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In 1977, Smokey and the Bandit raced into theaters and unexpectedly became one of the biggest pop culture sensations of the decade.

Now, the film has earned another major honor after being included in Paste’s ranking of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time, thanks to its unforgettable blend of country, rock and Southern road-trip energy.

Directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, the film follows the Bandit and his partner Cledus "Snowman" Snow as they attempt to illegally transport Coors beer across state lines while evading law enforcement led by the hilariously relentless Sheriff Buford T. Justice, played by Jackie Gleason.

"That picture ["Smokey"] was some kind of strange little miracle in a way, for the fact that it made so much damn money and it was so much fun to do," Reynolds told Business Insider. "As soon as we got [Jackie] Gleason and Sally [Field], I knew we were off."

But beyond the car chases and comedy, music became one of the movie's defining ingredients.

The soundtrack prominently featured songs by Jerry Reed, who also co-starred in the film as Snowman. Reed's energetic country songs, including "East Bound and Down," helped establish the movie's fast-moving, rebellious spirit and became deeply associated with the film itself.

The soundtrack's success helped turn Smokey and the Bandit into more than just a hit comedy. The film became a cultural snapshot of 1970s Southern Americana, blending outlaw country music, CB radio culture and muscle cars into one wildly entertaining package.

The movie also famously sparked a real-life Hollywood romance between Reynolds and co-star Sally Field, who played Carrie, better known as "Frog."

Their chemistry onscreen quickly became one of the movie's most memorable elements, and the pair later became one of Hollywood's most beloved celebrity couples of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

"About a third of the way into filming, I was in the car with Sally and there was this little moment where we kind of looked at each other, and then we both turned and looked over at [stuntman] Hal [Needham]," Reynolds told Car and Driver. "He gave us a thumbs up and said, 'Yeah!' And we kind of knew there was some magic going on."

At the box office, Smokey and the Bandit became a massive surprise success, eventually turning into one of the highest-grossing films of 1977 behind only Star Wars.

Over the decades, the movie's influence only continued to grow. Its soundtrack, quotable dialogue and rebellious charm helped make it a staple of nostalgic American pop culture.

Its inclusion among the greatest movie soundtracks of all time reflects how essential the music was to the film's identity.

Nearly 50 years later, Smokey and the Bandit still feels loud, fast and unmistakably fun, a movie where the soundtrack became just as iconic as the car chases themselves.

Related: 1973 Classic Horror Film, Originally a Box Office Flop, Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Soundtracks’ of All Time

Some movies are more meaningful to certain generations, and if you're Generation X, chances are Reality Bites is one of those movies for you.

Released in 1994, the comedy classic stars Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke as Lelaina and Troy, a pair of friends fumbling through a will-they-or-won't-they type of scenario, along with Janeane Garafolo as Lelaina's hilariously sarcastic BFF, Vickie, Steve Zahn as the sweet, supportive Sammy and Ben Stiller as Michael, Lelaina's TV exec love interest. The movie was a modest hit at the box office but a major success with young adult audiences who related to everything from the romantic struggles of the characters to the pop culture references sprinkled heavily throughout ("Conjunction junction, what's your function...").

Of course, one of the best parts of Reality Bites will always be the soundtrack, ranked #80 on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Best Movie Soundtracks." All these years later, the collection of tunes serves as a sort of sonic time capsule linked to some of the movie's most memorable scenes: Lelaina and Vickie sing along to "Tempted" (1981) by Squeeze while driving in the car; the whole gang of friends (except wet blanket Troy) does a wacky dance to The Knack's "My Sharona" (1979) in the middle of a gas station. ("My Sharona" even made a return to the charts after being featured in the movie.)

The Reality Bites soundtrack introduced some new songs to the world, too, including Lisa Loeb's "Stay," which not only went to #1 but made history by being the first song by an unsigned artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100.

Now the stuff of Gen X legend, the story of how Loeb managed to achieve such a feat is pretty great.

As Loeb explained in a 2020 interview with Songwriter Universe, she "knew Ethan Hawke; he was a friend and a collaborator."

"I used to write music for this theatre company," Loeb said. "Ethan heard and liked it, and he wanted to pass it along to Ben Stiller. He thought it would work well in the movie, so he asked me for a copy of the song, which I had just recorded in New York. There was a whole bunch of people who were involved in the movie, and they believed the song would work well. So they ended up using it in the end credits, and we gave them rights to promote it as a single."

"It ended up going to number one, which was really exciting," Loeb continued. "It gave me so much freedom after that, because I’m somebody who is very strong-headed when it comes to my songwriting and production and my videos. Because that song had so much success, and it went down so independently, without the influence of a major record label, it tends to give me a lot of freedom. People would say, 'Oh, you know what you’re doing.'"

According to Loeb, "Stay" was actually written a couple of years before Reality Bites came out.

"It was a song that I wrote about a really personal experience…about an argument with a boyfriend. [Usually] I like to create things and mask my own experiences, and craft them into more mysterious things, or things outside of myself. But this song was really a personal one," she explained.

Related: Iconic '90s Movie Soundtrack Celebrates Milestone Anniversary and Fans Are 'Still Obsessed'

In the summer of 1966, Jimi Hendrix was struck with inspiration while fronting his band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames in Greenwich Village. He said:

"I got the idea like, when we were in Monterey and I was just looking at everything around. So I figured that I take everything I see around and put it maybe in the form of a girl maybe, somethin' like that, you know, and call it 'Little Wing', and then it will just fly away. Everybody's really flyin' and they're really in a nice mood, like the police and everybody was really, really great out there. So I just took all these things and put them in one very, very small little matchbox, you know, into a girl and then do it. It was very simple, but I like it though."

That inspiration would eventually take shape as the 1967 rhythm and blues ballad, "Little Wing."

In October of 1967 Hendrix and his new band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, were in the studio recording their second album, Axis: Bold as Love. An instrumental version of the song was recorded first, and Hendrix spent a lot of time perfecting the tones for his different guitar tracks. His rhythm guitar he repositioned his pickup selector to create a "hollow" tone, for his lead he fed his signal through a speaker intended for electric organs, and he also added a glockenspiel to create a "straight, dry" tone to underscore everything plus his vocals.

"Little Wing" is notably one of Hendrix's shortest songs, clocking in at just two-and-a-half minutes. After the intro there are just two verses, and then a guitar solo to close out the track. Music historian Harry Shapiro said, "The song fades on a magical solo after only two minutes and twenty-five seconds. Even live, 'Little Wing' was hardly any longer—he said what he wanted to say and stopped."

Axis: Bold as Love was released on December 1, 1967, and "Little Wing" has been included on several numerous Hendrix compilation albums. Rolling Stone included "Little Wing" as one of its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and several other artists have gone on to record covers including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Gil Evans.

Related: Smash 1968 Jimi Hendrix Hit Was Originally Written and Recorded by an Iconic Folk Artist

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Arch Enemy has some exciting news for their fans.

The Swedish band announced on Instagram that they will embark on their Wrath Across North America Tour this fall, alongside The Black Dahlia Murder. The lineup of shows will kick off on Oct. 5 in Riverside, California, then end in Seattle on Nov. 5. Arch Enemy will also be making stops in Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, San Antonio, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, Cleveland, Calgary and more. Special guests SEPTICFLESH, CRYPTA and Thrown Into Exile will also be joining them as their opening acts.

"We are thrilled to announce the WRATH ACROSS NORTH AMERICA 2026 tour, alongside our friends in @theblackdahliamurder_official!" Arch Enemy wrote in their caption. "This is going to be pure devastation from start to finish. You do not want to miss this pit!⁠"

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Arch Enemy was formed in Halmstad, Sweden, in 1995 by Michael Amott and Johan Liiva. Originally conceived as something of a supergroup, the band has since featured members from acts such as Carcass, Carnage, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars, The Agonist, Nevermore, Eucharist, Armageddon and Once Human. The current lineup includes Amott, Daniel Erlandsson, Sharlee D’Angelo, Joey Concepcion and Lauren Hart.

