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Nick Reiner will not face the death penalty in his murder trial for the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has taken the death penalty off the table, according to TMZ. The outlet reported that Hochman’s decision was largely influenced by the late director and his wife’s personal views on execution.

The A Few Good Men director and his longtime partner were vocal democrats and believed in forgiveness.

“I’m Jewish but I believe in the teachings of Jesus and I believe in ‘do unto others,'” Rob told Piers Morgan regarding Erika Kirk publicly forgiving her husband’s alleged murderer. “I believe in forgiveness, and what she said to me was beautiful. She forgave his assassin. And I think that is admirable.”

The Reiners also famously formed a close bond with a man who served more than three decades in prison for a murder he claimed he did not commit. Rob later executive produced a one-man stage show featuring the inmate-turned-friend, Naynan Williams.

According to TMZ, the will of both Jake and Romy Reiner also came into play for Hochman’s decision.

With the death penalty off the table, Nick could still end up with a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Nick was arrested hours after his parents’ slain bodies were found inside their Brentwood, California, home on December 14, 2025. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Nick pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for his pre-trial hearing on Tuesday.

Tom Hanks‘ 1983 guest spot on Family Ties completely blindsided 1980s TV audiences.

Known at the time for his silly comedic roles, Hanks stepped into the shoes of Uncle Ned, Elyse Keaton’s (Meredith Baxter Birney) fun-loving brother. He turned what seemed like a typical sitcom appearance into a gritty, tragic portrayal of a man battling severe alcoholism.

The very special episode was an intense two-parter that pushed the Keatons into unprecedented dramatic territory. It culminated in an unforgettable confrontation between Ned and Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox), where Ned smacked his nephew across the face.

Mental Floss cited the Family Ties installment on its list of “12 Very Special Episodes.” Thew outlet recapped, “When Elise’s brother Ned (played by Tom Hanks) pays a visit, his newly developed drinking problem is played for laughs at first.”

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The synopsis continued, “Alex encounters Ned late at night in the kitchen draining the last of the liquor, and then watches him guzzle vanilla extract and a bottle of maraschino cherries. When he shows up sozzled for a job interview, it’s still pretty funny (for the audience, at least). But when Ned turns into a mean drunk and smacks Alex in the face, things take a serious turn.”

In the scene, as Ned, Hank’s demeanor gets more and more agitated. “You think I’m drunk?” he asks Fox.

“Let me tell you something, buddy, I’m drunk,” he declared. “Ned Donnelly marches to his own drum. So don’t think you can come in here and prop me up wit some pious platitudes ’cause you were wrong. Why don’t you just get out of here. Beat it, you’re beginning to get on my nerves.”

Fans responded to the scene in the comments section of its YouTube video. They applauded the series for tackling the difficult subject.

“That’s the magic of a well-written sitcom: The ability to jump from comedy to drama and back again in a single scene. Family Ties did it well,” wrote one viewer.

A second follower wrote, “This scene is honestly scary. One minute he’s calm and then the next he flies into a rage. You never know if people like that are going to attack you. Take away the laugh track and it makes the scene look entirely different.”

“As goofy as the show could be at times, watch this and you can honestly believe you’re seeing a man who’ll go on to win two Oscars,” deduced a third YouTube viewer of Hanks’ ability.

A final fan stated, “Wow, Tom Hanks and Michael J. Fox in the same scene of a sitcom. They were both moderately successful here, but this is before the world really discovered how great they both are. This is like a piece of history.”

Decades later, Tom Hanks’ turn on Family Ties still hits hard. It wasn’t just a weirdly dark turn for a cozy 1980s sitcom; it was the exact moment everyone watching realized the funny guy from Bosom Buddies actually had serious dramatic chops.

Related: 1971 Beloved Norman Lear Sitcom That Shattered Prime-Time TV Rules Ranked as One of the Best of the Decade

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A great end table not only helps shape your home decor, but it can also provide some convenient storage space to organize your items. If you’ve been looking for an accent piece that’s both stylish and functional, Amazon’s bestselling Vasagle Side Table is an excellent option with plenty of room to stash your belongings, and it’s now on sale for up to 40% off. 

Originally $40, the top-rated table is now on sale for as low as $24 in select colors for a limited time. Discounts vary slightly by color, but no option costs more than $28 right now. The hues include ink black, camel brown, chestnut brown, cloud white, heather greige, misty gray, and rustic brown. 

Vasagle Side Table, From $24 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The multifunctional table helps maximize storage without taking up too much floor space. It has three tiers, each sturdy enough to hold up to 44 pounds. While the spacious tabletop provides a handy resting spot for remotes, books, drinks, and snacks, the bottom two shelves are perfect for displaying plants, candles, small wicker baskets, and more. 

At 11.8 inches deep, 13.4 inches wide, and 22.8 inches high, the table has a tall, slim frame that can easily fit into a variety of spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and anywhere else with an empty corner. It’s constructed of durable particleboard and a sturdy steel frame that’s designed to stand up to daily use, and the adjustable feet prevent any wobbling or tipping. 

The Vasagle end table is a shopper favorite, with over 6,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers praised both its “smart and simple” design and compact build, calling it “just the right size” for small spaces. Several also highlighted its generous storage capacity, with one buyer noting that it “holds a lot” and has “ample space” to store a range of items, like books, toiletries, office supplies, and more. 

Related: Amazon’s Magical Cottagecore Lamps Are an Instant ‘Ambient’ Upgrade — and Start at Just $19

Upgrade your home’s storage with this stylish and practical side table that’s versatile enough to work in any room. Grab one while it’s still on sale for up to 40% off at Amazon.

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One of the most emotional aspects of the annual Emmy Awards ceremony can be found with the event’s in memoriam section.

Offering an emotional tribute to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry who have passed away since the start of the year, the Emmys’ in memoriam section delivers a heartfelt homage to the major stars who have died over the last several months.

As bittersweet as this tribute section is, there are always a few names left out of the in memoriam for one reason or another, and unfortunately, 2026 isn’t any different.

