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Horror movies tend to have their character archetypes: the jock, the stoner, the bookworm, etc.

A pair filmmakers once took these conventions and flipped the whole notion on its head. What if these clichéd personas are needed to quite literally save the world from destruction? If you've seen the movie, you're aware of the miraculous and often underrated end result that's nearing 15 years since its premiere.

Simply titled The Cabin in the Woods, the genre-blending hit features big names such as Sigourney Weaver and has an impressive 92% average critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on nearly 300 reviews. Here's the official synopsis offered:

"When five college friends (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams) arrive at a remote forest cabin for a little vacation, little do they expect the horrors that await them. One by one, the youths fall victim to backwoods zombies, but there is another factor at play. Two scientists (Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford) are manipulating the ghoulish goings-on, but even as the body count rises, there is yet more at work than meets the eye."

And if you've ever been impressed by how quickly you finished writing a lengthy assignment, essay, article etc., think about completing a feature-length screenplay in just three days. Joss Whedon once opened up about his memorable Cabin in the Woods writing process with co-scribe and director Drew Goddard.

"Drew and I got a bungalow in a hotel in Santa Monica. He had the upstairs, I had the downstairs," Whedon, 61, told Den of Geek in 2012. "We already had ten pages and our outline, and we'd already broken it into three acts. Then we'd wake up in the morning, we'd take an act, go through it very specifically, divvy it up, and we both had to do a minimum of 15 pages a day in order to create a screenplay. And we did not talk about anything else."

The original King Kong has been ranked the greatest film from the monster movie franchise, 93 years after it was released.

In a list of 10 King Kong movies compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, the 1933 original ranked above nine other remakes and sequels, including King Kong Escapes (1968), King Kong Lives (1986), King Kong Skull Island (2017), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2107), as well as Dino De Laurentiis’ star-studded 1976 remake of the classic monster film and more.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus noted, “King Kong explores the soul of a monster -- making audiences scream and cry throughout the film -- in large part due to Kong's breakthrough special effects.”

Collider posted a similar list that also ranked the 1933 film as the best of the bunch. “You can't beat the original King Kong,” the outlet noted, adding that it was “one of the most technically groundbreaking films of its era.”

“It's mind-blowing what the filmmakers were able to accomplish here, in 1933, and watching the film makes it easy to understand why the title character's now legendary,” the Collider review added. “1933's King Kong is one of  the best movies of the 1930s, and remains the best of its series.”

An unexpected leading man

The original King Kong starred Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot as it told the story of an enormous ape who fell in love with a beautiful young actress (Wray) who was offered to him as a sacrifice. The film was a massive hit and reportedly saved RKO Radio Pictures from bankruptcy, per NPR.

In a 1969 interview with The New York Times, Wray recalled that producer Merian C. Cooper jokingly promised her, “You will have the tallest, darkest leading man in Hollywood.”

When she first saw sketches of the monstrous lead, the actress admitted her heart sank. “This absolutely enormous gorilla was staring at me. ‘We’re going to make him look about 50 feet high. All in animation,’” she was told.

Wray said she was initially reluctant to make the horror film. “Cooper’s having called the Kong story a kind of Beauty and the Beast concept in no way made the thought of the ape more appealing!” she shared. “Although the entire country was in an economic depression and I was eager to make a movie, I wondered how I could bring myself to face such an animal. Gradually, my enthusiasm for the strangely wonderful humor, imagination, and talent of the Cooper-Schoedsack team overcame the original shock."

The actress expressed gratitude for being part  of “one of the great successes of motion pictures.”

RELATED: 1970 Hit Film, Nominated for Rare Academy Award, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

Critics questioned the 1976 ‘King Kong’ remake

Fifty years ago, one of the biggest King Kong remakes came courtesy of Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis.

The 1976 $25-million remake starred Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange. It was described by The New York Times as “a dazzling display” of special effects, but it was noted, “The nicest thing about the 1933 King Kong, made by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, was that it was no big deal. One could marvel at the wizardly special effects created by Willis O'Brien and not be overwhelmed by an awareness of the terrific time and expense that went into them. Its heart was genuinely light. Not this time. Why, I think we have a right to ask, would anyone want to remake it?”

Not only did De Laurentis remake the film with a modern-day twist, but he also hoped to outdo the previous summer’s blockbuster, Jaws.

“No one cry when Jaws die,"  De Laurentiis reportedly said. "But when the monkey die, people gonna cry. Intellectuals gonna love Kong. Even film buffs who love the first Kong gonna love ours.”

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Actress Ashley Judd celebrated her 58th birthday in an unusual and nostalgic way. The Double Jeopardy star shared on social media that she was trying to recreate her 12th birthday party, posting images of herself smiling beside a brown-and-yellow iced cake.

“My inner 12-year-old was ready to receive love, care, attunement, delight, protection, and provision,” the actress said in the caption of her Instagram carousel.

“Have you ever considered, from your adult perspective, restaging for your sweet inner child an experience she either never had at all?” she added. “Or an experience that did not unfold with the safety and attention it should have?”

It has become something of a tradition for the star, who is the daughter of Naomi Judd and Michael Cininella. The year prior, on her 58th birthday, she celebrated with a party for her nine-year-old self.

“Many of us grew up with unmet needs,” she wrote. “Today, as adults, we can listen carefully to those missings, identify what happened that should not have happened — and, crucially, what did not happen that should have happened — supplying that, now, with love and humor to ourselves.”

“We backfilled what was always missing and no longer is, thanks to vulnerable imagination,” Ashley wrote. “We laughed, frolicked, square danced, took a Scopes Monkey Trial True or False quiz (including quite a bit Mrs. Minor did not cover in 1979), and ate a dream cake any 12-year-old would adore.”

Ashley also created a jar where party goers could anonymously confess their sixth-grade embarrassments. “Shame reduction! Who knew others were also awkward and scared at times.”

Naomi, Ashley and Wynonna Judd attend the ACM Awards, Los Angeles, Circa 1990s. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Getty Images)

Last year, Ashley opened up about using these parties to please her inner child, describing her difficult youth on social media. "As a teen (& even 9 year old) I was left alone for months (& lived alone in 10th and 11th grades) with no adults or caregiver in my homes. My teen endured so many grave boundary violations."

She described these celebrations as a way to be there for her "inner teen as she heals," and to "deparentify" her younger self of all "those responsibilities that never should have been hers as an adolescent."

