring Sarah Drew, Peter Mooney
Catherine Bell and Holly Robinson Peete guest star this season

Emily Lane (Drew) once again teams up with Detective Sam Wilner (Mooney) to solve three new Christmas mysteries as her past collides with her present, leaving her questioning everything she believed to be true.

The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday

Premieres Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. ET
Co-Hosts: Jonathan Bennett, Melissa Peterman

Join hosts Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman and other favorite stars at Hallmark’s Christmas Experience and get an exclusive look at what’s coming to Hallmark in 2027.

Next, One of Netflix’s Most Addictive New Romances Is Getting a Follow-Up—and Fans Think They Know the New Leads

The '3-Ounce Rule': Immunologists Say Eating This Specific Protein Multiple Times a Week Rebuilds Your Immune System After 50

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:50am

Getting older brings a wealth of life experience, perspective and confidence, but it also ushers in a subtle shift in how human bodies defend themselves.

As the decades pass, many adults notice that seasonal bugs linger a bit longer than they used to in their younger years. Cuts take an extra few days to heal and winter chills seem to settle deeper into the bones. This natural decline in defense function, known scientifically as “immunosenescence,” leaves adults over 50 significantly more vulnerable to viral illnesses and persistent inflammation.

However, supporting your body through this biological transition does not require complex routines, restrictive diets or expensive daily supplements. In fact, leading medical experts agree that the most powerful tool for rebuilding your natural resilience is sitting right on your dinner plate every single week.

By adopting a simple routine known as the “3-ounce rule,” you can give your body the exact raw materials it needs to repair cellular damage, lower systemic inflammation and rebuild white blood cell activity. Immunologists are urging adults past the age of 50 to add a specific, nutrient-dense protein into their weekly meal rotation to help protect their long-term health, vitality and longevity.

Taking control of your health past 50 comes down to making strategic, evidence-based choices. When you understand how targeted nutrition interacts with aging cells, staying healthy stops feeling like a constant battle and starts feeling like an attainable daily practice.

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Why Fatty Fish Is the Ultimate Immune Rebuilder After 50

When it comes to revitalizing an aging immune system, immunologists point to fatty fish—such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout—as the single most effective protein you can consume. Unlike lean meats or plant proteins alone, fatty fish offers a unique combination of high-quality amino acids and critical micronutrients that directly target the internal mechanisms of aging.

“Fatty fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout are excellent sources of natural vitamin D, B12 and selenium, in addition to several of the other micronutrients that are important for the immune system,” Dr. Amanda Salih, MD, MPH, an allergist-immunologist at Rush University Medical Center, previously told Parade. “The omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, in fatty fish also have multiple described anti-inflammatory properties.”

These essential omega-3 fatty acids serve as the main defense against chronic, low-grade inflammation, which frequently accelerates cellular aging throughout the body. And the dense protein content in fish provides the foundational building blocks for key internal components.

“Protein is crucial for immune functionality, because immune cells, antibodies and immune cell signaling molecules are all composed of proteins,” Dr. Salih said. “We need protein to build immune cells, make antibodies and dampen inflammation, to recover from infections and maintain healthy immune functioning.”

How To Apply the 3-Ounce Rule for Maximum Defense

Reaping the protective rewards of fatty fish does not require eating huge portions or spending hours cooking in the kitchen. Medical professionals emphasize that consistency and correct portion sizes are what truly drive deep cellular repair over time.

Dr. Amiirah Aujnarain, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist, previously told Parade that adults should aim to consume a portion size of three to four ounces of fatty fish two to three times per week. Keeping portions to this three-ounce standard ensures you receive optimal levels of omega-3s, zinc and vitamin D while keeping mercury intake within safe limits.

Preparation methods are equally important for protecting these delicate nutrients. Deep-frying fish at extreme temperatures can break down beneficial fats and create inflammatory byproducts. To preserve maximum health benefits, experts suggest baking, poaching, grilling or air-frying your fish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs.

