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Jodie Sweetin is getting candid about filming the Full House Netflix reboot, Fuller House.

During an appearance on the August 24 episode of the Good Guys podcast, hosted by Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, Sweetin noted that Fuller House marked one of the first successful reboots of an ’80s or ’90s sitcom. The actress, who returned to play her Full House character, Stephanie Tanner, for the five-season reboot, explained that fans of the original show “wanted to see more of the Tanners.”

In addition, she said that she and her co-stars “had so much fun” filming the Netflix show, which ended in 2020. She referenced that most of her scenes involved Candace Cameron Bure, who played Stephanie’s older sister, D.J., and Andrea Barber, who played D.J.’s childhood best friend, Kimmy Gibbler.

“Candace and Andrea and I had ridiculous storylines and fun stunts. And we just committed 100 percent of ourselves to it. And I think because people love this family, it was like they just picked up where they left off, you know, and it was well written. We had really great storylines. We were able to sort of joke about ourselves,” said Sweetin, who played Stephanie throughout Full House‘s eight-season run, which ended in 1995.

Sweetin clarified she wasn’t happy with a storyline involving Kimmy being the surrogate for Stephanie’s baby in Fuller House‘s fourth season. The mother of two said she didn’t understand why there wasn’t a baby shower episode written in celebration of Stephanie’s baby’s arrival. Instead, she was tasked to act out Stephanie having a disagreement with a clown.

“I was always really proud of what we did on Fuller House, minus there were a couple episodes towards the end when Steph was having the baby. Well, Kimmy was the surrogate. And I was like, ‘Where’s our baby shower episode?’ And instead I was arguing with a clown. That was my storyline for the week. And wasn’t pleased with it,” said Sweetin during the podcast episode.

Sweetin also said she shared her discontentment about the situation with the Fuller House showrunners, who replaced Full House creator Jeff Franklin, following his firing in 2018.

“Like, of all the storylines we could do, I’m arguing with a clown, and now I’m arguing with a clown about arguing with a clown,” said Sweetin.

She clarified that she was overall happy with how Fuller House ended.

“We were able to finish out our last seasons. And we did great, and it was fun, and we loved it,” said Sweetin during the Good Guys podcast interview.

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro continued its competition tonight with the four remaining dancers taking on the two semifinal challenges with pros Rylee Arnold, Gleb Savchenko, Jan Ravnik and Witney Carson as they competed for a place in the finale. Two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson joined as guest judge, as only three will make it through.

Hosted by wildlife conservationist and Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, began with 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who moved into one house to compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.

Three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas “The Queen of Latin” served as judges.

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“Tonight all the creative choices will be yours in this round,” Kym told the hopefuls. “We will be watching to see if you can teach and create to the level expected by Dancing with the Stars.”

And Shirley added, “You’ve all proved you are great dancers, but now we need to dig deep to decide if you have the choreography, the teaching skills, and the personality.”

“The last test, teaching amateurs was a huge step, but there’s an even bigger step to earn a place in that finale,” Mark added.

“For the first time on this show, and just like the semifinals on Dancing with the Stars, you’ll be performing two full dances in a couple of days,” Kym said. “That’s half the time we have on the main show.”

Here’s our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on The Next Pro tonight, and who made it through to the finale

Related: DWTS: The Next Pro Star Stephani Sosa Reveals Who She Thinks Will Win Season 35 Spot (Exclusive)

Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro tonight? Allen Genkin Allen Genkin

Disney/Maarten De Boer

Who made it through to the Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro finale? Adele Zaikman
AJ Pritchard
Selena Hamilton

Related: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: Witney Carson Arrives to Judge a Brutal Coaching Challenge — See Who Went Home

Here’s our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on The Next Pro tonight, and who made it through to the finale.

ROUND 1 Witney Carson and Allen Genkin

Disney/Vince Valitutti

Allen and Witney: Jive

Shirley said, “Allen, I can only imagine how it is to dance with Witney, the 2025 Dancing with the Stars champion. If it comes down to Jive Action and a side-by side work, I would have to say it was really excellent what you did, but do you think you got the most out of Witney? This girl can do anything. She can jump, she can flip, she can split. For me, she’s got a lot more wow moments that perhaps we didn’t show.”

Kym said: “Allen, well done. It was jam-packed full of jive content, which is amazing, but I have to agree with Shirley that I would have liked more Witney moments. Witney is the queen of working the camera. No one knows how to do that like Witney.”

Mark said: “I kind of disagree. That’s my favorite Jive I’ve seen this season. When I watch the Jive, if I’m not doing this [Mark bounces in his seat], that’s a problem, and I was doing that the whole time. I loved that it kept trucking. I loved the kicks and flicks. I loved that it didn’t die; the steam kept rolling the whole time. I loved the shaping on the pivot. Good job.”

Jan Ravnik and Selena Hamilton

Disney/Vince Valitutti

Selena and Jan: Salsa

Mark said: “I can hear it now, ‘It’s Latin night on Dancing with the Stars,’ and then going into that. You nailed the brief. That was exactly what we wanted. What I loved the most is that you’re both commercial dancers and you cleaned it like commercial dancers, every look, every action, every head move, every arm was perfectly in sync. It was everything a fun salsa should be. Great job Selena.”

Kym said: “Selena, you are a star. Such clever choreography, so rhythmical. That is the kind of dance that will get you into the finale. It was so good.”

Shirley said: “Selena, your balance is extraordinary. Every single step you take, you nail. The chemistry was fantastic. We were here on the desk dancing with you. When we see something like that, we know we’ve got the next pro.”

Adele Zaikman and Gleb Savchenko

Disney/Vince Valitutti

Adele and Gleb: Samba

Kym said: “Adele, you absolutely nailed it. That was like a professional number you would see on Dancing with the Stars. You are an incredible teacher and an amazing dancer, so congratulations.”

Mark said: “Adele, you moved like this hooded cobra that’s waiting to strike and then take it. You could have played with the musicality a little bit but other than that it was damn near perfect. Oh, my God.”

Shirley said: “Adele, I loved that you included Gleb. Gleb, you looked phenomenal out there. Together, you just looked like a power couple. If I can give you one little tip, I would say remember it’s a Dancing with the Stars audience and I would like one or two wow moments, but other than that, you’re a masterpiece. Well done.”

Rylee Arnold and AJ Pritchard

Disney/Vince Valitutti

AJ and Riley: Cha Cha

Shirley said: “AJ, on Week 2, I asked you to look outside your comfort zone to jam pack us with different things. I felt like you put everything in but the kitchen sink and because the leading was so good, you enabled our Rylee to get right in your face, to kick her hips back, and to do all the things I’ve come to expect from this gorgeous girl. You really captured the essence of Cha Cha and you showcased Rylee, well done.”

Kym  said: “AJ, you are technically such a great dancer and a great leader. I loved that you gave Rylee her moment. It’s finding those little moments in the dance that people will go, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ We got to see more of your personality shine. I loved it.”