Ashley has been open up about her traumatic childhood, which included, according to ABC News, attending 13 schools before she was 18. She struggled with depression as a young woman and has written about being abused by numerous men, including an unnamed family member.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available 24 hours a day through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

Sigourney Weaver has been in Ghostbusters, Avatar, and Aliens, a franchise celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Now she can add Star Wars to the list, and she showed up to The Tonight Show on Tuesday with a pitch for Star Wars runner Jon Favreau.

Weaver sat down withJimmy Fallon to promote Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, which opens in theaters and IMAX on May 22, and the conversation quickly moved on the film's other undeniable star. When Fallon asked whether Grogu is as cute in person as he looks on screen, Weaver didn't hesitate.

'I have sat next to Grogu now a number of times,' she said. 'And he is so real. And he is irresistible, honestly, I have to say.'

And after enough time studying the character up close, Weaver told him, she had already pitched Favreau on a new role for herself. 'I have already offered to Jon that I can do the soundtrack for him,' she said, 'because I can do...' and then produced a note-perfect Grogu impression, complete with the character's signature wide-eyed sounds and expressions.

Fallon's reaction: 'You could be the voice of Grogu!'

Weaver said that five puppeteers operate Grogu on set, and that the character never really switches off. During her first scene with Pedro Pascal's Mando and Grogu, she said the crew kept him running between takes without telling her. 'I didn't realize, but they were under the table keeping him going,' she said. 'He is alive in your head. He's real.'

Her praise for Pascal was equally warm. 'He is divine,' Weaver said. 'I think he's such a wonderful actor, performer, dancer. I don't know if he sings. He probably does.'

Related: Star Wars Fans Saw the First 25 Minutes of The Mandalorian Movie and Say It's a Return to Form

Weaver plays Colonel Ward, a veteran of the Rebellion who came up alongside Princess Leia's generation and now commands a remote base in the Outer Rim. Her mission is to root out lingering Imperial warlords before they destabilize the fledgling New Republic. Her solution, reluctantly, is the man in the Mandalorian armor and his small green companion. 'Without looking in this man's eyes, I have to look at these two and go, 'Yes. I trust you. You are the best chance we got,' she told Fallon.

Weaver also revisited Aliens at length, marking the film's 40th anniversary. She addressed the story behind the most famous line in the franchise, 'Get away from her, you b*tch', revealing that her first take went up in pitch at the end, which she immediately second-guessed. 'The acting student said to myself, 'That's the wrong way. It should go down,' she recalled. Director James Cameron disagreed and kept the take. It became one of the most quoted lines in science fiction history.

Fallon closed the interview by announcing that everyone in the studio audience was going home with IMAX tickets to the film.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters and IMAX May 22.

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Whether through writing, conversation, or presentation, some people have a way with words. Their diplomatic tone carries tact. With personable persuasiveness, they captivate others with detailed stories. While they win people over with ease, it doesn't often come from a place of manipulation. Rather, they simply have a vision that pierces through the mundane, revealing intriguing facets of life left unturned by the unexamining mind.

According to numerologists and astrologers, four birth dates are most likely to have a way with words. Call it what you will: a skill, a gift, or a developed trait. At the end of the day, their language undeniably creates a beautiful picture that others cannot help but admire with poetic longing, pulling at their heartstrings.

Which Birth Dates Have a Way With Words?

Check for your birth date. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 14th — The Quick-Witted Communicator

People born on the 14th of any month are full of intellectual wisdom. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication itself, how could they not? These individuals are students of life. They never graduate from their curiousity, always eagerly grasping for what will expand their minds and life experience. This youthful aspiration to evolve captures others. Embracing dynamic perspectives and living in between nuances, they bring contrasting perspectives into unity. Intriguing to many, these people make you consider what opportunities lie beyond your limited beliefs, all through charming chat and the gift of gab.

NEXT: These 4 Birth Dates Never Crack Under Pressure

Born on the 15th — The Charming Wordsmith

Venus, the planet of charming love, rules this birth date. As natural caretakers, they effortlessly tune into the emotions of others. People easily connect with their words; it's not only what they say but also how they convey their messages. Being adaptable and socially aware, they tailor their communication to the listener's level, ensuring their words are eagerly received and leaving others feeling understood and validated. With a heart full of love, they have much to give. Their rose-colored lens shines through their choice of words, helping to bridge gaps and foster harmony.

RELATE?: Which Wildflower Matches You, Based on Your Birth Month

Born on the 21st — The Natural Storyteller

People often lean in closer to hear the stories from someone born on the 21st. Their enthusiastic voice draws you in, and the rollercoaster highs and lows of their accounts hook your attention. As leaders, these individuals understand the power of a captivating narrative. Ruled by the lucky planet Jupiter, known for philosophical expansion, they seek to explore uncharted territory daily. With their wealth of firsthand accounts, they expose others to fresh perspectives, emerging trends, and even the latest gossip. Their playful personality and self-assuredness make them engaging conversationalists, often transforming the mundane into art through their exaggerated, theatrical storytelling.

Born on the 25th — The Poetic Soul

Neptune, the planet of spiritual awakening, governs those born on the 25th. As a result, individuals with this birth date often possess a heightened perspective. They have a rare blend of intellect and intuition, which grants them exceptional observational skills, pattern recognition, and poetic insight. Their words have the power to draw others away from logical analysis and into a deeper, soulful part of their being. An air of mystery surrounds them, making others feel compelled to draw closer. Even when their words are infrequent, people are eager to listen to the interesting and emotive truths they share.

UP NEXT:

Dopamine decor is all about making your space joyful and completely your own. In other words, if something brings you joy, it belongs in your space. Dopamine decor is often bright and cheery, focusing on creating feelings of well-being and happiness. Think bright colors, fun shapes and items that are specifically meaningful to you. Of course, having good lighting is a must in any happy home, and these cutesy new cordless table lamps at Aldi just scream dopamine decor. Even better, each one retails for just $12.99.

Aldi's private-label brand Casalux is now offering a Cordless Table Lamp in three chic shades, including powder blue, egret (off-white) or light gray, giving you a few options to choose from for your space. Each cordless lamp features a charming dome-shaped shade and a bubbled base, together creating a unique and quirky silhouette that's pure dopamine.

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Casalux Cordless Table Lamp, Blue, $12.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Because these lamps are cordless, you can place them wherever you please, from your kitchen table to your nightstand to your desk. You can even move them around your home for a quick design switch-up. It's totally up to you. We think these lamps would work great as reading lights, and they would also be beautiful to use as ambient lighting to create a relaxing mood.

Related: Shoppers Are Upgrading Weekend Plans With Aldi's $15 Lounging Essential

These lamps are battery-operated via USB-C charging, only adding to its convenience and ease of use. Once fully charged, simply hit the on button on the base of the lamp whenever you need some extra light.