Pairing your weekly salmon or sardines with other immune-supportive habits creates a powerful defense network. Physical movement works hand in hand with your diet to keep your defensive system strong.

“Modest exercise like walking 30 minutes five days a week helps your immune system fight infections,” Dr. James Moy, MD, a board-certified allergist-immunologist at Rush University System for Health, previously told Parade. “Regular moderate exercise reduces inflammation and helps immune cells regenerate.”

Combining this regular physical activity with fermented foods like sauerkraut, gut-friendly kimchi and dark leafy greens provides essential antioxidants like vitamins C and E. When you apply the 3-ounce rule alongside consistent daily movement and quality sleep, you take true control of your long-term health and stay vibrant through your fifties and beyond.

Adapted from Parade’s “Doctors Are Begging People Over 50 To Eat This Every Week To Strengthen Immunity” by Jenna Clark and “Immunologists Are Begging People Over 50 To Start Doing This 1 Daily Habit ASAP” by Beth Ann Mayer

Up Next:

Sources:

Dr. Amanda Salih, MD, MPH, allergist-immunologist at Rush University Medical Center
Dr. Amiirah Aujnarain, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologist
Dr. James Moy, MD, board-certified allergist-immunologist at Rush University System for Health

'Barely Breathing' Singer Duncan Sheik Hospitalized in 'Critical But Stable Condition'

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:43am

Duncan Sheik, who became known for his1996 hit single “Barely Breathing,” was reported to have been hospitalized and in critical condition.

A statement was posted on the singer’s Instagram account on Wednesday about his health. While telling fans the singer is in stable but critical condition, his family also asked for privacy and will not share further medical details.

“We would like to share an update with Duncan’s fans and the public. Duncan is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition,” read the Instagram post. “Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing any further medical details at this time. We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and will provide updates when appropriate.”

The post ended with thanks to fans for their continued love and support. There have been no previous reports of Sheik dealing with medical issues.

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The New Jersey native began his career playing guitar for other artists before releasing his self-titled debut album in 1996. Sheik recorded almost 30 songs for the album, with the majority of them not being included. He gained popularity with his track “Barely Breathing,” alongside “She Runs” and “Reason for Living.”

“Barely Breathing” landed at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained on the chart for 55 weeks. It also landed at No. 1 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart and No. 19 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In a 2015 interview, he reported that the song “kind of took on a life of its own” after its release.

Sheik admitted in prior interviews that the song was actually a “last throwaway” for the album, and believed there was “much more interesting music on the record.” Regardless, the song became a big radio hit and was a “life-changing” experience. Critics even called it one of the greatest songs of the ’90s and a one-hit wonder of the era.

Besides his ’90s hits, Sheik is also a known composer who wrote the music for the coming-of-age rock musical Spring Awakening. It earned the singer a 2006 Tony Award for Best Orchestrations and a Tony Award for Best Original Score alongside Steven Sater. The musical also won the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

A few years later, Sheik also composed the music for the 2013 musical adaptation of American Psycho that later hit Broadway.

Ninja Trolls This Fan-Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brand With Newest Drop That Shoppers Say Is 'Too Good to Be True'

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:43am

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Not to exaggerate things, but there appears to be a war brewing between two culinary behemoths, and we’re locked in for all the drama. If you’re not up to speed, please allow me a moment to fill you in. Kitchen gadget powerhouse with arguably the busiest research and development team on the block, Ninja, recently released yet another must-have item that fans are losing their proverbial minds over. Never mind that they just launched the 4-in-1 Ninja CurshBoss Kitchen System, the dual-zone Ninja Crispi Air Fryer, and the new Crispi Microwave—now they’re coming for your pots and pans, too.

Although it isn’t the Ninja’s first foray into cookware, its newly launched Ninja NeverQuit Ceramic Cookware line puts the brand squarely at the center of a growing battle over nontoxic cookware supremacy. Like other brands, Ninja’s new cookware line uses a nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating that is free of lead, cadmium, PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and hard anodization. Where Ninja deviates (as always) is in the minute details.