Mark said, “For me, like a little bit of soul and funk and grit. We know you’re a great dancer. You shine in the ballroom rounds, but when we’re doing opening numbers, we do a lot of things with the boys and the girls side-by-side. I’d like to see a little bit more of that funkier side.”

Related: DWTS: The Next Pro Star Stephani Sosa Reveals Who She Thinks Will Win Season 35 Spot (Exclusive)

ROUND 2 Selena and Allen: Quickstep

Shirley said: “We are one step away from the finale and you are doing immensely well because the hardest thing to teach is personality and you both shine like bright lights when it comes to that. You both know how to sell without a doubt.”

Kym said: “Allen and Selena, what I was really impressed with was the musicality, the creativeness that you had, hitting all those accents. I can see you would both be so fun to be partners with as a celebrity and I think you would do a great job on the show.”

Mark said: “The Quickstep is fun, it’s bright, it’s bubbly, you guys did all that. When you started in the frame, you hit that, it had intention, you hit hard, I loved the interpretation of the music and the mood. Honestly, I enjoy both of you as performers. What makes a great pro isn’t just the teaching and the dancing, you really have to shine and you both pop, you both have charisma, I could genuinely see either of you on the show tomorrow.”

Adele and AJ: Foxtrot

Mark said: “AJ and Adele, Dancing with the Stars has changed over the years. It has evolved and we have all these new styles that we add but there’s one thing that will never go out of style and that’s true classic ballroom. That was gorgeous.”

Kym said: “You are so sultry and sexy, Adele. The connection between the two of you, I was, ‘where is this going? What’s happening?’ I was blown away by the whole thing. You guys, perfection.”

Shirley said: “AJ, you truly are a star. The quality of what you do, the softness in your legs, the direction in which you allow your lady to go is exceptional. I only hope you have appreciated this lovely lady on the end of your arm. You are the new generation for Dancing with the Stars. Well done.”

Then it was time for the elimination.

Shirley said, “I want to say to all four of you, this was an absolute, exceptional semifinal. Allen, you’ve given heart, reliability, you are a remarkable dancer; Selena, fire, passion, charisma, absolutely a star; AJ, I don’t think we have ever seen this quality in ballroom dancing that you have given us; Adele, it doesn’t matter what you are putting your hand to, you are giving 110 percent.”

When all that was said, it was Allen who had performed his last dance.

“I am very sad and devastated to be going home but at the same time, I feel like I left it all out there,” he said. “This has been the most exciting and phenomenal experience. I feel my mom would have enjoyed watching. I just hope I made her proud.”

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Next, Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Rumored Cast Features Shocking Names and TV Icons

Below Deck Mediterranean Chief Stew Aesha Scott got a bachelorette surprise years in the making when Captain Sandy Yawn and the Aikíra One crew brought back Hannah Ferrier and Anastasia Surmava—reuniting Aesha with her original interior dream team and putting Hannah face-to-face with Captain Sandy on camera for the first time in years.

Captain Sandy recounted the last time she and Hannah were on camera together and how badly things ended. After Hannah was discovered with unregistered medication and a vape pen, Captain Sandy fired her, setting off a years-long rift between the two women.

“But time can heal all wounds,” Captain Sandy said in a confessional. “Last year in June, I reached out to Hannah.”

Hannah recalled that she and Captain Sandy reconnected and ultimately “let bygones be bygones.”

“We hugged it out, forgave each other and now we’re in a great place,” Captain Sandy said. The two women have since met each other’s families, and Sandy has even gotten married since their last time together on the show. “And we’ve got quite a nice friendship growing,” Hannah added.

Then came the moment Aesha had no idea was waiting for her.

When she arrived at the bachelorette destination, Aesha hugged Captain Sandy before being completely “blown away” when she saw Hannah and Anastasia. Both women have since married and welcomed daughters, but they were Aesha’s ride-or-die interior teammates during Below Deck Med Season 4—the season that gave fans the infamous “June, June, Hannah” memes.

Noting how far her former crewmates had traveled to be there, Aesha immediately recognized the significance of the reunion.

“This is my original interior team! Seven years ago I met them,” she said, as the show flashed back to memorable moments from the season when the three women became close friends.

A lot has changed for Hannah and Anastasia since their time aboard Below Deck Med. Both have married and become mothers, while Anastasia has moved into finance. Hannah, meanwhile, has maintained her television career, appearing on shows including The Traitors Australia and The Real Love Boat Australia.

“Aesha, Hannah and I were all single, wild and free when we met,” Anastasia recalled. “But I left yachting six years ago, bought a business, got married, had a kid. Aesha’s one of the only people where I’d literally drop everything to travel to see each other for one night.”

As the former crewmates and friends gathered around the dinner table, Captain Sandy pointed out just how much their lives had changed since they first met. All three women are now married, while Hannah and Anastasia have children of their own.

“You’re gonna get married and have a baby,” Captain Sandy told Aesha.

And the reunion appeared to leave Aesha thinking about what could come next for her.

“Seeing Hannah and Anastasia with their families and now Nathan [Gallagher] with his family, it makes me want that too,” Aesha said in a confessional.

Aesha and her husband, Scott Dobson, had already talked about starting a family, but seeing her closest friends from her early Below Deck days enter that chapter of their lives made the possibility feel more real. As Aesha put it, she feels like she’s “hopped on” now.

Below Deck Mediterranean is on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

In 1972, a newly formed Canadian band recorded a tender ballad that would travel much farther than the group itself ever did.

Skylark found its defining hit with “Wildflower,” a soulful song written by Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson. The recording became an unexpected success on both sides of the Canadian border, giving the short-lived band its enduring claim to fame and eventually inspiring interpretations from artists including Johnny Mathis.

The song began with a poem.

Richardson, who was a friend of Edwards, wrote the lyrics after being inspired by an evening spent with his then-girlfriend.

“In 1970 I was dating a nurse, whom I would eventually marry in 1971,” Richardson later recalled. One night, she was in her bedroom getting ready for a date after a particularly difficult day at work. He waited patiently for her, but after a while when she didn’t emerge, he went to make sure she was okay.

“I knocked on the door but she didn’t answer, so I went in to find her fast asleep on the bed, still in her housecoat and with the towel still wrapped around her head,” he continued. “I guess she was just exhausted after her emotional day. So, I put a blanket over her, being careful not to wake her, and went home and wrote the song in about 15 minutes or so. It was absolutely inspired. I have always felt that all I did was hold the pen in my hand, and that God did the writing.”

Edwards then composed the music, creating the sweeping ballad that Skylark would record for its self-titled debut album.

Getting it onto the radio proved more difficult.

“Wildflower” was initially released as a single in 1972 but attracted little attention. Its fortunes changed when CKLW, the influential radio station in Windsor, Ontario, began playing the song after receiving requests for it. That airplay helped breathe new life into the recording, and its popularity gradually spread.

The slow-building momentum ultimately carried Skylark onto the charts.