Arch Enemy released their debut album, Black Earth, a year after their formation, and it only took them nine days to record. Since then, they have released 11 more studio albums, with Blood Dynasty being their most recent record.

Michael Amott and Sharlee D'Angelo of Arch Enemy perform at The Regency Ballroom on April 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images

The last time Arch Enemy toured around North America wasn't too long ago. The metal supergroup embarked on their North American Blood Dynasty Tour last April and May.

Amott is "proud to announce [their] return," saying that these shows are "built for those who live and breathe PURE [explicit] METAL."

"We are proud to announce our return, joined by the formidable BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, alongside special guests SEPTICFLESH, CRYPTA and THROWN INTO EXILE," Amott added in the caption. "We look forward to bringing you a new era of ARCH ENEMY to a city near [you .] Be there!"

This will also be the first North American tour where their new vocalist, Hart, who was originally the vocalist for the band Once Human, will be joining them as their frontwoman. Hart replaced Alissa White-Gluz earlier this year, after White-Gluz decided to leave to pursue a solo career.

"We received many applications from great vocalists all over the world," Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy's current manager and former singer, said about Hart in an Instagram post she shared in February. "I put Lauren forward to the guys. Michael connected. She recorded vocals in December 2025. She rose. Like a Phoenix to the sky. So intense. So glorious."

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Fans can purchase tickets to see Hart, Arch Enemy and The Black Dahlia Murder on tour starting this week. Presale access begins on Thursday at 10 a.m local, while general sale will start on Friday. VIP packages — which include one GA ticket, a Meet & Greet and photo opportunity with Arch Enemy, and exclusive merchandise — are available for purchase starting Wednesday.

Related: '90s Heavy Metal Band Announces 2026 Tour With Special Guests

From reality star to politician. No, we aren’t talking about the President. Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign has taken more than just Los Angeles by storm. While The Hills fans may think of him as a snarky, rich kid who had absolutely nothing nice to say about Lauren Conrad, the TV villain is now a serious contender for political office. 

Pratt for mayor? Based on one of his new Instagram posts, the moms of LA are here for it.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: Exterior view of a Spencer Pratt and Karen Bass Mayoral Run Billboard on May 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by HIGHFIVE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Getty Images

Spencer has run a pretty stellar social media campaign thus far. His AI-generated videos are a stark departure from what the public is used to seeing of a political candidate. Created by filmmaker Charlie Curran, the heroic clips are more cinematic than campaign-y, giving Pratt a boost with a new generation of voters. Oh, and incidentally, since he didn’t actually fund or produce the videos himself (he just shared the fan content), they aren’t technically considered political advertising.

Of course, the creative clips aren't the only way he’s used social media to his advantage. Recently, the mayoral candidate posted a pic of theCalifornia Post’s cover with the headline, “LA moms shaken by rise in crime rally around Pratt in the Valley.” 

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Why are the moms of Los Angeles so important to this candidate? Pratt has come a long way from his party boy days at Les Deux. He’s now a husband to former The Hills reality star Heidi Montag, and a father. Montag and Pratt have two sons, Gunner Stone Pratt (born in 2017) and Ryker Pratt (born in 2022). After losing their family home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfires, Pratt made it his mission to hold the government accountable. Hence, the whole mayoral campaign. His platform also includes tackling LA’s homelessness epidemic and getting tough on crime. Enter the moms of LA.

Obviously, moms want a safe place for their children to ride bikes, roam the streets, or just walk to school. While no specific mom group or association has officially backed the reality-star candidate, the recent California Post article has definitely become central to Pratt’s campaign. Along with the cover photo, Pratt captioned his Instagram post, “I have the only endorsement I need. Moms who want to be safe.”

Based on the comments, it looks like moms aren’t the only ones to endorse Pratt. While one commenter wrote, “All you need is a mob of angry mothers who have had it. Here we are ready to support,” actor (and the son of Mark Hamill) Griffin Hamill added his own heartfelt response, “In 1993, the fires hit the Palisades and Malibu hard, I couldn't go home to my Malibu house because of the danger. Who took me in? @spencerpratt and his family. I will never forget.” And then there’s the media speculation about a possible Presidential endorsement.

While Donald Trump has not endorsed Pratt, the possibility is getting plenty of buzz. Megyn Kelly recently discussed the matter on her self-titled The Megyn Kelly Show, saying, “Now there’s a question about whether Trump is going to endorse him. Reportedly, the White House is considering it.” 

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Before you can get your garden in proper order for spring and summer, you'll need a sturdy planter to start with. If you've been looking for a spacious option that's large enough to fit all your favorite flowers, veggies, and herbs, Walmart's latest flash deal is for you. The Petscosset Raised Garden Bed has a roomy 81-inch width that can hold plenty of plants, and it's now on sale for 35% off.  

Right now, you can snag this top-rated planter for just $110, down from $170. It comes with two main gardening areas and six elevated legs that are positioned side-by-side to create an extra-wide planting space. You can also shop it in a two-tier option at $120 if you have less square footage to work with or prefer vertical storage.  

Petscosset 81-Inch Raised Garden Bed, $110 (was $170) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At 81 inches long and 31 inches high, this garden bed offers plenty of room for all your seasonal fruits, veggies, and flowers. The elevated height allows you to easily access your plants without having to bend, kneel, or stoop, protecting your back and knees and making it suitable for people of all ages. It also includes drainage holes and a fabric liner to help manage water levels and promote healthy root growth.

Constructed of 0.7-inch solid fir wood, the Petscosset planter is durable and built to last. It comes with four W-shaped metal brackets at the corners to enhance stability, and the bottom boards have extra support bars to safely hold the weight of heavy soil and plants. A handy side table and hanging hook help keep your tools organized, while the built-in storage shelf at the bottom offers extra space for watering cans, pots, and other supplies. 

Related: Walmart's 'Very Pretty' $15 Solar Watering Can Light Looks 'Magical' in Yards and Gardens

The spacious garden bed has earned over 200 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers. One reviewer said it's "easy to put together and looks great," while another highlighted its "beautiful" design. Others praised the roomy size, noting that it "holds lots of plants" and offers "plenty of space" for flowers and veggies. 

Shop More Deals

• Gymax Raised Garden Bed with Trellis, $80 (was $143) at Walmart
• Outsunny 4-Piece Raised Garden Bed, $70 (was $83) at Walmart
• Patiojoy Wooden Wagon Planter, $40 (was $90) at Walmart

If you want to spruce up your outdoor space with some colorful flowers, lush greenery, and delicious herbs, this 81-inch raised garden bed ticks all the right boxes. It's practical, stylish, and roomy enough to make spring planting easy. Pick one up for just $110 before this flash deal ends at Walmart. 

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One of the most unforgettable songs from Grease almost sounded very different.

"Greased Lightnin,'" performed onscreen by John Travolta, became one of the defining musical moments of the blockbuster 1978 film, but not before portions of the song were rewritten due to censorship concerns surrounding its suggestive lyrics.

Originally written for the stage version of Grease, "Greased Lightnin'" contained far more explicit sexual references than what eventually appeared in the movie adaptation. As the production prepared for a mainstream Hollywood release, some of the lyrics were toned down to make the song more acceptable for wider audiences and national television exposure.

Even with the rewrites, the song still pushed boundaries for a PG-rated musical at the time.

The high-energy number follows Danny Zuko and the T-Birds fantasizing about restoring a flashy hot rod called Greased Lightning, blending car culture, teenage rebellion and innuendo-filled humor into one of the film's most memorable scenes.