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Ninja Launches New NeverQuit Ceramic Cookware Line View this post on Instagram

In addition to being available in four stunning colorways, including Bone and Silver, Forest Sage, Stone and Gold, and Nautical Navy, Ninja also designed their cookware with super-genius features like the ultra-smart NeverChip stacking system that ensures your pots and pans perform as well on the 100th use as they did on the first. Simple yet ingenious additions like integrated nesting guides and lids with collapsible handles make it easy to store your coveted cookware away without worrying about any chips or scratches.

As if that wasn’t enough, the entire set is metal utensil-safe, oven-safe up to 550°F without the lid and, unlike its competitor, dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup. That’s great and all, but you’re probably still wondering who’s on the other side of the one-way beef? Well, none other than leading ceramic cookware brand Caraway. Although Ninja hasn’t exactly called Caraway out by name, it has all but hinted at its desire to outdo the brand that started it all at every turn.

Ninja NeverQuit 12-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set, $399.99 at SharkNinja

SharkNinja

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On its website, you’ll find an infographic comparing the two; Ninja dropped a video putting both brands through a series of intense tests—like hitting them with a flame torch, high-pressure water blast, and power sander—and Ninja strategically priced its cookware to be cheaper than Caraway by a long shot. A 12-piece set from Caraway can set you back a whopping $675, unless you take advantage of their current sale and grab yours for $445, while Ninja’s same-sized NeverQuit set will only cost you $399.99. And instead of four pans, you get five!

View this post on Instagram

Both sets also come with a few extras, but objectively, Ninja’s appear to be far more useful. In addition to your pots and pans, you’ll also receive stainless steel steamer and strainer inserts for your four-quart Possible Pan, a six-quart strainer basket, a spatula, a pasta ladle, and a spoon rest. On the other hand, Caraway’s set comes with a pan organizer and a canvas lid holder that hangs inside your cabinet. Anything beyond that you’ll have to purchase separately.

That said, Caraway still has a pretty diehard fanbase, and although Ninja is making a very compelling case for its NeverQuit ceramic cookware, only time will tell if people actually start making the switch. Judging by all the hype from fans, though, Caraway might want to pay attention. “Brb going to replace my entire cookware collection,” said one enthusiastic shopper. “I don’t NEED an upgrade… but boy howdy do I WANT to upgrade to these,” another person agreed. One fan even called them “Too good to be true!” while someone else joked, “I’m bout to unfollow y’all 😂.”

Caraway Mysteriously Wipes Entire Instagram Feed

With all that in mind, Caraway’s recent decision to cryptically wipe its Instagram feed does seem a bit suspicious. Is it a build-up for some ad blitz that’ll knock Ninja’s socks off, or could it be a teaser for the brand’s biggest launch to date? Only time will tell. Either way, we’ll keep our eyes peeled in case Caraway does respond, because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that Caraway isn’t one to back down from a fight. So, what’s the verdict? Are you Team NeverQuit or are you sticking with Caraway? Let us know in the comments!

Inside Jimmy Buffett’s Widow’s Bitter Fight Over His $275 Million Estate

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:40am

Jimmy Buffett built a massive fortune around the laid-back lifestyle of “Margaritaville,” but three years after his death, his widow is locked in a legal fight over the $275 million trust he left behind.

Before Buffett died on Sept. 1, 2023, he placed most of his assets into a marital trust for his wife of 46 years, Jane Buffett. Their three children are expected to inherit whatever remains after Jane’s death.

Buffett appointed Jane and Richard Mozenter, his longtime business manager and financial adviser, to oversee the trust together. That arrangement has since fallen apart.

Jane and Mozenter have each filed lawsuits seeking to remove the other as co-trustee, according to The Wall Street Journal. The dispute is expected to go to trial in January.
Jane has accused Mozenter of keeping financial information from her, making decisions without her input and charging the trust millions of dollars in fees. She described the trust as his “personal piggy bank.”