“Wildflower” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973 and reached No. 10 on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart and No. 1 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary chart, becoming by far the band’s biggest success. Skylark was unable to follow it with another comparable hit, however, and the group disbanded after releasing only two albums.

One member would go on to a particularly remarkable second act.

Skylark’s keyboardist David Foster later became one of pop music’s most successful producers and songwriters, working with artists including Whitney Houston, Chicago, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. “Wildflower” remains an early chapter in a career that would eventually produce scores of major hits.

The song also continued flourishing without Skylark.

Over the years, “Wildflower” has been recorded by numerous performers, with Johnny Mathis among the artists to offer his own rendition. Its blend of vulnerability and soul also helped the composition cross easily between pop, R&B and adult contemporary music.

More than five decades after its release, “Wildflower” remains inseparable from Skylark’s brief moment in the spotlight. The band may have become a one-hit wonder, but the 1972 ballad proved far more enduring, outliving the group that introduced it and becoming a song generations of artists have continued to rediscover.

Related: 1966 Folk Song, Covered by Rod Stewart, Is Still a Powerful Hit 60 Years Later

Taylor Swift’s debut single, “Tim McGraw,” took the country music world by storm in 2006. The country pop ballad kick-started the legendary artist’s career. However, it took 20 years for the Grammy winner to reveal a secret hidden meaning behind the song’s lyrics.

“Oftentimes in a song, you’d love to stay in one moment, but especially early on in my songwriting, I’d love to just be like, ‘And this is how it ended,'” Swift told Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. on Monday, August 24.

The “Cruel Summer” artist explained that she’s known for her style of “writing in detail,” which she believes dates back to her hit “Tim McGraw.”

“I do think it’s important to determine that the details have to have a significance to the story at hand,” she continued. “And in that song, there’s a line that says ‘Just a boy in a Chevy truck that has a tendency of getting stuck on back roads at night.’ And if you look at that at face value, you’re like, ‘Oh, that truck broke down a lot.'”

Swift added, “But if you look into it, the double meaning is that these are two teenagers who used to like park and kiss and tell their parents that the truck broke down.”

The song — named after the 2001 CMA Entertainer of the Year recipient — was the first song released of Swift’s self-titled debut album. It became one of the most-played country songs on airplay that year and reached No. 6 on Billboard’s US Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A police investigation into the tragic death of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver’s 2-year-old son has been closed, with authorities saying the result was no criminal findings.

“The incident was thoroughly investigated by detectives, and their finding were no criminal findings. The case is now closed,” the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas said in a statement.

Oliver’s son died on June 28 after he was found unresponsive in a swimming pool by family members at a residence outside Houston. Following the news being released, the Bills released a statement, showing support.

“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss.”

Many of his teammates have also spoken out, including star quarterback Josh Allen.

“Obviously, very unfortunate what happened and as a teammate of him, as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him,” Allen said after Buffalo’s 31-7 preseason win at Cleveland on Saturday. “There’s nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there in whatever ways he needs. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. But the way that he’s dealt with it has been unbelievable.”

Allen also expressed anger and frustration surrounding how the information came out.

“First off, I want to say thank you to the ones who knew about it and allowed him to have his moment and his time,’ the quarterback explained. “It’s very sad how it came out. It makes me very, very sad and angry at the same time.”

According to ESPN, the Bills had already been aware of the incident before it was made public.

Olivia Rodrigo is having an amazing year. Not only did she make music history back in the spring as the first artist to debut the lead singles from her first three studio albums at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but she also just surprised fans with more new music.

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Following the release of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, Rodrigo has released “Serena Joy,” a standalone track that she said she loves but didn’t make the cut for her third album because it didn’t fit the flow of the record’s narrative.

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“I actually really love that song,” the Guts singer-songwriter said in an interview with ETalk. “It didn’t fit on the record. The record was very much a chronicle of a relationship—beginning, middle, and end. And that song didn’t really fit in the story I was trying to tell. But I hope that it’ll be a part of something else down the line.”

An uptempo, new wave-inspired gem with late-’70s and early ’80s rock sounds, “Serena Joy” was co-written and produced by Rodrigo’s longtime collaborator, Dan Nigro. It features an energetic tone reminiscent of Devo, Rolling Stone said, and a driving bass line that echoes Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order, Pitchfork shared.

“With its layers of jubilant Devo-like synths, ‘Serena Joy’ sounds sonically similar to the You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love track ‘Expectations,’ only the new gem is inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, with lyrics like ‘If they do it to them/They’ll do it to you,’” Rolling Stone wrote about the song.

If the title of the song sounds familiar, that’s because it’s taken directly from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel first published in 1985. Antagonist Serena Joy is the Commander’s wife in the household where the protagonist Offred is assigned.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Recently Banned Novel Ranked Among ‘Best Books Ever’

On Friday, Aug. 21, Rodrigo made just 500 CDs available exclusively at Analog Music Shop, an indie record store in Tustin, California. The copies, which quickly sold out and are now going for hundreds of dollars on eBay, were the only way fans could hear the song physically before its wider release today.

The record store was an especially meaningful pick as it’s located just a few miles away from Irvine’s Great Park, where the two-time Grammy winner’s inaugural all-women music festival, Daisy Chain Fields, will go down on Aug. 29.

According to Rolling Stone, Rodrigo will debut “Serena Joy” during her headlining set at the festival, with a portion of the proceeds from the song going to the festival’s fund, which supports charities that champion women and girls.

Also on the docket: Chappell Roan, Doechii, Garbage, The Breeders, and more, with Karen O, Sarah McLachlan, and Stevie Nicks billed as special guests.

Currently, Rodrigo has seven songs on the Hot 100, including her latest No. 1 single, “Drop Dead,” along with “Stupid Song,” “The Cure,” “Honeybee,” “Expectations,” “Maggots for Brains,” and “What’s Wrong With Me,” featuring The Cure frontman Robert Smith.

Related: 1983 Ballad, Which Turned the Actors From ‘One Big Blow’ Into a No. 1 Band, Is Just as Powerful 43 Years Later 

Before the first question even loads, there’s one thing everyone notices in a Blooket game—the usernames. After all, Blooket names have a way of stealing the spotlight and turning a simple quiz into something way more entertaining. From clever wordplay to totally chaotic usernames, your Blooket name is your chance to set yourself apart before you even answer a single question.

So, what should your Blooket name be? Seeing how there are so many things you can go with, it may be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, above all else, naming your Blooket profile should be fun, not stressful. It’s a chance to show off your personality, interests, and sense of humor in a playful and creative way. Whether you want a username that’s silly, trendy, full of puns or simply adorable, there are no limits when it comes to choosing something that fits your style.

But if you need a little more help coming up with a Blooket name idea, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up 75 funny Blooket names for the classroom, including options that are guaranteed to get laughs from your classmates—and maybe even from your teacher. Check them all out below and see which one you’re drawn to most.

Related: 265 Funny Gamertags for Chill and Avid Gamers Alike

What Is Blooket?