According to Variety, several prominent actors were left out of the Emmys’ tribute montage at this year’s awards ceremony.

This includes ’80s action icon Chuck Norris, best known for his role on Walker, Texas Ranger, who died on March 19, 2026 at the age of 86.

Other major stars left out of the memoriam include:

• Nicholas Brendon, the actor best known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who died March 20 from natural causes at 54-years-old.
• Daveigh Chase, the former child actor best known for portraying the supernatural entity in 2002’s The Ring and for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, who died on June 16 at 35-years-old from complications related to AIDS.
• Patrick Muldoon, the actor best known for portraying Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and for a supporting role in Starship Troopers, who died from a heart attack on April 19 at 57-years-old.
• Peter Cullen, the prolific voice actor known for providing the voice of Optimus Prime in the Transformers series, who died on August 26 at 85-years-old from complications related to lung cancer.

Some of the many names featured in the show’s memoriam include Catherine O’Hara, Rob Reiner, Dolly Parton, James Van Der Beek, Hayden Panettiere, Eric Dane, Tim Curry and more.

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Pumpkin picking sounds charming until you have to haul pumpkins, bags of apples, blankets, and snacks back to the car. The Camkey Heavy-Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart can take some of that work off your hands, and it’s currently $46 at Walmart, down from $89. The wagon holds up to 350 pounds, giving you plenty of room for an impressive orchard haul.

The wagon has a 40-gallon capacity yet weighs only 13 pounds when empty. It measures 36 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 21 inches tall when open, then collapses to 7 by 12 by 17 inches. The metal frame is covered in thick Oxford cloth, and its wide all-terrain wheels help it roll effortlessly over pavement, grass, gravel, and dirt. Its front wheels also rotate in every direction, and the handle adjusts to different heights.

Camkey Heavy-Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, $46 (was $89) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This cleverly designed wagon could save several trips in countless situations. If you’re thinking of ways you could use it this fall, it could carry folding chairs, blankets, food, and drinks to festivals, football games, and tailgates. The wide wheels are also designed to move across uneven paths and grassy fields without getting stuck as easily as smaller wheels. As an added bonus, setup only involves attaching the four wheels, with zero tools required.

One shopper said, “This cart makes bringing everything in at once super easy,” describing it as “lightweight, durable, and easy to fold up and store.” Another called its fold-up design “a game changer,” while a third wrote, “It was super easy to assemble. I love how sturdy it is.” Others mentioned using it to haul gifts, groceries, laundry, gardening supplies, and craft equipment, and some even use it to give their dogs a comfy place to ride during longer walks.

Related: Walmart’s $42 10-Drawer Rolling Cart Is a Versatile Storage Option for Papers, Tools, and Crafting Supplies

Its versatile design also features side panels that unzip when longer or wider items won’t fit in the main compartment. Its exterior pockets can also keep smaller supplies from getting buried at the bottom, and lowering the sides also converts the wagon into a bench for outdoor events. Afterward, its compact folded shape takes up less room in a trunk, closet, or garage.

Shop More Deals

• Vecukty 330-Pound Capacity Wagon with Canopy, $77 (was $160) at Walmart
• Kovryx 360-Pound Capacity Collapsible Wagon Cart, $37 (was $67) at Walmart
• Patbrela 1,200-Pound Capacity Heavy Duty Wagon, $150 (was $250) at Walmart

Fall outings are much more enjoyable when no one has to juggle armfuls of gear back to the car. The Camkey Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart handles that job now and will still have plenty to do once the season changes. And with the price nearly cut in half, now is the perfect time to snag one for less. Grab it at Walmart for less than $50 while the markdown lasts.

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The Supremes released “Love Child” in 1968. The soul song rose all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for two weeks. It was so popular that they sang it on The Ed Sullivan Show twice.

When speaking about creating the song, Motown label chief Berry Gordy said, “We arrived at a really touching story about a girl who herself was born out of wedlock and is telling her boyfriend she doesn’t want to go the wrong way with him and bring another love child into the world. We had managed to take a negative image and turn it around in a positive way.”

A year later, in 1969, the band released a follow-up song called “I’m Livin’ In Shame.” It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the band also performed it on The Ed Sullivan Show.

When speaking about performing on the iconic show, Mary Wilson told Kent Kotal, “For us, being on The Ed Sullivan Show was so much more than record sales. It wasn’t about promoting us. It was about that we had grown up watching The Ed Sullivan Show. We had grown up watching shows where you didn’t see a lot of Black people starring on those shows. For us, we were like every other family in America who spent hours watching Ed Sullivan. So for us, being on the show was such a great honor, because we were there to see the world changing. To see America changing. We were excited! We’re on The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Related: 1970 Hit Song, From a Band Formed by High School Students, Was Written by Stevie Wonder

Wilson continued, “We were part of helping America to see Black people, Black women, being proud, beautiful and successful. It wasn’t just us. Many people before us. But they didn’t have the television to expose them to that wide range of people as we did at the time when we came. We were lucky. And we stood on a lot of shoulders. But we were there when the doors opened.”

The Supremes had many other hits throughout the years, including “Baby Love” and “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. They also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Chubby Checker‘s biggest hit had an incredible run — until the pandemic delivered a plot twist to The Twist. In 1960, Checker’s cover of Hank Ballard‘s song The Twist took the world by storm when he appeared on Dick Clark‘s American Bandstand and, at just 18 years old, launched a global dance phenomenon.

Checker, originally known as Ernest “Chubby” Evans, paired his vocals and big smile with a dance move he created — which he described as “someone toweling himself off while grinding a cigarette butt with his toes,” per Billboard. The rest is history: Clark continually promoted the tune on his show, and it wound up topping Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart that September.

The song and dance were all the rage with young people, but a year later, in the fall of 1961, Checker’s record label decided to market the song to grownups, too. The company took out a full-page ad in Billboard that said, “The Twist, America’s Newest Adult Dance Rage, Is Here.” It worked — by January 1962, the song returned to the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for two more weeks.