These cordless table lamps are available now as part of Aldi's current rotation of Aldi Finds, which are the weekly product specials that change in and out every single Wednesday. Aldi Finds can be shopped in Aldi stores' center aisles. Remember, Aldi Finds are limited-edition and are only available while supplies last, so if you see an Aldi Find you love like these lamps, make sure to grab it while you can! Aldi Finds never stick around for a terribly long time.

If you are interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these 100 percent cotton 2-piece kitchen towel sets that add a vibrant pop of color to your kitchen, this sleek two-burner griddle that's a game changer for summer cookouts or this pretty washable patio rug that brings a ton of boho charm to any outdoor space.

Related: Aldi's Whimsical Solar Light Looks Like a Piece of Art

Gillian Anderson pulled off an amazing red carpet transformation in Cannes.

The beloved actress, 57, who rose to stardom in the role of Dana Scully on The X-Files, is having quite a renaissance. She made waves in recent years for roles in shows like Sex Education, in which she plays a sex therapist. Last year, she released a book, Want, an anonymous collection of sex fantasies, which she edited. The anthology was so successful that Anderson recently announced a follow-up. Now, she's hitting the red carpet at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals, during a photocall for Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma. The beauty was absolutely stunning with long, curly blonde hair, which is quite the contrast from her days as Dana Scully. However, she worked those curls with pride.

Photo by Amy Sussman on Getty Images

Photo by Aurore Marechal on Getty Images

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Finding Her Worth As She Ages

Back in March, Anderson participated in L'Oréal's Lessons of Worth campaign, which pushes back against the idea that women become invisible with age.

When you're young, “you’re noticed, you’re needed, you’re whistled at, you’re even hit on. And then a few years later, poof, you don’t exist. You’re in the way," Anderson shared in her campaign video. "I don't believe that we will ever be able to change the minds of men in terms of how they perceive women and aging," Anderson told InStyle. However, she said age has only improved her experience of herself. “I’ve never felt more alive, in my skin, clear-headed, purposeful, free of self-judgment."

When it comes to what advice she'd give herself in her twenties and thirties, Anderson spoke candidly.

"To care less about what other people think and do more for other people," she shared.

Check out Anderson's campaign video below:

Related: ‘X-Files’ Icon Gillian Anderson, 57, Is Ageless in Leather Dress

Lori Loughlin is a proud mom.

Following the launch of her daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli's makeup line, Loughlin joined in a fun video where the two were showing off a specific product in the beauty range, named o.piccola.

"Okay my mom just came in and asked me to put some Bronze & Glow Balm on her and of course I'm making her film it," Giannulli said, who mentioned "Aunt Becs" in the video's caption, referencing her mom's iconic Full House character, Rebecca Donaldson-Katsopolis.

View this post on Instagram

In the clip, Olivia, 26, helped apply the product, which received a rave review from her mom.

"That looks pretty, it's giving cheek bone, who knew?" she said.

"I love that," she said, as her daughter continued to apply the product. "Just a little color and a little glow, that's beautiful."

However, the two had a funny moment when her daughter mentioned that followers were wondering if the product worked on "old skin."

"Not that you have old skin," Giannulli said.

To which Loughlin, 61, replied: "I have old skin, let's call a spade a spade."

But the mom-and-daugher duo put any snark aside to conclude the clip.

"I'm so proud of you," Loughlin said. "I know how hard you worked on this. It really, really is gorgeous."

Related: 'Full House' Actress, 61, Looks Nearly Unrecognizable as She Debuts Brand-New Look

Fans in the post's comments were also loving the pair together.

"Good lord she's gorgeous as always!!" one commenter said. "Can't wait to try these!!!!"

"Can’t believe how much you and your sister look so much like your beautiful mama." added another, mentioning her older sister Bella Giannulli.

"Her mom is such an underrated actress," added a third. "And woah she looks amazing aging backwards.

Kelly Rizzo, widow to Loughlin's late co-star, Bob Saget, also chimed in the comments.

"Love you guys...also can't wait to try!" she said.

Olivia Jade Giannulli and Lori Loughlin

Photo by Michael Buckner on Getty Images

The video comes as Loughlin recently debuted a new hairstyle that made her almost unrecognizable during a red carpet appearance in Los Angeles.

The Full House star shares Olivia and Bella with estranged husband Mossimo Giannulli. The two separated last year in the aftermath of their participation in the college admissions scandal which led to Loughlin going to jail for two months in 2020.

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If you need something to fill an entryway, hallway, or open wall space, the Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table is a super practical addition to any home. Right now, Wayfair has it on sale for as low as $80 for the white option, down from $147. The black option is $95 (originally $160), espresso is $88 (originally $152), and gray is $87 (originally $152).

The table measures 31.5 inches high, 42 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, making it narrow and ideal for smaller spaces. It’s made with manufactured wood and a solid wood base, and it has three tiers total with two open shelves underneath. The X-brace supports help increase stability, and the table has a 176-pound weight capacity. It also features a scratch-resistant and stain-resistant surface, plus a finished back.

Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table, From $80 (was $147) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

You can use it near the front door for keys, bags, or mail, but it also works well behind a sofa, under a window, or along a hallway wall. The shelves provide extra storage, and the top surface is spacious enough for decor, framed photos, or a lamp.

One shopper called the table "beautiful," while another said it’s “sturdy and super easy to put together!" Other reviewers said it offers "plenty of space" and is "perfect for small spaces.” Some people said they used it in an entryway for diaper bags and book bags, while others used it in a guest bedroom, office, TV room, or hallway for family pictures and decor.

Related: Wayfair's 'Stunning' $106 Fluted 2-Drawer Console Table Is the 'Perfect Addition' to Cluttered Entryways

You can keep it simple with a mirror and a tray in an entryway, or use baskets on the lower shelves for more hidden storage. It also works nicely in a living room or office, with books, candles, photo frames, or even board games if that’s what you need the space for.

Shop More Deals

• Sand & Stable Laguna Solid Wood Coffee Table, $187 (was $200) at Wayfair
• Union Rustic Larenda Entryway Table, $163 (was $415) at Wayfair
• Three Posts Lorraine TV Stand, $200 (was $390) at Wayfair

The Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table offers extra storage, surface space, and a more finished look than many other console table styles. Now under $100, it’s a great price for a piece that can work in so many different spots around the house. Be sure to snag yours while it’s still marked down this low at Wayfair.