If you’ve never heard of Blooket, no worries, you’re probably not the only one. It is a popular game-based learning platform that helps students review classroom material through interactive quizzes and educational games. Teachers can create their own question sets or choose from thousands of existing quizzes, while students earn points and rewards as they answer questions correctly.

The best part is that, by combining learning with engaging gameplay, Blooket has become a favorite educational tool for test prep, classroom review, and homework across a wide range of subjects. It’s no wonder so many people are loving it.

75 Funny Blooket Names

CanvaPro/Parade

1. Quiztopher Columbus
2. Quizzie McGuire
3. Nacho Average Player
4. Quiz Khalifa
5. Sir Guesses-A-Lot
6. Error 404 Brain Not Found
7. Trivia Newton John
8. Blooky McBlookface
9. Quiztopher Robin
10. Brain Cell Survivor
11. I Thought This Was Kahoot
12. The Fast and the Curious
13. Ctrl Alt Defeat
14. Mission Impastable
15. Burrito Bandit
16. Captain Guesswork
17. Chicken Nugget CEO
18. Lord of the Blooks
19. Not a Robot
20. Couch Potato Scholar
21. Cereal Quizzer
22. Panic at the Quizco
23. The Answer Snatcher
24. The Meme Machine
25. Taco ‘Bout Smart
26. Quizzy Rascal
27. Blook Around and Find Out
28. Lord of the Guesses
29. The Brainy Bunch
30. The Study Break Specialist
31. Smarty Paws
32. Smart Cookie Crumbler
33. Homework Houdini

Related: 325 of the Funniest Team Name Ideas for Every Sport, Tournament or Game You Can Think Of

Cool Blooket Names

CanvaPro/Parade

34. ShadowStrike
35. SilentStorm
36. AC-DeeCee
37. TitanQuest
38. FrostByte
39. BlazeTastic
40. ArcticFalcon
41. LunarForce
42. ThunderBolt
43. Zephyr
44. CrimsonKnight
45. HyperNova
46. AlphaBlade
47. QuantumRush
48. OmegaStorm
49. ElectricAce
50. DragonByte

Related: 300+ Totally Rad Trivia Team Names That Are as Witty as Your Know-It-All Crew of Quizmasters

Cute Blooket Names

CanvaPro/Parade

51. Cowabunga Moo
52. BlookMyWay
53. Mr./Ms. Punshine
54. TinyPenguin
55. Fluffy Brain
56. Purrfect Player
57. Britney Quiz-Spears
58. CuddleMuffin
59. BlueberryMoon
60. Taylor Quift
61. TwinkleToes
62. SpongeBob QuizPants
63. RosyCheeks
64. Quiz Harmony
65. Teddy Tactics
66. SprinkleStar
67. StrawberryPuff
68. CinnabunCutie
69. LittleSunshine
70. CozyHeart
71. PrettyPetal
72. Bubblegum Thinker
73. SugarMoon
74. HoneyCharm
75. HeartOfHoney

Up Next:

Related: 75 Funniest Kahoot Names for Your Study Party or Trivia Night

During their time co-starring on the hit CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik had excellent on-screen chemistry as close friends, Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz and Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler.

In an August 2026 interview on The Official The Big Bang Theory Podcast, Rauch revealed that her real-life relationship with Bialik started out as a fan. She explained that she adored the five-season sitcom Blossom, which ended in 1995 and starred Bialik, during her childhood.

The actress also noted that she and Bialik started as Big Bang Theory series regulars during the show’s fourth season, which premiered in 2010. Rauch said she wanted to let Bialik know about her deep appreciation for Blossom before they got too far into their working relationship.

“I didn’t know if I should tell her out of the gate what a huge fan I was. Our dressing rooms were next to each other, and at the time there was like a bathroom in between, and we shared this bathroom, and I didn’t know like how long like we would be doing that,” explained the actress in the August 2026 podcast interview. “And like how long both of us would be there for. But I was like, ‘If I don’t tell her now what a fan I am and we become close, then it’s going to be weird that we’ve been sharing a bathroom the whole time.’ Like what if we see each other naked and then I’m like, ‘I’m a super fan by the way.’ Like it would be so weird.”

Rauch said she decided to tell Bialik about being a fan of hers following the table read for the show’s season 4 premiere episode.

“I made the decision right after the table read, which was probably too early. Like I think I overshot it. And I remember walking, like, from the table with her and we walked behind the flats, also like a bad place to do it ’cause it felt creepy, like I’m taking her behind a wall, and I was like, ‘Listen, I need to tell you I’ve been a fan of yours like my entire life. I dressed as you for Halloween once. I have hats like Blossom in my childhood house.’ Like, I went crazy,” recalled Rauch.

According to Rauch, Bialik responded kindly to her comments about Blossom‘s impact on her.

“She was like, ‘Yeah, a lot of women of our generation feel that way. Thank you for telling me.’ But she was so nice, and, of course, we were off to the races and friends,” said Rauch.

Rauch also noted that she poked fun at her love of Blossom in a season 3 episode of Night Court, wherein her character, Judge Abby Stone, meets Bialik, played by herself.

“We even wrote like a Night Court episode about like my childhood obsession,” said Rauch, who starred in The Big Bang Theory until its final and 12th season, which came to an end in 2019.

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Every kitchen needs at least one good deep-dish pie plate. It’s a bakeware essential that gets used way more often than you’d expect. You can absolutely use it to bake classic fruit pies and creamy custards, but it also comes in handy when you want to whip up a quiche, tart, deep-dish pizza, cobbler, and even a fancy layered dessert. A proper pie dish helps whatever you’re baking hold its shape in the oven and brown evenly, but the best ones also look nice enough to go straight from the oven to the table.

That’s exactly what put the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Pie Dish on our radar. Made with the elegant appeal and highly useful quality you know and expect from Drew Barrymore’s home goods, the taupe version of this dish is currently marked down to just $10 from the usual $13 price at Walmart. It also comes in a hydrangea blue color for $15.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Pie Dish, From $10 (was $13) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This 9-inch-deep pie plate is made from durable stoneware that’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and designed to handle heat up to 450 degrees. The ceramic material retains heat well, so your dishes should stay warm, even once they’re out of the oven. This pie plate has a soft satin finish with a shiny exterior that’ll look polished on your table. Plus, it’s freezer-safe for meal prep and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning once the meal’s over. 

Walmart shoppers were highly impressed by this pie dish’s “beautifully simple” design, calling it “charming and functional.” One reviewer noted that the glossy exterior had a “sleek” look they were proud to serve straight from the oven to the table. Another customer said that the pie plate brought “extra joy” to their baking experience. “I love this deep dish for pies, quiche, baking, pizza, and so much more,” a shopper shared.

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Loaf Pan, $8 (was $10) at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Vintage Lace Ceramic Pie Dish, $12 (was $14) at Walmart
• Pyrex Glass Pie Plate, $6 (was $9) at Walmart

Related: Drew Barrymore’s New Stoneware Dinnerware Set Brings Sweet Vintage-Inspired Cabbageware Charm to the Table

Now just $10, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Pie Dish is a gorgeous kitchen essential that you’ll be happy to have on hand the next time you want to serve a dessert right in the same pretty dish you baked it in. Snag it at Walmart before the price goes back up!