At that point, the Hot 100 chart was a fairly new phenomenon. Launched in 1958, it ranked the most popular songs every week and it still does so today, basing its rankings on song sales (physical and digital), online streaming, and radio airplay. Checker was — and still is — the only performer to have the same song reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 on two totally different chart runs, in 1960 and 1962.

In 2008, when Billboard celebrated the Hot 100 chart’s 50th anniversary, all those years of chart data were used to rank the 100 Greatest Songs of All Time, and The Twist took the top spot. It stayed at No. 1, holding strong despite massive hits from global artists like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Mariah Carey over the years. Checker, who will turn 85 in October, has never stopped performing the tune, even bopping to the beat at Disney’s Epcot in April.

The Weeknd Knocked Chubby Checker Out of the Top Spot in 2021

No one — especially Checker — thought the success of The Twist would be surpassed anytime soon. But just before the COVID-19 pandemic, in November 2019, R&B icon The Weeknd released his song Blinding Lights. It was the second single from his upcoming album, After Hours.

As the song started climbing the charts, the world slowly came to a halt. The song became a smash hit, entering the Hot 100’s Top 10 in February 2020, and staying there for a record-breaking 57 weeks (including four weeks at No. 1). Like The Twist, it even sparked a viral dance craze, but among people quarantined at home.

Billboard noted that the tune “also logged a record, and staggering, 86 weeks in the chart’s top 40.” By the time November 2021 rolled around, Blinding Lights had knocked The Twist off its pedestal and taken over the title of “Greatest Song of All Time.”

When The Weeknd earned that dizzying title, he told Billboard, “I don’t think [it] has hit me yet. I just count my blessings, and I’m just grateful.”

Blinding Lights has now held the top spot on that coveted list, with The Twist in second place, for nearly five years.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship already has a legendary name. Now, it has a history-making godmother to match.

The cruise line has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson the official godmother of Legend of the Seas, its newest Icon Class ship. And rather than mark the occasion with your average naming ceremony, Royal Caribbean is timing the celebration to the ship’s U.S. arrival on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

For Robinson, who served in the Air Force for 37 years, the timing makes the honor especially poignant.

“It is humbling,” Robinson tells Parade. “I served in the Air Force for 37 years, and now to represent those Veterans as godmother of Legend of the Seas is such an honor.”

Robinson certainly knows something about making history. During her military career, she became the first woman to lead a major Unified Combatant Command in U.S. history. Now, she’ll take part in another longstanding tradition: As godmother, Robinson will symbolically bestow safekeeping upon Legend, its crew and the millions of travelers expected to sail aboard the ship in the years ahead.

Related: Royal Caribbean’s Next Mega-Ship Just Hit the Water for the First Time—Here’s What’s Coming to ‘Hero of the Seas’

What to Expect Aboard Legend of the Seas

Following its debut summer in Europe, Legend of the Seas will arrive in Fort Lauderdale in November before beginning six-night Western Caribbean getaways and eight-night Southern Caribbean vacations.

The latter will call on Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao, while every Legend sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Of course, getting there is half the fun.

The ship promises 28 dining options—the most dining choices at sea—seven pools and a roster of activities that runs the gamut from relaxing to downright daring. There’s Crown’s Edge, a combination skywalk and zip line suspended 154 feet above the ocean, plus the immersive Royal Railway and multi-course Hollywoodland Supper Club.

Entertainment-wise, things are equally wow-worthy, with America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas and a production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory among the headliners.

For Robinson, however, one of the ship’s biggest draws has less to do with how much there is to do and more to do with whom you’re doing it with.

“When you look at all the activities that Legend of the Seas provides its travelers, they are bringing families together for fun and relaxation, and to enjoy each other,” she tells Parade.

That opportunity to reconnect carries particular meaning for military families, whose time together can often be interrupted by deployments and the demands of service.

As for Robinson’s own onboard itinerary? She isn’t committing to one must-do just yet.

“I am looking forward to discovering all the adventures that Legend of the Seas has to offer,” she says. “Once I find these adventures, and all the military families find these adventures, we all know that the service will be outstanding.”

And perhaps the best part of a vacation aboard Legend is that after tackling a 154-foot-high skywalk, catching a Broadway-style show or simply hopping between seven pools, someone else is taking care of the details.

“The crew will take care of all the families, giving them the opportunity to relax, reconnect, and recharge,” Robinson says. “I can’t think of a better way to do just that than on Legend of the Seas.”

Up next:

Related: Royal Caribbean Now Lets Booked Passengers Bid on Pool Deck Casitas

It’s sugar, spice and everything nice at Walt Disney World as the Halloween season is in full swing. The temperatures may still be scorching (it’s Florida, after all) but that hasn’t stopped the mouse house from rolling out its spider webbed red carpet for spooky fun. In addition to enchanting decor and the return of the fan favorite Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney’s culinary team has quite a few tricks (or is it treats?) up their sleeves. 

Each year throughout the resort, you’ll discover enchanting new menu additions. Of these whimsical and wildly inventive dishes and potions, there’s returning favorites and brand-new eats to discover, like the Queen of Hearts tart at Magic Kingdom. And the feasting happens resort wide, meaning you don’t need a park ticket to get in on the fun. 

But if you try just one treat this spooky season, make it this.

Related: Disney Experts Reveal Their Top Eats for Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest

View this post on Instagram Mickey Pumpkin Soft-Serve

I’ve tried dozens of Halloween items throughout the “most magical place on Earth” but I keep thinking about the Mickey pumpkin soft-serve. Disney describes it as pumpkin-spiced soft-serve with coconut haupia (a Polynesian traditional coconut pudding), caramel drizzle, graham cracker crumbs and a white chocolate Mickey-shaped pumpkin. It’s priced at $6.49, in line with Walt Disney World’s other ice cream treats.

Related: The 3 Bites That Will Go Viral at Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest

So, How Is It?

Admittedly, I’m much more a savory fan but I’m always open to be proven wrong. And I’m pleased to say that this was absolutely delightful. This is just mildly sweet, with the spice really shining through (as opposed to many other theme park desserts which can lean towards cloyingly sweet). The soft-serve ice cream is the star of the show but the other accouterments don’t take away from it, instead, they add layers of flavors without overwhelming. The white chocolate Mickey-shaped pumpkin was adorable and definitely makes this one great for photos.