The sequence itself became iconic thanks to Travolta's charismatic performance and elaborate choreography. Dressed in black leather and surrounded by chrome-filled dream imagery, Travolta helped turn the song into one of the standout moments of the entire movie.

"Honestly, I had waited so many years to do that because I had done it on Broadway and on the road," Travolta said in a 2018 interview. "So, I waited five years daydreaming that I would get to play the lead. I had a smaller part on the show. That whole movie I was indulging in my fantasy coming true because it was that important to me."

Interestingly, the song was originally expected to be sung by another character in the film before Travolta reportedly requested the number for himself—an idea that ultimately became one of the movie's smartest creative decisions.

The soundtrack for Grease became a global phenomenon, producing multiple hit songs and helping the film evolve into one of the most successful movie musicals ever made.

"Greased Lightnin'" also took on a life beyond the film itself. The song became a staple of classic rock and oldies radio, while its flashy performance sequence remained one of the most replayed scenes from the movie.

"I knew that character like the back of my hand," Travolta said in a 2023 interview. "I knew what worked, and I knew what didn't work. I knew what was funny, and I knew what wasn't funny. I knew what was cool looking, in moves. I knew how to comb my hair, how to pose and how to be cool."

Decades later, the song's complicated history with censorship is still part of its legacy. The toned-down version that audiences know today helped the film appeal to mainstream viewers without fully losing the rebellious edge that made Grease feel exciting in the first place.

More than 45 years later, "Greased Lightnin'" remains one of the most recognizable movie songs of the 1970s, a rock-and-roll fantasy that somehow balanced teenage innocence with just enough danger to become iconic.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1

In her Netflix documentary, Kylie Minogue revealed she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in early 2021, after successfully receiving treatment for breast cancer in 2005.

“Thankfully, I got through it. Again. And all is well. Hey, who knows what’s around the corner, but pop music nurtures me … my passion for music is greater than ever.” she said.

The Australian pop star was forced to cancel a worldwide tour and a slot at Glastonbury in 2005 due to her breast cancer diagnosis. This second time, she kept the news under wraps, admitting she struggled “to find the right time” to announce it publicly. In 2023, Padam Padam became Kylie's biggest international hit in years and won her a Grammy Award.

“I don’t feel obliged to tell the world, and actually I just couldn’t at the time because I was just a shell of a person,” she said in the new documentary.

“I didn’t want to leave the house again at one point. Padam Padam opened so many doors for me but on the inside I knew that cancer wasn’t just a blip in my life. And I really just wanted to say what happened so I can let go of it. I’d sit through interviews and every opportunity I thought, ‘now’s the time’, but I kept it to myself,” Kylie added, according to The Guardian.

Her reasoning for not revealing her health news to the public may be due to her treatment in 2005. The popstar and actress was subjected to intrusive media attention that created a discussion in her homeland of Australia about privacy laws around medical records. In January 2006, the star revealed she had finished her chemotherapy.

Kylie explained in promotion material for this new three-part docu-series: “There are so many people for whom cancer is part of their life, and I get it; you just want to move on and put it in the past or park it to the side. But, check-ups are incredibly important. It can be daunting and triggering but please be mindful of just how vital they are - and reach out for help if you need it, you’re not alone.”

The singer made this shocking revelation in the third episode of the docuseries. When asked why she chose now to speak up about her personal experience, she explained why now was important. “Making this documentary has meant looking back at so many pivotal moments in my life and this was another one. I also know there will be someone out there who will benefit from a gentle reminder to do their check-ups," she said, per The Mirror.

“As part of my routine check-ups in 2021, I was diagnosed with a second primary breast cancer. Early detection was very helpful and I am so grateful to be able to say that I am well today.”

In this new series, the pop princess also explains that she hit the studio as a coping mechanism during her battle. The song "Story" from the album Tensions hints at her behind-the-scenes struggles: “I had a secret that I kept to myself … Turn another page, baby take the stage.” Minogue said about the song, before adding: “I needed to have something that marked that time.”

Kylie is streaming on Netflix now.

Costco shoppers are spotting a returning fan-favorite in the deli section. If, like me, you've been circling the prepared foods case lately hoping for something light and crowd-pleasing, you're in for a treat. This nutritious seasonal favorite has quietly made its way back to Costco, and shoppers are ecstatic.

Originally introduced around 2023, this ready-to-serve option quickly built a loyal following. Now it's back just in time for warmer weather, backyard hangs and al fresco dining.

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What's in Costco's Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing? View this post on Instagram

The mix is generous and colorful. The base is tons of fresh spinach, piled high and topped with chopped onions, bacon, shredded cheese, sliced hard-boiled egg, sweet dried cranberries and juicy grape tomatoes. It also comes with two containers of poppy seed dressing, so you can toss it lightly or coat every bite.

Shoppers like @discovering_costco say the flavor combination is great. You get saltiness from the bacon, sweetness from the cranberries and dressing and a little richness from the egg and cheese. The textures make it even better, with crisp greens and crunchy bits in every forkful.

At $5.49 per pound, most containers ring up around $15. For the amount included, it can easily serve as a side dish or as the base of a full meal.

Related: Costco Is Selling a Viral Wellness Essential That Athletes Swear By

Why It's Perfect for Spring Gatherings and Easy Dinners

This bright prepared side feels tailor-made for spring and summer. It's light, fresh and easy to transport, which makes it a solid choice for picnics, potlucks or casual dinners on the patio. Spread out a cotton throw in the backyard, set this next to grilled mains, and you have an effortless al fresco spread.

It's also a smart shortcut for busy nights. Pair it with one of Costco's famous rotisserie chickens, and dinner is basically done. You could even grab it on your way out before heading to the food court to try the new strawberry shortcake sundae and call it balance.

Beyond convenience, the spinach base brings real nutritional value. Spinach is packed with vitamins A and K, as well as iron and fiber. It offers more depth than standard lettuce, and its tender leaves hold up well to hearty toppings.

Seasonal favorites at Costco never seem to stick around for long. If this was a staple in your cart before, now may be the time to add it back into your weekly rotation.

Related: Costco Shoppers Are Celebrating the Return of This Bakery Favorite

More than 30 years after its release, the 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men is once again getting major praise. The film, adapted from Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway play, was recently ranked among the “most rewatchable movies of all time” by Collider.

Collider writer Matt Goldberg explained why the movie still keeps viewers watching from beginning to end whenever it appears on television.

“If this is ever on TNT (and it usually is), I usually just let it play to the end,” Goldberg wrote. “Aaron Sorkin’s work is incredibly rewatchable, but sometimes you’re not in the mood to marathon West Wing episodes or embrace the nastiness present in The Social Network and Steve Jobs. Sometimes you need the comfort of a courtroom drama mixed with Sorkin’s soaring dialogue, and that’s where A Few Good Men comes in.”

Goldberg also pointed to the film’s famous courtroom moments and memorable dialogue as key reasons audiences continue to revisit it.

“Yes, we all know the Jessup speech, but the film is packed with wall-to-wall great moments packaged in the warm blanket that is the courtroom drama,” he added. “It’s not Sorkin’s deepest work or his most challenging, but it’s one I’m always happy to watch.”

🎬 A Few Good Men (1992) pic.twitter.com/YJBF44bKux

— I Love To Talk Film (@ILoveToTalkFilm) May 19, 2026

Released in December 1992, the movie became both a critical and commercial success. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Sorkin, the film earned more than $243 million worldwide on a reported $40 million budget. It also received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

The legal drama featured a star-studded cast led by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. Supporting cast members included Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Pollak and Cuba Gooding Jr..