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

The era of chunky sneakers dominating city streets and office corridors is giving way to a fresh silhouette in 2026: the ballet flat sneaker. Right now, Adidas is leading the charge with its Taekwondo Mei Ballet Shoes, an inventive fusion of sporty sophistication now available for only $80 during its summer sale. 

This shoe, which launched in spring 2025, is a rare blend of style and substance that is already making waves among shoppers. Buyers raved that it’s not only “chic and classic,” but also “extremely comfortable.” 

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Shoes, From $80 (were $100) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

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Inspired by the graceful lines of a dancer’s slipper, these shoes offer more than a pretty profile. The regular fit and ballet-inspired shape deliver all-day comfort, making them a natural fit for busy moms and fashion streetwear lovers.

The shoe is available in nine colorways (four additional options are currently sold out), from a classic black and white to a dark brown leopard and pink colorway, punctuated with a classic gum sole.

The pink leopard print version is the only colorway currently on sale, but it’s well stocked in sizes 5 to 11, so most shoppers should be able to find their perfect fit at a discount. Popular Taekwondo Mei hues tend to sell fast when they’re in stock, so even if you’re eyeing a color that isn’t on sale, you may want to consider adding it to your cart now in case supply runs out.

Adidas has not only reimagined the ballet flat with the Taekwondo shoes, but also redefined what comfort means in everyday footwear. The 4.7-star rating from over 1,300 reviews speaks volumes, and shoppers said that from boardrooms to backyards, this shoe is the definition of versatility. Some noted the shoes can be dressed up with tailored trousers to “wear to work every day,” or dressed down with relaxed jeans for a weekend stroll.

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Shoes, From $80 (were $100) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

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Shoppers consistently mentioned the shoes’ ability to keep feet happy through long workdays and fashionable outings. Reviews often mentioned the high comfort factor, with some wearers suggesting a half-size down for narrow feet or a glove-like feel. 

“These shoes look great and feel great on my feet,” one shopper stated. “I went to a backyard BBQ, and everyone was ranting and raving over my shoes. I also danced a lot in them, and my feet felt great.”

“Cute shoes,” Another shopper called them “very stylish,” adding: “You can dress these shoes up or down. I love the way they look with my barrel jeans.”

Shop More Deals

• Gazelle Bold Shoes, $60 (were $120) at Adidas
• Essentials 3-Stripes Cotton Leggings, $23 (were $35) at Adidas
• Extra Large Team Wheel Bag, $75 (was $150) at Adidas

Related: Amazon’s $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

This season, the ballet flat is poised to become more than a nostalgic nod to school days or stage performances. The Adidas Taekwondo Mei ballet flats blend athletic ease with studio style and, at just $80, offer a rare opportunity to slip into a new classic. Grab one in your favorite colorway today! 

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.

Soleil Moon Frye, who rose to stardom on the hit ’80s series Punky Brewster, has a twin in her lookalike daughter, Poet.

Frye, 50, grew up in the public eye as everyone’s favorite foster child on the iconic TV series Punky Brewster. If you forgot the basis of the series, the show followed Brewster, a little girl abandoned in a store by her mother, who is taken in with her golden retriever, Brandon, by her foster parent, Henry Warnimont, a grouchy older man in Chicago. Punky soon warms his heart and turns his world around.

While Frye rose to fame in the series, she also developed a successful career behind the camera. A mother of four, she’s frequently sharing photos with her kids. In a sweet new collection of photos, Frye honored Poet as she celebrates her 21st birthday. From her dark hair to her freckles, there’s no doubt Poet is her daughter!

“Happy happy birthday, my beautiful baby girl @poet_siennarose You are officially 21, and I am SO beyond honored and grateful for the treasure of being your mama and watching you grow and flourish into the INCREDIBLE woman and goddess that you are.I love you forever and beyond, throughout every lifetime,” Frye wrote. “May the next 21 years and beyond bring you all the joy, adventure, laughter, and love dreams your beautiful heart can hold.”

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For another shot that makes it clear how much Poet looks like her mother, check out the photo below:

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Frye Recently Turned 50

Frye keeps an active presence on social media. Earlier this month, she turned 50 and celebrated in her “birthday suit” as she soaked up the sun in a captain’s hat on a boat. While it’s been decades since she rose to stardom, it’s quite shocking how much she still resembles her early days as Punky.

View this post on Instagram Soleil Moon Frye and Cherie Johnson Reunited

Cherie Johnson, whose Punky Brewster character bore the same name as her real name, became Punky’s best friend in their Chicago apartment building. But the duo became friends in real life, and they still are tight to this day. As their social media followers found out, they even got together recently for an appearance at a convention.

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Related: ‘Punky Brewster’ Star Soleil Moon Frye Turns 50—and Fans Can’t Get Over How Little She’s Changed

We’ve all walked by someone who applied a little too much perfume or cologne, causing everyone around them to practically choke. But then there are times when you approach someone, breathe in the subtlety of their signature scent and wonder what they’re wearing.

We’ve never been fond of gatekeeping beauty secrets, so when a perfume pro recently told us about the nine perfumes women over 40 get the most compliments on, we knew we couldn’t keep them to ourselves.

We chatted with Octavia Morgan, the founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles, and asked her to dish on a wide range of fragrances that often cause a stir when others catch a whiff of them. Morgan chose from florals musks, budget-friendly picks, luxury finds and other categories to curate a list with options for every personality.

We also spoke with Susan Ankersen, the co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances, and asked her to explain why your skin chemistry changes after 40 and how it affects the way a scent wears. The fragrance expert also weighed in on the fragrance notes and concentrations that last the longest and shared tips for properly applying perfume so it projects (without rubbing your wrists).

Related: The 14 Best Jasmine Perfumes for an Intoxicating Floral Scent, According to Fragrance Experts

The Best Perfumes for Women Over 40, According to a Fragrance Expert

• Best Perfume for Women Over 40 Overall: Portrait of a Lady Parfum Spray
• Best Floral Perfume for Women Over 40: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum
• Best Woody Perfume for Women Over 40: Heretic Perfumes Dirty Hinoki
• Best Musk Perfume for Women over 40: Brown Girl Jane Casablanca
• Best Gourmand Perfume for Women Over 40: Influxious Gold Standard Eau de Parfum
• Best Affordable Perfume for Women Over 40: Lattafa Yara Eau de Perfume Natural Spray
• Best Luxury Perfume for Women Over 40: Victoria Beckham Eau de Parfum Portofino ’97
• Best Long-Lasting Perfume for Women Over 40: House of Bo Infinitoud Parfum
• Best Date Night Perfume for Women Over 40: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles ROOM 33 Eau de Parfum

Why Does Skin Chemistry After 40 Change How a Scent Wears?

We’re used to hearing about hair and skin care changes after 40, but you may be surprised to hear that the way fragrances interact with your skin can also change over time.