Related: A Theme Park Expert Reveals Disney’s Must-Try Halloween Party Bites

Where To Find Mickey Pumpkin Soft-Serve

When I’m craving Dole Whip and don’t feel like hitting the parks, the Pineapple Lanai is my go-to spot, tucked away off of the main lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Here, you’ll find classic pineapple Dole Whip and something very special: the ability to top it off with a tipple of rum. This is a hot spot that’s open year round but you’ll have to run here now through the big night (Halloween) if you want to try this limited menu—or else you’ll turn into a pumpkin.

Related: A Theme Park Expert Reveals the Must-Try Bites at Disney World’s Halloween Party and Disney Springs

Angelina Jolie‘s daughter, Zahara, is absolutely stunning on the red carpet alongside her famous mom.

Zahara, 21, a recent college graduate, hit the red carpet premiere of Without Blood alongside her famous mom in New York City. Wearing a black halter dress with her long, dark hair cascading down her back, Zahara managed to steal the spotlight from her megastar mom. What a beauty!

XNY/Star Max / Getty Images

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Zahara Recently Honored Her Mom Onstage

Zahara took the stage at a mother-daughter brunch for the Pearls of Purpose Foundation on Sunday, April 26, in Atlanta, where she was featured as the special guest. In her speech, the college student opened up about her relationship with her mother, as Jolie stood beside her.

“When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” Zahara began, according to a video on Instagram. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words.”

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“Our love for each other is a found one I was adopted at 6 months old and given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings, with a mom who raised us on the value of helping others, being kind, and always striving for growth as people,” Zahara continued. “These values may sound simple, but in a world where kindness is overlooked and helping others comes at a cost, I am grateful to have had a role model to show me what it looks like to be a decent human being.”

Zahara went on to refer to Jolie as “the most selfless, loving, and understanding woman who I get to call my mom.”

Where Did Zahara Go to College?

Growing up in the public eye has likely been challenging for Zahara, but the college student has thrived. She just graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, where she majored in psychology with a minor in educational studies.

In her speech, Zahara spoke about how much of a change going away to Spelman would be.

“Early on, I realized it would be challenging to include my mom and family in these worlds without being able to directly share the effects,” she said. “With the addition of the public life that we live, it can be hard to find those special and intimate moments without being overwhelmed with the many eyes that are on us.”

“This has never stopped my mom from being curious about all that I’m learning in and outside of my classrooms at Spelman and having many understandable questions about sorority life and my experiences,” Zahara continued. “My family embraces the newness and strives to understand these meaningful organizations in my life as I share my experiences.”

What Has Angelina Jolie Said About Parenting?

Lester Cohen/KCA2015 / Getty Images

Back in 2017, Jolie spoke about how proud she is of all her children.

“They’re six very strong-minded, thoughtful, worldly individuals. I’m very proud of them,” Jolie told Vanity Fair shortly after breaking up with Pitt. “They’ve been very brave. They were very brave.”

Related: Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Staying Single for Nearly a Decade After Brad Pitt Split

Related: Why Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Daughter Zahara Took Out a Newspaper Ad to Drop ‘Pitt’ From Her Name

Budweiser and Dickies are teaming up for a first-ever merch collaboration to honor “the hardworking people who keep America moving.”

While Labor Day celebrations wrapped up last week, the two American icons are continuing the praise by launching a vintage apparel collection and a limited-edition collector’s item, which will only be available as part of an exclusive giveaway reserved for those who “genuinely earned it.”

“Budweiser has always been the beer you reach for after a hard day’s work. Dickies is the uniform you trust to get you through it. Together, we’re celebrating the people who earn their success every day and giving them something that’s truly earned, not bought,” Todd Allen, senior vice president of marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, shared in a statement.

Budweiser and Dickies Announce Exclusive Jacket Giveaway, First-Ever Vintage Merch Collection

According to the Sept. 15 press release, the new collection pairs “Dickies’ signature workwear apparel with Budweiser’s timeless and unmistakable tradition,” and it features three staple pieces: a pullover, carpenter pants, and three short-sleeve tee designs (prices range from $25 to $85).

Related: Anheuser-Busch’s ‘Game-Changing’ New Energy Drink Has Officially Arrived

• The 150-Year Icon Pullover Hoodie: bold front and back graphics honoring Budweiser’s 150th anniversary, this classic cotton hoodie features a kangaroo pocket and delivers everyday comfort in two versatile neutral colorways. 
• The Duck Double Knee Carpenter Pants: Built for durability and utility, this relaxed-fit pant features reinforced knees, functional workwear pockets and co-branded Budweiser details. Access your essentials with a hammer loop, side utility pockets and spade back pockets reinforced with metal rivets at high-stress points. These pants are detailed with a co-branded interior waistband, metal button and back yoke embroidery to bring the Budweiser legacy to life. 
• The Short-Sleeve Tees: This classic-fit cotton tee celebrates two legendary American brands with the iconic Budweiser can and Dickies logo graphics. Available in three prints: The Can Short-Sleeve, The Classic Delivery Tee, The Bud Badge Tee and The Bud 150 Icon Tee.

Budweiser x Dickies

As for the exclusive collector’s piece, it’s a versatile jacket that will only be available through Budweiser and Dickies’ Genuinely Earned Social Media Contest recognizing “everyday heroes.”

Budweiser x Dickies

Know someone who would rock the piece (or at least deserves the opportunity to)? Here’s how to throw their name into the hat:

• Nominees (and those nominating them) must be 21 years or older
• Nominate an everyday hero in your community via social media now through Monday, September 21, by commenting on @BudweiserUSA and @Dickies social posts with the story of a hard-working person—also be sure to use the hashtags #GenuinelyEarned #Contest
• Dickies and Budweiser will reward the 100 hardest workers with this esteemed Dickies x Budweiser Genuinely Earned Jacket because “after all the hard work they’ve put in, they’ve #GenuinelyEarned it”

Those looking to shop the limited-edition Budweiser x Dickies collection can do so via the official Dickies website beginning today. Knowing the collection will likely be a hit with fans, the brands have announced that a second drop will take place in November, so if you miss a piece this time around, be sure to set an alarm for the restock.