The story follows military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee, played by Cruise, as he defends two U.S. Marines accused of killing another Marine at Guantanamo Bay. As the trial unfolds, Kaffee and fellow lawyer Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway uncover claims of an illegal hazing punishment known as a “code red.”

The movie’s lasting popularity is closely tied to its powerful performances and unforgettable courtroom scenes. Nicholson’s explosive line, “You can’t handle the truth!” became one of the most famous quotes in movie history.

The American Film Institute later ranked the quote No. 29 on its list of the greatest movie quotes ever.

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently gives the film an 85% critics score and an 89% audience score. The site praised the movie as “an old-fashioned courtroom drama with a contemporary edge.”

Not every review was completely positive. Film critic Roger Ebert argued that the screenplay revealed too much before the final courtroom showdown.

“What happens is that the movie brings us to the brink of a courtroom breakthrough, and then we get the scene that undermines everything,” Ebert wrote in his review. Still, he praised the performances from Nicholson, Cruise, and Wolfgang Bodison.

Even with mixed opinions on parts of the screenplay, the film’s popularity has stayed strong for decades. The movie continues to air regularly on television and remains one of the most recognized legal dramas in Hollywood history.

Before becoming a hit movie, A Few Good Men began as a Broadway play written by Sorkin in 1989. The writer was inspired after speaking with his sister Deborah, who served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

She told him about a real military case involving Marines accused after a violent hazing incident at Guantanamo Bay. That conversation later inspired Sorkin to create the play and screenplay.

The film adaptation helped expand Sorkin’s career in Hollywood and became one of Reiner’s highest-grossing films. Deadline reported in 2025 that the movie also stood as Reiner’s most Oscar-nominated film.

Following Reiner’s death in 2025, several cast members shared emotional tributes to the filmmaker. Bacon remembered working on the set as “one of the best experiences” of his career.

“Rob Reiner gave me a job in A Few Good Men sometime in the ’90s, and I was over the moon to get that job,” Bacon said, according to Deadline.

Moore also honored Reiner and his wife Michele, writing, “There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner.”More than three decades after audiences first heard Jessep shout his famous line in court, A Few Good Men continues to stand as one of the most replayed and remembered courtroom dramas ever made.

Kendra Duggar has reportedly distanced herself from her parents Paul and Christina Caldwell—along with her eight younger siblings—as she and husband Joseph Duggar face ongoing legal issues.

“Kendra is not communicating with her family. The Caldwells have left the home they were living in and all of their belongings are in storage,” a source told Us Weekly on Tuesday, May 19. “They are still working out what their next steps will be. It has been an extremely stressful time especially given the circumstances.”

“Relocating is always difficult, especially with a large family and the stress they are under,” the source added. “They are considering a move out of state. Paul is looking for work to support the family because he had to leave his job.”

The Caldwells previously launched a GoFundMe in April to raise funds for housing and counseling services, noting they were facing a "difficult and urgent" situation.

RELATED: Kendra Duggar’s Parents Provide GoFundMe Update, Confirm No Money Is Going to Joseph Duggar

Joseph was first arrested and charged for Lewd and Lascivious Behavior, involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor, on Mar. 18.

Two days later, Joseph and Kendra were hit with additional child endangerment charges—unrelated to Joseph’s initial case.

According to public records, Joseph and Kendra sold a property to Paul and Christina for $10,000 in July 2021. 

In a jail call made to Joseph on Mar. 25, Kendra said that “my family said they’re moving out in a month and everybody is going to hold them to it.”

Kendra did not specify why her parents and siblings were moving out.

RELATED: Kendra Duggar Has ‘Totally Sided’ with Duggar Family After Arrests: ‘She’s Brainwashed’

On Apr. 15, Kendra’s parents spoke out about Joseph’s arrest for the first time via a statement posted to Instagram. 

“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” the statement said in part. “We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will.”

“We also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength. Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains,” the Caldwells added.

The insider who spoke to Us Weekly added the family’s top “priority right now is to support” Joseph’s alleged victim.

They also noted that the family wants “to distance themselves from the Duggars as much as possible, but it hurts them to be cut off by Kendra.”

Before moving out of their home, the source alleges that “the utilities were cut off and the family felt unsafe.”

“More than anything they want to feel safe and start over and to enter counseling to heal,” the source concluded.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.

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Summer is all fun and games until it comes to dealing with sunburns. While sunscreen is an effective way to keep your skin protected from harmful rays, it’ll only last for a couple of hours. If you’re looking for a way to shield your skin from the sun without having to constantly lather your entire body with greasy sunscreen, this bestselling G Gradual UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt at Amazon is definitely worth checking out. 

Right now is the perfect time to snag one because it’s currently on sale for less than $15 for a limited time! Normally retailing between $19 and $24, this sun shirt is marked down to just $13 in black and white versions. Sizes range from extra small to 3XL, and shoppers said that it fits true to size. This top is also available in 30 other styles, including neutrals, vibrant hues, pastels, gradient designs, and various patterns. Those are on sale between $15 and $17. 

G Gradual UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt, From $13 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Unlike sunscreen, which requires multiple applications throughout the day, this top delivers constant sun protection while you wear it. Crafted with UPF 50+ fabric, it offers the maximum amount of sun protection possible, blocking out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin shielded from sun damage. Many reviewers confirmed that this top did an incredible job of keeping their skin protected from sunburns, even after being outdoors under the blazing sun for hours. 

While wearing a long-sleeve shirt in warm weather may seem a little contradictory, this top is designed to keep you cool even on the hottest of days. Several shoppers attested to this, raving that this top was able to keep them cool in temperatures over 110 degrees. 

Made of 100% polyester, the fabric is lightweight and breezy, allowing air to flow through to keep you from overheating. This top is also designed to wick away moisture — it’ll draw sweat away from your body and dry quickly afterward. Many reviewers said they love the feel of the fabric, noting that it’s comfortable to wear. Some shoppers described the material as “buttery-soft.”

“It's incredibly lightweight, soft, and breathable,” one reviewer said. “The UV protection is legit.” They also said that it’s a “comfortable, stylish, and effective way to stay protected from the sun during any outdoor activity.” 

G Gradual UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt, From $13 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Simple and chic, this top features a standard crew neckline and a relaxed fit that drapes straight down. It boasts a high-low hem with curved corners that transition to deep side slits. While the side slits add a chic accent, they’re also practical. They’ll give you a full range of motion, allowing you to move around with ease without any fabric getting in your way. This top also has four-way stretch and will flex along with your movements to keep you from feeling restricted. 

Ideal for all kinds of physical activities, there are elastic thumbholes at the wrists so you can keep your sleeves in place while you move your arms around, whether you’re running, playing sports, or working out at the gym. You can also wear this top on vacation, while running errands, and for any other casual occasion. Many reviewers said that they love wearing this top while hiking as it simultaneously keeps them cool and protected from the sun and other elements. 

Related: Amazon’s Portable Fans Are Summer’s Coolest Accessory, and They’re on Sale Starting at $13

As a bonus, this top is easy to care for. Because it’s made of 100% polyester, you can toss it into the washing machine whenever it needs a refresh. Many shoppers noted that it washes well and added that it doesn’t shrink or pill. 

Shop More Deals 

• Magcomsen Quarter-Zip Sun Shirt, From $15 (was $34) at Amazon
• Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen, $7 (was $13) at Amazon
• Furtalk UPF 80+ Wide Brim Sunhat, From $15 (was $17) at Amazon

Whether you can’t stand the greasy feeling of sunscreen or don’t want to keep thinking about when to reapply it, the G Gradual UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt is a simple solution. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s on sale for as low as $13! 

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Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke’s relationship played out over nearly a decade on Bravo’s Summer House, complete with all the hallmarks of a dysfunctional reality-TV romance: cheating allegations, explosive fights, tearful reconciliations. 