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

This season, MasterChef has taken on the theme of Global Gauntlet, and it has divided the world into four areas: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Americas. After four weeks of auditions, white aprons have been awarded to five of the best home cooks in each of the regions, who are based in the United States but cooking to reflect their heritage.

So, the season is focusing on the contributions that immigrants have made to the food culture in the United States.

“What makes the food and the culinary scene that we have in the US amazing is that it truly is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world,” judge Tiffany Derry tells Parade in this exclusive interview. “One of the things that we’re doing is highlighting and celebrating the four regions, but even within every region, there’s so much, right? When you think of Africa, the continent of Africa is incredible with cuisine and so different – the spices, the flavors. You’re dealing with Egyptians, Moroccans, South Africans, all of that is just completely different.”

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As the show highlights the breadth and width of the food scene and the diversity of the people who create the food, it does somewhat change up the challenges from previous seasons, but not completely.

“It changes it a little bit because you’re a team, but you’re not really. In the beginning, you’re cheering for the group. You want Team Asia Pacific, or you want Team Europe to win because when a team wins, you feel safe as well. If you didn’t have maybe the best dish, then perhaps if your team can win, then all of a sudden you’re safe. So, you’re going for your team, [as] you do in any team sport. But at the end of the day, it’s only one person that’s winning. So, you’re also calculating and figuring out, ‘Okay, I got to watch such and such over there, and I got to be careful with this person,’ right?"

Every season the judges say that the home cooks get better, which is hard to imagine after 16 seasons. But this season, what makes it different is that in celebrating food from all over the world, dishes that may be familiar are done a different way.

“You have people cooking foods from where they’re from, where their family heritage is from, which is very different sometimes than how you would cook if you’re just cooking your everyday. You might want to experiment with cuisines and different flavors. But here they’re highlighting their family heritage,” Derry says. “And so yes, they’ll change it up to whatever that challenge is, but there’s always still that North star of what exactly makes this dish fit within, whether it’s Africa, whether it’s Asia-Pacific, wherever you are, there’s still that thread that is still consistent.”

Parade also spoke to Derry about her days as a contestant in cooking competitions, what we might not know about Gordon Ramsay or Joe Bastianich, and her surprising favorite food.

Related: ‘Chopped Castaways’ Season 1 Cast Includes ‘Top Chef,’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Stars

One thing that you bring to this that, that Gordon and Joe don’t have is you actually competed in a competition on Top Chef.
Many actually! Many competitions.

Does that make you different somehow as a judge? Do you look for different things? Are you more empathetic?
I think it does make it a little different. Both Joe and Gordon have done this for so long [that] there’s just not much that can ever pass them. And I mean, I’ve competed for a really long time; I think I’ve heard it all. I have been happy, been sad, cried, overjoyed, like every emotion that you can get from competition. And I remember thinking that the day that I am on the other side of this, I am going to always tell them something that makes them better. I am going to be honest with them in hopes that they’ll make it to the next round and be able to use what we’re talking about.

And so, whether I seem like I am being straightforward – I prefer the word straightforward – if I’m being straightforward or not, it’s all with the idea of, I hope that they learn from this and grow. So yes, sometimes I feel like I am in a really good position, considering that I’ve been on both sides for a long time now.

What’s it like during the actual competition when the three of you are in the back room, and you have to pick the best dish and the worst dish because somebody wins and somebody goes home? Is there consensus on that? Do you disagree a lot? What happens when you disagree?
I don’t really hide much. I don’t really care to. I just feel like I’m at a point where if I disagree, I just say I disagree. My mom used to say, “Fix your face.” And so, my face is exactly how I feel usually. You’ll see that.

But what we do well is, at the end of the day, each of us, whoever we’re fighting for, I’ll say, we have a good case that we’re making. We all don’t always agree, but there are always points that we do agree on. When we start really getting into the season, it can get tense. And it’s gotten to a point where it’s tense, even after we finish. And I’m like, “I don’t agree, but okay.” Or they get that way as well. And then sometimes we’re like, “Yeah, I agree.”

But most of the time, we’ve made the right decision, and you’ll see a few episodes later, you’re like, “Okay, this person was perfectly right for this one”. So, there’s just different ways to go about it. There are always feelings involved in it as well.

Tiffany Derry, Gordon Ramsay and Joe Bastianich judge "MasterChef: Global Gauntlet"

Photo credit: FOX

You’ve completed two seasons now, even though we are just starting to see the second one. Talk about what surprised you about working with Gordon or Joe, or something that we as fans would love to know about them.
I don’t think people see the side of Joe that I see every day. Gordon, you see who he is. He’s exactly who you think he is. Whether he is critiquing a dish and trying to make you better, or whether he’s joking and laughing and having a conversation with you.

I feel like most people don’t see the side of Joe that is funny and a little silly. There are moments where he cooks and does things and he sings. I just feel like there’s layers to it that. I feel like I get a little chance, little glimpse to see. So, the rapport between us three, I feel like being together that long and doing those two seasons… it definitely was different than even last year, which was fabulous.

What do you think is the thing that contestants mostly do wrong? What do you think is the biggest mistake that we’re going to see this season?
There’s always technical difficulties. But sometimes you can get over a technical difficulty of whether it means that they didn’t sauté something perfectly. They didn’t braise something long enough. They didn’t season something with enough salt or acid or spice. For me, it’s always, what was the challenge? This was a challenge we gave you, and you disregarded the challenge and decided to just do whatever you wanted to do. And that is something that I see where it’s like, “I’m maybe not comfortable cooking or doing something, and I don’t want to take that gamble, so I play it a little safe.” And it’s not what you want to do on MasterChef. You do not want to play it safe. You want to make sure that every dish you put out is a representation of you, and you have truly gone for it.

Related: Gordon Ramsay’s Net Worth in 2026 Makes Him a Truly ‘Next Level Chef’

Do you have a favorite region of the world where you love the cuisine?
It’s such a hard question. It’s like picking your favorite child. I am often prone to go into Asia, like more Southeast Asian food. I cook a lot of it. I eat a lot of it, more than most people realize. And it’s even funny because during the show, both Gordon and Joe are now realizing how much of that I eat and what I know about it.

They’re like, ‘wait a minute,’ and so they’ll look at me and go, “What do you think?” And I’m like, “Well, you know, this and that.” So, it’s really nice to see. It’s cool.

Is there a food that you won’t eat?
I haven’t found it yet. I’ve eaten some crazy stuff. And because I do travel a heck of a lot, I’m always looking for something. I don’t know anything that I wouldn’t eat right now. I mean, I’ve had some crazy stuff.

Like bugs and stuff like that?
Oh yeah. Those little crunchies, you know?