Next: Taco Bell Is Teeing Up Its First-Ever Celebrity Golf Tournament—And Fans Are Invited

Dancing with the Stars has been entertaining fans for more than two decades, and the ABC dance competition has crowned some truly unforgettable celebrity champions along the way. From Olympic athletes and professional performers to actors, singers and reality stars, more than 400 celebrities have stepped onto the ballroom floor hoping to take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

The show premiered June 1, 2005, and has continued its reality-TV success by pairing stars with professional dancers who teach them the moves, choreography and performance skills needed to compete live. Over the years, fans have celebrated champions like ice skaters Kristi Yamaguchi and Meryl Davis, conservationist Bindi Irwin, actor and singer Jordan Fisher, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro, who now co-hosts the show. Most recently, Robert Irwin won Season 34 with Witney Carson.

Of course, DWTS is also a popularity contest, and viewer votes can sometimes win out over actual talent. The series has had plenty of shockers when obviously incredible dancers haven’t won, including Sabrina Bryan, Zendaya, Simone Biles and Milo Manheim.

With Season 35 now underway, here’s Parade’s opinionated guide to the best dancers in the show’s history—and whether they won or lost.

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The best Dancing with the Stars contestants of all time Drew Lachey

The former 98 Degrees singer delivered a memorable “Save a Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” freestyle with partner Cheryl Burke during season 2, when the show was in its infancy. Although later celebrity dancers were more accomplished, Lachey definitely helped put DWTS on the map. He and Burke earned a score of 30 out of 30 from judges. Lachey later returned for the All-Stars season 15 in 2012, but didn’t win.

Cheryl Burke & Drew Lachey during Dancing with the Stars – The Tour at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, United States

Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage

Mario Lopez

DWTS Season 3 featured a macho battle between former Saved by the Bell actor and presenter Lopez and football legend Emmitt Smith in 2006. Lopez, dancing with partner Karina Smirnoff, excelled every week, but NFL fans embraced Smith and gave him the victory with partner Burke. Lopez seemed like the better dancer, but did his confidence put viewers off?

Kristi Yamaguchi

The Olympic gold medal-winning ice skater couldn’t be beat on season 6 of the show in 2008 with partner Mark Ballas. Yamaguchi had a huge advantage due to her years of learning dance moves on ice and scored consistently high throughout the season.

Shawn Johnson

Athletes have often excelled on DWTS. Did Olympic gold medalist gymnast Johnson, then just 17, have an unfair advantage due to her years of training? Fans and judges didn’t care. They also embraced her adorable personality as she won Season 8 in 2009 with partner Ballas. Johnson returned for the All-Star Season 15 and finished second with partner Derek Hough.

Shawn Johnson

Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Donny Osmond

The beloved singer and member of the Osmond family competed on DWTS after his sister Marie had finished third on season 5 in 2007. Donny won the mirror ball with partner Kym Johnson on Season 9 in 2009, and became one of the contestants who improved the most during the competition.

Related: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 9 Spoilers: Every Song and Dance from the 20th Birthday Party Night

Nicole Scherzinger

Former Pussycat Dolls singer and recently Tony Award winner Scherzinger triumphed on season 10 in 2010 with partner Derek Hough. Scherzinger put her professional background as a dancer and experience interpreting music to good use.

Jennifer Grey

Dirty Dancing star Grey had the time of her life winning season 11 with partner Hough despite rupturing a disk in her lower back. Grey burst into tears and hugged Hough for ages after the results were announced.

J.R. Martinez

Martinez, a military veteran and actor who survived severe burn injuries in Iraq, was a profile in courage during his season 13 winning run with partner Smirnoff in 2011. But he also brought multiple moves to the dance floor, and judges often gave him perfect scores.

Related: Elaine Hendrix Reveals How She’s Returning to ‘DWTS’ After Debilitating Injury (Exclusive)

(L-R) Tom Bergeron, Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovskiy on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Courtesy of ABC

Meryl Davis

After winning the gold medal for ice dancing at the 2014 Winter Olympics with her partner Charlie White, Davis took home the DWTS trophy with ballroom partner Maks Chmerkovskiy on Season 18 in 2014. Soft-spoken Davis said she was “so lucky,” but fans thought ice skating skills made her a natural champ.  

Alfonso Ribeiro

Former The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is now a DWTS co-host, but back in 2014, during season 19, he was an iconic winner with Witney Carson. Ribeiro didn’t hide his childhood tap dance training, and judges also praised his showmanship, especially in his “Carlton dance,” a jazz tribute to his French Prince character, Carlton Banks.

Related: ‘DWTS’ Host Alfonso Ribeiro Opens Up About the ‘Year That Changed My Whole Life’ (Exclusive)

Rumer Willis

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s daughter was the mirror ball queen in 2015 for season 20 with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Fans enjoyed her low-key personality and strong work ethic. Judge Len Goodman called Rumer’s final performance “flawless.”

Bindi Irwin

The late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin’s daughter was a DWTS standout winner, bringing so much heart to the ballroom in season 21 in 2015 with partner Hough. She received eight perfect scores and soon. Her brother Robert won Season 34, exactly 10 years after Bindi’s Season 21 victory. He and Witney Carson won on Nov. 25, 2025. 

Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough

Photo by Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Laurie Hernandez

The former Team USA gymnast is often ranked among the best DWTS winners of all time, as she took mirror ball glory in 2016, season 23, at age 16. Judge Julianne called her “the total package.”

Jordan Fisher

The season 25 winner had a clear edge all season with pro partner Lindsay Arnold. They received nine perfect scores, a record for the series, and hoisted the trophy in 2017. Fisher was thrilled that all his “energy and blood and sweat and tears” over the weeks of competition had paid off.