Mozenter has pushed back against those claims and alleged that Buffett had concerns about his wife’s ability to manage his fortune. He has described Jane as someone who “wants to control everything and believes she is never wrong.”

The trust contains a significant portion of the empire Buffett built during his lifetime. Its assets include approximately $85 million connected to a 20% stake in Margaritaville and $35 million worth of real estate, including properties in Palm Beach, Sag Harbor, Los Angeles, the Bahamas and St. Barts.

It also includes approximately $15 million in airplane interests, $5 million in vehicles and $2 million in music equipment.

Despite the trust’s $275 million estimated value, Mozenter has warned Jane that it could generate less than $2 million in annual net income because much of the fortune is tied up in real estate and other assets that do not regularly produce income.

The fight has also created tension within the Buffett family. The couple’s daughter, Savannah Buffett, has sided with Mozenter, contributing to a serious rift with her mother.

Jane once sent Savannah a text referencing her potential $75 million inheritance, per the outlet: “Say goodbye to that 75 mil.”

She later suggested the message was written in frustration.

“I suspect everyone has sent a text message or two, that with the benefit of hindsight, they wished they had phrased differently,” Jane said.

Another dispute involves Mozenter’s proposal to restructure the trust. The plan would remove Jane as co-trustee and give Buffett’s sister, Lucy Buffett, veto power over certain decisions. Jane called the proposal an “unconscionable power grab.”

Now, both sides are preparing for a January trial that could determine who controls the fortune Buffett spent decades building — and how the trust he created for his wife and children will operate going forward.

Recess Unveils Fan-Favorite Martini Flavors in New Zero-Proof Cans, Just in Time for Fall Sipping

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:40am

There are certain flavors that just scream fall, and martini lovers know that apple martinis and espresso martinis are both on that list. Now, for those who want to indulge in the drinks but want to skip out on the alcohol for any reason, beverage brand Recess has just rolled out two new zero proof cans that deliver the same flavor with none of the buzz.

Available online and in stores now, Recess’s new Apple ‘Tini and Espresso ‘Tini are alcohol-free craft mocktails, and both flavors contain adaptogens, 10mg of guayusa, L‑theanine and lemon balm to help sippers unwind (without the hangover). Both cans also contain less than 5 grams of sugar, and the Apple ‘Tini comes in at just 35 calories per can, while the Espresso ‘Tini comes in even lower at 30 calories.

Recess Espresso ‘Tini

Recess

The Apple ‘Tini offers a tart green apple flavor with pear juice, perfect for spooky season, and the Espresso ‘Tini combines the smooth, bold flavor of a traditional espresso martini with a touch of vanilla.

The Apple ‘Tinis and Espresso ‘Tinis come in a variety 6-pack of both flavors for $18.99, or each can be purchased in its own 12-pack for $37.99. The packs are currently available on the Recess website and can also be found at select participating retailers nationwide, including Target, Giant, Acme and others.

Recess Apple ‘Tini

Recess

In addition to the new ‘Tinis, Recess offers a range of other zero proof canned beverages, such as Classic “Cosmo,” Lime “Margarita,” Watermelon “Mojito,” Ginger Lime “Mule” and others, alongside various other drinks, including the Recess Mood sparkling waters that are infused with magnesium and adaptogens. Recess Mood sparkling waters come in flavors like strawberry rose, raspberry lemon, orange vanilla, peach ginger and many others.

True Recess fans can also find the limited-edition Recess jersey on the website, while supplies last.

'80s Brat Pack Icons Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen Are Spitting Image of Their Father in Rare Photo Reunion

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:26am

The Estevez brothers are back together for a rare photographed reunion.

According to multiple photos shared across social media, Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen reunited at the recent Fan Expo in Dallas to celebrate the anniversary of the 1988 Western film, Young Guns, which they both starred in.

Also attending the event were fellow Young Guns cast members Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Terry O’Quinn, Dermot Mulroney and Casey Siemaszko, all of whom similarly posed with the duo in a variety of colorful photos.