And what about a guilty pleasure? What would you consider your guilty pleasure? I talked to Gordon years ago and he said he liked In-N-Out burgers.
Actually, I like them, too, but you know what? I am a shaved ice fanatic. I would have it over any dessert. I will have it over any chocolate in the world. I love the texture of perfectly shaved, fluffy ice. I love a sweet and sour syrup. So, any kind of citrusy fruit with a bit of acid, too. Ooohhh and then top it off with the cream. That is my jam. In fact, I wish I had one right now.

I actually have a machine that does shave ice. But because I grew up in East LA, I grew up knowing raspados, which are snow cones.
Yes, absolutely. In Mexico, yeah.

But then lately we have Hawaiian shaved ice trucks. So, it’s more universal than you would think.
Oh, it’s very universal. In fact, I’m actually getting ready to open a shaved ice shop next month. It’s really such a global thing like in Korea, they do one called Bingsu, to obviously the shaved ice, Kakigori, from the Japanese  and to Louisiana as well. It’s sooooooo much that people are like, it’s a universal love. Honestly, it is.

Where’s your store going to be?
It’s going to be in Grand Prairie, which is like the suburbs of DFW. It’s called Surf and Snow.

MasterChef airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Streams next day on Hulu.

Related: 'MasterChef' Returns With an International Theme for Season 16 in 2026 — What to Know

Sydney Sweeney may be in Australia to work, but the Euphoria star is making sure there's time in her schedule to play, as well. On May 13, she posted a heartwarming, romantic montage of her side excursions with her new love, Scooter Braun, to her Instagram stories.

The video begins with Sweeney and her beau standing on a beach as Layup and Katelyn Tarver's song "Who You Share It With" plays. As she attempts to take a video selfie, Braun kisses her all over her face. In the next scene, the two are dancing playfully before it cuts to them holding hands on a helicopter, flying over the Great Barrier Reef.

After landing on a reef pontoon, they take more sweet and goofy video selfies before changing into dive skins and plunging into the water. After swimming and snorkeling, they're at a wildlife park, petting a koala and snuggling with a dingo. The medley ends with the loved-up couple in a house, dancing together. Braun also shared the Instagram story, which marks a turning point for the couple.

While rumors swirled that the couple began dating after meeting in Sept. 2025 at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice, they both stayed mum. Then, on April 15, he shared a photo of himself and Sweeney on his Instagram stories. Two weeks later, Sweeney and Braun hard-launched their relationship, posting very coupley photos of their time at the Stagecoach Music Festival.

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Sweeney was previously linked to businessman Jonathan Davino. The former couple began dating in 2018 and got engaged in 2022. In March, she confirmed that they had split up, and she was single.

"I’m learning a lot about myself, spending more time with my friends," she told The Times. "And I’m loving it."

Netflixconfirmed in April that filming for the live-action Gundam had begun in Queensland, Australia. Based on the Japanese anime franchise, Gundam is a sci-fi adventure film centered around giant robots (mechs). "With awe-inspiring battles, intimate human emotion, and an epic cinematic scale, this is Gundam like it’s been seen before," the synopsis reads.

Sweeney is starring in the film alongside Noah Centineo (Street Fighter), Jackson White (Tell Me Lies), and Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus).

Three years after its official release on Disney+, Disney's Ahsoka TV series is officially making its long-awaited return.

According to Deadline, the long-awaited space opera show is currently set to return to the streamer sometime in early 2027, as confirmed by star Rosario Dawson during a Disney upfront presentation this past Tuesday.

While specific details about the new season remain shrouded in mystery, Dawson did share some early hints at what viewers could expect of Ahsoka's second season, with the 47-year-old teasing, “This season, the battles are bigger and the stakes are higher."

A longtime passion project of influential Star Wars creator and current Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni, Ahsoka initially premiered on Disney+ back in 2023.

A creative continuation of Filoni's earlier work on both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, the series follows the former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker as she attempts to hunt down an exiled Imperial admiral from returning to conqueror the galaxy.

Cobbling together references to everything from The Clone Wars to the best-selling Star Wars novel series Thrawn, Ahsoka earned mostly positive reviews from critics, with many complimenting the series for Dawson's performance, fast pace and altogether enticing story.

In addition to some enigmatic notes about the show's storyline for the second season, Disney also confirmed the involvement of certain stars who will appear in Ahsoka. This include original Prequel Trilogy actor Hayden Christiansen, who will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker, along with the debut of Game of Thrones' Rory McCann, who will be taking over the role of fallen Jedi Baylan Skol following the death of Ray Stevenson.

Along with these new and returning actors, series creator Filoni also shared the news that the fan-favorite Rebel Alliance hero Admiral Ackbar ("It's a trap!") will return to battle his most dangerous enemy yet: Lars Mikkelsen's methodical Imperial commander, Thrawn.

As Filoni put it, "[Ackbar is] going head-to-head with Thrawn."

The musical movie genre isn't shy about letting its leading stars belt out a few tunes for its tracklist. Actor Keith Carradine was one of the cast members in Nashville who wrote and sang his own songs for his character, which earned him an Oscar win.

Carradine, alongside David Arkin, Barbara Baxley, Ned Beatty, Karen Black, Ronee Blakley, Timothy Brown, Jeff Goldblum, and a bigger cast, all starred in the satirical musical film. It was directed and produced by Robert Altman and focused on various characters in the country and gospel music scene. Over five days its catalogs their lives leading up to a gala concert in support of a political candidate.

Nashville was a moderate success with its $10 million at the box office, but it would be recognized by the Academy for a Best Picture nomination. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Supporting Actress, with Carradine taking home the win for Best Original Song for "I'm Easy."

According to reports about the film's production, all the actors in Nashville were told to write and sing their own tracks for their characters. "I'm Easy" is often considered a love ballad and was originally an acoustic guitar track played by Ben Benay. The track wasn't a chart-topper and only landed at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Easy Listening charts.

Related: 1983 No. 1 Hit Dance Track Won an Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ 42 Years Ago

Keith Carradine's love ballad was to woo his Broadway castmate

Fans can say that Carradine's "I'm Easy" was perfectly suited to his on-screen character and to the actor's true intentions for the track. In Nashville, Carradine plays Tom Frank, a guitarist in a folk-rock trio hoping to go solo. He sings the track during an open mic, with the tender ballad being dedicated to someone in the audience, with all the women in attendance thinking it's them. In reality, Tom is a womanizer and abuser who was dedicating the song to his next conquest.