Related: Who Will Win ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 2025? After Watching Every Episode, Here Are Our Predictions

Kaitlyn Bristowe

While both beautiful Bachelorettes, Bristowe and Hannah Brown, won their seasons of DWTS, Bristowe earned a higher average judges’ score. Plus, Bristowe actually worked as a professional dancer before reality TV — and it showed as she won Season 29 in 2020 with partner Artem Chigvintsev.  

Zendaya

The future Dune star competed on DWTS when she was just 16 in 2013. She finished in second place with partner Val Chmerkovskiy in Season 16. In retrospect, Zendaya’s dancing seemed better to many than the winner, former American Idol singer Kellie Pickler. Years later, the actress said she is “still harboring a little animosity” about losing DWTS, and many fans don’t blame her!

Val Chmerkovskiy and Zendaya on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Photo by Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Sabrina Bryan

The Cheetah Girls singer was a DWTS contestant twice, and despite great performances, she never won. Bryan and partner Ballas finished in sixth place on Season 5 in 2007 in the most shocking show elimination of all time. She returned for the 2012 15 All-Stars and got the axe in Week 6.

Simone Biles

The “GOAT” Olympian was a DWTS celebrity in 2017 during Season 24, but she and partner Sasha Farber only made fourth place. The judges were shocked she was sent packing as they had just given her perfect scores for a rumba and jive. A fellow athlete, football player Rashad Jennings, won instead.

Milo Manheim

Does the best dancer win every season? No! The Zombies star and son of Camryn Manheim went far on Season 27 with partner Carson in 2018. However, it was DJ Bobby Bones who took the mirror ball that season in the most controversial win in DWTS history, with Manheim finishing second. Bones, even when guided by partner Sharna Burgess, clearly couldn’t move across the dance floor as well as his young rival Milo.

(L-R) Alfonso Ribiero, Mark Ballas and Charli D’Amelio on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Courtesy of Disney

Charli D’Amelio

The TikTok star was a competitive dancer for years before she started posting dance videos. It’s really no surprise that she won 2022’s Season 31 of the show with partner Ballas. D’Amelio said the competition renewed her love of dancing.

Related: These 12 Celebrities Were the Worst Dancers on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

In 1970, Reginald Hill published a novel that would go on to create one of the best detective duos ever on TV. A Clubbable Woman introduced the world to Dalziel and Pascoe, but it would take 26 years for it to be adapted into a TV series.

Hill is an author with a tremendous book run. Over the course of 37 years, he’s written 24 main novels and several short stories, with the last of the novels, Midnight Fugue, released in 2009. It’s not just the novel that goes down in infamy. When the BBC adapted the books in 1996, nobody really considered that it would go on to run for 12 seasons.

Sure, there are only 61 episodes across those 12 seasons, but the British have always done TV differently. It’s always been more like what the streaming shows have become now, although the wait between seasons has never been too long. Those 12 seasons aired between 1996 and 2007, becoming one of the BBC’s longest-running cop dramas.

Yet, it wasn’t a TV series first. The first adaptations of the Dalziel and Pascoe novels were TV movies, with Rupert Davies and then Gareth Thomas as Dalziel — and yes, it’s pronounced Dee-Ell! — starting in 1993. Don’t worry if you don’t remember them as well, because Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan made those characters their own!

The TV series brought the heart of the novels to life. The two titular characters were complete opposites, bringing us the odd-couple bond that is alluring, even to this day. Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Dalziel was an abrasive and politically incorrect veteran cop, who used intuition and street smarts to get it done. He came from a time when heavy-handed tactics were expected and justified, and didn’t break away from that.

Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe came from a different generation. He was university-educated, progressive, and valued modern science. He wanted to follow procedure, and he was also engrossed in psychology to help with the case.

British actors Colin Buchanan (right) and Warren Clarke (1947-2014), who star together in character as Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe and Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel in the BBC Television crime drama series Dalziel and Pascoe, pictured together circa 1996. (Photo by Larry Ellis Collection/Getty Images)

The two shouldn’t have been able to work together, and yet they did. While they had moments clashing over a case, they soon learned that they both had skills that would get the job done.

So many crime dramas have turned to the grittiness of the crime scenes and the darker pallettes. Even in books, the crime dramas are more psychologically twisting, but Hill never wanted that for his stories, and the BBC adaptation brought the humor and social commentary with the cozy mysteries perfectly to life.

In a 2009 interview, Hill discussed the creation of his characters, specifically Dalziel and whether he would change anything about the character, and he shared, “Even if I had, he probably would have been exactly the same. In that very first book he was meant to be a foil to young Peter Pascoe, but when I glance back at it now, I am amazed how already on his first appearance he is assuming control!”

And when it came to a name that most people would get wrong at first glance? That came from personal experience, “It is the name of a university friend from way back, the first guy I knew whose name was pronounced differently from the way it was spelled. He was – still is – a highly civilised, socialised, and cultured being, so naturally when in the first book I created a fat, flatulent, slob of a cop, I thought it would be rather amusing to give him my smooth friend’s name.”

There is a reboot in the works at BritBox, which was announced earlier this year. Eyes are on production updates.

The Spinners released “It’s a Shame” in 1970. The soul song, which was written by Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright, and Lee Garrett, rose to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the biggest hit for the band while they were at Motown Records.

The Spinners were originally called the Domingoes. The band formed when they were only teenagers in Detroit. They were attending high school together. They went on to become legends, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976.

Bobby Smith, one of the members of The Spinners, spoke about the song’s success with Gary James. “The Spinners for a long time didn’t have a hit record,” he explained. “We worked off our act. When The Beatles were really big, we came up with this idea to do a skit and call ourselves The Brown Beatles. We had guitars made out of wood and a drum set, and we would do the song ‘I Saw Her Standing There.’ We’d have on wigs and shake our heads and all that stuff. That act went over really big. Billy, the heavyset guy with us, was on drums. In Detroit, he was called the name Ringo Starr. The act was so great until we got the hit record ‘It’s A Shame.’”