After years of ups and downs — and to the surprise of exactly no one — the couple announced their split in January 2026. But the drama only escalated from there. Within months, Batula revealed she was dating fellow Summer House cast member West Wilson — the ex of her close friend Ciara Miller — and the backlash from fans and castmates was swift. 

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“I'm truly sorry to everyone I've disappointed and hurt, especially those I know personally who I've reached out to individually,” Batula said in response to the scandal, dubbed “Scamanda.”

Now, Batula is set to face more scrutiny with the premiere of the new Summer House spinoff, In the City, which follows several cast members back to New York. 

“You are going to see drama, crying, fighting,” she said in a teaser for the series. Meanwhile, her show bio says she’s “focusing on finding balance between her personal life and professional ambitions, while the demise of her marriage is front and center.” 

Keep reading to learn more about Batula and Cooke’s relationship, from how it began to why it ended and more.

Related: West Wilson and Amanda Batula Hug ‘In the City’ Season 1 Trailer Amid ‘Summer House’ Drama

Are Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke still together in 2026?

No. The pair announced their split after four years of marriage on Jan. 19, 2026. 

"After much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple," they announced in a joint statement. "We share this with a heavy heart and kindly ask for your grace and support while we focus on our personal growth and healing."

Is Amanda Batula with West Wilson now? 

Yes. About three months after announcing her split from Cooke, she and Wilson released a joint statement confirming rumors they were a couple. 

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” they shared on March 31, 2026. 

They went on to say that they never meant to “hide anything” but that “given the complicated relationship dynamics involved,” they needed time to “process things privately” before speaking out about their romance.

“We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected,” they said. “Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Will the ‘Scamanda’ storyline be on In the City? 

Yes, although it’s unclear to what extent it’ll be covered since the debut season had completed production in fall 2025 — many months before the Scamanda drama exploded online.

In an interview with The Ankler published April 29, Bravo chairman Frances Berwick revealed that, similar to the last-minute Vanderpump Rules pickups during the height of “Scandoval,” producers went back and shot additional scenes so the premiere could address the controversy head-on.

“We have a new scene that we shot with a couple of the cast members,” Berwick said (via Deadline). 

Prior to Berwick’s comments, In the City was expected to largely focus on the breakdown of Batula and Cooke’s marriage.

Meanwhile, it’s still a mystery as to how much West or Miller will appear in the Bravo spinoff since neither one is part of the official cast. 

How did Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke meet?

The pair met in 2015, at a mutual friend’s birthday party in New York City. They dated for about nine months before splitting due to Cooke’s “cold feet.” As fate would have it, they reconnected in the Hamptons and found themselves at the Summer House without realizing that cameras were rolling. As Kyle once put it: “Then the rest was history.” 

When did Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke get married?

Batula and Cooke got engaged in 2018 and eventually tied the knot on Sept. 25, 2021, in Amanda’s hometown of Hillsborough, New Jersey, after pandemic-related delays.

Their wedding became a major storyline on Summer House, with Batula openly questioning whether Cooke was mature enough for marriage. At one point, she had him sign a legal contract guaranteeing he’d foot the entire bill for the wedding if he were to back out of it. "We have a whole f--king paper signed that says if Kyle cannot control his drinking and we call off the wedding, then he owes my parents every single penny," Batula said on the show. "That's how serious it's gotten."

Still, they ultimately went through with the ceremony, which appeared in an episode of Summer House. “I know we aren’t the role model couple - we have our flaws and we put them all out there for everyone to judge - but we both know what true love is and what’s worth fighting for,” Cooke wrote ahead of the episode, which aired May 2, 2022.

Did Kyle Cooke cheat on Amanda Batula?

Yes. On the Season 3 premiere of Summer House, which aired in March 2019 — after Cooke and Batula got engaged — he admitted to cheating on her the year prior. 

“I was on a guys’ trip, I blacked out, and I woke up with a girl in my bed,” he said on the show. “I’ve never felt worse in my entire life."

Cheating rumors dogged them their entire marriage, and were often at the root of their problems. But by Summer House Season 10, Batula didn’t seem to care whether her husband was faithful or not — which she herself admitted was a red flag.

“I used to have crazy reactions [to rumors]," she said. "Like, I used to call him, I would just be sobbing, and I could not sleep until he got home, and now I’m just like, f--k it; I don’t even care what he’s doing. But, being ‘whatever’ about everything is really not a good sign.”

Related: Kyle Cooke Says Amanda Batula-West Wilson ‘Summer House’ Scandal ‘Saved’ Loverboy From Collapse

Did Amanda Batula cheat on Kyle Cooke with West Wilson?

That was the question on everyone’s mind when the pair revealed they were dating, and it only grew louder after Batula and Wilson were seen flirting in a Season 10 episode of Summer House filmed months before she and Cooke announced their split. “It would be insanity… it would be diabolical behavior for them to behave in a flirty way if something was going on,” Cooke told Page Six after the episode aired. 

Making matters worse, Page Six reported that Wilson was in an “exclusive” relationship with another woman when news of his romance with Batula broke. But he's emphatically denied that there was any cheating involved at the start of their relationship. 

“I know there are a thousand different theories on the internet right now, but that is one thing that for sure did not happen,” Wilson said on his podcast Show Me Something. “Everyone was single.”

Related: ‘Summer House’s Lindsay Hubbard Accuses Amanda Batula of ‘Decoy Husband’ Move

What happened between Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke?

Where to begin? Throughout their relationship on Summer House, Batula struggled with Cooke’s partying, drinking and workaholic ways, while Cooke complained that Batula was critical of him and unhappy in their marriage.

Summarizing their relationship on a Season 10 episode of Summer House, Batula said, "In couples therapy, I am telling this woman our love story, and it sounds like a f–kin', like, psychological thriller. There is no rom in this com, OK?" The two had years of unresolved trust issues and mounting resentments that finally ended in their split. 

Despite the breakup, the two have publicly said they still care about each other, and Cooke recently defended his ex from online backlash in the wake of Scamanda. “I talked to her last night and I think — I understand people have all sorts of opinions and I’m not justifying any behavior,” Cooke told Page Six. “But, from what I’m seeing, she’s kind of getting cyber bullied and at the end of the day, all I know is, West seems to be the kind of guy playing multiple women at the same time.”

Fans can rest assured that all this drama will get unpacked on In the City, Summer House and social media in the weeks and months to come.

Related: These 'Summer House' Stars Are Joining the New Spinoff 'In the City'

If you were hoping to spot Richard Hatch at the live finale for Survivor 50, don’t expect to see the show's first-ever winner in the audience.

Though it was announced on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, May 19 that all Survivor winners were invited to attend the finale in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 20—Hatch says this isn't the case.

"CBS Mornings lied this morning saying all Survivor winners were invited to [tomorrow 's] Season 50 finale!" Hatch wrote on X. "I’m the Original Winner, and I WAS NOT INVITED!"

In a statement to Page Six, the network denied the claim Hatch wasn't invited, writing, “All winners were invited to the Survivor 50 finale to celebrate the show’s legacy.”

It was also confirmed on CBS Mornings that the previous winners in the audience will include fan-favorites Parvati Shallow, Boston Rob Mariano, Amber Mariano, John Cochran, Natalie Anderson, Tina Wesson, and Ethan Zohn.

RELATED: ‘Survivor’ Winner Richard Hatch Owes $3.2 Million Over Unpaid Taxes on Prize Money

The three-hour Survivor 50 finale will see one of the final five castaways—Aubry Bracco, Jonathan Young,Joe Hunter, Tiffany Nicole Ervin, or Rizo Velovic—win the $2 million prize.