According to Song Facts, Carradine's true intentions for writing the track weren't too far off from the film. The actor was excited to dust off the love ballad and wrote the lyrics to impress and woo actor Shelley Plimpton. Both Carradine and Plimpton worked together as castmates in the original Broadway production of Hair in 1968.

Reports claim that Plimpton was at the time married to Steve Curry, but was separated when she and Carradine became romantically involved. While the relationship was short-lived, it did result in their daughter, Martha Plimpton. Carradine later admitted in a documentary about Nashville that the love ballad was about giving his heart to someone he loved, with Altman having changed its outlook in the film.

"It wasn't the simple love song that I had written - it became something else. It became an incredible manipulation," Carradine explained. "There was something kind of beautifully cynical about it, but that was Bob."

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The best shoes are those that you can effortlessly take from day to night with constant comfort. One brand that carries footwear that checks all those boxes is Dr. Scholl’s, offering shoes that are ready to tackle everything from daily outings to special occasions. If you’re looking to refresh your spring collection with a pair, these Dr. Scholl's Shoes Once Twice Platform Sandals at Amazon are definitely worth checking out. 

There’s no better time than right now to snag a pair because they’re currently on sale for up to a whopping 68% off! Normally retailing for $95, the black version of these sandals is now marked down to just $30 in sizes 7 to 11. These sandals are available in nine other colors and sale prices for those range between $38 and $72, depending on the size. Those are available in sizes 6 to 11, and shoppers noted that these sandals fit true to size. 

Dr. Scholl's Shoes Once Twice Platform Sandals, From $30 (were $95) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

These sandals seamlessly blend style and comfort. Featuring wedge heels, these sandals offer a slight lift while supporting all parts of your feet. The back of these sandals has a 2-inch cork heel that slightly tapers towards the front, creating a 1-inch platform. While these sandals can lengthen the look of your legs, they’ll also offer all-around support to keep the bottoms of your feet from feeling tired. 

Cushioning your every step, these sandals boast a foam insole. Sustainable and environmentally-friendly, it’s made of plant-based materials and blended with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). It has shock absorption with high rebound, designed to give you a spring-like step and reduce fatigue. The foam also has anti-microbial and anti-odor properties, ensuring that these sandals stay in pristine condition. 

These sandals have great arch support, as shoppers with high arches and plantar fasciitis attested to. They raved that they were able to wear these sandals for days in a row without experiencing any discomfort or pain. The midsole and sole of these sandals have a lightweight and flexible design that’ll move along with you, allowing you to walk around with ease without feeling weighed down. As a bonus, customers said that these shoes don’t require a break-in period, raving that they felt very comfortable right out of the box!

Spring-ready, these sandals have a strappy design that gives them an airy feel. Made of faux leather, the straps give these sandals a stylish and playful accent while ensuring a secure fit. They boast a wide strap that runs across the toes and two narrower straps — one that goes across the bridge of your foot and another that wraps around the front of your ankle. The ankle strap is connected to a slingback strap, designed to hold your foot securely in place. These sandals boast a buckle closure so you can easily slide into them and adjust the tightness. 

You can throw on these sandals for so many occasions. Reviewers noted that they’ve worn these sandals for vacations, music festivals, weddings, and more! Versatile and chic, these are the kind of shoes that you can style with both casual and dressy ensembles. You can wear them with loungewear and athleisure, and just as easily pair them with dresses and workwear. 

Related: Clarks’ Strappy Sandals Are 'Perfect' for Summer Travel, and They’re on Sale for $34 at Amazon

One reviewer mentioned that they’re a teacher and said that they can “wear these all day long without any trouble.” They also added that they wear these sandals “almost year-round” because “they go with everything.” Another reviewer said they purchased these shoes for a 16-day vacation with a lot of walking involved. “I wore these all day and night, and I felt like I was walking on clouds the whole time,” they said. A third shopper described these as “really cute and incredibly comfortable.”

Whether you’re running quick errands or walking miles on vacation, you’ll want to step into the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Once Twice Platform Sandals whenever you leave the house. Don’t hesitate to snag a pair while they're still on sale for as low as $30 at Amazon! 

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As warmer weather settles in and berry season picks up, desserts start leaning a little lighter and fruit-filled. And Sam’s Club is bringing those fresh summer flavors back with a bakery favorite shoppers were clearly waiting for.

This returning dessert has only been back for a few days, but it’s already getting plenty of attention online. Between the mix of berries and the buttery crumble topping, it’s a find that instantly stands out.

Check out the returning seasonal favorite in this May 11 TikTok from @samsclublovers:

@samsclublovers

🫐 This Mixed Berry Crumble Pie looks SO good! Made fresh in-club daily with a sweet medley of blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries all topped with a crisp brown sugar cinnamon oat crumble. Perfect for summer cookouts or gatherings! #samsclub #samsclubfinds #pie

♬ original sound - Sam’s Club Lovers Sam’s Club’s Mixed Berry Crumble Pie Is Back, and It’s Already a Summer Hit

The Member’s Mark 10-inch Mixed Berry Crumble Pie combines blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries in a golden-brown crust topped with brown-sugar cinnamon oat crumble. The sweet berry filling paired with the crisp topping gives it a balance that works equally well for cookouts, brunches, or simple summer desserts in the backyard.

At 44 ounces, the pie is large enough for sharing and is currently priced at just $9.86, far less than it would cost to make something similar from scratch at home. And with this, there’s no baking or cleanup to worry about. Just slice and serve. While the dessert easily stands on its own, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top takes it even further.

Related: A New $14 Grab-And-Go Meal at Sam’s Club Has Serious Chipotle Vibes

Reviews have been especially positive since the pie returned. One shopper wrote, “So happy berry pie is back!! Loaded with fruit and crumb topping is a perfect balance. I bought this for Thanksgiving 2 years ago, and my guests and family couldn’t stop eating it. We ate 3 pies. You won’t be disappointed.”

Another shared, “My new favorite. Nice combination of berries. Excellent taste.”

Availability and pricing may vary by club, but for shoppers looking for a dessert that feels especially right this time of year, this berry-filled bakery favorite is already shaping up to be one of Sam’s Club’s standout summer returns.

The music world is unfortunately filled with so many "what ifs." So many legendary artists have gone too soon, oftentimes at the heights of their career. It's a tragic fact of artistry. Music is such a formative and emotional art, which makes it hit that much harder when one of them is taken from us. Despite not being close to being alive when it happened, I am deeply saddened when I think about Randy Rhoads.