He continued, “[Murry The K.] used to have these big shows at the Brooklyn Paramount. After we got the hit record ‘It’s A Shame,’ he had us on the show. So, at rehearsal, he wanted to know why we didn’t bring the Beatles props to do The Beatles. We figured, hey, we got a hit record now, we don’t need to do that. He said, ‘Well, wait a minute. That’s why I hired you, for the Beatles act.’ And after that, we went on to do imitations, a thing we called The Motown Revue, where we would imitate a lot of Motown acts like The Temptations, The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Contours. And that went over really big.”

Related: 1964 Hit Song, Performed on ‘American Bandstand,’ Was Based on a Game the Singer Played as a Child

The Spinners had several other hit songs, including “Then Came You,” “I’ll Be Around,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love.” The band was inducted into both the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Given the unparalleled popularity of Henry Winkler’s fan-favorite character Fonzie on Happy Days, it should hardly comes as a surprise that the show’s network sought out ways to capitalize on the character’s success.

As Henry Winkler explained on a recent episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger, one such change would have seen the show be renamed from Happy Days to Fonzie’s Happy Days, further pivoting Winkler as the main star of the show (via Variety).

However, Winkler flatly refused to change the name, urging ABC to keep everything the same as the show continued its steady ascent in its weekly ratings.

“Before Happy Days, ABC was in the basement. It was the last of the three networks,” Winkler said. “And [ABC president Leonard Goldenson] came to my office, my dressing room, and he said, ‘First of all, I would like to call the show Fonzie’s Happy Days. We’re thinking of changing the title.’”

“And I said, ‘Sir, I’m really asking you not to do that,'” the actor continued. “We were really soaring in the in the ratings. It wasn’t broken. This would be a slap in the face. Why change the title if it is working so magnificently?”

The main area of concern Winkler had with the name change was the effect it might have had on his series co-stars. “We can’t do [the show] if we are resentful or angry of each other,” Winkler explained, believing such a change might cause jealousy or hurt feelings for his fellow actors.

Along similar lines, Winkler also said he turned down ABC’s offer to headline his own spinoff series, as he wasn’t entirely sure he could pull it off with a different cast.

“I have no idea if I’d have a chemistry with new people.,” Winkler said to the ABC exec. “I don’t think I can do my own show. I think I’m very happy right where I am with this extraordinary family.”

Leonard Cohen’s 1984 classic “Hallelujah” became one of the most celebrated songs of all time, earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, but its journey to becoming a classic was far from easy.

The publication recognized a series of timeless songs spanning early rock, soul, funk and modern tracks that made a lasting impression on music and helped shape music history.

For Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” the folk rock song ranked No. 74 on the list, with Rolling Stone highlighting how the track connected deeply and emotionally with listeners.

Written by the Canadian singer and songwriter, the 1984 song explores the acceptance of life’s contradictions rather than trying to find answers to them.

It took Cohen more than five years to finish the song as he wanted the lyrics to delve into complex questions about faith, love and human existence.

NETHERLANDS – FEBRUARY 11: ROTTERDAM Photo of Leonard COHEN, performing live onstage at De Doelen (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)

“This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled,” he explained in an interview as cited by Medium, as Cohen talked about the meaning of the song. “But there are moments when we can reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’”

Featured on his seventh studio album, Various Positions, the song failed to make a major commercial impact upon its release.

At one point, CBS Records declined to release the album in the U.S., which contributed to the song receiving limited commercial attention.

According to Time magazine, after the president of CBS Records, Walter Yetnikoff, heard the album, he reacted negatively and said, “What is this? This isn’t pop music. We’re not releasing it. This is a disaster.”

However, Cohen’s song found new life decades later and became a sleeper hit.

In fact, “Hallelujah” only entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100in November 2016, peaking at No. 59 shortly after Cohen’s death.

Moreover, it was Cohen’s only song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

“Hallelujah” also attracted fellow musicians who created their own renditions of the song. Among them was Jeff Buckley, whose cover appeared on his 1994 album Grace.

His take on Cohen’s song was so powerful that Rolling Stone ranked it No. 3 among the greatest cover songs of all time.

Related: 1965 Song, Written by Neil Diamond at Brill Building, Is Still a Generational Hit 61 Years Later

Every star has their big break, but oftentimes they’re slingin’ drinks—and for some, doing the dirty work in the kitchen before reaching household fame.

Prior to playing America’s craziest nun and dishing hot takes on The View, Whoopi Goldberg was a dishwasher at a “greasy spoon” diner in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, California.

The Big Kitchen Café is still standing today, tucked away along a shaded street between buzzing bars and an after-school learning center.

Passersby can blink and miss it—which might add to its current crisis, flying under the radar despite its star-studded history, from having Goldberg on staff to Rachael Ray’s Food Network visit and declaring she “loved” it, to PBS featuring the beloved hole-in-the-wall in a documentary.

Big Kitchen (or “BK,” as some locals call it) is run by Judy “The Beauty on Duty” Forman, its owner since 1980 and the beating heart behind the community-oriented safe haven. She once summed up her approach to feeding customers by saying, “If I’m taking their money, I’m stuffing them.”

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Customers are beyond happy leaving the cozy eatery, as the storied café holds an impressive 4.5-star rating on Google, with reviews like, “I have eaten at The Big Kitchen several times over several decades. The food and atmosphere nourishes the body and soul.”

But satisfied palates haven’t translated to sales the business needs, as recent reports indicate BK is now on the “brink of closure” amid financial struggles for a myriad of reasons.

There have been two separate fundraisers launched in hopes of keeping the stove on:

• 2025: A GoFundMe was created for Judy Forman personally.
• 2026: A new GoFundMe was launched to help keep Big Kitchen open and cover its mounting expenses.

Residents would hate to see it go. There was a lot of fuss when local grocer Gala Foods was replaced by Target in 2015 as South Park takes pride in “buying local.”

South Park resident Stephanie Williamson is one of many who would hate to see BK close up shop.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, she said, “BK is such a special spot because you can feel Judy’s love for the community the moment you ask for a table. I go for the delicious pancakes, but stay for Judy; she talks with everyone, dances to the live music, and makes everyone feel like South Park is home.”