A cult favorite Western project that offers a largely fictionalized portrayal of the life of infamous outlaw Billy the Kid, Young Guns follows the early stages of the bandit’s career as he joins a group of outcast young men battling a profit-hungry cattle baron.

Debuting in theaters in 1988, Young Guns earned mostly mixed reviews at the time of its release, with many praising the performances (most especially Estevez’s role as Billy the Kid) while remaining critical of the movie’s many historical inaccuracies.

Nevertheless, it has since achieved a favorable status among dedicated fans, even paving the way to a 1992 sequel, Young Guns II, with Estevez, Sutherland and Phillips reprising their roles.

One of the rare mainstream films the brothers starred in together, Estevez and Sheen also starred in a handful of other cult films throughout their careers, including the 1983 comedy Men at Work and 2000’s Rated X.

The brothers also appeared on-screen together in their earliest on-screen debut, the 1973 thriller Badlands, starring their famous father Martin Sheen.

In their photos together, many fans pointed out the two stars’ uncanny resemblance to one another, with Estevez in particular appearing to closely resemble their father Martin.

“Damn, Emilio is really looking like Martin,” one fan said of the actor’s appearance on Reddit. “I wouldn’t mind a West Wing reboot right about now.”

Led Zeppelin Legend Unearths Never-Released Recording He Made 45 Years Ago

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:20am

Jimmy Page has unearthed a piece of his post-Led Zeppelin history that was never officially released.

The legendary guitarist revealed in a recent Instagram post that he discovered a white-label test pressing of music he recorded for the 1982 Charles Bronson movie Death Wish II tucked away among a collection of unrelated acetates.

Page shared the discovery while looking back at Sept. 16, 1981, when he recorded the main title music for the film.

“Michael Winner had asked me to write the soundtrack to Death Wish II and on this day in 1981, I recorded the main title music,” Page wrote.

At the time, however, the piece had the considerably less glamorous working title “Synth track.”

Page explained that the name referred to an initial guitar track he performed using a guitar synthesizer. He subsequently added more guitar synthesizer overdubs along with melody lines played on a Telecaster string bender.

The music eventually evolved into “Who’s to Blame,” featuring lyrics by Page and vocals by Chris Farlowe. But the version Page recently found was something different.

“The sound source for this was taken from a white label test pressing that I recently discovered amongst some unrelated acetates,” Page revealed, adding that the recording “didn’t come out at the time” and wasn’t included on the Death Wish II soundtrack album.

It wasn’t completely lost to history, however. According to Page, the music was used during the film’s opening sequence.

Death Wish II arrived during an unusual period in Page’s career. Led Zeppelin had disbanded in December 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham, and director Winner, who happened to be Page’s neighbor in London, approached him about composing the movie’s score.

Winner later recalled for Uncut magazine that Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant helped arrange the project in hopes of getting Page creating music again. According to Winner, Page worked independently after being given the film and the necessary timings, ultimately delivering a score the director called remarkably professional.

The resulting Death Wish II: The Original Soundtrack – Music by Jimmy Page was released on Feb. 15, 1982, through Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. “Who’s to Blame” opened the original album, while Farlowe was among the musicians who contributed to the project.

Page’s score also had an afterlife. Winner later reused some of the Death Wish II music in Death Wish 3, while Page was subsequently approached about scoring Winner’s 1985 movie Scream for Help. Page declined that project and suggested his former Led Zeppelin bandmate John Paul Jones instead.

Page revisited the Death Wish II soundtrack in 2011, when he released a limited deluxe edition featuring previously unreleased material, new sleeve notes and updated artwork.

Fans were delighted by Page’s latest trip into his archives.

“Love this soundtrack!” one person responded, while another called it an “incredible soundtrack.” Another thanked Page for continuing to share stories and music from throughout his career.

Roy Orbison Jr, sson of rock ‘n’ roll legend Roy Orbison, also showed his appreciation, liking Page’s post and leaving four musical-note emojis in the comments.

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