Rhoads was most well known for being Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist for his first two solo records. Ozzy certainly knew how to surround himself with metal pioneers, because Rhoads was a true innovator. I always think of him with the likes of Eddie Van Halen. Both of them were able to warp and change the form of the guitar to sound like an alien instrument.

Rhoads, despite his tragic early passing, is still one of the most revered guitarists out there, charting on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos list at #17 for his solo on "Crazy Train."

Rhoads' Passing Was So Tragic

Randy Rhoads was 25 years old when he died in a freak plane crash the day after a show in Knoxville. The way the story goes, the band had a long night of driving and decided to stop at an airstrip in Florida to fix a malfunctioning AC unit in the bus. While they were stopped, the band's bus driver and private pilot Andrew Aycock took out a small propellor plane and began flying it around in an attempt to graze the tour bus as a prank.

Rhoads joined Aycock inside the plane for another one of these fly-bys along with the band's makeup artist Rachel Youngblood. The plane made a few of these attempts to touch the bus before striking the wing on the roof of the bus and breaking it into two pieces. The plane spiraled afterward and crashed into a nearby home, bursting into flames. All three passengers were killed instantly.

The incident sent shockwaves through the rock world. Everyone knew how much of a legend in the making Rhoads was, and many of his peers had a great amount of reverence for both his talent and his character. His absence is still felt greatly today.

Everyone should at least listen to "Blizzard of Ozz." That record features some of the most innovative and forward thinking guitar playing you'll hear from the era. Randy Rhoads was one of the best to ever play, and if nothing else, at least he and Ozzy are reunited now. I'm sure there's a hell of a show wherever they happen to be.

Related: Iconic Rock Guitarists Weigh in on 'Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time'

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Over the course of 25 seasons, we've become intimately familiar with the workings of the New York City Police Department on Law & Order. For the milestone season, Maura Tierney has been holding down the fort as the intrepid Lieutenant Jessica Brady. But, in an exclusive sneak peek of the Season 25 finale, we see that even she isn't above reproach from a completely different part of the criminal justice system: The FBI.

In "Liberty," the final episode of the season, Brady is investigating the murder of a military hero. However, due to the nature of the victim, that means the feds have come a-knockin'. In this case, it's an agent (played by special guest RobinS. Walker) walking into Brady's office with one simple, but stunning, demand.

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Law & Order Season 25 Finale Sneak Peek (1:14)

"You need to release Frank Mazio," she says.

"Why's that?" Brady immediately asks.

"I can't get into the details at the moment," she replies.

Brady outlines, "Well, we're investigating him for the murder of a vice admiral in the United States Army."

"He didn't do it," the agent interrupts. "I assure you."

"Okay, well then forget it," Brady replies, sarcastically.

"I can explain more later. But right now—"

"What's his alibi?" Brady says, taking her turn to interrupt. "I mean, do you have any proof for us that he's not involved?"

Related: Melissa McCarthy Spent Six Years Planning the Perfect SVU Surprise for Mariska Hargitay

Clearly, the tension is ratcheting up, the agent tersely says, "As I said, we can talk about all this down the road. But right now, we need to pull him out."

Brady puts her foot down, stating, "I'm not releasing him."

"Then that would be a bad career move."

"Are you seriously threatening me?!"

With things building to a fever pitch, Vincent Riley (Dan Stevens) finally decides to step in, having been in the corner this entire time. "Alright, Jess, come on. We just need to know that Mr. Mazio is not going to be leaving town anytime soon."

After a silent exchange between the lieutenant and detective, the former finally acquiesces. But it's clear she's doing so without any form of satisfaction. Indeed, as Riley officially releases Mazio, handing him his cane, Brady simply leans against the wall, arms crossed. It's only when the suspect is around the corner that she utters an important question to Riley.

"What the hell is going on?"

It's one we're certainly leaving this first look with as well! Considering how upset Brady seems to be with her main suspect walking away, it looks like there may be something shady going on with the FBI's interference. Coupled with star Odelya Halvi teasing that the finale will feature something that has never happened before on Law & Order, we're on the edge of our seat waiting to see what happens in Thursday's finale, and how it impacts the already-renewed Season 26.

The Law & Order Season 25 finale airs Thursday, Mar. 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Related: 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Canceled After 5 Seasons

Healing often feels undervalued, treated as something we should ‘get over’ so we can get to the next thing. But in reality, soul-level healing is less about achieving something and more about unlocking our innate powers. When we purposely heal ourselves, something magical happens. We not only release the emotional baggage and the limiting beliefs that prevent us from reaching our full potential, but also tap into our greater purpose. Birth date numerology can provide clues. Read on for expert insights on each birth date to support your greater healing journey.

RELATED:

Your Healing Journey, According to the Day You Were Born

When it comes to soul healing, the day you were born offers insight into what your soul needs to heal, helping unlock long-term flow and happiness. Each birth date, reduced to a single digit, aligns with the energy of one of the planetary bodies in our solar system—find yours below. 

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th – Independence and Leadership

You were born to overcome the fear of stepping into high visibility by showcasing your leadership skills. Guided by the light of the Sun, you heal by accepting and embracing the parts of yourself that make you stand out from the crowd. As you both think and act independently, you secure the opportunity to create a life of success and self-reliance. 

EXPAND: The 4 Birth Months With Strong Boundaries

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th – Emotional Blance and Nurturance

For you, healing involves exploring the intricacies of emotions, compassion, and nurturance. Illuminated by the ever-changing light of the Moon, your path involves finding emotional balance as you flow between highs and lows. By truly understanding that feelings never stay the same but constantly change and evolve, you’re able to compassionately nurture yourself and others. 

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th – Wisdom and Knowledge

You’re meant to heal a past-life wound around boredom and stagnation. This incarnation is all about seeking personal growth and expansion. Protected by philosophicalJupiter, your soul heals when you feed your mind with extensive knowledge. By exploring the richness of the world, you’re meant to become a wise teacher who also expands the minds of others. 

FUN: Your Perfect Comfort Meal, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st – Freedom and Experimentation

You come from a past of heavy responsibility, where coloring outside the lines was judged and even impossible. Ruled by maverick planetUranus, this incarnation is about daring to experiment and even break some of the established (and even your own) rules. As you heal your soul by accessing your most colorful and even eccentric side, you build a life of excitement and freedom. 

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd – Adaptability and Communication

In your past lives, you may have had to stay silent, which created a feeling of mental stagnancy. This incarnation, guided by intellectual Mercury, is about healing by fully opening your throat chakra. Learning to fully express yourself in a variety of different ways is your door towards soulful freedom. Similarly, you heal your soul when allowing yourself to adapt to many different ways of thinking and being in the world. 