The historic episode will also feature the first live reunion since season 39 in 2019.

Though the season 50 cast featured all returning players, including Hatch's Borneo co-star Jenna Lewis and All-Stars tribe mate Colby Donaldson, the original winner hasn't been considered for a Survivor season in quite some time.

During his All-Stars appearance, Hatch sparked controversy when he rubbed up against Sue Hawk while he was naked during a challenge. He was voted out that same episode, while Hawk quit the game the next day due to the incident.

“Given his history on our show, it did not seem appropriate,” host Jeff Probsttold Us Weekly about Hatch being left off the Winners at War cast in 2020. “We were in a different time and different culture back then and we would never let him run a challenge naked now. Looking back on it, it just didn’t seem to fit.”

The finale of Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans airs May 20 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

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There’s always that one point during summer when getting dressed starts feeling like work. The temperatures climb, humidity kicks in and suddenly even your favorite clothes feel too heavy for everyday life. That’s usually when lightweight basics become the real stars of the season.

Over the last few years, more shoppers have started leaning into easy, breathable fashion pieces that balance comfort and style without looking overly athletic or overly dressed up. And honestly, this trend makes sense. Most people want clothes that can move through an entire day, whether that means running errands, grabbing lunch, traveling or simply trying to stay cool during another brutally hot afternoon.

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Personally, I’ve gotten to the point where I appreciate clothes that feel effortless more than anything. If I can throw something on with a simple T-shirt and still feel put together enough to leave the house confidently, that’s usually a sign the piece is doing its job.

5-inch Linen Blend Easy Shorts, $29.90 at Uniqlo

UNIQLO

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That’s exactly why the Linen Blend Easy Shorts from Uniqlo caught my attention. Priced at $29.90, these shorts feel designed specifically for those long summer days where comfort matters just as much as looking good.

One of the biggest standout features is the linen and cotton blend fabric. Linen naturally gives clothing that crisp, airy summer texture people love, while cotton helps soften the overall feel so the shorts stay comfortable enough for everyday wear. Together, the combination creates a lightweight feel that works especially well during warmer weather.

I also really like the versatility of these shorts. These don’t feel limited to one type of outfit or occasion. You could easily pair them with a relaxed T-shirt for a casual coffee run, throw on a lightweight button down for dinner outdoors or even wear them around the house while lounging on the weekend. That flexibility is what makes simple wardrobe staples so valuable during summer.

Related: This Sleek New Storage Sideboard Is Stylish, Functional and Very Versatile

The 5-inch inseam gives the shorts a cleaner, more modern silhouette without feeling overly short. Lightweight shorts like these also tend to feel less bulky compared to heavier midweight styles, which makes a noticeable difference once temperatures start climbing.

Comfort details matter too, and these check a lot of boxes. The elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring allows for a more flexible fit, while the front slide fastener closure keeps the overall look polished. And thankfully, the pockets are functional enough for daily essentials like your phone, keys or wallet.

What stands out most to me is how timeless these feel. Trends come and go every summer, but breathable neutral basics usually stay in rotation because they simply work. These shorts don’t scream for attention, and that’s honestly part of the appeal.

For under $30, these feel like one of those practical summer finds that quietly becomes a go-to piece you'll reach for each season.

Related: Old Navy's Affordable Canvas Jacket Is the Perfect Grab-and-Go Layer for Everyday Wear

While the best drinking songs don't have to actually be about drinking, it helps if there's at least some kind of reference to alcohol in the lyrics. Not only does Eric Burdon & War's classic "Spill the Wine" mention booze right there in the title, but the lyrics are the kind that only start to make sense after you've had a few glasses of something.

Released in 1970, "Spill the Wine" was War's first Billboard hit, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 on August 22 of that year, and ended up being their biggest success ever. As the name implies, the tune was actually inspired by a glass of wine that spilled onto a console in the recording studio.

'The way I remember it, most of the band had taken a lunch break and I was lying on my back having a five minute nap in the studio," Burdon recalled in a 2008 interview with Get Ready to Rock.

"The producer Jerry Goldstein more or less put a mic down my throat and I started singing while Lonnie [Jordan] put a backing track down on keyboards," Burdon continued. "I think the rest was overdubbed later on."

As for what Burdon is singing about, that's a question fans have wondered about for decades. The song seems to be about somebody falling asleep in a field and dreaming about an "overfed, long-haired leaping gnome," being taken to the "hall of a Mountain king" and encouraged by a mysterious "lady" to "spill the wine, take that pearl." Throughout the tune, a woman can be heard speaking Spanish in the background.

“I guess it was my homage to Mexico (maybe Mexican women) and the feeling I got when I was there," Burdon said. "It was Old World Mexico, nothing to do with the Americanized version now."

'Spill the Wine' was originally meant to be a B-side

“The funny thing was that it was originally going to be the B-side to a song called ‘Magic Mountain,'" Burdon explained. "That song was basically about a Californian mountain called Mount Tamalpais, and back in the hippie days we all used to go up there and hang out. But the DJs wouldn’t play the song because they wrongly assumed the lyrics were all about sex and drugs. So as a consequence ‘Spill the Wine’ became the song that they played.”

As it turned out, "Spill the Wine" might have been the best choice for a single anyway. Years later, Burdon still seemed amazed by the song's popularity.

'I was very surprised not only at the original success, but especially after the way it came about and also the fact that it continues to be played now and is still in people's minds," Burdon said, noting, "'Spill the Wine' still appears in film soundtracks and pops up everywhere."

Indeed. Not only has "Spill the Wine" been featured prominently in movies and TV shows like Boogie Nights, Dexter and Shameless, it's become a go-to for inebriated singalongs the world over. "Spill the Wine" was ranked at #27 on Billboard's list of "100 Best Drinking Songs of All Time," which called the track a "woozy story [that] wraps with wine bottles emptied and figurative pearls taken."

Where were those pearls taken, and who took them? Was it a long-haired gnome? We may never know.

Related: Rarely-Seen '60s Rocker, 84, Is Virtually Unrecognizable in Pic With Iconic Actor, 82

Gene Hackman is considered by many to be one of the best actors of all time, but there is one film that he never watched his performance back in.

According to Far Out Magazine, Gene spent his life avoiding watching The Poseidon Adventure. Despite being considered one of the best films in the disaster movie genre and earning multiple award nominations, Gene felt that something went wrong during its making and that he may have signed on for the wrong reasons.

“That was my idea of being a Hollywood movie actor,” he told The Guardian. “When I was working on it, I was kind of ashamed of myself. I had to have my hair poufed up at the end and slicked over. And the producer, Irwin Allen, was one of those guys who used to comb his hair from one ear across the top of his head, and I just didn’t want to look like him.” 

Kino. Die Höllenfahrt der Poseidon, (THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE) USA, 1972, Regie: Ronald Neame, ERNEST BORGNINE, GENE HACKMAN, Stichwort: Leiter, Tunnel. (Photo by FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)

The 1972 adventure film stars Hackman as Reverend Frank Scott alongside an all-star cast including Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters and Roddy McDowall. Directed by Ronald Neame, The Poseidon Adventure centres on a fictional luxury liner which is overturned by a wave. Hackman's preacher must lead a group of survivors to safety as the ship falls apart around them.

Ben Stiller occasionally tells the story about the time he told Hackman how much he loved the disaster film, only or his The Royal Tenenbaums co-star to bluntly respond with: “Oh yeah. Money job.”

As much as Gene struggles with The Poseidon Adventure, he at least managed to escape the poorly received sequel, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, which instead starred Michael Caine on a fatal journey across the sea.

Bestselling author Emily Henry is the queen of beach reads. From her aptly titled Beach Read to her last-chance romance People We Meet on Vacation, the woman knows how to construct a page-turning love story.