“Hormone changes, especially with menopause, can change our temperature, which makes perfumes perform differently,” Ankersen tells Parade. “Our skin often becomes dryer, which makes scent not adhere well. Oily or well-moisturized skin makes fragrance last longer.”

Related: How to Properly Layer Perfume, According to a Fragrance Expert

What Fragrance Notes and Concentrations Actually Last the Longest?

Knowledge is power, and knowing that fragrances might not last as long as they used to when you reach your 40s is incredibly helpful because it helps you select your fragrance notes and concentrations strategically.

“Fragrances that last must have base notes. These are heavier, have lower volatility and need heat from our body to open up,” Ankersen says.

Examples of base notes include woods, vetiver, vanilla, resins and musks. 

As for concentration, aromatic oil content typically lasts longer than other formulations. However, Ankersen says a 25% citrus cologne wouldn’t necessarily last as long as a 12% woody perfume or even a 6% vanillin solution.

Sometimes, fragrances use certain ingredients to lower the volatility of the overall compound. For instance, Ankersen says DPG is often used as a solvent. Solid materials like ambroxan or galaxolide are also common additions to some concentrations.

Related: These Are the 9 Best-Smelling Perfumes for Women, According to a Fragrance Expert

How to Properly Apply Perfume So It Projects (Without Rubbing Your Wrists)

Just because perfumes don’t last as long when you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean you can’t increase their longevity.

“For better projection, spray many areas of your body, not just your neck. Spray places that have warmth to open the scent, such as the back of the knees or any pulse point,” Ankersen says.

The perfume pro also suggests spraying areas where the perfume doesn’t get absorbed, such as your hair and/or clothing.

Lastly, moisturized skin can also make scents project better.

9 Compliment-Getting Perfumes To Try Now 1. Best Perfume for Women Over 40 Overall: Portrait of a Lady Parfum Spray, $90

Nordstrom

Shop It at Nordstrom

Morgan describes Portrait of a Lady as one of those rare fragrances that feels “both timeless and contemporary.”

“The richness of Turkish rose, patchouli, blackcurrant and incense creates incredible depth while remaining elegant. Women over 40 tend to gravitate toward fragrances with character and sophistication, and this perfume makes a memorable statement without feeling trendy. It’s the kind of scent people stop you to ask about,” she says.

2. Best Floral Perfume for Women Over 40: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum, $250

Nordstrom

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Morgan says this perfume has become a “modern floral icon” due to the fact that it “balances femininity with confidence.”

“The combination of Turkish rose, peony, lychee and soft woods creates a fragrance that feels luminous, polished and incredibly wearable. It’s bright enough for daytime but elegant enough for evening, making it a consistent compliment getter,” she says.

3. Best Woody Perfume for Women Over 40: Heretic Perfumes Dirty Hinoki, $65

Bluemercury

Shop It at Bluemercury

Morgan appreciates that this perfume offers a refreshing take on woody fragrances.

“Hinoki wood, cedar and citrus create a calming, refined scent that feels effortless and modern. It’s ideal for women who appreciate understated luxury and want something distinctive without being overpowering,” she says.

Related: 11 Korean Fragrance Brands a Perfume Expert Wishes More People Knew About

4. Best Musk Perfume for Women over 40: Brown Girl Jane Casablanca, $102

Brown Girl Jane

Shop It at Brown Girl Jane

Morgan describes this next perfume as “intimate, elegant and quietly captivating.”

“Casablanca wraps the skin in a beautiful veil of warm musk with creamy woods and soft florals,” she says. “Musk fragrances become incredibly personal because they blend with your own skin chemistry, and this one develops beautifully throughout the day.”

Fragrance notes include marshmallow, cardamom, incense, amber and sandalwood.

5. Best Gourmand Perfume for Women Over 40: Influxious Gold Standard Eau de Parfum, $150

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

Morgan says Gold Standard is the perfect example of a gourmand fragrance that can be “luxurious rather than overly sweet.”

“Rich vanilla, warm amber and decadent gourmand notes create a sophisticated fragrance that feels comforting and elevated. It’s indulgent without becoming overwhelming,” she says.

6. Best Affordable Perfume for Women Over 40: Lattafa Yara Eau de Perfume Natural Spray, $40

Ulta

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If you’re looking for an approachable, feminine, affordable fragrance, Morgan suggests picking up this budget-friendly find.

“Yara consistently surprises people with how luxurious it smells for its price point. Tropical fruits, creamy vanilla and soft musk create a fragrance that performs far above its cost,” she says.

Related: 9 Most-Requested Discontinued Fragrances, According to a Perfume Expert

7. Best Luxury Perfume for Women Over 40: Victoria Beckham Eau de Parfum Portofino ’97, $200

Nordstrom

Shop It at Nordstrom

When it comes to perfumes that capture effortless luxury, Morgan says Portofino ’97 is leading the pack.

“Bright citrus, incense, amber and vetiver evoke the feeling of an Italian summer while maintaining incredible sophistication. It’s polished, refined and perfect for someone who appreciates quiet luxury over bold statements,” the perfume pro says.

8. Best Long-Lasting Perfume for Women Over 40: House of Bo Infinitoud Parfum, $370

Neiman Marcus

Shop It at Neiman Marcus

Morgan says Infinitoud is “beautifully composed and remarkably long-lasting.”

“Oud, warm woods, amber and resins create exceptional depth and longevity while remaining smooth and wearable,” she continues. “It evolves throughout the day and leaves an unforgettable trail that continues to receive compliments hours after application.”

9. Best Date Night Perfume for Women Over 40: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles ROOM 33 Eau de Parfum, $165

Ulta

Shop It at Ulta

“Room 33 was designed to create presence without overpowering the room. Luminous pear, pink pepper and violet leaf open into elegant jasmine and tuberose before settling into warm blond woods, sandalwood, amber and vanilla,” Morgan tells Parade.

The end result is an intimate and sensual fragrance that the perfume pro says “invites people closer rather than announcing itself from across the room.”

Up Next:

Related: 17 Best Colognes for Your Man, According to Fragrance Experts

Sources:

• Susan Ankersen is the co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances.
• Octavia Morgan is the founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles.

Days of Our Lives fans were given good news as former General Hospital and The Young and the Restless star Brytni Sarpy will be joining the Peacock streaming soap opera next year!

The soap opera released a new ‘Love Island’-themed video on social media, during which point Sarpy can clearly be seen as a “new bombshell” entering the ‘villa’.

@peacockdays

Love Island may be over, but the bombshells, messy recouplings, secret marriages, and questionable intentions never stop in Salem. 👀 And don’t blink otherwise you may miss a big surprise… Trade the island for Salem and stream Days of our Lives exclusively on Peacock. #LoveIslandUSA #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUSA8 #Peacock #RealityTV @DanFeuerriegel @Rob Scott Wilson @Peacock @Abigail Klein @cheriealexandraJimenez @Lins G @Sal Stowers @Love Island USA

♬ original sound – Days of our Lives

In a separate post, the show shared a picture outside her dressing room on Instagram, captioning the post, “Someone new is checking into Salem… Welcome Brytni Sarpy to the Days of our Lives family! Stay tuned.”