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Dates That Are the Heart of the Family

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th – Pleasure and Harmony 

Guided by Venus, the planet of beauty and harmony, your life path involves fully sinking into the simple pleasures by creating a life of harmony and enjoyment. You’re here to be a people person in every sense of the word. The world of relationships plays a big role, asking you to relate with others deeply, while keeping your own essence pure. 

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th – Intuition and Spiritual Awakening

Your soul’s healing journey involved walking the path of the mystic. Ruled by Neptune, the planet of magic and imagination, this incarnation is about learning to attune to the subtle energies of life. By developing your intuition, you’re meant to walk a path of spiritual enlightenment. As you tune into the magic that lies beyond the veil, you invite those around you to develop a relationship with their magical side, too. 

READ: The 4 Birth Months That Carry Their Parents’ Love & Legacy

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th – Responsibility and Self-Mastery

Serious and deeply karmic, this incarnation is becoming the boss of your life and taking responsibility for your dreams and deeper desires. Your healing path, guided by stern Saturn, involves investing time and effort in mastering your unique set of gifts. Once mastered, these talents guide you in building a strong foundation for yourself that develops into a fruitful future. 

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th – Passion and Purpose

Your soul’s healing journey is dynamic. In your previous lifetime, you may have lacked the opportunity to actualize your deepest desires. Guided by the fires of the planet Mars, this incarnation is about walking a passionate path towards realizing your goals. As you pursue what lights you up inside, you pave the way towards success. 

UP NEXT:

It's not every day one of the most famous musicals to ever premiere on Broadway makes its triumphant return to NYC.

In celebration of the show's historic 30th anniversary, Rent is officially making its long-awaited comeback to New York's theater district, complete with the cast of the original 1996 production.

According to People magazine, the Richard Rodgers Theatre will hold a one-night-only concert featuring Rent's "original cast members and a bevy of special guests" on October 26, 2026. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 1, with proceeds denoted to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Written in the early to mid 1990s by the late Jonathan Larson, Rent follows a group of artists struggling to make ends meet in the 1980s East Village. As they each do their best to prosper under their increasingly uncertain situations, they also contend with the growing crisis surrounding HIV, culminating in tragic outcomes for some of the artists involved.

As part of the one-night-only concert, Rent's original director, Michael Greif, will return to direct the performance, alongside original music director Tim Weil.

“Jonathan wrote Rent in honor of the people he knew who were living and struggling with HIV and in honor of the many friends and contemporaries he lost to AIDS,” Greif said of the upcoming performance. “I know he’d be proud and honored to join forces with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to celebrate the 30th year anniversary of his milestone musical."

Loosely based on the 1896 opera La Bohème, Rent enjoyed tremendous success upon its debut in 1996, running for a total of 12 years and winning such prestigious accolades as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical, among many others.

At the time of its closure in 2008, the show ran for an estimated 5,123 performances, making it the 12th longest-running show on Broadway.

From cult candy bars to forgotten lunchbox staples, these retro 1980s treats would disappear fast if they ever made a comeback.

The Fast Food Club website compiled a list of 20 discontinued snacks that would sell out instantly upon their return. The list comprised many favorites '80s and '90s kids would happily recall.

Additionally, Screen Crush compiled its own list of '80s foods that no longer exist. Fans still remember them vividly, fueling constant demand for their return decades after they vanished from store shelves.

These types of snacks taste like childhood in the best way possible: simple, sweet, and tied to a time when everything felt a little more carefree. One bite can take you right back to packed lunches, after-school treats, and a simpler kind of everyday joy.

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Planters Cheez Balls Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In 1981, Planters Cheez Balls were introduced and became a sensation. The round container was a good snacking size, and the rush consumers felt by pulling back the tabbed lid remains something that only exists in memory.

The snack was discontinued in 2006 but returned to store shelves in 2018. At the time of its return, Planters Head of Brand Building Melanie Huet said in a statement, “We made sure our Cheez Balls and Cheez Curls still have the same delicious taste, airy texture, and fluorescent color you know and love, so our fans can enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane with every canister.” However, purists believe that the taste of the original snack was far superior and more cheesy.

RELATED: Trader Joe’s Fans Raving Over Limited-Edition Muffin That ‘Tastes Like Sunshine’

Jell-O Pudding Pops

Jell-O Pudding Pops debuted in the late 1970s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they truly took off. A series of commercials featuring Bill Cosby helped turn the frozen treat into a cultural phenomenon, emphasizing the fun and indulgence of every bite.

The snack was discontinued in 2010, according to Foodie, reportedly because production costs became too high for the company to maintain. Still, fans looking to recreate the nostalgic treat can find a homemade version on the Kraft Heinz website, keeping that classic taste of childhood alive.

Hi-C Ecto Cooler

Hi-C Ecto Cooler, released in 1989, was an orange-tangerine-flavored, green-colored drink. It launched in 1989 to coincide with the release of the feature film Ghostbusters 2.

The drink was a rebrand of Hi-C's Citrus Cooler drink, which had been around since the '60s. But the popularity of the drink was tied to its mascot, Slimer, a character from the film.

Around 1997, Slimer was quietly taken off the packaging. The product was discontinued in 2001, but re-emerged in 2016 for a revamped version of Ghostbusters.

MORE: Pringles Quietly Debuts a Brand-New Flavor – And It’s Based on One of the Most Beloved Dinner Dishes Ever

Keebler Magic Middles Cookies

Keebler Magic Middle Cookies were a huge hit when they debuted in 1989. The cookies' tender outside was paired with a creamy interior.

According to the Foods We Loved Wiki, the brand was reportedly discontinued so Keebler could use the equipment that manufactured those products for other uses. Keebler Magic Middle cookies were ultimately discontinued.

In a 2023 X response to a customer plea for the snacks' return, a Keebler spokesperson stated that the cookies were discontinued "to keep our product line interesting and give consumers innovative flavors. We periodically have to discontinue products, which was the case with our Magic Middles."

Bonkers!

Bonkers! was a soft, chewy candy with a liquid interior. They were popular in the '80s for their unique taste and fun commercials with the slogan, "bonk you out."

Bonkers! were originally made by Nabisco, but were discontinued in the late 1990s. Food & Wine reported in 2018 that Leaf Brands was planning to bring the candy back. Although a webpage for the brand exists, there is no indication the candy is back in production.

These retro snacks bring back memories of childhood in a way few things can. Even decades later, fans still talk about them fondly and wish they could experience those original, familiar flavors one more time.

MORE: Iconic 1980s Snack Is Getting a Modern-Day Revamp