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Which is probably why The New York Times recruited Henry to recommend a handful of enemies-to-lovers novels for us all to devour this summer. 

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Topping Henry’s list is a gem from Sally Thorne called The Hating Game. Originally published in 2016, the story follows Lucy and Joshua, two executive assistants vying for the same job. Bitter rivals, the two embark on a game of passive-aggressive stunts before the pair ultimately turn their hate into something else that steams up the office. 

“Reading this novel is like viewing the concept of a ‘crush’ through a fun house mirror,” Henry shared. “With a punchy, effortlessly fun voice, Thorne makes a compelling case that the line between love and hate might be flimsier than we think.” 

Thorne's instant best seller received the big-screen treatment in 2021, with Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell starring. No stranger to Hollywood phone calls, Henry has also seen her romance lit transferred to the screen.

Both People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read have film adaptations — the former courtesy of Netflix and the latter in the works with Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor and The White Lotus’ Patrick Schwarzenegger in the leading literary-rival roles. 

Other books on Henry’s list include Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, and Lady Like by Mackenzi Lee.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Shaped by Indie Rock Ranked Among the Century’s Greatest Sci-Fi Books

There are few songs that define the New Wave sound of the early ’80s like "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" by Joe Jackson.

Joe Jackson’s 1979 hit, originally released in 1978 and then re-released a year later, is defined not only by its catchy pop hooks and sarcastic social commentary, but also by its call-and-response lyrics that make the audience’s response to Jackson’s line "Look over there" an integral part of the performance.

Forty-seven years after "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" climbed the charts and catapulted Jackson to international stardom, the British singer is still delivering pitch-perfect performances of his timeless tale of love, jealousy, and sharp observation.

Recent video shared to social media from Jackson’s Hope and Fury 2026 tour stop in Poughkeepsie, NY, shows a standout performance of his most notable hit.

@larryrulz5

Joe Jackson Is She Really Going Out With Him? Poughkeepsie, NY 2026 #joejackson #isshereallygoingoutwithhim #poughkeepsieny #2026

♬ original sound - larryrulz - larryrulz

Related: 1976 ABBA Best-Seller Originally Called 'Tango' Became a No. 1 Hit 50 Years Ago

Joe Jackson’s 1979 Hit Still Captivates Fans With Its Call-and-Response Energy and Timeless Voice

Wearing his signature sport coat and pocket square (he didn’t name his most popular album Look Sharp! for nothing), Jackson’s energetic and youthful appearance belies his years. Accompanied by just an electric piano, the singer effortlessly belts out the song’s lyrics, encouraging the audience to join in.

"Look over there," Jackson sings.

"Where?" the audience responds.

"Here comes Jeannie with her new boyfriend," he replies, much to the delight of the crowd.

On and on, Jackson sings playfully in conversation with his fans, eagerly awaiting their next lyric as much as his own.

Viewers weren’t just nostalgic for decades gone by; social media commenters also praised Joe Jackson’s timeless appeal. His voice, his look, all bring audiences back to New Wave’s heyday while still showcasing catchy pop melodies and lyrics that remain as powerful today as when they were first released in 1978.

"Wow, he sounds simply amazing. Bringing me back to when the sun was so popular," one fan shared.

Another added, "One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. And I’m not talking about the ’80s… much more recent than that."

Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Joe Jackson manages to transport audiences back in time while still remaining completely relevant today. At its core, "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" is about longing for love and the contrast between insecurity and smug observation when viewing relationships from the outside.

The song still feels relevant thanks to Jackson’s crisp, controlled voice. His ability to sound conversational and slightly provocative at the same time hasn’t faded with time.

No wonder the audience still knows all the words. Do you?

Related: 1969 Hit That 'Started It All' for Beloved Rock Band Is a Timeless Ode to Lost Love

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In the fast-food world, it’s not at all uncommon for businesses to take a big swing on a new menu item. And when it comes to fast-food burgers, there's been no shortage of hits, flops and head-scratchers released over the years (with a handful of scandals and lawsuits mixed in for good measure).

As the majority of experimental fast-food burgers tend to be destined for discontinuation, or at the very least a short marketing run (here’s looking at you, McJordan Burger), it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what leads to every fast-food burger swing’s eventual demise. And even though a select few manage to quickly earn themselves a cult following in their wake, some of the most iconic still struggle to get back on the menu to this day.

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The act of reinventing the burger is still very much alive, though, as nostalgia and a general desire for something new and exciting are a big part of what draws fans to their favorite fast-food joints. With places like McDonald’s reimagining old favorites like the Arch Deluxe and longtime cult classics continuing to dominate online conversations even years after their official exits, it's clear some of those big swings are totally worth revisiting.

15 Discontinued Fast-Food Burgers

In honor of the fallen heroes of decades past and our undying craving for something new and exciting, we’ve rounded up the 15 discontinued fast-food burgers we are still waiting to make a comeback. And while sometimes a big swing results in an equally big miss, with a little bit of creativity and a healthy dose of nostalgia, you never know which of the following burgers might see the light of day again. 

1. McDLT View this post on Instagram

Introduced in 1985, the McDLT came in a two-compartment Styrofoam container that kept the “hot side hot” and the “cool side cool.” It was designed to keep the beef patty separate from the lettuce and tomato to avoid hot, soggy vegetables, with customers assembling it themselves when they were ready to eat.

Despite being discontinued due in part to rising environmental concerns around Styrofoam at the time, the McDLT’s packaging innovation also became a defining part of the burger’s identity. Today, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans who were there for its limited run.

2. Arch Deluxe View this post on Instagram

Debuting back in 1996 and not to be confused with the current McDonald’s menu option the Big Arch Burger, the Arch Deluxe was marketed as more of a “grown-up” burger option at the time. It came with a distinctive mustard-mayo sauce and a softer potato-flour bun, and it was designed to offer an elevated burger experience that transcended fast food.

Despite an ambitious national advertising campaign, the Arch Deluxe’s premium price tag proved to be too high for consumers, demolishing its chance of becoming a permanent option and ultimately getting the axe.

3. Big N’ Tasty

First launched in 1997 as a limited release, the Big N’ Tasty featured a quarter-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato and special sauce on a classic sesame seed bun, originally retailing for a whopping $0.99.

By the time it was removed from menus in 2011, it had long since earned its status as a staple in the lineup, despite prices rising to roughly $2.99 by the end of its run. Still to this day, fans online continue to call for its return, making it a strong contender for some sort of future reboot.

4. Son of Mac

Seemingly taking cue from Wendy’s and Burger King by creating a smaller version of its most iconic burger, the Son of Mac came stacked with all the same ingredients as its iconic regular-sized counterpart and sold for about $2.50. Also known as the Mac Jr., it first hit markets in 2017 and only lasted about a year on U.S. menus. Perhaps just a little bit ahead of its time, the Son of Mac today could do wonders if it was re-released under its Mac Jr. alias and priced accordingly.

5. Cheddar Melt

Released as a limited-time offering that took a noticeable detour from the rest of the burger lineup, the Cheddar Melt is easily one of those McDonald's options that leaves you wondering how it never earned a permanent spot on the menu. Combining melty cheddar sauce, a thick burger patty and grilled onions on a soft rye bun, it quickly earned itself a loyal fanbase after debuting in 1988.

6. Pico Guacamole Burger

As part of the McDonald’s Signature Crafted Recipes menu that launched in 2017, the Pico Guacamole Burger was one of the Golden Arches’ many attempts at cornering the gourmet burger market. Made with your choice of beef, grilled chicken or buttermilk crispy chicken, it came topped with a dollop of guacamole mixed with pico de gallo, ranch dressing, white cheddar and lettuce.