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TV Insider reports that, due to Days of Our ‘Lives’ advance shooting schedule, Sarpy will not make her on-screen debut until sometime in the middle of 2027.

Fans React:

The show has yet to confirm who Sarpy will be playing. Still, fans are speculating that the actress may be taking over the role of Jada Hunter, following Elia Cantu’s upcoming exit. However, the show has not yet confirmed anything about the identity of Sarpy’s character.

On Instagram, many fans took to the comments to support Sarpy and her arrival. One fan wrote, “This is great news!!! Brytni will be a lovely addition to Salem. 😊. Hope she and Sal will share a storyline! I bet that will make them so happy.”

A second fan added, “So exciting for her to join! Such an under-appreciated actor in American daytime,” and a third adding, “Welcome 🙏 love 💕 that you are goi g to be on Days. I remember when you were on G H and The Young and the Restless 😬 good luck 👍 🥰🥰”

Who is Brytni Sarpy?

Sarpy made her daytime debut in 2015 as Valerie Spencer on General Hospital. She would remain with the soap until 2019, when she would take on the role of Elena Dawson on The Young and the Restless.

In 2020, she joined the cast of The Haves and the Have Nots as Rianna.

In addition to her roles in television, Sarpy has appeared on multiple productions on the stage, including Plumfield, Iraq, Much Ado About Nothing, and Time and the Conways.

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.

Crossroads, Jonathan Franzen’s sixth and most recent novel, is getting another moment in the spotlight as Collider has just ranked it the greatest American book of the last 15 years.

“Jonathan Franzen’s 2001 book The Corrections was hailed by many as a new Great American Novel, though, in some ways, his 2021 effort Crossroads is better,” Collider wrote.

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Published in 2021, Crossroads, which the author calls his “most purely invented book,” per The Guardian, follows the moral and personal crises of the Hildebrandt family who live in a suburban Midwestern town. Set during the winter of 1971 against a backdrop of the Vietnam War, civil rights, and a rapidly changing culture, the novel shifts among family members as they grapple with faith, marriage, drugs, and their ideas of right and wrong.

“Once again, it’s a family saga, this time looking at the Hildebrandts, each of whom is standing at a personal crossroads,” Collider wrote. “Russ, a pastor questioning both his faith and his marriage; Marion, his deeply complicated wife; and their children, each wrestling with ambitions and failures. … Crucially, Franzen allows every character to emerge as a fully realized individual rather than simply serving the larger narrative.”

But Franzen’s novel also contains an unexpected musical thread that involves one of the greatest rock supergroups of all time, Cream, and one of the most famous blues songs in music history. The homage is first seen right there in the title.

A multi-layered metaphor, “Crossroads” is the name of the church youth group in Franzen’s story. It’s led by a charismatic young assistant pastor, who harnesses the emotional intensity of the era’s counterculture and modern rock-infused spirituality to gain influence over his members.

Ultimately, he “thought kids could relate to the name of a rock song,” Franzen writes in the book.

“Crossroads” also evokes blues pioneer Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues,” recorded in 1936 and later enveloped in the enduring legend that Johnson met the Devil at a crossroads and traded his soul for killer guitar-playing skills. Cream, the masterful supergroup composed of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, famously reworked the song as “Crossroads” in 1968.

Taking the metaphor further, patriarch Russ owns a prized record of the original Johnson blues recording. Meanwhile, his children and the members of the youth group prefer Cream’s louder, more electrified version of the song. That contrast becomes part of the novel’s generational divide.

“I was interested in [a] radical form of Christianity,” Franzen said in an interview with El Tiempo, discussing the origins of his story. “I knew that Russ came from a Mennonite family. At some point, Marion meets the Devil and makes a decision. That was accidental. I also needed a name for the youth social work group, and ‘Crossroads’ came up. Then Cream’s version appeared, and everything fit together.”

Collider‘s ranking puts Crossroads above nine other acclaimed American books, including Colson Whitehead‘s The Underground Railroad, Donna Tartt‘s The Goldfinch and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.

“On top of being a great ensemble character study, Crossroads is also a brilliant time capsule of the 1970s in all its shifting, disillusioned glory,” Collider wrote. “While the prose style might not be as ambitious as some of Franzen’s other books, the conversations sparkle, and the plot is loaded with charming twists and turns.”

It’s like the deep cut from your favorite band that hits differently after years of hindsight.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1952 Novel, Now a Netflix Series, Ranked Best American Novel of the Last 100 Years

Long before Judy Blume’s Forever… became a hit Netflix series, it was a groundbreaking—and spent decades facing bans across the country.

First published in 1975, Forever… quickly made waves for its frank portrayal of teenage love, sex, and birth control, which was uncommon for the time period. Its honesty struck a nerve with some parents and educators, and the book became a frequent target of challenges and bans in schools and libraries.

“It never occurred to me, at the time, that what I was writing was controversial,” Blume explained. “Much of it grew out of my own feelings and concerns when I was young.”

Despite being named runner-up for the Best Book of the Year Award in 1975, and later making BBC’s list of 100 Most Influential Novels, Forever… has also made the American Library Association’s list of Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books since 1990.

In 2024, Utah issued a statewide ban on 13 books from public schools, including Blume’s iconic novel. That same year, Katy Independent School District in Texas, removed the book from its libraries, claiming it featured “sexually explicit” content.

While many schoolchildren no longer have access to the text, Netflix subscribers can watch the television adaptation starring Michael Cooper Jr., Lovie Simone, and Xosha Roquemore.

Released in 2025 (season 2 is currently in the works), the streaming series received rave reviews and currently boasts a 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Protecting your children means educating them and arming them with knowledge, and reading and supporting what they want to read,” Blume told Variety in 2023.

If you have a birthday coming up, Oreo just released a way to make it extra special.

The frozen beverage company, f’real, has partnered with Oreo to create the Golden OREO Birthday Cake Milkshake. This frozen treat will only be available for a limited time, starting Aug. 24.

The product combines f’real’s popular Birthday Cake flavor with real Golden OREO Cookie crumbles and is topped off with rainbow sprinkles. It is available for purchase at retail locations nationwide.

“Birthday Cake is the flavor our fans have been asking for since the day it left shelves and our OREO Cookies & Cream has been a consistent top seller for a reason — our consumers are obsessed with OREO cookie in milkshake form,” Rich Products Vice President of Customer & Consumer Brand Marketing Megan Grinstead said in a press release.

She continued, “Golden OREO cookies in a milkshake is brand new to f’real and OREO fans alike. When we decided to bring back Birthday Cake as a Limited-Edition flavor, incorporating Golden OREO cookies felt like the perfect way to make it even more special. It’s a celebration-worthy flavor combination that delivers something new and exciting in every sip and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

The Golden OREO Birthday Cake Milkshake is available at over 17,000 retail locations nationwide, including Maverik, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Circle K, Yesway, RaceTrac, Weigel’s, Royal Farms, and more. The suggested retail price for each 12-ounce milkshake is $3.99.