Williamson added, “Losing a place like Big Kitchen would mean losing a piece of the community itself. It’s one of the last real places in the neighborhood.”

Fittingly, the diner’s most famous employee is still a tangible part of its story. Whoopi’s connection lives on with her namesake breakfast dish, a menu staple serving as a small reminder of what Judy and her restaurant mean to San Diego.

The “Whoopi’s Breakfast” costs $21 and comes with two eggs any style, plus bacon, home-fried potatoes, toast, and a large orange juice.

Big Kitchen is open Thursday-Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy paid tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara on stage at the Peacock Theater.

“We remember her as the forgetful mother, right?” Culkin said, referring to his co-starring role with O’ Hara in the Home Alone movies. “But I will never forget about her.”

Culkin continued, saying that there are “all kinds of words” he could use to describe O’Hara.

“She was encouraging, she was warm, she was funny,” he said. “But the word I think of is ‘mama.’ She wasn’t just a wife and mother to Bo and Matthew and Luke, she was my mom. And by extension, she’s all of our mama. By the way, call your mother tonight. For real. Give it up for the moms.”

“Like a good mom, she always showed up when I asked her to,” Culkin continued. “Because that was Catherine. That’s what she did. She showed up, and this is the best that we can do for her tonight. We’re showing up for her. She may have forgotten me — twice — but we will always remember her.”

Murphy and Levy, who co-starred with O’Hara in Schitt’s Creek, also paid tribute. Murphy began by sharing moments she’s exchanged with fans of O’Hara’s work.

“It challenged anyone who heard it to join in and be as delighted as she was, and she spread that delight everywhere,” Murphy said.

Levy said that the greatest lesson he learned from O’Hara was to “always say yes.”

“Say yes to the concept of a wig wall,” he said. “Say yes to her asking to wear a wig as a hat. Say yes to her naming that wig. Say yes to giving her space to experiment and create. It will amaze you on a daily basis, and it will change your life. Say yes to her dinner invites and her stories and her wisdom and her generosity. Those are the things you will hold on to the tightest. Always say yes to any opportunity to revel in the presence of greatness.”

O’Hara died at the age of 71 on January 30 in a Los Angeles hospital. In February, it was confirmed that she died from a blood clot in her lungs, as well as rectal cancer. She had been receiving treatment for the cancer since March 2025, BBC reported.

In a record-breaking debut, Widows Bay becomes the most award-winning comedy in Emmy history. The Apple TV horror-comedy brought home 14 awards in total after dominating the primetime ceremony, combined with its Creative Arts wins earlier this month. It beats the record 13 wins held by fellow Apple TV series The Studio.

The fan-favorite show about a sleepy New England-area island seeking to increase tourism despite its cursed history took home the night’s biggest awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Kate O’Flynn, and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Stephen Root. Lead actor Matthew Rhys earned a historic double-category win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widows Bay and Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his performance in Beast in Me.

Related: How Matthew Rhys Makes Emmy History Twice in 1 Night

Meanwhile, behind the camera, Katie Dippold took home her first Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Widows Bay, and seasoned nomination darling Hiro Murai (Atlanta) finally won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.

Here’s the full list of Emmy award wins for Widow’s Bay.

Primetime Ceremony — 6 Wins:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series — Matthew Rhys
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series — Kate O’Flynn
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series — Stephen Root
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series — Katie Dippold
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series — Hiro Murai

Related: ‘Widows Bay’ Turns a Haunted Beach Town Into TV’s Most Talked-About New Show

Creative Arts Emmys (Earlier Ceremony) — 8 Wins:
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series — Betty Gilpin
Casting for a Comedy Series
Music Supervision
Cinematography for a Series (Half-Hour)
Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour)
Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation
Music Composition for a Series
Production Design

Catch up on the show’s big winner with a binge if you haven’t watched it. Widows Bay is now streaming on Apple TV.

The Odd Couple was one of the most popular TV series of the early 1970s, airing on ABC from 1970 to 1975.

Starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall as polar-opposite divorced roommates Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, the hit sitcom based on Neil Simon’s play and movie of the same name was ranked among the “greatest TV shows of all time” by Rolling Stone. The outlet noted that the series left a “larger cultural footprint than either the film or the many, many productions of the play.”

While it was a TV show about two mismatched middle-aged men, The Odd Couple also helped launch the careers of two future teen idols. Both Willie Aames (Eight is Enough) and Leif Garrett (Three for the Road) appeared on the show in the same role, helping to pave the way for their futures as teen idols and Tiger Beat cover boys later in the decade.

In 1971, Aames appeared in The Odd Couple episode “Win One for Felix,” playing Leonard, the son of Randall’s Felix character. In the episode, Felix coaches his son’s football team.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Three years later, little Leonard returned with a very different look. Garrett took over the role in the 1974 episode “The Frog” and again in 1975 for “Felix Remarries.”

In an interview with Pop Culture Retro, Aames, now 66, said he was “really embarrassed” by his one-time appearance on The Odd Couple because Randall wanted to kiss his son on camera and he was uncomfortable with the idea.

“I mean, I didn’t come from a family that was close. There’s no way I would have ever kissed my own dad,” Aames shared. “Jack Klugman was just loads of fun, but Tony was very strict, he was a very strict old-school star, and he was a little bit scary. And he was very sort of, I don’t want to say off-putting, but he wasn’t real warm and friendly.”

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

While Aames would go on to star in the ABC drama series Eight is Enough in 1977,  that same year Garrett released his first pop album. The “I Was Made for Dancin’” singer later told Smashing Interviews that he “would’ve stuck with acting” if given the choice.

In addition to their joint role on The Odd Couple, in the mid-1970s, Aames and Garrett also appeared in the drama series Family, both as love interests for “Buddy” Lawrence, played by Kristy McNichol. And decades later, they both made cameos in the film Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.

Related: ‘70s CBS Sitcom, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest TV Shows of All Time,’ Featured a 12-Year-Old Who Later Walked Away From Hollywood