Receiving mixed reviews from fans, it ultimately got nixed from the menu after a roughly two-year run, with the chain citing customer feedback as the reason for its removal.

7. Whopperito View this post on Instagram

The Whopperito is what happens when you get the novel idea to put the contents of a Whopper inside of a tortilla instead of its usual bun. Released in 2016 as one of Burger King’s more questionable food experiments, the Whopperito seems like it could have done pretty well under the right circumstances. However, despite online buzz and curiosity surrounding its limited release, reviews were still very mixed, leading to its eventual removal from the menu. 

8. Turkey Burger

Released in 2013 as part of Burger King’s Festival of Burgers, the Turkey Burger was met with harsh reviews due to its lack of nutritional value. Yup, you read that right. While you’d think a turkey burger at a fast-food restaurant would at least be one of the “healthier” options on the menu, this one actually contained more fat and calories than Burger King’s own Double Cheeseburger and Whopper Jr. with Cheese. On top of that, each one packed more than half the recommended daily sodium intake, fully undermining its so-called healthier appeal.

9. Burger Shots

Hopping on the slider trend of the time, Burger King released Burger Shots in 2008, which were tiny flame-broiled burgers served in pairs and topped with ketchup, mustard and pickles. Considered by fans as simply a miniature take on the Whopper, these tiny burgers were as much a novelty as they were convenient, though their reputation quickly shifted toward a lack of flavor and overall appeal.

With brands like White Castle dominating the fast-food slider market, Burger Shots simply did not sell as well as higher-ups likely hoped, resulting in their eventual removal from menus despite still garnering a bit of a nostalgic cult following in the late 2000s.

10. Hot Mess Burger

Part of a limited-time Jack in the Box release back in 2013, the Hot Mess Burger’s name alone didn’t leave much to be discovered. Starting with a soft sourdough bun, this sucker came stacked with a jumbo beef patty, white cheese sauce, shredded pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños and crispy onion rings.

Deliciously messy and over the top in the best way possible, the Hot Mess Burger and its various “Hot Mess” menu items were backed by an indulgently memorable ad campaign that leaned into the idea that it wasn’t for everyone. After a short run, it was eventually cut from menus, leaving a hole in the hearts of fans who embraced its chaotic mix of flavors.

11. Mini Sirloin Burgers

Not one to be left out of the burger conversation, Jack in the Box has had its fair share of swings over the years. In 2009, however, the chain tried its hand at sliders with Mini Sirloin Burgers, a trio of tiny burgers that sold for $3.89. Each one came topped with American cheese, grilled onions and ketchup, and they included a bun that was not much different from a sweet Hawaiian dinner roll.

While Mini Sirloin Burgers sounded like a great addition to the menu on paper, they weren’t exactly the most memorable item at the time, with many consumers likely remembering the hilarious marketing campaign more than the burgers themselves.

12. Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger

Easily one of Wendy’s more creative takes on the burger, the Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger released in 2023 and only had a short window to win over fans. It came piled high with a beef patty, melted cheese, spicy chipotle sauce, tortilla strips and corn, all locked between a jalapeño cheddar bun for a little extra spice. 

Despite receiving a lot of media attention, its bad reviews eventually outweighed the good, and Wendy’s nixed it altogether in 2024.

13. Bacon and Blue Burger

Yet another one of Wendy’s creative swings, the Bacon and Blue Burger debuted as part of the chain’s push toward more premium flavors. It came stacked with applewood-smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, sautéed onions and a creamy steakhouse-style sauce, all on a toasted bun for $4.25.

Despite its ambitious flavor profile, it struggled to hold up against similar burgers sold outside of fast-food restaurants. On top of that, the blue cheese crumbles proved to be a bit strong for some customers, making it more of a polarizing menu item than an exciting new discovery. It was eventually pulled from menus after a short run, but it still remains a fan-favorite for some to this day.

14. Taco Bell Beefer

Truly borderline burger territory, the Taco Bell Beefer looked more like a Sloppy Joe than anything else, solidifying it as one of the brand’s most unexpected experiments. Released originally in 1962 as a “Chili Burger” and rebranded by the end of the decade as the Bell Beefer, it combined seasoned ground beef, diced onions, lettuce and a mild sauce served on a traditional hamburger bun.

After enjoying steady popularity before beginning to fizzle out by the 1980s, it was eventually removed from menus, though it did have a limited comeback in the 2010s before disappearing again without much of a peep since.

15. Beyond Thickburger

Fast food is historically tough for those who don't eat meat. In recent years, however, things have started to shift in a more inclusive direction, with a number of plant-based options slowly making their way onto menus. One of the most notable in recent years? The Beyond Thickburger, which debuted at both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. in 2019 before quietly disappearing from menus not long after.

With patties made entirely from plant proteins, the Beyond Thickburger existed as a vegan version of the chain’s classic Thickburger, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion and your choice of condiments.

Why These Burgers Aren't Coming Back

While it’s impossible to know if a discontinued burger is truly never coming back, some reasons are much more obvious than others. Some burgers failed to meet consumer expectations, while others simply just missed their mark entirely. And while a select few fell victim to public outrage or were discontinued to make room for something new, that doesn't mean there isn't room for a reboot should the stars align just right.

With the way consumer spending habits are changing as food prices continue to rise, fast-food chains are constantly looking for new ways to encourage return visitors. For many brands, it makes more sense to stick to the core menu items that reliably drive sales and sprinkle in limited-edition drops rather than take a big swing on something new and permanent. 

That said, there’s still a big market for bringing back old favorites, so while the above fast-food burgers technically aren't coming back, there's always a chance something special is being cooked up behind the scenes.

Related: 10 Fast-Food Items That Caused Massive Public Outrage (and What Happened Next)

Why Chains Prefer Temporary Hype Over Permanent Classics

Finding new items on today’s fast-food menu feels more like taking part in a limited-edition drop than actually discovering a new go-to favorite. Instead, you get collaborations like McDonald’s and KPop Demon Hunters, for example, which used the popularity of a major movie release to generate hype around limited-time menu items like seasoned fries and special sauces.

Much like the average streetwear drop, exclusivity and urgency are a huge part of what makes a fast-food release feel successful. And despite constant calls for chains to bring back fan-favorite menu items from the past, it’s easy to see why limited-time releases continue to dominate the fast-food world. The strategy clearly works when it comes to getting people in the door, but it can sometimes overshadow the charm of original creations that could have earned a cult following on their own.

The "Secret Menu" Hacks: Can You Still Recreate the Big N’ Tasty?

While some legendary burgers of the past might not make it onto modern-day menus, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of luck. Thanks to the internet, there’s an ever-growing wave of copycat recipes you can tap into that help fans recreate their fast-food favorites at home. 

Take the McDonald’s Big N’ Tasty, for example. While the original recipe varied slightly depending on the region, you can make it easily with just a handful of simple ingredients found at your local grocery store.

To recreate the Big N’ Tasty, start by seasoning a quarter-pound beef patty with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, then cook it on a hot skillet or grill until it’s done to your liking. Next, toast a sesame seed bun while the patty rests and the pan is still hot.

To assemble, layer the bottom bun with your choice of American or Swiss cheese, followed by the beef patty, two slices of tomato, a couple of roughly cut dill pickles, shredded lettuce and diced sweet onion. You can even mix ketchup and mayonnaise together for a quick copycat sauce and spread it on the top bun before closing the burger.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper copycat meal without a side of homemade shoestring fries tossed generously in salt, now would it?

From the McDonald’s Big N’ Tasty to the Taco Bell Beefer, these discontinued fast-food burgers still live rent-free in our minds. Here's hoping at least a few of the burgers on this list make a comeback, even if just for a limited time.

Related: 14 MLB Stars' Favorite Pre-Game Meals