To kick off Pumpkin Spice Latte season, Starbucks is dropping a collection of PSL Society merchandise for the festive coffee crowd who are ready for autumn vibes. Timed to coincide with the return of the PSL to the Starbucks menu, the release will launch in stores on August 25.

What’s in the PSL Society Collection? Courtesy of: Starbucks

Courtesy of: Starbucks

The festive collection features drinkware and a hat with an embroidered pumpkin motif. The gorgeous gourd-inspired drop celebrates pumpkin colors, patterns, and textures in cozy beverage tumblers and mugs.

Here are the details of the retail line-up coming to a coffee shop near you:

PSL hat: Wear your love of PSL to your next fall outing with the PSL hat, featuring an embroidered pumpkin and those three little letters that mean fall everywhere. Price: $29.95

Stainless steel orange cold cup: The 16-ounce stainless steel range cold cup features a vibrant orange finish with a pop of purple inspired by the colors of the season. Price: $29.95

PSL ceramic mug: The 12-ounce PSL ceramic mug pairs a warm orange hue with a soft pastel purple handle for an unexpected twist on fall colors. Price: $19.95

Related: Shocking Ozzy Osbourne Bat Moment is now a Wild Theme Park Drink

The collectible selection for fall 2026 highlights the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and complements the new curated additions to the drink menu. Also debuting with the PSL are harvest-season-infused drinks like Chaider, which is a cider-inspired chai, a banana bread-flavored latte and a chai, as well as new pumpkin spice beverages on the lineup. There’s an Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.

Halloween season fans seeking something more spooky will be able to find Haunted Mansion motifs in their Fall Disney collab. The tumblers and on-the-go insulated bottles with the attraction’s wallpaper pattern are available at Disney Parks and through DisneyStore.com.

Courtesy of: Disney Store

Courtesy of: Disney Store

Target is promising internal changes after shoppers said a children’s clown costume sold by the retailer echoed racist imagery with a long and painful history.

In an official statement shared by the company on Monday, August 24, the Minneapolis-based company removed the item and apologized for allowing it into its Halloween collection.

What Sparked the Backlash Against Target’s Halloween Costume?

Sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” the outfit belonged to Hyde and EEK Boutique, Target’s seasonal Halloween brand. Social media users were quick to point out that the design resembled racist caricatures associated with minstrel shows.

The reactions online were swift and unsparing. One user wrote on X: “#Target knew exactly what they were doing. They knew this costume on this Black child looked like racist minstrel imagery. And that’s why we called them on their BS. And now the costume is gone. THIS is why we boycotted them. #boycott”

Another added: “Doubt @Target never would have made the disastrous decision to market a Halloween costume that looks like it’s straight out of the Jim Crow era if Black folks had a seat at the table. Anyway, looks like they pulled it.”

A third wrote: “Yikes! I haven’t even stepped foot into a Target in quite some years but I’m still not stepping foot into a Target. Target has been racist and they’re not being subtle about it.”

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The Guardian reported that the product image showed a Black child modeling a bright orange-and-black top, solid black gloves, and a mask with a wide, toothy smile.

What Did Target Say in Its Apology? View this post on Instagram

Target accepted responsibility in a statement published on its corporate website.

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”

Has Target Explained How the Costume Was Approved?

Target has not publicly named the product’s designer or explained how the costume passed its review process. Reuters reported that the company declined to provide further details about the item’s creation or approval.

Instead, the retailer pointed to its pledge to investigate how the product entered its assortment and prevent a similar failure.

Why Does the Controversy Come at a Sensitive Time for Target?

The backlash arrived as Target works to rebuild customer confidence and strengthen its business under CEO Michael Fiddelke. The Associated Press reported on August 19 that Target posted its second consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth following a broad merchandising overhaul.

The retailer has faced other recent scrutiny. Parade previously covered backlash over a Target sweater, a new policy stirring debate and corporate layoffs during its turnaround.

Target has not announced what specific safeguards or review procedures it may introduce following the costume controversy.

In 1971, Jonathan Edwards turned his frustration with the political climate into a song that sounded deceptively sunny.

“Sunshine (Go Away Today),” also widely known as “Sunshine,” paired Edwards’ warm, easygoing delivery with lyrics aimed squarely at authority and disillusionment. The contrast proved irresistible: the folk-rock single became a Billboard hit and ultimately the defining recording of his career.

Remarkably, the song nearly didn’t make his debut album.

Edwards and his band had been working on Jonathan Edwards when an engineer accidentally erased another track during the sessions. Needing a replacement, Edwards pulled out “Sunshine,” a song he had written earlier but hadn’t planned to include on the record. The unexpected addition would soon overshadow everything else on the album.

Its cheerful sound concealed a sharper message.

Written during the Vietnam War era, “Sunshine” reflected Edwards’ anger and unease over the country’s political direction. Rather than deliver those feelings through an aggressive protest song, he wrapped them in acoustic guitar, an inviting melody and a chorus built for singing along. That tension between sound and subject helped give the recording its distinctive character.

“The purpose of writing a song is to successfully portray your thoughts, emotions, love, whatever’s troubling you or making you happy,” Edwards told Syracuse New Times. “If you can do that, engage people in that conversation, that’s the goal.”

Listeners responded quickly.

Released as a single in 1971, “Sunshine” climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1972. It also earned Edwards a gold record, introducing the young singer-songwriter to a national audience at a moment when folk-influenced artists were flourishing on pop radio.

The song proved difficult to escape, and Edwards never really tried to.

“I often say, and it’s true, that if I had never done another song in my life, I’ll be happy to have come and gone with that,” Edwards told Songfacts. “It was an anthem to many people and it helped a lot of people through Vietnam. It helped a lot of people through the drug culture of the last part of the ’60s and the early ’70s. It helped a lot of people cope with a lot of things that were going on during those tumultuous years. And I feel very proud to have done that and very happy with my contribution to our culture.”

Although he continued recording throughout the following decades, exploring folk, country and roots music across a long career, “Sunshine” remained his calling card. Its political undertones also allowed it to retain a relevance that extended beyond the particular moment in which it was written.

“I don’t think ‘Sunshine’ could’ve happened in this climate today,” Edwards told Classic Bands. “I don’t think there’s any way that would’ve reached the kind of audience if I did the same exact thing I did back then, now. I don’t think it would have that level of popularity or impact or meaning to people, or even get heard.”

Fifty-five years later, “Sunshine” still carries the unusual combination that made it stand out in 1971: an effortless, almost joyful sound paired with unmistakable frustration underneath. What began as a last-minute addition to Jonathan Edwards’ debut became a beloved folk-rock hit and the song that has followed him ever since.

Related: 1966 Folk Song, Covered by Rod Stewart, Is Still a Powerful Hit 60 Years Later